From: NO TOP TEN CENTRAL Newsgroups: alt.asian-movies,soc.culture.hongkong.entertainment Subject: [TAKE OVER] HKSAR Film No Top 10 Box Office (January 1 2009) 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. Joe Ngai Chun and Vivian Chow Wai Man who wed on the 5th B. Chik Mei Chun who celebrates her birthday on the 5th C. Eric Suen Yiu Wai who celebrates his birthday on the 3rd D. Emme Wong Yee Man who celebrates her birthday on the 3rd E. Connie Chan Bo Chu who celebrates her birthday on the 2nd F. Jerry Yan (Yin Sing Yuk) who celebrates his birthday on the 1st 2. MISCELLANEOUS * (1/7/2009) The John Woo (Ng Yu Sum) directed RED CLIFF II will be released in Hong Kong on the 15th, the film's actors including Tony Leung Chiu Wai, Lin Chiling, Vicki Zhao Wei and Chang Chen yesterday attended a press conference and a Hung Ming wish lantern release ceremony at the Peak. Everyone wrote their wishes on Hung Ming lanterns to wish for success for the film. However, the Hung Ming lanterns were tied up and could not elevate to the air. They only drifted in the wind. The master of ceremonies asked the actors what was the most difficult part of the production, Zhao Wei claimed that her last action movie was already seven years ago so she felt that she has declined a bit. Chang Chen also expressed that the heavy armor was tough on him. He said, "The film had a lot of action and I had to memorize positions so the pressure was greater. At the same time it also had a lot of highly difficult stunts." Wai Jai as Zhou Yun revealed that the armor was the most difficult, while Lin Chiling joked that the biggest difficulty was seeing Wai Jai. She said, "When I saw him I had to try not to be shy. During the shoot I was like a baby." Wai Jai previously has tried to release a Hung Ming lantern. He felt no pressure from this installment's box office. Only the investing owners would. Takeshi Kaneshiro (Gum Sing Mo) could not attend yesterday's promotion as he was working on a film in Japan. Wai Jai denied the absence was related to any dispute rumor. He did not feel that Gum Sing Mo was so petty. Whoever had the time would help with the promotion. He did not mind at all. Wai Jai frankly admitted that he had very little contact with anyone in the industry after working together and tried not to because he did not want to be like filmmaking and talk about filmmaking when they met. In addition, Wai Jai currently has been training for Wong Kar Wai's YUT DOI JUNG SI so he was in much fitter shape. He also said that he has seen Donnie Yen Chi Tan's IP MAN and felt it was great. Although he did not have any martial arts background, he would not have any pressure from martial arts. Of course, fighting like Yen Chi Tan would be impossible, but he would do his best. He felt that martial arts were pretty fun, sometimes at home he would want to move around and look for people to fight. Zhang Fengyi in the film played Cao Cao. He claimed that the last film made 320 million at the box office and hoped that this film's box office could be better. He liked many scenes in the film. Was working in costume difficult? He got used to it. How did Lin Chiling perform? He pointed out that once in a big scene her performance was a little tense, but each actor had his or her own first step and first movie, she already has performed rather well. As a veteran he would make the atmosphere more relaxed, if she truly performed poorly the director would naturally teach. He also pointed out that yesterday he saw Leung Chiu Wai and felt that he was more relaxed after marriage. During the shoot he was not in good shape. Now he was much more relaxed and had better complexion than before. Chang Chen pointed out that during the shoot, his armor was very heavy so he had to use a lot of strength. Working in the summer was very hot and in the winter very cold, in addition they had to fight on water; all of which were very hard. He reportedly had a part in YUT DOI JUNG SI. Chang Chen expressed that he has prepared research but still has not confirmed. He still has not started to train. He honestly said that gong fu would be stressful because his gong fu skill was zero. When he was little he has studied Tae Kwon Do, which was different from gong fu. He could not possibly perform like Donnie Yen Chi Tan. * (1/7/2009) RED CLIFF I and II took awhile between releases, but director John Woo (Ng Yu Sum) was confident. Because the first film made US$ 52 million in Japan, is still in release and breaking the import film record. Vicki Zhao Wei who played Sun Xiang Xiang in the film was very popular in Japan. As for Lin Chiling's performance, Ng Yu Sum praised her for her hard work. Her performance was great as she would forget her model identity and also very demanding of herself. She had a lot of energy and classical beauty. Yet always sounding like a doll, Lin Chiling this time could not use her own voice and needed a voice double. He honestly said that this was his own and the company's views. Because Mainland had many provinces, this way would be more standardized. Reportedly three passion scenes between Lin Chiling Leung Chiu Wai were cut, he frankly said that he did not shoot the scenes but someone has stolen the script. Many circumstances were changed. Lin Chiling pointed out that her pronunciation was not accurate enough and felt that finding someone to provide the voice Xiaoqiao would make the role more complete. She pointed out that her voice has often been discussed, which she felt it should not be and thus she had to strengthen her training. She said that previously she has been criticized for sounding like a doll and different from Mainland actors. She felt that voice was a type of performance and would like to use her own for her next film. She also pointed out that the director was very encouraging to everyone. He was able to inspire her and was very tolerant with her, which she was very grateful for. If the director was in a bad mood, he would only think alone and not scold anyone. The director claimed that Zhao Wei was popular in Japan, has she consider working in Japan? She indicated that she would go with the flow, in the past her films have been released in Japan. In addition, Ng Yu Sum appeared on BE MY GUEST. Stephen Chan Chi wan carefully selected 23 sets of Ng Yu Sum's mentor Chang Cheh Shaw Brothers film DVD as his gift, which he could not be more pleased to receive; he also received a pair of white doves because he knew the director's fondness for them. Ng Yu Sum also disclosed that in a show of respect for his mentor, he has planned to remake his mentors' GOLDEN SWALLOW and VENGEANCE! (PO SAU). * (1/7/2009) New Year Movie Godfather Feng Xiaogang's New Year film released this year, IF YOU ARE THE ONE, has continued to be a box office hit since its release. Tonight, the team under director Feng Xiaogang's leadership would attend a grand celebration in Beijing. Playing in the film the "sexually frigid" character, Huayi's rising female star Che Xiao was not only excited but also said, "I hope to be able to give IF YOU ARE THE ONE a red hot to the end good omen." Che Xiao in IF YOU ARE THE ONE had a lot of funny but thought-provoking story with Ge You. Feng Xiaogang's New Year movie has touched this topic for the first time, and this was also the first time Che Xiao has worked with Feng Xiaogang. She said that from the very beginning when she received this role she was a little nervous, but everyone thought that the result was great. She hoped that the audience would like it. What made Che Xiao breathed a sigh of relief was Feng Xiaogang's praises for this new comers' performance and at numerous film promotions. She said that in the future she would act and live solidly and with her feet on the ground, to be as Director Feng said the type of actor who "conducts Earth's energy". As the company's rising new generation, Che Xiao has had a productive year as she was able to work with well known Huayi actors Deng Chao and Duan Yihong. She has just worked twice with the Golden Horse Best Actor Zhang Hanyu. * (1/6/2009) Gong Li earlier accepted an interview with Yang Lan. She not only responded to the controversy after she became a Singapore citizen but also revealed that she would likely work with Jim Carrey on her next film. Gong Li's Singapore citizenship has led to a lot of criticism online. Gong Li responded, "If I pay too much attention to outside evaluation, I wouldn't have my own life. Becoming a Singapore citizen is my choice, I don't need to explain the reason to the general public." Gong Li in the interview also revealed that her next film would be a dark comedy with Jim Carrey. She revealed that in hte past she has worked on a comedy FLIRTING SCHOLAR (TONG BAK FU DIM CHAU HEUNG) and made no secret about her fondness for this film and director Stephen Chow Sing Chi. "He is very intelligent and also very charismatic. His films can make the audience say after watching, 'how despicable, I have to watch it again'. This was truly a Mo Le Tau comedy." IF she would have a chance with a similar comedy she definitely would perform and perform well. In fact, after finishing the movie she immediately "regretted" it. At the time she did not understand "why was the film shot like this" and thus was reluctant to get involved. Actually, "Why didn't I play along, if I try to play with them it would have been much more fun." She seemed to have some regret in her tone. Perhaps precisely because of this regret, comedy to Gong Li has had an enormous "attraction". However, the comedy that she has referred to was not the "tickle people to make them laugh" type, but a pure comedy with dark humor. Gong Li said that it would be a "challenge" to her, who has never actually performed in a comedy. * (1/6/2009) The Hong Kong Film Critics Society announced yesterday "the Fifteenth Annual Hong Kong Film Critics Society Award" winners. Nick Cheung Ka fai with THE BEAST STALKER (JING YUN) won his first Best Actor award. While Paw Hee Ching (Bau Hei Jing) with THE WAY WE ARE (TIN SHUI WAI DIK YUT YU YEH) won Best Actress. Ann Hui On Wa after last year's POST MODERN LIFE OF MY AUNT received Best Director and Best Picture repeated in both categories with THE WAY WE ARE. The prize presentation ceremony will take place on February 16 at the Hong Kong Film Archive Cinema. In addition to yesterday's BEST ACTOR, BEST ACTRESS, BEST DIRECTOR and BEST PICTURE announcements, it also announced the BEST SCREENPLAY award winner Ong Sai with CLAUSTROPHOBIA (CHUN MUK). The event revealed that this year only had 55 Hong Kong films and their quality varied. Only 12 were discussed. This year 7 films were recommended, including THE WAY WE ARE (TIN SHUI WAI DIK YUT YU YEH), HIGH NOON (LIT YUT DONG HUNG), THREE KINGDOMS: RESURRECTION OF THE DRAGON (SAM GOK ji GEIN LUNG SEH GAP), SPARROW (MAN JEUK), RUN PAPA RUN (YUT GOR HO BA BA), THE BEAST STALKER (JING YUN), CLAUSTROPHOBIA (CHUN MUK) and CITY WITHOUT BASEBALL (MO YEH JI SING). With a 20 year long film career, Cheung Ka Fai won his first Best Actor award. He honestly said that he was very emotional after receiving the good news. He was very happy that he finally was recognized. His wife Esther Kwan Wing Ho was also happy for him. He thanked people who liked Cheung Ka Fai. Without everyone's support he could neither continue to make movies nor win this award. He also thanked Director Dante Lam Chiu Yin for giving him the opportunity to make a movie with such potential. The award was the biggest gift in 09. Ka Fai expressed that later he would like to celebrate with the team, but after winning he had no intention to increase fee. He just wanted to make good movies. He would attend the ceremony and might attend with his wife and their daughter to share his joy with them. Sister Bao also won her first Best Actress award. She said, "I am very happy, I don't know what to say. Now with this award I am truly very comforted. I can consider myself doing justice to Mom and Dad's cultivation. At least it's not Paw Hee Ming who won all the awards. For such a simple film to receive such high praises from film critics, it truly is very rare. Hong Kong filmmaking must have big stars, but this film is truly very simple. The director truly is brave in casting an actor without any star power lik eme. She truly is very daring and very sincere, truly simple and unpretentious." Sister Bao at the same time was happy for Hui On Wa's two awards. She also pointed out that when she made this movie she did not think about winning any award. Would she celebrate with the director? Sister Bao said, "When she has free time first. She is working on another movie now." Would they work together again? She said, "Of course, I know Ann wanted to make a special women series, this was the first film. I wouldn't mind cameos in her third, fourth, fifth or sixth films because I have already played the lead in this one." Sister Bao would attend the ceremony. Would she celebrate with her family? She said that perhaps she would have dinner with her sister. Best Screenplay winner Ong Sai was very happy to win, but she felt that lead actress Karena Lam Ka Yun deserved an award more because she has given up a lot during the shoot and had a very good performance. Yet she was happy for her buddy Hui On Wa's victories. They could all be on stage together then. THE FIFTEENTH ANNUAL HONG KONG FILM SOCIETY AWARDS BEST PICTURE : THE WAY WE ARE (TIN SHUI WAI DIK YUT YU YEH) BEST DIRECTOR: Ann Hui On Wa (THE WAY WE ARE) BEST ACTOR: Nick Cheung Ka Fai (THE BEAST STALKER) BEST ACTRESS: Paw Hee Ching (THE WAY WE ARE) BEST SCREENPLAY: Ong Sai (CLAUSTROPHOBIA) RECOMMENDED FILMS: THE WAY WE ARE HIGH NOON THREE KINGDOMS: RESURRECTION OF THE DRAGON SPARROW RUN PAPA RUN THE BEAST STALKER CLAUSTROPHOBIA CITY WITHOUT BASEBALL * (1/6/2009) John Woo (Ng Yu Sum)'s film RED CLIFF II today will