Gong Li and Andy Lau promote new movie in Beijing

Director Chen Daming's movie "What Women Want" premieres in Beijing on Wednesday, January 26, 2011. The press conference of the premiere ceremony was attended by the main cast including Gong Li, Andy Lau, Zhu Zhu and Julian Chen. [Photo/CRIENGLISH.com]

If one day you could read women's minds just like Professor X, what would you want to know? Would this power help you pursue your dream girl?

Andy Lau gave his answer at the premiere of the romantic comedy "What Women Want" on Wednesday, January 26th.

"The character I played in the film can read women's minds, but if the man doesn't react to what he knows, it is useless. For example, you have recognized your mistake, but do you have the courage to apologize?"

"What Women Want" is a remake of the Hollywood box office hit of the same title. The story is about an advertising agency manager who suddenly finds he can read women's minds.

Why did Chinese filmmakers pick this Hollywood film for a remake?

Dede Nickerson is the producer who came up with the idea of remaking the original film.

"When I worked at Paramount Pictures, they asked whether I could make Chinese versions of their movies. I am not sure what films Paramount has, but later 'What Women Want' came to my mind as Jiang Wen and I had attended the premiere ceremony of the film in America about 10 years ago."

Director Chen Daming says he rejected the idea of remaking the movie at first but changed his mind after he watched it. He says the film will make more sense in China, because Chinese women are more introverted and don't say what's on their minds.

The movie features two superstars – Gong Li and Andy Lau—a guarantee that it will do well at the box office.

As the original screenplay is too Americanized, how was it adapted for Chinese audiences? What are the main differences between the Chinese and American versions of the film?

Chen Daming talks about the adaptation.

"The play about the heroine in the American film is a bit sketchy. As Gong Li had joined us, we adapted the original screenplay, adding a heavier workload for her. In addition, we put our daily lives and Chinese characteristics in the movie."

Another highlight of the movie is Andy Lau's feminine performance. Gong Li joked at the premiers that Lau wears women's clothing in the film and makes women jealous about his looks.

"What Women Want" will hit screens in both China and North America on February 3rd.

Director Chen Daming's movie "What Women Want" premieres in Beijing on Wednesday, January 26, 2011. The press conference of the premiere ceremony was attended by the main cast including Gong Li, Andy Lau, Zhu Zhu and Julian Chen. [Photo/CRIENGLISH.com]