From: NO TOP TEN CENTRAL Newsgroups: alt.asian-movies,soc.culture.hongkong.entertainment Subject: [TAKE OVER] HKSAR Film No Top 10 Box Office (MARCH 5 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. Chu Wai San who celebartes her birthday on the 7th 2. MISCELLANEOUS * (3/11/2009) Jim Chim Shui Man earlier accepted Cable Entertainment News interview. Jim Sir had a lot of students. Many star artists are his students. He said that Isabella Leong Lok Si was the student who has left her the deepest impression. Jim Sir recalled when he first met Leong Lok Si, she was only 15 years old but he already felt that she had acting potential. He said, "She was very sharp, easily triggering her emotions. This is a quality that actors should have." Subsequently Leong Lok Si ran into Jim Sir after making two movies. Jim Sir felt that she has already been reborn into a very promising actor. Speaking of two Hong Kong creative people Jan Lam Hoi Fung and Dayo Wong Chi Wa, he felt that both were "out of the flow" because they have not yet reached the attention of all Hong Kong. Instead Donald Tsang Yam Kuen was the representative because a misspoken comment from Mr. Tsang had all Hong Kong laughing for a week. Jim Sir also disclosed something in the past with Stephen Chow Sing Chi that few knew about. He said that because he was invited to train the KING OF COMEDY training class he met Chow Sing Chi, who later invited him to join the creative process. He said with a laugh, "Actually coming up with ideas with Chow Sing Chi could be very grass-roots." As for crying, the most recent time was the performance of MAN OF LA TIGER. He said, "That time was very upsetting because with the financial tsunami one of the investors backed out and made the show end early. Luckily with friends' encouragement I was able to perform." * (3/11/2009) Chen Kaige earlier accepted an interview. After over two decades in the business, he has directed over 10 films. The experienced director was obviously indifferent to commercial success and public appreciation. "After years in this industry, I would like to continue to make so-called meaningful cinema. I don't care whether the movie would receive any Oscar nomination......I don't care about that." Most other successful Chinese directors are eager to make English language movies, but Chen Kaige has only directed KILLING ME SOFTLY. The experience told him that even Hollywood had an inspection system. "Some people asked me where filmmaking was freer, China or in the West? In my opinion the West has any kind of inspection, similar to a type of commercial pressure......" Chen Kaige joined the Red Guards during the Cultural Revolution. He was forced to inform on his father who was a famous director at the time. "I think he should be very disappointed, but he never really cursed me; instead he treated me even better, which was even more painful to me." Chen Kaige admitted that he has not able to fully forgive himself, "I can't because I know this is wrong. If I don't know, maybe I can forgive myself." He said that he has planned to use the most familiar way to rid myself the sense of guilt. "I hope to be able to make a movie about me and my father, a very personal and very intimate one that doesn't need to be a large-scale production." * (3/11/2009) The CPPCC National Committee member and China Filmmaker Association chair Li Qiankuan revealed that SHAO NIAN XING HAI (YOUNG XING HAI) will start production next month in Macau. Li Qiankuan revealed that he and his wife, Xiao Guiyun, would co-directed an inspirational film about musician Xian Xinghai's youth. He will work with Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macao to complete the film. Li Qiankuan said that the media focused excessive on entertainment and commercial films and neglected something that reflected the national culture and something deep-rooted. The exploration of film creativity that is shocking, artistic, embodied Chinese cultural values like harmony, progress, self-improvement, hard work and courage was the direction that film professionals from four places on both sides of the strait should think about and work hard toward. In addition on the 19th, Li Qiankuan will lead Chinese film professionals to take part in the Okinawa International Film Festival in Japan and on the 22nd in the Hong Kong International Film Festival. * (3/9/2009) Music newcomer G.E.M Tang Chi Kei yesterday held an autograph session for her first EP and attracted a large number of fans. She played games with fans and performed two songs. To celebrate the EP's third edition printing and the sale reaching platinum (over 15,000 copies), the event arranged for a little girl to conduct her "Female Rookie throne" coronation. In addition, she is currently working on the Oxide Pang Shun directed musical movie, OI CHOOK MAU (LOVE CHEAT). Because everyday she had to dance fir six or seven hours, her legs were very tired and a little sore. Did she have a lot of bad takes? She laughed, "I don't have too many bad takes, but the director tells me not to laugh all the time, (Are you messing up and not concentrating enough?) Actually most of us are playing ourselves so we only have to be like our usual selves." * (3/9/2009) The Hong Kong director Lee Chi Ngai directed DANCE! SUBARU starred popular Japanese idol Meisa Kuroki and Momoi Kaori. The story not only takes place in Japan, the lead also head to Shanghai for an International Ballet Competition and even shot on location in the Shanghai landmark Lanxin Theater. The three leads Meisa Kuroki, Ara and Miku Sano competed in different costumes. As Subaru Kuroki even had an exotic dancer costume. * (3/9/2009) Named one of Entertainment Weekly's "50 greatest contemporary directors", Wong Kar Wai yesterday announced a contract signing with Hollywood heavyweight management company Creative Artists Agency Inc. (CAA) to represent him. In the future he would cooperate with CAA in the development and filming of English films. Wong Kar Wai is the most notable Chinese director in the West, in the past Hollywood management firms have strived for his addition, but he always felt "time is not yet ripe" and has not made any move. In the past few years, he gradually directed numerous internationally renowned brand advertising films, such as BMW, Christian Dior, Lancome, Philips and so on and received industry acclaim. He also worked stars of the West like Jude Law and Norah Jones on the English language film MY BLUEBERRY NIGHTS that was also released in 2007. After accumulating enough experience, he finally agreed to sign English film contracts with CAA. Wong Kar Wai said that he chose CAA because it is a reputable company with a complete system. In the future he will work with every Hollywood studio and bring the exuberant Chinese creativity to Hollywood. Reportedly his first joint venture will be producing three Fox Searchlight English action films. * (3/7/2009) Gillian Chung Yun Tung's BE MY GUEST interview would air in its entirety tonight. Ah Gil talked about so far Edison Chen Koon Hei has provided "three no", that is, no telephone, no explanation, no apology. Before she joined the business she already met Chen Koon Hei and fell in love at first sight, in 2000 they started a relationship. She gave five year of real love and he was the person she liked the most. Because she did not want to lose Chen Koon Hei, she agreed to the intimate photos that also kept her in a constant state of fear. Thus everyone often saw her upset. Actually she was afraid that the photos would be exposed. Ah Gil went on to say that she has asked Chen Koon Hei whether he would be careful with the photo collection and he took her to relax because he was in the photos too. No one would see them. Ah Gil also said that she never said she was pristine, only because her market was songs that children would sing everyone felt that she was. Out of the public eye for a full year due to the sex photo scandal, Ah Gil was asked about the present mood. She frankly said that she has recovered quite a bit. Although she did not want to mention the incident again, she has never thought about covering it up. Did the company want her to maintain her pristine image that she did not dare to go public with the relationship? She has never said that she was pristine; but because children were her market as she and Charlene Choi Cheuk Yin had to release children songs, everyone thought they were. However the company did not want them to have too many rumors so they could not even have kiss scenes in their movies. She admitted that hiding a relationship was very tough, but the trend was denial even when asked. How did she know Chen Koon Hei? She said that she already knew him before getting into the business. He was a friend of a friend. When she just joined Emperor (2000) they officially started dating. He was her longest relationship at the time. Although they have broken up in between, they dragged on about four or five years and he was the one she liked the most. She also said that he has affected her deeply. Each time she was with him, she had a hard time getting into another relationship. She also frankly admitted that she fell for him at first sight because he knew how to cheer people up and make people very people. Even a text message would make her very happy. What did she like the most about him? She said that she did not know as love was very hard to explain. She also said that because she did not want to lose him she shot intimate photos with him, but before shooting them she worried that they would leak out. When she asked him why he wanted them and would he be careful with the collection, he said that they were for him to look at and told her to relax. Because he was in the photos too no one else would see them. She said that this incident was like a time bomb that she constantly worried about, thus she was emotionally affected and everyone always saw her in a bad mood. Actually she was unhappy and often had a lot on her mind. Yet she did not tell her family or anyone she trusted about these photos. After the photos surfaced last year, what was her first reaction? She said that she immediately went online to look and felt very scared. Aside from being scared she did not know what she could do. She has thought about whether she could make those photos disappear, but of course that was impossible. Then a lot of people called her, but she just wanted to escape and did not want to speak with anyone. She has tried to find Chen Koon Hei afterward but could not reach him, so she was at a loss. He also did not look for her, explain or apologize to her. She withstood so much pressure, actually she would like an apology or comfort but so far she still did not receive any. As for his public apology now and his wish for the victims to be able to live happy, healthy and normal lives, she felt that what he said outside was not important, but at least he should mention something to them. Was her first press conference the company's or her own idea? She said that at first she did not want one because she could not face it. In addition it was too hasty, she was not psychologically prepared. She wanted the most for him to speak first, then she would know what she would say. She did not deny anything, just that she did not know that the say. At that moment she was very confused but she really had nothing to say. She was also so scared that she was stunned. Mani Fok Man Hei saw that she could not go on and dragged her back. She never imagined that the press conference would be so short. Since she was scared why did she still appear? She expressed that she did so to provide her partner Ah Sa and everyone an explanation, because she made a mistake and was very sorry, but Ah Sa was also very worried whether she could stand up to such pressure; so she did not say whether she wanted a press conference. As