From: NO TOP TEN CENTRAL Newsgroups: alt.asian-movies,soc.culture.hongkong.entertainment Subject: [TAKE OVER] HKSAR Film No Top 10 Box Office (December 27 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. Felix Chong Man Keung who celebrates his birthday on the 1st B. Taiwan film and television tycoon Yang Deng Kui who passed away on the 31st C. Eric Kot Man Fai who celebrates his birthday on the 30th D. Kenny Kwan Chi Bun who celebrates his birthday on the 30th E. Janice Man Wing Shan who celebrates her birthday on the 29th F. Terence Tsui (Siu Fay) whose father passed away on the 29th 2. MISCELLANEOUS * (2013/01/02) Stepping in 2013, Commercial Radio delivered the second music report card with the 2012 Ultimate Song Chart Awards last night, presenting 50 awards. The big winners were Eason Chan Yik Shun and Khalil Fong Datong, both winning 3 awards. Eason even won the Ultimate Male Singer gold prize for the 9th time, My Favorite Male Singer, and with HEAVY FLAVOR (CHUNG HAU MEI) won the Ultimate Song Award; however, the general election selected YOUNG AND INNOCENT (NIN SIU MO JI) to win My Favorite Song. Joey Yung Cho Yi and Miriam Yeung Chin Wa both sat all night last night, winning her 8th Ultimate Female Singer gold prize and My Favorite Female Singer respectively. With boycotts from many singers including Leo Ku Kui Ke, G.E.M., Jade Kwan Sum Yin, Stephanie Cheng Yung and others, last night the song YOUNG AND INNOCENT with an one vote per person general election overwhelmingly won My Favorite Song. The audience even got up and sang with Bowie Lam Bo Yi, Moses Chan Ho and Kenny Wong Tak Bun. However, YOUNG AND INNOCENT was not in the top ten professional recommendations. Curiously the tastes between professionals and listeners are always so far apart. Eason again became the big winner with 3 awards and even won his 9th Male Singer gold prize. Last night he appeared a masked hero and helped his friend in 6 inch high heels Miriam Yeung Chin Wa, but he thought the mask was too stuffy. When he appeared on the stage again he already removed the mask and said that he dressed wrong. Later, Eason appeared on the stage again and already changed. He and Yung Cho Yi continued to be peerless as they both the male and female singer gold prizes. Eason was already very satisfied. He joked, "I am a pretty regular person, except that I am a bit mouthy. Sometimes people all think that I am serious." He even took the chance and jokingly asked Joey whether she had anything sweet to say? He even said that she was better after she started dating. "Although we haven't seen each other for a long time, it's pretty sweet. I will say that for you." Joey looked embarrassed but still wore a sweet smile as he said to Eason, "You are starting to get old, starting to watch what you say." Last night when Joey's boyfriend Wilfred Lau Ho Lung won a gold song award, they shook hands; when he was on the stage, she still was full of smiles. Joey and Chin Wa last night sat all night to win her 8th Female Singer gold prize and My Favorite Female Singer respectively. Joey was surprised when a voice recording was played as she performed but she still insisted on performing live. Later she performed INCREASE POWER (GA DAI LIK DOH) and still kept dancing in her 6 inch high heels. Chin Wa also performed her rise to fame YOUNG GIRL'S PRAYER (SIU NIN DIK KEI TOH), hinting that she will bravely return to music and start over. She even thanked fans for not giving up on her while she rested for a year. Last night another rumored couple Fong Datong and Fiona Sit Hoi Kei won the male and female singer silver prize. Fong Datong even prepared tissues for Sit Hoi Kei to wipe tears with. Endy Chow Kwok Yin and Kary Ng Yu Fei also won their first male and female singer bronze prize. Unexpectedly Chow Kwok Yin kept crying while after 11 years Ng Yu Fei was able to hold back her tears. Already announced his absence early on, Leo Ku Kui Ke with LOVE CAN'T LOVE ANYMORE (LUEN MO HOR LUEN) won the Commercial Radio 9th place gold song like a consolation prize. Last night seemed to belong to groups as the gold songs belonged to groups mainly. Lau Ho Lung, Dear Jane and Taiwan female singer Kimberley Chen all won their first gold songs. When Lau Ho Lung with ILL-FATED COUPLE (LAN MING YUEN YEUNG) won a gold song award, the camera caught Joey's sweet smile as many as 4 times. When Joey was on camera for the first time, she turned around to shake her boyfriend's hand to congratulate him. Then for the second time Lau Ho Lung was already on stage and kept his promise to kneel to buddies Chow Kwok yin and Pong Nan. He even kissed their cheeks and said that it was a promise for whoever won an award between them. Later when Joey was on camera again, she covered her mouth and kept laughing. However, Lau Ho Lung did not thank Joey. Commercial Radio Ultimate New Force Male and Female Singer gold prize winner Adason Lo (Law Lik Wai) and Kimberley Chen both received special treatment on this night. Law Lik Wai appeared from the stairs on the top of the rocket stage, 2 and a half stories above. Taiwan female singer Kimberley Chen's award upset the internet and music fans as they questioned Commercial Radio's claim to support local music. Kimberley Chen actually performed LOVE YOU (OI NEI) twice in one night. Ivana Wong Yuen Chi with WHITE SPACE (LAU BAK) won the third place song award. She appeared in all white, her white stockings made her calves looked rather thick. They were made fun of as "daikon". Wong Yuen Chi joked that WHITE SPACE's lyrics were so hard to remember that so far she has not sung them completely correct yet. The Ultimate Song Chart Awards program poked fun at the 2012 events, with a headline "Locust and Dog on Canton Road" that lampooned early this year's brand name label store prohibiting people from taking photos of their display windows, triggering a protest and China and Hong Kong war of words; It also had negative news about the Chief Executive election revelation, bride upset at the HK$500 gift and others; involving show business was the Chapman To Man Jat starred film VULGARIA (DAI JOOK HEI KET), with the headline "Hong Kong style vulgar heavy flavor". Eric Kwok Wai Leung finally fulfilled his dream and won his first Ultimate Song Writer award. He tearfully raised the award high to accept the applause from the entire crowd. He held back his tears and said, "I didn't cry even at my wedding!" He also jokingly thanked his wife Grace Ip Pui Man. "In the past I was too lazy. This year my wedding needed 35 tables, I realized that this time I had to write more songs. Thank you Old Lady, you are the one who pushes me to this award!" YOUNG AND INNOCENT won WeChat Chit Chat Hottest Airplay Song. Lam Bo Yi, Wong Tak Bun and Chan Ho even accepted the award together for the first time. Bo Yi held the award high and said, "Thank you everyone for your support of WHEN HEAVEN BURNS (TIN YU DEI) and YOUNG AND INNOCENT!" When everyone thought they would perform, the host invited him back to their seats as jeers arose. Alex Lam Tak Shun won the New Force Male Singer bronze prize. The event played his father George Lam Chi Cheung's pre-recorded message. Ah Lam said, "Relax, I would keep an eye on you. If you don't do well, I would spank you!" COMMERCIAL RADIO ULTIMATE SONG CHART AWARDS 2012 PROFESSIONAL RECOMMENDATION ULTIMATE TOP TEN ULTIMATE SONG: HEAVY FLAVOR (Eason Chan) 2. DORMANT VOLCANO (Andy Hui) 3. WHITE SPACE (Ivana Wong) 4. YESTERDAY (Mr.) 5. YELLOW FEVER (Dear Jane) 6. ILL-FATED COUPLE (Wilfred Lau) 7. LOVE YOU (Kimberley Chen) 8. THOUSAND ORIGAMI CRANE (Khalil Fong) 9. LOVE CAN'T LOVE ANYMORE (Leo Ku) 10. FRIENDS AT THE PEAK (Grasshoppers, Soft Hard) ULTIMATE RECORD AWARD: EASY (RubberBand) ULTIMATE CREATIVE SINGER: Gold: Khalil Fong Silver: Endy Chow Bronze: Ellen Loo ULTIMATE SONG WRITER: Eric Kwok ULTIMATE LYRICS: Albert Leung (Lam Jik) ULTIMATE MUSIC ARRANGEMENT: Alex Fung Hong Ming ULTIMATE PRODUCER: Schumann (Shu Man) ULTIMATE NEW FORCE MALE SINGER: Gold: Adason Lo Silver: Jay Fung Bronze: Alex Lam ULTIMATE NEW FORCE FEMALE SINGER: Gold: Kimberely Chen Silver: Wendyz Zheng