Tuesday, January 31, 2012

[2012.02.01] SATURDAY, JANUARY 28 2012

GLOBAL CHINESE SONG CHART

For Saturday, JANUARY 28 2012

15 SUNFLOWER
  Can : Heung Yeung Fa
  Wang Feng
http://youtu.be/iQyv_pBSmt4

14 ADDICTION
  Can : Yun
  Chen Chusheng
http://youtu.be/uS3LE8IZpPM

13 EVERYBODY WHO LOVES ME
  Can : Oi Ngor Dik Mui Gor Yun
  Selina Jen

12 TIMELY TURN
  Can : Lum Ngai Lap Ma
  Kay Tse On Kay
http://youtu.be/9o9uUM3Zupk

11 10,000 LIGHT YEARS
  Can : Yat Man Guong Nin
  Anson Hu (Wu Yin Bun)

10 WHAT'S THE TROUBLE ON YOUR MIND
  Can : Nei Joi Fan No Sup Mor
  Soda Green

 9 YOUTHFUL IGORANCE
  Can : Nin Siu Mo Ji
  Bowie Lam Bo Yi, Moses Chan Ho, Kenny Wong Tak Bun
http://youtu.be/DklQy3T4ybY

 8 LONELINESS SUFFERER
  Can : Gu Duk Wan Jeh
  Eason Chan Yik Shun

 7 NEVER LEARN
  Can : Hok But Wui
  JJ Lin (Lam Chun Kit)
 6 MINE MINE
  Jay Chou (Chow Kit Lun)
 5 TALKING ABOUT EMOTIONS
  Can : Tam Gum Ching
  Jade Liu Liyang

 4 DON'T BOTHER ME
  Can : Bit Jau Ngor Ma Fan
  Tanya Chua (Choi Kin Nga)

 3 BARE MY FEET
  Can : Guong Jeuk Ngor Dik Geuk Ah Ji
  Penny Dai Pui Nei

 2 I LOVE ME
  Can : Ngor Oi Ngor
  Elva Hsiao (Siu Nga Hin)


 1 NOAH'S ARK
  Can : Lok Ah Fong Jau
  May Day

[2012.02.01] THURSDAY, JANUARY 26 2012

For Thursday, January 26 2012
Photos courtesy of Yahoo! Movies Hong Kong



10 THE GREAT MAGICIAN
  Can : Dai Mor Shook Si
    d. Derek Yee Tung Sing
    Tony Leung Chiu Wai, Lau Ching Wan,
      Zhou Xun, Yan Ni, Paul Chun Pui,
      Wu Gang, Kenya Sawada
  Rating : IIA
  Length : 128 mins.
  Opening December 22 2011 in Malaysia
  Opening January 12 2012
  Site : http://www.emp.hk/title.php?film_id=110

[ GOLDEN SCREEN CINEMAS ]
   Set in the early 20th century, the film tells the story of a magician who has to use his talent as a magician to save his childhood sweetheart back from a warlord and also save the country.

[ THE FILM CATALOGUE ]
  For love and for country, a magician pulls his biggest trick out of the hat.



 9 THE MUPPETS
    d. James Bobin
    Amy Adams, Jason Segel, Chris Cooper



 8 KOKURIKOZAKA KARA
  Can : Hung Fa Ban Seung Dik Hoi
  Lit : Sea on Red Flower Hill
    d. Goro Miyazaki
  Japanese Animation
  Rating : I
  Length : 91 mins.
  Opening January 19 2012

[ YAHOO! MOVIES HONG KONG ]
  High school girl Umi Komatsuzaki everyday goes to the hill to raise a signal flag for her father, who is lost at sea.  She hopes to bring her father's boat home.  On the other hand, her mother due to work is always on the run.  Thus at home she is only left with her grandmother, sister and brother.  Umi also has to shoulder the responsibility of taking care of her family.  At school, Umi is swept into the storm between school  newspaper editor Shun Kazama and student council president Shiro Mizunuma.  Unknowingly, Umi even begins to develop intricate connections to both...



 7 THE FLOWERS OF WAR
  Can: Gum Ling Sup Sam Chai
  Lit : Jinling Thirteen Hairpins
    d. Zhang Yimou
    Christian Bale, Ni Ni, Tong Dawei,
      Dou Xiao, Atsuro Watabe, Han Xue
  Rating : IIB
  Length : 146 mins.
  Opening January 19 2011

[ YAHOO! MOVIES HONG KONG ]
  In 1937 after the fall of Nanjing, the Japanese military began a massacre, with bodies all over and blood formed a river.  Only a Catholic Church was not yet under occupation.  Church school female students, prostitutes from the Qinhuai River, soldiers and injured troops, and an American John all entered the church.  The temporary peace was very quickly broken -- Japanese military stormed into the church and found female students.  Soldiers who risked their lives in opposition opened fire at the final moment to save the female students and sacrificed themselves.  Later, the Japanese military forced female students to perform at their celebration.  Everyone knew that this was a road of no return.  Female students were unwilling to be abused at the hands of the Japanese military and prepared to commit mass suicide.  Prostitutes led by Yu Mo saved them.  Finally, these 13 ladies of the night who ordinarily would be considered low class displayed the fearless Chinese heroism.  With the assistance of John they dressed up as female students and got on the vehicles in place of the students for a tragic yet noble date with death......