launch its Greater South China region promotion in Guangzhou. Tony Leung Chiu Wai, Zhang Fengyi, Lin Chiling, Hu Jun, Vicki Zhao Wei, Dong Dawei would appear. In RED CLIFF II, Ng Yu Sum overturned Zhou Yu's ROMANCE OF THREE KINGDOM petty image and turned him into a perfect man who knew how to command troops, play the flute and the lute, and love his wife. Even the actor Leung Chiu Wai said, "He's too perfect, such a person would only be in the movies." Since RED CLIFF I has also made 700 million box office, director Ng Yu Sum was not worried at all about the second installment's box office. He said, "I just feel very excited, the real battle of Red Cliff is about to be unveiled. Audience in the East and West will recognize this Asian version of TROY." Some in media had concerns about the second installment's humorous lines would affect box office. Ng Yu Sum frankly was not nervous at all. He said, "I didn't feel like I was making a historical story. History is too heavy and sometimes can be joking around with. By making THREE KINGDOMS characters human and lifelike, they have to have basic human nature and be interesting. According to historical records, Zhuge Liang's fans originally belonged to Zhou Yu. we originally designed the fan for Zhou Yu to give to Zhuge Liang at the end of the film. Later we realized that without his fan Zhuge Liang didn't look right and the audience would not be convinced. Thus I still gave him the fan and even made a joke of it. It was rather fun. These people's attitude, in the face of the war, remained free and easy, calm despite the presence of the great enemy. Zhuge Liang then was only 27 years old and should also like a young man have vitality and passion. A little humor can ease a heavy atmosphere." * (1/5/2009) This afternoon, RED CLIFF 2's global premiere would take place in Beijing. Director John Woo (Ng Yu Sum) with Tony Leung Chiu Wai, Takeshi Kaneshiro (Gum Sing Mo), Zhang Fengyi, Chang Chen, Hu Jun, Vicki Zhao Wei, Lin Chiling, Dong Dawei, You Yong, Hou Yong would gather for a public appearance. The China Film Group Chairman Han Sanping, international superstar Jackie Chan, Emperor Group chief Albert Yeung Sau Sing would also attend the premiere. Reportedly, started on the 5th, Ng Yu Sum would lead the production crew to Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Shanghai to promote. According to China Film Group's estimates, RED CLIFF 2 box office would break through 420 million yuan. Ng Yu Sum at the premiere expressed that he was full of expectations for RED CLIFF 2. He said that in the past his film mainly had tragic heroes with more personal color. Later his philosophy changed as he realized that success in any business would not only rely on himself, but also need the team's help. Whether the Beijing Olympic success or Sichuan earthquake, the power of solidarity has been reflected. Leung Chiu Wai at the premiere said, his most satisfying idea was Zhou Yu and Zhuge Liang jointly designed with a chain of events to defeat Cao Cao. Gum Sing Mo also said, he appreciated this plot a lot because it embodied the theme of solidarity, the trust and understanding between people. In RED CLIFF, Zhou Yu was not as narrow-minded as in ROMANCE OF THREE KINGDOMS, but instead mutally admired Zhuge Liang. Ng Yu Sum explained, "In the face of a national crisis, unity was needed. If at this time infighting still took place, Chinese people would appear to be very petty." According to Ng Yu Sum, originally in the Three Kingdoms story the Zhou Yu Hit Huang Gai scheme has also been canceled. Instead Xiao Qiao's beauty trap took place of Huang Gai's desperate measure and became the Sun Liu alliance's winning strategy. Ng Yu Sum explained that a person after taking 50 strokes of the cane would able to fight a battle seemed not very reasonable. After the change, the heavy responsibility of a solo visit to the Cao camp went to Xiao Qiao. Lin Chiling said, as Xiao Qiao she had to have both the traditional virtues of women and yet courageous resourcefulness. She went to try to persuade Cao Cao into a cease fire. At a more critical moment she offered tea to Cao Cao to make valuable time for the Sun Liu alliance to "borrow the East Wind". In RED CLIFF 2, Zhao Wei played Sun Xiangxiang and had romantic scenes outside of Liu Bei. In the film Zhao Wei dressed in a male disguise to go undercover in the Cao camp. She did not expect a Cao soldier named Sun had fondness for her. Zhao Wei with the help of this person successful stole the Cao camp map. When they met again, they have already become enemies on the opposite sides of the battlefield. * (1/5/2009) model Lin Chiling and actor Chang Chen are full of modern style. In the movie RED CLIFF II they rendezvous in costumes. Most recently for the magazine cover shoot they not only are full of chemistry but also reveal that they would like to perform in a comedy. When RED CLIFF released its cast list, many people questioned whether Lin Chiling can fulfill the job. She has proven that she can bring life to the ancient beauty. As for the future, Lin Chiling would like to challenge comedy roles; She disclosed that during filming, in order to ease the tense atmosphere at the scene, she told jokes to everyone. Director John Woo (Ng Yu Sum) said she could perform in a comedy. Chiling due to RED CLIFF turned down all performances and sacrificed many money-making opportunities, but she believes that she has received the most during this period since the start of her career. She was also able to find a pleasant surprise and a new direction. She said that the filming was hard, but she had fun from it. Looking back, every minute was worthy. As for Chang Chen, although he has played costume film CROUCHING TIGER HIDDEN DRAGON's Luo Xiaofu he believed that RED CLIFF was his first costume film. Chang said that RED CLIFF was very different, regardless of look and figure he had to be as in depth and convincing as possible. To him it was very fresh but also very interesting. Faced with so many superb acting veterans, Chang Chen did not feel any pressure because he did not have any burden. He was able to play Sun Quan according to his own understanding and therefore he was very relaxed and had a lot of fun. Chang Chen was willing to try anything, stage plays, television dramas, small theaters, "all are welcome". He would like to set off different sparks and would like to participate in a comedy performance the most. Unfortunately no one has approached him yet. As for his own expectations, Chang Chen not only had dramatic performance but also hoped to find opportunities to study abroad "botany", which had nothing to do with performance. He said that Taiwan had a very beautiful natural environment, he would like to further his understanding and contribute to this land. Lin Chiling an Chang Chen's interviews would be published in the January issue of ELLE. * (1/4/2009) Media Asia Films' HK$ 60 million New Year romantic comedy LOOK FOR A STAR (YAU LUNG HEI FUNG) has already been scheduled for the Lunar New Year January 23 Hong Kong release. Lead actress Shu Qi even recognized the film was director Andrew Lau Wai Keung's most romantic one yet. The industry gave rave reviews as well after a screening. Currently single, Shu Qi although currently did not force love, a woman's nature was always romance loving. She laughed, "During days that I am not dating, I am very grateful to director Lau Wai Keung for getting him to be in an explosive romance with (Andy) Lau Tak Wa. I am the most excited about this!" Although she has not seen the entire film, earlier she has enjoyed a lot of footage during post production and she could not have been more touched. Thus now she still was looking forward to the premiere! Shu Qi this time played a casino dealer, but at night she worked part time in the dance troupe. In order to attract more viewers and to sustain her livelihood, she inevitably had to dress provocatively. She laughed, "I also thought that the dance costumes were too sexy, but under Director Lau Wa Keung's coercion I had to wear them! Ha ha! Actually I am only joking. If no one appreciates them with bias they have no problem. Hopefully no one would focus on the dance costumes because my dance practice process was very difficult." Actually she herself loved to dance but she never had a chance to learn. This time she had difficult challenges as she realized that dance steps were not easy to remember. Fortunately while dancing I didn't have to remember any line. As for actor Lau Tak Wa, while getting an eyeful backstage and waiting for his turn, he could only keep his eyes forwards and joked that he had to recite more prayers in front of a group of provocatively dressed beauties! * (1/4/2009) Hong Kong Film Awards is held in April each year. Its association has officially announced 08 Hong Kong and Asian films that are eligible for competition and would will carry out the first round of voting. Found on the list was next month's release, the Dior Cheng Yi Kin and Karena Lam Ka Yun starred romance CLAUSTROPHOBIA (CHUN MUK). How can it be eligible before its release? Actually the film has already had five advanced screenings in November last year, just in time to meet the Hong Kong Film Award entry requirements. CLAUSTROPHOBIA is Hong Kong Film Award winning writer Ong Sai written and directed, Cheng Yi Kin and Lam Ka Yun starred. Reportedly its official release date would be February 12 before Valentine's Day, over a month away from its release. Yet it was on last week's Hong Kong Film Award 08 Hong Kong and Asian films! According to the Hong Kong Film Awards Association established film eligibility, the release date must be between January 1 and December 31, with no less than 5 shows in a 1 week and must have public ticket sales. It can be screened in either film or digital form and the film must be 60 minutes or more in length. CLAUSTROPHOBIA distributor Edko Films said, "Although CLAUSTROPHOBIA would not be formally released until February, in November last year it had 5 shows at the Pacific Place amc cinemas at Admiralty. Thus it qualified for the Hong Kong Film Awards. Actually previous Hong Kong films had similar incidents, even at the United States' Academy Awards." In the past candidates with similar circumstances included the Sylvia Chang (Cheung Ngai Ga) directed HAPPY BIRTHDAY, the Lawrence Ah Mon (Lau Kwok Cheung) directed BESIEGED CITY (WAI SING), and another Ong Sai film JULY RHAPSODY (NAM YUN SEI SUP). They all had several "quiet" advanced screenings, after participating in the Hong Kong Film Award and the Golden Bauhinia Award then they were officially scheduled for release. As for CLAUSTROPHOBIA, the original film has been quietly released a month ago with just enough shows to make its Hong Kong Film Award eligible for 2008. The film has only participated in 2008 Hong Kong Asian Film Festival promotion. Viewers who knew about the film's amc cinema release were few. With CLAUSTROPHOBIA's eligibility, actress Lam Ka Yun would have an opportunity to compete with PAINTED SKIN (WAT PEI) and ALL ABOUT WOMEN (NUI YUN BUT WAI)'s Chinese Best Actress Zhou Xun. Lam Ka Yun lost the Taiwan Golden Horse Awards for Best Actress to TRUE WOMAN FOR SALES' Prudence Liew Mei Kwan and would likely run into each other again. OCEAN FLAME's Monica Mok Siu Kei would also have a chance to join the fray. * (1/4/2009) The 2008 TVB JADE SOLID GOLD PRESENTATION CEREMONY was held successfully last night as 49 awards in 17 categories were presented. The Most Popular Male and Female Singer went to Leo Ku Kui Ke and Miriam Yeung Chin Wa who were improbable winners. Both shed tears with excitement on the spot; and the Asia-Pacific Most Popular Hong Kong Male and Female Singer went to Eason Chan Yik Shun and Joey Yung Cho Yi, Joey and Kay Tse On Kay were singers who received the most awards that night with three each. yet Joey was unable to win six Most Popular Female Singer awards as she could only tie Song Queen Anita Mui Yim Fong's record of five. Tse On Kay not only won the Gold Song prize but also a four station alliance music award and with WEDDING INVITATION STREET (HEI TIP GAI) the Gold Song Gold Prize. Chin Wa, Gei Jai and Chan Yik Shun each won two awards. Regarded as something in the bag for Joey, the Most Popular Female Singer award went to Chin Wa in an improbable win. She appeared to be in disbelief and excited for 30 seconds as she was also unable to speak. Then she wept as she expressed that she last won the award seven years ago. Later she became discouraged and discovered that she not only had to learn from success but more from failure, she also understood and learned to cherish everything that she had. In addition to thank people who have her positive energy she also thanked her parents for keeping her company every year at award shows. Even if she had to sit for the full three hours just to keep her company her mother did not mind. Accused of trading a TVB hosting gig for an award, Gei Jai truly experienced for the first time the Most Popular Male Singer award. He shed tears with equal passion and to publicly thanked his assistant girlfriend. As the organizer TVB artist singers certainly not go home empty handed. In the end Myolie Wu Hung Yi, Linda Chung Ka Yun, Raymond Lam Fung, Bosco Wong Chung Chak and Patrick Tang Kin Won all received awards. Chung Ka Yun and Wong Chung Chak won the Most Popular Male and Female New Artist Silver Prize. Hung Yi received the New Artist Rising Star award and half a Most Popular Duet Bronze prize. Tang Kin Won received the Most Popular Creative Singer bronze prize. Lam Fung only received one gold hit prize. Although Wong Cho Nam did not win, his duet segment with Gei Jai received a passionate response. This year's New artist award competition was also fierce. Finally the rapidly rising William Chan Wai