shu Qi on Trauma, Claustrophobia, and Leaving Romance to ‘Younger People’
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A new film inspired by the actress’s own childhood has prompted Shu Qi to reflect on enduring pain, the importance of women’s stories, and a shift in her artistic priorities. For her captivating presence, immediately charmed those around her, described as “heartbreakingly beautiful in person” by one observer. The conversation, however, quickly delved into deeper territory, touching upon the personal experiences that inform her work and her outlook on life.
A Simple Discomfort, A Deeper Explanation
The interview began with a seemingly minor detail: Shu Qi’s aversion to air-conditioning. She clarified, however, that it wasn’t the cooling itself she disliked, but rather “the draft.” This seemingly innocuous exchange hinted at a sensitivity to her surroundings, a trait that would become more apparent as the conversation progressed.
Confronting the Past Through Film
The actress’s latest project draws heavily from her own traumatic childhood. When asked about navigating those painful memories, Shu Qi offered a poignant observation: healing isn’t about erasure, but about learning to coexist with the past.She revealed a parallel between her own life and the film’s protagonist, sharing that she, too, sought refuge in a wardrobe to escape abusive parents.
This experience,she explained,has left a lasting mark. “That’s why I have very serious claustrophobia,” she confessed. “I don’t dare to take elevators. I don’t dare to live on high floors.” Despite these fears, she routinely confronts them, acknowledging the internal struggle while pushing forward. “You have to step [into the lift]. You have to reach your destination. And you realise that you can do it.” She then playfully imagined her future self, adopting an elderly voice: “maybe when I’m very, very, very old… I’ll go, ‘Aiyah, I’ve been through so much… it’s nothing. What was I even scared of last time?'”
Shifting Focus to Women’s Stories
When asked about potential future projects based on her own life, Shu Qi deftly redirected the focus to her friends, emphasizing the importance of amplifying diverse voices. “I think beyond my own life, manny of my friends’ stories could also be explored and adapted,” she stated. she expressed a growing interest in exploring “women’s issues – their bodies, their inner worlds, their place in society – but still within the context of family.”
She also indicated a preference for more contemporary settings, noting the challenges of recreating the 1980s for her current film. “Filming this movie… was realy too tough. We spent so much time and effort recreating the period,and along the way,a lot of time was wasted. So I would want to make things simpler.”
Romance Takes a Backseat
The conversation turned to the possibility of a romantic film, given her marriage to Hong Kong actor-director Stephen Fung. after a thoughtful pause, Shu Qi offered a surprising viewpoint. Recalling advice from Director Hou Hsiao-hsien – that artists have a duty to use their influence for positive change – she explained her current priorities. “We should use whatever medium we have to spread things that are beneficial, things that can help people get out of arduous situations. So when Director Hou asked me to make this movie, I thought about how childhood experiences affect a family.”
Regarding romance, she was direct. “Um… it doesn’t really have much to do with my life now. I still want to write about women’s issues. Love… I’ll leave that to the younger people. I don’t think I can act in romance shows anymore.” When pressed on the reason, she responded with a burst of laughter: “‘Cos I’m old already.”
This story was originally published in 8Days.