 6 THE DESCENDANTS
    d. Alexander Payne
    George Clooney, Shailene Woodley, Amara Miller



 5 ALL'S WELL ENDS WELL 2012
  Can : Bak Sing Po Hei
  Lit : Eight Stars Carries Joy
    d. Chan Hing Kai, Janet Chun Siu Chun
    Donnie Yen Chi Tan, Louis Koo Tin Lok,
      Chapman To Man Jat, Raymond Wong Pak Ming,
      Sandra Ng kwan Yu, Kelly Chen Wai Lam,
      Lynn Xiong (Hung Doi Lam), Mini Yang Mi,
      Lam Jat Kwan, Yu Mo Lin, Maggie Lee Man Kwan,
      Lok Ho Ming, Lee Seung Ching, Fung Chi Keung,
      Louis Cheung Kai Chung, Tsui Tin Yau, Krystal Tin Yui Nei,
      Ronald Cheng Chung Kei, Teresa Caprio (To Lai Sha),
      Peter Lai Bei Tat, Gong Linna, Lam Shuet, Karena Ng Chin Yu,
      Jeremy Liu (Lau Chi Chin), Lok Wing, Wen Chao, C Kwan,
      Tony Wong Yuk Long, Lee Heung Kam, Ha Chun Chau, Maria Cordero,
      Chui Hoi Tai, Tang Chi Fung, Cherrie Ying Choi Yi,
      Vincent Kok Tak Siu, Lo Mik Shuet, Mak Ling Ling, Fung Yat Hung,
      GC Goo Bi, Coco Chiang Yi, Matthew Chow Hoi Kwong, Chan Man Na,
      Hiro Hayama (Yip Shuet Ho), Wilfred Lau Ho Lung, Hung Wing Sing,
      Wong Gok Yi, Chan Bing Chuen, Ngai Sun Hei, Ciwi Lam Si Man,
      Ho Seung Him
  Rating : IIA
  Length : 118 mins.
  Opening January 19 2012

[ GOLDEN SCREEN CINEMAS ]
  Network tycoon Maximilian established an all weather female support site. Men come to bat and the only remuneration for them is one grateful embrace. On quest in helping the female protagonists, the heroic mission of these four men turns to be a journey discovering their self significance and values. And their embrace resembles the blossom of a beautiful relationship.



 4 PUSS IN BOOTS
    d. Chris Miller
    DreamWork Animation
    English Voices: Antonio Banderas, Selma Hayek, Zach Galifianakis



 3 THE VIRAL FACTOR
  Can : Yik Jin
  Lit : Reverse War
    d. Dante Lam Chiu Yin
    Jay Chou (Chow Kit Lun), Nicholas Tse Ting Fung,
      Andy On Chi Kit, Bai Bing, Lin Peng
      Liu Kai Chi, Elaine Kam Yin Ling, Crystal Lee Hin Hau
  Rating : IIB
  Length : 121 mins.
  Opening January 19 2012
  Site : http://www.emp.hk/title.php?film_id=109

[ GOLDEN SCREEN CINEMAS ]
  Jon, an International Security Affairs agent unites with his elder brother to stop an international blackmail to release a deadly virus.

[ CINEMA ONLINE MALAYSIA ]
  An elite counter terrorist unit based in Hong Kong heads to the Middle East to find a deadly virus. When one of its members betrays the team, the team leader must stop his former comrade before he unleashes the virus.

[ THE FILM CATALOGUE ]
  One man on a quest to destroy the world. One man on a mission to stop him. Who will win?



 2 I LOVE HONG KONG 2012
  Can : Ngor Oi HK 2012 Hei Seung Ga Hei
  Lit : I Love HK 2012 Joy Upon Joy
    d. Chung Shu Kai, Wilson Chin Kwok Wai
    Eric Tsang Chi Wai, Teresa Mo Shun Kwan,
      Bosco Wong CHung Chak, Denise Ho Wan Si
      Stanley Fung Shui Fan, Susan Shaw Yam Yam, Mak Cheung Ching,
      William So Wing Hong, Zhang Xinyu, Lok Wing,
      King Kong, Maggie Siu Mei Kei, Christine Kuo, Natalie Meng Yao
  Rating : IIA
  Length : 100 mins.
  Opening January 21 2012
  Official Site : http://www.ilovehongkong2012.com/

[ GOLDEN SCREEN CINEMAS MALAYSIA ]
  Kuok is famous weather forecast announcer, who dreams to be in the headlines, but failed to do so even when he is about to retire. One day, he finds out that the world is facing a deadly threat and the chance arises to him to become a news sensation. This is when the fun, laughter and havoc come in place. 



 1 JOURNEY 2 THE MYSTERIOUS ISLAND
    d. Brad Petyon
    Josh Hutcherson, Dwayne Johnson, Michael Caine

[2012.02.01] JOEY WONG THANKS FANS WITH A RECENT PHOTO ONLINE

courtesy of mingpao.com

Yesterday was Joey Wong Cho Yin's 45th birthday.  Since SHANGHAI STORY in 2004 she eased out of show business and retired to Vancouver, Canada.  Yesterday a photo was posted online and was supposed taken at Wong Cho Yin's home at the end of last year.

[2012.02.01] CHRISSIE CHAU GETS IT IN THE END

courtesy of mingpao.com

The Fang Yaxi directed horror film YE DIAN GUI TAN will be released nation wide on February 10.  The film starred Van Fan Yat Sun, Chrissie Chau Sau Na, Jill Hsu (Tsui Kit Yi) and other idol actors.  The story was about deranged murders.

