From: NO TOP TEN CENTRAL Newsgroups: alt.asian-movies,soc.culture.hongkong.entertainment Subject: [TAKE OVER] HKSAR Film No Top 10 Box Office (January 26 2012) 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. Joey Wong Cho Yin who celebrates her birthday on the 31st 2. MING PAO DAILY, JANUARY 29 2012 STEPHEN CHOW CHINESE ODYSSEY LEADS THE COMEBACK Co-Productions Drag Hong Kong Films Down The Giddens Ko directed, Michelle Chen, Ko Chen-Tung starred Taiwan film YOU ARE THE APPLE OF MY EYE broke Stephen Chow Sing Chi's KUNG FU HUSTLE HK$61.27 million highest grossing Chinese film Hong Kong box office record with a total box office of 61,801,081 and left "Eastern Hollywood" Hong Kong film industry in shame. Will Hong Kong film be able to fend off the competition and regain the box office championship? Let's keep our eyes open and see. John Chong Sees Sing Yeh As Favorite To Break YOU Record In 2012 Hong Kong film market will have many giant production releases, including the Chow Yun Fat, Aaron Kwok Fu Sing and Donnie Yen Chi Tan starred THE MONKEY KING (DAI LAU TIN GUNG), Jackie Chan's CHINESE ZODIAC (SUP YI SUN CHIU), Andy Lau Tak Wa and Lin Chiling's DWELLING IN THE FUCHUN MOUNTAINS, and Stephen Chow Sing Chi's NEW CHINESE ODYSSEY (SAI YAU GEI ji CHUI MOR OI JUEN). Sing fans have been starved for four years so his new film will have hope to regain the glory of Hong Kong. Media Asia vice chair John Chong Ching favors the idea, but Derek Yee Tung Sing and Universe Entertainment company boss Daneil Lam Siu Ming disagree. They deeply feel that Hong Kong film will have difficulty with creating another miracle locally. Looking north to China gives Hong Kong film professionals a new direction, but when they accommodate Mainland viewer tastes Hong Kong audience's "co-production" resistance becomes a burden. Hong Kong film is dying, you know? Daneil Lam Is Less Optimistic About Stephen Chow Many, including Giddens Ko, hope Chow Sing Chi's new film NEW CHINESE ODYSSEY will break YOU's record. Chong Ching feels it will have a chance. "Sing Yeh is so talented, with all the starving Sing fans the box office will have certain motivation." Derek Yee: Non Co-Production Has Financing Difficulties Lam Siu Ming does not feel that Chow Sing Chi's CHINESE ODYSSEY will be able to break YOU's record. "Sing Yeh's last film CJ7 (CHEUNG GONG CHUT HO) struggled to pass 50 million at the box office. Actually this isn't Chow Sing Chi's problem, but the overall market's problem. This is the general trend, everyone have to 'co-productions'. Hong Kong viewers want to see Hong Kong films, but don't want to see any 'co-production'. Yet now basically everything is 'co-production'. Without co-production movies don't have funding. Film ultimately is a merchandise, if you make a Hong Kong film with a 10 million budget you can't even hire actors. Now actors are used to making 'Yun Jai' (RMB), how can they be willing to accept 2 million in salary? If you don't approach them, plenty of directors in the Mainland would; you can't make movies that cost more than 50 million either, with only the Hong Kong market it is impossible. You can't go back. Ultimately no one is willing to invest in a purely Hong Kong film, this is a problem of the chicken and the egg! Even Chow Sing Chi has to make 'co-productions'. CJ7 was a co-production, Universe this year will make a few movies, all of which will be 'co-productions'." Yee Tung Sing agrees with Lam Siu Ming, "co-production" is at fault for Hong Kong film market's fall. "'Co-productions' have subject restrictions, many subjects can't be made and movies can't speak freely. The results often lack power and become terrible to watch. Helplessly non 'co-productions' have difficulties with financing. If you spend 10 million on a purely Hong Kong film, it will be very hard to make and won't be attractive. I want to make PROTEGE (MOON TOH) sequel and ONE NITE IN MONGKOK (WONG GOK HAK YEH) continuation, but when the subjects get to the Mainland market I don't want to accommodate the Mainland market and change the concept and certain plots." He feels that the world goes round and round, Taiwan film has fallen for 20 years and now finally has shaken itself off. Hong Kong films look north and accommodating the Mainland market has become an inevitable fact. Because the Mainland population the box office return is strong. Last year the box office reached 13 billion yuan RMB, naturally it has more investors as funding floods in; he believes after a few battles the film industry will look completely different. Although Chow Sing Chi's NEW CHINESE ODYSSEY is a 'co-production', everyone still is waiting for Hong Kong film to return to glory. The film costs over 100 million yuan and finally has completed production after more than three months. Currently it is conducting massive post production special effect production in Korea. It should be able to be released this year. Media Asia Invades the Mainland Chong Ching feels that YOU was a coincidence, only a movie that is suitable for young people. He also believes that Giddens Ko will not deliberately make a movie to break a record. "If he deliberately makes a movie to break YOU's box office, the movie may not be good. Thus Media Asia's future big films first have to be good movies. Future movies will still target the Mainland market, including the 100 million Johnnie To Kei Fung directed, Andy Lau Tak Wa and Sammi Cheng Sau Man starred BLIND DETECTIVE (MAN TAM), Lin Chiling and Lau Tak Wa starred DWELLING ON THE FUCHUN MOUNTAINS. Both are 'co-productions' because minding only the Hong Kong market truly is very dangerous." Film in order to accommodate the Mainland market, will Hong Kong film have difficulty recovering its lost ground? Chong Ching says, "This is a return rate issue, Mainland return rate is high. In 2011 top ten Hong Kong film box office, 3 movies THE LOST BLADESMAN (GUAN WON CHEUNG), MR. AND MRS. INCREDIBLE (SUN KEI HUP NUI) and LIFE WITHOUT PRINCIPLE (DUET MING GUM) only made 8 million. With Hong Kong releases, anything less than 10 million at the box office is a failure." 2012 ANTICIPATED FILM RELEASES FilM: ROMANCING IN THIN AIR (GO HOI BUT JI LUEN II) Cast: Louis Koo Tin Lok, Sammi Cheng Sau Man Release Date: Mid February Film: LOVE IN THE BUFF (CHUN GIU YU JI MING) Cast: Miriam Yeung Chin Wa, Shawn Yue Man Lok Release Date: March Film: A SIMPLE LIFE (TOH JEH) Cast: Andy Lau Tak Wa, Deanie Ip Tak Han Release Date: Mid March Film: FIRST TIME Cast: Angelababy, Mark Chao (Chiu Yau Ting) Release Date: March Film: NIGHTFALL (DAI JUI BO) Cast: Nick Cheung Ka Fai, Simon Yam Tat Wa, Kay Tse On Kay Release Date: Mid March Film: MOTORWAY (CHEH SAU) Cast: Anthony Wong Chau Sun, Shawn Yue Man Lok Release Date: Tentatively May Film: DIVA Cast: Joey Yung Cho Yi, Mag Lam Yun Tung, Chapman To Man Jat Release Date: June Film: THE LAST SUPPER Cast: Daniel Wu (Ng Yin Cho), Liu Ye, Chang Chen Release Date: Mid June Film: THE GUILLOTINES (HUET DIK JI) Cast: Huang Xiaoming, Ethan Juan (Yuen King Tin), Shawn Yue Man Lok Release Date: Tentatively July Film: VANISHING BULLET (SIU SUT DIK JI DAN) Cast: Nicholas Tse Ting Fung, Lau Ching Wan, Mini Yang Mi Release Date: Mid July Film: CHINESE ZODIAC (SUP YI SUN CHIU) Cast: Jackie Chan Release Date: December 12 Film: NEW CHINESE ODYSSEY (SAI YAU GEI ji CHUI MOR OI JUEN) Cast: Stephen Chow Sing Chi, Shu Qi, Wen Zhang Release Date: Tentatively Year End Film: THE MONKEY KING (DAI LAU TIN GUNG) Cast: Chow Yun Fat, Aaron Kwok Fu Sing, Donnie Yen Chi Tan Release Date: Tenatively Year End Film: WINDSEEKER (TING FUNG JEH) Cast: Tony Leung Chiu Wai, Zhou Xun, Wang Xueqi Release Date: To Be Determined Film: BAUHINIA WOMAN (JI GAING HUP) Cast: Chrissie Chau Sau Na Release Date: To Be Determined Film: 3D THE ICEMAN COMETH (3D GUP DUNG KEI HUP) Cast: Donnie Yen Chi Tan Release Date: To Be Determined Film: SAVING GENERAL YANG (JUNG LIT YEUNG GA JEUNG) Cast: Dior Cheng Yi Kin, Wu Chun, Raymond Lam Fung Release Date: To Be Determined - OR MEI, CHUNG YAT HUNG 3. MISCELLANEOUS * (2012/02/01) The Fang Yaxi directed horror film YE DIAN GUI TAN will be released nation wide on February 10. The film starred Van Fan Yat Sun, Chrissie Chau Sau Na, Jill Hsu (Tsui Kit Yi) and other idol actors. The story was about deranged murders. * (2012/02/01) Due to military service, Ethan Juan (Yuen King Tin) has become the media target. However Siu Tin actually has never thought about avoiding it. Instead he looked forward to it very much. Yesterday Siu Tin finally reported and again