Simu Liu, renowned for his role as Shang-Chi, shares his journey from childhood in China to Hollywood stardom. He recounts the harrowing true story behind his new film, Last Breath, which dives deep into the world of saturation divers. Liu reveals the struggle of meeting parental expectations as an immigrant child and the pressing issues of cultural identity. He also reflects on the importance of representation in cinema and how his breakthrough role has influenced his life and career.
Simu Liu's leap from a stable accounting job to acting symbolizes the challenging yet rewarding path many immigrants navigate to pursue their dreams.
His role in 'Last Breath' illustrates the intense emotional and physical challenges faced by saturation divers, highlighting their extraordinary resilience and dedication.
Deep dives
Simu Liu's Journey to Stardom
Simu Liu discusses his rise to fame, emphasizing his breakout role as Shang-Chi, Marvel's first Asian superhero. His journey took a pivotal turn when he was fired from his accounting job, which prompted him to pursue acting full-time. He reflects on how this leap of faith led to early roles, including the popular sitcom 'Kim's Convenience', which resonated with his experiences as a child of immigrants. Liu's memoir, 'We Were Dreamers', highlights his family's immigration story and his struggles growing up, shedding light on the challenges faced by Asian-Canadians in the entertainment industry.
The Reality of Saturation Diving
The film 'Last Breath', in which Liu stars alongside Woody Harrelson, highlights the dangerous profession of saturation diving, where divers perform vital maintenance tasks at extreme ocean depths. Liu explains the grueling conditions saturation divers face, including long periods of living in a pressurized chamber for weeks while working underwater in near-total darkness. The physical and psychological demands of this job are immense, yet many divers express deep love for their challenging work. Liu's character is based on a real-life diver who performed a heroic rescue under harrowing circumstances, showcasing the extraordinary feats of these professionals.
The Commitments of Performing
Simu Liu reflects on his commitment to performing in various roles, noting the demanding nature of his job, including intense training for fight sequences and dance routines. He offers insights into the challenges faced during filming, emphasizing the necessity of fully immersing oneself in the character’s environment, even in extreme situations. Liu's experience on stage at the Oscars performing 'I'm Just Ken' from the 'Barbie' movie tested his versatility and commitment as an artist, where he had to adapt quickly to changing choreography leading up to the performance. This experience is a testament to the dedication required to engage an audience and deliver memorable performances.
Cultural Tensions and Family Dynamics
Liu's reflections on his childhood reveal the cultural tensions experienced by immigrant families, particularly in balancing parental expectations with personal aspirations. He discusses the challenges faced by his parents, who grew up during the Cultural Revolution in China, and the impact of their backgrounds on his upbringing. This dynamic created a disconnect between Liu and his parents, especially during his teenage years when he rebelled against their pressure to achieve academically. His work in 'Kim's Convenience' allowed for a deeper bond with his parents, ultimately helping bridge the gap while fostering a shared understanding of their struggles and values.
In 2012, three deep-sea divers were on a routine dive in the North Sea when one of the divers became trapped underwater. The harrowing story of that rescue is the plot of the movie Last Breath. Actor Simu Liu had to scuba dive in dark depths for his role, which was largely shot underwater. He spoke with producer and interview contributor Ann Marie Baldonado about playing a Ken in Barbie, his early childhood in China, and the perils of being a stock photo model.
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