From: NO TOP TEN CENTRAL Newsgroups: alt.asian-movies,soc.culture.hongkong.entertainment Subject: [TAKE OVER] HKSAR Film No Top 10 Box Office (November 7 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. Helena Law Lan who celebrates her birthday on the 13th B. Pakho Chau who celebrates his birthday on the 12th C. Vivian Chow Wai Man who celebrates her birthday on the 10th D. Steven Cheung Chi Hung who celebrates his birthday on the 10th E. Rose Chan Ka Wun who celebrates her birthday on the 8th 2. MISCELLANEOUS * (2013/11/13) A performer in THE WHITE STORM (SO DUK) and winner of many Thailand beauty pageants, transgender Poydtreechada (Poy) earlier visited Hong Kong for three days and had hot pot casserole with Universe film company boss Daneil Lam Siu Ming, director Benny Chan Muk Sing, Louis Koo Tin Lok and Ken Low Wai Kwong. Lam Siu Ming met Poy for the first time that day and had a good impression. He was interested in signing her. Speaking of Poy, Lam Siu Ming said, "That day I met Poy for the first time and thought that she was prettier than many women. She was mild mannered and polite. (Would you sign her to Universe?) She has a lot of potential and we are interested, but we will see if she will want to work in Hong Kong." Actually Goo Jai has not sen Poy in several months. On the day as soon as Goo Jai saw Poy he said that she got fatter, the vain Poy almost did not dare to eat. Earlier after Nick Cheung Ka Fai and Poy's stills were revealed, many online searched for her information and pictorial books. THE WHITE STORM has been selected to be the Rome Film Festival closing film, but Poy due to work would not be able to go with the team. Thus this time when she came to Hong Kong, she deliberately went to pray at a temple to wish for everything to go smoothly for the team. Poy also liked THE WHITE STORM team very much. Earlier she often posted photos of her with Sean Lau Ching Wan, Goo Jai, Cheung Ka Fai and others online. Actually Poy would be one of the selling point for THE WHITE STORM. The film earlier had many screenings. Viewers all praised the film for its intense story and as a very outstanding hero film. They also pointed out that the film was director Chan Muk Sing's best work. * (2013/11/13) Dior Cheng Yi Kin yesterday attended a shopping center event and received a crystal nutcracker. He even showed his childlike side when he played with the remote control train. He said, "Actually now a lot of toys are made for adults. I hope everyone would have a lot of fun during Christmas. Now the entire world is very complicated and has a lot of negative stuff." He also revealed this Christmas he will remain in Hong Kong for a movie. "It's an authentic Hong Kong film, now very few films can shoot on location in Hong Kong. Half would be shot in the Mainland, so this time it's pretty good to shoot a movie with some Hong Kong specialty." He also said that working in Hong Kong he could "go home" after work. "Earlier I went to work in Prague, although the location was great after work I couldn't go home." * (2013/11/13) Artist Stephy Tang Lai Yun in recent years has been working in the Mainland and rarely appeared in Hong Kong. However earlier she agreed to guest star in Eric Tsang Chi Wai and Raymond Wong Pak Ming's Lunar New Year film LUK FUK HEI SI (SIX FORTUNE HAPPY EVENT) and play good sisters with Miki Yeung On Kun on and off camera. With her former group mate of course she had chemistry. The performance was a piece of cake as she very quickly finished the duty. Stephy took the chance to work and catch up with Miki. They shot on location in a Kowloon Tong park. In the story they had snacks while taking a walk in the park. They ran into Chi Wai with a giant stroller. They immediately played with the baby. After every shots Vincent Kok Tak Siu talked with the team. Miki and Stephy were skipping around. Actually they were "breakfast" for mosquitoes. Luckily they had great chemistry, very quickly they finished the shoot and left the location. Stephy revealed that she only guest starred in one scene. She and Miki on their lunch break ran into Tsang Chi Wai with a stroller. Stephy said, "Miki and I haven't worked together in a long time, I am very happy about this time and we are able to catch up a little. Actually we have always stayed in touch." * (2013/11/13) Actress Gong Li two nights ago on the TELLING MARIA 2 program revealed that when she worked with Stephen Chow Sing Chi on the film FLIRTING SCHOLAR (TONG BAK FU DIM CHAU HEUNG), she asked director Zhang Yimou for help. She said, "I came from academia. At the time I didn't understand Chow Sing Chi's acting method, so I asked Zhang Yimou for advice. He said I just had to follow their lead and I was fine." * (2013/11/13) The film KICK ASS GIRLS (BAU 3 CHIU GIU WA) starred Chrissie Chau Sau Na, DaDa Lo Chung Chi and Hidy Yu Hiu Tung. The ladies punched and kicked in the film. They not only looked good in fights but their costumes also became the foci of otakus. However director Cheuk Wan Chi felt that after the attentive designs of the action, even when the ladies kicked in transparent dresses they would be enjoyable. Earlier Cheuk Wan Chi led Chrissie, DaDa and Hidy to promote the film. First time director Ah Chi sighed and said that directing required a lot of strength. The shoot was filled with challenges, her mood was inevitably affected. She stressed that she had zero temper and never yelled at the cast. Cheuk Wan Chi said that this time increased her emotional quotient a lot. KICK was a crazy comedy about female fighters. The 3 lead actresses in the film fought. Ah Chi felt that humor could save the world, thus she chose comedy for her first feature film. She said, "Aside from directing, I also wrote it. The story was finished very quickly because inspiration struck. I have always thought women are amazing, able to wear 4 inch high heels and stand for 8 hours, clothes that they could not breathe in and be in an all day meeting, have children and their own careers. They are superhuman, have undying will, so I started thinking in this direction. Then I added action elements to form this story." However viewers who have seen it felt the content was excessively superficial. Ah Chi said that she has always liked American style comedy, so this time was deliberately exaggerated. "As a director I want to make movies that I like, that exaggerated energy and madness is what I want!" 3 lead actresses in the film did not lack sexy clothing. Ah Chi did not mind viewers putting their foci on their figures and said that everyone got what they wanted. Sh could not control viewers' eyeballs. As for Chrissie, DaDa and Hidy's fights in the film, they had half a year of intense fight training before hand. Being action actresses naturally were very tough. The trio from training to completion had bruises that never faded on their arms and legs. Chrissie even suffered a tendon tear, but they agreed that even with injuries all over, they had a lot of fun. DaDa said, "If not for the movie, I wouldn't get such much exercise. Our shape couldn't possibly be so fit!" Three women formed a crowd, they said that they were making all kinds of noise during the shoot but they never fought about their roles. At most they fought over snacks. Because they had to keep fighting, they had to keep eating to replenish their energy. In the film they were tricked overseas and were forced to fight. The trio said that in reality they have not run into any plot that was too absurd, instead they have received dinner calls. However they were very smart. Chrissie said, "Once a friend asked me to go to dinner. When I got there it felt very strange, I left very quickly. If any similar dinner plots come up again, I won't mind bringing my entire family to attend since everyone have to eat anyway." Dada said that her luck has been decent lately. As for a smooth career, she also had someone she was interested in. "I am 23, I just broke up with my former boyfriend for 3 or 4 months. Now I run into a right one, I want to settle down. I can't publicize anything yet, wait until we are really dating!" Hidy in the film stole Chrissie's boyfriend, in real life she also unknowingly became a third party. "The most painful time was he already a fiance, but I only found out after a year. I wouldn't fight over him, I told him why don't I drop out." Hidy felt that she was very dumb. Every time she dated she would be in love completely. Thus it would be hard for her to realize that she was being fooled. * (2013/11/13) Jackie Chan spent over 40 million yuan to construct a personal film museum in Shanghai. After 5 years of planning it has been completed finally and will open at the end of the year. Jackie Chan yesterday posted many museum photos. Inside are many antique lanterns, a Battle of Harmony Jackie Chan sculpture. He even discussed the earlier "antique lantern" lighting ceremony and sculpture unveiling. "The antique lanterns were from a Shanghai French Concession mansion that I accidentally discovered while making RUSH HOUR 3 in 1997. I bought all 17 lanterns and placed them in my Hong Kong home. They have been there for 15 years." For the museum he moved them to Shanghai to be restored. As for the Battle of Harmony sculpture, a pair of U.S. artists spent over 10 years to complete it. In the sculpture Jackie Chan was practicing drunken fists. Actually the entire work was completed with his various gestures like the five shaped fist, peace and love. The museum will display collections from Jackie Chan's years in film. * (2013/11/13) The Golden Horse Award enters its 50th anniversary. For the first time a jury press conference was held before the awards. The goal was for jury chair Ang Lee to focus on watching movies without any media disturbance. Ang Lee and jury members Kevin Tsai, Li Bingbing and others for 10 days starting today had to watch 4 nominated films everyday. Having been on the jury for the Venice and Cannes Film Festivals, Ang Lee felt that the Golden Horse Award's definition was wider, as big films, small films and art films were all in competition. In his impression the Golden Horse Award was stronger artistically. A reporter mentioned that the Golden Horse Award was only known in the Chinese world. How would Ang Lee increase the Golden Horse Award's influence? Ang Lee replied, "We don't need to do anything. 4 times the people who speak English speak Chinese in the entire world. The Chinese film market will be even bigger than Hollywood. The Golden Horse Award influence will also expand, nothing special needs to be done." In recent years Taiwan films have been criticized as movies about little people and mobsters, reflecting Taiwan's shallow culture. Ang Lee felt that filmmakers were tools of reflecting society, with courage and sincerity they made examination of society. "Forcing depth out of the shallow culture actually is insincere. Making shallow work in some place with deep culture is a disservice to your culture." Former Golden Horse Best Actress, Li Bingbing said that the jury was not an easy job. Speaking of her relationships with the Best Actress nominees, she joked, "With Ang Lee here do I dare be unfair?" Ang Lee revealed that he had to turn down an U.S. television series to make time for the jury. "After winning so many Golden Horse Awards, it doesn't seem right if I don't return the favor." Tony Leung Chiu Wai shot a five minute video for the Golden Horse Award. He mentioned that he won his first Golden Horse Award after age 30, he thanked his mother, sister and Carina Lau Ka Ling for their support. Wai Jai also said that making movies was simpler than real life and revealed that he was lost. He was unable to leave the character. He said, "Once when I got home I was very scared, I seemed to be still inside the character. Later I learned to separate the two." * (2013/11/12) International director Ang Lee was the jury chair for the 50th Golden Horse Film Festival. Yesterday he arrived at Taiwan at 5AM and will have to watch 37 films over 10 days. Yesterday when he stepped out of the gats he was about to leave, but when he heard reporters were waiting he returned to the airport for interviews. Ang Lee said that the biggest responsibility of the jury this time was to maintain order. "I try to be fair, I hope everyone can speak freely. I am not an intermediary or an award splitter." Speaking of his son working on Luc Besson's new film in Taiwan, he said, "He is just like me, very nice and very serious. Everyone please take care of him more." * (2013/11/12) LAN KWAI FONG 3 (HEI OI YEH PO 3) reportedly had trouble demanding compensation from DaDa Chen Jing. Because she did not take a cent of her salary from agreeing to perform to resigning, her contract was invalidated. Celia Sie Lim Chi supposedly approached producer Ng Kin Hung for a resolution and suggested that DaDa could work on a movie for free, but Ng Kin Hung turned her down. He even suggested compensation in the range between 800,000 to 1 million. Wilson Chin Kwok Wai earlier publicly chastised Chan Jing's junior colleague Meimie Tsang Sin Mei for appearing for only a few seconds in LAN 3 but claiming to be the lead actress for performance and appearance. He even yelled at Sie Lim Chi! Because they did not come together in negotiation, Tsang Sin Mei who originally worked for four days only ended up with a few sconds. Another junior colleague Mika Siu was completely cut out. Only Celia Kwok Wing Yi was spared for now. In the film she had many scenes with Charles Ying Cheung Yau so Celia was able to remain for now. Sie Lim Chi was asked about the rumors. "I am not at liberty to discuss them, in the end we respect the spirit of the contract. (Reportedly all the junior colleagues' scenes were cut?) I heard from co-workers that the scenes were cut. That doesn't matter, new comers have a lot of opportunities." Ng Kin Hung yesterday was asked about the 1 million compensation demand. He said, "It's not a compensation issue, it's a issue of trust and responsibility. DaDa said that she made a mistake and would take responsibility, our production team is willing to negotiate!" He continued that since the apology press conference they have not had any contact. * (2013/11/12) Dior Cheng Yi Kin, Jordan Chan Siu Chun, Jerry Lamb Hiu Fung, Michael Tse Tin Wa and Chin Kar Lok's concert had its last show two nights ago. Ekin has always hoped "Smartie" Gigi Lai Chi would attend. Two nights ago she finally did. When Ekin publicly thanked Lai Chi he was teary eyed. The "YOUNG AND DANGEROUS wives" Yoyo Mung Ka Wai, Angela Tong Ying Ying, Cherrie Ying Choi Yi and Tina even accompanied Lai Chi to the audience, while Lily Hong Chi Nei sang harmony. 5 "Wise Guys" continued to serenade their wives and blew kisses to each other. They even showed off this muscles to please the crowd except Siu Chun. When Chin Kar Lok played SAME SECOND he said that he wanted to dedicate it to his other half Tong Ying Ying and his second wife (daughter) Chin Hoi Ching. Ying Ying appeared with their daughter in her arms. Little Hoi Ching wore sunglasses and earphones. After retirement Lai Chi has been absent from show business, thus her appearance surprised Ekin. During "encore" the quintet thanked Lai Chi. Chin Kar Lok dragged Ekin to the front and said, "Ekin was so nervous because he hasn't seen Smartie in a long time." Ekin said to Lai Chi, teary eyed, "We know each other from the movie, you were a guest at my first concert. You came to my rescue for my first show in Shanghai! When yours truly was little he didn't know how to say appreciative words, I sincerely thank you! Thank you for coming!" Reporters asked Ekin why he was on the verge of tears when he thanked Lai Chi. He said, "We haven't seen each other in a long time! She could just not come, but she even stayed for the whole show. She truly is loving and honorable! This time Lam Hiu Tung first sent her a text message, then my wife asked her to dinner. Finally she came!" Before the performance two nights ago, Chin Kar Lok carefully stepped into a gap between the stage and dropped to his knees. Luckily he was fine. Later the quintet recalled their YOUNG AND DANGEROUS (GOO WAT JAI) highlight, everyone kept making fun of Siu Chun had to "order chicken" in the film. They glanced at Ying Choi Yi then told Siu Chun to be careful. Lam Hiu Fung even joked, "His wife is understanding, but when he goes home he is dead for sure!" Siu Chun was fuming afterward. Lam Hiu Fung recalled that when they made the Macau bridge chase a car almost knocked him down, luckily Tse Tin Wa grabbed him. Later he read Hong Chi Nei's online message, which moved his wife to tears. When they performed FRIENDSHIP AG, Ekin, Tse Tin Wa, Chin Kar Lok, Lam Hiu Fung all showed off their chest, only Siu Chun kept his shirt on. During the second "encore" the audience refused to let the show end. Siu Chun suddenly kept screaming "Leung Chun Ying" like he was protesting, Chin Kar Lok immediately rushed up to calm him down. Siu Chun asked, "Isn't that the way?" Chin Kar Lok said, "No, you should chant Law Kar Ying!" At the celebration, Siu Chun admitted that he was upset about being made fun because he saw children in the audience. The topic was not too appropriate. Chin Kar Lok said, "Then we will change it into screwing around in part II." Ekin continued to joke, "Tomorrow's headline will be Chan Siu Chun orders chicken!" Why did Siu Chun keep his shirt on? Ekin revealed that he did not work out. Siu Chun said, "From day one I already said, I am not a duck (gigolo), why would I remove my shirt?" Chin Kar Lok asked, "Are you talking about us?" Siu Chun replied, "No! During rehearsal we never rehearsed that, how would I know you would strip. Embarrassed? Why would I be!" Ekin pointed out that Ying Choi Yi prohibited Siu Chun from taking off his clothes. Kar Lok chimed in, "His wife is the boss!" * (2013/11/12) Barbie Liu (Ha Wai Yu, Inch Mouth Barbie) two nights ago attended a wedding magazine anniversary party. Speaking of director Chin Kwok Wai recently blasting Meimei Tsang Sin Mei for pretending to be a LAN KWAI FONG 3 lead actress, she said, "I don't know if it's real or fake, if it's real, it's unfair to real actors who have put in the effort, the hard work and the time. Those who have not given but directly obtained benefits acted like thieves and legal action should be taken." Ha Wai Yu worked with Whitney Hui Yik Nei in the film. They did not have many scenes together. Hui Yik Nei has been rumored to be acting like a big shot. Ha Wai Yu said, "No one had any problem working with each other, I feel that she is a professional actress. She is the lead actress, at work needing help from people is normal, in addition she has a lot to keep in mind. I also hear that she was involved in some dispute, but I don't know what happened." * (2013/11/12) Kelvin Kwan Chor Yiu yesterday attended a lion dance event. Kwan Chor Yiu on the 15th will promote KICK ASS GIRLS (BAU 3 CHIU GIU WA) with rumored girlfriend Chrissie Chau Sau Na. Earlier because his new film DOOMSDAY.PARTY (MOOT YUT PAI DUI) was selected for the Golden Horse FIlm Festival he will attend in Taiwan. He said, "I already asked Chau Sau Na to show me around. Are we going together? Two of us plus a group of people." Chau Sau Na reportedly had break out due to promoting her new film too much. Would Kwan Chor Yiu take her to have some herbal tea? He awkwardly said, "I would take her to have Bak-kut-teh!" * (2013/11/12) The Daniel Wu (Ng Yin Cho) starred film CONTROL will soon be released. His all nude bathing scene still was unveiled, leaving nothing to the imagination and conceivably attracting female viewers to buy tickets in support. Ng Yin Cho in the film faced dark forces and exhausted both physically and mentally. Thus he hoped to express his most relaxed condition when he was alone. His promotional work has already come to an end, for now he would focus on being a father and would return later. * (2013/11/12) The Juno Mak Chun Lung directed RIGOR MORTIS (GEUNG SI) after 18 days in release in Hong Kong and Macau made over 15 million. The film opened on 60 screens in Taiwan, 17 in Taipei, and even with the authentic Cantonese category III version to the top of the box office. Over the weekend in Taipei the 3 day box office reached NT$ 6.6 million, and an estimate of NT$ 15 million in Taiwan. Mak Chun Lun on the 23rd will head to Taiwan to attend the Golden Horse Awards and compete for Best New Director, Best Visual Effects and Best Costume Design with RIGOR MORTIS. * (2013/11/12) Nicholas Tse Ting Fung recently has been busy with his film WITH OR WITHOUT (YUT SUN YUT SAI). He was dressed simply and causally to deliver goods on a bicycle, seemingly playing the grass root class of the past. Ting Fung once said that he only took this film because of Gao Yuanyuan. "I have always been waiting for a type of romantic film, this time the feeling is right." The film will