Andrew Lau Quotes

Powerful Andrew Lau for Daily Growth

About Andrew Lau

Andrew Lau Wai-Keung (劉偉強), born on January 31, 1958, in Hong Kong, is a renowned film director, producer, and screenwriter who has significantly contributed to the Chinese cinematic landscape. Nicknamed 'The Master of Action' for his expertise in directing action films, Lau began his career as an assistant director for Shaw Brothers Studio in the 1980s before co-founding his own production company, Milkyway Image, with Wai Ka-Fai in 1995. Lau's early works, such as "The Millionaires' Express" (1986) and "Ebola Syndrome" (1996), showcased his ability to blend action and horror genres with a unique style. However, it was the 2002 film "Infernal Affairs," a crime thriller that he co-directed with Wai Ka-Fai, which propelled him to international acclaim. The film won numerous awards, including the Hong Kong Film Award for Best Film and the BAFTA for Best Foreign Language Film, paving the way for its Hollywood remake, "The Departed." Lau's other notable works include the crime drama "Hard Boiled" (1992) directed by John Woo, where Lau served as assistant director, and the romantic comedy "Love on a Diet" (2005). He has also delved into television, directing popular series such as "Triumph in the Skies" (2003-2004). Influenced by directors like John Woo, Martin Scorsese, and Francis Ford Coppola, Lau's work often explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, and survival within the context of organized crime. His innovative storytelling, cinematic flair, and commitment to the Hong Kong film industry have solidified his status as a key figure in contemporary Asian cinema.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Life is not about finding yourself, life is about creating yourself."

This quote suggests that personal growth and identity are not predetermined or static entities, but rather ongoing processes shaped by our actions and experiences. It encourages the idea that each individual has the power to shape their own lives, make choices, and define who they are, rather than passively waiting for self-discovery to happen. It's a call to be proactive in shaping one's own destiny and creating a meaningful life through personal growth and development.


"Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen."

This quote by Andrew Lau highlights two essential aspects of courage in communication. The first part emphasizes speaking up, expressing your thoughts and ideas, which can sometimes require significant bravery in the face of opposition or fear. The second part, however, is equally important: listening. Listening attentively to others, understanding their perspectives, and valuing their input requires a different yet equally crucial kind of courage - the courage to be humble, to empathize, and to grow from the insights we gather through our interactions with others. In essence, this quote suggests that true courage encompasses both the art of speaking and the skill of listening.


"The best way to predict your future is to create it."

This quote emphasizes personal responsibility and proactive decision-making in shaping one's future. It suggests that instead of passively accepting what life may bring, we should actively participate in creating our own destiny through purposeful actions and goals. In essence, it encourages individuals to take charge of their lives and make conscious choices to achieve desired outcomes.


"Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts."

This quote emphasizes the importance of resilience and perseverance in achieving success. The statement suggests that success alone does not define a person or a situation, nor should failure discourage us. Instead, it's the courage and determination to keep moving forward despite setbacks that truly counts. It underscores the idea that persistence and grit are key ingredients for overcoming obstacles and ultimately achieving one's goals.


"Never give up on your dreams, no matter how long it takes or how many obstacles you face."

This quote emphasizes perseverance and determination in the pursuit of one's dreams, suggesting that even if achieving them takes a considerable amount of time or involves facing numerous challenges, one should not abandon their aspirations. It encourages resilience, patience, and the belief that hard work and dedication eventually lead to success.


So many people ask me, 'Do you like 'Departed?' I say, '50/50.'

- Andrew Lau

Ask, Like, So Many People, Departed

I don't want to repeat myself. I don't want to shoot 10 installments of 'Infernal Affairs.'

- Andrew Lau

Myself, Want, Repeat, Infernal

In mainland China, there are many good theaters - sometimes better than Hong Kong.

- Andrew Lau

Better, China, Hong Kong, Theaters

In primary school when I was 6-7 years old, I always go to theater with my uncle, and I don't know why I like the atmosphere, dark only. The screen has some lighting, that kind of things, you can see the movie star and so that's why I like movies.

- Andrew Lau

Some, Movie, Atmosphere, Primary

I go to universities to talk to the students and teach them how to watch movies. Movies have so many elements - acting, music, art direction, costumes. I also tell them not to watch pirated movies. At the cinema, they can enjoy the big screen and the surround sound.

- Andrew Lau

Big, Sound, Tell, Costumes

Audiences in mainland China know how to discuss movies.

- Andrew Lau

Movies, China, How, Discuss

When I have a chance to make some movies, I am 200 percent to concentrate about my works.

- Andrew Lau

Chance, Some, Works, Concentrate

I was able to make many different kinds of movies. They enriched me on many different levels.

- Andrew Lau

Movies, Different Levels, Levels

When I go on the set, I'm so rushed. When I see the actors at rehearsal, when I love it, I want to keep the mood - my mood and the actors' mood also. So I have to push the crew faster. I don't want to lose the mood.

- Andrew Lau

Love, Rehearsal, Set, Push

After making a movie, maybe you weren't able to shoot many of your ideas, because a movie is only 1 1/2 or two hours long, but TV gives you space to film a lot of things.

- Andrew Lau

Making, Hours, TV, Shoot

There are lots of good producers out there.

- Andrew Lau

Good, Out, Lots, Producers

I still remember 1997 when I made the movie 'Storm Riders;' that moment, a lot of American producers want to hire me to make movies in the States.

- Andrew Lau

Storm, Movie, Still, Producers

We need to look to the future. You can't come up with new things unless you constantly forget the past. There's no reason to keep wearing the same pair of pants.

- Andrew Lau

New Things, Reason, New, No Reason

I still remember 2002. It's a very hard time for Hong Kong industry, no movies in Hong Kong, and also at this moment I start my new company, so many people said, 'You're crazy.'

- Andrew Lau

Moment, Industry, Very, So Many People

In Hong Kong, the directors are the idea men.

- Andrew Lau

Hong Kong, Idea, Directors, Kong

Shooting in Hong Kong, you can do whatever you want, even change the script every day. In Hollywood, you have to have a lot of meetings.

- Andrew Lau

Every Day, Want, Hollywood, Kong

Media Asia has great partners in China, Japan and Hollywood.

- Andrew Lau

China, Hollywood, Japan, Partners

You don't want a movie to have a lot of awards and no audience.

- Andrew Lau

Audience, Movie, Lot, Awards

My visuals are typically very powerful. The rhythm is fast. The cuts are fast.

- Andrew Lau

Fast, Very, Visuals, Cuts

You need to make certain decisions to expand your market.

- Andrew Lau

Decisions, Need, Market, Expand

I want to put elements from movies into TV to raise the quality of TV.

- Andrew Lau

Movies, Want, TV, Elements

Beijing is my favorite city in China.

- Andrew Lau

City, China, Favorite, Beijing

When I on set as a director I crazy. My temper is not that good.

- Andrew Lau

Crazy, Director, Set, Temper

After 'Chen Zhen,' I wanted to make an emotional, touching story.

- Andrew Lau

Emotional, Wanted, After, Touching

I don't care about the critics.

- Andrew Lau

Care, About, Critics

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