From: NO TOP TEN CENTRAL Newsgroups: alt.asian-movies,soc.culture.hongkong.entertainment Subject: [TAKE OVER] HKSAR Film No Top 10 Box Office (MARCH 12 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. Kelvin Kwan Chor Yiu who celebrates his birthday on the 24th B. Liu Chia Chang who celebrates his birthday on the 19th 2. MISCELLANEOUS * (3/25/2009) The Third Annual Asian Film Awards ceremony successfully concluded last night. The event held an after party at the Grand Hyatt Hotel, but the arranged press area was so narrow places that many reporters had to take photos between trees in the dark. The press was again disgruntled. Many guests of honor and winners attended two nights ago, including the fresh out of the oven Best Actor Motoki Masahiro, Best Supporting Actor Jung Woo-Sung, Asian Film Outstanding Contribution Award winners Tsui Hark and Shi Nansun. Other guests were Vivian Hsu (Tsui Yeuk Suen), Kuai Lun-Mei, Chen Bo-Lin and so on. This year's jury president Michelle Yeoh (Yeung Chi King) even changed into another evening gown to attend, but the Hong Kong Entertainment Expo ambassador Tony Leung Chiu Wai did not attend. Yeung Chi King expressed that the winner selection was very hard work because every movie was great. How did the results compared to hers? She said, "I can't disclose that, in the end everyone worked very hard to choose." Best Actor nominee Kenichi Matsuyama also attended the celebration graciously. He agreed that Japanese film was the big winner, but he did not express disappointment over his defeat and hoped that in the future he will have a chance to be nominated again. Kuai Lun-Mei two nights ago was a guest presenter. Her original co-presenter Peter Kam Pui Tat was absent and she had to present the award solo. She frankly admitted that she did not find out until only 10 minutes before her appearance. All of the scripts have been changed, which made her very nervous. Kuai Lun-Mei said that she has seen Best Actress Zhou Xun backstage and gave her a congratulatory hug. They did not have time to make dinner plans. Would she meet with Hong Kong directors on this trip? She stated that she did not know yet whether she would have a chance to. Tsui Yuek Suen attended as a guest presenter. Rumored boyfriend Stephen Fung was also present. She was not afraid that their rumor would be speculated again, and since they were good friends they greeted each other in the venue. Originally a guest presenter Karen Mok Man Wai was absent, was she avoiding them? She frankly said no, she attended this time because she cared about and supported movies. * (3/25/2009) Previously worked with Stephen Chow Sing Chi, both Manfred Wong (Man Jun) and Wong Jing recently criticized Sing Yeh's personality and professionalism. Danny Lee Sau Yin who single-handedly gave Sing Yeh his start in film yesterday attended the Two Decades of Hong Kong Police Film forum and could not resist criticizing Sing Yeh, citing that one day he would fall and would no longer have any friend. Yesterday at the forum were Lee Sau Yin, Gordon Chan Ka Seung, Andrew Lau Wai Keung, Alan Mak Siu Fai, Felix Chong Man Keung and others. Lee Sau Yin was asked about criticism of Sing Yeh. He said, "I knew about that a long time ago! That's why I don't work with him. After signing him, I haven't worked with him for years." Did he think that he found out too late? He said that they had to be around each other to know, like in a marriage. He believed that perhaps he had more and more pressure and his ideas changed. Reporter claimed that Sing Yeh should listen to him as his elder. Brother Sau said, "He is Sing Yeh, what does he have to be afraid of? (As an elder don't you think you should ask him to take a look at himself?) So what if I am an elder, he doesn't know me from a rat." Has he given up on Chow Sing Chi? He said, "A long time ago." He expressed that earlier he signed Shing Fui On and gave him his start, everyone are still friends now and could meet for dinner except this "Sing Yeh". When asked what he was upset at Sing Yeh for, he said, "The grace of friendship, when people ask him to meet and talk, behind the doors you were thinking about something else. (Do you feel he is very calculating?) He calculates too much." Are they still friends now? Brother Sau said that he had no enemy. Brother Sau revealed that back then 14 mobsters came to him with guns to look for Chow Sing Chi to make a movie, but he did not tell him and only warned him to be careful in the streets. Did he protect Sing Yeh that time? He said, "Many times! They are in the past so it's just good for a laugh. (Will you protect him this time?) What is there to protect? Do I have to be so blatant?" he pointed out that back then after Sing Yeh made FINAL JUSTICE (PIK LIK SIN FUNG) and won the Golden Horse award, he demanded a salary increase. Over the years he has accepted so many offers for him but he did not receive even a cup of tea. He said, "However, I don't even want one that badly." Has Sing Yeh called him? He said, "No, I don't know if he still knows me. I haven't changed my number in such a long time. (Are you disappointed?) No, this is human nature, he doesn't owe me anything." Yet Brother Sau advised him to be honest, money was not omnipotent and friends was more valuable. He expressed that after working on two movies with Sing Yeh he no longer wanted to work with him again. He said, "I covered him from 14 mobsters, I never even mentioned it to him to scare him. I am very reasonable. Should I have told him, be careful of getting chopped outside?" How much space did he feel Chow Sing Chi had to survive? He said, "He is smart, he can hold his own; but for how long? Nothing lasts forever. When he falls, I am not talking about fame or fortune, he just won't have any friend." Brother Sau also said that if they had the chance to run into each other again, he still would greet him. Although he was not an enemy, he was not a friend either. Would Chow Sing Chi take the initiative to greet him? Brother Sau said, "He would, even if it's just an act." Would they have a chance to work together again? He joked, "Maybe he would tell him he would work for free and help me with this movie? You never know." Andrew Lau Wai Keung was also at the forum and shared the experience of working with INFERNAL AFFAIRS' Alan Mak Siu Fai and Felix Chong Man Keung. At first Mak Siu Fai looked for investors but kept on having the door slammed in his face until he ran into him. Initially he was somewhat worried and closed the door to consider how to shoot the film. Finally he thought of abandoning all past methods to