Ting and the 17 year old singer G.E.M received the awards from guest performers and presenters Lollipop. In addition halfway through the presentation last night an embarrassing episode took place, when Eric Tsang Chi Wai announced the outstanding performance gold prize went to Susanna Kwan Kuk Ying, Jade Kwan Sum Yin suddenly excitedly ran to stage and even embraced Sister Kuk from behind. Sister Kuk was surprised and asked whether the award was hers. Chi Wai clarified, "She came to congratulate you. The award is yours. Perhaps your last names are both Kwan it is easily to hear it wrong." Kwan Sum Yin immediately covered her face in embarrassment and returned to her seat. Ivana Wong Yuen Chi comforted her. Later when Chi Wai announced her POMPEII 21ST CENTURY won a gold hit award, she was already covered in tears when she came to the stage. All of the singers gave her a standing ovation. She said as she wept, "I was very scared, almost to death. I get embarrassed very easily. This is my first Gold Hit award. I thought this year I should win the Outstanding Performance award, I never thought about winning a Gold Hit award." When she performed, the female singers stood up and cheered for her. This year's prize presentation ceremony was held in Kowloon Bay, singers' entrance also took a special format as they entered in between the seats. When the program started, singers stood in the public walkway awaiting their entrance as many looked on. Joey put her coat around Ah Sa, perhaps due to Ah Sa's intolerance of the cold. Joey also chatted with Denise Ho Wan Si and Miriam Yeung Chin Wa. Later during the commercial break, Ah Si even played photographer for Stephanie Cheng Yung, Chin Wa and Joey. Ah Si after taking the picture gave Chin Wa a preview. Reportedly at odds, Joey and Tse On Kay also chatted. Always a thorn in Joey's side in the past, Chi Wa after heaving the hatchet last year with Albert Yeung Sau Sing, two night ago gave Joey's a hand and said, "Take care you! Your iron (pointing at her high heels)!" Chi Wai last night with Mainland a singer Sun Nan opened the show with CHONG HOI YUT SING SIU. Then with another host Chui Kin Bong introduced the evening's theme as "the Yangtze River's back tide pushes the front tide, a new generation replaces the old as life goes on without end." Chi Wai immediately joked that actually "a new generation buries the old as displeasure runs deep". Actually this year many later generation has risen to the first row, like Tse On Kay, Cheng Yung, Kary Ng Yu Fei, Vincy Chan (Wing Yi), Juno Mak Chun Lung and Eric Suen Yiu Wai. Even solo artist this year Charlene Choi Cheuk Yin sat in the first row. When the group award was presented, Chi Wai said, "This year without Twins I don't know who will win?" Then he looked at Ah Sa, who mouthed, "We'll be back!" Chi Wai repeated her sentiments with the microphone. Chi Wai that night took two jabs at Commercial Radio, first at the station for carrying Fong Datong to the stage for the Gold prize. Chi Wai said, "TVB wouldn't carry you up there, you have to rely on yourself. No one would carry you up there, you have to walk yourself!" Later Chi Wai also joked that the ceremony had to end before the news and said, "With Stephen (Chan Chi-wan) here it is like that, this is the next station's misunderstanding of us!" Jan Lam Hoi Fung earlier at the Commercial Radio Thunder award asked Chan Chi Wan to suspend the news so the broadcast would go on. 2008 JADE TVB SOLID GOLD WINNERS Top Ten Jade TVB Solid Gold Hits ON THE TREADMILL - Joey Yung Cho Yi WEDDING INVITATION STREET - Kay Tse On Kay PERSON WHO GRABS THE MOON - Miriam Yeung Chin Wa 21ST CENTURY - Jade Kwan Sum Yin SONG, PRAISE - Eason Chan Yik Shun LOVE WITHOUT GUILT - Raymond Lam Fung SYCHRONIZED SWIMMING - Denise Ho Wan Si HIS STORY - Hins Cheung King Hin EYES CANNOT BE WITHOUT TEARS - Leo Ku Kui Ke HER MERCY IS MY SORROW - Hacken Lee Hak Kun Gold Hit Gold Pize WEDDING INVITATION STREET - Kay Tse On Kay Most Popular Chinese Song Award Gold: WORDS FROM THE HEART - Sun Nan Silver: LITTLE DIMPLES - JJ Lin Junjie, Charlene Choi Cheuk Yin Bronze: LOVE SONG - Fong Datong Most Popular Commercial Jingle Award Gold: LUCKY STAR - Joey Yung Cho Yi Silver: I MISS YOU - Chan Pak Yu Bronze: YOU ARE MY BEST FRIEND - HotCha New Artist Rising Award: Myolie Wu Hung Yi Most Popular New Artist (Male) Gold: William Chan Wai Ting Silver: Bosco Wong Chung Chak Bronze: Dik Yi Tat Most Popular New Artist (Female) Gold: G.E.M Silver: Linda Chung Ka Yun Bronze: Fung Hei Yu? Most Popular Group Gold: Fama Silver: HotCha Bronze: Mr. Most Popular Creative Singer Gold: Ivana Wong Yuen Chi Silver: Justin Lo (Juk Tin) Bronze: Patrick Tang Kin Won 2008 Outstanding Performance Award Gold: Susanna Kwan Kuk Ying Silver: Juno Mak Chun Lung Bronze: chan Pak Yu Most Popular Duet Gold: ALL FOR NOTHING - Chow Pak Ho, Stephanie Cheng Yung Silver: TOO INTENSE FOR PETS - Chubby (Siu Fei), Kary Ng Yu Fei Bronze: THE SADDEST TODAY - Myolie Wu Hung Yi, Wong Ho Shun Most Popular Adapted Song Gold: LONGING - Emme Wong Yee Man Silver: AS LONG AS TOGETHER WITH YOU - Eric Suen Yiu Wai Bronze: CHIN GIU BAK MEI - Ho Nan Most Popular Male Singer: Leo Ku Kui Ke Most POpular Female Singer: Miriam Yeung chin Wa Asia Pacific Most Popular Hong Kong Male Singer: Eason Chan Yik Shun Asia Pacific Most Popular Hong Kong Female Singer: Joey Yung Cho Yi Best Song Writing: Eric Kwok (WEDDING INVITATION STREET) Best Lyrics: Wyman Wong Wai Man (WEDDING INVITATION STREET) Best Song Arrangement: Wong Seung Chun (ON THE TREADMILL) Best Song Producer: Peter Kam Pui Tat (WRITE TOO MUCH) 2008 Four Station Alliance Music Award Album Award: BINARY - Kay Tse On Kay * (1/3/2009) Hong Kong film performance and production rate in recent years have been very bleak, but fortunately last year a Stephen Chow Sing Chi film CJ7 (CHEUNG GONG CHUT HO) was able to compete with Hollywood film THE DARK KNIGHT. Although this time Sing Yeh in CJ7 sold warmth instead, many Sing fans still waited with bated breath. Over its three month run, its box office reached HK$51,440,832 and placed second in the year's top ten highest grossing films. It is second only to the big Hollywood production THE DARK KNIGHT by over 7 million. The Hong Kong Motion Picture Industry Association announced yesterday the 2008 top ten highest grossing film box office, in which only two Hong Kong-produced films have qualified and proved the sad state of Hong Kong films in the film market. Apart from the CJ7's second place finish that saved a little face for Hong Kong film, the other film was the John Woo (Ng Yu Sum) directed, trouble ridden RED CLIFF (CHET BIK) in ninth place. Its box office receipt was HK$24,258,591. Although Sing Yeh's CJ7 had a already decent box office result, it ultimately was unable to break his other film KUNG FU HUSTLE (GONG FU)'s 61 million record, the highest grossing film in Hong Kong film history. As the first place THE DARK KNIGHT, after more than three months in release its box office was HK$58,524,393. Apart from the "Batman" film series supporters, conceivably because "the Joker" Heath Ledger after the film competition passed away at home from a drug overdose and Edison Chen Koon Hei's three minute appearance have added a lot of publicity effect for the film. Hong Kong films' top ten box office last year had CJ7, RED CLIFF and the still in release critical success IP MAN. IP MAN's box office as of December 31 was 18 million. Smaller budget films like L FOR LOVE L FOR LIVES (NGOR DIK JUI OI) and LA LINGERIE (NOI YI SIU NUI) also landed in sixth and ninth place respectively, a good achievement for them. 08 TOP TEN HIGHEST GROSSING FILMS 1. DARK KNIGHT $58,524,393 2. CJ7 $51,440,832 3. MUMMY: TOMB OF THE DRAGON EMPEROR $37,582,208 4. JOURNEY TO THE CENTER OF EARTH $35,032,996 5. KUNG FU PANDA $31,471,718 6. ENCHANTED $27,987,002 7. INDIANA JONES AND THE KINGDOM OF THE CRYSTAL SKULL $26,844,912 8. THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA: PRINCE CASPIAN $25,480,765 9. RED CLIFF $24,258,591 10. HANCOCK $23,649,673 * (1/3/2009) The Kuei Lun-Mei and Chang Chen starred PARKING will be released in Hong Kong next Thursday. Always the image of purity, Kuei Lun-Mei this time changed her image to play an ambitious model early in her career and also infertile. In the film she smoked and used foul language, making many admired her determine to break through her existing image. Since Siu Mei was so fluent with foul language, many suspected her of constantly using foul language in her daily life. She expressed that when she initially received the script she was also very tense. Because the role's personality was very different from her own, she specifically asked the director whether she could use foul language in English; but the director insisted that she follow the instructions on the script and used Mandarin to curse at Chang Chen. The shoot went unusually smooth. Siu Mei credited co-star Chang Chen's lead, which got her into character very quickly. When Chang Chen heard the "praise" he immediately joked, "So I make you want to use foul language?" Playing a husband in the film, he was also angry due to his wife Siu Mei's rage and jumped on his wife with foul language. However he clarified that privately he almost did not use any foul language at all. When the script asked for it, as an actor he of course had to try his best to interpret. However, Chang Chen and Siu Mei had a very deep friendship personally. This crazy foul language scene instead became their most memorable and fun scene. In addition, Chapman To Man Jat in the film also has a memorable performance -- the mob throwing oil on him with only his underwear on in the streets. He said, "That scene was completed on a cold night, the process was so tough I almost fainted. For the scene to be even more intense, halfway trough the director asked for me to tremble a little. Because the weather was really cold, and even Under a slight rain, when the crew was also preparing other props, I was already shivering in my underwear." * (1/1/2009) U.S. Cable News Network (CNN) earlier named the best Asian film in history. Winner of many international prizes, Wong Kar Wai's work IN THE MOOD FOR LOVE (FA YEUNG NIN WA) beat 18 films from Japan, South Korea, New York, Thailand, Iran and India to top the list. Wong Kar-Wai in the hearts of European and American viewers is the most powerful Asian film creator. CNN said that the survey was held mainly because Asia has nearly one-third of the world, with more than 70 countries over four billion population. Its film production accounted for half of global output. Bollywood is India's film industry base, each year it produces 1000 films, twice the output of Hollywood. Therefore, in addition to the advantages of an Asian film production, it also includes a group of influential director. Among the 18 selected films, six are Chinese-language films and two Hong Kong-produced films are among the top ten finalists. In addition to IN THE MOOD FOR LOVE, another countless award winner and caught the eyes of Hollywood to remake into THE DEPARTED, Andrew Lau Wai Keung's INFERNAL AFFAIRS is ranked tenth. Also, Jia Zhangke's STILL LIFE appears in the sixth place, Zhang Yang's SHOWER is ranked seventh; and Zhang Yimou's TO LIVE for 13th place, King Hu (Wu Kam Chuen)'s classic TOUCH OF ZEN is the fifteenth spaces. * (1/1/2008) Michael Hui Koon Man two nights ago revealed at an Omlive interview that his recent self-directed, written, and performed comedy film FOON LOK MUK MA (HAPPY CODE) had difficulty from the Mainland Film Board. He said, "You can say it is a political issue, I do not know why it's like this. I haven't directed in more than a decade. At first everything is fine, but as soon as happiness has a code then it is a problem. Like the Sichuan incident after everyone laughed nothing happened, which felt too absurd; coupled with last year's LUST CAUTION and LOST IN BEIJING approval, Mainland has been more careful with Hong Kong films." Hui Koon Man lamented that now he could only modify the script, fortunately it was still in production so the loss was not too bad. Earlier he even cast Hins Cheung King Hin and Ivana Wong Yuen Chi. [ BLAH OF THE WEEK ] Columns, Reviews, Interviews 1. MING PAO DAILY, JANUARY 7 2009, FILM WORDS DREAM'S UNSUCCESSFUL ROMANTIC BID South Korean whiz director Kim Ki-Duk's new film DREAM is his 15th film since his first in 1996. He can be considered prolific and has caught international film festival's long term attention. This time he has Japanese hunk Joe Odagiri with South Korea star Li Na-Young and maintains Kim Ki-Duk's personal independent style. Yet the performance is poor and I am very disappointed. DREAM depicts a pair of modern strangers who are connected via a romantic dream. Whenever the lovelorn male lead dreams of the former girlfriend who he cannot forget, the female lead would sleepwalk and bother the former boyfriend who she hates. They form a mismatched love-hate conflict that also results in a car accident that is fulfilled from a dream and a romantic murder. After the male and female leads meet, they try everything possible to rid themselves of nightmare and sleepwalking disturbance. However the matter only escalates as the situation deteriorates worse. What should they do? This story is very bizarre, originally it may have developed into an alluring thriller that confuses fantasy with reality. Yet Kim Ki-Duk just keeps on selling dull art, cooks up abnormal deranged self abuse and dark tragedy that makes little sense, distorts characters, lacks soul, spirit and fun. The film is his failure. Actually Joe Odagiri's role is sentimental and kind. He would rather not have a dream that would get the female lead into trouble. He forces himself not to sleep, even stabs himself into a blood mess. Joe Odagiri performs the