From: NO TOP TEN CENTRAL Newsgroups: alt.asian-movies,soc.culture.hongkong.entertainment Subject: [TAKE OVER] HKSAR Film No Top 10 Box Office (May 24 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. Joyce Cheng Yun yi who celebrates her birthday on the 30th B. Cecilia Cheung Pak Cho who celebrates her birthday on the 24th C. Sonija Kwok Sin Nei who gave birth to a six pound one ounce baby girl on the 22nd D. Chrissie Chau Sau Na who celebrates her birthday on the 22nd 2. MISCELLANEOUS * (2012/05/29) William Chan Wai Ting earlier with Deep Ng Ho Hong, Derek Tsang Kwok Cheung and Tsui Siu Keung's son Edward Chui Woai Dong worked on the Emperor Motion Picture TRIAD (JAT JIK) in Jordan for a gang show down. William along with Tsang Kwok Cheung and Chui Woai Dong led a gang to argue with Ng Ho Hong and his gang of several dozen. Although that night had no fight scene, under the heat everyone was sweating bullets. During breaks they often removed their jackets and showed off! In white tank tops William and Chui Woai Dong were soak through, female fans who were waiting could not take their eyes off. Even Ng Ho Hong said, "It's really hot, I am sweating just from standing here!" William looked cool in command of the gang, but actually he was already injured all over from fight scenes. He showed the bruises on his arms to reporters and said, "Tonight I seem to be leading so many, but earlier whenever we shot we shot scenes in which I got beaten up. The director even said that he might add more of those. (Would Ah Sa's heart ache?) We both are like that with our movies! (Did you ask Ah Sa about how to make fight scenes?) I too have studied Thai kickboxing." The film had many smoking scenes. William was not worried about his image and believed fans would be able to differentiate between right and wrong. * (2012/05/29) Actress Angelababy (Yeung Wing) in the film FIRST TIME in order to play a dance scene well took lessons with a dance instructor. For the shoot she without any rest practiced for eight hours straight. Lead actor Mark Chao (Chiu Yau Ting) praised her determination. Baby said, "I never thought that dance scene would be more difficult than action scenes, to me it indeed was a huge challenge. I had to keep spinning on the stage, when I got dizzy from the constant turns I just fell on the floor. My legs were all red and swollen. I have to thank Chiu Yau Ting though. Even though he didn't have any dance scene he kept cheering me on from the side." Aside from the tough dance scene, Baby was so involved in her crying scene that her eyes were swollen and infected. They kept tearing up. The director immediately stopped the shoot and sent Baby for a hospital examination. Finally the doctor said that her corneas were injured. She had to properly rest and stop shooting. Baby could only obey and made room in her schedule for additional shoots. Baby revealed that on Sunday she and Chiu Yau Ting will promote for FIRST TIME in Hong Kong with three events. Baby said, "In one of the events, Chiu Yau Ting and I would be in close contact with the audience in Mongkok. We hope to personally show viewers appreciation for their support. (Will your music video star, brother Keven, appear?) No. After the music video was released many praised him for having a star look, but this time he was just guest starring and messing around. Currently school comes first for him, I don't want to disturb his life." * (2012/05/29) After working ten years in Hong Kong, Hanjin Tan (Chan Woon Yan) yesterday joined Paco Wong's Sun Entertainment Culture with a press conference and became Paco's first artist. Television station representatives Elaine Lok Yi Ling, Ho Lai Chue nand radio representatives attended, Neway boss Sit Ka Lun and director Patrick Kong (Yip Lim Sum) also came to congratulate him in person. Alan Tam Wing Lun, Eason Chan Yik Shun, Aaron Kwok Fu Sing, Joey Yung Cho Yi and Chiu Chun Hei sent videos in support. Hanjin said that this time he will sign for three years. Paco said that this time was invaluable as he found a gold mine. He said that earlier this year Hanjin has already performed a concert at the Hong Kong Coliseum, so later he will first plan to release records. Paco also said that Hanjin two years ago won the Hong Kong Film Award Best New Performer Award and had movie potential. Thus he will arranged for him to make two movies. Will Hanjin work on another TVB series? He said for now he will not because his memory was poor. He had to remember many lines before, which was very tough for him. In addition Paco was asked whether he will sign former Golden Typhoon artists like Alex Fong Lik Sun and Stephy Tang Lai Yun. Paco said that they have already contracts so probably not. The most important part of collaboration is for everyone to achieve some results. * (2012/05/29) Shawn Yue Man Lok, Anthony Wong Chau Sun and Josie Ho Chiu Yi earlier worked on the poster for the upcoming film release MOTORWAY (CHEH SAU). They enjoyed the trailer together. Ah Lok and Chau Sun often made fun of each other. Ah Lok first questioned Chau Sun's "punk head" hairstyle and facial hair looked more like a crook impersonating a cop. Chau Sun joked that he resembled Thai policeman exactly and kept speaking Thai. In the film Ah Lok played a young cop who teamed up with veteran cop Chau Sun to drive an invisible car on duty. Yet the immature Ah Lok and the soon to retire Chau Sun had polar opposite philosophies and thus created a lot of friction. Ah Lok said, "Last time in INITIAL D (TAU MAN JI D) Chau Sun was drunk all the time, this time everyone's characters were different. Chau Sun's character originally was about to retire and did not want to chase anyone. Yet in order to save me he took action and even had an accident." As for the car chases and crashes, Ah Lok said that they were certainly dangerous so everyone on hand tried to take as much safety precautions as possible. He said, "The car I drove in the film was already totaled in the first scene on the first day of the shoot. Actually it really was pretty dangerous." Did Chau Sun have to race in the film? He joked, "I was sharp, I was a driver too, I drove very fast. Actually I was responsible for navigation, teaching Ah Lok. Smart people wouldn't do it themselves." Chau Sun in the film had many very memorable scenes. The most memorable had to be them peeling out because the burnt rubber smell could not have been smellier. Secondly the film was shot in the fall. They sat inside the car. Because of sound recording they could not turn on the air conditioning, they could not be hotter. He said, "The police uniform was stuffy, and I had to wear a bullet proof vase. At that time the salted fish smell truly roasted us until we were dizzy." He even joked that police officers dressed like that everyday, if he went to sell athlete's foot treatment outside the traffic department he probably would not have to worry about the lack of business. Chiu Yi in the film played an arrogant police officer who was responsible for an operation to capture a key criminal. She said, "This time I played the highest rank Madame in the entire police station. The character was more scheming and seemingly very cold blooded. Actually her personality was just more masculine." Chiu Yi admitted that she liked to drive fast and the feel the speed, but this time she did not get to drive in the film. She was only responsible for commands, hopefully next time she will have the chance to participate. * (2012/05/28) The Chapman To Man Jat, Fiona Sit Hoi Kei starred, Alex Man Chi Leung guest starred film THE BOUNTY (YUEN HUNG) will be released on June 21. The film will also be recent part time film producer Paco Wong's 2012 debut. He even asked RubberBand to score the film. The band's lead vocalist No.6 and drummer Lai Man also gave breakthrough performances. No.6 played an introverted Train Man who went alone to Man Chi Leung's inn to attempt suicide, luckily Sit Hoi Kei found him in time and used a basin of cold water at him to wake him. No. 6 had black ash on his face and water tossed at him, he was shivering for half a day. With previous stage experience, Lai Man this time teamed up with Wong Cho Lam's brother Wong Yik Lam to played the Kam Brother sugar cane gang. Lai Man was the bully gang leader. While chasing To Man Jat, To Man Jat gave him a spanking. Required help from the crew for a "stunt rear", Lai Man after two performances realized that in order to be in character he had to give up his body. He said, "Last time when I performed 4 shows of a play, I had to kiss Chan Hei Yi (Sita) for all 4 shows in front of family and friends; this time for the film I even needed the crew's help to put on the 'stunt rear'. The extra money isn't easy to make! Yet being able to play a character with a different personality feels rather interesting to me. Thus in the future if I have the chance I will definitely make even more attempts." * (2012/05/28) Cecilia Cheung Pak Chi earlier celebrated her 32nd birthday in Cannes, France and accepted Cable Entertainment News interview. The anchor even gave a 3D handbag shaped chocolate to her much to her surprise. As for her birthday wish, Pak Chi said that health was the most important because she was afraid that when she was sick she would not have the strength to take care of her sons. She even said, "Having to both work and take care of my children seems very tough on the surface, actually I enjoy it very much." After seven years away from the Cannes Film Festival, Pak Chi excitedly said that she was the happiest to see the glittering cruise ships at night. Actually Pak Chi's older son Lucas has fallen madly in love with the film TITANIC. She and he in a month watched the 3D version seven times, but would the child understand the story? Pak Chi said, "He remembered every character and detail in the movie and even understood all the romance and the moving parts of the film." Before heading to Cannes Pak Chi took Lucas to watch TITANIC to the movies one more time. Lucas even said to Pak Chi that he really wanted