From: NO TOP TEN CENTRAL Newsgroups: alt.asian-movies,soc.culture.hongkong.entertainment Subject: [TAKE OVER] HKSAR Film No Top 10 Box Office (January 24 2013) 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. Dior Cheng Yi Kin and Yoyo Mung Ka Wai who wed on the 28th B. Timmy Hung Tin Ming and Janet Chow Ka Wai who gave birth to a 7 pound 6 ounce baby boy on the 28th C. Edward Chui Woai Tong who celebrates his birthday on the 27th D. Hanjin Tan who celebrates his birthday on the 27th 2. MISCELLANEOUS * (2013/01/30) The 45 year old Dior Cheng Yi Kin married the 40 year old Yoyo Mung Ka Wai. Two days ago they had a low key wedding in Tokyo, Japan. They experienced some turbulence over their 7 year relationship and finally they wed. Ekin Cheng was very touched to have a wife and could not stop crying, as Mung Ka Wai successfully became Mrs. Cheng. Yesterday the good news spread and industry insiders all sent their well wishes, including Cheng Yi Kin's three old flames Luisa Lai Chi San, Maggie Siu Mei Kei and Gigi Leung Wing Kei. Ekin Cheng wed two days ago and yesterday he announced the good news online. He posted a "wedding photo" with a teddy bear couple with the letters "E" and "Y". The bear that represented Mung Ka Wai even wore a wedding veil. Ekin posted, "We have entered another stage of life, we are grateful! From now on we are no longer alone, thank you!" The new Mrs. Cheng Yung Ka Wai replied with two hearts. Only 40 peoples attended the Mung Mein mystery wedding, all were the closest to them. Industry insiders included Sandy Lam San San and her boyfriend, Jerry Lam Hiu Fung and his wife as well as Chan Kwong Wing. When Ekin announced the good news, his manager Lam San San gave live reports from overseas and sent wedding photos to the media. However 3 of the 4 photos were teddy bear wedding photos. The new couple's wedding photo was a blurry reproduction. The bride Ekin Cheng wore a bow tie and the bride Mung Ka Wai wore a black evening dress; the most important was they both had happy smiles on their faces. Lam San San was one of the wedding guests. She said that this wedding was a surprise invitation. Over a month ago she received a notice, "Time? Dinner?" Then over a week before she received another, "Time? Dinner? Tokyo?" San San said, "I know Ekin's personality, it would be a big deal so I didn't dare to ask more. Because the invitations were to individuals, everyone booked their flights and hotels." Guests who went to Tokyo to attend the wedding did not know who would attend the mystery wedding, when they arrived in Japan they received notice on the time when the bus would wait for them in front of the hotel. The wedding took place at a restaurant, a very beautiful castle with flowers for decoration. They held a small party, a small wedding, Ekin and Yoyo said their vows. San San said, "Yoyo was crying as soon as she came out, I never expected Ekin to be unable to stop crying after a few words. He thanked everyone for coming." She also said that the most touching moment of the wedding was when Ekin said, "Old Lady!" Chan Kwong wing and Lam Hiu Fung also called, "Ah Soh" and ended the beautiful evening. Because of the surprise invitation, Lam San San did not prepare any gift. The wedding banquet was French cuisine. Guests sat at 7 tables, it was intimate and warmth. Ekin and Mung Ka Wai will spend their honeymoon in Japan but will return to Hong Kong in days because groom Ekin Cheng in early February will have to attend an event in Macau. Their mystery wedding in Tokyo left many friends unable to personally attend. Among his YOUNG AND DANGEROUS (GOO WAT JAI) brothers only Lam Hiu Fung attended. Jordan Chan Siu Chun, Michael Tse Tin Wa and others were unable to appear. Even his buddy Wilson Chin Kwok Wai due to Japan did not go to Japan. Leo Ku Kui Ke only sent his well wishes online. Reportedly Ekin was considering sharing his new marriage joy with his friends at dinner once he returned to Hong Kong. * (2013/01/30) COLD WAR (HONG JIN) became last year's Hong Kong film box office champion. Lead actor Aaron Kwok Fu Sing two nights ago spent six figures on a celebration. Cast and crew members Eddie Peng Yu-yen, Gordon Lam Ka Tung, Chin Kar Lok, Terence Yin (Wan Chi Wai) and the directors attended. Aside from paying the bill, Sing Sing also contributed to a lucky drawing with prizes like watches. Boss Bill Kong Chi Keung revealed that a sequel will start production in May. Sing Sing felt that COLD WAR 2's May production was just right. He will finish his concert in March, rest then work on the film. "The sequel will have the original team as well as additional stars. The director hoped to make COLD WAR into a film series. I look forward to outstanding performance in every film." Will the sequel have box office pressure? Sing Sing said, "Only the boss and the director would have box office pressure. Actors only focus on acting, which is also the best way to reduce stress. I have ample understanding of the character, who is very reserved and drastically different from the real me." Some one compared COLD WAR and INFERNAL AFFAIRS (MO GAN DOH). Sing Sing disagreed. "Although both are battles of wits between cops and crooks, they have their differences. INFERNAL AFFAIRS is classic, COLD WAR is another classic. Viewers in different era evaluates films differently. Now viewers are even smarter. COLD WAR is attractive due to its simple dialogues and 'accuracy', as well as its intriguing story." Sing Sing is busy preparing for his March concert. This time he will appear with white hair but will still have new image. "In my experience after the concert I usually lose a few pounds. This time I will have to gain weight because in COLD WAR Lau Kit Fai has to be fuller." * (2013/01/30) Xu Zheng wrote, directed and starred in LOST IN THAILAND, which made 1.3 billion RMB in the Mainland and will open in Hong Kong tomorrow. Xu Zheng earlier came to Hong Kong to promote and admitted that he never expected it to be such a hit. "Many people said the film was a dark horse that would have over 1 billion at the box office. I thought it was a white horse. Everyone underestimated it. I thought it would make 300 to 400 million. However after a week it already broke 300 million at the box office. When it was about to reach 1 billion, I thought it was crazy. It already had nothing to do with me, it has become a phenomenon. Everyone was going out of curious." Why neither the poster nor the promotion was focused on Fan Bingbing? He pointed out that if he put all the big stars on the poster, he did not think it would be better. When viewers saw Fan Bingbing in the movie they were pleasantly surprised. As for the film's Hong Kong release, he humbly said, "Will it reach 1 or 2 million? If next time I have a movie release in Hong Kong it should have a Cantonese version like LET THE BULLETS FLY, then Hong Kong viewers would be able to relate to it." Xu Zheng said that he grew up on Hong Kong films, Stephen Chow Sing Chi, Johnnie To Kei Fung, Peter Chan Ho Sun, Derek Yee Tung Sing, Wong Kar Wai and John Woo (Ng Yu Sum) were all directors who he admired. He said, "I hope to get more Hong Kong film offers, they don't have to be comedies." Was he worried that he would be typecast in comedy? He said, "That would depend on Director To Kei Fung to turn it around." * (2013/01/29) Timmy Hung Tin Ming and Janet Chow Ka Wai's son TJ was born. He weighed 7 pound 6 ounces. As Sammo Hung Kam Bo became a grandfather, his grandson looked exactly like Grandfather; with Big Brother's presence, even Grandpa called the baby "Great Lord Hung". The position of the oldest son's child was extraordinary. Hung Kam Bo was so excited that his mouth dried up, as he joked that he would give even his life to his grandson. Chow Ka Wai chose the day for the cesarean operation. Yesterday at 9AM her husband Hung Tin Ming took her to the hospital for the birth. Both Tin Ming and Ka Wai's mothers also kept them company. Tin Hung after settling in with his life went to the hospital lobby to speak with the media and told them that the operation was scheduled for 2PM. Around 3PM, Hung Tin Ming announced the good news to the awaiting media and said that his son was born, weighed 7 pound 6 ounces and both mother and son were fine. He said that tears rushed out when he took his first glimpse of the baby, but he did not want to cry during the happy occasion. Thus he held back his tears. Hung Tin Ming was very touched and amazed, in particular when he heard his son's cries. He was very grateful to see the very healthy baby. He said, "During the ultrasound I already saw the baby's 'big one', at the time (Kevin) Cheng Ka Wing joked that the baby might be Black. Now I am not worried at all!" He also said that his son looked like grandpa Hung Kam Bo. Because during birth the child retained water, he hoped that later the child would look like him or Ka Wai. The baby was better off looking like Mommy because she was prettier. Tin Hung described the baby's cry was very strong, and he did not rest until he heard the cry. However he never expected the newborn cry to sound like the geese at the zoo; Tin Hung's description as a father was truly hilarious. He said that Ka Wai immediately gave the baby a kiss. Because he still had a cough he was unable to kiss the baby. Originally Hung Tin Ming brought photography equipment to capture the birth of his son, but he was unable to because the operating room did not permit photography. At first he struggled with whether he should cut the baby's umbilical cord because Nicholas Tse Ting Fung told him that the moment of the cut was like harming the baby. Finally the doctor made the cut. Tin Ming was not permitted to make the cut anyway. Grandfather Hung Kam Bo arrived at the hospital later to see the baby. Around 7PM he, his wife Joyce Godenzi and Hung Tin Ming spoke with reporters. He originally wore a medical mask, but he removed it and was all smiles when he met with reporters. Did his grandson look like him? Hung Kam Bo joked, "That's no surprise, I am handsome!" Was he so happy to see his grandson that he was drooling? He said that he was so happy his mouth was dried. He was afraid of spreading germs to the baby and has yet to hold him. What gift would Hung Kam Bo give his grandson? He said, "I give him my life, in the future I would leave everything to my son and he would leave them to him." He also praised his daughter in law Chow Ka Wai, the most important was for the entire family to live happily. Hung Kam Bo said, "In life and friendship too, after growing up together any argument is unimportant. There is no point to run in each other and pretend you don't know each other. At age 60 we can still meet, happiness is the most important. If we aren't happy then we see each other less." Would he name his grandson? He said, "Great Lord Hung! Tin Ming and I have different ideas, maybe father and son will fight for it; they are in charge of his English name." * (2013/01/29) Stephen Chow Sing Chi yesterday promoted JOURNEY TO THE WEST (SAI YAU GONG MOR PIN) in Taiwan with Show Luo (Law Chi Cheung). Piggy in the film guest starred as "Lonely Gentleman", which the host misread as "weak kidney gentleman". Because Sing Yeh thought it was funny, he added the idea of Piggy explaining that he did not have weak kidneys. Sing Yeh joked, "Because of his 'weak kidneys' we had to shoot all day. That day was wasted! However I believe in my own casting, Piggy truly is top notch!" Piggy did not want to give people the impression that he was "impersonating Chow Sing Chi". Thus he gave 5 different impressions of each scene to Sing Yeh. Sing Yeh joked, "Because of that, during editing I thought every one was good. I didn't know how to choose." Piggy worked on the film for 6 days. He as a fan asked how Sing Yeh maintained his skin. Sing Yeh said, "I don't know, I don't sleep, I don't have any abdominal muscle or chest muscle." Piggy said that Sing Yeh loved to act on the set. "When the crew accidentally broke something, he stood up and pretended to scold them. After yelling he would jokingly ask, 'Was I very angry before?'" Piggy already reserved a role in Sing Yeh's next film. He was even willing to play support. Although Piggy did not have much screen time, he still had the benefit of Shu Qi leaning on his shoulder. Piggy did not dare to look at Shu Qi from the start because he thought her presence was too strong and her eyes were filled with acting. Shu Qi generously leaned on his shoulder anyway and started to act. Sing Yeh was asked whether he would perform again. He joked, "You have watched it even times, of course you can't tell. You would be close if you watch 30 times or so, you have to seriously watch. One day you will find me, I am really in it." He took back his smile and seriously said, "I feel being on camera to me is too simple, directing is even more challenging. When I direct, I personally perform every character in every scene once to show them. I am not in it, but I am also completely in it. I put my most important 'soul' into the film." * (2013/01/29) The late businessman Lim Por-yen's first wife Lam Lai Yuen-fong passed away due to illness at the age of 103. Yesterday a wake was held at the Hong Kong funeral home. The funeral was a Buddhist ceremony as several monks chanted. Many of the political and business world came to pay their respect. Lim Por-yen's second wife U Po-chu was teary eyed and looked sadden. She left in the company with her youngest son Lam Kin Hong and daughter in law Wong Ning Yim. The former wife of U Po-chu's son Peter Lam Kin Ngok, Tse Ling Ling, and his rumored girlfriend Michelle both appeared. Madame Lam had a great relationship with Tse Ling Ling. Tse Ling Ling said that she missed her very much and she was very nice. Around 8PM, Lam Kin Ming's 3 daughters Wai San, Wai Kei and Wai Yin began to burn offerings for their grandmother. When asked about memories of her grandmother, Wai Kei looked sad and was reluctant to talk. Around 9PM, Lam Kin Ming and his three daughters met with the media. Speaking of his mother, he was teary eyed. "I am much calmer now. Ultimately Mama has been sick for over two years. 