painful self-mutilation scene with quite an effort. The female lead's lost expression is also decent. The ending also has a sense of a fatal love tragedy. However, in the film the leads already know that as long as they take turns sleeping they can sleep in peace. Why not continue to properly coordinate and help each other, instead of making it extremely painful? The story truly is unreasonable. In addition Joe Odagiri plays a Korean but speaks Japanese while others speak Korean, which is also very wrong. Among Kim Ki-Duk's films, I think SPRING SUMMER FALL WINTER AND SPRING is the best. 3 IRON and SAMARITAN GIRL also have their unique color, but in recent years he has become self indulgent and lost luster. DREAM cannot even compare to his previous work BREATH. Worth mentioning is Kim Ki-Duk's value of East Asia tradition. Many Chinese characters and Buddhist Temple portraits appear in this film. The male lead is an engraver who carves seals like "sad Dream" and "black and white with the body". The female lead finally transforms into a butterfly, obviously based on Zhuangzi's Butterfly Dream. The entire film is also under the influence of Freud's psychological and dream analysis. Both the East and the West since ancient times have had many dream legends. Please note that the Hong Kong Film Archive is holding a MOVIES ON THE MIND - PSYCHOLOGY AND FILM SINCE SIGMUND FREUD exhibition and screening, the main theme is the Freudian psychology and dream analysis and their delicate relationships between films of various places. - SHEK KEI 2. MING PAO DAILY, JANUARY 6 2009, FILM WORDS LADY COP AND PAPA CROOK IS NOT FUN ENOUGH In recent years Hong Kong actresses have reduced production, while Mainland and Taiwan actresses have more opportunity to enjoy the limelight. Even Hong Kong Heavenly Queen level Sammi Cheng Sau Man took a few years before this new film release and once again attracted fans to show their support. The fact was her performance was interesting. Yet the plot was mediocre, less than thoroughly fun. The Alan Mak Siu Fai, Felix Chong Man Keung directed LADY COP AND PAPA CROOK (DAI SAU CHA JI NUI) enabled Cheng Sau Man to play the interesting lady cop. Disguised as the new century silly big sister, her comedy sense was unique. Better than her previous film EVERLASTING REGRET as the suffering Shanghai beauty, she has returned to her Hong Kong characteristics this time. This new movie's story idea originally would have been different from others, wonderfully the new mob boss Eason Chan Yik Shun's little son was kidnapped. The female detective led the investigation into his home, both sides of the law under one roof became happy rivals. While battling wits, they at the same time worked together to investigate and cooked up INFERNAL AFFAIRS (MO GAN DOH) comedy version. This time Cheng Sau Man and Chan Yik Shun were semi-friends and semi-enemies as they cooked up fun situations. Co-stars Chapman To Man Jat and Kate Tsui Tsz Shan were also cute. The film even had a surprisingly odd turn. However, the film's mob family internal struggle not only was unclear, but also involved Mainland police. The story then was complex and far-fetched, unable to be hearty and fun. Now Hong Kong films for the Mainland market often are co-produced with Mainland and require film inspections, free will does not come easy. The film's cooperation has to draw a clear line between cops and crooks, so female cop and male mob boss always keep a distance emotionally and do not set off spark. Mob figures also must face punishment by law. Plot development then has its hands tied and becomes half baked. Only certain scenes are hilarious, overall it cannot satisfy. The Chinese title obviously has influence from the late Japanese dark comedy director Juzo Itami's MARUZA NO ONNA series. Juzo Itami's wife Nobuko Miyamoto played a tax inspector. This far from pretty Japanese Plain Jane became a wonderful detective. This couple has worked together on many films, including THE FUNERAL and DANDELION, but Juzo Itami committed suicide in 1997. The United States also had wonderful female detectives, the most successful was Frances McDormand in the Coen Brothers' FARGO as the pregnant cop. She won the Best Actress Oscar. She is Joel Coen's wife, another couple team. Hong Kong has made many female cop films. Several years ago Miriam Yeung Chin Wa's LOVE UNDERCOVER films were popular, but in recent years they have become fewer. I feel Cheng Sau Man can play detective comedy again. Hopefully she will be able to a good story that will be able to bring joy to everyone and be thoroughly entertaining. - SHEK KEI 3. MING PAO DAILY, JANUARY 5 2009, FILM WORDS FOREVER ENTHRALLED FIRST HALF IS CONSIDERABLE The Chen Kaige directed FOREVER ENTHRALLED (MUI LAN FONG) is two and a half hours long. Honestly I have no expectation but surprisingly the first half achieves quality. It describes the early Republic years' Beijing Opera artists with delicate and unique details, much better than theaward winning classic FAREWELL MY CONCUBINE (BA WONG BIT GEI). However when Lai Ming appears to play Mei Lanfang in the prime of his life, the role becomes a thankless task and the second half runs out of drama. Beijing Opera male diva Mei Lanfang (1894-1961) is the best of the four famous divas and the Chinese opera performer with the highest international prestige. Early in the film Yu Shaoqun, a new star with a Han and Yue opera background, plays young Mei Lanfang. On stage his diva portrayal is convincing and full of feminine beauty. Off stage his male presence is mild mannered, handsome and full of charm. In addition to Yu Shaoqun's outstanding performance, Wang Xueqi who starred in Chen Kaige's claim to fame YELLOW EARTH and THE BIG PARADE plays the veteran actor 13 Swallow with sophistication and excitement. This role seems to insinuate Beijing Opera master class actor Tan Xinpei (China's first film THE BATTLE OF DINGJUNSHAN in 1905 was a silent short film that documented Tan Xinpei's craft). In addition the Sunhonglei played both Chinese and Western educated Qiu Rubai is very influential in Mei Lanfang's achievement from then on. Obviously Qi Rushan is his blueprint. Sun Honglei's performance this time is rather good. Lai Ming does not appear until the middle as the married father Mei Lanfang who has an affair with the female actor Meng Xiaodong. Zhang Ziyi is decent as Meng Xiaodong but Lai Ming just keeps on playing the melancholy "casanova". He lacks expression. He seems to have a double for the on stage performance as he does not personally perform. In the second half Mei Lanfang had a successful United States performance, then the film recognized his refusal to collaborate during the Japanese Invasion of China. His patriotism persisted but the film could not reach any climax and the flavor faded. This film is not a real biography of Mei Lanfang. The character are half real and half fictional. Female lead actually is Chen Kaige's wife and producer Chen Hong who plays Mei Lanfang's wife Fu Chifang. The role is bigger than Zhang Ziyi. However Mei Lanfang's first wife Wang Minghua is not mentioned at all, neither is Mei Lanfang's performance in Japan before going to the United States, then to the Soviet Union, all of which caused quite a stir. The film also does not mention during the war Mei Lanfang migrated to Hong Kong. It also does not mention that Meng Xiaodong after breaking up with him connected with the Bund's "Godfather" Du Yuesheng and they wed in Hong Kong. The romantic rival shooting was real but changed to the rival dressing up as a woman, which was confusing and unclear. The entire film luckily has a colorful first half, but its momentum faded. Overall dramatically it is no match for FAREWELL MY CONCUBINE over a decade ago. - SHEK KEI 4. MING PAO DAILY, JANUARY 5 2009, FILM AND TELEVISION OBSERVATIONS WHAT DO THE 08 BOX OFFICE FIGURES REFLECT? Movie lovers should be very satisfied with this holiday. Aside from plenty of selections, film quality is generally high as almost few is very disappointing. The Motion Picture Industry Association announced last year's total box office of 180 million, 70 million more than 07 and a growth of 9%. The figure alone looks very decent, of course it cannot compare to Mainland's 27%. Hong Kong films accounted for 53 (Hong Kong Film Awards counted 54), the total box office was 251 million. On average, each film had 4.74 million. Non Hong Kong films accounted for 195 with a total box office of 835.5 million. On average each film had 4.29 million, a slight loss to Hong Kong film. The top ten box office chart is another matter. THE DARK KNIGHT is last year's highest grossing film with 58.5 million. Stephen Chow Sing Chi's CJ7 (CHEUNG GONG CHUT HO) came in second with 51.44 million. The two films are 7 million apart. Third place figure is substantially further, THE MUMMY TOMB OF THE DRAGON EMPEROR made 37,580,000, almost 14 million from CJ7 but 2.5 million from the fourth place JOURNEY TO THE CENTER OF THE EARTH. From the third to tenth place, the difference was only 14 million. Among the top ten, only two were Hong Kong-produced films. Aside from CJ7 RED CLIFF came in ninth. Both films were co-production films with little Hong Kong flavor. Among only the top ten Hong Kong films, CJ7 and RED CLIFF's box office had a distance of 27 million. In Mainland RED CLIFF was a much bigger hit than CJ7, obviously the two audience's tastes differ. Top ten foreign films and the top Hong Kong films all made over 50 million, but with tenth place the distance was tremendous. The tenth place foreign film was IRON MAN with 21,760,000. Hong Kong film was THE BEAST STALKER (JING YUN) with only 7.99 million. What does this reflect? Foreign big films are much stronger than Hong Kong films, but in terms of small and mid scale films Hong Kong films are a little more stable than foreign films. Unfortunately it is not enough. - KWOK HIN CHING 5. MING PAO DAILY, JANUARY 4 2009, FILM AND TELEVISION OBSERVATIONS WHY HONG KONG SERIES CANNOT BE MADE INTO FILMS When drama for young viewers succeeded, big screen adaptation to make more money is an inevitable pattern. The writer has mentioned repeatedly here, the Hong Kong drama target audience grows older and older. Television stations thus cannot make young idols. In recent years few television artists have been able to join the big screen, some after one or two did not continue on because they could not rise. Most Japanese TV drama series that could be made into a movie had young idols and not middle aged actors as protagonists. Yet in Hong Kong series artists with more age and experience are the ones who can carry the rating. Production model also has a huge relationship. Single episode shows have almost existed. Hong Kong series mainly are intermediate, that is, 20 to 40-episodes length and broadcast five nights a week. Japanese TV drama series take the European and American TV model, seasonal with 13-20 episodes that broadcast an episode a week. Due to the weekly broadcast, the production conditions are better. Japanese TV dramas are already considered worse, many European and American drama shoot with film. Each episode production costs even more than some small and medium-sized Hong Kong films. In China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, South Korea and other places, the audience still loves to chase series nightly. Mainland can air several episodes per night and has a high digestion rate. In comparison, the shows are naturally rougher. Japanese TV drama series with good ratings from time to time would make special edition. Actually with one episode per week, money stories can be an individual chapter. A special edition is a two-hour version. With a completely independent story, it is the television movie practice. What are the advantages of an independent story? To writing and directing training it is very important. Hong Kong series are all in intermediate length. Directors and writers are alternately take turns writing and shooting, with very few opportunities to try to deal with a completely independent story. They also have to grasp the 90 to 120 minutes pace to entertain the audience. TV series and film productions are entirely different, two separate techniques. Previously television stations had single episode series that are willing to innovate and did not care about the ratings. They were able to train a large number of movie elite. Most Japanese TV drama series movie version have been able to extricate themselves from their ways of thinking. What the audience saw in the cinema were not the film version of the TV series, but a real movie. DETECTIVE GALILEO is a good example, it is much better than the TV series. - KWOK HIN CHING 6. TA KUNG PAO, JANUARY 4 2009 GOOD SIGNS APPEAR WITH CHINESE LANGUAGE FILM Looking back in 2008, it has given people too many sentiments. The most widely implicated, the most far-reaching of course would be the global financial tsunami, this year everyone have to start to face the effect that it brings; film and television entertainment businesses did not have a calm year, from the erotic photo scandal in the beginning of the year to the Joe Ngai Chun incident at the end of the year, to the ATV storm, everything has triggered a sensitive response. Entering the new year, although everyone's forecast due to the less than ideal overall environment and film and television entertainment circle conditions is not optimistic, I hope that bad news and misfortune can quickly pass and more happy and exciting news can be welcomed. At the beginning of the New Year, the latest Chinese-language film conditions can be said to be very gratifying. The Christmas release IP MAN had a cumulative box office of more than 15 million and could overtake first place THE DAY THE EARTH STOOD STILL, while FOREVER ENTHRALLED's Mainland box office