[2012.02.01] ETHAN JUAN BEGINS MILITARY SERVICE

Tiffany Hsu and Ethan Juan two days ago
courtesy of singtao.com
courtesy of takungpao.com

Due to military service, Ethan Juan (Yuen King Tin) has become the media target.  However Siu Tin actually has never thought about avoiding it.  Instead he looked forward to it very much.  Yesterday Siu Tin finally reported and again clarified the alternative service issue.  He stressed that he did not have any special privilege.  Now finally he was able to complete what he should do and he was very happy.  Siu Tin's girlfriend Tiffany Hsu due to work could not see him off.

Siu Tin left around 9PM and reported with friends in tow.  Media waited outside Siu Tin's home.  Siu Tin was dressed casually and looked energized.  When he saw the media he could not help but scream, "This truly is too brilliant!"  How did he feel about joining the military?  Siu Tin said, "Finally I can complete what I should do so I don't have any special feeling.  I feel just like all men who have to serve."  Two nights ago Siu Tin's friends went to his home to bid him farewell.  He slept very well so yesterday he did not have any dark circles around his eyes.  He will first have lunch at his grandfather's home in Taichung, then report in the afternoon.

Siu Tin's military service has always been controversial.  Siu Tin again clarified, "Anyone who have served should know that alternative service was determined when I graduated from high school.  I went for repeated examination twice.  At the time I wasn't an artist so I don't have any so-called special privilege problem."  Was his girlfriend Tiffany Hsu reluctant to let him go or ask him for anything?  Siu Tin joked, "You make her sounds like she's my Ma!  I will be back!  It's not like I won't.  It's not bitterly guarding a chilly cave for 18 years either."  However, his girlfriend due to work would not see him off.  Why did he report alone and not meet up with others reporting?  He said, "I was informed to do so, I don't know, I am just following orders."

Siu Tin will be away from show business for a year.  He was not worried that his show business job will be hindered due to his military service, because the service had to be done.  As an actor he should properly experience life.  Siu Tin before reporting did not forget to promote his new film LOVE.  In addition, Siu Tin's film THE GUILLOTINES (HUET DIK JI) will also be released this year.  Siu Tin spent two and a half months on THE GUILLOTINES, which was as difficult as "advanced military service".  however he thanked the "spicy instructor" Andrew Lau Wai Keung for advancing his "tough experience".  This film will be released in the summer.  Siu Tin will be absent from the premiere and the promotion.  However the team guaranteed a very special way for him to appear.

Siu Tin pointed out that Lau Wai Keung gave him countless "first times", like the first time he did 50 push ups, the first time he lost eight jin in four days, the first time he felt nauseous from all the wire work.  However in Siu Tin's eyes, Lau Wai Keung was still a very loving father.  When he turned 29, Lau Wai keung arranged for a secret celebration.  When he returned to his hotel room, the team emerged from the closet, behind the curtains and under the bed.  Seeing how pleased Lau Wai Keung was, Siu Tin could not help but break down.  Siu Tin also said that brothers who he "stayed up all night with, got hurt with and even got yelled at by the director with" Shawn Yue Man Lok, Huang Xiaoming and others were hard to forget.  He looked forward to their reunion after the end of his service.

[2012.02.01] ERIC TSANG SHOWS AUDIENCE APPRECIATION ON UA TIMES SQUARE'S FINAL NIGHT

courtesy of on.cc
Mak Cheung Ching, Wilson Chin, Eric Tsang, Susan Shaw, Samantha Ko, Stanley Fung
courtesy of takungpao.com

The Lunar New Year film I LOVE HONG KONG 2012 (2012 NGOR OI HK HEI SEUNG GA HEI) last night held an audience appreciation event at the Causeway Bay Times Square UA cinema with artists Eric Tsang Chi Wai, Samantha Ko Hoi Ning, Stanley Fung Shui Fan and Mak Cheung Ching.  Last night was also this UA cinema's final day of operation.  Chi Wai said that it was no big deal as it will only relocate upstairs.  As for the current location being rented to a high end retail store, Chi Wai pointed out that it proved Hong Kong tourism was doing well.  Did he feel that they had too many high end retail stores?  He pointed out that different people spent differently, taking care of everyone would be the best.  He said that Europe and Japan high end stores did poor business, but Hong Kong was doing well.  Of course it was better for tourists to come to Hong Kong than elsewhere.

Did Ko Hoi Ning's first love take place at this cinema?  She said that it was not here, but at the time she went to a movie with a guy and started dating.  Ko Hoi Ning was sorry that last night was this cinema's final day.  Fung Shui Fan said that he did not have much memory of this cinema because at his time the cinema screens were enormous.  Now many were mini cinemas so he did not go to the movies.  He also said that now the television screen was huge and not much different from going to the movies.  However he would miss it a little.  Mak Cheung Ching said that he had many memories of this cinemas because he often attended premieres.  He also came to the movies here.  He said that when he was little cinemas were much larger, only when watching with many people would the movie have atmosphere and a sense of resonance.  He believed now cinemas had a hard time and hoped that in the future fewer would close.  The best would be a cinema in every district.

[2012.02.01] ERIC TSANG CELEBRATES WITH A LITTLE FUN AT DONNIE YEN'S EXPENSE



JJ Jia
courtesy of on.cc
courtesy of singtao.com
courtesy of mingpao.com

courtesy of takungpao.com

Eric Tsang Chi Wai and Raymond Wong Pak Ming exchanged fire for the third Lunar New Year in a row, but Chi Wai won all three years.  This year he even won from the beginning to the end.  Two nights ago at
the celebration and the New Spring visit, Tsang Chi Wai even presented the "Universe Nemesis" to Stanley Fung Shui Fan (Gung Gor) who performed for two years in a row.  He said that completely because of him "the Strongest in the Universe" Donnie Yen Chi Tan was defeated, but Gung Gor said that those words scared him.  He worried that they would insult someone and said that after the event he would have to immediately fly out of Hong Kong.