long as she was OK Ah Sa would support her. Ah Gil also said that at the time because of too much pressure, before the press conference she told half a tranquilizer, or else she might have collapsed. Was what she said at a press conference from the company or her? She said naive and foolish were her own thoughts, because who in love has not been naive and foolish? She felt that love would deceive a person, so naive and foolish referred to love and not to the photos. As for even more criticism after the event, she admitted that a brief press conference could not explain the whole story from beginning to end, so people would take one comment and target her with it. She even felt that she was very foolish in love. Ah Gil was asked who created the greatest harm in the incident. She said, "I......to......also blame myself......doing something so foolish......" Ah gil said that she has seen Edison's Vancouver testimony, but she said that she did not know what she could say. She said that she could not say she ahted him, only thought that why he could not call to apologize or explain the entire matter to her. Would she forgive Edison, who so far still has not called to apologize? Ah Gil felt that she no longer had any relationship with this person, forgiveness was no longer important. As for considering him a friend, Ah Gil said that she did not know and said that she would not see him again. Would Ah Gil definitely not love him again? She said that no longer mattered. Would this affect her future relationship? She said, "I think the most important is whether the guy would mind what happened to me, acceptance would be very important." Would she share everything that happened in the past with her new boyfriend? Ah Gil said, "Some people would not want to hear, unless he wants to hear. I wouldn't mind. (Has your confidence in the opposite sex been affected?) Each person is different." Out of work for a year and without pay, Ah Gil now has to face the press and the masses. She dreaded to speak to reporters. Perhaps everyone always thought that she did not have much to say and in a bad mood, they have a certain impression of her. In addition the previous press conference had a lot of criticism. Ultimately she would like to break through that wall. She would not avoid anything and could not do much. Ah Gil said that she would talk about personal life with Ah Sa. Ah Sa would say who was good who was not, but Ah Gil said that she was in too deep to hear. Ah Sa also has mentioned that Chen Koon Hei was not good. She said that she and Ah Sa have never fought over a guy because their tastes were different. Alex Fong Lik Sun was rumored to pursue Ah Gil only after he failed with Ah Sa. Ah Gil said that he seemed to have never pursed Ah Sa. They were good friends. As for rumors with Juno Mak Chun Lung, she said that he was a nice guy. Many people thought that he was using her for publicity but she did not think so. He did not need to. Ah Gil even denied that Juno has provided any financial support and stressed that she did not borrow money from anyone. Was for any possibility with Juno, Ah Gil said, "I feel stuff like that can be left to be considered later, not right now." Ah Gil even stated that she never thought of marriage, but over the past year she has thought about it suddenly. She wanted to find someone who could accept her and take care of her and just get married. She did not want to face so much pressure, but she could not find anyone. Finally she was asked about her show business comeback. If the public would not accept her what would Ah Gil do? "I would have to face it. I don't wish for everyone to hear all that I have said and forgive me. Let me finish saying what I want to say. I also wish everyone can accept me. If they can't, I wish everyone have heard what I said. I won't give up. The road in the future will be very difficult, but I have been tough up to this moment, I wouldn't easily give up. I have a lot of people who support me, giving up would disappoint them." * (3/7/2009) The Sandra Ng Kwan Yu host TVB program taped yesterday and invited Hui Siu Hung, Rain Lau Yuk Chui and Yuen Siu Cheung as guests. She expressed that she did not see the news footage about Gillian Chung Yun Tung's BE MY GUEST interview, but she honestly said that she sympathized with Ah Gil. As for Internet criticism that Ah Gil was playing innocent, Kwan Yu felt that this was a problem with the speech effect. Cecilia Cheung Pak Chi has a frank and outspoken personality and a direct street person, while Ah Gil was introverted. With their different personalities the same comments would have different effects. She said, "I don't think Ah Gil was playing innocent, maybe she really is innocent! (But she posed for sex photos?) Housewives have done it too! This is personal joy in the bedroom, Ah Gil just doesn't know how to express herself as well as Pak Chi, but the both have made the first very important choice in life. This expression is also taking responsibility for their behavior, so everyone have to treat them fairly." Kwan Yu also praised that after a year they were still so beautiful and felt that the incident wasted them, which was a shame for the film industry. Both have potential and are stars of tomorrow, so she was very much in favor of their return. She even praised Ah Gil's performance in TRIVIAL MATTERS (POR SI YI). She said, "Everyone should be fairer! All along the company has packaged her into a pristine image. Personal life is another matter. After stealing someone else's things to look at you yell at them? Young people should be given a chance, not to mention that they have substance." In addition, after Jill Vidal (Wai Si) and Kelvin Kwan Chor Yiu's drug possession arrest in Japan, Wai Si's record company would suspend her indefinitely and if she was found guilty her contract would be terminated. Kwan Yu believed that if proven that she was not involved the record company would not drop her. However the record company had to be responsible to the community. Kwan Yu also said, "Young people have to be like this, they would be curious. When they date they haven't thought about the price of being in this business. In addition admitting their mistake is not a bad thing. Young people should be given a chance. Many top ten outstanding youths have done drugs and been to prison!" Did she recommended any doctor to her friend Carina Lau Ka Ling so she would have a child? Kwan Yu denied that and Ka Ling did not ask her for opinions. The fact was Ka Ling was in no hurry to be a mother. Kwan Yu joked, "If everyone's child is my problem, I have to charge a commission!" * (3/7/2009) The Leisure and Cultural Services Department, the Photographic Society of Hong Kong and the Photographic Salon Exhibitors Association organized IMPRESSION: HONG KONG -- Dr. Wong Kwai Kuen + Chow Yun Fat Photography Exhibition will be held from March 9 to 19 at Central Library Exhibition Gallery. Several hundred black and white photographs of Hong Kong's past would be on display. While sharing fond memories of the past with everyone, this exhibition is also a charitable one as they hoped friends would make donations in lieu of sending flowers for Sichuan post earthquake reconstruction relief. This exhibition will display 75 of Dr. Wong Kwai Kuen's black and white photos taken between 1966 and 75 and Fat Gor's from 2000 to 2008. The content of these photos revolved around Hong Kong's past nostalgia. As for the absence of photos from the 80s and the 90s, Fat Gor expressed that he was busy with life and work so he did not have time to take photos. He hoped that artists or photo enthusiasts would put photos that he did not take on display to fill in the blank. Fat Gor and Dr. Wong are both photography enthusiasts, what was different between their works? Fat Gor said that his work was more static, while Dr. Wong's work had more social consciousness and could reflect the customs and history. Yet Dr. Wong pointed out that he could not catch up to Fat Gor's photo quality because Fat Gor used heavy equipment that might take a long time to capture a shot. Their works were just perfect for reflection of two different times. The exhibition preparations took half a year, did they have any exchanges? Fat Gor joked, "We exchanged stares for a long time." He even stated that since he was not making movies much, he had more time for photography. Apart from scenery he was also able to take pictures on the set, entertaining himself at work. As for a personal exhibition, Fat Gor said, "I am not really eager, photography is for everyone to appreciate, maybe next year! I'll wait for plum blossoms to blossom brilliantly first, or perhaps wait for Mrs. Chow for a peach blossom photo exhibit first." Reporters joked that Mrs. Chow should organize a jewelry exhibition. Fat Gor added, "Right, jewelry exhibition is just right." * (3/6/2009) Ann Hui On Wa will direct her first play, "Golden Lock", which will be officially open April 2. The originally scheduled six performance run yesterday announced an additional six more shows that will extend its run to April 13. Yesterday she attended the press conference with the leading man Terence Yin (Wan Chi Wai) and leading lady Perry Chiu Woon. Chiu Woon expressed that the rehearsal went smoothly because the director was Hui On Wa and the team worked twice as hard. She even praised Wan Chi Wai's hark work. Although he was not fluent in Chinese, on the first day of rehearsals he has already memorized his lines. Due to the severity of the current youth drug abuse problem, Hui On Wa would like the opportunity to make a movie to remind young people not to abuse drugs. She read about Jill Vidal (Wai Si) and Kelvin Kwan Chor Yiu's drug possession arrest in the newspaper. She said, "I hope they haven't been written about so badly that they would be out of a job, because something like this can be changed." She also said that she dared not tell people what to do, but they were still young and could rectify the situation. They have not committed any unforgivable crime, she hoped that they would not lose the future. Did she feel drug abuse was severe in the circle? "I haven't come in contact with any abuser. Maybe I don't hang out, perhaps the hang out spot would have them. I think that people can do it, but in moderation and not get arrested." She also frankly admitted that she has tried marijuana when she was young, but she did so in moderation. At the time she just wanted to try it like drinking. When asked whether she was afraid to use it now, she joked, "I am not interested because a lot of things are already making me see stars. I don't need to take drugs." * (3/5/2009) Silent for nearly a year, the sex photo scandal stars have appeared recently. After Cecilia Cheung Pak Chi's tearful criticism of Edison Chen Koon Hei on television, Chen Koon Hei's Singapore television interview two days ago has already surfaced on the internet. It was Chen Koon Hei's first media interview after the trial began. Yet in the interview, he did not respond on Cheung Pak Chi's "shedding crocodile tears" comment. Perhaps because he was away from the public eye for a long time, Chen Koon Hei was somewhat nervous and his Chinese was not too fluent. "In this past year, I spent most of my time in the United States. Sometimes I would fly here and there to visit friends and learn some new things." He said that this year the things that he did the most was soul-searching. "In the past I have always been very busy, this year I finally got a lot of time to think. How should I take the next step? Everyone would encounter some setbacks, I hope to find my own direction and in the end find where I went wrong? During this period, I would also like to find an answer for 'Who is Chen Koon Hei'; I would like to know what is the most important to Chen Koon Hei? Before I would want to have a