achieve the result now. Lau Wai Keung after the event revealed that in mid April he will start production on a romantic tragedy. Would Lau Wai Keung give Edison Chen Koon Hei more opportunities to make movies? He expressed that not only would he give Chen Koon Hei a chance, he would also give Gillian Chung Yun Tung, Bobo Chan Man Woon and Cecilia Cheung Pak Chi a chance since they were all victims. However opportunity would depend on timing. * (3/25/2009) Director Lee Chi Ngai's new film DANCE, SUBARU! starred Japanese actresses Meisa Kuroki and Kaori Momoi. the film had a series of ballet, modern dance and even street dance scenes. Kuroki in the film even gave her first on screen kiss to lead actor Yuta Hiraoka. Meisa Kuroki and Yuta Hiraoka in the film had a relationship that seemed to be but was not, one that kept the audience on the edge of their seats. The director even added a kiss scene so the entire story would be a little more romantic, but this scene was not in the script. Lee Chi Ngai laughed and explained, "At first due to script translation issues, we had some misunderstanding so it was written as a 'kiss on the cheek, but actually a kiss was what I wanted! I could only explain on the spot to Kuroki and Hiraoka, fortunately they were professional actors and understood the importance of the scene . Very quickly they were able to get into position and 'kiss'!" Kuroki said afterwards, "I wasn't prepared at all, but after the director explained I felt this kiss was needed. I also trusted Hiraoka so I had no hesitation." Kuroki joked that for her first lead role in a movie, being able to kiss a hunk like Hiraoka was something to be happy about. Hiraoka praised Kuroki as very pretty and friendly, both felt that because of the other the kiss scene was not difficult at all. * (3/24/2009) The 3rd Annual Asian Film Awards took place last night at the Convention Center. DEPARTURES' Motoki Masahiro did not disappoint as the favorite won Best Actor. Although Narita airport yesterday had a cargo airplane crash that delayed his flight, he arrived in time and personally accepted the award. Although THE EQUATION OF LOVE AND DEATH was neither a critical nor a commercial hit in Hong Kong, it still was able to bring Zhou Xun the Best Actress honor. Kore-eda Hirokazu with STILL WALKING won Best Director. Best Picture went to the Kiyoshi Kurosawa directed TOKYO SONATA, which also won Best Screenplay. This year, Japan film was the big winner. Japanese actor Motoki Masahiro has had a harvest year this year. With DEPARTURES he won the Blue Ribbon Best Actor Prize, last night he again won the Asian Film Award. He was rather excited when he won. After a deep breath he took out a "cheat sheet" and said in English, "I am very surprised. Thank you Director and the Production Team for giving me a chance to make this movie, where I experienced life's parting, life and death. I am very proud to be a part of this film. Thank you Hong Kong and the organizers." Motoki Masahiro admitted that he wanted to cry when he was announced the winner because he did not think that he would win. "I wanted to faint and my throat was very dry". Motoki Masahiro expressed that he was delayed while coming to Hong Kong. "I originally took the 10AM flight to Hong Kong, but because Narita airport's cargo plane crash I was delayed for 5 hours. Although it was difficult and I am very tired, I am very happy after winning the award. All the unpleasantness from before has vanished." How is this different from the Blue Ribbon Prize? Motoki Masahiro said, "I have never attended such a grand award ceremony, I feel very honored." He excitedly revealed that he met Tony Leung Chiu Wai in the venue and shook his hand. "If I have the chance, I of course would like to work with Wai Jai. He is very talented." How would he celebrate? Motoki Masahiro paused and asked, "What should I do? What bars are in Hong Kong?" He would return to Japan tomorrow. THE EQUATION OF LOVE AND DEATH Best Actress Zhou Xun admitted that she was very emotional on the stage because she was too happy and too surprised. She said, "I have put a lot of effort into this role. The production process was also very tough. I was very anxious. Now that it has been recognized, how can I not be excited?" Would she celebrate with her boyfriend? Zhou Xun said, "He is in Beijing." Would she celebrate with a wedding? Zhou Xun smiled, said thank you and left. The Hong Kong Film Critic Society Best Actor Nick Cheung Ka Fai of BEAST STALKER (JING YUN) was nominated for Asian Film Award but lost to THE GOOD, THE BAD, THE WEIRD's Jung Woo-sung. In a white suit and slightly plumper, Jung Woo-sung humorously said after winning the award, "I thought I was the lead in the film. No matter what, I have to thank my two co-stars." Filipino actress Gina Pareno with SERVICE won Best Supporting Actress. Guest presenters Stephen Fung Tak Lun and Zhang Jingchu called for Gina for 15 seconds but she still has not appeared; suddenly a man came on stage and said "I accept this award on her behalf...." Gina then rushed to the stage and awkwardly said, "Sorry, I went to the bathroom." With FOREVER ENTHRALLED Yu Shaoqun won Best Newcomer, thanked director Chen Kaige for the opportunity and his Beijing Opera instructor for the instruction. Yu Shaoqun in the film brought live to the young Mei Lanfang. Now with an award in hand would his salary increase? He said, "An award would raise the salary? I didn't know. In the future I only hope to run into good scripts and work with good directors. At the end of the year I will come to Hong Kong for a China Japan co-production." When Wei Sheng-Te with CAPE NO. 7 won the Edward Yang Memorial Asian New Talent Award he was almost in tears. "Last year I spent a lot of effort and worked hard on the CAPE NO. 7 production. I didn't embarrass you (Edward Yang). I will continue to work hard on movies in hopes of achieving a beautiful era like yours." Wei Sheng-Te described Edward Yang as a real artist. His MAHJONG was the most influential for him. "Edward Yang ran into a lot of hardship when he made this movie, but he still persisted and never gave up. I feel Taiwan film's future will need this spirit of Director Yang the most." Originally scheduled to present Best Art Director with Gigi Leung Wing Kei, Karen Mok Man Wai finally was replaced. The event explained the the replacement with Nick Cheung Ka Fai was made early on and Mok Man Wai did not drop out in the last minute. Cinematographer Christopher Doyle was responsible for presenting Best Cinematography. When he was asked to read the nominations, To Ho Fung left