shoot on location in Hong Kong, Beijing and New York. In mid November the second half of the shoot will take place in the U.S. * (2013/11/12) Carina Lau Ka Ling earlier was interviewed on TELLING MARIA 2. Starting tonight she will be featured in four episodes. On the program, Ka Ling shared that when she and Tony Leung Chiu Wai were dating, he would propose to her whenever the moment got romantic. Every time she felt the time was not right; then in 2007 she proposed. At the time Wai Jai asked why get married at this age; Ka Ling explained that it was because of her regret. Ka Ling even revealed memories of working with Wong Kar Wai. Once he made her do 27 takes without any reason. She, Leslie Cheung Kwok Wing, Maggie Cheung Man Yuk, Wai Jai, Jacky Cheung Hok Yau and Andy Lau Tak Wa auditioned for DAYS OF BEING WILD (AH FEI JING JUEN) in the Queen's Cafe. Hok Yau was the first and ate several dozen plates of pasta in 3 hours; when it was Ka Ling's turn, she was given a pack of cigarettes and a lighter and told to do whatever she wanted. She believed that Wong Kar Wai wanted to shatter their original acting methods, thus she fell for Wong Kar Wai's persistence for film. When she competed for the Hong Kong Film Award Best Actress with this film, she thought she would win for sure as the other three nominees did not attend; Brigitte Lin (Lam Ching Ha) was the guest presenter and told Ka Ling to prepare a thank you speech. In the end when she lost she almost collapsed. * (2013/11/12) Pakho Chau is currently in Thailand working on a film. Turning 29 today, he celebrated in advance with his junior colleagues, wished for success in his singing and film careers, fame and fortune to become a "little tycoon". Pakho Chau recently made 3 films in a row, CEMENT (SHUI NAI), I SELL LOVE (FAN MAI OI) and SEI FEI (FOUR NOT) in different locations with different characters. He cherished each performance opportunity and hoped to show everyone a different him. * (2013/11/11) Teresa Mo Shun Kwan yesterday attended an event yesterday. Next year will be Sister Mo's 20th wedding anniversary, but she has not made any celebration plan. The biggest gift was watching their two daughters grow up, which she was reluctant about. "When two people get married and have children, very soon they turn back into two people. The older daughter is already studying overseas and the little girl will soon go overseas as well. Thus I cherish them very much." Earlier Pak Wan Kam blamed Eric Tsang Chi Wai for messing up, as the transportation compensation for appearing on TVB went from HK$ 600 to 100. Sister Mo said, "Really? He has a say, but everything needs to be reasonable. I don't believe it. (Some said that Chi Wai only gave artists who worked on Lunar New Year films a lai see with only well wishes?) That hasn't happened to me, I was fully paid. Sometimes you don't know if these things are real or fake. When I see him I will ask him." In addition, Sister Mo said that she watched HKTV produced series online and complimented it as very serious. She was happy for them deep down because a big group of on and off screen elite who made the jump were able to show their abilities and made quality work that they wanted to make. "Seeing former colleagues being able to show their best is great, I am very happy. Thus I felt very disappointed and regretful about HKTV's lack of license, only with real competition will there be improvement." Reportedly Ricky Wong Wai Kay may switch to make movies in the future, will Sister Mo participate? She said, "Sure, as long as the script, the rate and the timing work, I can make anyone's movies." * (2013/11/11) Zhang Ziyi and Mainland singer Wang Feng's romance is gradually clearing up! Wang Feng two nights ago at his Shanghai Stadium concert made an eight and a half minute declaration of love to Zhang Ziyi, who was moved to tears. The entire audience chanted, "Zhang Ziyi! Zhang Ziyi! Together!" Wang Feng described this love was real but all the pressure and criticism that they withstood made the "beautiful and shining star" that he loved "have so many injuries and illnesses the ordinary people would have a hard time with"; he hoped to be able to have everyone's sincere well wishes for her to be the luckiest woman in the world. Finally Wang Feng sang I LOVE YOU LIKE THIS to Zhang Ziyi, which some online revealed that he wrote the song for his model old flame Ge Hujie. Now it is "recycled" for Zhang Ziyi. * (2013/11/11) Chrissie Chau Sau Na, Hidy Yu Hiu Tung and DaDa Lo Chung Chi two nights ago attended an audience appreciation event for their new film KICK ASS GIRLS (BAU 3 CHIU GIU WA) in Tsim Sha Tsui. Sister Na who was conservatively dressed stated that she would not bust out of her clothes until she was in front of the audience. Actually she only removed her jacket to show off her figure. Did she want to switch to become an action actress? She said, "Actually I want to try everything, because my childhood role models were (Anita) Mui Yim Fong and (Carol) Cheng Yui Ling." Hidy said that she did not know why her chest was itchy, perhaps she had pressure from her first lead. She is already treating it with both Chinese and Western medicine. DaDa said that because she was fatter she would not bust out of her clothes for now; she even revealed that she and an industry insider were in development and getting to know each other, so she was in a good mood and getting bigger. Later, they both boasted that if the box office would reach 30 million they could bust out of anything. Yesterday they also promoted in Sham Shui Po. Hidy revealed that during the shoot Sister Na worked in a sewage treatment plant and did not wash her hair for two days. Even her co-stars smelled the odor. Sister Na clarified that the odor was from the sewage treatment plant and changed the subject to reveal that DaDa after shooting a scene in which she was being dragged on the floor, she ate without washing her hands. * (2013/11/10) The Chen Kuo-Fu produced, Wuershan directed, Vicki Zhao Wei, Zhou Xun and Chen Kun starred film PAINTED SKIN: RESURRECTION (WAT PEI II) made over 700 million RMB box office. The Ningxia film company is planning a third installment for the middle of next year. The script is being written but the cast would have a lot of changes. Reportedly only Zhao Wei would remain as lead actress. Zhou Xun and Chen Kun would not perform. Lead actor would be Huang Xiaoming. Zhou Xun's character would go to THE STOLEN YEARS' Bai Baihe. Since all her movies were able to make over 100 million at the box office, film companies have flocked to make her offers. She will be the lead actress in Feng Xiaoming directed Christmas film release PERSONAL TAILOR. Since she is so popular, PAINTED III investors wanted her to replace Zhou Xun in order to hold on to the box office. Zhou Xun and Zhao Wei's dispute was already widely known in the Mainland film industry. PAINTED investors knew very well that for the third installment Zhou Xun and Zhao Wei could not possibly perform together again. Reportedly Zhou Xun was leaning toward not taking the role, and due to Chen Kun's relationship with Zhou Xun if she did not take it Chen Kun would likely decline as well. Thus the film company decided to keep Zhao Wei. Several months ago it has already discussed the PAINTED III schedule with her, Zhao Wei's friend Huang Xiaoming might take the lead actor. Huang Xiaoming's manager said, "At this stage nothing can be revealed yet." * (2013/11/10) Vivian Hsu (Tsui Yeuk Suen) was rumored to wed a Singapore shipping tycoon in 2014. After Vivian completed the jobs she will begin to plan her wedding fully. Despite that, Vivian for now has not plan to retire from show business. Currently she is working on her new film SEX APPEAL from morning to night. Earlier she began work at 3AM for a sunrise scene. In the film Vivian played a lawyer. In an executive look, she kept sweating from the 29 degree Celsius heat on the set. As for major scenes like a rain scene, the team even rented a water truck and an excavating machine. During the shoot Vivian looked serious as she rehearsed with the cast. She could not hide her excitement of a waiting bride when she was not in a scene, as she was smiling all the time. Seeing the extras in the sun and in the rain, Vivian asked her assistant to buy beverages for the team to enjoy out of her own pocket. She really was attentive! Vivian worked from 3AM to dusk, a 15 hour work day. After work she still was full of smile when she left. * (2013/11/10) The YOUNG AND DANGEROUS cast performed its second concert two nights ago. 5 Wise Guys Dior Cheng Yi Kin, Jordan Chan Siu Chun, Jerry Lamb Hiu Fung, Michael Tse Tin Wa and Chin Kar Lok have familiarized with the stage and their performance went even further than the first show. Lam Hiu Fung practiced his drum performance heard. At the first show he wore a nude tattoo shirt, two nights ago he went topless. Although his skin was pale, he still had abdominal muscles that made the crowd cheer. Two nights ago Cherrie Ying Choi Yi and Tse Tin Wa's wife Tina were the only two spouses present. Siu Chun sang a love song to his wife, Ding Ding stood on the chair and waved in return. When the 5 Wise Guys chatted on the stage, Ding Ding jokingly screamed, "Siu Chun hurry up and sing." Siu Chun made his husband stance known on the stage as he turned around and said to his wife that men were at work and she should not make noise, which made the audience roar with laughter. * (2013/11/10) Chrissie Chau Sau Na and director Cheuk Wan Chi yesterday attended a film forum and promoted their film KICK ASS GIRLS (BAU 3 CHIU GIU WA) as well. Sister Na claimed to be a Hong Kong woman, tough and wild on the surface but when dating she would be very tender; her new film character also displayed Hong Kong people's unbeatable and risk taking spirit. Cheuk Wan Chi said that she has already invited Ricky Wong Wai Kay to attend the film's premiere Tuesday, she hoped to be able to give positive energy to him to support and cheer him on. Reportedly Wong Wai Kay was interested in investing in film instead. Cheuk Wan Chi said that she welcomed creating together, which would make the industry thrive even more. Speaking of the endless controversy about the licensing issue, she said, "The worst is people have different wishes. The government should explain clearly." * (2013/11/10) Ava Yu Kiu yesterday attended a wedding fashion show with an injury. Carrying a cane in a wedding gown, she said that earlier she fell at home and broke one of her toes in her right foot. She joked, "LAN KWAI FONG 3 (HEI OI YEH PO 3) characters are mostly cursed, with depression, a lot of news and now broken foot." She seemed to be taking a jab at the returning DaDa Chan Jing. Speaking of Wilson Chin Kwok Wai angrily blaming Celia Sie Lim Chi's pseudo model Meimei Tsang Sin Mei for misrepresenting herself as a LAN 3 lead actress during her performance, Yu Kiu said that she has worked with the Mainland performance intermediary Simon many times without any issue. "The last time we worked together he handled it very well. Maybe I didn't have anything that needed to be exaggerated. I felt that this time the issue wasn't with the intermediary. Perhaps the bar wanted to attract clients." Yu Kiu pointed out that some Mainland clients actually asked fellow lead actress impersonators AD2 to perform. Were in other words counterfeits were taking their jobs? She took a jab at AD2. "It's hard to make a living. My price is 4 times theirs. Clients will find them to be cheaper. I really can't work for some prices, I still need money just to find a make up artist. I really have no way of taking them. I feel it's very funny, people are so easily fooled. I hope Mr. Ng (LAN 3 producer Ng Kin Hung) would take legal action. (Do you support Chin Kwok Wai for chastising Sie Lim Chi?) It's not about supporting who, I understand that the director is mad. I feel bad for him, but Sie Lim Chi also has it very bad. She has to handle many storms." * (2013/11/10) Stephy Tang Lai Yun, Gigi Chiu Nga Chi and her husband Melvin Wong Kam Sun, Alex Lam Tak Shun two nights ago attended Tina Lau Tin Lan's accessory store opening. Stephy said that she will return to work in Hong Kong and be separated from boyfriend Alex Fong Lik Sun who will still work in the Mainland. However she was not worried about relationship change. They were both about trust, she joked that luckily she has not discovered any trace yet. Lam Tak Shun just finished his film LAN KWAI FONG 3 (HEI OI YEH PO 3). He complained that intimate scenes often required positioning, which was harder than making action films. However for his future films if the story required them he would not mind making them again. He even joked that at first he was afraid that his father George Lam Chi Cheung would feel awkward when he watched the film. He did not expect him to laugh at the trailer. Now his mind was changed as he planned to invite him to the movies. * (2013/11/09) Jackie Chan earlier appeared in Wuxi to visit the set of YUEN LOI SI YAU GEI, a new film that he was producing. Working on his first film, Kenneth Ma Kwok Ming saw Jackie Chan for the first time and said that he was very friendly. Ma Kwok Ming said, "Jackie Chan came twice, the first time I just went back to Hong Kong for work. At the time I thought it was quite regrettable. Luckily I finally saw him the second time. Director (Frankie) Chan Fun Kei even arranged for me to shake hands with Jackie Chan, Big Brother Jackie Chan is very friendly! (Did you get a photo?) No, too many people were around him!" Although YUEN was a romance, the story involved Wing Chun and a big musical number. Mainland actress Jadie Lin and Yu Shu (formerly Chan Hoi Sum) had to rehearse the choreography. When Jackie Chan visited the dance studio, he was a "dance" choreographer. Because the shoot shot faster and more than expected, a race between a Lamborghini and a Ferrari was cut. Ma Kwok Ming said that was regrettable, but stated that he benefited a lot from the film and hoped to work with director Chan Fun Kei and the team again. * (2013/11/09) Nick Cheung Ka Fai in the Universe new film THE WHITE STORM (SO DUK) played a couple with former Thailand transgender contest winner Poy. In the film Ka Fai ignored conventional wisdom to be in love with Poy. With Director Benny Chan Muk Sing's arrangement, Ka Fai at first had to overcome his own mental obstacles. "It's the first time I am in contact with this type of friends. Although the story is reasonable, I feel a little strange. However after working together I feel Poy is very serious at work and able to get along with the cast and the crew." Because the intimate scenes were to be shot with "positioning", Ka Fai joked that he had to thank Director Chan for permitting him to complete the "greatest challenge of his film career". Did he tell his wife before hand? Ka Fai joked, "Of course I acted first and asked questions later." The three lead actors Ka Fai, Louis Koo Tin Lok and Sean Lau Ching Wan later will head to Rome for a film festival. * (2013/11/09) "Model Ma" Mia Chen Jing Yi in her new film THE CONSTABLE (CHUNG GIK JIN GAING) had a harassment scene. Three stunt men had to feel up Mia, because of awkwardness they often had bad takes. Mia for effect offered her "chest" to the director. The cop Simon Yam Tat Wa rescued her and was even tossed down a 20 foot wall six times before the director was satisfied. Brother Wa in the film risked his life much to the dismay of his wife Qi Qi. * (2013/11/09) Dior Cheng Yi Kin, Jordan Chan Siu Chun, Michael Tse Tin Wa, Chin Kar Lok and Jerry Lamb Hiu Fung's YOUNG AND DANGEROUS (GOO WAT JAI) film series two nights ago moved to the Hong Kong Coliseum stage. The quintet performed a concert for the first time. They not only performed the film theme song for a collective memory but also performed solo to express their love to their wives, which made the originally "mob flavored" scene very romantic and touching. The Protection of Consumers' Right did not affect Cheng Yi Kin, Chan Siu Chun, Tse Tin Wa, Chin Kar Lok and Lam Hiu Fung's first concert, as usual it started 25 minutes later than scheduled. The quintet appeared with bottles, cash and playing cards to perform a series of fast songs from the YOUNG AND DANGEROUS film series. Finally they even smoked cigars and displayed their Wise Guy true nature! The five "Wise Guys" took turn to perform, but the characters were switched around. Ekin was responsible for a thrilling fight scene as he and the male dancers went back and forth. A giant wooden box suddenly struck him and knocked him to the ground, stunning the audience; on the other hand with his stunt man background Chin Kar Lok played the piano and sang to his wife Angela Tong Ying Ying SAME SECOND. He said, "This song is very meaningful to me, on my wedding day a good friend sang it to me. I practiced it for several months, I hope to sing it tonight for my other half!" The tenderness of the tough guy moved the entire audience. When he was about to remove his gloves to play the piano, Hiu Fung joked, "He ultimately is a martial art superstar, he has to use his fists to play the piano." All five wives" were present. The other four expressed their love on the stage as well; newlywed this year, Cheng Yi Kin kept singing "Yoyo" to the tune of the first part of CITY WIDE RESPONSE (CHUEN SING HAU YING) ; when Tse Tin Wa performed YOUR LOVE, the other four sang LOVE TINA in harmony for him. When Chan Siu Chun sang DEPENDENCE, the other four sang "Ding Ding" (Cherry Ying Choi Yi). She blew him kisses from the audience. Siu Chun replied with "I Love You" and the venue roared! Lily Hong Chi Nei was a background singer. Lam Hiu Fung sang PUT OUT THE FIRE to his wife as the other sang "Lily". After knowing each other for 20 years they performed their first show together. Cheng Yi Kin said that his friends the Grasshoppers affected him, as he thought that YOUNG AND DANGEROUS could also team up for a concert. With his TVB contract ended Tse Ting Wa joked that he performed because he was unemployed. As the other 4 asked if he would jump to Mr. Wong's company, he avoided the subject. Lam Hiu Fung said to Tse Tin Wa, "I am unemployed too! I signed for 6 shows a year and they are already done!" Midway through the concert, the quintet without any safety harness sat on a giant neon sign that was two meters in the air and performed their new song DISAPPEARED TIME. When they descended, Cheng Yi Kin planned to flip over but slipped. Luckily he was not injured. During "encore", they took turns performing. Chin Kar Lok again kissed up to his wife. When he sang WITH ME ALWAYS he pointed at Tong Ying Ying and said, "With you always!" Chan Siu Chun after singing GOD! SAVE ME was asked if he sang it for Ying Choi Yi, which he quickly denied. Then he looked at Ying Choi Yi and said that they chose it for him. * (2013/11/09) Director Wilson Chin Kwok Wai's film LAN KWAI FONG 3 (HEI OI YEH PO 3) earlier due to DaDa Chan Jing's sudden film retirement announcement was furious from being caught off guard. Yesterday another one of Celia Sie Lim Chi's artists Mei Mei Tsang Sin Mei was suspected of claiming to the LAN KWAI FONG 3 lead to promote her Mainland performance. Chin Kwok Wai was again enraged as he posted the poster online. "Why do Hong Kong manager Sie Lim Chi's artists would always do something we despise, lying to the audience with false truth as they think Mainland viewers are easy to fool!" He clarified that Tsang Sin Mei only guest starred for a few seconds in LAN KWAI FONG 3 and was not the lead, he reminded everyone not to make that mistake. Ava Yu Kiu jokingly replied, "They have more performances than we do." Sie Lim Chi's Jasco Entertainment artist management department director Rosa yesterday explained online that the entire company had no idea. She said, "We only found out about this promotional poster today, we never saw this promotional poster. The agency's Simon Waii also confirmed that this promotional poster never received the company's approval and inspection. We have already demanded the bar to correct the promotional poster immediately, otherwise we absolutely would not permit our artists to perform." * (2013/11/09) Miriam Yeung Chin Wa and Donnie Yen Chi Tan received the Outstanding Asian Artist Awards at the 4th New York Chinese Film Festival. Their other halves Real Ting Chi Ko and Cissy Wang attended with them and shared their joy. Chin Wa happily said that the film award was a shot of confidence. On this rare occasion to attend an event with Yen Chi Tan, Vicki Zhao Wei and others, they met for dinner to discuss parenthood. Cissy Wang said that her son was the most afraid of her cutting his hair. Chin Wa's son was the most afraid of her in make up. Chin Wa said, "Sometimes after make up my son would stare at me like a stranger and had to take a few more looks before recognizing me and whining to be