to ride on the Titanic. In order to satisfy her son, Pak Chi even took him to the Tai Kok Tsui and said that the docked cruise ships were Titanic; she even encouraged Lucas to be good. When he saved up even "stamps" he could buy a ticket on the Titanic. She said, "Seeing all the lights glittering along the coast of Cannes, it really resembled the cruise ship in TITANIC. So I immediately took a photo to show Lucas when I return to Hong Kong. He definitely will be very happy to see it." Pak Chi even said that she would ease her bad mood through piano playing, because when she played she would forget everything. Now she could not write a song with the piano. Because her sons would jump on her knees when she played and messed around, all her inspiration was blasted away. Because she and Nicholas Tse Ting Fung are officially divorced, many fans wished that she would fall in love. She said, "I am in love with Lucas and Quintus, I don't even have enough time to date them!" * (2012/05/28) Famous Taiwan musician Yao Chien's first animated film MELODY will soon be released. The film features James Lin (Lam Yau Ga) and Angelica Lee Sinjie as the voices of its leads. Yesterday a film novel press conference was held in Taiwan. Lee Sinjie appeared in person in support while Lau Yau Ga was absent due to work. With the film release, the film original soundtrack will be released soon as well. Sinjie said that she was completely involved this time from song arrangement to production. Every time she recorded she had to practice several times with the producer and song arrangement personnel before recording. Recalling the process, she said, "The process was truly extraordinarily hard. Because I haven't been to the recording studio in awhile, the pressure was very great. I even hid in the corner and shed tears, but everyone was very satisfied with the resulting work." After nine years away from the music scene, Sinjie returned in support of good friend Yao Chien. Not only her singing bug returned, she was also inspired to work on a new record. She revealed that preparations have already begun but she did not want to give herself too much pressure. The record will mainly feature her own creations as she hoped to bring her love to everyone, which was also the reason that she wanted to keep on singing; the new record at the soonest will be released at the end of the year. * (2012/05/28) Asian action film THE RAID: REDEMPTION will be released in Hong Kong next month. Yesterday director Gareth H Evans, lead Iko Uwais and "Mad Dog" in the film Yayan Ruhian promoted in Hong Kong. To coordinate with all the raves for the film's action, Iko and Yayan gave a live demonstration without holding back. Then they practiced with three viewers. Although Yayan has already demonstrated the action first for the viewers to imitate, Kko still seriously performed a stunt fall rather professionally. Later the director revealed that this was his second trip to Hong Kong and the first for the actors. Yet due to the tight schedule they could only enjoy the beautiful scenery on the Ching Ma Bridge in their vehicle. They also tasted Hong Kong cuisine, with Peking Duck being their favorite. Later they will fly to Indonesia to continue their promotion. Speaking of Hong Kong action films, the director excitedly expressed that he grew up on Hong Kong action films and Jackie Chan and Jet Li (Lee Nin Kit) were among his favorites. The director said, "They are my heroes, if I would have a chance to work with them of course I would be happy. I am particularly nervous about this trip to Hong Kong." Iko has been called the Indonesian Tony Jaa. He thanked everyone for flattering him and humbly said that he was quite far from him. Tony was a martial artist who he admired and had a lot to learn from. They also said that they will work on the sequel in January. * (2012/05/27) The Michael Tse Tin Wa starred film TURNING POINT 2 (LAUGHING GOR ji CHIM JUI FAN) recently has become a favorite among gay men, who savored Tin Wa and King Kong's all nude scenes and shared photos of Tin Wa and King Kong's revealing scenes. The photos in question began spreading last month on gay sites. King Kong's "sword display" even attracted polar opposite comments. Some Mainland netizens said, "It's so strong even when it's calm, King Kong blinded me" but some netizens described him as "little little little little bird". King Kong yesterday said, "Although I am not gay, I still have to say thank you! As for someone calling me 'little little bird', I don't get to mind too much. I don't have to explain with people I don't know. Brothers around me who have seen it know what's going on. I am absolutely confident in myself, it's incredibly big. If someone feels I am small, he can come out for comparison! I am a little confused about why the photos would be leaked. I really have to get some money back!" Tin Wa who was working in Foshan said, "I am completely naked in this scene, the director said that the release would not shown the lower body or organ, so I absolutely don't believe these photos are real. They probably are post production work from the internet. I treat them like a joke. (During the shoot did you take any precaution?) Everyone there were guys, I didn't have to. I want people to say 'That's amazing'" As for effect on his image, Tin Wa confidently said, "I am not worried, many elders have bare back and fully nude performance. Later they all became famous. (You aren't worried about appearing on gay sites?) Maybe I can explore a new market, but I for now haven't thought about exploring the nude market." As for King Kong, Tin Wa said that it was purely a point of view and angle issue. "He looks normal to me, I don't know if the one who calls King Kong small is Black?" * (2012/05/27) Kelvin Kwan Chor Yiu and Shiga Lin Si Nga two nights ago worked on their new film LAN KWAI FONG 2 (HEI OI YEH PO 2) on location. Playing a couple they broke up due to a misunderstanding. Lin Si Nga even slapped Kwan Chor Yiu. During the shoot, Kelvin screamed at Lin Si Nga, "You are going out all the time, you even lost our son." Later Lin Si Nga got mad and slapped Kelvin hard. During the first take, Lin Si Nga was already not holding back and left five finger marks on Kelvin's face. Unfortunately Wilson Chin Kwok Wai wanted more. Finally they did five more takes before he accepted one. However, Kelvin did not complain at all. After each bad take he still covered up the finger marks with make up and tried again. During the shoot Lin Si Nga comforted Kelvin, even lightly touching his face and asking him whether it hurt a lot. Kelvin's label Universal Record executive Wong Kim To personally appeared in support of him. Aside from being slapped, Kelvin also had a scene in which he walked backward and tripped. He fell twice and Kwok Kwok Wai was worried that he would be hurt. After the shoot he immediately consoled him. Yet Kelvin was worried that his performance was not good enough and kept watching Playback in order to perform his best. Finally they also shot an addition scene in which he proposed to Lin Si Nga. They embraced warmly. Lin Si Nga said that the shoot took place Friday so many people were at Lan Kwai Fong. To avoid holding up traffic the director from the start already asked her to not hold back. She said that she hit Kwan Chor Yiu so many times that his face was red and swollen. Finally the crew had to apply ice on him to keep the bruising down. She was very sorry. "Even though Ah Kwan and I have known each other for so long and are so familiar, but I was very sorry. Every time after hitting him I would apologize to him, but because I hit very hard, we were able to get into our characters. The crying scene later did not need a lot of time to cultivate emotions and was shot very quickly." Did she feel embarrassed with so many people looking out? Lin Si Nga said that she was not since it was not the first time that they shot on location. More onlookers was another type of challenge. In addition, LAN 2 yesterday morning also shot the wrap "bathtub" scene. Lin Si Nga said that because she and Kelvin were too familiar, during the shoot they felt a little embarrassed. Luckily the director arranged for the shoot to take place on the last day so they could get more into their couple characters. She said, "Because neither of us have too much experience, before hand we drank for courage and to relax a little. Finally we finished with just two takes, everyone was very satisfied with the result." Working for 23 hours straight, Kelvin yesterday afternoon finally finished all of the shoot and rapidly stated online that the LAN 2 shoot brought him into another fairy tale world. Now he had to shave off the facial hair that has been with him for 9 months. He happily said, "Finally I got home. I still am not sure what day it is. I am going to sleep!" Director Chin Kwok Wai and producer Ng Kin Hung posted online that the final "bathtub scene" thanks to the two leads' trust was able to be passionately performed. They looked forward to more LAN KWAI FONG and hinted at another sequel. * (2012/05/27) Angelababy (Yeung Wing) and director Han Yan yesterday promoted FIRST TIME in the Sichuan University. Lead Mark Chao (Chiu Yau Ting) continued to be absent but sent his father Chao Shu-Hai to play the guitar while goddess Baby sang. Actually Papa Chao also performed in the film as Chiu Yau Ting's father. The elder Chao was quite fond of Baby, who could rival Chiu Yau Ting's actual girlfriend Gao Yuanyuan. With the Mainland final examination season, Baby and Chiu Yau Ting appeared in different schools to cheer on students. Yesterday at the Sichuan University event, Chiu Yau Ting's father Chao Shu-Hai played the guitar and taught the audience YOU ARE MY SUNSHINE. Actually Chao Shu-Hai is a famous folk singer in Taiwan. He along with director Han Yan and two students played the guitar and won the applause of the entire crowd. Baby also hummed the song. During the shoot Chao Shu-Hai often took care of and gave advice to Baby. They got along well. After