great house, very good sports car, but now I only I hope that each day I would have enough money on me to eat. I realize that what is the most important to me, they are my family, my love, my girlfriend. When I was in show business, I only thought of myself, always thinking today I want to do this and that. Now I am more considerate of others." At the same time, he also said that he will actively participate in the charitable causes, "My company and brand have already done several charitable activities in Hong Kong, as well as donating a lot of clothes to the Sichuan earthquake. This time the money from my commercial activities in Singapore I will also donate to a foundation, not only this time; the money that I have made in the past recent I have donated to this foundation." When asked "when would he return to show business?" Chen Koon Hei was somewhat vague. He said that he sometimes would think about this question, "When should I come back?" However he was not so certain whether he would return as an artist. "I hope to be able to become a producer, to be able to make some interesting movies that say I want to say. I even hope that this year I will be able to come out with one. I have never thought about appearing in front of the camera again, I don't know if I am ready or not." Before the end of an interview he was asked, "Do you feel that you have been misunderstood?" This question somewhat agitated Chen Koon Hei, who in order to more accurately express his feeling answered directly in English. "In everyone's life they would encounter misunderstanding. This year, I didn't think about why would someone say this and that about me, I only thought where did I go wrong? I hope I can set a good example for young people, to focus on charity with a selfless spirit. Although movies and albums are important, I think other things are more important. I also hope that everyone can participate in charitable causes." * (3/5/2009) The Louis Koo Tin Lok, Karen Mok Man Wai, and Crystal Huang Yi starred YUT LO YAU NEI (ALL ALONG HAVE YOU) two night ago held a production start press conference in Huizhou, the film's director Derek Chiu Sung Kei, producers Derek Yee Tung Sing, Fong Ping and Polybona film company president Yu Dong also attended. Koo Tin Lok in the movie played a container truck driver whose route is between Hong Kong and the Mainland. He has a girlfriend Mok Man Wai in Hong Kong, but in an accident, he runs over Huang Yi's husband. Because Huang is pregnant, Goo Jai in the process of taking care of her sets up romantic sparks. Goo Jai said that the first time he drove a container truck he was a bit worried because it was not easy to drive. He said before the shoot he met with container truck drivers to understand how they live and talk. Goo Jai expressed that he would cut his hair short for the film. Recently Cecilia Cheung Pak Chi's comeback has been rumored. Goo Jai said that the comeback is a good thing because Hong Kong did not have many female artists and she was a strong female artist. He looked forward to Pak Chi's return. Goo Jai said that he has worked with Pak Chi many times but had very little contact during the period. He expressed that he would like to work with Pak Chi. Reportedly Yee Tung Sing would begin production on SAM SIU YEH DIK GIM (SWORD OF THE THIRD YOUNG MASTER) with Pak Chi and Goo Jai. Goo Jai said that the production would not start so soon. Siu Bo has mentioned it and he was very interested in this film. If all goes well, he will play the Third Young Master in the costume film. Whether or not Pak Chi will be the female lead he said Siu Bo would be able to give a better answer. Leslie Cheung Kwok Wing was once linked to film, was he afraid that he would be compared to Cheung Kwok Wing? Goo Jai said he did not know and he will play each role well to the best of his abilities. Karen in the movie played a real estate agent. She said that she often had to check out real estate properties so she had experience with the role of the broker. A co-star of Cheung Pak Chi in KING OF COMEDY, she thought Pak Chi's comeback was a good thing because Hong Kong had few actresses. Huang Yi and director Chiu Sung Kei have worked together on the film BROTHERS so she already had certain chemistry with the team. She said that originally she was very worried about working with Goo Jai this time as he did not speak much, after working together she realized that he could be considered the sexiest man. Even his eyes were electrifying. She said, "On the first day at work with him, he looked very cold but inside actually he was very hot; he quite knew how to care about people, I also helped him to speak Mandarin dialogue. (Are you worried about the rumors?) No, even if I was in any I would be linked to Mok Man Wai!" Chiu Sung Kei revealed that the film would be the first to shoot on location on the "Western Corridor" and praised the Hong Kong Government for its assistance of the film industry to make the application process less complicated. Yee Tung Sing was asked whether he has approached Pak Chi about a movie. He said two weeks ago I met with Pak Chi because he had several scripts that were very suitable for her, that day he gave Pak Chi one to look over. Siu Bo said that he not only gave the script to Pak Chi but also wanted to see her son. Would Pak Chi accept the role in his new film? He said it would depended on Pak Chi's wishes. Because her son was only a year and a half he was very dependent on his mother. Pak Chi would have a family meeting first before deciding. Pak Chi might have to wait until her son attends kindergartens in order to be free for work. Ultimately she would have to go to remote places to shoot for several months, currently Pak Chi might not be able to. He would not put Pak Chi in a tough situation and would talk again once Pak Chi was ready. Siu Bo added that he has kept contact with Pak Chi's manager, but since the news of Pak Chi "Stand Up" surfaced so far he has not yet approached Pak Chi. He supported everybody's comeback. Siu Bo also joked that he would not be surprised if Pak Chi's son would become an artist as an adult. Would he cast mother and son in the same movie? He joked that if so they could first make diapers and milk ads. Would Pak Chi like to continue to act? He felt that Pak Chi wanted to because this period was also prime time for an actor. What genre was the new script that he gave to Pak Chi? Siu Bo said that he temporarily had to keep it a secret. Was he afraid of Pak Chi's image ruining the box office? He said, "I would first consider the actor. Of course investors have their own ideas, but I have heard that Pak Chi has many offers. Pak Chi should not have any problem." [ BLAH OF THE WEEK ] Columns, Reviews, Interviews 1. MING PAO DAILY, MARCH 10 2009, FILM AND TELEVISION OBSERVATIONS THE LIMITATIONS OF LOCAL IDOL DEVELOPMENT Youth romance films in fierce competition almost all have underperformed. Instead in the Mainland romantic comedy is gaining popularity. The film market is changing and unpredictable. After idol romance film profits decline or even become unprofitable, what direction do the small and medium-sized film have left? Mainland romance films look smart but do not benefit Hong Kong young idol, particularly the ones who are unknown in the Mainland. Rising new idols of recent years, due to the shrinking Cantonese music market, not only have difficulty with building up visibility in the Mainland but also are not too popular in the previously definite markets of Taiwan, Singapore and Malaysia. The development of Hong Kong idol is restricted. Not only Cantonese record release, they have even slimmer chance with Mandarin record release. The previous generation of idols was more eager to learn than the new generation. Even if their development was average, their Mandarin song quality was rather reasonable so audiences on both sides of the strait would recognize them. The current group of young idols is already shaky as local singers, not to mention breaking out of Hong Kong. Their exposure on television or series at most would make them more recognizable to the audience inside the Guangdong Province. Even a little further north they already had difficulty. Hong Kong series influence was not what it used to be. Once sweeping across both sides of the straits, Southeast Asia and even Chinese communities in Europe and America, now on the Mainland television they may not even air on prime time. Promoting idols through local television has limited effect. Youth romance originally was the best tool, but too many were made at once and they were more or less the same. Several would appear in a year with similar casts. The audience would be tired of them very quickly. These idols may not be able to make films of other genres, not only due to their image protection but also their acting might not be mature. Their potential is limited. Originally they should start from small and medium-sized films. After initial success then they should take part in large scale films. Yet some young idols are cast in the lead too soon. They refuse to easily accept small supporting roles in big films and further narrowed the space for personal development. Hopefully young romance films can take a break and make a comeback. - KWOK HIN CHING 2. MING PAO DAILY, MARCH 8 2009, FILM AND TELEVISION OBSERVATIONS WHAT ARE YOUTH MORAL VALUES IN THE END Gillian Chung Yun Tung's interview footage was aired on TVB and received dozens of complaints about its impact of youth moral values. The writer believes that this should be faced squarely. The reason for the attention is to address what actually is the complaints' so-called "impact of youth moral values". Please forgive the writer for his ignorance, but he would like to know what is today's youth moral values, what is their objective measure, and whether they have any official certification? To say that youth moral values are affected, first the current values must be defined, otherwise are you affected just because you say so? Simple youth surveys alone do not work because they have no clear definition on the question. They are totally unscientific, and their data would have difficulty standing. Complainers may have their own set of youth moral values, then think certain television programs affect their own set of values. The Broadcasting Authority should be clear on this to set the record straight, which would also have an educational role in the society. Leaving aside the impact of values, the impression from watching nude photo scandal victims Cecilia Cheung Pak Chi and Ah Gil's personal appearances should not be too negative. The writer thinks that they are just victims. Even if someone feels they have made a mistake in some ways, it is difficult to believe that these people cannot even accept the victims' apologetic or confession interviews. In the midst of forgiveness and encouragement, an extreme small minority of hard line elements remains that would not give people the chance to apologize or admit their mistakes. The writer truly hopes that their children would never make any mistake in this life, for fear that that even admitting wrongdoing in the future would be impossible. Codes of ethics that are as strict as religion all emphasize forgiveness. As long as someone is willing to admit mistakes, God also gives sinners an opportunity. Some people are actually more severe than God, whether we should agree with their moral standards, we can think and judge for themselves. Healthy media should not make moral judgments on behalf of the audience, reflecting the reality is the best; otherwise they are no different from the media under a totalitarian nation's control. - KWOK HIN CHING 3. TA KUNG PAO, MARCH 8 2009, MOTOKI BECAUSE OF DEPARTURE UNDERSTANDS LIFE AND DEATH As the financial tsunami rises the world's unemployment rate, job seekers for the sake