would also exceed 100 million. From now until the Lunar New Year, Chinese-language film market would be in a rarely seen cheerful condition. Upcoming releases include LADY COP AND PAPA CROOK (DAI SAU CHA JI NUI), TACTICAL UNIT (GEI DUNG BO TUI ji TUNG BAO), RED CLIFF II (CHET BIK: KUET JIN TIN HA), LOOK FOR A STAR (YAU LUNG HEI FUNG) and ALL'S WELL ENDS WELL 2009 (GA YAU HEI SI 2009). Each has certain appeal. As for television, ATV's situation is very dire. With the farce at the end of last year, it has exposed the huge losses from the numerous personnel changes. At present we are not concerned about the quality of the ATV programs, the issue of accumulating too much weakness and financial hardship, but whether this station's future will truly be a business ending closing. Although TVB still has certain advantages, in the face of cable and internet media competition like now Broadband TV, its audience is lost further. Thus in addition to use a large number of veteran artists to consolidate the existing housewife audience, it also through drama series (sponsor) and artists (public performance) to explore and expand a variety of different revenue source; more recently due to a lack of firewall restrictions, this big money making television company is able to combine anew pay and free television production department into a production factory. Thus it is able to outright fire people. I have already stopped holding out hope for any creative programming from this television station, not to mention any social responsibility. Instead Mainland television stations like Hunan Satellite TV's television programs do not pale in quality to Hong Kong's. In addition their contents are far more exciting and positive than Hong Kong's. - CHUI HIU 7. TA KUNG PAO, JANUARY 4 2009 ARTIST IMAGE IS CRUCIAL Kay Tse On Kay as the newly rising music scene heavenly queen won numerous awards, her thunder can also rival veterans Joey Yung Cho Yi and Miriam Yeung Chin Wa. Also as a new generation Mommy she has attended a number of social activities and home goods advertising, with more fame and fortune on the way. Her luck with stardom seems to have exceeded her expectation. Young Tse On Kay over the past three years or so had several career and family upheavals. When compared to artists who originated from the same period or even earlier she has had more life experience that causes her to become more mature. Her singing and music experiences through music interpret life journey have led to even more resonance. Fans also appreciate her determination and virtuous wife and mother image as much as her singing abilities. Three years ago before she was married with child, Tse On Kay was already a well known new talent in music. At the time she decided to bid a temporary farewell to music to have her child, which her record company and many fans thought was a pity. Some even left cynical online comments that claimed she did not cherish her wings and ruined her own artistic future. Yet she and Louis Cheung Kai Chung were determined. Even though their economic foundation was not stable, they still without any regret brought their child to the world and assume the heavenly duty of parenthood. Early in her motherhood, her sister in law was revealed to help make ends meet by selling newspapers. This little couple tolerated even more embarrassing ridicule and had the courage to face a variety of challenges. While today's people are more open minded, but artists' image and behavior are closely related to their careers. Anyone who faces challenges, aims at steady jobs and dare to seek progress, the audience can see their efforts. How can they deny that impression points are irrelevant to real talent. Those who took the wrong steps and caused an uproar like Edison Chen Koon Hei, Gillian Chung Yun Tung and Cecilia Cheung Pak Chi, have over the past year been avoiding public events, conceivably hiding from the light and as they examined their errors. In the limelight, after all they are still young and hope to have the opportunity to start afresh. Yet they still need time to downplay and adjust. When they made a mistake they still needed to bear responsibility. Having always given the impression of uninhibited willfulness, Nicholas Tse Ting Fung in the face of adversity still stood by Cheung Pak Chi's side and passed the transitional period in a very low-key manner to prove that his care for his family and loved ones, demonstrate a manliness to share the burden with his beloved. The fact is this year he has been working doubly hard, and his fans admire his courage to carry his family. Singers and songs actually interpret the impermanence of life, when real emotions flow they can even reach people's soul. Known as the husband of the century Jacky Cheung Hok Yau's love song performance skill is recognized as charming. His wife and daughter loving good image has also solidified his long enduring career. Frequent participants in multiple acts of grace and kindness, Jackie Chan and Andy Lau Tak Wa, despite a lack of personal life transparency, still disseminated the positive energy of caring for family and respect for love. They have won fan support and have a rather considerable purpose to encourage and inspire. The audience in determining artist value and achievements, apart from the beautiful and handsome type and extraordinary talent, personal character cultivation and influence in the community can have an impact that is equally important, even more intimate and direct definition of themselves aside from the commercial value. - CHOW YI 8. TA KUNG PAO, JANUARY 3 2009 DO NOT ASK ABOUT THE MOVIE WHILE WATCHING IT Among Hong Kong-produced Christmas movies IP MAN has a good box office in Hong Kong, which is indeed gratifying. Earlier, soon after IP MAN opened a "episode" of "martial art duel" took place. Supposedly someone asked Jason Wu Jing, "Who is Ip Man", Wu said, "I don't know". Several Wing Chun groups felt that Wu's attitude was frivolous and belittling to their master. Thus they suggested a martial art duel and donated half a million for charity. As others have reported, a martial art duel has occurred in Hong Kong once. It took place in Macau in the 50s between Wu and Chen, the grounds for the duel was both claimed "unrivaled". In the end the result was a draw. Actually the Wu and Chen duel had little to do with this challenge because their competition had nothing to do with the film industry. It was a purely "martial arts" event. Many duels due to filmmaking have taken place. Nothing came of most of them. Bruce Lee had the most challengers. As for the legends of results (of course, Bruce Lee won) and how exciting the process was, only those who were present could confirm. Between the Seventies and early Eighties, the real challenge contest with both sides' repeated responses was only between Hwang Jang-Lee and Cheng Kei Ying. Hwang was a Taekwondo master who often in the early martial arts films played villains. Cheng was Yi Quan Tao master with numerous disciples and a splendid record. Back then Hwang Jang-Lee said something to challenge the Hong Kong "martial art" world. Cheng stood up to him with a declaration of challenge. Finally, of course, no contest took place as people have gradually forgotten the incident. Film is art and entertainment as well. Film content is not necessarily true, the ability to fight pretty does not necessarily mean fighting master. The "martial arts" world of film does not exist in reality. As a martial arts star challenges are quite normal, because most people cannot separate between the film world and the real world. As a recent British study pointed out that some romantic movies are "unrealistic", with RUNAWAY BRIDE and NOTTING HILL as examples it felt that they would bring the audience the wrong idea about love. Experts also pointed out, "When watching these romantic films viewers have to have a clear mind and a critical eye." However, if someone truly watches the movie from an expert point of view, where would the fun be? Movie watching requires concentration, "do not argue with the story when listening to it". Rational analysis is something for the future. A recent popular film SUSPECT X has a wonderful story, superb acting from Shinichi Tsutsumi, and the content is a murder case. The film is decently made as 2 hours passes very easily. Shinichi Tsutsumi plays a mathematical genius who in order to conceal his crush's murdering truth sacrifices himself and kills innocent people to create a variety of favorable evidence for the murderer, and then go to prison as planned. The film described at length Shinichi Tsutsumi's plans and actions. As for his lover's first victim, her ex-husband, dies, the film does not make any mention at all. In the world getting rid of evidence is the most difficult. The victim has already vanished and the murderer has already escaped. She does not need any further assistance from him. Here I have returned to the real world. - TIN LIK 9. MING PAO DAILY, JANUARY 3 2009, FILM AND TELEVISION OBSERVATIONS HOW TO TURN SUCCESSUL TV SHOWS INTO HIT FILMS The Christmas release SUSPECT X had decent box office, probably due to the just ended TV series' remaining momentum. DETECTIVE GALILEO aired on TVB Sundays at 10:30PM and had quite a following, which was a rare phenomenon with recent Japanese series. Japanese TV drama series have been popular early on. Everyone loved to watch the romantic series and detective series only had average response. Thus as soon as Japanese TV series was made, everyone would only think of romantic series. Actually Japanese TV drama series have many types, detective show is a genre that endures because detective novels are very popular in Japan and have cultivated many outstanding detective novelists. Detective novel adaptations from the text to the small and the silver screens are common, but this drama and film genre has not always extended to Hong Kong. Successful television series adaptations for the big screen has been the way to make money in Japanese films in recent years. Each time Fuji TV did so it has had good box office and been more successful than other film companies With good rating on television then making money in the movies sounds very enviable, why do Hong Kong television stations not do the same? It is neither impossible nor not done before, but it did not achieved the expected results. Where did the problem lie? TVB is a monopoly in Hong Kong, its rating percentage should be mightier than Fuji TV's in Japan. Why highly rated series like HEART OF GREED (TONG SUM FUNG BO) cannot be moved to the big screen and save the fragile Hong Kong film? One of the reasons is the Hong Kong TV series target audience is our so-called "housewife audience". Although its identity is not entirely housewife, even when the male audience, a student, or office ladies watch local series, they would defer to the housewife taste. The movie requirement would be very different. Japanese TV drama series also had some that were mainly made for the middle-aged and above audience to see, none of which was suitable for movies. Fuji TV's target audience is younger, which its broadcast TV genre can prove. The audience of this age is also the first to go to the movies. Let's leave other reasons for tomorrow. - KWOK HIN CHING 10. MING PAO DAILY, JANUARY 2 2009, FILM WORDS ONGBAK 2 IS FEROCIOUS BUT MESSY Thai martial art star Tony Jaa directs and stars for first time, following his idols Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan's usual practice of directing after international fame. This time on and off camera he is ferocious his fight, his martial art fierce, but in comparison to his two previous pleasant surprises ONGBAK and TOM YUM GOONG it is messier. ONG BAK 2 actually has nothing to do with the modern film ONG BAK five years ago as it has become a Thai costume martial art film. In it a traitor usurped the crown and killed a loyal official's entire film except a child who escaped, in a mountain gang mastered all kinds of martial arts and then seek revenge. This is a formula that is constantly seen in Chinese and foreign martial art, fortunately it is right up Tony Jaa's special effect independent real fighting genre. He displays strong Muay Thai kicks as well as Chinese gong fu, Japanese Samurai swordplay, bloody horseback battle, as well as Ninjitsu like smoke bombs and explosives and a variety of exotic weapons like rope hammer. The most Thai feature is wrestling with crocodiles, particularly exciting is the elephant battle and traditional Thai dance. Tony Jaa personally directs the action. Joint director Panna Rittikrai is the master who cultivates him for film industry fame. This time the martial art scenes are rich and lively. Of course, a lot of movements inevitably are familiar looking. Fortunately the more Tony Jaa fights the better he gets. His duel with his rival on the back of an elephant is the most difficult and the action is the most amazing. It is very commendable. This film also shows off its vast image, gore, mud, tattoo, and different costumes, capturing the foggy mountain's "wild" landscape. In the film the lead's childhood dance classmate performs in adulthood at the palace. It is very wonderful and charming, but the palace assassination takes a surprising turn. However, ONG BAK 2 cooks up a pile of cruelty and foulness, and is often interspersed with past memories. The final climax comes to an abrupt end, with a sequel to keep the audience "on the hook". Tony Jaa's first time as the director is not considered poor, but the overall performance is no match for the previous Prachya Pinkaew directed films. In any case, Tony Jaa is the best skilled martial art film star of the young generation in East Asia. On screen he is more powerful than Beijing's Jason Wu Jing. However can he break into Hollywood like the long time