Sina reports that the movie Fengshen: Yao Luan Thương Quốc has made waves at Chinese cinemas with a box office revenue of 1.4 billion yuan (approximately 195 million USD). Among the standout performances is that of the character Trư Vương, played by the Taiwanese actor Phí Tường, who has been described as “the most captivating male lead on screen.”
The Charismatic Trư Vương at 63
According to QQ, in Fengshen, director Ô Nhĩ Thiện skillfully crafted the character and storyline, exploring multifaceted roles with greater detail. In this, Trư Vương Ân Thị, portrayed by Phí Tường, is not just a tragic figure but also emerges as a formidable hero with strategic acumen, eloquence, and depth of character.
As a result, the character Trư Vương has become increasingly appealing to moviegoers. Scenes featuring Trư Vương, such as during the Drought of Kỳ Mùa or the moment of his heroic stand against the flood, have been widely shared across Chinese social media platforms.
Phí Tường shared that to embody Trư Vương, he had to work hard to lose weight and achieve a robust physique. On some days, the actor starts his gym routine as early as 3 AM to prepare for his role. Standing at 1.9 meters tall and possessing a masculine appearance, Trư Vương’s portrayal is undeniably captivating.
Moreover, director Ô Nhĩ Thiện did not shy away from creating scenes that showcase Phí Tường’s impressive physique. The actor humorously noted, “In my decades-long career, I’ve never had to showcase my body, but due to the demands of the director, I have shown off in many scenes of Fengshen.”
Many viewers have expressed their admiration for the character Trư Vương, attributing this to Phí Tường’s dynamic performance. Furthermore, the actor is now regarded as a strong contender among peers like Vu Thích in the role of Cơ Phát or Thư Sa in the role of Dương Tiến.
In conjunction with the Drought of Kỳ Mùa, the chemistry between Trư Vương and Dê Thị in the film has also garnered high praise. The Dê Thị in Fengshen is not merely a damsel in distress who must rely on Trư Vương, but rather a character with a complex backstory that intertwines their fates.
Although there is a 37-year age gap between them, audiences have found the pairing intriguing and have not shied away from the age difference. Trư Vương is portrayed as a charming, sophisticated figure, while Dê Thị is depicted as a youthful and resilient character, creating a compelling contrast between power and beauty.
Phí Tường’s 13-Year Career in Taiwan
Phí Tường, born in 1960 and known in English as Kris Phillips, has roots in Beijing and is the son of a military officer stationed in Taiwan. He was born and raised in Taipei, where he began his singing career, eventually expanding into the Southeast Asian market. Phí Tường has sold over 20 million albums, establishing himself as one of the leading pop singers in Asia, especially in Singapore.
In 1987, Phí Tường participated in CCTV’s Spring Festival Gala and became a staple in the mainland Chinese entertainment scene. With hits like Đám mây từ quê hương and Ngân lửa mùa đông, Phí Tường quickly became a beloved figure among millions in China, likened to a disco king during his peak.
However, his appearances on CCTV made Phí Tường a household name in Taiwan for 13 years, until he returned to the entertainment industry in 2000.
Unable to sing in Taiwan, Phí Tường moved to New York and enrolled in a music training course, transitioning into theater. He has performed extensively on Broadway, receiving great acclaim from various directors and critics.
Phí Tường has also ventured into film. He played the role of French lawyer Thiên Lang in Hỏa bì 2 (also directed by Ô Nhĩ Thiện) and attended the Cannes Film Festival alongside Dương Mịch. Additionally, he has appeared in films such as Hoàng gia đạo tặc, Tây du ký: Tôn Ngộ Không ba lần đánh Bạch Cốt Tinh, and Tây du ký: Đại náo thiên cung.
Phí Tường has captivated many in the entertainment industry, but he has only openly acknowledged his feelings for actress Diệp Thiên Vân. However, as time passed, the actor has remained single. At 63, he lives independently in the UK. Phí Tường enjoys keeping pets, and he often shares pictures of his cats on his personal page.