the microphone and pulled open his suit. The audience was stunned. His fellow presenter said, "Conceivably everyone can guess who is nominated from his jacket." THE 3RD ANNUAL ASIAN FILM AWARDS http://www.asianfilmawards.org/2009/eng/nominations.php BEST FILM TOKYO SONATA (Japan/The Netherlands/Hong Kong) BEST DIRECTOR Koreeda Hirokazu, STILL WALKING BEST ACTOR Motoki Masahiro, DEPARTURES BEST ACTRESS Zhou Xun, THE EQUATION OF LOVE AND DEATH BEST NEWCOMER Yu Shaoqun, FOREVER ENTHRALLED BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR Jung Woo-sung, THE GOOD, THE BAD, THE WEIRD BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS Gina Pareno, SERVICE BEST SCREENWRITER Kurosawa Kiyoshi/Max Mannix/Tanaka Sachiko, TOKYO SONATA BEST CINEMATOGRAPHER Jola Dylewska, TULPAN BEST PRODUCTION DESIGNER Daniel Lee Yan-kong, THREE KINGDOMS: RESURRECTION OF THE DRAGON BEST COMPOSER Hisaishi Joe, PONYO ON THE CLIFF BY THE SEA BEST EDITOR Kim Sun-min, THE CHASER BEST VISUAL EFFECTS Craig Hayes, RED CLIFF * (3/24/2009) The Peter Chan Ho Sun produced, Teddy Chan Tak Sum directed 150 million yuan film BODYGUARDS AND ASSASSINS (SUP YUET WAI SING), a story about protecting of Dr. Sun Yat-sen, yesterday held a large scale press conference at the Hong Kong International Film & TV market. This film's cast features many Best Actor award winners, including Leon Lai Ming, Hu Jun, Tony Leung Ka Fai, Simon Yam Tat Wa, Eric Tsang Chi Wai and so on. Nicholas Tse Ting Fung, Donnie Yen Chi Tan, Fan Bingbing and Wang Bo-Chieh will also take part. The backdrop was the 1905 Central, and the set construction will take up to 43 million yuan. Yesterday's news conference attracted more than 100 media outlets. Jill Vidal (Wai Si)'s alleged drug possession case has troubled Lai Ming, who did not talk about Wai Si yesterday. When he talked about his role he appeared to be rather relaxed. Lai Ming this time will play a beggar in the film, a role that he has never played before and will be a new challenge to him. Will he accept if the director asked him not to bathe or wash his hair for the role, he said, "No problem, if the director feels the need, he must have reasons. I will support him." He also said that in order to protect Sun Yat-sen, any sacrifice for the revolution was worth it. Chi Wai in the film played a police superintendent, he was very glad to have another opportunity at this new attempt. Did the post have any height restrictions? He said, "At that time of course not!" Hu Jun would play the only villain, the assassin who would make an attempt at Sun Yat-sen's life. He said that this time he not only had to shave his head but alos his first Qing costume. Leung Ka Fai in the film played a revolutionary, he said that as early as ten years ago he has already attended a costume fitting for this film. He has tried the costumes for the assassin, the beggar and Sun Yat-sen's son. He expressed that ten years ago he truly could have played Dr. Sun Yat-sen's son. "I have asked the director to play Mother Sun, which must be a big breakthrough but the director didn't agree." Yen Chi Tan played a gambler, but he neither enjoyed nor knew how to gamble. Thus he would like to ask Chi Wai. He was advised to go to Macau and look at the gamblers' losing face, but Chi Wai joked that he could just gamble with him. Chi Tan said, "That would be like giving him money." Chi Tan indicated that he did not gamble because losing hurt. Earlier he and Lai Ming were rumored to be at odds while making THE EMPRESS AND THE WARRIORS (GONG SAN MEI YUN). Chi Tan expressed that of course no such thing happened. That time he was accused of injuring Lai Ming's finger, which was just an accident. This time he and Lai Ming would not have too many scenes together, but they would not have any issue running into each other. Lai Ming even asked him to visit his new home for a drink. In addition, the film will begin shooting in April. The old Central set construction in the Mainland is near completion. As for who would play the soul of the film Dr. Sun Yat-sen, Chan Ho Sun said, "How can you tell you!" He only disclosed that he would find an actor of certain caliber and presence because in the film Dr. Sun Yat-sen would have a speech scene. As for the rumor that Chow Yun Fat would play Dr. Sun Yat-sen, he said, "I don't know who started that rumor. (Have you contacted him?) I can't say." However, Chan Ho Sun hinted that Dr. Sun Yat-sen himself was not tall and Fat Gor would be too tall. As for Lai Ming as the beggar, he said that Lai Ming would have to lose weight and the role required him to be darker. Tse Ting Fung yesterday attended the press conference. In the film he played a disfigured rickshaw puller and would need to shave his head for the performances. Most recently he has started running for his training. He felt that as an actor he must have one shaved head performance to be complete, and actors should not take into account their image. Although he later would have to promote his new record, he felt that the shaved head would not affect it and he did not intend to wear a wig. Was he afraid that his son would not be able to recognize him? He said that earlier when he cut his hair, his wife also changed his son's hairstyle. Later they would consider shaving his head. As for Cecilia Cheung Pak Chi's film comeback, he indicated that he did not know and Pak Chi would make up her own mind, but Pak Chi could not let her son go. Ting Fung also did not mind working with his wife, only film companies could not accept their price. A film companies offered seven figure but they declined. However, their son was worth more than them. Ting Fung said, "The advertisers offered 10 million a day, but I didn't want to affect my son's growth and later turned it down." As for Pak Chi's HK$4 million comeback for Derek Yee Tung Sing's new film, Ting Fung expressed that he did not know. "My wife asked me if she could bring our son to the set, I said no." He felt the set was a complex environment and the child would affect actor performances, so he did not agree. Pak Chi said to him, "Then it's all up to you." In addition, Gillian Chung Yun Tung said earlier that she went to visit Pak Chi. Ting Fung said, "She just came to visit my son." He said Joey Yung Cho Yi often called him and asked him if his son was awake. If he was then she would come for a visit. When did Ah Gil and Pak Chi meet? He said, "A long time ago, ask the ladies themselves about them." * (3/24/2009) Gigi Leung Wing Kei, Wong Cho Nam, JJ Jia (Ga Hiu Sun), Maggie Lee Man Kwan and Race Wong Yuen Ling yesterday attended the Mei Ah film press