picked up." She and her husband took the chance to stay a few more days to enjoy their time as a couple. Yen Chi Tan felt honored and touched to be recognized. He said, "I hope Yen Kung Fu films in the future will continue to be shiny and bright overseas." He was popular with fans everywhere as he was asked for photos and autographs. He would occasionally treat work like dating as he took walks with his wife Cissy Wang on the streets. * (2013/11/08) The Japanese television series NAOKI HANZAWA has swept across China, Hong Kong and Taiwan. Even the Benny Chan Muk Sing directed new film THE WHITE STORM (SO DUK) was under the HANZAWA storm influence. In an apology scene in the film, Nick Cheung Ka Fai wanted to pay back Sean Lau Ching Wan and Louis Koo Tin Lok in ten folds. In the story Ching Wan, Goo Jai and Ka Fai formed a drug sweep team that entered the most dangerous Golden Triangle in pursuit of Southeast Asia's most vicious drug ring. During the investigation, Ching Wan and Goo Jai almost got Ka Fai killed. When they ran into each other again on the roof, the angry Ka Fai roared, "What you owe me that day, today I want you to pay back in ten folds." After that he charged at his buddies punching and kicking. They were guilty and did not fight back. Goo Jai later even got on his knees and beg for forgiveness. The film will be released on December 5 and on November 29 in the Mainland. The leads recently have been promoting nonstop all over. Goo jai said, "When we worked on this film in Thailand it was pretty tough, like the scene of us taking a beating from Ka Fai on the roof, Ching Wan and I both told Ka Fai to hit hard because it would be realistic. We took several shots from Ka Fai's fists, after the shoot we really needed Dit Da Jow." Chan Muk Sing said that working with Ka Fai, Goo Jai and Ching Wan this time they had a lot of sparks and exceeded quality in their performance. They were willing to personally perform many highly difficult stunts. Ka Fai said, "I look forward to this film very much, because during the shoot Goo Jai, Ching Wan and I had great chemistry. Everyone risked their lives to complete the director's direction. This time viewers should see something different from the three of us!" * (2013/11/08) Female star Irene Wan Bik ha yesterday took a yacht to the beach for a latest sunglasses ad campaign. The brand even released a limited edition "Irene Wan Love" series. Irene participated in its design as she hoped to raise fund for mountain region children. The goal would be around HK$ 1 million. As an investor in a film workshop she also revealed that she was planning for her first film. She will star. Irene said that this film will be a romance, but she hoped for the script to be edited until it was perfect before the production officially began. Would she like to return to make a television series? She said, "Earlier someone mentioned it, but lately I have been too busy. With a good script there is a chance." * (2013/11/08) Artist Juno Mak Chun Lung, Anthony Chan Yau, Chin Siu Ho earlier went to Taipei for their film RIGOR MORTIS (GEUNG SI)'s press conference and premiere. The trio received Taiwan style bubble tea and authentic snacks and gave a toast to wish for the film to become a hit in both Hong Kong and Taiwan. The event also arranged for an ice sculpture of the number "88,888,888", with the trio conducting the ice breaking ceremony for luck of breaking NT$ 88,888,888 at the box office. The film after two weeks in release in Hong Kong has been recognized. Its Hong Kong and Macau cumulative box office has already reached HK$12.5 million. Director Juno even received an university film department invitation to an exchange with students and sharing his creative process. The film was released in Taiwan today, which happened to be the anniversaries of vampire film veterans Lam Ching Ying and Ricky Hui Koon Ying's deaths. Lam Ching Ying often played a priest in past vampire films and passed away on November 8 1997; Hui Koon Ying also performed in many vampire films and he passed away at home on November 8 two years ago. Juno thought it was incredible that the new film would be released on this date. "November 8 was the two vampire veterans' date, it was also the day that Chin Siu Ho wanted to pass away in the film. Such a coincidence can only be fate." * (2013/11/08) Chapman To Man Jat, Mainland artists Wang Baoqiang, Xiao Shenyang and others earlier worked on the 3D film IMPOSSIBLE. The men had a lot to talk about. To Man Jat just worked on NAKED AMBITION 2 (HO CHING 2) in Japan with Japanese adult video actress Anri Okita. Wang Baoqiang and Xiao Shenyang could not help but express their envy to Ah Jat. Wang Baoqiang even joked that TO Man Jat was a "god"! * (2013/11/08) TVB starlet Angel Chiang Ka Man after starring in the film A SECRET BETWEEN US (DAI YUT CHI BUT SI NEI) recently worked with singer Hanjin Tan (Chan Woon Yan) in THE BEST PLAN IS NO PLAN (KAU NUI BUT LI 3 HING DAI). Sh praised Hanjin for hiding his acting behind his smiling Buddha face. "He is very intelligent and would really seriously study every scene. There was a reason that he won the Best New Actor award. (You didn't want to be paired with the other two actors Sammy Sum Chun Hin and Justin Cheung Kin Sing?) He doesn't have to be handsome, this way is even more special. My friends all look forward to it!" Angel also said that in real life she would not mind dating without regard for age but he had to be mature in character but young in looks. "Age isn't important, I like guys who work serious but have fun at play. This is called 'mature inside young outside'! Like (Francis) Ng Chun Yu and (Julian) Cheung Chi Lam they are great! When I was in kindergarten I liked Jimmy Lin, he is still very well maintained now." * (2013/11/08) Best Actors Tony Leung Ka Fai and Nick Cheung Ka Fai are both nominated for the Taiwan Golden Horse Award Best Actor. Two nights ago they ran into each other at a fashion event at Central. Cheung Ka Fai said that back stage he told Leung Ka Fai, "I am the most afraid of you." He would not think too much about winning and treat it like going to a party. He said, "I am afraid that if I think too much, when I don't win I would be embarrassed. If I don't think about it then I wouldn't be." Leung Ka Fai pointed out that with Cheung Ka Fai and Tony Leung Chiu Wai he represented Hong Kong to compete for the Golden Horse Best Actor. He felt very honored and already felt like he won; he also said that his injury from a film shoot has almost healed and he could return to work. However he joked that he had depression. He said, "The injury affected my mood, maybe I would be constipated and have asthma. This year's work has been pushed to next year, so I have pressure. I am not 25 anymore, at work I can't chase, run, jump and crash, but I would try to perform as many stunts as I can. I would be careful." Some online felt badly about Hong Kong Television not receiving a license and began a boycott of TVB anniversary show. Leung Ka Fai said, "I feel viewers who watch TVB will continue to watch it. Everyone can freely expression opinions and stance online, but there is no need to start such an operation." Cheung Ka Fai said, "I don't understand, the licensing doesn't seem to be a TVB issue. If I have time I would watch the anniversary show. However the incident now seems to have loose ends, making it very awkward for many parties." * (2013/11/08) Gong Li accepted the television program TELLING MARIA 2's interview. She talked about working with Stephen Chow Sing Chi on FLIRTING SCHOLAR (TONG BAK FU DIM CHAU HEUNG) 20 years ago. Because she studied very legitimate performance at the school, she did not understand at the time. She also did not understand Chow Sing Chi's method. Now, the Mainland almost every week would have a television station that aired the film. Everyone had a lot of fun watching it, which made her regret that at the time she did not properly perform; if she had a chance, she would like to be like other actors and "madly" performance. Gong Li once worked with Andy Lau Tak Wa on the film WHAT WOMEN WANT. She gave Wa Jai very high praise, complimenting him for being able to make a very serious tragedy but also had a lot of fun when making a comedy. He gave her a belly ache from laughing. As for Zhang Yimou, Gong Li felt that Zhang Yimou lived for film, his life was film. Years later they worked together again on RETURN and felt like a family. They did not need to be too cordial with each other. * (2013/11/08) Francis Ng Chun Yu earlier worked on the suspense action crime film PAY BACK (LIP SAU JH). In the film he played a kind father whose wife died from depression after their daughter was raped and murdered. His mood drastically changed as his heart for revenge put him on a road of no return. Chun Yu said that this character was very challenging, but as a father would he worry that his son would feel his father was a bad guy after watching this film? Chun Yu pointed out that his son was only a child and all he had to do was buy him a toy. He would not reject certain role just to pretend to be a good parent, because reality and action could not be mixed together. Reportedly, Chun Yu in order to get into the character almost "hid himself" on the set. He did not even say much to his assistant. Chun Yu joked, "Mainly it was too hot, I was just too lazy to talk. On the set I had a lot of fun from chatting with many girls." * (2013/11/08) Miriam Yeung Chin Wa after attending the New York Chinese Film Festival opening ceremony yesterday spoke to the media. Sh also posed for photos on the streets of New York. At night she attended her film screenings. Chin Wa chose LOVE UNDERCOVER (SUN JAT SI MUI) and LOVE IN THE BUFF (CHUN GIU YU JI MING), which made her new breakthroughs in film. She said that watching LOVE UNDERCOVER after more than 10 years, she felt there was a lot of comedy. She watched as she covered her mouth and laughed, "It's really outdated!" When will she be a mother again? She said that her husband Real Ting Chi Ko wanted another one, they would leave everything to Heaven. Chin Wa in one of the interviews mentioned visiting poverty stricken areas for UNICEF and was reminded of a girl who lost her parents. Her mother died from AIDS and asked her mother to take care of her daughter, so far the girl still did not know that her mother was already dead. At this point she broke down in tears, the host did not know how to respond as the crew immediately handed tissue to her. She said that as a mother, she realized that parents did not want to leave their children. She was reminded of the heartache and could not help but cry. * (2013/11/08) The Sylvia Chang (Cheung Ngai Ga) directed LIM LIM would be Isabella Leong Lok Si's comeback film, thus it caught attention. The film has already been completed. Yesterday a party was held but Leong Lok Si was absent. Actually after completing her role at the end of October she could not wait to return to Canada and reunite with her family. Playing a fighter, Joseph Chang (Cheung Hau Chuen) said, "I want to thank Sister Chang's complete trust, which gave me a lot of space." Seeing Cheung Ngai Ga as his god mother, Lawrence Ko Yu Lun said, "Sister Chang is very demanding of me, I have learned too much over the two months from her." Leong Lok Si called from Canada to greet Cheung Ngai Ga, thanking everyone for giving her endlessly beautiful memories. * (2013/11/08) Chrissie Chau Sau Na in the film KICK ASS GIRLS (BAU 3 CHIU GIU WA) and muscle man Carl Ng Ka Lung fought in the ring. Sister Na wore a tight tank top and showed off her figure. Sister Na who operated the gym in the film in order to attract otaku clients to study fighting everyday appeared in a sexy look and even had a "close combat" discount. Ng Ka Lung was the first client. Sister Na said that this scene took most of the day, when she fought with Ng Ka Lung she absolutely had no double. The entire scene was real, she also thanked Ng Ka Lung was showing mercy and not too hit too hard. Luckily she was not injured. Chau Sau Na starred in the film with two junior colleagues Hidy Yu Hiu Tung and DaDa Lo Chung Chi. She said that Hidy was the best fighter among the ladies. "Hidy is very strong, her leg strength is shocking. DaDa Lo can take a hit." Real props were used in the gym set and it looked a real gym. Director Cheuk Wan Chi revealed an interest in a sequel but now she was busy planning for her comedy show at the end of the year. Sister Na said that for the sequel she would ask Ah Chi to perform and everyone would hit Ah Chi. "Because scenes of hitting directors are rare." * (2013/11/07) The Juno Mak Chun Lung directed film RIGOR MORTIS (GEUNG SI) has been a critical and commercial hit in Hong Kong. As for two days ago its box office already exceeded HK$11.16 million after 13 days in release. Recently Juno led the actors to promote in Taiwan. Last night the film held its Taiwan premiere, which had a vampire jump out of a coffin to scare viewers. Chin Siu Ho revealed that this film almost ended his life. He worked on the hanging scene for three days, his neck was red and swollen from it. When the vampire tossed him into the virtual underground, he was completely buried and could not breathe. He said, "I really felt like I would soon die!" Two nights ago Mak Chun Lung snuck into the cinema with the team to give the advanced screening audience a surprise. Chin Siu Ho praised Taiwan viewers' response was more direct and passionate than Hong Kong viewers'. * (2013/11/07) Chrissie Chau Sau Na worked on the film KICK ASS ANGELS (BAU 3 CHIU GIU WA). In order to meet director Cheuk Wan Chi's "fight and look good doing it" demand, she had to wear an evening gown and high heels for a fight scene; in one scene Sister Na wore a tight short dress and six inch heels to kick out thugs, as she kicks a group of thugs in their chest. She had to perform a spin kick in the air and land, but injured her left leg and had to stop working. Her co-stars DaDa Lo Chung Chi and Hidy Yu Hiu Tung said that thanks to elder Chau Sau Na's injury the director did not need them to wear high heels for fight scenes. * (2013/11/07) Miriam Yeung Chin Wa was invited to attend the 4th New York Chinese Film Festival. Her husband Real Ting Chi Ko accompanied her. Also present were Donnie Yen Chi Tan and his wife Cissy Wang, Vicki Zhao Wei and Wu Xiubo; the opening film was Zhao Wei's directing debut SO YOUNG. Chin Wa received the "Outstanding Artist Award". The event will present the award on November 7. The film festival took place for 3 days with a film opening ceremony, film screening and award presentation. Chin Wa attended the opening ceremony. On the 6th 2 screening of Yeung Chin Wa's films will be screening. She will spoke with the local media. Chin Wa attended the New York Chinese Film Festival for the first time. She felt very lucky to have her film work recognized by overseas Chinese. She has always had an ever passionate heart for film. The event arranged for the artists to give a speech. Chin Wa spoke with Zhao Wei on the stage. Later she revealed that they talked about making movies. Zhao Wei asked her if she saw SO YOUNG? She said that she did, the most memorable was how stubborn the female lead in the end. She also praised Zhao Wei was just as outstanding on and off camera. Chin Wa was also happy to see Wu Xiubo and called him very cool. She was mesmerized at first sight, but with her husband next to her she could not appear too enthusiastic. She said to Wu Xiubo that she liked FINDING MR. RIGHT very much. They talked about movies and both hoped to bring glory back to Chinese film. * (2013/11/07) Charlie Yeung Choi Nei accepted Luisa Lai Chi San's TELLING MARIA 2 interview. The newlywed was asked about her rumors with two hunks of their time Nicky Wu (Ng Kei Lung) and Takeshi Kaneshiro (Gum Sing Mo). She felt that although each movie required real emotions, not every relationship could possibly be real! Speaking of her relationship with Gum Sing Mo, she described that at the time they belonged to the same company, attended many events together and became familiar. They felt like a family. After Vivian Chow Wai man she was dubbed the second generation Jade Girl clan leader. Did she have any competition with Chow Wai Man? Yeung Choi Nei felt that she did not. Once she spoke with Chow Wai Man and felt that her voice was very sweet, while her own voice was "super bass". She did not understand why she was called a Jade Girl. Perhaps it had to do with her long hair. Back then Yeung Choi Nei made the film THE LOVERS (LEUNG JOOK). Director Tsui Hark said that her thick brows made her suitable to don a guy disguise. With her long hair she was also suitable for costume films. Thus he invited her to play Jook Ying Toi. For the face making scene, Tsui Hark drew different expressions on paper then asked Yeung Choi Nei to make the faces. [ BLAH OF THE WEEK ] Columns, Reviews, Interviews 1. APPLE DAILY, NOVEMBER 10 2013, VAMPIRE FEVER RICHARD NG YIU HAN OPENS HIS MIND THROUGH HIS HEART Playing the evil vampire in RIGOR MORTIS (GEUNG SI), Richard Ng Yiu Han's conversation is interesting and like a lesson in life. Although you have heard what he says since you were little, simple ideas like being content and cherishing what you have; yet from his life experience filled mouth they are especially influential. Rising in the 70s Hong Kong film industry, he was a member of Hong Kong film in its prime. After years in film he seemingly has never won any acting award, but he does not mind; after a "balloon" operation two years ago he reminds everyone to be content with what they have, having enough wealth to spend is enough and taking more time to spend with family. "The most important is to live contently, when people are content with what they have they are naturally happy. Interestingly being content has no cost, why not do it? A certain tycoon used to have one wife now two concubines, any and all cars, he still says that he feels like he is being raped. Do yo u think that he is happy?" - MAN KWOK CHUN Known to everyone as Uncle Richard, Ng Yiu Han is already 73 but nothing old can be found on him. On the day of the interview he appears in a sporty look and decent shape. His state of mind is also like a mischievous child. He has a lot to say, likes to talk about everything and anything. As soon as he sits down he "complains", "Your app has a lot to watch and is convenient.....but the ads always pop out and get in the way......" Before any response could be made, he has already changed the subject. This uncle truly is hard to grasp. Since returning from England in the 1970, Ng Yiu Han has been working in the film industry. The most memorable was of course the LUCKY STARS film series. Aside from the widely known comedy actor, Ng Yiu Han early upon his return to Hong Kong formed his own company to be a film producer. Speaking of being a boss he says that he was rather lucky. He says, "When I was a producer the market really was great. My first one lost a little but I wasn't scared. The second one broke even. The third started to profit. However if I have to choose between being a boss and an actor, I like being an actor more. It has a lot less trouble!" Ng Yiu Han's acting career is mostly spent as comedy support. In the past 20 years he just mainly guest starred. He says, "I really don't care whether the role is a lead or support. My only preference is working with directors I haven't worked with, especially new directors. Their directing methods are the hardest to grasp, a little like masters in a duel. I want to see what direction they would give me and what I can give back to them. So this time I took Juno's RIGOR MORTIS, I am very happy to work these young people." "Being Content Has No Cost" As of two days ago, RIGOR MORTIS already made HK$ 12.51 million at the box office, a critical and a commercial hit. In the film Nina Paw Hee Ching's persistent missing of Ng Yiu Han turned him into a vampire. How did Ng Yiu Han feel about that? Looking relaxed so far, his face suddenly turns serious. "Too persistent may be even harder to take. Earlier my mother in law was seriously ill in England and didn't have much time left. My wife struggled with whether to go and see her for the last time. Finally I told her to consider clearly, because my mother in law was no longer conscious. I was afraid that my wife would how seriously ill she was and couldn't take it. In the end religion helped her. She felt that her mother passed away to return to Heaven." Ng Yiu Han says that he is very open minded, especially after a "balloon" operation two years ago. He says, "After a major illness I realize that nothing is more important than health and happiness. I want health because I want to take care the people around me. I am not considered very rich, but having enough to live on is already great. Thus in the latter stage of my acting career