From: NO TOP TEN CENTRAL Newsgroups: alt.asian-movies,soc.culture.hongkong.entertainment Subject: [TAKE OVER] HKSAR Film No Top 10 Box Office (August 23 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. Nicholas Tse Ting Fung who celebrates his birthday on the 29th B. Julian Cheung Chi Lam who celebrates his birthday on the 27th C. Annie Wu (Ng Sun Kwan) who celebrates her birthday on the 21st 2. MISCELLANEOUS * (2012/08/19) Martial art star Gordon Liu (Lau Ka Fai) after a fall in August last year suffered a stroke and was hospitalized. After a year of therapy, Lau Ka Fai is recovering. According to friends, he has been actively accepting physical therapy in hopes of standing up again and bring back "Lau Ka Fai". Last year Lau Ka Fai was hospitalized, the condition was severed as he was rumored to be half paralyzed; the always agile star became disillusioned. He transferred from Queen Elizabeth Hospital to Kowloon hospital for treatment, due to a stroke he was immobile. The 57 year old Lau Ka Fai months ago was admitted into a care and attention homes for the elderly. Earlier Lau Ka Fai's friends and relatives took him to a nearby restaurant for dim sum. Lau Ka Fai was in a wheelchair and friends pushed him out of the home. He wore a baseball cap, medical mask, a polo shirt, pajamas bottom and sneakers. Although he was much slimmer than before, he appeared to be in decent spirit. Friends and relatives spent over a hour at afternoon tea with him before pushing the wheelchair bound Lau Ka Fai back to the home. Because Lau Ka Fai declined outside contact after hospitalization, only a few industry insiders were able to visit him and rumors about his condition were numerous. Reportedly Lau Ka Fai after the stroke was paralyzed on the right side of his body, less than mobile and slurring in speech. Among the friends who were with Lau Ka Fai were good friend and assistant Eva; reportedly Eva was also Amy Fan Yik Man's assistant. The reporter contacted Amy for an understanding. Amy said that several days ago she also visited Lau Ka Fai and his recovery has been going great. Amy said that Brother Ka Fai was in recovery. In comparison to his condition after the stroke last year he has made tremendous progress already. He could stand. Why he was in a wheelchair in and out of the home? She said that Brother Ka Fai was actively accepting physical therapy. Due to a stroke he was not as mobile as before but his mobility has already improved. Due to the distance from the home to the restaurant it was more difficult for him to walk, so the wheelchair was more convenient. As for slurring speech, Amy said, "When Brother Ka Fai wants to talk he talks very orderly and clearly, especially when it is a topic that he likes. When he gets frustrated and doesn't want to talk, he would simply say 'keep quiet', 'very frustrated' and even turn silent. Every time he hears his co-workers miss him, he would happily smile." Amy also said that Eric Tsang Chi Wai's visit was a huge encouragement. Chi Wai gave him an iPad, now everyday he would watch his movies and listen to songs. He loved to sing the Grasshoppers' PARADISE LOST (SUT LOK YUEN). He needed care very much. After Chi Wai's visit his confidence was greatly increased. Everyday he would work hard on physical therapy. Amy did not talk to him about work, but right now he is very positive. Of course he wanted to completely recover and return to work. Lau Ka Fai reportedly had family trouble and his family did not take care of him? Amy was uncertain about other people's family matter and was not at liberty to discuss, but as far as she understood Lau Ka Fai's finances had no problem. Due to his great relationships with industry insiders, many friends have offered to help. The reporters also contacted his assistant Eva. She said that Lau Ka Fai's physical therapy has made huge progress. She could help him walk for awhile and he was not paralyzed as rumored. As for rumors about Lau Ka Fai's condition, she said that the condition was that bad. Making him sound pitiful would affect the patient as well. He now has many suitable care and many people's care. Everyone wants to see him stand up again and recover to the Lau Ka Fai of before. Lau Ka Fai last year worked on TVB's WISH AND SWITCH (WOON LOK MO KUNG) but was recast due to the hospitalization. He still is a TVB contract artist. Artist resource director Elaine Lok Yi Ling said that she has always kept up with Lau Ka Fai's condition and knew he had progress. He has not asked the company for assistance and only wanted some private space to recover. The Performing Artist Guild pointed out that Lau Ka Fai for now did not want any outside contact. The stuntman reunion's stunt people wanted to visit him but Lau Ka Fai did not want to yet. Tsang Chi Wai has set up a fund, as long as Lau Ka Fai's family had needs he would gladly assist. * (2012/08/19) Light and Shadow Ekin Cheng in Concert two nights ago held its last show at the Hong Kong Coliseum as the four show series came to an end. Two nights ago YOUNG AND DANGEROUS (GOO WAT JAI) quintet Dior Cheng Yi Kin, Chin Kar Lok, Jerry Lam Hiu Fung, Jason Chu Wing Tong and Jordan Chan Siu Chun gathered on a rare occasion. They even invited YOUNG AND DANGEROUS director Andrew Lau Wai Keung to sing FRIENDSHIP AGE (YAU CHING SHUI YUET) together. They even took the chance to force Ekin to propose, unfortunately they did not succeed as Ekin in the end refused to publicly propose to his girlfriend. Yet at the celebration banquet, Ekin finally promised to marry Yoyo Mung Ka Wai next year. Chin Kar Lok and Lam Hiu Fung were guests on all four nights. Lam Hiu Fung and Ekin asked the audience to congratulate "Ying Ying Lok Lok", Angela Tong Ying Ying laughed happily in the audience. A viewer even presented a wedding photo book to Kar Lok. At this time, Chan Siu Chun and Chu Wing Tong suddenly appeared. Later they even dragged Lau Wai Kung to the stage for a rare YOUNG AND DANGEROUS reunion. They embraced on the stage. Lau Wai Keung admitted that after a decade or so people still asked him to make YOUNG AND DANGEROUS; he also said that next year a YOUNG AND DANGEROUS concert should be held. Earlier he had the idea but due to Chan Siu Chun it fell through. Later everyone switched their target as they took turn interrogating Ekin. Kar Lok said to Ekin, "You promise you you have to say it on the 27th." Ekin said, "Right, I am announcing your wedding!" Chan Siu Chun said to Ekin, "Don't be mad, let's give some applause to Mung Ka Wai!" The audience immediately screamed and clapped. Ekin was so frightened that his mouth was gaping. "Sure, let me talk about that. I have to protect my girlfriend too." Then he immediately rushed several buddies off the stage. Before going, Siu Chun jibbed, "Give her a name!" Ekin on the stage said that his profession was a singer but his relationship with his girlfriend was very private. He said, "I am a very romantic person, but I don't like to open up my personal life for the public to see. If not, how can I sing love songs for everyone." The audience instantly jeered. At this time, Leo Ku Kui Ke suddenly appeared and surprised Ekin. Ekin said, "I just sent them away and you appear, you won't......" Gei Jai joked that he would not mention the word "wedding" and would replace it with "beep beep". Later he asked the entire audience to scream "Ekin, Yoyo, hurry up and 'beep beep'." Ekin joked, "Then I 'beep beep' you, relax, I will invite you to the wedding banquet." Ekin at the celebration was asked why he declined to propose in public? He said it was private. Has he proposed yet? He said, "Don't worry about it, when I wed I will announce it. It won't be this year." Will he wed next year? He finally admitted, "Yes! But I won't say the place and time. (Will you follow Chin Kar Lok's lead and have both wedding and parenthood?) That's pretty good too." Ekin this time showed off his abdominal muscles at the concert. When he shook hands did fans "cop a feel"? He said that he did not feel it. * (2012/08/19) Sammi Cheng Sau Man and Andy Lau Tak Wa worked together on the film THE BLIND DETECTIVE (MAN TAM) last year shot on the busy streets of Mongkok and attracted many onlookers. The team in the afternoon constructed a tent for a make up room. Actor Chun Wong was resting inside, smoking a cigar and chatting with director Johnnie To Kei Fung about the script. Around 7PM, Sammi's vehicle arrived at a Taiwanese style snack shop and immediately caused a stir. Many onlookers in order to see Sammi walked to the edge on the street and drew the attention of traffic police. The crew urged everyone to be careful. Sammi was causally dressed. When she took her mark, after Soi Cheang Po Shui and To Kei Fung's simple instructions she brought a note to the snack shop for take out. Although it was a short scene, the director wanted perfection and Sammi had to play it many times; to maintain order, after each shot she would return to her vehicle to rest. Later, Wa Jai also arrived at the location and was surrounded in the same manner. * (2012/08/29) Eddie Peng Yu-Yen two years ago rose to fame with JUMP! ASHIN and was even nominated for the Golden Horse Best Actor. This year Peng Yu-Yen was invited to be the Golden Horse Award ambassador. Two days ago he attended the Golden Horse press conference in Yilan. Speaking of this place turning him around, he admitted that he was sentimental about coming back. He remembered when he made JUMP! he was in a hellish training here for most of the year. He especially missed Yilan snacks. The 49th Golden Horse Award will take place on November 24 