From: NO TOP TEN CENTRAL Newsgroups: alt.asian-movies,soc.culture.hongkong.entertainment Subject: [TAKE OVER] HKSAR Film No Top 10 Box Office (April 12 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. Shu Qi who celebrates her birthday on the 16th B. Eric Tsang Chi Wai who celebrates his birthday on the 14th C. Janice (Wai Lan) and Jill (Wai Si) Vidal who celebrate their birthday on the 13th 2. APPLE DAILY, APRIL 12 2012 WINNING THE GOLDEN PLUM AFTER SWEEPING THE GOLDEN BROOM CECILIA CHEUNG: QUEEN OF THE ROTTEN FILMS The Hong Kong Film Award will take place tomorrow. As everyone predict who will win Best Actor and Best Actress, they have to look back at how poor 2011 Hong Kong films were as well. This newspaper's entertainment page organized 7th Golden Plum film survey after a month of voting finally has a result. "Box office poison" Cecilia Cheung Pak Chi with Frankie Chan Fun Kei's rotten film LEGENDARY AMAZONS (YEUNG MOON NUI JEUNG ji GWUN LING YU SAN) won the Golden Plum Actress, which is also her second rotten film queen title after the Mainland's Golden Broom. Meanwhile William Chan Wai Ting who I have no idea who he is this time finally with HI, FIDELITY (CHOOK GWAI DIK NUI YUN) has finally made a name for himself as he won the Golden Plum Most Rotten Actor. - SO FUN NEI Throughout 2011, Hong Kong film has been under attack. Seeing Taiwan films YOU ARE THE APPLE OF MY EYE and WARRIORS OF THE RAINBOW: SEEDIQ BALE taking turn raping the Hong Kong box office, Hong Kong film companies seem to be shameless as they still stubbornly make disastrous rotten films, swindle viewers' money, damage and exhaust viewer intelligence. Their action is heinous. This newspaper's entertainment page organized, created under the banner of the eradication of rotten films, the Golden Plum Film Survey has already reached its 7th years. After a month of voting the result is unveiled on the eve of the Hong Kong Film Award to spur on filmmakers. Because the Golden Plum frequent guests like Stephy Tang Lai Yun and Elanne Kong Yeuk Lam dramatically were not nominated for the most rotten actress, the focus fell on the former Best Actress Cheung Pak Chi and foreign threat Zhang Xinyu. Pak Chi who has not made a Hong Kong film in a long time earlier was already called the box office poison. Despite her dual nominations with LEGENDARY AMAZON and TREASURE HUNT (MO GA JI BO) her votes were not split. With her LEGENDARY AMAZON angry woman version Mu Guiying who lifted her brow for the full 120 minutes, she fended off the stiff faced Zhang Xinyu to win the rotten film queen. It is also another award for Pak Chi after the Mainland "Golden Broom", making her the double rotten film screen queen. William Chan: The Most Rotten Actor As for the Most Rotten Actor, playing two characters in HI, FIDELITY but still is confused about which one he is playing Chan Wai Ting with 62.1% of the votes left the second place THE SORCERER AND THE WHITE SNAKE's Raymond Lam Fung and his 14.3% and took home the rotten Best Actor award as the favorite. In the past hkgolden people often joked that they had no idea who Chan Wai Ting was. Today he finally made a name for himself. As for the most rotten scene, despite how rotten each nominated film was the result was surprisingly a landslide. Theresa Fu Wing and Chrissie Chau Sau Na in BEACH SPIKE's beach volleyball in the dark was already the most unwise, but in the end it still was no match for the head busting hammer scene that did not appear until LEGENDARY AMAZONS' trailer. In it the savage looking Cheung Pak Chi with a big metal hammer in hand smashed an enemy's head, which truly lived up to the most rotten scene. Wong Jing finally recaptures the most rotten director and film. His MEN SUDDENLY IN LOVE (MAN NAM GWUN SEI DUI) with 56.7%, more than half the votes, won. Eric Tsang Chi Wai and Chrissie Chau Sau Na also with MEN won the most rotten partners. 7TH GOLDEN PLUM FILM SURVEY THE MOST ROTTEN DIRECTOR/FILM Wong Jing (MEN SUDDENLY IN LOVE) 56.7% Frankie Chan (LEGENDARY AMAZONS) 20% Wilson Chin (SUMMER LOVE) 11.8% Tony Tang (BEACH SPIKE) 6.9% Jim Chim, Lee Kung Lok (MICROSEX OFFICE) 4.6% THE MOST ROTTEN ACTOR William Chan Wai Ting (HI, FIDELITY) 62.1% Raymond Lam (THE SORCERER AND THE WHITE SNAKE) 14.3% Raymond Wong (MAGIC TO WIN) 13.7% Alex Fong Lik Sun (SUMMER LOVE) 5.9% Law Chung Him (BEACH SPIKE) 4% THE MOST ROTTEN ACTRESS Cecilia Cheung (LEGENDARY AMAZONS) 31% Zhang Xinyu (SUMMER LOVE) 22.3% Cecilia Cheung (TREASURE HUNT) 21% Theresa Fu (BEACH SPIKE) 13.2% Vonnie Lui (3D SEX AND ZEN: EXTREME ECSTASY) 12.5% THE MOST ROTTEN SCENE LEGENDARY AMAZONS: Hammer To The Head 43% TREASURE HUNT: Backyard Disaster 20.6% BEACH SPIKE: Indoor Beach Volleyball 18.1% MR. AND MRS. INCREDIBLE: STINKS UP TO HIGH HEAVENS 12.3% THE SORCERER AND THE WHITE SNAKE: Scissoring Snakes 6% THE MOST ROTTEN PARTNERS Eric Tsang, Chrissie Chau (MEN SUDDENLY IN LOVE) 35% Ekin Cheng, Cecilia Cheung (TREASURE HUNT) 25.2% Owodog, Elanne Kong (SUMMER LOVE) 16.4% Chapman To, Mak Ling Ling (MEN SUDDENLY IN LOVE) 13.2% Law Chung Him, Chrissie Chau (BEACH SPIKE) 10.2% 2. MING PAO DAILY, APRIL 12 2012 LAU CHING WAN AND ANDY LAU BUTT HEADS OVER BEST ACTOR Hong Kong Film Award Will Be Unveiled On Sunday Deanie Ip Firmly Win Best Actress The 31st Hong Kong Film Award will take place Sunday (the 15th) at the Cultural Center. A SIMPLE LIFE (TOH JEH) as a critical and commercial hit is seen as the favorite. Deanie Ip Tak Han has already won five Best Actress awards with this film and can be considered poised to win another. The Best Actor competition is more ferocious. Lau Ching Wan in LIFE WITHOUT PRINCIPLE (DUET MING GUM) and OVERHEARD 2 (SIT TING FUNG WON 2) performs outstandingly and has a higher chance than A SIMPLE LIFE's Andy Lau Tak Wa. Lau Ching Wan: Two Nominations Split Votes Lau Ching Wan this year is nominated for Best Actor with both LIFE WITHOUT PRINCIPLE and OVERHEARD 2, in competition with A SIMPLE LIFE's Lau Tak Wa, LET THE BULLETS FLY's Jiang Wen and Ge You. He in LIFE WITHOUT PRINCIPLE handle the Panther character superbly, but because he has two nominations the vote split concern remains. In addition Lau Tak Wa's A SIMPLE LIFE performance is solid and natural and also won the Golden Horse Award, Lau Ching Wan would face some pressure; the other two strong rivals Jiang Wen and Ge You's acting is powerful and strong. This battle is not simple at all for Ching Wan. The Best Actress fight of course is all on Ip Tak Han's side. She in A SIMPLE LIFE grasped the character accurately and with layer, sweeping the international award stage as she won the Venice Best Actress, the Golden Horse Best Actress, the 15th Tallinn Black Night Film Festival Best Actress, the Hong Kong Film Critic Society Best Actress and the 6th Asian Film Award Best Actress. As for the competition, only Shu Qi's tear jerking film A BEAUTIFUL LIFE had any chance. FLYING SWORDS OF DRAGON GATE (LUNG MOON FEI GAP)'s Zhou Xun, DON'T GO BREAKING MY HEART (DAN SUN NAM NUI)'s Gao Yuanyuan and WU XIA's Tang Wei inevitably can only run along. Best Picture: FLYING SWORDS OF DRAGON GATE Vs. A SIMPLE LIFE Director Ann Hui On Wa's movies have always been detailed. The film that she produced and directed, A SIMPLE LIFE, is a critical and commercial hit and motivates Hong Kong film's rise; the Tsui Hark directed FLYING SWORDS OF DRAGON GATE with 3D technology brings wu xia to life. With its 13 Hong Kong Film Award nomination both hold their own in Best Picture and Best Director; however, opponents LET THE BULLETS FLY's Jiang Wen, OVERHEARD 2's Alan Mak Siu Fai and Felix Chong Man Keung and LIFE WITHOUT PRINCIPLE's Johnnie To Kei Fung all have decent word of mouth and each has supporters. The dark horse possibility cannot be eliminated. Jimmy Wang Clashes With Nicholas Tse Over Best Supporting Actor Last year's Hong Kong Film Award Best Actor Nicholas Tse Ting Fung and Best Actress Lau Ka Ling this year returns to compete for Hong Kong Film Award again. Ting Fung with the film SHAOLIN (SUN SIU LUM JI) is nominated for Best Supporting Actor, competing with WU XIA's Jimmy Wang Yu, A SIMPLE LIFE's Paul Chun Pui, LIFE WITHOUT PRINCIPLE's Lo Hoi Pang, OVERHEARD 2's Kenneth Tsang Kong, all of whom are elder veteran actors. One Armed Swordsman Wang Yu's acting in his comeback WU XIA remains sharp and is very likely to win. Ka Ling Kwai Lun-Mei Wai Ying Hung Fight For Best Supporting Actress Lau Ka Ling this year with LET THE BULLETS FLY competes for the Best Supporting Actress against WU XIA's Wai Ying Hung, A SIMPLE LIFE's Qin Hailu, LIFE WITHOUT PRINCIPLE's So Hung Shuen, FLYING SWORDS OF DRAGON GATE's Kwai Lun-Mei. Although Ka Ling did not have too much screen time in LET, her acting was naturally yet lively, very pleasing; Kwai Lun-Mei's breakthrough performance in the wu xia action film also might not lose. The Best New Performer gathers together China, Hong Kong and Taiwan actors. Hong Kong actress Shiga Lin Si Nga with LAN KWAI FONG (HEI OI YEH PO) battles Jam Hsiao's THE KILLER WHO NEVER KILLS, Zheng Shuang's MURAL (WAT BEI), MAGIC TO WIN (HOI SUM MOR FAT)'s Karena Ng Chin Yu and FLYING SWORDS OF DRAGON GATE's Sheng Chien. Lin Si Nga's ability to grasp her emotions made her performance excellent and her the favorite; yet Sheng Chien's performance was very convincing and had hopes to win. - CHUNG YAT HUNG 3. MISCELLANEOUS * (2012/04/18) The Jackie Chan written, directed and starred new film will be unveiled at the Cannes Film Festival next month. His 101th film, the Emperor Motion Picture CHINESE ZODIAC (SUP YI SUN CHU) since starting production at the middle of last year had participation from Korean star Kang Sang-Woo and Mainland star Liao Fan and even shot on location in France, Beijing, Taiwan, a mysterious Pacific island. The production cost was rather enormous. Returning to the director's chair Jackie Chan was rather nervous. In order to make his new film perfect and flawless, he did everything from head to toe. The film will be unveiled globally next month at the Cannes Film Festival. He decided to send his private jet for cast transportation then. Because Jackie Chan has not decided on whether the trip will be and later the team will have to continue its shoot near North Pole, Jackie Chan has already arranged for the jet and the pilots to be on call. The film's global premiere will take place on December 12 at the Beijing National Stadium. * (2012/04/18) The Hong Kong Film Award Best Supporting Actress So Hung Shuen due to diabetes was hospitalized and was unable to attend the event. Yesterday Cha Siu Yan on her program said that winning an award at her age she did not have too much emotional upheaval. With her Buddhist beliefs she faced everything in peace, but she somewhat regretted that she was unable to attend. She said that she already rarely participated in film work. She was satisfied and did not need any fame or fortune. She has turned down many unsuitable roles. This time she took part in LIFE WITHOUT PRINCIPLE because she was familiar with Johnnie To Kei Fung, but she revealed that she was very disappointed while working on LIFe. Because she has not acted in a long time, she could not achieve what To Sir wanted and had many bad times. She had a hard time with getting into character and made trouble for him. Did To Sir yell at her? She said, "He kept on saying you couldn't even do that? He is a perfectionist, I don't blame him. I felt very guilty that I couldn't do it." * (2012/04/18) The 31st Hong Kong Film Award ended. A SIMPLE LIFE (TOH JEH) won five awards. Andy Lau Tak Wa, Deanie Ip Tak Han and Ann Hui On Wa won Best Actor, Best Actress and Best Director. Tsui Hark's FLYING SWORDS OF DRAGON GATE (LUNG MOON FEI GAP) won five technical awards. However, the results were hot discussion topics online. Some questioned the Hong Kong Film Award fairness over another favorite LET THE BULLETS FLY and LIFE WITHOUT PRINCIPLE and OVERHEARD 2 Best Actor nominee Lau Ching Wan. Director Derek Yee Tung Sing who never talked about film on his microblog said that the Hong Kong Film Award has lost its professionalism and the board of director judges should consider the issue. "When I was the Hong Kong Film Award vice chair I indeed was biased, but this time surprised me and suspicions arose inside. Making an exception, let's talk about movies. If this award has sentiments but lose professionalism, what would it become? The Board of Directors must consider." * (2012/04/18) Sam Hui Koon Kit's four show concert wrapped up two nights ago. Sam invited his "long lost" god daughter Gigi Leung Wing Kei to be his guest. God father Sam urged the recently married Gigi to have a baby soon to satisfy his grandchild wish. Sam in the last show was very high and sang until almost midnight. He sang his final encore SONG OF PRODIGAL SON with the audience before completing the show. The atmosphere was both cheerful and warmth. When he shook hands with the audience and bid farewell, he even said that he would miss them and hopefully would see them soon. Sam's god daughter Gigi performed in a red dress. They sang TODAY together and Sam played the guitar. Gigi after the performance asked for a kiss from her god father. Sam joked that he and Gigi have been lost for several years without any contact. Gigi asked her god father not to hide himself and appear more, as everyone missed him very much. Sam mischievously said to Gigi, "As soon as you have news about a grandchild tell me, I am jonesing for grandchildren......hee......" Gigi promised to inform him as soon as she knew and made her god father very happy. In addition, during the karaoke with the audience Sam had so much respect that he got Wong Hung Sau and Cally Kwong Mei Wan who had a sore throat to sing. Sam made Nat Chan Pak Cheung sing AH LONG LOVE SONG but Sam did not want to "neglect" Lady Sau next to him and asked them to say a sweet duet. Originally Lady Sau who did not want to sing under Sam's sincere invitation made an exception. Kwong Mei Wan who has not performed for awhile despite her sore throat could not turn down Sam's enthusiastic invitation. Despite the difference in male and female voices, she made the adjustment and sang TWIN STAR LOVE SONG and received the applause of the entire crowd. Always heavy on the family concept, Sam even treated his fans like family. Last night after the show, he and the Hui family posed for a photo backstage. He said that everyone was together happily at the Hong Kong Coliseum for another unforgettable and happy memory. * (2012/04/18) Francis Ng Chun Yu yesterday attended a shoe event as a model. Speaking of his good friend Lau Ching Wan losing the Best Actor Hong Kong Film Award, Chun Yu instead congratulated him. He said that no award instead would bring more friends. He also criticized flaws that were unfair to Mainland films in Hong Kong Film Award. Ng Chun Yu yesterday modeled new sneakers and made some female guests screamed. Chun Yu joked that normally he was used to hearing this type of screaming at home, as his wife would often yell "Dinner!" or "Keep an eye on the baby!" He pointed out that his son is now 3, constantly screams and is a natural actor. He said, "My son is always acting in front of us. Sometimes he pretends to cry, sometimes he pretends to be nauseous while eating." He pointed out that his son's favorite was Bruce Lee. Now he has a Bruce Lee hair style and would often talk about Bruce Lee. However Chun Yu did not want his son to be in the business. He could accept working with his son once in commemoration but not forever. He would not actively cultivate him in this filed. Has his son watched his movies? He pointed out that his son was curious why Papa often appeared on the television. Earlier during the Hong Kong Film Award, his son saw Lau Ching Wan and screamed "Uncle Sean". Originally he wanted to ask his son to scream "Uncle Sea Win", but his son would not. Later after he learned Ching Wan lost, he kept screamed "Uncle Sean lose". Chun Yu joked that his son might be a psychic. Was he disappointed for Ching Wan? Chun Yu said, "I congratulated him, this way he would have more friends. If not he would be like a certain someone who lost all his friends." Although Ching Wan lost he won over the public. Chun Yu said, "If you need something (award) to prove yourself, you can have one made on Garden Street. Whether you win or not already has become less and less of a problem." Chun Yu also said that the Hong Kong Film Award voting standard is unfair to Mainland films and nominees because they do not have Hong Kong social network, which would cost them half the score. He said, "The voters wouldn't be as emotionally invested, which would have no effect on Hong Kong people but would be unfair to Mainlanders. Yet everything has flaws, the Oscars would take care of themselves too." Did he feel the Hong Kong Film Award was not open, fair and just enough? He joked that he was only making a comment after the fact. He would only examine others and never examine himself. In July he will work on TVB's TRIUMPH IN THE SKIES 2 (CHUNG SEUNG WON SIU 2). Originally the production would start in May but because he had to work with Chow Yun Fat on THE LAST TYCOON (DAI SEUNG HOI) it had to be postponed. TVB was so accommodating. He said, "Along of many changes, the alma mater has changed to be much more accommodating." * (2012/04/18) The Wong Kar Wai directed, Tony Leung Chiu Wai, Zhang Ziyi, Zhao Benshan, Chang Chen, Song Hye-Kyo, Xiao Shenyang starred THE GRANDMASTERS (YUT DOI JUNG SI) after over ten years since its production start announcement yesterday finally announced its Christmas release on December 18. The film THE GRANDMASTERS also launched its official microblog with 1218 special design collector's edition "GRANDMASTERS INVITATIONS" for viewers. From the invitation photos, the design was very elegant. The envelop had the words "GRANDMASTERS INVITATION" and stamps from the Republic era on the front and on the back was THE GRANDMASTERS limited edition commemorative stamp with postmarks from Kowloon Hong Kong, Foshan Guangdong, Peking, Fengtian and other locations. The "Grandmaster Invitation" notified everyone that the film will open on December 18 2012. Also included were photos of the Tony Leung Chiu Wai version Ip Man. THE GRANDMASTERS while announcing its release date also revealed a Leung Chiu Wai version Ip Man master and disciples photo. In the photo Leung Chiu Wai was dressed in black and sat straight in the middle of a group of students. From the time and the title that said Wing Tsun lineage Hong Kong visit master and disciples photo, Ip Man at this time has already experienced a lifetime of rises and falls as he opened a school in Hong Kong and recruited disciples. * (2012/04/18) The Van Fan Yat Sun, Deng Jiajia, Chrissie Chau Sau Na starred film ANY OTHER SIDE (YEH DIM NGAI TAM) will open on April 19 in Hong Kong. The film has three stories. Chau Sau Na for her performance studied the Thai classic horror film ALONE. Chau Sau Na will play twin sisters. At the same time in another segment she would play nurses with Taiwan's Jill Hsu (Tsui Kit Yi) and Mainland's Deng Jiajia in another segment. Whenever they wore their nurses on location, they would attract many viewers. Deng Jiajia's nurse uniform also mysteriously vanished, at first they thought fans stole it. The next day, Deng Jiajia, Chau Sau Na and Hill Hsu's nurse uniforms all vanished from the dressing rooms without their locks being tampered with. The costume team could only make new uniforms. Yet the next night, their new nurse uniforms again disappeared from locked room. To keep from disrupting the production, director Fang Yaxi could only assign people to take turn and watch the uniforms. The actresses were worried after the uniform disappearance. "Dinosaur Girl" Taiwan singer