I LOVE HONG KONG 2012 two days ago broke 15 million at the box office.  Two nights ago a New Year group visit and a celebration took place.  Tsang Chi Wai, Fung Shui Fan, Bosco Wong Chung Chak, Teresa Mo Shun Kwan and others attended.  Due to the third Lunar New Year victory in a row over Wong Pak Ming, Chi Wai wrote "Universe Nemesis" and presented the words to Gung Gor as he had fun at the expense of ALL'S WELL ENDS WELL 2011 (BAK SING PO HEI)'s "Strongest in the Universe" Yen Chi Tan.  Chi Wai said, "Over these two years Gung Gor helped a lot.  Gung Gor took care of 'the Strongest in the Universe' over these two years, one against ten your salary should be worth several tens of
millions.  Next time I will make IP MAN 4 with you."  Gung Gor could not turn it down fast enough.  "I am not sure what you are saying, right now I am a little scared.  I didn't say any of that!  Right after this I am taking a flight out!"

Later Gung Gor said that he was in Taiwan so he did not know about the box office.  Did he know who Yen Chi Tan was?  He joked, "I know, if I don't I would die even faster!"  He also said that the success of a movie was not due to just one person, the credit went to the entire group.  No one could say that it all depended on him, no one should joke about that.  Chi Wai said, "You won with a lot of room to spare.  When you were on top, Who knew where Chi Tan was."  Was Gung Gor very embarrassed?  He said, "No, I am only afraid that someone would be insulted."  Chi Wai also said, "With writing like that, Chi Tan next year will work for Wong Pak Ming for free just to win some bragging right back!"  Chi Wai later would make five or six films for Shaw.  Will he ask Gung Gor?  He said, "How can I do it without him, whenever we are against Chi Tan I have to get him."

Chi Wai also said that actually this year was a real victory over Wong Pak Ming.  The first year Wong Pak Ming won at first, later with more people going he barely won.  The second time at first they were tied but he finally won.  This year he won from the beginning to the end.  Chi Wai said, "This time was risky because I used TVB artists, no comparison to his big stars."  Speaking of Clifton Ko Chi Sum's criticism of current Lunar New Year films as "lacking choices", Chi Wai said, "He has already left this circle, he is working on a Lunar New Year play.  Even if he comes back he would be behind because the comedy is already different. However I would welcome him to join the fray next year.  (Yet he would only work with his girlfriend Perry Chiu Woon?)  I would cast Chiu Woon.  Actually Chiu Woon is very playful, I asked her to take part in THE TRIO DELIGHTS every time.  It's a waste for her to be just on the stage, Ko Chi Sum shouldn't have the monopoly."  Wheat Bread complained that Chi Wai last year promised everyone a vacation but has yet to come through.  Chi Wai said, "This year we have a chance, maybe in Japan!  (Next Lunar New Year will you compete with Wong Pak Ming?)  I will!  Competition is good."

Teresa Mo Shun Kwan two nights ago attended the I LOVE HONG KONG 2012 (2012 NGOR OI HK HEI SEUNG GA HEI) Lunar New Year group visit and celebration.  She was very happy about the ideal box office but she had reservations about whether she will participate again next year.  Has she and her family seen the film?  She said that she would wait for the video before watching it with her family because she worried that her youngest daughter would not understand and would ask her to explain.  Was she talking about the sexy scene?  She admitted, "Yes, I am a little scared, so I have to watch and explain at home."

Sister Mo revealed that later she will rest for awhile and will not work on a series.  She will have to move and go with her daughter to look for a school in Canada.  She said, "Moving to me is a big deal in life because every time I moved I got sick.  I even had to go to a hospital, maybe because I was in too much of a hurry.  This time I don't want to have such a hard time.  I am older too, I worry that I won't just go to the hospital but have to stay there.  I hope to move slowly."  Sister Mo has one more year before going to the university.  Because her daughter is a Canadian citizen, she will return to study there.  This year she will look for schools for her there.

Sister Mo's husband Tony Au Ting Ping's birthday will be on February 6, they originally planned to celebrate in Japan.  Yet they heard radiation rumors from friends and told her not to go to Tokyo.  If something happened, the Japanese government would hide it.  Thus she decided to cancel her trip.  yet Chi Wai planned to take the cast to Japan.  Sister Mo said, "If it's Chi Wai's treat, I would risk my life."

[2012.02.01] SAMMI CHENG EATS ONCE IN TWO WEEKS TO KEEP HER FACE SLIM

courtesy of singtao.com
courtesy of takungpao.com

Louis Koo Tin Lok and Sammi Cheng Sau Man earlier went to Shangri-La, Yunnan to work on the film ROMANCING IN THIN AIR (GO HOI BUT JI LUEN II).  When the film started production it was late winter and early spring, the mountain was filled with snow.  With the high altitude the production was more difficult.  Many workers fell ill due to the thin air.  Goo Jai and Sammi had many running scenes in the mountains, luckily they did not have altitude sickness.  Sammi said, "Goo Jai and I had to run on the mountains, he even had to carry me and run.  However I am used to exercising so I was OK."