I am working due to interest. As for happiness often it comes from being content with what I have. Being content has no cost, why not do it?" As for his son Carl Ng Ka Lung, he has not have a representative work after years in the business. Ng Yiu Han admits that he has never told his son to quit. He says, "My son always says he is the proudest of me for giving him ample space. I feel he is happy and knows what kind of road he is taking, the most important is to enjoy life." Refuse To Wear Colored Contact Lenses Speaking of taking the RIGOR MORTIS role, Ng Yiu Han admits that it was because of his friendship with director Mak Chun Lung's godfather Willie Chan Chi Keung. "Chan Chi Keung called me and told me to help with his godson Juno's movie. Actually when he calls I definitely have no problem. With my friendship with him I don't need to think too much." Was he worried about Juno's directing debut? He praises this junior and says, "At first I really thought did he know how to make a movie? Making a vampire film nowadays isn't easy. However after the first day of work I was at ease. He was very certain about what he wanted and wanted to make." Ng Yiu Han in the film has to wear special effect make up, heavy costume and a mask to play a vampire, for this 73 year old senior the burden absolutely is not light. He admits, "When I took this film I really didn't know all that much. This kid Juno is very politic, the only thing is this jerk always hides what he is thinking and not tell anyone. I only found how all that had to be done when I got to the set, but one thing I had to insist against. Juno asked me if I could wear colored contact lenses, I turned him down right away. In my entire life I am the most afraid of touching my eyes!" Did Ng Yiu Han feel like he was tricked? He says, "I really didn't, the happiest moments of working on a movie on the set are from what you couldn't predict, just like life. Only then it is fun." 2. MING PAO DAILY, NOVEMBER 10 2013, FILM WORDS LIBRARY WAR : UNIQUE SUBJECT New director Juno Mak Chun Lung's RIGOR MORTIS (GEUNG SI) has been a surprise hit. Now it has already made HK$ 12 million. The cast almost entirely consists of veterans and "over the hill" stars, its box office actually exceeds Donnie Yen Chi Tan's action display SPECIAL ID (DUT SHU SUN FUN) to the surprise of many. Actually SPECIAL ID achieves the typical Hong Kong police film quality. Rather fun, it made over 100 million in the Mainland. Its Hong Kong box office of around 8 million also was not bad. RIGOR MORTIS' surprise success again shows Hong Kong film viewers' support of Hong Kong new directors, welcoming their new technique and at the same time supporting old actors' "resurrection" just like several years ago GALLANTS appeared with a creative phenomenon mix of the new and the old. This week also has two Japanese films. The new release LIBRARY WAR has an unique subject. In a fictional Japan the "decency party" rose to power in the past 30 years, banning all indecent publication and burning all banned books. Even the era has been named "betterment". An armed war erupted between the "betterment committee" and the "library team" that protected publication freedom. The story concept somewhat resembled the Truffaut old film FAHRENHEIT 451, yet it changed into the Japanese government permitting two rival parties to have legal armed forces and open fire inside the confines of libraries, which I thought were very absurd. It paled in comparison to FAHRENHEIT's authorities banning and burning books while the people secretly established a book rescue team that was willing to the ultimate sacrifice. LIBRARY WAR conventionally turned into a gun play action film, with the addition of the book rescue team romance. It was not the type of genuine book and word loving pure drama like THE GREAT PASSAGE. (two out of five stars) LIKE FATHER, LIKE SON: Rich with Details Continuing its run, LIKE FATHER, LIKE SON is much better. Two families discover their sons were switched at the hospital. The story is melodramatic. Fortunately the director Hirokazu Koreeda makes it delicate and touching. Masaharu Fukuyama and the cast young and old are rather wonderful, no wonder it won this year's Cannes jury prize. One family is middle class elite, the other grass root poor so the contrast is strong. The elite family tensely participates in a famous elementary school's enrollment, while the poor family is cheerful and intimate. The film also has hospital negotiations and court room lawsuits that are rich with details. Although this film is rather slow paced, it still has dramatic flavor and pokes fun at reality. Female viewers would even be led to tears. (three out of five stars) - SHEK KEI [ In Production Now/Soon ] Can : Luk Fuk Hei Si Lit : Six Fortune Happy Event d. Vincent Kok Tak Siu Raymond Wong Pak Ming, Eric Tsang Chi Wai, Miki Yeung Oi Kun, Stephy Tang Lai Yun NAKED AMBITION 2 Can : HO CHING 2 Lit : Bold Love 2 d. Lee Kung Lok Chapman To Man Jat, Josie Ho Chiu Yi, Derek Tsang Kwok Cheung, Anri Okita, Maiko Yuki, Kana Yume Nozomi Aso, Tsukasa Aoi, Yui Tatsumi, Taka Kato OVERHEARD 3 Can : Sit Ting Fung Won 3 Lit : Surveillance Storm 3 d. Alan Mak Siu Fong, Felix Chong Man Keung Sean Lau Ching Wan, Louis Koo Tin Lok, Daniel Wu (Ng Yin Cho), Alex Fong Chung Shun, Gordon Lam Ka Tung, Dominic Lam Ka Wa, Kenneth Tsang Kong, Ng Ming Tat, [ YAHOO! MOVIES HONG KONG ] Lok Kam Keung is the leader of New Territories, Hong Kong's largest squire group the Lok clan. He leads his three brothers in the expansion of the Luk Group and attempt to monopolize the New Territories and even all of Hong Kong's housing properties. With the assistance of Mainland wealthy's funding he spreads the Lok family's turf and even uses violence to recover lands to build properties on... Can : Bo Fung Yu Lit : Storm Huang Xiaoming, Fiona Sit Hoi Kei Can : Long Long Cafe Liu Kai Chi, Candy Lo Hau Yam, Jeana Ho Pui Yu, Shirley Yim (Suet Lei), Edward Chui Woei Dong DON'T GO BREAKING MY HEART 2 Can : Dan Sun Nam Nui 2 Lit : Single Man Woman 2 d. Johnnie To Kei Fung Gao Yuanyuan, Louis Koo Tin Lok, Miriam Yeung Chin Wa, Vic Chou Yu Man Can : Dim Dui Dim Lit : Point To Point d. Wong Ho Yin Moses Chan Ho, Susan Shaw Yam Yam LAN KWAI FONG 3 Can : HEI OI YEH PO 3 d. Wilson Chin Kwok Wai Whitney Hui Yik Nei, Ava Yu Kiu, Jeana Ho Pui Yu, Celia Kwok Wing Yi, Alex Lam Tak Shun, Jason Chan Pak Yu, Christine Ng Wing Mei, Charles Ying Cheung Yau, Bob Lam Sing Bun, Connie Man Hoi Ling, Calinda Chan Yuen Wai, Barbie Liu (Ha Wai Yu), Karen Lam Chi Ka [ YAHOO! MOVIES HONG KONG ] On a weekend evening in 2013, Sara, Jeana and Papa gather at Lan Kwai Fong and march into night spots with swagger. With her foreign girl personality, Jolie's companions resemble the United Nations. Frequently changing, she refuses to seriously date. Night spot boss lady and cousin May spoils her and constantly plays matchmaker wit her and night spot manager Jacky. Although he already has a live in girlfriend Jeana, their relationship has already turned into purely roommates. Jacky grows fond of Jolie due to her resemblance to his former girlfriend...... ALL'S WELL ENDS WELL 2014 Can : Luk Fuk Lum Moon Lit : Six Fortunes At the Door d. Vincent Kok Tak Siu Sandra Ng Kwan Yu, Eric Tsang Chi Wai, Raymond Wong Pak Ming, Karena Ng Chin Yu, HORSEPLAY Can : Fan Ma Gei Lit : Horse Selling Biography d. Lee Chi Ngai Tony Leung Ka Fai, Dior Cheng Yi Kin, Kelly Chen Wai Lam, Eric Tsang Chi Wai, Wong Cho Lam Liu Kai Chi [ THE FILM CATALOGUE ] A multi-faced thief, an attractive reporter and a washout detective are all on the roller-coaster trail in Prague of a valueless antique horse. ZOMBIE FIGHT CLUB d. Joe Chien Andy Tien (On Chi Kit), Philip Ng Won Lung, Jessica Cambensy, Jack Kao, Michael Wong Man Tak, Terence Yin, Derek Tsang Kwok Cheung, Candy Yuen [ THE FILM CATALOGUE ] It’s the end of the Century, at a corner of the city in a building riddled with crime......Everyone in the building has turned into zombies. After Jenny’s boyfriend was killed in a zombie attack, she faces the challenge of surviving in the face of adversity. In order to stay alive she struggles with Andy to flee danger. The originally kind and warm hearted chemistry teacher, after the kayos has broken out is now the zombie leader and has transformed into a cruel, vicious and selfish character. Violent activists match prisoners against zombies in a malicious killing game, the good side of humanity has seemingly all but vanished. Now that all order is lost, how will humans create a new century? A world of uncertainty awaits : The end? Hope? Or Death? Can : Oi. Chum. Mai. Lit : Love. Seek. Mystery. d. Chip Tsao (To Kit) Tsui Tin Yau, Joy Sing Long Hei, Candy Law Lam, Kelvin Kwan Chor Yiu DELETE Can : Delete Oi Yun Lit : Delete Lover d. Patrick Kong (Yip Lim Sum) Michael Hui Koon Man, Wong Cho Nam, Ivana Wong Yuen Chi, Alex Fong Lik Sun, Nancy Sit Ka Yin, Yuen Qiu Jacqueline Chong Si Man, Shiga Lin Si Nga, Lung Siu Kwan, Jinny Ng Yeuk Hei, Justin Cheung Kin Sing, Michael Wong Man Tak, May Chen Ka Kai, Bonnie Xian Seli, [ THE FILM CATALOGUE ] So Po-Wing considers himself being underappreciated. He works at “Get Rich Now Consultants Limited” founded by “The Godfather of MLM” Fat Ma. Wing’s colleagues often steal his ideas, bringing his career to a dead end. Wing also has a mother who treats him as cash cow, and an injurious friend Wah-Dee who often embroils him into trouble. Despite all the negativity, Wing has a gentle and virtuous childhood sweetheart, Bobo Chung, who always comforts him when he is dejected. He always vents his grievance to her, as he believes Bobo will never leave him for the world. Wing receives a weird text message one day, saying: Ever thought of deleting those you dislike? Forward this message to a friend. Wish your wish comes true! On Wing’s birthday, Fat Ma fires him with some ridiculous reasons. Wing is aggrieved and accidentally kills Fat Ma in the quarrel, and disposes his body in the boot of Fat Ma’s car. But when Wing returns to the office, he is shocked to find his colleagues addressing an imposing foreigner Boss Ma. Wing goes back and sneaks to take a look in the boot, only to find it empty! As the story continues, how would Wing use this incredible superpower to change his life? Will Wing live a perfect life happily ever after? The story has only just begun... RISE OF THE LEGEND Can : Wong Fei Hung ji Ying Hung Yau Mung Lit : Wong Fei Hung: Heroes Have Dreams d. Roy Chow Hin Hung Sammo Hung Kam Bo, Eddie Peng Yu-Yen, Wong Cho Nam, Wang Luodan, Jing Boran, Max Zhang Jin, Angelababy (Yang Ying) [ THE FILM CATALOGUE ] In the late Qing Dynasty, a young man called Wong Fei Hung rises up against corruption and injustice to become a master of his time and an everlasting legend in the world of martial arts. THE CROSSING Can : Tai Ping Lun Lit : Peace Ferry d. John Woo (Ng Yu Sum) Takeshi Kaneshiro, Zhang Ziyi, Song Hye-Kyo, Huang Xiaoming, Bowie Lam Bo Yi, Masami Nagasawa, Tong Dawei, Angeles Woo (Ng Fei Ha) LOST ON A RED MINIBUS TO TAIPO Can : Na Yeh Ning Sun, Ngor Jor Seung Liu Wong Gok Hoi Wong Dai Bo Dik Hung Van d. Fruit Chan Gor Wong Yau Nam, Tsui Tin Yau, Janice Man Wing Shan, Sam Lee Chan Sam, Simon Yam Tat Wa, Wai Ying Hung, Lam Suet, Jacqueline Chong Si Man HONG KONG UNDERCOVER COP Can : Mang Lung Dut Gwing Lit : Mighty Dragon Special Epic Fail d. Mark Wu Yiu Fai Ronald Cheng Chung Kei, Ava Yu Kiu, Jacqueline Chong Si Man, Sukie Shek Wing Lei, Angelina Zhang (Cheung Woon Nga), Mark Wu Yiu Fai [ THE FILM CATALOGUE ] Dragon Lau and Charlie Mang are old time buddies who have lost contact for many years. They have gone separate roads – being an undercover cop in gangster and an extra respectively, but their lives are both thwarted. Charlie dreams of gaining fame in the male pageant TV show, while Dragon determines to prove himself a good cop by solving a major case. They reunite for a “substitute case” that involves the son of the richest man in town, and are being hunt down... I SELL LOVE Can : Fan Mai Oi d. Kevin Chu Ka Won Liu Kai Chi, Rose Chan Ka Wun, Pakho Chau, Mimi Kung Chi Yan, Adrian Wong Chi Ching, Judy Chu Fung Han, Shirley Yim KUNG FU KILLER AKA : LAST OF THE BEST Can : Yut Gor Yun Dik Mo Lum Lit : The Martial Art World Of One Person d. Teddy Chan Tak Sum Donnie Yen Chi Tan, Charlie Yeung Choi Nei, Wang Baoqiang, Bai Bing, Deep Ng Ho Hong, John Chiang Dai Wai, Raymond Chow Man Wai [ THE FILM CATALOGUE ] A vicious killer is going round Hong Kong killing top martial arts exponents. When convicted killer and kung fu expert, Xia hears of this, he offers to help the police catch the killer, in return for his freedom. However, the canny and lethal killer eludes them again and again. Although the latter has made it quite clear that Xia would be his ultimate challenge, Xia refuses to be drawn into a life or death duel – until the killer threatens the woman he loves most. Can : Meng Lan Sun Gung d. Nick Cheung Ka Fai Nick Cheung Ka Fai, Carrie Ng Ka Lai, Annie Liu (Lau Sum Yau), Lam Wai d. Raymond Yip Wai Man Oscar Leung Lit Wai, Aarif Rahman (Lee Chi Ting), Janice Man Wing Shan, Bob Lam Sing Bun Can : But Oi But San Lit : No Love No Break Up Stephy Tang Lai Yan, William So Wing Hong, He Jiong, Luo Xinyue, Zhao Rong --- [ NOW SHOWING ] KICK ASS GIRLS Can : Bau 3 Chiu Giu Wa Lit : Explosive 3 Angels d. Cheuk Wan Chi Chrissie Chau Sau Na, Hidy Yu Hiu Tung, DaDa Lo Chung Chi, Tsui Tin Yau, Chris Tong Bingyu, Emily Lim (Lam Pui Kei), La Ying, King Chiu King Ho, Gu Youming Rating : IIB Length : 96 mins. Opening November 14 2013 [ THE FILM CATALOGUE ] Bao co-founds a boxing gym with her intimate friend TT. But their friendship is broken over a boyfriend. Bao invites Miu to be the real precedent of “Girl Boxing Company”. They intend to attract male customers with their beauty. TT with grudge comes back and makes trouble. Meanwhile, the mystery Lady Zhuge is looking for female bodyguards for her business trip in Malaysia. Three girls decide to protect her for the generous rewards. Beyond their expectations, they are sold by human traffickers and forced to participate in the underground boxing games held by a local gang... SILENT WITNESS Can : Chuen Man Muk Gik Lit : Everyone Witness d. Fei Xing Sun Honglei, Aaron Kwok Fu SIng Rating : IIA Length : 115 mins. Opening November 14 2013 [ CITYLINE MOVIES ] As a well-known tycoon-Lin Te’s wedding day is approaching, he is suddenly shocked by the tragic death of his bride in an underground parking garage. Police have arrested a suspect, Lin’s daughter-Lin Mengmeng who becomes the defendant in the court. Lin spares no expense to hire a noted female lawyer, Zhou Li to defend his daughter against the allegations. The prosecution, Tong Tao is a shrewd lawyer with a talent for uncovering paper trails of fraud. Zhou and Tong will be starting a spirited dispute between prosecution and defense in the court. With the deepening of cross-examination of the witnesses and defendant, this unusual case is getting quite suspicious and throwing both lawyers into confusion.... REAL Can : Jung Oi Chim Hung Lit : Real Love Hidden Walk d. Kiyoshi Kurosawa Takeru Sato, Haruka Ayase, Miki Nakatani, Joe Odagiri Rating : IIA Length : 127 mins. Opening October 27 2013 at the Hong Kong Asian Film Festival Opening Novembr 14 2013 Site : http://www.hkaff.asia/cineaste/Real.html [ BROADWAY CIRCUIT ] Koichi and Atsumi are lovers who have known each other all their lives. A year ago, however, a suicide attempt by Atsumi left her in a coma. Through ‘sensing’, a type of neurosurgical procedure allowing contact with the intentional aspect of a comatose patient’s mind, Koichi tries to find out why Atsumi tried to kill herself, and to bring her back to consciousness. He enters her subconscious, and is told to find a picture of a plesiosaur she drew when she was a child. It turns out that a childhood incident buried in their past will bring their minds together. THE HOLY MAN d. Satyajit Ray Charuprakash Ghosh, Robi Ghosh, Satindra Bhattacharya, Geetali Roy, Santosh Dutta, Prasad Mukherjee Length : 65 mins. Opening November 12 2013 at the Hong Kong Asian Film Festival Site : http://www.hkaff.asia/restore/The_Holy_Man.html [ HONG KONG ASIAN FILM FESTIVAL ] Satyajit Ray skewers spirituality with the satirical comedy The Holy Man, about an upper class family in thrall of a religious huckster. Based on a short story “Birinchibaba” by Bengali writer Rajshekhar Basu, the film tells the story of Birinchi, a “Babaj” (or saint) who claims to be ageless, and even says that he’s rubbed shoulders with Jesus and Buddha, not to mention taught Einstein the theory of relativity. Despite his outlandish claims, widower Gurupada Mitter and his daughter Buchki become Birinchi’s disciples, leaving Buchki’s spurned lover Satya with the task of outing the faux holy man. Ray shows his lighter side in this rich and delightfully-performed farce. THE LAND OF WANDERING SOULS d. RithyPanh Length : 109 mins. Opening November 12 2013 at the Hong Kong Asian Film Festival [ HONG KONG ASIAN FILM FESTIVAL ] In 1999, Southeast Asia’s first fiber-optic cable was laid across Cambodia, stretching from one border of the war-torn country to the other. The difficult project provided low-paying jobs for the impoverished locals, and Rithy Panh and his documentary crew followed the workers for four months as they dug trenches through miles of ruined earth – and through history, collective memory, rusting instruments of war and forgotten human remains. An uncommonly dignified act of witness, The Land of Wandering Souls captures the strength, wit and humanity of the Cambodian people, as well as the social and economic contradictions facing a long-suffering nation as it enters the modern age. WHEN LOVE ENCOUNTERS Can : Leung Ching Seung Yu d. Benny Lau Wai Hung Timothy Cheng Tsz Sing, Kandy Wong Length : 10 mins. Opening November 11 2013 at the Hong Kong Asian Film Festival Site : http://www.hkaff.asia/hkfilm/When_Love_Encounters.html [ HONG KONG ASIAN FILM FESTIVAL ] A white-collar worker spends every night sitting in the bench outside an apartment, waiting for its lights to go out. One day, his peaceful, isolated existence is disturbed by a lovelorn girl who has fallen for a young man living in the same building. Radio personality-turned-filmmaker Benny Lau’s latest short is a whimsical tale about chance encounters and finding the courage to fall in love. SOMETIMES NAIVE Can : Siu Hok Gai Dai Din Ying Lit : Little Student Chicken Big Movie d. Jacky Gan (Kam Kim Yu), Tracy Choi (Tsui Yun Sin) Yau Man Sing, Clifton Ko Chi Sum, Chan Lai-Wan, Guk Feng Length : 75 mins. Opening November 11 2013 at the Hong Kong Asian Film Festival [ HONG KONG ASIAN FILM FESTIVAL ] Filmmakers love making films about filmmaking, but not many of those films can truly explain where the passion comes from. Who are more qualified to answer this question than the new Master of Fine Arts graduates from the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts’ School of Film and Television? In their graduation thesis, award-winning director Man is sentenced to community service for drunken behavior. Assigned to a youth center, Man has to guide a group of eight-to-twelve-year-olds to make a short film. At first, Man feels he’s too good for such an assignment. However, the kids’ enthusiasm and unique perspective of life eventually inspire him to rediscover why he loved filmmaking in the first place. BRIDGE OVER TROUBLED WATER d. Yang Li-Chou Length : 100 mins. Opening November 10 2013 at the Hong Kong Asian Film Festival Site : http://www.hkaff.asia/taiwan/Bridge_Over_Troubled_Water.html [ HONG KONG ASIAN FILM FESTIVAL ] In 2009, the rural township of Jiaxian in Kaohsiung was devastated by Typhoon Morakot. Struggling to rebuild and recover, the people of Jiaxian would find courage and inspiration from an unlikely source: a group of elementary school children competing in a tug-of-war tournament. Despite the lack of proper training facilities and equipment, the kids not only pull themselves to victory, but they also pull up the spirits of a grieving community. Following The Long Goodbye and Young at Heart: Grandma Cheerleaders, Golden Horse-winning documentarian Yang Li-chou tugs hearts again with a grassroots story of hope and purpose that belongs uniquely to Taiwan. SITE 2 d. Rithy Panh Length : 91 mins. Opening November 10 2013 at the Hong Kong Asian Film Festival Site : http://www.hkaff.asia/rithy/Site_2.html [ HONG KONG ASIAN FILM FESTIVAL ] After witnessing the deaths of his family members under Pol Pot’s cruel regime, a fifteen year-old RithyPanh fled Cambodia in 1979. He found refuge at the Mairut camp on the Thai-Cambodian border, remaining until 1980 before leaving for France. Ten years later, camera in hand, Panh returned to Mairut to shoot his first documentary Site 2, chronicling the daily lives of refugees haunted by their horrific past, fearful of their