From: NO TOP TEN CENTRAL Newsgroups: alt.asian-movies,soc.culture.hongkong.entertainment Subject: [TAKE OVER] HKSAR Film No Top 10 Box Office (December 20 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. Deanie Ip Tak Han who celebrates her birthday on the 25th B. Lo Hoi Pang who celebrates his birthday on the 21st 2. MISCELLANEOUS * (2012/12/26) Chow Yun Fat, Huang Xiaoming, Yolanda Yuan Quan, Feng Wenjuan and others earlier promoted their new film THE LAST TYCOON (DAI SEUNG HOI) in Shanghai. Xiaoming's leg injury has not healed yet so he appeared in a wheel chair. His co-stars all offered their well wishes. Fat Soh even brought dessert for Xiaoming and told him to get well properly, which warmed Xiaoming's heart. Chow Yun Fat transformed into "Wong Tai Sin" and not turning anyone down when fans asked for autographs on their posters. Two days ago director Wong Jing, producer Andrew Lau Wai Keung led Feng Wenjuan, Monica Mok Siu Kei and others to promote in Shenzhen. In addition, Wong Jing yesterday talked about Chow Yun Fat and revealed that when they worked together on the first GOD OF GAMBLERS (DOH SUN) they were both very busy. They even had to shoot as they came up with the script. Later Chow Yun Fat went to work in Hollywood, Wong Jing felt that he was unable to demonstrate his acting abilities. "It's the same when he worked on Mainland films. Because Mainlanders felt he was in the god class, they approached him for roles like Confucius and Cao Cao. Even though he was able to play them, I felt they were too suitable for him. The ones he played were very Chow Yun Fat, but (Stephen) Chow Sing Chi and (Tony) Leung Chiu Wai are like that. Maybe it's only because he hasn't had the chance to play roles that aren't Fat Gor!" * (2012/12/26) Singer Ava Yu Kiu yesterday attended a shopping center Christmas event and revealed that recently she has been busy with the film THE ICEMAN COMETH 3D (BING FUNG HUP). She felt that she was no action film material because every time she rehearsed with the action director she would already be bruised all over. In addition, Yu Kiu will go to the Mainland for another film's location shoot. * (2012/12/26) Mainland film LOST IN THAILAND this year was the holiday surprise hit. As of the morning of the 24th, after 12 days its box office reached 680 million yuan RMB. With its strong momentum it might exceed the 730 billion yuan mark of PAINTED SKIN: RESURRECTION (WAT PEI 2) to become the highest grossing domestic film in Chinese film history and the most profitable as well. LOST IN THAILAND was Xu Zheng's first as a director. He also starred with Wang Baoqiang and Huang Bo to create the legend, with the cost of 30 million yuan they earned almost 700 million yuan at the box office. As of Christmas Eve, the film has only been in release for 12 days and it already made 680 million yuan. As everyone expected it to exceeded PAINTED SKIN: RESURRECTION's 730 million yuan, some even thought that it would easily make 1 billion yuan and the target might even be AVATAR's 1.32 billion yuan box office. After 3 days CZ12 (SUP YI SUN CHIU)'s box office was 250 million yuan, currently only it has been able to steal viewers from LOST IN THAILAND. LOST IN THAILAND is a purely commercial comedy. The audience accepted the comedy in the film very much as viewers have been drawn in by it. In the story Xu Zheng and Wang Baoqiang ran into each other in Thailand, with a successful career Xu Zheng looked down upon Wang Baoqiang. Yet they ran into transvestite and beauty together and comedy ensued. With Huang Bo entangled with them, the trio not only had an adventure but also almost lost their lives. Xu Zheng called in many favors as he invited Fan Bingbing to guest star. Fan Bingbing did not even take a cent to play the grass root Wang Baoqiang's goddess. Because viewers dreamed that they would be in love with their goddess, they related to this scene. Xu Zheng said that he did not stumble upon the success of the film. He knew long ago that his place was comedy commercial films, but such a hit was due to the existence of luck; he planned to make a sequel, right now he would first rest. However the industry already predicted that films next year would not be far from this film, perhaps before Xu Zheng's sequel the subject might already be ruined! LOST IN THAILAND is a sequel to LOST ON JOURNEY from two years ago. At the time the film's producer was Manfred Wong (Man Jun), director was Raymond Yip Wai Man and the stars were Xu Zheng and Wang Baoqiang. It made 50 million at the box office. With a cost of 6 million the film made money. However, this time the sequel abandoned its Hong Kong workers. Also, Gordon Chan Ka Seung made PAINTED SKIN (WAT PEI) for Huayi but the sequel abandoned him in favor of Mainland director Wuershan and the box office was again better than predecessor. Right now Hong Kong filmmakers have an increasingly difficult time with Mainland work. One Dollar Production boss Stephen Shiu Jr. yesterday said that Hong Kong filmmakers in order to survive in the Mainland must be certain of their own position. "Some Mainland companies would ditch the monk after the ceremony. It is the best for Hong Kong filmmakers to make subjects that (the Mainland) doesn't know how to make like police films like INFERNAL AFFAIRS (MO GAN DOH) and COLD WAR (HONG JIN), or some with strong personal styles like Tsui Hark, Wong Kar Wai and (Johnnie) To Kei Fung. They have to maintain the Hong Kong specialties, only then will Hong Kong filmmakers have room for survival in the Mainland." * (2012/12/26) The Jackie Chan new film CZ12 (SUP YI SUN CHIU) broke 200 million yuan RMB on its first weekend in the Mainland box office. Aside from Jackie Chan's usual thrilling action scenes, many people's focus was on "Mrs. Chan" Joan Lin (Lam Fung Giu)'s 1 second cameo. In the film with long hair to her waist Lam Fung Giu embraced the completely injured Jackie Chan. It could be considered the couple's most intimate scene in the public. No wonder Jackie Chan said in an interview, "My greatest idol is Lam Fung Giu!" Jackie Chan's 101st film CZ12 recently has been released. The film company yesterday posted a "Dragon Phoenix Together For Christmas" special short film, the surprise scene that "Mrs. Chan" Fung Lam Giu guest starred in. Jackie Chan said that to accommodate his wife Lam Fung Giu he moved the entire set from Beijing to Hong Kong. At first he only arranged for Lam Fung Giu's back to appear on screen, in the end she faced the camera for 1 second. Jackie Chan said, "Many have been considered for this character, (Maggie) Cheung Man Yuk, Gong Li, Zhang Ziyi and others. I believed the result would have been a pleasant surprise but not necessarily as shocking as it is now. Lam Fung Giu from the beginning has rejected my request and even called me crazy. Because she has retired from film for years, she was not entirely used to facing the camera. Later I promised to only shoot her back, after that she was only willing to shoot three shots. I persisted and beg for the scene that everyone sees now, I spent an entire year to coax her into it." With his wife's 100% support, no wonder Jackie Chan was all sweet. Recently he was asked online who his idol was. He replied, "Too many, the world has many directors and actors whom I like, but right now my greatest idol is still Lam Fung Giu." He revealed that his son Jaycee Chan (Fong Cho Ming) originally was an U.S. citizen, later he gave it up to apply for a Chinese citizenship. Recently some in the Mainland questioned the operation of Jackie Chan's charity fund after accepting a large sum donation. Jackie Chan yesterday clarified online, "My charity fund does not charge any management cost, all management cost is my personal responsibility. I don't know if the world still has this type of zero cost fund, I am very appreciative of the public and the critics' supervision, but I hope that they would draw a conclusion with actual facts. Otherwise such untrue noise would confuse the public and keep many potential donors at bay. If someone truly uses charity for illegal acts, I would be the first one to throw him in jail!" * (2012/12/25) The film THE GRANDMASTERS (YUT DOI JUNG SI) will be released in Hong Kong on January 10 next year, after costume photos of Tony Leung Chiu Wai, Zhang Ziyi and Chang Chen were unveiled yesterday the film released another actress Song Hye-Kyo's costume photo and her Ip Man couple photo with Leung Chiu Wai. Song Hye-Kyo's "Mrs. Ip) character broke through her usual sweet and cute roles. She wore a traditional Chinese dress, a mixture of classic and sexy. This Chinese dress was art director William Chang Suk Ping's design. Song Hye-Kyo was rather pleased with her costume look. She said that the dress took a little getting used to at first, but later it looked prettier and prettier to her. She had to stay in shape for it. She also talked about working with Wai Jai, she said that many people knew Wai Jai's eyes were especially charming. She was a fan as well. In one scene she in particular sensed the might of Wai Jai's eyes. The electricity on the set was stronger than in the film several hundred times! THE GRANDMASTERS took ten years to make. Song Hye-Kyo was rumored to be upset that the production dragged on and on. Wong Kar Wai could only increased Zhang Ziyi's screen time and reduced Song Hye-Kyo's; thus she will not attend the Berlin Film Festival opening next year. The company said that it has not received any news. * (2012/12/25) Still recovering from his film injury, Huang Xiaoming still promoted hard for his movies. He even arranged for Mainland reporters to conduct interviews at his friend's home where he was staying temporarily. Huang Xiaoming did not mind appearing in his cartoon monkey pajamas and without any make up to meet the press, as he treated reporters like one of his own; he even lifted up his leg to show everyone his wounds. Speaking of THE LAST TYCOON (DAI SEUNG HOI) and THE GUILLOTINES (HUET DIK JI) being released in the same period to compete with each other, Huang Xiaoming said that of course he felt a little helpless. He even said that he was not biased for one film or the other. In comparison THE GUILLOTINES was more difficult but they were two completely different films. In THE LAST TYCOON he kissed Feng Wenjuan's leg on the roof. He admitted that he added that scene himself, just like in real life if his girlfriend's arm or leg was injured he would kiss the wound to reduce the pain. He admitted that he was rather similar to THE LAST TYCOON character, as he hoped to be able to protect the woman he loved and to take care of her. During the interview, he also mentioned that Angelababy in the BEGINNING OF THE GREAT REVIVAL looked great, if he had the chance he hoped to be able to work with her on a very entertaining film. * (2012/12/24) Jackie Chan earlier accepted a TVB Entertainment News station program STAR TALK interview. He said that the most difficult part of his film CZ12 (SUP YI SUN CHIU) was convincing his wife Joan Lin (Lam Fung Giu) to guest star. "My wife has been retired from film for many years. 