in Yilan. The Golden Horse Film Festival chair Hou Hsiao-Hsien appeared in the promotional press conference. Last year's Golden Horse image advertisement was Hou Hsiao-Hsien directed with Best Actor Ethan Juan (Yuen King Tin). This year JUMP! director Lin Yu-Hsien will be at the helm. Lin Yu-Hsien was very nervous about meeting Director Hou and joked that he had to stand straight because he respected him very much. He revealed that working on the image advertising was very stressful. Last year Director Hou asked Yuen King Tin. This year he could not be disappoint so he sent Peng Yu-Yen to appear. * (2012/08/29) The Nicholas Tse Ting Fung, Lau Ching Wan, Mini Yang Mi starred THE BULLET VANISHES (SIU SUT DIK JI DAN) will be released on September 13 in Hong Kong. Yang Mi in the film played a fortune teller with a bird. Because of the information she provided Tse Ting Fung enemies showed up at her doorstep. Ting Fung risked his life to save her and fought off the enemies. Finally he saved her with his invincible shooting. For this scene, a thug who was trying to kill Yang Mi beat her until her face was swollen. The team at first hoped to create Yang Mi's injuries with special effect make up. During the shoot however the thug punched toward Yang Mi, who was not able to dodge it in time and her face instantly became swollen. In another scene, Yang Mi needed to be thrown to the ground then kicked. The scene was shot five or six times before director Law Chi Leung was satisfied. Poor Yang Mi's head hit the ground hard time and time again and Law Chi Leung's heart could not ache more. Finally he could not help but run over to see whether Yang Mi was truly injured. The professional yang Mi only boldly told the director, "I am fine, don't worry about me. Keep shooting!" Ting Fung did not have an easy time in this shoot either. He had to fight two thugs. For realism, all the actors fought hard. After the shoot Ting Fung could not be more tired. The thugs who took a beating from Ting Fung rammed toward a light box and a glass window and needed wires for the shoot. The detail minded Ting Fung in order to ensure the extra's safety asked them to be very careful time and again and to watch his gesture and react. For the glass breaking scene, two extras went backward and the glass shattered, covering Tse Ting Fung all over. Some almost hit Ting Fung's eyes. He and Yang Mi for this "heroic rescue" scene truly have suffered. * (2012/08/28) The Chapman To Man Jat, DaDa Chen Jing, Susan Shaw Yam Yam starred, Pang Ho Cheung directed film VULGARIA (DAI JOOK HEI KET) after two weeks in release has accumulated HK$23,248,274 as of Sunday. On the 26th the film reached 950,000, 860,000 more than the just released new film LAN KWAI FONG 2 (HEI OI YEH PO 2). Because of that, Pang Ho Cheung has already rushed into production the theme song music video SLOPPY YEAR, OUR FORTUNE LAUNCH to be shown after the movie. In addition, the film also released 3 iPhone protective covers. Later this year they will be given away for the purchase of two VULGARIA tickets. Earlier the cast attended a cinema audience appreciation, gave away not only popping candy, career fans and tee shirts but also an Guangxi travel package that was worth over 10,000 yuan to a lucky viewer. Pang Ho Cheung joked, "Flight and hotel are included, but not the donkey and wild game!" To Man Jat joked, "Spending 70 some bucks on a movie and getting a 10,000 buck worth prize, are you serious?" The film will hold another celebration on Wednesday. * (2012/08/28) Anthony Wong Chau Sun, Gillian Chung Yun Tung, Timmy Hung Tin Ming and Jordan Chan Siu Chun starred in the film IP MAN THE FINAL BATTLE (IP MAN JUNG GIK YUT JIN), which yesterday began production at the Xiqiao Mountain Film Studio in Nanhai, Foshan. Chau Sun in the film played Ip man. He said that he never imagined this film would be so serious that it constructed an actual Hong Kong set. It was the best birthday present for his 51st birthday. Chau Sun this time worked with Ah Gil and thought that Ah Gil was truly innocent, lovable and simple. She treated people great. Ah Gil in the film had so many action films that it would be the movie with the most fights in her career. Her arms were all bruised from fighting. How did Chau Sun feel about Ah Gil's fighting? He said, "I was blind. Just joking." He also praised Tin Ming as a great fighter, indeed the fruit did not fall far from the tree. The Wong Kar Wai directed, Tony Leung Chiu Wai starred THE GRANDMASTER (YUT DOI JUNG SI) will be released in December. Will IP MAN THE FINAL BATTLE be released ahead of it? Chau Sun said that it will not as the film will not be released until next year. However he was not worried about any comparison, to each its own. The subject matter was also different. Eric Tsang Chi Wai reportedly asked Andy Lau Tak Wa on behalf of TVB to return home for a series. Chau Sun asked what Chi Wai's relationship was with TVB. He felt that friends should help each other. Has Chi Wai asked him to help TVB? He said no. Chau Sun's god son Edison Chen Koon Hei was rumored to be married to a Mainland rich girl for three years already. Chau Sun said, "Mainland rumors are incredible. Except for being lies nothing is true." * (2012/08/28) The Jackie Chan film CZ12 (SUP YI SUN CHIU) is scheduled for a December release. Yesterday the film held a Beijing press conference. The organizer selected an auto race track for the press conference, with Jackie Chan driving a sport cars with two "Lung Girls" Yao Xingtong and Zhang Lanxin. The trailer shown at the press conference showed Jackie Chan leading a group of international thieves in an operation in Latvia, the second stop of the global treasure hunt. Big Brother who was successfully in the heist shook off the armed soldier pursuit. In a second he took off in a roller suit at a high speed down the hilly Lativan highway. CZ12 was Big Brother Jackie Chan's 101st film, which went without saying was meaningful. At the press conference, Big Brother was casually dressed as he drove up in high speed with two actresses Yao Xingtong and Zhang Lanxin from outside the venue into the press conference. As the leader of the group in the film, Big Brother humorously described his team members, including the racing expert Kwon Sang-Woo, the strongest hacker Liao Fan, treasure expert Yao Xingtong, cold yet beautiful master Zhang Lanxin. Big Brother described each character, "None of them is a gas saving lantern!" * (2012/08/28) The Pang Brothers directed fire disaster 3D film INFERNO (TOH CHOOK SUN TIN) already began production early in the month. The three leads Lau Ching Wan, Louis Koo Tin Lok on the first day of work braved a fire to save Angelica Lee Sinjie. The film earlier held a production start ceremony in Bangkok, Thailand, using the number "9" that meant the good luck of "exceeding". The film began production for almost half a month and the process has been smooth. Playing fire fighters in the film, Lau Ching Wan and Goo Jai earlier in the month jumped right into work and a fire rescue for a major scene. They were in full gear to rescue Sinjie. Although they had heavy fire fighting equipment in an air tight indoor location and were sweating bullets, the two "heroic" fire fighters still completed the thrilling performance without even a break. Yet Sinjie saw them dodging flames and was in panic. Ching Wan and Goo Jai have worked together on many movies. This time they played brothers for the first time. Ching Wan humorously said, "I heard we are half brothers." Goo Jai joked, "Because our skin is just as tan." Sinjie even revealed that years ago she performed in Goo Jai's music special, so this time was their second collaboration. Goo Jai said, "Really? How come I don't remember that?" * (2012/08/27) The Tony Leung Ka Fai, Feng Shaofeng, Eddie Peng Yu-yen, Shu Qi, Daniel Wu (Ng Yin Cho) and Angelababy starred film TAI CHI 0 and TAI CHI HERO will be released at the end of September. The two TAI CHI films cost 220 million yuan. Recently two Angelababy costume stills were unveiled. In TAI CHI 0, Angelababy changed from her usually innocent and cute image to play a sassy daughter of a clan leader who dared to love and hate. She displayed her tomboy aura on the silver screen for the first time and had her fill of fighting fun. As for her performance, Angelababy said that she wanted to kill fighting. She said, "It truly was too much fun. I am not girly either. I was forced to learn several moves so I could be considered half an expert. In TAI CHI HERO, Baby put on a wedding costume for the first time. Art director Tim Yip Kam Tim felt bad for her. Because the phoenix crown was too heavy Baby constantly suffered from headaches! * (2012/08/27) At the 11th Chang Chun Film Festival Golden Deer Award and closing ceremony two nights ago, Johnnie To Kei Fung with LIFE WITHOUT PRINCIPLE (DUET MING GUM) won Best Director. Because Ah To was working the Andy Lau Tak Wa and Sammi Cheng Sau Man starred film THE BLIND DETECTIVE (MAN TAM) he was unable to personally accept the award. Chiao Chiao with OVERHEARD 2 (SIT TING FUNG WON 2) with her wheel chair bound mother role won Best Supporting Actress. * (2012/08/26) Kelvin Kwan Chor Yiu, Sammy Sum Chun Hin, Linah Matsuoka and others two nights ago attended a LAN KWAI FONG 2 (HEI OI YEH PO 2) audience appreciation event at a certain Mongkok cinema. The film opened with over 2 million at the box office and became the summer opening champion. Kwan Chor Yiu was very grateful for the audience's support and said that later he, the director and other actors will chip in for a cast and crew