uncertain future, and hoping for a return to their home of Cambodia. Panh’s debut earned acclaim internationally and marked him as an emerging and authentic voice of contemporary Cambodia. SOCK'N ROLL d. Ho Chao-Ti Length : 75 mins. Opening November 10 2013 at the Hong Kong Asian Film Festival Site : http://www.hkaff.asia/taiwan/Sock_n_Roll.html [ HONG KONG ASIAN FILM FESTIVAL ] Taiwan's Shetou Township produces 80% of Taiwan's socks, and half of its residents work in family-run hosiery factories. One of those factories is run by Black Dog (real name: Lee Tung-lin), a former volleyball player who has a passion for producing the perfect socks for athletes. However, the economic downturn is causing Black Dog's business to dwindle, made worse by cancelled orders and bounced checks. In this inspiring documentary produced by Taiwan's Business Weekly Magazine, director Hao Chao-ti captures a turning point in the life of an upstanding entrepreneur nearly brought down by illness and a rapidly evolving economy. Sock’n Roll shows us the importance of reinvention and a strong will in the choppy sea that is today's business world. AS THE WINDS BLOW d. Chen Yi-Wen Matt Wu, Chin Hsiao-Man, Long Shao-Hua Length : 102 mins. Opening November 10 2013 at the Hong Kong Asian Film Festival Site : http://www.hkaff.asia/asian/As_the_Winds_Blow.html [ HONG KONG ASIAN FILM FESTIVAL ] At her mother's request, city girl Michelle reluctantly returns to her seaside hometown to deliver divorce papers to her father. Forced to stick around until he signs, Michelle is at first unaccustomed to the beach, sunshine and slow living pace she had long left behind. She meets an easygoing lifeguard who helps her rediscover the ocean and her own heart, but another life and boyfriend await her back in Taipei. Director Chen Yi-Wen (The Cabbie) applies a crowd-pleasing formula to this sun-kissed love story, while also gently posing questions about different values and ways of life. A ROLLING STONE d. Shen Ko-Shang Length : 54 mins. Opening November 9 2013 at the Hong Kong Asian Film Festival Site : http://www.hkaff.asia/taiwan/A_Rolling_Stone.html [ HONG KONG ASIAN FILM FESTIVAL ] Taking the top prize at the 2013 Taipei Film Awards, Shen Ko-Shang's documentary delicately chronicles the relationship of a 50-year-old man and his autistic 30-year-old son. The two have only each other but they can barely communicate. Persevering through the frustrations and sacrifices, the father strives to connect with his son and show his art to the world. Intimate and observant, A Rolling Stone delves into their daily lives and difficulties while maintaining a respectful distance. One of Taiwan's promising new-generation filmmakers, Shen has directed many well-traveled documentaries and shorts including Baseball Boys and segments in the 10+10 and Taipei Factory omnibuses. SOLITARY JOY Length : 67 mins. Opening November 9 2013 at the Hong Kong Asian Film Festival Site : http://www.hkaff.asia/taiwan/Solitary_Joy.html [ HONG KONG ASIAN FILM FESTIVAL ] At once thoughtful and affectionate, director Wang Yen-ni’s documentary delves into the work and life of Tong Yang-tze, a pre-eminent calligrapher with the heart of a contemporary artist. Born in 1942 and initially trained as an oil painter, Tong hasn’t simply transcended the essence of the Chinese calligraphy tradition but has also consistently pushed its boundaries into the realms of abstract painting, stage design, public sculpture, large-scale installation and, with the encouragement of her daughter, jewelry design. Titled after one of her most renowned series of work, Solitary Joy followed the master at work as she juggled quiet moments in her studio and exciting collaborations on a variety of creative events and exhibitions. There is a lot more to Tong’s calligraphy than meets the eye. ZONE PRO SITE: THE MOVEABLE FEAST Can : Jung Po Si Lit : Chief Store Chef d. Chen Yu-Hsun Kimi Hsia, Tony Yang, Lim Mei-Hsiu, Wu Nein-Chen, King Jieh-Wen Length : 145 mins. Opening November 9 2013 at the Hong Kong Asian Film Festival Site : http://www.hkaff.asia/cineaste/Zone_Pro_Site.html [ HONG KONG ASIAN FILM FESTIVAL ] 16 years after Tropical Fish, director Chen Yu-Hsun finally returns to feature filmmaking with this delightful foodie comedy, a box office sensation that spent four consecutive weeks at the top of the Taiwan box office. An aspiring model flees to her hometown after her boyfriend left her with a mountain of debt. With the help of her mother and a self-proclaimed “food doctor”, our heroine decides to settle her debt is by defeating two master street chefs in a cooking competition involving a banquet-style cuisine known as bandoh. Filled with lovable characters and shots of delectable Taiwanese dishes, Zone Pro Site is a heartwarming comedy that will leave audiences’ mouths watering all the way out of the cinema. THE COWARD d. Satyajit Ray Soumitra Chatterjee, Madhabi Mukherjee, Haradhan Bandopadhyay Length : 74 mins. Opening November 9 2013 at the Hong Kong Asian Film Festival Site : http://www.hkaff.asia/restore/The_Coward.html [ HONG KKONG ASIAN FILM FESTIVAL ] Almost a companion piece to Satyajit Ray’s The Lonely Wife, The Coward possesses similar themes of longing and regret but spins them in more cynical but no less revealing direction. Actors Soumitra Chatterjee and Madhabi Mukherjee return from The Lonely Wife to star in another love triangle. Amitabha is a successful screenwriter whose car breaks down in a small town. Stranded, he accepts the hospitality of a tea planter only to discover that the planter’s wife Karuna is the girl he once loved and also let down. Emboldened by his current success, Amitabha asks Karuna to run away with him, but the past perhaps cannot be recaptured. ROCK ME TO THE MOON Can : Yut Sau Yiu Gwun Seung Yuet Kau Lit : One Rock To The Moon d. Huang Chia-Chun Length: 115 mins. Opening November 9 2013 at the Hong Kong Asian Film Festival Opening December 5 2013 Site : http://www.hkaff.asia/taiwan/Rock_Me_to_the_Moon.html [ HONG KONG ASIAN FILM FESTIVAL ] An ode to parental love and the healing power of music, director Huang Chia-chun’s heartfelt documentary charts the unlikely formation of Sleepy Dads, an amateur band made up of six middle-aged men who all have children that are disabled by rare diseases. While these would-be rockers come from a diversity of career backgrounds – from high school English teacher and social activist to church administrator and taxi driver – they’re tightly bound by a common desire to transcend the domestic torment and live their lives to the fullest. Can these selfless fathers – many of whom total beginners in band performance – pick up their new instruments in time to rock the stage of the popular Ho-Hai-Yan Gongliao Rock Festival? “We’re not novices – we’re veterans,” a father exclaims at one point. Rock Me to the Moon provides ample reason to believe. MARY IS HAPPY, MARY IS HAPPY d. Nawapol Thamrongrattanarit Poonpiriya Patcha, Netjui Chonnikan Length : 125 mins. Opening November 8 2013 at the Hong Kong Asian Film Festival Site : http://www.hkaff.asia/asian/Mary_is_Happy.html [ HONG KONG ASIAN FILM FESTIVAL ] An ordinary girl encounters the unexplainable in this bold narrative experiment from writer-director Nawapol Thamrongrattanarit. Mary is a high school senior due to graduate soon, and she’s already busy dealing with love, friendship and general life problems. But now strange and seemingly random events are happening to her, and she must make sense of her increasingly uncontrollable life before it completely derails. Thamrongrattanarit sought a new means of storytelling, and took 410 consecutive Tweets from an anonymous girl’s Twitter stream as his inspiration. Keeping the order and content of the Tweets intact, he adapted them into a fictional film, resulting in an original and imaginative commentary on the unpredictable nature of contemporary life. DOOMSDAY BOOK d. Kim Ji-Woon, Yim Pil-Sung Kim Kang-Woo, Bae Doo-Na Length : 115 mins. Opening November 8 2013 at the Hong Kong Asian Film Festival Site : http://www.hkaff.asia/asian/Doomsday_Book.html [ HONG KONG ASIAN FILM FESTIVAL ] Kim Jee-woon and Yim Pil-sung team up to offer three off-the-wall doomsday scenarios in this star-studded sci-fi anthology that approaches the collapse of humanity from unexpected angles. In Yim's Brave New World, a researcher's bad first date is followed by a virus outbreak, then zombie apocalypse. A temple worker robot achieves enlightenment in Kim's The Heavenly Creature, but its cognizance is viewed as a threat by its makers. Finally, in Happy Birthday, a girl and her bickering family hide in a bunker as a world-ending meteorite hurls towards earth. -197 DEGREE CELISUS MURDER Can : Bing Lor Sat Lit : Ice Naked Murder AKA : A CHILLING COSPLAY Can : Sai Fook Lit : Uniform d. Wang Guangli Simon Yam Tat Wa, Vivian Hsu (Tsui Yeuk Suen), Ying Er, Yuan Hong, Chen Sichng, Wu Yue, O.D., Li Ai, Winnie Leung Man Yi, Wu Qingqing Rating : IIB Length : 92 mins. Opening November 7 2013 [ YAHOO! MOVIES HONG KONG ] Susanna, a young and rich lady, was found mysteriously murdered in an abandoned hospital building. Since the victim had left an inheritance of ten billion dollars, Inspector Wayne took charge of the case and started to investigate all the related trails and people like David, Susanna’s husband and Vincent, the insurance agent. Subsequently, another rich lady was found dead at the beach also with cosplay dress-up and heavy make-up. She was murdered in the same way as Susanna, with her lungs seriously frostbitten but the murder weapon was still a mystery. However, the modus operandi suggested that these two murders were committed by a serial killer. During the investigation, Wayne got to know Jeana, a common friend of the two victims and accidentally came across an old photograph where Jeana attended a “Cosplay” event together with the victims long time ago. To everyone’s astonishment, the dress-ups of both victims were exactly the same as when their dead bodies were found. This crucial finding had put Jeana in danger. Upon further investigation, the police arrested Bill, a tailor specialized in making nostalgic “Cosplay” dresses, as the prime suspect. While Wayne thought the case would have come to an end, the third murder perpetrated. The victim was Rosa, Jeana’s sister-in-law. Wayne had run into a dad end. In a cold storage, an ice pick was fiercely plunged into a picture of Jeana. Why did the killer target on Jeana and the other victims? What was the deep hatred between them? Who was the killer then... LIBRARY WARS Can : Toh Shu Guoon Jin Jung d. Shinsuke Sato Junichi Okada, Nana Eikura Opening November 7 2013 [ YAHOO! MOVIES HONG KONG] The government in order to correct people's thinking set a "Media Betterment Act". Printed material must pass the Media Betterment Committee's inspection before release; the Library Defense Force that persists on freedom of written ideas is the only ones who can protect libraries, as all "banned books" can only be displayed in libraries. Meanwhile, the MBC and the Library continue their tug of war. Gradually the struggle goes from text to battles as both sides develop their own forces...... HWAYI Can : Mor Tung Sat Sau Lit : Demon Child Killer d. Jang Joon-Hwan Kim Yun-Seok, Yeo Jin-Goo, Rating : III Opening November 7 2013 [ YAHOO! MOVIES HONG KONG ] Innocent youth Hwayi has five vicious criminal "fathers". They are known as the "White Sun Fiends" who for years have been committing crimes and kill at the bat of the eye. Leader Seok-Tae and the others raise Hwayi and teach him a variety of criminal abilities. On his first murder, Hawyi's childhood demons are awaken... NOBODY'S HOME d. Deniz Akcay Katiksiz Ahu Turkpence, Lale Basar, Savas Alp Basar, Melis Ebeler Length : 81 mins. Opening November 7 2013 at the Hong Kong Asian Film Festival Site : http://www.hkaff.asia/asian/Nobody_s_Home.html [ HONG KONG ASIAN FILM FESTIVAL ] Director Deniz Akcay Katiksiz lost her father as a teenager and went through years of therapy to find closure. She draws from her own experience to write and direct this poignant drama about how a family changes after the death of the father. The psychology and dynamics of the household become tense and unstable as members struggle to cope with the grief and adjust to new roles. The oldest daughter is pushed by her needy mother to shoulder the household. The teenage son goes awry trying to take charge while the youngest daughter feels increasingly alienated from the family. ONE EVENING AFTER THE WAR d. RithyPanh CheaLyda Chan, NarithRoeun, PengPhan, RathaKeo Length : 108 mins. Opening November 5 2013 at the Hong Kong Asian Film Festival Site : http://www.hkaff.asia/rithy/One_Evening_After_the_War.html [ HONG KONG ASIAN FILM FESTIVAL ] August, 1992. Soldier Savannah returns to civilian life after four years of fighting the Khmer Rouge. Having lost most of his family during the Cambodian Civil War, Savannah now lives in Phnom Penh among haunted people struggling for normalcy. Yet he still feels hope, and begins a romance with the disillusioned Srey Poeuv, a 19 year-old bar girl and prostitute buried in debt. Savannah enters into a pact with Srey Poeuv to never again sell their bodies, but the wounds they share may be too deep to overcome. Working from an original screenplay co-written with ÈveDeboise, Rithy Panh brings his insight as a documentarian to this social drama about life in post-war Cambodia. QISSA d. Anup Singh Irrfan Khan, Tillotama Shome, Raskika Dugal, Tisca Chopra Length : 109 mins. Opening November 5 2013 at the Hong Kong Asian Film Festival Site : http://www.hkaff.asia/asian/Qissa.html [ HONG KONG ASIAN FILM FESTVIAL ] Umber is a Sikh who was forced to leave his village due to ethnic cleansing during the Partition of India in 1947. As he tries to rebuild a new life with his family, Umber becomes so obsessed with having a son that he convinces himself and the world that his fourth daughter is actually a son. Even when Umber’s “son” displays physical feminine qualities, Umber refuses to acknowledge her real identity. A story of individualism versus traditional values and gender identities in a society driven by strong traditional values, Anup Singh’s family drama will surely spark conversations long after the film is over. . . KARAOKE GIRL d. Visra Vichit Vadakan Sa Sittijun, Supavich Mepremwattana Length : 77 mins. Opening November 4 2013 at the Hong Kong Asian Film Festival Site : http://www.hkaff.asia/asian/Karaoke_Girl.html [ HONG KONG ASIAN FILM FESTIVAL ] A unique combination of documentary and fiction film, Karaoke Girl follows Sa Sittijun, who at fifteen went to work at a factory in Bangkok, but three years later decided to sell her body in order to support her family. Four years later, she met writer-director Visra Vichit Vadakan, who “cast” her in Karaoke Girl, sensitively documenting Sa’s life as a sex worker while warmly exploring her poor family and rustic origins. Meanwhile, Sa participates in Vadakan’s scripted narrative, which depicts Sa’s bittersweet search for real love between her daily toils. Sa Sittijun displays natural poise playing a fictionalized version of herself in this assured and illuminating first feature from Visra Vichit Vadakan. THE MISSING PICTURE d. RithyPanh Length : 90 mins. Opening November 4 2013 at the Hong Kong Asian Film Festival Site : http://www.hkaff.asia/rithy/The_Missing_Picture.html [ HONG KONG ASIAN FILM FESTIVAL ] Winner of the top prize in the Un Certain Regard section of the 2013 Cannes Film Festival, The Missing Picture is a haunting and undeniably bold documentary about the Cambodia genocide. The film depicts the teenage years of director RithyPanh, when his family suffered horribly beneath Pol Pot’s dictatorial regime. The picture, however, is “missing”. The only filmed images that exist from those years are Khmer Rouge propaganda, so Panh uses clay figures as stand-ins for himself, and also many Cambodians who would suffer atrocities at the Khmer Rouge’s hands. As a harrowing memoir of an oppressed people and a cinema experiment in representation, The Missing Picture is worthy of all its accolades, both past and forthcoming. INTRUDER d. Noh Young-Seok Jun Suk-Ho, Oh Tae-Kyung Length : 99 mins. Opening November 3 2013 at the Hong Kong Asian Film Festival Site : http://www.hkaff.asia/midnight/Intruders.html [ HONG KONG ASIAN FILM FESTIVAL ] Indie director Noh Young-seok made a splash on the festival circuit five years ago with his debut effort Daytime Drinking. His satirical sophomore feature raises the stakes to a tense cabin-in-the-woods dark comedy filled with deadpan humor, deadly suspense and political undertones. A screenwriter heads to a resort deep in the snow-covered mountains for some alone time to finish his script, but strange and unexpected visitors keep showing up to disturb and possibly endanger him. When bodies are found in the woods, he realizes too late that the answer has been in front of him all along. LETTERS FROM THE SOUTH d. Aditya Assarat, Royston Tan, Midi Z, Sun Koh, Tan Chui Mui, Tsai Ming-Liang Huang Lu, Lee Kang Sheng Length : 105 mins. Opening November 3 2013 at the Hong Kong Asian Film Festival Site : http://www.hkaff.asia/asian/Letters_from_the_south.html [ HONG KONG ASIAN FILM FESTIVAL ] Six directors, six stories about the Chinese diaspora in Southeast Asia. Two cousins, one Thai and one Chinese, reunite in Bangkok in Aditya Assarat's young and wistful Now Now Now. Royston Tan's short explores the meaning behind one Singapore family's tradition of making Popiah, a spring roll eaten on the Qingming Festival. A woman visits her dying grandfather in the Burmese countryside in Midi Z's Burial Clothes. In Sun Koh's Singapore Panda, a veteran radio announcer faces changes at work after his station gets bought out. Malaysian director Tan Chui Mui converses with a ghost of the past in A Night in Malacca, and Tsai Ming-liang reflects on his Malaysian hometown of Kuching in Walking on Water. GREATFUL DEAD d. Eiji Uchida Kumi Takiuchi, Takashi Sasano Length : 97 mins. Opening November 3 2013 at the Hong Kong Asian Film Festival Site : http://www.hkaff.asia/midnight/Greatful_Dead.html [ HONG KONG ASIAN FILM FESTIVAL ] Abandoned by her philanthropy-obsessed mother and left alone by her suicidal father at a young age, Nami naturally grew up a little off-kilter. Obsessed with loneliness, her main hobby is spying on other lonely, anti-social introverts, whom she calls "solitarians." Her latest solitarian target: An old man who spends his time at home watching pornography. Nami grows progressively obsessed with the old man, and she soon crosses the line from peeping tom to kidnapper. Dealing with issues like religion, isolation, fetishes and even Japan's aging society, the latest film from Brazil-born Eiji Uchida is a wild genre mishmash that will make you laugh and keep you at the edge of your seats. PRINCESS SAKURA: FORBIDDEN PLEASURES d. Hajime Hashimoto Kyoko Hinami, Munetaka Aoki, Denden Length : 96 mins. Opening November 3 2013 at the Hong Kong Asian Film Festival Site : http://www.hkaff.asia/midnight/Princess_Sakura_Forbidden_Pleasure.html [ HONG KONG ASIAN FILM FESTIVAL ] The Japanese jidaigeki (period swordplay) genre gets an erotic twist with this wildly entertaining film. Model Hinami Kyoko stars as Sakura, a princess who is raped one night by a mysterious man. Despite only recognizing him by his tattoo, Sakura falls madly in love with her attacker, even to the point of getting the same tattoo as him. Soon, Sakura gives up her life of luxury and becomes a prostitute. Based on the kabuki play Sakurahime Azuma Bunsho, director Hashimoto Hajime’s experimental reinvention of this classic story of love and obsession comes with plenty of style and (very) dark humor. MISS ZOMBIE d. SABU (Hiroyuki Tanaka) Ayaka Komatsu, Makoto Togashi, Toru Tezuka Length : 85 mins. Opening November 3 2013 at the Hong Kong Asian Film Festival Site : http://www.hkaff.asia/midnight/Miss_Zombie.html [ HONG KONG ASIAN FILM FESTIVAL ] Imagine a zombie film in which the human characters are bigger monsters than the zombie. The latest film from director SABU (Bunny Drop, Postman Blues) is a gritty, black-and-white horror drama set in a world in which zombies can be sold as commodities. One day, one of these zombies, a scarred shell of a beautiful woman named Sara, is delivered to the Teramoto family. Working as a maid, Sara is ultimately exploited as a sex tool for the father and becomes the target of the mother’s scorn. SABU offers a refreshing twist to a familiar genre, making his zombie the most sympathetic character in this disturbing and surprisingly touching film. BLACK SQUARE d. Hiroshi Okuhara Hideo Nakaizumi, Dan Hong Length : 141 mins. Opening November 3 2013 at the Hong Kong Asian Film Festival Site : http://www.hkaff.asia/asian/Black_Square.html [ HONG KONG ASIAN FILM FESTIVAL ] Eight years since his last movies, this New