Jill Hsu made her first horror film. She revealed that ghosts often haunted her and did not dare to watch ghost films. * (2012/04/17) This year's Hong Kong Film Award theme was "Hong Kong Film New Power". Chair Gordon Chan Ka Seung said that the event mainly wanted to encourage a young generation of film workers. He admitted that Hong Kong film industry had a generation gap and lack of succession phenomena. As the Mainland film industry development grows stronger and stronger, co-productions already have no meaning. Hong Kong film professionals must find their own way. Chan Ka Seung's microblog everyday would receive many young people's messages in hopes of him giving them a chance to make movies. He said, "Today's young people with a digital video camera can make movies. The industry's barrier is already much lower. Thus, don't say you don't have a chance!" * (2012/04/17) This year's Hong Kong Film Award was broadcast on TVB, and its rating was leaps and bounds better than last year's broadcast on ATV. Two nights ago the award ceremony average rating was 31 points (1.97 million viewers) and a peak of 34 points (2.18 million viewers); in comparison to last year's ATV average rating of 7 points and peak of 11 points it was an increase in multiple folds. Yesterday the Communications Authority received 5 complaints about the award show, citing the program had indecent content. * (2012/04/17) Veteran artist So Hung Shuen two nights ago with the film LIFE WITHOUT PRINCIPLE (DUET MING GUM) won the Best Supporting Actress Hong Kong Film Award, her first award; yet because she was in a hospital she was unable to accept the award in person. Yesterday she revealed over the phone, "I don't want to accept the award looking sick and sitting in a wheelchair, later after I am released I will see everyone again." Sister Shuen energetically talked about her condition. "I have diabetes and have already had it for awhile. I took it lightly though, thinking after becoming a vegetarian for years I would have no problem. Then on the Lunar third I was dizzy and had to be hospitalized. There I stayed for three months, my health is obviously a little worse. Now I am much more spirited because I am about to be released after another week or so." Although she won her first award she was unable to personally accept it, Sister Shuen did not feel any regret. When the event notified her, she once thought about attending; but her daughter thought that she did not long for the award, perhaps she had to make a contribution to the film industry; in addition she personally was unwilling to sit in a wheelchair and had her son push her onto the stage, because even her son was shy and unwilling to be seen. Will she make more movies from now on? Sister Shuen said that her health condition was not as it was and she needed time to rest. With her vegetarian food business she believed that she would not have much chance to perform again. "Now I am in semi-retirement, there are also many good actors around. Unless a good friend or director friend asks again, I am already 61 and I don't dare to force myself to work." Sister Shuen revealed that at first when she was hospitalized the situation was severely. She looked very sick and she had chills, her toe infection was not healed yet. She did not know whether they were due to her diabetes. Now she finally understood the importance of doctors. First she would take care of her health. She also thanked the media and everyone for their concern. Best Supporting Actor Lo Hoi Pang was asked whether his emotions have settled down. He jokingly responded, "It was never up, I never thought about winning." Qin Hailu said on her microblog that she will continue to work hard and tell her company's workers not to be disappointed. Even without an award she still would take them on an European vacation. Wong Jing said that Deanie Ip Tak Han was joking about their project A SIMPLE LIFE 38D. "Actually we have two ideas, either Yip Lim Sum (Patrick Kong) or I will direct. This time will be a comedy all star in support of Deanie, it will be a musical. (Sister Deanie's salary?) Her salary is the simplest, we are used to working with each other. We have an idea. We won't stop the negotiation due to salary. She has never haggled over prices." Reportedly Desanie will make the film for over 1 million. In addition, Deanie yesterday appeared on a radio interview and revealed that she never liked to watch her own performance. Yet before each film production she would review her co-stars' previous work. * (2012/04/17) Winning the Hong Kong Film Award Lifetime Achievement Award for his numerous outstanding screenplays in the film industry, famous writer Ni Kuang (Ngai Hong) two nights ago gave a ten word speech that won the applause of the entire venue and living up to his happy senior nature. Later, in the early morning his good friend Chua Lam (Choi Lan) posted a photo on his microblog. He revealed that three buddies including him, Ngai Hong and Mr. Louis Cha (Gum Yung) dined in Tai Ping Koon Restaurant. Perhaps it was a celebration for Ngai Hong. From the photo the 88 year old Gum Yung and Ngai Hong were just as spirited and very excited to see the cuisine, much to the comfort of their fans. * (2012/04/17) Two nights ago Sam Hui Koon Kit's concert was Hong Kong University Night as HKU "booked the entire show". Kay Tse On Kay was the guest performer as she shared the stage with Song god Hui Koon Kit. Tse On Kay even sang UNDER THE LION ROCK and LET IT BE ME. A group of HKU alumni like Dr. Edward Leong Che-Hung and Frederick Ma Si Hang were on the stage for the big sing a long. Two nights ago Wayne Lai Yiu Cheung Was in the audience. During the karaoke segment he caught Hui Koon Kit's eyes right away and Hui immediately handed him a microphone for a duet. The Television Best Actor and Song God sang ALL ABOUT AH LONG, after which Sam even gave Cheung Jai's voice a thumbs up. The night before Sam also invited the pregnant Mimi Law Man Chong to sing TWIN STAR LOVE SONG with him. Chan Kwok Bong cheered on his wife. * (2012/04/17) The film A SIMPLE LIFE (TOH JEH) two nights ago was the big winner as it won five major awards including Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Screenplay, Best Director and Best Picture. Two nights ago the film company after the award ceremony held a celebration with fellow five award winner FLYING SWORDS OF DRAGON GATE (LUNG MOON FEI GAP). The fresh out of the oven Hong Kong Film Award Best Actor Andy Lau Tak Wa and Best Actress Deanie Ip Tak Han arrived together. Sandra Ng Kwan Yu joked that at his age he was still able to get his wife pregnant, Wa Jai who was in a great mood did not mind but joked that he would have to punish Kwan Yu. Wa Jai won his third Best Actor Hong Kong Film Award. He was happy but he said when he watched drama, directors like Ann Hui On Wa held important positions in the film industry and he was very comforted. Would Wa Jai celebrate even more? He said that later he still will have to attend different film festivals so he might not have time. Did he expect this film to bring him so many awards? Wa Jai pointed out that Hui On Wa has always had certain guarantee, but he was the happiest about the box office record that 3D SEX AND ZEN (3D YUK PO TUEN) has held in Taiwan now A SIMPLE LIFE has broken. Reporters pointed out that Sister Deanie might make A SIMPLE LIFE 38B, Wa Jai joked no wonder she had to thank Wong Jing. "Wasn't it 33D? She really is getting younger and younger!" Has he called his wife with the good news? Wa Jai said, "No. (Because she is asleep?) Haha, probably, it's too late." Kwan Yu joked that at his age he could still get his wife pregnant. Wa Jai said, "She talked too much, but I won't be mad at her. I will take my time on punishing her. I have to properly think about it, I am still enjoying this award and I am happy." Would he share the award with his family? Wa Jai pointed out that the award has already been placed with the fan club. Sister Deanie with A SIMPLE LIFE won six Best Actress award. She said that she had spinach and two slices of pizza to reward herself. Did she no longer need to lose weight? She said that she had high cholesterol, high blood sugar and diabetes, normally she paid a lot of attention to her health and could not relax. Two nights ago she was already very relaxed. This time winning with Wa Jai, Sister Deanie said that it was an event. Because she believed that she would not have another chance to step onto this stage again, and an award for the elderly was a rare opportunity so she was truly very grateful. She said, "I am almost 'wrapping up', I can die now." Sister Deanie revealed that she was in negotiation with Wong Jing but she stressed that she was cheap labor. Even after winning the Best Actress she would not be at a Best Actress price, because the Best Actress award did not mean that the film would make money. Hui On Wa was coming up with a new story. Sister Deanie thought it was decent and she would like to work with her again. For now she did not feel it was too tough, only that the production messed up her life habits. Would she go on vacation as a reward? Deanie said that she already booked a flight to Australia to watch the solar eclipse in November. Hui On Wa said that she did not used to understand the meaning behind the award, as she always thought the box office was the most important. Yet this time A SIMPLE LIFE performed so well at the box office, she realized the power of an award. She admitted that she did not dare to imagine or expect anything before. Now it truly is very satisfying. In addition, the Tsui Hark directed FLYING SWORDS OF DRAGON GATE won five awards. Tsui Hark praised his opponents as truly deserving because it was very hard to make a movie that was good in every aspect. * (2012/04/17) Carina Lau Ka Ling and Jiang Wen two nights ago was unable to win with LET THE BULLETS FLY the Best Supporting Actress and Best Actor respectively and the film only won Best Make Up and Costume Design, after the ceremony Ka Ling and Jiang Wen still attended the Emperor celebration. Boss Albert Yeung Sau Sing even attended with his singers like Sherman Chung Shu Man, Vincy Chan (Wing Yi), Ken Hung Cheuk Lap, Kathy Tang Yi and Michelle Wai (Si Nga). Yeung Sau Sing's buddy Jackie Chan also attended. Jiang Wen changed in something casual and entered the back of the hotel. He did not respond to whether he was disappointed, he only removed his hat and bow to reporters. Jiang Wen stayed for a hour then left with his wife Zhou Yun, film producer and crew. Yeung Sau Sing also personally saw them out. When reporters took pictures Jiang Wen also said, "There's nothing to shoot!" Before getting in his vehicle Jiang Wen even took out his phone and took a photo with reporters. Ka Ling attended alone two nights ago. Was she disappointed for Jiang Wen? Ka Ling admitted that she was a little but she pointed out that he was a very professional performing artist. She said that an award depended on luck. She saw the awards for A SIMPLE LIFE (TOH JEH) and FLYING SWORDS OF DRAGON GATE (LUNG MOON FEI GAP) and she was happy for them. She was also happy for Wa Jai. She was happy for anyone who won. As for losing to So Hung Shuen, was she disappointed? She said that she expected it. Ka Ling did not leave until 3AM. Wing Yi would like to work with Jiang Wen. Earlier she made a movie but thought her acting was flat. Watching her work again, she was a little frightened. Now she is more mature and has certain experience, she believed she would be much better. Wing Yi also said that she would like to play a character with a personality split or a murderer, she would not mind playing ugly either. Hung Cheuk Lap said that he really liked Sister Deanie and hoped to have a chance to work with her, even as a background board he was fine. With Jiang Wen's rare appearance two nights ago, Hung Cheuk Lap joked that he had to "kneel" before him. He also said that he would like to work with Jiang Wen but believed that was wishing thinking. If he had the chance, he would not only work for free but even pay to work. * (2012/04/17) Jam Hsiao (Siu King Tung) with THE KILLER WHO NEVER KILLS won the Best New Performer Hong Kong Film Award. After the ceremony the film boss Eric Tsang Chi Wai celebrated with Siu King Tung at his hot pot casserole shop. Tsang Bo Yi also attended. Before Siu King Tung arrived almost fifty fans were already waiting outside the shop, some even had flowers and champagne to celebrate with their idol. As soon as Siu King Tung arrived, fans surrounded him. Later when he posed for photos with them, fans also fought to touch his award. Siu King Tung won with his first role. Would he like to make more movies? He said, "I can." However, Chi Wai said that Siu King Tung was very busy and had to perform every week. He would like to work with him again because now they were familiar. Before he truly did not say much. Siu King Ting admitted that he would like to play many characters, but if he had to choose between emotional scene and kung fu film he would like to make a kung fu film. In KILLER he also had a staff wielding scene, which he thought was pretty fun. Chi Wai said, "Then finish the action scene before going to bed." Siu King Tung laughed bashfully. Would he increase his rate? He said that he did not know as the company would make arrangements. This chance to attend the Hong Kong Film Award was very wonderful to him. With so many superstars, he sat behind Donnie Yen Chi Tan. Speaking of this year's results, Chi Wai said that they were very normal, very Hong Kong results. He only regretted that Lau Ching Wan and Carina Lau Ka Ling did not win. He also praised Jiang Wen for being a gentleman. Even though LET THE BULLETS FLY only had one award he did not mind. When Giddens Ko accepted an award due to time limits he did not have time to give a speech. Chi Wai explained that at the time they ran very long. He pointed out that the YOU ARE THE APPLE OF MY EYE team was very thoughtful because the event only covered the flight and hotel for Giddens Ko, Michelle Chen and Ko Chen-Tung, Angie Chai covered the rest. Chi Wai said, "Backstage Giddens Ko was truly very happy, like he won the lottery." In addition, Chi Wai during the commercial break used foul language. Chi Wai said that this time actually was a film industry party and everyone was family. He normally spoke like that at home too. He also said that half the people there already knew about the "Lo Hoi Pang" mic test incident. * (2012/04/17) Winning the Best Mainland and Taiwan Film at the 31st Hong Kong Film Award, the Taiwan film YOU ARE THE APPLE OF MY EYE's director Giddens Ko along with actors Michelle Chen, Ko Chen-Tung and others attended the ceremony. After the event, the entire YOU cast went to Kowloon City for hot pot casserole. The YOU team of almost ten gave a speech together at the Hong Kong Film Award, but because they spent too much time and the next guest was already scheduled to appear, director Giddens Ko who was to speak late was forced to take his exit. The situation was rather awkward. Giddens Ko later replied, "I am not upset, I am already very happy that every actor got to speak. I have already said my piece at many previous events." Director Giddens Ko, Michelle Chen and Ko Chen-Tung were guest presenters. Giddens Ko suddenly forced a kiss on Ko Chen-Tung and Ko Chen-Tung did not know what to do while Michelle Chen was all smiles. Giddens Ko said, "Ko Chen-Tung didn't know that I would kiss him. I only planned it in advance with Michelle Chen." Ko Chen-Tung complained that he definitely would not save his kiss with Giddens Ko. Because Michelle Chen and Ko Chen_Tung will come to Hong Kong to work on different new films, they were busy on their own. Thus after returning to Taiwan they would not celebrate. * (2012/04/17) April 16 was Shu Qi's 36th birthday. Media Asia boss Peter Lam Kin Ngok held a birthday party for her and also celebrate Lo Hoi Pang's LIFE WITHOUT PRINCIPLE (DUET MING GUM) Best Supporting Actor award. Lau Ching Wan and his wife Amy Kwok Oi Ming, Donnie Yen Chi Tan and his wife Cissy Wang, Andrew Lau Wai Keung, Ivana Wong Yuen Chi all attended. Although she lost the Best Actress to Deanie Ip Tak Han, Shu Qi admitted that she was not disappointed and she even expected it. Speaking of this year's birthday wish, Shu Qi said that she wished for kindness in everyone and for them to face the beautiful world with gratitude. She was very happy that her friends sent their well wishes. She said, "My 'ten or so months' in this business weren't wasted." Shu Qi earlier was attacked online due to her microblog support of Yen Chi Tan. Chi Tan two nights ago said that he would give her a surprise present in compensation. Shu Qi said that she did not need any compensation. She thought that a lot had nothing to do with her. Now her microblog has reopened and she hoped the matter would quickly fade. She said, "I sometimes want to be literary and would write a line or two there." She said that she should let go of a lot of things and did not need to mind too much. Yesterday was Shu Qi's birthday. She said that she would celebrate with her mother. She also asked the paparazzi not to get too close for photos as she did not want to scare her mother. Shu Qi earlier met with Stephen Fung Tak Lun at night and rumored ensued. Shu Qi said that they have known each other for over a decade. Would they have a chance? She joked that biggest chance would be with Lau Wai Keung. She joked, "He is always saying that I am his chick." Did she want to find someone to rely on? Shu Qi admitted that she did although Mommy said that being single was the best. Best Actor favorite Lau Ching Wan two nights ago attended the celebration with his wife. He said that he would not be disappointed as award shows definitely had victories and defeats. He wished Andy Lau Tak Wa Double Happiness. Did he and his wife have parenthood plans? He said that this plan has already been abandoned for a long time. Lo Hoi Pang said that yesterday he would return to Zhuhai to continue work on Johnnie To Kei Fung's film. Brother Pang said that the team asked him not to return empty handed. He admitted that when he returned to Hong Kong he had some pressure. * (2012/04/17) Charlie Yeung Choi Nei's debut as a director, CHRISTMAS ROSE (SING DAN MUI GWAI) yesterday held a production start ceremony at a Kwun Tong hotel. Producer Tsui Hark, actors Aaron Kwok Fu Sing, Kwai Lun-Mei, Xia Yu, Liu Kai Chi, Qin Hailu and Regina Wan Qian attended. This time was Charlie's debut as a director. Aside from producers Jacob Cheung Chi Leung and Tsui Hark, she also invited Kwok Fu Sing, Kwai Lun-Mei and others to star. Tsui Hark who attended the FLYING SWORDS OF DRAGON GATE (LUNG MOON FEI GAP) celebration two nights ago yesterday made an appearance. Charlie said that he watched her grow up. The story was not the average romantic film, the court would be its background. Hopefully it will be released this Christmas. Playing a lawyer for the first time Kwok Fu Sing admitted that this story was interesting. He said, "I have heard lawyers have different levels of knowledge, even a big name lawyer and an ordinary one are different. They have a lot of details." Sing Sing admitted that he knew lawyers had a lot of regulation. In the film he played a stubborn lawyer with principles. He revealed that in reality he had a lot of lawyer friends. As for working with Kwai Lun-Mei, he said, "Right now the shoot hasn't officially started, we are at the rehearsal stage." As for salary reduction, Sing Sing stressed that he was not at liberty to reveal. He only thought that the script had space to display his abilities and he thanked Charlie for the chance to play a lawyer. Uncle Chi even said that Sing Sing received "heavy salary" (friendship heavy salary). As for Xia Yu the last time he came to Hong Kong was seven years ago when he worked with Uncle Chi. Old flame Gao Yuanyuan was caught with Mark Chao (Chiu Yau Ting), Xia Yu pretended that he did not hear. The media asked many times he still just smiled and said, "I really can't hear!" Uncle Chi helped. "Lawyers should hear what they need to hear, and not hear what they shouldn't." Speaking of good friend Lo Hoi Pang winning the Best Supporting Actor Hong Kong Film Award, Uncle Chi said that he would force him to treat him to dinner. as for So Hung Shuen's hospitalization, he said, "I know that she has diabetes for a long time, at the suitable time I will visit her." Kwai Lun-Mei revealed that she met Kwok Fu Sing last time in LOVE IN SPACE (CHUEN KAU YIT LUEN) but did not work together. This time she was excited. She even said that this costume would be a breakthrough. Two nights ago she did not win the Best Supporting Actress Hong Kong Film Award, she said that she was not disappointed. She only hoped FLYING SWORDS OF DRAGON GATE (LUNG MOON FEI GAP) would be able to win a few more awards. She would keep working hard. As for earlier claim that Qin Hailu was pregnant, she denied it yesterday and explained that medication increased her weight. She said, "I got a dozen or so Jin heavier. Earlier I had some platelet problems and now I have already recovered. However I want to be pregnant too." She said that she did not have a mate in mind but denied that she aimed high. She just want to find an average guy like an average girl. * (2012/04/17) Kelvin Kwan Chor Yiu and Christine Kuo, mother/model Mia Chen Jing Yi and Chrissie Chau Sau Na's boyfriend Avis Chan Wai Sing, Japanese model Linah Matsuoka and Sugar Club Kandy's boyfriend and Bro5 member Dominic Ho Ho Man yesterday attended as three couples the new film LAN KWAI FONG 2 (HEI OI YEH PO 2) production start worship ceremony. In the film they all had intimate scenes, but the guys all said that they did not warn their girlfriends in advance and were not afraid that they would be jealous. Mia and Avis earlier met to read the script and angered his girlfriend Chau Sau Na. Yesterday they did not hold back. They were like conjoint twins and during photos Mia even put her chest on Avis, without any fear of angering Sister Na again. Yesterday the actresses were all sexy, Mia even displayed four inch "career line" (cleavage) to become the sexiest. In comparison, Christine Kuo was much more reserved. Christine Kuo said that this way was special as she did not want the outside to mistake that she was transitioning. She would not play a bad girl either, she just liked to hang out. In the film she and Kelvin had many passionate bed scenes. Kelvin said that he rarely made such scenes and being a little nervous was inevitable. He said, "I have absolutely no intimate scene experience at all, before hand everyone need more communication to be able to perform convincingly." Christine Kuo admitted that she would not feel embarrassed because actors should make more different attempts. Would his girlfriend visit the set? Kelvin said, "No, we completely trust each other. I will bring my girlfriend to the premiere." They revealed that they had two passionate scenes. Would they need to be naked? Kelvin said that this was a IIB rated film but they would still get into shape. Would Christine Kuo show her bra? She said she did not know yet, as long as the result was not cheap they would be sweet and romantic like an average couple. Mia revealed that she had Avis would have bed scenes. For more shocking effects, she started drinking papaya milk to "pump up her chest". First time being topless in front of an audience, Avis said that he would drink powder milk to work on his muscles. Recently his rumors with Mia angered Sister Na. Would he watch himself a little more? Avis said, "As long as we trust each other we are fine, no matter what you know I am not that daring." Mia said that Sister Na was better off worrying about the other girls because the film had many girls. Avis also said that his girlfriend would not be in Hong Kong so she would not supervise on the set. Since she was never mad to start with, last time she was just a little frustrated. She would never check up on him because love was about trust. Dominic revealed that his girlfriend Kandy was upset for five minutes after learning that he would have a kiss scene with Linah Matsuoka. Now she is already fine. Did he have to kiss her first? He said that they have to make time because they had a tough time scheduling to see each other. He said that he worried the most about his girlfriend supervising on the set because she thought Linah Matsuoka was a big threat. Could he accept her kiss scene? Dominic said that her height and look was not suitable for it, but at work he could accept it. At most he would be upset for ten minutes in front of her. * (2012/04/16) The 31st Hong Kong Film Award took place last night. With its international success and eight nominations A SIMPLE LIFE (TOH JEH) won five major awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress and Best Screenplay to become the big winner. With its 13 nominations FLYING SWORDS OF DRAGON GATE (LUNG MOON FEI GAP) also won 5 technical awards; WU XIA and LIFE WITHOUT PRINCIPLE (DUET MING GUM) won two awards each. It was Lau Tak Wa's third Best Actor Hong Kong Film Award and Sister Deanie's first Best Actress Hong Kong Film Award. Although she broke through zero, it was also her sixth Best Actress award with A SIMPLE LIFE. Sister Deanie tasted her first Best Actress Hong Kong Film award. She admitted that since she did not win until she was in her sixties, she believed that would not have another chance. Although she made it sound like a will reading, the words truly came from her heart. Without Lau Tak Wa and Ann Hui On Wa's appreciation she might not possibly have this chance. She even gave a special thanks to director Wong Jing for constantly encouraging and trusting her, as well as viewers who enjoyed A SIMPLE LIFE and Hong Kong film. Wa Jai who defeated Lau Ching Wan, Jiang Wen and Ge You admitted that the biggest reason that he won was his contribution to Hong Kong film, which made everyone give him a lot of points. Thus he had to thank the voters. The host Eric Tsang Chi Wai improvised, "Brother Wa, it's luck from the baby." Wa Jai also thanked Sister Deanie. Without her he could not perform either. He also thanked the director for cutting out a lot of his poor performance and joked that A SIMPLE LIFE should have won Best Editing. Backstage, Sister Deanie was very happy because she did not think that she would win before hand. She thought everyone had equal chances. How would she celebrate? She said that later she would have vegetable, Wa Jai joked that they would even have plain congee. As for her sixth Best Actress award, Sister Deanie honestly said that it was a perfect end. Would Wa Jai thank his wife? He continued to avoid the subject. "Don't talk about that, I only want to share this award with everyone." As for A SIMPLE LIFE becoming the big winner, he admitted that it was quite complete. Aside from thanking everyone, he also stated that he will continue to work hard. Wa Jai last night repeatedly went on stage. When he presented the Best Supporting Actor and introduced Lo Hoi Pang's comedy skit SHRIMP CRAZY FAMILY, he joked that he used to always want to play "Shrimp" but now he has become Daddy. When Sandra Ng Kwan Yu and Carina Lau Ka Ling presented the Best Actor, Kwan Yu praised, "Wa Jai is very mighty and talented, at such an age he still got someone pregnant." Wa Jai in the audience immediately put away his smile and pointed at Kwan Yu. With 11 Hong Kong Film Award nominations and 4 wins, Best Director Ann Hui On wa admitted that this time she was rather lucky and thanked the city of Hong Kong, where she grew up and was educated, received a scholarship to study film, then made money. It also had her favorite pineapple bun and milk tea. From now on she will keep doing her part for this city. Lo Hi Pang and So Hung Shuen with LIFE WITHOUT PRINCPLE (DUET MING GUM) won Best Supporting Actor and Best Supporting Actress. Unfortunately Sister Shuen who defeated Lau Ka Ling, Wai Ying Hung and others was hospitalized due to illness and could not attend. She could only give her speech over the phone. She thanked the medical personnel and family for their care. "At 15 I joined the Federation of Youth Group drama team, in 1971 I joined the artist training class. Thank you classmate Kam Kwok Leung for your opinions and help, even more Instructor Chung King Fai's teaching. Thank you to the event for giving me this award. I will never forget it for the rest of my life, I wish everyone good health. I would like to thank director To Kei Fung the most and thank you for Lau Ching Wan." As for Brother Pang this was his first Hong Kong Film Award nomination and victory. He admitted that after toiling away for so many years he never thought about any award. Perhaps the event took pity on him for toiling away for so long. Then he gave another golden quote. "It's like Lo Hoi Pang tests the mic, never thinking he would win with might." Then backstage reporters jokingly asked if Brother Pang wanted to test the mic again? he joked, "I tested out an award as soon as I tested. (Do you feel it came late?) It's better than nothing, if I work my entire life without one, wouldn't I be very 'lea hea'?" He admitted that this award was quite comforting but now as he was thinking about retirement he won. Why would he consider retirement? He admitted that he was already 70. Reporters pointed out that Wu Fung is still working at 80. Brother Pang said that this business was very tough and he might not be able to take it, but now with the award he could not stop even if he wanted to. Reporters said that he could increase his price. He said, "That's pointless! Am I the MTR? (Who would you like to thank the most?) I want to thank the viewers the most because without viewer recognition I wouldn't have this award." Today Brother Pang will return to Zhuhai to work on Johnnie To Kei Fung's new film. Yesterday he deliberately rushed back to attend the award show but never thought that he could win. Thus he appeared in his costume. Speaking of Best Supporting Actress So Hung Shuen was hospitalized and unable to accept the award in person, Brother Pang said, "I am luckier. (Do you know about her condition?) I don't, but she is my elder. She was in the first artist training class, I was in the third. She worked so many years that she went to sell vegetarian dishes. Only recently she came back to have fun and got this Supporting Actress. Seeing her stuttering in her speech, perhaps later I will visit her." The Hong Kong box office record breaking Taiwan film YOU ARE THE APPLE OF MY EYE won the Best Mainland and Taiwan Film. Director Giddens Ko brought many actors to accept the award and let them each speak, leaving him without any time to give a speech. However when he, Michelle Chen and Ko Chen-Tung presented an award earlier, he had a lot to say as soon as he got on stage. He said that he was "this year's luckiest director" and joked with Ko Chen-Tung, "You are a newcomer, but I let you play me at my tallest and most handsome in my youth......since I treated you so well, I have something to discuss with you. Can I kiss Michelle Chen?" Ko Chen-Tung replied, "But you have to kiss me first." Giddens Ko then truly rushed up and kissed Ko Chen-Tung for a few seconds, Michelle Chen immediately changed the subject and introduced the New Director nominees. Taiwan singer Jam Hsiao (Siu King Tung) with THE KILLER WHO NEVER KILLS won Best New Performer. He said that the award was quite a surprise but it was quite a decent feeling and he was very happy. What characters would he like to play in the future? He said it would depend on the director. He also would like to work with many actors and even joked that if the reporters would be willing to make movies he would be willing to work with the reporters. Ni Kuang (Ngai Hong) received the Lifetime Achievement Award and he went on stage with a crane in hand. He said that he was a little dizzy on the stage, then he took out his speech cheat sheet and humorously said, "I only have ten words, it won't take too long. Thank you event, thank you everyone, thank you very much!" Tsui Hark who presented the award to him said that his creativity was strong as he was able to write over 20,000 words a day and never changed his script. Once he asked him to meet at a hotel to discuss a script change, he smacked the table and left. Ngai Hong joked, "I can't make a living in anything else, I don't know how to direct. You can't blame me for not changing the script, I know how to write but I don't know how to change. Everyone know as a director you are picky, I may have to change it 10 times!" Tsu Hark also said that he would like to turn his science fiction novels into a movie, Ngai Hong said, "That depends on you!" Then he wanted to turn around and leave and Tsui Hark had to remind him to pick up the award. Recently rumored to be in love with Taiwan actor Mark Chao (Chiu Yau Ting), Gao Yuanyuan last night presented Best Supporting Actress with Shawn Yue Man Lok. Gao Yuanyuan said that Lok Jai in movies often dated two people at once. Lok Jai immediately poked fun at Gao Yuanyuan's rumor and asked her whether she was dating Chiu Yau Ting or dating two people at once. Yuanyuan was a little embarrassed and immediately went to the nominees. Called the "New Generation Microblog Fighter" Anthony Wong Chau Sun presented Best Actress. Before announcing the result he joked that he wanted to present this award fairly, openly, justly, so he had to present it to Ip Tak Han. During commercial breaks, masters of ceremony Eric Tsang Chi Wai and Angelababy suddenly had a little fun with Big Brother Jackie Chan in the audience. He said that no one would ever take his seat because a camera was blocking it and you could not hear what people were saying. He even joked, "But it doesn't matter! He (Jackie Chan) is always tripping over his words!" Big Brother immediately threw a program at Chi Wai, who picked it up and joked, "Thank you photographer, the photos are very pretty. The prettiest is Lo Hoi Pang, in Armani he is better looking than Gum Sing Mo (Takeshi Kaneshiro)!" Tsang Chi Wai also explained to everyone what "Lo Hoi Pang tests the mic" meant. He said, "Many people don't know what 'Lo Hoi Pang tests the mic', but many who have worked with Brother Pang knows, since then no one dared to ask him to test the mic because he would use foul language." Someone in the audience asked Chi Wai if he wanted to test the mic, Chi Wai said, "I don't need to test the mic!" Wai Ying Hung and Chin Kar Lok presented the Best Action Choreography Award. Kar Lok said that Sister Siu Hung's first Best Actress award was with an action film. He asked why Sister Siu Hung limped along when she walked, she said that after several decades of action films she had injuries all over, arthritis of her knees, hip and shoulder injuries. She even revealed Chin Kar Lok's injury from a film shoot. Sammo Hung Kam Bo during the event aired his grievances. He joked that he was unemployed, then he said that the era was different and many film production situations made him roll his eyes. He said, "For modern films you can say simplify the shoot, now even costume films don't follow order. I feel something needs to be preserved!" Masters of ceremony Ronald Cheng Chung Kei, Tsang bo Yi and Gordon Lam Ka Tung discussed the qualifications for Best Picture. Cheng Chung Kei mentioned his film BLUE MOON (YUET MOON BO SAI WAN) years ago. Cheng Chung Kei said, "This film tells everyone to embrace Sai Wan, love Sai Wan and at appropriate times thank Sai wan." Obviously it was a jab at the Chief Executive elect Leung Chun Ying's earlier appearance at the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in Sai Wan. Earlier Lam Ka Tung talked about FLYING SWORDS OF DRAGON GATE (LUNG MOON FEI GAP). "The story is about a big basement under the inn, the basement was bigger than the inn. Lee Nin Kit (Jet Li) pushed Zhou Xun out to defend it." It was a jab at Henry Tang Ying Yen's unauthorized home renovation. 31ST HONG KONG FILM AWARD NOMINATIONS BEST PICTURE A SIMPLE LIFE (TOH JEH) BEST DIRECTOR Ann Hui On Wa (A SIMPLE LIFE) BEST SCREENPLAY Susan Chan Suk Yin (A SIMPLE LIFE) BEST ACTOR Andy Lau Tak Wa (A SIMPLE LIFE) BEST ACTRESS Deanie Ip Tak Han (A SIMPLE LIFE) BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR Lo Hoi Pang (LIFE WITHOUT PRINCIPLE) BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS So Hung Shuen (LIFE WITHOUT PRINCIPLE) BEST NEW PERFORMER Jam Hsiao (THE KILLER WHO NEVER KILLS) BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY Jake Pollack, Lai Yiu Fai (WU XIA) BEST FILM EDITING Yau Chi Wai (FLYING SWORDS OF DRAGON GATE) BEST ART DIRECTION Yee Chung Man, Ben Lau Man Hung (FLYING SWORDS OF DRAGON GATE) BEST COSTUME DESIGN AND MAKE UP William Chang Suk Ping (LET THE BULLETS FLY) BEST ACTION CHOREOGRAPHY Yuen Bun, Lan Haihan, Sun Jiankui (FLYING SWORDS OF DRAGON GATE) BEST ORIGINAL FILM SCORE Chan Kwong Wing, Peter Kam Pui Tat, Chatchai Pongprapaphan (WU XIA) BEST ORIGINAL SONG TWO HEARTED FLOWER (HI, FIDELITY) Composer: Jun Kung Shek Leung Lyrics: Calvin Poon Yuen Leung Performer: Sandy Lam Yik Lin BEST SOUND DESIGN Kim Suk-Won (FLYING SWORDS OF DRAGON GATE) BEST VISUAL EFFECTS Wook Kim, Josh Cole, Frankie Chung Chi Hung (FLYING SWORDS OF DRAGON GATE) BEST FILM OF MAINLAND AND TAIWAN YOU ARE THE APPLE OF MY EYE BEST NEW DIRECTOR Jessey Tsang Tsui Shan (BIG BLUE LAKE) PROFESSIONAL SPIRIT AWARD Fong Ho Yuen LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD Ni Kuang (Ngai Hong) BEST DRESSED Lau Ching Wan, Shu Qi * (2012/04/16) The 31st Hong Kong Film Award took plae last night at the Cultural center. The red carpet before the award show has always been where the stars fought for attention, but the prettiest had to be the mermaid Shu Qi. Indeed she and Lau Ching Wan won last night's "Best Dressed" award. Last year's Best Actor Carina Lau Ka Ling in her low V cut long dress and her husband Tony Leung Chiu Wai tightly holding hands at their arrival was also a bright spot. As for this year's Best Actress favorite Deanie Ip Tak Han she wore a see through black dress with a glittering blue swimsuit style shirt. The sexiest was Now anchor Icy Wong Yuen Man with her super low cut dress. She joked, "Even I don't dare to look! I feel like 2/3 is shown!" Shu Qi and Anthony Wong chau Sun were interviewed together. Dressed as a mermaid Shu Qi's golden evening gown let reporters in awe, which made her somewhat embarrassed. Has she taken safety precautions? She mischievously asked, "Do you want me to show them to you?" Today is Shu Qi's birthday. Earlier she revealed that she had many suitors. Who would she celebrate with? She joked that because she had too many suitors she did not know who to celebrate with, but she admitted that Stephen Fung Tak Lun asked her out and called her. As for her birthday wish she wished for good health and for the bad to leave quickly. At this time Chau Sun chimed in and said that in her love life he also wished for the bad to leave quickly and for the good to arrive soon. Ka Ling and Wai Jai arrived lovingly. Wai Jai admitted that he rushed back from the Mainland to support Ka Ling. If Ka Ling won how would they celebrate? Ka Ling said that the award would already be a huge encouragement and that she would only win if Wai Jai was absent, thus she said that she had no chance. Wai Jai was very surprised at what she said, but Ka Ling added that actually Wai Jai to her was already a huge award. Ip Tak Han entered with