From: NO TOP TEN CENTRAL Newsgroups: alt.asian-movies,soc.culture.hongkong.entertainment Subject: [TAKE OVER] HKSAR Film No Top 10 Box Office (December 29 2011) Organization: Chaffing Heart Club (TM) The following publication contains material that might be objectionable to some readers. Parental guidance and reader discretion are advised. [FLUFF OF THE WEEK] Courtesy of Ming Pao, Sing Tao Daily, Apple Daily, Oriental Daily, and Ta Kung Pao 1. THIS TOP 10 IS DEDICATED TO A. Jerry Yan (Yin Sing Yuk) who celebrates his birthday on the 1st B. Kenny Kwan Chi Bun who celebrates his birthday on the 30th C. Janice Man Wing Shan who celebrates her birthday on the 29th 2. MISCELLANEOUS * (2012/01/04) Nick Cheung Ka Fai earlier played the revenge character in his new film NIGHTFALL (DAI JUI BO) went on a crazy diet and training regiment. Two nights ago Ka Fai along with co-stars Janice Man Wing Shan, Dou Xiao, director Roy Chow Hin Yeung and boss Bill Kong Chi Keung went for hot pot casserole in Wan Chai to make up for lost time. Ka Fai said, "Actually I don't usually binge eat and drink, mainly after the film was finished everyone wanted to get together like an early Lunar New Year reunion." Ka Fai said that he would take some time off until after the Lunar New Year. The film has already been sold to the U.S. and has interest from Japan, Singapore and Malaysia. Janice Man and Dou Xiao actually only worked together for two days but they got along famously, as they talked about cars and music. * (2012/01/04) The 2011 film box office and release numbers have been summed up. 276 first run films were released with a total box office of HK$1,392,173,468, a rise of almost 4% from 2010's 286 film releases and total revenue of HK$1,339,103,136. TRANSFORMERS: DARK OF THE MOON with HK$84.7 million topped the non Hong Kong film chart. YOU ARE THE APPLE OF MY EYE with in third with 61.29 million as it defeated PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN ON STRANGER TIDES, KUNG FU PANDA 2 and MISSION IMPOSSIBLE GHOST PROTOCOL. YOU not only broke Stephen Chow Sing Chi's highest Chinese film box office record but now even beat strong foreign films and animation for third place on the non Hong Kong film box office. Among the Hong Kong film chart, 3D SEX AND ZEN: EXTREME ECSTASY (3D YUK PO TUEN ji GIK LOK BO GAM) with HK$41.07 million was on top. In second place was HK$26.68 million I LOVE HONG KONG (NGOR OI HK HOI SUM MAN SHUI). In third was HK$24.01 million OVERHEARD 2 (SIT TING FUNG WON 2). SHAOLIN (SUN SIU LUM JI) and ALL'S WELL ENDS WELL 2011 (JUI KEUNG HEI SI) with HK$20.51 million and 20.32 million was in fourth and fifth respectively. As for Chinese language films, YOU was the year's box office champion. Still in release it already accumulated HK$61.4 million and topped the current release box office chart. After five days in release, the Michael Tse Tin Wa and Francis Ng Chun Yu starred TURNING POINT 2 (LAUGHING GOR ji CHIM JUI FAN) with 4.47 million came in tenth. 2011 TOP TEN NON HONG KONG FILM BOX OFFICE 1. TRANSFORMERS: DARK OF THE MOON 2. HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS 3. YOU ARE THE APPLE OF MY EYE (In Release) 4. PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN ON STRANGER TIDES 5. KUNG FU PANDA 2 6. MISSION IMPOSSIBLE: GHOST PROTOCOL (In Release) 7. X-MEN FIRST CLASS 8. JOHNNY ENGLISH REBORN 9. THE RISE OF THE PLANET OF THE APES 10. SHERLOCK HOLMES: A GAME OF SHADOWS (In Release) 2011 Top Ten Hong Kong Film Box Office 1. 3D SEX AND ZEN: EXTREME ECSTASY 2. I LOVE HONG KONG 3. OVERHEARD 2 4. SHAOLIN 5. ALL'S WELL ENDS WELL 2011 6. DON'T GO BREAKING MY HEART 7. LET THE BULLETS FLY 8. LIFE WITHOUT PRINCIPLE 9. MR. AND MRS. INCREDIBLE 10. THE LOST BLADESMAN * (2012/01/04) The Jingle Ma Chor Sing directed inspirational women's racing film SPEED ANGELS (GIK CHOOK TIN SI) will open in Hong Kong on January 5th. Tang Wei in the film had a touching romance with racing coach Han Jae-Suk. Tang Wei in the film played a taxi driver who the Han Jae-Suk discovered racing coach discovered and recruited into the Chinese racing team. Tang Wei in the opening already had a very exciting car chase that she had to demonstrate drifting in. Racing coach Jimmy Lin said that Tang Wei was truly a ferocious driver. When she ran into any obstacle, she stepped on the gas pedal instead of the brake -- a response of a professional driver's potential. Tang Wei pointed out that the character was like her when she was little. In the story Han Jae-Suk trained Tang Wei into a professional driver, they grew closer but Han Jae-Suk promised "a coach could not fall in love with a driver". Tang Wei was anxious and ran into a truck. Han Jae-Suk rushed to the scene and took her to the hospital. Despite of injury Tang Wei still competed. Director Ma Chor Sing hoped that the audience would become Tang Wei and for everyone to see how she raced from last place. In the past year, everyone had stress, laughter and tears. He made this film for viewers to have fun and speed into the new year. * (2012/01/04) Tony Leung Chiu Wai's EAGLE SHOOTING HEROES (DUNG SING SAI JAU) Aladdin look appeared again on the screen. In Middle Eastern costume he in THE GREAT MAGICIAN (DAI MOR SHOOK SI) rode a flying carpet, played with fire and even charmed a snake. Wai Jai even joked that if the magic lamp was real, he would transfer all the wishes to those in need so even more people would receive love. When asked if he had the magic lamp's power, how he would use his wishes, Wai Jai without hesitation would donate the wishes. "We are already blessed with food and clothing. If I can I would donate all the wishes to fulfill the dreams of those in need. Like in the movie, being able to bring joy to those in the audience is something that is worth me doing." In this scene, Wai Jai flew, played with fire and charmed a snake. Wai Jai said that flying freely was one of his dreams. "Being able to fly in the sky is a huge joy in life. Being able to fly in a movie, I already considered the wish fulfilled." Also, Wai Jai even played with fire in the film. He said that the audience saw a seemingly simple fire trick that actually took a lot of time and effort. "In general magic is rather low risk, but fire can do bodily harm. Thus its operation requires care. In the film I even made a big fire ball. Everyone could feel its power from the screen." Children surrounded Ching Wan in the audience. With several dozen children around him, Ching Wan joked that he was so dizzy that he was seeing stars. When asked when he would have his own, he joked that he was already a "big kid" and was afraid that with a child the home might be turned upside down. * (2012/01/03) Liu Kai Chi and Elaine Kam Yin Ling in the Dante Lam Chiu Yin directed THE VIRAL FACTOR (YIK JIN) played estranged brothers Nicholas Tse Ting Fung and Jay Chou (Chow Kit Lun)'s parents. Uncle Chi has already worked with Ting Fung many times and had chemistry with him long ago. Uncle Chi said that in the film Kam Yin Ling and Ting Fung would have an emotional scene. He remembered that the temperature reached 40 degrees Celsius during the shoot but they still had to wear thick coats. Uncle Chi said that after his scene he stayed to watch and their performance touched him very much. Although he and Kam Yin Ling played a couple in the film, they did not have any scene together officially. Kam Yin Ling regretted that and could only hope for another chance to work together next time. Kam Yin Ling said that she already played Ting Fung's mother for the second time. The last time was in METADE FUMACA (BOON JI YIN). At the time Ting Fung was only 19. Now he has already experienced a lot and a father. She said that back that Ting Fung did not say much but had great work ethics. He did not have any bad habit and was very professional. This time she only had one scene with Ting Fung but this scene was very heavy emotionally. During the shoot Ting Fung was facing his marriage problems. Did they communicate before the shoot? Kam Yin Ling said that they did not chat as they were preparing on their own. She praised Ting Fung for his very suitable control on his emotions. During the shoot he did not exceed the limit and was unaffected by his personal life. As for Chow Kit Lun, Kam Yin Ling admitted that she has not seen his work before so she quested whether he could act. Yet after working together she realized that his acting actually was decent and better than she imagined. She pointed out that everyone have their own bright spots. The emotions that Chow Kit Lun expressed in the film was not easy, but he performed it with his own unique ways. Uncle Chi said that Chow Kit Lun's eyes put him under their spell and had a type of charm to them. * (2012/01/02) Taiwan film YOU ARE THE APPLE OF MY EYE producer Angie Chai, writer and director Giddens Ko, lead actor and actress Ko Chen-Tung and Michelle Chen yesterday officially announced that the film after 73 days in release with a box office of HK$61,295,651 (as of December 31 2011) the film successfully broke the $61,278,897 box office record that Stephen Chow Sing Chi's KUNG FU HUSTLE set 7 years ago to be the highest grossing Chinese film in Hong Kong history. Reportedly the team would make a romantic mystery. Ko Chen-Tung and Michelle Chen both had no idea. Giddens Ko also said that the report was made up; Angie Chai said that Giddens Ko did not understand the reporters' Cantonese questions, which led to the trouble. Giddens Ko said, "The romantic mystery report was made up, actually my plans have been very confidential even with reporters asked. Now so far I haven't planned to make another film with the same team." What ideas did he have lately? He said, "I won't say them, only my girlfriend would know. Even Sister Chai doesn't know." Producer Angie Chai revealed that YOU will compete a film festival in Italy in April. She thought it was wonderful because earlier Michelle Chen said that she would go to Italy to celebrate the box office success, now her wish came true. Giddens Ko hoped that YOU's record would only be temporary. "Because I like Sing Yeh too much, too too too too too much. I like him so much that I think anyone would like to see Sing Yeh's comeback with a new movie. YOU's box office record looks forward to Sing Yeh's new film breaking it." * (2012/01/02) Stepping into 2012, music industry's second report card Commercial Radio 2011 Chik Chak Pop Music Chart Award took place last night and presented 43 awards. Eason Chan Yik Shun and Joey Yung Cho Yi again received the Male and Female Singer Gold Prize. Khalil Fong Datong won eight and two third awards in multiple capacity to become the big winner. Hacken Lee Hak Kun who vanished from Commercial Radio due to airplay rate received an award again. Five years later he personally accepted the award. Fong Datong's personal creation VERY UNEASY won the Best Song, four awards as song and lyrics writer, song arrangement and performance. He again with 15 won Best Record, then received the Song Writer Award, the Creative Singer Award and Male Singer silver prize. As one of the three producers on his record, he also received 1/3 of the award. With eight and two third awards he became the big winner. Miriam Yeung Chin Wa again won My Favorite Female Singer. Eason called her and accepted the award on her behalf. Chan Yik Shun himself also won My Favorite Male Singer for the seventh year. When Male Singer gold and silver prize were announced, Eason and Fong Datong went to the stage together. Eason grabbed him by the neck and pretended to kiss. They held hands as they went to the stage. Finally Eason won the gold prize for the eighth time. "Years ago, I slowly treated Chik Chak as my home. I wasn't as nervous as I used to be. This warmth is from everyone. I am the happiest that after being a singer for over a decade my biggest gain is this warmth." Eason sounded hoarse during his performance. Sammy praised him for insisting on singing live despite the danger to his vocal cord. Winning female singer gold prize for the seventh time, Joey held Denise Ho Wan Si's hand tightly when she won the bronze prize; when Joey won the gold prize they embraced. Joey said that for her seventh female singer gold prize she did not feel used to it because every year was a big challenge. Joey hinted that Ah Si who was reluctant to attend award shows finally appeared as well. "Sometimes comments and other people's angles are different, but both are based out of love." My Favorite Song went to the Hu Xia sang THOSE YEARS. William So Wing Hong's THAT SOMEBODY only lost by a nose. However the film and the song both were favorites to win. Hu Xia again thanked Hong Kong people's passion for this film and song. Hu Xia deliberately flew from Beijing to attend. Host Sammy with his less than fluent Mandarin joked around, not expecting Hu Xia to say, "Actually I know Cantonese!" Then he introduced himself in Cantonese and wished fans, "Happy New Year!" Chik Chak Top Ten had many new faces, aside from Hu Xia's THOSE YEARS, So Wing Hong, Kary Ng Yu Fei and Paul Wong Koon Chung all agreed