10 years ago we already made preparations and the will was completed. With all five generations together, maybe she wanted to see my son Hau Shun get married and start his family." Lam Kin Ming originally planned a birthday banquet for his mother to take place the next two weeks. He remembered that from childhood his mother has urged him to "help Papa". Albert Yeung Sau Sing came to pay his respect. He said that he was friendly with the Lam family, in the past he was invited to attend Madame Lam's birthday banquets and he was familiar with Lam Kin Ming and Lam Kin Ngok. The Lam family published a memorial program with many life and family photos of Madame Lam. Son King Ming, daughter Suk Ying and granddaughters Wai San and Wai Kei all wrote eulogies. The altar was decorated in white. Due to the sheer number of floral arrangements, they reached outside the funeral home. * (2013/01/29) Film and television tycoon Yang Dengkui passed away on December 31 2012. Yesterday a memorial concert took place. Many artists who he has helped before attended, including Eric Tsang Chi Wai, Dikcy Cheung Wai Kin, Ruby Lin (Lam Sum Yu), Ariel Lin (Lam Yi Sun), Yvonne Yung Hung, Jody Chiang Hui and others. Andy Lau Tak Wa sent a floral arrangement. Chang Fei played with his saxophone the song that Yang Dengkui once asked him to play, YESTERDAY ONCE MORE. He described Yang Dengkui as the pillar of show business. Cheung Wai Kin performed in many Yang Dengkui television series. He performed the DUKE OF MOUNT DEER theme song. Richie Jen (Yam Yin Chai) performed the NEW ADVENTURES OF CHOR LAU HEUNG theme song. Siu Chai said, "Papa Yang was the typical martial art hero. When you needed help, you would brave the storm for you; when everything was fine, he would vanish." Yang Dengkui's son Ken Yang often wiped his tears in the audience. * (2013/01/29) Today would have been superstar of a generation Teresa Tang Lai Kwan's 60th birthday. Her third brother Tang Chang Fu and a group of fans yesterday went to Madame Tussauds to pose for photos with her wax figure. Tang Chang Fu at the museum's invitation selected a black Chinese dress that his sister wore while performing in Indonesia in 1977 for the statue. Tang Chang Fu said that whenever he saw his sister's photos, videos or wax figure, he would still get emotional. After the event he would return to Taiwan. Today he would remember her with his family with an exhibition. He will also publish a biography of his sister. He would visit places where his sister has been and lived. He would also publicize her romance and the doctor's documentation of her passing. Did he interview Jackie Chan for the book? Tang Chang Fu said that his family would respect Tang Lai Kwan's friends, mention all of them but would not make any comment on any individual. * (2013/01/29) Veronica Yip Yuk Hing in the Lunar New Year film I LOVE HONG KONG 2013 (2013 NGOR OI HK GUNG HEI FAT CHOI) played Alan Tam Wing Lun's wife. In one scene she performed a Bollywood song and dance number with India Association president Kiu Bo Bo (Gill Mohindepaul Singh). She said that she was somewhat nervous about performing an Indian dance while performing her own classic song AN IRREPRESSIBLE STYLE (DONG BUT JU DIK FUNG CHING). She believed that it would be a very big surprise for the audience. Because the costume was rather sexy, she kept it from him to prevent his jealousy and waited until after the shoot to tell him. In the film Hing Hing's Filipino maid was Alvina Kong Yun Yin. She personally invited Yun Yun to perform and thought that she was the most suitable. In one scene Yun Yun pretended to owe shark loan money to fool her boss Alan and she needed to have red paint splashed on her. Yun Yun said that this scene was quite a sacrifice, she had to spend half a day to wash off the red paint. Eric Tsang Chi Wai said that after this scene she definitely would be "red" for the new year from her head to her toe. * (2013/01/29) This April will be the 10th anniversary of Gor Gor Leslie Cheung Kwok Wing's passing. Former manager Chan Suk Fun is planning a memorial event in hopes of remembering this superstar of a generation with friends and fans who like Gor Gor. How has life been for Gor Gor's partner Daffy Tong Hok Tak in the past 10 years? Yesterday Chan Suk Fun's son Chan Ka Ho posted a photo of him celebrating Tong Tong's 50th birthday. In comparison to 10 years ago, Tong Tong had more maturity. Actually he would occasionally appear in events with Gor Gor's friends, in particular Pak Shuet Sin's. Reportedly Chan Suk Fun sincerely invited Tong Tong to attend the March 31st memorial event; the always low key man has not agreed yet, but for such a meaningful day fans all wished that Tong Tong would make an exception and appear. * (2013/01/28) Miriam Yeung Chin Wa after giving birth will return to star in the Johnnie To Kei Fung directed DON'T GO BREAKING MY HEART 2 (DAN SUN NAM NUI 2) at the end of next month. In the film she will play Goo Jai's old flame. Goo Jai still had feelings for her and went behind Gao Yuanyuan's back to rekindle their romance. The To Kei Fung directed, Koo Tin Lok, Daniel Wu (Ng Yin Cho) and Gao Yuanyuan starred film DON'T GO BREAKING MY HEART two years ago made over 100 million at the Mainland box office. Media Asia decided to start a sequel next month, but instead of two men vying for one woman, in the sequel four women will fight over one man as Yeung Chin Wa, Mini Yang Mi, Ivana Wong Yuen Chi and Gao Yuanyuan fight over the diamong bachelor Goo Jai. After To Kei Fung decided to make DON'T GO BREAKING MY HEART 2, he originally wanted the original cast to return. However Ng Yin Cho wanted to spend more time in Hong Kong with his pregnant wife so he will not participate in the sequel. Thus the script had major changes. In the sequel Koo Tin Lok not only had Gao Yuanyuan but also Yeung Chin Wa, Yang Mi and Wong Yuen Chi. Reportedly in the sequel Goo Jai left Hong Kong to work in Beijing, but by chance ran into old flame Gao Yuanyuan. Goo Jai still had feelings for her and started to pursue her with enthusiasm. After they reignited their romance, Goo Jai also ran into former girlfriend Yeung Chin Wa who came to Beijing for work. Goo Jai again rekindled an old flame and Yuanyuan broke up with him. However after reuniting with Chin Wa, Goo Jai became attracted to the passionate and direct Yang Mi and also hooked up with Wong Yuen Chi. Chin Wa finally lost hope in him and left. To Kei Fung and Wai Jai will make this romance in a light and humorous way, the main locations will be Beijing and Hong Kong. After this film Ah To will make a Sylvia Chang (Cheung Ngai Ga) produced musical then ELECTION 3 (HAK SEH WUI 3). Yesterday To Kei Fung was asked about the DON'T sequel. "The film is waiting for Mainland inspection before starting production, so right now I don't have any detail that I can reveal." * (2013/01/28) Teresa Mo Shun Kwan has worked with Karena Ng Chin Yu in many films and established a bond. She even treated her like a daughter. Thus when speaking about the rumor of Raymond Lam Fung and Karena Ng Chin Yu, Mo Mo joked, "Are they married?" Reporters asked if Mo Mo knew that Ng Chin Yu took time off from the production to watch Lam Fung's concert in Hong Kong. She joked, "My daughter is really thoughtful. As far as I know, she came back for work and happened to go to the show." They were rumored to be living together. (Do you think they make a good match?) They both are good looking guy and girl." As for this year Stephen Chow Sing Chi joining the Lunar New Year film battle, Mo Mo hoped that everyone would win and be happy. * (2013/01/28) Stephen Shiu Yeuk Yuen yesterday held a new book release event. His outstanding comments was rumored to have forced his son Stephen Shiu Jr. from the THE ICEMAN COMETH 3D (3D BING FUNG HUP) film investment. Shiu Yeuk Yuen said, "It was a difference of opinion with Zhongmeng Century Media. The film is now completely national and has nothing to do with us. Whether my outstanding comments led to Zhongmeng being forced to keep us out of investing, it is truly hard to confirm because Zhongmeng didn't say the reason." Shiu Yeuk Yuen joked that he regretted nothing and had difficulty with watching what he said. "It doesn't matter! I am retired. Stephen Shiu Jr. in the future can only make DUE WEST OUR SEX JOURNEY (YUT LO HEUNG SAI) and not co-production films." Shiu Yeuk Yuen said that his son also "whined" to him. * (2013/01/26) Earlier announced its production start in Hong Kong, THE ICEMAN COMETH 3D (3D BING FUNG HUP) halted production for more than half a month because it did not receive Mainland approval and almost was truly frozen. Recently Mainland Zhongmeng Century Media purchased the Stephen Shiu and Stephen Shiu Jr.'s shares and work resumed. Yesterday Yen Chi Tan in a costume hero look appeared in the busy city. In addition Benny Chan Ho Man who guest starred for a day brought his daughter Chan Nga Yu, who became the focus and stole the spotlight from her father and Big Hero Yen. The HK$200 million 3D action film THE ICEMAN COMETH earlier began production in Hong Kong. Director and actor Yen Chi Tan and another director Law Wing Cheung, along with Mainland actors Wang Baoqiang, Eva Huang Shengyi attended the production start ceremony. Yet soon after the production was rumored to have been halted due to the lack of Mainland approval. After an investor tug of war finally Stephen Shiu and his son gave up their investment, Mainland Zhongmeng Century Media purchased all of the shares and work resumed. Yesterday on the busy streets of Causeway Bay, the director's clapperboard the title was changed to GUM YI KEI HUP (SILK CLOTHING HERO). Director and lead Yen Chi Tan set aside Ip Man to appear in a costume. He indeed was the strongest in the universe as the crew prepared an official plastic chair for him so he was able to sit in front of the camera to study the angles and discuss the production. He was very friendly and kept waving to the crowd. Yesterday some might not have seen Yen Chi Tan in action because he and Benny Chan Ho Man worked on time travel scenes. He as the costume person fan into the Chan Ho Man played modern person; although he only guest starred for a day, Chan Ho Man returned to Hong Kong. When the reporter asked them for a photo together, Chan Ho Man respectfully asked reporters to ask Yen Chi Tan first. Chan Ho Man even moved Yen Chi Tan's official chair for the photo. Chan Ho Man this time brought his wife and daughter to work. His daughter just turned 1 last December. When Chan Ho Man's wife carried their daughter to watch the shoot, the baby attracted a lot of attention as pedestrians played with her. The baby under her mother's instruction even blew kisses to pedestrians; her mother dressed her like a bunny and she obviously stole the spotlight from Yen Chi Tan and her father Chan Ho Man. * (2013/01/26) The Mainland's highest grossing Chinese film LOST IN THAILAND two nights ago held a premiere in Hong Kong. Aside from the film's director and actor Xu Zheng, Raymond Wong Pak Ming, Jacqueline Chong Si Man, Rose Chan Ka Wun and others attended. Wong Pak Ming revealed that IP MAN 3 has already been confirmed for a March production start with Donnie Yen Chi Tan continuing in the lead. He also admitted that he watched THE GRANDMASTERS (YUT DOI JUNG SI) but was not worried that viewers would compare it with IP. He said, "The styles of the two