7 years ago she even turned down as HK$15 million per year shampoo ad campaign contract. She took a long time to be persuaded. I even had to move the entire city set from Beijing to Hong Kong and arrange for all the workers she knew to participate to successfully shoot one scene." Jackie Chan earlier revealed that CZ12 was his final action film. He said that everyone misunderstood. "I have no intention to retire, I only want to add more drama into and reduce action elements from my future movies. Sometimes I would be afraid to jump, worrying that one day I would end up in a wheel chair. So now I use doubles and post production more, I want to be better to myself and the production team." Speaking of having multiple jobs in the film, Jackie Chan felt that he did not know how to express himself so he could only do everything himself. "When I make movies I have my own rules. On my set smoking and flip flops are prohibited, as I am afraid of accidents. The meal locations have to have to a roof over people's heads." Jackie Chan and Joan Lin at first objected to their son Jaycee Chan (Fong Cho Ming) getting into the business. His wife felt that she already lost her husband, she did not want to lose her son as well. Jackie Chan said, "The pressure on Cho Ming is huge. He has to be different from everyone. Once he wrote a song that had no break. I asked him why and he said that he wanted to create some songs that were hard and not easily remade." * (2012/12/24) Sammi Cheng Sau Man two nights ago attended a Shanghai event. When asked when she would wed, she admitted that she was no longer resistant to marriage but she did not have any timetable. Having just completed the film THE BLIND DETECTIVE (MAN TAM) with Andy Lau Tak Wa, Sammi had plenty of chemistry with him after working together 4 times. "During the shoot we were very familiar and our grasp was very accurate; privately, we would chat about many in depth topics. Yet we haven't talked about much about children and family." * (2012/12/23) The Pang Ho Cheung directed category III Hong Kong film VULGARIA (DAI JOOK HEI KET) performed well. Thus next month he will adapt his own novel, a foul language laced movie about the Special Duties Unit propositioning prostitutes, FEI FU CHOOK JING (FLYING TIGER EXPEDITION) with old partners Shawn Yue Man Lok and Chapman To Man Jat. Pang Ho Cheung will also guest star himself, but the brothel location will switch from the Mainland in the original work to Macau. The director will be Gary Mak Wing Lun. FEI FU CHOOK JING is mainly about a group of Special Duties Unit officer's pleasant run abroad. Pang HO Cheung two days ago said, "The story will be a mixture of LOVE IN THE BUFF and VULGARIA, so I asked the two films' lead actors Yue Man Lok and To Man Jat to return. With the police of course there will be foul language, without it it would be like Special Duties Unit without guns." Pang Ho Cheung continued, "The story is adapted from my novel SPECIAL DUTIES UNIT (DUT BIT YUM MO LIN), which is about a group of SDU members who want to proportion hookers but dares not in Hong Kong. Finally they have to sneak into Macau. I will guest star or play the drill instructor character." He explained that the police officer overseas trip reporting mechanism was the inspiration for his novel. In the original the expedition location was the Mainland, but in order to avoid unnecessary trouble and rent locations easier the location finally is changed to Macau. As for the rating of the film, Pang Ho Cheung said that he did not know yet. "Category IIB or III is now for me to consider, the film will definitely have foul language and a little filth, but the final rating is beyond my control." * (2012/12/22) Two nights ago Peter Lam Kin Ngok, Peter Chan Ho Sun, Andrew Lau Wai Keung, Shawn Yue Man Lok, Chris Lee Yuchun and Pu Bajia attended their new film THE GUILLOTINES (HUET DIK JI)'s premiere. Many in the industry were invited, including Julian Cheung Chi Lam, Raymond Chow Man Wai and Daneil Lam Siu Ming. Yue Man Lok said that he had no comment about Eric Tsang Chi Wai's alleged drunken assault because he was the most afraid of other people chiming in on matters that were not their own. "Kids like me shouldn't make any noise. (Would you console Chi Wai?) The younger generation wouldn't talk about that." Director Lau Wai Keung said that he just returned to Hong Kong but felt that the matter was not urgent. Chi Wai would take care of it himself. Would Chi Wai be very worried? "What does he have to worry about? He knows how to handle it. He is my big brother and elder. (Lately show business has a lot of negative events?) No, only you say it does. It also has many marriages and child births. Stuff like these have always been around, gossips, rises and falls would always happen." Speaking of the earlier rumor that he and Huang Xiaoming were at odds, however he pushed Huang Xiaoming in a wheel chair while promoting in the Mainland. Did he want to shatter the dispute rumor? Lau Wai Keung admitted, "We have never been at odds, after THE GUILLOTINES he and I worked together on AMERICAN DREAMS IN CHINA. This is only an arrangement issue. His injury keeps him from attending one but not another. He can't take the plane. The rumor isn't true and we are not at odds." * (2012/12/22) Two days ago Thursday (20th) had six film releases, THE TWILIGHT SAGA: BREAKING DAWN PART 2, the 3D animation WRECK-IT RALPH, CZ12 (SUP YI SUN CHIU), JACK REACHER, BUNNY DROP and PENANCE. BREAKING DAWN part 2 made HK$1,690,001 to become the single day box office champion. Including the earlier advanced screening, the cumulative box office has already reached HK$2,119,914. WRECK-IT RALPH made HK$497,886 landed in third. The Jackie Chan starred CZ12 made HK$494,431 was in fourth. Tom Cruise's JACK REACHER was no match for Jackie Chan, made HK$431,231 in fifth. WRECK-IT RALPH earlier also had advanced screening and with the single day box office it has already accumulated HK$1,707,851 at the box office. Jackie Chan's CZ12 was a hit in the Mainland, with 43.5 million yuan RMB at the box office, 1/2 of the national total box office all day and broke the holiday film's highest single day box office record. In the first week it would likely break 200 million yuan RMB. * (2012/12/21) The film THE LAST TYCOON (DAI SEUNG HOI)'s producer Andrew Lau Wai Keung and Wong Jing earlier attended the film's Shanghai premiere. They and the leads in the film received comic book artist's interpretation of them. Lau Wai Keung joked that he could consider an animated version. Huang Xiaoming in the film taught new comer Feng Wenjuan how to make a kiss scene, but Xiaoming made fun of her even though she gave up her first on screen kiss. "Your co-star is me, you should feel very fortunate!" * (2012/12/21) The Jackie Chan starred Emperor Motion Picture CZ12 (SUP YI SUN CHIU) was not only his 101st film but almost became his "final" film. Big Brother this time went to high heights and into volcanoes to complete this "final life risking action film" to write a perfect chapter for his film history. Jackie Chan lives up to his Guinness World Record for the Most Stunts by a Living Actor. In the Emperor Motion Picture CZ12, he flew 30,000 feet in the air and went to a lava bubbling volcano to live up his life risking spirit from over the years. He said, "I am very focused on realism, I try to shoot on location as much as possible. Aside from the parachuting I also went to the volcano for actual location shoot. Honestly, I am 58! I really have thought about whether to retire after this film? I don't want to work until one day when viewers are looking at the screens and say, 'please stop fighting'! When I was at the volcano, the workers told me 'Big Brother be careful, the lava is spraying out'! At that moment I thought, if the lava erupted and I died like that on the set, it would be very beautiful, very perfect! Yet I thought this movie was my best in ten years, I was reluctant to die and retire!" Jackie Chan injected his entire effort into the new film. He said, "I put a lot of messages into the film. Back then the Eight Nation Alliance invaded China, why did I arranged for the modern pirates in the film to have people of different nationalities? 'Don't have three or four ganging up one', I hope young people can see that." In addition, Big Brother continued, "During the closing credits I had a monologue, which was (Jaycee Chan) Fong Cho Ming's idea. He originally wanted to edit all my past work into a music video, but I didn't want to be too deliberate. However I really felt, every dangerous stunt might be my last. After it I might spend the rest of my life in a wheel chair. The monologue came from the heart. (Did you ask Joan Lin (Lam Fung Chiu) to guest star to trigger her acting bug?) No, she originally was unwilling to appear, seven or eight years ago a shampoo commercial offered her HK$15 million and she was unwilling. We would only perform together this one time, we won't have another chance." * (2012/12/21) Jackie Chan in the new film CZ12 (SUP YI SUN CIU) successfully discovered female stars Yao Xingtong, Zhang Lanxin and Laura Weissbecker's potential. In terms of acting and presence the trio have performed well. Yao Xingtong in the film displayed her knack of language. She said, "My dialogue included French, English, I spent nine months to study them and had no bad take at all. Instead in one scene I had to slap Big Brother, I slapped too hard and had a bad take! In another scene I opened a car door. Because this was my first collaboration with Big Brother and the first shot of the shoot, I was very nervous. Finally my face ran into the car door, bad take!" Zhang Lanxin is a Tae Kwon Do expert and displayed her abilities in the film. She said, "Making a movie was much harder than training. For my first movie, due to the story I couldn't wear padding and bruised my leg. I still had to keep fighting, luckily Big Brother gave me a lot of instructions." French beauty Laura Weissbecker in the film did not have to fight but had to fall off a cliff. Luckily Jackie Chan gave her confidence and guaranteed her safety. * (2012/12/21) The Stephen Chow Sing Chi directed JOURNEY TO THE WEST will be released in the Lunar New Year. Although he did not perform, viewers still look forward to whether Sing Yeh will be able to start