conference. Gigi in June would star in the thriller SEI SUM BUT SIK (DEAD HEART NEVER RESTS), her first thriller. She joked that her friends told her that with her big eyes all she had to do for horror was widen her eyes. However she planned to watch old Hitchcock films for reference. Gigi went on to say that she had a very rich imagination, sometimes when she pulled her own show curtain she would frighten herself. As for horror films leading to paranoia in some actors, she said frankly that she was not worried about similar experience because she was not superstitious. However she might move back with her mother because she might not dare to live alone. She joked, "By that time Mommy probably would be very happy, maybe even ask me to make more thrillers!" Earlier she was caught was a 6 foot tall man. She clarified, "He is a behind the scenes friend, because his appearance matches mine everyone thought we were dating. Although he doesn't have a girlfriend we don't have any spark yet. Just because it's convenient it doesn't mean that it would work, but we will continue to go out openly." In addition, Wong Cho Nam would work on his new movie NGAI JAI DOR CHING (SHORT GUY ROMANTIC). As the title implies in the film he would have a lot of girlfriends, including Ga Hiu Sun, Lee Man Kwan and Race. Yet they unanimously agreed yesterday that they did not like short guys. Ga Hiu Sun even wanted a boyfriend who would be much taller than her, but in the film she would have no problem with short men. Although looks did not matter to Race, she also would like her boyfriend to be taller than her. * (3/24/2009) Alex Fong Lik Sun, Ronald Cheng Chung Kei, Jason Wu Jing, Hu Jun and Gan Wei and so on yesterday promoted their summer film GEI HEI HUP (MECHANICAL HERO) at the Hong Kong International Film & TV market. Director Jeff Lau Chun Wai hoped to create China's first Eastern martial arts robot that would be as famous as foreign film SPIDER-MAN and BATMAN. Fong Lik Sun in the film played a robot with an unique faux hawk look, thus he was concerned that his hair would be damaged. In the film he would fight with Wu Jing . Although Wu Jing was well trained in martial arts, because he was very accurate and precise he did not injure Siu Fong. Wu Jing praised that with Siu Fong's athletic background he had no problem with the action scenes. In addition, Stephen Chow Sing Chi recently has been under attack from a number of directors who he have worked with. Yet Lau Chun Wai supported Sing Yeh, who he has known for man years. Would some directors feel actors were troublesome for making suggestions? He said, "I am still in contact with Sing Jai and met with him. He is a smart actor. If some directors feel that actors are troublesome for making suggestions, then I really don't know who's at fault." Manfred Wong (Man Jun) claimed that the Chow Sing Chi era has ended. Director Lau dared not agree with him and joked that Sing Jai should make another movie quickly! * (3/24/2009) The Hong Kong Entertainment Expo and the Third Annual Asian Film Awards were held in Hong Kong last night. After 18:30, the stars walked the red carpet. In addition, Tsui Hark and Shi Nansun last night accepted the Asian Film Outstanding Contribution Award. Shi Nansun said that before this award she looked at some old photos and footage and discovered that over the past two decades many friends have left them with a lot of good times. Kuai Lun-Mei and Peter Kam Pui Tat would present the Original Music award. Kuai Lun-Mei expressed that in the past she has taken part in the activities of Hong Kong cinema, but this was her first Asian Film Awards. Kuai Lun-Mei said that in the summer she will be filming a costume action movie. She has spent the past month on martial arts training. Though it has been a bit difficult, she has not been injured much. Kuai Lun-Mei said that since it was her first action film she very much looked forward to it. She expected that she would be able to handle it. Kuai Lun-Mei expressed that she would like to meet Tony Leung Chiu Wai again at this event, she said, "His eyes are truly powerful, and he is a successful actor. I can learn a lot from working with him. Actually we have met many times, I would ask him if he remembered me." Kuai Lun-Mei said that she was looking at some Hong Kong movie scripts and had a lot of opportunities to participate in Hong Kong-produced films. Joan Chen yesterday attended the Hong Kong Film Festival's "Asian Film Awards" yesterday and promoted her closing film 24 CITY. 24 is Jia Zhang Ke directed. Joan Chen said that filming for the movie took three days to complete and praised Director Jia's strong ability for observation and rational character analysis. Joan Chen in the film played a factory worker. Although she faced the difficulties of home and work, she still had a positive attitude in life. Joan Chen said that last year no company approached her and she took the opportunity to concentrate on being a housewife, to take care of her six-year-old and ten-year-old children at home. Last year, she worked on her first Mainland television series. She said, "Series and movie productions are indeed different, after this experience I have learned a lot." Joan Chen said that at middle-age, she felt that she was very fortunate to have what she has now. Looking back at the choices of her youth she indeed has made a lot of wrong turns. She said, "If I have to return to my 20s and start over, it truly would be too painful." Turning to the current financial tsunami, Joan Chen said in the tsunami she lost half of her worth, but her life has not been affected much. She said, "In the past university students only cared about making money and ignore the people's affairs, now everyone can think about things other than money, this may be a good opportunity for the Renaissance." * (3/24/2009) Chung King Fai (King Sir) yesterday appeared on BE MY GUEST. Not only did he received six VCD sets of his past series, Stephen Chan Chi Wan also presented him with a massage cushion to relieve his back pain. He added that he did not know what Chan Chi wan would ask him, but he would answer what he would be asked. Noting that the current crop of TVB actors, King Sir thought Bowie Lam Bo Yi had potential because he was very hard working and showed performance. As for Raymond Lam Fung and Ron Ng Cheuk Hei, he said that both were very popular and felt that now new comers had more opportunities. King Sir praised his student Wong Cho Nam. "He was very hard working. During school holidays he would go to Beijing on his own to study Beijing opera, he is the fastest rising