clarified the alternative service issue. He stressed that he did not have any special privilege. Now finally he was able to complete what he should do and he was very happy. Siu Tin's girlfriend Tiffany Hsu due to work could not see him off. Siu Tin left around 9PM and reported with friends in tow. Media waited outside Siu Tin's home. Siu Tin was dressed casually and looked energized. When he saw the media he could not help but scream, "This truly is too brilliant!" How did he feel about joining the military? Siu Tin said, "Finally I can complete what I should do so I don't have any special feeling. I feel just like all men who have to serve." Two nights ago Siu Tin's friends went to his home to bid him farewell. He slept very well so yesterday he did not have any dark circles around his eyes. He will first have lunch at his grandfather's home in Taichung, then report in the afternoon. Siu Tin's military service has always been controversial. Siu Tin again clarified, "Anyone who have served should know that alternative service was determined when I graduated from high school. I went for repeated examination twice. At the time I wasn't an artist so I don't have any so-called special privilege problem." Was his girlfriend Tiffany Hsu reluctant to let him go or ask him for anything? Siu Tin joked, "You make her sounds like she's my Ma! I will be back! It's not like I won't. It's not bitterly guarding a chilly cave for 18 years either." However, his girlfriend due to work would not see him off. Why did he report alone and not meet up with others reporting? He said, "I was informed to do so, I don't know, I am just following orders." Siu Tin will be away from show business for a year. He was not worried that his show business job will be hindered due to his military service, because the service had to be done. As an actor he should properly experience life. Siu Tin before reporting did not forget to promote his new film LOVE. In addition, Siu Tin's film THE GUILLOTINES (HUET DIK JI) will also be released this year. Siu Tin spent two and a half months on THE GUILLOTINES, which was as difficult as "advanced military service". however he thanked the "spicy instructor" Andrew Lau Wai Keung for advancing his "tough experience". This film will be released in the summer. Siu Tin will be absent from the premiere and the promotion. However the team guaranteed a very special way for him to appear. Siu Tin pointed out that Lau Wai Keung gave him countless "first times", like the first time he did 50 push ups, the first time he lost eight jin in four days, the first time he felt nauseous from all the wire work. However in Siu Tin's eyes, Lau Wai Keung was still a very loving father. When he turned 29, Lau Wai keung arranged for a secret celebration. When he returned to his hotel room, the team emerged from the closet, behind the curtains and under the bed. Seeing how pleased Lau Wai Keung was, Siu Tin could not help but break down. Siu Tin also said that brothers who he "stayed up all night with, got hurt with and even got yelled at by the director with" Shawn Yue Man Lok, Huang Xiaoming and others were hard to forget. He looked forward to their reunion after the end of his service. * (2012/02/01) The Lunar New Year film I LOVE HONG KONG 2012 (2012 NGOR OI HK HEI SEUNG GA HEI) last night held an audience appreciation event at the Causeway Bay Times Square UA cinema with artists Eric Tsang Chi Wai, Samantha Ko Hoi Ning, Stanley Fung Shui Fan and Mak Cheung Ching. Last night was also this UA cinema's final day of operation. Chi Wai said that it was no big deal as it will only relocate upstairs. As for the current location being rented to a high end retail store, Chi Wai pointed out that it proved Hong Kong tourism was doing well. Did he feel that they had too many high end retail stores? He pointed out that different people spent differently, taking care of everyone would be the best. He said that Europe and Japan high end stores did poor business, but Hong Kong was doing well. Of course it was better for tourists to come to Hong Kong than elsewhere. Did Ko Hoi Ning's first love take place at this cinema? She said that it was not here, but at the time she went to a movie with a guy and started dating. Ko Hoi Ning was sorry that last night was this cinema's final day. Fung Shui Fan said that he did not have much memory of this cinema because at his time the cinema screens were enormous. Now many were mini cinemas so he did not go to the movies. He also said that now the television screen was huge and not much different from going to the movies. However he would miss it a little. Mak Cheung Ching said that he had many memories of this cinemas because he often attended premieres. He also came to the movies here. He said that when he was little cinemas were much larger, only when watching with many people would the movie have atmosphere and a sense of resonance. He believed now cinemas had a hard time and hoped that in the future fewer would close. The best would be a cinema in every district. * (2012/02/01) Eric Tsang Chi Wai and Raymond Wong Pak Ming exchanged fire for the third Lunar New Year in a row, but Chi Wai won all three years. This year he even won from the beginning to the end. Two nights ago at the celebration and the New Spring visit, Tsang Chi Wai even presented the "Universe Nemesis" to Stanley Fung Shui Fan (Gung Gor) who performed for two years in a row. He said that completely because of him "the Strongest in the Universe" Donnie Yen Chi Tan was defeated, but Gung Gor said that those words scared him. He worried that they would insult someone and said that after the event he would have to immediately fly out of Hong Kong. I LOVE HONG KONG 2012 two days ago broke 15 million at the box office. Two nights ago a New Year group visit and a celebration took place. Tsang Chi Wai, Fung Shui Fan, Bosco Wong Chung Chak, Teresa Mo Shun Kwan and others attended. Due to the third Lunar New Year victory in a row over Wong Pak Ming, Chi Wai wrote "Universe Nemesis" and presented the words to Gung Gor as he had fun at the expense of ALL'S WELL ENDS WELL 2011 (BAK SING PO HEI)'s "Strongest in the Universe" Yen Chi Tan. Chi Wai said, "Over these two years Gung Gor helped a lot. Gung Gor took care of 'the Strongest in the Universe' over these two years, one against ten your salary should be worth several tens of millions. Next time I will make IP MAN 4 with you." Gung Gor could not turn it down fast enough. "I am not sure what you are saying, right now I am a little scared. I didn't say any of that! Right after this I am taking a flight out!" Later Gung Gor said that he was in Taiwan so he did not know about the box office. Did he know who Yen Chi Tan was? He joked, "I know, if I don't I would die even faster!" He also said that the success of a movie was not due to just one person, the credit went to the entire group. No one could say that it all depended on him, no one should joke about that. Chi Wai said, "You won with a lot of room to spare. When you were on top, Who knew where Chi Tan was." Was Gung Gor very embarrassed? He said, "No, I am only afraid that someone would be insulted." Chi Wai also said, "With writing like that, Chi Tan next year will work for Wong Pak Ming for free just to win some bragging right back!" Chi Wai later would make five or six films for Shaw. Will he ask Gung Gor? He said, "How can I do it without him, whenever we are against Chi Tan I have to get him." Chi Wai also said that actually this year was a real victory over Wong Pak Ming. The first year Wong Pak Ming won at first, later with more people going he barely won. The second time at first they were tied but he finally won. This year he won from the beginning to the end. Chi Wai said, "This time was risky because I used TVB artists, no comparison to his big stars." Speaking of Clifton Ko Chi Sum's criticism of current Lunar New Year films as "lacking choices", Chi Wai said, "He has already left this circle, he is working on a Lunar New Year play. Even if he comes back he would be behind because the comedy is already different. However I would welcome him to join the fray next year. (Yet he would only work with his girlfriend Perry Chiu Woon?) I would cast Chiu Woon. Actually Chiu Woon is very playful, I asked her to take part in THE TRIO DELIGHTS every time. It's a waste for her to be just on the stage, Ko Chi Sum shouldn't have the monopoly." Wheat Bread complained that Chi Wai last year promised everyone a vacation but has yet to come through. Chi Wai said, "This