of a job often have to reduce their requests. Even so, how many people can live with themselves and their family's stares and work on a job that the society generally considered taboo? In the freshly out of the oven Oscar's "Best Foreign Language Film" DEPARTURE, Masahiro Motoki experiences the emotional difference from being a cellist to a funeral rites master, to finally learn to respect the dead, find a life significance in his new life and regain lost family affection. Many society have a lot of taboo about "death". No wonder when the Masahiro Motoki played Tokyo professional cellist Daigo sees a recruitment advertisement for "journey departure assistant" he mistakes it for a travel agency assistant recruitment. The March 19th release DEPARTURE's story starts from Daigo's unemployment due to his orchestra's dissolution. He returns to his hometown with his wife Mika (Ryoko Hirosue) and by chances answers the "departure assistant" ad. However, he realizes at the interview that the job actually is a funeral ritual master who is responsible for the ceremony of cleaning up and collated appearance of the remains. Originally, he like most people is very afraid and resistent of the job, but for a living and at the same time the temptation of high pay he cannot help but brazenly apply then do everything possible to hide it from his wife, family and friends. After one funeral ceremony after another with the the funeral service agency president (Tsutomu Yamazaki), he finally gradually understands the significance of dressing up the deceased. Death Themes Resonate The idea of the funeral industry as the movie subjects is actually from Masahiro Motoki himself. He discloses that in his 20s when he read writer Shimmon Aoki's book, he already felt the funeral rite master's job was very shocking. More than a decade ago, when he at a farewell ceremony saw the ritual master's sacred and solemn attitude toward the deceased, he grew more interested in the industry and made a proposal to a movie producer about the ritual master world as a subject of their films. He said, "Funeral rite masters with respect and warmth send the deceased on the final journey, as if they go beyond the boundaries of life and death; the closer they are to death, the more able they are to experience the dignity of life anew." In the end, the proposal took a full decade to prepare and implement before the birth of this movie that has garnered glory at the Oscar's for Japan. More and more people accept the idea that "death" does not mean the end. The film's English title is DEPARTURE, which not only means "leaving" but also means "starting". The film's Taiwan title translation is "farewell bidder ~ ceremony master's sonata", which also includes the journey start meaning. As for the movie's international recognition, Masahiro Motoki thinks that it is because the subject matter's universality. "Although it is about Japan's unique funeral ceremony, the film handles ritual scenes very well. In addition the subject of "life and death" has universal resonance, I think this is the reason that it can attract different audiences internationally." Partner's Passing Touches Deep Sentiment DEPARTURE not only won the Oscar's "Best Foreign Language Film" award earlier at "Japan's Oscars", the "Japanese Academy Prizes" it won ten majors awards. In addition it won a number of domestic and international film festival awards. The leading man Masahiro Motoki with this film received the Japan Oscar, Japan Blue Ribbon Award and Japan Kinema Junpo award "triple crown Best Actor". The film will be released in 36 nations including Europe and the United States. The impermanence of life often is a question that a life and death movie wants to explore. To this film's production team, the experience may be deeper and cuts closer to home because playing Masahiro Motoki's father, veteran actor Toru Minegishi passed away October 11 last year due to lung cancer at the age of 65. Coincidentally, the film also has a scene in which Daigo personally bids farewell to his late father. No one ever expects the reality of the sad news would arrive quietly. Masahiro Motoki says, "When Mr. Toru Minegishi and two of my previous partners passed away, I have to admit the fact that human flesh would suddenly disappear. This happens very naturally. However, after making this movie I start to understand that through what they have left us continue to exist. In the future these things can be left for the next generation." Director: Laughter And Tears With DEPARTURE, director Yojiro Takita has also been crowned with a number of "best director" halos. He said frankly that earlier he worried about the cultural and religious differences would affect the foreign audience's appreciation for the film. Actually his concern was proven unwarranted. "Death is a topic that everyone in the world would have to face, I think, everybody would have very similar feelings about this matter. As filmmakers, I think the biggest encouragement is to receive an enthusiastic response from the audience." He does not hide his surprise that this work can be such a success, but the movie's international recognitions illustrate the power of cinema that is sufficient to break the language barrier. DEPARTURE is an unusual story. With complex and unique traditional Japanese funeral ritual, its expression is something that people around the world can be moved and have emotional resonance to. The gentle and calm approach slowly tells humanity's confusion about family affection and losing loved ones. The director says that the Japanese has always avoided the topic of death and regarded it as taboo, so the acceptance of the audience once was his concern. He expresses hope that this is a movie that touches people and makes them laugh and cry, that is able to bring the audience a glimpse into a rarely seen world. "In a lot of countries, people who work with the deceased have to endure strange looks from others. Yet their jobs are as artistic as drama in general, I through the life of a rites master see the warmth of human nature . They clean, apply makeup to and dress the deceased in order to help everyone remember the glory of their lives and accept their departure, so the whole ceremony, actually is the process that stimulates a variety of complex emotions." - SIU O 4. TA KUNG PAO, MARCH 8 2009, LIGHT SHADOW PATH ANDY LAU TAK WA'S INTRIGUING BLIND ITEM Recently, a lot of the entertainment business scandals have happened. They include the "magic salty pork hand", the "Philatelic woman" and recycled "sex photo gate". Because the numerous press coverage, some thought-provoking entertainment news has been covered up. Without such "big news", the news of Andy Lau tak Wa no longer want to work with a certain director would have been the C1 headline. Earlier Lau Tak Wa appeared on a television interview with Sandra Ng Kwan Yu and Chapman To Man Jat and said that in recent years he would not like to work with a director again. He of course did not name the person. His main criticism was that the director "did not concentrate on anything, did not know how to edit and leave the editing job to others." A magazine has pointed out that the director may be Wong Kar Wai. This conjecture is wrong because Lau Tak Wa and Wong Kar Wai's cooperation was over two decades ago (and nineteen years ago). They are not in recent years, so the speculation does not hold on. The writer attempts to see who are "suspects" among the directors who Lau Tak Wa worked with in the last five years. Lau Tak Wa has always been strict in director and film selections. This year his first movie is the Wong Jing directed MEI LOI GAING CHAT (FUTURE POLICE). Lau Tak Wa in the interview praised Director Wong so he should not be the one he would not like to work with again. This year's Lunar New Year film LOOK FOR A STAR (YAU LUNG HEI FUNG) is Andrew Lau Wai Keung directed. Director Lau is the master of anxiety. He is concerned about everything so he cannot possibly be the one who cannot concentrate on work. He also is Lau Tak Wa's friends and should continue to work together. Last year Lau Tak Wa's decent film THREE KINGDOMS: RESURRECTION OF THE DRAGON (SAM GOK JI GEIN LUNG SEH GAP) (The writer thinks the film did not receive its due praise) is Daniel Lee Yan Kong directed. Director Lee first wrote a book, then adapted the film according to the book. His perseverance was alarming and he would not be someone who did not concentrate on work. As for the Hong Kong Film Award sweeping THE WARLORDS (TAU MING JONG) its performance was outstanding. No actor would say that he would not want to work with a director with such a performance. In addition Peter Chan Ho Sun is an all purpose smooth operator. Heavenly King Lau does not seem reluctant to "continue their destiny." Even earlier was PROTEGE (MOON TOH), which won Lau Tak Wa Best Supporting Actor, therefore it was a successful attempt. Derek Yee Tung Sing is a writer and a director. In addition Director Yee has always been rigorous, no one would accuse him of not concentrating on work. In the same year (2007) Lau Tak Wa reportedly approached Derek Chiu Sung Kei to make BROTHERS (HING DAI), so they should not have any problem. 2006's A BATTLE OF WITS (MUK GUNG) was Jacob Cheung Chi Leung directed, the industry all knew that Cheung Chi Leung was very serious and persistent -- the "same kind" as Lau Tak Wa. As for ALL ABOUT LOVE (JOI SUET YUT CHI NGOR OI NEI) is Lau Tak Wa's classmate Yu Kwok Wai directed. Earlier they co-produced CRAZY STONE, which proved that their co-operation was pleasant. WAIT 'TIL YOU'RE OLDER (TUNG MUNG KEI YUEN) was made in 2005, Teddy Chan Tak Sum directed. Reportedly his upcoming film SUP YUET WAI SING (OCTOBER SIEGE) has Heavenly King class support. If Lau Tak Wa is one of the candidates, we can see there is no rift between them. The findings of the survey draws no conclusion but a discovery -- Hong Kong has many serious and hard working directors. - TIN LIK 5. TA KUNG PAO, MARCH 8 2009, FILM AND TELEVISION ASPECT WHEN WOULD SEX ENTERTAINMENT NEWS END? The city recently launched a puzzle craze. Everyone on their free time not only have to work hard on a variety of coupon cutting, discounts intelligence collection, direct marketing and barter site registrations, but also discuss the show business sex scandal that have been all the rage and expanding its range and filling in the scandal figure blanks. This time from "magic hands" or "salty pork hands" or "trip maniac" to the "four plaster flower", "innocent Championship", "deranged husband stealer" and promiscuous male's sex history, show business sex scandal storm has become increasingly fierce. In the middle Mr. Hong Kong older woman younger man romance broke in and brought out the so-called Mr. Hong Kong ducks. Then the "Philatelic female star" to "top ten Philatelic objects" followed, along with Cecilia Cheung Pak Chi's interview and Gillian Chung Yun Tung's comeback. This snowball is growing in size. All of a sudden, Hong Kong while entering the latter phase of the financial tsunami has sex scandals everywhere, lust sprinkling all over as the entertainment business resembles a "soy sauce jar of lust". Even more confusing is how much difference are between the entertainment page coverage and sex scandal rumors and the facts. Even the writer's family and friends abroad have written to ask about the cases. The validity of facts in these scandals are truly hard to confirm, just like the characters' identities which has no way to ascertain. Yet because people talk with certainty and then spread through the electronic media, everyone think the cases are not groundless and should not be as simple as a frame job for publicity. Thus the targets aim toward the entire entertainment business, including artists who came from beauty pageants. No one is spared and everyone become the