Bronze: Sita Chan ULTIMATE NEW FORCE GROUP: Gold: Robynn & Kendy Silver: Yellow! Bronze: Super Girls ULTIMATE MALE SINGER: Gold: Eason Chan Silver: Khalil Fong Bronze: Endy Chow ULTIMATE FEMALE SINGER: Gold: Joey Yung Silver: Fiona Sit Bronze: Kary Ng ULTIMATE GROUP: Gold: RubberBand Silver: Mr. Bronze: Fama MY FAVORITE SONG: YOUNG AND INNOCENT (Bowie Lam, Moses Chan, Kenny Wong) MY FAVORITE MALE SINGER: Eason Chan MY FAVORITE FEMALE SINGER: Miriam Yeung MY FAVORITE GROUP: C AllStar WeChat Chit Chat Hottest Selection: YOUNG AND INNOCENT * (2013/01/01) Nick Cheung Ka Fai, Lau Ching Wan and Louis Koo Tin Lok team up against Lo Hoi Pang? Actually this is only the story of the Benny Chan Muk Sing directed new police film THE CARTEL WAR (BIN YIK). In the film Ka Fai, Ching Wan and Goo Jai are cops who work together to arrest the villain Brother Pang. The three cool cops will have different costumes. Ka Fai will have a big scar on the left side of his face. Chan Muk Sing for a more realistic effect wanted Ka Fai to sit still for half a hour for the mold. That day the temperature dropped, as the ice cold mold was poured on Ka Fai's face. To make matters worse, Ka Fai said, "Just so happens that day Ching Wan was on the set, while the mold was being poured on me he deliberately tried to get me to talk." Aside from the scar faced cool cop, Ka Fai later will personally jump into a crocodile pond in Thailand. * (2013/01/01) Famous Taiwan film and television tycoon Yang Deng Kui last month due to a stroke was hospitalized and passed away yesterday around 5AM. Yang Deng Kui's film company yesterday issued a statement that despite the treatments during his hospitalization, group chief Yang Deng Kui's condition did not improve. On the 30th Yang Deng Kui's condition suddenly deteriorated, finally on the morning of the 31st around 5PM he passed away in Taipei. Before his passing, his family including his son Yang Tsung-Hsien and many friends were by his side. His film company reportedly will construct a Yang Deng Kui memorial hall and a farewell concert that will be confirmed later. Yang Deng Kui has made many Hong Kong and Taiwan film stars. When he released the FONG SAI YUK film series he successfully made Jet Li (Lee Nin Kit) into an international superstar. Reportedly he did not try to lower the rate because they were friends, instead he paid the full market rate, almost HK$20 million, to Lee Nin Kit. Hou Hsiao-Hsien expressed sorrow over losing a good friend and revealed that when he made CITY OF SADNESS he ran into some obstacles. Later because Yang Deng Kui joined the project the film was successfully completed. Hong Kong director Andrew Lau Wai Keung revealed that on the 3rd he will head to Taiwan to pay his respect and said that Yang's passion for film moved him the most. Lau also pointed out that he called Jacky Cheung Hok Yau, Shu Qi and others and that many film industry friends will head to Taiwan to mourn this legendary figure. Once the Golden Horse Award chair, Yang Deng Kui has created film companies and television station. His life was full of legendary colors. Sentenced to prison in his youth, Yang Deng Kui in 1988 after his release invested on the film CITY OF SADNESS the year after. The film won the Venice Film Festival Gold Lion prize and changed his image, as he even received a honor from the Taiwan News Agency. In 1990, Yang Deng Kui was the top Kaohsiung criminal organization chief. Due to a government anti gang sweep he was arrested again. At the time 5 Golden Horse award winners including Hou Hsiao-Hsien pleaded with the government on his behalf. Later Yang Deng Kui invested in THE PUPPETMASTER, which also caught international attention. In 1997 Yang created the Gala Television Corporation and worked with TVB on the Dicky Cheung Wai Kin starred THE DUKE OF MOUNT DEER 2000 and THE MONKEY KING: QUEST FOR THE SUTRA. In 2011 he created the film company Polyface Entertainment Media Group. * (2013/01/01) International film star Zhang Ziyi worked on many films last year, including the new film MY LUCKY STAR for which she will be the producer and the star. Speaking of later projects, Ziyi revealed that in the beginning of the new year she will promote the film THE GRANDMASTERS (YUT DOI JUNG SI) nonstop in the Mainland, Hong Kong and overseas. "We will bring this movie overseas for even more people to see the martial art world in the eyes of director Wong Kar Wai. I also hope that Hong Kong film viewers will like this film. I wish everyone a Happy New Year, a proper reunion with family and friends during the holidays and I wish everyone peace." * (2013/01/01) Wong Cho Nam two nights ago worked on his new film at Central. In the film the little guy and the tall "Jing Girl" Tong Fei were walking arm in arm. They suddenly argued and Tong Fei got rough with Cho Nam. After half a hour of beating his suffering finally stopped! Cho Nam two nights ago with Tong fei worked on the Wong Jing produced, Wilson Chin Kwok Wai directed new film BLACK COMEDY (HAK SIK HEI KET) on Queen's Road Central at Central. Although it was late night the shoot still attracted many onlookers. Due to the winter chill, both rehearsed in down jackets. In a short dress Tong Fei even put on long pants to keep her legs warm. Director Chin Kwok Wai explained to the script to Tong Fei, who listened attentively and nodded. When the shoot began, Tong Fei immediately took off her long pants. Cho Nam without his jacket was shivering. In the story Cho Nam carried numerous shopping bags and originally was happily walking with Tong Fei, but they suddenly argued. Tong Fei began to attack him, then put him in an arm lock and elbow his back. Cho Nam looked like he was in pain and began to scream. Perhaps the director did not feel Tong Fei was vicious enough and asked someone to demonstrate again. Tong Fei observed attentively. After watching the director's demonstration they tried another take. The human punching bag Cho Nam took half a hour before completing the beating scene. * (2013/01/01) THE LAST TYCOON (DAI SEUNG HOI) will be released Thursday. In the film both Huang Xiaoming and Chow Yun Fat were around many women. Fat Gor admitted that this problem has troubled him for a long time. "I feel that the character loves both women, but is not with them both at the same time. He chooses to let one live and die with the other because he loves them differently. Thus he is destined to answer to each woman differently. If you can't, I suggest for you to honestly love one woman." Many viewers who have seen the advanced screenings praised how they resembled each other. Xiaoming said, "Fat Gor told me, different thugs have different ways to play them. If you know how to play just one, you aren't the character in the film and can't make it big." Those words triggered Huang Xiaoming's determination. * (2013/01/01) Takeshi Kaneshiro (Gum Sing Mo) has been in the entertainment circle for almost 20 years. In his film development, Wong Kar Wai, John Woo (Ng Yu Sum) and Peter Chan Ho Sun have been quite influential to him. Gum Sing Mo said that when he worked on Wong Kar Wai's CHUNG KING EXPRESS (CHUNG HING SUM LUM), he learned what visual creativity was because the lack of a script gave infinite freedom and space; this film provided him with even more opportunities to work in Japan. As he started as a singer to an actor, his identity was recognized and his career drastically changed. He worked with Ng Yu Sum on RED CLIFF (CHET BIK), Gum Sing Mo admired Ng Yu Sum's passion for film and his gentle and humble attitude after rising to fame. He said that Chan Ho Sun was the director who was able to provide actors with a sense of security. They had many opportunities to work together, he had a lot of patience in discussions and communications with actors. * (2012/12/31) Isabella Leong Lok Si after giving birth to Richard Li Tzar Kai's three sons moved to Toronto, but many directors wanted to invite her to make a comeback. Most recently Fruit Chan Gor planned to make LOST ON A RED MINIBUS TO TAIPO (NA YEH LING SUN, NGOR JOR SEUNG JIU WONG GOK OI WONG DAI BO DIK HUNG VAN) with her and Shine. The film