are different, we fight for real, theirs is aesthetics. Viewers can have different choices." * (2013/01/25) Transitioning from an artist to a businessman in recent years, Stephen Chow Sing Chi has reduced production and rarely appeared on the entertainment pages. Recently he even received a national mission as he was appointed to be a political advisor. However as his film JOURNEY TO THE WEST (SAI YAU GONG MOR PIN) will soon open, Sing Yeh returned from multimillionaire to artist. He was absent from the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference to promote the film. Two days ago in Beijing he spoke with Chongqing Times. When asked whether he has stopped acting, he remained reserved. C: Chow Sing Chi, R: Reporter R: Your normal life is very mysterious, no one can see you. C: I don't see you either, your life is also very mysterious to me. R: In recent years you have been rather mysterious, shadowy. C: I of course am not shadowy. Aren't I still taking the plane to Beijing, then being stuck in a traffic jam to get here for the interview? R: Actor, director, CEO, which role do you prefer? C: Actually I am a creator. This answer of Sing Yeh's is as if KING OF COMEDY's Wan Tin Sau has taken over, making people crack up. Lately many who have worked with Sing Yeh scolded him about his personality, his team left him one after another, but when he answered he appeared to be calm. R: Has the news of being deserted affected you? C: Some I don't even know about or see. I usually don't pay attention to my own news. This is a part of show business. In addition I have a lot that I want to do, I don't do anything that is unimportant. His new film subject is again JOURNEY TO THE WEST. As everyone thought that Sing Yeh has a connection to this story, he gave a surprising answer. R: This time you seems to turn Sun Wukong into a villain? C: Sun Wukong originally is a demon! He violated the rules of Heaven and later became the Venerable Monk Tang's disciple. This time we display the terrifying "demon" side of SUn Wukong. R: Do you have a connection with the JOURNEY TO THE WEST story? C: If I don't make JOURNEY TO THE WEST, what else can I make? CHINESE ODYSESSY was an all new creative story that had little to do with the original work. This film is closer to the original. R: Why aren't you playing Sun Wukong? C: Because I am too old. In this film, I feel I don't have much space that I can play. I am too old. If you make an old people movie I don't have a problem at all. This is a young version movie. I am the director and the screen writer, so I should concentrate a little more. How happy it is to be an actor! A director is a janitor. When actors don't want to perform they say, 'Director what do you want from me?', 'I don't know how to perform it, you do it......' I once was also someone who is so happy! Being a director is fate, destined to suffer. R: Will you act again? C: I will, depending on whether it's suitable for me. If it isn't suitable, I won't perform even in a (Hollywood director James) Cameron movie. Everyone worried that Sing Yeh would not act again, but after hearing that his trademark laughter rang out. C: Actually nothing is absolute, actors are the same way. First they look at the script, oh, I like this character, then I take it. Earlier many directors have sent me scripts, but I didn't take any of them. So no one is looking for me. Big directors like Cameron is great, but it would depend on the subject. If he wants to make Sun Wukong, everything is special effect make up, that's too tough and I won't take it either! Since KUNG FU HUSTLE, Sing Yeh did not make a new film until four years later. It seemed to be periodic. C: I think since this time is costume, next time will be modern. However I would like to make it sooner, four years is too long, but at least it will still have to wait for a year. R: The love story in JOURNEY TO THE WEST still ends in tragedy, why do you like this romantic format? C (cracks up): My movie wants to have this type of dramatic difference. R: Why in the romance of your movies women are always pursuing the men? C: Of course, only what cannot be done in reality is fun in movies. R: I heard you are pursuing Shu Qi? C: I of course have no problem, but Shu Qi has a problem. Stuff like this can't be one sides, both sides have to coordinate. R: Then is your fondness of Shu Qi very strong? C: It's not just me, Huang Bo's fondness of her is no less than mine. * (2013/01/25) Best Actor Tony Leung Chiu Wai and director Wong Kar Wai earlier promoted THE GRANDMASTERS (YUT DOI JUNG SI) in Singapore. Reportedly actress Song Hye-Kyo was upset at being left with only one line and was absent from the promotion, Wai Jai expressed sympathy and even asked Wong Kar Wai to treat actors kindly! Leung Chiu Wai and Wong Kar Wai arrived in Singapore with a crew of 10, including Leung Chiu Wai's private security and 6 film company security guards. During the interview, actors who work with Wong Kar Wai are never certain about their characters. Wai Jai said, "When I made his movies before, I never had a time that I was as certain as this time. I only knew what I was playing. Theirs (other actors) I didn't know about. I hope the director would one day 'treat them kindly'!" Speaking of Song Hye-Kyo only having one line in the film, Wai Jai "sympathized". Wong Kar Wai said, "Not every actor is as mature as Wai Jai!" However he also denied that Song Hye-Kyo was upset. Wong Kar Wai's movie is full of mystery, but actually he is very mysterious himself. Because he has not removed his sunglasses for years, reporters joked if THE GRANDMASTERS was a hit would he celebrate by taking off his sunglasses? He made a rare joke and said that he only had one pair of sunglasses and was very faithful. The tender look behind the sunglasses would only be saved for his wife. * (2013/01/25) Artist Ava Yu Kiu's commercials recently have been aired. She is also working on the film THE ICEMAN COMETH 3D (3D BING FUNG HUP) and the Tang Tat Hei directed new film TOMORROW THE WORLD ENDS (MING YUT SAI GAI JUNG GEIT). Earlier on the coldest days so far, Yu Kiu worked on location in the mountains of Zhongshan. "The temperature was in single digit Celsius, I still had to wear a summer tank top. I really was shivering and chilled to the bone." In the film Yu Kiu played a mental patient, a complex character who everyone is afraid of. She constantly hallucinates and even stabs people. "I know this character is hard to play. Earlier I studied acting with (Jim) Chim Shui Man to build a good foundation. Finally I still was beyond embarrassing. Because I couldn't leave the character, every night I called Hong Kong and cried to Ma. She was very worried." * (2013/01/25) Veteran actor Stanley Fung Shui Fan recently worked on the Shaw Lunar New Year film I LOVE HONG KONG 2013 (2013 NGOR OI HK GUNG HEI FAT CHOI) and played a 70s restaurant boss. "The production was a lot of fun. Every scene has a dozen people and extras as the customers, it was pretty hard to handle! (How did the younger generation perform?) Honestly, I didn't know many of them. Since I am working with Bosco for the third year we are the most familiar. (How's his potential?) Great! I don't have to say that! For me to say he has potential I am already too late!" Last year his intimate scene with Susan Shaw Yam Yam became the selling point. Did he want to shoot another one? He said, "This year isn't so explosive! I don't mind though, depending on the story!" He praised that this script focused on the social changes and humanity. He hoped that it will be a big hit. Earlier Tony Leung Ka Fai said that he was not fully paid when he worked with Shaw. "I don't think so, how can such a big company be so absurd. It definitely is a misunderstanding." * (2013/01/25) The Stephen Chow Sing Chi directed film JOURNEY TO THE WEST (SAI YAU GONG MOR PIN) stars Shu Qi. Sing Yeh was asked whether he was pursuing Shu Qi, he humorously said, "I of course have no problem with that, but Shu Qi has a problem with it!" After 4 years without a film, the latest Chow Sing Chi directed film JOURNEY TO THE WEST will be released in the Lunar New Year. He spared no effort while promoting the film and did not mind promoting with rumors. He was asked that since the film's love story would end in tragedy as usual, did he like this format? He laughed and said, "My movie hopes to have such a dramatic difference." In his movies often the woman was after the man, he said, "Of course, only what can't be done in reality is fun in the movies!" As for his rumor with Shu Qi, Sing Yeh said, "I of course have no problem with that, only she has a problem with it. Stuff like this can't be one sided, it needs coordination from both sides." Was his fondness for Shu Qi very strong? He said, "Not just me, Huang Bo's fondness for her is not less than mine." Sing Yeh's life without movies was very low key, he avoided the subject but still he had news about him turning his back on everyone. He said, "Right, because I don't know about some at all and don't see them. I usually don't pay attention to my own news, this is what happens in show business. In addition I have a lot I want to do, I won't do anything unimportant." In addition, Wen Zhang who played the venerable Monk Tang in the film had emotional scenes with Shu Qi, but he often appeared as a strange, weird and unkempt exorcist. In the film he even had a heavy flavored pig kiss. Sing Yeh in order to comfort him arranged for a "therapy scene" so he and Shu Qi could have even more intimate contact. * (2013/01/25) Sandra Ng Kwan Yu, Ronald Cheng Chung Kei, Fiona Sit Hoi Kei and director Vincent Kok Tak Siu yesterday were interviewed for their Lunar New Year film HOTEL DELUXE (BAK SING JAU DIM). Speaking of working in Qiandao Lake in Hangzhou, they immediately turned on each other. Fiona said that in the film she and Cheng Chung Kei had a kiss scene, so she kept on "tempting" him in hopes of chatting more to become more familiar and for the kiss scene to be less awkward; however Cheng Chung Kei did not pay any attention to her. He only focused on reading the script and video chatting with his daughter. Kok Tak Siu said that Fiona and Chapman To Man Jat could not stop talking when they saw each other and made the set very noisy. Kwan Yu also said, "Once I invited Fiona and Ah Jat to chat in my room. They kept talking about life, Buddhism and the future, I had a massage appointment and they still didn't want to leave. The masseuse waited for half a hour, I showered, changed into a bathrobe but they weren't alert at all. Then I told him to turn their heads, I took off my bathrobe and climbed onto the bed for the massage. They even followed me into the room and said that they wanted to include me in their chat! Next time I won't dare to ask him again." Kwan Yu also revealed that Fiona had a great appetite, as she had chicken and rice for breakfast. However she ate everyday at the hotel restaurant and was bored to death. Thus during her break she would return to Hong Kong to get more food. She even shipped fruit to Hangzhou to rescue Teresa Mo Shun Kwan who had to drink 10 type of fruit juices everyday. "I bought her a whole case, and she reports to me how many times she went to the bathroom every morning." Sit Hoi Kei said, "The hotel every morning has a breakfast buffet, one morning I realize all the eggs are missing. Actually To Man Jat is trying to get bigger and needs protein, so he put all the eggs into his own pocket." * (2013/01/25) LIVES OF OMISSION (CHIM HUNG JUI GIK) co-stars Kate Tsui Tsz Shan and Bosco Wong Chung Chak reunite for the Lunar New Year film I LOVE HONG KONG 2013 (2013 NGOR OI HK GUNG HEI FAT CHOI) to play younger versions of Alan Tam Wing Lun and Veronica Yip Yuk Hing. Tsui Tsz Shan revealed that Wong Chung Chak has another home in the Mainland, while Wong Chung Chak said that Tsui Tsz Shan loved to shop for brand name handbags. Although Wong Chung Chak was busy at work in the Mainland and returning to promote in Hong Kong every time would be hard, Tsui Tsz Shan joked that she would not help him. "Why should I help him? It's not like he's paying my salary." As for the obviously difference in figure with elder Yip Yuk Hing, Tsui Tsz Shan said, "This is normal, I play her 30 years ago. she still hasn't developed yet. However during the shoot I added padding. I am the most disappointed that we don't have any scene together. I haven't seen Sister Hing." Wong Chung Chak who also did not see Yip Yuk Hing said, "Actually Tsui Tsz Shan's waist is similar, Sister Hing is known for her slim waist." They did not have any intimate scene, at most they would hold hands and leave the cinema and when Tsui Tsz Shan was heart broken he would kiss her cheek. The Lunar New Year film contained abuse scenes. Wong