Andy Lau Tak Wa, Ann Hui On Wa and others. Ip Tak Han said that she spent six hours on her see through look. She said, "It's OK! (Did you deliberately dressed up because later you would have to get on stage and accept the award?) No, Wa Jai asked someone to design it. (Can you accept see through?) It's OK!" Wa Jai gave her a score of 100 and said, "How many people can wear this? In six short hours she can dress so prettily!" The YOU ARE THE APPLE OF MY EYE team including Giddens Ko, Michelle Chen and Ko Chen-Tung walked the red carpet together, but Emerson Tsai kept stepping Michelle Chen's long dress behind her. Luckily Ko Chen-Tung caught her in time to keep her from falling. Speaking of the rumor that they were gambling in Macau and Ko Chen-Tung even used foul language when he lost, Ko Chen-Tung immediately denied that he used foul language and said that later he also won. One of the masters of ceremony Ronald Cheng Chung Kei appeared for the first time in public with his wife Sammie Yu Si Man. Ronald said, "We are always out there, but we never stand together! Today I am very nervous." Angelababy wore HK$1.35 million diamond jewelry and a blue sequenced dress. She said that because she could not use tape with this dress, she had to use hair for cover and safety pins. Thus she was a little nervous! Speaking of fellow masters of ceremony would definitely make fun of her gossip, she said that she went to sleep early and hoped that she could take it. Rachel Lee Lai Chun appeared in support of her boyfriend and Best New Director nominee Calvin Poon Yuen Leung. Will she come back for her boyfriend's movie? She worried that if they work together they would argue and affect their relationship! Poon Yuen Leung said that it would depend on the investors' arrangements and would not eliminate the possibility. * (2012/04/16) The film LIVES IN FLAMES (HEI SAI YIU GWUN) actors Jeana Ho Pui Yu, Mag Lam Yun Tung, Michelle Wai (Si Nga), Mr., and Alex Lam Tak Shun yesterday promoted the film at a shopping center. They played games with fans. Mr. member Tom watched himself with Jeana while another member Dash out of the blue revealed lead singer Alan and Mag to be a rumored couple. Tom explained because he lost a basketball game he had to do 100 push ups, he was afraid that any contact would hurt. Alan who was dating rich girl Sally was "matched up" with Mag as a rumored couple. Dash explained that after seeing the premiere he saw Alan hold Mag. Since they both liked to write songs and their eyes were small they were very well matched. Was Alan afraid that his girlfriend would be jealous? He dodged the question and said, "I have many rumored girlfriends, I don't think I am that great." Mag already had rumored boyfriends Sheldon Lo and Hubert Wu, now with Alan who already had a girlfriend they might be in a five sided relationship? She said, "I didn't pay attention, I am not afraid of all the complication. They are all rumors, if they were real then it's big news." Jeana planned to surf in Thailand in June and already bought two big bags of bikini and pasties in preparation for losing her swimsuit in the waves. She said that many friends will go with her on the trip. Did she invited rumored boyfriend Parkman Cheung (Cecilia Cheung Pak Chi's brother) or Bro 5 member LaYing? She said, "Parkman should be better at water skiing, but I don't know if he will be free." She also said that recently she too paid attention to the television program BRIDE WANNABES. Although she was not qualified to be a candidate she did not mind participating in a similar program. * (2012/04/16) Dayo Wong Chi Wai yesterday attended the HUNGER 30 event with Sylvia Chang (Cheung Ngai Ga) and Dr. Tony Mok Shu Kam to cheer on the participants. The mischievous Chi Wai deliberated brought a restaurant take out order form and caused a stir among the starving participants. He hoped that everyone realized how it felt when they were hungry, knowing there was food but could not eat it. The guests all sponsored children around the world. Cheung Ngai Ga's in Mongolia was about to graduate from the university. She will attend her graduation and help with the job search. In addition the Celestial Entertainment, Beijing Film Academy, and Youth Film Studio organized New Directors Workshop Shaw Film Remake project aims to look for new blood for Chinese film. As the project judge, Cheung Ngai Ga earlier attended the award ceremony and presented awards in Beijing. She also announced that she will produce the winning director's film production. * (2012/04/16) The Chen Kuan Tai founded Chinese Traditional Kung Fu Association yesterday held an opening ceremony in Kwun Tong. Guests included president Anthony Wong Chau Sun, Pierre Ngo Ka Nin, Teddy Robin Kwan, Jason Pai Piao, Leung Siu Lung and Susan Shaw Yam Yam. The chair Chen Kuan Tai hoped to reform martial arts without any differentiation between schools. Martial art was a big family and he hoped to achieve "martial art spirit with both art and virtue". Wong Chau Sun joked that the job of the president was to give money to develop martial arts, as for how much he gave he would not comment. Chau Sun said that he has liked martial art since he was little, opening a martial art school was his dream. He said, "Master Chan Sau Chung and I rented an unit before. I always watched them pretend to be monkeys, under their influence I went to become an apprentice." Could Chau Sun fight? Chau Sun said, "At my age I can't." Chau Sun also explained that the Association was named because it was not just one school or style but hoped to promote the traditional spirit. * (2012/04/15) The film YOU ARE THE APPLE OF MY EYE's director Giddens Ko two nights ago at the 16th Chinese Chart of Charts award show in Macau Venetian Hotel won the Best New Director award and presented an award with actress Michelle Chen. Michelle Chen was asked whether she knew that Ko Chen-Tung and Elva Hsiao were really dating. She said that lately she has not been in contact with Ko Chen-Tung but felt that everyone had the right to be in love. Giddens Ko who single-handedly made Ko Chen-Tung a star said that he did not know whether the rumor was true or not. Although he asked Ko Chen-Tung, they both asked and answered randomly; he also said that Ko Chen-Tung was still young, if he gave up love because of the media it would be the worst loss. Giddens Ko said, "I hope he uses his own way to choose love, not hiding his love because of this star burden. This isn't healthy. (Do you support him dating Elva Hsiao?) I support him being with any woman." Giddens Ko also revealed that Ko Chen-Tung once went shopping with Jaycee Chan (Fong Cho Ming) in tow. He even said that during the shoot Ko Chen-Tung drew circles near his neck. He said, "Even if he was dating Fong Cho Ming I would wish him well, as long as they truly love each other." Michelle Chen also joked that she would vote for Cho Ming. Ko Chen-Tung last night performed in Macau, but Giddens Ko would rather came to play in Hong Kong then stay for his performance. Cho Ming two nights ago after accepting the most popular film actor stayed in Macau to support Ko Chen-Tung. He even joked that he would ask Ko Chen-Tung about his romance for reporters. Reporters said that Giddens Ko and Michelle Chen both supported Ko Chen-Tung to be with him, Cho Ming was puzzled. "Great! Setting me up like that." Although Cho Ming has known Elva Hsiao for a long time, he did not introduce them. Did he believe that they were dating? He said, "not really, Ko Chen-Tung is still young and has to focus on his career. He just made one movie. He still have a lot that he needs to work hard on." Jay Chou (Chow Kit Lun)'s EXCLAMATION MARK won Hong Kong and Taiwan Best Record, Best Digital Music Award and the Most Influential Chinese artist in Asia. Natasha Na Ying also won three awards. Eason Chan Yik Shun, Karen Mok Man Wai, Khalil Fong Datong and JJ Lin (Lam Chun Kit) each won two awards. Eason won the most influential Popular artist in Asia and Hit singer of the year, Mok Man Wai won the Asia trendy singer and best singer (Hong Kong and Taiwan). In addition, Michael Tse Tin Wa and Fala Chen won Best Television Series Actor and Actress (Hong Kong and Taiwan). Joey Yung Cho Yi won the Most popular female singer (Hong Kong and Taiwan) while Twins won the best group (Hong Kong and Taiwan). Twins headed to Macau from Beijing and Shenzhen. Charlene Choi Cheuk Yin and Dior Cheng Yi Kin were working on a film in Shenzhen. She complained that Ekin attacked her verbally everyday and joked that her hatred for him has not subsided over ten years. Ah Sa said, "Luckily the film has another female lead who can divert his attention. (How is he picking on you?) Sometimes if he gets off work early and I still have to work, he would say what he would eat and ask the director to shoot a few more scenes, like an elementary school boy picking on a female classmate. He is really bored." Gillian Chung Yun Tung is working on a movie with May Day's A Shin. Due to their height difference, Ah Gil joked that when they posed for a photo A Shin had to perform a split in order not to tower over her. She also revealed that she just finished a fall from a horse in the desert. In the story she and Yu Shaoqun fell off the horse together and she landed on top of him. Due to six or seven bad times, Ah Gil would hurt Yu Shaoqun every time. Thus she felt very sorry. * (2012/04/15) Sam Hui Koon Kit's four show concert series began two nights ago at the Hong Kong Coliseum. Originally his brother Ricky Hui Koon Ying would have been one of the guest performers, but because he passed away last year the brothers could no longer share the stage. Thus a memorial segment was added, as the Hui Brothers and Sam's sons performed a duet with Ah Ying on the screen. Halfway through the concert, a video of a eagle soaring freely was shown. Big Brother Michael Hui Koon Man appeared and recalled Hui Koon Ying's life. He said, "Everyone feels just like me, after watching Sam for decades this is the first time that we don't see Hui Koon Ying. We will forever miss him! Ah Ying was artistically talented, whatever role he played he resembled, his singing couldn't be better! Everyone miss him very much. He had a little self pity, because he wasn't doing well in school, Parents called him a dumb pig to the point that even he believed it. Ah Ying put his self pity into art so he played mostly bullied characters. The songs that he wrote were sad, even girls he liked the fragile girls. When he joked, he also often made fun of himself. Like he self ridiculed 'Goo goo is very much, but car is very big'! I used to want to hear him tell jokes, tonight I miss him infinitely." After that, Hui Koon Man performed the English song that Hui Koon Ying performed every time he went on stage, UNCHAINED MELODY. Hui Koon Ying's singing was in the music as well. Hui Koon Man sang half the song but did not continue as he frowned and listened to his brother's singing. Hui Koon Kit appeared and invited his second brother Hui Koon Mo, sons Ryan Hui Wai Yan and Scott Hui Koon Kuk to the stage. They along with Hui Koon Man and on the screen Hui Koon Ying sang with MERCILESS NIGHT COLD WIND. In the video Hui Koon Ying asked the audience to sing out loud, whether they knew the song and the song was good. Some in the audience even succumbed to tears! Later, Hui Koon Kit performed MISSING YOU and English Song HE AIN'T HEAVY, HE'S MY BROTHER in memory of his brother. Sam even broke down. He even said that Hui Koon Ying has never been his burden. After the performance, he lightly said "thank you" and gave a 90 degree bow. then he returned back stage. With Sam's alma mater Hong Kong University's 100th anniversary, he invited a group of younger students from the school onto the stage and sang his new song for the occasion ENLIGHTEN ME WITH VIRTUE. Sam also showed family photos, including his photo with his twin grandsons Hui Long and Hui Chun. He even said that the younger one looked like him so he spoiled him. * (2012/04/14) The 31st Hong Kong Film Award will take place tomorrow. Since Best Actress will absolutely fall into the hands of Deanie Ip Tak Han, the result will lack surprise. On the other hand the Best New Performer competition may be even more attractive. Nominees Shiga Lin Si Nga and Karena Ng Chin Yu try on their dresses as they make their final preparations. Speaking of their picks neither pick the other. The annual local film industry event the 31st Hong Kong Film Award will take place tomorrow night at the Hong Kong Cultural Center. In the past the discussions have focused on Best Actor and Best Actress, but Ip Tak Han who has won five Best Actress awards with the film A SIMPLE LIFE (TOH JEH) already has no way to lose according to the current trends. Since Best Actress is already set, the focus naturally falls onto other categories. Among the most fierce battle is the Best New Performer! Lin Si Nga and Ng Chin Yu are nominated with LAN KWAI FONG (HEI OI YEH PO) and MAGIC TO WIN (HOI SUM MOR FAT) respectively. Although they both were models and close friends, they were merciless when they talked about the award! Earlier when they publicly talked about their picks, they overlooked each other. Shiga picked Jam Hsiao (Siu King Tung) and Sheng Chien, while Karena picked Zheng Shuang. Karena said, "I have seen her on television, she is very solid. Her acting is the best among the nominees." Speaking of her and Lin Si Nga, she said, "The award isn't up to me, the jury picks it. (How do you feel about her acting?) her character is OK. Her performance is very wild and takes courage to accompany." * (2012/04/14) Best Actor nominee with the Emperor Motion Picture SHAOLIN (SUN SIU LUM JI), Nicholas Tse Ting Fung last year attended the Hong Kong Film Award lovingly with his then wife Cecilia Cheung Pak Chi. This year Pak Chi has already announced that she will not attend the Hong Kong Film Award. Ting Fung may attend with his manager. Meanwhile, Best Actress nominee Gao Yuanyuan originally planned to come to Hong Kong for a jewelry sponsor fitting but changed her mind two days ago. She will not arrive until tomorrow, perhaps due to the recent gossip between her and Mark Chao (Chiu Yau Ting). * (2012/04/14) This year's Hong Kong Film Award Best Actor competition is rather fierce, as all the nominees are master class actors. The Jiang Wen directed and starred Emperor Motion Picture LET THE BULLETS FLY was a critical and commercial hit. Earlier at the China Film Directors' Guild Award it already won three awards. With Jiang Wen confirming his arrival today, his chances are rather high. Fellow LET Best Actor nominee Ge You will not be able to attend with Jiang Wen as he is caring for his ailing father. Also, Lau Ching Wan's chances are just as high. Although he has two nominations, Simon Yam Tat Wa won the Best Actor under a similar situation and proved that "competition with himself" is a good sign. * (2012/04/14) A certain label two nights ago held an art exhibit and anniversary celebration in Quarry Bay. Many industry insiders including Carina Lau Ka Ling, Deanie Ip Tak Han, Wyman Wong Wai Man, Linda Wong Hing Ping, 2R and Jill Vidal (Wai Si) attended. About her husband's multiple year production THE GRANDMASTERS (YUT DOI JUNG SI), Ka Ling said that it should be done very soon and hoped for a release this year. Ka Ling will compete for Best Supporting Actress tomorrow night at the Hong Kong Film Award. She and Best Actress favorite Sister Deanie ran into each other two nights ago and traded compliments as they picked each other to win. As for Best Actor, Ka Ling said, "I feel everyone is good, I have bias with everyone. Lau Ching Wan is a training class classmate, Wa Jai works hard and contributes to the film industry, Ge You and Jiang Wen are good actors, so it's hard for me to judge." Would she leave the ballot blank? She joked, "I saw every film and I voted for everyone!" As for whether Wai Jai will attend with her, Ka Ling said, "He has nothing to do, but he isn't nominated either. We'll see! Last year he didn't come and I won, maybe he will have to avoid it for me to win." In addition, she was rumored to have downloaded Shu Qi's erotic photos earlier. Ka Ling firmly denied it. She said, "I didn't go there to look, I went not for the nude photos. However I think the internet is a little complicated. If properly used you can find out the news, but if you have bad intention then it is bad for people." As for her husband Wai Jai's THE GRANDMASTERS being in production for years, Ka Ling said, "Not yet! It should be done soon though, hopefully we will be able to see it this year. (Donnie Yen Chi Tan's IP MAN will soon make its third installment.) He (Wai Jai) is no longer Ip Man, but THE GRANDMASTER. Maybe his character is a reporter, a baker, he could be anyone in any industry." In addition, the Best Actor favorite Sister Deanie admitted that she already has a dress but would face the competition at peace. She said, "I will be a guest performer and sing, so I won't do interviews until the party." Would she consider more concerts as she is in great shape lately? Sister Deanie responded, "For now I don't have any plan. I was fit before too, but concerts require a lot of support." Will she give her award to Wa Jai's baby if she wins. Sister Deanie joked, "Huh? I can't talk about that, but I feel giving baby books may be the best, or some yoga stuff!" * (2012/04/14) Shu Qi attended a cosmetic brand store opening in Taipei. Earlier when the Donnie Yen Chi starred film DUT SHU SUN FUN announced the termination of Vincent Zhao Wenzhou's contract Zhao and Yen fell into a war of words. Shu Qi supported Yen Chi On on her microblog and was swept into the storm. Netizens even acted out of vengeance and made Shu Qi angrily removed her microblog. When asked whether Shu Qi's mood has recovered, Shu Qi said that since having a microblog she became lazy. Now she has time to read books that she missed and write on her official fan site. Yet her mood more or less had ups and downs. Many friends who she has not seen in a long time sent messages to her though. Receiving everyone's ample love, she actually was still very happy. * (2012/04/14) Director Peter Chan Ho Sun lost NT$500 million on THE WARLORDS (TAU MING JONG) production. Reportedly Sandra Ng Kwan Yu kept making movies for the family. Yet Kwan Yu yesterday sang a different tune in Taiwan. She said that Chan Ho Sun is very romantic, while she would make two to three movies a year. She said that her salary could not help him with his debt, and even joked that if he truly owed tens of millions he would better not touch her personal account. This was the reason that they did not marry. Kwan Yu said that the report was very exaggerated, even she was amazed after reading it. Because the debt could not be so much, she was certainly that it was media speculation. Being said to be paying off Chan Ho Sun's debt, she said that she never stopped making movies. She came to make Taiwan movies to support Taiwan film. Kwan Yu explained that Chan Ho Sun was a romantic, he always talked about debts but forgot that actually he made money too. They have been together for 15 years. The recent debt left Chan Ho Sun still without a home and made people feel that Kwan Yu's life was very tough. She said, "Unable to afford homes is the tragedy of Hong Kong people, they can't afford the ones that they like. The ones that they like cost 300 million." They invested money elsewhere and were not as everyone imagined them to be. Chan Ho Sun also criticized Andy Lau Tak Wa and Tony Leung Chiu Wai's acting. She said for Chan Ho Sun, "They privately still have dinner with Wa Jai and are in contact. I am an actress too so I have no way to comment. Yet Chan Ho Sun has made many movies, he only