With her asthma, Sammi this time took nebulizer with her to Yunnan but she did not need to use them.  When she and Goo Jai went to the Emei Mountain for LOVE FOR ALL SEASONS (BAK NIN HO HUP).  She said that in recent years she has been exercising, which indeed benefited her.  She was much stronger.  Sammi in the film had to cry until she was hoarse in many scenes.  She thought that physical hardship was no problem, but expressing emotions on the face was harder.  Many scenes were shot in a rush, sometimes she got into the mood to cry but the director would switch to shoot something more girly.  Often she could not switch mood in time.  Did she complain to Johnnie To Kei Fung?  She said that she always thought she was very lucky, having a director who would put an effort into shooting her and kept discovering what she could do.  She said, "He truly treats me very well, Mrs. To is afraid that I don't eat and often personally cook for me."  The director claimed that she ate once every two weeks, Sammi joked that she was afraid her face would look too big on the screen but her body was like a famine victim's.

Monday, January 30, 2012

[2012.01.31] THE VIRAL FACTOR BREAKS 130 MILLION

courtesy of on.cc
courtesy of singtao.com

The Dante Lam Chiu Yin directed, Nicholas Tse Ting Fung and Jay Chou (Chow Kit Lun) starred THE VIRAL FACTOR (YIK JIN) opened on January 17 in the Mainland, Hong Kong, Southeast Asia and North America.  As of January 28, its total box office broke HK$130 million.  According to Variety, THE VIRAL FACTOR came in fourth among 20 new releases in the U.S. and was the first Chinese film to land in the top five.  THE VIRAL FACTOR exceeded HK$100 million in the Mainland to become the Lunar New Year Spring Festival Chinese film that broke the 100 million mark the fastest.  In Hong Kong its opening box office already passed 2 million.

[2012.01.31] MICHAEL HUI SEES ANITA MUI IN HIS DREAM

courtesy of mingpao.com

Michael Hui Koon Man yesterday appeared on a Commercial Radio interview.  To raise fund for Suicide Prevention Services he will perform a stand up comedy show at the Hong Kong Coliseum.  On the program he joked about his late friend Anita Mui Yim Fong.  "Ah Mui after passing told me in a dream that God is a woman."

Hui Koon Man remembered when Ah Mui was alive she said that men no matter they are handsome or ugly, rich or poor love to "screw around".  Ah Mui's dream guy had to be rich and handsome, but she did not run into him in her lifetime.  Hui Koon Man at Ah Mui's funeral said to her photo, in Heaven she definitely will find a good man because all the men who love to "screw around" will not go to Heaven; Ah Mui told him in a dream that Heaven has no man because all men love to "screw around" and are sent to Hell.  Even God's husband is kicked out.

On the Lunar New Year's Eve, Hui Koon Man had a reunion dinner with his family.  Although Ricky Hui Koon Ying who passed away last year was missing, the family was even stronger and learned to cherish those around them.  "I have always loved Ah Ying, but I failed to express it.  In the past I only said no and not allowed to him.  (Sam) Hui Koon Kit always praised Ah Ying as very good so they were the closest.  He so far still has not completely adjusted to Ah Ying's passing."

[2012.01.31] CLIFTON KO LAMENTS ABOUT LUNAR NEW YEAR FILM QUALITY DECLINE

courtesy of takungpao.com

The Clifton Ko Chi Sum directed 80's Lunar New Year film IT'S A MAD MAD MAD WORLD (FU GWAI BIK YUN) two nights ago was screened at the Film Archive.  Ko Chi Sum attended in support and shared with the audience the production experience.

Ko Chi Sum said that the stars Lydia Shum Din Ha and Bill Tung Biu have already left.  Two nights ago when he watched again he felt very sentimental.  He pointed out that Shum Din Ha and Tung Biu were both television people back then, but the film company boss actually agreed for them to star.  He thought that the boss back then was very daring, and creative freedom was greater then than now.  Now the focus is on the cast and the production is overlooked, the production time is rushed, he even claimed that now Hong Kong film industry has no one with the courage to cast television artists as leads.  Many films are filled with head shots on one poster.  Has he watched this year's Lunar New Year films?  He said that he still has not mustered up the courage to watch.  If he had to choose he definitely would support his mentor Raymond Wong Pak Ming.  Will he make another Lunar New Year film again?  He said, "The environment now is different from back then.  Even if I have a good story, I still need the boss to have confidence to invest before I can."

Sunday, January 29, 2012

[2012.01.30] TERESA MO GIVES HER SEXIEST TO ERIC TSANG

courtesy of mingpao.com

Eric Tsang Chi Wai and Teresa Mo Shun Kwan team up again during the Lunar New Year for the film I LOVE HONG KONG 2012 (2012 NGOR OI HK HEI SEUNG GA HEI).  Mo Mo would even make a sacrifice for art as her most daring sexy performance in her film career was one of the film's secret weapon.  Mo Mo said, "No one has seen me with so little clothing, displaying the career line during an erotic dance.  Everything is real.  During the shoot the set was clear to a certain level.  When the crew saw this scene they were all wowed."  She worried that her revealing performance would frighten her family, thus she would deliberately invite her husband and daughters to the show.