stars like Jackie Chan and Jet Li (Lee Nin Kit)? That is yet to be determined. Donnie Yen has more experience than him and in good form, in the new film IP MAN not only is his gong fu excellent but his acting has also matured. In contrast, ONG BAK 2 just fights blindly and lacks drama and humanity. If he and Yen Chi Tan have a chance for an exchange, it should be very challenging and attractive. - SHEK KEI [ In Production Now/Soon ] Can : Sit Ting Fung Won Lit : Eavesdropping Situation d. Alan Mak Siu Fai, Felix Chong Man Keung Louis Koo Tin Lok, Lau Ching Wan, Daniel Wu (Ng Yin Cho), Alex Fong Chung Shun, Zhang Jingchu, Lok Sze Wan, William Chan Ting Wai Can : Wan Dai Jor Lit : Play Too Big d. Pang Fat Elanne Kong Yeuk Lam, Stephanie Cheng Yung, Chow Pak Ho, William Chan Wai Ting, Wiley Chiu Shek Chi, Kung Yun Chi Can : Oi Dut Hei d. Joe Ma Wai Ho Gigi Leung Wing Kei, Chen Bo-Lin (Chan Pak Lam), Shaun Tam Chun Yin, Terry Fan Siu Wong, HotCha Can : Yau Jet Geung Si Um Luen Nei Lit : A Zombie Has a Crush On You Roger Kwok Chun On, Natalie Meng Yao, Jo Kuk Cho Lam, JJ Jia (Ga Hiu Sun), Maggie Lee Man Kwan, Tanya Wu (Ng Ka Yun), Anke Bei, Angel Ho Cheuk Ying Can : Um Sat Lit : Assassination d. Soi Cheang Po Shui Louis Koo Tin Lok, Richie Jen (Yam Yin Chai) Can : Tung Moon Lit : Classmate d. Herman Yau Lai To Shawn Yue Man Lok, Ada Choi Siu Fun, Ella Koon Yun Na, Elanne Kong Yeuk Lam, Chapman To Man Jat, Jun Kung Shek Leung STORM WARRIORS AKA : STORM RIDERS II Can : Fung Won II Lit : Wind Cloud II d. Pang Brothers Aaron Kwok Fu Sing, Dior Cheng Yi Kin, Nicholas Tse Ting Fung, Charlene Choi Cheuk Yin, Simon Yam Tat Wa, Ken Ho Ka King, Lam Suet, Tang Yan Opening December 3 2009 [ GOLDEN SCREEN CINEMAS MALAYSIA ] Japanese evil warlord Lord Godless desired to conquer China. He imprisoned a large number of martial artists and tried to make them subjugate. Among the prisoners were Cloud and the martial arts elder statesman Nameless. Wind came to the rescue. The trio was badly wounded by Lord Godless’s evil martial arts attack. Chu Chu was also knocked out when she blocked Cloud from Lord Godless’s strike. The remaining martial artists sacrificed their lives to save the trio, in the hope that the trio would beat Lord Godless one day and save the country. Chu Chu was badly wounded and stayed unconscious. Cloud was filled with remorse and vowed to take revenge. Wind chose to take the evil way to quickly boost up his martial arts skills, so that he could protect the people. During his training, he met the girl who changed his life, Dream. Meanwhile, the troop of Lord Godless came to attack. Wind’s training was interrupted when he tried to save Dream from Lord Godless’s assault. After some killings, Wind ran away and disappeared.... Lord Godless took The Emperor in captivity and stationed his troops in Heaven Cave. Cloud arrived alone and started a combat with Lord Godless. Lord Godless had the upper hand. In the meantime, the half-evil Wind appeared and joined the battle. During the fight, they inadvertently discovered the secret of the sovereign. The real intention of Lord Godless’s invasion was related to an ancient tomb, a forbidden ground buried with the Royal family’s secret. The truth was finally revealed. At last, how would the battle end? Who would eventually rule over the country? Can : Si Lim Lit : Reminisce d. Wai Ka Fai Lau Ching Wan, Kelly Lin (Lam Hei LUi), Yan Qing, Jo Kuk Cho Lam Can : Giu, Won Lit : Call, Soul Grace Ip Pui Man, Carl Ng Ka Lung, Jolie Chan Yuen Kei, Raymond Wong Ho Yin, Chucky Wood Gei Lan, Kwok Hoi San Can : Ang Hong Lit : Tough Guy Anthony Wong Chau Sun, Ellen Chan Nga Lun, Liu Ye, Sun Honglei FANTASTIC WATER BABES Can : Chook Shui Fu Yung Lit : Out of Water Hibiscus d. Jeff Lau Chun Wai Gillian Chung Yun Tung, Alex Fong Lik Sun, Stephen Fung Tak Lun, Tian Liang, Eva Huang Shengyi, Opening October 23 2008 in Malaysia Official Site : www.emp.hk [ OFFICIAL SITE ] A beautiful and cocky swimmer Jill and her teammates kidnaps Alex, Hong Kong's champion swimmer, in order that he can train her to win a duel against her rival in swimming and in love. All hell breaks loose when hate at first sight inadvertently becomes something else... Can : Kit Ji Lit : Scorpion d. Joe Ma Wai Ho Sam Lee Chan Sam, Emme Wong Yee Man, Leung Siu Lung, Miki Mizuno (Shui Yeh Mei Gei), Nana Natsume (Ha Muk Noi Noi) Can : Hok Hau Hak Sai Lik Lit : School Mob Power Jordan Chan Siu Chun, Lee Si Pui, Annie Man Chung Han, Lui Hoi Yun Ada Wong Chi Hom, Timmy Hung Tin Ming Can : Goo Mo Mui Ying Lit : Ancient Tomb Phantom d. Chan Kwoon Wai Chin Kar Lok, Yuen Wah, Candy Lo Hau Yam Can : SI GUONG DOI LAU DIK WA Lit : IF TIME FLOWS BACKWARD d. Mak Kai Kwong Fiona Sit Hoi Kei, Kenny Kwan Chi Bun, Yan Ng Yat Yin, Ken Wong Hap Hei, Karen Tong Bo Yu NEW PERFECT EDUCATION Can : Sun Gum Sut Pui Yuk ji Oi Dik Fu Lo Lit : New Chamber Cultivated Desire: Captive of Love d. Ng Man Lik Kaori Sakagami (Ban Seung Heung Jik) Tony Ho Wa Chiu, Vonnie Lui Hoi Yu Can : Jin Fu Lit : War Tiger Eric Tsang Chi Wai, Kristy Yang Kung Yu, Julian Cheung Chi Lam, Lam Ka Tung, Candy Yu On On, Guo Xinqi (Kwok Sam Kei), Jason Chu Wing Tong, Koey Leung Shuet Mei, Iris Wong Yat Tung, Pavarit Mongkolpisit Nahatai Lekbumrung, Yunee Can : Mo Yau 24 Siu Si Lit : Worry Free 24 Hours Chiu Chung Yu, Natalie Ng Man Yan, Simon Loui Yu Yeung, Siu Chuen Yung, Carl Ng Ka Lung, Libby Lao Kuai Ieng Can : Nui Kuen Wong Lit : Female Fist King Diana Pang Tan, Angie Cheong Wei Yee, Lai Yiu Cheung, Emi Tojo (Dung Sing Gong Mei) Mizuho Ishikawa (Shek Chuen Mei Jung Shui) --- [ NOW SHOWING ] Info from Mov3.com (http://www.mov3.com), Ryan's Hong Kong Movie DataBase (http://www.hkmdb.com), Korean Movie Database (http://www.krmdb.com), Cinema Thai (http://www.cinemathai.com), Hong Kong Entertainment News In Review (http://www.hkentreview.com), Internet Movie DataBase (http://www.imdb.com) TACTICAL UNIT - COMRADES IN ARMS Can : Gei Dung Bo Dui -- Tung Bau d. Vicent Lo (Law Wing Cheong) Maggie Shiu Mei Kei, Simon Yam Tat Wa, Lam Suet, Sammuel Peng King Chi, Wong Chi Yin Rating : IIB Length : 91 mins. Opening January 8 2009 [ YAHOO! MOVIES HONG KONG ] In the police force, invisible competition always exists; between colleagues, are they friends or foes? Wa and Maggie leads their subordinates to face an emergency task on the last day before their dissolution: to search the mountains for armored car robbers. Over the the year and a half of their co-leadership, they have become rivals and the team relationship has already become split and rigid. Maggie's team wins praise and promotion from the superior. Wa on the other hand has no hope for a promotion. While in the mountains to look for criminals, two teams split up to search separately but fall under robbers' attack, Wa and Maggie in order to save their colleagues face a severe test. Can they finally cast aside their prejudices and work together to complete the job? PARKING Can : Ting Che d. (Chung Man Won) Guei Lun-Mei, Chang Chen Length : 112 mins. Opening January 8 2009 [ YAHOO! MOVIES HONG KONG ] A couple on a night on which they cannot return home faces a decision before their divorce. FIT LOVER Can : Oi Ching Jor Yau Lit : Love Left Right d. Zhang Jianya Karena Lam Ka Yun, Leo Ku Kui Ke, Huang Xiaoming, Lu Yi, Alec Su (So Yau Peng), Naoki Hosaka (Bo Ban Seung Hei) Opening January 8 2009 [ YAHOO! MOVIES HONG KONG ] Nie Bing is a famous romantic television program presenter. She is beautiful, gracious and intelligent, on the screen she sounds like an expert with other people's feelings, but ironically in life she is unable to find he likes men. On her 30th birthday, Nie Bing awakes from a nightmare of dying alone; her mother nags her; her suitors maliciously attack her; even more terrifying is that she sees his divorced father's new girlfriend - her elementary school classmate......Is this the start of 30-year-old woman's terrible fate? Fortunately, on this day, she even meets an angel. The angel sends her a magic car and proclaims that Nie Bing will have twelve opportunities to choose, each time she turns a corner as long as she signals left and turns right, she will encounter a different type of man. With 12 types of men, one will always be suitable to her, right? The suspecting Nie Bing starts this wonderful love finding adventure. Indeed, the most handsome traffic cop in history with countless crazy female fans first enters her life. When he salutes a fan takes photos; when he says, "How are you" a fan applauds; even when he writes up a ticket someone is crying with excitement......This type of man is very handsome, but living with him is too extreme. Nie Bing flees in a panic. Then, comes the eloquent insurance salesman, rich coal bosses, a big time lawyer with unparalleled chemistry with her, a radiant little brother next door, a talented but depressed artist......a man after another arrives, each with a brilliant advantage but also exposes shortcomings for Nie Bing to nitpick at. Each experience is a hilarious adventure, every adventure leads to a helpless perception. How great would it be if she can live with the advantageous part of men. A year has passed since, Nie Bing has already suffered 11 straight defeats on the love battlefield. Nie Bing has had enough and does not want to play anymore. Nie Bloody tosses away the cursed car keys as she wants to return this car that has brought her pleasant surprises and disappointments of love to the angel. At this time, the twelfth man appears. Would this one be the one for her? Finding love sometimes has such a perspective, just like looking for moving landscape on both sides from the car windows with the most touching scenery is behind the car..... DREAM Can : Bei Mung Lit : Tragic Dream d. Kim Ki-Duk Joe Odagiri (Siu Tin Chik Yeung), Lee Na-Young Rating : IIB Length : 95 mins. Opening January 1 2009 [ YAHOO! MOVIES HONG KONG ] "He dreamed...she was charged..." Jin has a nightmare in which while giving his ex a ride home he has a car accident. Out of curiosity he finds where the accident occurs in the dream, never expecting the same exact accident. The police looks for the suspect with closed-circuit television. Jin quietly follows the police in hopes of knowing more. Ran who the police wakes up in the middle of the night denies any wrongdoing and even points out that she has a sweet dream. Jin comes out to confess and says in his dream he is the driver of the accident. Of course, the police ignores him and arrests Ran. Jin and Ran work together to find out the truth but discover they have a strange connection: When Jin dreams, Ran would sleepwalk and do what Jin dreams of... They in the dream world is the same person. DESIRES OF THE HEART Can : Toh Fa Won Lit : Peach Blossom Fortune d. Ma Liwen Ge You, Vivian Wu (Wu Kwan Mui), Fan Bingbing, Song Jia, Li Chen, Cong Shan, Guo Tao, Yuen Qiu, Mei Ting, Li Xiaolu, Duan Yihong Length : 117 mins. Opening December 18 2008 [ YAHOO! MOVIES HONG KONG ] Luck with the opposite sex, some cannot wait to ask for more, others avoid it like the plague. It is not only outside love but also within desire Luck will tell whether it is a disaster or fortune... Ye is a newly divorced single mother who through a marriage agency gets to know a gentleman Wang Ben, whose pursuit is strong and powerful. His romantic and polite ways have re-ignited the distracted Ye's hope in love, restored her confidence in marriage, and dead set on following him for life until two strange women who claim to be Wang's girlfriends come...Wang Ben disappears, is this suddenly visiting luck with the opposite sex a gift of love from Heaven, or a well-planned fraud?... 9 WINDS AKA WINDS OF SEPTEMBER - THE TAIWAN CHAPTER Can : Gau Gong Fung d. Tom Lin Shu Yu Rhydian Vaughan, Chang Chieh, Sheng Wei Nian, Wang Bo Chieh Length : 113 mins. Opening December 4 2008 Opening March 21 2008 at the Hong Kong International Film Festival Site : http://www.hkiff.org.hk/eng/programme/show_detail.php?fi_id=684 [ HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL ] The winds of September are the wind of Hsinchu, a strong wind that visits the county and city between September and November. The film takes us back to 1996, during the time of the tragic Taiwan baseball scandal, an event that devastated many teenage boys. The story follows Yen and Tang and their gang through the last year of their high school life. From chasing girls to midnight skinny dipping to rooting for their favorite baseball team, they do everything together. When an accident throws Yen into a coma, their world starts falling apart. A cruel reality has announced itself, can the boys grow up quickly enough to face it? [ COMING SOON ] BREATH d. Kim Ki-Duk Chang Chen, Zia, Ha Jung-Woo [ BROADWAY CIRCUIT ] On a cold winter day, after learning her husband has found a new woman, Yeon absent mindedly heads for the prison where Chen is confined. Although she does not know him personally, repeated news of his suicide attempts on TV has subconsciously grown in her mind and now is leading her to seek him. Jin has no visitors and normally would not agree to meet with a complete stranger, but hearing that it is a woman he accepts her meeting request out of curiosity. Their first meeting is as awkward as it can get. Yeon treats Jin like an old friend whereas Jin does not open up so easily. WINDS OF SEPTEMBER - THE MAINLAND CHAPTER Can : Gau Gong Fung d. Han Yan Tai Junjie, Wu Xiaoliang, Liu Shuhan, Chi Jia Rating : 105 mins. Opening March 21 2008 at the Hong Kong International Film Festival Site : http://www.hkiff.org.hk/eng/programme/show_detail.php?fi_id=682 [ THE HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL ] Some time before the return of Hong Kong's sovereignty to China, a Mainland high school stages a variety show to celebrate the occasion. One of the most brilliant openings among the many