year we have a chance, maybe in Japan! (Next Lunar New Year will you compete with Wong Pak Ming?) I will! Competition is good." * (2012/02/01) Teresa Mo Shun Kwan two nights ago attended the I LOVE HONG KONG 2012 (2012 NGOR OI HK HEI SEUNG GA HEI) Lunar New Year group visit and celebration. She was very happy about the ideal box office but she had reservations about whether she will participate again next year. Has she and her family seen the film? She said that she would wait for the video before watching it with her family because she worried that her youngest daughter would not understand and would ask her to explain. Was she talking about the sexy scene? She admitted, "Yes, I am a little scared, so I have to watch and explain at home." Sister Mo revealed that later she will rest for awhile and will not work on a series. She will have to move and go with her daughter to look for a school in Canada. She said, "Moving to me is a big deal in life because every time I moved I got sick. I even had to go to a hospital, maybe because I was in too much of a hurry. This time I don't want to have such a hard time. I am older too, I worry that I won't just go to the hospital but have to stay there. I hope to move slowly." Sister Mo has one more year before going to the university. Because her daughter is a Canadian citizen, she will return to study there. This year she will look for schools for her there. Sister Mo's husband Tony Au Ting Ping's birthday will be on February 6, they originally planned to celebrate in Japan. Yet they heard radiation rumors from friends and told her not to go to Tokyo. If something happened, the Japanese government would hide it. Thus she decided to cancel her trip. yet Chi Wai planned to take the cast to Japan. Sister Mo said, "If it's Chi Wai's treat, I would risk my life." * (2012/02/01) Louis Koo Tin Lok and Sammi Cheng Sau Man earlier went to Shangri-La, Yunnan to work on the film ROMANCING IN THIN AIR (GO HOI BUT JI LUEN II). When the film started production it was late winter and early spring, the mountain was filled with snow. With the high altitude the production was more difficult. Many workers fell ill due to the thin air. Goo Jai and Sammi had many running scenes in the mountains, luckily they did not have altitude sickness. Sammi said, "Goo Jai and I had to run on the mountains, he even had to carry me and run. However I am used to exercising so I was OK." With her asthma, Sammi this time took nebulizer with her to Yunnan but she did not need to use them. When she and Goo Jai went to the Emei Mountain for LOVE FOR ALL SEASONS (BAK NIN HO HUP). She said that in recent years she has been exercising, which indeed benefited her. She was much stronger. Sammi in the film had to cry until she was hoarse in many scenes. She thought that physical hardship was no problem, but expressing emotions on the face was harder. Many scenes were shot in a rush, sometimes she got into the mood to cry but the director would switch to shoot something more girly. Often she could not switch mood in time. Did she complain to Johnnie To Kei Fung? She said that she always thought she was very lucky, having a director who would put an effort into shooting her and kept discovering what she could do. She said, "He truly treats me very well, Mrs. To is afraid that I don't eat and often personally cook for me." The director claimed that she ate once every two weeks, Sammi joked that she was afraid her face would look too big on the screen but her body was like a famine victim's. * (2012/01/31) Among the Chinese Lunar New Year films, Shaw's I LOVE HONG KONG 2012 (2012 NGOR OI HK HEI SEUNG GA HEI) with 14.35 million was the champion. However in comparison to the other two Chinese films ALL'S WELL ENDS WELL 2012 (BAK SING PO HEI) and THE VIRAL FACTOR (YIK JIN)'s Mainland box office of 73 million and 135 million respectively, it was chum change. No wonder Hong Kong film professionals in recent years continue to prefer to make co-production films the please Mainland comrades. Eric Tsang Chi Wai and a group of TVB artists starred film I LOVE HONG KONG 2012 (2012 NGOR OI HK HEI SEUNG GA HEI) was his Chinese Lunar New Year film champion in Hong Kong for a third year in a row. As of two days ago it edged out with 14.35 million the second place Dante Lam Chiu Yin directed, Nicholas Tse Ting Fung, Jay Chou (Chow Kit Lun) starred action film THE VIRAL FACTOR's 14.06 million at the box office. Chi Wai's Lunar New Year film rival every year, Raymond Wong Pak Ming's Lunar New Year film this year ALL'S WELL ENDS WELL 2012 continues with hired guns Donnie Yen Chi Tan, Louis Koo Tin Lok, Sandra Ng Kwan Yu and Kelly Chen Wai Lam. In addition this year's story is more Hong Kong. However it could only came in second to last at the Chinese film box office. As of two days ago it only had 9.15 million and only defeated Zhang Yimou's THE FLOWERS OF WAR with 6.56 million. In comparison to Chinese films, among Lunar New Year foreign films the SCORPION KING Dwayne Johnson starred JOURNEY 2: THE MYSTERIOUS ISLAND performed the best with 28.77 million as of two days ago. In comparison to the enormous Mainland market, Hong Kong box office has become negligible. Released in the Mainland simultaneously, ALL's box office has already reached 73 million. With returns from Hong Kong, Southeast Asian and other regions, the film is close to 100 million. THE VIRAL FACTOR from the Mainland box office alone already had 135 million. With other regional return it has already broken 150 million, which makes it the best performer among Hong Kong Chinese films. * (2012/01/31) The Dante Lam Chiu Yin directed, Nicholas Tse Ting Fung and Jay Chou (Chow Kit Lun) starred THE VIRAL FACTOR (YIK JIN) opened on January 17 in the Mainland, Hong Kong, Southeast Asia and North America. As of January 28, its total box office broke HK$130 million. According to Variety, THE VIRAL FACTOR came in fourth among 20 new releases in the U.S. and was the first Chinese film to land in the top five. THE VIRAL FACTOR exceeded HK$100 million in the Mainland to become the Lunar New Year Spring Festival Chinese film that broke the 100 million mark the fastest. In Hong Kong its opening box office already passed 2 million. * (2012/01/31) Michael Hui Koon Man yesterday appeared on a Commercial Radio interview. To raise fund for Suicide Prevention Services he will perform a stand up comedy show at the Hong Kong Coliseum. On the program he joked about his late friend Anita Mui Yim Fong. "Ah Mui after passing told me in a dream that God is a woman." Hui Koon Man remembered when Ah Mui was alive she said that men no matter they are handsome or ugly, rich or poor love to "screw around". Ah Mui's dream guy had to be rich and handsome, but she did not run into him in her lifetime. Hui Koon Man at Ah Mui's funeral said to her photo, in Heaven she definitely will find a good man because all the men who love to "screw around" will not go to Heaven; Ah Mui told him in a dream that Heaven has no man because all men love to "screw around" and are sent to Hell. Even God's husband is kicked out. On the Lunar New Year's Eve, Hui Koon Man had a reunion dinner with his family. Although Ricky Hui Koon Ying who passed away last year was missing, the family was even stronger and learned to cherish those around them. "I have always loved Ah Ying, but I failed to express it. In the past I only said no and not allowed to him. (Sam) Hui Koon Kit always praised Ah Ying as very good so they were the closest. He so far still has not completely adjusted to Ah Ying's passing." * (2012/01/31) The Clifton Ko Chi Sum directed 80's Lunar New Year film IT'S A MAD MAD MAD WORLD (FU GWAI BIK YUN) two nights ago was screened at the Film Archive. Ko Chi Sum attended in support and shared with the audience the production experience. Ko Chi Sum said that the stars Lydia Shum Din Ha and Bill Tung Biu have already left. Two nights ago when he watched again he felt very sentimental. He pointed out that Shum Din Ha and Tung Biu were both television people back then, but the film company boss actually agreed for them to star. He thought that the boss back then was very daring, and creative freedom was greater then than now. Now the focus is on the cast and the production is overlooked, the production time is rushed, he even claimed that now Hong Kong film industry has no one with the courage to cast television artists as leads. Many films are filled with head shots on one poster. Has he watched this year's Lunar New Year films? He said that he still