There was once upon a time when smoking was viewed as the equivalent of being cool. I suspect Tony Leung continues to appear in Wong Kar Wai movies for two reasons:
1) to appear cool
2) to be able to continue smoking on set.
Watching one of the old TVB Cantonese serials - Looking back in Anger to be specific, I realised the influence smoking had on people just 20 years ago. Everybody smoked. And they smoked everywhere. It didn't matter if it was in a restaurant or in the hospital, all the actors and actresses smoked consistently. It came to a point I actually dream of smoking only to subconsciously feel sick imagining the poison being sucked slowly down my lungs.
So how did it all come to an end?
At the moment, Malaysia has not fully enforced an all round smoking ban which includes bars and cafes. Although legally it is prohibited to smoke in air conditioned restaurants, enforcement tends to be an issue.
Awareness amongst society tends to play a part in this as well. In the UK, people tend to be more aware of their surroundings and what people may or may not like, where as a fair amount of Malaysians tend to adopt the "don't care what you think" attitude. Enforcement plays an important role of policing society. When I first arrived the shores of the UK, I was amazed by the amount of sirens I hear daily, wondering if it's safe to go around and about. Then I realise that their police actually work very hard to ensure that there is a certain amount of law and order around.
So what makes smoking such a thrilling activity? Why do people succumb to peer pressure and eventually become a smoker themselves?
Maybe it's all the Marlboro Man's fault...
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