recent Chinese high school titles, it introduces the unfolding drama of rival groups of "good" and "bad" students and their "internal contradictions", and serves as a continual mental backdrop for the audience: of youth caught in a society whose founding ideology has become obsolete and absurd. SNIPER Can : Sun Cheung Sau Lit : Godly Gunslingers d. Dante Lam Chiu Yin Richie Jen (Yam Yin Chai), Edison Chen Koon Hei, Huang Xiaoming Opening 2009 [ CINEMA ONLINE MALAYSIA ] Ming is renowned as the top shooter in the police force. However things get complicated after the release of his former teammate and superb marksman Ching from prison. With only vengeance on his mind, Ching wants to take on Ming and the police, believing that they are the ones who put him in jail. When a mysterious sniper sabotages a high-security prisoner transfer and a convict escapes, Ming and his team are dispatched to profile the suspect. KUNG FU CHEF Sammo Hung Kam Bo, Vanness Wu (Ng Kin Ho), Cherrie Ying Choi Yi, Lam Tze Chung Opening 2009 [ GOLDEN SCREEN CINEMAS ONLINE ] Jo had kept hatred in his heart for a very long time and did what he could to oust his uncle Wong Bing-Yi (Sammo Hung) from the village and to claim the rights to the “Dragon-Head Cleaver”, a symbol of power to the clan. As Wong Bing-Yi was forced out of the village, he encountered Shen Qing by chance and is determined to help her during the troubled times at her restaurant “Four Seas”. Here, he discovered a young cooking wonder, Lung Kin-Yat. To bring “Four Seas” back to the top, Lung ends up representing “Four Seas” to the competition against Chef Tin, two times “Top Chef” winner and the head chef at “Imperial Palace”, the restaurant owned by Jo. At the day of the finals, Wong Bing-Yi and Jo met privately to try to resolve their problems. Lung shined by overcoming many obstacles and preparing a dish called “Fresh Water Bak-Choy” just as his master, Wong Bing-Yi had taught him. However, the head judge has been bribed by “Imperial Palace” and he is also the master of Chef Tin. Who will finally win the title of “Top Chef”? Can the “Kung Fu Chefs” finally win over the hearts of many? RED CLIFF II AKA : BATTLE OF RED CLIFF Can : Chet Bik - Kuet Jin Tin Ha Lit : Red Cliff - Decisive Battle Under Heaven d. John Woo (Ng Yu Sum) Tony Leung Chiu Wai, Takeshi Kaneshiro (Gum Sing Mo), Zhang Fengyi, Chang Chen, Vicki Zhao Wei, Hu Jun, Shidou Nakamura, Janny Lin Chiling Opening January 15 2009 [ YAHOO! MOVIES HONG KONG ] RED CLIFF II undertakes the first installment's tense confrontation between the three kingdoms of Cao, Wu and Shu. Cao Cao learns of Wu and Shu's alliance and sends 800,000 troops and 2,000 warships to the south and set up camp in the deark forest across from the Red Cliff on the Yangtze River. The nations of Wu and Shu lack of food and has far less soldiers than the Cao troops, Zhou Yu and Zhuge Liang change the course of events with their resourcefulness, a series of fierce land and sea battle constituted finally The Battle of Red Cliff that has been written in the history of China for ages! PONYO ON THE CLIFF BY THE SEA d. Hayao Miyazaki Japanese Animation Opening January 17 2009 [ YAHOO! MOVIES HONG KONG ] The story takes place in a world that still longs for magic and miracles still happen in the world, the scene is located at the seaside town and a house on the cliff. A fish Ponyo by chance runs into a boy and they become good friends. In order to live with his friend, Ponyo takes the chance, leaves the familiar sea, in hopes of becoming human. The boy also keeps his promise for his good friend. ALL'S WELL ENDS WELL 2009 Can : Ga Yau Hei Si 2009 Lit : Family Has Joyous Event 2009 d. Vincent Kuk Tak Siu Sandra Ng Kwan Yu, Louis Koo Tin Lok, Ronald Cheng Chung Kei, Raymond Wong Pak Ming, Lee Heung Kam, Ha Chun Opening January 22 2009 in Malaysia [ GOLDEN SCENE CINEMAS ONLINE ] Kei's eldest sister Sandra is a hot-tempered magazine editor and her temperament has left her single all this while. They have a traditional family and one of the rules is that none of the siblings could get married before their eldest sister. In view of this, Kei sort help from the famous “Casanova”, Koo Chai (Louis Koo), who is the new journalist in Sandra’s firm to pretend to court his eldest sister and lure her into the mood of love. With Sandra falling in love with Koo Chai, she decides to introduce him to her parents (Lee Heung Kam, Ha Chun Chou). However, Koo Chai fell in love with another girl, Mun during an assignment and this broke Sandra’s heart. To avoid the disappointment of her parents, Sandra asks Mr. Wong a private investigator to pretend as her boyfriend. With Sandra love life going nowhere and her career plunging low, will she get what she wants? Will Kei find his true love and marries her sister off? Who will Koo Chai choose? Will all’s well end’s well? NARUTO SHIPPUDEN 2: BONDS d. Hajime Kamegaki Japanese Animation Opening January 29 2009 [ YAHOO! MOVIES HONG KONG ] A mysterious group of shinobi attacks the Leaf Village! Actually they are Land of the Sky's Sky Ninjas, whose nation the Leaf Village has vanquished previously. Their use of modern weapons bombards the Leaf Village and nearly brings it to the edge of destruction. Master healer Shinno and his apprentice Amaru arrive in the Leaf Village in hopes of the Leaf hokage would assign a squad to rescue the people of Amaru's hometown. The Sky Shinobi has also attacked Amaru's hometown to find the Sky Shinobi's former headquarter address. The Leaf hokage has ordered an counter attack on the Sky Shinboi while Naruto, Hinata and Sakura follow Shinno to Amaru's hometown. They discover the Sky Shinobi's former headquarter but Sky shinobis have killed Shinno. On the other, Leaf traitor Sasuke under Orochimaru's order heads to Amaru's hometown as well...... LOOK FOR A STAR Can : Yau Lung Hei Fung Lit : Swimming Dragon Acting Phoenix AKA : Sing Mung Kei Yuen Lit : Star Dream Fantasy Destiny d. Andrew Lau Wai Keung Andy Lau Tak Wa, Shu Qi, Denise Ho Wan Si, Zhang Han (Cheung Hom), Ella Koon Yun Na, Elle (Siu Shuet), Pei Wei Ying, Pu Pu, Lam Ka Wa Opening February 5 2009 Official Site : http://www.mediaasia.com/lfas [ GOLDEN SCREEN CINEMAS MALAYSIA ] Sam is the most eligible bachelor in town - he's young, smart and rich. However, every success has its price. Sam has already divorced three times and finds himself crawling back to the game of love sooner than he has expected. It is love at first sight when Sam chances upon Milan at a Macau casino. She is a part-time poker dealer and a full-time cabaret dancer, seemingly not the perfect match with Sam's life. While Milan is being groomed into a society woman by experts galore, Sam is starting to have cold feet. He takes his lawyer's advice and signs a prenuptial agreement without consulting Milan. This time, he is gravely mistaken, as this woman has a heart of gold and is looking for real love rather than fame and fortune. HAPPY FLIGHT Can : Hoi Sum Jik Hong Lit : Happy Direct Flight d. Shinobu Yaguchi Ayase Haruka, Seiichi Tanabe Opening March 5 2009 [ YAHOO! MOVIES HONG KONG ] "Finally I can fly on international routes!" The always optimistic flight attendant Etsuko is very excited about being able to participate on the international route job that she has looked forward to for a long time and is determined to do everything to its fullest! She never expects that the group of usually elegant and enchanting elders not only wolf down expensive flight meals in the break room but also remove their high heels for foot massage. Before the take of high-spirited novice pilots Suzuki only knows to give a silly laugh when he runs into a massive jet stream...how can two flight rookies turn the adventure into happiness with the passengers? NOBODY TO WATCH OVER ME Can : Shui Loi Sau Wu Ngor Lit : Who Would Protect me d. Ryoichi Kimizuka Koichi Sato, Mirai Shida, Ryuhei Matsuda, Yoshino Kimura, Toshiro Yanagiba Opening March 5 2009 [ YAHOO! MOVIES HONG KONG ] A 18-year-old youth suspected of killing primary school sisters is arrested, his mother and sister's lives at the same moment collapse. The unscrupulous media pursued them day and night, the internet continued to dig and uncover their privacy. They even receive death threats against the whole family. A police officer is ordered to protect the mother and daughter but has aroused strong public reaction. The officer's dark past that few know has also been revealed. The suspect's mother finally cannot take anymore and resort to suicide, as the younger sister finds the homicide's key clues......until this moment, actually no one knows whether the suspect is the real murderer? THREADS OF DESTINY Can : 366 Tin Dik Yeuk Ding Lit : 366 Days Appoinment d. Masanori Murakami Junpei Mizobata, Nao Minamisawa Opening March 5 2009 [ YAHOO! MOVIES HONG KONG ] When her first love has just ended, a secondary school student meets a quiet, gentle student Atsushi. Both were born on February 29 and unconsciously they have become attracted to each other. Later she discovers that she has made Atsushi in her childhood and thus is even more convinced that this is the destiny of love. On the other hand, her mother has forced Atsushi to give up this just budding romance! In order to protect his beloved, he can only hold back the pain and disappear in front of her. Fate has arranged for an innocent romance to be filled with suicide, death, drugs, violence, abuse and so many unexpected things in the middle. In the end can the red thread bring them back together and fate destined them to be connected again? THE SHINJUKU INCIDENT Can : Sun Juk Goo Si Lit : Shinjuku Story d. Derek Yee Tung Sing Jackie Chan, Ken Watanabe, Daniel Wu (Ng Yin Cho) Opening APRIL 2 2009 [ CINEMA ONLINE MALAYSIA ] In the early 1990s, a tractor mechanic from China nicknamed Steelhead illegally enters Japan to search for his girlfriend. To make ends meet, he joins his friend in Shinjuku in doing menial labor. Steelhead finds out that his girlfriend has married Eguchi, a Japanese Yakuza leader. Steelhead decides to stay in Japan and work for Eguchi as a hitman. Soon, Steelhead gets used to the power and find himself embroiled so deeply in the ways of the underworld that there is no turning back. --- [ Entertainment URL ] EMPEROR MOTION PICTURES http://www.emp.hk GOLDEN SCENE http://www.goldenscene.com SING PAO http://www.singpao.com THE HONG KONG FILM ARCHIVE http://www.lcsd.gov.hk/hkfa/ CHANG CHUN CHINA FILM FESTIVAL http://www.cc-film.com GOLDEN HARVEST http://www.goldenharvest.com STAR EAST http://www.stareastnet.com CITY ENTERTAINMENT http://www.cityentertainment.com.hk 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 * Eason Chan live in San Francisco,CA March 22,2009 Eason's Moving On Stage, Eason Chan Live in Concert! Date & Time: Sunday night, March 22,2009 @ 7pm Venue Location: Cow Palace, 2600 Geneva Ave, Daly City, CA 94014 Ticket Prices: $58, $78, $98, $138, $198 VIP tickets on sale now online at: http://www.usastarimage.com/ticket.aspx?id=31 Info & online ticket: www.usastarimage.com concert hotline: 510-651-6888 info email: concert@usastarimage.com ticket outlets: http://www.usastarimage.com/ticket.aspx?id=31 http://www.usastarimage.com Ng Hing Kee SF 415-781-8330 Ng Hing Kee Sunset SF 415-759-1999 Ng Hing Kee Millbrae 650-692-8922 Ng Hing Kee Mountain View 650-969-2034 Ng Hing Kee Oakland 510-272-0822 Ng Hing Kee Milpitas 408-433-5188 World Books SF 415-397-8473 Evergeen Books Milpitas 408-383-9798 Taro Books Cupertino 408-863-1288 Taro Books Newark 510-818-9666 * INTERNATIONAL ENTERTAINMENT MARKETING AND MOGEHAN SUN PRESENT JOLIN TSAI WE DANCING ONLINE 2009 CONCERT With Special Guests: Energy DATE AND TIME : Saturday night / Sunday morning, February 8 2009 @ 2AM Sunday, February 8 2009 @ 2 PM VENUE LOCATION: Mohegan Sun Arena Mohengan Sun Uncasville CT TICKET PRICES : $ 168 VIP, 128, 88, 58 TICKET OUTLET LOCATIONS: ONLINE : www.iemshowplace.com/html/jolin_tsai.html CHINATOWN : 89 Bowery 212.925.1898 FLUSHING International Entertainment Marketing 135-05 40th Rd., 2nd Floor Flushing NY 11354 718-888-3113 BROOKLYN International Entertainment Marketing 5609 8th Ave., 2nd Floor Brooklyn NY 11220 718-437-7717 ELMHURST 85-08 Queens Blvd. 2/F 718.803.3326 EDISON, NEW JERSEY: 1681 Rt.27 Suite 3 732.819.8883 BOSTON : 12A Tyler Street 612.695.1989 * RAYMOND MIU PRODUCTIONS, INC. AND TRUMP TAJ MAHAL PRESENT AIR JUSTIN WORLD TOUR 09 LIVE Special Guests: Stephy Tang Lai Yun, Kary Ng Yu Fei DATE AND TIME : Saturday night / Sunday morning, February 8 2009 @ 1AM VENUE LOCATION : Mark G Etess Arena Trump Tah Mahal Casino Resort Atlantic City NJ PRICE : $118, 88, 68, 48 TICKET OUTLET LOCATION: Raymond Miu Productions 195 Canal Street, Suite 201 New York NY 10013 212.966.0800 www.rmpny.com Tin Ha Travel 817 60th Street, 2/FL Brooklyn NY 11220 718.431.8687 * PRISCILLA CHAN WAI HAN, PHIL CHANG YU NEW YEAR CONCERT DATE AND TIME : Saturday night / Sunday morning, February 1 2009 @ 2AM Sunday, February 1 2009 @ 2PM VENUE LOCATION : MGM Grand Theater MGM Grand at Foxwoods Foxwoods CT TICKET OUTLET LOCATIONS: P & M Music 2 Elizabeth Street 212.732.3828 Jessica Holdings Ltd. 135-27 40th Rd. Suite 301 Flushing 718.460.2628 Trans-Pacific Travel 11 Tyler St. Boston MA 617.451.3478 * TAI PAN TOURS AND CASINO RAMA PRESENT PRISCILLA CHAN WAI HAN WORLD TOUR 2009 Special Guest: Don Li Yat Long DATE AND TIME : Sunday, January 18 2009 @ 8PM VENUE LOCATION : Casino Rama Entertainment Centre Casino Rama R.R. #6 Rama Rd., Orillia ON L0K 1T0 Canada TICKET OUTLET LOCATIONS: ONLINE: www.taipantours.com 416.646.8838 Thornhill - Commerce Gate 505 Highway 7 East, Unit 8 Thornhill, Ontario L3T 7T1 905-881-8838 Markham - Pacific Mall: 4300 Steeles Ave. East, Unit B50 Markham, Ontario L3R 0Y5 905-948-8838 Markham - First Markham Place: 3255 Highway 7 East, Unit 68 Markham, Ontario L3R 3P9 