has not mustered up the courage to watch. If he had to choose he definitely would support his mentor Raymond Wong Pak Ming. Will he make another Lunar New Year film again? He said, "The environment now is different from back then. Even if I have a good story, I still need the boss to have confidence to invest before I can." * (2012/01/30) Eric Tsang Chi Wai and Teresa Mo Shun Kwan team up again during the Lunar New Year for the film I LOVE HONG KONG 2012 (2012 NGOR OI HK HEI SEUNG GA HEI). Mo Mo would even make a sacrifice for art as her most daring sexy performance in her film career was one of the film's secret weapon. Mo Mo said, "No one has seen me with so little clothing, displaying the career line during an erotic dance. Everything is real. During the shoot the set was clear to a certain level. When the crew saw this scene they were all wowed." She worried that her revealing performance would frighten her family, thus she would deliberately invite her husband and daughters to the show. As the producer and lead actor, Chi Wai was unwilling to have his thunder shown and came up with his own pleasant surprise. He said, "I would have many costumes and dress up as certain characters so the viewers would smile from their hearts." Mo Mo thought Chi Wai's performance was hilarious. He did not like to follow the script, he always improvised. Chi Wai spoke of this Lunar New Year film was made according to the audience demand. He hoped to add some atmosphere to the New Year. The script initially had Miriam Yeung Chin Wa and Carol Cheng Yui Ling in mind, but the script was not be written according to their personalities. With Chin Wa's pregnancy she turned it down. He then thought of his old partner Mo Mo, along with Stanley Fung Shui Fan, Denise Ho Wan Si, Bosco Wong Chung Chak, Lok Wing, 3F national bust goddess Zhang Xinyu and a group of TVB artists they had a little fun and the result was very satisfying. Chi Wai praised Ho Wan Si's acting as having her own style and had shades of her mentor Anita Mui Yim Fong. Ah Si and Wong Chung Chak's kiss scene was the most memorable for him. Chi Wai joked, "Because I have never seen Ah Si kiss a guy." Although Mo Mo might be a second choice, she did not mind at all. "I don't care, I get paid and the role is right for me. I couldn't agree any faster. In addition comedy partner is very hard to find, on this rare occasion the co-star is old partner Chi Wai. We have chemistry so we have more fun." * (2012/01/30) Yesterday was People Day. Chrissie Chau Sau Na appeared at an event in her Bauhinia Woman costume. She not only played games with fans but also gave away fortune bags and laisee to a group of seniors as they celebrated People Day together. Her new film BAUHINIA WOMAN (JI GAING HUP) will not start production until July and be released in 2013. However the film has already started promoting before its production even started. The film company spent seven figures to rent poster space on two buses. Starting this year the buses will travel throughout Hong Kong. Has she met the real Bauhinia Woman? She said, "No, but I hope the film could achieve the intention of telling everyone to care more about their communities and people around them." * (2012/01/29) Pegasus Motion Pictures last night held its spring banquet, many in the industry came in support like Raymond Lam Fung, Louis Koo Tin Lok, Kelly Chen Wai Lam, Sandra Ng Kwan Yu, Ronald Cheng Chung Kei and others. Speaking of ALL'S WELL ENDS WELL 2012 (BAK SING PO HEI)'s Hong Kong box office defeat at the hands of Eric Tsang Chi Wai's I LOVE HONG KONG 2012 (2012 NGOR OI HK HEI SEUNG GA HEI), ALL'S boss Raymond Wong Pak Ming ridiculed Chi Wai's movie for not having a Mainland market and stated that next year he will keep going. He said, "Why not compete when we can?" Last night many artists appeared and gave away big laisee so everyone was pleased. Speaking of this year's ALL'S WELL ENDS WELL 2012 disappointing box office, Wong Pak Ming was not disappointed and stressed that it was expected. He said, "This year has many film releases, so far its Hong Kong box office is 7 million. However its Mainland, Singapore and Malaysia responses have been decent. The Mainland box office has already passed 70 million and passing 100 million won't be hard." Pak Ming stressed that it had profit, this time the word of mouth was even better than last year's ALL'S WELL ENDS WELL 2011 (JUI KEUNG HEI SI). As for losing to Chi Wai for a third year in a row, he did not admit defeat. "Chi Wai('s movie) isn't in the Mainland! (He won in Hong Kong?) Then congratulations to him!" Speaking of Chi Wai revealing that he sent a text message to Wong Pak Ming but has not received any reply, he denied that and only blamed it on him not being in Hong Kong. "I am not afraid that he would be mad, I am happy for Chi Wai! Next Year I will keep making Lunar New Year films, why not compete when we can!" Will he congratulate Chi Wai when he will return on the Lunar 8th, Wong Pak Ming joked, "Let's wait until he is really back first!" Wong Pak Ming also revealed that this year he will invest on three films. SAVING GENERAL YANG (YEUNG GA JEUNG) will be released at the end of the year. In April Vincent Kok Tak Siu's NAM YUN YU YI FOOK (MEN ARE LIKE CLOTHES) will start production; however, the new film with old couple Ronald Cheng Chung Kei and Miriam Yeung Chin Wai will have to be negotiated again due to Chin Wa's pregnancy. Seven months pregnant, Chen Wai Lam admitted that she has already gained over ten pounds and joked that her appetite was even greater than her husband's. "I keep eating salty and sweet things, it's very hard to control." Kelly said that now once her husband was full she would try to stop. Does her son "Shrimp Dumpling Kid" know that he will soon be an older brother? Kelly said, "He knows that Mama has a baby in her belly and knows where he came from. He would even pretend to crawl back inside to come back out again!" She revealed that during the Lunar New Year she brought "Shrimp Dumpling Kid" on Lunar New Year visits and her friends and family gave laisee to both "Shrimp Dumpling Kid" and the baby in her belly. When will she be able to break even? Kelly helplessly said, "It's impossible, I calculated that both of their lifetimes won't be on par with tonight, tonight I will give six figure in laisee." Last night she wore flats, she joked that now she could not even see her feet so dressing pretty would be useless. "Now I don't like to sit because standing up I look like a pregnant lady!" Andy Lau Tak Wa earlier admitted that his wife Chu Lai Sin was carrying a little dragon maiden. Kelly stated that she would like to make a match. She said, "'Little Juicy Bun' matches her. If not that I will tell 'Shrimp Dumpling Kid' to take the place!" She joked that this time she was rich because Wa Jai's daughter will have a lot in dowry. Ng Kwan Yu was linked to Winnie Yu Tseng years ago. Last night Kwan Yu appeared at the spring banquet and became the focus. Recently Yu Tseng and Pansy Ho Chiu King were caught holding hands in Europe. Kwan Yu coldly responded, "I didn't see the news, I don't know. As long as they are happy it's fine. It's got nothing to do with me. Don't ask about other people." She joked that she and her daughter constantly held hands too. As for a dragon baby, she responded, "I have to rest for half a year before even trying, but I still have two movies on hand." Kwan Yu admitted her body was like an animal's, one day without a child was like ten. As for advice from her good friend Andy Lau Tak Wa, she said, "I can handle my own deal. Telling him to raise me too sounds more like it." As for Louis Koo Tin Lok recently he has been working on his new film DRUG WAR (DUK JIN) in Tianjin. Goo jai said, "The low temperature there was seven degrees below zero (Celsius), we still have awhile on the shoot." Speaking of ALL'S WELL ENDS WELL 2012's mediocre Hong Kong box office, he hoped that next time will be even better. Actors have to do their part. As for whether he will work on another Lunar New Year film next year it will depend on whether the boss will invest. * (2012/01/29) The Shaw Lunar New Year film I LOVE HONG KONG 2012 (2012 NGOR OI HK HEI SEUNG GA HEI) already broke 10 million after its release. Yesterday Christine Kuo, Susan Shaw Yam Yam, Daniel Chau Chi Hong and others went to the cinema to give gifts to viewers. For her first movie audience appreciation event, Christine Kuo was very happy about the film's box office performance, felt fortunate that