her first public singing performance in Shanghai, Baby again performed the film theme song on stage. When she sang many students sang along with her. They remembered every line of the song, which touched her very much. She never expected that after only more than two weeks on online and Mainland radio airplay, everyone was already familiar with the song. Aside from singing, Baby also played games with students. Yet after the "bear hug" incident last time, more security was added. Students were also afraid of scaring off the goddess so they appeared to be very friendly and cool. Baby spent a happy afternoon with them. * (2012/05/27) In order to bring everyone's attention to ocean ecological protection and preservation, the 2012 World Ocean Day photography exhibit invited artists like Richie Jen (Yam Yin Chai) and Mickey Huang (Wong Chi Gau) to display their photography work. Avid water sport lover Siu Chai provided three of his own photos for display. After this exhibit that demonstrated his talent outside music and film, Siu Chai admitted that he wanted to extend his career to directing. He said, "Recently returning to Taiwan aside from visiting remote country children charity events I also have been actively meeting with screen writers and directors. I want to produce a mob film and turn the earlier HEART BROKEN PACIFIC OCEAN music video into a film. Currently I am looking for suitable new generation actors like Siu Tin (Ethan Juan), Chiu Yau Ting (Mark Chao) and Tender Huang (Wong Tung Ho). They have to have an air of masculinity." He might play a role in the film, probably a boss or elder role. * (2012/05/26) Shawn Yue Man Lok and Zhang Jingchu recently worked on the new film LACUNA (JUI HAU YUT YEH), which released a series of bed scene stills. They were cuddling in bed. Zhang Jingchu woke up first with her hair in a mess. Then Yue Man Lok got up topless. They were embarrassed and did not know what to do. Actually the new film is the story of modern men and women "blacking out" after drinking. Yue Man Lok and Zhang Jingchu after drinking turned the bed upside down. Then they realized that they did not know each other at all. They went from after the black out looking for their cars, working, and slowly getting together again to become a couple. Zhang Jingchu said, "After drinking, you may overlook a lot as you only want love. As for who you are with it is not as important. Yet after sobering up you would realize it's incredible." Director Derek Tsang Kwok Cheung admitted that he has blacken out after drinking and waking up in a stranger's home. * (2012/05/26) The Clarence Ford (Fok Yiu Leung) directed romance TOGETHER has officially started production at the end of March, first shooting Angelababy, Bosco Wong Chung Chak and Ko Chen-Tung's scenes. This month finally "goddess" Michelle Chen and the "strongest in the universe" Donnie Yen Chi Tan's scenes would be shot. Yesterday the team shot on location in Tsim Sha Tsui and arrived at 6AM. Due to the usual traffic especially during lunch, the team in order to avoid affecting the production result set up a road block at the intersection of Kimberly Road and the Observatory Road to keep pedestrians out of the shot. Many after lunch realized someone was shooting a movie and looked on out of curiosity. Even store employees stuck their heads out to see what was happening. In a wedding gown Michelle Chen with an assistant walked out a wedding store to test her marks. Some pedestrians screamed, "Shen Chia-Yi!" Then more and more people waited for the goddess. Michelle rapidly tested her marks and ducked back into the wedding store to stay cool. The temperature yesterday reached 30 degrees Celsius. Although Michelle wore a super low cut wedding gown, it dragged on the ground and was heavy. She also wore long pants underneath and could not be hotter. While she was enjoying the air conditioning in the wedding store, she even applied a bag of ice pack like object to her face. On the other hand, Chi Tan was waiting for his shot on the Observatory Road. In a traffic police uniform he had to stay cool as well. Yet he still had hot beverage on the street. Some pedestrians recognized him and asked for pictures and he complied as his usual friendly self. A car owner saw a "traffic cop" from afar and ran to the car thinking cars were being tickets. The crew told him it was just a movie shoot and he breathed a sigh of relief. Michelle's assistant carried an umbrella for her to block out the sun. Although the hill looked short, the crew used a truck to bring her uphill. The director shot Michelle in flat shoes running up the hill, then had a few lines with Chi Tan. Running uphill in the summer heat was quite exhausting. Reportedly Michelle lost her memory and forgot her relationship with Chi tan. When she gradually remembered she ran to find him. Because both sides were metered parking spots, the crew had to direct cars through to avoid the cameras. Chi Tan praised Michelle as smart on their first collaboration. Chi Tan joked, "She is even the apple of my eye!" Reporters pointed out that his traffic police uniform was very stuffy. He said that it was not considered tough. "Can it be tougher than action film? Michelle Chen had it tougher. She had to run uphill in a wedding gown." The kung fu film expert Chi Tan did not have to get rough, but the mild mannered goddess this time had to get all sweaty from running. * (2012/05/26) Yesterday a Mainland report claimed that the 66 year old director John Woo (Ng Yu Sum) is receiving treatment for throat cancer in the U.S. and will not be able to return to work until the end of the year. His production LOVE AND LET LOVE with Zhang Ziyi and Chang Chen that was originally scheduled to start in April has been postponed indefinitely. The leads also have moved on to other films. Ng Yu Sum also had two new film projects unveiled at this year's Cannes Film Festival, his remake of Japanese director Seijun Suzuki's YOUTH OF THE BEAST, DAY OF THE BEAST and his production of the new KILLER (DIP HUET SEUNG HUNG) with Korean director John H. Lee. Yet reporters suddenly learned from insiders that while preparing for LOVE AND LET LOVE he suddenly felt ill and was hospitalized. Now he has been in an U.S. hospital for four months supposedly for throat cancer, but heart condition or pancreas problem has also been rumored. In early April, LOVE's team confirmed that Ng Yu Sum was ailing and the film would postpone its production. Thus the leads Zhang Ziyi and Chang Chen also began other jobs. A friend of Ng Yu Sum's official producer Terence Chang Ka Chun revealed that Ng Yu Sum did not have a heart problem. Currently he is recovering in the U.S. and his condition is more optimistic than initially. The soonest he will be able to return will be the end of the year. * (2012/05/26) On May 24, the Cannes Film Festival committee at the 60th anniversary hall held a "Return To The Cinema" special screening as many movie videos and trailers made their debut. The latest footage from Wong Kar Wai's THE GRANDMASTER (YUT DOI JUNG SI) made the global premiere. The short films after the screening received the applause from many buyers and reporters from around the world. THE GRANDMASTER's latest footage focused on the eight diagrams. In it the Zhang Ziyi played "Mr. Miyaji", the Wang Qingxiang played "Mr. Miyaji"'s father, and a child actor who played the young "Mr. Miyaji" appeared. Snowstorm, plum flower and forest became the film's primary natural elements. Zhang Ziyi, Wang Qingxiang and the child actor's practices overlapped, with high speed photography and score the martial art was as agile as dance. Wong Kar Wai's unique visual and audio charms were displayed. On the screen different scenery and characters traded places, aesthetic, graceful and full of romantic aura that differed from past martial art films. In the short film Zhang Ziyi's voice could be heard, "My father practices Eight Diagrams XingYi, since childhood the sound that I have heard the most is bones crunching." Then Zhang Ziyi's narration appeared again. The entire short film was over five minutes long and was also the finale. Earlier, THE GRANDMASTERS distributed "Grandmaster invitations" to announce to the world that the film will officially be released on December 18. Sil-Metropole distribution director, and THE GRANDMASTER press spokesperson said, "This Cannes event is very meaningful. Movies belong to cinemas, belong to the audience. So to film professionals, instead of blatantly promoting they might as well honestly make movies. I am very honored that Director Wong Kar Wai's THE GRANDMASTERS can represent Chinese film to participate in such an event, to let our audience know that on this platform in Cannes Chinese film is not absent." * (2012/05/26) The Gordon Chan Ka Seung and Janet Chun Siu Chun directed, based on the Wen Ruian wuxia novel of the same name THE FOUR (SEI DAI MING BO) two days ago held a Beijing press conference. Chan Ka Seung led actors Deng Chao, Crystal Liu Yifei, Anthony Wong Chau Sun and Wu Xiubo in attendance. The investigation trailer was also shown as hints for the mystery surfaced. In it the "Cold blooded" Deng Chao and "Merciless" Liu Yifei were revealed as a part of a love triangle in the film. Typecast as the heavenly Dragon Maiden, Liu Yifei has been questioned as never being rid of the Sister Fairy shadow. She said, "It doesn't matter! I can't possibly live in worry and fear!" Chan Ka Seung helped her and said, "Liu Yifei is particularly cute when she plays cool." The always direct Wong Chau Sun earlier blasted the Mainland production. He again said that aside from wanting to elevate the work conditions of extras he also wanted to manage. He also criticized extras for lacking quality like making phone calls and taking photos on the set to disrupt the production. He said, "I am raging, making me constantly throw tantrums!" Wu Xiubo agreed that extras' salaries should be raised. Because overseas extras were well paid, their passion for work was also very high. * (2012/05/26) Anita