Wu Chun, Ekin Cheng and Vic Chou in the flesh in Singapore for "Saving General Yang".

Looking at them, it is hard to guess who's the older and who's the younger one, but Brunei-born heartthrob Wu Chun has a good two years on Taiwan-born Vic Chou. Other than being in their thirties, the two share many similarities, such as their idol good looks, their previous affiliations with Taiwanese boy bands - Wu Chun in Fahrenheit and Vic Chou in F4 – and last but not least, scenes in Ronny Yu's latest historical epic film, "Saving General Yang". Based on the legendary Generals of the Yang Family, the story tells of an ill-fated rescue conducted by the Yang brothers of their father, General Yang Linggong (Adam Cheng).

In an interview at the film's recent press day, Vic Chou and Wu Chun talked about their characters in the historical film, the various skills that they had to learn and their experiences on location.

Wu Chun, what attracted you to act in this movie?
Wu Chun: It is because I like the storyline. I usually enjoy watching movies that are based on true stories, because it is more moving. When I saw the script, I am touched and attracted by the sacrificial and unconditional love among family members; hence I took up this role.

What are your personal views on family?
Wu Chun: I put family as my first priority. I will react the same as my character if anyone harms my family, I would do anything for my family (Laughs and knocks the table). Of course I would not wish anything to happen to my family. But if my father asks me to spend more time in Brunei instead, I would do it. If he asks me to leave the industry, I would listen to him too.

Vic Chou plays Yang Sanlang, the third brother.

Vic Chou, you played a lot of cheerful characters in the past, so was it difficult to be in such a matured, cool and serious character this time around?
Vic: All of the roles were difficult. I am quite serious personally. I am glad to have played different roles, and many audiences can see a different me in all different roles.

In most of the scenes, you communicated by using your eyes, so did you practice your eye expressions prior to the movie?
Vic: When the director briefs me about my character, he mentioned that the most important thing is my eyes, so I had to practice to get into the character's personality and attitude. It was quite tiring, as it was a total opposite of my usual relaxed self. I only practiced in front of the mirror for my archery postures. The actual archery bow hand position would cover my face, which will not translate well onscreen, so I had to practice in front of the mirror over and over again to make sure I don't cover my face.

How long did you have to train prior to filming?
Vic: It took more than a month. I had to master three skills, which are Wushu, horse-riding and archery.

Can you share more about your experience of riding horse?
Vic: (Laughs) It was funny. On my first day of riding, I did not know what preparations that I have to do, so I casually wore pants and my usual canvas shoes. After about an hour, I felt warm in my lower body because my rear bled, but I did not notice that. It was only till I went home and showered only I realized it as it was difficult to remove my pants since the blood has dried up. So the following day I requested to learn other skills, and went online to buy riding tights immediately. It was not easy.

There was an accident that happens while you were carrying your father in the movie?
Wu Chun: The first day when I filmed that scene, I fell from the horse. But after that, I learned my lesson and I never fell from the horse again.

Wu Chun plays Yang Liulang, the sixth brother.

Wu Chun, you've learned to use the spear in "My Kingdom", did that skill help you in this movie?
Wu Chun: It does help a lot, but it is more difficult this time, as I have to use spear while I was riding on the horse, and with the heavy armor costume, it restricted the movement as well. It was quite challenging as I had to carry my father in the movie in the action scene.

Wu Chun, you were the only one with a romantic scene in the movie, did you do any preparations to create chemistry with Ady An?
Wu Chun: Not really, but it was embarrassing that during the first day of filming as the director wanted me to lay my head on her chest. The director demonstrated the scene with the assistant director to me. But when you see that the director being so meticulous in explaining the scene, the embarrassment just does not exist anymore.

Have you ever thought of trying out other roles in this movie?
Vic: No I never thought about it. We love our own characters. Many have asked us the same questions. We are too into our own roles, and I enjoyed playing mine.

Among the actors, who has the strongest bond or relationship with you?
Wu Chun: Well, no one in particular actually. With Li Chen perhaps, since we both share a common interest in cars, Ekin loves cars as well. Vic will ask me questions related to fitness and cars. Overall, everyone is united in giving their greatest effort for the movie.

Since you are good in cooking, did you manage to cook for the team during filming?
Wu Chun: I only cooked once. There was a time that I felt that the dish somehow does not go well with white rice, so when I saw there are cooking wares and eggs there, I made my own fried rice instead. Other than that, I was too busy.