another trend after 4 years without a new film and win back the Hong Kong box office championship. Yesterday the film released a 60 second trailer that featured three leads Shu Qi, Wen Zhang and Huang Bo. Sing Yeh pointed out that this time the special effects could rival Hollywood's, thus in the trailer fish demons, pig demons and monkey demons appeared. Among the three leads, Huang Bo's costume was the most exaggerated, Shu Qi's martial art performance had special effect additions. In the trailer Sun Wukong appeared for a second and looked rather slim, resembling neither Sing Yen nor Show Luo (Law Chi Cheung). Who will be Sun Wukong? The film dialogue extended Sing Yeh's usual comedy style, for example Zhang Wen asked Shu Qi, "Miss do you need help?" Shu Qi very seriously answered, "Yes, get lost." in the usual Sing Yeh style Mo Le Tau humor. * (2012/12/21) Chang Chen, Liu Ye, Daniel Wu (Ng Yin Cho), Qin Lan and director Lu Chuan's film THE LAST SUPPER (WONG JI SING YIN) two nights ago held a premiere in Causeway Bay. Wai Ying Hung showed her supported and said that she will return to Hong Kong for a television series in January. The soon to be father Ng Yin Cho talked about his wife's recent condition. Chang Chen was working on the post production voice work for THE GRANDMASTERS (YUT DOI JUNG SI) and said that he was already used to Wong Kar Wai's pursuit for perfection production style. The production was worth spending three years on. Ng Yin Coh said that his wife Lisa S. suffered nausea from her pregnancy and he did not dare to invite her to watch the bloody scenes at the premiere. She only did not get sick when she ate, thus she has become very large. He said, "My wife's chest and rear both grew larger, which I have never seen before. I like them very much, but I can only look and not touch; she didn't want her shape to become like this, but for the baby she still accepted it." Ng Yin Cho said that he wanted his wife to have two children and stop. He said, "With two children they don't have to be lonely, I am afraid that I would worry about my daughter in the future." Chang Chen was very happy that his film THE GRANDMASTERS has become the Berlin Film Festival opening film, but at the end of January he would have to work on Hou Hsiao-Hsien's new film and did not know if he would be able to attend. He recently worked on post production voice work for THE GRANDMASTERS but he did not know when it would be released. Although his part took three years, he did not ask for triple salary. He said, "During the period I worked on other films. Since it wasn't our first collaboration I was already used to it. 2046 took 5 years. Slow work produces detailed product. The pursuit of perfection is worth the long production." Wai Ying Hung said that in January she will return to Hong Kong for a series, but she and TVB had no contract. Will she dock with Ricky Wong Wai Kei? Siu Hung did not deny anything and said, "This time the contract has a lot of freedom!" Did she get a heavy offer? She smiled and said, "I didn't say anything." Siu Hun since her brother Austin Wai Tin Chi's passing changed and wanted to stay in Hong Kong more. In the past 3 years she worked overseas and felt lonely. Thus she will have dinner with her family on the rumored end of the world and treated her home like Noah's Ark. She would not look for a companion until after that. She said, "It's not important that he makes less money, as long as he doesn't need me to raise him. I am very low maintenance." * (2012/12/20) 2012 is a full harvest year for Hong Kong film. Originally the Pnag Ho Cheung film VULGARIA (DAI JOOK HEI KET) would undoubtedly become this year's Chinese film box office champion, in the last minute COLD WAR with 42 million took the top spot. The ten top films alone already made over 200 million this year. The Ann Hui On Wa directed A SIMPLE LIFE (TOH JEH) swept many award shows as it earned both money and awards. Hong Kong films obviously have shown signs of life. As 2012 enters its count down stage, the time has come to account for the film box office. This year Chinese films have performed outstandingly with both money and awards, as they avenged the shame two years ago when Taiwan film YOU ARE THE APPLE OF MY APPLE was the only big hit. Early in the year director Pang Ho Cheung's film LOVE IN THE BUFF (CHUN GIU YU JI MING) with 28.03 million topped the Chinese film box office. In August Pang Ho Cheung's category III film VULGARIA made 30.73 million at the box office. Chinese films, Hong Kong films in particular, performed outstandingly this year and opened many people's eyes. Among the top ten Chinese film box office many were pure Hong Kong style concept productions like VULGARIA. This film' s success although was not able to bring Hong Kong film all the way back at least had the long starved Hong Kong film viewers under its spell. This year's top three films already made more than 100 million this year, proving that good movies are able to attract viewers. At the same time in the top ten aside from VULGARIA earning a category III rating for its language, another sex driven category III film DUE WEST OUR SEX JOURNEY (YUT LO HEUNG SAI) landed in sixth place and proved that this type of erotic films also had supporters. The most worthy of celebration was that the 2012 Hong Kong film industry not only made money but also won awards. The Hui On Wa directed film A SIMPLE LIFE swept up many overseas film awards. Deanie Ip Tak Han even won the Venice Best Actress with this film. It has been a year that the film industry should celebrate. 2012 Hong Kong Top Ten Chinese Film Box Office 1 COLD WAR: HK$42.23 million (still in release) 2 VULGARIA: HK$30.73 million 3 LOVE IN THE BUFF: HK$28.03 million 4 A SIMPLE LIFE: HK$27.84 million 5 THE VIRAL FACTOR: HK$22.33 million 6 DUE WEST OUR SEX JOURNEY: HK$19.19 million 7 NIGHTFALL: HK$17.63 million 8 MOTORWAY: HK$14.88 million 9 I LOVE HONG KONG 2012: HK$14.12 million 10 ALL'S WELL ENDS WELL 2012: HK$12.09 million * (2012/12/20) The outspoken Jackie Chan's recent comments have led to a series of troubles. In a Mainland interview he revealed that he carried 3 guns on him to prevent mob invasion of the film industry. Once he ran into over 20 people with knifes and fended them off with 3 guns and 6 grenades. The police immediately began an investigation of possible violations. Jackie Chan saw another controversy and immediately clarified that his gang confrontation was in the U.S. 35 years ago, it was a misunderstanding and he even denied that the Hong Kong police has been brought into the matter. Jackie Chan yesterday promoted the film CZ12 (SUP YI SUN CHIU) in Shanghai. He responded to his guns and grenades comment. "I truly don't dare to say anything more, it only took a few words to cause such a big misunderstanding. It happened 35 years ago during a shoot in Texas in the U.S. Who knew it would lead to such big trouble! From now on I truly have to speak less when I promote." He blamed himself for speaking too fast during his interview and not clarifying. "At the time some foreigners came to cause trouble on the set. My two bodyguards had two guns and six grenades. My gun came from my bodyguards." he had bodyguards because he was afraid of crazy fan disturbance. He also received a bullet threat before. Recently due to the U.S. shooting incident he was reminded of the past. He never expected it to cause a misunderstanding. He denied that the Hong Kong Police has begun an investigation. Some said that since he has seen it all, he should have been able to handle it with ease. He lamented, "I am not God, I am an ordinary person. During the CZ12 Beijing premiere, I led the cast in the theme song performance. Because the screen music video had different timing than the live performance, I was accused of lip syncing. I said I thought about THE EXPENDABLES 3, the news headline next day was Jackie Chan confirmed joining THE EXPENDABLES 3. In the past when you misspoke people would correct you, now whenever you misspoke just a little others would make random changes or additions. From now on I truly have to be more careful with what I say." * (2012/12/20) This year Chinese films rise as foreign films make room from Christmas to the Lunar New Year as the long waiting Tony Leung Chiu Wai film THE GRANDMASTERS (YUT DOI JUNG SI) and Stephen Chow Sing Chi's JOURNEY TO THE WEST (SAI YAU GONG MOR PIN) finally have release dates. THE GRANDMASTERS, which changed its release date time and again, finally confirmed its New Year release as it will confront the Chow Yun Fat starred THE LAST TYCOON (DAI SEUNG HOI). During the Lunar New Year only one foreign film A GOOD DAY TO DIE HARD will face three Hong Kong films. Everyone is waiting to see whether Chow Sing Chi's JOURNEY TO THE WEST will be able to defeat Taiwan film YOU ARE THE APPLE OF MY EYE's HK$61,862,731 box office record and return to the top of the box office. In the past Christmas is filled with foreign films and animation, this year the trend remains. However, Chinese films still include the Jackie Chan starred CZ12 (SUP YI SUN CHIU) and the China, Hong Kong and Taiwan hunks Huang Xiaoming, Jing Boran, Shawn Yue Man Lok and Ethan Juan (Yuen Kin Tin) starred THE GUILLOTINES (HUET DIK JI). After the New Year, two Best Actors Chow Yun Fat and Leung Chiu Wai starred in THE LAST TYCOON and THE GRANDMASTERS respectively. The former is Fat Gor's first return to Hong Kong film. Fat Gor with his killer Hui Man Keung look returns to the big screen with the new generation hunk Huang Xiaoming as his younger version. The latter stars Wai Jai with Zhang Ziyi, Korean star Song Hye-kYo and Chang Chen. This film from planning to production took 8 years. Earlier it still was shooting additional scenes nonstop, now its editing is heating. Before the final moment no one knows what THE GRANDMASTERS will be like. Whether it will be good or bad, people are looking forward to it and must see the film. The Lunar New Year battle will be rather fierce, with Chow Sing Chi's JOURNEY TO THE WEST, Raymond Wong Pak Ming's HOTEL DELUXE (BAK SING JAU DIM) and Eric Tsang Chi Wai's I LOVE HONG KONG 2013 (NGOR OI HK 2013 GUNG HEI FAT CHOI). Sing Yeh after 2008 CJ7 (CHEUNG GONG CHUT HO) has a new release 4 years later and specifically states it will be the giant product JOURNEY TO THE WEST. In the past 3 years, Wong Pak Ming and Tsang Chi Wai's large ensemble comedy films welcomed the Lunar New Year and began a battle of words; As Sing Yeh returned, Sing fans waited 4 years for JOURNEY TO THE WEST to be released. Conceivably Wong Pak Ming and Tsang Chi Wai would not dare to boast again. Sing Yeh's film has always been able to bring viewers to the movies again and again and repeatedly