Yuen Wing Yi, Nelson Cheung Hok Yun, Tsui Siu Keung's son Edward Chui Woai Dong yesterday attended the film OI CHING DAT YUN production start ceremony. Len Len said that in the film she would play a couple with Taiwan actor Qiu Xinzhi but her nature was suspicious. Although this character was a strong businesswoman, she would try her best to test her husband in hopes of controlling him. Was she like this in reality? She said that she was not. She said that when she was young she might have had this thought and was suspicious about everything. Yet now after being together for awhile they had trust and love, he could easily expose her. Was her husband Julian Cheung Chi Lam very dumb? She said, "It's very easy to make him tell the truth." Was Len Len worried that her husband was so handsome that women would throw themselves at him? She asked, "Aren't I pretty? He just has looks, actually the inside is even more attractive than the outside, as long as I don't let him communicate with others I am fine." Len Len admitted that she would not follow her husband because if he would change he could change in a minute. Thus normally she would give some freshness to her husband. Like earlier everyday she went out mysteriously, which made her husband very curious. Yesterday also in attendance were pseudo model Snowy Pak Wan, Joanne Zhang Jianan and Johnson Lee Si Jit's rumored girlfriend Naomi. Len Len said that she would have scenes with them and teach them how to hold on to their men in the film. She said that she was no match for girls now. What did she mean? She said, "When we were 20 years old we were inadvertent, we wouldn't be as direct as them. Their behavior, manner of speech and fashion all surprised me." She said that working with pseudo models was pretty interesting. She knew how they think and sometimes would even compete with them on how short their dresses were. Would she compete with their figure? She immediately said, "You can't compete with that, now it's plastic surgery. Everyone's faces are almost the same." Would she consider plastic surgery to provide freshness for her husband? She said that she would not as her son and husband were both used to her looks. Chui Woai Dong said that in the film he would play Len Len's assistant and file Len Len's documents. Would he have any scene with pseudo models? He said that there were so many that he could not recognize them all. Did his younger sister who participated in a beauty pageant want to join the business? He said that school came first for her but their parents agreed for him to join the business. Naomi lately supposedly has been dating Lee Si Jit. She admitted that now she was considered with a boyfriend, but whether he was Lee Si Jit it was a secret. She said that he was only a good friend in development. Has she kicked out his official girlfriend Spring Roll? She said that she did not know Spring Roll. Did she feel like she was a third party? She boasted, "Have they been together?" She also admired Lee Si Jit's talent and did not feel that he was unfaithful. If he was she would not choose to be his friend. * (2012/05/26) LAN KWAI FONG 2 (HEI OI YEH PO 2)'s cast including Shiga Lin Si Nga, Kelvin Kwan Chor Yiu, Mia Chen Jing Yi, Avis Chan Wai Sing, Linah Matsuoka, Sammy Shum Chun Hin, Liu Yuqi, Sita Chan Hei Yi, Jaime Fong Ka Yau and others two nights ago shot on location at a certain Sha Tin hotel pool party. The ladies appeared in swimsuits. Kwan Chor Yiu and Lin Si Nga played a couple in the film. They had many intimate scenes together in the park, on the tram, on the street and in the bathroom. Lin Si Nga said that during the shoot they had chemistry. On their first day they already shot a kiss scene. Lin Si Nga said, "Everyone felt embarrassed with the kiss scene and didn't kiss too naturally. After looking at the Playback, we felt that we had to fall for each other to be able to achieve the natural feeling." Kwan Chor Yiu said that he learned on the new film that bed scene required great experience as well. Kwan Chor Yiu said, "I already felt electrified with her. I believed that the bathroom intimacy scene later will be our most passionate performance yet." Kwan Chor Yiu said that he did his homework and watched Lin Si Nga's music videos in hopes of being more in character. Ma Model Mia and Chrissie Chau Sau Na's boyfriend Avis played another rather passionate couple. They revealed that in the film they had the most passion scenes. Avis said, "At first I realized that actually our lips weren't too compatible, we had to go through several shoots before we were able to compromise." Avis said that before the shoot he already mentioned to girlfriend Chau Sau Na about the need for intimate scenes. He said, "I mentioned it, but I didn't go too deep into it. Because she was so busy, she didn't have time to listen to me say too much." Mia said that because she was so nervous she had to drink for courage first. Several scenes in the film were rather passionate. Mia said, "We had many poses, I believed the audience's eyes would pop out." Would working together deepen their gossip? Mia said, "He isn't worried, I am not worried either." Avis said, "In the film we are a couple!" * (2012/05/25) The Emperor Group yesterday held a press conference in Tai Koo as Albert Yeung Sau Sing announced a HK$5 million donation to support the Orbis new generation flying eye hospital. Jackie Chan, Joey Yung Cho Yi and Leo Ku Kui Ke were invited to become "Orbis navigation pioneers" to encourage even more to raise fund. A check exchange ceremony took place at the event as well. Jackie Chan said that he had the intention to donate on the spot but was afraid that he would steal Yeung Sau Sing's thunder. Perhaps next time he will help. Later he will send material for Gansu draught relief. Actually charity would never end. Has he asked his son Jaycee Chan (Fong Cho Ming) to help? He said that he thought about asking him when he could not personally appear and experience life in poverty so he would be able to feel how fortunate his life is. Cho Ming already learned how tough action film was to make. Jackie Chan said, "Haha, finally he knew how the Old Man made money to raise him, breaking his arms and legs. From now on I am waiting for him to raise me. (Has he given you an allowance?) Of course not, he has given me a credit card. I never used it and it is in the safety deposit box. As soon as I use it it would be overdrawn! (Shouldn't it have no upper limit?) The first thing that he said was he hoped I wouldn't use it!" Perhaps he should donate it to charity. Jackie Chan thought the idea was decent but he discovered that the card was over ten years old. Perhaps he would ask him to give him a new card. Speaking of Cho Ming dating a model, Jackie Chan looked surprised and asked whether it was true. He also revealed that Cho Ming would constantly bring people home so he had no idea who was his girlfriend. Did he feel Cho Ming was as charming as he was? Jackie Chan praised that this generation now are all diamond bachelors. He has told his son that the most important for him to find a girlfriend like his mother, which was very rare nowadays. Jackie Chan said, "Take his time, there definitely will be someone. Even I found one!" Jackie Chan said that now he is mainly working behind the scene. Later he will have to fly to the U.S. and Myanmar for work and charity. * (2012/05/25) Lynn Xiong (Hung Doi Lam) yesterday attended a recycled fashion event. Aside from praising boyfriend Aaron Kwok Fu Sing to be a brand name to her, she even was willing to be faithful to Sing Sing. Even when she worked on a movie with Raymond Lam Fung she would not be electrocuted. Earlier she was rumored to be taking time off to wed in secret with Sing Sing, thus upsetting Sing Sing's manager Siu Mei. Sing Sing also reportedly began to control Lynn's jobs behind the scenes and only permitting her to work with big names. Has Lynn recovered from all the gossip? She lightly smiled and said, "I have always been in a great mood, I am fine after it passed. (Has Sing Sing consoled you?) At the moment that I learned about it I was unhappy for a few hours, after that I was fine. After so much written over so many years, it's pointless for me to be unhappy and make life difficult for myself. (Does Sing Sing only permit you to work with big names?) Every time I appear it's for a big brand, and it was the ones that I like. (Has he asked you not to work?) It's very boring to stay home and not work! I don't know how to cook. (You can be a mother.) Let's wait until later." Lynn is working on Raymond Wong Pak Ming's new film NAM YUN YU YI FOK (MEN ARE LIKE CLOTHES) so she has yet to watch FLOATING CITY (FAU SING) in support of Sing Sing. She said that she will bring her parents after she finished up with her film. Has she always been faithful to her boyfriend and never changed clothes (boyfriend) over the years? She said, "If it's right, even if it's faded, ripped, I would still buy it back to wear it. (Is Sing Sing in your heart forever a brand name and will you never take it off?) When I sleep I have to take it off, but as a metaphor he is a brand name." In the film she and Lam Fung will play a couple. Who is more Chok between Lam Fung and Sing Sing? She said, "I don't know, their styles are different. (No matter how Lam Fung Chok you would not be electrocuted?) In the film I have to, however how would you make the movie? Off camera I probably wouldn't be. (Because you are faithful?) I warm up slower, before electrocution the shoot has already wrapped. I take a long time to gradually have feeling." * (2012/05/25) Cecilia Cheung Pak Chi arrived in Cannes with the film DANGEROUS LIAISONS team. Yesterday was her 32nd birthday and the team held a birthday party for her in Cannes. Cheung Pak Chi who informed the media in advance that she would not talk about her personal life appeared to be in a decent mood. After cutting her birthday cake with a smile she talked about her appreciation for the director. "When the director made this film it truly