that they have not accepted a Commercial Radio award in a long time. After years of running afoul with Commercial Radio, Hacken with the song HEAVENLY RIVER again broke into the Chik Chak Top Ten. Five years later he personally accepted the award, "Due to age, I can't coordinate with the event and dressed exaggeratedly." Wong Koon Chun with the song CAN'T BRING ME DOWN won Chik Chak Top Ten. In a tiger print coast Paul said, "I haven't been here for years, Happy new Year. I have to thank the event, the DJs, playing my song isn't inevitable. I also have to thank my band, my previous one Beyond, I don't know what to say." Then he said to the singers in the audience. "I just said that you are my students. Remember to pay your tuition." Wong Yuen Chi with DOOMSDAY broke into the Chik Chak Top Ten for the first time. She cried as she said, "This is my first Top Ten, thank you fans, all the singers in the audience, sorry. As soon as I cry I lose control, I have never cried so much on stage. Cheung King Hin thank you, thank you everyone, I will keep working hard." In the audience Cheung King Hin was teary eyed. Carol Cheng Yui Ling announced the Rookie top three. She joked that ordinarily she would only present some heavyweight awards. Young Master Jim immediately said, "You have to sleep at night, the heavyweight awards won't happen until past midnight. You will already be in your see through nightgown and holding your red wine in preparation for bed!" When Joyce Cheng Yun Yi won the bronze prize, Do Do said sentimentally, "I once worked with this one's mama. At the time Mama constantly said, if in the future her daughter would be in the business she definitely would be successful. I believe your Mommy today would have definitely been very happy!" Yun Yi was all choked up, "I said I wouldn't cry. I am very happy to win this award. Actually I have always been a girl who lack self confidence." When Dodo introduced Rookie gold prize winner Alfred Hui Ting Hung she lightly hummed his number one hit ANT but she was off key, leaving the audience cracking up. CHIK CHAK COMMERCIAL RADIO HONG KONG AWARD 2011 Best Song: VERY UNEASY (Khalil Fong) 2. THOSE YEAR (Wu Xia) 3. SNOW IN JUNE (Eason Chan) 4. CAN'T BRING ME DOWN (Paul Wong) 5. WALLPAPER (Joey Yung) 6. DOOMSDAY (Ivana Wong) 7. HEAVENLY RIVER (Hacken Lee) 8. THAT SOMEONE (William So) 9. I MYSELF (Kary Ng) 10. BRIGHT SUNNY DAY (Endy Chow) Song Writer: Khalil Fong Lyrics Writer: Wyman Wong Producer: Shu Man Song Arrangement: Eric Kwok Creative Singer Gold: Khalil Fong Silver: Endy Chow Bronze: Ivana Wong Rookie Gold: Alfred Hui Silver: Mag Lam Bronze: Joyce Cheng Male Singer Gold: Eason Chan Silver: Khalil Fong Bronze: Pakho Chau Female Singer Gold: Joey Yung Silver: Kay Tse Bronze: Densie Ho Chik Chak Group Gold: C AllStar Silver: Mr. Bronze: Wildchild My Favorite Male Singer: Eason Chan My Favorite Female Singer: Miriam Yeung My Favorite Group: C AllStar My Favorite Song: THOSE YEARS (Wu Xia) * (2012/01/01) Donnie Yen Chi Tan for the Lunar New Year film ALL'S WELL ENDS WELL 2012 (BAK SING PO HEI) played a rocker and let go along with co-star Sandra Ng Kwan Yu for comedy. After his earlier rock look his new song's music video was released today to celebrate the New Year. Chi Tan with long hair and a guitar reprised Sam Hui Koon Kit's classic hits GENIUS AND IDIOT and GENIUS IDIOT DREAM and was quite a pleasant surprise. Even his wife Cissy Wang joked, "I have never seen my hubby like this!" She joked that with just a glimpse she thought Chi Tan changed nationalities. Chi Tan who changed from his always serious ways was very satisfied with his look. "Originally when boss (Raymond) Wong Pak Ming asked me to play this character, I was supposed to be a soccer player. However I regained my confidence in music so I suggested the change to a rocker. I spent two months before the shoot on guitar practice, my friends said that I played convincingly. Hopefully viewers would like it." Reportedly, Wong Pak Ming was interested with the film's DVD release to release a solo record for Chi Tan to fulfill his singer dream. Chi Tan humbly said, "This time I am just messing around so I have no pressure, but I really never thought about invading the music scene. I don't think I am ready yet." Actually when Chi Tan was working on television he already performed a series theme song. More than a decade later, he again returned to the studio for acting. Chi Tan still thought it was refreshing. "Hui Koon Kit is a singer who I have always admired. Being able to sing his work, I am very happy. (Will you compete for the music rookie award next year?) I wouldn't mind, but the most important is for viewers to see my sincerity." * (2012/01/01) Zhang Jingchu in the new film DWELLING IN FUCHUN MOUNTAIN needed to be dressed up like a mummy. Her entire head was wrapped up as her face and neck had many layers of special made material, leaving only her nostrils for breathing. For several hours straight she not only could not move but she also could not even breathe hard. Her skin also suffered. Aside from this scene, Zhang Jingchu earlier shot a water scene in the cold that was also quite tough. She said, "As an actor, acting well is my duty. I should suffer occasionally." * (2012/01/01) Ethan Juan (Yuen King Tin) in the film LOVE played a straight laced guy but turned into a nude star as director Doze Niu Chen-Zer stormed the bathroom for a photo of him. The film will be released during Valentine's Day and the related video was already unveiled in advance on YouTube. In one scene Siu Tin was in the bathroom in all his glory, but was not prepared for the director's surprise shoot. Siu Tin was stunned and stuttered that it was too much as he demanded the director to close the door. His bathroom photo was "censored" for everyone's pleasure and already has over 27,000 hits. Siu Tin helplessly joked after the prank, "Would you like to ask me what being a nude star feels like?" * (2012/01/01) The Giddens Ko directed, Michelle Chen and Ko Chen-Tung starred Taiwan film YOU ARE THE APPLE OF MY EYE has been released in Hong Kong for 73 days. Yesterday before 2011 ended it finally broke Stephen Chow Sing Chi's KUNG FU HUSTLE HK$61,278,697 Chinese film highest grossing record. While it earned pride for Taiwan film that has been silent for many years, Hong Kong film also had to hurry and catch up to win back the throne! YOU as of two days ago had 61.24 million at the cumulative box office, 30,000 away from KUNG FU HUSTLE's 61.27 million. Thus investors and the distribution company was fully confident that the record would be broken before 2011 ended. Yesterday around dusk, the distribution company already sent out the good news and stated with the current ticket sale calculation the film has already broken KUNG FU HUSTLE's box office record. As for the actual number and how much it beat KUNG FU HUSTLE by, it had to wait until all shows ended. The press release would not come until the early morning to announce YOU's actual record breaking figures. Director Giddens Ko last night around 7PM already reported the good news excitedly and posted online that at 6:45PM YOU has already broken the Hong Kong Chinese film record. He said, "Just now, it's broken! Broken broken broken broken! YOU on the last day of 2011 at 18:45 at night successfully took over the top spot in a flash! Thank you everyone! I am so happy I would cry soon. Without enterprise show booking or mad ticket giveaway, every ticket of YOU was everyone's real love, thank you! I am very happy!" Michelle Chen also said that she was very touched. "I grew up on Hong Kong film, I don't know how to express how touched I am in any language. Thank you for making me feel so fortunate." YOU succeeded from Taiwan to Hong Kong. It opened on October 20 in Hong Kong and immediately started a YOU fever, as its box office rocketed up it took down top ten Chinese film box office record of LUST, CAUTION, JUSTICE MY FOOT (SUM SEI GUOON), CJ7 (CHEUNG GONG CHUT HO), INFERNAL AFFAIRS (MO GAN DOH), RUMBLE IN THE BRONX (HUNG FAN KUI), FIRST STRIKE (GAING CHAT GOO SI ji GAN DAN YUM MO), SHAOLIN SOCCER and KUNG FU HUSTLE to climb to the very top. Conceivably many industry insiders were surprised and did not dare to believe that Giddens Ko's directorial debut would break records already. Giddens Ko and the investors probably never expected how sharp YOU was! * (2012/01/01) Known for YOU ARE THE APPLE OF MY EYE in Hong Kong an Taiwan, Ko Chen-Tung and Michelle Chen yesterday came to Hong Kong to be guests at a New Year's Eve countdown event. Several dozen fans welcomed them at the airport and the event arranged for several security guards for their protection. Michelle Chen and Ko Chen-Tung reportedly received 500,000 and 250,000 to be the guests. Michelle Chen said, "Is it that much? It's too exaggerated." Ko Chen-Tung said that he did not know how much he made. Their film YOU ARE THE APPLE OF MY EYE yesterday already broke the Stephen Chow Sing Chi directed and starred KUNG FU HUSTLE's Hong Kong highest grossing Chinese film box office record. Michelle Chen said that she read the report and was very pleased. At the same time she thanked the Hong Kong audience for its support. Ko Chen-Tung said, "Of course I am very happy. This is my first movie. Such a performance has made me very happy." As for whether they would celebrate, Michelle Chen said, "Definitely, but Giddens Ko isn't in Hong Kong. We will celebrate when we return to Taiwan." Michelle Chen said that this would be her first countdown in Hong Kong. Although she and Ko Chen-Tung had to work separately, she still felt great. As for rumors of them working with Giddens Ko again on a new romance, Ko Chen-Tung said that he still has not received any notice. Michelle Chen looked forward to working with everyone again very much. * (2012/01/01) Eric Tsang Chi Wai, Margie Tsang Wa Sin, Christine Kuo, Samantha Ko Hoi Ning and Sire Ma Choi yesterday taped a TVB program. Chi Wai said that he just finished the Lunar New Year film I LOVE HONG KONG 2012 (2012 NGOR OI HEUNG GONG ji HEI SEUNG GA HEI). He said that 2012 would be another war of words between him and Raymond Wong Pak Ming. He said that he knew the other cast was very strong and he hoped that everyone would be a hit at the box office. Speaking of Taiwan film YOU ARE THE APPLE OF MY EYE breaking Stephen Chow Sing Chi's KUNG FU HUSTLE box office record to be Hong Kong's top Chinese film. Chi Wai said, "I too hope Hong Kong will be able to catch up. The success of YOU had many different elements. This was a dark horse that no one would have guessed. In 2012 the Mainland would have LOVE IS NOT BLIND, which made 300 to 400 million RMB at the box office. The production cost only 6 million, which proved that super large investment was not required to be successful." Chi Wai said that after YOU and LOVE IS NOT BLIND, the third successful film should be a Hong Kong film. Speaking of Chi Wai's son Derek Tsang Kwok Cheung's earlier production LOVER'S DISCOURSE only had an average box office performance, Chi Wai said that he would let his son start slowly. He said in 2012 he would encourage new directors to make movies. He also planned to invest on creative new directors. * (2012/01/01) Director Clifton Ko Chi Sum's ATV program aired its first episode with guest Michael Hui Koon Man, who talked about his stand up comedy performance experience. Star of many classic comedy films, Hui Koon Man said that stand up comedy was not only his performance but also his personal interest. "Back then I watched someone performed stand up comedy in the U.S. At first I didn't believe that one person would be able to make the audience laugh throughout the entire show. Later after I saw the whole performance, I indeed laughed the whole way through. It was wonderful. Since then I began to study stand up comedy. In addition I have loved to talk since I was little. Stand up comedy can satisfy my interest and hobby in this area." Hui Koon Man performed his first Hong Kong Coliseum stand up comedy show in 2005, which not only fulfilled his dream but also was a lot of fun for him. However he thought the viewer amount would be the best around 2000 people, because this amount was able to maintain the interaction between the performer and the audience. During his stand up comedy performance he liked to cite examples and make comparisons with three people, his wife, his daughter and his brother Ricky Hui Koon Ying. He explained, "If I cited others as examples I might 'insult' them, but my wife, daughter and Koon Ying wouldn't be mad at me. Regrettably Koon Ying now has already left us!" * (2011/12/31) Tomorrow will be 2012. The Hong Kong Motion Picture Industry Association tabulated the January 1 to December 29 2011 total box office and film release quantity. This year had 276 first run film release, 56 of which were Chinese films and 220 were non Chinese films; in comparison to last year's 286 films the quantity declined by 3.5%. However the total box office rose over 3%. This year's total box office was HK$1,379,315,498, while 2010's total was HK$1,339,103,136. Among this year's top ten highest grossing films, first and second place went to foreign films with TRANSFORMERS: DARK OF THE MOON topped the chart with over 84.7 million. The final installment of HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS PART 2 made over 76.78 and landed in second place. Luckily Chinese film still had YOU ARE THE APPLE OF MY EYE, which made 61.21 in third place. 