As the producer and lead actor, Chi Wai was unwilling to have his thunder shown and came up with his own pleasant surprise.  He said, "I would have many costumes and dress up as certain characters so the viewers would smile from their hearts."  Mo Mo thought Chi Wai's performance was hilarious.  He did not like to follow the script, he always improvised.  Chi Wai spoke of this Lunar New Year film was made according to the audience demand.  He hoped to add some atmosphere to the New Year.  The script initially had Miriam Yeung Chin Wa and Carol Cheng Yui Ling in mind, but the script was not be written according to their personalities.  With Chin Wa's pregnancy she turned it down.  He then thought of his old partner Mo Mo, along with Stanley Fung Shui Fan, Denise Ho Wan Si, Bosco Wong Chung Chak, Lok Wing, 3F national bust goddess Zhang Xinyu and a group of TVB artists they had a little fun and the result was very satisfying.

Chi Wai praised Ho Wan Si's acting as having her own style and had shades of her mentor Anita Mui Yim Fong.  Ah Si and Wong Chung Chak's kiss scene was the most memorable for him.  Chi Wai joked, "Because I have never seen Ah Si kiss a guy."

Although Mo Mo might be a second choice, she did not mind at all.  "I don't care, I get paid and the role is right for me.  I couldn't agree any faster.  In addition comedy partner is very hard to find, on this rare occasion the co-star is old partner Chi Wai.  We have chemistry so we have more fun."

[2012.01.30] CHRISSIE CHAU STRIKES AGAIN AS BAUHINIA WOMAN


courtesy of on.cc
courtesy of takungpao.com

Yesterday was People Day.  Chrissie Chau Sau Na appeared at an event in her Bauhinia Woman costume.  She not only played games with fans but also gave away fortune bags and laisee to a group of seniors as they celebrated People Day together.

Her new film BAUHINIA HEROINE (JI GAING HUP) will not start production until July and be released in 2013.  However the film has already started promoting before its production even started.  The film company spent seven figures to rent poster space on two buses.  Starting this year the buses will travel throughout Hong Kong.  Has she met the real Bauhinia Woman?  She said, "No, but I hope the film could achieve the intention of telling everyone to care more about their communities and people around them."

Saturday, January 28, 2012

[2012.01.29] JEANA HO PLAYS WITH LEAVES WHILE ON BREAK

courtesy of on.cc
Earlier pseudo model Jeana Ho Pui Yu and Mr member Dash worked together on the film LIVES IN FLAMES (HEI SAI YIU GWUN).  While waiting for their shoot they played with leaves.  Dash even joked online, "Leaves can provide covering for the body."  Obviously he was poking at Jeana who was showing off her career line!

[2012.01.29] STEPHEN CHOW CHINESE ODYSSEY LEADS THE COMEBACK

Derek Yee feels pure Hong Kong films cannot find financing
John Chong feels Stephen Chow's NEW CHINESE ODYSSEY will be able to break the Chinese film Hong Kong box office record
Daneil Lam is less than optimistic about Stephen Chow's new film box office
courtesy of mingpao.com

Co-Productions Drag Hong Kong Films Down

The Giddens Ko directed, Michelle Chen, Ko Chen-Tung starred Taiwan film YOU ARE THE APPLE OF MY EYE broke Stephen Chow Sing Chi's KUNG FU HUSTLE HK$61.27 million highest grossing Chinese film Hong Kong box office record with a total box office of 61,801,081 and left "Eastern Hollywood" Hong Kong film industry in shame.  Will Hong Kong film be able to fend off the competition and regain the box office championship?  Let's keep our eyes open and see.

John Chong Sees Sing Yeh As Favorite To Break YOU Record

In 2012 Hong Kong film market will have many giant production releases, including the Chow Yun Fat, Aaron Kwok Fu Sing and Donnie Yen Chi Tan starred THE MONKEY KING (DAI LAU TIN GUNG), Jackie Chan's CHINESE ZODIAC (SUP YI SUN CHIU), Andy Lau Tak Wa and Lin Chiling's DWELLING IN THE FUCHUN MOUNTAINS, and Stephen Chow Sing Chi's NEW CHINESE ODYSSEY (SAI YAU GEI ji CHUI MOR OI JUEN).  Sing fans have been starved for four years so his new film will have hope to regain the glory of Hong Kong.  Media Asia vice chair John Chong Ching favors the idea, but Derek Yee Tung Sing and Universe Entertainment company boss Daneil Lam Siu Ming disagree.  They deeply feel that Hong Kong film will have difficulty with creating another miracle locally.  Looking north to China gives Hong Kong film professionals a new direction, but when they accommodate Mainland viewer tastes Hong Kong audience's "co-production" resistance becomes a burden.  Hong Kong film is dying, you know?

Daneil Lam Is Less Optimistic About Stephen Chow

Many, including Giddens Ko, hope Chow Sing Chi's new film NEW CHINESE ODYSSEY will break YOU's record.  Chong Ching feels it will have a chance.  "Sing Yeh is so talented, with all the starving Sing fans the box office will have certain motivation."

Derek Yee: Non Co-Production Has Financing Difficulties

Lam Siu Ming does not feel that Chow Sing Chi's CHINESE ODYSSEY will be able to break YOU's record.  "Sing Yeh's last film CJ7 (CHEUNG GONG CHUT HO) struggled to pass 50 million at the box office.  Actually this isn't Chow Sing Chi's problem, but the overall market's problem.  This is the general trend, everyone have to 'co-productions'.  Hong Kong viewers want to see Hong Kong films, but don't want to see any 'co-production'.  Yet now basically everything is 'co-production'.  Without co-production movies don't have funding.  Film ultimately is a merchandise, if you make a Hong Kong film with a 10 million budget you can't even hire actors.  Now actors are used to making 'Yun Jai' (RMB), how can they be willing to accept 2 million in salary?  If you don't approach them, plenty of directors in the Mainland would; you can't make movies that cost more than 50 million either, with only the Hong Kong market it is impossible.  You can't go back.  Ultimately no one is willing to invest in a purely Hong Kong film, this is a problem of the chicken and the egg!  Even Chow Sing Chi has to make 'co-productions'.  CJ7 was a co-production, Universe this year will make a few movies, all of which will be 'co-productions'."