she was a part of the shoot and even joked that she won three gold dragons in a row. She hoped that her luck would carry to work all year. * (2012/01/28) Mak Cheung Ching, Mandy Wong Chi Man, Eliza Sham Lai Heung and two directors Chung Shu Kai and Wilson Chin Kwok Wai yesterday appeared in Kwun Tong for I LOVE HONG KONG 2012 (NGOR OI HK HEI SEUNG GA HEI) viewer appreciation. They announced that the film's Hong Kong box office has already reached 10 million, which truly was joy upon joy! Wheat Bread looked bigger. He said that over the dozen or so days of promoting, he ate like crazy every time. He has already gained 15 or 16 pounds. After the Lunar New Year he will start losing weight, but since he was "fat to begin with" he did not mind. With another box office hit, Chung Shu Kai revealed that Eric Tsang Chi Wai during the last Lunar New Year promised to take everyone to Japan if the film reached 20 million at the box office. No one expected that the promise has yet to be fulfilled still. Chin Kwok Wai said that this year if they do not go to Japan then at least they have to go to Korea; Wheat Bread joked, "For stuff like this of course I would wait until the directors speak up first, then all we have to do is chime in. however earlier at the Malaysia premiere, the response was decent. Hopefully if the box office performs well we can go again for viewer appreciation." Wheat Bread was asked how it felt to lead the promotion, Wheat Bread said that everyone was busy and he had time. On the Lunar 8th when Chi Wai will return to Hong Kong, they will celebrate again. * (2012/01/28) Sammi Cheng Sau Man and Louis Koo Tin Lok's most memorable scene in ROMANCING IN THIN AIR (GO HOI BUT JI LUEN II) took place in 6 degrees below zero Celsius. One ran while the other one drowned. In the scene Sammi saw Koo Tin Lok from afar and thought her long lost husband returned home. Seeing Goo Jai soaking in the spring, she immediately ran over, pulled him up and saved his life. When they shot the scene in Shangri-La, the temperature was only six below zero. For such an icy and snowy feel, director Johnnie To Kei Fung deliberately chose the coldest time to shoot in. Sammi earlier in the shoot has already entered her character. In this scene her emotions completely flooded out. Sammi said, "Actually my first take already had a lot of explosiveness. After that I already felt like I was going to collapse." Finally the director still wanted Sammi to make ten more takes. Poor Sammi had to run, cry, yell and pull Goo Jai from the hot spring. Goo Jai did not have an easy time either because he had to wear layer after layer of clothing and soaked his entire body into the spring water. Although that was a hot spring, with all the wet clothing Goo Jai was still fine in the hot spring. As soon as he left it the feeling was unusually hard to take as it was frighteningly cold. Actually he did not soak in the spring for long, instead Sammi took more time to drag him out of the spring. He felt very chilly. Goo Jai said, "Actually I really just let Sammi pull me, I had to play like I was completely unconscious. I was heavy so Sammi had a very tough time. With the hot spring I really didn't want her to drag me out. However because I had to be face down in the water, if she didn't drag me up I couldn't breath. I had mixed emotions throughout the scene!" After the scene, the team wrapped them both up tight, brought them into the house and used all the heat pads and heaters for them to get warm. * (2012/01/27) THE VIRAL FACTOR (YIK JIN) after 7 days in release in the Mainland broke the 60 million RMB mark. The film company estimated that in a few day it will be able to pass the 100 million mark to become the Spring Festival Chinese film champion, as Dante Lam Chiu Yin will join the "100 million yuan director" club. Despite the numerous negative news about Jay Chou (Chow Kit Lun) before the release, his performance in the film was a pleasant surprise for the audience. Lam Chiu Yin said, "At the time I told Chow Kit Lun not to mind and be confident that his performance will open viewers' eyes. Chow Kit Lun during the shoot practiced the stunts with a lot of effort on the set, as he wanted to prove that he had a masculine side too." * (2012/01/27) The Lunar New Year film I LOVE HONG KONG 2012 (2012 NGOR OI HK HEI SEUNG GA HEI)'s Eric Tsang Chi Wai, Teresa Mo Shun Kwan, Bosco Wong Chung Chak, Natalie Meng Yao, Zhang Xinyu and others put on traditional Chinese costumes to wish everyone a Happy Lunar New Year and wished for box office success for their new films. Chi Wai said that this year he will perform in North America with his daughter Bowie Tsang Bo Yi. His family will go with them and spend on the holiday there. As for the Hong Kong base, he will keep an eye on it remotely as Mo Mo and Wheat Bread (Mak Cheung Ching) will be responsible for viewer appreciation. Chi Wai said that this year has been a very joyous one as he was able to work with his daughter on a rare occasion. In the past due to work they could not spend the holiday together. This year due to work they will have the chance. He said that when the children were little they often complained that he was not at home. Now with the children in show business they finally understood. Chi Wai this year will become a grandfather. Will he prepare a giant laisee for his grandson? He said, "Wait until the birth first!" Wong Chung Chak said that he will be working on an ad campaign in Japan during the Lunar New Year while his girlfriend Myolie Wu Hung Yi will be working on a series in the Mainland. Reporters joked that he and Hung Yi might share a bed but could not have a New Year reunion meal. Bosco joked, "Dinner is dinner, sleeping is sleeping." Will he pay a Lunar New Year visit to Hung Yi's home? He said, "She won't be in Hong Kong, nothing to do with me." This year he and Hung Yi publicized their relationship. Will they give double laisee? He said, "I am not married yet, one is enough! Everyone gets good luck. (Will you give on behalf of Hung Yi?) She is making so much money from a Mainland series, she can give it herself!" Mother Meng Yao looked much slimmer, even more than when she was making movies. She explained that after giving birth she saw how much bigger she got and truly could not help but lose weight. She worked hard on her diet and exercises and dropped from the peak of 170 some pounds to now only 110 pounds or so. She joked that even her top measurement has shrunk as she joked, "Now I want breast enlargement!" She joked that now she finally understood why some girls wanted breast enlargement. Did her husband "complain"? She said, "Would he dare?" She also said that for now she will not have another child as she will work on movies. She was afraid that the audience will forget her. Was she not a "young wife"? Meng Yao joked, "I am not a young wife, but the queen mother." * (2012/01/27) The Vic Chou (Chow Yu Man), Mini Yang Mi, Ella Chen, Chen Chusheng, Vivian Hsu (Tsui Yeuk Suen), Benny starred Lunar New Year comedy NEW PERFECT TWO (SUN TIN SUN YUT DUI) opened in the Mainland for three days and reached 80% admission rate to break into the single day box office top tree, third only to SHERLOCK HOLMES: A GAME OF SHADOWS and the Nicholas Tse Ting Fung starred THE VIRAL FACTOR (YIK JIN). Its shows are also increasing daily. The film's focus was on father and son Jai Jai and Benny, a happy and touching story for the whole family that met the family viewer Spring Festival slot demand. Since its release it continued to release raves. After the open day cinema circuit scheduling support, the film added 100 shows on January 24 and had 2982 shows on 790 screens and 99499 viewers. Yang Mi in the film played a single mother for the first time and even became the lover who Jai Jai could not forget. Over six years he could not find her and drowned himself in alcohol. He loved so deeply that he posted "runaway wife warning" on the streets when drunk. Ella who saw him as a "prince" in the film was willing to be his maid and show her love by taking care of Jai Jai's life. No matter when he landed she remained faithful and encouraged him. * (2012/01/27) As the Lunar New Year just passed, TVB received good news. First the return to work laisee increased by 75%, then the Lunar New Year program rating was good, and its Lunar New Year film I LOVE HONG KONG 2012 (2012 NGOR OI HK HEI SEUNG GA HEI) became the Hong Kong film box office champion. Next week a celebration will be held. TVB and Shaw's third Lunar New Year film