dinner. Shiga Lin Si Nga earlier said that Kwan Chor Yiu was constantly not in Hong Kong so they were unable to promote as a couple. Kwan Chor Yiu said that he attended teh premiere, but because he was busy with a television series production he was unable to promote more. He said that two nights ago after returning to Hong Kong he rushed to attend the event, on the other hand Lin Si Nga was already promoting the film in Australia. Kwan Chor Yiu also mentioned that for the intimate scene with Lin Si Nga in the film, he actually decided to appear in his underwear without the company's approval. Because he thought the feeling would be better when he took off his jeans during the shoot, he performed in his underwear. However he believed that the company would not scold him after finding out. Speaking of Mia promising the audience that she would skinny dip to celebrate the box office success, Linah Matsuoka said that she had no idea. If she was in a good mood she might go with Mia. * (2012/08/25) Sammy Sum Chun Hin and Liu Yuqi in the film LAN KWAI FONG 2 (HEI OI YEH PO 2) had a series of passionate scenes. In one scene Liu Yuqi and Sum Chun Hin got intimate in front of a display window as Liu Yuqi's chest was crushed against the glass. The film in current in release and the response has been decent. Director Wilson Chin Kwok Wai pointed out that if it will pass 20 million at the box office, the actors have agreed to skinny dip to celebrate. * (2012/08/25) Director Peter Chan Ho Sun yesterday revealed online that the some of the Beijing shoots have wrapped. Later he and actors Huang Xiaoming, Tong Dawei dined to celebrate. Chan Ho Sun lamented that since becoming a director at age 27 no one has asked him to sign a memory book and he has never dried at the wrap dinner, but this time he did both. He even made friend with three actors. He even addressed Sandra Ng Kwan Yu as "Old Lady" on a rare occasion online. "The only thing I didn't do is drink because I respect my Old Wife. I am saying something nauseating while I am sober." Later actors including Huang Xiaoming even kissed the director's cheek. No wonder Ng Kwan Yu commented, "Wow wow wow, very gay!" * (2012/08/25) The Pang Ho Cheung directed VULGARIA (DAI JOOK HEI KET) after 2 weeks in released already broke 20 million (as of August 23) at the box office. Pang Ho Cheung today and tomorrow will attend audience appreciation events at specific cinemas with Chapman To Man Jat, DaDa Chen Jing. They will not only give away gifts to viewers but also draw a lucky winner of a Guangxi tour that will include donkey visit and the wild game banquet. Pang Ho Cheung recently already revealed online that a VULGARIA iPhone protective cover will be released. The Pang Ho Cheung brand PHC will release limited edition gifts with the famous label Candies for viewers. * (2012/08/24) The Mainland female star Mini Yang Mi and Nicholas Tse Ting Fung were linked in rumors due to their Emperor Motion Picture THE BULLET VANISHES (SIU SUT DIK JI DAN), but in real life they did not click at all. Yang Mi had to rely on thinking about her boyfriend Harwick Lau Hoi Wai to get into the feeling of romance. Reportedly when Ting Fung and Yang Mi worked on a romantic walk scene, because Yang Mi was unable to perform the feeling of a woman in love they had many bad takes. Was Ting Fung unable to bring the romance out of her? Yang Mi apologetically said, "The weather was too cold I couldn't focus." On the other hand in another scene Ting Fung was hospitalized for injured from an explosion, Yang Mi was crying like rain and needed only one take. Yang Mi later admitted that she had to get into her personal emotions. "During the shoot I imagine someone I love in a hospital, so I worried and shed tears without even thinking about it." Did the credit go to Lau Hoi Waik? She sweetly smiled and said, "Take a guess!" Lau Ching Wan was scared stiff in a mid air scene. Ching Wan was hung from four stories up. Originally he was already somewhat afraid. During the shoot the wire suddenly jerked and Ching Wan dropped for several feet. Ching Wan afterward said that he was almost scared to death. "I thought I would really drop!" Ting Fung also had an accident when he pointed a gun at his own head. The prop gun was not solid enough and the magazine during the shoot dropped on the ground three times. Ting Fung who originally concentrated on acting could not help but laugh with the crew. After ten days in release THE BULLET VANISHES has already passed 100 million yuan RMB. * (2012/08/24) Universe artist Elanne Kong Yuek Lam and Malaysian singer Aniu earlier worked on their new film AFTER THE WEDDING DIARY in Singapore. In the story the couple became parents, thus Elanne and Aniu had many scenes with the ten month old child actor "Wai Wai". Although Elanne was still single, she seemed to want a child rather badly. At work on or off camera she held Wai Wai and refused to let go. She also often gave him "kisses" but Wai Wai did not submit. He even often bit Elanne and put her hair in response. * (2012/08/24) Elanne Kong Yuek Lam in the film THE WEDDING DIARY (GEIT FUN NA GEIN SI) worked with Aniu for the first time, but this "first time" made Aniu suffer. In the film Kong Yuek Lam played a mean girl. In one scene her boyfriend dumped her and she angrily threw water at him, but instead hit Aniu; perhaps she was too focused, she threw toward the wrong direction the first few times and did not hit Aniu's face directly. She felt sorry about needing several takes. In another scene, they had a funny bed scene. Because it was her first intimate scene she could not be more nervous. To calm herself down Kong Yuek Lam spray her favorite perfume all over Aniu like it was a bug spray so he would smell like her favorite fragrance to ease the tension. Aniu thus became the human potpourri. * (2012/08/24) NAKED WEAPON (JUET SIK MO HEI) two nights ago held its premiere. Producer Wong Jing led leads Andy Tien (On Chi Kit), Jennifer Tse Ting Ting and Philip Ng Won Lung to pray for the new film to be a big hit. Patrick Tse Yin, Deborah Li and Moustache Kong attended in support of their daughter. Reportedly Wong Jing planned to bring back the 90s classic GOD OF GAMBLERS (DOH SUN). He clarified that he only considered a police film. He said, "This will not be GOD OF GAMBLERS 4. I also have gathered Fat Gor and Ting Fung, of course I hope the script would pass inspection. I also have to coordinate actor schedules." Brother Jing admitted that both top male stars were interested, but they would depend on the female lead, the roles and scripts to be able to accommodate. Speaking of the female lead being his favorite Tong Fei, Brother Jing responded, "I still plan to find a top Mainland female star to perform." Speaking of the talk of a GOD OF GAMBLERS, Brother Jing said, "No! This is already a classic. The copyright isn't in my hands, so it can't be made." He said that he planned for Andrew Lau Wai Keung to produce the police film while he will direct. In addition, he was rumored to be bringing Deanie Ip Tak Han with him back to TVB for a series. Brother Jing said, "I predict it will be March next year, but because it hasn't started production I am not officially confirming." Brother Jing said that he has not considered asking Andy Lau Tak Wa, but Sister Deanie was already 90%. Speaking of this homecoming, Brother Jing said that it was only a series collaboration with TVB so it was not a return. He said, "It's just like working with ATV on series earlier. Due to Mainland investment partners, a lot have not been confirmed." As for becoming Michelle Yeoh (Yeung Chi King)'s successor, Ting Ting thought that she needed more training. She said, "I of course wanted to be in the same class as her." Her boyfriend On Chi Kit supported his girlfriend and said that she had no problem. Has he thought about teaching Ting Ting kung fu? Andy replied, "I don't know how, I have to wait for Ng Won Lung." On Chi Kit admitted that before the shot he was worried about his girlfriend getting hurt, but later he realized that she was a rather quick learner at kung fu. Speaking of a romantic film together, Ting Ting said, "I don't have a problem, I hope to have a chance to fight my boyfriend too." Andy laughed and said that he would be reluctant to hit her. Speaking of Ting Fung and Cecilia Cheung Pak Chi's reunion rumor, Sei Gor said, "That's crazy!" * (2012/08/23) The film COLD WAR (HONG JIN) will be released on October 18. The poster that featured hunks like Aaron Kwok Fu Sing, Andy Lau Tak Wa, Tony Leung Ka Fai, Eddie Peng Yu-Yen, and Aarif Rahman (Lee Chi Ting) was first unveiled. The story was a complicated struggle between high ranking police officers. Director Longman Leung Lok man and Sunny Luk Kim Ching spent five years to prepare for this film and collected a lot of research material like police internal regulation and hidden rules. The high rank internal conflict would also be realistically brought to life. Leung Ka Fai appreciated this film's Hong Kong film style, a genre that has been missed. Lau Tak Wa guest starred and said that the script attracted him. Battle of wit police stories have been infrequent in recent years. Thus he looked forward to this film to start a new trend again. * (2012/08/23) The Andy Lau Tak Wa, Zhang Jingchu, Lin Chiling, Tong Dawei starred treasure hunt film SWITCH (FUCHUN SAN GUI TOH) will be released on November 8 in Hong Kong. In the film Lau Tak Wa played a stylish special agent and his individual still was unveiled earlier. In the film he appeared in many costumes, a blue and mature look, a white gentleman