critiqued based on his own feeling. It wasn't criticism." * (2012/04/14) LOVE IN THE BUFF (CHUN GIU YU JI MING) after two weeks has already made HK$24 million at the box office. Yet recently many uploaded the entire film to YouTube. Some sites even made the entire film available for download. Media Asia has immediately issued complaints to YouTube but only received negative response like "to be followed up". YouTube finally two nights ago (April 12) removed the copyright violating videos. When Media Asia contacted one of the uploaders to request video removal, they received a foul language reply. As of April 12, one of the YouTube videos already had over 200,000 hits. Some sites even made the entire film available for free download and caused irreparable damage to LOVE IN THE BUFF box office. The loss would be hard to estimate. Director Pang Ho Cheung said that the film was uploaded as soon as it was released. He could only answer that he was very helpless and could only follow the official legal procedures. yet the videos remained online, the worst part was they had absolutely no way to stop them. However the director still appreciated that many viewers went to the movies in support as the box office already reached 24 million. Currently overseas Shawn Yue Man Lok helplessly joked, "Now I really want to study computers right away, then I can become a hacker, invade the law breakers' computers and delete all the videos." He hoped that everyone would go to the movies to support the film because they put a lot of effort into its production. On her maternity leave Miriam Yeung Chin Wa felt just as helpless. She said, "I am about to give birth, this will be the last movie before I give birth. Of course it's better to the movies than staring at the mon(itor) at home. Watching a movie is better with friends and popcorn! I have many single friends who immediately have dates after watching this movie, you have to believe it. If you go a few more times I guarantee you will be a parent!" * (2012/04/14) Angelababy will be the Hong Kong Film Award master of ceremony for the first time and will even team up with Eric Tsang Chi Wai and Ronald Cheng Chung Kei. Baby said that she was a little scared but was willing to be at the mercy of Chi Wai. Was she afraid that Chi Wai would poke fun at her love life? Baby said that She would not mind as long as everyone had fun, but she was afraid that she would not be able to keep up. Did she feel she had a quick wit? Baby said, "A little! Actually mainly I want to do my part." Recently Baby and Ko Chen-Tung became familiar after working together. Earlier she took Ko Chen-Tung to her restaurant. Baby said that he was like a little brother to her because he resembled her little brother very much. Did Ko Chen-Tung pursue her? She immediately said, "No, his rumor isn't with me." Speaking of Ko Chen-Tung's rumor with Elva Hsiao, Baby did not ask him about it but admitted that she really wanted to know. She joked that she was quite a gossip. Did she feel Ko Chen-Tung and Elva Hsiao make a good pair? She joked, "More so than with me." Recently Huang Xiaoming had a breakthrough performance in LOVE IN THE BUFF. His relationship with Brenda in the film was also a bright spot. How did Baby feel about Brenda? She said that she was pretty good. Did she feel threatened by Brenda? Baby said, "The threat is pretty big, she is so famous now that I am no match for her." She said that the scene actually was pretty funny. Did she praise Xiaoming for his performance? She awkwardly said that she would say no more and thought that it was entertaining. * (2012/04/14) The 31st Hong Kong Film Award will take place tomorrow night. Yesterday a worship ceremony was held. The masters of ceremony of the evening Eric Tsang Chi Wai, Tsang Bo Yee, Ronald Cheng Chung Kei, Gordon Lam Ka Tung and Angelababy all attended. Chi Wai and daughter Bo Yi team up again. Will he still poke fun at baby's rumors? He said that baby got lucky because Bo Yi was around. Chi Wai pointed out that the award show will still focus on movies, but he might improvise depending on the live situation. Has Chi Wai helped this year with guest persuasion? He said that he only asked his daughter to help, but he said that this year's award ceremony broke records as many guests agreed right away. It was the year with the earlier guest confirmations. Did he feel that with the recent Hong Kong film rise everyone came in support? Chi Wai said, "I don't know, maybe lately Hong Kong film performed pretty well that everyone wanted to support it." Today is Chi Wai's birthday. Chi Wai said that tomorrow will be the Hong Kong Film Award so this year he will not make a big deal. He said that in the past he would attend several parties but this year he will not. Bo Yi said that Papa this year's birthday party will start earlier, so he would get drunk earlier and go home earlier. Cheng Chung Kei in recent months has been working in the Mainland and rarely appeared in Hong Kong. He said that recently he finally returned to Hong Kong. Later he will work on Raymond Wong Pak Ming and Donnie Yen Chi Tan's new film. He said that earlier when he worked abroad he missed his daughter's growth. He said that his daughter lately loved to chase the dog in her walker as he saw the dog's plead for help in its eyes. He said, "My daughter learned something new while I wasn't around, but earlier I saw her stand up." Would he regret going to work? Cheng Chung Kei said that he could not do anything about that and asked his family to record his daughter's life. As for parenthood plans, he admitted that he thought about it, mainly sometimes when he saw his daughter alone he thought she was very bored." In addition this year's Hong Kong guest presenters will be numerous, including Ko Chen-Tung, Michelle Chen, Gao Yuanyuan, Tony Leung Ka Fai, Andy Lau Tak Wa, Anthony Wong Chau Sun, Mini Yang Mi, Sammo Hung Kam Bo, Sandra Ng Kwan Yu, Shawn Yue Man Lok, Shu Qi and Julian Cheung Chi Lam. Deanie Ip Tak Han will be a guest performer as well. * (2012/04/14) Song God Sam Hui Koon Kit last night performed again at the Hong Kong Coliseum. Because it was the first show, the event arranged for a worship ceremony to pray for a smooth performance. Sam also followed the traditions, around the evening he attended a worship ceremony outside the backstage door. Almost 50 fans were already waiting and cheered for Sam. Before the ceremony, several female dancers raised the leopard print banner to welcome Sam. Sam wore a star logo shirt and cap, jeans and leopard print sneakers. Perhaps Sam got into shape for the concert, yesterday he showed off his "kirin arms". Sam also had his sunglasses on the entire time and a smile on his face. His brothers Michael Hui Koon Man and Hui Koon Mo were present as well. When Sam came out, fans immediately screamed, "So slim, I haven't seen you in a long time!" Sam was very friendly and waved to the fans. He even wanted to the barricade and shook each fan's hand. * (2012/04/13) Charlie Yeung Choi Nei has chosen to be slow and steady with her directing debut CHRISTMAS ROSE. Now the film is gradually taking form and plans to officially start production on the 17th. A press conference will be held to announce the details. Charlie's friends in order to help her fulfill her dream volunteered to help. Charlie's AFTER THIS OUR EXILE (FU JI) co-star Aaron Kwok Fu Sing will play a lawyer in the male lead and be paired with Taiwan star Kwai Lun-Mei. Earlier Siu Mei came to Hong Kong to attend the Asian Film award, but the most primary goal of this trip was to meet the cast and the crew. Reportedly, Siu Mei and Sing Sing will run into each other on the big screen for the first time. Siu Mei will even have a big breakthrough with both her costume and character in order to bring even more freshness to viewers. However the details await further revelation. CHRISTMAS is expected to cost around HK$20 million and will mostly shoot in Hong Kong. The production cost will be rather high and Sing Sing and others are will to adjust their salaries, which moves Charlie very much. Charlie's two benefactors Tsui Hark and Jacob Cheung Chi Leung will be the film's producers. Wing Shya (Ha Wing Hong) will be the director of photography. With stars on and off screen, Charlie's pressure can be imagined. * (2012/04/13) Already winning five Best Actress awards in half a year, Deanie Ip Tak Han will compete for the Hong Kong Film Award Best Actress. With younger competition from Shu Qi, Zhou Xun, Tang Wei and Gao Yuanyuan, Sister Deanie cannot lose. She jokes that day she will only have fruit and a glass of water in order to maintain her best shape for the award! The 31st Hong Kong Film Award will take place two nights from now at the Tsim Sha Tsui Cultural Center. Best Actress nominee Sister Deanie in the past half a year with the film A SIMPLE LIFE (TOH JEH) swept up Venice, Estonia Tallinn Black Night Film Festival, Taiwan Golden Horse Award, Asian Film Award and the Hong Kong Film Critic Society Best Actress. Conceivably another victory at the Hong Kong Film Award will not be difficult at all! However humbly she still dares not guarantee a victory, as she feels each jury is different. "Everyone's chances are the same, it's not like since you won overseas and Hong KOng will definitely give it to you." As for the numerous younger opponents, Sister Deanie said that she did not see their nominated films but praised Tang Wei and Shu Qi. "I have seen Tang Wei's LUST CAUTION, she is very brave! I definitely can't! Haha! However Shi Qi's performance has always been wild, she truly is pretty and can act." Remembering Winning Her First Golden Horse Award When she returned from her Taiwan victory, the humorous Sister Deanie joked that she had to restrict water to prevent from going to the bathroom. She said that on the Hong Kong Film Award day she will also have to be at her best on the stage. "In the morning after a glass of water I wouldn't drink anymore! I wouldn't eat either, the dress is very tight! Ultimately women would retain water at night, I would be swollen and shorter!" Speaking of winning Best Supporting Actress at the Golden Horse Award and the Hong Kong Film Award, Sister Deanie said that her first victory in Taiwan in 82 was the most memorable. "That was my first trip to Taiwan, and I sat very far. The stairway was very long, the walk was long and I was afraid of tripping. I remember back stage (Adam) Cheng Siu Chau gave me a thumbs up in praise." Strong Observation Love To Mimmick Sister Deanie has never officially studied acting, but her observation was strong since childhood. She liked to impersonate those around her. Constantly watching Cantonese Opera with her parent she built a foundation in acting. "The co-workers would ask me to sing and dance, then gave me laisee and longan. I only fell in love with performance because I was gluttonous!" As a singer she also had a strong suit of "watching" the visual when she was listening to songs, proving that she was full of imagination. Speaking of her future plans, Sister Deanie said that she still has not taken her next role but hoped that from now on her characters would be able to bring out positive messages. She also said that she was interested in the topic of euthanasia. The 31st Hong Kong Film Award Best Actor Nominations Shu Qi (A BEAUTIFUL LIFE) Tang Wei (WU XIA) Deanie Ip Tak Han (A SIMPLE LIFE) Gao Yuanyuan (DON'T GO BREAKING MY HEART) Zhou Xun (FLYING SWORDS OF DRAGON GATE) Ip Tak Han was nominated for Best Actress at the 4th, 5th and 19th Hong Kong Film Award with WRONG WEDDING TRAIL (HUNG CHOR YUN YUEN LO), THE UNWRITTEN LAW (FAT OI CHING) and CRYING HEART (BUN SIU HAI) but lost to Siqin Gaowa (HOMECOMING), Pauline Wong Siu Fung (LOVE WITH THE PERFECT STRANGER) and Law Lan (BULLETS OVER SUMMER). Sister Deanie who with MY NAME AIN'T SUZIE (FA GAI SI DOI) and DANCE WITH THE DRAGON (YU LUNG GUNG MO) won the 5th and the 11th Hong Kong Film Award Best Supporting Actress, this year with the Venice Film Festival, Taiwan Golden Horse Award, Estonia Tallinn Black Night Film Festival, Hong Kong Film Critic Society, Asian Film Award Best Actress in hand she is the favorite. Conceivably she should have a good chance to win and break her record to become this year's Hong Kong Film Award Best Actress. * (2012/04/13) This year's Best Actor nominations feature LET THE BULLETS FLY's Jiang Wen and Ge You. Both are great actors from the Mainland. From 2005 to 2008 the Best Actress award went to Mainland actresses and began a Mainland storm on the Hong Kong Film Award stage. Jiang Wen once quoted Mainland director Du Jiayi, "I want to be a director because I want you to know that I am a good actor." This time nominated for Best Actor as the LET THE BULLETS FLY writer, director and producer should have an advantage. Yet the star he named to the LET cast Ge You last year has already won the 11th Chinese Film Media Award Best Actor. Their direct confrontation will be even more difficult than in the film and will also be one of the reasons to watch this year's Best Actor competition. * (2012/04/13) Who says pretty girls cannot act? Shiga Lin Si Nga and Karena Ng Chin Yu battle from the modeling world to the film industry. This year they compete for the Hong Kong Film Award Best New Performer. The ladies admire each other and trade compliments. They swear to perform well in order to break through the frame of "looking pretty but unable to act". Only 18 year old Ng Chin Yu has only jumped from the catwalk to the big screen for a little over a year, but earlier she stars in the film MAGIC TO WIN (HOI SUM MOR FAT) and bounced up with her sweet looks. At the same time she receive a 31st Hong Kong Film Award Best New Performer nomination to battle film industry new comers from all over! The nomination is an extreme surprise for Karena. She cannot hide her joy. "Very surprised! Like a dream! In such a short time in the business I am able to participate, I feel very honored. It is the biggest encouragement and motivation, my hard work being recognized." Of course she will be happy if she wins, but she would not be disappointed if she loses. She says, "If I am lucky enough to win it is a bonus, but if I don't win I wouldn't be unhappy. Because earlier I never thought that I would be nominated, I already thought I won." Praised Competition This year's competition would truly be a tight race. Karena has nothing but praise, she even picks Zheng Shuang as the favorite. She says, "In the Mainland she and I belong to the same company, I know she is very popular." Speaking of local girl Lin Si Nga, they already knew each other from their modeling days. She admitted that the competition has not hurt their relationship. She says, "I would be very happy if she wins. I feel she is very sweet and very hard working. Her Chinese isn't great, earlier she put a lot of effort into studying the script. I feel she is an artist with a lot of potential, hopefully we can work hard together." * (2012/04/13) Currently 23, female singer Shiga Lin Si Nga has been in the business for over two years. With her killer long legs she has held many otakus captive! Shiga went from modeling to singing then to acting. In her first film LAN KWAI FONG (HEI OI YEH PO) she and Taiwan model Zo Shum Chi Ming's passionate performance left deep impression. She was even nominated with LAN for the 31st Hong Kong Film Award Best New Performer and competing against Karena Ng Chin Yu, Taiwan singer Jam Hsiao (Siu King Tung), Sheng Chien and Zheng Shuang! Shiga admitted that she was surprised and happy about the nomination. She said, "I never thought about being nominated, I already treat the nomination like I won. In the past I have always watched the Hong Kong Film Award live broadcast at home, this year it's finally my turn down the red carpet. It's a huge encouragement. (Any pressure?) I would treat the pressure like motivation." Refusing To Be Flower Vase Although the outside always says that pretty girls can only play "flower vase" characters and have little acting ability, Shiga disagrees. She feels every actor silently contributes. As for her pick for the Best New Performer Award, Shiga says, "I pick Siu King Tung because we belong to the same company. His singing has a lot of emotions." Although Shiga did not choose Ng Chin Yu, they are friends and even trade compliments. Shiga is not worried about outside comparisons because their directions are different. She says, "Ng Chin Yu is very sweet, our types are different. I am a little wild, more character type." Aside from the Best New Performer nomination, Shiga's song in the film I'M STILL LOVING YOU is also popular. On share sites it even received over 3 million hits and gave Shiga a shot of confidence. Best New Performer Nominations Jam Hsiao (THE KILLER WHO NEVER KILLS) Shiga Lin (LAN KWAI FONG) Zheng Shuang (MURAL) Karena Ng (MAGIC TO WIN) Sheng Chien (FLYING SWORDS OF DRAGON GATE) * (2012/04/13) This year's Hong Kong Film Award Best Director nominees are all solid choices. Mixed in with elders Ann Hui On Wa (A SIMPLE LIFE), Johnnie To Kei Fung (LIFE WITHOUT PRINCIPLE), Tsui Hark (FLYING SWORDS OF DRAGON GATE) and Jiang Wen (LET THE BULLETS FLY), Alan Mak Siu Fai and Felix Chong Man Keung this time make a "class exceeding challenge". No wonder the former says that the nomination is already a pleasant surprise. As for their work OVERHEARD 2 (SIT TING FUNG WON 2), Mak Siu Fai admits that he is the happiest about making a co-production that Hong Kong people also appreciate. "The biggest problem of co-production is Hong Kong people would feel it is not made for them. Ours shouldn't have this problem though." * (2012/04/13) Best Actress Wai Ying Hung is nominated for Best Supporting Actress and directly clashes with Carina Lau Ka Ling, So Hung Shuen, Kwai Lun-Mei and Qin Hailu. The two time Hong Kong Film Award Best Actress Wai Ying Hung is nominated with an action film. She points out that her advantage lies in the action and the touching interpretation in the film. Best Actress Wai Ying Hung has won the Hong Kong Film Award Best Actress twice, her acting is beyond any doubt. This year, she again with the film WU XIA is nominated for the 31st Hong Kong Film Award Best Supporting Actress along with her fellow Best Actresses LET THE BULLETS FLY's Lau Ka LIng, A SIMPLE LIFE's Qin Hailu, the substance school So Hung Shuen and the FLYING SWORDS OF DRAGON GATE rising star Kwai Lun-Mei in a direct confrontation between China, Hong Kong and Taiwan schools of substance. "Everyone Is Strong" Wai Ying Hung feels very honored to have a chance to participate in the award show again. As for her confidence, she says, "Anyone who is nominated is strong. This time all four are strong. Lau Ka Ling, Qin Hailu, Kwai Lun-Mei and So Hung Shuen all are substance school, the chances are very even. Kwai Lun-Mei and I are nominated with action films, although action film may be at more of a disadvantage at award shows. From another angle, at my age, with limited chapters in the film I was able to do so much, with action and warm performance it instead is a big advantage. I don't know whether the jury will see this point though. However, being nominated with an action film I already felt like I won." "Asking Me Is Respect" After winning Best Actress now she is nominated for Best Supporting Actress, would she feel like it is a step backward? Wai Ying Hung has her own view. She says, "I feel it doesn't matter, support role is a character who motivates and would lead the development of the entire movie. Now many directors and producers would ask artist of our age and experience to hold down the entire film. I feel asking me is respect. Without such substance no one would ask you. I only in recent years have people asking me to be in this position, I