one among my students. (Among your students, who do you appreciate the most?) Too many, I feel actors' most valuable time is at the ages of 35-45, many Hong Kong Film Award winners did not win until this period. Thus actor's acting requires time to hone." Chan Chi Wan revealed that King Sir originally was born in Bangkok. Although he rarely had gossips, in 77 she was linked to So Hung Suen. Chan Chi Wan also said that King Sir was the artist training class as well as the Hong Kong Baptist University School of Drama founder, a lot of actors are his students, such as Chow Yun Fat, Anthony Wong Chau Sun, Jim Tsim Shui Man, Sunny Chan Kam Hung and so on. TVB has been rumored to lay off on screen artists like Tam Yuk Ying and Choi Chi Kin. Chan Chi Wan had no idea and had to ask the artist department. Perhaps their contracts have come to term. * (3/23/2009) The 33rd Hong Kong International Film Festival opening ceremony was held last night at the Convention Center, the opening film SHINJUKU INCIDENT and NIGHT AND FOG (TIN SHUI WAI DIK YEH YU MO) held their premiere. This year's film festival ambassador Karen Mok Man Wai dressed up for the occasion, Jackie Chan, Fan Bingbing, Xu Jinglei, Masaya Kato, Chin Ka Lok, Daniel Wu (Ng Yin Cho) represented SHINJUKU INCIDENT while Simon Yam tat and Zhang Jingchu represented NIGHT AND FOG. Major film company bosses such as Peter Lam Kin Ngok, Albert Yeung Sau Sing, and Paco Wong attended. Jackie Chan walked the red carpet with Fan Bingbing and Xu Jinglei. Bingbing honestly said that she never thought about her thunder being stolen and said that Xu Jinglei has always been sexy to her. She also claimed that Mainland actresses were very united. Their collaboration was destined. They would only compare movies and would recommend good jobs to each other. Zhang Jingchu frankly said that she too never thought about her thunder being stolen as she has always been confident in herself. Ambassador Mok Man Wai expressed that earlier in a promotional video she wore a costume and her clothing last night also matched that look. Mok Man Wai expressed that as the ambassador she also would have to watch movies, including the Antonioni film festival. She also said that this year was the 25 anniversary of the Film Workshop and many classic films would be screened, she will make time to watch them. Yam Tat Wa in NIGHT AND FOG played a murderer. He liked this role a lot, but it made him very uncomfortable and was difficult to leave the role. He denied that he was suffering from depression but he was at a loss like he had no goal and direction. Earlier he had three visits with a psychiatrist. The doctor said that hew as actually excessively anxious so he could not sleep. Now he exercised more. Masaya Kato came to Hong Kong and would stay for two days. He was very pleased this time to work with Jackie Chan. He said previously he has collaborated with Leslie Cheung Kwok Wing and the experience was the same. He said that Big Brother was a big star who felt very fair and comfortable. Earlier a friend reportedly defrauded 3,000,000 from Jackie Chan. He said that he would sue the other party and also referred to the individual as his good friend. He said, "If 3 million are gone then they are gone, but this friend knows the film industry. I hope my friend didn't deceive me." He said that lately he kept calling him but still could not get in contact. He said, "As long as he comes out and talks to me, give me the money back, I would apologize to him. If he doesn't appear again, I will advertise and publish his photo so all my friends know who he is." He said, "I feel very lucky. Because I am very trusting, people tried to swindle land and studio. I am not suitable for business, I am only suitable for filmmaking." However, Jackie Chan said that everyone like Albert Yeung Sau Sing and Lee Ka Shing have been deceived before. Would he advise Jaycee Chan (Fong Cho Ming)? He said that he did not. In the past someone swindled a factory from him and he lost over 10 million. He said that he has always valued relationship and was trusting. Jackie Chan said, "I would still be deceived. Being swindled proves that I have made a lot." In addition, Jackie Chan's photo was published as a "stamp collecting actor" suspect. Big Brother mistook for real stamp collecting and said, "I haven't heard about that. I am not interested." When the reporter wanted to explain to him again, he said, "I don't know what you are saying." * (3/23/2009) Wai Yin Association and Redford Charitable Foundation held a charity walk for the children yesterday at the Peak. Guests included charity walk ambassador Chiu Nga Chi, Soler and UNICEF Hong Kong ambassador Louis Koo Tin Lok. Koo Tin Lok just returned from Shenzhen and said that he has been busy with his new film YUT LO YAU NEI (ALL ALONG HAVE YOU). Goo Jai in the film played a couple with Karen Mok Man Wai. He stressed that they had absolutely no intimate scene, but in the entire film he had to drive a container truck. Since Goo Jai did not have any container truck license. Goo Jai said, "Fortunately the police helped the shoot with road blocks. Container truck driving was more difficult, the gear shift had 12 slots." * (3/23/2009) The Eric Tsang Chi Wai produced movie HIGH NOON (LIT YUT DONG HUNG) two nights ago held a special screening in Mongkok. The new actors as well as Sherming Yiu Lok Yi, Angela Tong Ying Ying, Wong Cho Nam and Teddy Robin Kwan attended. Chi Wai expressed hope that the movie could make a sequel. He found that this group of young people looked more and more like stars and should be given more training opportunities. He also did not imagine that the film response was decent. He used to think it was a fantasy but now it has been achieved. * (3/20/2009) Jason Wu Jing at event last year claimed that he did not know who Ip Man was, which led to displeasure from the Wing Chun camp as representative and the film IP Man's executive producer Sin Kwok Lam even issued a challenge to Wu Jing to a duel. After a prolonged deadlock, a breakthrough developed in recent days. Fellow film professional and martial art supporter Tsui Siu Ming felt that harmony should be a virtue for martial artists and thus volunteered to mediate along with Uncle Ba (Chen Dazhi). Earlier Sin Kwok Lam and Wu Jing had a face-to-face meeting at a restaurant. Wu Jing for his momentary indiscretion made a sincere explanation and apology. Sin Kwok Lam also showed his magnanimity as both sides immediately buried the hatchet and shook hands. Sin Kwok Lam said, "At first I felt Wu Jing was disrespectful toward founder Ip Man so I put