tuxedo look, a tough tank top look, and sunglasses special agent look among others. All brought a light to people's eyes. In one photo he and Lin Chiling had a romantic toast. Lau Tak Wa said that the production made him very excited. For the workaholic, during the shoot he often had to rush from one location to another and shoot right away. When he was working in Dubai he had rides to different locations. Due to the tight schedule he needed to change inside the vehicle. When he arrived at the next location he was able to go to work right away. Such an intense production process made him feel very fulfilled, as if he has returned to the 80s Hong Kong film production pace. In the film Lau Tak Wa had many looks. He said that the movie enabled him to played many different looks and worked in many different nations. Thus he was it was a super value. As for working with Lin Chiling in the film, he said that Chiling was very friendly. The entire team liked to work with her, thus being able to work with her was an absolute joy. * (2012/08/23) DaDa Chen Jing and Susan Shaw Yam Yam two nights ago put on their costumes and promoted their film VULGARIA (DAI JOOK HEI KET) in Mongkok. DaDa appeared in a low cut look, while Yam Yam nont oly put on the evening gown from the film in which Ronald Cheng Chung Kei touched her chest but also a tall nostalgic hairstyle. They gave away popping candy, fans and tee shirts on the streets as the crowd fought for them. Shaw Yam Yam said that earlier she agreed to appear for audience appreciation when the box office got close to HK$20 million. Thus last night she dressed up. "This head (wig) is very hot and heavy, luckily the typhoon hasn't arrived yet. Otherwise, I would be blown left and right." Yam Yam said that this was her first promotion in Mongkok. How did it feel? She said, "I am very happy. In this lifetime I haven't had so many people staring at me. When I stood next to DaDa, usually others would start at DaDa. However this time everyone was staring at my head, I beat DaDa." DaDa said, she felt very happy to learn about the ideal box office performance. Speaking of the director treating the crew to a vacation, DaDa said that she wanted to go to Japan and even to an audience appreciation in Australia because the film will be released there. Was DaDa worried about being taken advantage of during the gift distribution? She said, "No, I think everyone wants candy more. I am very 'vulgar'. If you try anything I would slap you." In addition, Yam Yam said that because she will have to work on a film in Yunnan, she might not be able to attend the Tokyo Film Festival with the team. She had no regret, though, the most important was the award. Speaking of awards, DaDa said that the director will decide whether it will be nominated. She did not hold out much hope, ultimately she was a new comer. Will she wear a bikini to Mongkok for audience appreciation if the box office reached 30 million? She said, "That is too lame. This time I am giving, next time with 30 million I will feed (candy)." Yam Yam said, "I believe the audience would like to be fed, it would be sweet for a lifetime." [ BLAH OF THE WEEK ] Columns, Reviews, Interviews 1. MING PAO DAILY, AUGUST 26 2012, FILM WORDS HONG KONG FILM HAS TO RELY ON SEX TO SAVE THE MARKET? The end of summer brings more erotic/sex films that are not suitable for children. With its decent box office performance last year, LAN KWAI FONG (HEI OI YEH PO) now has a second film and also many supporters. Although today Hong Kong is not as "SEX AND THE CITY" as certain places in the Mainland and overseas, from SEX AND ZEN to VULGARIA sex has already become one of the gimmicks for Hong Kong films to attract viewers anew. Fortunately it is not only the trick, but Hong Kong film undoubtedly has fewer and fewer "sure fire" ideas. LAN KWAI FONG 2 : Looking For Play To Act In The Wilson Chin Kwok Wai directed LAN KWAI FONG 2 still uses Lan Kwai Fong to cook up drinking and sex, full of drinker lust and flesh baring exotic ladies. It also as usual sticks in a few romances, mainly they are the romantic storm between poor photographer Kelvin Kwan Chor Yiu and rich girl Shiga Lin Si Nga, and player Sammy Sum Chun Hin's obsession with Liu Yuqi, a beautiful woman who wants sex but not love. A innocent policeman runs into a Japanese disc jockey, an attendant of the rich falls for an escort with filial piety. Almost all the relationships are looking for plays to act in. They are less than dramatic, only thrown together in the heat of the moment. The latter part is relatively better. The most wonderful is when the couple fights, they actually blame the worker with a blow torch for getting in the way. This scene pokes fun at young people ignoring others. Finally at Lan Kwai Fong they cook up "going back in time" to hold on to his girlfriend's heart, which is also a smart design. (Two and a half out of five stars) NAKED WEAPON : Exaggerated and Superficial As for the Wong Jing producer and written, Marco Mak Chi Sin directed NAKED WEAPON, a movie about Interpol and a sexy killer organization, is quite a large scale police sex action film. Andy Tien (ON Chi Kit) and Sammo Hung Kam Bo play a new and old cop pair who is up against Jennifer Tse Ting Ting, Ankie Beilke (Bui On Kei), other sexy killers and their leader Ellen Chan Nga Lun. Domineering mobster Anthony Wong Chau Sun and many Chinese, foreign, male and female fighters are also involved. The entire film keeps on selling sexy, kung fu, gun fight and a mystery that involves two generations. The backdrop includes Hong Kong, Taiwan and the U.S. NAKED WEAPON can be said as being full of gimmicks, the action looks both pretty and sexy. This format in the 80s and the 90s would definitely be a hit, but today it is obviously exaggerated and superficial. Instead it is not as attractive as the just sex and drinking LAN KWAI FONG 2 to the new generation. Lead actress Tse Ting Ting as the kind killer is not vicious enough, and she actually is Hung Kam Bo's long lost daughter who is kidnapped by an enemy and brainwashed. This type of mystery is truly outdated and contrived. Actually this film shows a lot of hard work. Mak Chi Sin and action directors Corey Yuen Kwai and Yuen Tak all pull their weight. Hung Kam Bo's performance is particularly humorous, but somewhat regrettably it is more effort than it is worth. (Two and a half out of five stars) WOLF CHILDREN: Decent Technique This week's best made new film is the Japanese animation WOLF CHILDREN. The female lead in her university day falls for a werewolf and gives birth to werewolf siblings Ame and Yuki. They move from the city to a faraway country town to live off the fields. This film is very realistic and delicate with the city and country scenery, the changes of the season and the family and school life are very detailed. The film depicts a touching mother and children relationship as well as an environment protection spirit. I am dissatisfied that the entire film is excessively realistic and lacks the magical color that a werewolf legend should have, unlike Hayao Miyazaki's work that mixes reality and fantasy and is the best of the worlds. Writer and director Mamoru Hosoda is slow paced and has some dull moments, ultimately the film has too much humanity and not enough animal instinct. However this film is rather well drawn and very worthy of watching. (Three out of five stars) - SHEK KEI [ In Production Now/Soon ] DETECTIVE DEE THE PREQUEL Can : Dik Yun Kit Chin Juen d. Tsui Hark Carina Lau Ka Ling, AngelaBaby, Feng Shaofeng, Mark Chao (Chiu Yau Ting), Lin Gengxin, Kim Beom MY SASSY HUBBY Can : Ngor Lo Por Ng Gau Ching 2 Ngor Lo Gung Ng Sun Sing Lit : My Old Lady Is Under Weight 2: My Hubby Is Out Of His Nature Dior Cheng Yi Kin, Charlene Choi Cheuk Yin, Joyce Cheng Yun Yi, Wylie Chiu Shek Chi, Izz Xu (Tsui Ching Hei) Can : Oi Ching Dat Yun Anita Yuen Wing Yi, Nelson Cheung Hok Yun, Edward Chui Woai Dong, Qiu Xinzhi, Naomi 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 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 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 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 September 6 2012 Site : http://aeghk.com --- [ NOW SHOWING ] GF*BF Can : Nui Pung Yau Nam Pung Yau Lit : Girlfriend*Boyfriend d. Yang Ya-Che Kwai Lun-Mei, Joseph Chang Hsiao-Chuan, Rhydian Vaughan (Fung Siu Ngok), Bryan Chang Shu-Hao Rating : IIB Length : 106 mins. Opening August 14 2012 at the Hong Kong Summer International Film Festival Opening August 30 2012 Site : http://www.hkiff.org.hk/en/films-GF-BF.php [ YAHOO! MOVIES HONG KONG ] At 17, Liam and Mabel already cannot be closer. In the eyes of their classmates they are childhood sweethearts. Yet such an intimate relationship begins to deteriorate after Aaron appears! The rebellious and wild Aaron often tries to get close to Mabel through Liam; but Liam has no ill will toward him. They even continue to be like brothers; Mabel is not only surprised but also confused. "When we are 30, neither of us has a lover then we should be together." Liam has not made his feelings about Mei Bo's promise known. The silent rejection instead makes Mei Bo accept Aaron's pursuit, but Liam has not backed out of the triangle. Instead at the university he quietly becomes Aaron's student movement partner, bringing them even closer. As time passes, the trio's beautiful relationship gradually becomes lost, trapped between friendship and love... WILD 7 Can : 7 Gum Gong Lit : 7 Golden Golem d. Eiichiro Hasumi Eita, Kippei Shiina, Ryuhei Maruyama, Tsuyoshi Abe, Takashi Ukaji, Yusuke Hirayama, Minoru