Yee Tung Sing agrees with Lam Siu Ming, "co-production" is at fault for Hong Kong film market's fall.  "'Co-productions' have subject restrictions, many subjects can't be made and movies can't speak freely.  The results often lack power and become terrible to watch.  Helplessly non 'co-productions' have difficulties with financing.  If you spend 10 million on a purely Hong Kong film, it will be very hard to make and won't be attractive.  I want to make PROTEGE (MOON TOH) sequel and ONE NITE IN MONGKOK (WONG GOK HAK YEH) continuation, but when the subjects get to the Mainland market I don't want to accommodate the Mainland market and change the concept and certain plots."  He feels that the world goes round and round, Taiwan film has fallen for 20 years and now finally has shaken itself off.  Hong Kong films look north and accommodating the Mainland market has become an inevitable fact.  Because the Mainland population the box office return is strong.  Last year the box office reached 13 billion yuan RMB, naturally it has more investors as funding floods in; he believes after a few battles the film industry will look completely different.

Although Chow Sing Chi's NEW CHINESE ODYSSEY is a 'co-production', everyone still is waiting for Hong Kong film to return to glory.  The film costs over 100 million yuan and finally has completed production after more than three months.  Currently it is conducting massive post production special effect production in Korea.  It should be able to be released this year.

Media Asia Invades the Mainland

Chong Ching feels that YOU was a coincidence, only a movie that is suitable for young people.  He also believes that Giddens Ko will not deliberately make a movie to break a record.  "If he deliberately makes a movie to break YOU's box office, the movie may not be good.  Thus Media Asia's future big films first have to be good movies.  Future movies will still target the Mainland market, including the 100 million Johnnie To Kei Fung directed, Andy Lau Tak Wa and Sammi Cheng Sau Man starred BLIND DETECTIVE (MAN TAM), Lin Chiling and Lau Tak Wa starred DWELLING ON THE FUCHUN MOUNTAINS.  Both are 'co-productions' because minding only the Hong Kong market truly is very dangerous."

Film in order to accommodate the Mainland market, will Hong Kong film have difficulty recovering its lost ground?  Chong Ching says, "This is a return rate issue, Mainland return rate is high.  In 2011 top ten Hong Kong film box office, 3 movies THE LOST BLADESMAN (GUAN WON CHEUNG), MR. AND MRS. INCREDIBLE (SUN KEI HUP NUI) and LIFE WITHOUT PRINCIPLE (DUET MING GUM) only made 8 million.  With Hong Kong releases, anything less than 10 million at the box office is a failure."

2012 ANTICIPATED FILM RELEASES
FilM: ROMANCING IN THIN AIR (GO HOI BUT JI LUEN II)
Cast: Louis Koo Tin Lok, Sammi Cheng Sau Man
Release Date: Mid February

Film: LOVE IN THE BUFF (CHUN GIU YU JI MING)
Cast: Miriam Yeung Chin Wa, Shawn Yue Man Lok
Release Date: March

Film: A SIMPLE LIFE (TOH JEH)
Cast: Andy Lau Tak Wa, Deanie Ip Tak Han
Release Date: Mid March

Film: FIRST TIME
Cast: Angelababy, Mark Chao (Chiu Yau Ting)
Release Date: March

Film: NIGHTFALL (DAI JUI BO)
Cast: Nick Cheung Ka Fai, Simon Yam Tat Wa, Kay Tse On Kay
Release Date: Mid March

Film: MOTORWAY (CHEH SAU)
Cast: Anthony Wong Chau Sun, Shawn Yue Man Lok
Release Date: Tentatively May

Film: DIVA
Cast: Joey Yung Cho Yi, Mag Lam Yun Tung, Chapman To Man Jat
Release Date: June

Film: THE LAST SUPPER
Cast: Daniel Wu (Ng Yin Cho), Liu Ye, Chang Chen
Release Date: Mid June

Film: THE GUILLOTINES (HUET DIK JI)
Cast: Huang Xiaoming, Ethan Juan (Yuen King Tin), Shawn Yue Man Lok
Release Date: Tentatively July

Film: VANISHING BULLET (SIU SUT DIK JI DAN)
Cast: Nicholas Tse Ting Fung, Lau Ching Wan, Mini Yang Mi
Release Date: Mid July

Film: CHINESE ZODIAC (SUP YI SUN CHIU)
Cast: Jackie Chan
Release Date: December 12

Film: NEW CHINESE ODYSSEY (SAI YAU GEI ji CHUI MOR OI JUEN)
Cast: Stephen Chow Sing Chi, Shu Qi, Wen Zhang
Release Date: Tentatively Year End

Film: THE MONKEY KING (DAI LAU TIN GUNG)
Cast: Chow Yun Fat, Aaron Kwok Fu Sing, Donnie Yen Chi Tan
Release Date: Tenatively Year End

Film: WINDSEEKER (TING FUNG JEH)
Cast: Tony Leung Chiu Wai, Zhou Xun, Wang Xueqi
Release Date: To Be Determined

Film: BAUHINIA WOMAN (JI GAING HUP)
Cast: Chrissie Chau Sau Na
Release Date: To Be Determined

