IT has been 10 years since the death of Hong Kong pop star Leslie Cheung, whose hit songs and sentimental movies won him huge popularity around Asia.
On April 1, 2003, the 46-year-old superstar committed suicide in Hong Kong by jumping from a hotel. It was especially shocking since the star in his last movie, a suspense thriller "Inner Senses" (2002), ended his life in the same way.
There was deep mourning and much speculation about the reason behind his death. Memorial events marking the 10th anniversary of Cheung's death will be held in Hong Kong, Shanghai and elsewhere.
Cheung's close friend and former agent Florence Chan and Cheung's fan's club, the Leslie Club, organized a memorial concert yesterday in Hong Kong. Another is planned for today.
The concert will feature around 20 of Cheung's popular songs and look back at the star's life story. Chan revealed Cheung's final message about himself at the tribute concert.
In Shanghai, the New Hengshan Cinema will host screenings of Cheung's key films, including "Inner Senses," the award-winning film "Farewell My Concubine" (1992), the romance film "The Phantom Lover" (1995), and the acclaimed martial arts movie "Ashes of Time" (1994) directed by Wong Kar-wai.
Chen Dieyi, a Peking Opera singer in Chen Kaige's "Farewell My Concubine" is one Cheung's most famous roles. His performance won the Cannes Palme d'Or and an Academy Award nomination.
Cheung also starred with Tony Leung in many of Wong's famous movies such as "Happy Together" (1997) and "Days of Being Wild" (1991).
"Cheung's movies and songs have greatly influenced the post-1970s and 1980s generations and have become a nostalgic part of our memory," says Tao Jin, an official with the cinema. "These classic films represent his different performing style at different time."
Exhibition marks 10th anniversary of Leslie Cheung's death
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