collaboration I LOVE HONG KONG 2012 as of 4PM yesterday reached 9.364 million at the box office, the best among Hong Kong films. After last year the box office has been estimated to pass 10 million. Thus next Monday a celebration will be held. THE VIRAL FACTOR (YIK JIN)'s box office so far is 7.794 million while ALL'S WELL ENDS WELL 2012 (BAK SING PO HEI)'s box office is 4.568 million. The Hong Kong Motion Picture Industry Association yesterday announced the 2012 Spring Festival holiday box office (January 22 to 25) as HK$47,012,740 in total, a 5.9% increase from the same period last year; however, this Spring Festival foreign films dominated as Hollywood 3D film JOURNEY 2: THE MYSTERIOUS ISLAND beat out Chinese films and animation of the same period for the top spot. This Spring Festival slot had 8 film releases, JOURNEY 2 THE MYSTERIOUS ISLAND performed the best. Over the 4 day holiday it made HK$14,158,846, as of the 25th its cumulative box office was HK$20,049,092. The Eric Tsang Chi Wai produced Shaw Lunar New Year film I LOVE HONG KONG 2012 (2012 NGOR OI HK HEI SEUNG GA HEI) came in second with HK$7,541,083 over the holiday and accumulated HK$8,804,008. It left its rival the Raymond Wong Pak Ming produced comedy ALL'S WELL ENDS WELL 2012 (BAK SING PO HEI) in the dust. ALL's holiday box office was HK$4,536,450 and cumulative box office was HK$5,423,774. Chi Wai and Wong Pak Ming have engaged in a battle of words every year over their Lunar New Year films. Chi Wai this year won again, a third year of victory over Wong Pak Ming. Animation PUSS IN BOOTS made HK$6,583,185 over the holidays, crushing by 470,000 the Nicholas Tse Ting Fung and Jay Chou (Chow Kit Lun) starred Hong Kong action film THE VIRAL FACTOR (YIK JIN)'s holiday box office of HK$6,113,242 for third place; however, THE VIRAL FACTOR's cumulative box office was HK$8,626,689, which exceeded PUSS IN BOOTS' HK$7,630,722. Thus in the upcoming weekend they still had hope to catch up with momentum. However, two other animated films KOKURIKOZAKA KARA and THE MUPPETS only had average performance with HK$2,022,120 and $997,994 respectively. Their cumulative box office numbers were HK$3,651,924 and HK$1,342,627 on the bottom of the chart. Big time director Zhang Yimou's THE FLOWERS OF WAR perhaps due to its earlier Mainland release has already been seen through different channels. With the taste difference its Hong Kong release has been mediocre. Over the holiday it made HK$2,668,752 and accumulated HK$4,561,952, slightly better than KOKURIKOZAKA KARA and THE MUPPETS. * (2012/01/27) The Berlin Film Festival yesterday announced that the Doze Niu Chen-Zer directed romantic comedy LOVE has been selected to participate in this year's festival. On February 16 Niu Chen-Zer will promote the film in Berlin with Mark Chao (Chiu Yau Ting). Niu Chen-Zer was very surprised and pleased, as LOVE was proven to be without border or time restrictions and even exceeded language and cultural barriers. He looked forward to going to Berlin again very much, to share his love experience with the world. LOVE is about eight people in Taipei and Beijing's romantic struggles and reflects love in modern society. The film cost 75 million RMB with influential actors and crew of both sides of the straits like Vicki Zhao Wei, Shu Qi, Ethan Juan (Yuen King Tin), Mark Chao, Eddie Peng Yu-Yan, Mark Lee Ping-Bin, Tu Du-Chih and others. The film has already been scheduled for a Valentine's Day release. With the Berlin Film Festival selection, the film's popularity will explode. * (2012/01/26) Best Actor Nicholas Tse Ting Fung, popular Taiwan superstar Jay Chou (Chow Kit Lun), Hong Kong star Andy On Chi Kit, Mainland star Lin Peng worked together on the Dante Lam Chiu Yin directed HK$200 million Emperor Motion Picture THE VIRAL FACTOR (YIK JIN). The cast's life risking performance in the film and its massive amount of thrilling scenes in the air and at sea finally won the film box office success. VIRAL after five days in release already broke the HK$8 million mark at the Hong Kong box office. The film's Southeast Asian region release also brought extremely good word of mouth and box office. The film company intends on arranging for Tse Ting Fung and Chow Kit Lun to gather in Hong Kong for a celebration. [ BLAH OF THE WEEK ] Columns, Reviews, Interviews 1. MING PAO DAILY, JANUARY 29 2012, FILM WORDS LUNAR NEW YEAR JOURNEY 2 DEFEATS HONG KONG FILMS This period has few new films. Let's first talk about the Year of the Dragon Lunar New Year Hong Kong box office. The highest grossing was the Hollywood 3D film JOURNEY 2 THE MYSTERIOUS ISLAND, which now has already made over HK$20 million and pulled away from its competition. Several Hong Kong films also had business but lagged behind. The Eric Tsang Chi Wai produced I LOVE HONG KONG 2012 (2012 NGOR OI HK HEI SEUNG GA HEI) is in second for now. This is a pure Hong Kong family ensemble film. More old fashioned, it is unlike last year's movie with public housing nostalgia that recalls many Hong Kong people's familiar memories. The Raymond Wong Pak Ming produced ALL'S WELL ENDS WELL 2012 (BAK SING PO HEI) is even more modern and accommodates the Mainland market. Overall it is colorful but is also under suspicion of making drama by force. The most international big action THE VIRAL FACTOR (YIK JIN) is explosive and melodramatic. The story is farfetched. The most dramatic is the poor old dad Liu Kai Chi and the little granddaughter. Worthy of attention is in these three Lunar New year Hong Kong films Hong Kong male leads are mostly self ridiculing and even self pitying. For example Tsang Chi Wai in I LOVE HONG KONG 2012 is a slave to his wife. Liu Kai Chi and Nicholas Tse Ting Fung in THE VIRAL FACTOR play tragic father and son. Chapman To Man Jat in ALL'S WELL ENDS WELL 2012 is even unnecessarily ashamed of himself. They all lack courage and self confidence. In comparison, last year's surprise Taiwan hit in Hong Kong YOU ARE THE APPLE OF MY EYE had young men who dare to act. They are direct and fun. Why are the once very lively on screen Hong Kong men are now often like HK Chanks? As for Lunar New Year animation, the U.S. 3D PUSS IN BOOTS is lively and fun. It is the most suitable for family fun. Japan's Hayao Miyazaki and son's FROM UP ON THE POPPY HILL is not a cute fairy tale but a very simple school nostalgia good film. Each of the student clubs in that "Latin Culture" old building is the most fun. Wonderfully the philosophy club posted Descartes' famous quote "I think therefore I am", I inevitably think that whether those Chinese characters are Chinese or Japanese translations? In addition, the high school students use hand written wax boards to publish newspapers. Such an "ancient technique" is also seriously shot in detail. - SHEK KEI 2. TA KUNG PAO, JANUARY 29 2012, LIGHT SHADOW PATH CRAZY RENT LEADS TO CINEMA DECLINE Today is the Lunar 7th, I wish readers good energy and good health! On the 31st the Times Square UA cinema will close. Since 18 years ago when the Times Square was built, UA has been operating in the shopping center. The area's rent as the traffic continuously increased rose. The cinema finally could not meet the property owner's "demand" and had to halt operation. Reportedly it might continue operation in the building's 12th and 13th floor. Hong Kong cinemas are dwindling, one of the most important reasons is the continuous rise of rent (second is the people's entertainment format change). In the 80s, Hong Kong had 120 some cinemas. Now it only has 48, most of which operate in shopping centers. Almost all are mini screening rooms with multiple screens. The government does not seem to particularly care about this phenomenon and the film development council has not been actively discussing it either. As early as 1965, cinemas have been classified as cultural entertainment facilities. From the 60s to the early 70s, the government stated in land sale tenders or public land auction documents that every 1,000 people must have 32 cinema seats. Thus in the past the number of cinemas were not due to demand and supply. However, now cinemas were only commercial retail facilities and not cultural entertainment facilities. Under "free market" competition, property companies' reluctance to rent "profitable space" to cinemas is very natural. Has you seen many cinemas on top of skyscrappers? In the past eight years, Hong Kong cinema provided seats went from 120,000 to less than 40,000 -- a 67% decline. Hong Kong's cinema seat to population ratio is 1:179, in other