wasn't uneasy and he took great care of us actors." * (2012/05/24) Cecilia Cheung Pak Chi two nights ago headed to the Cannes Film Festival. Pak Chi will meet up with the film DANGEROUS LIAISON's team like director Hur Jin-Ho, producer Chen Weiming to attend the Cannes Film Festival official event and the film's global press conference. Two nights ago Pak Chi with her assistants and workers appeared at the Hong Kong airport. May 24 will be Pak Chi's 32nd birthday. How will she celebrate on this trip? She said that the film company will make arrangements and had a smile the entire time. DANGEROUS LIAISONS starred Cheung Pak Chi, Jang Dong-Gun and Zhang Ziyi. Pak Chi in the film played an Old Shanghai socialite. In addition, Pak Chi and Nicholas Tse Ting Fung filed for divorce last year. Their one year separation term is almost up. The court will issue the divorce certificate and officially terminate their marriage. * (2012/05/24) Cherie Chung Chor Hung yesterday attended a watch event, also in attendance was soon to be father Real Ting Chi Ko. Hung Goo recently frequented public events and discovered many fans still supported her. She revealed that she even opened a microblog account to communicate with fans and to promote the environmental protection message. Hung Goo also has become the target of many film companies but she has not been tempted yet. Would she have ot work with Chow Yun Fat in order to be attracted? She said of course that would be good because Fat Gor has thousands of fans. However lately they had very little contact. Earlier she just learned that it was his birthday. Speaking of the new generation goddess Michelle Chen's resemblance to her. She said that she saw YOU ARE THE APPLE OF MY EYE and asked, "Does she look like me? That is a great movie, it's both happy and cute." Miriam Yeung Chin Wa's due date will be in mid June. She said that her belly was already very big so she rarely went out. Outside her home were several paparazzi vehicles in waiting, but Chin Wa did not want to be caught. If she was she would immediately turn the other way and run. Ting Chi Ko denied that Chin Wa lacked confidence in her pregnant look, only the belly looked sharper and larger with a boy so she did not want to have her picture taken. He said that now his arms would not wrap around his wife. Now Chin Wa is 160 pounds, the same weight as his. Later they will be able to lose weight together. * (2012/05/24) Media Asia film MOTORWAY (CHEH SAU) will be released next month. The new film uses the police invisible car squad as the story's blue print. Police officers Shawn Yue Man Lok and the soon to retire Anthony Wong Chau Sun after INFERNAL AFFAIRS (MO GAN DOH) and INITIAL D (TAU MAN JI D) worked together again. Yesterday they spoke to the Mainland media about the film production. This film had many live car chases but did not use any special effect at all. Ah Lok said that car chases were dangerous because the cars were hard to control. Like in action films, punches and kicks could be controlled. Cars had to be controlled well but they and the road conditions might cause errors. Too many factors could affect them. With any accident the damage would be enormous as well. Lok Jai luckily did not run into any severe accident during the shoot, but it was very dangerous. In one part the director did not permit them to drive with their lights on, but a chase without lights actually was very dangerous because without lights you lost the sense of distance and could not see what was in front of you clearly. Thus he was very afraid and drove slower. Chau Sun this time was Ah Lok's navigator. When asked about Ah Lok's difference between the films, Chau Sun joked that he despised him more and more. Now he knew what he would be thinking and he has improved a lot overall. Perhaps because he was older, he was more stable. Chau Sun himself did not like to drive at all. He would rather walk. He felt that cars were only a little faster than him and he could not take it. Ah Lok said that working with Chau Sun was a lot of fun. Every time he was able to learn a lot in secret, Chau Sun actually deliberated made him learn. Lok Jai pointed out that working with a good actor was very rare. When he worked with Chau Sun he had quite a sense of security. Earlier in the news a police officer chased a high speed motorcycle on the road, much like in the film. Ah Lok said that the operation was very similar, the conversation with the navigator was very similar. They drove faster and faster, neglecting everything else to chase the vehicle in front. Yet in the film they were not so dangerous. Ah Lok was asked whether he was confident to one day receive the Best Actor award from Chau Sun's hands. "I don't feel much about awards, I have heard how he treated his awards." Chau Sun asked, "You should ask me if I ever thought about being as hot and popular with girls as you." Ah Lok asked Chau Sun has he thought about not accepting more awards? Chau Sun said that this year he was not even nominated. If he was, they would not feel good about presenting it to someone else. An executive called him and asked him not to be nominated. * (2012/05/24) The Chen Kuo-Fu produced, Wuershan directed PAINTED SKIN: THE RESURRECTION (WAT PEI II) will be released in Hong Kong on June 22. Vicki Zhao Wei played Princess Jing who wore a golden mask in the trailer and the promotional posters. Yet in the promotional stills she appeared as a bride but exposed Princess Jing's other side. Earlier in the Hong Kong Film Festival trailer, Princess Jing in a bridal costume was hung above the Heavenly Wolf national altar. This hanging was worse than death for Zhao Wei. When they shot this scene, for Zhao Wei to play the hopelessness of this moment flawless Wuershan insisted on shooting this shoot into a ten minute long long range shot for Zhao Wei to repeatedly display the most realistic helplessness and hopelessness. Zhao Wei succumbed to the hanging before the director yelled cut, showed the most realistic painful expressions on several occasions. After several painful repeats, the director finally captured the feeling that he wanted the most and released Zhao Wei. [ BLAH OF THE WEEK ] Columns, Reviews, Interviews 1. MING PAO DAILY, MAY 27 2012, FILM WORDS I WISH IS MODEST AND REAL Recently the alternative choice is the little Japanese film I WISH, about two brothers who live apart due to their parents' separation. The older brother follows his mother to live in her Okinawa home while the younger brother follows his father and stay in Osaka. When they hear the new Okinawa train exchange turns wishes into miracles, they both skip school to wish for a family reunion there. They also have a few friends w with wishes of their own. Thus they team up on this journey of miracles. I WISH's first half is everyday life, which is tattered and loose. Fortunately the film focuses on the old Okinawa home and store's simple details. Everyday it faces an ash spewing volcano. Grandpa makes some long lost desserts. A male student has a crush on a female teacher. Buddies try their best to fund the trip. All have their unique flavor. The children's long trek has neither mystery nor thrill, but the longer they go the more flavorful the film gets. They by chance run into a lonely old couple in a small town, which brings unexpected joy and surprise. This film is not the Hollywood style children's adventure. It is very modest. The children are even more "mature" than their parents. They understand that miracles might not happen, reunion after divorce is even harder. What is important is completing a wish journey that they come up with. Director Hirokazu Kore-eda has made NOBODY KNOWS, AFTER LIFE, HANA and AIR DOLL. I feel the best is the reunion of three generations in STILL WALKING, then this film I WISH. These two films are full of the everyday life familiarity, both love to shoot nostalgia food. (Three out of Five Stars) BAD GIRLS Is Childish Taiwan romantic comedy BAD GIRLS is also unsatisfactory. Mischievous and wild female student (Ella Chen Chia-Hua) and male idol star (Mike He) make a film connection, a romantic connection and a bread connection, but the film is childish. Another Taiwan film THE SOUL OF BREAD is much better. Why is Taiwan all of a sudden always making bread and cakes? I am reminded of the once bread maker Taiwan independent director Lin Cheng-Sheng who made the Rene Liu (Lau Yeuk Ying) starred 1997 good film MURMUR OF YOUTH and even the Berlin Film Festival Best Director award winning BETELNUT BEAUTY. Strangely despite the recent Taiwan film revival he has not made a new film in a long time. (Two out of Five Stars) - SHEK KEI 2. TA KUNG PAO, MAY 27 2012, LIGHT SHADOW PATH CHINA DISTRIBUTION INDUSTRY GOES INTERNATIONAL Earlier the civilian enterprise Dailian Wanda Group announced its US$2.6 billion purchase of the second largest cinema circuit group in the world, AMC. Wanda plans to invest US$500 million into the operation for a total exchange of US$3.1 million. If the purchase is successful, Wanda can even study AMC's operation experience in the world's largest film market to further strengthen its Mainland film distribution business. AMC operates 346 cinemas in North America with 5,034 screens, second only to Regal Entertainment. With Wanda's 86 cinemas and 730 screens in the Mainland, it will become the world's largest cinema circuit operation. Although the success of the purchase still awaits Chinese and U.S. supervising organizations' approval, this indeed is an important signal to China cinema distribution industry going international. AMC in Hong Kong has a few cinemas, with Edko managing them. In the Mainland, AMC has no cinema operation, but in North America with Huayi Brothers and Bona it formed China Lion and distributed many Chinese films like IF YOU ARE THE ONE 2 and A SIMPLE LIFE (TOH JEH). However Wanda has fewer cinemas for releases, which could not become an important revenue source. If this purchase is successful, it does not mean that Chinese film can be released over a large