forward the challenge. Later I heard Uncle Ba and Tsui Siu Ming said that Wu Jing was not someone like that. We also made numerous inquiries and learned that Wu Jing did not seem to be like that. Wu Jing has already expressed regret to me and my colleagues. He even publicly explained the incident to a number of masters on hand. We experienced his sincerity. We also felt that he was honorable and he respected mentors and ethics. We believed that it was just a misunderstanding and accepted his explanation. Today, I am very glad. Because of a misunderstanding, I have a new awareness of a young man and met a new friend." Wu Jing said, "That day I absolutely did not mean any disrespect toward Master Ip Man, but why would the outside world misunderstand me? Perhaps because of cultural differences between the two places, the occurrence of linguistic misunderstanding. I will seriously review this matter. If I truly have given anyone in the Wing Chun camp any misunderstanding, I would like to apologize to everyone. " * (3/20/2009) Kama Law Hoi San and Miyoko Lau Yun Yi yesterday attended a video game event. Lately Kama has been in negotiation for a new film with Fiona Sit Hoi Kei and Wong Cho Nam. If all goes well she would play a 16 year old unwed mother. * (3/20/2009) Eric Tsang Chi Wai, Yumiko Cheng Hei Yi, William Chan Wai Ting, Eric Suen Yiu Wai, Emme Wong Yee Man, HotCha, Dik Yi Tat and Krystal Tin Yui Nei yesterday attended a TVB game show ceremony. Yumiko clarified earlier report that she would star in the Hong Kong version of SEX AND THE CITY with Joey Yung Cho Yi, Charlene Choi Cheuk Yin and Gillian Chung Yun Tung. Earlier on a Shanghai television program, she mentioned an idea to visit the United Kingdom for inspiration and everyone wanted the girls to make a modern romance. Yet they did not have a script. She joked, "Now I can ask the boss to invest. I believe the movie should be rather attractive." William earlier aggravated an old wound while rehearsing for THE BIG CHEAT (OI CHOOK MAU). Since he did not stop to rest and instead continued to rehearse, his ankle was swollen. "I was afraid of hindering the production progress. I told my mother thinking that she would comfort me, but she scolded me instead. She even yelled at me for several days and told me not to dance." William said that for now he would not use a double and said that after today's big scene he was home free. * (3/19/2009) Edison Chen Koon Hei since the sex photo scandal has halted all on screen work. Even his part in the Stephen Fung Tak Lun directed TIU CHOOK HUI (DANCE OUT) has been completely cut. However, his film THE SNIPER (SUN SEUNG SAU) would have the opportunity to see the light of day as it has been scheduled for an April 9 Southeast Asia release. Although earlier a bullet intimidation case took place, so far Chen Koon Hei continued to plan to promote in Singapore. reportedly the film company has taken full security measures to keep Chen Koon Hei from harm. The content of THE SNIPER has been exposed for the first time. In it Chen Koon Hei played a police force snipers O Jai, whose personality was very similar to his. Both were ambitious and conceited young men. One of Chen Koon Hei's lines was "Ambition is the birthright of every man. If you don't it, you don't have this ability." In reality Chen Koon Hei had a bullet intimidation case, in the film Chen Koon Hei also displayed the same disdain as he said to the press, "If you want to challenge the Hong Kong Police, I am waiting for you." THE SINPER stars several hunks. Richie Jen (Yam Yin Chai) and Huang Xiaoming are relatively tall. Before the shoot they trained and looked very in shape. In contrast, although Chen Koon Hei looked like he was trained, he paled in comparison to the other men. * (3/19/2009) Famous movie director, screenwriter and photographer Law Kwan Hung around 4:00AM Hong Kong Time on the 8th passed away in Ontario, Canada at the age of 90. Law Kwun Hung started his film career at 17. Industry insiders called him the ancestor who went from photography assistant to director of photography. In the 50s he started to work with master director Zhu Shilin on many classics, including FESTIVAL MOON, THE DIVIDING WALL, BETWEEN FIRE AND WATER, YEAR IN, YEAR OUT, and others. Later he personally wrote and directed numerous feature films like SOPHISTICATED and OCTOBER BRIDE as well as many documentary films that displayed the new face of the Mainland at the time. Law Kwan Hung has worked in film for more fifty years, participated in over 100 film productions, and made significant contribution to Mainland and Hong Kong cinema. * (3/19/2009) The film HIGH NOON (LIT YUT DONG HUNG) began its second run today. Producer Eric Tsang Chi Wai and director Heiward Mak Hei Yan yesterday appeared in an interview. Both were glad about HIGH's re-release. Chi Wai said, "At first it was released in one theater, I never expected such a tremendous response. (Did it profit?) Of course not, it is an extension of WIND OF SEPTEMBER. Some movies have to make a comeback from abroad and a big detour outside before they have any response." HIGH's investment was around 3 million. He never thought about making money as his aim was to cultivate new comers. The film has participated in film festivals in Korea, Vancouver and Taipei, so it relied on word-of-mouth. Has he asked friends to help with film investment? Chi Wai expressed that HIGH had other investors. When he discovered new comers with potential he would recommend them then served as a co-signer. As for HIGH's drug-related content, would he invite drug possession suspects Kelvin Kwan Chor Yiu and Jill Vidal (Wai Si) to watch? Chi Wai expressed that they already had many days to reflected that they would be enlightened. As for casting them in the sequel, Chi Wai joked, "I would give them a copy." Chi Wai's son loves movies, would he support his son? Chi Wai expressed that his son liked to make his own, either way he gained experience. Chi Wai felt that if the road was too smooth it would not be too great, some obstacles instead might be better. In addition, HIGH is about young people but is rated category III. Director Mak Hei Yan said that even if certain scenes were cut the film still might not have passed inspection, only because the censors thought that the behavior of young people in the film did not meet the expectations of the society. * (3/19/2009) Yumiko Cheng Hey Yi two days ago appeared on Shanghai Baoshan television station and said that this year she planned to make the Hong Kong version of SEX AND THE CITY with Joey Yung Cho Yi, Gillian Chung Yun Tung