Matsumoto, Kyoko Fukada, Kiichi Nakai Length : 109 mins. Opening August 14 2012 at the Hong Kong Summer International Film Festival Opening August 30 2012 Site : http://www.hkiff.org.hk/en/films-GF-BF.php [ YAHOO! MOVIES HONG KONG ] A terrorist organization steals a special virus with a fatal strike attempt at the entire nation. Wild 7 is again ordered to take action. The so called Wild 7 is seven elite members that the police has chosen form a group of super criminals. They are responsible for the worst of the worst; their motto is "criminals who the law cannot prosecute must be executed on the spot!" Wild 7 has always been an eye for an eye, keeping law and order out of their minds. In order to protect the innocent, they in the midst of high speed motorcycle chases and bloody gun fights swear to storm the terrorist organization's nest. Yet after a series of investigations Wild 7 discovers the complicated plot behind the stolen virus as the shocking conspiracy is about to erupt... AFTER SCHOOL MIDNIGHTERS Can : Gwai Dan Hau Yuen ji Yeh Lit : Night of Strange School d. Hitoshi Takekiyo Japanese Animation Opening August 24 2012 [ YAHOO! MOVIES HONG KONG ] A highly intelligent anatomy model has a partner Bones is a skeletal model. They both are placed in an elementary school science room. During the day they are human models, at night they act up. However the "three girl gang", three super mischievous girls, enters the science room to mess with them... LOVE FICTION Can : "Mo" Fat But Oi Nei Lit : "Hair" Way Not To Love You d. Jeon Kye-Su Ha Jung-Woo, Kong Hyo-Jin, Ji Jin-Hee Length : 121 mins. Opening August 24 2012 [ YAHOO! MOVIES HONG KONG ] Novelist Joo-Wol has a "mental block" that stalls his new work. By chance he runs into a strange woman Hee-Jin and falls in love at first sight. Always waiting for the perfect dream girl, he decides to pursue Hee-Jin in ways that are different from before. However, this goddess is not so simple! Never mentioning her past, countless exes, and the "sea urchin" thick underarm hair.....the mysterious and strange Hee-Jin piques his curiosity as he hopes to find out everything about her. Claiming to be born and raised in Alaska, a fan of photography and never shaves against traditions, Hee-Jin brings endless surprises in love; a series of overt and covert "background checks" even makes Joo-Wol's creative inspiration rushing out like a spring... NAKED SOLDIER d. Marco Mak Jennifer Tse Ting Ting, Sammo Hung Kam Bo, Philip Ng, Ankie Beilke, Andy On Chi Kit Rating : IIB Length : 93 mins. Opening August 23 2012 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. WOLF CHILDREN Can : Long Dik Hai Ji Yu Wor Shuet Lit : Children of Wolf Rain and Snow d. Hosoda Mamoru Japanese Animation Rating : IIB Length : 120 mins. Opening August 22 2012 at the Hong Kong Summer International Film Festival Site : http://www.hkiff.org.hk/en/films-Wolf-Children.php [ YAHOO! MOVIES HONG KONG ] University student Hana meets a werewolf, risks everything to fall in love, even marries him and has his children. Hana gives birth to a pair of cute siblings Yuki and Ame. One day, the werewolf unfortunately passes away. Hana in order to hide her secret is determined to bring her children to the countryside and live off the land. Yet facing a variety of difficulties, how will the wolf children grow up? GUNS AND ROSES Can : Wong Gum Dai Gip On Lit : Golden Big Robbery d. Ning Hao Lei Jiayin, Tao Hong, Cheng Yuanyuan, Guo Tao Length : 111 mins. Opening August 21 2012 at the Hong Kong Summer International Film Festival Site : http://www.hkiff.org.hk/en/films-Guns-and-Roses.php [ YAHOO! MOVIES HONG KONG ] In Manchuria during the Japanese occupation, Xiao Dongbei has his eyes on the Japanese military's eight tons of gold and teams up with a fake filmmaker and a real revolutionary, which becomes a process of baptism of life. ROBO G Can : Teet Gap Kei Hup G Lit : Iron Armor Senior Hero G d. Shinobu Yaguchi Mickey Curtis, Yuriko Yoshitaka Length : 111 mins. Opening August 19 2012 [ YAHOO! MOVIES HONG KONG ] Kimura Electronics Research department's three man team develops a new generation "New Sea Breeze" robots as they swear to make a mark for their company at the convention. On the eve of the convention, "New Sea Breeze" accidentally jumps the fence! In the last minute they asks the 73 year old Shigemitsu Suzuki to dress up as a robot. He not only shows off at the Convention but also bravely saves female university student Yoko's life, becoming the talk of the town! Unfortunately, as the entire city is singing the praises of "New Sea Breeze"'s intelligence danger secretly appears! Facing the ordinary glory hound but incredibly lonely Grandpa Suzuki, the three man team has trouble appeasing him; in addition the "robot fan" Yoko begins to investigate the background of "New Sea Breeze". Other developers have also attempted to remove the robot's mysterious veil. The shocking secret of Robo G is about to be exposed! PUNCH Can : Wai Hai Ji Dik Yut Gik Lit : One Blow Of A Bad Boy d. Lee Han Yoo Ah-In, Kim Yun-Seok Length : 110 mins. Opening August 19 2012 at the Hong Kong Summer International Film Festival Site : http://www.hkiff.org.hk/en/films-Punch.php [ YAHOO! MOVIES HONG KONG ] Known as a bad boy, Wan-Deuk is quite a fighter. As long as someone picks on his hunchback street performer father, his punch will surely land. He actually is very lonely and depressed inside. His shy smile reminds people of a young Takuya Kimura. His sky is waiting for boxing gloves and first love. "Bad Boy" also has a teacher who does not prefer to fight. Rebelling against his rich but heartless father he comes to this low class community to be Wan-Deuk's neighbor and class teacher. Yet he gossips that Wan-Deuk's biological mother actually is a Filipina maid. Actually they are two of a kind, the friendly teacher and student together create a beautiful community. ARCHITECTURE 101 Can : Chor Luen Jook Jik 101 Lit : First Love Architecture Trace 101 d. Lee Yong-Ju Uhm Tae-Woong, Han Ga-In, Lee Je-Hoon, Bae Suzy Length : 111 mins. Opening August 18 2012 [ YAHOO! MOVIES HONG KONG ] Seung-Min is a 35 year old architect. One day, he receives a surprising business deal. The female client named Seo-Yeon is his crush during his university days. Seo-Yeon asks Seung-Min to rebuild her ancestral home on Jeju Island. In order to have his first signature work in his life as soon as possible, Seung-Min is determined to take this deal. Yet as soon as he steps into the familiar small home, his memory also returns to the "Architecture 101" classroom at the University when he first saw Seo-Yeon. The 20 year of Seung-Min behind the innocence and the ambiguity has never made his feelings known to the young Seo-Yeon... As time flies, 15 years later the sweet but sad first love memory floods back to the hearts of Seung-Min and Seo-Yeon. The times have changed, but the people and the events have not; can the unfinished first love repeat itself in the modern space and time? IN ANOTHER COUNTRY Can : Ta Heung Dik Nui Yun Lit : Woman Of Another Country d. Hong Sang-Soo Isabelle Huppert, Yu Jun-Sang, Jung Yumi Length : 89 mins. Opening August 18 2012 at the Hong Kong Summer International Film Festival Site : http://www.hkiff.org.hk/en/films-In-Another-Country.php THANK YOU GANGSTERS Can : Bun Fat 39 Tiu Lit : Dumb Law Section 39 d. Kosuke Oshida Masaru Oshida, Kinuo Yamada, Kiyotake Oshida Length : 112 mins. Opening August 18 2012 at the Hong Kong Summer International Film Festival Site : http://www.hkiff.org.hk/en/films-Thank-You-Gangsters.php [ HONG KONG SUMMER INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL ] Jailbird Hiroshi has a developmentally challenged older brother Kiyotaka. When a con artist alerts Hiroshi to his brother's status as a "Section 39" — meaning he can't go to jail for his crimes under Japanese law — Hiroshi, Kiyotaka and childhood buddy Kazuyo let loose on a crime spree. When the trio realises they've been lied to they pick up a final partner in crime, the senile Kanayama, and dare the law to take them down anyway. BEAUTIFUL 2012 Can : Sing Nui Chook Jo Mau Lit : Thriving Woman Rent-A-Cat d. Kim Tae-Yong, Gu Changwei, Tsai Ming-Liang, Ann Hui On Wa Gong Hyo-Jin, Yan Lianke, Lee Kang-Sheng, Francis Ng Chun Yu Length : 90 mins. Opening August 17 2012 at the Hong Kong Summer International Film Festival Site : http://www.hkiff.org.hk/en/films-Beautiful-2012.php [ HONG KONG SUMMER INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL ] What is beautiful? Kim Tae-yong's You Are More than Beautiful turns that mundane thing called money, clouded by unfortunate yet inevitable deceit, into a quest for kindness and beauty. Gu Changwei's characters must face up to reality and play the expectation game in Long Tou. Tsai Ming-Liang's Walker ponders aloud if Hong Kong is beautiful, or strangely beautiful, or beautifully strange. Finally, in Ann Hui's My Way, the pursuit of beauty lies in the risky business of making decisions – big big decisions. KEY OF LIFE Can : Sut Si Sat Sau Lit : Lost Key Killer d. Kenji Uchida Masato Sakai, Ryoko Hirosue, Teruyuki Kagawa Length : 128 mins. Opening August 17 2012 at the Hong Kong Summer International Film Festival Site : http://www.hkiff.org.hk/en/films-Rent-a-Cat.php [ HONG KONG SUMMER INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL ] Failing actor Sakurai's preparations to end his life end with a bathhouse locker key switch-up, a blow to the head for successful professional killer Kondo and about of amnesia. While impersonating Kondo Sakurai quickly realises the man's life isn't