feel very happy. Each artist at every stage has his or her value of existence. This is the most valuable part of an actor." Best Supporting Actress Nomination Wai Ying Hung (WU XIA) Qin Hailu (A SIMPLE LIFE) So Hung Shuen (LIFE WITHOUT PRINCIPLE) Kwai Lun-Mei (FLYING SWORDS OF DRAGON GATE) Carina Lau Ka LIng (LET THE BULLETS FLY) * (2012/04/13) This year's Best Supporting Actor nominees are all substantial actors. For example Nicholas Tse Ting Fung as the SHAOLIN (SUN SIU LUM JI) villain who sells his soul for profit has a decent grasp; OVERHEARD 2 (SIT TING FUNG WON 2) society boss Kenneth Tsang Kong is rather terrifying just with his eyes and gestures and has shades of when he played Lok Kwok Wing. Paul Chun Pui in A SIMPLE LIFE (TOH JEH) as a john is very convincing. As for Lo Hoi Pang in LIFE WITHOUT PRINCIPLE (DUET MING GUM) he plays a pervert in his usual performance style. The director did not write too much for the character ahd hinder its chance to develop. No matter what, the acting alone is enough to give the jury a headache! Veteran actor Chun Pui recently with the film A SIMPLE LIFE is nominated for the Hong Kong Film Award Best Supporting Actor. Playing a john he successfully brings to life a senior who has no one to depend on and can only rely on prostitutes for comfort of the soul. The spotlight is no less bright on him than the leads. At any minute he has a chance to win another Best Supporting Actor since THE LUNATICS (DIN LO JING JUEN) in 86 and C'EST LA VIE MON CHERI (SUN BUT LIU CHING) in 93. Facing strong competition from Jimmy Wang Yu, Lo Hoi Pang, Kenneth Tsang Kong and the rising Best Actor Nicholas Tse Ting Fung, veteran actor Chun Pui dares not think much about his chances. He never even thought about the nomination. When asked if he has seen the nominated films, Chun Pui says, "I am really sorry that I haven't seen them all. I have seen OVERHEARD 2, Tsang Kong with such experience of course is good. However SHAOLIN's Ting Fung has a good chance too! So I am attending the award show like I am going to an event, of course I will be happy if I win." Just returning from Canada, he revealed that he will wear a suit and walk the red carpet with the team. Having known the director Ann Hui On Wa for decades, he is actually working with her for the first time. Chun Pui even praises this old friend, "She is very sincere about movies, every one has quality. She deserves to have her achievements today." * (2012/04/13) Show business model couple Lau Ching Wan and Amy Kwok Oi Ming last night attended a fashion label flagship store opening in Taiwan. On Sunday (the 15th) the 31st Hong Kong Film Award will take place. Nominated with LIFE WITHOUT PRINCIPLE (DUET MING GUM) and OVERHEARD 2 (SIT TING FUNG WON 2) for Best actor, Ching Wan was not nervous at all and did not think much about this as he has done all he could. His wife Kwok Oi Ming said, "He has both won and lost!" Which opponent did Ching Wan feel is the strongest? He said, "Every opponent is very outstanding, but I haven't seen A SIMPLE LIFE (TOH JEH). I only saw LET THE BULLETS FLY. Now the Hong Kong Film Award is very different from before, it's like a big party, a lot of joy and a lot of fun! (With two nominations, which one do you want to win?) I don't dare to think about it. (Are you afraid of crossing the director?) No, one is the left hand, the other is the right hand, it's hard to choose! (Are you worried about the vote split?) I have heard someone say that. I am already very happy with two nominations, like I won the lottery but was afraid of all the money!" Speaking of So Hung Shuen's Best Supporting Actress chances with LIFE WITHOUT PRINCIPLE, Ching Wan said, "She truly is very outstanding, but I haven't seen the other films so I don't dare to comment. Actually both So Hung Shuen and Lo Hoi Pang are very outstanding!" * (2012/04/13) The film THE BOUNTY (YUEN HUNG) has been selected for the 14th Udine Far East Film Festival. The Fung Chi Chiang directed, Fiona Sit Hoi Kei, Alex Man Chi Leung and Chapman To Man Jat starred film will make its world premiere in Udine and has been scheduled for a summer Hong Kong release. The three leads in the film interpret the story of a bounty in absurdly humorous methods. Ten Hong Kong films have been selected this year. Aside from THE BOUNTY, Pang Ho Cheung also has two films LOVE IN THE BUFF (CHUN GIU YU JI MING) and VULGARIA (DAI JOOK HEI KET); the latter also stars To Man Jat. The film festival will take place at the end of April, Ah Jat and Pang Ho Cheung will attend. He said that last year he made 8 movies and most were pure Hong Kong films. He was very happy that two were selected for the Udine Far East Film Festival. He said that with almost 20 years in the business he has experience the rise and fall of the Hong Kong film industry. In recent years joy would be first and foremost goal for his movies. If his movies would be brought outside Asia and to all over the world he would also feel honored. * (2012/04/13) William Chan Wai Ting yesterday was at a Ngong Ping Village event. William recently has been busy with the pre production work on his new film TRIAD (JAT JIK), but due to certain reasons that required a drastic change to be made the film has temporarily halted production. Because of the film character he deliberated got into shape and was prepared to show off his chest. Was he on any diet? He said, "I would keep eating but I have to exercise more, I have to get into shape because the director wants me to keep smoking in the movie. Also I often have to shoot in mahjong parlors. I have to boost my immune system to fight the nicotine." * (2012/04/12) The film LIVES IN FLAMES (HEI SAI YIU GWUN) premiere took place two nights ago. In attendance were Mr., Jeana Ho Pui Yu, Alex Lam Tak Shun, Mag Lam Yun Tung, Michelle Wai (Si Nga), Irene Wan Bik Ha and others. After being caught dating rich girl Sally, Mr. lead singer Alan was asked whether he invited his girlfriend. He said that he did not know and did not see her; later Dash revealed that he saw her. Alan still said that she might not be seen as he would give his own tickets to his family first. Was she not family? He said not so soon, right now she is just a girlfriend. That night they might not even sit together. Since this was his first film, no one had the guts to watch before hand. He only hoped that the response would be decent so they would have a chance to make another movie. Lam Tak Shun said that he invited his father George Lam Chi Cheung, but when he learned that it was a public event he said it would depend on his schedule. Finally Ah Lam did not appear. Will he watch it again with his father? Lam Tak Shun said that he would not. He thought once was enough. Yet two nights ago his brother and sister came in support. Michelle Wai (Si Nga) revealed that earlier several junior high school students followed her home and the security guards actually opened the gates for them. She felt a lack of security and hoped to be able to move later. * (2012/04/12) Wilfred Lau Ho Lung on May 18 and 19 will perform a mini concert in Wanchai. With several karaoke hits, Si Hing complained about the overabundance of love songs in music. Other subjects had no room. He lamented, "Hong Kong music fans are hard to service!" Would Si Hing have more expectation for movies and even hope to win an award? He said, "Since I started making movies, I was able to work with veterans like (Kenneth) Tsang Kong and Liu Kai Chi. Their acting made me fall in love with acting. Now I would hone my abilities. Even after I finish my scene I would observe how they perform. They would be my targets. I hope to be able to win Best Supporting Actor!" Will he try action film? He responded, "Actually I have a black belt in tae kwon do, but few remember that. I am also right for comedy! See my real side!" Si Hing has been in TVB series but as a guest star. Not until SNIPERS (SUN CHEUNG SAU) did he realize what acting was. He recalled. "Back then I climbed to the third story for a shoot, I didn't realize how frightening it was until I got back to my room. The roof was made of tiles, after every step the tiles immediately shattered! After making SNIPERS I had broken ribs and ligament tears. I thought as a film industry new comer I had to risk my life!" As he grew older, he cherished opportunities even more. He said that if he was able to be like two years ago and made seven movies in a year he would be satisfied. He would have no problem playing support for a long term, the most important was to be able to make money and be fed. * (2012/04/12) Daniel Wu (Ng Yin Cho)'s Japanese restaurant opened its third store yesterday. Reportedly Ng Yin Cho was invited to attend a forum at his alma mater University of Oregon with his fellow alumni A SIMPLE LIFE (TOH JEH) producer Roger Lee. Ng Yin Cho said that his parent school invited three film professional alumni to attend the forum. The other was a Singapore director. Ng Yin Cho pointed out that many alumni were in the business like Peter Lam Kin Ngok and Terence Chang Ka Chun. Of course they attended the school in different eras. Will he and Roger return to the school together? He said that they will definitely run into each other then. He admitted that he has not returned to the school in 15 years. According to Ng Yin Cho, the wu shu team that he created was still in existence at the school. When he will return to the school he will have a chance to see many professors and instructors from his architecture days. [ BLAH OF THE WEEK ] Columns, Reviews, Interviews 1. MING PAO DAILY, APRIL 18 2012, BIG SISTER WOMAN'S NOTEBOOk TRUE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN MAN AND DOG STEPHEN CHOW CRIES The Hong Kong Film Award just took place. Andy Lau Tak Wa and Deanie Ip Tak Han with A SIMPLE LIFE (TOH JEH) won Best Actor and Best Actress again after the Golden Horse Award, which was expected. When Big Sister Big watched the live television broadcast, the categories that she could not help but applaud were the Best Supporting Actor and the Best Supporting Actress winners Lo Hoi Pang and So Hung Shuen. Big Sister Big watched them act when she was little, they both truly deserved the honor. These two are both veterans of the TVB artist training class. Sister Shuen was the 1st term (1972) and Brother Pang was the 3rd term graduate. With a closer look, the award ceremony resembled a TVB artist training class alumni association meeting. Andy Lau Tak Wa was the 10th term (1981) graduate, his Best Actor opponent Lau Ching Wan was the 12th (1983). Fellow graduate of Ching Wan's class were Carina Lau Ka Ling and Sandra Ng Kwan Yu. Tony Leung Chiu Wai who was there to cheer on his wife was in the 11th term. The final guest presenter of Best Picture Tony Leung Ka Fai was Wa Jai's classmate and a 10th term student. If Chow Yun Fat (3rd term) and Stephen Chow Sing Chi (11th term) also attended it truly would have been a major reunion. Speaking of Chow Sing Chi, since CJ7 in 2008 he has not made a new film in years. However Big Sister Big often watched Sing Yeh's films because Cable movie channel constantly played his movies. Reportedly the NEW CHINESE ODYSSEY (SAI YAU GEI ji CHUI MOR JUEN KEI) will be released this year. Sing Yeh is also planning to make MERMAID. Recently active in business Chow Sing Chi aside from making movies also invested in Mainland cinema complexes and cinemas, he seemed to have become a new generation China film tycoon. Chow Sing Chi is low key and even avoided the media. He would never be particularly enthusiastic with reporters; his interviews had more questions than answers, the truth behind his words were very hard to tell. In comparison, "Sing Ma" (Ling Bo Yi) was much more talkative. Big Sister Big once contacted Sing Ma. In the 90s Chow Sing Chi became more and more famous in the film industry, at a radio Mother's Day event she met "Sing Ma". Back then her son's rumored girlfriends went like the revolving door, since Sing Yeh could not be found to respond she could only try Sing Ma. Once during a phone chat with Sing Ma, she mentioned that her son Chow Sing Chi was sad and she cried. Actually the always cool Chow Sing Chi broke down when his bulldog BullBull died from cancer. Sing fans who are familiar with Chow Sing Chi movies would remember BullBull's guest starring role in FLIRTING SCHOLAR (TONG BAK FU DIM CHAU HEUNG). Sing Yeh grabbed its "paw" for a greeting and scared the wits out of Gong Li. Big Sister Big would always remember the phrase "Sing Yeh cried". She did not expected years later during the CJ7 promotion he mentioned this man dog relationship as well in an interview. When he designed the space dog in the film, he injected his feeling for BullBull and remembered how regretful he was when he was unable to bid final farewell with BullBull. For Sing Yeh who was extremely protective of himself, this moment was truly a rare flow of real emotions. Big Sister Big also suddenly remember when she first met Chow Sing Chi, he still was "Sing Jai". Once after a MY FATHER'S SON (DAU HEI YUT JOOK) promotion, TVB had a bus to transport reporters and artist back to Clearway Bay Television City. Sing Jai just made the film FINAL JUSTICE (BIK LIK SIN FUNG). He sat next to Big Sister Big. Before getting off the bus he asked whether I would watch this film. I answered at the time, "No, I don't like to watch (Danny) Lee Sau Yin's movies." Sing Jai said, "Go take a look!" That was the end of the conversation. Over 20 years later, Big Sister Big still has not seen FINAL JUSTICE. 2. MING PAO DAILY, APRIL 15 2012, FILM WORDS SUNNY IS PARTIALLY INTERESTING Korean film once was released in large quantities in Hong Kong but now has few box office miracles. The new release SUNNY is no surprise either. Director Kang Hyung-Chul directed the comedy hit SCANDAL MAKERS, this time he shot a group of female students after over 20 years due to "big sister's" terminal illness tries to reunite, revive their "buddy" friendship and find the collective memory of youth in school. Male student buddy films are often made, female student versions are fewer. This one has a decent idea, mixing between young girl relationships and middle age troubles. They even hire a private investigator to find the whereabouts of their old friends, which is rather rich. The performance is mixed, partially emotional and interesting. Yet many places are excessively produced and overall the film is not too balanced. (two out of five stars) BEAUTIFL 2012 Kim Tae-yong Directed Segment Is Good Also must be mentioned is this Hong Kong International Film Festival produced four part mix BEAUTIFL 2012. In it the Kim Tae-yong directed Korean segment YOU ARE MORE THAN BEAUTIFUL is good. About a couple visiting a father in coma at the hospital, the film is real and wonderful. Tsai Ming-Liang's segment WALKER has a monk on a "walk about" in Hong Kong, which is very simple Gu Changwei's LONG TOU is about the complicated hearts of current Beijing people. Wonderfully the old Beijing cat looked like an old monk in meditation. The final segment is the Ann Hui On Wa shot transgender MY WAY. Francis Ng Chun Yu's performance is very convincing but the most outstanding is Jade Leung Jung who is still pretty and has good expressions. This film has already been shown a few times during the film festival. Who knows whether it will have a chance to be released? - SHEK KEI 3. TA KUNG PAO, APRIL 15 2012, FILM AND TELEVISION TRAVERSAL A SIMPLE LIFE IS EXPECTED TO WIN THE HONG KONG FILM AWARD With Hong Kong film recently returning to a certain stature, tonight's 31st Hong Kong Film Award will be even more eye catching. According to this year's nominations everyone actually has some ideas about the results of several major awards. Among this year's hottest films is A SIMPLE LIFE (TOH JEH), whether first sweeping multiple international film festival awards or a critical and commercial hit locally. Even more importantly it has revitalized Hong Kong film (the subject is also domestic). Thus I predict that this film will have a chance to win Best Picture, Best Director (even though Johnnie To Kei Fung's LIFE WITHOUT PRINCIPLE (DUET MING GUM) is outstandingly plotted with twists and turns everywhere, Ann Hui On Wa excels in handling character relationships. In addition the film captures different seniors' spirit in a nursing home, which also touches people's hearts and worthy of being elevated) Best Actor and Best Actress. Yet, Best Actor has potential competition in the more and more natural actor Lau Ching Wan. However his two nominations (OVERHEARD 2 and LIFE WITHOUT PRINCPLE, the latter with more good reviews) may thin out his votes. A SIMPLE LIFE can receive numerous international film festival honors because the film achieves an unusual master and servant relationship that is based out of China's inherent traditional humanity, exceeds the conventional commercial employer maid relationship and makes Sister Peach more like a part of the Lee family than a maid. Thus Father Lee asks his descendants to "take care of her in life and bury her in death" and enables Roger and Sister Peach's mother and son like intimate relationship. The film may seem simple but is obviously very charming and moving. The Deanie Ip Tak Han's performance makes people applaud, in particularly is the changes after she moves into the nursing home; of course I feel Ip Tak Han and Andy Lau Tak Wa's relationship in the film can be handled even better. As for the Best Supporting Actor and Supporting Actress, my choices are OVERHEARD 2's Kenneth Tsang Kong and LIFE WITHOUT PRINCIPLE's So Hung Shuen. The former has that type of deep, devious, insidious, insolent performance that is penetrating. The latter can be said as bringing to life Hong Kong naive housewife, the phrase "clear, understand" represents self perceived smart and understanding, the price of which is the blood and sweat saving of half a lifetime; Jimmy Wang Yu's character in WU XIA and performance is the coordination of timing, location and people. If he wins the award serves more of an emotional purpose. - CHUI HIU 4. TA KUNG PAO, APRIL 15 2012, LIGHT SHADOW PATH WHY DIRECTORS REST ON THEIR LAURELS Last week, a Guangzhou media company with the topic "How much credit do Hong Kong directors have left in your heart?" and surveyed 100 viewers and 200 experienced film professionals (10 film critics and 10 cinema managers). The result is "the most trustworthy directors" are Tsui hark and Johnnie To Kei Fung. The film directors under scrutiny are all Hong Kong film directors who were in the top 15 in the Mainland box office last year; basically, the experts and the viewers' level of trust in the directors is measured by film quality and box office. Their past work style is also considered. Some of them receive some low ratings. Nine directors even failed. Some critique said that represented some Hong Kong film directors have exhausted viewers' trust in them. They could be considered bankrupt in trust, their future was at risk. The writer felt that this summation was worth discussing. The commentator called director Wong Jing the "king of rotten films" and "the market will eliminate Wong Jing, (Jeff) Lau Chun Wai, (Raymond) Wong Pak Ming and others in one or two years". This comment is actually very "academic". First director Wong Jing has made countless films. He made his name long ago with gambling films, later with Manfred Wong (Man Jun) and Lau Wia Keung he formed Best of the Best and partners and created the YOUNG AND DANGEROUS (GOO WAT JAI) film series and then focused on television series. After the Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement, Director Wong focused on co-productions. The strength of his survival ability was unrivaled. Wong Jing indeed has made some "rotten films" but he also made