3D SEX AND ZEN: EXTREME ECSTASY (3D YUK PO TUEN ji GIK LOK BO GAM) and the Eric Tsang Chi Wai led, TVB artists starred Lunar New Year film I LOVE HONG KONG (NGOR OI HK HOI SUM MAN SHUI) were also in the top ten. The former with over 41.07 million and the latter with over 26.68 million. * (2011/12/31) The Giddens Ko directed, Ko Chen-Tung and Michelle Chen starred Taiwan film YOU ARE THE APPLE OF MY EYE is poised to break Stephen Chow Sing Chi's KUNG FU HUSTLE HK$61.27 million highest grossing Chinese film record. YOU after 71 days made 61.21 million as of the 29th and would break the record with 66,000. The single day box office two days ago was still $35,960. If it was able to maintain this box office number everyday, it should be able to break KUNG FU HUSTLE's record after today. Although YOU has been in release for awhile and currently is only on 10 screens, with the earlier Christmas holiday the film was sold out as its single day box office was able to reach 70,000. If it was sold out yesterday (on the 30th), it would have broken the record yesterday. The Herman Yau Lai To directed, Michael Tse Tin Wa and Francis Ng Chun Yu starred film TURNING POINT 2 (LAUGHING GOR ji CHIM JUI FAN) was released two days ago and opened with 67,000, a decent box office for a non holiday release. Tse Tin Wa although was unable to win the television Best Actor award with Laughing Gor as he lost to "Law Ba" Kevin Cheng Ka Wing, but his film's success should bring him some comfort. * (2011/12/31) Diva of a generation Anita Mui Yim Fong has passed away for eight years. Her international fan club yesterday on the anniversary of their idol's death as usual went to pay their respect to Ah Mui at the Kowloon Tong Shang Shin Chun Tong and at night they held a memorial event at Central. Ah Mui's older brother Mui Kai Ming around noon arrived at Shang Shin Chun Tong to pay his respect to Ah Mui, after staying for awhile he left two bags of clothing and fruit before departing. Over ten Mui fans have been attentively folding offerings inside. In front of Ah Mui's tablet were a large floral arrangement with purple roses and orchids, the words "Forever Miss You", a still of Ah Mui from the film THE MAGIC CRANE (SIN HOK SUN JUM), as well as some of Ah Mui's favorite food. This year the most special was an appreciation certificate. According to fan club president Ms. So, in the past Christmas, they on behalf of the fan club held an opening ceremony for the second Anita Mui elementary school in Ah Mui's hometown in Guangxi. The fan club donated 150,000 to rebuild a new school campus so its 279 students would have a better learning environment. The Ah Mui friends donated, the first Anita Mui elementary school has already been completed in Guizhou. Now the second elementary school has been established as well. The fan club would continue to extend Ah Mui's charitable heart in hopes of even more Anita Mui elementary schools in the future. At night, the fan club held a memorial at Central with 200 fans in attendance. When the memorial began, the entire venue held a moment of silence. At the entrance was a donation box. Fans with HK$100 donate would receive a Sotheby Anita Mui jewelry auction booklet, the proceed would go to the construction of the third Anita Mui elementary school. A special exhibit was set up to display photos of the founding of the second Anita Mui elementary school. Ah Mui's friends and disciples including Andy Lau Tak Wa, Sammi Cheng Sau Man and Grasshoppers all recorded videos that were shown at the memorial. They hoped that charitable people would be able to support An Hui's noble wish of gladly helping others and make donations. * (2011/12/31) Miriam Yeung Chin Wa immediately took time off after her concert last month. Although Chin Wa was rumored to be pregnant, she never confirmed it. Earlier her new film LOVE IN A BUFF (CHUN GIU YU JI MING)'s team held a celebration for the completion of the film with Media Asia boss Peter Lam Kin Ngok, Chin Wa also attended. Later leads Shawn Yue Man Lok and Yeung Chin Wa were interviewed. Playing a couple in the film, off screen they kept trading verbal jabs for laughs. With the director kept asking Chin Wa about her pregnancy rumors, Chin Wa did not know whether to laugh or to cry. Ah Lok said as soon as he was in position for the interview, "Great, why are we so happy today? We are celebrating Chin Wa's pregnancy, hahaha. You better be careful, my mouth really stinks." Chin Wa joked, "This isn't funny, today the director had a son, his son is 90 minutes long. So everyone is celebrating." Director Pang Ho Cheung said, "Today we are celebrating the completion of the production, but the post production has not been completed yet. Now the most troublesome was too much comedy, the editing colleague said that it could be released in two parts because right now the film was longer than LORD OF THE RINGS." Ah Lok joked, "Then are we getting paid for two movies?" The director responded, "Of course not, be more mature. Hahaha." Chin Wa suddenly at this moment said that she had good news for the director. Ah Lok said, "Huh, I really want to know, let's skip the interview. Are you pregnant?" Chin Wa hit Ah Lok and Ah Lok continued to joked, "You are so intense, can it be true? Hahaha" Then they opened bottles of champagne to celebrate. Ah Lok who kept making fun of Chin Wa accidentally got champagne all over his pants, Chin Wa could not stop laughing. Chin Wa only raised her glass and did not touch a drop. * (2011/12/31) Tony Leung Chiu Wai played a magician in THE GREAT MAGICIAN (DAI MOR SHOOK SI), which gave him many opportunities to play with fire. He was able to control the fire and shot out a fireball. Ching Wan and Zhou Xun even had to be trapped inside a wooden home on fire. Due to the strong fire, they were sweating bullets. Wai Jai demonstrated DRAGONBALL like ability to blow up the magic hall and the wooden home next door. The fire even trapped Ching Wan and others. With the explosion sounds everywhere, he also stated that he felt the intensity. Inside Ching Wan and Zhou Xun played a couple that was suffering the same fate in the fire. Because they had to act in the strong fire, Ching Wan joked that this was the scene that he sweat the most since FIRE LINE (SUP MAN FOR GUP). "The temperature during the shoot was warm, the fire was like being in the sauna. I even felt like I was playing a firefighter in FIRE LINE." Ching Wan did not forget to compliment Zhou Xun and said that she showed no fear in the fire. Zhou Xun also said that Ching Wan had the quality of a good man, no wonder everyone had such high praises for him. "Ching Wan in this film had to protect me as much as possible. Due to his stature, he was very familiar when he blocked the fire from me with his body. He made people feel very safe. No wonder many viewer friends, especially female viewers, like him so much." * (2011/12/30) Cecilia Cheung Pak Chi recently promoted her film SPEED ANGELS. She talked about playing a bad woman and thought that women who were persisted in love were not "bad"; she even said that she never had an official wedding ceremony and never worn a wedding gown was her life's regret. SPEED director Jingle Ma Chor Sing said that he arranged for Pak Chi to play a "bad woman" and even tailored many lines for her. Would she mind? Pak Chi said that she did not mind. The director was very nice and was afraid that the bad character would affect her image. Thus he changed the script many times. Speaking of where the character touched her the most, Pak Chi said that the wedding ceremony scene because when she got married she never had a wedding ceremony. She never wore a wedding gown and had nothing at all. Pak Chi thought that racing could represent modern women's courage, bravery and power. In the film she was pregnant but she still raced, which took even more courage. She wanted to tell viewers that if a girl had courage her power would be great. However Pak Chi joked that her racing potential was worse than Tang Wei and Rene Liu (Lau Yeuk Ying) because her mother became much less courageous after becoming a mother. In Hong Kong she drove very slowly. She thought that Lau Yeuk Ying drove the fastest. She praised Lau Yeuk Ying and Tang Wei as great actresses. She and Lau Yeuk Ying had more scenes together and had a lot of chemistry because they were both direct people. * (2011/12/30) The film THE VIRAL FACTOR (YIK JIN) shot in Kuala Lumpur for two months. Aside from street scenes, they also shot at the Kuala Lumpur Central train station. Shooting at the national traffic center, early in the application process they ran into a variety of obstacles. Luckily they received the government's support. The team however could not request for the station to be shut down for the shoot. At every moment they had over 1,000 onlookers. With the over 100 extras, director Dante Lam Chiu Yin admitted that everyday they were in the middle of the madness. In the film Liu Kai Chi with his granddaughter Crystal was chased to the train station. Jay Chou (Chow Kit Lun) followed them to help their escape. Nicholas Tse Ting Fung also arrived. They in order to lure away the enemies created a small explosion at the train station. During the shoot passengers had no idea about the shoot and screamed; Chow Kit Lun later even grabbed the girl and ran. Uncle Chi in the film played Chow Kit Lun and Ting Fung's father. Chow Kit Lun said that Uncle Chi was an actor was very strong influence. His performance kept the younger folks on pace. The girl played Ting Fung's daughter. Before the shoot she would whine to Ting Fung. Chow Kit Lun even played magic tricks to cheer her up; both two Heavenly Kings melted at her hands. * (2011/12/30) Tang Wei in the film SPEED ANGEL (GIK CHOOK TIN SI) played a taxi driver Siu Yi who loved to drive fast. She was also very trained in kung fu as she was able to fight one against four. She was very happy about displaying her abilities on the big screen for the first time to make up for WU XIA not fulfilling her "action actress" dream. Tang Wei received her on screen mother Cheng Pei Pei's kung fu training. She learned wholeheartedly and personally performed fight scenes. Despite all the bruises and pain she was fine, she only hoped that no one would be too picky while watching. In the film opening she had a fierce fight scene and had to use Tai Chi. Tang Wei said that each time she was on the set, the director would change the way they fought and she would go back to learn the new style; later she realized that the director wanted to challenge her limits. After completion she had a special sense of accomplishment. Cheng Pei Pei also praised her, "Tang Wei has hope to become a new style heroine!" * (2011/12/30) Everyone is nosy, thus entertainment news attracted their eyeballs. This year the entertainment circle has been mixed with sorrow and joy. The Fung Chi divorce left many lamenting, Raymond Lam Fung and Edison Chen Koon Hei's bed photo scandals were shocking, Rose Chan Ka Wun's suspended "indecent assault" left many mouths wide open. These events often unveiled human nature; fortunately female stars flocked to wed, Andy Lau Tak Wa and Kelly Chen Wai Lam would become parents, all of which made people feel happy for them. Sharing sorrow and joy with its readers, entertainment news is beyond charming! The mother of Nicholas Tse Ting Fung's two sons, Cecilia Cheung Pak Chi in May was accused of initiating a chat and photo with the "erotic photo scandal" male lead Edison Chen Koon Hei. Soon after divorce rumors between Ting Fung and her arose. In June while promoting his film in Beijing, Ting Fung spoke for the first time about the divorce and admitted that the marriage "indeed had certain problems". He even said with tears in his eyes, "If you now ask me Tse Ting Fung, do you love that person? Do you miss that person? I would tell you I love, I miss her, but I really don't know how to go on." On August 22, they finally issued a joint divorce statement to the media and claimed that their divorce was due to personality differences but they would have joint custody of their two sons. Retired star Isabella Leong Lok Si after giving birth to the first son of Lee Jat Kai, the youngest son of the richest man in Hong Kong Lee Ka Shing gave both to twin sons the year after. As outside speculated that Leong Lok Si would soon become the Lee family's daughter in law, in February she suddenly issued a statement to the media to announce her break up with Lee Jat Kai. Lee Jat Kai also followed with his own statement to confirm the break up and clarified reports of a third party of a 100 million in break up fee. Former Miss Hong Kong Shirley Yeung Szeki and