exactly above board and soon finds himself dodging Yakuza and creating a mess that Kondo will have to clean up if he's to start a new life with Kanae, the woman who sets Kondo straight. RENT-A-CAT Can : Sing Nui Chook Jo Mau Lit : Thriving Woman Rent-A-Cat d. Naoko Ogigami Mikako Ichikawa, Reiko Kusamura, Kei Tanaka Length : 110 mins. Opening August 17 2012 at the Hong Kong Summer International Film Festival Site : http://www.hkiff.org.hk/en/films-Rent-a-Cat.php [ HONG KONG SUMMER INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL ] Sayoko is the Japanese equivalent of the crazy cat lady, except that she's still young and attractive. After accepting that felines seem to have an affinity towards her, she soon begins her new vocation – renting out cats to lonely folks. But deep down, she is no different from those she is renting out her pets to. Unfolding in four vignettes rather than as straightforward narrative, the film reveals Sayoko and her furry friends' antics and ultimately charms us with its gentle humor and sweetness. LACUNA Can : Jui Hau Yut Yeh Lit : One Night After Drinking d. Derek Tsang Kwok Cheung Shawn Yue Man Lok, Zhang Jingchu, Lawrence Chou Rating : IIA Length : 97 mins. Opening August 2 2012 [ YAHOO! MOVIES HONG KONG ] Early in the morning, Cuddling in sleep Shum Wai and Tung Yun open their eyes and are surprised -- they do not know each other at all! Rushing to leave the awkward scene, they both run for the door. They are both surprised to learn that they are not at home, but an enormous furniture store! After sobering up they go their separate ways, Tung Yun suddenly remembers that last night she had a task that she has not completed for her boss, involving 300,000 in cash and a mediocre actress; Shum Wai loses his company car, cannot reach his best friend and after returning to work he even becomes the target of everyone's gossip -- last night their "party" photos have already spread online as he has become a hot topic. As they fall into confusion, the police station calls and tells them they found their lost pet...... TATSUMI d. Eric Khoo (Yau Kam Hoi) Animation Rating : III Opening August 2 2012 [ BROADWAY CIRCUIT ] TATSUMI celebrates the life and work of Japanese comics artist Yoshihiro Tatsumi. In post-war occupied Japan, young Tatsumi’s passion for comics eventually becomes a means of supporting his poor family. Already published as a teenager, talented Tatsumi finds even greater inspiration after meeting his idol, famous Disneyesque animator Osamu Tezuka. Despite his steady success, Tatsumi begins to question why Japanese comics should cater to children with cute and whimsical tales and drawings. In 1957, Tatsumi coins the term gekiga (dramatic pictures) and redefines the manga landscape by encouraging an alternative genre for adults. Realistic and disquieting, Tatsumi’s work begins to grapple with the darker aspects. [ 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. THERMAE ROMAE Can : Law Ma Yuk Cheung Lit : Roman Bath House d. Hideki Takeuchi Hiroshi Abe, Aya Ueto Masachikia Ichimura, Kazuki Kitamura Rating : IIB Length : 108 mins. Opening August 25 2012 at the Hong Kong Summer International Film Festival Opening October 23 2012 Site : http://www.hkiff.org.hk/en/films-Thermae-Romae.php [ YAHOO! MOVIES HONG KONG ] Down and out ancient Roman architect Lucius arrives in the 21st Century Japan with a bath house pool. He not only learns the people based bathing technique but also falls in love with a young woman comic book creator. Commuting between the two places Lucius catches the attention of the bath loving Roman Emperor and falls into a pool of power struggle...... THE LION ROARS 2 Can : Hor Dung Si Hau II Lit : River East Lion Roars 2 d. Joe Ma Wai Ho Cecilia Cheung Pak Chi, Xiao Shenyang Opening August 30 2012 Site : http://aeghk.com [ YAHOO! MOVIES HONG KONG ] Near the end of the East Han, heroine Wang Yueying who hates unfaithful men interfered in other people's family affairs all day long. She even prohibited all men from marrying a concubine, angering the general public. Yueying's father knew that Yueying would not fall for a conventional man. For the lifelong happiness of his daughter he deliberately arranged for the town's best schemer Dongfang Mingliang to conduct a love debate with Yueying. After a war of words, they finally set up a wager. If Mingliang remains faithful to Yueying for a year, they will wed. Mingliang thus lived with Yueying but not sharing a bed, but they through all the fighting gradually fell for each other. At the same time, the ambitious general Sima Kong and the noble descendant Liu Da fought over Mingliang to be their general. Sima Kong saw Mingliang remained unmoved and sent assassins to kill Mingliang, who Yueying rescues...... BLACK AND WHITE: THE DAWN OF ASSAULT Can : Pei Ji Ying Hung ji Chuen Min Hoi Jin Lit : Ruffian Hero: Full Scale War Begins d. Tsai Yueh-Hsun Mark Chao (Chiu Yau Ting), Huang Bo, Angelababy, Alex To Tak Wai, Leon Dai Rating : IIB Length : 143 mins. Opening August 30 2012 Official Site : http://www.prajnaworks.com/BWEI/index.html [ YAHOO! MOVIES HONG KONG ] The always gutless thug Xu Dafu for the woman he loves walks on the side of danger as he embezzles stolen money to make extra cash. As he is about to succeed, a mysterious heavy armored unit sweeps in; Hero Wu originally thinks it is just a simple underground exchange, but after arresting Xu Dafu he steps into an even greater conspiracy...... WE NOT NAUGHTY Can : Hai Ji But Wai Lit : Children Not Bad d. Jack Neo Shawn Lee, Joshua Ang, Cherry Hsia, Daniel Chan Hiu Tung, Opening August 30 2012 HELTER SKELTER Can : Jing Yung Tin Hau Lit : Plastic Surgery Queen d. Mika Ninagawa Erika Sawajiri, Shinobu Terajima, Go Ayano Length : 127 mins. Opening August 16 2012 at the Hong Kong Summer International Film Festival Opening September 13 2012 Site : http://www.hkiff.org.hk/en/films-Helter-Skelter.php [ YAHOO! MOVIES HONG KONG ] The fat and ugly Ririko originally works in a night spot for those with a "fat girl fetish"; one day, she accepts an extremely high risk full body plastic surgery and her life has renewed! Ririko after her transformation with her "man made" angelic face and devilish figure rapidly becomes top fashion magazines and international labels' official model, fulfilling her dream. As Ririko enjoys her brilliant moment, due to excessive plastic surgery Ririko's body begins to show severe side effects; with a variety of competition from junior and new comers, the supermodel diva legend gradually vanishes in front of people's eyes! MY WAY Can : Dun Lok Ji Yut Lit : Day Of the Landing d. Kang Je-Gyu Jang Dong-Gun, Jo Odagiri, Fan Bingbing, Kim In-Kwon, Do Ji-Han, Lee Yeon-Hee Opening September 1 2012 [ YAHOO! MOVIES HONG KONG ] Young Tatsuo who moves to Korea with his father runs into a Korean youth Joon-Sik who likes to run as much as he does. As adults they become a pair of marathon rivals. At the Olympic marathon trials Joon-Sik edges out Tatsuo, but under the Japanese track and field alliance's control Tatsuo wins. As World War II fully erupts, Joon-Sik is drafted into the Japanese army. Tatsuo becomes a new colonel. Since then Joon-Sik serves in the Japanese, the Russian and the German army. Tatsuo also walks through the journey with Joon-Sik. 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 Rating : IIA Length : 96 mins. Opening September 6 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 THIEVES d. Choi Dong-Hun Kim Yoon-Seok, Kim Hye-Soo, Lee Jung-Jae, Gianna Jun Ji-Hyun, Kim Hae-Suk, Kim Soo-Hyun, Simon Yam Tat Wa, Oh Dal-Su, Angelica Lee Sinjie, Derek Tsang Kwok Cheung Rating : IIB Length : 135 mins. Opening September 6 2012 [ YAHOO! MOVIES HONG KONG ] Rumored to have vavnished with 68 kilograms of gold, legendary thief Macao Park suddenly returns to recruit a team for a big heist in Macau -- the 318 karat giant diamond "Tear of the Sun". He invites former partner Popeye and lock picking expert Pepsee, as well as high wire expert Yenicall, rising romantic thief Zampano and master of disguise Chewingum to join. The six gather in Hong Kong and meet up with the Chen led criminal organizations, lock picking expert Julie and two hired guns Johnny and Andrew to go to Macau togehter. The goal is to steal the "Tear of the Sun" from mob boss Wei Hong. On the surface, everyone is working together for a switcharoo heist, but each have their own ideas; Popie does not trust Macao Park; Yenicall wants the diamond; Pepsee only wants to clear up her confusing relationship with Macao Park; Chen only has his eyes on the casino cash; the leader Macao Park seems to hide a even deeper plan...... 