Currents winner of the Busan International Film Festival chose to set his latest film at an artists’ village on the outskirts of Beijing. Painter Zhao-Ping is led by a mysterious black object floating in the sky to a man he does not know. Who is he? Zhao-Ping sifts through memories of his distant past. Eventually, his younger sister Lihua also joins the search...A romantic film by a Japanese director that was shot entirely in Chinese and on location in Beijing. Cast and crew members who supported the project came together from Japan and China, fulfilling a collaboration with an abundantly handmade feel. BOUNDLESS Can : Mo Ngai: To Kei Fung Dik Din Ying Sai Gai Lit : Boundless: Johnnie To's Film World d. Ferris Lin (Lam Chak Chau) Johnnie To Kei Fung, Sylvia Chang (Cheung Ngai Ga), Sean Lau Ching Wan, Louis Koo Tin Lok, Sammi Cheng Sau Man, Andy Lau Tak Wa, Simon Yam Tat Wa Length : 95 mins. Opening November 2 2013 at the Hong Kong Asian Film Festival Site : http://www.hkaff.asia/hkfilm/Boundless.html [ HONG KONG ASINA FILM FESTIVAL ] As Hong Kong's foremost filmmaker, Johnnie To himself becomes the protagonist of this painstaking documentary exploring him and his Boundless world of film. A film student from Beijing and avid Johnnie To fan, Ferris Lin boldly approached To with a proposal to document the master director for his graduation thesis. To agreed immediately and Lin's camera closely followed him for over two years, capturing the man behind the movies and the myths. The result is Boundless, a candid profile of one of Hong Kong's greatest directors and a heartfelt love letter to Hong Kong cinema. OMAR Can : Ming Won Joi Fan Cheung Lit : Fate Goes Over The Wall d. Hany Abu-Assad Adam Bakri, Waleed Zuaiter Length : 98 mins. Opening November 2 2013 at the Hong Kong Asian Film Festival Site : http://www.hkaff.asia/cineaste/Omar.html [ HONG KONG ASIAN FILM FESTIVAL ] Director Hany Abu-Assad’s first Palestinian feature since his acclaimed suicide bomber drama Paradise Now (2005), this Un Certain Regard Special Jury Prize winner again throws its audience into the thick of a gut-wrenching tale of love, honour and betrayal in the Middle East. The young and handsome Omar is a West Bank revolutionary aspiring to fight off the Israeli military occupation. But while he is captured one day and put in jail for the senseless murder of a soldier he committed with two childhood friends and accomplices, a suspicion of treachery – if not also the persistent threat of violence – soon plunges the freedom fighter into a downward spiral of physical and emotional torture. Is there really a stoolpigeon in their mix – and who could it be? The outrageous ending alone will blow you away. STRAY DOGS Can : Gau Yau d. Tsai Ming Liang Lee Kang Sheng, Yang Kuei Mei Length : 138 mins. Opening November 2 2013 at the Hong Kong Asian Film Festival Site : http://www.hkaff.asia/gala/Stray_Dogs.html [ HONG KONG ASIAN FILM FESTIVAL ] Tsai Ming Liang won the Golden Lion at Venice in 1994 with his second feature, Vive L’Amour. After almost two decades and a distinguished career as one of world’s preeminent auteurs, it seems only fitting that the Malaysian-born, Taiwanese filmmaker would pick up the Grand Jury Prize at the same festival with possibly his swan song, Stray Dogs. Tsai regular Lee Kang-Sheng plays an impoverished Taipei man who holds up advertising placards by day and lives in a deserted building with his two children by night. A kind-hearted supermarket staff helps out the kids, although things take a subsequent turn for the surreal as hints of regret and loss flood into the film. Its pair of ten-minute-plus final shots provide a haunting and strangely emotional conclusion to an oeuvre that, even when considered as part of the Slow Cinema movement, stands as one of a kind. THE LUNCHBOX d. Ritesh Batra Irrfan Khan, Nimrat Kaur Length : 104 mins. Opening November 2 2013 at the Hong Kong Asian Film Festival Site : http://www.hkaff.asia/newtalent/The_Lunchbox.html [ HONG KONG ASIAN FILM FESTIVAL ] Already hailed by many as one of the most charming Indian dramas in recent years, writer-director Ritesh Batra’s Mumbai-set debut tells the story of two lonely souls who are coincidentally connected over a mix-up in lunchbox service. Saajan is a grouchy and withdrawn widower who’s counting his days to retirement after 35 years in a joyless job; Ila, meanwhile, is a sad and neglected housewife despite being a wizard of a cook. As the pair of strangers begin pouring their hearts out to each other in the hand-written notes they hide in the wrongly delivered lunchbox every day, the film gently reveals itself to be a heart-warming tale on the sorrows of aging and the redemptive value of human connection. And as the characters whimsically suggest: sometimes the wrong train might just get you to the right station. WHY DON'T YOU PLAY IN HELL d. Sion Sono Jun Kunimura, Shinichi Tsutsumi, Hiroki Hasegawa, Fumi Nikaido Length : 126 mins. Opening November 2 2013 at the Hong Kong Asian Film Festival Site : http://www.hkaff.asia/midnight/Why_Don_t_You_Play_in_Hell.html [ HONG KONG ASIAN FILM FESTIVAL ] Sion Sono pays tribute to movie magic with a wild, blood-soaked comedy that the filmmaker calls a “requiem to 35mm film.” Ten years after a gangland massacre derails Mitsuko’s child star career, her father Muto attempts to give her a long-awaited comeback by casting her as the lead of an indie film. However, Mitsuko takes off in the middle of the shoot and massacre survivor Ikegami (Tsutsumi Shinichi) is back to take revenge. Now, it’s up to the film crew to bring Mitsuko back and finish the film – while trapped in the middle of a yakuza war. Filled with maniacal murderers and equally crazy filmmakers, Why Don’t You Play in Hell is easily Sono’s most playful film since Love Exposure. COMRADE KIM GOES FLYING Can : Siu Gum Tung Ji Seung Yiu Fei Lit : Little Kim Comrade Wants To Fly d. Kim Gwang Hun, Anja Daelemans, Nicholas Bonner Han Jong Sim, Pak Chung Guk Length : 81 mins. Opening November 1 2013 Site : http://www.hkaff.asia/asian/Comrade_Kim_goes_Flying.html [ HONG KONG ASIAN FILM FESTIVAL ] Comrade Kim Goes Flying is a fairytale in more ways than one. This is an unprecedented collaboration between three directors (one British, one Belgian, one North Korean) and countless North Korean colleagues who through belief and sheer force of will brought this Disney-esque tale to the screen. Professional circus performer Han Jong-sim underwent intense acting training to play Kim Yong-mi, a 28 year-old coal miner who gave up her dreams of being an acrobat to toil in the mines. But when she travels to Pyongyang, she’s instantly enchanted by the circus big top, the thrill of the trapeze, and the attentions of hunky acrobat Pak Jang-phil (Pak-Chung-guk). The feel-good movie of the year – for audiences and filmmakers alike! PAPER CANNOT WRAP UP EMBERS d. RithyPanh Length : 91 mins. Opening October 30 2013 at the Hong Kong Asian Film Festival Site : http://www.hkaff.asia/rithy/Paper_Cannot_Wrap_Up_Embers.html [ HONG KGON ASIAN FILM FESTIVAL ] RithyPanh’s Paper Cannot Wrap Up Embers is a revealing and sometimes cruelly honest documentary about lives that have become dehumanizing routine. Panh illuminates a lesser-seen, but not less vital segment of the Cambodian people, as he and his documentary crew follow disillusioned prostitutes living and working in Phnom Penh. Similar to S21: The Khmer Rouge Death Machine, Panh’s style is neither didactic nor lecturing but is instead a tapestry woven by his subjects as they reenact and comment on their daily drudgery. Serving as a silent witness, Panh’s camera nor his crew ever interfere, allowing these marginalized women to create their own indelible document. A COMPLICATED STORY Can : Yut Gor Fook Jap Goo Si d. Kiwi Chow Koon Wai Jacqueline Zhu Zhiying, Jacky Cheung Hok Yau, Stephanie Che Yuen Yuen, Zi Yi, Deanie Ip Tak Han, Lo Hoi Pang, John Shum Kin Fun Length : 109 mins. Opening October 29 2013 at the Hong Kong Asian Film Festival Site : http://www.hkaff.asia/hkfilm/A_Complicated_Story.html [ HONG KONG ASIAN FILM FESTIVAL ] Needing money for her brother’s medical treatment, Liu Yaziagrees to become a surrogate mother for a mysterious benefactor. But when the contract is suddenly terminated, she disappears in a whirlwind, taking the unborn child and leaving former acquaintances, spurned lovers and secret admirers seeking her desperately. MAY WE CHAT AKA : WHAT'S UP GIRL AKA : LONELY FIFTEEN 2013 Can : Lan Mui Jai 2013 ji Mei Gau Siu Nui d. Philip Yung Tsz Kwong Irene Wan Bik Ha, Mak Tak Woh, Rainky Wai Yu Yui, Heidi Lee Jing Yi, Kabby Hui Nga Ting, Dominic Ho Ho Man, Length : 98 mins. Opening October 29 2013 at the Hong Kong Asian Film Festival Site : http://www.hkaff.asia/hkfilm/May_We_Chat.html [ HONG KONG ASIAN FILM FESTIVAL ] Set in the generation of smartphones and web 2.0, the film follows three troubled young girls who will do anything to escape their stifling lives – even if it means turning to drugs and prostitution. The advent of technology may have made communication easier than ever, but cautionary tales of misunderstood youths remain as relevant as they were two decades ago. OUR SUNHI d. Hong Sang-Soo Jung Yu-Mi, Jung Jae-Young, Kim Sang-Joong, Lee Sun-Kyun Length : 88 mins. Opening October 28 2013 at the Hong Kong Asian Film Festival Site : http://www.hkaff.asia/cineaste/Our_Sunhi.html [ HONG KONG ASIAN FILM FESTIVAL ] Finally making up her mind to go study abroad, film school grad Sunhi returns to her alma mater to get a recommendation letter from her former professor. She crosses paths with two other directors along the way. All three men carry a torch for Sunhi and have their own self-absorbed ideas of what's best for her. WHEN C GOES TO G7 Can : Dong C Yu Seung G7 d. Lawrence Kan Kwan Chun Carlos Chan Ka Lok, Yukilovey, Roy Chow Wing Hung, Anjyalia Chan Ka Bo Length : 90 mins. Opening October 27 2013 at the Hong Kong Asian Film Festival Site : http://www.hkaff.asia/hkfilm/When_C_goes_to_G7.html [ HONG KONG ASIAN FILM FESTIVAL ] It may only be part of being young, although the protagonists at the centre of this local independent feature are all treating their music dreams and adolescent romances as if they’re the most important things in the world – and who’s to say they’re not? When a heartbroken film school graduate, an unemployed UC Berkeley MBA graduate and a junior high school student converge at the music instruments store of an aspiring musician, quirky thoughts on everything from work and education to love and life emerge against a truly catchy soundtrack. Relationships end and hopes are occasionally dashed in this episodic drama, but few could complain that this isn’t a thoughtful attempt to capture the sentiments of growing up in Hong Kong as we know it today. A refreshing delight. CHANTHALY Can : Yum Yeung Gai Lit : Yin Yang Zone d. Mattie Do Amphaiphun Phimmapunya, Douangmany Soliphanh Length : 98 mins. Opening October 27 2013 at the Hong Kong Asian Film Festival Site : http://www.hkaff.asia/midnight/Chanthaly.html [ HONG KONG ASIAN FILM FESTIVAL ] Beautiful and sheltered Chanthalay was raised alone by her overprotective father and takes regular medication to ward off a hereditary heart condition. But Chanthalay begins to experience visions of her dead mother – an impossibility because her mother died in childbirth and Chanthalay can’t possibly remember her face. Are the visions merely hallucinations induced by Chanthalay’s medication, or is her mother trying to communicate from beyond the grave? The first feature from director Mattie Do and indeed the first horror film in the history of Laos, Chanthaly starts a measured ghost thriller before transforming into something more surprising and emotional. THE SECOND SIGHT 3D Can : Yum Won Ngan Lit : Dark Soul Eye d. Pornchai Hongrattanaporn Nawat Kulratanarak, Rhatha Phongam, Jirawtsuntorakul Opening October 24 2013 [ YAHOO! MOVIES HONG KONG ] Jate is born with a pair of "dark soul eyes", all spirit, evil, ghosts appear in front of himself without any place to hide. He can even see other people's current and previous lives. To avoid making friends and family uncomfortable, Jate can only keep his ability to himself; only his girlfriend Joom knows about this secret. One day, Jate witnesses rich girl Kaew in an unusual fatal car accident and with his "dark soul eyes" he sees Kaew's horrifying encounter in the future...... STRAWBERRY NIGHT Can : Huet Sik Cho Mui Yeh Lit : Blood Colored Strawberry Night d. Yuichi Sato Yuko Takeuchi, Hidetoshi Nishijima, Takao Osawa, Ryuhei Maruyama, Keisuke Koide, Tomokazu Miura Rating : IIB Length : 127 mins. Opening October 24 2013 [ YAHOO! MOVIES HONG KONG ] Based on Tetsuya Honda's best selling work INVISIBLE RAIN, a man is murdered and has multiple stab wounds. The left eye is pierced and the method of killing is the same as the victims months ago. All three are members of the same gang. The police classifies the cases as rivalry within the gang, but Reiko Himekawa receives a call that claims the murderer is Kento Yanai. Her superior orders against investigating Kento Yanai. DETECTIVE CONAN: PRIVATE EYE IN THE DISTANT SEA Can : Ming Jing Tam or Nan: Juet Hoi Dik Jing Tam d. Kobun Shizuno Japanese Animation Rating : IIA Length 110 mins. Opening October 24 2013 [ YAHOO! MOVIES HONG KONG ] Conan, Ran, Kogoro Mouri and the young detective team participate in a warship exercise. Under the demonstration at sea with the Self Defense Forces they witness the extraordinary presence of the air to sea exercise. At this time, a mysterious enemy suddenly attacks and the exercise turns into a real battle! ROCKIN' ON HEAVEN'S DOOR Can : Yut Lo Ho Rock d. Danny Nam Taek-Soo Lee Hong-Gi, Baek Jin-Hee, Ma Dong-Seok, Lim Won-Hee Rating : IIA Length : 100 mins. Opening October 14 2013 [ BROADWAY CIRCUIT ] The world famous K-Pop star, Chung-Ui, played by FT Island’s Lee Hong-gi, is sentenced to 300 hours of probation after he got into a scuffle with a drunk. He serves the time in a hospice where the patients drink and smoke but nobody cares! While Chung-Ui lies down on a job and tries to escape from Anna, a volunteer supervisor, who meddles in every single thing he does, he happened to look over the hospice band ‘Phoenix’ practicing. Although the patients all know they could die tomorrow, they put their hearts and soul for the band. Chung-Ui rediscovers his passion for music, but the question is: would selfish Chung-Ui manage to finish the service successfully? MY LUCKY STAR Can : Fei Seung Hung Won Lit : Extraordinarily Lucky d. Dennie Gordon Zhang Ziyi, Wang Leehom, Ruby Lin, Yao Chen, Ada Choi Siu Fun, Ryan Zheng Kai, Terri Kwan Wing Rating : IIA Length : 113 mins. Opening October 10 2013 [ YAHOO! MOVIES HONG KONG ] By chance, under her friend Li and Lu's urging, otaku comic book creator Sophie heads to Singapore and runs into her dream "Bond" man David. Yet, after a series of stumbles, Sophie messes up "special agent" David's project. Actually David and his assistant Bo are investigating the whereabouts of the world's largest diamond "lucky star"...... TINY TIMES 2 Can : Siu Si Doi 2: Ching Muk Si Doi Lit : Tiny Times 2: Green Wood Times d. Guo Jingming Mini Yang Mi, Ko Chen-Tung, Amber Kuo, Rydian Vaughan, Haden Kuo, Xie Yilin, Chen Xuedong, Wang Lin Rating : IIA Length : 117 mins. Opening October 10 2013 [ YAHOO! MOVIES HONG KONG ] Time flies, Lin Xiao, Gu Li, Nan Xiang, Tong Wanru welcomed their graduation day. As everyone were busy planning for th future, Gu Li began to prepare for her birthday party. This annual event, as her awkward past with Nan Xiang's former boyfriend was uncovered, turned into a gathering that will test the relationships between the ladies. 7 DAYS OF HIMAWARI Can : Dai Chut Yut Kei Jik Lit : The Seventh Day Miracle d. Emiko Hiramatsu Masato Sakai, Miki Nakatani Rating : I Length : 104 mins. Opening October 10 2013 [ BROADWAY CIRCUIT ] An encounter with a mother dog that lost her sense of trust. But we were determined to save that little creature’s life. Based on a true story, a deeply moving film filled with tender love. That dog has quickly grown in an environment filled with the generous love of old couples, but they both died all too soon, the dog was no longer loved by humans, and she became all alone. She used her strength to survive in the midst of nature and soon give birth of puppies. Shoji is employed by the Public Health Center. Since his wife passed away, he has done his best to raise his two children. After encountering the solitary mother dog that risks her life to protect her puppies, Shoji makes a decision to save the little creature’s life. She had completely closed her hearts towards humans, but was given the name “Himawari” which means “Sunflower”. [ 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 Lai Sa, Chin Kar Lok DOCUMENTARY OF AKB48 - TO BE CONTINUED Can : AKB48 Sum Ching Gei Sut 1: Sut Nin Hau Wui Hong Gum Tin Lit : AKB48 Heart Journey Documentary 1: Ten Years Later Looking Back At Today d. Eiki Takahashi Atsuko Maeda, Yuko Oshima, Yuki Kashiwagi Rating : I Length : 121 mins. Opening September 2013 [ BROADWAY CIRCUIT ] AKB48 looks back on the year of 2012 with their new documentary film. Amid the peak of its popularity, Atsuko Maeda, the original member of AKB48 who had been Center of the group since its formation, declared graduation. Shocked by the news, some cry out of desperation and some are worried about the future ahead. August marks an important milestone in the history of AKB who made huge success with the grand Tokyo Dome concerts. However, it’s immediately followed by Maeda’s graduation. Minami Takahashi, the tiny little captain who is going to take up the leader job, therefore declared a surprising departure of AKB48 for their new goal. THE LAND OF WANDERING SOULS d. RithyPanh Length : 109 mins. Opening November 12 2013 at the Hong Kong Asian Film Festival [ HONG KONG ASIAN FILM FESTIVAL ] In 1999, Southeast Asia’s first fiber-optic cable was laid across Cambodia, stretching from one border of the war-torn country to the other. The difficult project provided low-paying jobs for the impoverished locals, and Rithy Panh and his documentary crew followed the workers for four months as they dug trenches through miles of ruined earth – and through history, collective memory, rusting instruments of war and forgotten human remains. An uncommonly dignified act of witness, The Land of Wandering Souls captures the strength, wit and humanity of the Cambodian people, as well as the social and economic contradictions facing a long-suffering nation as it enters the modern age. REAL Can : Jung Oi Chim Hung Lit : Real Love Hidden Walk d. Kiyoshi Kurosawa Takeru Sato, Haruka Ayase, Miki Nakatani, Joe Odagiri Rating : IIA Length : 127 mins. Opening October 27 2013 at the Hong Kong Asian Film Festival Opening Novembr 14 2013 Site : http://www.hkaff.asia/cineaste/Real.html [ BROADWAY CIRCUIT ] Koichi and Atsumi are lovers who have known each other all their lives. A year ago, however, a suicide attempt by Atsumi left her in a coma. Through ‘sensing’, a type of neurosurgical procedure allowing contact with the intentional aspect of a comatose patient’s mind, Koichi tries to find out why Atsumi tried to kill herself, and to bring her back to consciousness. He enters her subconscious, and is told to find a picture of a plesiosaur she drew when she was a child. It turns out that a childhood incident buried in their past will bring their minds together. KAMEN RIDER X SUPRE SENTAI : SUPER HERO TAISEN Can : Mung Min Chiu Yun X Chiu Cup Jin Dui Super Hero Dai Jin d. Osamu Kaneda Masahiro Inoue, Ryota Ozawa, Sota Fukushi, Katsuhiro Suzuki, Shu Watanabe Rating : I Length : 90 mins. Opening November 16 2013 [ YAHOO! MOVIES HONG KONG ] Kamen Rider and Super Sentai are two hero organizations that have long safeguarded Earth and peace. Yet Kamen Rider Decade suddenly attacks Super Sentai. At the same time Gokaigers also begins attack Kamen Riders. Decade becomes the Great Leader of Dai-Shocker while Captain Marvelous gathers Zangyack to form the Dai-Zangyack fleet....... FISH STORY Can : Ji Fei Yu d. Wong Siu Pong Length : 72 mins. Opening November 16 2013 at the Hong Kong Asian Film Festival Site : http://www.hkaff.asia/newtalent/Fish_Story.html [ HONG KONG ASIAN FILM FESTIVAL ] J and Jacky are two inseparable best friends whose families share a subdivided flat. J is often left under the care of Jacky’s family when his mother returns to the Mainland to renew her residency permit. Soon, we see from J and Jacky’s classmates that such a living arrangement is not a unique situation. Wong Siu-pong’s documentary explores a new generation of immigrants from China who uprooted their lives to secure a Hong Kong education for their children. Told from the perspective of these children, the film shows that the real lessons for them aren’t in the classroom, but from struggling in poverty