will be based on Mr. Pizza's best selling online novel of the same time. Chan Gor hoped to be able to convince her to return to Hong Kong for this film. Li Tzar Kai in order for his former girlfriend Leong Lok Si to be able to raise their three sons without any disturbance chose to settle Isabella and children in Canada. However the 24 year old Isabella still has a passion for acting. She has been quietly waiting for the right script and a good opportunity to return to the film industry. Most recently Chan Gor has been interested in making LOST ON A RED MINIBUS TO TAIPO and casting Isabella to play Yuki. He would like Wong Yau Nam to play the male lead Ah Chi and Tsui Tin Yau to play Four Eyes. In the story, Ah Chi took a red minibus from Mongkok to Tai Po. After the Lion Rock Tunnel he discovered that all the people and vehicles vanished without a trace, leaving only the minibus and the 17 people inside in an empty Tai Po. Due to the story's suspense and thriller style, it became very popular. Chan Gor planned to start production on the film in early February. He said, "After this internet novel became a hit on Golden and Facebook, the writer Mr. Pizza even caught publishers' eyes and the book was published. Right now only the first half has been released, the second half will be released next month. I would make both books in one shot, the two movies will cost around HK$50 million." Chan Gor thought of Leong Lok Si as the female lead Yuki. He explained. "I read the entire novel. Yuki has to be Isabella. Producer (Amy) Chin Siu Wai already contacted her, hopefully after she read the script she would agree to perform! We even asked many Best Actors to guest star." Chan Gor in recent years has been working mostly in the Mainland. This time he came back in hopes of being able to make another movie with Hong Kong emotions. Producer Chin Siu wai yesterday pointed out that the film will wait until after Shine's Hong Kong Coliseum concerts before beginning its preparation. She would wait to hear from Leong Lok Si about the film. * (2012/12/31) Rene Liu (Lau Yeuk Ying) directed her first short film C'EST QUOI L'AMOUR? earlier held its premiere in Taipei. After marriage she rarely appeared in public in Taiwan. When asked about her marriage, Milk tea said, "It's pretty happy." She even revealed that her husband had a very high taste for art and was a good photographer. She joked, "If I really make my next movie, I hope he would be able to participate." Milk Tea said that before marriage she only had work in her life. After marriage she would like to have more balance between work and life, as she would like more time to be together with her husband. Milk Tea revealed that she bought many cookbooks in Taiwan and would try to cook at home. She said, "Chicken soup and Lion Head are my best dishes. My husband cooks very well as well. Thus when we can go home and eat, we would try to be at home." As for parenthood plans, she said, "It's still being created." LOVE was adapted from Milk Tea's novel of the same name. After two years of personally editing and scoring the film, she had to spend countless days and nights to complete it. She said, "Currently I don't have further production plan. At first I just wanted to turn the novel into a movie, which was completed with the encouragement of many. I am already very happy to be able to share the film with everyone. That type of joy and satisfaction is beyond any description." When she saw the first scene as the narration began, she knew that she not only did her best, but she also has accomplished. * (2012/12/31) Sukie Shek Wing Lei accepted two film roles, THE ICEMAN COMETH 3D (3D BING FUNG HUP) and the Tang Tat Hei directed Mainland thriller WHEN THE WORLD ENDS TOMORROW, which earlier started production in Zhongshan. Shek Wing lei said, "Both films require me to be sexy because I am making summer movies. I am one of the lead actresses in TOMORROW and has to seduce the lead actor. My costumes are always revealing to display 3 inch or so of career line. Recently the temperature dropped, I hope I won't catch a cold." She said that she still has no stable range, the most important is for viewers and fans to accept her. * (2012/12/31) The Jackie Chan directed and starred 101st film CZ12 (SUP YI SUN CHIU) opened in the Mainland, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Malaysia and performed well at all four locations. Aside from the earlier Mainland box office success, the film also broke records in Singapore and Malaysia. CZ12 after seven days in release in Singapore has already accumulated 2.40 million Singapore dollar and broke the Chinese film release week record. The film also broke the Chinese film first week opening box office record in Malaysia, in a short week its box office has already exceeded 9 million ringgit and become the Chinese film with the highest seven day cumulative box office. Jackie Chan said, "I am very happy to be able tor break box office records. Actually when we promoted in Singapore and Malaysia we already sensed the great response from the local audience. They were looking forward to watching this film very much. The trouble now is seemingly everyone still accepts my large scale action, I don't know if I should retract my earlier announcement so CZ12 will not become my final large scale action film?" * (2012/12/29) The Chang Chen starred THE GRANDMASTERS (YUT DOI JUNG SI) has been slated for a January 10 release. Yesterday when he promoted in Taiwan he announced that next year he will wed his girlfriend of three years and would gather the secrets of having children. In addition, one of the key sets and the William Chang Suk Ping designed Chinese dress were on display in Taiwan. The set was the location where Tony Leung Chiu Wai and Zhang Ziyi met for the first time in the film. The 36 year old Chang Chen yesterday promoted Wong Kar Wai's new film THE GRANDMASTERS in Taiwan. He had 3 years of Bajiquan training for the film. Last month he participated in a Mainland contest and and won a top prize. As for his mentor Master Wang Shiquan, he said, "a master for a day, a father for a lifetime". He definitely will invite his mentor to his wedding. Chang Chen revealed that the martial art training was a painful experience. He said, "It started with the movie, but slowly I realized I learned a lot from it. In addition I had to learn to read people, study scriptures, and philosophy with the Master, my life has had quite a lot of change." Now to be healthy he even drank less. Chang Chen was asked about his rumored wedding next year and whether he was trying to be healthy to prepare for it, he indirectly admitted the wedding news. "It is one of the reasons, but I have to take one step after another. Ultimately it is a matter for more than just two people. Earlier when I promoted THE LAST SUPPER (WONG DIK SING YIN), Liu Ye kept talking about what to eat to have a son or a daughter. I was listening seriously." In addition, one of the key set in the film was the Golden House (brothel), where many important fight scenes took place. There the Eight Diagram Palm chief's only daughter Zhang Ziyi learned about the arrival of Leung Chiu Wai's Ip Man in Northeast China held a challenge banquet at the Golden Hose and thus began a seeming there but were not romance. Playing the Golden House's Golden Hairpins were Jeana Ho Pui Yu and Jeanette Leung Ching Kok. The Golden Haripins' costumes were all tailored from art director William Chang Suk Ping's designs, completed with lace edges, sequences and hand sewn cloth buttons. During the shoot 180 costumes were made with seven tailors' handiwork. Each costume cost over HK$20,000. * (2012/12/29) Director Andrew Lau Wai Keung and Shawn Yue Man Lok two nights ago attended the film THE GUILLOTINES (HUET DIK JI) VIP special screening. When asked whether he would support Eric Tsang Chi Wai, Lau Wai Keung joked that Chi Wai was rich too and would not be afraid. He felt that the incident was no big deal. "Let it go, take care of it soon for the New Year." Yue Man Lok too thought it was minor and pointed out that his good friend Shum Ka Wai was only