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 Length : 108 mins. Site : http://www.emp.hk/title.php?film_id=126&category=1 Opening September 13 2012 [ 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... BUDDY COPS Can : Sun Sau Ba Da Lit : Holy Beast "Brother" AKA : Sun Sau Ying Gaing Lit : Holy Beast Cops d. Peter Chik Ka Kei Michael Tse Tin Wa, Bosco Wong Chung Chak, King Kong, Alice Chan Wai, Kate Tsui Tsz Shan, Vincent Lam Wai, Lisa Cheng Opening September 13 2012 Opening November 29 2012 in Malaysia COLD STEEL Can : Bin Dei Long Yin Lit : Wolf Smoke All Over d. David Wu Dai Wai Peter Ho Yun Tung, Song Jia, Tony Leung Ka Fai, Wu Feixia, Zhu Lin Length : 98 mins. Opening September 14 2012 [ YAHOO! MOVIES HONG KONG ] Mu Liangfeng is a small town youth who is originally a hunter, with sharpshooting skills and incredible accuracy. Once in order to save his companion Liu Yan wounds a military officer with a knife. His superb vision catches the general's eyes and thus he is ordered to serve. Japan just invaded China and Mu Liangfeng can only set aside personal feelings to step on the journey to fend off the Japanese; under the officer Mengzi's strict training he becomes the top sniper who puts the fear in the hearts of the Japanese army. As the Japanese army retreats, its commander "Ghost Shadow" is drastically impacted. On the other hand, "Ghost Shadow"'s finance, a military doctor, witnesses her fiance's mad slaughter of innocent Chinese and is determined to break off the engagement. The commander's failure and romantic setback fuels his hatred for Mu Liangfeng as "Ghost Shadow" takes Liu Yan as a hostage to force Mu Liangfeng into a duel alone. Between love and country, how will Mu Liangfeng choose? DUE WEST: OUR SEX JOURNEY Can : Yut Lo Heung Sai Lit : A Road To The West AKA : DUE WE: MY SEX JOURNEY 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, Angelina Zhang (Cheung Woon Nga), Wylie Chiu Shek Chi, Jessica Kizaki, Jeana Ho Pui Yu, Celia Kwok Wing Yi, Lee Muk Ching, Mo Qiwen, Daniella Wang Lidan, Shu Sum Yin, Mao Xuan, Tin Kai Man, Tony Ho Wa Chiu, Ng Lai Chu Opening September 20 2012 THE TASTE OF MONEY d. Im Sang-Soo Kim Kang-Woo, Baek Yun-Shik, Yoo Yeo-Jung Length : 115 mins. Opening September 20 2012 [ YAHOO! MOVIES HONG KONG ] Everyone member of the richest family in Korea, facing the temptation of money and desire, conducts a series of morality challenging behavior that crosses the line. ATM d. Mez Tharatorn Chatavit Dhanasevi, Preechaya Pongthananikorn Opening September 20 2012 LOVE IS......PAJAMAS AKA : LOVE IS......PYJAMAS Can : Nam Yun Yu Yi Fok Lit : Men Are Like Clothes d. Vincent Kok Tak Siu Ronald Cheng Chung Kei, Raymond Lam Fung, Raymond Wong Pak Ming, Teresa Mo Shun Kwan, Karena Ng Chin Yu, Lynn Xiong (Hung Doi Lam), Hai Qing Opening September 27 2012 in Malaysia 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. ALL ABOUT MY WIFE Can : Ga Yau Diu Chai Lit : Spoiled Wife At Home d. Min Kyu-Dong Lim Soo-Jung, Lee Sun-Kyun, Ryoo Seung-Ryong Length : 121 mins. Opening September 29 2012 [ YAHOO! MOVIES HONG KONG ] Jung-In who looks outstanding and cooks great in the eyes of others is a perfectly flawless wife, but to her husband Doo-Hyun she is the worst wife! Jung-In is spoiled and stubborn, often saying the wrong thing in different situations, embarrassing and exhausting Doo-Hyun. On the brink of collapse Doo-Hyun has thought about suggesting divorces on many occasions, yet every time he is about to Jung-In scares him off...he can only asks his new playboy neighbor Sung-Ki for help. With a hefty reward he asks him to seduce Jung-In so this mean wife would automatically suggest divorce! CROSS Can : Dai Lok Gai Lit : The Sixth Commandant AKA : SMILE FOR ME Can : Tin Ma Hung Hung d. Daniel Chan Yi 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 Rating : IIB Length : 90 mins. Opening September 15 2012 at Star Fest 2012 Opening October 4 2012 THE ASSASSINS Can : Tung Chuek Toi Lit : Bronze Sparrow Terrace d. Zhao Linshan Chow Yun Fat, Crystal Liu Yifei, Tamaki Hiroshi, Alec Su (So Yau Peng), Annie Yi Opening October 4 2012 [ CINEMA ONLINE MALAYSIA ] Between the late 190s and 200s during the Eastern Han Dynasty, Cao Cao defeated Lu Bu and other rival warlords to gain supremacy in northern China. In 216, Cao Cao forced Emperor Xian to grant him the title of a vassal king, "King of Wei". Cao Cao then had the Bronze Sparrow Platform constructed as a display of power. In 220, Cao Cao's son Cao Pi urges his father to take the Han throne and replace Emperor Xian, but many people strongly object to this idea. In another corner of the world, Mu Shun and Lingju, a pair of young lovers who have undergone five years of training as assassins in a prisoner-of-war camp, are preparing to accomplish a secret mission... UMIZARU 4: BRAVE HEARTS Can : Hoi Yuen: Dung Gaing Wan Hung Lan Lit : Sea Ape: Tokyo Bay Air Disaster d. Hasumi Eiichiro Hideaki Ito, Ryuta Sato, Riisa Naka Length : 116 mins. Opening October 6 2012 [ YAHOO! MOVIES HONG KONG ] Two years after participating in the super ocean oil drill Regalia's rescue, Captain Daisuke Senzaki and junior Yoshioka are successfully chosen from 13,000 sea marshals to the 36 elite member "Special Disaster Rescue Team". They begin the most front line, the most difficulty coastal rescue jobs. Yet, during their term the largest coastal accident takes place! A jumbo jet suddenly catches fire in its engine and rapidly dives into the deep Tokyo Bay, the status of the passengers and the crew is unknown; Mika, the flight attendant who is just engaged to Yoshioka is trapped inside! Facing numerous sudden dangers like a fuel leak, explosion and passenger injuries and casualties, the special rescue team is on the brink of the most difficult tests in history when every second counts. The rescue mission of 346 lives with a time limit officially begins...! 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 October 18 2012 [ YAHOO! MOVIES HONG KONG ] A love story that is inspired by a true story has an incredible romantic experience -- "getting the girl is easy but dumping the girl is hard". Popular baker Cheung Tai Lam by chance meets cute nurse Kwong Mei Bo. Lam takes the initiative to pursuit the gentle looking nurse and they immediately fall in love. Lam gradually discovers that Bo is not only full of doubts, jealousy and desire to control but also has a slight violent tendency. Aside from 24 hours a day all around surveillance of Lam's whereabouts, she even secretly gets Lam's computer, microblog, Facebook and mobile phone passwords to enter into this personal world. Lam has a hard time escaping the grasp of Bo the natural born love maniac secretly investigates Bo, but he discovers behind her crazy behavior lies a secret that no one knows... COLD WAR Can : Hong Jin d. Longman Leung Lok Man, Sunny Luk Kim Ching Aaron Kwok Fu Sing, Tony Leung Ka Fai, Charlie Yeung Choi Nei Gordon Lam Ka Tung, Chin Kar Lok, Andy Tien (On Chi Kit) Terence Yin (Wan Chi Wai), Aarif Rahman (Lee Chi Ting), Eddie Peng Yu-yen, Andy Lau Tak Wa Opening October 18 2012 [ 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... WHEN A WOLF FALLS IN LOVE WITH A SHEEP Can : Nam Fong Siu Yeung Muk Cheung Lit : Southern Lamb Ranch d. Hou Chi-Jan Ko Chen-Tung, Chien Man-Shu, Kuo Shu-Yao Opening October 20 2012 [ YAHOO! MOVIES HONG KONG ] A Tung is a young clerk of a Nanyang Street copy store. His normal job is to make copies of all the tutor test papers. One day, a certain tutoring class' test catch his attention because behind it everyday is a comic strip, Southern Lamb Ranch. The comic creator is a female tutor assistant who loves to daydream. She longs to become an illustrator but can only be stuck in her tutoring class job. Thus she puts her dreams on the back of the tests, but the students neither notice nor respond. One day A Tung draws a big wild wolf next to the sheep and writes something absurd that he thinks is funny, leading to students' accidental overwhelming response. The entire tutor street is swept into this big wild wolf and little sheep's romantic chase. Can the encounter of "copy boy" and "tutor girl" resolve their own romantic crisis? I HAVE TO BUY NEW SHOES Can : Ba Lai Luen Oi Seh Jung Lit : Paris Romantic Portrait d. Eriko Kitagawa Osamu Mukai, Miho Nakayama Opening October 27 2012 [ YAHOO! MOVIES HONG KONG ] Photographer Sen Yagami and his little sister visit France, but after arriving in Paris his sister ditches him for a boyfriend. Sen Yagami is a stranger in a strange land and lost in Paris as he runs into the freelance writer Aoi Teshigahara who lives there. Aoi ruins the passport that Sen Yagami drops on the ground and own her shoes as well. They in the Paris romantic air become attracted to each other. Although they have only been together for a few days, Sen Yagami discovers in the depth of Aoi's heart an inerasable scar that is hidden! Can the momentary flash of a foreign romance break through the obstacle for a happy ending? SWITCH Can : Gok Ga Yum Mo ji Fu Chun San Gui Toh Lit : National Mission: Dwelling In the Fuchun Mountains d. Jay Sun Andy Lau Tak Wa, Zhang Jingchu, Lin Chiling, Tong Dawei Opening November 2 2012 in Malaysia Official Site : http://www.mediaasia.com [ CINEMA ONLINE MALAYSIA ] SWITCH revolves around the famous Chinese landscape painting "Dwelling In The Fuchun Mountains" by Huang Gongwang, which was split into two 300 years ago and exhibited separately in China and Taiwan. The film envisages that the painting is finally going to be put back together again, where a gang of thieves are scrambling to steal it. Special agent Xiao Jinhan and insurance company employee Lin Yuyan are on a mission to protect the world-famous drawing "Fu Chun Shan Ju Tu", which is the target of a Japanese gangster. 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 November 29 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... CHINESE ZODIAC AKA : CZ12 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 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 Deccember 25 2012 Opening January 3 2013 in Malaysia [ 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... 