Film: 3D THE ICEMAN COMETH (3D GUP DUNG KEI HUP)
Cast: Donnie Yen Chi Tan
Release Date: To Be Determined

Film: SAVING GENERAL YANG (JUNG LIT YEUNG GA JEUNG)
Cast: Dior Cheng Yi Kin, Wu Chun, Raymond Lam Fung
Release Date: To Be Determined

[2012.01.09] PREGNANT KELLY CHEN ATTENDS SPRING BANQUET






People fight to greet Donnie Yen for his laisee
courtesy of on.cc
courtesy of singtao.com



courtesy of mingpao.com

courtesy of takungpao.com

Pegasus Motion Pictures last night held its spring banquet, many in the industry came in support like Raymond Lam Fung, Louis Koo Tin Lok, Kelly Chen Wai Lam, Sandra Ng Kwan Yu, Ronald Cheng Chung Kei and others.  Speaking of ALL'S WELL ENDS WELL 2012 (BAK SING PO HEI)'s Hong Kong box office defeat at the hands of Eric Tsang Chi Wai's I LOVE HONG KONG 2012 (2012 NGOR OI HK HEI SEUNG GA HEI), ALL'S boss Raymond Wong Pak Ming ridiculed Chi Wai's movie for not having a Mainland market and stated that next year he will keep going.  He said, "Why not compete when we can?"

Last night many artists appeared and gave away big laisees so everyone was pleased.  Speaking of this year's ALL'S WELL ENDS WELL 2012 disappointing box office, Wong Pak Ming was not disappointed and stressed that it was expected.  He said, "This year has many film releases, so far its Hong Kong box office is 7 million.  However its Mainland, Singapore and Malaysia responses have been decent.  The Mainland box office has already passed 70 million and passing 100 million won't be hard."  Pak Ming stressed that it had profit, this time the word of mouth was even better than last year's ALL'S WELL ENDS WELL 2011 (JUI KEUNG HEI SI).  As for losing to Chi Wai for a third year in a row, he did not admit defeat.  "Chi Wai('s movie) isn't in the Mainland!  (He won in Hong Kong?)  Then congratulations to him!"

Speaking of Chi Wai revealing that he sent a text message to Wong Pak Ming but has not received any reply, he denied that and only blamed it on him not being in Hong Kong.  "I am not afraid that he would be mad, I am happy for Chi Wai!  Next Year I will keep making Lunar New Year films, why not compete when we can!"  Will he congratulate Chi Wai when he will return on the Lunar 8th, Wong Pak Ming joked, "Let's wait until he is really back first!"  Wong Pak Ming also revealed that this year he will invest on three films.  SAVING GENERAL YANG (YEUNG GA JEUNG) will be released at the end of the year.  In April Vincent Kok Tak Siu's NAM YUN YU YI FOOK (MEN ARE LIKE CLOTHES) will start production; however, the new film with old couple Ronald Cheng Chung Kei and Miriam Yeung Chin Wai will have to be negotiated again due to Chin Wa's pregnancy.

Seven months pregnant, Chen Wai Lam admitted that she has already gained over ten pounds and joked that her appetite was even greater than her husband's.  "I keep eating salty and sweet things, it's very hard to control."  Kelly said that now once her husband was full she would try to stop.  Does her son "Shrimp Dumpling Kid" know that he will soon be an older brother?  Kelly said, "He knows that Mama has a baby in her belly and knows where he came from.  He would even pretend to crawl back inside to come back out again!"  She revealed that during the Lunar New Year she brought "Shrimp Dumpling Kid" on Lunar New Year visits and her friends and family gave laisee to both "Shrimp Dumpling Kid" and the baby in her belly.  When will she be able to break even?  Kelly helplessly said, "It's impossible, I calculated that both of their lifetimes won't be on par with tonight, tonight I will give six figure in laisee."  Last night she wore flats, she joked that now she could not even see her feet so dressing pretty would be useless.  "Now I don't like to sit because standing up I look like a pregnant lady!"  Andy Lau Tak Wa earlier admitted that his wife Chu Lai Sin was carrying a little dragon maiden.  Kelly stated that she would like to make a match.  She said, "'Little Juicy Bun' matches her.  If not that I will tell 'Shrimp Dumpling Kid' to take the place!"  She joked that this time she was rich because Wa Jai's daughter will have a lot in dowry.

Ng Kwan Yu was linked to Winnie Yu Tseng years ago.  Last night Kwan Yu appeared at the spring banquet and became the focus.  Recently Yu Tseng and Pansy Ho Chiu King were caught holding hands in Europe.  Kwan Yu coldly responded, "I didn't see the news, I don't know.  As long as they are happy it's fine.  It's got nothing to do with me.  Don't ask about other people."  She joked that she and her daughter constantly held hands too.

As for a dragon baby, she responded, "I have to rest for half a year before even trying, but I still have two movies on hand."  Kwan Yu admitted her body was like an animal's, one day without a child was like ten.  As for advice from her good friend Andy Lau Tak Wa, she said, "I can handle my own deal.  Telling him to raise me too sounds more like it."  As for Louis Koo Tin Lok recently he has been working on his new film DRUG WAR (DUK JIN) in Tianjin.  Goo jai said, "The low temperature there was seven degrees below zero (Celsius), we still have awhile on the shoot."  Speaking of ALL'S WELL ENDS WELL 2012's mediocre Hong Kong box office, he hoped that next time will be even better.  Actors have to do their part.  As for whether he will work on another Lunar New Year film next year it will depend on whether the boss will invest.