in the real world. THE LONELY WIFE d. Satyajit Ray Soumitra Chatterjee, Madhabi Mukherjee, Shailen Mukherjee Length : 117 mins. Opening November 14 2013 at the Hong Kong Asian Film Festival Site : http://www.hkaff.asia/restore/The_Lonely_Wife.html [ HONG KONG ASIAN FILM FESTIVAL ] Considered by some critics to be Satyajit Ray’s masterpiece, The Lonely Wife represents the celebrated auteur at the height of his powers. Based on the novella “Nastanirh” by Rabindranath Tagore, and set in the late 1800s, the film concerns Charu, a housewife whose affluent lifestyle is marred by loneliness. Too busy with work, her husband Bhupati asks his cousin Amal to spend time with Charu. But soon their relationship blossoms into something stronger. Ray uses minimal dialogue and a masterful use of film technique to assemble this subtle yet deeply felt drama of unfulfilled longing and resigned frustration. Once cited by Satyajit Ray as his favorite among his own films. AGAIN d. Junichi Kanai Yagira Yuya, Yoshikura Aoi Length : 107 mins. Opening November 16 2013 at the Hong Kong Asian Film Festival Site : http://www.hkaff.asia/newtalent/Again.html [ HONG KONG ASIAN FILM FESTIVAL ] The feature film debut of award-winning short film director Kanai Junichi starts off like any other coming-of-age romance: After her father’s death, Hatsumi (Aoi Yoshikura) moves to a small town with her mother. Struggling to fit into her new small town life, she finds a kindred spirit in young garbage collector Ryutaro. However, a devastating incident brings Hatsumi’s world crumbling down, and the traumatized young girl now struggles to find solace in her life. Kanai’s film is not just another story about the joys and woes of first loves; it’s an emotionally complex and sometimes shocking drama that explores very painful issues in a sensitive manner. THE LONG WAY HOME d. Alphan Eseli Ugur Polat, Nergis Ozturk Length : 112 mins. Opening November 16 2013 at the Hong Kong Asian Film Festival Site : http://www.hkaff.asia/newtalent/The_Long_Way_Home.html [ HONG KONG ASIAN FILM FESTIVAL ] During World War I, 90 thousand Turkish soldiers lost their lives at the Battle of Sarikamish, many of them freezing to death on the vast, snow-covered hills of Eastern Anatolia. In the silent cold, among scores of frozen bodies, a man, a woman and her daughter slowly march. Along with four other survivors, they seek a path from the desolation towards the warmth of home. But the group’s initial solidarity erodes as hunger, class tensions and the need for survival challenge their humanity. In his first feature, director Alphan Eseli offers a bleak and haunting look at war fought not by soldiers in battle, but by survivors in their souls. TRANSIT d. Hannah Espia Irma Adlawan, Ping Medina, Mercedes Cabral, Marc Justine Alvarez, Jasmine Curtis-Smith Length : 92 mins. Opening November 16 2013 at the Hong Kong Asian Film Festival Site : http://www.hkaff.asia/newtalent/Transit.html [ HONG KONG ASIAN FILM FESTIVAL ] The Philippines' 2013 Academy Awards entry for Best Foreign Language Film, director Hannah Espia's compelling debut feature sensitively depicts the lives and struggles of the Filipino community in Israel. In 2009, Israel enacts a new law regarding the citizenship criteria for children of migrant workers. Fearing his 4-year-old son may be deported, caregiver Moises tries to keep him home at all times. Anxious single mother Janet strives to raise a mixed teenaged daughter caught between her Israeli and Filipino heritages. Meanwhile, young new arrival Tina begins life in Tel Aviv with high hopes. THE HOLY MAN d. Satyajit Ray Charuprakash Ghosh, Robi Ghosh, Satindra Bhattacharya, Geetali Roy, Santosh Dutta, Prasad Mukherjee Length : 65 mins. Opening November 12 2013 at the Hong Kong Asian Film Festival Site : http://www.hkaff.asia/restore/The_Holy_Man.html [ HONG KONG ASIAN FILM FESTIVAL ] Satyajit Ray skewers spirituality with the satirical comedy The Holy Man, about an upper class family in thrall of a religious huckster. Based on a short story “Birinchibaba” by Bengali writer Rajshekhar Basu, the film tells the story of Birinchi, a “Babaj” (or saint) who claims to be ageless, and even says that he’s rubbed shoulders with Jesus and Buddha, not to mention taught Einstein the theory of relativity. Despite his outlandish claims, widower Gurupada Mitter and his daughter Buchki become Birinchi’s disciples, leaving Buchki’s spurned lover Satya with the task of outing the faux holy man. Ray shows his lighter side in this rich and delightfully-performed farce. BY THE RIVER d. Nontawat Numbenchapol Somchai Tongfah Length : 71 mins. Opening November 15 2013 at the Hong Kong Asian Film Festival Site : http://www.hkaff.asia/newtalent/By_the_River.html [ HONG KONG ASIAN FILM FESTIVAL ] Nontawat Numbenchapol's documentary captures the fallout of the environmental disaster of Klity Creek in Kanchanaburi, which became heavily contaminated due to waste dumping by a lead mining company in the eighties and nineties. Dependent on the creek for water, the Karen villagers of Southern Kitty suffered lead poisoning that has caused decades of sickness, birth defects and deaths. The villagers' fight in court, one of Thailand's most high-profile environmental cases, lasted 15 years. The film contrasts mesmerizing images of the natural peace and beauty of the village and its environs with the daily dangers and tragedies that the villagers endure. DAWN OF A FILMMAKER THE KEISUKE KINOSHITA STORY Can : Ngor Hung Ngor Doh: Muk Ha Wai Gai Muk Yu Lit : I Walk I Direct: The Keisuke Kinoshit Story d. Keiichi Hara Ryo Kase, Yuko Tanaka, Aoi Miyazaki Length : 96 mins. Opening November 17 2013 at the Hong Kong Asian Film Festival Site : http://www.hkaff.asia/cineaste/Dawn_of_a_Filmmaker_the_Keisuke_Kinoshita_Story.html [ HONG KONG ASIAN FILM FESTIVAL ] One of the greatest filmmakers in the history of Japanese cinema, the prolific Keisuke Kinoshita is best known for films like Carmen Comes Home and The Ballad of Narayama. Discover an unknown chapter in his life with this gentle drama, produced by his old studio Shochiku in commemoration of his 100th birthday. Set in wartime Japan, Dawn of a Filmmaker depicts the period when Kinoshita stepped away from filmmaking due his refusal to make pro-military propaganda films. To find refuge for his family, Kinoshita pulled his ailing mother on a handcart on an arduous 60 km journey. This journey would become a major influence for a crucial moment in Kinoshita’s 1944 film The Army. JUVENILE OFFENDER d. Kang Yi-Kwan Lee Jung-Hyun, Seo Yeong-Ju Length : 107 mins. Opening November 17 2013 at the Hong Kong Asian Film Festival Site : http://www.hkaff.asia/newtalent/Juvenile_Offender.html [ HONG KONG ASIAN FILM FESTIVAL ] While serving time in a juvenile detention center, Jin-gu learns that the grandfather who raised him has died and the mother who abandoned him is alive. Upon his release, mother and son start anew as a family for the first time, both hesitant yet hopeful in their reconciliation. It soon becomes apparent, however, that Jin-gu's immature mother can barely take care of herself. Drawing on a greater social context of the struggles of single mothers and troubled youth, Kang Yi-kwan's naturalistic family drama is achingly perceptive in its depiction of coming of age and coming to terms with the same cycle of habitual mistakes. SNOWPIERCER Can : Moot Sai Lit Cheh Lit : Doomsday Express d. Bong Joon-Ho Chris Evas, Song Kang-Ho, Tilda Swinton Length : 126 mins. Opening November 19 2013 at the Hong Kong Asian Film Festival Opening November 28 2013 [ HONG KONG ASIAN FILM FESTIVAL ] Director Bong Joon-ho assembles an all-star international cast for his stunning sci-fi thriller set in a dystopian near future in which earth is frozen over in an Ice Age. A perennially moving train housing the last of humanity is all that remains. Speeding through the snowscape for 17 long years, the train Snowpiercer has developed its own microcosm of society with the compartments strictly divided by class and the poor kept in place by authoritarian rule. A rebel group of lower class passengers languishing in the back of the train decide to fight their way to the front to take control of the engine, but many obstacles and revelations lie in their wait. ILO ILO Can : Ba Ma But Joi Ga Lit : Pa Ma Not At Hom d. Anthony Chen Yao Yann Yann, Chen Tian Wen, Angeli Bayani, Koh Jia Ler Rating : IIA Length : 99 mins. Opening November 16 2013 at the Hong Kong Asian Film Festival Opening November 21 2013 [ YAHOO! MOVIES HONG KONG ] Under the 1997 economic recession, many families in order to make a living have no parent at home. Children are commonly left in the care of a maid. The mischievous Jiale is no exception. Papa is exhausted from trying to keep his job, while the pregnant Mama is so busy with both work and family. Only the maid Teresa is taking care of house chores and the son. Jiale is very resistant of Teresa at first, not only being disobedient but also plays every trick on her. The appearance of Teresa brings even more trouble to the problem family. Parents have no time to take care of their son at all due to work, but the maid Teresa patiently takes care of the misbehaving young master. Neglected by his parents, Jiale and Teresa go from strangers in conflict to gradually developing a deep relationship. Jiale unknowingly develops a lot of emotional dependence on Teresa. The financial storm changes this family, which gradually creates a family storm that hovers over this home...... BENDS Can : Gor Gai Lit : Cross the Line d. Flora Lau Wan Man Carina Lau Ka Ling, Chen Kun, Tian Yuan Opening November 16 2013 at the Hong Kong Asian Film Festival Opening November 24 2013 Site : http://www.festival-cannes.fr/en/archives/ficheFilm/id/11404616/year/2013.html Site : http://www.hkaff.asia/newtalent/Bends.html [ CANNES FILM FESTIVAL ] BENDS straddles the Hong Kong-­-Shenzhen border and tells the story of ANNA, an affluent housewife and FAI, her chauffeur, and their unexpected friendship as they each negotiate the pressures of Hong Kong life and the city’s increasingly complex relationship to mainland China. Fai is struggling to find a way to bring his pregnant wife and young daughter over the Hong Kong border from Shenzhen to give birth to their second child, even though he crosses the border easily every day working as a chauffeur for Anna. Anna, in contrast, is struggling to keep up the facade of her ostentatious lifestyle into which she has married, after the sudden disappearance of her husband amid financial turmoil. Their two lives collide in a common space, the car. FOUR IN LIFE Can : Sei Gwai Yut Sun Lit : Four Season Life d. Lee Lik Chi Ip Chung Long, Wong Gun Yun, Water Lau Chun Yu, Chan Ngai, Gigi Leung Wing Kei, Tse Suet Sum, John Chiang Dai Wai, Ken Hung Cheuk Lap, Nat Chan Pak Cheung Opening November 26 2013 DOOMSDAY.PARTY Can : Moot Yut Pai Dui Lit : Doomsday Party d. Ho Hong Paul Wong Koon Chung, Kay Tse On Kay, Wilfred Lau Ho Lung, Kelvin Kwan Chor Yiu, Teddy Robin Kwan Opening November 28 2013 [ YAHOO! MOVIES HONG KONG ] In a society where real estate reign, corruptions and the wealth gap are commonplace, some chooses to remain silent and some are determined to oppose. University drop out Long robs a bank with a bomb in a Robin Hood plan. Unexpectedly the bomb explodes by accident, Long and his hostages, former cop Kin Ho whose career ended due to eye disease, bank employee Wan Yi who buries honesty both in love and at work, divorcee Rebecca and retired teacher Uncle Tak who never tires of teaching people but times has eliminated, are trapped in the dungeon like bank. Five sad songs of the floating city cross path, how would the case turn out? THE CONSTABLE Can : Gaing Jeung Lit : Police Captain d. Dennis Law Sau Yiu Simon Yam Tat Wa, Lam Suet, Sam Lee Chan Sam Ken Low Wai Kwong, Maggie Shiu Mei Kei, Nick Zy Yi, Niu Mengmeng, Maggie Lee Man Kwan, Li Jinjiang, Rebecca Wang Sueya Opening November 28 2013 [ THE FILM CATALOGUE ] Lam Kwok Kuen, nearing retirement and raising a mentally challenged son by himself, is a police officer whose sole requirement on the job is oversee the department fleet. Despite this, he remains active in the front line of police service, putting his life on the line for the sake of others, his heroism bettering even the most seasoned professionals. He fights the bad guys, putting criminals behind bars, upholding the law at any cost, for as his adage proclaims, to live a day surmounts to pursuing justice relentlessly, whether life or death proceeds in its aftermath. CONTROL d. Kenneth Bi Daniel Wu (Ng Yin Cho), Yao Chen, Leon Dai, Simon Yam Tat Wa, Kara Hui (Wai Ying Hung) Opening November 28 2013 in Malaysia SPACE PIRATE CAPTAIN HARLOCK d. Shinji Aramaki Shun Oguri, Haruma Miura, Yu Aoi, Arata Furuta Length : 115 mins. Opening November 28 2013 [ YAHOO! MOVIES HONG KONG ] In 2977 AD, humanity has left its mark all over the universe and begun colonies in distant stars as its population exploded past 500 billion. However humanity also begins its decline as a mission to return to Earth begins. A new governing body forms in the midst of war, after the end of the "Return War" the new government announced that Earth as "territory that cannot be disturbed", a symbol of holy order. Humans in faraway space can only long for their home world as they wait to die......only one person has not been defeated! This new century phantom who is rumored to be immortal and symbolizes freedom is the government's most wanted fugitive, Space Pirate Harlock! JAN DARA: THE FINALE Can : Man Yeung Jung Pin: Fung Yuet Mo Bin d. M. L. Pundhevanop Dhewakul Mario Maurer, Sho Nishino, Chayapol Julian Pupart, Yaya Ying Rhatha Phongam Rating : III Length : 145 mins. Opening NOvember 28 2013 [ BROADWAY CIRCUIT ] Jan Dara and his close friend Ken are banished from Bangkok to live with Jan’s grandmother in the rural province of Pijit. There, fate brings Jan to uncover the dark secret of his origin. Later, Aunt Wad travels to Pijit with bad news: At Bangkok house, something terrible happened to Kaew, Jan’s stepsister – something so unspeakable that only confirms the carnal curse of the Wisnan house. Jan has to return to Bangkok and take revenge against Wisnan, the man who’s made his life a living hell. The young man becomes the new master of the house, and the fire of vengeance consumes him to such an extent that he’s becoming the man he’s hated all his life. He also resumes his sexual adventure with Boonleung...Jan continues his descent into the dark side, despite the protest from the people who love him. What will save the young man from turning into a monster? Will love, sex and friendship save him from what’s eating him alive? THE WHITE STORM AKA : METAMORPHOSIS AKA : 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, Ken Low Wai Kwong, Berg Ng Ting Yip Opening October 25 2013 at the Hong Kong Asian Film Festival Opening December 5 2013 [ 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... [ HONG KONG ASIAN FILM FESTIVAL ] Anti-drug inspector Tim works with his lifelong friends, loyal officer Wai and conflicted undercover cop Chao, to take down the feared drug lord Eight-Faced Buddha in Thailand. But the operation goes awry, straining the brotherhood of the three friends to the breaking point. GINTAMA: THE MOVIE THE FINAL CHAPTER BE FOREVER YOROZUYA d. Yoichi Fujita Japanese Animation Length 110 mins. Opening December 5 2013 [ YAHOO! MOVIES HONG KONG ] Due to a "certain power" Gintoki is taken to a future world in which he does not exist, in front of him is the streets of Edo in ruins. In this desolate world, the people are suffering. Some plan to strike back at the government, small time thugs frequently cause troubles due to the slack law enforcement, and some are too stubborn to leave. As Gintoki is helpless, he runs into two young people. One has glasses and pulls out a sword and subdues the troublemakers; the other is a beauty who dresses similarly to Gintoki and has a giant dog. They are actually adult Shinpachi and Kagura! OSHIN Can : Ah Shun Dik Goo Si d. Shin Togashi Kokone Hamada, Aya Ueto, Kayoko Kishimoto, Ayako Kobayashi Rating : I Opening December 12 2013 [ YAHOO! MOVIES HONG KONG ] The seven year old Oshin was born to a farm family, a family of ten that was already at the end of its rope. Father decided to send Oshin to work in exchange for food. Her pregnant mother was unwilling and would rather jump into an ice cold river to abort her child. Oshin tearfully bid farewell her family and her early ending childhood...... NO BREATHING Can : Chook Shui Fa Mei Nam Lit : Rapid Water Flower Beautiful Men d. Jo Yong-Sun Lee Jong-Suk, Seo In-Guk, Yuri Opening December 12 2013 [ YAHOO! MOVIS HONG KONG ] Won-Il once had hope to become a swimming champion, but his father in his final professional race accidentally died from using his "no breathing" secret technique. His mother also died from a broken heart. The impact made him give up swimming as he lived day by day. His late father's good friend Jae-Suk arranges for him to enroll in a sports school and join the swim team to develop his potential. In the school he runs into his childhood rival Woo-Sang. The ambitious Woo-Sang once was a national swim team new star, unfortunately he got into trouble and was kicked off. He can only qualify again through the sports school competition anew. Two competing young men at the same time fall for Jae-Suk's daughter Jung-Eun. They both have unyielding determination and forms a hot blooded story of growing up, friendship and love. 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 December 19 2013 in Malaysia IP MAN 3 d. Wilson Yip Wai Shun Donnie Yen Chi Tan Opening 2014 THE WIND RISES Can : Fung Hei Liu d. Hayao Miyazaki Japanese Animation Length : 126 mins. Opening December 19 2013 [ YAHOO! MOVIES HONG KONG ] In the 20th century, Jiro Horikoshi was a boy who loved flying and dreamed of one day being able to design his own plane and fly in the endless sky. After the 1923 Great Kanto Earthquake and the Great Depression that followed, Jiro attended the university in Tokyo; after graduation he became a new elite in the aerospace industry and even ran into Naoko, a girl he met on the train ten years ago... POLICE STORY 2013 d. Ding Sheng Jackie Chan, Liu Ye, Huang Bo, Jing Tian, Zhang Lanxin, Wang Zhifei, Zhang Xiaoning, Guli Nazha Opening December 24 2013 in Malaysia FIRESTORM Can : Fung Bo Lit : Storm d. Alan Yuen Kam Lun Andy Lau Tak Wa, Yao Chen, Gordon Lam Ka Tung, Hu Jun, Ray Lui Leung Wai, Eddie Cheung Siu Fai, Philip Keung Ho Man, Kenny Wong Tak Bun, Oscar Leung Lit Wai, Chin Kar Lok, Michael Tong Man Lun, Vinz Sze Cho Nam Opening December 26 2013 [ THE FILM CATALOGUE ] A hardboiled police inspector, hot on the trails of a notorious criminal crew, determines to put an end to this madness, even if it means crossing his moral line. [ CINEMA ONLINE MALAYSIA ] A crew of seasoned criminals led by the notorious Nam, armed with high-powered weapons, pulls off another smooth and violent armored car heist in broad daylight in a crowded street. Whoever tries to get in their way, they will show no mercy. This puts the police force to shame and humiliation. A hardboiled police inspector hot on the trail of the notorious criminal crew, is determined to put an end to this madness, even if it means crossing his moral boundaries. AS THE LIGHT GOES OUT 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, Andy Tien (On Chi Kit), William Chan Wai Ting, Deep Ng Ho Hong, Liu Kai Chi, Patrick Tam Yiu Man, Bai Bing, Michelle Wai (Si Nga), Bonnie Xian (Sin Sik Lai), Opening January 2 2014 in Malaysia [ THE FILM CATALOGUE ] The bond of brotherhood is always stronger when you can be pitched into a life and death situation at any time and the only thing that gets you through the inferno is the trust that your brother will have your back. The firefighters of Hong Kong’s Pillar Point division who are expecting a quiet night to see off their retiring chief find their faith in each other stretched to the limits when a small fire at a liquor warehouse threatens to plunge the whole of Hong Kong into darkness if it spreads to a nearby power plant supplying natural gas. Politics, rivalry, and suspicion all come into play when dubious decisions are made, warnings are ignored and colleagues start to fall. Can the Pillar Point brotherhood survive the night, if not the fire, with their trust in each other intact? TOM YUM GOONG 2 d. Prachya Pinkaew Tony Jaa, Jija Yanin, Teerada Kittisiriprasert Opening January 9 2014 [ YAHOO! MOVIES HONG KONG ] Kham is swept into a chilling elephant ranch boss' murder as all the leads point toward him. Kham on one hand has to evade everyone, including the police and the elephant ranch boss' twin nieces; on the other hand his elephant is kidnapped as he must find a way to save it! During his escape, Kham even discovers that he has caught the attention of a