A Monumental Moment in Our Hearts...Our Big Brother
Leslie Cheung Kwok-wing was born on September 12th, 1956 in Kowloon, Hong Kong.
He was the youngest of 10 children and was raised by his grandmother. His parents were never home ever since their divorce. Cheung was sent to England for schooling and there he faced racial discrimination. In England, he chose his English name to be "Leslie" because he thought it was "sexy" and liked the unisex name.
Many movies starring Leslie Cheung are considered Hong Kong classic masterpieces. He was a very charming and talented young man, and his acting performances won him international fame as a film star. Cheung was known as a very daring man who challenged his fans' sexual views. Aside from comedy & drama, he acted in several homosexual roles, which in general Chinese people around that period of time loathed. In the year 2000, he grew his hair down to waist length.
Despite the risks he had taken, Cheung was praised for such unique skills and cutting-edge in the film & music business.
As far as his music career, Leslie Cheung mainly sang Canto pop, Rock, and trip-hop. He was known to sing and empower others with his immense passion and tender personality that has won over many hearts in China. His English was also highly admirable in singing.
You can certainly tell he was well-learned in English and became successful at it.
Sadly, Cheung committed suicide on April 1st, 2003 at the age of 46. He leapt from the 24th floor of a Hotel and left a suicide note saying:
Cheung's suicide note (translation): Depression! Many thanks to all my friends. Many thanks to Professor
Felice Lieh-Mak (Cheung's last psychiatrist). This year has been so tough. I can't stand it anymore.
Many thanks to Mr. Tong. Many thanks to my family. Many thanks to Fat Sister (Lydia Shum Din-ha). In my life I did nothing bad. Why does it have to be like this?
Apparently it seems that he killed himself due to a serious, clinical depression. The demons inside finally got the best of him.
His long-term partner, Tong, struggled most during the funeral service.
Leslie Cheung was bisexual, and has dated both men and women throughout his life. Tong claimed that their relationship had no serious issues, and he was completely caught off guard when he found out Leslie committed suicide on that very day of April 1st.
As the ceremony was ending and it was time to say goodbye, Tong could only stand, his body could not withstand the sorrow and pain. Two of Leslie's assistant had to help him walk away.
Leslie's twin nieces carried Leslie's portrait, followed by Tong's behind. This time, they played the song "The Moon Represents My Heart". In which Leslie expresses his love for Tong.
At the crematorium, Tong had to face the most difficult job. It was he who had to send Leslie on his way by pushing the button for incineration. He cried out loudly. While others sobbed, "Gor Gor Ah! Gor Gor Ah! (translation: Big Brother! Big Brother!)"
Later, at lunch, Tong was able to get a few words out when someone asked after him. He said, "I am like a cloud, not knowing where to float to". The friend quietly consoled him saying he had to take care because there is still a long way to go. Tong replied, "I know."[1]
May Leslie Cheung rest in peace.
Thanks to Wikipedia and other site sources, I've learned many phenomenal events about Leslie. I consider the first half of what I wrote a very vague, short summary about the famous star I love. I have yet to learn about him and time to watch all of his films and other accomplishments he has made throughout his life. However, just seeing him on screen makes me want to cry with happiness and sadness at the same time. Leslie, you’ve had that power over me and millions of others and you will forever continue on as a historical legend.
If you really want to know more about him, please do not hesitate to do some heartfelt researching on this incredible man. I still feel wordless when it comes to talking about Leslie, which is why I kept this minimal. Thanks for reading this!
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