Korean film scoops top prizes in Asian Film Awards

South Korean film "Secret Sunshine" won a clutch of awards including best film at Monday's second pan-Asian film awards in Hong Kong, which seeks to recognize the region's diverse film talent.

The film, about a bereaved widow and her child seeking a new start in a quiet Korean town, picked up the best film award, as well as prizes for best director Lee Chang-dong and best actress Jeon Do-yeon.

"For me, I had to play a mother who loses her child and it was a little hard," said Jeon through a translator at a post-award news conference.

The best actor award went to Hong Kong actor Tony Leung for his role in the award-winning "Lust, Caution" -- which features lengthy and sometimes violent sex scenes with Chinese co-star Tang Wei.

The best supporting actress award went to Chinese-American actress Joan Chen for her role in "The Sun Also Rises", based on several interweaving stories set during China's tumultuous Cultural Revolution.

"It was somewhat a process of self-discovery to find a part of yourself that you haven't really discovered or recognized or liked and it was very enjoyable," Chen said of her role.

A lifetime achievement award was bestowed on veteran Japanese director Yamada Yoji, who has directed more than 70 films over a 50-year career, including his masterpiece "The Twilight Samurai".

Reuters