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| Actor Liu Xiao Ling Tong shows a child how to pose like Sun Wukong at the book signing on Tuesday afternoon - Photo: Tuong Vi |
His newly published autobiographical novel “Luc Tieu Linh Dong binh Tay Du” is the best-seller here after its huge success in China. In the book Tong writes about what it was like playing the role of Sun Wukong for 17 years.
This is the second time the actor has visited Vietnam since the first trip with his father in 1998. At the book signing at Fahasa Tan Dinh Bookstore, the actor said he was moved to see so many adoring fans. “Sun Wukong is the symbol for the relationship between Vietnamese and Chinese people,” Tong said to the crowd.
When asked about new movies based on the 1986 TV series, “Journey to the West”, the actor said, “I appreciate new scripts but definitely object to remakes that distort the spirit and meaning of the original literary work.”
“There are even scripts that tell of a love between Sun Wukong and female devils and I will never take part in those movies,” he added.
His latest series called “Wu Chengen and Xi You Ji” which has 50 episodes is currently screening in China. The film tells about the life of Wu Chengen, the author of Xi You Ji and how he created the story. Liu Xiao Ling Tong plays the main role of Wu Chengen.
Tong’s visit is part of cultural exchange events to celebrate 60 years of diplomatic relations between China and Vietnam. China Radio International and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism cooperate to bring Chinese actors and art groups to Vietnam. Journey to the West was screened in the U.S., Japan, Germany, France and ASEAN countries, including Vietnam.
The actor will have a talk with students from University of Social Sciences and Humanity in HCMC; a talk online with fans via a local newspaper and a visit to Galaxy Nguyen Du cinema to meet fans in District 1 on Thursday. He will return home on Thursday.