created box office records. Everyone is curious whether this film will exceed YOU ARE THE APPLE OF MY EYE's HK$61,862,731 box office record (which previously belonged to Sing Yeh's KUNG FU HUSTLE (GONG FU) with 61.27 million). JOURNEY TO THE WEST is based on the literature classic of the same name. The film has certain relations to the original, but the characters are completely different. The overall direction of the story is also completely different. Demon taming is the real story of this film, which of course has to have an epic romance and definite comedy as well as super strong special effects. Viewers are truly looking forward to it. * (2012/12/20) The Wong Kar Wai directed film THE GRANDMASTERS (YUT DOI JUNG SI) will open in early 2013. Recently the film has been invited to be the 63rd Berlin Film Festival opening film. The festival poster has been officially released and the cast has confirmed its attendance. Because Wong Kar Wai will be the Berlin Film Festival jury chair, THE GRANDMASTERS did not qualify for competition. Wai Jai said that he was not disappointed. He said, "Actually competition is not it is not the most important. The international film festival participation shares the results of the production effort that we have put in with viewers outside Asia. This time we don't need to compete, our moods have relaxed much more." Zhang Ziyi said that even without competition she still would make time to attend and hoped to dress up for the red carpet. * (2012/12/20) Chow Yun Fat, Huang Xiaoming, producer Andrew Lau Wai Keung and others two days ago attended the film THE LAST TYCOON (DAI SEUNG HOI)'s Shanghai premiere. Still recovering from his leg injury, Huang Xiaoming wore sunglasses as Lau Wai Keung personally pushed his wheel chair on the red carpet. He often waved to viewers on both sides; because the stage was too high, actors Gao Hu, Qi Ji and others immediately helped as they carried Huang Xiaoming along with the wheel chair to the stage. Fat Gor saw the injured Huang Xiaoming and Fat Gor and Fat Soh gave him a hug of concern. Fat Gor on the stage pushed the wheel chair with high speed and joked, "My leg split isn't as amazing as Xiaoming's!" Huang Xiaoming heard leg split (being unfaithful) and not only did not clarify but even joked, "Right, my leg is injured due to leg split." * (2012/12/20) Chang Chen, Liu Ye and Daniel Wu (Ng Yin Cho) yesterday promoted their costume film THE LAST SUPPER (WONG DIK SING YIN). The story revolved around their Chinese historical characters Han Xin, Yu Xiang and Liu Bang. Liu Ye joked in Cantonese, "The shoot was very tough! The armor weighed 20 catty, the temperature was very hot around 42 degrees Celsius. The heat even killed two horses." He pointed out that the old age make up in the film was beyond painful. When the beard and the artificial skin were glued to his face they were both hot and itchy. During meals rice stuck to the beard; he tried to leave a gap with the artificial skin for air but sweat poured out like a spring. "I seriously thought about it. If another movie requires old age make up, I won't make it." Liu Ye joked that when his wife visited the set she did not recognize him. His son thought he was Grandpa. Ng Yin Cho said that the film was originally scheduled for an April shoot, in the end it took eight and a half months to complete. He said, "I couldn't take some ad campaigns. (Did you get a raise because of that?) I seem to have a little over time, anyway the most important is the good result. Ng Yin Cho even made fun of Chang Chen with Liu Ye, saying that he had the most experience of extended shoots. Chang Chen awkwardly said, "Making a movie is tough, the most important is to enjoy the process." He pointed out that they stayed at some place remote during the shoot and he cooked for everyone. [ BLAH OF THE WEEK ] Columns, Reviews, Interviews . TA KUNG PAO, DECEMBER 2012, ENTERTAINMENT HORIZON - SIU O . TA KUNG PAO, DECEMBER 2012, LIGHT SHADOW PATH - TIN LIK . TA KUNG PAO, DECEMBER 2012, FILM AND TELEVISION TRAVERSAL - CHUI HIU . TA KUNG PAO, DECEMBER 2012, HOTSPOT PURSUIT - CHOW YI . MING PAO DAILY, DECEMBER 2012, FILM WORDS - SHEK KEI . MING PAO DAILY, DECEMBER 2012, FILM AND TELEVISION OBSERVATION - KWOK HIN CHING 1. APPLE DAILY, DECEMBER 23 2012, ELECTRIC FILM ROAD BLOODY HEROIC TRIO The Andrew Lau Wai Keung directed new film THE GUILLOTINES (HUET DIK JI) flies the youth banner, gathering Mainland Hong Kong and Taiwan young idols as selling points this film is also the merger of youth and sweat. During the shoot each actor had his own challenge. Yue Man Lok had to handle the hot and cold director and a bully horse. Huang Xiaoming not only had action scenes but also faced heavy emotional scenes. Jing Boran has always made romantic films, this time he had to pick up a weapon to kill. The difficulties could be imagined. The aforementioned three handsome actors gave a lot of blood and sweat for this film, after the shoot they even became good brothers.- LO PING Hong Kong Release Date: December 27 Three hunks Yue Man Lok, Huang Xiaoming and Jing Boran earlier after finishing Lau Wai Keung's new film became good brothers. The trio earlier promoted the film in Hong Kong and were interviewed. As soon as they got together they recalled the hardship during the shoot. Yue Man Lok talked about wrestling with director Lau Wai Keung. Director Lau constantly threw tantrums on the set, everyone from actors to janitors suffered his wrath. Lok Jai even bore the brunt of it, caution was the motto for him everyday at work. "If after he yelled at you all day and you receive a 7AM notice, you'd better be there by 6:30AM! I saw him got mad twice. During the INITIAL D (TAU MAN JI D) production due to how easily accident arose from car racing he was particularly strict. This time with too many explosions, fires and stunts, alot troubled him. Sometimes on the set he would yell at him out of boredom, but I still like to work with him. After working together for awhile we had chemistry and spark." Lok Jai Creates Brokeback Flavor Lok Jai was able to handle Lau Wai Keung even he was madder, horse riding on the other hand was the toughest. He said, "The horse was very smart, it knew I was afraid of it so it bullied me. On it it refused to move no matter how I kicked it, but as soon as I got off it it took off. It was obviously against me. Before the shoot I thought since I had horse riding scenes everyday, I could learn as we shot there. Finally after the first few days, my inner thighs were so sore that I couldn't walk. Luckily Little Lok ok was fine." In the film Lok Jai fended off enemies on horseback, full of murderous intent. Thus the director while designing characters deliberately added a little ambiguous male male relationship for Lok Jai and Ethan Juan (Yuen King Tin) as they performed a HAPPY TOGETHER style braiding scene. Lok Jai said, "The director described it very ambiguously as he arranged for a scene in which Siu Tin braided my hair. I wasn't embarrassed, because my back was toward him I couldn't see his face. However it had a gay feel." Lok Jai joked that he did not mind playing a homosexual character. If he had to choose he wanted to play a gentle character because the emotional scenes were more comfortable and better than all the fighting. Huang Xiaoming's Rear Suffers Among the numerous characters, Huang Xiaoming's was more difficult. He had both dangerous actions and complicated internal scenes. He said, "No matter how hard dangerous stunts were they weren't harder than interpreting the complication inside, especially with the numerous lines. My character was the spiritual leader and had a lot of transformations. The spiritual tiredness was even tougher than the physical exhaustion, in addition with excessive lecture scenes my voice was injured. Actually I also constantly got hurt from the stunts. Once a horse kicked me in the rear, more than ten days later the would still hurt very much when I showered. During the explosion scenes the explosion went off in front of me. I thought my beard and eyebrows were burnt off, but I couldn't retreat because those scenes couldn't be reshot." Huang Xiaoming continued, "Acting enabled me to meet many close brothers, Lok Jai and I share the same birthday, we have a lot of similarities and get along particularly well. In addition, after working with Lau Wai Keung on THE LAST TYCOON and THE GUILLOTINES we have become very familiar already. Director Lau and THE GUILLOTINES producer Peter Chan Ho Sun are very different. Chan Ho Sun is cool and calm, Director Lau is fiery hot. Working with them is stressful. If I don't perform excellently I feel I am letting them down." Jing Boran Horse riding Thrill Another hunk Jing Boran's key scenes were all shot on horseback. During the shoot he only had three days of horse riding lessons. finally he almost suffered a major injury. "In one scene I was on a horse, the horse ran wild and charged toward a thick tree. At the time I felt like I was going to die. In the last second, I jumped off and luckily only bruised my arms and face." The most memorable for Jing Boran was his scene with Yuen King Tin. "In that scene Siu Tin slapped me, he was kind was he felt the pressure. I told him not to hold back. Finally he truly hit as hard as he could and my face swelled up. We shot it seven to eight times. After the shoot Siu Tin broke down while looking at him and finally I ended up having to comfort him instead." Chris Lee Is Taken Care Of Chris Lee Yuchun is the only female member of THE GUILLOTINES team. The film poster displayed her feminist look, but actually when working with a group of men on the film she felt as though she was being taken care of. Actually Lee Yuchun did not have many action scenes in the film. "I have more scenes with Siu Tin and Xiaoming. In the film my father is THE GUILLOTINES leader who swore that his son or his daughter had to join the Guillotines. I wanted very much to prove my abilities to father with action. Finally I made a mistake and was captured." From BODYGUARDS AND ASSASSINS (SUP YUET WAI SING) to FLYING SWORDS OF DRAGON GATE (LUNG MOON FEI GAP), Lee Yuchun risked her life for her stunts. With a rare film with so many dramatic scenes, she hoped to be able to bring a different feeling to the audience every time. "Earlier I had the martial art action experience, this time I learned faster. I am not afraid of being typecast with more fight scenes, but I still love singing very much." Working with Chan Ho Sun and Lau Wai Keung after BODYGUARDS, Lee Yuchun said that everyone have already added chemistry. "At first I didn't know what acting was, after completing THE GUILLOTINES I now am considered an actress." Lee Yuchun also said that she had a special bond with Lau Wai Keung. At work on the set they were like father and daughter. SYNOPSIS: SCHEME WITHIN SCHEME THE GUILLOTINES story takes place during Qianlong's reign in the Qing Dynasty, the royal court had an organization named the Guillotines who specialized in executiving royal secret missions. Lan led the Guillotines, after 348 missions he has never failed. The Guillotines' new mission was to assassinate traitor Tianlong. Tianlong finally was arrested. As he was being taken to the captial, his compatriots ambushed the road to the execution location and rescued him. In this urgent moment, the Guillotines' commander Gong's daughter Musen was in a hurry to take action and instead fell into Tianlong's hands. Lan also captured Tianlong's follower Bailan as both sides had a hostage on their hands. On the surface Qianlong sent the Imperial detective Haidu to participate in the rescue, but actually Qianlong hoped to take the opportunity to eradicate the Guillotines. 