biggest victims. "People must respect themselves, then other would respect them." I do not know what the true intentions behind the artists who "uncover" the scandals are. Have they ever thought about the consequence of publicizing the incident but refusing to name names? Now not only everyone is in fear, but also many artists' couple and family relationships may be destroyed and in the end severely affecting the image of Hong Kong artists and indirectly hinders the Hong Kong film industry that has just some signs of life. I am very surprised that so far organizations like "Performing Artistes Guild," "Yin Wai Organization", "Yan Mei Organization" and others have not made any statement or taken any action to clarify or to prevent the situation from deteriorating further. Yet artists who spread the news after clarifying that "there is no such incident and its people" are still able to appear on the electronic media programs, which is even more surprising. - CHUI HIU 6. TA KUNG PAO, MARCH 8 2009, HOT PURSUIT LOVE ONES OF ARTISTS IN SCANDAL SUFFER THE SAME PRESSURE Entertainment business love life will receive more tests and impact. Performing arts workers are public figures with high visibility, particularly top popular artists would have hardly any privacy to speak of. For last year's sex photo scandal that rocked the city, recently Edison Chen Koon Hei gave his testimony in Canada and triggered one of the victims Cecilia Cheung Pak Chi to tearfully accuse him of evil deeds. Once again the topic becomes hot again. Even when the causes and effects of the feud are elaborated from scratch, no one are more deeply affected than the parties and their loved ones. Outsiders even with in depth investigation out of curiosity are just spectators. As the seriously injured victim, Cheung Pak Chi chooses to take the risk and make charges with tears and anger. She absolutely is not swayed by personal feelings. After the past year's shame and reflection, she not only through the media platform explains to the public, but more importantly also for the understanding of her husband's family and care makes heartfelt apology and appreciation. In comparison to the descriptions of "brave", "tenacious", "striking back" and so on, her repenting of blood and tears also hints at the Phoenix rebirth that has radically changed the outside opinions of Cheung Pak Chi. She chooses to express the feelings and speak her mind through the broadcasting channels, telling the truth in a more straightforward and more transparent manner because she does not want any further speculation. Another from the heart interview that the writer has been feeling was a few days ago Tang Kung Bik through her friend Che Suk Mui's program revealed for the first time her relationship with Yuen Siu Fai over the years, as well as responding to the third party in the rumors. The accusation of her "ban" on them was the focus. Tang Kung Pik described Yuen Siu Fai as her idol, her husband, boyfriend and her son. She appreciated his Cantonese opera abilities and even went to Las Vegas with Yuen Siu Fai to register their marriage, but after returning to Hong Kong she did not mail back the the marriage registration, a private fact that she disclosed openly. Strong and tough Tang Kung Pik rarely disclosed Yuen Siu Fai and her family affair, but last year an opera performer Chen wrote to Bak Wor Hall, claimed that due to Tang Kung Pik's obstruction she had no place to work. Reportedly because Chen's affair with Brother Fai has been revealed, so Tang dropped her. About this relationship that sounds complex, Tang Kung Pik lightly responded, "She has children and is familiar with Brother Fai. We both know her husband, and have worked together before. Each year the troupe would book 600 to 700 performances. Even Brother Fai only performs 300. If she truly has the ability, she can book the other 300 to 400 shows......" Setting aside who is right or wrong in the dispute, more importantly at a critical moment whether the companion is trustworthy of full support to share responsibility of the challenge before them. The obviously different attitudes of abandonment and support leads to the development of polarization. Some are also reminded when the United States President Bill Clinton's White House sex scandal shocked the country, when the nation turned to see how Hillary would face this dispute, the first lady calmly resolved it and indifferently brushed it aside. Truly taking a step back the sky opened up. Looking back, even more people appreciate her handling of the situation while some described it as a broad mind is enough to accomplish great things. Successful politicians are good actors, their demeanor has its own power to influence. Conversely, silver lovers who can together tough out the bad times as well as the good times, see through the glory and the shame and can ride the storms, have the essential elements to be invisible. Success and failure are volatile, in the mortal world people have to look ahead to the future that they can explore. In the long road of life, what can be even more important than companions who can help, support and care for each other? - CHOW YI 7. MING PAO DAILY, MARCH 7 2009, FILM AND TELEVISION OBSERVATIONS SUSPENSION IS ALREADY AN OPPORTUNITY Jill Vidal (Wai Si)'s management company said that after returning to Hong Kong she will not take part in any performance for a long time, commonly known as "frozen". If she is convicted, her contract will be terminated. The "frozen" announcement actually is more serious than termination. A Criminal Offense The Same As Contract Violation Almost all artist contracts have a condition, if the artist makes a criminal offense in the duration of the contracts, the management company has the right to immediately terminate the contract without any compensation. Therefore, if the artist commits a criminal offense, it is in fact, an equivalent of breach of contract. Termination is in accordance with the terms of the contract. Conviction is only a confirmation process of committing a crime. Wai Si is detained in Tokyo, reportedly due to traveling companion Kelvin Kwan Chor Yiu was found with marijuana. It was not found on her. Unless the testimony is disadvantageous to her, the chance of her conviction is slim. From the reported case details, Kwan Chor Yiu's chance of being convicted is much higher than Wai Si's. Management Company Has Done The Right Thing Suspension is the management company's definite severe penalty for her case. If she is not convicted, after returning to Hong Kong she inevitably will be put on ice for a long time. The public should understand and agree with the management company's action and would not feel it is excessive. If no action is taken, artists themselves do not necessarily have any foreseeable benefit. No Termination Is The Opportunity To Come Back Public penalty, as long as it is not termination, is actually giving her a chance to come back. Wai Si's father open public apology is not too effective because artists committed the mistake themselves. They must resolve it personally. Management companies have the right not to arrange any work for her at the remaining contract period, which would truly be the death penalty. Apart from criminal offense can lead to unconditional termination, artist contract should have another condition: artists cannot undermine their image. Otherwise they will be in a breach of contract. Frozen although is more severe than termination, it can also be considered as giving her a chance. - KWOK HIN CHING 8. MING PAO DAILY, MARCH 6 2009, FILM WORDS THE EQUATION OF LOVE AND DEATH ZHOU XUN'S EMOTIONAL ACTING Last October at the Hong Kong Asian Film Festival, I saw the new Chinese films THE EQUATION OF LOVE AND DEATH. Zhou Xun's performance was excellent, and the director Cao Baoping won the San Sebastian Film Festival Best New Director Award in Spain. Now it has been released in Hong Kong with a new Chinese title. Actually a Chinese film title change in Hong Kong was a waste, trully a strange phenomenon. This film's Mainland office was decent, its Hong Kong release was inevitably alternative but achieved realistic mystery. It combined a mysterious romance and suspense. Although it was partially excessive and far-fetched, but fortunately it did not conform to conventional pattern. Zhou Xun emotional performance was impressive. She played a Kunming taxi driver who did not wear any make up and faithfully searched for her fiance who has been missing for four years. She constantly asked her passengers and showed them her lover's photo. She drove passengers all over with access to all walks of life, including the poor and dangerous country folk, smuggling and drug trafficking mobsters, bloody gang poet, as well as a stranger who resembled her lover but insisted that he did not know her, and an investigating police detective. Deng Chao played the romantic hunk, was he her fiance then? Finally the truth came out and was aspirating. It reminded me of the old American films (A PLACE IN THE SUN, based on the novel AN AMERICAN TRAGEDY), the story was different but both were social tragedies that came from love and money. This film's writing and direction are relatively flashier. Entirely dependent on Zhou Xun, later her screaming and sobbing created a touching effect. Actor Deng Chao just kept playing cool but lacked charisma. BLIND SHAFT and A WORLD WITHOUT THIEVES' Wang Baoqiang, as usual, played a country boy; THE ASSEMBLY and LOOK FOR A STAR (YAU LUNG HEI FUNG)'s Zhang Hanyu played a cop and again proved his acting variety. Zhou Xun was in the last ten years one of the Mainland's most popular female movie star. In the Lou Ye directed SUZHOU RIVER, Dai Sijie's BALZAC AND THE LITTLE CHINESE SEAMSTRESS, Li Shaohong's BAOBER IN LOVE and STOLEN LIFE she gave great performances. She also has starred in Feng Xiaogang's THE BANQUET. This time she played a faithful female driver better than Vicki Zhao Wei's portrayal of another taxi driver in romantic comedy THE LONGEST NIGHT IN SHANGHAI with Japanese star Masahiro Motoki. She is now a "naturalized citizen" of Hong Kong. Actually she has worked with many Hong Kong directors, the most successful were Peter Chan Ho Sun's PERHAPS LOVE (YU GOR OI) and Gordon Chan Ka Seung's PAINTED SKIN (WAT PEI), but her performances in Fruit Chan Gor's HOLLYWOOD HONG KONG, Yim Ho's A WEST LAKE MOMENT (YUEN YEUNG WU DIP), Susie Au Shuet Yi's MING MING, Tsui Hark's ALL ABOUT WOMEN (NUI YUN BUT WAI) were less than satisfactory. Her latest film will be the Yuen Wo Ping directed gong fu film SO HAK YI (BEGGAR SO), we shall see whether or not she has any chance to shine. - SHEK KEI 9. MING PAO DAILY, MARCH 6 2009, FILM AND TELEVISION OBSERVATIONS NOT MAKING PROFITABLE MOVIES Can a movie that has never been made make money? The answer is yes. As incredible as it sounds, how can a movie that has never been made possibly make money? The curiosity lies here. This movie, as long as it has not started production, still has the ability to make money. Once shooting begins, it instead has the opportunity to lose money. As it sounds more and more amazing, this is not a children intelligence test question. Instead of revealing the answer first, let us talk about the Hong Kong Asia Film Financing Forum, which takes place every year during the International Film Festival. This financing forum will follow the example of similar activities in other areas, inviting Asian film professionals to submit movies and then inviting film investors from all over the world to listen to filmmakers' pitch and decide whether to participate in the investment. From statistics alone, this Hong Kong financing forum will be more successful year after year because the figure includes the participating film project and investor figures, as well as the number of financing interest expressed during the forum. As