Chung Chak joked, "Lam Man Chung keeps hitting me and asking questions like in HAPPY DICTIONARY, I am powerless to fight back. This year is the 4th Lunar New Year film, I am afraid that the audience would get tired. Thus every year we wreck our brains to come up with something news, carrying the I LOVE HONG KONG banner I have to squeeze my brain dry." Speaking of rival Raymond Wong Pak Ming's HOTEL DELUXE (BAK SING JAU DIM), Wong Chung Chak said that he would be afraid of competition, ticket buyers will decide the result. This year would be the first time that Wong Chung Chak will not be in Hong Kong for the Lunar New Year. He will be working on a series in Hengdian and did not know whether his mother will visit. * (2013/01/25) The Lunar New Year film BETTER AND BETTER will open on the Lunar New Year Day, February 10, in the Mainland. Zhang Yibai directed this film and the cast is star studded. It includes Aaron Kwok Fu Sing, Sandra Ng Kwan Yu, Xu Jinglei, Wang Baoqiang, and Tony Leung Ka Fai. "Guest stars" included Zhang Ziyi, Karen Mok Man Wai, Christy Chung Lai Tai and Annie Yi Nung Jing. Originally Zhang Yibai wanted Eason Chan Yik Shun to play a role, but due to scheduling issues he was unable to. Finally Eason sang the theme song STABLE HAPPINESS. Eason recorded in Hong Kong and sang the song over 20 times. He even brought it to Beijing to listen to it with the crew and chose the most touching version. He joked, "This song needs a fat guy to be stable!" * (2013/01/24) Singer Ava Yu Kiu yesterday attended a school event and revealed that recently she was working on a film. She revealed that the film will not be completed until May. Would it be like a production that never ends like THE GRANDMASTERS (YUT DOI JUNG SI)? She joked, "I am afraid that it will be even longer, I hope I won't be like Korean star Song Hye-Kyo and be left only with one minute. However I am very happy to watch (Donnie) Yen Chi Tan's action scenes on the set." Dying her hair blonde for a film, Ava said that advertisers wanted her to dye it back to black. "Earlier I posted a blonde wonder woman costume photo online, the advertisers went crazy. They care a lot about image, dying my hair like that would make it all rotten." * (2013/01/24) Taiwan idols Ko Chen-Tung, Michelle Chen, Angelababy and Donnie Yen Chi Tan starred film TOGETHER (JOI YUT HEI) will be released soon. In the latest still release, Ko Chen-Tung and Angelababy had a kiss scene and many romantic scenes with balloons in front of a water fountain and on a carousel. Many otakus and female fans would be jealous. Michelle Chen had many wedding gown scenes, Yen Chi Tan in a police uniform picked her up! In addition, Ko Chen-Tung earlier was asked whether he would bring his girlfriend Elva Hsiao (Siu Ah Hin) to his new film, he said probably not because he would be busy with the promotion and the Lunar New Year. * (2013/01/24) Eric Tsang Chi Wai yesterday promoted the Lunar New Year film I LOVE HONG KONG 2013 (2013 NGOR OI HK GUNG HEI FAT CHOI). He said that many after seeing the screening praised Veronica Yip Yuk Hing's comeback performance and hoped that when she would return to Hong Kong to promote and watch the premiere next week they could tempt her acting bug again. Chi Wai said, "Her resignation is truly too regrettable. Earlier she said that she would return for a movie and a series, after the incident I didn't dare to mention that to her again. Actually I had a good script that I wanted to tempt her to come back with, it can wait until the summer so she can bring her daughter." Chi Wai revealed that Tony Leung Ka Fai who started with TVB training class admitted that he bled "TVB blood" and recently contacted him to return for a television series. "Ka Fai asked me how TVB was lately, I said it was much better than before. Thus he asked me to arrange for a series and a character. Ka Fai said that after graduation he went to Shaw and never made a series. However he owed TVB so he wanted to return and make a series." Ka Fai earlier said that Shaw owed him salary from a previous Lunar New Year film. Chi Wai said, "Ka Fai said that he would ask executive (Elaine) Lok Yi Ling." He praised Wong Cho Na's INBOUND TROUBLES (LO BIU NEI HO YEH) as funny. Although the subject was controversial, he felt that when the inspiration arrived it had to be made and should not be restricted. Alan Tam Wing Lun tried to play intermediary between Show Luo (Law Chi Cheung) and Anthony Wong Chau Sun, who called him nosy. Chi Wai said, "Alan spoke up at that venue thinking that he was helping Piggy. An intermediary had to speak from an objective stance. Actually it's very minor, there is no need to make it worse." As for the progress between the five major record labels and TVB, reportedly Shell King Chan Kwok Keung spoke up for TVB and reduced the royalty by half. Chi Wai said, "Mr. Chan paid personal attention to the matter, he represented TVB in hopes of a quick resolution for the matter." As for Kelly Chen Wai Lam and Hacken Lee Hak Kun's return to TVB in the Lunar New Year, Chi Wai said that for now he had no idea. * (2013/01/24) Stephen Chow Sing Chi was appointed to his first term on the Guangdong Provincial committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, but he was absent yesterday from the 11th annual opening meeting much to the regret of many political advisors. Actually, Sing Yeh was in Beijing to promote JOURNEY TO THE WEST (SAI YAU GONG MOR PIN). He even announced a collaboration with Tencent. Sing Yeh joked that this time Sun Wukong looked uglier so it was unsuitable for him to play. Originally he wanted to play the Venerable Monk Tang, but his age was wrong; he wanted to play the demon tamer but she was a one. Thus he could only ask Shu Qi to play her and he could only direct. Was spending 5 years to make the film a long time? Sing Yeh gave a Wong Kar Wai style answer, "Do you feel 5 year is a long time? This is a big movie, originally it needs 10 years. I am already top notch for only spending 5 years to complete it!" * (2013/01/24) The Benny Chan Muk Sing directed, Lau Ching Wan, Louis Koo Tin Lok, Nick Cheung Ka Fai and Mainland actress Yolanda Yuan Quan starred film THE CARTEL WAR (SO DUK) yesterday held a production start ceremony at the CIC Zero Carbon Building. Ching Wan, Goo Jai and Ka Fai earlier shot a struggle scene, Goo Jai was too heavy handed when he pushed Ching Wan. Ching Wan lost his balance, hit his head on the ground and the back of his head was red and swollen; Ka Fai and Goo Jai got nervous as Ka Fai immediately grabbed a chair for Ching Wan while Goo Jai asked the crew for ice. Ching Wan on the other hand did not think it was a big deal and even was bothered when they kept asking him whether he was fine. Goo Jai said, "I asked him did he know who he was? He said Cheung Ka Fai, which proved that he was fine." Goo Jai also hit his head on a wall during an indoor explosion scene, luckily he was fine. Reportedly Esther Kwan Wing Ho hired 7 tutors with master degrees for their daughter. Ka Fai said that he did not know but he has seen tutors at his home. "Now the tutors are great, I asked my wife when they would tutor me. (What do you want help on?) Brain, liver, kidneys, German, I rarely go home, I have no idea." Goo Jai could not help but make fun of Ka Fai, "You can tutor liver and kidneys? Have you been tutoring liver outside?" The film will shoot in Hong Kong and Thailand, Chan Muk Sing revealed that after the Lunar New Year the production will head to Thailand for a car chase, explosive and a helicopter chase. Because Thailand was already used to the Hollywood style production, salary was not cheap either. With a heavier auto import tax than Hong Kong, he would need over 20 cars for the shoot and he has lost control of his budget. * (2013/01/24) Wilfred Lau Ho Lung, Kay Tse On Kay and producer Teddy Robin Kwan yesterday worked together on the film MOOT YUT PAI DUI (DOOMSDAY PARTY). Si HIng in the film proposed to the bank client manager Kay at the bank with flowers and a ring. Was it a rehearsal for his proposal to girlfriend Joey Yung Cho Yi? He said, "It doesn't need to be rehearsed, but working with Kay has been very pleasant. After working together on a song we are working together on a movie. We are very familiar so it won't be awkward. (Any intimate scene?) No, instead she and (Paul) Wong Koon Chung have a bed scene." Principal Alan Tam Wing Lun online made fun of Joey. He said, "Principal is always more than humorous, he is constantly joking. (Are you in a better mood after dating?) I am much happier when I am working ona movie." Kay looked very smart in a bank employee uniform. Did her husband Louis Cheung Kai Chung like uniforms? She awkwardly laughed and said, "I don't know, but I brought the uniform home to clean. When it's hanging at home, he would take a few more glimpses. (Did your son think you changed jobs?) No, actually he has never been uncertain about our professions. He felt that all the fathers and mothers in the entire world would appear on television, it's just a matter of sooner or later." She said that her son loved to watch INBOUND TROUBLES (LO BIU NEI HO YEH!) to support Cheung Kai Chung's performance, but he knew that the story was fictional. He was not curious about him playing a couple with Ivana Wong Yuen Chi. * (2013/01/24) The new film HARDCORE COMEDY (CHONG HAU MEI) yesterday held a production start ceremony. The film consists of three vice stories. All the male leads will have daring scenes. Oscar Leung Lit Wai revealed that he will need to bare his button. William Chan Wai Ting will strip. Wai Wai and Christine Kuo in the film had a relationship and might even have a kiss scene. For her first movie lead Lady Kuo joked that she would give her first time to Wai Wai. Wai Wai said, "Lady Kuo's first time on film and television both went to me. Many people asked me if I would have any intimate scene. I believe the director won't spare us, we should have a peck." Wai Wai said that in the film he would have an even more extreme performance than the two women one man intimate scene in YOUNG AND DANGEROUS RELOADED (GOO WAT JAI), but not with Lady Kuo. "I have several more extreme scenes, one of which will have one man and three women. I will be topless and show a little rear. The director has arranged for many pairs of underwear for me to choose. Finally I chose a very form fitting one and I was even asked whether I needed to 'unauthorized building work'. I don't need any padding, I am confident in my figure." Lady Kuo joked that she would visit the set then. Chan Wai Ting played a straight laced youth. He said, "In the story I accidentally had and smuggled drugs. It's a madcap comedy. I will have to strip; if I would have to take off my pants, I would wear an extra pair of underwear." For his other new film he had to play a fire fighter and thus he had to get big. Next month he had to lose weight for CHONG HAU MEI. "The director asked me to be very thin, so I couldn't wear any of the costumes at all. Before the shoot I will have to lose 20 pounds. The schedule is too rushed and I will try to lose the weight." DaDa Chan Jing said that she was "developing" with an industry outsider. "We are both fond of each other. He is a Hong Konger who works in Shanghai. When I first got into the business I didn't want to publicize my personal life. Now I feel publicizing it is out of trust of both parties. I am someone who dare to love and hate." She happily said that although they were not dating yet, they would almost start to develop a romance. "Before the Lunar New Year I will go to Shanghai to spend the holiday with my grandparents and see him as well." Paulyn Sun Kai Kwan in the film played a masseuse. "My costume is very sexy, every costume is sexy lingerie." CHONG HAU MEI will be Sun Kai Kwan's first comeback movie. she admitted that she was excited and nervous. The mother of two spoke of her bottom line. "No category III film. If the movie is too revealing or too daring it would be hard to accept." [ BLAH OF THE WEEK ] Columns, Reviews, Interviews 1. APPLE DAILY, JANUARY 29 2013, BIG PLAN LOST IN THAILAND IS TOO HONG KONG FILM Lost, not just you, me, Stephen Chow sing Chi and Feng Xiaogang, first time director and Mainland star Xu Zheng also never expected the crazy comedy LOST IN THE THAILAND to roll up 1.3 billion in the Mainland. The film will land in Hong Kong in two days, and the time has come to examine the cultural difference between China and Hong Kong. No one knows whether the film is exactly like the Hollywood film THE HANGOVER 2, but certainly Xu Zheng grew up on the milk of Hong Kong film. Someone summed up 193 comedy spots in LOST IN THAILAND, at least 90% of which came from Hong Kong films. From the 70s Hui Brothers' PRIVATE EYE BLUES (BOON GUN