905-946-8838 Scarborough - Oriental Centre : 4438 Sheppard Ave. East Unit 103 Scarborough, Ontario M1S 1V2 416-293-7838 Tai Pan Centre (Weston Branch): 3668 Weston Road Toronto, Ontario M9L 1W2 416-747-8877 Casino Rama 705-329-5288 Toronto - Rio - Can Marketplace: 2215 Steeles Ave. West, Unit C5 Toronto, Ontario M3J 3N2 416-736-8838 -------------------------------------------------------------------- Box office info : What Box Office Info? The usual suspects : MOV3.COM, Internet Movie Database, Yahoo! Hong Kong Erors : ye olde chaffing editor For Tuesday January 6 2009 10 IF YOU ARE THE ONE Can : Fei Sing Muk Yau Lit : Not Sincere Do Not Disturb d. Feng Xiaogang Ge You, Shu Qi 9 AUSTRALIA d. Baz Luhrmann Hugh Jackman, Nicole Kidman 8 MADAGASCAR: ESACPE 2 AFRICA d. Eric Darnell, Tom McGrath DreamWorks Animation English Voice: Ben Stiller, Chris Rock, David Schwimmer 7 BEDTIME STORIES d. Adam Shankman Adam Sandler, Keri Russell, Guy Pearce 6 FOREVER ENTHRALLED Can : MEI LANFANG d. Chen Kaige Leon Lai Ming, Zhang Ziyi, Sun Hongeli, Chen Hong, Wang Xueqi, Ying Da, Yu Shaoqun, Masanobu Ando 5 TWILIGHT d. Catherine Hardwicke Kirsten Stewart, Robert Pattinson, Billy Burke 4 SUSPECT X Can : Sun tam Ga Lei Lok Lit : Detective Galileo d. Hiroshi Nishitani Masaharu Fukuyama, Kou Shibaski, Kazuki Kitamura, Yasuko Matsuyuki, Shinichi Tsutsumi 3 ONG BAK 2 d. Panna Ritthikrai, Tony Jaa Tony Jaa 2 LADY COP AND PAPA CROOK Can : Dai Sau Cha Ji Nui Lit : Woman of Big Search Investigation d. Alan Mak Siu Fai, Felix Chong Sammi Cheng Sau Man, Eason Chan Yik Shun, Zhang Guoli, Chapman To Man Chat, Wilfred Lau Ho Lung, Kate Tsui Tsz Shan, Michelle Ye (Yip Shuet), Liu Kai Chi, Lok Ying Kwun, Lo Mik Shuet, Chan Bo Yuen Richie Jen (Yam Yin Chai) 1 IP MAN d. Wilson Yip Wai Shun Donnie Yen Chi Tan, Lynn Xiong (Hung Doi Lam), Li Ja, Simon Yam Tat Wa, Terry Fan Siu Wong, Lam Ka Tung, Hiroyuki Ikeuchi ------ Summaries for some of the films above. Some contain SPOILERS IP MAN Rating : IIB Length : 106 mins. Opening December 19 2008 Official Site : http://www.ipman-movie.com [ CINEMA ONLINE MALAYSIA ] Adapted from the life story of Ip Man - the grand master of the Wing Chun style of kung fu and sifu of legendary kung fu superstar Bruce Lee. This movie will be the first important record of the master's life. Ip's persistent devotion to Wing Chun is a classic example of the love and respect shown to wushu and the freedom and spirit it represents. Ip Man is a concept, a spirit, a way of thinking - and it exemplifies a new peak in Hong Kong's wushu movies. LADY COP AND PAPA CROOK AKA : Cha Ji Nui Lit : Woman of Investigation Rating : IIB Length : 98 mins. Official Site : www.mediaasia.com/lcpc Opening January 1 2009 [ CINEMA ONLINE MALAYSIA ] When an oil tanker explodes, John Fok becomes the focus of investigation by the Hong Kong and Mainland Chinese police and is forced to put on hold his business to settle things out. Just as John is planning on a comeback, his son is kidnapped. Doomed in love, Senior Inspector Molline Szeto is fed up with her 10-year relationship with her boyfriend. With no prospect of an imminent wedding, she ends the relationship. Excited with her new crossroads in life, she is thrilled to be assigned to investigate the case of John's kidnapped son. ONG BAK 2 Rating : IIB Length : 98 mins. Opening January 1 2008 Official Site : http://www.ongbak2themovie.com [ YAHOO! MOVIES HONG KONG ] The story takes place five or six centuries ago in Thailand, Tien's father was a patriotic and heroic soldier, but the ambitious high-ranking military officer Rajasena in order to seize power carried out a massacre. Tien witnessed the killing of parents and the loss of his entire family overnight. While he luckily survived, since then his eyes only had hatred. He was determined to avenge his loved ones. Tien's enemy hunted him down but a bandit leader rescued him, adopted him and trained him to become a bandit. Tien trained hard in various martial arts, such as fighting, boxing, or even magic curse; he was able to use a variety of weapons, including knives, swords, sticks and explosives; he mastered everything. After growing up Tien's martial art skills were unrivaled as he became the bandit leader's successor. Yet in the eyes of the Tien, his only goal was to kill Rajasena himself for revenge. He even planned to assassinate Rajasena at his coronation ceremony. Tien risked everything for revenge, but in front of him was an unexpected strong and stubborn enemy. In the ultimate battle with blood, flesh, and soul as the price, only unwavering will would be able to get Tien out of the woods! SUSPECT X Rating : IIA Length : 128 mins. Opening December 24 2008 [ YAHOO! MOVIES HONG KONG ] A male corpse without a face or fingerprint was discovered. When a cop is assigned the cast and cannot find the deceased' identity, she can only turn to Yukawa, an university physics professor for help. While investigating the case, Yukawa discovers that the neighbor of the deceased's former wife happens to be Tetsuya the mathematical genius of the century during Yukawa's university days. Tetsuya is now a unremarkable high school math teacher who has multiple connections to the case. This time in the battle of the century about the physics genius and the math genius, what tricks can Yukawa pull to resolve this perfect crime? FOREVER ENTHRALLED Rating : IIA Length : 147 mins. Opening January 1 2009 Official Site : http://www.emp.hk/eng/index.htm [ YAHOO! MOVIES HONG KONG ] The story surrounds the Beijing Opera master of a generation Mei Lanfang's legendary love life -- two women and three men who were the most important in his life. Beautiful on the stage and handsome off the stage, Mei Lanfang early in his career defeated veteran Yan Thirteen and rose to fame. He even set off a romantic spark with the heroic actress Meng Xiaodong. The smart Mei Meng Xiaodong made Mei Lanfang's heart no longer lonely but also broke the heart of Mei's wife Fu Chifang, who even forced Mei's friend Yau Yubai to run interference. Because when Mei's loneliness was driven away, his stage career would be ruined... IF YOU ARE THE ONE Rating : IIA Length : 127 mins. Opening December 24 2008 Official Site : http://www.mediaasia.com/iyato [ YAHOO! MOVIES HONG KONG ] Overseas Chinese entrepreneur Qin Fen has truly lived up to the term "return from the sea", only returning from the United Stated to Beijing to visit his aging mother after his father's passing. He was 40 something and still single. Home again he got the idea to wed and published a lengthy marriage recruitment ad in the newspaper. This ad that ends with 'if insincere do not disturb' attracts many women with different state of mind for encounters, including a woman who talks to her pet about her feelings, a cemetery salesman, a frigid young woman and a pregnant young girl who is looking for a father for her child. The more Qin Fen goes on the more fun he has. Among the dates, Qin Fen finally meets Siu Siu, a woman who truly touches his heart but also is a flight attendant who is involved in an extra-marital affair. They do not fall in love at first sight, not to mention get along; but like a pair of nemesis, surprisingly they always run into each other from time to time, Siu Siu on a rare occasion can use his shoulder to lend on. Qin Fen finds her naughty smile very acceptable. As both have needs to fulfill, they unknowingly spark off a delicate relationship. However, no matter what, Siu Siu and that man have a hard time with breaking off ties while Qin Fe always seems to be waiting by her side. Finally, Siu Siu is determined to go with Qin Fen on a trip to Hokkaido, and agrees if she can resolve her heart's shackles, they would marry immediately. When the two arrive in Hokkaido, Qin Fen at first does not understand why Siu Siu would insist on coming to this cold town, only to find out that the location is where Siu Siu's love story started. Two months later, Qin Fen has spent over 60 days with Siu Siu's "recovery", she has already gone from a lost person back to a cheerful woman. Qin Fen in these days truly get to know this wonderful woman and loves her even more. They already are no longer two lonely people who meet over a marriage ad, but a true hearted couple who has suffered and shared joy and sorrow together. ------ GLOBAL CHINESE SONG CHART For Saturday, January 3 2009 15 WINTER OF ONE PERSON Can : Yut Gor Yun Dik Dung Tin Chen Chusheng (Chen Chor Sun) 14 LOVE IS THIS SIMPLE Can : Oi Jau Si Jeh Mor Gan Dan Pu Bajia (Po Ba Gap) 13 DEEPLY LOVED YOU Can : Sum Sum Oi Gor Nei Jacky Xie (Sit Ji Him) 12 YOU WHO LOVES MONSTER Can : Oi Gwai Muk Dik Nei Joey Yung Cho Yi 11 THE MOST FORTUNATE THING Can : Jui Hung Fok Dik Si Rachel Liang (Leung Man Yum) 10 YOU ARE IN MY HEART Can : Nei Joi Ngor Sum Seung Huang Xiaoming 9 KING QUEEN Can : Gok Wong Wong Hau Big Mouth 8 SEEKING MICHAEL Can : Chum Sau Michael Hai Mingwei (Hoi Ming Wai) 7 PROMISED FORTUNE? Can : Shuet Ho Dik Yun Fok Neh Jay Chou (Chow Kit Lun) 6 CAN CAN? Can : Hor Yi Hor Yi Ma? Nicholas Tse Ting Fung 5 IN THE END ONLY ABLE TO LIE DOWN Can : Jui Hau Ji Nung Tong Ha Loi Stanley Huang (Wong Lap Hung) 4 EVEN IF THE WORLD HAS NO FAIRY TALE Can : Jau Shuen Sai Gai Mo Tung Wa Janice Vidal (Wai Lan) 3 ?EXPOSURE Can : ?Bo Guong Hins Cheung King Hin 2 SONG WRITTEN FOR YOU Can : Wai Nei Seh Dik Gor Fang Datong 1 HEART BEAT Can : Sum Tiu Wang Leehom (Wong Lik Won) ------ [ 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. HK WE GO HARD WE GO HARD With the new year comes as new start as Top Ten Central finally closed the doors on its Headquarters after collapsing under the weight of Your Chaffing Editor's bar tab. (Would someone please tell him that it is New Year's Day, not April Fool's?) No wonder he resolves to stop drinking. Alas, all kidding aside, the economic downturn has dealt a harsh blow as it has taken care of all of Old Chaffy's resolution in one fell swoop. Like Your Chaffing Editor's announced retirement, we have no idea how much longer we can linger on. You will know the end arrives. Until then, please live your life (as Baby would say, had Old Chaffy not either scared her off or pissed her off. Sorry Baby.) as we will try our best to live ours and keep the Crazy Train going. With newly free time on his schedule comes procrastination, which in our time often means wandering aimlessly on the internet. Your Chaffing Editor has found an article that would have been useful to him, like, ten years ago...(sorry Love). http://lifestyle.msn.com/relationships/articleglamour.aspx?cp-documentid=16189779>1=32023 More from the odd research department. Your Chaffing Editor for the first time has heard the term, "third hand smoke". Unfortunately the first thing that came into his pervy mind is catching social disease from a dive bar toilet seat (if such item exists) or, ew, @$$book (skeevy). http://health.msn.com/health-topics/quit-smoking/articlepage.aspx?cp-documentid=100230394>1=31020 Hard times may have you down but you do not have to be out. This article may provide some insight on how to stay ahead and even beat the blues. http://www.webmd.com/balance/features/why-youre-not-happy Finally, back to business. The paparazzi have caught one of Your Chaffing Editor's "favorite actress" (sarcasm off) with her boyfriend in a Caribbean intimate moment. While the last few words evoke visions of Rihanna in Old Chaffy's mind, poor Zhang Ziyi is the talk of the town in China. Like many artists have said, only Chinese people would make a big deal out of this. http://www.straitstimes.com/Breaking%2BNews/Lifestyle/Story/STIStory_322956.html "Did you say something? I was thinking about Rihanna..." Jer Jer Stinks, Your Chaffing Editor Top Ten Central --- [ WHAT IS YOUR CHAFFING EDITOR LISTENING TO ] BARTENDER SONG (SITTIN' AT A BAR) Rehab http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KvzPbC78p4w Bar tender I really did it this time Broke my parole to have a good time When I got home it was 6 a.m. The door was locked so I kicked it in She was trippin' on the bills I think she was high on some pills She threw my shit out into the yard The she called me a bum and slapped me real hard And in my drunkin' stooper I did what I should of never done Now I'm sittin' here talking to you Drunk and on the run I'm sittin' at a bar on the inside Waitin' for my ride on the outside She broke my heart in the trailer park So I jacked the keys to her fuckin' car Crashed that piece of shit and then stepped away You know mo I'll probably get ten years So just give me beers 'til they get here Yeah I know the sun is comin' up And you all are probably gettin' ready for closin' up But I'm trying to drown my soul I'm tired of this life on a dirt road And everything that I love is gone And I'm tired of hangin' on She got me sittin' at a bar on the inside Waitin' for my ride on the outside She stole my heart in the trailer park So I jacked the keys to her fuckin' car Crashed that piece of shit and then stepped away I guess it's meant to be Romance is misery So much for memories And now I'm headed to the Penitentiary See me on T.V. The next cop series I am a danger I guess I should've done something about my anger But I'll never learn Real things I don't concern I pour kerosene on everything I love and watch it burn I know it's my fault But I wasn't happy it was over She through a fit so I crashed that piece a shit nova And now I'm goin' back again Back to the pen to see my friends And when we all pile out that county van They'll ask me where I've been I've been at a bar on the inside Waitin' for my ride on the outside She broke my heart in the trailer park So I jacked the keys to her fuckin' car Crashed that piece of shit and then stepped away ---------------------- HK Top Ten Central hktopten@hotmail.com | http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Towers/2038