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 27 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... CONSPIRATORS Can : Tung Mau AKA : A+ Jing Tam Lit : A+ Detective d. Oxide Pang Shun Aaron Kwok Fu Sing, Nick Cheung Ka Fai, Jiang Yiyan Opening January 17 2013 [ CINEMA ONLINE MALAYSIA ] Chen Tan, a private detective in Thailand, travelled to Malaysia following the clues in a photo in order to reveal the truth behind the murder of his parents 30 years ago. There he finds a man called Chai, who directs him to Zheng, a Malaysian detective born in China. The two eventually stumble upon Chai's daughter, Zhi Wei and realise that she may hold the key to the mystery... BLIND DETECTIVE Can : Man Tam d. Johnnie To Kei Fung Andy Lau Tak Wa, Sammi Cheng Sau Man Opening February 14 2013 Official Site : http://www.mediaasia.com [ CINEMA ONLINE MALYASIA ] a former detective, forced to leave the service after turning blind, tries to make a living solving cold cases for the police. --- [ 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 * Elisa Chan Kit Ling, Maria Cordero DATE AND TIME: Tuesday, November 13 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/1000490AF6B1DA0D * FAMILY BRIDGES INC. 2012 BENEFIT CONCERT PRESENTS ALAN TAM AND TERESA CARPIO LIVE DATE AND TIME : Saturday, November 3 2012 @ 7PM VENUE LOCATION: Oracle Arena 7000 Coliseum Way Oakland CA 94621 TICKET PRICES: $168, 138, 108, 78, 48 TICKET OUTLET LOCATIONS: TICKETMASTER http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/1C004914A6184329 OAKLAND Family Bridges 168 11th Street (510) 839-2022 House of Elegant 388-9th St. #113 (510) 836-6699 Park Liquor 828 Franklin St. (510) 452-3433 SAN FRANCISCO Tam's Laser 2131 Irving St. (415) 759-1999 Tai Hing Book & Gift 848 Clement St. (415) 386-2112 Golden Time Travel 1039 Grant Ave. #204 (415) 392-8923 Little Garden Restaurant 750 Vallejo Street (415) 399-0368 PENNISULA Shadow Collections 315 Broadway Millbrae (650) 692-8922 SOUTH BAY Ulferts Furniture 668 Barber Lane Milpitas (408) 432-8833 EAST BAY Ulferts Furniture 4288 Dublin Blvd. #210 Dublin (925) 828-6688 * 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 * TSAI CHIN: GOLDEN MELODY CONCERT DATE AND TIME: Wednesday, October 10 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.com/event/100048E401E0B67F * 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 * TSAI CHIN: GOLDEN MELODY CONCERT DATE AND TIME: Friday, October 5 2012 @ 8PM Saturday, October 6 2012 @ 8PM VENUE LOCATION: River Rock Casino Resort 8811 River Rd Richmond BC V6X 3P8 Canada TICKET PRICES: CA $399.75, 279.75. 179.75, 109.75 TICKET OUTLET LOCATION: TICKET MASTER http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/110048D79D7C20C2 RIVER ROCK CASINO RESORT http://www.riverrock.com/entertainment/event10051202.aspx * 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 TICKET MASTER CANADA: http://www.ticketmaster.ca/event/100048A2EAD1A815 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 * JOHNNY YIP CHUN TONG AND HUANG PIN YUAN LIVE VENUE LOCATION: Open Sky Theater Harrah's Rincon San Diego North 777 Harrah's Rincon Way Valley Center, CA 92082 DATE AND TIME: Saturday, September 22 2012 @ 8PM TICKET PRICES: $108, 88, 58 TICKET OUTLET LOCATIONS: TICKETMASTER http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/0A00490A9DA82535 JADE ENTERTAINMENT http://www.jadeentertain.com/blog/?p=129 * MIMI CHOO AND WAYNE LAI YIU CHEUNG DATE AND TIME: Tuesday, September 18 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.com/event/100048C6034CB695 * WU FUNG LIVE IN VANCOUVER DATE AND TIME: Sunday, September 16 2012 @ 8PM VENUE LOCATION: River Rock Casino Resort 8811 River Rd Richmond BC V6X 3P8 Canada TICKET PRICES: CA $119.75, 99.75. 78.75, 58.75 TICKET OUTLET LOCATION: TICKET MASTER http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/110048D9D4FDD69B * GEORGE LAM CHI CHEUNG DATE AND TIME: Sunday, September 2 2012 7PM Monday, September 3 2012 8:30PM VENUE LOCATION: Avalon Theatre Theatre Niagara Fallsview Casino Resort 6380 Fallsview Boulevard, Niagara ON L2G 7X5 Canada TICKET PRICES: CA $149.39, 104.19 TICKET OUTLET LOCATION: TICKET MASTER CANADA http://www.ticketmaster.ca/GEORGE-LAM-tickets/artist/1740067 * YU YAR AND CHANG DI DATE AND TIME: Sunday, September 2 2012 @ 8PM VENUE LOCATION: Reno Ballroom 401 North Center St. Reno NV 89501 TICKET PRICES: VIP $118, 88, 68, 48 TICKET OUTLET LOCATIONS: TICKET MASTER http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/170048DAC16F8F5D US ASIA TOUR http://www.usasiatour.com SAN FRANCISCO, CA (415) 989-1688 BURLINGAME, CA (650) 697-9086 OAKLAND, CA (510) 835-8588 MONTEREY PARK, CA (626) 282-1880 Win On Travel SAN FRANCISCO, CA (415) 834-1628 Susan Video & Gift Shop CUPERTINO, CA (408) 253-3100 A World Travel SAN JOSE, CA (408) 441-8448 Oscar Tour FREMONT, CA (510) 226-9992 Unique Travel SACRAMENTO, CA (916) 557-2888 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Box office info : What Box Office Info? The usual suspects : Internet Movie Database, Yahoo! Hong Kong Erors : ye olde chaffing editor For Thursday, August 23 2012 10 BRAVE d. Mark Andrews, Brenda Chapman Disney PIXAR Animation English Voices: Kelly Macdonald, Billy Connolly, Emma Thompson Cantonese Voice: Kelly Chen Wai Lam 9 THE BOURNE LEGACY d. Tony Gilroy Jeremy Renner, Rachel Weisz, Edward Norton 8 TO ROME WITH LOVE d. Woody Allen Woody Allen, Alec Baldwin, Roberto Benigni, Penelope Cruz, Judy Davis, Jesse Eisenberg, Great Grewig, Ellen Page 7 RED LIGHTS d. Rodrigo Cortes Cillian Murphy, Sigourney Weaver, Elizabeth Olsen, Robert De Niro 6 DIVA Can : Wa Lai Ji Hau Lit : Behind The Elegance d. Heiward Mak Hei Yan Joey Yung Cho Yi, Hu Ge, Chapman To Man Jat, Mag Lam Ka Yan, Wai Ying Hung, Bonnie Xian (Sin Sik Lai), Carlos Chan Ka Lok 5 THE DARK KNIGHT RISES d. Christopher Nolan Christian Bale, Michael Caine, Gary Oldman, Anne Hathaway, Tom Hardy, Marion Cotillard, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Morgan Freeman 4 MADAGASCAR 3: EUROPE'S MOST WANTED d. Eric Darnell, Tom McGrath, Conrad Vernon DreamWork Animation English Voices: Ben Stiller, Chris Rock, David Schwimmer, Jada Pinkett Smith, Sacha Baron Cohen, Cedric the Entertainer, 3 PIRANHA 3DD d. John Gulager Danielle Panabaker, Matt Bush, David Koechner, Chris Zylka, Katrina Bowden, Gary Busey, Christopher Lloyd, David Hasselhoff, 2 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 1 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, Shiga Lin Si Nga, 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 ------ Summaries for some of the films above. Some contain SPOILERS LAN KWAI FONG 2 Rating : IIB Length : 105 mins. Opening August 23 2012 [ BROADWAY CIRCUIT ] One night, a young and wild photographer at a party meets a rich girl with a mind of her own. They click instantly and set off the sparks of passion right away. Although they come from different backgrounds they do not mind at all. The rich girl's former boyfriend causes a rift between them. She even suddenly mentions a break up, which the photographer cannot accept...... VULGARIA Rating : III 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 DARLING, 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. DIVA Rating : IIB Length : 102 mins. Opening August 15 2012 at the Hong Kong Summer International Film Festival Opening August 16 2012 Opening August 30 2012 in Malaysia Site : http://www.hkiff.org.hk/en/films-DIVA.php 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 ------ GLOBAL CHINESE SONG CHART For Saturday, August 25 2012 15 FIRE LIKE YEARS Can : Chi For Nin Wa Chris Lee Yuchun http://youtu.be/w12RwaS8ir0 14 LOVE MORE Can : Gung Oi Pan Chen http://youtu.be/Ivg6j9ys6D8 13 TAKE A STAND AT THIRTY Can : Sam Sup Yi Lap Anson Hu (Wu Yin Bun) http://youtu.be/k8DSTAswFMA 12 VIEWING FLOWERS IN THE MIST Can : Mo Lui Hong Fa Joey Yung Cho Yi http://youtu.be/7CBQgOTBYOQ 11 YOU EXIST IN MY SONG Can : Ngor Dik Gor Sing Lui Qu Wanting (Kuk Yuen Ting) http://youtu.be/ywJ5bR7g-Vo 10 DO YOU DARE Can : Nei Gum But Gum LaLa Hsu (Tsui Gai Ying) http://youtu.be/HLibG1_lcTk 9 FOOL'S BLISS Can : Min Keung Hung Fok James Lin (Lam Yau Ga) http://youtu.be/rX31vEbpI0s 8 SEVERAL OF YOU Can : Gei Gor Nei Jacky Xue (Sit Ji Him) http://youtu.be/qFjKx6BIKYE 7 TODAY FINALLY GOING HOME ALONE Can : Gum Tin Jung Yu Yut Yun Wui Ga Gin Lee http://youtu.be/cRdzIoYaY0U 6 LOVE REVEALS IN THE LONG RUN Can : Oi Gau Gein Yun Sum Jasmine Leong Jing Yu http://youtu.be/RkQy3NlG1eo 5 I HAVE A DATE WITH SPRING Can : Ngor Wui Chau Tin Yau Gor Yuek Wui Hins Cheung King Hin http://youtu.be/aEbSbdzF6bo 4 CAN LOVE NO MORE Can : Luen Mo Hor Luen Leo Ku Kui Kei http://youtu.be/te5d_zG6F3k 3 MESSING Can : Wu Nau Kenji Wu (Wu Hak Kwun) http://youtu.be/XseHQvZw1vA 2 WE'LL NEVER KNOW William Wei (Wai Lai On) http://youtu.be/LTCU7JM2_AA 1 BETTER ME Fiona Sit Hoi Kei http://youtu.be/XDyAQVi-sSE ------ [ 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 PREMIUM RUSH, 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 Tuesday, AUGUST 28, 2012 @ 7pm UNBOWED (2011) When it opened in late 2011, Unbowed’s uninhabited take on a highly-publicized true story caused such a stir that Korea’s Ministry of Justice and Supreme Court even chimed in, noting its wild inaccuracies. It turns out that sensationalizing the story of university professor who accosts a judge with a crossbow doesn’t go over well with governmental bodies…but thankfully, film fans love it, as this courtroom thriller – buffeted by the media uproar – became one of last year’s biggest Korean hits. AHN Sung-Ke, one of his country’s most respected international actors, delivers a bravado performance as the bow-slinging everyman while R-Point’s Park Won-Sang delivers a one-in-a-lifetime role as the struggling lawyer pushed to save him. --- [ WHAT IS YOUR CHAFFING EDITOR LISTENING TO ] 50 WAYS TO SAY GOODBYE Train http://youtu.be/GSBFehvLJDc ---------------------- HK Top Ten Central hktopten@hotmail.com http://hktopten.orgfree.com | http://hktopten.blogspot.com