TVB artist Lee Wing Ho dated for nine years and suddenly broke up. Szeki was accused of cheating as she moved on to a wealthy Mainlander and was already pregnant. Later she cried as she spoke up for herself and denied that she was pregnant. She clarified also that her new flame Ng Shui was not a wealthy Mainlander and she did not cheat. During Christmas, Szeki was caught pregnant in Los Angeles. She was seven month pregnant and will give birth next February there. In the middle of the year she will return to Hong Kong for the wedding. Knwon as "Student Prince" Alan Tang Kwong Wing suffered a heart attack at home on march 29 and passed away at the age of 64. "Puffer Fish" Ricky Hui Koon Ying on November 8 also was found dead at home due to heart disease at the age of 65; Hui Koon Ying's passing left his brother Sam Hui Koon Kit the most heart broken. In addition, Nancy Sit Ka Yin's father Sit Pui Kau passed away in December at the age of 100; "Father of caustic soda" Tsang Kun Wing and veteran actor Wong Wai also passed away this year. This year, many female artists ended their "leftover girl" lives and got married. They included Gigi Leung Wing Kei, Sonija Kwok Sin Nei, Karen Mok Man Wai and Barbie Hsu (Tsui Hei Woon). Kwok Sin Nei married Mainland action director Zhu Shaojie in Guam after dating for less than a year. Gigi also married her Spaniard husband Sergio who she has dated for only half a year. Their wedding was held in Spain. In March Karen suddenly announced her wedding at the Taiwan Golden Melody Award and in October her German first boyfriend Johannes. Their wedding took place in Florence and in December they held a make up wedding party in Hong Kong. In addition, known as "Long legged crab" Koni Lui Wai Yi in mid December married her Hong Kong boyfriend of many years Dickson Wong Man Dik. In Singapore and Taiwan, Stefanie Sun Yanzi, Big S Tsui Hei Woon and S.H.E. member Selina also got married this year. The most luxurious wedding ceremony had to be Coco Lee Man and her wealthy businessman boyfriend of eight years Bruce Rockowitz's two day, 100 million wedding banquet at the end of October. They even invited internationally renowned singer Alicia Keys to perform. Aside from numerous artist weddings, many female artists were also in a hurry to become a mother. Already the mother of one son "Shrimp Dumpling Kid", Kelly Chen Wai Lam in the middle of the year announced that artificial insemination was successful as she was with child again. The 50 year old Andy lau Tak Wa on his official site announced "good news at home", confirming that his wife Chu Lai Sin's pregnancy. Miriam Yeung Chin Wa was also pregnant but because it was not three months old she has yet to make an official announcement. Michelle Reis (Lee Ka Yun) this year got a son at first shot as she gave birth to Jayden Max; Ada Choi Siu Fung in May gave birth to her daughter Cheung Chor Yi with husband Zhang Jun. Already with two daughters the "1 billion bride" Cathy Tsui Chi Kei finally got a son and announced an end to having children. Sonija Kwok Sin Nei not only wed in a flash but also got pregnant in a flash. In addition, soon after Chan Ho Man's "indecent assault" case with Rose Chan ka Wun his wife gave birth to their daughter in Hong Kong. Andy Hui Chi On last year broke up with his model girlfriend and was rumored to have reunited with old flame Sammi Cheng Sau Man, but both denied the matter. In March, the media caught On Jai and Sammi dining together at a restaurant and they finally admitted to the reunion. Benny Chan Ho Man in December was revealed that in December he hug, kissed and felt up Rose Chan Ka Wun after drinking. Joe Ma Tak Chung who was also on hand did not lend a helping hand and was also criticized. Later Chan Ho Man brought his pregnancy wife to a press conference and apologized in tears to Ka Wun. Chan Ka Wun with her master Sin Kwok Lam's support reported to the police upon returning to Hong Kong. Ma Tak Chung claimed to express his apology through donation. Finally Master Sin forgave both and the matter came to an end. Max Mok Siu Chung and Suen Hing were arrested in Beijing for suspicion of drug use. The former was released after 14 days in custody and later held a press conference in Beijing to apologize. Suen Hing was released after being held for 19 days. Choi Yat Kit in May was arrested for drunk driving and was sentenced to 160 hours of community service, 12,000 fine and two years of license suspension. Raymond Lam Fung who has always denied that he was dating in March was suddenly caught in a "bed photo" with Mainland star Mavis Pan Shuangshuang. Lam Fung immediately kept his distance from Shuanghsuang and claimed that they have broken up. Half a year later, similar photo scandals happened to Edison Chen Koon Hei and Lam Fung's buddy Ron Ng Cheuk Hei. In Novemer an intimate photo with Chen Koon Hei and 16 year old pseudo model Cammi Tse Chi Wai appeared. Yet to learn a lesson from his "erotic photo" scandal Chen Koon Hei immediately broke up with Cammi and even claimed that he trusted the wrong person. In addition, Mainland star Zhang Xinyu who was linked in rumors to Ng Cheuk Hei in December suddenly posted her own bed photo on Ng Cheuk Hei's microblog. Their relationship was "forced" into exposure. Ng Cheuk Hei later said, "We indeed have dated" to free himself. Currently 104 year old, Sir Run Run Shaw (Siu Yat Fu) has led TVB for over 40 years. Due to his age, last year he has already turned from the Board of Directors Executive Chairman to non Executive Chairman. Early this year, he even sale the entire television kingdom. Hosting the lighting ceremony at every anniversary, Uncle Six missed it for the first time last month. Then this month he announced that his retirement will take effect December 31 but was nmaed the honorary chairman. The new Board of Directors' executive chairman will be Leung Lai Peng as of January 1 2012. In addition, TVB television business general manager Stephen Chan Chi Wan's corruption case announced it verdict in September. He, his assistant Chung Pui Kwan and TVB former operation and expansion supervisor Chan Wing Suen were found not guilty on every count. TVB immediately resumed Chan Chi Wan's responsibility and duty as the business general manager, but for now he was unable to be in charge of artist management and casting. After returning to his job, Chan Chi Wan immediately handled the loss of personnel and the royalty issue with five major record labels. As he stopped the personnel exodus and broke ice with the five major record labels, Chan Chi Wan announced that he has resigned from TVB and planned to study overseas. Deanie Ip Tak Han with A SIMPLE LIFE (TOH JEH) won Best Actress at the 68th Venice Film Festival. Sister Deanie was the first Hong Kong actress to win the Venice Best Actress prize. Later, Sister Deanie and Andy Lau Tak Wa again with A SIMPLE LIFE won the Golden Horse Best Actress and Best Actor awards. * (2011/12/29) The Gordon Chan Ka Seung produced, Carol Lai Miu Shuet directed suspense thriller CHING MAI (LOVE MYSTERY) due to its sensitive subject has been kept confidential without any promotion since its production began. Yesterday its release company finally revealed that the film has already passed the film bureau content inspection and would be prepared for a March 2012 nationwide release. CHING MAI is about Shu Qi who played twin sisters Wai Heung and Wai Bo's relationships with the Shawn Yue Man Lok played stage actor Fong Yik Nan. The sisters turned against each other and wanted to end their relationship. The biggest challenge of CHING MAI was Shu Qi having to play two different characters. Although before the production she was mentally prepared, during the shoot the sister roles were repeatedly exchanged and Shu Qi became neurotic due to the excessive burden of adjustment, in order to interpret the sisters' detailed expressions and different personalities thoroughly. Over the almost three month long shoot, Shu Qi had to juggle and also drove herself mad, the crew was scared of her and dared not easily contact Shu Qi who usually would be very friendly. After the shoot, Shu Qi said that CHING MAI has exhausted her physically and mentally. She needed to rest for a long to be able to recover. Due to the sensitive subject, daring sex scenes were definite. CHING MAI ran into numerous obstacles, from screenplay inspection it received several adjustment requests from the film bureau. The film challenged the moral bottom line under the temptation of love and lust. Chan Ka Seung lamented, "CHING MAI's story rose and fell, unusual human nature in this relationship appeared. Shu Qi with this film's breakthrough performance would hopefully win another Best Actress award." * (2011/12/29) The Metro Hit Radio Award 2011 took place last night. The first music industry report card presented almost 130 awards. Eason Chan Yik Shun, Joey Yung Cho Yi and Twins won four awards each as they all became singers with the most awards. Eason and Joey both won "Metro Hit Global Singer". Joey who has always longed for a recrd award this time also fulfilled her wish as she defeated her "nemesis" Eason to win the "Metro Hit Record of the Year" award. Chan Yik Shun and Joey not only won the "Metro Hit Global Singer" award, he also won "Metro Hit Broadcast Index award" and with BITTER MELON won "Metro Hit Song of the Year". His SNOW IN JUNE and William So Wing Hong's THAT SOMEBODY both won the "Metro Hit Global Song". Joey aside from the singer and record award also won "Metro Hit Song" with ONE FLOWER A THOUSAND TREES, while WALL PAPER won "Metro Hit Karaoke Song". Twins' 3650 received song award and they won two group awards. Metro this year added three special awards and presented the "Metro Hit Twins 10th anniversary award" to Twins, the "Metro Hit Most Outstanding Best Singer Honorary Award" to Sammi Cheng Sau Man and Andy Lau Tak Wa, "Metro Hit Most Outstanding Best Group Honorary Award" to the Grasshoppers. Earlier accused of competing fiercely to be the top diva at Universal, Kary Ng Yu Fei and Kay Tse On Kay each won two awards. At the same time the ferociously competed Rookie Award went to both Mag Lam Yun Tung and Joyce Cheng Yun Yi. Miriam Yeung Chin Wa who was pregnant and did not attend also received an award. * (2011/12/29) Jay Chou (Chow Kit Lun)'s first Hong Kong action film THE VIRAL FACTOR (YIK JIN) will be released in January during the Lunar New Year. He at the same time witnessed for the first time the Hong Kong film fighting spirit, which also affected his effort. Thus he personally performed many dangerous stunt in the film. He also felt though that he was older and stressed that this time was the "one and only". Chairman Chou meant that THE VIRAL FACTOR should be his final action film. "From now on I should just stick to romance and singing in movies. I am older, I can't." He even admitted that he was afraid to die and would not put himself in danger again. Working with Nicholas Tse Ting Fung this time in the film, Chairman Chou said that he only met once with director Dante Lam Chiu Yin. After hearing the story he agreed right away. He knew that every one of Director Lam's film challenged the limits and would have many dangerous stunts. He said, "Finally this time I witnessed the might of Hong Kong film. Actors personally performed almost all the dangerous stunts. Sometimes the director would personally demonstrate them. Even he was like that, how could I use a double?" He remembered that in one scene he jumped from the plane. After the director's demonstration he hesitated for a long time before toughing it out. After he jumped his mind went blank, leaving him completely helpless. "This should be my bottom line, action films truly are too dangerous. I can't help getting older now." Chairman Chou in order to keep his mother from worrying during the shoot did not dare to call her at all. He joked, "For the movie I dropped my idol baggage. In the past no matter the stunt I would see if I looked bad? Was the stunt cool enough? Yet this time no one should be able to recognize me. However, the director felt that this was actually the best way, I was seen completed as an escaped convict." Although the film had two lead actresses, they did not have many scenes with him. "One was gone as soon as I appeared, so we had no exchange at all. Any rumor should be impossible." He joked. Chairman Chou later will direct the romance, the sequel to SECRET (BUT NUNG SHUET DIK BEI MUK). Would he invite his rumored girlfriend to be his lead actress? He joked, "I probably would look for a new comer. I hope to be able to find a lead actress with Kwai Lun-Mei's aura." * (2011/12/29) The action epic GUONG FAI SHUI YUET (BRILLIANT PAST) two days ago held a press conference in Yunnan. Attendees included Eric Tsang Chi Wai, Felix Wong Yat Wa, Gigi Leung Wing Kei, Max Mok Siu Chung, Rose Chan Ka Wun and others. Tsang Chi Wai this time invited the married Leung Wing Kei to perform. Gigi and Chi Wai worked together in 1998 on HITMAN (SAT SAU JI WONG), at the time they played father and daughter. In the 2007 