scale in North America. Ultimately the market is still chasing the audience's taste. The strength of each enterprise is either going public or purchase and merger, but in China's film industry it is rather fresh. Coincidentally, earlier Murdoch's News Corp purchased 19.9% of Bona film group to become Bona's strategic partner. Bona like Wanda is a major Mainland film distribution company. The difference is Bona participates in more film investments. This year the Hong Kong Film Award favorites A SIMPLE LIFE and FLYING SWORDS OF DRAGON GATE (LUNG MOON FEI GAP) are Bona releases. Bona is also the first civilian operated film industry company to trade in NASDAQ in the U.S. As for the media mogul who everyone is familiar with, Murdoch in 1998 with the influence of its 20th Century Fox's TITANIC began to affect Chinese media, film and other businesses. His wife Wendi Deng Murdoch in recent years have directly participated in Mainland film investment and operation and is already a famous producer. This purchase of Bona may be the first step of marching into the Mainland. The success of Huayi Brothers, the ambition of Wanda in the U.S. distribution business, and the News Corp purchase of Bona all symbolize the thriving of Chinese film industry. Unfortunately, Hong Kong film professionals seem to unable to get a share of the film market with the most potential in the world. The development council and the industry truly have to properly think it over. - TIN LIK 3. TA KUNG PAO, MAY 27 2012, I WISH HAS HUMANITY The Hirokazu Kore-eda directed new film I WISH is a story about a modern Japanese family and reflects this generation's Japanese society, the problems between the sexes and the aging; the subject seems heavy, but Hirokazu Kore-eda wonderfully uses the heart warming story of brothers who are separated due to their parents' separation and wish for a parental reunion as its main story. In coordination with local legends tender modesty flows out of the film's even handed handle and appears to be familiar and touching. Seeing how the children raised fund for their miracle journey and skipped classes to actually go, they embarrass many adults who talk more than they do and wait for their luck to change. Whether the miracle that is mentioned in the film comes true, the film does not answer in the end. Yet miracles appear more or less on the seven children and even characters around them, like Koichi and Ryonosuke's father having a chance to perform on television and Nozomi going to work in Tokyo. They seem to be telling us that the so-called miracles actually need us to create and fight for them. The film has many segments that are filled with humanity, like Koichi and his grandpa going to buy desserts. On their way they received help from many, the most meaningful of which is where they stay on they way. That old couple mentioned a daughter, who sounded like Nozomi's mother; the film has many similar space for imagination for us to sense the effect on individuals, family and society in a changing society. As for another recent release, Taiwan film BAD GIRLS is blatantly an idol film (with Ella and Mike Ho as its leads). Yet it adds the currently popular girl manga format; an ordinary looking female lead who always has one of two "bitchy" good friends runs into a handsome hunk and finally develop into an impossible love. In the process misunderstanding and comedy, romance and flowers would appear, the film also adds bread (seemingly it is a hot topic in recent Taiwan films, but it matches love very well), song and dance and kung fu. Ella in the film steals many scenes as a bully female student and the later loving woman (and her kung fu). She is very outstanding and pleasing. She outshines other characters (including Mike Ho). In comparison to her in NEW PERFECT TWO she might as well two different people, filling the movie with the colors of a young girl's dream. [ In Production Now/Soon ] LACUNA Can : Jui Hau Yut Yeh Lit : One Night After Drinking d. Derek Tsang Kwok Cheung Shawn Yue Man Lok, Zhang Jingchu, Lawrence Chou Can : Oi Ching Dat Yun Anita Yuen Wing Yi, Nelson Cheung Hok Yun, Edward Chui Woai Dong, Qiu Xinzhi, Naomi Can : Yut Lo Heung Sai Lit : A Road To The West AKA : DONGGUAN FOREST Lit : Dongguan Dik Shu Lum d. Mark Wu Yiu Fai Justin Cheung Kin Sing, Gregory Wong Chung Hiu, Mark Wu Yiu Fai, Lee Muk Ching, Jeana Ho Pui Yu, Wylie Chiu Shek Chi, Shu Sum Yin, Celia Kwok Wing Yi, Angelina Zhang (Cheung Woon Nga), Mao Xuan, Tin Kai Man, Tony Ho Wa Chiu, Ng Lai Chu Can : Nam Yun Yu Yi Fok Lit : Men Are Like Clothes d. Vincent Kok Tak Siu Ronald Cheng Chung Kei, Teresa Mo Shun Kwan, Lynn Xiong (Hung Doi Lam), Raymond Lam Fung, Karena Ng Chin Yu, Hai Qing 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 Sammy Sum Chun Hin, Jaime Fong Ka Yau Benji Chiang Man Kit, Deal Chong Tung Yan 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 Ting, Michelle Wai (Si Nga), Derek Tsang Kwok Cheung, Edward Chui Woai Dong, Patrick Tam Yiu Man, Shirley Yim (Shuet Lei) [ 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... Can : Dut Shu Sun Fun Lit : Special Identity d. Clarence Ford (Fok Yiu Leung) Donnie Yen Chi Tan, Jing Tian, Zhang Hanyu, Andy Tien (On Chi Kit), Paw Ching Hee 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 August 9 2012 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 Tyrannosaurus 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… 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 PASSION ISLAND 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 Opening July 2012 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 ] THE CASES d. Alan de Law Edmond Poon Siu Chung, Wylie Chiu Shek Chi, Brandy Akiko, Khloe Chu Chiu Hiu Rating : III Length : 86 mins. Opening May 31 2012 Official Site : http://www.filmasiaent.com.hk/web/n_film_info.php?fid=34&type=ht [ FILM ASIA ENTERTAINMENT ] There are numerous weird cases in the world, and the Orient is where psychic phenomena are packed. Every country or nation has its own psychic culture, custom and even parapsychology system. Some people even think the accumulation of resentful spirit will affect the rise and fall of a country. Edmond Poon, a Hong Kong renowned DJ who hosts psychic programs, supported by the metapsychology masters and warlocks from Southeast Asia who acts as advisors, leads a psychic exploring team to scout for little-known mysterious and supernatural cases or strange customs including Soul-grabbing Witchcraft, Menstruation Witchcraft (Indonesia), Headless Horseman in Prince Hotel, Suicide Curse in Aokigahara Forest (Japan), and MTR Dead Omen, Lone Ghost in Regal Hotel and Secret Organization “Shadow Team” (Hong Kong), just to name a few. Many precious clips are uncovered for the first time providing gruesome viewing experience. BAD GIRLS Can : Nui Hai Wai Wai d. Seven Wone Ella Chen, Mike He, Da Yuan, Beatrice Fang (Fong Chi Yau) Rating : IIA Length : 94 mins. Opening May 24 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! I WISH Can : Kei Jik Lit : Miracle d. Hirokazu Kore-eda Koki Maeda, Ohshirko Maeda, Kyara Uchida Rating : I Length : 128 mins. Opening May 24 2012 [ BROADWAY CIRCUIT ] When the first bullet two trains to run on the new Kyushu Shinkansen line crossed paths, a miracle will happen. This rumor is the beginning of the story. On the opening day of the Kyushu Shinkansen (bullet train) Line, the Tsubame will head south from Hakata while the Sakura will head north from Kagoshima. If you stand at the exact spot where these two trains pass each other, it is said your wish will come true. Sixth grader Koichi hears this rumor and wants to bring about a miracle of his own. His younger brother lives far away and he wants them to live together as one family again. Their parents are divorced: Koichi lives with his mother and grandparents in Kagoshima, while his brother and father live in Fukuoka. The brothers make a grand and crazy plan involving their friends, parents and the people around them. And it is this plan that will bring a miracle to all. 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 Rating : IIA Length : 104 mins. Opening May 19 2012 [ BROADWAY CIRCUIT ] In the early 90s, Bo Wa Chuen has already risen to the management level at a British company and rivaled foreigners in an unprecedented manner. He was born to a fisherman family and did not start first grade until he was 20. When he went to his job interview, under education he only wrote "literate". Bo Wa Chuen was able to struggle to become the Chinese manager not only due to his hard work but also the timing element of the British handover of Hong Kong colonial control back to China. Bo Wa Chuen did not look Chinese. Many were surprised by the appearance of a foreigner fisherman in the storm shelter. Ah Chuen also wanted to know the secret behind his heritage. He had six siblings, none of whom resembled him. He really wanted to find out the truth but his parents were willing to reveal it. Every time he would end up getting a beating. SNOWFALL IN TAIPEI Can : Toi But Piu Shuet Lit : Taipei Snow Drift d. Huo Jianqi Chen Bo-Lin, Tong Yao, Tony Yang, Janel Cai Rating : I Length : 102 mins. 