BAK LEUNG), to the 80s Cinema City films to the 90s Sing Yeh style nonsense, everything is in this film. While Hong Kong directors should be proud of LOST IN THAILAND's success, should it make them think as well? Hong Kong Release Date: January 31 20 Comedy Spots That Are Too Familiar Character Original Form Xu Long and Wang Bao make up a feuding couple. Xu Long is cool headed but sordid, exactly like PRIVATE EYE BLUES (1976)'s sneaky Michael Hui Koon Man. Wang Bao is straight laced but kind, even his bowl cut is exactly like Ricky Hui Koon Ying's. Fatal Scissor Legs Xu Long and Gao Bao fight over permission. They tangle in a pile and lock each other in scissor legs. Fatal Scissor leg is Sing Yeh's specialty, in FIGHT BACK TO SCHOOL (TOH HOK WAI LUNG, 1991) he used it to subdue kidnapper Roy Cheung Yiu Yeung. Star Lover Wang Bao says Fan Bingbing is his girlfriend and Xu Long makes fun of him. Miriam Yeung Chin Wa in LOVE IN THE BUFF (CHUN GIU YU JI MING, 2012) also says that her first love was Ekin Cheng. Later Ekin runs into Shawn Yue Man Lok and even delivers a pun, "Sorry, I got your vegetable." Toe Power When Wang Bao sneaks into Gao Bao's room to steal his passport, he accidentally flips over an ashtray. Wang Bao grabs it with his toes right away, which reminds people of Sing Yeh in FIGHT BACK TO SCHOOL 3 (TOH HOK WAI LUNG 3 ji LUNG GOR GAI NIN, 1993) when he used his foot to shoot at Kathy Chow Hoi Mei. Tangling Curse Gao Bao secretly plants a trace in Xu Long's mobile phone and follows him to Thailand. Later although Xu Long discovers it and attempts to divert attention by giving it to Wang Bao, it still returns to him in the end. Andy Lau Tak Wa in NEEDING YOU (GOO NAM GUA NUI, 2000) also cannot shake the love charm. Hiding Under The Bed Xu Long looks for Gao Bao but goes to the wrong room, he ends up running in a foreign with two women and is forced to hide under the bed. This is a variation from HAIL THE JUDGE (GAU BUN JI MA GUOON, 1994). Sing Yeh, Tsui Kam Kong and Wong Yat San all hide under the bed from disaster, while Ada Choi Siu Fun flirts with a client in bed. Falls From Hurdling Gao Bao while following Xu Long tries to be cool and jump over a railing with one hand. He ends up completely falling over with only one arm to support his body. This scene has appeared in LOVE ON DELIVERY (POR WAI JI WONG, 1994). When Sing Yeh crosses the street to chase after Christy Chung Lai Tai he flips over. Pants Off Poison Suck A cobra bites Xu Long in the rear, Wang Bao sucks the poison out for him. Afterward Xu Long says, "Don't tell anyone!" The idea came from THE CONMEN IN VEGAS (DOH HUP DAI JIN LAI SI WAI GA SI, 1999). A rattlesnake bites Alex Man Chi Leung in the rear, Nat Chan Pak Cheung also says that before sucking out the poison. Of course in GOD OF COOKERY (SIK SUN, 1996) Tats Lau Yi Tat sucks the poison out of Sing Yeh, which is just as homoerotic. INFERNAL AFFAIRS Xu Long in Wang Bao's backpack finds Gao Bao's trace and suspects he is working with Gao Bao. As they stand firm against each other, Xu Long even says, "No wonder Gao Bao can keep following me, INFERNAL AFFAIRS!" INFERNAL AFFAIRS (MO GAN DOH ,2002) truly has a story. Eric Tsang Chi Wai questioned Tony Leung Chiu Wai after his drug deal went bad. They were in a stare down and the atmosphere was intense. Fat Gor's Golden Quote Xu Long, Wang Bao and Gao Bao run into a drug deal, Wang Bao makes a Wong Fei Hung pose and says, "My Ma says take a step back the ocean widens and the sky empties!" Mama Wang perhaps watched PRISON ON FIRE (GAM YUK FUNG WON, 1987). That golden quote was Chow Yun Fat's motto. Victory Sign Is The Lamest Wang Bao looks to make the victory sign for photos. Xu Long cannot help but say, "The lamest thing in the world is scissor hand when taking a picture." Hui Koon Man in INSPECTOR CHOCOLATE (SUN TAM JU GOO LIK, 1986) said the same thing, he often urged Anita Mui Yim Fong against making the victory sign and blowing kisses. Mimicking Others Xu Long diverts attention by saying that Gao Bao is following because he hooked up with his wife. Greatly surprised, Wang Bao keeps repeating what Xu Long says. Ng Man Tat in ROYAL TRUMP (LOK DING GEI, 1992) got in over his head. He not only repeated what Sing Yeh said but also imitated his movement. English Apology Wang Bao thinks the married Xu Long is hooking up with someone else's wife, grabs his USB and pretends to throw it off the train. However it slips out of his hand. Wang Bao keeps apologizing in English, "I'm so sorry!" In FROM BEIJING WITH LOVE (GOK CHAN LING LING CHUT, 1994), when Sing Yeh learned that Anita Yuen Wing Yi is a fellow orphan, he suddenly changed channel and said, "Oh, I'm sorry!" Going Public For Money Xu Long convinces Wang Bao to expand his scallion pancake business. He quickly urges him to invite franchisees then add franchising fee to open a chain. In two years he can take the company public. Wang Bao who does not understand only nods and laughs, which reminds people of Sing Yeh's explanation of taking beef ball project to be financed in the stock market in GOD OF COOKERY (SIK SUN, 1996). Nonsense Wang Bao changes the team name to Thai Legend, then suggests potato mushroom stew. Xu Long changes it back to Thai Legend. In TRICKY BRAINS (JING GOO JUEN GA, 1991), Chingmy Yau Suk Ching suggested dancing with Sing Yeh, Sing Yen danced strangely. Yau immediately told him to return to his seat. Narrow Alley Car Chase Gao Bao rides a motorcycle to follow Xu Long. Xu Long drives into a narrow alley and crashes into garbage galore. Cinema City always has this trademark car chase. often the lead drives into a busy city, then knocks over a fruit stall. No one was ever injured. Massage Skill Gao Bao mistakes Wang Bao for a masseur. He just uses his pancake making skills to give him a massage with, much like Vicki Zhao Wei's bun making skills in SHAOLIN SOCCER (SIU LUM JOOK KAU, 2001). Hui Koon Man in THE MAGIC TOUCH (SUN SHUEN, 1992) in order to get evidence of Fong Gong's crime also disguised himself as a masseur. The idea was the same. Learning Style Near the end of the film, Wang Bao is no match for a Thai guy in a fight. Gao Bao suddenly sees the Muay Thai boxing secrets on the ground and helps Wang Bao. Sing Yeh in KING OF BEGGARS (MO JONG YUEN SO HAK YI, 1992) at first was no match for Tsui Siu Keung, but finally on the ground he saw the secret to the 18th palm of the Dragon Taming Palm. Finally he killed him in one strike. Mid Air Kick Wang Bao kicks in mid air in the fight against the Thai guy, first he uses Xu Long's body as a step then he jumps to mid air to strike the Thai guy's head with his elbow and knee. Hong Kong kung fu films often has mid air kicks. Despite starting the kick standing still he can jump to several floors in the air for the kick in a baffling manner. End Credit Outtakes LOST IN THAILAND during end credits has many outtakes, which is often seen in Sing Yeh and Jackie Chan's movies. Special: The Mystery of the 1.3 Billion Mainland Box Office LOST IN THAILAND is a film oddity that shatters all the industry insiders' glasses. Instead it can be said as a movie that cannot be more normal, the Mainland film industry is the oddity and thus the success becomes an odd extreme. Mainland films of recent years are either armor costume films or big productions. Every film sells big stars and are only after how many hundreds of millions it makes at the box office. How many truly keeps the audience's need in mind? LOST IN THAILAND is simple, realistic and not superficial. It chooses the audience, the audience naturally chooses it. The mystery behind this 1.3 billion RMB box office is worthy of our examination. Before LOST IN THAILAND, we thought that the Mainland audience had higher tolerance for co-production films and thus film companies tirelessly kept chugging along. Actually both Chinese and Hong Kong viewers have grown sick and tired of this incest born oddity. Co-production is neither Chinese nor Hong Kong. It lacks both local color and Mainland emotions. The casting is weird, the story is completely restricted and due to the cultural differences between the two places the story does not work at all. Mainlanders have no idea what the movies are about, while Hong Kongers are just as frustrated. Can Hong Kong filmmakers not understand this? Why do they still favor co-productions and be willing to line up for self castration? The reason is they are reluctant to abandon the Mainland market. Power Struggle and China Dream Then last year Pang Ho Cheung made the pure Hong Kong film VULGARIA (DAI JOOK HEI KET), which flew under the official banner of being vulgar with foul language and sex -- the center value of Hong Kong film. It made HK$30 million at the box office, which was the prettiest way to say no to co-production films. On the other hand, LOST IN THAILAND is a pure national film, Xu Zheng and Huang Bo bring to life the middle class power struggle. Wang Bao's simplicity is a self projection of "Diu Si". Guest star Fan Bingbing is the Chinese dream that Mainlanders are after. In comparison to the themed movies that toots its own horn and is less than practical, LOST IN THAILAND can reflect actual social reality and people's problems better. Viewers easily relate to it and can savor the flavor. Of course, co-productions also have successes. For example the Wong Kar Wai directed THE GRANDMASTERS (YUT DOI JUNG SI) before the shoot visited a variety of martial art masters for an understanding of the beginning and the history of Chinese martial arts. The result both maintained the Chinese flavor but also suitably cast Mainland actors, took care of both Chinese and Hong Kong viewers. Its success in both Chinese and Hong Kong box office of course makes sense. - FUNG KWOK HONG Pang Ho Cheung: Viewers Are After Pure Entertainment Films The super low budget production pure national film LOST IN THAILAND made an almost 1.3 billion RMB killing in the Mainland, the situation of which resembled Pang Ho Cheung's pure Hong Kong film VULGARIA. Pang Ho Cheung earlier felt that the same phenomenon has appeared in both China and Hong Kong, stating that viewers of both places only wanted to return to the basic, seeking pure entertainment as the primary factor. He said, "In other words viewers only go to the movies for entertainment, earlier too many co-productions and big films were very distant from the audience. They couldn't take care of the needs of ticket buyers. Like people going to VULGARIA after Hong Kong has been without a pure Hong Kong film for awhile, LOST IN THAILAND became so successful. In additional viewers accepted Xu Zheng and Wang Baoqiang in LOST ON JOURNEY. The appearance of this phenomenon is very normal." Pang Ho Cheung said that LOST IN THAILAND provided another option for viewers and another channel for release for everyone. As for Mainland scholars criticizing the film as vulgar, conventional and kitsch, Pang Ho Cheung felt that the movie did nothing wrong. Because film is multicultural, it should provide different choices to viewers. He said, "I like THE GRANDMASTERS, I also don't object to more movies like LOST IN THAILAND. Then the film industry has different genres, when it is not so monotonous it is successful." He also said that LOST IN THAILAND production style was light and smooth, no one would be confused due to cultural difference. - HO WING NING NEITHER FISH NOR FOWL : CO-PRODUCTION'S FIVE MAJOR ASBURD PARTS In recent years Hong Kong directors in order to meet the co-production requirements not only ruined local color but also the most basic logic, thus creating an oddity that is neither fish nor fowl. If viewers see the absurd stories below, would they not have the motivation to slash seats? Forced Actor Addition According to the Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement rules, in order to meet co-production requirements the Mainland actor ratio can not be less than 1/3 of the main cast. Finally baffling characters who have nothing to do with the story are born, like the lead's wife always needs to be a Mainland star. THE BEAST STALKER (JING YUN, 2008) was that way, COLD WAR (HONG JIN, 2012) was also, Zhang Jingchu and Huang Yi have become almost official co-production wives. Are China Hong Kong marriages truly so widespread? Chicken And Duck Talk The extreme of forced Mainland characters would completely ignore logic and common sense. The conversation between colleagues would be a mix of Cantonese and Putonghua, finally you speak your Cantonese, you speak my Putonghua and everyone just carry it like it is normal. The most classic example has to be the Felix Chong Man Keung and Alan Mak Siu Fai directed LADY COP AND PAPA CROOK (DAI SAU CHA JI NUI, 2009), in which Eason Chan Yik Shun and Mainland actor Dong Yong speak in their own tongues. Evil Never Prevails The attractive part of movies is the story can be fantastical without any moral baggage. Yet the "righteous" Mainland film inspection is determined to oppose movies that violate moral standards. For example in INFERNAL AFFAIRS (MO GAN DOH, 2002) Andy Lau Tak Wa's undercover agent Lau Kin Ming has done everything bad and gets away scott free in the end. In the Mainland version it is changed to the police arresting him, seemingly raping the entire film. A World Without Thieves In the co-production film world, China is like an utopia without villains. High ranking officials are incorruptible, the police enforces the law, all the villains are "foreign imports". In the Derek Yee Tung Sing directed ONE NITE IN MONGKOK (WONG GOK HAK YEH, 2004), Daniel Wu (Ng Yin Cho) played a killer who originally was from Hunan. In the Mainland version he came from Vietnam, which made no sense. SUPERNATURAL VANISHES The Chinese people are the most superstitious, but the Mainland promotes atheism. Film censors strictly strike at any talk of ghost or god. Ghost films only have two endings, either the lead is dreaming or has a personality split. The existence of ghost and god is thus nullified. Gordon Chan Ka Seung was smart as he thought of turning ghosts into "demons". For PAINTED SKIN (WAT PEI, 2008) he turned the ghost into a fox demon and successfully passed inspection. 