Hello, this is a collection of excerpts written by Long Ge for the <<DEPART>> Photobook. The excerpts were translated for the international editions and these are taken from the Australian edition of the photobook. Also, I'll be dividing the excerpts into three parts because they are just too long for one post. The reason why I'm uploading this is because:
1. Some fans bought the Chinese edition first before the English edition came out. They have no idea what's written in the book (I'm one of those people).
2. There are many fans who are interested in purchasing the photobook but are unable to do so due to various reasons (not available in their local bookstores, hefty shipping prices as they are not living in Asia, financial difficulties, etc).
3. I wanted to let more fans catch a glimpse of who Long Ge really is. A reserved person with a complex mind and despite his fame, he is still a humble person ^^
[Note: I am typing these excerpts out word for word, down to the punctuations. There are mistakes in them, but I will not correct them.]
If these are deemed to be against the copyright in any manner, do let me know. I will take them down immediately :)
Excerpt 25: While waving to you from a far distance, suddenly I realized what waving hands mean. Waving can be a greeting, and also a goodbye, even though we are far from each other. Maybe it is a rescue to those who are not good at words. There are so many things I don't know how to put into words, and waving can be a direct expression of emotions. Please forgive me for not speaking out. I treasure every meeting and parting. If you fail to say anything either, then just wave your hands. You'll understand me, and I'll understand you. Do you see me?
Excerpt 26: How do I look when I'm off the camera? Not so different most of the time. When I stand in front of cameras, I'm just showing different aspects of me, depending on what character I'm playing, or what scene I'm in. Maybe I walk out of this scene, but walk into that one, just like the way I farewell last minute and welcome next one. If you see me off cameras next time, please greet me and tell me the difference you see!
Excerpt 27: I admit that I don't have a strong personality. What is personality, after all? Being unsatisfied about current life? Questioning your own choice? I don't know how to define it, and I can't define it. Just think of me as someone with no personality then. I see myself as so too, because personality can't prove itself. But I am I, a person who thinks on his own, makes decisions on his own, and takes his own responsibility. As to personality, you can tell me about it. If you look at me carefully enough, you would know me.
Excerpt 28: When I look into a mirror, I would ask the person inside what he is thinking about. I would recall the original dreams when I first started acting, and how I gradually turned acting into my personal experience instead of a mere job. The mirror assures me that I'm not at lost. I know where I am. The mirror is not just a reflection to me. It teaches me to be honest to myself.
Excerpt 29: I like that kind of novels which depict the essence of cities and people. We see our real life in those novels. To me those are the eternal truth. Despite the difference of details, good novels and scenes are always the ones showing us what real life is. Human beings and the environment they are in, these are the truth appealing to us all. Writers extract this truth, which is the meaning of their work. If we don't care about our daily life, there will be far less truth in the world. Sometimes, these work are even more real than life.
Excerpt 30: The script is important, but the team you work with is also important. I don't think you should wait for a certain script. Maybe at the moment you think the script is not good enough, but when you look back after several years you may regret your decision. People's taste and requirements keep changing. You can't guarantee that you will only be interested in one type of character or story in ten years. I still have a lot of room for improvement.
Excerpt 31: Being sincere and kind is the best policy. It led me to these secret gardens. Otherwise, how could we start our journey again with such a gratification?
Excerpt 32: Fluffy pillows and quilts always remind me of the feeling of sticking to bed. Not that I'm really going to stay in bed. Just that only imagining it can make me feel pleasant. It's like lying in the clouds, and if there's some music it would be even more relaxing. However, complete relaxation can be dangerous. Certain level of tension gives you a sense of security. That's why I would imagine staying in bed, but I rarely do. Keep your pace of life is good, isn't it?
Excerpt 33: I don't have ambitious goals. My life is simple. I was asked before what if those audience who like me now stop liking me one day? From my perspective, being popular is just a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It's difficult to stay popular for your entire life, and even if you do, it's not necessarily a good thing. But it's nice to experience it for once, right? I don't have any expectation towards it, though. It's something out of your control, so just let it be.
Excerpt 34: There are always something suitable to do in raining days. Even though it was raining, the evening of Sydney was still lovely. The rain was like a filter, revealing another feature of the city. I walked into the rain and felt a special kind of intimacy. The weather drew me closer to my surroundings. Together with the rain I left the ferry, and entered the next episode of the evening.
Excerpt 35: I depart to seek. Seek the answer hidden in time. No matter what will come in tomorrow or future, first let's hug the wonders of this moment!
[Note: And that is the end of the excerpts. Long Gege is so philosophical and so humble. Love him for that! Let me know what you think. Also, if you are sharing this, please do it with proper credit ^^]
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*Content does not belong to me. I'm merely sharing them.
*Credits to the artists/owners of the pictures.