some excellent quality commercial films like GOD OF GAMBLERS (DOH SUN) and COLOR OF THE TRUTH (HAK BAK SUM LUM). Now he is preparing to make THE LAST TYCOON (DAI SEUNG HOI). Viewers would not because of Wong Jing avoid a movie with Huang Xiaoming and Chow Yun Fat. Director Lau Chun Wai is a nonsense comedy expert. His past HAUNTED film series all had decent creativity. Anyone who says that he is repeating himself and "resting on his laurel" may have a different view than the market. Now some still believe that the comedy format from 20 years ago still have Mainland viewers because the younger generation may not have seen it. Wong Jing's TREASURE INN (CHOI SUN HAT JANG) in the Mainland has made over 100 million at the box office, which is the best example. As for Wong Pak Ming, no more needs to be said. 30 years ago he was one of the Cinema City founders, among the three giants of then only he is still active in the film industry. IP MAN and its sequel showed that Wong Pak Ming is not just HAPPY GHOST. As Darwin said, not the strongest or the smartest but the most adaptable people can survive. All three filmmakers have what it takes to survive. Criticizing films lack of creativity, resting of their laurels may not be fair to directors, often they are because investors are not professional enough and cannot determine between good and bad, new and old, excellent or poor. Simply said, with people who do not understand this industry as leaders, directors have absolute freedom to "test" the market. If the "test" is successful, they do not need to innovate. After the "test" fails, they have to innovate. The problem in the end is some bosses have no bottom line. - TIN LIK 5. APPLE DAILY, APRIL 14 2012, ELECTRIC FILM ROAD SYLVIA CHANG COMMENDS FILM In order to promote the Taiwan film 10+10, Hou Hsiao-Hsien and Sylvia Chang (Cheung Ngai Ga) earlier accepted an interview with this newspaper. In the master class, Hou Hsiao-Hsien has won numerous awards at international film festivals and often invited to be on major film festival juries. He has his own unique yet in depth view about movies; Cheung Ngai Ga with her woman's attentive heart experiences the changes of movies in Hong Kong and Taiwan. She even encourages Hong Kong directors not to lose their own personal style. - HO WING NING, Man KWOK CHUN Cheung Ngai Ga gives people an impression of seriousness, but whenever she talks about movies she cannot be stopped; in particular her joy over the Taiwan film revival and the helplessness of Hong Kong filmmakers heading north and losing their style. she absolutely lets her real emotions flow. From CAPE NO. 7 in 2008 to this year the Hong Kong and Taiwan surprise hit YOU ARE THE APPLE OF MY EYE, Taiwan film has successfully rebounded; but some says that YOU's success is limited to its commercial and box office recognition, not in terms of film art. Sylvia disagrees as she has nothing but praise for director Giddens Ko. "I feel commerce and art can co-exist. Actually the most important for a film is to grasp what it wants to say, what message it wants to bring. Giddens Ko completely captures it, whether it is love, friendship or nostalgia." Taiwan Film Space Is Enormous As Taiwan films is more and more accepted in Hong Kong, Sylvia feels that it is due to the shift in the relationship. "Perhaps because Hong Kong film keeps on repeating itself and Taiwan film instead has more space to develop, viewer acceptance is higher." Although Sylvia was born in Taiwan, she also has feelings for Hong Kong film in which she has worked for over 20 years. Speaking of numerous Hong Kong directors heading north to the Mainland to make movies in recent years and fewer and fewe movies have Hong Kong characteristics, she says with a little helplessness. "Maybe too many reports say this director made how many hundreds of millions from a movie in the Mainland, that one made how many hundred of millions. In addition it would bring a lot of applause, why wouldn't anyone leave?" Sylvia says that a few directors would still insist on remaining, one of them is her good friend Johnnie To Kei Fung. "I am always having dinner with him, speaking of this topic he gets very fiery. I understand why his heart aches. I am very supportive of him. Right now I am writing a screenplay for him to see if he will use it or not!" Like A Movie Party The Golden Horse Film Festival started 10+10 has over 20 Taiwan directors, each makes a five minute short film that consists of a movie together. With such a grand movie party, Sylvia of course participated. She says, "I am very happy to be able to take part, the Taiwan film industry hasn't been so united to do something for such a long time. It is a good opportunity for exchange with a new generation of directors." Sylvia's short film is based on famous writer Jeremy Lu's essay about a social worker after dealing with a death row inmate writing a letter to the victim's parents. A little longer than five minutes, the film's color is low and dark. The background uses one after another confession scripture, the emotions are very heavy. Sylvia states that this time she deliberately chooses this heavy subject. "I am always thinking why young people would do something so cruel so young, and the problem is global. I really want to examine where does the problem lie? Everyone have to let their children feel the existence of love. They aren't just an individual." In the film many shots are expressed with still photos, which actually has an unique intent. "A little, most primarily I want to give people more room to think after coming to a stop with the photos." THE SUBSTANCE OF HOU HSIAO-HSIEN Famous Taiwan director Hou Hsiao-Hsien came to Hong Kong to promote the film 10+10. During his interview he said that he does not know how to use a computer as his writing remains on paper and pen, not to mention advanced technology like online and facebook. Known as a master class director in Taiwan, he usually relies on public transportation and Metro (Taiwan subway). Only when he is drunk at night would he extend his arm to hail down a taxi. Even his mobile phone is the antique class that can only show functions. Everything else is off the table. You can understand how he can make Taiwan movies with such an authentic flavor. Only Knows Dark Humor Hou Hsiao-Hsien's movies like the Sadness trilogy, A CITY OF SADNESS, THE PUPPETMASTER and GOOD MEN, GOOD WOMEN, have a country nostalgia with a gray tone. He says that it is related to his background. He says, "(Maggie) Cheung Man Yuk's ex husband Olivier Assayas has said this as well, I told him life is just like this. When we were little we went from the Mainland to Taiwan, when life isn't great the resulting films naturally are like this." Without deliberately being tragic is just like no art or commercial film differentiation as Hou Hsiao-Hsien says. He says, "Do you want I want to make these movies when I started? I have made the Giddens Ko type too, only later when I made THE BOYS FROM FENGKUEI other people said they didn't understand it became an art film. I too don't understand why viewers said they didn't understand it. Now at my age I would only cook up some dark humor, I can't do what Giddens Ko does." Praises Giddens Ko As Sharp In recent years Taiwan film rose. In terms of box office new directors Wei Te-Sheng and Giddens Ko are the most outstanding. Analyzing the reasons as the Taiwan master class director, he says, "The rise of Taiwan directors is a good thing. The success of YOU ARE THE APPLE OF MY EYE is understandable. It itself is an online novel, just fans alone it has 400,000 to 500,000 people. The novel is about everyone's common experience, the producer is Angie Chai who made F4 into stars. The director Giddens Ko shot in order, he shot as the story developed unlike our usual movies that shot out of order. Actors could very easily get into it. A lot of it is very well calculated, even the nudity and the masturbation wouldn't make people sick, how can it not be successful. In addition director Giddens Ko's mouth is sharp. His future movies may be even sharper because he has that determination to make movies. As long as he doesn't think about keeping up with the box office he is fine, because as soon as he does he can easily think off track." As for internet subjects, Hou Hsiao-Hsien says that it is not his cup of tea. He likes to make his own subjects. His movies start with people, first comes the characters then the story. Like the Tony Leung Chiu Wai starred A CITY OF SADNESS, the female lead Xin Shufen's character came first before the script was developed. MILLENNIUM MAMBO also started with Shu Qi's character first. No Interest In Being on the Jury Hou Hsiao-Hsien's movies are renowned as highly artistic since he won Venice's highest honor the Golden Lion Prize. With his later Cannes Film Festival jury prize and numerous international film festival jury duties his international position is further elevated. However Hou Hsiao-Hsien is not too enthusiastic about the jury position that others sort after. He says, "Being on the jury isn't no big deal, everyone is arguing. Every time you go it is who argues the loudest gets to determine the awards. Once at the Rotterdam Film Festival I didn't say a word, the jury instead asked me why I didn't argue. I said, 'Forget it, you choose'. They felt bad and finally gave me an award to give. Actually not fighting was still fighting. Since then I have not been on another jury. I am better off focusing on making movies." With fame investors naturally throw money at you to make movies, famous actors like Shu Qi and Chang Chen also come easily. However Hou Hsiao-Hsien says that in recent years art is harder to harder to make. In the past investors mainly came from Europe, America and Japan. With the poor economy financing in turn reduced. However his new film NIE YIN NIANG is the currently popular co-production, actors include Chang Chen, Shu Qi and Mainland director Feng Xiaogang's wife Xu Fan. Even with the troubled economy the draw of a master has not been reduced. [ In Production Now/Soon ] CHRISTMAS ROSE Can : Sing Dan Mui Gwai d. Charlie Yeung Choi Nei Aaron Kwok Fu Sing, Kwai Lun-Mei, Xia Yu, Liu Kai Chi, Qin Hailu, Regina Wan Qian LAN KWAI FONG 2 Can : Hei Oi Yeh Po 2 Lit : Like To Hang Out Late 2 d. Wilson Chin Kwok Wai Kelvin Kwan Chor Yiu, Christine Kuo, Mia Chen Jing Yi, Avis Chan Wai Sing, Linah Matsuoka, Dominic Ho Ho Man, Liu Yuqi, Sita Chan Hei Yi TOGETHER Can : Joi Yut Hei d. Clarence Ford (Fok Yiu Leung) Donnie Yen Chi Tan, Michelle Chen, Angelababy, Ko Chen-Tung, Bosco Wong Chung Chak TRIAD Can : Jat Jik Lit : Promotion d. Lloyd Chan Yi Hung Irene Wan Bik Han, William Chan Wai Lam, Michelle Wai (Si Nga), Derek Tsang Kwok Cheung, Edward Chui Woai Dong, Patrick Tam Yiu Man [ THE FILM CATALOGUE ] College-educated Harvard decides to become a gangster. He is promoted through the ranks, then heads his own team. As Hong Kong prepares for its 1997 handover, Harvard works with the police to ensure survival of his gang. His former boss BJ helps him out and they swear friendship. Harvard is able to move along with the times, cashing in on trends just ahead of the authorities. He gets into businesses beyond their jurisdiction, particularly internet porn. Harvard goes legitimate, getting rid of the violent aspects of gangsterhood, alienating the fighters and those who cannot adapt. Harvard decides to resolve a gangland power struggle by himself – but discovers that the person betraying him is... NATURAL BORN LOVERS Can : Tin Sun Oi Ching Kong Lit : Natural Born Love Maniac d. Patrick Kong (Yip Lim Sum) Julian Cheung Chi Lam, Annie Liu (Lau Sum Yau) Mandy Wong Chi Man, Oscar Leung Lit Wai, Ava Yu Kiu, Jinny Ng Yeuk Hei, Ciwi Lam Sze Man Elva Ni Chenxi, Christine Kuo, Anna Kay, Linah Matsuoka Can : Dut Shu Sun Fun Lit : Special Identity d. Clarence Ford (Fok Yiu Leung) Donnie Yen Chi Tan, Jing Tian, Zhao Wenzhou, Zhang Hanyu THE BULLETS VANISHES Can : Siu Sut Dik Ji Dan d. Law Chi Leung Lau Ching Wan, Nicholas Tse Ting Fung, Liu Kai Chi, Mini Yang Mi Site : http://www.emp.hk [ THE FILM CATALOGUE ] In an arsenal during the warlord era in China, a girl, accused of stealing bullets, is shot to death by the Boss. Six months later, a series of murders occur. Policemen Bao and Guo investigate the case. But all the clues point to the dead girl! They then discover that “stealing bullets” is a cover-up for a conspiracy between the Boss and the Police Chief. The latter tries to have Bao and Guo killed, but that increases their determination to solve the mystery. Finally, they find the real murderer... THE BOUNTY Can : Yuen Hung Lit : Reward d. Fung Chih Chiang Chapman To Man Jat, Alex Man Chi Leung, Fiona Sit Hoi Kei, Wen Chao, Sire Man Choi VULGARIA 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 Length : 90 mins. Opening March 27 2012 at the Hong Kong International Film Festival Site : http://www.hkiff.org/eng/film/detail/22/36147-vulgaria.html [ HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL ] Pang Ho-cheung brings his many years of experience as director and producer to craft this ode to today's Hong Kong film industry. Like Pang, producer To Wai-cheung, our protagonist, must go north to find his funding, even if it means getting involved with a Guangxi triad head named Tyrannoosaurus and experiencing "the ultimate sex". Another investment precondition: convincing 197s star Susan Shaw to act in a classic porno remake named DARING, I WANT IT TOO. Despite all the hardships, To is determined to make his film. With the uproarious, taboo-breaking Vulgaria, Pang gleefully exorcises all the restraints he has been bottling up with his bona fide, censorship-free Hong Kong movie. 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, Opening Summer 2012 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... 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 Opening December 2012 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 Opening December 2012 [ 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... --- [ NOW SHOWING ] LIVES IN FLAMES Can : Hei Sai Yiu Gwun Lit : Rising Rock and Roll d. Jacky Lee Chi Lun Mr. Alex Lam Tak Shun, Mag Lam Yun Tung, Michelle Wai (Si Nga), Jeana Ho Pui Yu, Bonnie Xian (Sin Sik Lai), ZO Shum Chi Ming, Eva Lai Yin Shan Rating : IIB Length : 92 mins. Opening April 19 2012 [ YAHOO! MOVIES HONG KONG ] Government employee Alan again over something minor argues with his superior and is fired, the fifth time in two years. Since graduating from secondary schools, Alan has been in the workforce. Despite his father asking him to take over the family operated drug store business, Alan declines as he does not want to walk the road that others have paved in hopes of being able to create his own career. Yet, without any goal or dream Alan cannot get into whatever he does. He is always missing passion and thus stumbles every time, never on a job for too long until he runs into Dash... 10+10 d. Hou Hsiao-Hsien, Sylvia Chang, Wei Te-Sheng, Wu Nien-Jen, Chang Tso-Chi, Arvin Chen, Chen Kuo-Fu, Chung Mong-Hong, Leon Dai, Wi Ding Ho, wang Shau Di, Wang Tung, Chu Yen-Ping, Shen Ko-Shang, Hou Chi-Jan, Chen Yu-Hsun, Yang Ya-Che, Cheng Wen-Tang, Cheng Yu-Chieh, Hsiao Ya-Chuan. Shu Qi, Mei Fang, Joseph Chang, Nolay Piho, Kwai Lun-Mei Rating : IIB Length : 114 mins. Opening April 3 2012 at the Hong Kong International Film Festival Opening April 19 2012 Site: http://www.hkiff.org/eng/film/detail/3/36012-1010.html [ HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL ] What makes Taiwan so unique? In 10+10, twenty local filmmakers are allotted five minutes and are given total freedom to express cinematically how they feel about this subject. Commissioned by the Taiwan Golden Horse Film Festival, the shorts featured here run the gamut from a war epic to personal dramas to documentary short subject. The filmmakers, consisting of some of the biggest names in Taiwanese cinema, include: Hou Hsiao-Hsien, Sylvia Chang, Wei Te-Sheng, Wu Nien-Jen, Chang Tso-Chi, Arvin Chen, Chen Kuo-Fu, Chung Mong-Hong, Leon Dai, Wi Ding Ho, wang Shau Di, Wang Tung, Chu Yen-Ping, Shen Ko-Shang, Hou Chi-Jan, Chen Yu-Hsun, Yang Ya-Che, Cheng Wen-Tang, Cheng Yu-Chieh and Hsiao Ya-Chuan. ANY OTHER SIDE Can : Yeh Dim Gwai Tam Lit : Night Spot Mystery Tale d. Fang Yaxi Van Fan Yi Chen, Deng Jiajia, Chrissie Chau Sau Na, Qi Yuwu, Yida Huang, Jill Hsu (Tsui Kit Yi) Opening April 19 2012 [ YAHOO! MOVIES HONG KONG ] Comic book creator Dion meets up with friends at a bar. Everyone have their own problems on their minds as they wander between fantasy and reality. They each create 3 scary stories that they direct and star in. Are they living in their own stories of fantasy or are they only comic book creator Dion's comic book characters? Who is in control of the story? DARK FLIGHT 3D Can : Yum Won Hat Gei Lit : Dark Soul Fright Flight d. Isara Nadee Marsha Wattanapanich, Peter Knight Rating : IIB Length : 105 mins. Opening April 19 2012 [ YAHOO! MOVIES HONG KONG ] The story is based on an actual event. A flight attendant miraculously survives from a tragic plane crash 10 years ago. She believes the tragedy is the work of spirits and thus receives psychological therapy. Unfortunately on her return to work flight she discovers the plane to be the one in the disaster 10 years ago. As the flight takes off, the entire plane is surrounded in horror as everyone on the plane is flying on a journey of death! COLD FISH d. Sion Sono Mitsuru Fukikoshi, Denden, Asuka Kurosaw Rating : III Length : 141 mins. Opening April 15 2012 [ BROADWAY CIRCUITS ] Shamoto runs a small tropical fish shop. His second wife, Taeko, does not get along with his daughter, Mitsuko and this worries him. One day Mitsuko is caught shoplifting. Murata, who also runs a tropical fish shop, settles things between the shopkeeper and Mitsuko. Shamoto gets a feeling of kinship with Murata and they become friends. By the time Shamoto learns that Murata is actually an insane serial killer, his daughter Mitsuko has already started working at Murata’s shop and living in his house. Shamoto is taken in by Murata’s tactics and becomes his accomplice. Murata threatens Shamoto into helping him cut the victims’ bodies into pieces. They cut the bodies into 1 inch cubes and the bones they burn to ashes. Shamoto is frightened when he watches Murata and his wife cutting rotten human flesh while absently humming a tune. SUNNY Can : Yeung Guong Ji Mui Toh Lit : Sunshine Sister Mischief d. Kang Hyung-Chul Rating : IIB Length : 127 mins. Opening Apirl 12 2012 [ YAHOO! MOVIES HONG KONG ] Na-Mi, a transfer student from Jeolla, is afraid of everything, in particular her accent that the school bully makes fun of on her first day. At this time, several girls appear and protect this silly girl who just arrives. They are "Big Sister" Chun-Hwa, Jang-Mi who spares no expense for double eyelids, "Violent Scholar" Geum-Ok, "Beauty Pageant Queen" Bok-Hee, "Foul Mouth" Jin-Hee and "otaku goddess" Su-Ji. The girls form a group "Sunny" in an attempt to battle the hit group "Girls Generation" and shine at the school performance. However, due to an accident "Sunny" breaks up. 25 years later, mother Na-Mi suddenly feels something is missing from life. She by chance runs into "Sunny" member Chun-Hwa. Both feel rather pleased and decides to visit other members...... LONG QING SHI YI BAN SHI JI Lung Kim Sung, Miui Suet See Rating : I Length : 126 mins. Opening April 8 2012 [ BROADWAY CRICUITS ] The dream of many Chinese Opera fans came true in December 2011 when the legendary team of Lung Kim Sung and Mui Suet See were back together again for a series of performances celebrating their half-century career on the stage. In their long-awaited collaboration, the veteran duo performed four fan-favorite acts at three different locations, while these classic Chinese Opera acts are now rerun in a limited scale on the silver screen. GUILTY OF ROMANCE Can : Luen Ji Jui Lit : Guilt Of Romance d. Shion Sono Miki Mizuno, Makoto Togashi, Megumi Kagurazaka Rating : III Length : 114 mins. Opening April 5 2012 [ BROADWAY CIRCUIT ] A brutally murdered, dismembered and rearranged body is found in the love hotels district …. 