2. APPLE DAILY, JANUARY 27 2013, SOMETHING TO SAY XU ZHENG LOST QUOTATIONS Nine out of ten bald people are rich, who says men have to have hair. Handsome guys like Jude Law have no hair. Thus Mainland artist Xu Zheng who only sells his acting abilities and not handsome at all Wang Baoqiang and Huang Bo worked together on the film LOST IN THAILAND, which was able to make 1.3 billion RMB at the box office to become the strongest Chinese film in history. Xu Zheng who has worked on Hong Kong film LOVE IN THE BUFF (CHUN GIU YU JI MING) has already become to "familiarize" himself with Hong Kong films since the video era. Subtle and without historical baggage, he returned to the basic and made the most primitive film. It was the secret of his success. Investors should wake up, not just thousands of soldiers and thousands of horses, fighting life and death can be box office guarantees. Hong Kong's VULGARIA (DAI JOOK HEI KET) and Mainland's LOST IN THAILAND are the best examples. - HO WING NING Mainland artist Xu Zheng last time worked with Wang Baoqiang on LOST ON JOURNEY with Hong Kong director Raymond Yip Wai Man and successfully won big with a small wager. This time Xu Zheng directed and starred himself, reuniting with Wang Baoqiang and adding Huang Bo to make LOST IN THAILAND. From its end of the year release last year to now, it has already accumulated 1.3 billion RMB at the box office with a production cost of 20 million. The film defeated many over 100 million investment films in the same period. "Getting Tired From Watching Too Many Large Productions" Xu Zheng earlier came to Hong Kong for an interview and said that the success of LOST IN THAILAND proved that the fun place of ilm was one plus one might not equal to two. Investors should wake up. He said, "Film should be like a rugby ball, less high investments are like the two ends of the ball, they should not be too pointed. The middle part should be the medium sized investments. However now Mainland investors all flocked to make big productions, which people would get tired of watching. The success of LOST IN THAILAND is probably due to the people had a feeling that they haven't had in a long time." Xu Zheng said that the number already told the entire story. "With over 600 national films a year, only 1000 can be released. Investors at this moment should wake up. Film should interact with the audience, bring messages to the audience. Even with costume films they should have communication and connections, who would go to a movie that is just preoccupied with itself." "Commercial Film Has Artistic Elements" Although it was Xu Zheng's first film as a director, he understood the audience's need. He did not become arrogant because his movie became the highest grossing Chinese film in history. He was very humble. He added, "When I performed a play before, I would think what would make viewers want to make a ticket. They don't want to watch movies that only their directors understand. Thus connection is very important. Whether it is costume, modern or science fiction, commercial films can have artistic factors depending on how you make it." Claiming to be an amateur director, he unliked full time directors who have scripts at their ready had to come up with the later stories one by one. He half jokingly said, "Before the film was released, others said I was the dark horse. When the film reached 1 billion, I started to think now what, this is the pressure that I have to worry about. I can only take one step at a time." "Original Format Came From An Old Classmate" Since Hong Kong film videos gained popularity in the Mainland, Xu Zheng was already a loyal film fans. His collection included A BETTER TOMORROW (YING HUNG BOON SIK) and Stephen Chow Sing Chi films. In LOST IN THAILAND many Hong Kong film shadows could be seen. He said that film had a subtle effect, the most memorable film for him was the 1988 Hollywood road movie MIDNIGHT RUN. with the same subject he added original format of real characters. "I like Hong Kong films very much, I have been watching since the video era. In particular I watched 80s and 90s Hong Kong genre films, the structures of which were very solid. My movies is along the same vain, with different emotions added. The LOST IN THAILAND lead original form came from my university classmate. He put all his efforts into making his company public, ended up in a divorce and even had to fight for the custody of his child. Finally the company opened on the NASDAQ in the U.S. After that he told me, 'I feel like I have nothing now'. The character in the film at first slaves for his career, then he runs into Wang Baoqiang and realizes the joy outside wealth. The film looks like a comedy packaged road movie, but it has philosophy inside. So I don't understand why some people say it is vulgar, conventional and kitsch. Small movies can have big theme." In the Pang Ho Cheung directed LOVE IN THE BUFF he had a relationship with Miriam Yeung Chin Wa. He said that he admired this director very much. Xu Zheng said, "When Pang HO Cheung first arrived in Beijing I already thought he had potential, which has been proven. If I have to say why LOST IN THAILAND is successful, I think the reason is similar to his VULGARIA situation." Cannot Become Wong Kar Wai Xu Zheng has seen many movies and inevitably would rate them. Earlier because he privately said that his little movie would "give a movie like THE GUILLOTINES (HUET DIK JI) a slap", his criticism of "so called movies that have no sincerity and are almost con jobs should be overthrown" was published. Accused of arrogance after reaching 1.3 billion RMB at the box office, he said with embarrassment, "How do I put it, it's a private joke between friends....sigh, let's not talk about it. The success of a film should not be determined at the box office. Actually a movie can only be good or not good enough. Only Wong Kar Wai's recent THE GRANDMASTERS (YUT DOI JUNG SI) is an exception." Big Investment Small Return After learning a lesson from saying something wrong, this time he was more careful. Xu Zheng said, "From the report I read, (Tony) Leung Cihu Wai's opening rain scene took 30 nights to make. My LOST IN THAILAND from the beginning to the end including Thailand location shoot only took 66 days. I can't be Wong Kar Wai. His love for film and involvement level has already become obsessive. He truly loves film too much. You see all the effort that he put into the set and decorations, I would never reach that." Xu Zheng said that he half liked THE GRANDMASTERS, he liked how Director Wong was able to hide the Republic history behind martial arts. The film seemed like a novel. The lacking part was THE GRANDMASTERS' resource and time investment was somewhat disproportional to the return. He said, "I guess aside from good reviews it should have even better gains. I am not determining success with the box office, but personally I feel it can be a little better." Synopsis: Finding The Real You On The Journey To Find Someone Release Date: January 31 In LOST IN THAILAND Xu Long's company invented a "gas hog" energy saving product that could save 1/3 tank of gas with every tank. Xu Long's classmate and partner Gao Bao hoped to sell its exclusive rights, but Xu Long wanted to be able to continue to study and improve it. Since they both own the same amount of shares, they could only gain control with the permission of the company's largest shareholder Zhou Yang, who was in Thailand. They both hoped to find Zhou Yang first. On the way Xu Long ran into the down Wang Bao. They went from not trusting each other to helping each other to complete the entire journey. Who ended up with the permission already became unimportant. 3. MING PAO DAILY, JANUARY 27 2013, FILM WORDS ONE TREE THREE LIVES: FULL AND LIVELY The Angie Chan On Kei directed ONE TREE AND THREE LIVES (SAM SUN SAM SAI NIP WA LING) is worthy of recommendation as an outstanding writer documentary. Honestly, I am not familiar with Nie Hualing's work, but this film depicts her long life and displays this legendary female writer's experience over the 80 years in Mainland China, Taiwan and the United States. Full and touching, it creates an "epic" of a Chinese person turned world person. Its range actually exceeds three lives and three locations, in addition the film is vivid and intimate. Chinese Documentary Gets More and More Colorful Nie Hualing was born in a rich family in Wuhan in 1925 and personally experienced the Japanese invasion of China, the Chinese civil war and Taiwan "white terror" eras, then she had a relationship with the U.S. poet Paul Engle as they created the influential "International Writing Program" at the University of Iowa. The film added many old photos and old documentary films, showing all the tragedies and disasters of China in the last century as well as Nie Hualing's talent, beauty and extremely strong life force. She claimed to be an "outsider" everywhere. Suffering through the pain of separation and death, wonderfully her personality was happy and active and she had family and friends everywhere. Now in old age she still constantly has a smile on her face. As she continuously talks and laughs, she brings a lovable sense of comedy. This film mentions Nie Hualing's former husband Wang (the father of her two daughters) and also interviews many famous writers in Taiwan, the Mainland, and Hong Kong. Several years ago she returned to Taipei, participated in the Yin Haiguang memorial ceremony and accepted a honor from Ma Ying-Jeou. In the film for a period when she headed to Lin Hwai-min's home, I accidentally discovered Hong Kong calligrapher Lam Yut Hang sitting next to her. Later when I asked Lam Yut Hang I found out that Nie Hualing's claim to fame in the U.S. in the 70s, MULBERRY AND PEACH, at first could not find a publisher. He published it for her at Hong Kong's Union Press. Speaking of which, Lam Yut Heng once was the president of CHILDREN'S PLAYGROUND, CHINA STUDENT WEEKLY and UNIVERSITY LIFE under the Union Press banner. UNIVERSITY LIFE monthly magazine's film club organized Hong Kong's earliest independent short film exhibit. Chinese documentary films have become more and more colorful. Last year Taiwan's THE INSPIRED ISLAND captured six writers Lin Hai-yin, Chou Meng-tieh, Yu Guang-zhong, Wang Wen-xing, Zheng Chou-yu and Yang Mu, even earlier SAINT AND SINNER depicted Chen Ying-jen. Hong Kong recently has Cheung King Wai's KJ and Evans Chan Yiu Sing's DATONG: THE GREAT SOCIETY, both of which were entertaining films. I heard that the Ching Long directed documentary LOVE STAIRS is also very touching, recently its special screenings are often sold out. However I have not seen it yet. ONE THREE THREE LIVES is also often sold out, but it is limited to one show a week. Hopefully more shows will be added. A director friend said that he wanted to nominate THREE for this year's Hong Kong Film Award Best Picture. I too agree that this is one of the Hong Kong films that are the most worthy of appreciation last year. (Three and a half out of five stars) DEAREST Lacks Surprise As for the 81 year old Japanese Heavenly King actor Ken Takakura starred DEAREST, he indeed is old yet loving, honorable and cool. He also has supports from Takeshi Kitano and many younger generation stars. However director Yasuo Furuhata has aged, as the film lacks surprise. He nad Ken Takakura have teamed up many times, the best was not the POPPOYA but the 1981 film STATION. Ken Takakura's previous film was Zhang Yimou's RIDING ALONE FOR THOUSANDS OF MILES. Now the new film is commemorative but no one should expect any unexpected result. (two and a half out of five stars) - SHEK KEI [ In Production Now/Soon ] HARDCORE COMEDY Can : Chong Hau Mei Lit : Heavy Flavor d. Wong Chi Hung, Law Yiu Fai, Chong siu Wing Oscar Leung Lit Wai, Christine Kuo, C Kwan William Chan Wai Ting, Dada Chan Jing, Kelvin Kwan Chor Yiu, Paulyn Sun Kai Kwan, Michelle Wai Si Nga, Terence Siufay Can : Mor Gaing Lit : Demon Cop d. Dante Lam Chiu Yin Nick Cheung Ka Fai, Daniel Wu (Ng Yin Cho), Andy Tien (On Chi Kit), Au Kam Tong, Lee Kwok Lun, Deep Ng Ho Hong, Xie Jieting, Shatina Chen Can : Fei Fu Jing Ying: Toh Piu Chook Jing Lit : Flying Tiger Elite: Package Expedition d. Luk Yee Sum, Gary Mak Wing Lun Chapman To Man Jat, Shawn Yue Man Lok, Matthew Chow Hoi Kwong, Derek Tsang Kwok Cheung, JJ Jia (Ga Hiu Sun), Hui Siu Hung Can : Moot Yut Pai Dui Lit : Doomsday Party Paul Wong Koon Chung, Kay Tse On Kay, Wilfred Lau Ho Lung, Kelvin Kwan Chor Yiu, THE CARTEL WAR Can : So Duk Lit : Drug Sweep AKA : Bin Yik Lit : Changing Battle d. Benny Chan Muk Sing Lau Ching Wan, Nick Cheung Ka Fai, Louis Koo Tin Lok, Yolanda Yuan Quan, Lo Hoi Pang, Berg Ng Ting Yip [ THE FILM CATALOGUE ] A desperate former narcotic detective leads his team to investigate a murderer case but reveal a serious drug dealing controlled by a secret guy who is suspected to be an ex-comrade of the team... 