He frequently uses actors 'suggestions, creating a strong sense of participation and freedom on the set, says actress Yang Li-yin. Hou likes to use mid-range and long range shots believing they better capture the subject in his or her own environment. Sounds and voices from people offscreen are also employed by Hou with considerable skill.
助導兼演員楊麗音認為，侯孝賢十分尊重演員的想法和表達方式，只要大方向對，演員不必照本宣科，「演他的戲覺得很自由、有強烈的參與感，真是過癮！」