A Conversation with Mr. Cai
This article summarizes a conversation with Mr. Cai, exploring various aspects of his life, philosophy, and experiences. The discussion touches upon his youth, travels, career, personal relationships, and his evolving perspective on life, death, and Chinese culture.
Early Life and Influences
Seeking Happiness and Travel
Mr. Cai expresses a deep desire to experience a life of joy and fulfillment, attributing his initial depression to a lack of exposure to different ways of living. Travel played a significant role in shaping his perspective, starting in his teens. He visited Malaysia, Korea, Japan, and numerous other places, driven by his acting career.
Youthful Encounters
He recounts an early encounter with an older woman when he was around ten years old, suggesting a precocious nature. He also describes starting his career in Japan at 16, working as an assistant manager for a Japanese film company. After two years, he returned to Hong Kong and became a prominent figure, working with renowned writers such as Jin Yong, Huang Zhan, and Ni Kuang, ultimately earning the title of one of the "Four Talents of Hong Kong."
Career and Philosophy
Food, Literature, and Life
Mr. Cai describes eating and chatting with friends until dawn, suggesting a vibrant social life and a deep appreciation for conversation. He mentions understanding themes of college life and sadness from a book he wrote, emphasizing the importance of understanding an author's work by reading all their books. He humorously refers to his own writing as "bathroom literature," suitable for casual reading.
Living in the Present and the Past
He identifies with figures like Li Yu and feels a connection to the past, suggesting that we all live in both the present and the past. He views happiness as potentially a form of resistance or escape from reality, noting that anything is possible in the present era. He stresses the importance of daring to think and breaking free from constraints.
Understanding Death
He shares a childhood memory of a bomb exploding near his home, sparking his early contemplation of death. This led him to explore literature on the subject. He emphasizes the importance of understanding both how to live and how to die, a topic often avoided in Chinese culture, leading to a sense of immaturity.
Cultural Identity and Values
Father's Influence and Chinese Politics
Mr. Cai reflects on his father's generation and their struggles, including his father's experiences in Nanyang. He notes his father's fondness for ancient poems and his own rebellious reaction to his father's attempts at writing new poetry. He acknowledges the influence of Chinese politics on his father's decision to move to Nanyang.
Family Memories and Moral Code
He recalls his sister's desire to join the army for the opportunity to travel. He recognizes similarities with his father, including a fondness for wearing black ties. He emphasizes the importance of keeping promises, a moral code instilled by his father.
Gu Yanwu and Balancing Tradition
He recalls his father quoting Gu Yanwu: "The new king of the world has a responsibility. Reading the sacred book is suitable." He discusses the challenge of balancing traditional values with modern life, finding a sense of equilibrium in enjoying food and drink.
Personal Reflections
Overcoming Shyness and Practicing
He admits to being a shy person and describes the process of overcoming it through practice and developing a "thick face." He used to read trashy books before exploring classics like John Christopher and War and Peace.
Working at Shao and Continuous Learning
He expresses his desire to visit places associated with Shao. He admires Mr. Shao's continuous learning and diligence, but criticizes his inability to generate profit from both commercial and literary films due to limited vision.
Dealing with Pain and Maintaining Balance
He acknowledges the painful experiences he faced during his time at Shao. He describes himself as a person who brings happiness to others and keeps his pain locked away in a "safe box" to maintain balance. He recognizes his sensitivity to beauty, food, and other aspects of life, but also acknowledges the potential for sadness and moral sensitivity.
The Illusion of Change
He believes that while capitalism can be changed, he himself has not changed significantly. He highlights the difficulty of true change and suggests that apparent change might just be adaptation.
Ambition and Artistic Integrity
Hong Kong's Creative Spirit
He acknowledges that his most ambitious period was when he worked at Shao, driven by the desire to create better films. He recognizes the potential conflicts between artistic integrity, commercial success, and personal relationships. He emphasizes the importance of a good heart for art, the boss, and the people involved.
The Spirit of Exile
He connects the creative spirit of Hong Kong in the 70s and 80s to the spirit of exile. He cites examples like Jin Yong, who imagined a vast world from the confines of Hong Kong, and Ni Kuang.
Tradition and Individualism
He discusses the challenges of individualism in filmmaking, which he views as a collaborative effort. He contrasts this with the freedom of writing. He views the tradition of Chinese culture in relation to helping others, even if one is not equipped to do so.