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, Jerry Koo Ming Wa, Alvina Kong Yan Yin, Barbie Liu (Ha Wai Yu), Connie Man Hoi Ling 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 d. Alan Yuen Kam Lun Andy Lau Tak Wa, Hu Jun, Yao Chen, Gordon Lam Ka Tung, Ray Lui Leung Wai, 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 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... YOUNG DETECTIVE DEE: RISE OF THE SEA DRAGON AKA : 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 [ THE FILM CATALOGUE ] The young Dee Renjie arrives in the Imperial Capital, intent to become an officer of the law. Empress Wu, who is at the start of her reign, has sent the fiery-haired Detective Yuchi to investigate a sea monster that stalks the city at night. By chance, both Dee and Yuchi fight off the creature when it attacks a ceremonial procession carrying the beautiful courtesan Yin to be sacrificed at a temple to appease the Gods. Suspicious of the stranger, Yuchi has Dee imprisoned. Dee escapes with the help of visiting doctor Shatuo and together they discover that the upper reaches of society, including the Emperor himself, are addicted to a poisonous tea produced by Yuan's famous teahouse. Yuan, who was romantically attached to Yin, has been missing for months. Dee shadows the courtesan, who is under Yuchun's protection, until the sea monster reappears. Just as the two men are about to kill it, Yin reveals that the monster is her lover, Yuan. Yuan has been poisoned by a foreign Prince whose kingdom was overthrown by the Emperor. As the Prince's army readies itself on a nearby island to attack the capital, a real sea dragon rises from the deep. 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 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 ] LOST IN THAILAND Can : Yun Joi Gwing Toh ji Tai Gwing d. Xu Zheng Xu Zheng, Huang Bo, Wang Baoqiang, Fan Bingbing, Tao Hong Rating : IIA Length : 105 mins. Opening January 31 2013 [ YAHOO! MOVIES HONG KONG ] Xu Long has spent five years to invent a wonderful product called "gas hog". Every time when a car's gas tank is 2/3 filled, with 2 drops of "gas hog" the thank will become fill; Xu Long's classmate and company rival Gao Bao wants to sell this invention to the French. Xu Long firmly objects as he wants to study it in depth to improve "gas hog" and make even more long term profit; they debate endless without any result. Because they have the same amount of shares, they can only achieve their goal from getting the company's largest shareholder Zhou Yang's permission; after learning that Zhou Yang is in Thailand, Xu Long immediately takes off to find him; Gao Bo after placing a bug on Xu Long follows; on the plane, Xu Long runs into Wang Bao and uses him to shake off rival Gao Bao. However he not only is unable to lose Wang Bao but also becomes his "nanny"... BEIJING BLUES Can : Sun Tam Hung Dut Jeung d. Gao Qunshu Xu Wen, Zhou Yunpeng, Zhang Lixian Rating : IIA 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. WHOEVER Can : Oi Shui Shui Lit : Love Who Who d. Shen Dao Fann Wong (Fan Wen Fang), Jaycee Chan (Fong Cho Ming) Rating : IIA Opening January 24 2013 [ CITYLINE MOVIES ] Gao, Mei and Li are buddies and work together at a pet hospital. Li is still a golden bachelor while the other two are married but still long for life outside marriage. Li becomes the brains behind the two married men and uses technology against their wives. Due to a sick dog Siu Bo they meet its owner Dong Hua. Li falls for her beauty at first sight and sets up for them to meet Dong Hua's two close friends Bai Bai and Yawen. Li then falls for Bai Bai, Gao falls in love with Yawen and Dong Hua and Mei spend a night together. After one night, each man has his own problem..... KEENING WOMAN Can : Huk Song Nui Lit : Mourning Woman d. Rita Hui Nga Shu Michelle Wai Si Nga, Mitsu Hana (Chiang Muk), Ryan Lui Chun Kong, Ko Hon Man, Joey Leung Wing Chung Length : 114 mins. Site : http://www.hkindieff.hk/2013/eng/indievisionfilm1.html Opening January 19 2013 at the Hong Kong Independent Film Festival [ HONG KONG INDEPENDENT FILM FESTIVAL ] In a farewell ceremony for a friend of the family, Cotton acts abnormally because of Ling. Her body and her consciousness are separating. Different memories, consciousnesses, identities and actions are lingering inside Cotton, which collaborate the unusual relationship between herself, her lame boyfriend and her psychiatrist. There is the one body, in which Cotton and Spirit (Ling) connect with each other spiritually and which leads them wandering the “Luo Feng Mountain”. There is water flowing downstream which constitutes different scenes and imageries, delving into the consciousness. It presents something that is beyond substance. It returns them to the nature and begins an indescribable journey of Chinese ink painting. “Luo Feng Mountain is the Underworld. The Underworld is our secular." MUMBAI MIRROR d. Ankush Bhatt Sachiin Joshi, Gihani Khan, Prakash Raj Rating : IIB Length : 125 mins. Opening January 18 2013 [ YAHOO! MOVIES HONG KONG ] Being a police officer in this big-bad city called Mumbai can be quite a task. Mumbai, contrary to the other parts of the country, works on its own unique little philosophy. People here are the most ambitious and the risks taken for the fulfillment of the same are the most dangerous. Everybody who comes here starts running for an unknown race, and each one aspires to win it. This film predominantly captures this struggle for the survival of the fittest. 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. ONE TREE THREE LIVES Can : Sam Sun Sam Sai Nip Wa Ling Lit : Three Lifetimes: Nieh Hualing d. Angie Chan On Kei 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. LOVE STAIRS Can : Tin Tai Lit : Heavenly Stairway d. Ching Long C AllStar Rating : I Length : 92 mins. Opening January 4 2013 [ YAHOO! MOVIES HONG KONG ] Director Ching Long along with the production team and music group C AllStar head to the mountains of Chongqing to find Ms. XU Zhaoqing, who personally recounts this half a century long love story that constructed a 6000 step stairway. TABLE NO. 21 d. Aditya Datt Paresh Rawal, Tena Desae, Rajeev Khandelwal Rating : IIB Length : 120 mins. Opening January 4 2013 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. [ 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. 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 I LOVE HONG KONG 2013 Can : Ngor Oi HK Gung Hei Fat Choi Lit : I Love HK Congratulation Great Wealth d. Chung Shu Kai Alan Tam Wing Lun, Veronica Yip Yuk Hing, Nat Chan Pak Cheung, Eric Tsang Chi Wai, Stanley Fung Shui Fan, Bosco Wong Chung Chak, Michael Tse Tin Wa, Kate Tsui Tsz Shan, Joyce Cheung Yun Yi Opening February 7 2013 [ YAHOO! MOVIES HONG KONG ] In the 70s Hong Kong has gold on every road and life at every turn! The straight laced Song Chi Wai runs into the sly Ha Shek Sum and lands Song's first job, as he and Ha work together at a tea house. The tea house boss is kind, his employees strange and the neighbors hilarious, filling the tea house with surprises and joy everyday. Sung chi Hung and Ha Shek Sum both love for the boss' daughter Mei Yeung Yeung. Her friend Chu Yuk Yuen is sassy, states that she only loves bad guys and only love Ha Shek Sum. They all try their luck in love and also battle the wheels of time. Facing stock market crash and immigration wave, Sung Chi Hung stays tightly at his post, keeps the tea house going and overcomes difficulties with the neighborhood. Now Sung Chi Hung is in his middle age, Mei Yeung Yeung is already a mother. Ha Shek Sum is a business group boss. The tea house face the evil forces of this age, can the Chat Fairy bring joy to the tea house again? 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, Eric Kot Man Fai, Jim Chim Shui Man, Janelle Sing Kwan, Lynn Xiong (Hung Doi Lam), Karena Ng Chin Yu, Yu Bo 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 Rating : IIB Length : 110 mins. Opening February 7 2013 [ BROADWAY CIRCUIT ] This is a world plagued by demons, causing its human inhabitants unspeakable suffering. Young demon-catcher Xuan Zhang, fearlessly guided by the belief “give myself for the greater cause”, risks his all and catches a water demon, a pig demon and the king of all demons the Monkey King. He makes them his disciples, and reforms them with love. Meanwhile, Xuan Zhang himself discovers the true meaning of the Greater Love. In order to rescue the world, and for redemption from their own sins, the four of them, without any regrets, start on the hellish journey to obtain the Buddhist scriptures from the West.... 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. THE MYTHICAL ARK: ADVENTURES IN LOVE AND HAPPINESS Can : Hei Yeung Yeung Yu Fui Tai Long 5 Hei Hei Yeung Yeung Gor Seh Nin Lit : Pleasant Goat and Big Big Wolf Movie 5 d. Jian Yaozong Animation Cantonese Voices: Kate Tsui Tsz Shan, Mak Cheung Ching, Purple Lee Rating : I Length : 86 mins. Opening February 9 2013 [ YAHOO! MOVIES HONG KONG ] The underground Mythical Ark is the only way to escape a natural disaster that will destroy the plain, but only snakes can control the Ark. The goats thus go to search for the long lost snakes. Actually the snakes worry that outside animals would harm them and hide in paradise long ago. Pleasant Goat and Big Big Wolf stumble into the paradise, snake parents are afraid that they may be hurt and pretend to be pandas to misdirect Goat and Wolf elsewhere to look for snakes... ONE PIECE THE MOVIE: Z d. Tatsuya Nagamine Japanese animation Length : 107 mins. Opening February 14 2013 [ ASIAN WIKI ] Set in the New World which is facing extinction. A fierce battle ensues between legendary ex-Navy admiral Zetto, who leads a group attempting to kill all pirates, and a Monkey D. Luffy and his Straw Hat crew. TOGETHER Can : Joi Yut Hei d. Clarence Ford (Fok Yiu Leung) Donnie Yen Chi Tan, Michelle Chen, Angelababy, Ko Chen-Tung, Eric Kot Man Fai, 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". WHATCHA WEARIN'? Can : Ngor Oi Fung Sex Lit : I Love Mad Sex d. Byung Sung-Hyun Ji Sung, Kim A-Joong Opening February 21 2013 [ ASIAN WIKI ] Yoon-Jung accidentally calls a stranger, instead of her boyfriend, and has phone sex with the unknown man. When Yoon-Jung's relationship with her boyfriend turns sour, Yoon-Jung meets Hyun-Seung, the stranger she had phone sex with. Yoon-Jung falls in love with the man... 