film DANGEROUS GAMES they played a couple. This time Gigi and Wai Chi in the film also played a couple. This was Gigi's first film after marriage. She hoped that while she enjoyed the newlywed joy she would be able to focus on work. She revealed that her husband often visited the set. As for parenthood, Giig said that everything would take its natural course. Chi Wai joked that Gigi and her husband never left their room, seemingly they were busy "making a person". In addition, Tsang Chi Wai revealed that he will soon become a grandfather because his younger son's wife was pregnant. * (2011/12/29) The world's first IMAX 3D epic FLYING SWORDS OF DRAGON GATE (LUNG MOON FEI GAP) exceeded 340 million RMB in the Mainland box office since its release. The IMAX 3D box office also reached 30 million. The film company not only arranged for 14 screens to show the Mandarin version but also on 2 IMAX 3D screens on its second week of release. Tsui Hark said that FLYING SWORDS OF DRAGON GATE was a challenge of Chinese film production. "Because many always thought that Chinese 3D production was poor, after we received the investment he found a crew that was passionate about movies to fulfill this goal." This film in the Mainland received critical and commercial success, as the film has broken even Tsui Hark could relax. Tsui Hark said that he spent a lot of time and effort on this production. In order to achieve international quality, he hired AVATAR 3D visual effect director Chuck Comisky to be the film's 3D production consultation in hopes of exploring a new age for Chinese 3D film. FLYING SWORDS OF DRAGON GATE not only caught attention as director Tsui Hark's exploration of the wuxia world with new film technology but also Tsui Hark's reunion with Jet Li (Lee Nin Kit) after 14 years. Lee Nin Kit admitted that he took the role not only because his trust in Tsui Hark but also 3D. This was his first 3D wuxia film, in which he participated with a mentality of exploring, understanding and learning. He was also very curious what kind of experience the 3D wuxia world would bring to the audience. [ BLAH OF THE WEEK ] Columns, Reviews, Interviews 1. MING PAO DAILY, JANUARY 1 2012, GIDDENS KO'S "MURDER" OF HONG KONG FILM This was a "murder that was announced in advance", the media has already predicted long ago and counted down. Thus the Giddens Ko written and directed Taiwan film YOU ARE THE APPLE OF MY EYE breaking the highest box office record that Hong Kong film KUNG FU HUSTLE maintained in Hong Kong was no accident. The problem is after confirming how "sharp" Giddens Ko was, was it a murder in which Hong Kong film has already died? Film Viewers Have Already Declared Hong Kong Film's "Death" Long Ago Hong Kong film of course is not dead, only its box office record has been broken. Actually since the 50s and the 60s, Hong Kong film once had a huge advantage in the Taiwan market for a long time and crushed Taiwan films. Now it is Taiwan film's turn for a revival after a long silent period, its success in Hong KOng could be considered a fair cycle. Also for over a decade Hong Kong film has been depressed, many Hong Kong film viewers have almost already declared Hong Kong film's "death" and thought that Hong Kong film's global success was only a nostalgic myth. As an old film fanatic, I inevitably lamented because I personally witnessed several decades of Hong Kong film's rise and fall, witnessed Cantonese film's transition and resurrection after its "death" at the hands of Mandarin films. In the 60s and the 70s Hong Kong film gradually created a proud miracle, its cinema circuit went from second and third class to invade foreign film's first class cinemas. In the 80s it flourished, its production quantity and vibrant energy surprised the international film industry. Hong Kong style action comedy even influenced the entire world. Learning From Taiwan Film's Successful Resurrection In a very long time, Hong Kong film has been on top of all Hong Kong box office and overwhelmingly defeated foreign film. Once it occupied 70% of the local film market as if it should. Then in 1993 Hollywood Spielberg's JURASSIC PARK made nearly HK$62 million in Hong Kong and broke the Hong Kong film domination. In 1997 the year of the Hand Over, James Cameron's TITANIC made over 100 million in Hong Kong and further pulled away from Hong Kong film. Two days ago James Cameron's AVATAR even left Hong Kong film in the dust. Yet until several months ago, if someone said Taiwan film would beat the highest grossing Hong Kong film ever in Hong Kong, it would still have been hard to believe. Yet as soon as YOU appeared, the "death" of the Hong Kong film record was predicted very quickly. Any record would be broken. Hong Kong film's monopoly era has undoubted passed and must faced even more competition from many places. What was important was not treating it as its own death, at the same time it should celebrate and learn from Taiwan film's successful resurrection. - SHEK KEI 2. MING PAO DAILY, JANUARY 1 2012, FILM WORDS LAUGHING GOR GETS SMART TOO First let's talk about the Christmas Hong Kong film market war, which almost completely belonged to Hollywood films. Tom Cruise's return to form MISSION IMPOSSIBLE GHOST PROTOCOL after two weeks made HK$30 million for a solid lead. In second was SHERLOCK HOLMES A GAME OF SHADOWS with over 20 million, then THE TWLIGHT SAGA BREAKING DAWN PART 1 with over 10 million after a week. Interestingly, GHOST PROTOCOL had an average opening in the U.S. and grew in momentum, now it came back and defeated A GAME OF SHADOWS and became the global Christmas box office champion. As for Chinese films, Tsui Hark's 3D wuxia blockbuster FLYING SWORDS OF DRAGON GATE (LUNG MOON FEI GAP) made 4 million after one week in release and was behind two American animation ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS CHIPWRECKED and HAPPY FEET 2. Yet it was a hit in the Mainland with over 300 million, as Hong Kong revenue has become less and less important. However, Hong Kong remained one of the cities with particularly many film viewers. Taiwan film YOU ARE THE APPLE OF MY EYE's Hong Kong box office has already exceeded HK$61 million. In days it will break Stephen Chow Sing Chi's KUNG FU HUSTLE Hong KOng highest grossing Chinese film box office record. Has "Hong Kong people love Hong Kong film" become history from now on? Let's hope not, but how easy is it to talk about Hong Kong films coming back and winning back Hong Kong people's confidence and love? TURNING POINT 2 Focuses on Battle Of Wits, Francis Ng's Good Acting New Year new films are not strong as Christmas hits still had the advantage. The pure Hong Kong film TURNING POINT 2 (LAUGHING GOR ji CHIM JUI FAN) had a decent opening. Like the first film, this film was Herman Yau Lai To directed. Yet it particularly used brains and mainly featured mystery and battle of wits. As everyone knows, highly intelligent crime and battle of wits crime subjects have been popular in Europe, America and Japan for a long time. 20 years ago from the U.S.' SILENCE OF THE LAMBS to SEVEN, to the recent DEATH NOTE, THE DARK NIGHT, INCEPTION, CONFESSION and Argentina's THE SECRET IN THEIR EYES were all critical and commercial hit examples. Most Chinese films lacked intelligence, the occasional examples of success were Hong Kong's INFERNAL AFFAIRS (MO GAN DOH) series and two OVERHEARDS (SIT TING FUNG WON) (Mainland domestic hit spy film THE MESSAGE cooked up the torture scheme). Yet outstanding scheming films were few and brains must be used to catch up. Recently Daniel Lee Yan Kong's WHITE VENGEANCE (HUNG MOON YIN) and this Yau Lai To film both focused on the battle of wits. Despite both being excessively exaggerated and less than ideal, they still were attempts to be happy about. Michael Tse Tin Wa in TURNING POINT 2 continued to play undercover cop Laughing Gor, but the central figure was the Francis Ng Chun Yu played highly intelligent criminologist, Psychiatrist and university professor. This character's ancestor perhaps was SILENCE OF THE LAMBS' "cannibal professor" but turned into a well mannered gentleman type scholar. He even had "revolutionary ideals" as he thought the legal systems of the world were all lacking. He had to form a secret organization to change reality and stressed that he was only "breaking the law" and not "committing a crime". The story was very complicated, starting in a prison then a legal battle in court, debates in school, a prison escape, drug trafficking conspiracy and finally the climatic duel at the coronation of a new Hong Kong Police Commissioner. The film talked about criminology and psychology, involving the real and fake prisoner and real and fake mental patient mysterious. Wonderfully it even had a "transplanted" love, the film had ample details and the story was filled with mystery. This was Ng Chun Yu's most convincing performance in recent years, again showing that his acting was great and had variety. Tse Tin Wa, Chapman To Man Jat, Bosco Wong Chung Chak all had their specialty, but their origins did not seem to be clear. Instead Janice Man Wing Shan, Kate Tsui Tsz Shan and Wai Ying Hung's performances had more emotions and character. My view is TURNING POINT 2 is an improvement from its predecessor, the first half in particular was decent. Yet as it developed it became more and more superficial, scheming for the sake of schemes and lacking both cohesion and believability. Our intelligent films are currently in development and must catch up. (Two and a half out of five stars) - SHEK KEI 3. TA KUNG PAO, JANUARY 1 2012, FILM AND TELEVISION TRAVERSAL WISHES FOR SHOW BUSINESS IN 2012 Stepping in 2012, new anticipation springs for local music, film, television and entertainment business. Different metaphysicists and astrologers have not so optimistic predictions for this year and worry many. However I feel that film and television entertainment businesses will be different. As new media continue to be released like digital broadcasting launch and new free television station broadcasting, new excitement will appear in the business. On one hand the competition will trigger innovation and on the other motivate a new round of on and off screen personnel movement. Both will help the industry's metabolism. As for film, as the Mainland film market thrived everyday Hong Kong show business development was motivated. In terms of funding, manpower, technology and material, they were more ample than before. With the three land on both sides of the straits collaborations, Chinese film's giant productions appeared one after another. However, first and foremost currently had to be screenplay advancement and deepening, especially strengthening logic and story connection; with many recent large scale historical subject films, the most controversial were how different the characters were from history. The stories contradicted themselves. The reason was that the screenplay in order to create the so called romance and humanity branched out and made matter worse, which was regrettable. Most recently two foreign films were big hits in Hong Kong, the Taiwan film YOU ARE THE APPLE OF MY EYE and the Indian film 3 IDIOTS. Both had enormous response. However, an upcoming Indian film MY NAME IS KHAN will be even more entertaining. Not only its story was strong and deep, lead actor's portrayal of an autistic character was outstanding and worthy of our study. In addition, recently due to work, I had the chance to enjoy again Chinese film songs from the 40s to the 80s. What deeply affected me was many of the Chinese versions of those European, America, Japanese and Southeast Asian songs with elegant lyrics and music have already become classic songs of their time. I respected original creation and objected to copying, but cross nation music exchange, especially the exchange and promotion of great sons, I wholeheartedly agreed with. Hopefully in the new year, everyone will be able to open up and enable even more music interactive exchanges. Singer will be able to freely go to different media and at the same time "import" even more good foreign songs so the local music market will blossom. - CHUI HIU 4. TA KUNG PAO, JANUARY 1 2012, LIGHT SHADOW PATH INTERNET COPYRIGHT SPECULATION IS RED HOT LOVE IS NOT BLIND with a less than 8 million budget successfully produced a 300 million box office performance, which brought joy to many colleagues. Some said that it was scheduled on the "stick slot" (November 11 2011) so it was successful. Others said that it was obviously familiar and refreshing among big American films. Actually for the success of a film, first the film itself had to be decent quality. Otherwise even "heaven cannot help it". LOVE IS NOT BLIND was based on an internet novel that could be said as widely popular. In addition its promotional style completely abandoned the traditional methods, as it successfully created numerous discussion platforms online so the film would become a hot topic. The 300 million box office took a lot of creativity and hard work. Why would people care about LOVE's other media revenue from its box