Hong Kong veteran actor Tony Leung Ka-Fai took off his urbanite image to pass as a village teacher in Zheng Kehong's film My Career As a Teacher, which hit Chinese theaters on Tuesday.

The three-time Hong Kong Film Awards' best actor, challenged a role spanning 40 years, portraying the diligent countryside teacher from his early 20s into his retired years.

Many viewers gave Leung high praise for his affectionate portrait, saying he turned the film to a tear-drawing story.

The film earned Leung the "most popular Hong Kong actor" award at April's Beijing Student Film Festival.

It also stars mainland actress Qin Hailu, who plays Leung's wife.

Screening of the film is to pay tribute to the upcoming Chinese Teachers' Day on September 10.

Poster of My Career As a Teacher, starring Tony Leung Ka-Fai. The film hit the silver screen in China on Tuesday, September 4, 2007. 
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(CRI.cn September 6, 2007)