2. MING PAO DAILY, DECEMBER 23 2012, FILM WORDS JACKIE CHAN IS LIVELY CZ12 Fun For The Whole Family The Jackie Chan produced, directed and starred CZ12 (SUP YI SUN CHIU) was fun for the whole family and met the holiday entertainment needs. Despite Jackie Chan's draw in Hong Kong not being what it used to be, this film stressed patriotism of course went along with the Mainland. However it indeed was his particularly full and lively representative work in recent years. The subject was the auction of the Old Summer Palace "national treasure" 12 Chinese Zodiac bronze statues. Jackie Chan played the treasure hunting boss and created an international Chinese RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK. With martial art acrobatics and new computer technology, the film is rather intriguing and fun. The film had an old French castle, and a treasure hunt at sea on a remote island. Many spots inevitably were childish and funny. Fortunately the film had a lot of tricks, from the beginning to the end it was cheerful and colorful. It also had many wonderful antique counterfeit methods. The theme was to support nations to seek the return of their national treasures from the West and oppose using past ill gotten gains with astronomical figures. Both were reasonable. This was the Jackie Chan action comedy's further modernization, the opening armor slide design was rather wonderful. Unfortunately the hang glider take off in the middle lacked a injection system and turned into a mess, obviously Chinese film's technological abilities remained weak. This film's best action remained kung fu and acrobatics. Later in the film the Chinese and foreign experts duel on the sofa was a lot of fun. The Chinese and foreign women combat was also entertaining and displayed the mutual respect spirit of making friends via martial arts. CZ12 performed decently, only in comparison to last year's Tom Cruise comeback MISSION IMPOSSIBLE GHOST PROTOCOL it still had some distance from treasure hunt schemes to science fiction special effects. Chinese international big films still needed to work hard to catch up to Hollywood's highest quality. (Three and a half out of five stars) - SHEK KEI 3. APPLE DAILY, DECEMBER 22 2012, ELECTRIC FILM ROAD LU CHUAN'S STAGNATION If Mainland director Lu Chuan's film stages are identified with flavors, his first film THE MISSING GUN would be the lightly flavored appetizer. By KEKEXILI and CITY OF LIFE AND DEATH the flavor gradually grew stronger. His recent work THE LAST SUPPER is an entree that looked like a return to simplicity with a reason for it to be savored, hard to describe stagnation. A seemingly simple historical film's use of power and control easily makes people feel the film is a satire of the present with the past. Lu Chuan quoted Han Xin in the film, "It's not that I don't have dreams, I just don't know politics." - HO WING NING Hong Kong Release Date: January 3 2013 Mainland director Lu Chuan earlier was interviewed to promote his film THE LAST SUPPER (WONG DIK SING YIN). The film from its prepared has run into countless obstacles, not only its script had to jump over hurdles during inspection, after its completion a lot of dialogue have been removed. The story also went from the independent chapters of Xiang Yu, Liu Bang and Han Xin into the now the Liu Ye played Liu Bang narrating the story. Lu Chuan said that he would not guess the motive and would not comment on some hinting that LAST was satirizing the present with the past. He said, "Many people indeed have thought that. I wanted to make the relationship between order, power and ruler. I am not just targeting someone, I just want the history to be a lesson to learn from." Sensitive Dialogue Removed Lu Chuan revealed that removed were all the dialogue that Mainland film authority felt was sensitive. He said, "A lot of dialogue were removed, more memorable was the Ng Yin Cho (Daniel Wu) played Xiang Yu who when people asked why he was against Qin said 'Emperor Qin wants people to wear the same clothes, speak the same language and sing the same song!' In the end the song phrase was removed, perhaps the film authority was reminded of the Red songs. Many of Liu Bang's lines in the end had to become narrations to pass inspection. On the other hand some he thought would be removed was not, for example in the film Xiao He talked about 'people who revise history has to not let history down', Empress Lu said, 'A lot of truth would forever hide in darkness'. They seem rather sensitive. As a director, Lu Chuan felt that without affecting the content that he wanted to express, he could accept censorship. He said, "The film doesn't rely on one or two lines to express itself, it should rely on the overall body." In LAST, Lu Chuan's preference for the character of Han Xin could be seen. He also thought himself to be Han Xin. He said, "If I have to choose I would probably choose Han Xin. He wasn't without dreams, he just didn't understand politics. He was somewhat underappreciated, as he became the sacrifice in Emperor Gaozu of Han's power experiment. The winner not only won wealth and power but also was recorded in history. Thus history is always written by the winners." Out Of Order Tests Viewers LAST has deep levels of hidden meanings behind the film. The film was also out of order. Many viewers admitted that after watching they were somehow lost on the focus. Lu Chuan admitted that it was his fault. "The production method used a stream of conscience along with dreamscape as its storytelling method, not being in order would indeed make it a little hard to understand." However Lu Chuan deeply felt that viewers had a generation gap in their knowledge of history, in addition to the recent flood of Hollywood films. He explained, "Hollywood story telling is very direct, very hard to make viewers think. Actually good movies sometimes need viewers to think and savor." He said that from his first film THE MISSING GUN's dark humor to KEKEXILI and THE CITY OF LIFE AND DEATH carrying indescribable stagnation, LAST is even more so. He said, "Next time I definitely will make a movie that viewers would easily understand, at least it wouldn't be so dark." Synopsis: THE LAST SUPPER Behind The Hong Gate Banquet In the story during the Chu-Han Contention, the aristocrat Xiang Yu and the tramp Liu bang after the Hong Gate Banquet swapped victory and defeat. Emperor Gaozu of Han Liu Bang after coming to power was constantly afraid of betrayal from those around him, especially Han Xin who was better in scheming and military strategy. He would rather kill first and ask questions later. Liu Bang in his hospice recalled the Hong Gate Banquet, traversed between reality and memories and determined the reasons between his victory. History is only written by winners, but whether such a history can truly not let those after it down is a question that this film wants to examine. [ In Production Now/Soon ] THE ICEMAN COMETH 3D Can : Bing Fung Hup Lit : Frozen Hero Donnie Yen Chi Tan, Eva Huang Shengyi, Wang Baoqiang Can : Dut Jung Gau Woon Ying Hung Lit : Special Rescue Heroes AKA : Special Rescue Squad d. Derek Kwok Chi Kin Nicholas Tse Ting Fung, Shawn Yue Man Lok, Simon Yam Tat Wa, Hu Jun, William Chan Wai Ting, Deep Ng Ho Hong, Michelle Wai (Si Nga), Liu Kai Chi, Bai Bing, Bonnie Xian (Sin Sik Lai), Patrick Tam Yiu Man Can : Fung Bo Lit : Storm Andy Lau Tak Wa, Hu Jun, Yao Chen, Gordon Lam Ka Tung, Chin Kar Lok, Michael Tong Man Lun, Kenny Wong Tak Bun, Vinz Sze Cho Nam Can : Gik Jin Lit : Extreme War d. Dante Lam Chiu Yin Nick Cheung Ka Fai, Andy Tien (On Chi Kit), Eddie Peng Yu-Yen, Can : Chiu Cup Gaing Lei Yun Lit : Super Manager Chapman To Man Jat, Charlene Choi Cheuk Yin, Gao Yunxiang, Jenny Lau Wai Huen IP MAN THE FINAL FIGHT Can : Ip Man Jung Gik Yut Jin d. Herman Yau Lai To Anthony Wong Chau Sun, Anita Yuen Wing Yi, Eric Tsang Chi Wai, Jordan Chan Siu Chun, Gillian Chung Yun Tung, Chow Ting Yu, Jonathan Wong Chee Hynn, Timmy Hung Tin Ming [ THE FILM CATALOGUE ] In postwar Hong Kong, legendary Wing Chun grandmaster Ip Man is reluctantly called into action once more, when what begin as simple challenges from rival kung fu styles soon draw him into the dark and dangerous underworld of the Triads. Now, to defend life and honor, he has no choice but to fight one last time... INFERNO Can : Toh Chook Sun Tin Lit : Escape To Living Daylight d. Danny Pang Shun, Oxide Pang Fat Lau Ching Wan, Louis Koo Tin Lok, Angelica Lee Sinjie [ THE FILM CATALOGUE ] On the hottest day in 50 years, a serious fire incident happened to a busy commercial tower, a gaggle of firefighters with an indestructible enthusiasm are going to save lives... 