for the number of movies actually made, and its proportion to the original investors expressing interest in investing, the figure appeared to be unpublished. Is everyone a little confused? With interest to invest, why is the movie not completed later? For example, a film project at the forum declared that it has successfully found investors, but those investors specified that they would only pay if certain stars were cast. The designated stars were either busy or beyond the affordable range. Thus the film still could not be made. At financing forum projects generally receive investors' intent to invest, which is subject to conditions. None immediately signs a contract and pays to start production, it may just be the first and second steps in the process. As for the answer to why a movie can continue to make money without being made, since the world has a lot of similar financing forums, in order to attract more projects they would set up cash prizes for the best film projects. Usually they are determined from the quality of the submitted scripts. The same script can be taken to different financing forums. If it wins, it can keep winning prize money. As long as it does not start production it can still compete and win prize money. - KWOK HIN CHING 10. MING PAO DAILY, MARCH 5 2009, FILM AND TELEVISION OBSERVATIONS WHY YOUNG ARTISTS DO NOT LEARN TO CHERISH Kelvin Kwan Chor Yiu and Jill Vidal (Wai Si) were arrested in Japan on suspicion of shoplifting and drug possession. Such incident that happened with young artists is truly exasperating. Most of the responses I am afraid are they succeeded too easily and do not cherish it. In terms of success, these young idols still have a long way to go, perhaps one can say they have not even taken the first step yet. They might not feel the need to cherish. Today's entertainment business situation is fame comes too easily but success comes harder. Fame does not need success; with a little popularity in the media, no matter how the performer's career is he or she is already regarded as famous. Last generation's artists are more practical. They would not just be satisfied with being stars on paper. Back then the media is not as vibrant as today's. Each of this generation's young idols has a little name recognition, but fewer and fewer are real successes. We should not only view and criticize them from the angle of the previous generation. Every year a lot of new names appear on the entertainment page, they can be referred to as idols but only a few reach achievement. Outsiders may see a lot of opportunities for these young artists, but actually in a year they may take part in 1 or 2 movies. They do not earn much. They may have the chance to release records, but when the market situation is this bad, their sales would not be too high. Economic pressure is not a big problem. The greatest pressure they face comes from the inability to make something out of their careers, whenever something happens, everyone feel that they do not know how to cherish them. Young artists indeed can easily get opportunities, whether due to nepotism or their own merits. After entering the entertainment business, most do not get too far. Naturally they are old to hone themselves, but the real situation is they do not have much room for development. Performing less than ideally is not an excuse for their mistakes, but their general condition. While blaming them for not cherishing, understanding their predicament is the most important. It may not necessarily help but it is a little more understanding. - KWOK HIN CHING [ In Production Now/Soon ] Can : Yut Lo Yau Nei Lit : All Along Have You d. Derek Chiu Sung Kei Louis Koo Tin Lok, Karen Mok Man Wai, Crystal Huang Yi Can : Oi Chook Mau Lit : Love Cheats d. Pang Shun, William Chan Wai Ting, Si Nga, G.E.M. Tang Chi Kei, Lee Wan, Chubby (Siu Fei), James, Ciwi, Wong Long Yin OVERHEARD 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 [ THE FILM CATALOGUE ] Three cops become increasingly thrilled by the secret they heard while conducting a surveillance on a listed company, without knowing this is a path of no return. BIG CHEAT 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 ACCIDENT Can : Um Sat Lit : Assassination d. Soi Cheang Po Shui Louis Koo Tin Lok, Richie Jen (Yam Yin Chai) [ THE FILM CATALOGUE ] When a hitman suspects he is being targeted for termination, he must find and kill his predator against all odds 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’ 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... --- [ 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) ORZBOYZ! d. Yang Ya-Che Pang Chin-Yu, Lee Kuan-Yi, Mei Fang, Ma Chih-Hsiang, Hsu Chi-Wen Opening March 12 2009 [ YAHOO! MOVIES HONG KONG ] Does your school have someone who plays pranks on the female students, gets into fights, lies and even drives teachers to tears and breakdown? "Liar 1", "Liar 2" are such students. "Everyday after school they must remain in the library glued to the book" is the punishment for their bad deeds. This perhaps is the best decision the teacher has ever made. They have thus read every book in the library. 1 has become a strong book reader while 2 has become the world's luckiest listener; together they set sail on the sea of each story and leaving behind the real world's indifference and pain. This pair of liar brothers together pursues the prettiest girl in the school but accidentally uncover the tragic secret behind that sweet smile. Their most important plan is to go to that mysterious water world. As long as they are able to leap through the invisible door behind the water way they can enter the mysterious fairy tale world Oz, where they do not have to wait to grow up. Yet the promise is broken in a careless betrayal and they are forced to part. 2 can only go to the place alone, standing at the water way's highest point until the parting curse breaks...... A THOUSAND YEARS OF GOOD PRAYERS Can : Chin Nin Sin Toh d. Wayne Wong Henry O, Li Yiyun Rating : I Length : 84 mins. Opening March 12 2009 [ BROADWAY CIRCUIT ] Mr. Shi is a widower and a retired man from Beijing. When Yilan, his only daughter who lives in the US, has a divorce, he decides to visit her in the small town where she works as a librarian. His intention is to stay with her until he helps her recover from the trauma. He is a "rocket scientist", Mr. Shi likes to tell people he meets in America, and enjoys their attention. But Yilan acts less enthusiastic in his show-off, nor is she interested in his plan to rescue her marriage and reconstruct her life. When Mr. Shi persists in finding out the reason for the divorce, Yilan starts to avoid him. Disappointed but not discouraged, Mr. Shi explores the small town and meets an old woman, Madam, who fled the Iranian Revolution to the US. Neither Mr. Shi nor Madam speak English well, but by gesturing and talking in their own tongues, Mr. Shi and Madam start a rare friendship, in which they find momentary haven from the world of lies they have to weave to keep themselves hopeful, but the friendship is soon disrupted when Madam's son sends her away to a retirement home. Facing revelations both from Madam and Yilan's confrontation that Mr. Shi has never been prepared to face, he finally accepts things as they are, and reaches a small understanding with Yilan and her life. TOKYO SONATA Can : Dung Gaing Jau Ming Kuk d. Kiyoshi Kurosawa (Hak Jat Ching) Teruyuki Kagawa (Heung Chuen Jiu Ji), Kyoko Koizumi (Siu Chuen Gum Yut Ji), Yoji Yashuko (Yi Sor Guong Si) Opening March 13 2009 Length : 119 mins. [ BROADWAY CIRCUIT ] TOKYO SONATA unsettles on a deeper level with the story of an ordinary Japanese family that is slowly falling apart. After suddenly losing his job, Ryuhei hides the truth from his family and passes each day in lies. He becomes increasingly estranged from his two sons, each with secrets of his own. Quietly watching her husband and children drift apart, housewife Megumi is too tired to stop her family from unraveling. THE EQUATION OF LOVE AND DEATH Can : Oi Sut Seung Lit : Love Lost Compensation d. Cao Baoping Zhou Xun, Zhang Hanyu, Deng Chao Rating : IIB Length : 98 mins. Opening March 5 2009 [ BROADWAY CIRCUIT ] Only with compensation would wishes come true... Give and take in love is never in a balance, what is the love that you want like? With fiance Fang Wen disappearing for four years without a trace but often sending letters without any return address, Li Mi has repeatedly recited each word in the letter and double counted each letter's date of arrival. Li Mi's love for Fang Wen accumulates day after day, as she becomes more and more hysterical. She even becomes a taxi drivers to look for her love, thinking that she can hear about her love's whereabouts from passengers' mouths. Fir four years, Li Mi has been waiting, in the end would Fangwen coming back, or would one of his answer? One day, a drug deal case reunites Li Mi with Fang Wen, who vehemently denies his identity and led to cop Ye's suspicion and investigation that finally unveils love's most tragic dark side. THREADS OF DESTINY Can : 366 Tin Dik Yeuk Ding Lit : 366 Days Appoinment d. Masanori Murakami Junpei Mizobata, Nao Minamisawa Rating : IIA Length : 106 mins. 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? GIVE LOVE Can : Oi Dut Hei Lit : Love To The End d. Joe Ma Wai Ho, For For Gigi Leung Wing Kei, Chen Bo-Lin (Chan Pak Lam), Shao Bing, Shaun Tam Chun Yin, HotCha, Terry Fan Siu Wong, Maggie Lee Man Kwan Opening February 19 2009 [ YAHOO! MOVIES HONG KONG ] Lina finally decides to get a divorce. Lina has almost already forgotten why she would marry Xiaodong a year ago, she cannot even remember what made her fall for Xiaodong. Lina believes that she can live on independently and not easily fall in love again. She feels that she would not again rely on the "never reliable" men, but her behavior is just the opposite. She stays in Xiaodong's home while Xiaodong has vanished.....sharing the home is Xiaodong's younger brother Yidong, a young man who does not like to talk, keeps everything inside but would suddenly scolds others "righteously". Actually the sibling in laws Lina and Yidong after Xiaodong's departure legall are independent, but they are like family and friends, can they develop into a couple? KUNG FU CHEF Can : Gung Fu Chu Sun Lit : Kung Fu Kitchen God d. Yau Tat Chi Sammo Hung Kam Bo, Vanness Wu (Ng Kin Ho), Cherrie Ying Choi Yi, Lam Tze Chung Opening February 19 2009 in Malaysia [ 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? EMPIRE OF SILVER Can : Bak Ngun Dai Gok Lit : White Silver Empire d. Christina Yao Shuhua Aaron Kwok Fu Sing, Zhang Tielin, Hao Lei, Jennifer Tily, Ding Zhicheng, Lei Zhenyu, King Shih Chieh Opening February 12 2009 at the Berlin Film Festival Site : http://www.berlinale.de/en/programm/berlinale_programm/datenblatt.php?film_id=20090009 [ BERLINALE ] Director Christina Yao’s opulent feature film is a dynastic saga; it is also a passionate love story and a moral tale, based on historical events. The story of the Kangs, a family of bankers, and their banking empire on China’s ‘Wall Street’ spans a period from the Boxer Uprising to the Chinese Revolution and the founding of the People’s Republic in 1949. The film begins in 1899. A carefree, hedonistic young man is next in line to inherit a banking empire which has hitherto meant very little to him. However, following a tragic abduction, of which his sister-in-law was the victim, this ‘third man’ reluctantly bows to his authoritative father’s iron will. Keen to prepare his offspring for the time when he will take over his financial conglomerate, this powerful banker, Kang, is determined to turn his son into as ruthless a businessman as himself. However, his idealistic son has always called into question his father’s high-handed style of leadership and hard-nosed business