words 179 people share one cinema seat. The number is far behind neighboring cities Taipei (1:69), Bangkok (1:77), Singapore (1:154), Seoul (1:129). One of the reasons is also Hong Kong's high property value. In terms of business, property companies of course would rent to businesses that can withstand astronomical rent. Thus cinema operation has become more and more difficult. Cinemas that operate inside shopping centers often have a contract with the shopping centers or pay 25% of the business turnover as rent, whichever is higher. In other words, property companies can enjoy high return and at the same time have certain rent guarantee. Unfortunately, now due to "individual visit scheme" Hong Kong shopping centers basically do not need cinemas as attractions. In particular is brand name store areas that succumb to crowds every holiday. Cinema operators basically have no power to compete with retail businesses and will sooner or later vanish from the brand name store areas. With less and less cinemas, should the government consider classifying cinemas as regional planning cultural and entertainment facilities so residents of old or remote districts do not have to cross districts to watch movies, in turn helping film box office growth? It is a subject that is worth examining. - TIN LIK [ In Production Now/Soon ] Can : Dut Shu Sun Fun Lit : Special Identity d. Clarence Ford (Fok Yiu Leung) Donnie Yen Chi Tan, Jing Tian, Zhao Wenzhou, Zhang Hanyu Can : Yuen Hung Lit : Reward Alex Man Chi Leung, Fiona Sit Hoi Kei, Wen Chao, Sire Man Choi 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 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... LIVES IN FLAMES 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., Eva Lai Yin Shan 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... 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 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 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 ] NEW PERFECT TWO Can : Sun Tin Sun Yut Dui Lit : New Natural Pair d. Kevin Chu Yen-Ping Vic Chou Yu Man, Mini Yang Mi, Benny Wen Ella Chen Chia-Hua, Ding Sha Sha Vivian Hsu (Tsui Yeuk Suen), Chen Chusheng Opening February 2 2012 [ YAHOO! MOVIES HONG KONG ] Ah B originally is a champion race car driver, but due to an accident he loses fame and fortune. Even his most beloved wife Ka Wai leaves him. At the abyss of life Ah B numbs himself with alcohol and gambling all day. Neighbor Ma Niu although has been taking care of him attentively, Ah B still cannot forget Ka Wai. One day, Ka Wing suddenly appears with their five year old son Ben Ben for Ah B to take care of. Ben Ben's innocence affects the always cold and aloof Ah B and rekindles a strand of hope in his life, as he plans to try racing again. At this time, Ka Wing shows up again and wants to take Ben Ben with her as they immigrate overseas. On the eve of the race, facing the impact of losing his son, will Ah B falter again? NARUTO MOVIE: BLOOD PRISON d. Masahiko Murata Japanese Animation Rating : IIB Length : 108 mins. Opening January 26 2012 [ YAHOO! MOVIES HONG KONG ] An assassination attempt on the Raikage of the Hidden Cloud Village fails, and the suspect accused is actually Naruto! As the top fugitive of the five ninja nations, despite his determination to find the true peace that Master Jiraiya and the Fourth Hokage entrusted in him, Naruto still is imprisoned in the ninja prison "Ghost Lantern Town" that is known as "Blood Prison". The most chilling rumor of the Ghost Lantern Town is the powerful sealing technique "Heavenly Prison" that seals chakra so no one would be able to escape...... 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.” [ 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. 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 9 2012 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. 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 Site : http://aeghk.com 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, Harriet Yeung Sze Man, Law Kar Ying, Philip Ng Won Lung, Mimi Choo, Wen Chao Opening February 16 2012 [ 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. LOVE Can : Oi d. Doze Niu Chen-Zer Ethan Juan (Yuen King Tin), Mark Chao (Chiu Yau Ting), Eddie Peng Yu-Yen, Shu Qi, Vicki Zhao Wei Opening February 23 2012 MARRYING MR. PERFECT AKA : MARRY A PERFECT MAN 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 23 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? LOVE LIFTING 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 Opening February 9 2012 in Malaysia Opening March 1 2012 [ CINEMA ONLINE MALAYSIA ] Li, is a weightlifter who quits the industry as she is suffering from diabetes. She decides to go to Hong Kong to start a new life where she meets Yun and they soon fall in love. They then get married live a simple but happy family life. But as the Olympic Games approach, Li recalls her dream of being an Olympic champion, to which Yun supports, and convinces her to take up weightlifting again. Li starts intensively training, only to find out one day that Yun is seriously injured in a traffic accident. Before he dies, Yun tells Yi his last wish. Now, Yi is devoted to make Yun's wish come true. 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 Length : 124 mins. Opening March 1 2012 LOVE IS NOT BLIND Can : Sut Luen 33 Tin Lit : Lost Love 33 Days d. Teng Huatao Wen Zhang, Bai Baihe, Zhang Jiayi Rating : IIA Length : 109 mins. Opening March 1 2012 [ YAHOO! MOVIES HONG KONG ] Wedding Planner Huang Xiaoxin has average looks and an average family. Her only expertise is her merciless mouth. Originally she and her boyfriend of seven years have reached to the marriage stage, but someone cuts in the last minute and happens to be her best friend of many years! Poor Huang Xiaoxin experiences what is the most painful for a woman. Discouraged she is like a zombie and thus begins a 33 day "post heart break psychological recovery course". Unfortunately "perhaps the hits just keeps on coming". After her romantic setback she runs into numerous problems at work. While already heart broken she has to plan other people's wedding; in addition the company has a cool, talkative, effeminate co-worker -- Wang Yiyang who clashes with her...... 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 9 2012 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. LOVE STRIKES Can : Cho Sik Nam ji Toh Fa Kei Lit : Grass Eating Men: Peach Blossom Period d. Hitoshi Ohne Mirai Moriyama, Masami Nagasawa Opening March 15 2012 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, Mini Yang Mi, Xu Zheng Opening March 29 2012 Official Site : http://www.mediaasia.com/loveinthebuff/ [ 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. 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. 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 Opening May 10 2012 in Malaysia [ GOLDEN SCREEN CINEMAS MALAYSIA ] In Asia's safest city, the police have long been untouchable. Approaching midnight in Hong Kong, police headquarters receives an anonymous call: a fully-loaded police van carrying the force's, most advance equipment and five highly trained officers has disappeared off the grid. The hijackers possess direct knowledge of police procedures. They're already steps ahead. The police must meet a list of demands to ensure the hostage's release, including the delivery of a large ransom. Any delay will cost lives. The clock has begun to tick... --- [ 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 * F.I.R. DATE AND TIME: Tuesday, April 3 2012 @ 8PM VENUE LOCATION: Casino Rama Entertainment Centre Casino Rama 5899 Rama Road Rama ON L0k 1T0 Canada TICKET OUTLET LOCATION: TICKET MASTER http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/1000482791D442BD * MICHAEL WONG (KONG LEUNG) With Maggie Chiang DATE AND TIME: Saturday night/Sunday morning March 18 2011 @ 1AM VENUE LOCATION: Circus Maximus Theater Caesars Casino Atlantic City Atlantic City NJ TICKET PRICES: VIP$ 128, 88, 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 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 * JEFF CHANG I SAW WORLD TOUR DATE AND TIME: Sunday, March 11 2012 @ 8PM VENUE LOCATION: Casino Rama Entertainment Centre Casino Rama 5899 Rama Road Rama ON L0k 1T0 Canada TICKET OUTLET LOCATION: TICKET MASTER http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/100047898D9F6E1E * 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 * ALBERT AU SHUI KEUNG with Specia Guest Karen Tong Bo Yu DATE AND TIME: Sunday February 19 2012 @ 8PM VENUE LOCATION: Reno Ballroom 401 North Center St., Reno NV 89501 TICKET PRICES: $108, 78, 58 TICKET OUTLET LOCATIONS: USASIA INC. http://www.usasiatour.com TICKET MASTER: http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/1700479E8EF4638A USASIA INC. 