Thanks to Ayako for the link!
News.jsdushi has posted their interview with Keanu Reeves while he was in Nanjing as well as cover his meeting with the contest winner. I aill give the nuts and bolts to the background information that we have heard many times and provide the actual interview. The google translator was used and no copyright infringement is intended.
In the general introduction they tell what his name means in Hawaiian and say that his nick name Loa Li makes him feel warm inside. They cover his family tragedies and the fact that he is single and mention eating a birthday cupcake by himself on the side of the road. They mention that he bought a small house because he said a big house is too lonely. they go on to say that he is in China and Nanjing to promote Man of Tai Chi.
Reporter: It rained yesterday in Hangzhou and today in Nanjing. Are you feeling dreary?
Old Lee: No, I like rainy days. I like all kinds of rain, rain and heavy rain. I like the feeling of rain on my body.
Reporter: You are going to 8 cities in China to promote MOTC. You are the first Hollywood star to come to China for such a trip. What are your thoughts on it and are you getting tired of it?
Old Lee: No, not tired.In fact, I quite like the publicity arrangements. I both enjoy and am very excited to go to different places every day. I get to see a variety of audience and it is very interesting. In fact, in Hollywood you go to only a few cities for small productions and perhaps five or sic large cities for large productions including NY and LA.
they cover the background here about Keanu giving gifts to The Matrix stuntman, etc.
Reporter: Why did you become a director?
Old Lee: Because of my friendship with Chen Hu., I personally wanted to direct MOTC. We met during The Matrix project and I thought then that he had no chance to showcase his talent. So 7 years ago, we both began to discuss a film.
Reporter: What kind of qualities did Chen Hu have that resulted in you becoming good friends?
Old Lee: Actually, I don’t think they needs to be anything secial or a particular reason to become a friend. As long as you both have common interests you cand find grounds to become friends. Chen Hu and I, unwittingly became friends. As a result of working together, we have a deeper understanding of each other and our relationship is even better.
Reporter: DSome people said that you gave MOTC to Chen Hu as a gift.
Old Lee: No, no, I would never do that. Although Chen Hu is the protagonist of the film, I need to find many people to make the film. I am responsible for the whole crew and can’t disregard their feelings and give Chen Hu the film as a personal gift.
Reporter: Did you give the MOTC crew a gift?
Old Lee: I gave each crew member a jacket.
They mention the weight fiasco in Cannes here. Before the interview one of Keanu’s staff quietly told the reporters: “Do not ask the question about the weight, he does not like to talk about this.” In fact he has been on a very controlled diet. According to reports, he is allowed to eat one burger at lunch and a sandwich at night. He is rapidly losing the weight. He appeared a bit stout in Shanghai but today his waist is small. His double chin appears to be gone too. However, Old Lee likes good food and he wanted to come to Nanjing to find delicious food.
Reporter: You need to visit Nanjing again befcuase you do not have time to properly see it on this trip!
Old Lee: Yes! I have heard of this place and I hope that I will have another opportunity to come to Nanjing. I want to find some good food and go on a safari.
Reporter: Adventure?
Old Lee: Exactly. Like climbing mountains, going across the desert, etc. I call these adventure activities.
Reporter: Do you eat Chinese food?
Old Lee: I like Chinese food but it is very rich, so I have eaten just a small amount. Now, my favorite is Sichuan, I like spicy food.
Coverage of the Meet and Greet
Yesterday, the lucky winner, graduate student Shen Yue met Keanu Reeves. During the meet and greet he was supposed to have the opportunity to ask Keanu qustions. However, Old Lee interviewed the fan! (Gues that’s one way not to have anyone ask him what kind of girls he likes!)
Old Lee: You live in Nanjing?
Fan: Yes, I have been living here for 22 yrs.
Old Lee: What is tNanjing like?
Fan: There is a long history. There are many monuments, there are many beautiful places suitable for living. You can try to stay here for a while.
Old Lee: HaHa, I will try to have the opportunity.
Fan: You are welcome to come! You will have a warm welcome!
Old Lee? Are you till in school?
Fan: Yes, I am a graduate student. I major in the theater.
Old Lee: Drama, that’s good. In what area, acting, directing, writing ?
Fan: writing and the like.
Old Lee: You write scripts?
Fan: I hope I can become a playwright, but…
Old Lee: But what?
Fan: There are not many work opportunities after graduation. I hope to go to Beijing, Shanghai, or NYC to study and look for more opportunities. However, Columbia University is my dream.
Old Lee: A very good idea, great.
Fan: Thank you.
Old Lee: Nice to meet you! Great jog and hope to see you in Columbia.
Reporter’s Notes
They mention tiger here. In a nutshell, they say that he is the lead and needs exposure but he realizes that people really want to see Keanu Reeves. He hung back from the interview but when it was time for a photo, Keanu announced that it would be a family portrait and included Tiger. The reporter recalled Tigers earlier words that Keanu takes care with the feelings of others.