Directed by Niu Cheng Ze, Monga, depicts Taiwan in the 1980s when it was encroached with mafia and triad gangs. The movie stars Taiwanese actors Ethan Ruan and Mark Chao, who sport closely-shaven crops, and outlandish hooligan garbs, to reflect the exact street style of Taiwan society in the era. The boyish-looking Ethan shared that he had to shave his hair every three to four days to maintain his character's short crew cut in the show. Co-star Mark also felt that his character's messy hairstyle is a striking resemblance to Bruce Lee's look. To recreate the same oppressive mafia atmosphere of 1980s' Taiwan, Ethan suffered an entire day's worth of walloping and kicks from nine in the morning to 12 midnight. In the movie, his character gets taught a lesson and trashed around by Ma Ru Long's character. Ethan's chiseled good looks bore the brunt of it with bruises and swells by the end of the aggressive scenes. Despite the injuries, the actor thought nothing of it and nonchalantly said, "It's ok." Ma initially felt awkward beating Ethan in the violent scenes. However, he was left with no choice and pulled no punches under the director's instructions. Ethan's persistence and endurance earned him tons of praise from Ma who complimented him for his professionalism. "When I was much younger, if people were to treat me like this, I would have immediately flared up on them. I won't be as self-controlled." Things are nowhere easier for newbie actor, Mark, who had to continue running despite a pulled hamstring. With two up-and-rising actors onset, director Niu clarified that there is no competition between the duo. "Ethan and Mark each have their own scenes and will not steal each other's limelight. They will each be in their own roles and maximize their best potential for it. Watching their dedication and perseverance gives much hope to our film industry." Source: Yahoo News