assisting with investigation. He said, "It's pointless to talk about it more, all of asking back and forth is too much." Ah Lok this year has not stopped. He admitted that his performance was decent and the year was a full harvest. Has he made 8 figures? He laughed and said, "It's pretty good, but it's not too useful. I still sleep 0n a bed and eat bowls of rice." He admitted that the pressure from work was tremendous. "Before the New Year I had two movies to make. Although I am very tired, I would wake up in the middle of sleeping. I really have to see a doctor and improve my health." Someone said that he might be in heat. He joked, "What am I, a dog? I really want to find one, but I really don't have time to meet girls." The Lau Wai Keung produced THE LAST TYCOON (DAI SEUNG HOI) would be released around the same time. He said that the two films had different genres and was not worried about direct confrontation. * (2012/12/28) The Wong Jing produced, Daniel Chan Yee Heng directed film YOUNG AND DANGEROUS: RELOADED (GOO WAT JAI: GONG WU SUN DIT JUI) will open January 10. This time is the first film of the YOUNG AND DANGEROUS remake with Law Chung Him, Philip Ng Won Lung, Oscar Leung Lit Wai and Sammy Sum Chun Hit. With a good response it should keep on going. Actually during the shoot it had its mind set on a category III release, but after considering the market the director said a category IIB version will be available. He said, "Mainly the foul language and the violence will be removed, the sex scenes will be less but not completely out." He said that his previous film TRIAD (JAT JIK) performed decently, this time he would be more nervous. * (2012/12/28) Famous art director Yee Chung Man yesterday attended a Commercial Radio program recording and spoke about working with Chow Yun Fat since 1984. He said that Fat Gor has been just as friendly then and now. "Fat Gor hasn't changed much, incredibly friendly, very helpful. Few people don't like to work with him." Yee Chung Man even said that Fat Gor would personally cook chicken congee on the set. "I forgot which movie it was, he bought his own chicken, cut the meat, made chicken congee, after wiping his hands he took his mark. When I worked with him on HONG KONG 1941 (DUT DOI LAI MING) I just started, but he already treated us like his own family." * (2012/12/28) The Jackie Chan starred Emperor Motion Picture CZ12 (SUP YI SUN CHIU) has become the Christmas Chinese film champion. With the overwhelming amount of Christmas film releases, Oscar award winning director Peter Jackson's THE HOBBIT: AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY topped the Christmas box office. Jackie Chan's new film CZ12 after breaking 260 million at the Mainland box office after 5 days in release yesterday became the Hong Kong Christmas Chinese film champion. This film had both good word of mouth and box office, so the box office will certainly rise again. In addition, Jackie Chan's new film not only invited his wife Joan Lin (Lam Fung Giu) to come out of retirement but also their son Jaycee Chan to particular. He wrote the film theme song I DON'T WANT NO TROUBLE, which Jackie Chan performed personally while Cho Ming rapped. Jackie Chan truly mobilized his entire family for CZ12. * (2012/12/28) Jerry Yan (Yin sing Yuk) and top Taiwan model Lin Chiling's rumor has been lingering for years. Earlier he attended the film RIPPLES OF DESIRE (FA YEUNG)'s Taipei premiere. When asked about Lin Chiling again, he said, "I hope she will be able to meet someone nice, get married and have children. (She once expressed that her wish for 2013 is for the media to stop asking her about you?) I feel that's great, because she is a good girl she should have many suitors. If everyone keeps on mentioning me she would be misunderstood." * (2012/12/28) This year's first music report card Metro Hit Award took place last night. The event lasted over 5 hours as it continued to share pork with 163 awards. Joey Yung Cho Yi and Eason Chan Yik Shun won 4 each to become the six time big winners in a row. Perhaps because she was arranged to share the stage with boyfriend Wilfred Lau Ho Lung, Joey did not smile much all night. Earlier she even vanished from the audience. When the event presented the leaping singer award to her, she did not appear no matter how many times she was called. The Metro Hit Awards presented 163 awards, just Hit Creative Singer award alone had 10 winners. The entire show ran over 5 hours, thus when halfway through the show the venue still had empty spots. The results had no surprise as Joey and Eason continued to reign over the music scene with 4 awards each. They even won their sixth "Global Hit Singer Award" in a row. Joey with WATCHING FLOWER IN THE MIST (MO LUI HONG FA) won the Song award, the Broadcast Index Singer Award, INCREASE POWER (GA DAI LIK DOH) won the Mandarin song award. Eason with HEAVY FLAVOR (CHUNG HAU MEI) won the Global Hit Song, and with END (YUEN) won the song award. He also won the Singer of the Year award. Joey was the big winner but was not particularly happy because during the group photo Lau Ho Lung stood behind her; the event even arranged for them to receive awards together on the stage. Joey only chatted with Lau Ho Lung's old flame Stephanie Cheng Yung and remained back stage. Even when the Leaping Singer Award was presented to her, she did not appear despite being called many times; when she along with Eason and Andy Hui Chi On accepted the Global Hit Singer Award, she smiled again and performed. Khalil Fong Datong won 3.5 awards, Raymond Lam Fung, Hins Cheung King Hin, Kay Tse On Kay, Hui Chi On, Kary Ng Yu Fei, Adason Lo (Law Lik Wai), Fiona Sit Hoi Kei, Eric Suen Yiu Wai all won 3 awards. Always a Metro favorite Tse On Kay said that she was very happy to win an award without releasing a record. Tik E Tat also did not plug a song but still receive a duet award much to his surprise. However the most puzzling was Linda Chung Ka Yun who did not release a record until the end of the year and did not perform outstandingly won the Hit Female Singer award with Jade Kwan Sum Yin, Ng Yu Fei and G.E.M. Metro this year followed TVB's lead as absent singers did not receive any award. Thus absentees Leo Ku Kui Ke, Miriam Yeung Chin Wa and Denise Ho Wan Si got goose eggs. However Wyman Wong Wai Man and Mainland singer Yue Wei (Ngok Mei) still received awards despite their absence. The host said that they were absent due to illness. Eason who accepted the award revealed that Wong Wai man was shopping abroad, only to say later that he has not seen him in a long time and had no idea where he was. Cheung King Hin whose contract will come to term soon thanked Universal, proving that their relationship has not deteriorated. The award show as usual put singer romances on the table. Yung Cho Yi and Lau Ho Lung, Charlene Choi Cheuk Yin and William Chan Wai TIng whether for the group photo on the stage and in the audience were arranged to sit nearby. Joey and Lau Ho Lung accepted a song award together, no wonder she did not smile much. On the stage she stood closes to the side and the farthest from her boyfriend. She only chatted with Cheng Yung and ignored even what the hosts said. Chan Wai Ting saw the camera on him and Choi Cheuk Yin in front of him immediately hid behind the host to avoid the camera. When Chan Wai Ting won the Asia Dance Singer Award, the host asked Choi Cheuk Yin whether she was happy. Chan Wai Ting could only awkwardly laugh and shake his head. Rumored to be depressed, Mag Lam Yun Tung last night looked much thinner at the award. Elder Yung Cho Yi who was rumored to be at odds with her even stated that she "wanted Lam Yun Tung to win the most". Joey even said, "I hope she would get a bit fatter, win a bit more and be a bit happier!" Lam Yan Tung's TREE VINE (SHU TUNG) won the song adaptation award but she did not perform, perhaps her throat ailment has not recovered yet. Female singers did not dressed too provocatively. Ng Yu Fei, Sit Hoi Kei and Yung Cho Yi all appeared in low cut evening wear. Chung Ka Yun was a lady in red, Ivana Wong Yuen Chi wore a "red eye" look and