153 women missed in Tokyo ….. Cop Kazuko cuts short an amorous tryst when she’s called to investigate the case. The case leads her to two respectable women, Izumi and Mitsuko, harbouring twisted desires that leads to a misguided sense of empowerment. BOLLYWOOD: THE GREATEST LOVE STORY EVER TOLD Can : Yun Doh Yau Gor Hor Lei Woot Lit : India Has A Hollywood d. Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, Jeff Zimbalist Rating : IIB Legnth : 77 mins. Opening April 5 2012 [ BROADWAY CIRCUITS ] We love it. We hate it. We see it as regressive. We see it as modern. Melodramatic or Mythic? Bollywood. Some say it's the only culture that holds India together. Others say it's the most corrupting influence on Indians and should be banished from their shores. A love affair that has lasted over 70 years between almost 2 billion people worldwide. Not only does it refuse to stop, it keeps on growing. Embracing it's most important, it's most vilified, it's most loved element: the song and dance. No Bollywood film needs to be called a musical. It needs no such excuse. It just is one. Regardless of the genre. [ COMING SOON ] HEROIC DETECTIVE Can : Sun Tam Lei Oh Lit : Godly Detective Leo d. Jay Chou (Chow Kit Lun) Jay Chou (Chow Kit Lun) Jerry Yan (Yin Sing Yuk), Shawn Yue Man Lok, Jessie Chiang (Gong Yu Sun), Tang Yan, Wilber Pan (Poon Wai Pak), Eric Tsang Chi Wai Site : http://www.timespl.com/en/production/item/197-heroic-detective [ TIMES PRODUCTION LTD ] In the City of Brightness in a new world in the year 2030, the evil power has spread throughout the City. And actually, the City is not bright at all. 'Brilliant Detective' Leo comes to know that the most wicked 'Crazy Gangster Group' are secretly making research into a brain-control device to control the humans. Whilst gathering the criminal evidence to sue the Group, the Group send killers from its subordinate the 'Horrific Tiger Gang' to stop Leo's investigation. In a plenty of fight against the Gang, Leo was framed and put into jail at the critical moment! Finally, with Leo's strong will and determination, Leo has eventually defeated the evil power and conquered the 'Horrific Tiger Gang' to safeguard the peace of the City. Moreover, Leo has also succeeded in ruining the invention plan of the 'Crazy Gangster Group' displaying poetic justice and chivalry to the full extent. THE 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 NAKED SOLDIER d. Marco Mak Jennifer Tse Ting Ting, Sammo Hung Kam Bo, Philip Ng, Ankie Beilke, Andy On Chi Kit Opeing May 3 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. SNOWFALL IN TAIPEI Can : Toi But Piu Shuet Lit : Taipei Snow Drift d. Huo Jianqi Chen Bo-Lin, Tong Yao, Tony Yang, Janel Cai Opening May 3 2012 [ BROADWAY CIRCUIT ] Xiao Muo, a young man in his mid-20s, lives in an old neighborhood in Taipei. His father died when he was a child and after his mother left, he lived with his grandmother with a vague memory of his mother. After the death of his grandmother, the old neighbors brought him up together. Unlike other youngsters who leave for better neighborhoods, he stays where he is, living off temporary jobs such as delivery and repair in the firm belief that one day, his mother will come back for him. Busy and happy working in the street lined with little old shops, he has become a symbol of the neighborhood. One day, a beautiful young girl, Mei, appears in the neighborhood. She seems to have a voice problem and speaks in a very low voice. Xiao Muo finds her a place to stay, gets her a job in a little restaurant and takes her to an old Chinese doctor for treatment. His kindness seems to touch her heart, but does not help to lift her melancholic mood. Like Xiao Muo, others in the neighborhood are kind to her and never ask where she is from. SILENCED Can : Mo Sing Lap Hom Lit : Silence Cry d. Hwang Dong=Hyuk Gong Yoo, Jung Yu-Mi Rating : III Opening May 3 2012 [ YAHOO! MOVIES HONG KONG ] This is a true story that happened in a SOuth Korean school for the deaf. Since 2000, the principle and several teachers cruelly abused and sexually violated the handicapped students aged between 7 to 22 in the school and were not discovered until five years later. Yet due to the South Korean justice system loophole they avoid the penalties that they deserve with unreasonably light sentences. The media widely reported the matter to the shock of the nation and the case is retried recently. The fact that angers people: the teacher who sexually violated students are still teaching in that school. FAIRY TALE KILLER Can : Jui Hung Lit : Chasing Murderer AKA: 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 Opening May 10 2012 [ 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... DELHI BELLY d. Abhinay Deo Aamir Khan Opening May 10 2012 BAD GIRLS Can : Nui Hai Wai Wai d. Seven Wone Ella Chen, Mike He, Da Yuan, Beatrice Fang (Fong Chi Yau) Opening May 17 2012 [ YAHOO! MOVIES HONG KONG ] Lively and happy high school girl Dan makes protection "happiness" her own mission as she forms "Bad Girls" group with good friends Pei Pei and Hsiao Mi. They uphold justice, fight injustice, unite girl power to fend off the evil of the stinky guys! THE KICK Can : Kuen Ba Ga Jook Lit : Fist Domination Clan d. Prachya Pinkaew JeeJa Yanin, Jo Jae-Hyeon, Ye Ji-Won, Petchtai Wongkamlao Opening May 17 2012 FLOATING CITY Can : Fau Sing AKA : HUNDRED YEARS OF A FLOATING CITY AKA : Bak Nin Sau Sing Lit : Hundred Years Floating City d. Yim Ho Aaron Kwok Fu Sing, Charlie Yeung Choi Nei, Nina Paw Hee Ching, Josie Ho Chiu Yi, Annie Liu (Lau Sum Yau), Calvin Cheng Ka Sing, Joey Leung Cho Hiu Opening May 19 2012 THE RAID: REDEMPTION Can : Dut Gik Sei Mong Tap Lit : Raid On Death Tower Iko Uwais Opening June 14 2012 MOTORWAY Can : Choi Cheh d. Soi Cheang Po Shui Shawn Yue Man Lok, Anthony Wong Chau Sun, Josie Ho Chiu Yi Opening June 21 2012 in Malaysia [ CINEMA ONLINE MALAYSIA ] Sean is an overconfident rookie in the Stealth Riders, a secret police unit consisting of the best drivers in the force that targets underworld racing and fugitives on the run. Jensen is a legendary getaway driver, who's never been caught before his retirement 15 years ago. When Sean chances upon Jensen one day, he thinks his day has finally come. PAINTED SKIN: THE RESURRECTION AKA : PAINTED SKIN 2 d. Gordon Chan Ka Seung Zhou Xun, Vicki Zhao Wei, Chen Kun, Feng Shaofeng, Mini Yang Mi Opening June 28 2012 [ THE FILM CATALOGUE ] According to demon lore, it takes hundreds of years to attain human form. Even then, lacking a human heart, a demon cannot experience the true pains and passions of existence. However, there is a legend that if a pure human heart is freely offered to a demon, it can become a mortal and experience true life. 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 July 19 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... 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 Opening August 23 2012 in Malaysia Site : http://www.emp.hk/title.php?film_id=108 [ EMPEROR MOTION PICTURE ] When an accident temporarily robs her of her voice, Diva J flees to a small deserted village to heal both her mental and physical wounds. Her life changes when she meets and falls in love with the blind Hu Ming, who inspires her to make a comeback. But, in her absence, a new diva has risen. R has become an overnight sensation that everyone sees as the main contender for J’s crown. Yet, their successes have come at a high price. J is secretly pining for a forbidden love that seems destined to wither, and R has found that the road to stardom is littered with estranged friends and painful break-ups. But in the midst of this, both divas rise to find their own voice. [ THE FILM CATALOGUE ] Two divas shake off the pain of love to take center stage again 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 Opening August 30 2012 in Malaysia [ 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... THE SILENT WAR AKA : THE WIND SEEKER Can : Ting Fung Jeh Lit : Wind Listener d. Alan Mak Siu Fai, Felix Chong Man Keung Tony Leung Chiu Wai, Zhou Xun Opening August 2012 [ THE FILM CATALOGUE ] Things don’t always go as your eyes see while truth’s always hidden underneath. In 1950s, the China Republic Government is newly established. Revolutionists in different parts of China seek chances to revolt. Everywhere is restless and chaotic. 701 Headquarter, consists of Inspection, Interpretation and Operation, is set up to spy conspiracy through telegraph. But one day in October, all of a sudden, the enemy shut down 126 military channels for 30 hours. After these long hours, when they tune back the channels, only daily news is being broadcasted. Without concrete information, operators at the frontline are at risk. Chang Xue-ning is of Operation’s. She is sent back to the Headquarter as her identity has been disclosed in Hong Kong. Reporting in 701, she is astonished by her supervisor, Guo Zhong-xing, who used to woo her. Their relation is still a mystery. Xue-ning’s new mission is to seek for worthy who gets superb aural comprehension. She targets Luo San-er, the piano tuner of Song Qing Ling but it turns out she brings Luo’s personal assistant, He Bing to report duty. Bing is uncivilized and blind but his hearing is splendid - can even hear the wind. Is he strong enough to be the saviour in this silent war? TAICHI 0 d. Stephen Fung Tak Lun Tony Leung Ka Fai, Shu Qi, Angelababy Opening September 27 2012 in Malaysia [ GOLDEN SCREEN CINEMAS ] A gifted child with a fleshy growth on his forehead travels far to learn Tai Chi and eventually becomes a master. He then faces an army of steampunk invaders and must protect the villagers. CHINESE ZODIAC Can : Sup Yi Sun Chiu Lit : 12 Chinese Zodiac Jackie Chan, Kwon Sang-Woo Opening December 13 2012 in Malaysia [ CINEMA ONLINE MALAYSIA ] Chinese hero Asian Hawk is not unlike Indiana Jones. This time he has to bring back the bronze head statues of the 12 Chinese zodiac animals, which were sacked by the French and British armies from the imperial Summer Palace in Beijing in 1860. --- [ 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 * MIMI CHOO AND LI LUNG KAY 2012 US CONCERT DATE AND TIME: Sunday, June 10 2012 VENUE LOCATION: San Gabriel MIssion Playhouse 320 S. Mission Dr. San Gabriel CA 91776 TICKET PRICES: VIP$128, 88, 68, 48 TICKET OUTLET LOCATION: Online: http://www.dreammedia.us/homemimichoo.html * JAM HSIAO & G.E.M. 2012 US CONCERT DATE AND TIME: Tuesday night / Wednesday morning, May 30 2012 @ 1AM VENUE LOCATION: Trump Taj Mahal 1000 Boardwalk Atlantic City NJ 08401 TICKET PRICES: VIP$168, 128, 88, 68, 48 TICKET INFORMATION: DREAM MEDIA PRODUCTION 917-830-5118 http://www.facebook.com/dreammedia666 P-Tune 75 Chrystie Street New York NY 10002 212-925-1098 All in 5 Entertainment Inc. 41-42A Main St. Flushing NY 11355 718-358-5678 CME Insurance Brokerage Inc. 773 60th Street #2RR Brooklyn NY 11220 718-266-2851 http://www.dreammedia.us * SAMUEL TOI LOVE IS ALL CONCERT DATE AND TIME: Sunday, May 27 2012 @ 8PM VENUE LOCATION: Casino Rama Entertainment Centre Casino Rama 5899 Rama Road Rama ON L0k 1T0 Canada TICKET PRICES: CA $307.84, 160.94, 104.44, 81.84, 59.24 TICKET OUTLET LOCATION: TICKET MASTER http://www.ticketmaster.ca/event/1000484B96FA454E * JAM HSIAO & G.E.M. 2012 US CONCERT (PENDING VENUE CHANGE) DATE AND TIME: Sunday, May 27 2012 @ 7PM TICKET PRICES: VIP$188, 128, 88, 68, 48 TICKET INFORMATION: DREAM MEDIA PRODUCTION 626-280-7666 http://www.facebook.com/dreammedia666 http://www.dreammedia.us TICKET MASTER http://www.ticketmaster.com/Gem-tickets/artist/1678516 Ng Hing Kee Rowland Heights 626-854-0060 Alhambra 626-943-9933 Monterey Park 626-284-4861 World Journal Book Store Arcadia 626-446-1831 Kingstone Bookstore Rowland Heights 626-964-3226 City of Industry 626-965-3686 Alhambra 626-570-1277 San Gabriel 626-292-1176 Irvine 949-653-7638 * JAM HSIAO & G.E.M. 2012 US CONCERT DATE AND TIME: Saturday, May 26 2012 @ 8PM VENUE LOCATION: Reno Ballroom 401 N. Center St., Reno NV 89501 TICKET PRICES: VIP$198, 158, 118, 88, 68 TICKET INFORMATION: TICKET MASTER http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/170048658A9A2044 USASIA TOUR http://usasiatour.com San Francisco (415) 989-1688 Oakland 933 Franklin St. (510) 835-8588 CAFE SALINA 235 Broadway Millbrae CA (650) 692-2662 WINON TRAVEL SAN FRANCISCO, CA (415) 834-1628 SUSAN VIDEO CUPERTINO, CA (408) 253-3100 A WORLD FLORIST & TRAVEL SAN JOSE, CA (408) 441-8448 OSCAR TOURS FREMONT, CA (510) 226-9992 UNIQUE TRAVEL SACRAMENTO, CA (916) 557-2888 The Legend Holidays San Francisco CA (415) 386-1300 http://www.tlholidays.com/2012_tl_004.htm Ng Hing Kee Rowland Heights 626-854-0060 Alhambra 626-943-9933 Monterey Park 626-284-4861 World Journal Book Store Arcadia 626-446-1831 Kingstone Bookstore Rowland Heights 626-964-3226 City of Industry 626-965-3686 Alhambra 626-570-1277 San Gabriel 626-292-1176 Irvine 949-653-7638 * CHRIS WONG TRUE COLORs 25TH ANNIVERSARY CANADA CHARITY CONCERT TOUR DATE AND TIME: May 19 2012 @ 8PM VENUE LOCATION: Southern Jubilee 1415 14 Avenue Northwest Calgary AB Canada TICKET PRICES: VIP CA$125, 75, 55, 35 TICKET OUTLET LOCATIONS: ONLINE: http://www.cantonproductions.com/canton/entertainment/chris_wong_c.html 403-889-2200 Wah Loong Chinese Herbs Ltd Unit 9, 1003-9650 Harvest Hills Blvd., N.E. Calgary AB T3K 0B3 Canada Wah Hing Chinese Herbs Ltd Unit 800G-999 36th Street, N.E. Calgary AB T2A 7X6 Canada Wah Pek Chinese Herbs Co 308A Centre Street, S.E. Calgary AB T2G 2B8 Canada Jenny's Optical Company Ltd. #119, 1518 center Street, NE * CHRIS WONG TRUE COLOR 25 DATE AND TIME: Sunday, May 13 2012 @ 8PM VENUE LOCATION: Queen Elizabeth Theatre 649 Cambie Street Vancouver BC TICKET PRICES: VIP CA$125, 75, 55, 35 TICKET OUTLET LOCATIONS: ONLINE: http://www.cantonproductions.com/canton/entertainment/chris_wong_c.html 604-295-4800 MAL Audio Ltd Union Square 1033-8300 Capstan Way, Richmond AM-Call Wireless Crystal Mall 1211-4500 Kingsway, Burnaby Fotodigio Studio Ltd Union square Suite 1261, 8338 Capstan Way, Richmond World Vision 2218-13353 Commerce Parkway, Richmond * SHIRLEY KWAN DATE AND ITME: Sunday, May 6 2012 7PM Monday, May 7 2012 8:30PM VENUE LOCATION: Avalon Theatre Theatre Niagara Fallsview Casino Resort 6380 Fallsview Boulesvard, Niagara ON L2G 7X5 Canada TICKET PRICES: From CA $95 TICKET OUTLET LOCATION: TICKET MASTER CANADA http://www.ticketmaster.ca/Shirley-Kwan-tickets/artist/773308 * NANCY SIT KA YIN AND SANDRA LANG (SIN TO LAI) DATE AND TIME: Sunday, May 6 2012 Venue Location: San Gabriel Mission Playhouse 320 S. Mission Dr. San Gabriel CA 91776 TICKET PRICES: VIP$138, 88, 68, 48 TICKET OUTLET LOCATION: ONLINE: http://www.dreammedia.us/Nancysit.html * CHRIS WONG TRUE COLOR 25 DATE AND TIME: Friday, May 4 2012 @ 8PM VENUE LOCATION: Main Stage Theatre Toronto Centre for the Arts 5040 Yonge Street Toronto ON M2N 6R8 Canada TICKET PRICES: VIP CA$125, 75, 55, 35 TICKET OUTLET LOCATIONS: ONLINE: http://www.cantonproductions.com/canton/entertainment/chris_wong_t.html 905-696-2217 Home Comfort Centre Unit E53, Pacific Mall, Markham Hague Quality Water Unit 5-9033 Leslie Street, Richmond Hill Elma Water Technologies Inc Unit 85, First Markham Place City Hollywood Cafe 4372 Steeles Avenue East, Markham World Vision Canada 1 World Drive, Mississauga Toronto Centre For the Arts Box Office Ticketmaster.ca http://www.ticketmaster.ca/event/10004850B7748D99 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Box office info : What Box Office Info? The usual suspects : Internet Movie Database, Yahoo! Hong Kong Erors : ye olde chaffing editor For Thursday, April 12 2012 10 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 9 MAN ON A LEDGE d. Asger Leth Sam Worthington, Elizabeth Banks, Jamie Bell, Mandy Gonzalez 8 THE SOUL OF BREAD Can : Oi Dik Min Bau Won Lit : Bread Soul Of Love d. Sean Kao Pin-chuan, Lin Chun-Yang Michelle Chen, Chen Handian, Anthony Neely 7 SHAME d. Steve McQueen Michael Fassbender, Carey Mulligan, James Badge Dale, Lucy Walters 6 THE LORAX d. Chris Renaud, Kyle Balda Animation English Voices: Zac Efron, Taylor Swift, Danny Devito, Ed Helms 5 THE HUNGER GAMES d. Gary Ross Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth 4 MIRROR MIRROR d. Tarsem Singh Lily Collins, Julia Roberts, Armie Hammer, Nathan Lane 3 LOVE IN THE BUFF Can : Chun Giu Yu Ji Ming d. Pang Ho Cheung Miriam Yeung Chin Wa, Shawn Yue Man Lok, Mini Yang Mi, Xu Zheng 2 TITANIC 3D d. James Cameron Leonardo DiCaprio, Kate Winslet, Billy Zane 1 BATTLESHIP d. Peter Berg Alexander Skarsgard, Brooklyn Decker, Liam Neeson, Rihanna ------ Summaries for some of the films above. Some contain SPOILERS LOVE IN THE BUFF AKA : LOVE IN A PUFF 2 Rating : IIB Length : 112 mins. 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. THE SOUL OF BREAD Rating : IIA Length : 111 mins. Opening April 5 2012 [ BROADWAY CIRCUIT ] Gao-Bing works in a bakery on a small town in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. The bakery owner, Mr. Chiu, is so into his Rock ’n ’Roll band, and his son doesn’t seem enthusiastic about learning baking at all. The business of the bakery is getting worse and worse day by day, and Gao-Bing doesn’t know what to do facing this situation. All he can do is to work really hard and try to create something new. Ping, Mr Chiu’s daughter, grew up with Gao-Bing and has been dating him for quite some time. She often complains that Gao-Bing only follows the traditions and doesn’t take any action to change either the bakery or their boring life together. In her heart, she really wants to see the world before getting married since she doesn’t want to be like her mother, who sacrificed her dream and ended up as a regular housewife, not being able to fulfill her own wish till the end of her life. A SIMPLE LIFE 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. ------ GLOBAL CHINESE SONG CHART For Saturday, April 15 2012 15 SAVOR FOR A LIFETIME Can : Yut Sai Wui Mei Tai Chi http://youtu.be/sTfpH6dolrY 14 MOUNTAIN FLOWERS BLOSSOM Can : San Fa Hoi Fu Hao http://video.sina.com.cn/p/ent/y/2012-03-13/134261691669.html 13 FLOWERY WORLD Can : Fa Fa Sai Gai Hebe Tian http://youtu.be/MDw82gjWJbg 12 EASY RubberBand http://youtu.be/dVPCKaijKgQ 11 YESTERDAY Can : JOK TIN Mr. http://youtu.be/M6q67DSxeQc 10 WE TOGETHER JJ Lin (Lam Chun Kit) http://youtu.be/8xxZpNdfpvI 9 CHEERS Can : Gong Bui May Day http://youtu.be/qX2GsMj7154 8 IGNITE Can : Yin Dim Hu Xia http://youtu.be/BiVZZx1b_5E 7 HANDPRINTS Can : Sau Yun Landy Wen (Wan Lan) http://youtu.be/dVPCKaijKgQ 6 9:55PM Fiona Sit Hoi Kei http://youtu.be/kn2f1AVB9W4 5 ALL HAPPY A-Fu Teng http://youtu.be/YknLur57Rg4 4 LOVE BEFORE BEING LOVED Can : Oi Joi Bei Oi Ji Chin Penny Tai (Dai Pui Nei) http://youtu.be/ydjAxnxUcOc 3 EXPECTATION FOR LOVE Can : Dui Oi Kei Doi Tiger Huang (Wong Siu Fu) http://youtu.be/bFSBTcXkYMI 2 DON'T YOU WANT ME? Can : Nei But Yiu Ngor Liu Ma Yisa Yu (Yuk Hor Wai) http://youtu.be/XdNpgj7yO3U 1 THE MOON AT SEA Can : Hoi Seung Dik Yuet Leung Chris Lee Yuchun http://youtu.be/aDZTDnk0e5k ------ [ 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 CABIN IN THE WOODS, below is some upcoming alternatives in New York. Enjoy! Jer Jer Stinks, Your Chaffing Editor Top Ten Central --- [ WHAT IS YOUR CHAFFING EDITOR LISTENING TO ] TOO CLOSE Alex Clare http://youtu.be/zYXjLbMZFmo ---------------------- HK Top Ten Central hktopten@hotmail.com http://hktopten.orgfree.com | http://hktopten.blogspot.com