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 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 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 2013 --- [ NOW SHOWING ] 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 2013 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... NARUTO THE MOVIE: ROAD TO NINJA d. Hayato Date Japanese Animation Length : 110 mins. Opening December 27 2012 CZ12 AKA : CHINESE ZODIAC Can : Sup Yi Sun Chiu Lit : 12 Chinese Zodiac Jackie Chan, Kwon Sang-Woo, Laura Weissbecker, Yao Xingtong, Liao Fan, Zhang Lanxin, Steve Yoo Seung-Jun Opening December 20 2012 Site: http://jackiechan.com/films/869750--CZ12 [ 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. PENANCE (PART II) Can : Shook Jui d. Kiyoshi Kurosawa Kyoko Koizumi, Yu Aoi, Mirai Moriyama, Eiko Koike, Sakura Ando, Chizuru Ikewaki Rating : IIB Length : 124 mins. Opening December 20 2012 [ YAHOO! MOVIES HONG KONG ] Chapter 4 and the final chapter "God may forgive you, but I never will!" A mysterious man kidnaps and kills an elementary school girl, but the four classmates who was with her insist that they have no recollection of the killer. The victim's mother is heartbroken and instantly becomes a terrifying avenger. She threatens the four elementary school classmates, "If you can't find the culprit, you will be paying penance for life!" Because of those terrifying words, the four are pushed into the penance abyss. They are destined to never be happy. As adults they each run into tragedy in order to atone for the crime, they live in more painful ways than death....... BUNNY DROP Can : Bak Toh Tong Nui Hai Lit : White Rabbit Candy Girl d. SABU Kenichi Matsuyama, Mana Ashida, Karina, Mirei Kiritani Rating : I Length : 109 mins. Opening December 20 2012 [ YAHOO! MOVIES HONG KONG ] 27-year-old Daikichi is a single young man who is without a care in the world and only knows to take care of himself. One day Daikichi returns home to attend his grandfather's funeral and runs into a six year old girl Rin with any interesting background -- she actually is his grandfather's illegitimate daughter. Yet after his grandfather's passing, none of his friends or relatives is willing to take in this little girl. In order to prevent the girl from being sent to the social welfare organization and becoming an orphan, Daikichi bravely announces that he would raise Rin. Since then, the stumbling bachelor and the tough girl begin to live together without interference. Without any child raising experience Daikichi is completely helpless with the little girl...... 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 December 13 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! GO GRANDRIDERS Can : But Lo Keh Si Lit : Never Aging Riders d. Hua Tianhao Rating : I Length 90 mins. Opening December 6 2012 (Special Screening) [ BROADWAY CIRCUIT ] Aging should never stop one from daring to dream. In November 2007, with the help of an NGO, a group of 17 elderly with an average age of 81, some suffered from cancer, some have heart diseases and all have joint degeneration, made a remarkable round-the-island motorcycle journey in Taiwan, and completed the impossible dream of finishing 1178 kilometer in 13 days. In the touching documentary “Go Grandriders”, director Tianhao Hua tells us where there is a will, there is a way, it is never too late to chase after your own dreams. THE MYSTICAL LAWS d. Isamu Imakake Japanese Animation Opening December 6 2012 [ ASIAN WIKI ] In 202X, a coup takes place in a East Asian republic. The Godom Empire is then born. The Emperor of Godom hails from the military and he builds up the empire using its military strength and utilizing mystical weapons. The Godom Empire plots to conquer its neighboring countries, including Japan. The United States is a shell of its former past and no longer holds sway in the UN and is helpless to stop the Godom Empire. Meanwhile, an international secret society known as Hermes Wings battles to stop the Godom Empire. Sho Shishimaru is a member of the Hermes Wing and also has prophetic powers. Sho Shishimaru predicts that Buddha as their savior will return. DETECTIVE CONAN THE ELEVENTH STRIKER Can : Ming Jing Tam Or Nam: Dai Sup Yut Wai Chin Fung Lit : Great Detective Conan: The Eleventh Striker d. Kobun Shizuno Japanese Animation Length : 110 mins. Opening December 1 2012 [ YAHOO! MOVIES HONG KONG ] One day, Kogoro Mori's detective agency suddenly receives a phone threat. As he hits the streets, a car blows up in front of Kogoro! Later, the criminal issues a challenge, "Blue Youth and blue zebra, rain falls from the sky." and a warning that if the riddle is not solved the next explosion cannot be stopped. Kogoro and Ran turn the city upside down but cannot find any clue. At this time, Conan Edogawa is watching a soccer match with Haibara and the Junior Detective League. The match is between Big Osaka and its rival Tokyo Spirits. As the match gets more exciting, Ran calls and tells Conan about the threat. Conan who solves the riddle alone suddenly discovers the horrible truth that no one can stop, as he again runs into an unprecedented challenge. The moment of the explosion is getting closer and closer...... 009 RE: CYBORG d. Kenji Kamiyama Japanese Animation Opening November 30 2012 [ YAHOO! MOVIES HONG KONG ] 00 Cyborgs is an United Nations army that consists of different nationality cyborgs who handle the changing international situations. As mankind is under the impression that the world is at peace, a new danger has already arrived. The forgotten cyborgs reunite. In order to build a new nation, they risk breaking the existing order...... LOVE ME NOT d. Gilitte Leung Bik Chi Afa Lee Sze Yu, Kenneth Cheng Siu Hei, Rebecca Yip Lai Ka Rating : IIB Length : 93 mins. Opening November 17 2012 at Hong Kong Asian Film Festival Opening November 29 2012 [ BROADWAY CIRCUIT ] Love can be complicated, but is also love that makes the impossible possible, including ambiguous sexuality issues. “Love Me Not” is an independent feature about a friendship turned love story between a boy and a girl growing up knowing each other is gay. Pals since kids and knew each other for a life time, Dennis and Aggie are inseparable and support each other on everything, but when Dennis is forced to have a normal marriage with another girl by his parents, the affection and desire buried deep inside mixed with jealousy and conflicting emotions pushed these two life –long friends to question about their own sexualities and the true meaning of love. [ 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. PRINCESS AND SEVEN KUNG FU MASTERS Can : Siu Gung Jung Mo Lum Lit : Laughter Kung Fu Rocks Martial Art World d. Wong Jing, Keung Kwok Man Sammo Hung Kam Bo, Philip Ng Wan Lung, Dennis To Yu-Hang, Yuen Wah, Eric Tsang Chi Wai, Sandra Ng Kwan Yu, Wong Cho Lam, Ronald Cheng Chung Kei, Natalie Meng Yao, Kimmy Tong Fei, Monica Mok Siu Kei, Jiang Luxia, Rose Chan Ka Wun [ THE FILM CATALOGUE ] During the early years of the Republic era, in the North-East region of China, the people are suffering from the power struggle among the local Warlords, bandits, and Japanese invaders. Warlord Lam is not a leader of great vision, but having a patriotic heart, stands firm in his own beliefs, despite the several solicitations and temptations from Japan. The only ‘paradise’ within the region is ‘Lucky Town’, the one place where no one dared to attack. Rumors abound that this place is cursed, for whenever anyone attempted to invade Lucky Town, they would disappear and vanish without a trace. In reality, there are seven kung fu masters who have retreated into the shadows and resided here. They are Manysons Madonna and Madonhung, the owners of a steamed bread shop Nam Mor Bing, the Taoist priest Horny Four, the tailor Little Trumpet, the cosmetic salesman and Mamasan Maggie, the brothel owner. Every one of them is a master in his own right, keeping Lucky Town in peace. Lam’s daughter, Cheryl is very fond of culinary arts, and often does grocery shopping in Lucky Town. She is pretty and lovely and very much favoured by the Seven Masters, especially Horny Four who falls for her at first sight and regards her as his dream lover. The Japanese secret agent, Kiyoko Kurosawa, allied with traitors from the Tiger’s Den: Tiger Hong, Jaguar Hong and Phoenix Hong, to set up a secret outpost to send secret-coded messages back to Japan. Young patriots, Yan Fang who disguised herself as a man, and Howard Luo, infiltrate Tiger’s Den at night, trying to steal the code book. They lose the fight to the Hongs, Howard sacrifices himself to save Yan who was wounded. On the run, Yan is rescued by Cheryl. Mistaking Yan as a man, Cheryl falls for Yan. She then brings Yan to Lucky Town and begs the Seven Masters to cure Yan. On the other hand, Warlord Lam saves a pretty lady and grows fond of her. This lady is actually Kiyoko Kurosawa in disguise. Using Ninjutsu skills, Kiyoko seduces Lam and controls his will. She then organises a wedding for Lam and herself, in the hope of becoming the warlord’s wife so she can control Lam’s army. On the wedding day, Cheryl and the Seven Masters arrive in time to ruin her wedding plans. Lam regains his senses finally and unites together with the Seven Masters, to fight against Kiyoko and the Hongs... 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 THE LAST TYCOON Can : Dai Seung Hoi Lit : Grand Shanghai d. Wong Jing Chow Yun Fat, Huang Xiaoming, Sammo Hung Kam Bo, Francis Ng Chun Yu, Yolanda Yuan Quan, Yuan Li, Monica Mok Siu Kei, Tong Fei Rating : IIB Length : 118 mins. Opening January 3 2013 [ GOLDEN SCREEN CINEMAS MALAYSIA ] In 1917, Cheng was an innocent man worked in a grocery store. But a fateful night had changed Cheng's life forever, as he literally walked right in the affair between his lady boss and the chief of police. To hide this secret, the chief decided to throw Cheng into prison. Desolated, Cheng met a cellmate Mao, who happened to have an escape plan. The duo broke out. Cheng found a job as a bouncer in the casino owned by powerful inspector Jin. As Jin indulged himself in debauchery all day long, Cheng began to climb up the underworld ladder step by step. As Cheng became one of most powerful mob bosses in Shanghai in late 1930s, fame took its toll when he found himself stuck between the looming Japanese army and the scheming local secret service. THE LAST SUPPER Can : Wong Dik Sing Yin Lit : King's Banquet d. Lu Chuan Daniel Wu (Ng Yin Cho), Chang Chen, Liu Ye Opening January 3 2013 [ THE FILM CATALOGUE ] The early history of a nation unfolds through the actions of three heroes – Liu Bang, Xiang Yu and Han Xin – who chased their dreams of uniting a warring nation and fought through major milestones of the Chu-Han Contention years in the third century. From the Julu War to the Hongmen Banquet, the Gaixia War to the death of HanXin, the narration of Liu Bang – who would be the founding emperor of the new Han Dynasty – sets the stage for a tale of betrayal and brothers at war, where the last man standing inherits a nation. 3AM Can : Au Won Sam Dim Jung Lit : Hook Soul 3AM End d. Issara Nadee, Patchanon Thumjira, Kirati Nakintano Apinya Sakuljaroensuk, Peter Knight, Ray Macdonald [ BROADWAY CIRCUIT HONG KONG ] One day hte darkest moment is 3AM. At 1AM dark wind rises, at 2AM dogs bark like mad, at 3AM ghosts appear. 3AM is also the moment for the highest death rate at the hospital. Three directors shoots 3 stories and adds 3D special effects for viewers to experience the 3AM haunting. Three stories take place in a wig shop, at a funeral and a company. In THE WIG two sisters May and Min buy real hair to make wigs from, late at night the owner of the real hair appears; in CORPSE BRIDE male nurse Tos stands guard over the coffins of the dead bride and groom. Tos everyday brings them meals and washes their corpse. After awhile Tos falls for the bride in the coffin; in O.T. Karan and Tee often scare company employees as ghosts. They again arrange for a series of scares but even more mysterious events take time. They cannot tell whether they are real or not until 3AM. 