resembled A CHINESE GHOST STORY (SIN NUI YAU WON). The most exaggerated dresser of the evening was absolutely Chan Yik Shun who had different teddy bears on his pants. Sugar club Kandy Wong's star fish look was also frightening as it "expanded horizontal" her petite stature. This year the feather look was popular. Kwan Sum Yin and Ng Yu Fei's dresses had "feather clash". fortunately their dresses were different. METRO RADIO HIT MUSIC AWARD 2012 WINNERS Hit Songs THEORY OF DEVOLUTION (Endy Chow) DORMANT VOLCANO (Andy Hui) COLD JOKE (Fiona Sit) WHITE HAIRED UNTIL OLD (Charlene Choi) WANT TO BE ALONE (Ken Hung) ILL-FATED COUPLE (Wilfred Lau) WATCHING FLOWERS IN THE MIST (Joey Yung) BROKEN HEART PHILOSOPHY (Jade Kwan) BIG MAN LOVE SONG (Edmond Leung) YESTERDAY (Mr.) COMPANION (Fama) MINORITY (C AllStar) WHITE SPACE (Ivana Wong) GRADUALLY (Stephanie Cheng) MURDER (Jason Chan) END (Eason Chan) WELL (Hins Cheung) FROM NOW ON MY WORLD HAS ONE MORE SECOND (Eric Suen) HUMAN IS NOT VEGETATION (Kary Ng) ONE SONG (Terence Siufay) GROWING UP ANEW (Alfred Hui) Hit Most Admired Singers: Kay Tse (female), Hins Cheung (male) Hit Most Admired Band: Mr. Hit Most Admired Group: C AllStar Hit Most Admired Song: YOUNG AND INNOCENT (Paul Wong) Hit Female Singer: Kary Ng, G.E.M., Jade Kwan, Linda Chung Hit Male Singer: Hins Cheung, Eric Suen, Pakho Chau Hit Band: N'GINE, Mr., Dear Jane Hit Group: HotCha, Sugar Club, Fama National Fan Voted Hit Leaping Singer: Vincy Chan (Wing Yi), Wong Cho Nam Natoinal Fan Voted Hit Singer: Raymond Lam, Khalil Fong National fan Voted Hit Group: Twins Hit Asia Singer: Charlene Choi, Edmond Leung, Kay Tse, Fiona Sit Hit Asia Creative Singer: Ivana Wong, Hanjin Tan, Khalil Fong Hit Asia Dance Singer: William Chan Hit Asia Dance Group: JPM Hit Asia Band: RubberBand Hit Asia Popular Jazz Singer: Bianca Wu Hit Asia R&B Singer: Z-Chen Chang Global Hit Rock Singer: Paul Wong Global Hit Singer: Eason Chan, Andy Hui, Joey Yung Global Hit Song: HEAVY FLAVOR (Eason Chan) Hit Broadcast Index Award: FEROCIOUSLY (Kary Ng) (Song), Joey Yung (Singer) Hit New Comer: Sita Chan (female singer), Alex Lam, Hubert Wu (male singer), Adason Lo (Creative Male Singer) SuperGirls (Group) Wendyz Zheng (Creative Female Singer) Robynn & Kendy (Creative Group) Kimberley Chen (Overseas New Comer) Hit New Arrival Female Singer: Lung Siu Kwan, Rainky Wai Hit New Arrival Male Singer: Jay Fung, Sharco Kang Hit New Arrival Group: Super Gear, goldEN, AOA Hit New Arrival Band: Choco, Closer Hit New Arrival Overseas Singer: Hank Yip, Achel Chang , Nick Ngai Hit Popular Singer: Gin Lee (female singer), Endy Chow (Male Singer) Hit Dance Singer: Sherman Chung, Tat Dik Hit Dance Song: NOT TO BE A PRINCESS (Yuri Chan), 365 DAYS (JPM), QUEEN (William Chan (Gold Prize)) Hit Duet: POINT AND SHOOT CAMERA (Tat Dik, Rainky Wai), PLOT (Lung Siu Kwan, Barry Yip), HATED BY EVERYONE (Jason Chung, Karene Mak) Hit Adapted Songs: FALLEN CITY (Z-Chen Chang), TREE ROOT (Mag Lam), A DREAM PER PERSON (Viviana Chen), WE ARE ALL SILLY (Elanne Kong) Hit Karaoke Songs ILL-FATED COUPLE (Wilfred Lau) MASK (Alfred Hui) (Gold Prize) SMALL (Joyce Cheng) TIMELY TURN (Kay Tse) ALL YOU NEED IS ME (Fiona Sit featuring Khalil Fong) Hit Original Songs LOVE TOO LITTLE (Khloe Chu) OCCUPY (Kelvin Kwan) NOVEL WITH COFFEE (Robynn & Kendy) CHEERS TO PERSISTENCE (Pong Nan) STUBBORN STONE (Raymond Lam) Easy (RubberBand) RED BLACK RED RED BLACK (Paul Wong) YELLOW FEVER (Dear Jane) STOP THE CAR AND TURN OFF IGNITION (Enrico Kwong (Gold Prize)) Hit Leaping Singers: Alex Hung, Terry Zou, Alan Leung, Angela Au, Sammi Yip, Abella Leung (Gold Prize), Joyce Cheng (Gold Prize) Hit Creative Singer: Eric Suen, William Wei, Sean Pang, Hins Cheung, Enrico Kwong, Yue Mei (Ngok Mei), Kellyjackie, Phil Lam, Takki Wong, Jonathan Wong (Gold Prize) Hit Song Writing: DORMANT VOLCANO (Andy Hui) Hit Lyrics: HEAVY FLAVOR (Wyman Wong) Hit Producer: HUMAN IS NOT VEGETATION (Leung Wing Chun) Hit Producer: THOUSAND ORIGAMI CRANE (Edward Chan, Charles Lee, Khalil Fong) Hit New Media Song: VACCINATION (Linda Chung), ALONG THE WAY WITH YOUR LOVE (Renee Lee), TODAY FINALLY GOING HOME ALONE (Gin Lee), I AM NOT HEART BROKEN (Jinny Ng), LOVE YOU (Kimberley Chen), THE END (Shiga Lin) Hit Album: BACK TO WONDERLAND (Khalil Fong), WE ARE THE ONE (Hins Cheung) Hit Pop Jazz Album: Deja Vu (Bianca Wu) Hit Fever Album: PURELY (Lily Chan) Hit Pop Jazz Singer: Lily Chan Hit Hall of Fame Singer: Kenny Bee (Chung Chun To) Hit Hall of Fame Group: Tat Ming Hit Singer of the Year: Eason Chan Hit Album of the year: XPOSED (G.E.M.) Hit Song of the Year: SOMEDAY I'LL FLY (G.E.M.) Hit Mandarin Song: DRUNKEN HEART BROKEN HEART (William Wei), INCREASE POWER (Joey Yung), STUBBORN STONE NODS (Raymond Lam) I AWAKE IN THE GREEN LIT FOREST (Yue Mei), CONFLICT (Hanjin Tan), CANNOT STAY (Sugar Club) Hit Performance: Jade Kwan, Jason Chan, Pakho Chau, Terence Siufay (Gold Prize) Digital Music Super Hot New Voice: Adason Lo, Alex Lam, Sita Chan Digital Music Super Sals New Voice: Adason Lo Digital Music Asia Super Sales Group: Twins * (2012/12/28) The Stephen Chow Sing Chi directed film JOURNEY TO THE WEST (SAI YAU GONG MOR PIN) will be released in the Lunar New Year. Yesterday he along with actors Shu Qi, Wen Zhang and Huang Bo attended the Beijing press conference. Sing Yeh praised the 3 actors for their great acting. They were filled of comedy senses, with them he could almost retire from comedy! He was still able to direct though. Shu Qi revealed that when she was named the lead actress, she admitted that she was a little surprised and agreed to perform right away. Chow sing Chi at the Beijing press conference joked, "Wen Zhang is the new king of comedy. With him, my comedy life has ended; Huang Bo is already a king of comedy, with him, Wen Zhang's and my comedy lives have ended; with Shu Qi, we can all get lost. She absolutely is the comedy fighter jet." Shu Qi admitted that she wanted Sing Yeh to show of a little of his acting in the film but she was disappointed. Sing Yeh was asked when he would personally perform a comedy for everyone? He continued to praise the actors and said, "With them around, what would I play? I can almost retire." Yet he admitted that he would not stop directing. Shu Qi was named the lead actress to play the demon taming heroine. She said that she was a little surprised. "One day Sing Yeh suddenly called me and asked if I could be his new film's lead actress? At the time I was so surprised I jumped. Later I found out it was for JOURNEY TO THE WEST, a costume and action films. I thought it would be a lot of fun so I agreed right away. I grew up watching Sing Yeh's movies. I understand his style very well, working with Sing Yeh on a comedy has been my dream for years." Sing Yeh said, "Originally I wanted to take Shu Qi to dinner to invite her, because I thought Shu Qi has always played pretty characters she probably would have no interest in comedy; in the end, Shu Qi was very interested in the comedy, I didn't have to take her to dinner." In the film Shu Qi had many action scenes, most of which Sing Yeh personally demonstrated. Shu Qi said, "No wonder everyone said Sing Yeh likes kung fu, he actually really knows kung fu well!" * (2012/12/28) The film industry has "Long Hair", director Peter Chan Ho Sun, but Peter with another director Andrew Lau Wai Keung earlier attended their new film THE GUILLOTINES (HUET DIK JI) promotion and began to fight over the "Long Hair" title, even though together they were over 100 in age. Lau Wai Keung said, "I have known Peter longer than (Sandra) Ng Kwan Yu, but I am the real Long Hair. He stole my name." Peter replied, "You are Curly, not Long Hair. When you were still a cinematographer you permed your long hair, you couldn't be lamer!" Although Peter publicly made fun of Lau Wai Keung, Lau Wai Keung was not mad. Privately they were very good friends. They already knew each other when they worked together at Golden Harvest in 1984. At the time Peter was an assistant producer and Lau Wai Keung was an assistant cinematographer. They already worked together then; yet after leaving Golden Harvest they went their