office success? Because this film did not have big stars, its television and internet right costs would be hard to estimate. Reportedly this film did not sell its video rights because the video market seemed to be nonexistent. Many different television stations are competing for the television rights, the highest bidder usually would have terms as long as 50 years. As for the internet rights, LOVE's price should not be too low (due to its box office success). If it was sold before its release though it definitely could not rival films with big stars. Film internet right now has become a hot spot, as right speculation has been fierce. Different internet companies made competing bids, just like video rights ten years ago. Now film company distribution departments faced many challenges when selling internet rights. Bosses in general thought they were sold for too low. Actually bosses might not understand how this media business operated. Internet film right in general was an exclusive contract. Internet company after buying it would sell to its colleagues. Most recently a big director's film was sold to an internet company for a high price, but other colleagues declined to purchase the broadcast rights from this company and put it in a tough situation. Internet right's term was also an important element, but not as key as the terms of broadcast. The most extreme was two weeks after the film's theatrical release. The price could be very high, but the box office would definitely suffer. A movie without much momentum would be at more of a disadvantage when it came to internet sales because the deal was made before the release. If LOVE IS NOT BLIND sold its internet right after its release, then it definitely would be on par with big films. however, this "window" right exchange was a newer business. In general people might not understand the tricks inside. Thus film bosses often thought distribution workers did not do their jobs well and questioned them. When they udnerstood, this "window" has already transitioned. Now internet companies due to raising prices to sell their own "set top boxes" ran into financial trouble. The internet world and the film market change on a flash. Bosses who sit in an air conditioned room truly could not easily follow. - TIN LIK [ In Production Now/Soon ] Can : Dai Jook Hei Ket Lit : Vulgar Comedy d. Pang Ho Cheung Chapman To Man Jat, DaDa Chen Jing, Jim Chim Shui Man, Susan Shaw Yam Yam, Hiro Hayama (Yip San Ho), Matt Chow Hoi Kwong 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, Stanley Fung Shui Fan, Denise Ho Wan Si, Lok Wing, William So Wing Hong, Mak Cheung Ching, King Kong, Maggie Siu Mei Kei, Susan Shaw Yam Yam, Zhang Xinyu, Christine Kuo, Natalie Meng Yao PRINCESS AND SEVEN KUNG FU MASTERS Can : Siu Gung Jung Mo Lum Lit : Laughter Kung Fu Rocks Martial Art World d. Wong Jing Sammo Hung Kam Bo, Philip Ng Wan Lung, Dennis To Yu-Hang, Yuen Wah, Eric Tsang Chi Wai, Sandra Ng Kwan Yu, Wong Cho Lam, Ronald Cheng Chung Kei, Natalie Meng Yao, Kimmy Tong Fei, Monica Mok Siu Kei, Jiang Luxia, Rose Chan Ka Wun [ THE FILM CATALOGUE ] During the early years of the Republic era, in the North-East region of China, the people are suffering from the power struggle among the local Warlords, bandits, and Japanese invaders. Warlord Lam is not a leader of great vision, but having a patriotic heart, stands firm in his own beliefs, despite the several solicitations and temptations from Japan. The only ‘paradise’ within the region is ‘Lucky Town’, the one place where no one dared to attack. Rumors abound that this place is cursed, for whenever anyone attempted to invade Lucky Town, they would disappear and vanish without a trace. In reality, there are seven kung fu masters who have retreated into the shadows and resided here. They are Manysons Madonna and Madonhung, the owners of a steamed bread shop Nam Mor Bing, the Taoist priest Horny Four, the tailor Little Trumpet, the cosmetic salesman and Mamasan Maggie, the brothel owner. Every one of them is a master in his own right, keeping Lucky Town in peace. Lam’s daughter, Cheryl is very fond of culinary arts, and often does grocery shopping in Lucky Town. She is pretty and lovely and very much favoured by the Seven Masters, especially Horny Four who falls for her at first sight and regards her as his dream lover. The Japanese secret agent, Kiyoko Kurosawa, allied with traitors from the Tiger’s Den: Tiger Hong, Jaguar Hong and Phoenix Hong, to set up a secret outpost to send secret-coded messages back to Japan. Young patriots, Yan Fang who disguised herself as a man, and Howard Luo, infiltrate Tiger’s Den at night, trying to steal the code book. They lose the fight to the Hongs, Howard sacrifices himself to save Yan who was wounded. On the run, Yan is rescued by Cheryl. Mistaking Yan as a man, Cheryl falls for Yan. She then brings Yan to Lucky Town and begs the Seven Masters to cure Yan. On the other hand, Warlord Lam saves a pretty lady and grows fond of her. This lady is actually Kiyoko Kurosawa in disguise. Using Ninjutsu skills, Kiyoko seduces Lam and controls his will. She then organises a wedding for Lam and herself, in the hope of becoming the warlord’s wife so she can control Lam’s army. On the wedding day, Cheryl and the Seven Masters arrive in time to ruin her wedding plans. Lam regains his senses finally and unites together with the Seven Masters, to fight against Kiyoko and the Hongs... Can : Hei Sai Yiu Gwun Lit : Rising Rock and Roll Shum Chi Ming, Jeana Ho Pui Yu, Michelle Wai (Si Nga), Mag Lam Yun Tung, Bonnie Xian (Sin Sik Lai), Mr. LOVE IN THE BUFF AKA : LOVE IN A PUFF 2 Can : Chun Giu Yu Ji Ming d. Pang Ho Cheung Miriam Yeung Chin Wa, Shawn Yue Man Lok Official Site : http://www.mediaasia.com [ THE FILM CATALOGUE ] When two ex-lovers from Hong Kong cross paths in Beijing, they realize they still have feelings for each other and start orchestrating trysts and assignations behind their partners' back. WU DANG Can : Dai Mo Dong Lit : Big Wudang d. Patrick Leung Pak Kin Vincent Chiu (Zhao Wenzhou), Mini Yang Mi, Louis Fan Siu Wong, Dennis To Yu-Hang Xu Jiao, Paw Hee Ching, Lawrence Wong Hiu [ THE FILM CATALOGUE ] In early Republican China, rumors were going around about the treasure in Wudang Mountain. An American conspirator took his well-trained kung fu daughter to Wudang by sponsoring a Taoist martial arts competition, to steal the treasure. Out of expectation, a disciple represented Wudang to compete with other martial arts masters for the championship. During the competition, resentment incurred against different parties, the relationship became complicated, a Korean female Tai Chi descendant fell in love with the American conspirator and the secret of the treasure had been revealed. The treasure is the key of the magnetic field of Wudang, if it’s stolen, Wudang would be devastated. To protect Wudang, a group of young heroes rallied around to defeat grant masters. It’s the time the long-lost Wudang martial arts returned… THE GUILLOTINES Can : Huet Dik Ji Lit : Blood Dropper d. Andrew Lau Wai Keung Ethan Juan (Yuen King Tin), Shawn Yue Man Lok, Jing Boran, Chris Lee Yuchun, Huang Xiaoming, Official Site : http://www.mediaasia.com [ MEDIA ASIA ] During the Manchurian-ruled Qing Dynasty, Emperor Yong Zheng established a secret assassination squad known as the Guillotines to eliminate all who opposed him. Once heavily favored by the Emperor, the Guillotines are deemed expendable once Emperor Qian Long ascends to the throne and adopts Western ideas and technology. To consolidate his power under a new regime, the Emperor continues to use the Guillotines to persecute the conquered Han Chinese in a reign of terror and oppression. Led by master fighter Leng, the top ranked guillotine squad consists of five young warriors: Mu, San, Tai, Hutu and Buka. Serving the Qing Court unquestioningly, they have never failed in 348 missions to eliminate their targets. But their success has made them arrogant and complacent. Their next mission is to eliminate Wolf and his Shepherd gang. During the operation, the squad manages to trap Wolf. Just as they are about to execute him, the squad commander orders that he be captured alive. He secretly plans to use Wolf as a pawn in his bid for power. Wolf’s gang of rebels ambushes the Guillotines in their moment of hesitation. Wolf escapes, taking Mu hostage. With reports that Wolf has fled to the outer frontiers, the squad tracks him to a remote village outpost. On the other hand, the Emperor has sent his most trusted agent Du for the same mission and most importantly, to end the era of the Guillotines by replacing cold weapons with firearms. If only they make one false move, they will become the hunted. Facing annihilation, Leng and his Guillotines must outfight and outwit enemies from both sides. [ THE FILM CATALOGUE ] An elite squad of young imperial bodyguards, trained to use the deadly guillotines, is the last line of defense to the Emperor’s Court. But little do they realize the conspiracy behind their mission... COLD WAR Can : Hong Jin d. Longman Leung, Sunny Luk Aaron Kwok Fu Sing, Andy Lau Tak Wa, Tony Leung Ka Fai, Charlie Yeung Choi Nei Aarif Rahman (Lee Chi Ting), Eddie Peng Yu-yen, Chin Kar Lok, Lam Ka Tung [ THE FILM CATALOGUE ] Asia's safest city is about to be tested DIVA d. Heiward Mak Hei Yan Joey Yung Cho Yi, Hu Ge, Chapman To Man Jat, Mag Lam Ka Yan, Bonnie Xian (Sin Sik Lai), Carlos Chan Ka Lok [ THE FILM CATALOGUE ] Two divas shake off the pain of love to take center stage again Can : Go Gui Oi Ching Lit : High Lift Love d. Herman Yau Lai To Elanne Kong Yeuk Lam, Chapman To Man Jat, Tian Niu, Izz Tsui Chi Hei SAVING GENERAL YANG Can : Jung Lit Yeung Ga Jeung Lit : Valiant Yang Clan Generals d. Ronny Yu Yun Tai Adam Cheng Siu Chau, Xu Fan, Raymond Lam Fung, Dior Cheng Yi Kin, Wu Chun, Vic Chou Yu Man, Li Chen, Yu Bo, Fu Xinbo, Shao Bing ALLURE OF TEARS Can : King Sing Ji Lui Lit : Tears of Fallen City d. Barbara Wong Chun Chun Richie Jen (Yam Yin Chai), Gigi Leung Wing Kei, Zhou Dongyu, Aarif Rahman (Lee Chi Ting), Joe Chen Qiao-En, Dou Xiao Opening February 2 2012 NIGHTFALL Can : Dai Jui Bo Lit : Big Chase d. Roy Chow Hin Yeung Nick Cheung Ka Fai, Simon Yam Tat Wa, Michael Wong Man Tak, Janice Man Wing Shan, Kay Tse On Kay Opening March 2012 [ THE FILM CATALOGUE ] The brutal murder of a celebrity musician will cause a hardheaded detective to pursue a killer from the past, only to discover that in revenge, there’s a fine line between love and hate. HUNDRED YEARS OF A FLOATING CITY Can : Bak Nin Sau Sing Lit : Hundred Years Floating City d. Yim Ho Aaron Kwok Fu Sing, Charlie Yeung Choi Nei, Nina Paw Hee Ching SMILE FOR ME Can : Tin Ma Hung Hung d. Daniel Chan Cheung Hung Simon Yam Tat Wa, Nick Cheung Ka Fai, Eric Tsang Chi Wai, Liu Kai Chi, Kenny Wong Tak Bun, Chen Ran, Zhang Ran, Morning Mo Tzu-yi, Tamio, Mimi Kung Chi Yun, Evelyn Choi Wing Yun THE MONKEY KING Can : Dai Lau Tin Gung Lit : Havoc In Heavenly Palace d. Soi Cheang Po Shui Donnie Yen Chi Tan, Chow Yun Fat, Aaron Kwok Fu Sing, Peter Ho Yun Tung, Joe Chen Qian-En, Monica Mok Siu Kei, Wang Yuanyuan, Kelly Chen Wai Lam, Cecilia Cheung Pak Chi, Gigi Leung Wing Kei, Xia Zitong, Eddie Cheung Siu Fai, Calvin Cheng Ka Sing, Louis Fan Siu Wong Opening 2012 Can : Yit Oi Doh Lit : Hot Love Island d. Kam Kwok Leung Simon Yam Tat Wa, Joan Chen, Francis Ng Chun Yu, Chang Chen, Xiao Song Jia, Janice Man Wing Shan Site : http://aeghk.com THE GRANDMASTERS AKA : THE GRAND MASTER Can : Yut Doi Jung Si Lit : One Generation Grand Master d. Wong Kar Wai Tony Leung Chiu Wai, Zhang Ziyi, Chang Chen, Song Hye-Kyo, Zhao Benshan, Wang Xingchang [ THE FILM CATALOGUE ] With martial arts getting more popular in the Thirties, more people seek to learn them via the professionals at Foshan in Southern China. Some of the experienced masters like to challenge their counterparts and undergoing battles. To have their whole concentration, it is their practice to lock up the venues and no one is allowed to leave during battles. No food and no rest before reaching any results. Ip Man is a young rich man extremely talented in martial arts, but he chooses to keep a low profile. Yet this doesn't keep him out of these troubles ahead. One day he is trapped in this battleground so he has to use every means in order to get out of there. The masters are amazed by his abilities. Master Kung and his daughter Kung Yi are amongst, and the latter is attracted to this newcomer. A high warlord is assassinated by his own guard Yi Xian Tian. All masters in Foshan vow to take Tian down no matter what... LOVE ACTUALLY...SUCKS Can : OI HUNG......LAN Lit : LOVE IS VERY...ROTTEN d. Scud (Wan Cheung) Osman Hung Chi Kit, Tang Wei, Owen Lee Ho Wai, Ryo van Kooten, Alice Chen Lim Suen, Celia Cheng Hing Won, Winnie Leung Yi Man, Sherry Li Chi Hin, John Tai (Dai Yu Ching), Jackie Chow Tak Bong, Linda So Mui, Christopher Wee (Wong Sung Wai), Haze Leung Cheuk Hei, Lareine Xu (Tsui Shui Lin), Betty Chan Yin Kwan, Calvin Wong Hei Nam, Opening July 9 2011 at the Philadelphia QFest Official Site: http://www.loveactuallysucks.com/ Site : http://www.qfest.com/film-details.cfm?id=9918 [ OFFICIAL SITE ] Love is life, life as it is. Not every love story is a fairy tale. After a dramatic wedding feast, unusual love stories unfold towards unexpected endings: a brother and sister in love caught by the mother, a married painter falls for his young life drawing model of same sex, an intimacy between a dance school teacher and his wealthy but senior student, a lesbian couple of which one has role-play paranoid, a dreadful love triangle ending with the girl being beheaded… "Love Actually…Sucks!" celebrates love that no one care but real, for life is love, love as it is. [ PHILADELPHIA QFEST ] Taking inspiration from six different court cases involving crimes of the heart, Scud examines the intense, often self-destructive sexual longings among several well-to-do young Hong Kong residents – gay, lesbian and straight. The film opens with the most scandalous wedding reception ever put on film: a young couple’s marriage ends (in the most dramatic fashion) before it begins. There is the 30-ish married gym instructor who trolls the active bathroom scene for young flesh; a lesbian couple with roleplay issues; a dance instructor who becomes the object of attraction to his much older student; a married painter who falls for his male model; a brother and sister who take family togetherness a bit too literally; and a young man who becomes increasingly deranged until he takes his love interest problems into his own hands. In Scud’s world, every love story is a fairy tale – but here the stories are sexual and troubling. Overall, a complex, sensual and compelling film. (Cantonese with English subtitles) -- Raymond Murray --- [ NOW SHOWING ] SPEED ANGELS AKA : DYNAMIC ANGEL Can : Gik Chook Tin Si Lit : Extreme Speed Angels Aka : Choi Cheh Lit : Auto Race d. Jingle Ma Chor Sing Tang Wei, Rene Liu (Lau Yeuk Ying) Han Jae-Suk, Chie Tanaka, Cecilia Cheung Pak Chi, Jimmy Lin (Lam Chi Wing), Jiang Wu, Cheng Pei Pei, Kazuki Kitamura Rating : IIA Length : 111 mins. Opening January 5 2012 [ YAHOO! MOVIES HONG KONG ] Light Speed racing team's top driver Han Bing and partner You Mei are like sisters. On the racetrack they are invincible, but they both fall for Japanese driver Asano. They turn against each other and even cause an accident that handicaps Han Bing's little sister. Since then Han Bing spends her days drinking and former junior colleague surpasses her racetrack performance...... MY NAME IS KHAN Can : Ah Han Jing Juen Lit : Ah Han Official Biography d. Karan Johar Kajol, Shah Rukh Khan Rating : IIA Length : 162 mins. Opening January 5 2012 [ CITYLINE ] Rizwan Khan, a Muslim from the Borivali section of Mumbai, suffers from Asperger's syndrome, a form of high-functioning autism that complicates socialization. The adult Rizwan marries a Hindu single mother, Mandira, in San Francisco. After 9/11, Rizwan is detained by authorities at LAX who mistake his disability for suspicious behavior. Following his arrest, he meets Radha, a therapist who helps him deal with his situation and his affliction. Rizwan then begins a journey to meet US President Obama to clear his name by telling him,” My name is Khan, and I am not a terrorist.” HAPPY TOGETHER -- ALL ABOUT MY DOG Can : Gau Gau Muk Yu Lit : Dog Dog Story d. Shunichi Nagasaki Ashida Mana, Nanako Matsushima, Nao Omori Rating : IIA Length : 88 mins. [ COMING SOON ] FAIRY TALE KILLER Can: Sok Ming Tung Wa Lit: Fatal Fairy Tale AKA: Yuen Mei Tung Wa Lit: Perfect Fairy Tale d. Danny Pang Fat Lau Ching Wan, Elanne Kong Yeuk Lam, Joey Man Yi Man, Wang Baoqiang, Ken Low Wai Kwong, Kelly Fu Ka Lei, Anson Leung Chun Yat, Square's James, Gary [ THE FILM CATALOGUE ] Fairy Tales turn ugly, twisted and bloody. A fearless cop is appointed to investigate a series of puzzling murders which resemble Fairy Tales. Would there be a happy ending of the abnormality in real world? [ GOLDEN SCREEN CINEMA ] One day, a medium built stammerer, Jun confesses five murders at the police station, but he fails to illustrate the details. After a long oral examination, the police believe that Jun is mentally ill and the mentioned murder cases are not true. Soon after, a cold-blooded murderer unveils a series of mysterious murders in the district where Detective Han stations in. Each of the victims is executed differently but in an equally brutal way. Han knows that he is dealing with a serial killer. Instinct tells him that it is Jun. His team breaks into Jun's apartment, only to find a pile of old fairy tale books. One night, Han gets inspired when his wife was reading a bedtime story to their daughter, mentioning the way to inflict punishment upon villains in the story. He immediately sets off to examine Jun's fairy tale books page by page and discovers mysterious symbols in the books... HEROIC DETECTIVE Can : Sun Tam Lei Oh Lit : Godly Detective Leo d. Jay Chou (Chow Kit Lun) Jay Chou (Chow Kit Lun) Jerry Yan (Yin Sing Yuk), Shawn Yue Man Lok, Jessie Chiang (Gong Yu Sun), Tang Yan, Wilber Pan (Poon Wai Pak), Eric Tsang Chi Wai Site : http://www.timespl.com/en/production/item/197-heroic-detective [ TIMES PRODUCTION LTD ] In the City of Brightness in a new world in the year 2030, the evil power has spread throughout the City. And actually, the City is not bright at all. 'Brilliant Detective' Leo comes to know that the most wicked 'Crazy Gangster Group' are secretly making research into a brain-control device to control the humans. Whilst gathering the criminal evidence to sue the Group, the Group send killers from its subordinate the 'Horrific Tiger Gang' to stop Leo's investigation. In a plenty of fight against the Gang, Leo was framed and put into jail at the critical moment! Finally, with Leo's strong will and determination, Leo has eventually defeated the evil power and conquered the 'Horrific Tiger Gang' to safeguard the peace of the City. Moreover, Leo has also succeeded in ruining the invention plan of the 'Crazy Gangster Group' displaying poetic justice and chivalry to the full extent. 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 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. 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, Liu Kai Chi, Crystal Lee Hin Hau 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? 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 2012 [ 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...... KOKURIKOZAKA KARA Can : Hung Fa Ban Seung Dik Hoi Lit : Sea on Red Flower Hill d. Goro Miyazaki Japanese Animation 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... ALL'S WELL ENDS WELL 2012 Can : Bak Sing Po Hei Lit : Eight Stars Carries Joy d. Chan Hing Ka Raymond Wong Pak Ming, Donnie Yen Chi Tan, Louis Koo Tin Lok, Chapman To Man Jat, Kelly Chen Wai Lam, Sandra Ng Kwan Yu, Mini Yang Mi, Joey Yung Cho Yi, Lynn Xiong (Hung Doi Lam) Opening January 21 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. MARRY A PERFECT MAN AKA : MARRYING MR. PERFECT Can : Ga Gor Yut Bak Fun Nam Yun Lit : Marry an 100% Man d. Wong Jing Ronald Cheng Chung Kei, Gigi Leung Wing Kei, Chapman To Man Jat, Nina Paw Hee Ching, Stanley Fung Shui Fan, Mao Junjie, Ada Liu Yan Opening February 9 2012 [ GOLDEN SCREEN CINEMAS ] Winnie, in her late twenties, certified as an old maid when she is dumped by her boyfriend and bullied by her colleagues. Koo is a rich womanizer tycoon ruthless in his business dealings. In his latest take over Koo's action led to death threats by a former employee. For security Koo and his assistant, Ryan to switch identity. Koo as a commoner met Winnie and falls for her as she is the first true person to like him not for his riches. What happens when Winnie release Koo's real identity? THE WEDDING DIARY d. Adrian Teh Aniu, Elanne Kong Yeuk Lam, Kara Hui (Wai Ying Hung), Marcus Chin, Shaun Chen, Chris Tong Opening February 9 2012 in Malaysia [ GOLDEN SCREEN CINEMAS ] The Wedding Diary highlights disparities between the bride's and groom's families, from wealth levels to social differences between Singaporeans and Malaysians with its divergent Hokkien and Cantonese cultures. To please his future in-laws, the groom Daniel agrees to hold an extravagant dinner banquet in Singapore. On the wedding day, Daniel is dismayed the angpow money given by guests which he plans to use to foot the bill goes missing... THE LION ROARS 2 Can : Hor Dung Si Hau II Lit : River East Lion Roars 2 d. Joe Ma Wai Ho Cecilia Cheung Pak Chi, Xiao Shenyang Opening February 14 2012 Site : http://aeghk.com ROMANCING IN THIN AIR AKA : HIGH ALTITUDE ROMANCE 2 Can : Go Hoi But Ji Luen II Lit : Romance of High Altitude 2 d. Johnnie To Kei Fung Louis Koo Tin Lok, Sammi Cheng Sau Man, Crystal Huang Yi, Gao Yuanyuan, Wang Baoqiang, Li Guangjie, Yeung Yi, Sun Jiayi Opening February 16 2012 in Malaysia Official Site : http://www.mediaasia.com/romancinginthinair [ THE FILM CATALOGUES ] A Hong Kong movie megastar jilted at the altar by his actress bride finds true love in a neurotic fan while licking his wound in high-altitude Yunnan in China. A SIMPLE LIFE Can : Toh Jeh Lit : Peach Sister d. Ann Hui On Wa Deanie Ip Tak Han, Andy Lau Tak Wa, Anthony Wong Chau Sun, Tsui Hark Wang Fuli, Yu Man Si Rating : I Length : 119 mins. Opening March 15 2012 in Malaysia [ GOLDEN SCREEN CINEMAS ] Based on real people and events. Ah Tao was born in Taishan, China. She works as a servant for 60 years and has been serving four generations of the Leung family. For the past decade, Ah Tao lived with Roger, the only family member left in Hong Kong. NAKED SOLDIER d. Marco Mak Jennifer Tse Ting Ting, Sammo Hung Kam Bo, Philip Ng, Ankie Beilke, Andy On Chi Kit Opeing March 29 2012 in Malaysia Official Site : http://www.nakedsoldier-movie.com [ THE FILM CATALOGUE ] Interpol agent CK Long busted a billion-dollar drug deal fifteen years ago. The cartel has avenged itself by hiring Madame Rose's organization of assassins to kill CK Long's entire family. In revenge, she kills the entire family of chief investigator CK Long. Long himself survives, and believes his young daughter is still alive. In fact, for these fifteen years, the girl has been kidnapped by Madame Rose, brainwashed and trained into beautiful, sexy killer Phoenix. Phoenix has now become the top-ranked killer in Madame Rose's organization. She is skilled in combat, and always completes her missions. Thanks to her band of killers, Madame Rose has expanded her criminal organization, and now assigns missions in many parts of the world. CK Long has never imagined that he would one day become the target of his own daughter's mission. MR. AND MRS. GAMBLER Can : Lan Doh Fu Dau Lan Doh Chai Lit : Gambling Addict Husband Vs. Gambling Addict Wife d. Wong Jing Chapman To Man Jat, Fiona Sit Hoi Kei Opening April 5 2012 in Malaysia [ GOLDEN SCREEN CINEMAS ] Manfred and Flora are degenerate gamblers who can gamble on anything 24 hours a day seven days a week. Though they have come across each other a few times at the casino, they have not left any lasting impression upon each other. On that fateful day, they both suffered heavy losses and held hostage by the loan sharks in Macau. It was then they fell in love with each other. --- [ Entertainment URL ] MEDIA ASIA http://www.mediaasia.com EMPEROR MOTION PICTURES http://www.emp.hk PEGASUS MOTION PICTURES http://www.pegasusmovie.com WE PICTURES http://www.wepictures.com CINEMA POPULAR http://www.cinemapopular.com MEI AH http://www.meiah.com NEW ASIA ENTERTAINMENT GROUP http://www.aeghk.com GOLDEN SCENE http://www.goldenscene.com Commercial Radio http://www.crhk.com.hk Television Broadcast Limited http://www.tvb.com.hk --- [ NORTH AMERICA AREA CONCERTS ] Courtesy of our neighbors at : High Level Entertainment's Concert & Event News Center http://www.levelhigh.com http://www.geocities.com/NapaValley/1721/hlecaen.htm * HACKEN LEE HAK KUN LIVE DATE AND TIME: Sunday, February 26 2012 @ 7PM Monday February 27 2012 @ 8:30 PM VENUE LOCATION: Avalon Theatre Niagara Fallsview Casino Resort 6380 Fallsview Boulevard Niagara Falls ON L2G 7X5 Canada TICKET PRICES: CA$ 162.95, 140.35, 112.10 TICKET OUTLET LOCATIONS: Fallsview Casino Resort Box Office Ticketmaster 1-877-833-3100 http://www.ticketmaster.ca/Hacken-Lee-tickets/artist/1195880 * AMEIZING WORLD TOUR LIVE DATE AND TIME: Saturday night/Sunday morning February 5 2011 @ 1AM, Sunday February 5 2011 @ 2PM VENUE LOCATION: Mark G. Etess Arena Trump Taj Mahal Casino Atlantic City NJ TICKET PRICES: VIP$ 138, 108, 78, 38 TICKET OUTLET LOCATIONS: ONLINE: http://www.iemshowplace.com TICKET HOTLINE: 718-888-3113 International Entertainment Marketing 135-05 40 Road 2/F Flushing NY 11354 718.888.3113 5609 8th Ave. Brooklyn NY 11220 718.437.7717 Sampan Travel Service 95 Bowery St. New York NY 212.219.0119 Sampan Travel Service 170 Canal St #201 212.431.3557 Global Travel International Corp. 1681 RT. 27 Suite 3 Edison NJ 732.819.6883 Yang Tze Trading Inc. 933 Arch Street L/L Philadelphia PA 197107 215.922.8700 * EMIL CHAU WA KIN DIVA WORLD TOUR VENUE LOCATION: The Colosseum Caesars Palace 3570 Las Vegas Voulevard South Last Vegas NV 89109 DATE AND TIME: Saturday