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, Zhao Benshan, Xiao Shenyang, Wang Xingchang Max Zhang Jun, Song Hye-Kyo, Julian Cheung Chi Lam Opening January 10 2013 [ 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... YOUNG AND DANGEROUS RELOADED Can : Goo Wat Jai: Gong Wu Sun Dit Jui Lit : Wise Guys: Mob New Order d. Wong Jing Law Chung Him, Philip Ng Won Lung, Paul Wong Koon Chung, Oscar Leung Lit Wai, Jacquline Chong Si Man, Jazz Lam Chi Sin, Michelle Hu Ran, Dominic Ho Ho Man, Sammy Sum Chun Hin, Alex Man Chi Leung, Denise Ho Wan Si Opening January 10 2013 ONE TREE THREE LIVES Can : Sam Sun Sam Sai Nip Wa Ling Lit : Three Lifetimes: Nieh Hualing d. Angie Chan Hualing Nieh Engle, Mo Yan, Pai Hsien-yung Rating : I Length : 98 mins. Opening January 12 2013 (Special Screening) [ BROADWAY CIRCUIT HONG KONG ] An intimate documentary on the novelist Hualing Nieh Engle, who has been a major influence on generations of writers in the Chinese diaspora, and beyond. At times sad, at times funny, the film interviews 26 writers, revealing a woman of unusual charisma, integrity and determination, and a person in continual exile. Born and raised in wartime China, Nieh left China in 1949 for peace in Taipei, and then left for love in 1964 to the U.S. In 1967, she founded the prestigious International Writing Program (IWP) with her late husband, the American poet Paul Engle, in Iowa. Nine years later, they were nominated by more than 300 writers for the Nobel Peace Prize. IWP has nurtured over 1,400 writers from over 140 countries, including Nobel Literature Prize winners Orhan Pamuk (My Name is Red, Snow), and Mo Yan (Red Sorghum), and other noted writers including Yu Hua (To Live, Brothers), and Lin Hwa-min (author, and artistic director, Cloud Gate Dance Theatre). Director Angie Chen has absorbingly captured a remarkable figure in modern Chinese literature. PAPER MOON d. Stanley Law Gordon Lam Ka Tung, Chrissie Chau Sau Na Opening January 17 2013 in Malaysia [ CINEMA ONLINE MALAYSIA ] a poor kite maker, Chen Tian Song, falls in love with Gao Shi Qin, the daughter of a wealthy family who is in line to inherit the family business. Their innocent and young love eventually evolves into infinite regret and a poignant love story. Many years later, suppressing his feelings of guilt, Tian Song expresses his painful longing for Shi Qin through the making of (WAU) kites, until that fateful meeting with Gao Man Hua.... In search of Gao Shi Qin's first love, Gao Man Hua travels all the way to Kelantan to learn about the man who has wounded her mother. The appearance of Man Hua evokes apprehension in the quiet and reserved Tian Song, bringing back yesterday's memories. Tian Song is uneasy about Man Hua's constant clinging, but at the same time, he finds himself attracted to her because of her uncanny resemblance to her mother. What consequences would Chen Tian Song's encounter with Gao Man Hua bring? Why is she so desperate to search for him? PIETA Can : Sing Seung d. Kim Duk-Ki Lee Jung-Jin, Cho Min-Soo, Kwon Se-In, Kang Eunjing, Kim Jae-Rok Rating : III Length : 104 mins. Opening January 17 2013 [ BROADWAY CIRCUIT HONG KONG ] Hired by moneylenders, a man lives as a loan shark brutally threatening people for paybacks. This man, without any family therefore with nothing to lose, continues his merciless way of life regardless of all the pain he has caused to a countless number of people. One day, a woman appears in front of him claiming to be his mother. He coldly rejects her at first, but gradually accepts her in his life. He decides to quit his cruel job and to live a decent life. Then suddenly the mother is kidnapped. Assuming that it would be by someone he had hurt in the past, he starts to track down all the people he had harassed. The man finally finds the one, only to discover most horrifying dark secrets better left unrevealed. BEIJING BLUES Can : Sun Tam Hung Dut Jeung d. Gao Qunshu Xu Wen, Zhou Yunpeng, Zhang Lixian Length : 118 mins. Opening January 27 2013 [ CITYLINE MOVIES HONG KONG ] his is a movie without professional actors, a “secretly taped” movie that is so realistic it feels as if it's happening right beside you. It will make you think of all the times you've been taken advantage of. The next time you see a scam artist con a well-intentioned old woman out of her savings, you'll hate him so much you'll want to slap him. When you see a pickpocket take the money someone was taking home to feed their family, you'll want to beat him into the ground. And just when you hate these people so much that you're ready to buy a gun and start dishing out vigilante justice, Beijing Blues opens your eyes to the story behind these despicable people, where you'll see the frustration that drove them to their dark choices and you won't be sure whether what you feel for them is hatred or pity. Police officer Zhang Huiling, who patrols Haidian District's Shuangyushu neighborhood in Beijing, has a job to do. Every day, he patrols the streets with his cohort of security guards - who speak a bewildering array of accents from all over China - and track down and arrest thieves, hucksters, and con artists. And he's good at it; after more than 10 years on the force, Zhang Huiling has an uncanny ability to sniff out criminals from within the throngs of people passing through his district. But Zhang can't help feeling that it's partly his fault that he's failing, somehow, because the crime and misery doesn't stop. In the depths of his spirit, the positive and negative forces in his life grapple, every day, every crime, every arrest, every bit of mercy and understanding renewing the endless battle for his soul. DEAREST Can : Cup Chun Oi Dik Nei Lit : For the Dearest you d. Yasuo Furuhata Ken Takakura, Yuko Tanaka Rating : I Length : 111 mins. Opening January 24 2013 [ BROADWAY CIRCUIT HONG KONG ] A widower’s journey to the hometown of his late wife. He encounters strangers and their stories, guided by his wife’s true wishes. One day, a widower Eiji Kurashima receives a letter from his late wife, Yoko. The letter contains a picture of a sparrow and her wish for him to “take her ashes to her hometown and bury her in the sea”. Just before turning 50, he had married Yoko who had visited Eiji’s workplace, a prison facility, as a singer for the inmates. Their late marriage did not include any children of their own but they had led a peaceful and happy married life. Thus, the letter comes as a surprise to Eiji who had thought the 15 years of living together had brought complete understanding of each other. Why had she not told him of her wishes when she was alive? I LOVE HONG KONG 2013 Can : Ngor Oi HK Gung Hei Fat Choi Alan Tam Wing Lun, Eric Tsang Chi Wai, Nat Chan Pak Cheung, Bosco Wong Chung Chak, Kate Tsui Tsz Shan Opening February 7 2013 in Malaysia HOTEL DELUXE AKA: HOTEL OF CELEBRITIES Can : Bak Sing Jau Dim Lit : Hundred Star Hotel d. Vincent Kok Tak Siu Raymond Wong Pak Ming, Sandra Ng Kwan Yu, Chapman To Man Jat, Ronald Cheng Chung Kei, Fiona Sit Hoi Kei, Janelle Sing, Lynn Xiong Opening February 7 2013 in Malaysia [ CINEMA ONLINE MALAYSIA ] The brand new "Hundred Stars Hotel" is a well-equipped five-star hotel located at Qiandao Lake, Hangzhou. However, this hotel is run by a group of incompetent staff including the Assistant Manager OK, the Chief Bartender Pacino, the Head of Housekeeping Peach and the Receptionist Sammy. Rumor has it that a mysterious hotel detective will arrive soon to define the rating of "Hundred Stars Hotel". In order to match the five-star standard, harsh Cruella has been appointed as the Hotel Manager to restructure the hotel. Cruella takes the chance to develop "Hundred Stars Hotel" as the shooting location for a big budget movie, but chaos ensues when the two leading actresses Marilyn and Audrey stay in the hotel and they are arrogant and too hot to handle. JOURNEY TO THE WEST Can : Sai Yau Gong Mor Pin Lit : Journey to the West: Taming Demon Chapter d. Stephen Chow Sing Chi Shu Qi, Huang Bo, Wen Zhang, Show Luo (Law Chi Cheung), Chrissie Chau Sau Na Opening February 7 2013 in Malaysia THE WEDDING DIARY II d. Adrian Teh A Niu, Elanne Kong Yeuk Lam Opening Februyar 7 2013 in Malaysia [ CINEMA ONLINE MALAYSIA ] The sequel to the hit Malaysian-Singaporean comedy "The Wedding Diary" follows the journey of husband and wife Daniel, an engineer from a humble Malaysian Hokkien family, and Tina, a beauty from a wealthy Singaporean Cantonese family, after their wedding in the original. The cultural and social problems are still there, resulting in a lot of chaos and hilarity in the family. SWITCH Can : Tin Gei ji Fu Chun San Gui Toh Lit : Heavenly Opportunity: Dwelling In the Fuchun Mountains AKA : 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 February 14 2013 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. 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. [ THE FILM CATALOGUE ] Forced to leave service after turning blind, a former detective ekes out his living by solving cold cases for police rewards. When an attractive hit team inspector enlists his help in a personal case, he decides to take a stab. 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 Opening March 7 2013 in Malaysia [ 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... [ THE FILM CATALOGUE ] Private detective Tam follows the hints to restart the investigation of a drug trafficking in Malaysia with the help of an undercover agent, hoping to find out the truth behind the murder of his parents thirty years ago... --- [ 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 * RICHIE JEN (YAM YIN CHAI) DATE AND TIME: Sunday, March 24 2013 7PM Monday, March 25 2013 8:30PM VENUE LOCATION: Avalon Theatre Theatre Niagara Fallsview Casino Resort 6380 Fallsview Boulevard, Niagara ON L2G 7X5 Canada TICKET PRICES: CA $162.95, 140.35, 112.10 TICKET OUTLET LOCATION: TICKET MASTER CANADA http://www.ticketmaster.ca/JEN-HSIEN-CHI-tickets/artist/1804682 * DAYO WONG TZE WAH STAND UP COMEDY SHOW 2013 DATE AND TIME: Saturday, January 26 2013 @ 8PM VENUE LOCATION: Sony Centre For The Performing Arts 1 Front St. E., Toronto ON M5E 1B2 Canada TICKET PRICES: CA$ 188.75. 