Cary Tagawa

     What does Tagawa think about Asian males who are cast in bad guy roles? “Asian actors who complain about not having roles in foreign movies, or not getting the leading roles should get a different perspective of things,” he says with a sigh. “If complaining is the key, things would have changed a long time ago. What we have to understand is that 70 percent of writers in Hollywood are white males.” This, he says leaves little room for either women, Asians, African-Americans, or others to fill leading roles. The solution, Tagawa suggests, is for these individuals to build their potential. “The worst thing an actor can do is to stop growing. Some actors tend to forget that acting is about portraying people, their emotions and working relationships. You have to grow as a human being to be able to express such feelings.”

Asian-Americans, Tagawa adds, are generally well-educated. “We know too much actually,” he laughs, “but when it comes to things like social problems we don’t have much perspective.” Another problem with most Asian-Americans, he insists, is that they tend to live in closed communities. “If you don’t get out and mix with the other races, how do you expect to be an American actor in better roles?”

Growing up in Texas in the 50s wasn’t easy for Tagawa. “I was in the wrong place at the wrong time. There was rampant discrimination not only of African-Americans, but of any race other than white. That’s why I believe having an identity is very important. With a strong sense of who you are, coming into the business can allow you to succeed a lot faster than the other guy who’s been in the same business for years. It’s all about attitude, perspective and self-reliance,” he philosophizes.

Tagawa says he’s beginning to see a change in Asians. They are more willing to put their foot down and make a stand. “At conferences they are beginning to tell others, ‘This is what we want’, instead of listening to others want and need. Of course there will be some apprehension. It always happens in any relationship. It’s a matter of testing the grounds of identity.” He adds that the energy he brings to his films is about the strength and power that Asians have, but have not exercised for a long time.

It’s also this strength that helps Tagawa’s character Shang Tsung fight his opponents. The action-filled film centres on the 10th Mortal Kombat tournament between three mortals – played by Robin Shou, Linden Ashby and Bridgette Wilson – who are assisted by Rayden, the Thunder God (Christopher Lambert) against Shang Tsung and his bunch of baddies. But what’s in store for Tagawa after this? “I’m looking for a role as a sensitive man, a painter, or an artist in a love story different from the rest. I want a love story that depicts a different way to relate to a woman.” Cue the romantic music.