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. [ 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 SHADOWS OF LOVE AKA : REPEAT, I LOVE YOU Can : Ying Ji Oi Yun Lit : Shadow Lover d. Calvin Poon Yuen Leung Cecilia Cheung Pak Chi, Kwon Sang-Woo, Angela Chang (Cheung Siu Hom), Jing Boran, Sally Jing Tian, Sphinx Ting Chun Cheng Opening May 11 2012 in Malaysia Opening June 2012 Site : http://www.goldenscene.com/sol/sol-syn.html [ GOLDEN SCENE ] Flower girl Qin Xin is suddenly dragged into a power struggle for the inheritance of the big corporation, KNC, as well as for the love of her life, as she looks exactly like Paris - the missing daughter of the company’s boss. After Paris has gone missing during a skiing trip, the company’s CEO Quan accidentally runs into Qin Xin, who looks identical to Paris. Quan offers her a large fortune just to buy her time to disguise as Paris, which is the only choice he has to keep the company from falling into someone else’s hands before he finds the real Paris back. Qin takes the offer, and Quan thinks she is just a material girl who would do anything just for the money. Qin assumes the false identity and everyone in the company mistakes her to be Paris. As time goes by, Qin and Quan eventually fall in love with each other. But Qin is confused whether Quan is in love with her or with Paris. In fact, sometimes she gets lost in her role too. Just when Qin has become emotionally involved with Quan and has grown attached to her new life under the false identity, the real Paris mysteriously appears and wants to get back everything that belongs to her, including Quan. Faced with two women with identical appearances but entirely different personalities, Quan has to make a choice. DIN TAO: LEADER OF THE PARADE Can : Jun Tau d. Fung Kai Alien Huang, Crystal Lin, Alan Ko, Rating : IIA Length : 123 mins. Opening June 2 2012 [ CITYLINE MOVIES HONG KONG ] A-tai is a young man who dreams about becoming a rocker in the US. He quits school in Taipei and returns to his Taichung hometown before following his heart’s desire. A-tai has never been on good terms with his father, Uncle Da, who runs a dintao troupe. The father and son never make an effort to understand one another, and quarrel each time they meet. But Uncle Da has other things to worry about. While his company struggles to make ends meet, long-standing rival Wu Cheng and his troupe meet with success and popularity. Irked by Wu’s arrogance, A-tai decides to take the troupe’s demoralized members on a countrywide walk in search of inspiration to revamp the traditional folk art form. FIRST TIME Can : Dai Yut Chi d. Han Yan Angelababy, Mark Chao (Chiu Yau Ting), Jiang Shan, Bai Baihe, Tian Yuan Rating : IIA Length : 103 mins. Opening June 8 2012 [ GOLDEN SCREEN CINEMAS ] College student Shi has a terminal illness. These are experiences she knows she'll probably never have, like falling in love. So when an old high school crush named Gong suddenly resurfaces, she is surprised and swept away by his interest in her. Because side effects of her medication cause Shi to suffer short-term memory loss, she recounts everything onto cassette tape to remember the details of their precious time together. But Shi doesn't know that her mother, wishing to give her a chance to experience romance before it's too late, actually hired Gong to pursue her. SADAKO 3D Can : Jing Ji 3D d. Tsutomu Hanabusa Satomi Ishihara, Koji Seto, Yusuke Yamamoto Opening June 14 2012 THE RAID: REDEMPTION Can : Dut Gik Sei Mong Tap Lit : Raid On Death Tower d. Gareth Evans Iko Uwais, Joe Taslim, Donny Alamsyah, Yayan Ruhian, Pierre Gruno, Tegar Satrya, Ray Sahetapy Rating : III Length : 101 mins. Opening June 14 2012 [ BROADWAY CIRCUIT ] The apartment block has never been raided before, never been touched by police. Seen as a no go zone the building has become a sanctuary to killers, gangs, rapists and thieves seeking accommodation in the one place they know they cannot be touched. Making their move in the break of dawn they work their way up the building under cover of silence, steadily controlling the location one floor at a time. But when a chance encounter with a spotter blows their cover, TAMA orders a lock down on the building with all lights out and all exits blocked. Now stranded on the 6th floor with all communications cut and with TAMA sending out a call to arms from his tenants the special force team must fight their way through every floor and every room not just to complete their mission but to survive their bloody ordeal. MOTORWAY Can : Choi Cheh Lit : Driver d. Soi Cheang Po Shui Shawn Yue Man Lok, Anthony Wong Chau Sun, Gordon Lam Ka Tung, Michelle Ye (Yip Shuen), Guo Xiaodong, Barbie Hsu (Tsui Hei Woon), Josie Ho Chiu Yi, Wilfred Lau Ho Lung Rating : IIB Length : 90 mins. Opening June 21 2012 Opening June 28 2012 in Malaysia Official Site : http://www.mediaasia.com [ 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. 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 Length : 104 mins. Opening June 21 2012 Opening April 27 2012 at the Udine Far East Film Festival 14 Site : http://www.fareastfilm.com/EasyNe2/LYT.aspx?Code=FEFJ&IDLYT=7505&ST=SQL&SQL=ID_Documento=3519 [ UDINE FAR EAST FILM FESTIVAL 14 ] For Cho, a bounty hunter for whom no job is too small, his line of work is one that puts him in touch with all manner of strange people, and that's very much in evidence in his newest case. When a reward is placed for the capture of fugitive Lee Kin-fai, who's said to be hiding on an island off Hong Kong, Cho heads to the quiet locale and takes a room at a small hotel, the Lazy Inn, run by housekeeper and astrology columnist Linda and an intensely meddlesome manager. Obstructing Cho's attempts at finding his target is the general weirdness of the locals. The lodge's manager and Linda appear to be father and daughter, though the man's denials cloud the situation; word gets out that Lee, wherever he is, has fallen for Linda; and the small-time hoodlums of the local Biting Sugar Cane Gang are making things difficult with their triad-style theatrics. Soon enough, it seems Cho doesn't just need to catch his man, but also has to clear up family woes and tackle island crime as well. - Tim Youngs THE WEDDING DIARY d. Adrian Teh (Cheng Kin Kwok) Aniu, Elanne Kong Yeuk Lam, Kara Hui (Wai Ying Hung), Marcus Chin, Shaun Chen, Chris Tong Opening June 21 2012 Opening February 9 2012 in Malaysia [ GOLDEN SCREEN CINEMAS ] The Wedding Diary highlights disparities between the bride's and groom's families, from wealth levels to social differences between Singaporeans and Malaysians with its divergent Hokkien and Cantonese cultures. To please his future in-laws, the groom Daniel agrees to hold an extravagant dinner banquet in Singapore. On the wedding day, Daniel is dismayed the angpow money given by guests which he plans to use to foot the bill goes missing... THE WINGS OF THE KIRIN Can : Sun Tam Ga Hor Kei Lun ji Yik Lit : Master Detective Kaga the Wings of the Kirin d. Nobuhiro Doi Hiroshi Abe, Yui Aragaki, Rena Tanaka, Kiichi Nakai Opening June 21 2012 [ YAHOO! MOVIES HONG KONG ] Under the kirin statue in the Nihombashi district of Tokyo, a male stabbing victim's body was found. Kyoichiro Kaga feels suspicious about the victim's behavior before his death: why would he not contact the police right after he was stabbed and walked for 8 minutes to the kirin statue instead? What secret did the suspect who is in a coma Yashima tell his girlfriend Kaori Nakahara? Kyoichiro Kaga begins a journey to solve all these mysteries... SILENCED Can : Mo Sing Lap Hom Lit : Silence Cry d. Hwang Dong=Hyuk Gong Yoo, Jung Yu-Mi Rating : III Opening June 21 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. PAINTED SKIN: THE RESURRECTION AKA : PAINTED SKIN 2 d. Wuershan 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. POSTCARD Can : Jin Cheung Seung Dik Ming Shun Pin Lit : Postcard On The Battlefield d. Kaneto Shindo Etsushi Toyokawa, Shinobu Ohtake Opening June 28 2012 [ YAHOO! MOVIES HONG KONG ] At the end of World War II, countless Japanese people were sent to overseas battlefields to their deaths. Selected to fight in the Philippines, Morikawa knew his chances were slim and handed the postcard from his wife to fellow soldier Matsuyama. He asked him to tell his wife when he returned home...... THE FOUR Can : Sei Dai Ming Bo Lit : Four Great Marshals d. Gordon Chan Ka Seung Collin Chou, Anthony Wong Chau Sun, Crystal Liu Yifei, Ronald Cheng Chung Kei, Deng Chao Opening July 12 2012 in Malaysia [ GOLDEN SCREEN CINEMAS ] An undercover agent is assigned by his corrupt chief to infiltrate a rival department and sabotage their investigation of counterfeit currency. What he discovers is the counterfeiter's real plan. To overthrow the capital. Not by flooding it with funny money, but with an army of undead. [ CINEMA ONLINE MALAYSIA ] Adapted from a famous Wu-Xia series, "THE GREAT FOUR DETECTIVES", the movie is a fresh spin to the tale of four detectives skilled in martial arts that are hired by the Emperor to solve various mysteries. The four detectives, Liu Yifei as Heartless, Collin Chou as Metal Hand, Ronald Cheng as Life Chase and Deng Chao as Cold Blooded have individual special powers. They are strict and impartial, seeking justice on behalf of the citizens and even discovered the secret plot of evil minister planning to take over the throne. NAKED SOLDIER d. Marco Mak Jennifer Tse Ting Ting, Sammo Hung Kam Bo, Philip Ng, Ankie Beilke, Andy On Chi Kit Opening July 26 2012 in Malaysia Official Site : http://www.nakedsoldier-movie.com [ THE FILM CATALOGUE ] Interpol agent CK Long busted a billion-dollar drug deal fifteen years ago. The cartel has avenged itself by hiring Madame Rose's organization of assassins to kill CK Long's entire family. In revenge, she kills the entire family of chief investigator CK Long. Long himself survives, and believes his young daughter is still alive. In fact, for these fifteen years, the girl has been kidnapped by Madame Rose, brainwashed and trained into beautiful, sexy killer Phoenix. Phoenix has now become the top-ranked killer in Madame Rose's organization. She is skilled in combat, and always completes her missions. Thanks to her band of killers, Madame Rose has expanded her criminal organization, and now assigns missions in many parts of the world. CK Long has never imagined that he would one day become the target of his own daughter's mission. COLD WAR Can : Hong Jin d. Longman Leung, Sunny Luk Aaron Kwok Fu Sing, Andy Lau Tak Wa, Tony Leung Ka Fai, Charlie Yeung Choi Nei Aarif Rahman (Lee Chi Ting), Eddie Peng Yu-yen, Chin Kar Lok, Lam Ka Tung Opening August 23 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 30 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 27 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? 