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The usual suspects : Internet Movie Database, Yahoo! Hong Kong Erors : ye olde chaffing editor For Thursday, January 26 2012 10 THE GREAT MAGICIAN Can : Dai Mor Shook Si d. Derek Yee Tung Sing Tony Leung Chiu Wai, Lau Ching Wan, Zhou Xun, Yan Ni, Paul Chun Pui, Wu Gang, Kenya Sawada 9 THE MUPPETS d. James Bobin Amy Adams, Jason Segel, Chris Cooper 8 FROM UP ON POPPY HILL Can : Hung Fa Ban Seung Dik Hoi Lit : Sea on Red Flower Hill d. Goro Miyazaki Japanese Animation 7 THE FLOWERS OF WAR Can: Gum Ling Sup Sam Chai Lit : Jinling Thirteen Hairpins d. Zhang Yimou Christian Bale, Ni Ni, Tong Dawei, Dou Xiao, Atsuro Watabe, Han Xue 6 THE DESCENDANTS d. Alexander Payne George Clooney, Shailene Woodley, Amara Miller 5 ALL'S WELL ENDS WELL 2012 Can : Bak Sing Po Hei Lit : Eight Stars Carries Joy d. Chan Hing Kai, Janet Chun Siu Chun Donnie Yen Chi Tan, Louis Koo Tin Lok, Chapman To Man Jat, Raymond Wong Pak Ming, Sandra Ng kwan Yu, Kelly Chen Wai Lam, Lynn Xiong (Hung Doi Lam), Mini Yang Mi, Lam Jat Kwan, Yu Mo Lin, Maggie Lee Man Kwan, Lok Ho Ming, Lee Seung Ching, Fung Chi Keung, Louis Cheung Kai Chung, Tsui Tin Yau, Krystal Tin Yui Nei, Ronald Cheng Chung Kei, Teresa Caprio (To Lai Sha), Peter Lai Bei Tat, Gong Linna, Lam Shuet, Karena Ng Chin Yu, Jeremy Liu (Lau Chi Chin), Lok Wing, Wen Chao, C Kwan, Tony Wong Yuk Long, Lee Heung Kam, Ha Chun Chau, Maria Cordero, Chui Hoi Tai, Tang Chi Fung, Cherrie Ying Choi Yi, Vincent Kok Tak Siu, Lo Mik Shuet, Mak Ling Ling, Fung Yat Hung, GC Goo Bi, Coco Chiang Yi, Matthew Chow Hoi Kwong, Chan Man Na, Hiro Hayama (Yip Shuet Ho), Wilfred Lau Ho Lung, Hung Wing Sing, Wong Gok Yi, Chan Bing Chuen, Ngai Sun Hei, Ciwi Lam Si Man, Ho Seung Him 4 PUSS IN BOOTS d. Chris Miller DreamWork Animation English Voices: Antonio Banderas, Selma Hayek, Zach Galifianakis 3 THE VIRAL FACTOR Can : Yik Jin Lit : Reverse War d. Dante Lam Chiu Yin Jay Chou (Chow Kit Lun), Nicholas Tse Ting Fung, Andy On Chi Kit, Bai Bing, Lin Peng Liu Kai Chi, Elaine Kam Yin Ling, Crystal Lee Hin Hau 2 I LOVE HONG KONG 2012 Can : Ngor Oi HK 2012 Hei Seung Ga Hei Lit : I Love HK 2012 Joy Upon Joy d. Chung Shu Kai, Wilson Chin Kwok Wai Eric Tsang Chi Wai, Teresa Mo Shun Kwan, Bosco Wong CHung Chak, Denise Ho Wan Si Stanley Fung Shui Fan, Susan Shaw Yam Yam, Mak Cheung Ching, William So Wing Hong, Zhang Xinyu, Lok Wing, King Kong, Maggie Siu Mei Kei, Christine Kuo, Natalie Meng Yao 1 JOURNEY 2 THE MYSTERIOUS ISLAND d. Brad Petyon Josh Hutcherson, Dwayne Johnson, Michael Caine ------ Summaries for some of the films above. Some contain SPOILERS I LOVE HONG KONG 2012 Rating : IIA Length : 100 mins. Opening January 21 2012 Official Site : http://www.ilovehongkong2012.com/ [ GOLDEN SCREEN CINEMAS MALAYSIA ] Kuok is famous weather forecast announcer, who dreams to be in the headlines, but failed to do so even when he is about to retire. One day, he finds out that the world is facing a deadly threat and the chance arises to him to become a news sensation. This is when the fun, laughter and havoc come in place. THE VIRAL FACTOR Rating : IIB Length : 121 mins. Opening January 19 2012 Site : http://www.emp.hk/title.php?film_id=109 [ GOLDEN SCREEN CINEMAS ] Jon, an International Security Affairs agent unites with his elder brother to stop an international blackmail to release a deadly virus. [ CINEMA ONLINE MALAYSIA ] An elite counter terrorist unit based in Hong Kong heads to the Middle East to find a deadly virus. When one of its members betrays the team, the team leader must stop his former comrade before he unleashes the virus. [ THE FILM CATALOGUE ] One man on a quest to destroy the world. One man on a mission to stop him. Who will win? ALL'S WELL ENDS WELL 2012 Rating : IIA Length : 118 mins. Opening January 19 2012 [ GOLDEN SCREEN CINEMAS ] Network tycoon Maximilian established an all weather female support site. Men come to bat and the only remuneration for them is one grateful embrace. On quest in helping the female protagonists, the heroic mission of these four men turns to be a journey discovering their self significance and values. And their embrace resembles the blossom of a beautiful relationship. THE FLOWERS OF WAR Rating : IIB Length : 146 mins. Opening January 19 2011 [ YAHOO! MOVIES HONG KONG ] In 1937 after the fall of Nanjing, the Japanese military began a massacre, with bodies all over and blood formed a river. Only a Catholic Church was not yet under occupation. Church school female students, prostitutes from the Qinhuai River, soldiers and injured troops, and an American John all entered the church. The temporary peace was very quickly broken -- Japanese military stormed into the church and found female students. Soldiers who risked their lives in opposition opened fire at the final moment to save the female students and sacrificed themselves. Later, the Japanese military forced female students to perform at their celebration. Everyone knew that this was a road of no return. Female students were unwilling to be abused at the hands of the Japanese military and prepared to commit mass suicide. Prostitutes led by Yu Mo saved them. Finally, these 13 ladies of the night who ordinarily would be considered low class displayed the fearless Chinese heroism. With the assistance of John they dressed up as female students and got on the vehicles in place of the students for a tragic yet noble date with death...... FROM UP ON POPPY HILL AKA : KOKURIKOZAKA KARA Rating : I Length : 91 mins. Opening January 19 2012 [ YAHOO! MOVIES HONG KONG ] High school girl Umi Komatsuzaki everyday goes to the hill to raise a signal flag for her father, who is lost at sea. She hopes to bring her father's boat home. On the other hand, her mother due to work is always on the run. Thus at home she is only left with her grandmother, sister and brother. Umi also has to shoulder the responsibility of taking care of her family. At school, Umi is swept into the storm between school newspaper editor Shun Kazama and student council president Shiro Mizunuma. Unknowingly, Umi even begins to develop intricate connections to both... THE GREAT MAGICIAN Rating : IIA Length : 128 mins. Opening December 22 2011 in Malaysia Opening January 12 2012 Site : http://www.emp.hk/title.php?film_id=110 [ GOLDEN SCREEN CINEMAS ] Set in the early 20th century, the film tells the story of a magician who has to use his talent as a magician to save his childhood sweetheart back from a warlord and also save the country. [ THE FILM CATALOGUE ] For love and for country, a magician pulls his biggest trick out of the hat. ------ GLOBAL CHINESE SONG CHART For Saturday, January 28 2012 15 SUNFLOWER Can : Heung Yeung Fa Wang Feng http://youtu.be/iQyv_pBSmt4 14 ADDICTION Can : Yun Chen Chusheng http://youtu.be/uS3LE8IZpPM 13 EVERYBODY WHO LOVES ME Can : Oi Ngor Dik Mui Gor Yun Selina Jen http://youtu.be/T2Mpt6Na4Ks 12 TIMELY TURN Can : Lum Ngai Lap Ma Kay Tse On Kay http://youtu.be/9o9uUM3Zupk 11 10,000 LIGHT YEARS Can : Yat Man Guong Nin Anson Hu (Wu Yin Bun) http://youtu.be/WgPyKWD7rB4 10 WHAT IS THE TROUBLE ON YOUR MIND Can : Nei Joi Fan No Sup Mor Soda Green http://youtu.be/-3TmzrEDuJ8 9 YOUTHFUL IGORANCE Can : Nin Siu Mo Ji Bowie Lam Bo Yi, Moses Chan Ho, Kenny Wong Tak Bun http://youtu.be/DklQy3T4ybY 8 LONELINESS SUFFERER Can : Gu Duk Wan Jeh Eason Chan Yik Shun http://youtu.be/p0MjtcJPWww 7 NEVER LEARN Can : Hok But Wui JJ Lin (Lam Chun Kit) http://youtu.be/27R6ZavdzzQ 6 MINE MINE Jay Chou (Chow Kit Lun) http://youtu.be/me7jfhFIZvk 5 TALKING ABOUT LOVE Can : Tam Gum Ching Jade Liu Liyang http://youtu.be/J46Bir_DX2g 4 DON'T BOTHER ME Can : Bit Jau Ngor Ma Fan Tanya Chua (Choi Kin Nga) http://youtu.be/Ua9DKclFKLA 3 BARE MY FEET Can : Guong Jeuk Ngor Dik Geuk Ah Ji Penny Dai Pui Nei http://youtu.be/egTpqdWIHwg 2 I LOVE ME Can : Ngor Oi Ngor Elva Hsiao (Siu Nga Hin) http://youtu.be/IEk41QZU0CU 1 NOAH'S ARK Can : Lok Ah Fong Jau May Day http://youtu.be/V46K7apDziA ------ [ 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 NOTHING, 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. 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 ] Mr. http://www.youtu.be/eYKyQn2W2tw ---------------------- HK Top Ten Central hktopten@hotmail.com | http://hktopten.freewebhostx.com