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 Opening February 28 2013 in Malaysia [ THE FILM CATALOGUE ] During the early years of the Republic era, in the North-East region of China, the people are suffering from the power struggle among the local Warlords, bandits, and Japanese invaders. Warlord Lam is not a leader of great vision, but having a patriotic heart, stands firm in his own beliefs, despite the several solicitations and temptations from Japan. The only ‘paradise’ within the region is ‘Lucky Town’, the one place where no one dared to attack. Rumors abound that this place is cursed, for whenever anyone attempted to invade Lucky Town, they would disappear and vanish without a trace. In reality, there are seven kung fu masters who have retreated into the shadows and resided here. They are Manysons Madonna and Madonhung, the owners of a steamed bread shop Nam Mor Bing, the Taoist priest Horny Four, the tailor Little Trumpet, the cosmetic salesman and Mamasan Maggie, the brothel owner. Every one of them is a master in his own right, keeping Lucky Town in peace. Lam’s daughter, Cheryl is very fond of culinary arts, and often does grocery shopping in Lucky Town. She is pretty and lovely and very much favoured by the Seven Masters, especially Horny Four who falls for her at first sight and regards her as his dream lover. The Japanese secret agent, Kiyoko Kurosawa, allied with traitors from the Tiger’s Den: Tiger Hong, Jaguar Hong and Phoenix Hong, to set up a secret outpost to send secret-coded messages back to Japan. Young patriots, Yan Fang who disguised herself as a man, and Howard Luo, infiltrate Tiger’s Den at night, trying to steal the code book. They lose the fight to the Hongs, Howard sacrifices himself to save Yan who was wounded. On the run, Yan is rescued by Cheryl. Mistaking Yan as a man, Cheryl falls for Yan. She then brings Yan to Lucky Town and begs the Seven Masters to cure Yan. On the other hand, Warlord Lam saves a pretty lady and grows fond of her. This lady is actually Kiyoko Kurosawa in disguise. Using Ninjutsu skills, Kiyoko seduces Lam and controls his will. She then organises a wedding for Lam and herself, in the hope of becoming the warlord’s wife so she can control Lam’s army. On the wedding day, Cheryl and the Seven Masters arrive in time to ruin her wedding plans. Lam regains his senses finally and unites together with the Seven Masters, to fight against Kiyoko and the Hongs... 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. 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. 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 Opening March 28 2013 in Malaysia [ 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... 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 April 4 2013 [ THE FILM CATALOGUE ] This is an epical tale about the renowned Song Dynasty’s military defense by the clan of Yang’s against the nomadic Northern nation the Liao, sometimes also known as the Khitans in ancient Chinese history account. Headed by a charismatic old veteran general named YangYe, the Yang Clan has been the major military force protecting the Song Empire and its people against their ever invasive neighbor. From YangYe and his wife Madame She, we witness the coming of age of their seven sons namely Ping, Ding, Ang, Hui, De, Zhao and Si throughout the various battlefields in the story. The seven young men possess different temperament and characters united under a single banner and a heart of lion. 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 April 11 2013 in Malaysia [ CINEMA ONLINE MALAYSIA ] Chen Tan, a private detective in Thailand, travelled to Malaysia following the clues in a photo in order to reveal the truth behind the murder of his parents 30 years ago. There he finds a man called Chai, who directs him to Zheng, a Malaysian detective born in China. The two eventually stumble upon Chai's daughter, Zhi Wei and realise that she may hold the key to the mystery... [ THE FILM CATALOGUE ] Private detective Tam follows the hints to restart the investigation of a drug trafficking in Malaysia with the help of an undercover agent, hoping to find out the truth behind the murder of his parents thirty years ago... --- [ Entertainment URL ] MEDIA ASIA http://www.mediaasia.com EMPEROR MOTION PICTURES http://www.emp.hk PEGASUS MOTION PICTURES http://www.pegasusmovie.com WE PICTURES http://www.wepictures.com CINEMA POPULAR http://www.cinemapopular.com MEI AH http://www.meiah.com NEW ASIA ENTERTAINMENT GROUP http://www.aeghk.com GOLDEN SCENE http://www.goldenscene.com Commercial Radio http://www.crhk.com.hk Television Broadcast Limited http://www.tvb.com.hk --- [ NORTH AMERICA AREA CONCERTS ] Courtesy of our neighbors at : High Level Entertainment's Concert & Event News Center http://www.levelhigh.com http://www.geocities.com/NapaValley/1721/hlecaen.htm * SANDY LAM LIVE MMXIII DATE AND TIME: Wednesday, April 3 2013 @ 8PM VENUE LOCATION: Casino Rama 5899 Rama Raod Rama ON L0k 1T0 Canada TICKET PRICES: CA$310.59, 163.69, 107.19, 84.59 TICKET OUTLET LOCATIONS: TICKET MASTER CANADA: http://www.ticketmaster.ca/event/100049959D2B9D9F * 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 * VIVIAN CHOW IN JOURNEY OF LOVE DATE AND TIME: Tuesday, March 12 2013 @ 8PM VENUE LOCATION: Casino Rama 5899 Rama Raod Rama ON L0k 1T0 Canada TICKET PRICES: CA$310.59, 163.69, 107.19, 84.59, 60.74 TICKET OUTLET LOCATIONS: TICKET MASTER CANADA: http://www.ticketmaster.ca/event/100049959768946F * VIVIAN CHOW IN JOURNEY OF LOVE DATE AND TIME: Saturday, March 9 2013 @ 8PM VENUE LOCATION: Tuscany Event Center Peppermill Resort Spa Casino 2707 South Virgina Street Reno NV 89502 TICKET PRICES: $158, 128, 78, 48 TICKET OUTLET LOCATIONS: ONLINE: http://www.peppermillreno.com/nightlife-entertainment/event.cfm?id=1733 http://www.miconcert.com/ * LO TA YOU LOVE SONG 2100 CONCERT DATE AND TIME: February 24 2013 @ 2AM VENUE LOCATION: MGM Grand Theater Foxwoods Resort Casino 350 Trolley Line Boulevard Mashantucket CT 06338 TICKET PRICES: $128, 88, 68 TICKET OUTLET LOCATION: ONLINE: http://www.miconcert.com/ * CHINESE NEW YEAR CELEBRATION 2013 with MARIA CORDERO and Charlie Chin (Chun Cheung Lam) DATE AND TIME: February 24 2013 @ 2PM, 5PM VENUE LOCATION: Cache Creek Casino - Club 88 Cache Creek Casino Resort 14455 State Highway 16 Brooks CA 95606 TICKET PRICE: $108, 78, 58 TICKET OUTLET LOCATION: ONLINE: https://www.facebook.com/JadeEntertainment * TAVIA YEUNG YI, RON NG CHEUK HEI, VENUE LOCATION: Reno Ballroom 401 N. center St. Reno NV 89501 DATE AND TIME: Sunday, February 17 2013 @ 8PM TICKET PRICES: $158, 128, 88, 68 TICKET OUTLET LOCATIONS: 1-800-882-4885 US ASIA TOUR http://www.usasiatour.com SAN FRANCISCO, CA (415) 989-1688 OAKLAND, CA (510) 835-8588 G-Top Travel SAN FRANCISCO, CA (415) 349-4472 Oscar Tour FREMONT, CA (510) 226-9992 Travel Circle SAN JOSE, CA (408) 573-9919 Cafe Salina 235 Broadway MILLBRAE, CA (650) 692-2662 The Legend Holidays RICHMOND, CA (415) 386-1300 Susan Video & Gift Shop CUPERTINO, CA (408) 253-3100 A World Travel SAN JOSE, CA (408) 441-8448 Unique Travel SACRAMENTO, CA (916) 557-2888 * SALLY YEH INTIMATELY YOURS 2013 CHINESE NEW YEAR CONCERT DATE AND TIME: Saturday, February 16 2013 @ 8PM VENUE LOCATION: MGM Grand Garden Arena Las Vegas, Nevada 89109 TICKET PRICES: $188, 128, 68, 48 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=160 626.964.4747 TICKETMASTER http://www.ticketmaster.com/Sandy-Lam-tickets/artist/1657486 800.745.3000 * KUNG CHI FAT CHOY 2013 GALA Cecilia Fong Yi Kei, Gill Mohindepaul Singh (Kiu Bo Bo), Lee Lai Ha DATE AND TIME: Sunday, February 10 2013 @ 8PM VENUE LOCATION: River Rock Show Theatre 8811 River Road Richmond BC V6X 3P8 Canada TICKET PRICES: VIP CA $118, 98, 78, 58 TICKET OUTLET LOCATIONS: TICKET MASTER CANADA http://www.ticketmaster.ca/event/1100499577425104 TICKET INFORMATION: 604-617-8799 * KUNG CHI FAT CHOY 2013 GALA Cecilia Fong Yi Kei, Gill Mohindepaul Singh (Kiu Bo Bo), Lee Lai Ha DATE AND TIME: Friday, February 8 2013 @ 8PM VENUE LOCATION: Red Robinson Show Theatre Boulevard Casino 2080 United Blvd., Coquitlam BC V3K 6W3 Canada TICKET PRICES: VIP CA $118, 98, 78, 58 TICKET OUTLET LOCATIONS: TICKET MASTER CANADA http://www.ticketmaster.ca/event/11004A2399A43F7F TICKET INFORMATION: 604-617-8799 * CHYI CHIN & LANDY WEN LIVE IN CONCERT 2013 DATE AND TIME: Saturday night / Sunday morning February 3 2013 @ 1AM VENUE LOCATION: Mogehan Sun Arena 1 Mohegan Sun Blvd., Montville CT 06382 TICKET PRICES: $108, 88, 68, 38 TICKET OUTLET LOCATIONS: ONLINE: http://geni.eventbrite.com/ FLUSHING: Geni World Inc. 36-09 Main St. Suite 207 718-844-2538 www.geniworld.us * MAYDAY NOWHERE WORLD TOUR DATE AND TIME: Saturday, February 2 2013 @ 7PM VENUE LOCATION: Los Angeles Sports Arena 3939 So. Figueroa, Los Angeles CA 90037 TICKET PRICES: $258, 228, 168, 148, 128, 98, 68 TICKET OUTLET LOCATIONS: TICKETMASTER: http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/0900498CB57951F2 STAR ZONE ENTERTAINMENT: http://www.starzoneusa.com/ 1055 E. Colorado Blvd., Ste 500, Pasadena CA 91106 626.821.0788 * DAYO WONG TZE WAH STAND UP COMEDY SHOW 2013 DATE AND TIME: Saturday, February 2 2013 @ 8PM VENUE LOCATION: Queen Elizabeth Theatre 630 Hamilton Street at Georgia Vancouver Canada TICKET PRICES: CA$ 180, 125, 85, 65, 45 TICKET OUTLET LOCATIONS: ONLINE: http://www.cantonproductions.com/canton/entertainment/wtw2013.html 604-961-8828 MAL Audio Ltd. 1033-8300 Capstan way Richmond BC AM-Call Rogers Wireless 1211-4500 Kingsway Burnaby World Vision Unit 2218-13353 Commerce Parkway Richmond Weekend Box Office (1PM-6PM) Parker Palce 4380 NO. 3 Road Richmond BC World Vision Suite 100, 4190 Lougheed Hwy, Burnaby BC ------------------------------------------------------------------- Box office info : What Box Office Info? The usual suspects : Internet Movie Database, Yahoo! Hong Kong Erors : ye olde chaffing editor For Thursday, January 24 2013 10 DEAREST Can : Cup Chun Oi Dik Nei Lit : For the Dearest you d. Yasuo Furuhata Ken Takakura, Yuko Tanaka 9 LIFE OF PI d. Ang Lee Suraj Sharma, Irrfan Khan, Adil Hussain 8 THE LAST STAND d. Kim Jee-woon Arnold Schwarzenegger, Forest Whitaker, Johnny Knoxville 7 DJANGO UNCHAINED d. Quentin Tarantino Jamie Foxx, Christoph Waltz, Leonardo DiCaprio, Kerry Washington, Samuel L. Jackson, 6 LES MISERABLES d. Tom Hooper Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe, Anne Hathaway, Amanda Seyfried 5 THE IMPOSSIBLE d. Juan Antonio Bayona Naomi Watts, Ewan McGregor, Tom Holland 4 THE GRANDMASTERS 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 3 THE TOWER Can : For Hoi 108 Lit : Fire Sea 108 d. Kim Ji-Hun Sol Kyung-Gu, Son Ye-Jin, Kim Sang-Kyung, Ahn Sung-Ki 2 CLOUD ATLAS d. Lana Wachowski, Tom Tykwer, Andy Wachowski Tom Hanks, Halle Berry, Jimm Broadbent, Hugo Weaving, Jim Sturgess, Doona Bae, Ben Whishaw, James D'Arcy, Zhou Xun, Keith David, David Gyasi, Susan Sarandon, Hugh Grant 1 HANSEL & GRETEL: WITCH HUNTERS d. Tommy Wirkola Jeremy Renner, Gemma Arterton ------ Summaries for some of the films above. Some contain SPOILERS THE TOWER Rating : IIB Length : 122 mins. Opening January 24 2013 [ YAHOO! MOVIES HONG KONG ] On Christmas Eve, a 108 story skyscrapper suddenly is engulfed in flames...at the happiest moment it turns into the most fatal hell on Earth! The Tower Sky is the most luxurious apartment in Korea. As the apartment's facilities manager, single father Dae-Ho plans to finish all the jobs on his list then spend Christmas Eve with his daughter Ha-Na...as Dae-Ho cannot be busier, in another corner of the building restaurant manager Yun-Hee offers to take care of Ha-Na and watch the snowy scene together...the fire chief is off on this night as he spends Christmas Eve with his new wife...as everyone is enjoying their happiest moment, an unexpected fire shatters all their dreams! 1,312 feet in the air, 30,000 people are trapped in a sea of fire that reaches 1,000 degrees without any hope for survival! Only those with the strongest will can survive! THE GRANDMASTERS AKA : THE GRAND MASTER Rating : IIA, IIB Length : 130 mins. Opening January 10 2013 Site : http://www.meiah.com/movie_detail.php?lang=en&id=54 [ 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... DEAREST 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? ------ GLOBAL CHINESE SONG CHART For Saturday, January 26 2013 15 THE MOMENT Can : Gei Lim Yut Aaron Yan (Yim Ah Lun) http://youtu.be/nQCeiXBg55g 14 BOMBING Can : Gwun Ja William Wei (Wai Lai On) http://youtu.be/IPjzHEjkgrY 13 HOW ARE YOU RECENTLY? Can : Jui Gung Ho Ma? Angela Chang (Cheung Siu Hom) http://youtu.be/P-EXaG03qU0 12 IT'S ALL ABOUT LOVE Can : Yi Oi Ji Ming Jam Hsiao (Siu King Tung) http://youtu.be/96n7SOPsbBo 11 END Can : Yuen Eason Chan Yik Shun http://youtu.be/_Ucpmk6Vj4E 10 POSSIBLE Can : Hor Nung Michelle Li (Lee Siu Won) http://youtu.be/kiGMc4PtmcA 9 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 8 APPRECIATION Can : Gum Jeh Jane Zhang Liangying http://youtu.be/Q1UjaKXbYw4 7 BUBBLE Can : Po Muk G.E.M. http://youtu.be/mGeiABBB5f8 6 TOGETHER Can : Joi Yut Hei Anson Hu (Wu Yin Bun) http://youtu.be/08yCkwCA-G4 5 COLD JOKE Can : Lan Siu Wa Fiona Sit Hoi Kei http://youtu.be/e_Z-mFVlh88 4 RED DUST INN Can : Hung Chun Hat Jang Jay Chou (Chow Kit Lun) http://youtu.be/L6joGUdc6y4 3 NOT THAT DIFFERENT Can : Moot Yau Sup Mor But Tung Qu Wanting http://youtu.be/8xLpNaSYQHg 2 LOVE INSTANTLY Can : Oi Lap Hak Khalil Fong Datong http://youtu.be/B0B0oLCTbg0 1 SO HOT Kelly Chen Wai Lam http://youtu.be/STcSsgUq6VU ------ [ 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. ---------------------- HK Top Ten Central hktopten@hotmail.com http://hktopten.orgfree.com | http://hktopten.blogspot.com