principles. The tense relationship between the two men is put under additional strain on account of Kang junior’s undying love for his beautiful young step-mother. She was the first and only love of his life – before his father stole her from him. It is time for him to decide whether he will take the path his father trod before him or whether he will make his own way in life... [ 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. DEPARTURES Can : Lai Yi Si ji Jau Ming Kuk Lit : Ritual Master's Sonata d. Yojiro Takita (Lung Tin Yeung Yi Long) Masahiro Motoki (Boon Muk Nga Won), Ryoko Hirosue (Guong Muk Leung Ji) Rating : IIA Length : 120 mins. Opening March 19 2009 [ BROADWAY CIRCUIT ] Daigo Kobayashi is a cellist whose dream is shattered when his Tokyo orchestra suddenly closes down. Left with no choice but to sell his prized cello, Daigo returns with his wife Mika to his late mother’s house, deep in the Japanese countryside. In need of money, Daigo responds to an ad in the paper for a job in ‘Departures’, mistakenly thinking that it might be somehow related to travel. But to his complete surprise Daigo finds he has applied for a position as an ‘encoffineer’ – a man who performs the delicate and traditional Japanese ritual of preparing the bodies of the recently deceased for their departure to the next life – and without having time to think about it, he accepts the job... K-20 Can : Gwai Yun Yi Sup Min Seung Juen Lit : Strange Person 20 Faces Biography d. Shimako Sato Takeshi Kaneshiro (Gum Sing Mo), Takako Matsu Opening March 19 2009 [ BROADWAY CIRCUIT ] The protagonist of the story is Heikichi Endo, a circus acrobat who is deceived by K-20 and set up to take the fall for the phantom thief. Using his incredible physical dexterity, Heikichi wages war against K-20. He fights alongside K-20's next wealthy target, Duchess Yoko Hashiba, and her husband-to-be, brilliant detective Kogoro Akechi. But what is the ultimate decision Heikichi has to make? HAPPY FLIGHT Can : Hoi Sum Jik Hong Lit : Happy Direct Flight d. Shinobu Yaguchi Ayase Haruka, Seiichi Tanabe Opening March 26 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? DANCE, SUBARU! Can : Mo Ba! Gok d. Lee Chi Ngai Momoi Kaori, Meisa Kuroki, Miku Sano, Ara Opening March 26 2009 [ BROADWAY CIRCUIT ] Adapted from a popular Japanese manga (comic book) of the same title, Dance, Subaru! is a motivating tale about the self-realization of a young ballerina under adversity. Subaru and her twin brother Kazuma share a passion for dance, but they do not have the fortune to receive formal training. Kazuma dies of a brain tumour at the young age of 10. After Kazuma’s death, dancing became Subaru’s only happiness, but is discouraged by her widower father who expects her to chart a more conventional education. This difference of hearts has alienated the father and daughter relationship ever since. Subaru’s life takes a dramatic turn when she runs into a cabaret owner Isuzu, who is a retired ballerina herself. Isuzu, recognizing the talent in Subaru, takes the kid under her wing and trains her. By the time she turns seventeen, Subaru is performing botched-up ballet numbers regularly at Isuzu’s cabaret, which affords Subaru to pay for ballet lessons at Madam Mako’s studio. Madam Mako’s daughter, Mana, is Subaru’s classmate since early grade school. She loves Subaru as a friend but is also embittered by Subaru’s talent. A third young ballerina, Liz Park, a Korean American, is a star pupil at the famous American Ballet Theatre in New York. Liz runs away to Tokyo out of boredom from the tedious life as a ballet student. She sees in Subaru a worthy competitor, a catalyst to revitalize her waning enthusiasm for ballet stardom. All three girls end up contesting with one another in Shanghai. Subaru finally discovers Liz’s secret agenda. While being upset by Liz’s betrayal as a friend, Subaru is more determined to dance to her best ability. Just as Subaru is ready to challenge at Liz’s apparent supremacy in the Final, tragic news from home strikes Subaru out of her stride. Nevertheless, for the heartbroken Subaru, the show must go on. The Final literally evolves into a feverish affair when Subaru, suffering from a high fever contracted from a night of mourning in a rainstorm, pitches herself gallantly against Liz in her top form... A VERY SHORT LIFE Can : Duen Jam Dik Sun Ming d. Dennis Law Sau Yiu Leila Kong (Tong Ning), Maggie Shiu Mei Kei, Pinky Cheung Man Chi, Samuel Pang King Chi, Koni Lui Wai Yi, Yoyo Law Chi Ching Crystal Cheung Wai Yun, Eddie Cheung Siu Fai Rating: III Opening March 2009 Official Site: http://www.averyshortlife.com THE SHINJUKU INCIDENT Can : Sun Juk Goo Si Lit : Shinjuku Story d. Derek Yee Tung Sing Jackie Chan, Naoto Takenaka (Juk Jung Jik Yun), Daniel Wu (Ng Yin Cho), Masaya Kato (Ga Tung Nga Ya), Xu Jinglei, Fan Bingbing, Chin Kar Lok, Paul Chun Pui, Lam Suet, Lian Jin, Ken Low Wai Kwong, Jack Kao (Ko Jit) Rating : III Opening March 22 2009 at the Hong Kong International Film Festival Opening APRIL 2 2009 Official Site : http://shinjukuincident.emp.hk [ 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. TEAM OF MIRACLE: WE WILL ROCK YOU Can : Lau Long Hong Sai Gai Bui Lit : Homeless World Cup d. Kwan Shun Wai Eric Suen Yiu Wai, Zhang Jun, Gigi Lai Chi Man Chin Shui, Yuen Wah, Lam Ka Wa, Wong Tak Bun, Wong Yau Nam, Tats Lau Yi Tat, Tong Kim Hong, Hui Siu Hung, Wong Chi On, Ng Chung Tin, Cheng Chi Sing, Pei Wei Ying Opening April 2 2009 Official Site: http://www.media.org.hk/wewillrockyou SNIPER Can : Sun Cheung Sau Lit : Godly Gunslingers d. Dante Lam Chiu Yin Richie Jen (Yam Yin Chai), Edison Chen Koon Hei, Huang Xiaoming, Bowie Lam Bo Yi Rating : IIB Length : 86 mins. Opening March 24 2009 at the Hong Kong International Film Festival Opening April 9 2009 Site: http://www.mediaasia.com/movie.php?film_id=241&isFilm=1&locale=en Site: http://www.hkiff.org.hk/eng/film/detail/5/1094.html [ HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL ] Handpicked by the elite Police Sniper Team Leader Hartman, rookie OJ has demonstrated all the promises to be the next top shooter. When former top shooter Lincoln reemerges from behind bars, OJ becomes fascinated by his unorthodox techniques much to the dislike of his tutor. Hartman's dark past starts to unfold and Lincoln is taking his revenge by assisting with a heist. Behind the heavy guns and scrupulous details of sniper protocols, this Dante Lam drama of brotherhood going seriously wrong is a reminder of the costs it takes to be at the top. [ 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. 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 April 9 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? I CORRUPT ALL COPS Can : Gum Chin Dai Gok Lit : Money Empire d. Wong Jing Eason Chan Yik Shun, Anthony Wong Chau Sun, Tony Leung Ka Fai, Alex Fong Lik Sun, Bowie Lam Bo Yi, Kate Tsui Tsz Shan, Liu Yang, Natalie Yao Meng, Wong Jing Opening April 23 2009 [ YAHOO! MOVIES HONG KONG ] During British rule, Hong Kong once was under a period of darkness. At the time, police corruption took place almost everyday, in the decade between 1963 and 1973 alone, the Hong Kong police corruption amounted to 10 billion at the time, roughly equivalent to 500 billion in 2009! The head of this empire of corruption was the Hong Kong Island Chinese chief inspector Brother Lak. Every time Brother Lak was unable to solve a case, he would order his subordinate Fire Kirin to find a scapegoat to take the blame. Somehow, Fire Kirin arrested university student Han Chi Bong and wanted him to admit to several dozen crimes including theft, indecent assault and battery. Fortunately Bong's mother got rent collector Pig Grease Cake to force Fire Kiri to release him. Chan Siu Gau was Brother Lak's subordinate who caught Brother Lak's eyes due to his amazing athletic ability and was promoted to the rank of inspector. One day, Siu Gau ran into the female drug lord Rose who was under drug trafficker Chaozhou Jook's pursuit. Siu Gau tried to save her and was injured in the process. Brother Lak was furious and ordered Chaozhou Jook to hand over to his turf to give Rose. Since then, Rose and Siu Gau became close friends; With the backing of Siu Gau, it was all smooth sailing for Rose! On the other hand, Brother Lak lusted after Fire Kirin's shapely lover Lucy and had an affair with her! Upon discovering the affair, Fire Kirin was assigned to reservoir guard duty! By the early Seventies because of several corruption scandals and Brother Lak's excessive arrogance that ignores evenly the newly transfer from the United Kingdom Police Commissioner, the Governor set up the Independent Commission Against Corruption and was determined to put an end to all corruption; the competent Yim Kwok Leung was responsible for Brother Lak's eradication, Fire Kirin for revenge transferred to the Independent Commission Against Corruption, Han Chi Bong also joined. With their perseverance this corruption created money empire gradually collapsed! Brother Lak realized that his time has passed and escaped to Taiwan; and the ICAC has arrested Siu Gau. Where would happen to Siu Gau? NIGHT AND FOG Can : Tin Shui Wai Dik Yeh Yu Mo Lit : Night and Fog of Tin Shui Wai d. Ann Hui On Wa Simon Yam Tat Wa, Zhang Jingchu, Jacqueline Law Wai Guen, Amy Chum Yun Mei, Audrey Chan, Ariel Chan Length : 122 mins. Opening March 22 2009 at the Hong Kong International Film Festival Opening May 2009 Site : http://www.hkiff.org.hk/eng/film/detail/2/1097.html [ HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL ] The flip side to last year's well-received feature THE WAY WE ARE, NIGHT AND FOG explores the darker side of Hong Kong's most notorious town, Tin Shui Wai. Based on a true story, the story revolves around an older, unemployed Hong Kong man, his young Mainland wife and their twin daughters. Their lives, unfortunately, are anything but easy, and the shocking conclusion raises issues about the plight of the socially deprived lower class. Despite the tough subject matter, the director treats her characters with a fair hand, while highlighting the increasingly prevalent interactions between Hong Kong and post-1997 Mainland. --- [ Entertainment URL ] MEDIA ASIA http://www.mediaasia.com 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 * NATASHA NA YING, A MU, AND GUAN ZHE DATE AND TIME : Sunday, April 5 2009 @ 7PM Monday, April 6 2009 @ 8:30PM VENUE LOCATION : The Avalon Ballroom Theatre Niagara Fallsview Casino Resort 6380 Fallsview Boulevard Niagara Falls, ON L2G 7X5 Canada www.fallsviewcasinoresort.com TICKET PRICES : CA$99.75, 126, 147 TICKET OUTLET LOCATION : TICKET MASTER http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/1000416ABC04692E?artistid=1272557&majorcatid=10001&minorcatid=5 * RAYMOND MIU PRODUCTIONS, INC. AND TRUMP TAJ MAHAL PRESENT ALL STAR EASTER CELEBRATION LIVE IN CONCERT 2009 Lee Heung Kam, Tam Bing Man, Lai Yiu Cheung, HotCha DATE AND TIME: Saturday night / Sunday morning, April 11 @ 1 AM VENUE LOCATIONS: Mark G Etess Arena Trump Tah Mahal Casino Resort Atlantic City NJ TICKET PRICES: $108, 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 * 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 Evergreen Books Milpitas 408-383-9798 Taro Books Cupertino 408-863-1288 Taro Books Newark 510-818-9666 * Sunday Entertainment Concepts and Resorts Atlantic City Present Kay Tse On Kay Live DATE AND TIME: Saturday night/Sunday morning, March 22 2009 @ 1AM VENUE LOCATION: Superstar Theater Resorts Casino Hotel 1133 Boardwalk Atlantic City NJ 08401 TICKET PRICES: $108, 78, 48 TICKET OUTLET LOCATIONS: AM 1480 WZRC 449 Broadway 5 Fl. New York NY 10013 (212) 965-1480 * Superkey Production and Tropicana Atlantic City Present Jade Kwan Sum Yin, Liu Jialiang Special Guest: Tam Ming Fai DATE AND TIME: Saturday night/Sunday morning, March 22 2009 @ 1AM VENUE LOCATION: Tropicana Showroom - North Tower, 3rd Floor Tropicana Casino & Resort 2831 Boardwalk Atlantic City NJ 08401 TICKET PRICES: $108, 78, 48 TICKET OUTLET LOCATIONS: ONLINE: http://www.superkeypro.com CHINATOWN: P & M Music 2 Elizabeth Street 212.732.3828 BROOKLYN: Paradise Vacations 778 60th Street 718.238.1228 -------------------------------------------------------------------- Box office info : What Box Office Info? The usual suspects : Internet Movie Database, Yahoo! Hong Kong Erors : ye olde chaffing editor For Thursday March 5 2009 10 LOVE CONNECTED Can : Bo Chi Oi Nei Lit : Keep Loving You d. Patrick Kong (Yip Lim Sum) Stephy Tang Lai Yun, Justin Lo (Juk Tin), Hu Qingnan, Tong So Kei, I Love You Boz, Miki Yeung Oi Kun, Leung Cho Hiu, Kay Tse On Kay, Sammy 9 FROST/NIXON d. Ron Howard Frank Langella, Michael Sheen, Sam Rockwell 8 YES MAN d. Peyton Reed Jim Carrey, Zooey Deschanel, Bradley Cooper 7 BASIC LOVE Can : Oi Ching Goo Si Lit : Love Story d. Oxide Pang Shun Elanne Kong Yeuk Lam, Janice Man Wing San, Rex Ho Chun Wai, Tsui Ching Hei 6 HOTEL FOR DOGS d. Thor Freudenthal Emma Roberts, Jake T. Austin, Don Cheadle 5 GU GU THE CAT d. Isshin Inudou (Huen Tung Yut Sum) Kyoko Koizumi (Siu Chuen Gum Yut Ji), Juri Ueno (Seung Yeh Shu Lei), Ryo Kase (Ga Lai Leung) 4 CONFESSION OF A SHOPAHOLIC d. PJ Hogan Isla Fisher, Hugh Dancy, Krysten Ritter 3 THE FORBIDDEN LEGEND OF SEX AND CHOPSTICKS II Can : Gum Ping Mui II Oi Dik Lo Dai Lit : Golden Bottle Plum II Slave of Love d. Chin Man Kei Hikaru Wakana (Yeuk Choi Guong), Serina Hayakawa (Jo Chuen Lai Lei Noi), Kaera Uehara (Seung Yuen Kaera), Winnie Leung Man Yi, Lam Wai Kin, Ng Chi Hung, Leung Cheuk Moon, Tam Gong Chung, Lee Kin Yan 2 COMING SOON Can : Yum Yung Yuen Joi Lit : Dark Look In Theater d. Sophon Sakdaphisit Chantawit Thanasewee, Worrakarn "Punch" Rotjanawatchra 1 SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE d. Danny Boyle, Loveleen Tandan Dev Patel, Anil Kapoor, Saurabh Shukla ------ Summaries for some of the films above. Some contain SPOILERS LOVE CONNECTED Rating : IIB Length : 96 mins. Opening February 19 2009 [ YAHOO! HONG KONG MOVIES ] LOVE CONNECTED depicts 5 love stories between 14 people on Valentine's Day. Would Fung whose love trial period comes to an end win the heart of his goddess Kei? Wai is a shopping center's resident singer. Would his song for a flower girl Bo bear fruit? Biker boys Dragon and Tiger develop a fantastic romance with their one online day lover Goldfish! Jo and Fong's seven year relationship has already reached an emergency level. Would the Valentine's Day dinner be their final supper? Playboy Fai plans three Valentine's Day dates but would his fantasy have any unexpected change in reality? BASIC LOVE Rating : IIA Length : 103 mins. Opening February 26 2009 [ BROADWAY CIRCUIT ] In a pure love romantic story, a song links Ling, Siu Chun and Rex in a relationship. Ling has suffered from leukemia since childhood. Optimistic, she never keeps anything in her heart. Only with a limited lifespan she has kept all her love inside and does not inform her friends Rex and Siu Chun about her illness. Siu Chun came as child with her mother from Mainland to Hong Kong and has made a living selling fish. Introverted Siu Chun was not good with expressing herself. Her personality was the polar opposite with Ling, but they became good friends from mutual concern. Siu Chun has always been fond of Rex, but Rex has not made any move. Siu Chun also does not realize that another guy Hei is silently in love with her. Very talented musically, Rex writers a song for a competition. The song is written for the girl he loves but he never reveals her name. With graduation just around the corner, they will go their separate ways. Their relationship has not further developed until Ling falls ill. Her hospitalization breaks through this relationship silence...... GU GU THE CAT Rating : I Length : 116 mins. Opening March 5 2009 [ BROADWAY CIRCUIT ] Asako, a comic book artist in her early forties, is devastated by the death of her precious cat, Saba, which kept her company for over 15 years, as her assistant Naomi watches on with concern. Naomi is a young woman in her early twenties, who has her set of worries about love and future. Then one day, Asako meets a new cat, Gu gu, which brings new joy and vitality to her life. What is more, she finds potential for love in a man named Seiji. Like Asako, Naomi, too, embarks on a new life plan. THE FORBIDDEN LEGEND OF SEX AND CHOPSTICKS II Rating : III Length : 93 mins. Opening March 5 2009 [ YAHOO! MOVIES HONG KONG ] After the lecherous Ximen Qing killed Wu Dalang, he logically married Jinlian as his concubine. Unfortunately, Ximen Qing was not satisfied. He plotted to seduce Hua Zixu's wife Li Pinger, in turn driving Hua to death from rage. Wu Dalang's younger brother Wu Song upon hearing about Wu Dalong's death vowed to avenge his brother, but he fell into Ximen Qing's beauty trap as Ximen Qing's maid Chunmei accused him of rape and he was banished! Chunmei therefore was appreciated and became one of Ximen Qing's concubines! Since then, Ximen Qing had "Jin(lian) Ping(er) (Chun)Mei" daily. Not only did he try all kinds of sexual positions but also worsen with abnormal sex games. The brilliant lifestyle has spent Ximen Qing's body as he became dependent on drugs to restore his former glory, which also started on Master Ximen's end... COMING SOON Rating : IIB Length : 84 mins. Opening March 5 2009 [ YAHOO! MOVIES HONG KONG ] Cinema projectionist San and his co-worker Yiu watch a horror film, after which Yiu dies and the corpse appears in the film. The ghost in the film has already left the screen and captured San back to the film word to reprise the revenge murder scene! To save her boyfriend, Siu San looks up the film production and discovers that the film is based on a true story. The ghost in the film originally was a villager. They decide to investigate but the case actually hides an unexpected and horrifying truth...... ------ GLOBAL CHINESE SONG CHART For Saturday, March 7 2009 15 LOVE IS THAT SIMPLE Can : Oi Jau Si Na Mor Gan Dan Pu Bajia (Po Ba Gap) 14 BEHIND THE SEA Can : Hoi Hau (Hau Yuen) 13 LOVE SONG Can : Ching Gor Jasmine Leong Jing Yu 12 MAKE FUN Can : Gau Siu Alan Luo (Law Chi Cheung) 11 NIGHT SHANGHAI Can : Yeh Seung Hoi Ray Ma (Ma Tin Yu) 10 THAT CANNOT BE LOVE? Can : Na But Wui Si Oi Ba? Jane Zhang Liangying 9 THE MOST FORTUNATE MATTER Can : Jui Hung Fok Dik Si Rachel Liang (Leung Man Yam) 8 UNFORGETTABLE DAY Can : Nan Mong Dik Yut Tin Xu Wei (Hui Ngai) 7 PERHAPS LOVE Can : Yu Gor Oi Khalil Fong Dai Tung 6 WHY ME Chris Li Yuchun 5 IN SPRING RAIN FULL OF SUN Can : Chun Yu Lui Sai Moon Tai Yeung Wang Leehom (Wong Lik Won) 4 FISH Can : Yu Cheer Chen Yi Jing 3 BAD GUY Can : Wai Yun Abin Fang (Fong Gwing Bun) 2 WORLD OF ONE AFRAID OF LONELINESS Can : Yut Gor Yun Dik Sai Gai Hoi Pa Gu Dan Wang Zijian (Wong Chi Kin) 1 ALLEGRO OPUS 3.3AM Eason Chan Yik Shun ------ [ 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. The speed that information travels on the internet is amazing. No sooner than my comment about Hulu's public service announcement only intermissions, commercials have crept in. Now Old Chaffy's new best friend (again) is the mute button. Speaking of mute button, just in time for Lent is McDonald's new Filet O Fish ad (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6bJOIqVAD-s). Your Chaffing Editor is by no means advocating the sandwich as your Friday alternative meal for Lent, but he is marveling at the timing of this ad that at first was very annoying but now has "charmed" (brainwashed) Old Chaffy to its defense. On a related note, Jack is Back! (http://www.hangintherejack.com) Anyway, this week in Hong Kong show business has had more than its usual share of scandals. From sex photo scandal victims Cecilia Cheung Pak Chi and Gillian Chung Yun Tung speaking out to Kelvin Kwan Chor Yiu and Jill Vidal (Wai Si)'s mighty morphing shoplifting suspicion into a drug possession arrest in Japan, you would think the world is on the express lane to heck (or Vegas) if the entertainment circle is a microcosm of the real world. (Everyone should remain calm at this point -- panicking is about as useful as chewing gum is to resolution of your problems, unless your problem is you are out of gum.) But Old Chaffy digresses. Since the topics have been talked about so much that the dead horse has probably been brought back to life, died of old age and then beaten again, Your Chaffing Editor would like to turn his attention to the comments online. Your Chaffing Editor must be spending too much time on Hulu because some of the public service announcements are starting to rub off on him. Specifically, the cyberbullying ad seems to be appropriate for the subject at hand. "If you wouldn't say it in person, why would you say it online?" Your Chaffing Editor and Former Chaffing Editor both have done their share of celebrities bashing, from Leon Lai Ming to Vivian Chow Wai Man at their prime (Now Old Chaffy just feels sorry for Big V.) and can certainly relate to some of the online loathing for Ah Gil. Honestly, aside from boosting your own ego and amusing yourself at the expense of others (Would you please stop staring at my crotch? With a magnifying glass no less?) how does slamming someone online help YOU? Jer Jer Stinks, Your Chaffing Editor Top Ten Central --- [ WHAT IS YOUR CHAFFING EDITOR LISTENING TO ] IF U SEEK AMY Britney Spears www.youtube.com/watch?v=y539AdS-XP4 La la la, la la la La la la, la la la Oh baby baby have you seen Amy tonight? Is she in the bathroom is she smokin' up outside? Oh Oh baby baby does she take a piece of lime For the drink that I'mma buy her do you know just what she likes? Oh Oh oh, tell me have you seen her? Because I'm so oh I can't get her off of my brain I just want to go to the party she gonna go Can somebody take me home? Ha ha, he he, ha ha ho Love me hate me, say what you want about me But all of the boys and all of the girls are begging to if you seek Amy Love me hate me, but can't you see what I see? All of the boys and all of the girls are begging to if you seek Amy Love me hate me, la la la, la la la Amy told me that she's gonna meet me up I don't know where or when and now they're closing up the club, oh I've seen her once or twice but boy she knows my face But it's hard to see with all the people standing in the way, oh Oh oh, tell me have you seen her, because I'm so oh I can't get her off of my brain I just want to go to the party she gonna go Can somebody take me home? Ha ha, he he, ha ha ho Love me hate me, say what you want about me But all of the boys and all of the girls are begging to if you seek Amy Love me hate me, but can't you see what I see? All of the boys and all of the girls are begging to if you seek Amy Love me hate me Oh, so what you want about me? Oh, but can't you see what I see? Oh, so what you want about me? La la la, la la la So tell me if you see her 'Cause I've been waiting here forever Oh baby baby if you seek Amy tonight Oh baby baby we'll do whatever you like Oh baby baby baby Oh baby baby baby La la la, la la la La la la, la la la Love me hate me, say what you want about me But all of the boys and all of the girls are begging to if you seek Amy Love me hate me, but can't you see what I see All of the boys and all of the girls are begging to if you seek Amy Love me hate me, say what you want about me, yeah Love me hate me, but can't you see what I see? All of the boys and all of the girls are begging to if you seek Amy Love me hate me Oh, so what you want about me? Oh, but can't you see what I see? Love me hate me Oh, so what you want about me? All of the boys and all of the girls are begging to if you seek Amy ---------------------- HK Top Ten Central hktopten@hotmail.com | http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Towers/2038