January 28 2012 @ 8PM Sunday January 29 2012 @ 8PM TICKET PRICES: $188, 128, 68, 48 TICKET OUTLET LOCATIONS: Online: www.jadeticket.com * CHANG DI AND MIMI CHOO IN CONCERT 2012 DATE AND TIME: Saturday January 28 2012 @ 10PM Saturday night/ Sunday morning January 29 2012 @ 1AM VENUE LOCATION: Bally's Grand Ballroom Bally's Atlantic City TICKET PRICES: VIP $98, 68, 48 TICKET OUTLET LOCATIONS: ONLINE: http://www.iemshowplace.com TICKET HOTLINE: 718-888-3113 International Entertainment Marketing 135-05 40 Road 2/F Flushing NY 11354 718.888.3113 5609 8th Ave. Brooklyn NY 11220 718.437.7717 Sampan Travel Service 95 Bowery St. New York NY 212.219.0119 Sampan Travel Service 170 Canal St #201 212.431.3557 Global Travel International Corp. 1681 RT. 27 Suite 3 Edison NJ 732.819.6883 Yang Tze Trading Inc. 933 Arch Street L/L Philadelphia PA 197107 215.922.8700 * FANTASY STARS: YEAR OF THE DRAGON CONCERT Will Pan, Alec Su, Aska Yang, Daniel Chan Hiu Tung VENUE LOCATION: MGM Grand Garden Arena MGM Grand 3799 Las Vegas Boulevard South Las Vegas NV 89109 DATE AND TIME: Saturday January 28 2012 @ 8PM TICKET PRICES: $178, 128, 88, 58 TICKET OUTLET LOCATIONS: ONLINE: http://www.jadeticket.com * SAM LEE SHENGJI AND NANCY LIU 2012 CONCERT DATE AND TIME: Sunday January 22 2012 @ 10PM VENUE LOCATION: Harrah's Chester Casino Events Center Harrah's Chester Casino and Racetrack 777 Harrah's Blvd. Chester PA 19013 TICKET PRICES: VIP $98, 68 TICKET OUTLET LOCATIONS: ONLINE: http://www.iemshowplace.com TICKET HOTLINE: 718-888-3113 International Entertainment Marketing 135-05 40 Road 2/F Flushing NY 11354 718.888.3113 5609 8th Ave. Brooklyn NY 11220 718.437.7717 Sampan Travel Service 170 Canal St #201 212.431.3557 Global Travel International Corp. 1681 RT. 27 Suite 3 Edison NJ 732.819.6883 Yang Tze Trading Inc. 933 Arch Street L/L Philadelphia PA 197107 215.922.8700 * STEVEN MA CHUN WAI with Special Guest Shiny Liu DATE AND TIME: Sunday, January 22 2012 @ 5PM VENUE LOCATION: Pechanga Theater Pechanga Resort & Casino 45000 Pechanga Parkway Temecula CA 92592-5810 TICKET PRICES: $118, 98, 78, 58 TICKET INFO: (626) 786-2008 ONLINE: http://www.jadeticket.com * JACK CHEUNG HOK YAU 1/2 CENTURY TOUR DATE AND TIME : Monday, January 16 2012 VENUE LOCATION: Air Canada Centre 50 Bay St., Suite 500 Toronto ON Canada TICKET PRICES: VIP CA$456, 343, 241.25, 207.5, 173.5, 117, 105.75 TICKET OUTLET LOCATION: TICKETMASTER CANADA http://www.ticketmaster.ca/event/1000474DD1A19EA6 * JACK CHEUNG HOK YAU 1/2 CENTURY TOUR DATE AND TIME : Friday, January 13 2012 @ 8PM VENUE LOCATION: Rogers Arena 800 Griffiths Way Vancouver BC Canada V6B 6G1 TICKET PRICES: VIP$388, 288, 198, 168, 138, 98 TICKET OUTLET LOCATION: THE FRONTLINE TICKETS http://http://tickets.thefrontlinetickets.com/ ------------------------------------------------------------------- Box office info : What Box Office Info? The usual suspects : Internet Movie Database, Yahoo! Hong Kong Erors : ye olde chaffing editor For Thursday, December 29 2011 10 3 IDIOTS d. Rajkumar Hirani Aamir Khan, Kareena Kapoor, R. Madhavan, Sharman Joshi, Boman Irani 9 THE SKIN I LIVE IN d. Pedro Almodovar Antonio Banderas, Elena Anaya 8 FLYING SWORDS OF DRAGON GATE Can : Lung Moon Fei Gap Lit : Dragon Gate Flying Armor d. Tsui Hark, Jacob Cheung Chi Leung Jet Li (Lee Nin Kit), Zhou Xun, Chen Kun, Kwai Lun-Mei, Chris Lee Yuchun, Mavis Fan Hiu Huen 7 WE BOUGHT A ZOO d. Cameron Crowe Matt Damon, Scarlett Johansson 6 HAPPY FEET 2 d. George Miller Animation English voices: Elijah Wood, Robin Williams, Pink 5 ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS: CHIPWRECKED d. Mike Mitchell Jason Lee, David Cross, Jenny Slate, English Voices: Justin Long, Matthew Gray Gubler, Jesse McCartney Amy Poehler, Anna Faris, Christina Applegate, Alan Tudyk 4 THE TWILIGHT SAGA: BREAKING DAWN PART I d. Bill Condon Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart, Taylor Lautner 3 SHERLOCK HOLMES: A GAME OF SHADOWS d. Guy Ritchie Robert Downey Jr., Jude Law, Jared Harris 2 TURNING POINT 2 Can : Laughing Gor ji Chim Jui Fan Lit : Laughing Brother: Undercover Criminal Francis Ng Chun Yu, Michael Tse Tin Wa, Chapman To Man Jat, Bosco Wong Chung Chak, Wai Ying Hung, Kate Tsui Tsz Shan, Janice Man Wing Shan Liu Kai Chi, Mak Cheung Ching, Wong Chi Yin, MC Jin (Au Yeung Ching), Rebecca Zhu (Chu Sun Lai) 1 MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE - GHOST PROTOCOL d. Brad Bird Tom Cruise, Jeremy Renner, Paula Patton ------ Summaries for some of the films above. Some contain SPOILERS 3 IDIOTS Rating : IIA Length : 165 mins. Opening September 1 2011 [ YAHOO! MOVIES HONG KONG ] Rancho is an university student crosses path with the dean of college "Virus" and begin a power struggle in school that leads to comedy. Later Rancho meets two friends Farhan and Raju, as well as the dean's daughter Pia. Pia's marriage is ruined due to Rancho and they thus become happy rivals. Later they fall in love and put Pia between her father and her boyfriend. FLYING SWORDS OF DRAGON GATE Rating : IIB Length : 122 mins. Opening December 22 2011 [ GOLDEN SCREEN CINEMAS ] The bad guys are the eunuchs of the Imperial Court, who have created their own unaccountable secret police, armed with bizarre weapons and utterly ruthless in their quest for power and wealth. The good guys are led by a former general, stripped of his rank by the eunuchs, who set out to shield the innocent, right some wrongs and restore decency to the Imperial Court. And the ugly guys are a gang of cut-throat bandits who have caught scent of a hoard of hidden treasure. Their conflicts come to a head at Dragon Inn, a remote outpost in the desert at the very frontier of the kingdom. But nearby stands Dragon Gate, portal to a lost world under the sands and a vast sandstorm is bearing down on the region. The final battle to the death is fought out amid the traps and feints of a great lost city, and in the whirlwind which turns the desert into a maelstrom of choking sand. TURNING POINT 2 AKA : TURING POINT EXTREME Rating : IIB Length : 84 mins. Opening December 29 2011 Official Site: http://www.turningpoint2.com [ YAHOO! MOVIES HONG KONG ] Following the series LIVES OF OMISSION's ending, Laughing is found guilty of murdering So Sing and sentenced to life in prison. Laughing in prison meets an university professor who is in prison for drug possession. Professor looks mild mannered and at peace with the world, but with his psychological trap he has the extremely evil prison bully Giant Chuan under his control. Actually Professor is a highly intelligent criminal psychologist who excels in cold reading. Every time he is able to learn the other's secrets and dark side, silently controlling others. During the period, a mysterious woman visits Laughing in prison. This woman works for the even higher ranked than the police force security bureau. Laughing is in prison on an undercover mission. That day, someone else murdered So Sing. The Security Bureau undersecretary suspects the entire matter has something to do with dirty cops and thus forces Laughing into prison to investigate. ------ GLOBAL CHINESE SONG CHART For Saturday, December 31 2011 15 TEARS THAT DON'T BELONG TO ME Can : But Suk Yu Ngor Dik Lui Eric Suen Yiu Wai http://youtu.be/0eNmgkeh3VM 14 HUANGPU RIVER DEEP Can : Wong Bo Gong Sum Song Zuying http://youtu.be/mCsvnM7hMiE 13 DON'T BOTHER ME Can : Bit Jau Ngor Ma Fan Tanya Chua (Choi Kin Nga) http://youtu.be/Ua9DKclFKLA 12 THE ROAD HOME Can : Wui Ga Lo Seung Penny Dai Pui Nei http://youtu.be/Xnu8rsm8mSs 11 BACK FROM THE DEAD Can : Sei Hui Woot Loi Julian Cheung Chi Lam http://youtu.be/JKq_qsjAKn8 10 NOAH'S ARK Can : Lok Ah Fong Jau May Day http://youtu.be/V46K7apDziA 9 STILL IN LOVE WITH YOU Can : Yi Yin Oi Nei Wang Leehom (Wong Lik Won) http://youtu.be/YzVzqvGwkQ0 8 SUNFLOWER Can : Heung Yeung Fa Wang Feng 7 DIDN'T YOU SAY Can : Nei But Si Shuet Natasha Na Ying http://youtu.be/Lnn-MWcihoY 6 WALLPAPER Can : Cheung Ji Joey Yung Cho Yi http://youtu.be/1sdr9cynbPM 5 10,000 LIGHT YEARS Can : Yat Man Guong Nin Anson Hu (Wu Yin Bun) http://youtu.be/WgPyKWD7rB4 4 WHAT IS THE TROUBLE ON YOUR MIND Can : Nei Joi Fan No Sup Mor Soda Green http://youtu.be/-3TmzrEDuJ8 3 GUILTY Can : Noi Gau Eason Chan Yik Shun http://youtu.be/BQ_ZsRhMB6s 2 MINE MINE Jay Chou (Chow Kit Lun) http://youtu.be/me7jfhFIZvk 1 TIMELY TURN Can : Lum Ngai Lap Ma Kay Tse On Kay http://youtu.be/9o9uUM3Zupk ------ [ Yakety Yak ] The views and opinions expressed here are purely those of the writer and in no way reflect those of Hong Kong Film Top 10 Box Office, its contributors and affiliated web sites. While Your Chaffing Editor is waiting in line for THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO, below is some upcoming alternatives in New York. Enjoy! Jer Jer Stinks, Your Chaffing Editor Top Ten Central ======== KOREAN MOVIE NIGHT courtesy of the Korean Cultural Service http://www.koreanculture.org/index.php Every other Tuesday @ 7pm Tribeca Cinemas (54 Varick Street, on the corner of Canal Street, one block from the A, C, E and 1 train Canal Street stops) Price? Free. All seating is first-come, first served. Doors open at 6:30pm. UPCOMING MOVIES Series 1: Jang Hun Plus One! Jang Hun started out as an assistant director to Kim Ki-Duk, but with his first film, Rough Cut, he established himself as Korea’s answer to Steven Soderbergh: a director making big budget movies with an independent sensibility. Rough Cut, and Secret Reunion, The Frontline have all become massive box office hits without making an compromises or talking down to their audiences. To round out the trio of movies in this mini-retrospective, we’re including White Night, another crime film that transforms itself into something dark, glittering and truly amazing. Tuesday, February 28, 2012 @ 7pm WHITE NIGHT (2009, 135 minutes, North American Premiere) White Night is a sprawling, evil epic about an unsolved crime that happened 14 years previously that has spilled its poison out over the subsequent years. Based on a best-selling Japanese novel, and featuring a riveting performance by Go Soo, star of The Frontline, director Park Shin-Woo turns this movie into a slick, beautifully realized film about true evil, as a detective refuses to let go of this single case, instead insisting on following its threads for years no matter where they lead. And where they lead is dark and truly shocking. This hit film has been called the best Korean film of 2009 by several critics and once you’ve seen it, it’s hard to forget. Wednesday, February 15, 2012 @ 7pm SECRET REUNION (2010, 116 minutes) Two of Korea’s best actors face off in this blockbuster action flick that manages to be sly, subversive and really funny while delivering white knuckle thrills. Song Kang-Ho (The Host) is a South Korean secret agent who fumbles a sting operation on a North Korean spy. Pop star Gang Dong-Won (Haunters) is the North Korean assassin who has been embedded in the South. After the botched operation, both men are cut loose by their respective agencies and Song becomes a private eye, while Gang sinks into deep cover, trying to survive long enough to go home. Years later, they cross paths and what audiences are treated to is a buddy movie to end all buddy movies. Tuesday, January 24, 2012 @ 7pm ROUGH CUT (2008, 112 minutes) Kim Ki-Duk wrote this high concept knuckle-buster about a spoiled actor, famous for playing gangsters, who hires a real-life gangster to appear in his new flick. It sounds like nothing but a pile of cliches, but Jang Hun ignores the traditional approach and instead focuses on the volcanic, boiling testosterone that drives the conflict between a man used to getting his way because he’s famous, and a man used to getting his way because he’s violent. The seduction of filmmaking, the appeal of acting and the temptation of a street brawl all exert their siren song on the two studs in suits at the heart of this film: superstar So Ji-Sub, surprisingly, playing the gangster and Kang Ji-Hwan as the actor. Tuesday, January 10, 2012 @ 7pm THE FRONTLINE (2011, 133 minutes, East Coast Premiere) One of the biggest hits of 2011, The Frontline is the simple story of a hill: Aerok Hill, a small rise on the Eastern Front of the Korean War that changed hands 30 times over 18 months of fighting. A military investigator is dispatched to see if allegations that the South Korean soldiers tasked with taking the hill are collaborating with their North Korean enemies to deliver letters to their families. It turns out that they are, and that’s the least of it. A movie about men (and some women) trying to hold onto their humanity in the midst of war, Frontline is Korea’s official submission to the Academy Awards. Tribeca Cinemas: 54 Varick Street, on the corner of Canal Street, one block from the A, C, E and 1 train Canal Street stops. Price? Free. All seating is first-come, first serve basis. Doors open at 6:30 pm. --- [ WHAT IS YOUR CHAFFING EDITOR LISTENING TO ] ASS BACK HOME Gym Class Hero Ft. Neon Hitch http://youtu.be/ltOR2VzDZFM ---------------------- HK Top Ten Central hktopten@hotmail.com | http://hktopten.freewebhostx.com