Inside Cover: Fish Liew & Natalie Hsu x Chopard

Close friends and co-stars of Pavane for an Infant, Fish Liew and Natalie Hsu are both rising stars in the Asian film industry. In an exclusive interview, they talk to Hill Choi Lee about their artistic journeys and the challenges they face as well as their cherished and long-standing holiday traditions

In the vibrant world of cinema, where stories transcend borders and cultures, Fish Liew and Natalie Hsu are talented actresses making their mark. Both recently starred in Pavane for an Infant, a film that showcases their ability to connect deeply with their characters and with each other. As they navigate the complexities of their careers, they reflect on their experiences, inspirations, and the importance of cultural heritage in shaping their artistic identities.

“Pavane for an Infant was the first time I worked with Fish, and I am so grateful for it because she has since become one of my closest friends and favourite people,” says Natalie Hsu, who reunited with Fish Liew for this #legend digital cover shoot. In their new film, Liew’s character, Lai Sum, takes Hsu’s character, Siew Man, under her wing during a troubled time in the latter's life. The comfort that Lai Sum provides allows Siew Man to trust her quickly, forming a special bond that mirrors the actresses' real-life friendship.

“It was important for Fish and me to have a strong connection in real life so that our closeness could translate on screen,” Hsu reveals. “Fish also taught me a lot. A specific piece of advice that I’ve taken with me is to not forget to use my body to help me bring out and conjure up emotion.”

For Hsu, stepping into a pivotal role in Fly Me to the Moon marked significant growth. She placed emphasis on focusing on the present while filming, allowing herself to embody her character without the burden of audience expectations. “I try to step into each role with an equal amount of thought and care,” she explains, highlighting her commitment to authenticity.

From Liew’s perspective, collaborating with Hsu has been a delightful experience. “Though she is younger than me by more than a decade, she is very mature,” Liew observes. She attributes Hsu’s steadiness to her upbringing after observing the positive interaction between her co-star and her mother. “With over ten years of age difference, there was a worry about a disconnect. However - perhaps due to Natalie being more mature and me being more childish - we got along really well.”

Liew adds, “She is petite in stature but has an incredibly energetic presence.”

Both actresses draw heavily from their diverse backgrounds. Hsu balanced education and acting early on - a challenge for any artist. “I like to think about what I can do now so that later on, the future me would be grateful,” she shares. “It might seem like you have all the time in the world today, but tomorrow it might all flip 180 degrees.”

Hsu highlights the importance of breaks amidst her busy schedule. “You’re your own boss; you’re in control - and that’s fun but also very scary! When I am filming a project, I try not to switch between education and acting modes too frequently because staying in the mindset of my character is crucial for authenticity.”

Liew acknowledges how her Malaysian roots have influenced her career in Hong Kong's film industry. “Coming from a multicultural background has given me depth and insight,” she states. Growing up in the city of Johor Bahru, her early influences included Singaporean television shows that shaped her understanding of the Chinese language. Later, she became hooked on other Chinese-language shows. “From there, I started watching Taiwanese and Hong Kong TV entertainment series as well,” she recalls. This passion for learning about different cultures fuels her acting ambitions.

In the years to come after she launched her career in acting, her efforts paid off; Liew won the Hong Kong Film Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in the 2022 biopic Anita.

This recognition marked a pivotal moment for her. “It has been two years since I won that award and life has been hectic,” she reflects. “I feel incredibly blessed and have prioritised my acting career as I am offered more diverse roles.” Winning the award instilled a sense of validation within her. “To receive this accolade in the Hong Kong entertainment industry is great recognition.”

As young actresses in a competitive industry, both Liew and Hsu face unique pressures. Hsu admits that filtering feedback can be overwhelming at times but has learned to take it all in stride: “I know now to take everything with a grain of salt,” she advises. “As someone new to this circle and relatively young, I've received many comments and suggestions - though well-intentioned - they can be confusing.” She says that feedback should contribute to the bigger picture rather than dictate her path.

Liew shares her struggles with work-related exhaustion following her award win. "I started questioning whether my abilities warranted winning my award. Did I deserve that recognition?"

Hsu maintains a positive outlook amid personal challenges: “I am fortunate to be surrounded by loving, supportive people,” she says. “This is significant when everything around me - and myself - is changing so fast! At ages 16 to 20, you are still learning so much about yourself.”

She believes pressure can be constructive. “It means I care and that others believe in me.”

Inspirational role models abound for both actresses; Hsu looks up to veteran artists Fala Chen and Karena Lam. “They are grounded, intelligent, strong, humble, and graceful - a reminder to stay true to myself while keeping my passions close.”

The festive season holds special meaning for both actresses. For Hsu, Christmas is filled with cherished family traditions like gift-giving and baking seasonal treats. “Gift-giving is my love language,” she exclaims. “In terms of traditions, the only thing my family makes sure to do the same every year is [to] open gifts by the tree on Christmas morning, as soon as we wake up.”

In contrast, Liew's holiday experiences were different. During the long Malaysian school break in December, she often travelled with her mother and siblings to visit her grandparents, or her father who worked away from home in Kuala Lumpur. But instead of crowding around a Christmas tree or equivalent, Liew remembers doing exactly what she loved. “My winter holidays were spent watching TV shows with my sisters,” she reveals. Asserting once again that the essence of entertainment has long been part of Liew's world.

As they look forward to future projects, both actresses express excitement about exploring new avenues in their careers. Liew feels it's time for a long holiday to recharge: “I need to replenish myself.” After feeling some weariness over recent years, she considers it may be time for a wellness check.

This doesn’t come as a surprise as Liew has been involved with a slew of exciting film projects. In 2024, she worked on An Abandoned Team in addition to Pavane for an Infant. “I am also involved in a performance, and currently appearing in Cesium Fallout, a 2024 Hong Kong action disaster film produced by and starring Andy Lau. “Earlier in the year, there were Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In and All Shall Be Well. In terms of TV series, there are Margaret & David Series: Tie and the ViuTV series Cicada Cycle.”

In this ever-evolving landscape of film and storytelling, Fish Liew and Natalie Hsu stand as beacons of creativity and resilience. Their journeys remind us that behind every performance lies a rich tapestry shaped by culture, connection and an unwavering passion for storytelling.

CREDITS
Creative concept / #legend
Photographer / Max Chan Wong
Videographer / Jessica Chan
Photography assistant / Sun
Stylist/ Nieki
Fish Liew hair stylist / Zap Tang
Fish Liew make-up artist / Melody Chiu 
Fish Liew nail artist / Jasmine Chan
Natalie hair stylist / Sev Tsang
Natalie hair assistant / Candace Vo
Natalie make-up artist / April Huang
Jewellery & Watches / Chopard
Wardrobe / Anna Sui, Archive Balenciaga, Celine, Dolce & Gabanna, Gil Rodriguez, Miu Miu, Mugler and The World is Your Oyster

Also see: Digital Cover: Phil Lam and Gin Lee talk soundscapes and self-discoveries with Bang & Olufsen