72, 52 TICKET OUTLET LOCATIONS: TICKET MASTER CANADA http://www.ticketmaster.ca/event/10004933D91DCC45?artistid=1353614 * HAPPY NEW YEAR CONCERT Nancy Sit Hoi Kei DATE AND TIME: Saturday, January 19 2013 @ 8PM VENUE LOCATION: Harrah's Reno Convention Center 219 N center St., Reno NV TICKET PRICES: $98, 68, 48 TICKET OUTLET LOCATION: ONLINE: http://www.bayareaticket.com/concertsandevents/3420323478291412603224180284362180926371.html PHONE: 650-522-0045 * VALEN HSU DATE AND TIME: Sunday, January 6 2013 7PM Monday, January 7 2013 8:30PM VENUE LOCATION: Avalon Theatre Theatre Niagara Fallsview Casino Resort 6380 Fallsview Boulevard, Niagara ON L2G 7X5 Canada TICKET PRICES: CA $149.39, 126.79, 104.19 TICKET OUTLET LOCATION: TICKET MASTER CANADA http://www.ticketmaster.ca/Valen-Hsu-tickets/artist/1791732 * MC JIN 2012 CHRISTMAS DATE AND TIME: Thursday, December 27 2012 @ 9PM VENUE LOCATION: Exchange Los Angeles 618 South Spring Street Los Angeles CA 90014 626.280.7666 TICKET PRICES: Pre Sale Ticket: $35 TICKET OUTLET LOCATION: Phone: 626.720.4311 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Box office info : What Box Office Info? The usual suspects : Internet Movie Database, Yahoo! Hong Kong Erors : ye olde chaffing editor For Thursday, December 20 2012 10 BUNNY DROP Can : Bak Toh Tong Nui Hai Lit : White Rabbit Candy Girl d. SABU Kenichi Matsuyama, Mana Ashida, Karina, Mirei Kiritani 9 1942 d. Feng Xiaogang Zhang Guoli, Chen Daoming, Xu Fan, Zhang Hanyu, Zhang Mi 8 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 7 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 d. James Yuen Sai Sun Dior Cheng Yi Kin, Charlene Choi Cheuk Yin, Zhang Xinyi, Izz Xu (Tsui Ching Hei), Joyce Cheng Yun Yi, Wylie Chiu Shek Chi, 6 LIFE OF PI d. Ang Lee Suraj Sharma, Irrfan Khan, Adil Hussain 5 JACK REACHER d. Christopher McQuarrie Tom Cruise, Rosamund Pike, Richard Jenkins, Werner Herzog 4 CZ12 Can : Sup Yi Sun Chiu Lit : 12 Chinese Zodiac d. Jackie Chan Jackie Chan, Kwon Sang-Woo, Laura Weissbecker, Yao Xingtong, Liao Fan, Zhang Lanxin, Steve Yoo Seung-Jun 3 WRECK-IT RALPH d. Rich Moore Disney Animation English Voices: John C. Reilly, Sarah Silverman, Jack McBrayer, Jane Lynch Cantonese Voices: Anthony Wong Chau Sun, G.E.M. 2 THE HOBBIT: AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY d. Peter Jackson Martin Freeman, Ian McKellen, Richard Armitage 1 THE TWILIGHT SAGA: BREAKING DAWN PART 2 d. Bill Condon Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, Taylor Lautner ------ Summaries for some of the films above. Some contain SPOILERS CZ12 AKA : CHINESE ZODIAC Rating : IIA Length : 123 mins. Opening December 20 2012 Site: http://jackiechan.com/films/869750--CZ12 [ 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. MY SASSY HUBBY Rating : IIA Length : 107 mins. Opening December 6 2012 [ YAHOO! MOVIES HONG KONG ] Ten years ago, Thirteen Cheung and Yoyo Ma wed due to their arranged marriage. They have become a feuding couple of incompatible personalities and 12 year age difference! Stepping into the 10th year of married life, this marriage begins to have problems as both are upset at the other! They even discover that their marriage registration in England has been confirmed to be invalid, so they are not considered "married". They decide to agree on a "separation" so they can look for their significant other and have nothing to do with each other! University psychology professor Thirteen rapidly meets Tong Yi, a gifted student from Beijing! Tong Yi is sweet looking and even an international model, the otaku "goddess" makes Thirteen's heart pound. Yoyo runs into her elementary school classmate and rich kid Lin Shu Ho, who uses different ways to bring back their memories over the years to win over Yoyo...... 1942 Rating : IIB Length : 145 mins. Opening December 6 2012 [ BROADWAY CIRCUIT ] In 1942 Henan Province ran into a drought and a locust disaster, over 3 million were starved to death. In a country village, starving victims became bandits. At the same time, the Japanese military was assembling in Henan. Going against the famine masses, Kuomintang military headed north to the front line; facing disaster, the Kuomintang government not only did not save the civilians but even assigned Li Peiji as the Henan Provincial government chief to gather food for the military...... COLD WAR Rating : IIB Length : 102 mins. Opening November 8 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... BUNNY DROP Rating : I Length : 109 mins. Opening December 20 2012 [ YAHOO! MOVIES HONG KONG ] 27-year-old Daikichi is a single young man who is without a care in the world and only knows to take care of himself. One day Daikichi returns home to attend his grandfather's funeral and runs into a six year old girl Rin with any interesting background -- she actually is his grandfather's illegitimate daughter. Yet after his grandfather's passing, none of his friends or relatives is willing to take in this little girl. In order to prevent the girl from being sent to the social welfare organization and becoming an orphan, Daikichi bravely announces that he would raise Rin. Since then, the stumbling bachelor and the tough girl begin to live together without interference. Without any child raising experience Daikichi is completely helpless with the little girl...... ------ GLOBAL CHINESE SONG CHART For Saturday, December 22 2012 15 HERO Han Geng http://youtu.be/GqN_jE0s-qA 14 CHANGE ROOM Can : Woon Fong Gan Jeff Chang (Cheung Shun Jit), Ricky Xiao (Siu Wong Kei) http://youtu.be/aStkbNeS4Js 13 DRUNKEN HEART BROKEN HEART Can : Sum Jui Sum Shui William Wei (Wai Lai On) http://youtu.be/4YCAxOIQl6w 12 GEMINI LOVE SONG Can : Seung Ji Ching Gor Adason Lo (Law Lik Wai), Joey Yung Cho Yi http://youtu.be/ExpRX5d_2uU 11 BLADE EDGE RUNS COLDER Can : Doh Fung Pin Lan Chris Lee Yuchun http://youtu.be/Zx8WtpkE6fM 10 HOLMES Can : Fook Yi Mor Si Jam Hsiao (Siu King Tung) http://youtu.be/k1LpG-GZWdk 9 LONE HEROIC COUPLE Can : Duk Hung Hup Nui William So Wing Hong, Kay Tse On Kay http://youtu.be/6nOE5oYkbe8 8 BECAUSE Can : Yun Wai Liang Bo (Leung Bok) http://youtu.be/r6y8LZ0ax_4 7 COLD JOKE Can : Lan Siu Wa Fiona Sit Hoi Kei http://youtu.be/e_Z-mFVlh88 6 BECOME STRANGERS Can : Bin Sing Muk Sun Yun Cyndi Wang (Wong Sum Ling) http://youtu.be/3B4fyi-xXzo 5 THE HEART IS STILL HOT Can : Sum Wan Si Yit Dik S.H.E. http://youtu.be/Jj4VtfhSlR0 4 TOGETHER Can : Joi Yut Hei Anson Hu (Wu Yin Bun) http://youtu.be/08yCkwCA-G4 3 LOVE INSTANTLY Can : Oi Lap Hak Khalil Fong Datong http://youtu.be/B0B0oLCTbg0 2 HOW ARE YOU RECENTLY? Can : Jui Gung Ho Ma? Angela Chang (Cheung Siu Hom) http://youtu.be/P-EXaG03qU0 1 WHO WILL SING THIS SONG THROUGH WITH ME Can : Shui Loi Pui Ngor Cheung Yuen Jeh Sau Gor Gary Chaw (Cho Gat) http://youtu.be/Se-w8crlkVs ------ [ 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. Top Ten Central pleas with all its readers for disaster relief support for victims of Hurricane Sandy. For more information please visit the American Red Cross site : http://www.redcross.org/ 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 Korean Movie Night 2013 Series One: Drawn Into Film: Korean Animation! It’s a brand new year, and The Korean Cultural Service is ready to draw you back into their Free Movie Nights by offering up four of the greatest animated films to ever come out Korea! While animation has flourished in America, Europe, and Japan for over a century, Korean artists have only recently stepped up and begun delivering product of their own - and the results have changed the industry worldwide. With top American television programs like The Simpsons and Futurama now being animated in Korea, it’s time to shine a spotlight on the talented Korean wiz kids who are drawing us all back into animation – and reminding us that this beautiful storytelling medium is anything but child’s play! With a whole new year of exciting films, unexpected guests, and a few surprises that you certainly won’t see coming – the Korean Cultural Service welcomes you to the first Free Movie Night series of 2013. Now let’s get animated! Tuesday, February 26, 2013 @ 7pm THE WINDOW (2012, ACCOMPANIED BY SHORT FILMS) From the director of The King of Pigs comes The Window, Yuen Sang-ho’s rarely-seen first short feature. Private Jung is proud to be a member of a leading military division; but after Private Hong joins, everyone starts to get disrupted. Jung tries to train Hong, who is indifferent to everything, but he only ends up causing even more trouble. After an altercation, troubles become even more intense, leading to a shocking, powerful conclusion. This special short feature, which is rarely screened outside of Korea, will be accompanied by additional short films. The evening’s program will have a two-hour running time. Tuesday, February 12, 2013 @ 7pm THE HOUSE (2012) The House, which echoes of the wildly surreal worlds seen in Spirited Away, focuses on Ga-young, a young woman who moves to an old town where she meets Zipsin, the spirit of a house that is soon to be demolished. Whisked away on an enchanted adventure, Ga-young and Zipsin seek out a new spirit who may be able to help them – and together, they hatch a scheme to save the house from those who don’t believe in its magic. Tuesday, January 29, 2013 @ 7pm PADAK (2012) In Korea’s surprisingly powerful take on Pixar’s Finding Nemo, a mackerel from the sea named Flappy ends up caught in a net and dumped carelessly into a restaurant tank. A pessimistic old flatfish, who has somehow avoided death for ages inside the tank, becomes her confidant and mentor...even if his means for survival border on cowardice. Very quickly, Flappy refuses her fate and becomes determined to make it out of the tank and back to the ocean – even if that means going against the old flatfish and shattering the hierarchy of the tank. A feel-good adventure for the whole family, Padak combines computer animation with traditional hand-drawn art, delivering a funny, lovable film that’s also packed with social drama and subtext. Tuesday, January 15, 2013 @ 7pm THE KING OF PIGS (2011) The first animated Korean film to screen at Cannes, the award-winning The King of Pigs is near-perfect cinema visualized through jaw-dropping animation. Kyung-Min’s business is failing and he’s just murdered his wife. On top of that, he can’t stop thinking about his middle school days, back when he was one of the lowly, bullied “pigs.” His old school friend, Jong-Suk, agrees to meet, and each man tells the other polite lies about their wrecked lives. But both of them have one thing on their minds: their old class comrade Chul-Yi, the quiet, deadly boy in the hoodie who fought back against their aggressors and became, for one blazing moment in time, The King of Pigs. An intensely brutal, not-to-be-missed masterpiece. --- [ WHAT IS YOUR CHAFFING EDITOR LISTENING TO ] ---------------------- HK Top Ten Central hktopten@hotmail.com http://hktopten.orgfree.com | http://hktopten.blogspot.com