and Charlene Choi Cheuk Yin. The story would be about Hong Kong's modern women's views on love and life. In addition, Yumiko even planned to visit the United Kingdom in April with Joey, Ah Gil and Ah Sa for inspiration. She said, "I too want to see whether this new four person new combination would work or not." As for Ah Gil's comeback, Yumiko said that she and Joey have silently supported her. She said, "Over this year, Joey and I often worked out with Ah Gil, chatted, rode bikes with her, and comforted her in such a manner." Emperor record and artist management director Mani Fok Man Hei admitted that such an idea existed and she has already discussed it with boss Albert Yeung Sau Sing. [ BLAH OF THE WEEK ] Columns, Reviews, Interviews 1. MING PAO DAILY, MARCH 25 2009, FILM AND TELEVISION OBSERVATIONS YOUNG MODELS ARE ELIMINATED IN A SHORTER TIME When one after another young model rises, would success come easier for them than other young idols? The answer is not necessarily. Young models' biggest support comes from young male viewers. Girls do not accept them too much, especially the ones who deliberately sell their figures. These young models rarely turn singers. More head for the film industry, or first serve as the sexy human background on television variety programs for more family audience recognition before developing in the film industry. Film new comers do not get much pay. Salary is not calculated according to popularity, but according to box office performance. Young models must make movies at the peak of their popularity because this period may not be very long. Without any practical entertainment product to support them, they would have a hard time maintaining popularity with just publication or internet. When is their popularity at its peak? When they are in the press everyday and on magazine covers every week. They cannot make too many or too few movies. If new comers rely on one movie a year, unless their performance is earth shattering, their footing is not considered firm. From the past few years, popularity lasting for a year is already very rare for the most popular young model. The next year new ones will rise to replace her. The first film is very important. A guest starring role is useless as at most it is considered a new attempt. The best role is a difficult to play character; the audience is left with a deep impression and she can compete for a Hong Kong Film Award for Best New Actor. This is not an easy achievement. Since young models are generally too young, they are blank slates. They cannot just play difficult characters just when they say so. Young models are cast in movies so their popularity can elevate publicity result. Very few directors are willing to tailor roles for new comers. When new comers who do not know how to act play difficult roles, they spend a lot of energy and the result may not be ideal. During film's difficult days, few have such resources. Movies that are offered to young models are mostly trendy young romantic films. They neither cost much nor take too long to shoot. Although opportunities come easier for them, their elimination rate is also extremely high. - KWOK HIN CHING 2. MING PAO DAILY, MARCH 24 2009, FILM AND TELEVISION OBSERVATIONS WHY YOUNG MODELS RISE FASTER THAN SINGERS In recent years, young models have risen faster than singers to become adolescence idols. Why did this happen? We first examine what is wrong with the always "start with singers" way. With advanced technology, people who do not sing well can still become singers as long as they have a likable look. After professional packaging, they can become singers. Why do they have to be idols and not singers of substance? Idols have a huge pile of blind "vermicelli" who not only buy records and attend concerts but also irrationally buy idol products. Theoretically they make more money than substance singers and rise faster. Recording technology can adjust singers who are not too off key convincingly, when they are a little off the computer can fix them. Idols are like fast food operations, rapid rise and fall are expected. Unfortunately, as record sales decline, few idol singers have truly risen. In addition for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction, when they give poor live performance the media would criticize them. Their reputation is damaged. Young models are models, most work on print ads that target young consumers. Publications' travel and fashion sections often hire them to try their trips and take photos. They have certain exposure. Online discussion areas have many boards that specialize in their discussion and make them much more recognizable. Young models mainly sell looks. No one would complain about their talent so they have less negative criticism. Singer public event arrangements are more difficult than young models and ask for much more. Appearance in such events is a part of young models' jobs. One day they may work several gigs. The popular ones can truly see press everyday and benefit more than young singers. Show business seeks heat. Whoever is popular gets the offers, whether reasonable or not. Thus the more popular young models are, the more opportunities they would have. Singers have a much tougher time. They have to keep singing well and maintain popularity. When their record sales are poor, at the same time their other job opportunities are affected. With packaging and looks, young models are much more direct. - KWOK HIN CHING 3. MING PAO DAILY, MARCH 23 2009, FILM WORDS DEPARTURES IS TRULY TOUCHING Desolate snowy Road, old obsolete buildings, and a simple story tells the life journey of birth, aging, sickness and death, joy, sorrow, union and separation. Manifesting real warmth, the film with the solemn and respectful ceremony that sends the deceased on their way to another world is a truly touching good movie. This year's Oscar Best Foreign Language Film, the Japanese film DEPARTURES' Hong Kong title mixes Japanese symbols in Chinese, one of the Hong Kong's currently popular neither Chinese nor foreign bad habits and not its original Japanese title. Taiwan's title was much better. This Hong Kong release's Chinese subtitles fortunately did not excessively use Cantonese slang terms, otherwise this good film's genuine sincerity would be seriously damaged. The story did not need to be introduced here. When I watch movies I do not want to know the story in advance. In short this film is plain and simple, moving but not melodramatic; it truly has achieved thought-provoking. I have come to two points, one of which is the Japanese culture has always been very fascinated