separate ways. Occasionally in movies that Peter directed, Lau Wai Keung helped with the cinematography. Peter said, "After Lau Wai Keung became a director, we have always wanted to work together but never gotten the chance. Finally late in the BODYGUARDS AND ASSASSINS (SUP YUET WAI SING) production due to some problems I asked Lau Wai Keung to provide last minute help as a director, which enabled us to officially work together this time." Peter continued to take jabs at Lau Wai Keung. He objected to Lau Wai Keung guest starring as the Emperor in THE GUILLOTINES, but Lau Wai Keung insisted on playing the role himself. "You've lived for several decades and you still haven't evolved, do you think you are still handsome? Are you kidding me? He didn't listen! The more I asked him to not, the more he wanted to. However after make up he truly resembled the Emperor, the bags under his eyes were the most convincing. I told him during his performance not to do any facial, with a few more wrinkles, a little older would be more convincing." Peter obviously was taking jabs at Lau Wai Keung's vanity. Lau Wai Keung did not used to care about his looks at all, but since he successfully lost weight and his belly he became more and more vane; every time he attended an event even if he did not appear in a sharp suit he was still well dressed. Lau Wai Keung struck back and said that he could not help himself. "Earlier I asked Liu Ye and Chen Daoming, but they had work on their hands and did not have time. With only two days left before the wrap and without any help, I had to take over. I was uncertain but I really didn't have another choice!" Sometimes with many passerby and extra roles, directors would not feel right about asking someone else for help and would take the roles themselves. * (2012/12/27) The Aaron Kwok Fu Sing, Tony Leung Ka Fai, Sandra Ng Kwan Yu and Xu Jinglei starred film BETTER AND BETTER (YUET LOI YUET HO) will be released on the Lunar New Year's Day in February. In the film Sing Sing and Xu Jinglei played a couple of "not so simple overs" as they feuded on and off camera. In one scene Sing Sing was begging for mercy from Xu Jinglei. Originally Sing Sing had to go down on one knew. He creatively added a flower presentation. Everyone looked all over and finally found a silk paper rose in the garage. Xu Jinglei held her ground and improvised, "You come all the way here to give a fake flower, do you have any sincerity!" Their improvisation cracked up the crew. Sing Sing in the film displayed his dance expertise that viewers would absolutely look forward to. * (2012/12/27) Wong Jing and Stephen Chow Sing Chi have worked together countless times and created many classic comedy films, unfortunately in the end due to different values they grew further and further apart and made another collaboration difficult. Wong Jing yesterday appeared on a Commercial Radio interview. He said that after working with Chow Sing Chi on ALL FOR THE WINNER (DOH JUP) many of their films performed well. Wong Jing said, "He is super smart, has a lot of ideas and extremely high potential. As a director he is also pretty good, I appreciate his persistence very much. We were once pretty close friends. He would honestly share his personal affairs like girlfriends and cars with me." However after they worked together on FORBIDDEN CITY COP (DAI NOI MUK TAM LING LING FAT) in 1996 they worked together less. Wong Jing said, "Because our values were further and further apart. Many people think that I like money, actually I like movies more than money; but he definitely likes money more than movies. In 1999 he and I worked together on our last film THE TRICKY MASTER (CHIN WONG JI WONG 2000). At the time I agreed to his salary demand, but he gave very few days. Most of the film ended up on Nick Cheung Ka Fai's hands. He was a little uncooperative, refused to pass the ball and only played his own part. He felt like he was a guest star and had no responsible to help with cultivating new comers, it became rather unpleasant." Wong Jing believed that the chance of working with Sing Yeh again was very slim. "He doesn't even want to star in his own movie, not to mention he is older now. I watch him turn his own image into an immortal guru, his state of mind is no longer that of an actor. The position of an actor to him is too low! He doesn't want to act." * (2012/12/27) Peter Chan Ho Sun had a hot Christmas. On Christmas day he along with his former film screen writer and director father Chan Tung Man held a MY OWN JOURNEY new book introduction and shared with fans their life experience and film journey. * (2012/12/27) Chow Yun Fat is an international film star but is never arrogant. Earlier he with the cast of his film THE LAST TYCOON (DAI SEUNG HOI) like Yolanda Yuan Quan, Feng Wenjuan and director Andrew Lau Wai Keung began a national promotional tour. While waiting at a cinema for a premiere, avid photographer Fat Gor took his phone to take photos with everyone for his own collection; when he grabbed Yuan Quan and Feng Wenjuan for photos he even made mischievous expressions. Actually while Fat Gor was working on the film, he already often made the cast his photography subject on the set. Earlier when Huang Xiaoming came to promote the film with Fat Gor in Hong Kong, Fat Gor already presented him with his photo of him. Huang Xiaoming could not have loved it more! * (2012/12/27) The Mainland film LOST IN THAILAND yesterday morning finally broke PAINTED SKIN: THE RESURRECITON's 702 million RMB box office record with 760 million to become the new Chinese film box office champion. LOST IN THAILAND only needed 13 days to break the record that took PAINTED SKIN: THE RESURRECTION 39 days to achieve. As of yesterday, LOST IN THAILAND, PAINTED SKIN: THE RESURRECTION and LET THE BULLETS FLY became the top three Chinese films. LOST IN THAILAND not only created the Chinese film box office record but only took a week to break the Mainland first week box office record that foreign film TRANSFORMERS: DARK OF THE MOON held. * (2012/12/27) The Lunar New Year film HOTEL DELUXE (BAK SING JAU DIM) gathered many comedy actors like Sandra Ng Kwan Yu and Teresa Mo Shun Kwan. Producer Raymond Wong Pak Ming said that it was a pleasure to be able to watch them act together. Earlier the team went to a Hangzhou five star hotel for the shoot and had unanimous compliments. Kwan Yu said, "everyone we ate and worked together, living very orderly lives." Mo Mo said, "Very few things can be more comfortable than making a movie in a five star hotel, it is actually a reward. My room even faces the Qiandao Lake, the environment is very beautiful; we don't have any night shoot, which to me who is early to bed and early to rise would be very tough. After midnight I would already have lost my soul." Other actors included Ronald Cheng Chung Kei, Chapman To Man Jat and Fiona Sit Hoi Kei. * (2012/12/27) Jerry Yan (Yin Sing Yuk) earlier with Michelle Chen and Ivy Chen attended the film RIPPLES OF DESIRE (FA YEUNG)'s photo book autograph session and attracted 200 fans. At the event, Yin Sing Yuk kept whispering to Michelle Chen and Michelle Chen often whined to Yin Sing Yuk and Ivy Chen was neglected. Although the film mostly fell on the two lead actresses, Yin Sing Yuk absolutely did not mind. He said, "This film originally is about two sisters' relationship, I really want to watch them perform." [ BLAH OF THE WEEK ] Columns, Reviews, Interviews 1. MING PAO DAILY, DECEMBER 30 2012, FILM WORDS THE GUILLOTINES JESUS EDITION AND THE ANNAUL REVIEW Looking back at the 2012 film market, Hollywood continued to rule the world. However the Mainland China box office's rapid rise has caught international attention. After PAINTED SKIN: THE RESURRECTION (WAT PEI 2) made 700 million yuan RMB in the summer and created the highest grossing Chinese film box office record, LOST IN THAILAND at the end of the year holiday slot became a surprise hit and now has made over 800 million. Perhaps it will reach as high as 1 billion. These two films continued Hong Kong filmmakers' Mainland co-productions PAINTED SKIN and LOST ON THE JOURNEY