Recent photos of Ti Lung and David Chiang appearing together have drawn attention, reigniting rumors about their previously distant relationship. In an interview, Ti Lung's son, Shaun Tam, stated that based on his observations, the two interact naturally and are not as tense as outsiders might imagine.
Shaun Tam stated that he went abroad for his studies at a young age and is unclear about how the two elders interacted during holidays or other occasions in the past, nor has he specifically inquired into the details of their alleged discord. He believes that interpersonal relationships require adjustment, and as people age, many past events gradually fade from memory.
Ti Lung and David Chiang were both actors under director Chang Cheh and were known as the "Shaw Brothers Duo." Rumors about their disagreement have circulated for years. David Chiang once described their changing relationship as having "different paths," while Ti Lung had referred to him as an "eternal friend."
This "selfie of the century" has circulated online. In the photo, David Chiang holds the phone for a selfie, wearing a gentle smile, while Ti Lung beams with joy. Their faces are close together, using the image to prove that they have buried the hatchet.
After the photo surfaced, some suspected it was AI-generated. Ti Lung's fans commented that Ti Lung had previously shown this photo to fans at an offline fan gathering, stating it was taken on December 27 last year.
Over the years, there have been many rumors about their falling out. It is said that during the filming of "The Last Tempest" in 1975, a rift developed due to disputes over screen time, with even rumors of a physical altercation on set. The alleged trigger was the passing of their mentor, director Chang Cheh. At the time, Ti Lung was filming in Beijing and arranged for his son, Shaun Tam, to attend the funeral on his behalf, which reportedly angered David Chiang.
In a previous interview, when asked about his relationship with Ti Lung, David Chiang offered only three words: "Different paths." He also rarely responded, saying, "We didn't fight, we didn't argue, and we didn't badmouth each other; those rumors are false. It's just that as we've aged, our perspectives have diverged—on the industry, on ourselves, and on others. It's not a pity; we just go our separate ways. We might meet on certain occasions, but it's just a greeting."
The half-century-long feud saw a turning point last year. In an interview last August, Ti Lung rarely spoke about the rumors of their discord, saying earnestly, "True friendship is not limited by time; it is eternal." He recalled being inseparable from David Chiang in the past, sharing a deep bond, and frankly declared him his lifelong best friend, signaling a willingness to reconcile.