Updates: Speed Racer News

Interview with Rain after "Speed Racer" preview

Q: You’ve already seen the preview for your movie ‘Speed Racer’. How do you like it?
A: This is my first Hollywood movie so I’m pretty much excited about it. It’s really well made and enjoyable.
Q: Which is your most favorite part in the movie and which part was difficult to film?
A: If difficulty in filming, there wasn’t any because everyone on the set was really close to each other. The working environment was both enjoyable and fun. We sometimes even went out together.

Q: Did you know of the Japanese manga 'Mach Go!Go!Go!' before accepting your role in 'Speed Racer'?
A: The first time I saw 'Mach Go!Go!Go!' was when I was still really young, so I don't really have a recollection of it. But before we started filming for the movie I had the chance to watch it again. It was good.

Q: While filming, you had to use a lot of imagination because of the special effects. Does this make it harder than regular acting?
A: I had to film against a green screen so basically there wasn't a co-actor to relay out the scenes with. I had to act alone and get along by myself. It was different and hard, but not too hard. It was kinda fun.

Q: What was it like to film a movie with the Wachowski brothers?
A: Two things that I can tell you about the brothers are that they are very detailed and they are geniuses. I really enjoyed filming with them. The times when we weren’t filming, they were very friendly; able to talk to you about anything. But when it was time to work, they really concentrated and always gave it their all. These are their two outstanding points.

Q: Are you satisfied with your first Hollywood movie?
A: I'm very satisfied. One, I had the opportunity to work with highly acclaimed directors, and two, the output is really good. I’m very satisfied.

Q: How is the Hollywood production system different from that in Asia?
A: I don’t think that there really is much of a difference in the working environment because acting is acting; it's all the same. But the difference lies in the funding and the large amount of money involved. In Hollywood, they tend to invest large sums of money in movie production, while in Asia movies are built upon new ideas that have yet to be presented.

Q: I heard that you are training your body for your new movie. Can you tell us a little bit about it?
A: In my next movie, I'm also collaborating with the brothers again. It'll be a story about a ninja; a martial arts film. It'll probably be shown around sometime next year. I think my fans will like it and I hope that they will wait for it. I'm also preparing my body for this film as well.

Q: Will your fans be able to see you in a Korean series sometime soon?
A: I really want to do a series as well and I think I will in the future. However, there hasn't been a script that's hit the spot for me yet. But when there's a script that's able to move me, then the fans in Asia will definitely see me return to night time series.

Q: If you could pick a Hollywood actor to co-star with, who will it be and why?
A: I've liked Al Pacino ever since I was a kid. And if I could choose, it would definitely be him because I've always liked him.

Q: What kind of roles do you wish to play in Hollywood movies?
A: Honestly, it would be the character I am about to play in my next movie because it's a role that I've always dreamed of playing. It's an action packed movie where I think the character will leave a deep impression upon the viewers. And now that dream has come true as I also play the leading role. I'll do my best!

Q: What pushed you to enter the entertainment business to become an actor/singer?
A: Three simple answers: Because I really love to dance, I really love to sing, and I really love to act.

Q: In Asia, you are known to play the leading role. But in your first Hollywood debut, you chose to play the antagonist. Is it because you wanted to leave an impression on the audience?
A: Actually I was the one who persisted for this role. There was an audition set up by the company. After I auditioned, I found out that I got the role. That's how I came about to be in the movie.

Q: Do you usually drive yourself? Do you like speeding?
A: Yes, I usually drive myself around and I do like speed. But nowadays, I’ve come to slow down for safety. But if I had the chance I would like to go somewhere where I could go full speed. (aiyaaa =P)

Q: Your public image seems to be so perfect. But are there any faults that you think you possess?
A: Honestly, ever since I entered the entertainment business, I’ve always looked ahead and have never looked back. I’ve always worked so hard for the past 10 years and it’s making me quite exhausted and drained. But after I’ve finished filming my next movie I really want to take time off and go somewhere without telling anyone. I want to disappear for about a week to rest, relax and indulge in my own personal life. Because right now, I really don’t have time even for myself.

Q: Just for a week? That’s so few.
A: It might seem like a week for others, but for me it’s like a whole year because I’m always working non-stop. When I don’t have a schedule for a day or two my hands start to shake and I constantly check my phone. It’s a habit I’ve obtained from working too much. But judging from my personality, I don’t think I would last a week; maybe two to three days at most.

Q: What is your ideal girl like?
A: The must-have is must know how to cook well. If she’s pretty, it’ll be good. If she’s nice, that will also be good.

Nangdee.com (Interview with Rain)
English translations by farmer@sexybi
Credits: http://www.nangdee.com/interview/?code_id=136

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Speed Racer News (New York Jewish Times)
1) Speed Racer Takes Off at World Premiere in L.A.
2) Rain Hits Hollywood with "Speed Racer" Screening

Source: nyjtimes.com
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USA Film Premiere Speed Racer
2008-04-27
Korean actor and cast member Rain arrives for the film premiere of 'Speed Racer' in Los Angeles, California USA 26 April 2008. The film 'Speed Racer' is based on the classic television series created by anime pioneer Tatsuo Yoshida which follows the adventures of young race car driver Speed and his quest for glory in his Mach 5 race car.

EPA/PAUL BUCK
Source: EPA / Yonhap / Naver