format, but this time had Mainland screen writers, directors and stars and was more popular with the Mainland audience. The Mainland obviously has learned from the Hong Kong style then added its own development, its box office draw has pulled further and further from the Hong Kong "trailblazers". Among 2012 Hong Kong Films COLD WAR Is The Most Representative Hong Kong film this year still struggles for its survival, as locally it almost relies on category III sex for the rescue. Luckily it still has hits like COLD WAR (HONG JIN), A SIMPLE LIFE (TOH JEH) and LOVE IN THE BUFF (CHUN GIU YU JI MING). VULGARIA (DAI JOOK HEI KET) messes with foul language and filth with a style of its own. This year director Pang Ho Cheung and star Chapman To Man Jat are the most productive and have the most attention. Yim Ho's FLOATING CITY although makes an attempt in a "Hong Kong historical epic", its performance is the biggest failure. Among co-productions with the North, Law Chi Leung's THE BULLET VANISHES (SIU SUT DIK JI DAN) is better, but both TAI CHI and THE SILENT WAR (TING FUNG JEH) miss the mark. Actually the Mainland film market may look positive but it has extreme few good films and plenty of overabundance. Zhang Yimou's FLOWERS OF WAR is also not good. Taiwan film also has difficulties with another box office miracle. Currently the Chinese film industry is very uneven and has not shaped up to be a stable and healthy mainstream. Among this year's Chinese film releases in Hong Kong, i feel the most representative ten are the Sunny Luk Kim Ching, Longman Leung Lok Man directed COLD WAR, the Pang Ho Cheung directed LOVE IN THE BUFF and VULGARIA, Jackie Chan's CZ12 (SUP YI SUN CHIU), Soi Cheang Po Shui's MOTORWAY, Heyward Mak Hei Yan's DIVA and Roy Chow Hin Yeung's NIGHTFALL (DAI JEUNG BO), they were Hong Kong films. In addition the Mainland has Wuershan's PAINTED SKIN: THE RESURRECTION, Feng Xiaogang's 1942, Taiwan has Yang Ya-Che's GF*BF. Among them COLD WAR is the top choice, others are not in any particular order. A SIMPLE LIFE is not included because it premiered last year and has won many awards. As for foreign films, THE AVENGERS, THE HUNGER GAME, SKYFALL are all hits, but I feel the following ten are the most special: PROMETHEUS, UPSIDE DOWN, KAHAANI (India), A SEPARATION, IRON SKY, LIFE OF PI, MELANCHOLIA, A GHOST OF A CHANCE (Japan), BELOVED (French musical), and CORIOLANUS. THE GUILLOTINES' sole excellence: Huang Xiamong As for this week, Christmas films have not ended their runs yet and new film releases are few. The Andrew Lau Wai Keung directed THE GUILLOTINES (HUET DIK JI) originally is anticipated, but the result is less than ideal. This film's opening uses computer generated special effects for a brutal battle and turns the legendary Qing Dynasty Guillotines into a science fiction animation and comic book royal assassin special agent team, which is very exaggerated. However this film is not a fantasy martial art films, mainly it is about a refugee rebellion in a desert edge town against Central Beijing. It also has Manchurian and Han conflict, making it very complicated. The nucleus even has political satire, saying that the "secret police" Guillotines who eradicated opposition for the Qing palace are themselves targeted for elimination in the Emperor's plan to replace them with gun toting teams. The Peter Chan Ho Sun produced, Aubrey Lam Oi Wa and others written THE GUILLOTINES obviously is using the past as a metaphor for the present and touches on many national issues. Yet the story is confusing and the movie is dark and violent without any regard for history -- how would the age of Qianlong have foreign guns and cannons! The Ethan Juan (Yuen King Tin) led Guillotines brothers are mentally deficient and impotent. Shawn Yue Man Lok as the royal schemer is somewhat better. The most outstanding is Huang Xiaoming as the refugee rebel leader who actually resembles Jesus Christ. He even sacrifices himself to reform the Emperor and absurdly becomes the Bible style savior. Yet Huang Xiaoming both looks and performs well, and is the entire film's only point of excellence. Nowadays whether Hong Kong or Mainland screen writers they are constantly abusing history. THE GUILLOTINES cooks up a Jesus style legend, they may as well make a movie about the end of the Qing Dynasty self-proclaimed brother of Jesus Christ, Taiping Heavenly Kingdom's Hong Xiuquan, who has both root and sources (Two out of Five Stars) - SHEK KEI 2. APPLE DAILY, DECEMBER 29 2012, ELECTRIC FILM ROAD WONG JING AND ANDREW LAU UNITE TO CONTINUE THE FRIENDSHIP AGE Andrew Lau Wai Keung and Wong Jing, the Best of the Best partners, since YOUNG AND DANGEROUS (GOO WAT JAI) have not worked together again on film. They reunite after a long time apart. Recently the Wong Jing directed film THE LAST TYCOON (DAI SEUNG HOI) has Lau Wai Keung as its producer. Remembering where he came from, the former cinematographer Lau Wai Keung has now become a director in his own right. He still is appreciative of Wong Jing who watched him grow up. Even though in recent years they have made more co-productions, they actually have not forgotten about Hong Kong films. As long as the chance arrives they will immediately return to make Hong Kong films. Lau Wai Keung, Wong Jing and Manfred Wong (Man Jun) years ago formed the BoB & Partners film company, which has made many hit films. Yet since 2000 they went their separate ways and never worked together again on film. Years later, Lau Wai Keung and Wong Jing recently reunited in the film industry and made the film THE LAST TYCOON together. Full Of Chemistry, No Need To Mesh LAST director Wong Jing and producer Lau Wai Keung earlier talked about their film ideas. Wong Jing admitted that 2008 he already had this idea, only the first draft of the script ran into many problems during inspection. The film was not approved until this year's fifth draft. As for asking Lau Wai Keung to produce, Wong Jing admitted that his big film experience caught his eyes. "Actually when THE LAST TYCOON was confirmed I already knew this would be a big production. In recent years I mainly made mid sized ones. On the other hand Lau Wai Keung has been making mostly big films, so I knew asking him to produce would definitely help the movie. He agreed right away." Lau Wai Keung repeatedly thanked Brother Jing for giving him a chance. He joked, "Brother Jing can say that he watched me grow up, actually producing a Wong Jing movie is such a rare opportunity. Wong Jing has made so many movies what else would other people teach him? After I produce Wong Jing I really can produce anyone!" Wong Jing followed, "I don't need anyone to teach me, but I do need people to remind me! Lau Wai Keung can do this very well. Actually he and I have been buddies for so many years. Although we haven't worked together on film for over a decade, we see each other all the time privately. Thus as soon as we took our positions we didn't to mesh, all the previous collaboration feelings came back." Wong Jing in the film industry could absolutely be considered Lau Wai Keung's elder. When Lau Wai Keung was still a cinematographer, Wong Jing has already directed many films. This time he asked Lau Wai Keung to produce his own movie, did he feel strange? Wong Jing said, "Absolutely not. Actually it's not necessarily for the one with the higher position or more experience to be the producer and lower position to direct, only the two roles are responsible for different jobs and can help each other. Lau Wai Keung and I are such good friends, two men could talk about anyone. If we had to watch each other they would not be buddies!" Lau Wai Keung also joked that as soon as he was on the set he showed "no mercy", as he would speak up as soon as he ran into something wrong. Chow Yun Fat Is Like A Magnet As for the hardest part about THE LAST TYCOON, both agreed that it was the Nanjing Road explosion scene. Although it was highly difficult the production went surprisingly smooth. Lau Wai Keung said, "We asked Hong Kong production team members to handle our explosion this time, which actually you could say that we showed