mysterious international martial art organization...... FROM VEGAS TO MACAU Can : Doh Sing Fung Wong Lit : Gambling City Storm d. Wong Jing Chow Yun Fat, Nicholas Tse Ting Fung, Chapman To Man Jat, Hui Siu Hung, Max Zhang Jun, Philip Ng Won Lung, Sammy Sum Chun Hin, Jing Tian, Tong Fei, Natalie Meng Yao, Michelle Hu Yan, Winnie Leung Man Yi, Yuki Cheng Ni, Ricky Wong Chun Tong Opening January 30 2014 in Malaysia [ CINEMA ONLINE MALAYSIA ] Super hacker "Show Hand" and Karl go to Las Vegas with their mentor, the retired swindler Benz, to visit Benz's old buddy Hendrick, a renowned conman who has left behind his troubled past to work as a security consultant for a casino. During their stay in Vegas, Show Hand bumps into his friend Ken, who is working undercover for Interpol to gather evidence against Mr. Ko, a mafia boss. Realising that he has a mole in his company, Mr. Ko puts a hit out on Ken, but Ken hides the USB with the evidence with Show Hand, only for it to be accidentally taken away by Charlie, Hendrick's daughter. Now Show Hand and Hendrick must work together to gather evidence against Mr. Ko to save Charlie. ONCE UPON A TIME IN SHANGHAI Can : Ngok Jin Lit : Mean War AKA : Ma Wing Jing d. Wong Ching Po Philip Ng Won Lung, Andy Tien (On Chi Kit), Jiang Luxia, Michelle Hu Opening January 30 2014 in Malaysia [ CINEMA ONLINE MALAYSIA ] In the early 20th century, labourers from all over the country were rushing to the flourishing city of Shanghai. Ma Yongzhen, a youthful man from Shandong, arrive at this prosperous city working as a dock labourer. He moves to Shanghai in the hopes of becoming rich. But ends up using his kung fu skills to survive against the evil Japanese. THE WHITE HAIRED WITCH OF LUNAR KINGDOM 3D Can : Bak Fat Mor Nui Juen ji Ming Yuet Tin Gok Lit : White Hair Demon Woman Biography: Bright Moon Kingdom d. Jacob Cheung Chi Leung Huang Xiaoming, Fan Bingbing, Vincent Zhao Wenzhou, Kevin Yan Kuan, Wang Xuebing, Li Xinru, Nicholas Tse Ting Fung Opening February 14 2014 [ YAHOO! MOVIES HONG KONG ] Northwest female robber Lian Nishang is ordered to investigate secretly Northwest Wudang leader Zhuo Yihang but falls in love with him. They overcome family and clan grudge and lead the Northwest to build the Lunar Kingdom. As the Ming Dynasty declines, with love on one side and national honor on the other, which way would Zhuo Yihang go? ICEMAN 3D AKA : THE ICEMAN COMETH 3D Can : Bing Fung Hup Lit : Frozen Hero d. Law Wing Cheong Donnie Yen Chi Tan, Eva Huang Shengyi, Wang Baoqiang, Simon Yam Tat Wa Opening April 3 2014 in Malaysia [ CINEMA ONLINE MALAYSIA ] An imperial guard from the Ming Dynasty and his rival are both caught in an avalanche and buried for centuries until being discovered. While the bodies are shipped on the way to Hong Kong for further analysis, the two are accidentally defrosted and revived, and they continue their rivalry in the modern era. THAT DEMON WITHIN 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), Lam Ka Wa, Liu Kai Chi, Au Kam Tong, Lee Kwok Lun, Ken Wong Hap Hei, Deep Ng Ho Hong, Xie Jieting, Shatina Chen Opening April 17 2014 in Malaysia [ THE FILM CATALOGUE ] By a strange twist of fate, dutiful Hong Kong policeman Dan saves the life of the leader of a violent gang of armed robbers. When they commit another crime, Dan is determined to put an end to their activities. He works with the leader, whom the gang had betrayed, to engineer a plan to wreak havoc within the gang and let the gangsters kill one another. But it becomes increasingly obvious to Dan and to his colleagues that Dan is suffering from a severe mental disorder, and Dan finds that instead of upholding the law as a righteous police officer, he has now become a fugitive wanted for murder. Dan changes his plan and executes one final move that is certain to wipe out all traces of the gang and restore his reputation as a good police officer. BLACK COMEDY Can : Hak Sik Hei Ket d. Wilson Chin Kwok Wai Chapman To Man Jat, Wong Cho Nam, Jacqueline Chong, Kimmy Tong Fei, Jim Chim Shui Man, Susan Shaw Yam Yam, Jerry Koo Ming Wa, Alvina Kong Yan Yin, Barbie Liu (Ha Wai Yu), Connie Man Hoi Ling Opening May 1 2014 in Malaysia [ CINEMA ONLINE MALAYSIA ] Detective Johnny Du was smart and agile but his height of 5' 4” has hindered him from joining the G4 protection detail for the Chief Executive. His sassy girlfriend Angel bullies him all the time, leaving him depressed at work and at home. His helplessness soon attracts Vincent, the Devil Prince and Jim, the Angel to fight for his soul. --- [ 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 * THE WYNNERS DATE AND TIME: October 25 2014 VENUE LOCATION: Toronto ON Canada TICKET PRICES: CA$ 350, 225, 185, 145, 115, 95, 75 TICKET OUTLET LOCATION: World Vision 905-696-2217 Canton Productions http://www.cantonproductions.com/canton/entertainment/wynners2014.html * THE WYNNERS DATE AND TIME: October 19 2014 VENUE LOCATION: Vancouver BC TICKET PRICES: CA$ 350, 225, 185, 145, 115, 95, 75 TIKCET OUTLET LOCATION: World Vision 604-295-4800 Canton Productions http://www.cantonproductions.com/canton/entertainment/wynners2014.html * THE WYNNERS DATE AND TIME: October 17 2014 VENUE LOCATION: Calgary AB TICKET PRICES: $ 250, 180, 140, 100, 80, 50 TICKET OUTLET LOCATIONS: World Vision 403-889-2200 Canton Productions http://www.cantonproductions.com/canton/entertainment/wynners2014.html * THE WYNNERS DATE AND TIME: October 15 2014 VENUE LOCATION: Edmonton AB Canada TICKET PRICES: CA$ 250, 180, 140, 100, 80, 50 TICKET OUTLET LOCATIONS: World Book Store 780-426-3452 Canton Productions http://www.cantonproductions.com/canton/entertainment/wynners2014.html * JOHNNY IP LIVE IN VANCOUVER DATE AND TIME: Sunday, February 2 2014 @ 8PM VENUE LOCATION: River Rock Casino Resort 8811 River Road, Richmond BC V6X 3P8 Canada TICKET PRICES: CA$ 58.75, 149.75 TICKET OUTLET LOCATION: TICKETMASTER CANADA http://www.ticketmaster.ca/event/11004B4911751D0A * BRENDA LO AND ALBERT AU LIVE IN VANCOUVER DATE AND TIME: Friday, January 24 2014 @ 8PM VENUE LOCATION: River Rock Casino Resort 8811 River Road, Richmond BC V6X 3P8 Canada TICKET OUTLET LOCATION: TICKETMASTER CANADA http://www.ticketmaster.ca/event/11004B65CBF6D4B8 * JAM HSIAO (SIU KING TUNG) DATE AND TIME: Saturday, December 7 2013 @ 8:30PM VENUE LOCATION: Orleans Arena 4500 W. Tropicana Ave. Las Vegas NV 89103 TICKET PRICES: $188, 128, 88, 58 TICKET OUTLET LOCATIONS: http://www.orleansarena.com/event-calendar/jam-hsiao- Box Office: 702-284-7777/888-234-2334 DOUBLE HI EXPRESS TOURS 401 E Valley Blvd. Ste. 202 San Gabriel CA 626-280-7796 NG HING KEE OF LOS ANGELES 518 W Garvey Ave. Monterey Park CA 91754 626-284-4861 WORLD BOOK STORE 1234 S Golden West Ave Arcadia CA 626-446-1831 HELLO GOODIE 18186 Colima Rd. Rowland Heights CA 626-810-2468 * EASON CHAN EASON'S LIFE CONCERT DATE AND TIME: Tuesday, December 3 2013 @ 7PM VENUE LOCATION: Rogers Arena 800 Griffiths Way Vancouver BC Canada TICKET PRICES: VIP CA$388, 298, 208, 168, 98, 68 (Excludes 3% Government Socan Fees, 5% Taxes and CA$11.75 Service Charges) TICKET OUTLET LOCATIONS: TICKETMASTER CANADA http://www.ticketmaster.ca/event/11004B0997FA9BC9 * JIM CHI & LO HOI PANG DATE AND TIME: Tuesday, December 3 2013 @ 8PM VENUE LOCATION: Casino Rama 5899 Rama Road, Rama ON L0K 1T0 Canada TICKET PRICES: CA$ 310.59, 163.69, 107.19, 84.59, TICKET OUTLET LOCATIONS: CASINO RAMA: http://www.casinorama.com/Live/Artist/Jim-Chim---Lo-Hoi-Pang.aspx TICKET MASTER CANADA: http://www.ticketmaster.ca/event/10004B49E0A09595 * EASON CHAN EASON'S LIFE CONCERT DATE AND TIME: December 1 2013 @ 7PM November 30 2013 @ 7PM VENUE LOCATION: San Jose State Event Center 290 S. 7th Street San Jose CA 95192 TICKET PRICES: $188, 138, 98, 88, 78, 68, 58 TICKET OUTLET LOCATION: MUSICALITY INTERNATIONAL: http://www.bayareaticket.com/ 650-522-0045 Ng Hing Kee San Francisco 415-781-8330 Evergreen Books Milpitas 408-383-9798 A World Travel Inc. San Jose 408-441-8448 San Jose State Box Office Ticket Master: http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/1C004B14B9165693 * JULIE SU AND ERIC MOO DATE AND TIME: Thursday, November 28 2013 @ 8PM VENUE LOCATION: Reno Ballroom 401 N. Center St. Reno NV 89501 TICKET PRICES: $158, 128, 98, 68 TICKET OUTLET LOCATIONS: USASIA INC. http://www.usasiatour.com USASIA INC. San Francisco CA (415) 989-1688 801 Franklin St. #A2 Oakland CA (510) 835-8588 G-TOP Travel 2466 San Bruno Ave., San Francisco CA 94134 (415) 349-4472 Oscar Tours Fremont CA (510) 226-9992 Cafe Salina 235 Broadway Millbrae CA (650) 692-2662 Legend Holidays San Francisco CA (415) 386-1300 http://www.tlholidays.com/ Tan Tan Video Store Cupertino CA (408) 253-3100 A World Travel 1688 Hostetter Rd STE G San Jose CA 95131 (408) 441-8448 Unique Travel Sacramento CA (916) 557-2888 * JJ LIN TIMELINE WORLD TOUR LAS VEGAS DATE AND TIME: Thursday, November 28 2013 @ 8PM VENUE LOCATION: The Colosseum at Caesars Palace Las Vegas 3570 Las Vegas Blvd. South, Las Vegas, Nevada 89109 TICKET OUTLET LOCATIONS: Jade Entertainment http://www.jadeticket.com 626-964-4747 * HUANG PIN YUAN LIVE IN CONCERT DATE AND TIME: Wednesday, November 27 2013 @ 9PM Thursday, November 28 2013 @ 4PM VENUE LOCATION: Resort World Casino 110-00 Rockaway Blvd. Jamaica New York TICKET OUTLET LOCATIONS: ONLINE: http://www.etix.com/ticket/online/venueSearch.jsp?venue_id=9244 * RAYMOND LAM A TIME 4 YOU CONCERT DATE AND TIME: Wednesday night/Thursday morning, November 28 2013 @ 1AM VENUE LOCATION: MGM Grand Theater Foxwoods Resort Casino 39 Norwich-Westerly Road Ledyard CT 06338 TICKET VENUE LOCATION: ONLINE: http://www.iemshowplace.com TICKET HOTLINE: 718-888-3113 International Entertainment Marketing 135-05 40 Road 2/F Flushing NY 11354 718.888.3113 5609 8th Ave. Brooklyn NY 11220 718.437.7717 Bowery Pharmacy Inc. 95 Bowery St. New York NY 212.219.0449 Sampan Travel Service 170 Canal St #201 212.431.3557 Global Travel International Corp. 1681 RT. 27 Suite 3 Edison NJ 732.819.6883 Yang Tze Trading Inc. 933 Arch Street L/L Philadelphia PA 197107 215.922.8700 * JJ LIN TIMELINE WORLD TOUR ATLANTIC CITY USA DATE AND TIME: Saturday night/Sunday morning, November 24 2013 @ 1AM VENUE LOCATION: Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa Event Center Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa TICKET PRICES: VIP $188, 148, 108, 68 TICKET OUTLET LOCATIONS: ONLINE: http://www.iemshowplace.com TICKET HOTLINE: 718-888-3113 International Entertainment Marketing 135-05 40 Road 2/F Flushing NY 11354 718.888.3113 5609 8th Ave. Brooklyn NY 11220 718.437.7717 Bowery Pharmacy Inc. 95 Bowery St. New York NY 212.219.0449 Sampan Travel Service 170 Canal St #201 212.431.3557 Global Travel International Corp. 1681 RT. 27 Suite 3 Edison NJ 732.819.6883 Yang Tze Trading Inc. 933 Arch Street L/L Philadelphia PA 197107 215.922.8700 * EASON CHAN EASON'S LIFE CONCERT DATE AND TIME: Saturday, November 23 2013 @ 7PM VENUE LOCATION: Ricoh Coliseum 100 Princes' Blvd., Toronto ON M6K 3C3 Canada TICKET PRICES: CA$443.50, 362.50, 258.50, 211.50, 129.50, 83.50 TICKET OUTLET LOCATIONS: TICKETMASTER CANADA http://www.ticketmaster.ca/event/10004B14A04F6CF7 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Box office info : What Box Office Info? The usual suspects : Internet Movie Database, Yahoo! Hong Kong Erors : ye olde chaffing editor For The Week Ending November 10 2013 10 SPECIAL ID Can : Dut Shu Sun Fun Lit : Special Identity d. Clarence Ford (Fok Yiu Leung) Donnie Yen Chi Tan, Andy Tien (On Chi Kit), Ronald Cheng Chung Kei, Jing Tian, Zhang Hanyu, Collin Chou Siu Lung, Nina Paw Ching Hee, Ken Low Wai Kwong, Frankie Ng Chi Hung, Yang Zhigang 9 BABY BLUES Can : Ngai Ying Lit : Ghost Baby d. Leong Poh Chi Karena Ng Chin Yu, Raymond Lam Fung, Kate Tsui Tsz Shan, Lo Hoi Pang, Irene Wan Bik Ha, Janelle Sing Kwan 8 GRAVITY d. Alfonso Cuaron Sandra Bullock, George Clooney 7 PRISONERS d. Denis Villenuve Hugh Jackman, Jake Gyllenhaal, Viola Davis, Maria Bello, Terrence Howard, Melissa Leo, Paul Dano 6 LIKE FATHER, LIKE SON d. Hirokazu Koreeda) Masaharu Fukuyama, Lily Franky, Machiko Ono, Yoko Maki 5 CAPTAIN PHILIPS d. Paul Greengrass Tom Hanks, Barkhad Abdi, 4 ENDER'S GAME d. Gavin Hood Harrison Ford, Asa Butterfield, Hailee Steinfeld, Abigail Breslin 3 ESCAPE PLAN d. Mikael Hafstrom Sylvester Stallone, Arnold Schwarzenegger, 50 Cent, Vincent D'Onofrio 2 RIGOR MORTIS Can : Geung Si Lit : Zombie d. Juno Mak Chun Lung Chin Siu Ho, Kara Hui (Wai Ying Hung), Nina Paw Hee Ching, Anthony Chan Yau, Lo Hoi Pang, Richard Ng Yiu Hong, Chung Fat, Billy Lau 1 THOR: THE DARK WORLD d. Alan Taylor Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Tom Hiddleston, Anthony Hopkins ------ Summaries for some of the films above. Some contain SPOILERS RIGOR MORTIS Rating : IIB Length : 101 mins. Opening October 24 2013 Official Site : http://www.kudos-films.com/RigorMortis [ YAHOO! MOVIES HONG KONG ] Famous 80s action film star Siu Ho once was famous for playing a vampire hunter in MR. VAMPIRE, but as he grows older he is on the decline. His personal life is messy and damaged, so he helplessly moves into a public housing estate unit 2442 and decides to end his life inside the haunted unit. However he runs into people who change his fate, like the last exorcist recluse Ah Yau, crazy Yeung Fung with severe damage to the soul, estate housewife Aunt Mui who is glad to help others but hides a coffin in her home. A vampire killing spree erupts, Siu Ho and Ah Yau again face vicious vampire attacks and must unite to conquer this blood thirty immortal...... LIKE FATHER, LIKE SON Rating : I Length : 121 mins. Opening October 26 2013 at th Hong Kong Asian Film Festival Opening October 31 2013 Site : http://www.hkaff.asia/cineaste/Like_Father_Like_Son.html [ YAHOO! MOVIES HONG KONG ] Among the elites, Ryota believes that people are only considered successful when they rely their own hard work to get everything. He has a education that is perfect, a career that many envy, a perfect family. He even deeply believes that he is a victor in society. Yet, a call from the hospital makes an unexpected joke on Ryota's perfect life... SPECIAL ID Rating : IIB Length : 98 mins. Opening October 18 2013 [ THE FILM CATALOGUE ] Zilong Chen is an undercover police officer deep within the ranks of one of China’s most ruthless underworld gangs. The leader of the gang, Xiong, has made it his priority to weed out the government infiltrators in his midst. Struggling to keep his family together and his identity concealed, Chen is torn between two worlds. Upping the stakes, as Chen’s undercover comrades are being dealt with, one by one, Chen fears his days are numbered. Now, he must risk everything to take down the organization and reclaim the life he lost when he took on this perilous assignment. As the action mounts, Chen must do everything he can to protect the SPECIAL IDENTITY he wishes he never had before it’s too late. BABY BLUES AKA : Ngai Ngan Lit : Ghost Eyes Rating : IIB Length : 98 mins. Opening October 31 2013 [ CINEMA ONLINE MALAYSIA ] When a young couple moves into a home, they find a mysterious doll that changes their lives forever. Not long after, Suet Ching becomes pregnant with twins but as Yip Tou is always busy with his work, he comes home late every night. When Suet Ching suffers a fall by herself and ends up giving birth to only one child, she begins to show signs of depression and weird behaviour... THE BEST PLAN IS NO PLAN Rating : IIB Length : 96 mins. Opening October 17 2013 [ YAHOO! MOVIES HONG KONG ] Chan Wing Sing, Yip Lai Shun, and Ma Wai Hung the typical busy city men. One is stuck in a fog of love and cannot help himself, one is depressed from a heart break, and one is a little man who never says no to his girlfriend. Three parallel lives that originally have nothing to do with each other are brought together for a memorial event. Actually all three are former boyfriends of Wong Chun Chun, who committed suicide for love. At the memorial service they develop a mutual admiration and meet for drinks afterward. After three rounds, they slowly tells their gains and losses in love. ------ GLOBAL CHINESE SONG CHART For Saturday, November 9 2013 15 SWING TOGETHER Can : Yut Hei Yiu Bai Wang Feng http://youtu.be/JCvCA51F3Bg 14 LOVE OCEAN Can : Oi Dik Hoi Yeung Wanting Qu http://youtu.be/4jVno4YqVP0 13 LET YOU FLY Can : Yeung Nei Fei Michael Wong (Kong Leung) http://youtu.be/yvtpVwrZp8Q 12 IT'S A LONG STORY Can : Shuet Loi Wa Cheung Kevin Cheng Ka Wing http://youtu.be/rn0d-U4IwwM 11 FINALLY YOU ARRIVE Can : Jung Yu Dung Doh Nei Jane Zhang Liangying http://youtu.be/mUHFE00NFRQ 10 BATTLE ARRAY SONG Can : Yup Jun Guk Mayday http://youtu.be/DDs5bXh4erM 9 IT IS TIME TO RELAX Can : Si Si Hau Fong Sung Yut Ha Hins Cheung King Hin http://youtu.be/wtmqqrPMoRE 8 RHYTHM OF THE RAIN Can : Ting Gein Ha Yu Dik Sing Yum Queen Wei (Ngai Yu Wan) http://youtu.be/F2uX6ByoW7A 7 ANGEL AND DEMON DIALOGUE Can : Tin Si Yu Mor Gwai Dik Dui Wa Tanya Chua (Choi Kin Nga) http://youtu.be/Opp2uVQKXGs 6 THE NAME OF TEAR Can : Ngan Lui Dik Ming Ji Kay Tse On Kay http://youtu.be/qiNFLHOm73M 5 SKIN Can : Pei Fu Andrew Tan (Chan Sai On) http://youtu.be/HQZeEvke-Wo 4 YOU GO I GO Janice Vidal (Wai Lan) http://youtu.be/4h2OFWRKUEo 3 LISTEN TO ME SING Can : Ting Ngor Cheung Gor Landy Wen (Wan Lan) http://youtu.be/MAhjisGWZSo 2 WINTER RAIN IN TAIPEI Can : Dung Gwai Loi Doh Toi But Loi Hong Yu Where Chou (Chow Wai) featuring James (Yeung Wing Chung) http://youtu.be/-AJH6bDAamc 1 AGE LIKE SONG Can : Shui Yuet Yu Gor Julian Cheung Chi Lam http://youtu.be/rhb63DpYeX4 ------ [ 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 the Oklahoma Tornado. For more information please visit the American Red Cross site: http://www.redcross.org/ for victims of the Sichuan earthquake. For more information please visit the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies: http://www.ifrc.org/news-and-media/news-stories/asia-pacific/china/volunteers-undertake-search-and-rescue-in-sichuan-after-earthquake-61276/ 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 Six: A Journey to the Wild Side-Epic Korean Cinema In 2012, The Korean Cultural Service debuted its first series on epic Korean cinema, and the response was unheard of! Well, we’ve heard your cries and are brining back our most popular series, so get ready to take a journey to the wild side with three all-new Korean epics! Starting November 12th, join your friends from The Korean Cultural Service at Tribeca Cinemas for three modern masterpieces, and get swept up in the majesty and grandeur. A cold winter is coming, and you’re about to be transported into a world of action, crime, and non-stop thrills with three blockbusters epics that span centuries and unite a nation. With big budgets, big stars, and big stories… there’s only one word to describe this trio of stunning movies: EPIC!!! Tuesday, December 10th, 2013 @ 7PM THE CONCUBINE (2012, 122 mins.) Poverty-stricken Hwa-yeon decides to offer herself up as one of the king’s concubines. But once inside the royal palace, her life becomes a riveting quest for survival as two men become wildly obsessed with her. On one side is the Grand Prince Seong-won, a megalomaniacal ruler drunk with power and lust; and on the other, Kwon-yoo, who has everything to lose if his desire for Hwa-yeon is exposed. As action and political intrigue infiltrate this daring love triangle, the king’s palace becomes a hellish prison – filled with overwhelming passion and obsession that these three troubled souls will be lucky to escape from. Tuesday, November 26th, 2013 @ 7PM THE GRAND HEIST (2012, 121 mins., New York Premiere) 250 years ago, the people of Korea struggled under the tyranny of a power-hungry vice-premier who held a commercial supremacy over ice, the era’s most valuable commodity. Unable to stand his tyranny, Lee, an ingenious young man, gathers a group of experts in various fields: tactics, weapons, explosives, underwater diving, and camouflage… and, in an epic take on Oceans Eleven, executes a plan to rob the entire storage of ice that will be used for the crown prince’s birthday gala and ultimately bring about the downfall of their power-mad leader. Tuesday, November 12th, 2013 @ 7PM FACE READER (2013, 139 mins.) Nae-kyeong is the greatest face reader his kingdom has ever known, with the ability to see through people simply by looking at their faces. After an alluring courtesan proposes an offer, he moves from the mountains and into city Hanyang, in order to read faces in the courtesan house. Nae-kyeong quickly becomes the go-to face reader and is appointed to the King’s Inspection Board. During one inspection, Nae-kyeong finds out about Prince Su-yang’s plan to overthrow the throne of his nephew, but rather than telling the truth, Nae-kyeong decides to change his country’s destiny by changing what’s written on Su-yang’s face ---------------------- HK Top Ten Central hktopten@hotmail.com http://hktopten.orgfree.com | http://hktopten.blogspot.com