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, Jason Chan Pak Yu Jinny Ng Yeuk Hei, Ciwi Lam Sze Man Elva Ni Chenxi, Christine Kuo, Anna Kay, Linah Matsuoka Opening September 6 2012 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/title.php?film_id=126&category=1 Opening September 27 2012 in Malaysia [ 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... TAICHI 0 d. Stephen Fung Tak Lun Eddie Peng Yu-Yen, Feng Shaofeng, Angelababy, Tony Leung Ka Fai, Shu Qi, Daniel Wu (Ng Yin Cho) Opening September 27 2012 [ 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. THE GUILLOTINES Can : Huet Dik Ji Lit : Blood Dropper d. Andrew Lau Wai Keung Huang Xiaoming, Ethan Juan (Yuen King Tin), Shawn Yue Man Lok, Chris Lee Yuchun, Jing Boran, Opening December 20 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... --- [ 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 * ALAN TAM SHINE A LIGHT CHARITY CONCERT CANADA TOUR 2012 DATE AND TIME: October 13 2012 VENUE LOCATION: Queen Elizabeth Theatre 649 Cambie Street Vancouver BC TICKET PRICES: VIP CA$250, 180, 110, 90, 70, 48 TICKET OUTLET LOCATIONS: ONLINE: http://www.cantonproductions.com/canton/entertainment/alan_tam.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 * ALAN TAM SHINE A LIGHT CHARITY CONCERT CANADA TOUR 2012 DATE AND TIME: October 7 2012 VENUE LOCATION: Southern Jubilee 1415 14 Avenue Northwest Calgary AB Canada TICKET PRICES: VIP CA$150, 100, 80, 60, 40 TICKET OUTLET LOCATIONS: ONLINE: http://www.cantonproductions.com/canton/entertainment/alan_tam.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 * ALAN TAM SHINE A LIGHT CHARITY CONCERT CANADA TOUR 2012 DATE AND TIME: October 5 2012 VENUE LOCATION: Sony Centre for the Performing Arts 1 Front Street East Toronto ON M2E 1B2 Canada TICKET PRICES: VIP CA$250, 180, 110, 90, 70. 48 TICKET OUTLET LOCATIONS: ONLINE: http://www.cantonproductions.com/canton/entertainment/alan_tam.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 * TERESE CHEUNG TAK LAN LIVE 2012 DATE AND TIME: Sunday, July 15 2012 @ 8PM VENUE LOCATION: Casino Rama Entertainment Centre Casino Rama 5899 Rama Road Rama ON L0k 1T0 Canada TICKET PRICES: CA $307.84, 160.94, 104.44, 81.84, 59.24 TICKET OUTLET LOCATION: TICKET MASTER http://www.ticketmaster.ca/event/100048AAEA639EF0 * RAYMOND LAM LIGHT UP MY LIVE Atlantic City 2012 Special Guest: Kate Tsui Tsz Shan DATE AND TIME: Saturday night/Sunday morning June 17 2012 @ 1AM VENUE LOCATION: Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa Event Center Atlantic City NJ 08404 TICKET PRICES: VIP$ 188, 148, 108, 68 TICKET OUTLET LOCATIONS: ONLINE: http://www.iemshowplace.com TICKET HOTLINE: 718-888-3113 International Entertainment Marketing 135-05 40 Road 2/F Flushing NY 11354 718.888.3113 5609 8th Ave. Brooklyn NY 11220 718.437.7717 Bowery Pharmacy Inc. 95 Bowery St. New York NY 212.219.0449 Sampan Travel Service 170 Canal St #201 212.431.3557 Global Travel International Corp. 1681 RT. 27 Suite 3 Edison NJ 732.819.6883 Yang Tze Trading Inc. 933 Arch Street L/L Philadelphia PA 197107 215.922.8700 * RAYMOND LAM LIGHT UP MY LIVE 2012 DATE AND TIME: Tuesday, June 12 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/10004899AA88784A * 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 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Box office info : What Box Office Info? The usual suspects : Internet Movie Database, Yahoo! Hong Kong Erors : ye olde chaffing editor For Thursday, May 24 2012 10 FLOATING CITY Can : Fau Sing 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 9 BAD GIRLS Can : Nui Hai Wai Wai d. Seven Wone Ella Chen, Mike He, Da Yuan, Beatrice Fang (Fong Chi Yau) 8 THE BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL d. John Madden Judi Dench, Bill Nighy, Dev Patel, Tom Wilkinson, Maggie Smith 7 REC 3 d. Paco Plaza Leticia Dolera, Javier Botet 6 THE WOMAN IN BLACK d. James Watkins Daniel Radcliffe, Janet McTeer, Ciaran Hinds 5 AMERICAN REUNION d. John Hurwitz Jason Biggs, Alyson Hannigan, Chris Klein, Thomas Ian Nicholas, Seann William Scott, Mena Suvari, Eddie Kaye Thomas, Tara Reid, Jennifer Coolidge, Eugene Levy 4 ACT OF VALOR d. Mike McCoy, Scott Waugh Alex Veadov, Roselyn Sanchez, Nestor Serrano 3 DARK SHADOWS d. Tim Burton Johnny Depp, Michelle Pfeiffer, Helena Bonham Carter, Eva Green, Jackie Earle Haley Jonny Lee Miller, Chloe Grace Moretz, Bella Heathcote 2 THE AVENGERS d. Joss Whedon Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner, Tom Hiddleston, Clark Gregg, Cobie Sumulders, Stellan Skarsgard, Samuel L. Jackson 1 MEN IN BLACK III d. Barry Sonnenfeld Will Smith, Tommy Lee Jones, Josh Brolin ------ Summaries for some of the films above. Some contain SPOILERS BAD GIRLS Rating : IIA Length : 94 mins. Opening May 24 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! FLOATING CITY AKA : HUNDRED YEARS OF A FLOATING CITY AKA : Bak Nin Sau Sing Lit : Hundred Years Floating City Rating : IIA Length : 104 mins. Opening May 19 2012 [ BROADWAY CIRCUIT ] In the early 90s, Bo Wa Chuen has already risen to the management level at a British company and rivaled foreigners in an unprecedented manner. He was born to a fisherman family and did not start first grade until he was 20. When he went to his job interview, under education he only wrote "literate". Bo Wa Chuen was able to struggle to become the Chinese manager not only due to his hard work but also the timing element of the British handover of Hong Kong colonial control back to China. Bo Wa Chuen did not look Chinese. Many were surprised by the appearance of a foreigner fisherman in the storm shelter. Ah Chuen also wanted to know the secret behind his heritage. He had six siblings, none of whom resembled him. He really wanted to find out the truth but his parents were willing to reveal it. Every time he would end up getting a beating. ------ GLOBAL CHINESE SONG CHART For Saturday, May 26 2012 15 MY RODEO Sherman Chung Shu Man http://youtu.be/1rcxMb6wEqg 14 MY ROOM Can : Fong Gan Maggie Chiang (Kong Mei Kei) http://youtu.be/Z2ravwQDeh0 13 WISTERIA TREE Can : Shu Tung Mag Lam Yun Tung http://youtu.be/K3W7sfVS8B4 12 DISTANT SONG Can : Yuen Gor Huang Ying, Denis Ng Tung http://youtu.be/Q5XBljNNEow 11 LOVE YOU Can : Oi Nei Kimberley Chen Fong Yu http://youtu.be/KGrulNiJ6Uc 10 THICK SKINNED Can : Hau Min Pei Ella Chen (Chen Ka Wa) http://youtu.be/qjonIfghH8Q 9 COULD NOT HELP BUT FORGIVE Can : Yun But Ju Yuen Leung Landy Wen http://youtu.be/-gA9ESoWDa8 8 TRAVEL BOOK Can : Lui Yau Shu Twins http://youtu.be/4k83P7DxK8A 7 NOT SO EASY Can : Ho But Yung Yi Jane Zhang Liangying http://youtu.be/_QrmES5Ri7o 6 MAYFLY Can : Fau Yau Joey Yung Cho Yi http://youtu.be/tEFSGNS-MkU 5 A LIFETIME OF LOVE Can : Yut Sun Oi Andy Lau Tak Wa http://youtu.be/huY-2g0mKpA 4 ALL YOU NEED IS ME Fiona Sit Hoi Kei http://youtu.be/CteSTqRU5I4 3 PRETEND WE NEVER LOVE Can : Ga Cheung Ngor Moon Moot Oi Gor Jiro Wang (Wong Dong Sing) http://youtu.be/UX0VUjfETLE 2 THE RATE OF MAYBE Can : Maybe Dik Gei Luk Da Mouth http://youtu.be/kM3IfVl66jo 1 SOMEDAY I'LL FLY G.E.M. http://youtu.be/peXpXFYhhyY ------ [ Yakety Yak ] The views and opinions expressed here are purely those of the writer and in no way reflect those of Hong Kong Film Top 10 Box Office, its contributors and affiliated web sites. While Your Chaffing Editor is waiting in line for NOTHING, below is some upcoming alternatives in New York. Enjoy! Jer Jer Stinks, Your Chaffing Editor Top Ten Central ======== KOREAN MOVIE NIGHT courtesy of the Korean Cultural Service http://www.koreanculture.org/index.php Every other Tuesday @ 7pm Tribeca Cinemas (54 Varick Street, on the corner of Canal Street, one block from the A, C, E and 1 train Canal Street stops) Price? Free. All seating is first-come, first served. Doors open at 6:30pm. UPCOMING MOVIES Series III: "Epic Romance" Romance is in the air, but this time, it’s getting EPIC. Love that spans the ages has been a longtime favorite of Chinese and Japanese cinema, but it wasn’t until the last decade that epic, awe-inspiring romantic blockbusters made their way into Korean film –but when they hit, they hit with a vengeance! The floodgates opened and nobility clashed with peasants, royalty fell for servants, and everyone somehow stumbled across their soulmates amidst the wildest, most untamed eras of Korean history. So prepare yourself for a healthy dose of action, plenty of gut-busting comedy, and all the swoon-inducing, star-crossed lovers you can possibly take as we present New York City with a bouquet of Korea’s most epic romances! Tuesday, JUNE 19, 2012 @ 7pm THE SWORD WITH NO NAME (2009) Holy blockbusters! A big hit at the Korean box office, Sword is the epitome of posh, luscious, decadent period filmmaking. Based on the real life Empress Myeongseong, it tells her story through the eyes of a bounty hunter who becomes her bodyguard (Cho Seung-Woo, now doing his mandatory military service). She tries to stand up to Russian and Japanese intervention in 19th Century Korea and the results are a series of luxurious, CGI-enhanced action scenes alternating with carefully calibrated and eye-meltingly colorful scenes of court life, making this movie feel like an unholy mix of Merchant-Ivory and The Matrix. Tuesday, JUNE 5, 2012 @ 7pm FORBIDDEN QUEST (2006) A modest hit in Korea that deserves far more attention than it received, this sharp dramedy from The Servant director Kim Dae-Woo has the endearing Yun-Seo ( the legendary Han Suk-Kyu) randomly coming across an ‘indecent novel.’ Hesitant to read it at first, he’s soon inspired to write one of his own, even asking his family rival and infamous captain of guards, Gwang-Heon (Lee Beom-Su, City of Violence), to illustrate it for him. Their book is soon the most talked-about in town and it’s eventually picked up by Jeong-Bin, the king’s favorite concubine. But when she becomes a little too involved, the two men are soon drawn in a tricky web of palace intrigue that will leave no one safe. --- [ WHAT IS YOUR CHAFFING EDITOR LISTENING TO ] PAYPHONE Maroon 5 http://youtu.be/5FlQSQuv_mg ---------------------- HK Top Ten Central hktopten@hotmail.com http://hktopten.orgfree.com | http://hktopten.blogspot.com