them. Because people outside kept saying the the best explosion came from the U.S. or foreign production teams, we were able to prove Hong Kongers were the most efficient and very talented with explosions." He continued that he was like Brother Jing and many Hong Kong directors, although in recent years he mainly made co-productions his passion for Hong Kong films has not subsided. When he has a chance he would make a pure Hong Kong film again. Lau Wai Keung confidently said, "Although we make co-productions, we use Hong Kong teams. We never forget about Hong Kong films." Speaking of Chow Yun Fat who he has not worked with for years, Wong Jing admitted that Fat Gor still had a commanding stature. He said, "Chow Yun Fat's acting is great, not much hasn't been said about his commanding stature. I didn't expect that other actors like Huang Xiaoming, (Francis) Ng Chun Yu and (Yolanda) Yuan Quan to all be his fans. As soon as they knew about Chow Yun Fat they immediately agreed to take part. He was like a magnet!" Synopsis: Shanghai Tycoon Finds Old Flame Hard To Forget THE LAST TYCOON Release Date: January 3 2013 The film THE LAST TYCOON is about a fruit store clerk who follows the Shanghai police detective and his rapid rise to success after becoming a gambling parlor bouncer. He becomes the tycoon of the generation in Shanghai. Although he meets a top Shanghai beauty, he still cannot forget his childhood sweetheart. Years later, in the middle age he becomes more powerful, but the one who saved his life has already become a special agent chief who is ambitious and attempts to abuse his power. At this time the tycoon runs into his long lost childhood sweetheart, who is already married to someone else...... [ In Production Now/Soon ] THE CARTEL WAR Can : Bin Yik Lit : Changing Battle d. Benny Chan Muk Sing Lau Ching Wan, Nick Cheung Ka Fai, Louis Koo Tin Lok, Lo Hoi Pang BLACK COMEDY Can : Hak Sik Hei Ket d. Wilson Chin Kwok Wai Chapman To Man Jat, Wong Cho Nam, Jacqueline Chong, Tong Fei, Jim Chim Shui Man, 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 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 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 Rating : IIB Length : 116 mins. 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 Rating : IIB Length : 94 mins. Opening January 3 2013 [ 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. 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. [ 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 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, Daniel Chan Yee-Heng 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 Rating : IIB, III Length : 106 mins. 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, Teresa Mo Shun Kwan, Sandra Ng Kwan Yu, Chapman To Man Jat, Ronald Cheng Chung Kei, Fiona Sit Hoi Kei, Janelle Sing, Lynn Xiong Opening February 7 2013 [ 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 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. 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, Chrissie Chau Sau Na Opening February 21 2013 [ YAHOO! MOVIES HONG KONG ] Traffic cop Chan Kwok Wa suffers from a loss of facial expression and since then does not know how to laugh, thus he is known as Cool Sir. Once he stops Ah Kiu, a driver in a wedding gown, for speeding. Actually Ah Kiu after a traffic accident two years ago has lost her memory and only remembers bits of her past. Ah Kiu only remembers that she has to find her fiance Tom, thus she constantly leaves home out of the blue. Ah Jai is a member of the surveillance team. Because of work he is constantly eavesdropping, he becomes introverted and a super otaku. Ah Jai during an airport operation rescues Sing Nam, a pretty Beijing girl who blindly pursues brand name labels. Yet at the same time he ruins her label luggage. Later, they through a social app run into each other. Two bored people thus set up dates for seven days for "seven days of romance". 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 28 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. 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... BLIND DETECTIVE Can : Man Tam d. Johnnie To Kei Fung Andy Lau Tak Wa, Sammi Cheng Sau Man Opening March 21 2013 in Malaysia 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. --- [ 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 * SALLY YEH 2013 CHINESE NEW YEAR CONCERT DATE AND TIME: Saturday, February 16 2013 @ 8PM VENUE LOCATION: MGM Grand Garden Arena Las Vegas, Nevada 89109 TICKET OUTLET LOCATIONS: JADE ENTERTAINMENT: http://www.jadeentertain.com/blog/?p=164 * SANDY LAM LIVE IN LAS VEGAS DATE AND TIME: Saturday, February 16 2013 @ 8PM Sunday, February 17 2013 @ 8PM VENUE LOCATION: The Colosseum at Caesars Palace 3570 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas, Nevada 89109 TICKET PRICES: $188, 128, 68, 48 TICKET OUTLET LOCATIONS: JADE ENTERTAINMENT: http://www.jadeentertain.com/blog/?p=160 * DAYO WONG TZE WAH STAND UP COMEDY SHOW 2013 DATE AND TIME: Saturday, January 26 2013 @ 8PM VENUE LOCATION: Sony Centre For The Performing Arts 1 Front St. E., Toronto ON M5E 1B2 Canada TICKET PRICES: CA$ 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 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Box office info : What Box Office Info? The usual suspects : Internet Movie Database, Yahoo! Hong Kong Erors : ye olde chaffing editor For Thursday, December 27 2012 10 NARUTO THE MOVIE: ROAD TO NINJA d. Hayato Date Japanese Animation 9 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, 8 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, 7 LIFE OF PI d. Ang Lee Suraj Sharma, Irrfan Khan, Adil Hussain 6 JACK REACHER d. Christopher McQuarrie Tom Cruise, Rosamund Pike, Richard Jenkins, Werner Herzog 5 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 4 THE HOBBIT: AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY d. Peter Jackson Martin Freeman, Ian McKellen, Richard Armitage 3 THE TWILIGHT SAGA: BREAKING DAWN PART 2 d. Bill Condon Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, Taylor Lautner 2 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. 1 LES MISERABLES d. Tom Hooper Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe, Anne Hathaway, Amanda Seyfried ------ 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. THE GUILLOTINES Rating : IIB Length : 113 mins. 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... 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...... NARUTO THE MOVIE: ROAD TO NINJA d. Hayato Date Japanese Animation Rating : IIA Length : 110 mins. Opening December 27 2012 ------ GLOBAL CHINESE SONG CHART For Saturday, December 29 2012 15 HERO Han Geng http://youtu.be/GqN_jE0s-qA 14 GANG UP Can : For For RubberHand http://youtu.be/jPEA0B6mERg 13 BECOME STRANGERS Can : Bin Sing Muk Sun Yun Cyndi Wang (Wong Sum Ling) http://youtu.be/3B4fyi-xXzo 12 CHANGE ROOM Can : Woon Fong Gan Jeff Chang (Cheung Shun Jit), Ricky Xiao (Siu Wong Kei) http://youtu.be/aStkbNeS4Js 11 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 10 LOVE INSTANTLY Can : Oi Lap Hak Khalil Fong Datong http://youtu.be/B0B0oLCTbg0 9 HOW ARE YOU RECENTLY? Can : Jui Gung Ho Ma? Angela Chang (Cheung Siu Hom) http://youtu.be/P-EXaG03qU0 8 TOGETHER Can : Joi Yut Hei Anson Hu (Wu Yin Bun) http://youtu.be/08yCkwCA-G4 7 LONE HEROIC COUPLE Can : Duk Hung Hup Nui William So Wing Hong, Kay Tse On Kay http://youtu.be/6nOE5oYkbe8 6 THE HEART IS STILL HOT Can : Sum Wan Si Yit Dik S.H.E. http://youtu.be/Jj4VtfhSlR0 5 RED DUST INN Can : Hung Chun Hat Jang Jay Chou (Chow Kit Lun) http://youtu.be/L6joGUdc6y4 4 HOLMES Can : Fook Yi Mor Si Jam Hsiao (Siu King Tung) http://youtu.be/k1LpG-GZWdk 3 COLD JOKE Can : Lan Siu Wa Fiona Sit Hoi Kei http://youtu.be/e_Z-mFVlh88 2 GEMINI LOVE SONG Can : Seung Ji Ching Gor Adason Lo (Law Lik Wai), Joey Yung Cho Yi http://youtu.be/ExpRX5d_2uU 1 OUR STORY Can : Ngor Moon Dik Goo Si Michael Wong (Kong Leung) http://youtu.be/6FGQR2mvVzE ------ [ 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. ---------------------- HK Top Ten Central hktopten@hotmail.com http://hktopten.orgfree.com | http://hktopten.blogspot.com