with death. Some Japanese films are truly surrounded in death with too much ghostly air. However they also have "focus on death to love life" excellent work, this movie successfully inspires from death how valuable life is. Wonderfully the film also has a lot of Japanese evading death, feeling that the funeral industry is horrible and repulsive. We can see people fear of death is human nature, the Japanese are no exception. Another point is the modern Japanese still maintain the traditional ceremonies. Today it is probably the country that values ceremony the most in the world. In the film the "encoffineer" cleans, changes and puts make up on the deceased, which is full of the solemn beauty of the ceremony. Such sincerity and respect are almost divine. In the 70s the Nagisa Oshima movie THE CEREMONY through wedding and funeral described the family's generations of change. The 72-year-old character actor Tsutomu Yamazaki plays the old encoffineer. His early claim to fame was Akira Kurosawa's HEAVEN AND HELL, later he starred in Itami Juzo's FUNERAL and DANDELION. In this new film his performance is very dramatic. The official protagonist is SUMO DO, SUMO DON'T's Motoki Masahiro, whose performance is rather fine. Wonderfully his cello performance is very convincing. Female lead Ryoko Hirosue is very cute. Director Yojiro Takita has made all kinds of movies. 20 years ago THE YEN FAMILY created a box-office miracle in Hong Kong. DEPARTURES is even more moving and refined, the most unique is its style is very proper and sincere while maintaining the popular human humor. The film's old style bath house is full of familiarity. I particularly enjoy ordinary pebbles, as well as years of memorable family affection. - SHEK KEI 4. MING PAO DAILY, MARCH 23 2009, FILM AND TELEVISION OBSERVATIONS CULTIVATE MORE NEW ENTERTAINMENT FILM DIRECTORS Hong Kong once had a lot of entertainment film directors and achieved impressive box office, but in recent years new directors who make entertainment films are few and far between. For new directors to succeed, their chances are lower with entertainment film than with film festival films. As rookies who start with the commercial route, they are of course criticized if the films are not hits. Even with hits they are mostly not recognized as they are considered upstarts. Alternative subjects aim at film festivals instead are more visible. Even if they do not make the big film festivals, the world has all kinds of small film festivals so they do not have to worry about the lack of opportunity. Certain subjects such as homosexuality have very high likelihood to participate in film festivals. Past film festival participants are not necessarily movies that sell well, but at least people would remember the name of the director. After taking the film festival route, going back to make entertainment films will not be easy. Director mentality is one of the problems. Some have described film festivals as drugs as they will be addictive. After receiving such generous treatment or seeing how glorious winning an award is, few would be willing to make commercial films. If the entertainment film switch fails, turning around is even harder. Also entertainment film productions have another set of language, another way of thinking, and even harder to grasp than making film festival films. Directors who have made one or two film festival films will be seen as non-commercial directors. If they cannot make money for investors they will have more difficulty with their next production. Unless they have won major awards, making an art film every two to three years is very reasonable. Some fans even think the longer an idea and preparations take, the more the films are worth looking forward to. How would anyone live on making one movie every few years? Entertainment film directors would have no problem with making three or more movies in a year. The market can absolutely digest them. Life for them naturally are a little better. Directors who spent their early years with film festival films, under the generally quiet market condition, have more and more difficulty with production. Many actually have had the intention to take the entertainment route, but style cannot be changed at whim. They have to have investors' trust. In fact, the film industry should cultivate more new entertainment film directors, who will be the most helpful in the future of the film market. - KWOK HIN CHING 5. TA KUNG PAO, MARCH 22 2009 DEPARTURE'S LIFE AND DEATH PERCEPTION After watching DEPARTURE, I already thought about writing down my feelings but my emotions never settled. Perhaps due to the increasing visits to the funeral home in recent years, or due to the respective passing of close elders, colleagues and friends, or the scene of Motoki Masahiro's father reminded me of the late father, so many sentiments and complex emotions actually has delayed my writing. DEPARTURES’ overall layout was a very sophisticated arrangement, the director tightly connects the story that is circulated among historical heritage and culture presentation with death and funeral. The location is the quiet but somewhat desolate countryside that is looming with a hint of flavor that keeps the modern city at a distance. In the film several locations like Motoki Masahiro's countryside home originally was his father's bar, later became his mother's teahouse and then his daughter-in-law's home; in addition, that public bath house with its long history not only is the rural senior community center but also where many young people grew up in. The son does not want to inherit it and wants to demolish it, but fortunately his mother's sense of responsibility persists upon its operation until the last minute. Such structures with history (whether Japanese or Western style) in the end would gradually vanish with city development, but their stories, cultural or human interest, have the opportunity to become popular literature and live on. Although the younger generation has no chance to experience them they still have a chance to understand them. The movie on the surface was about the job of an "encoffineer", which in life it actually defended an industry that was generally taboo. In fact it through the job brings the perception of life and death, as well as the recognition of death. The encoffineer's meticulous seriousness and professionalism at job can be said as a type of respect for the deceased. This reminds me of all the traditions in the Chinese community funerals, which somewhat more cumbersome than a wedding. Although some said that they are a display of love from the living to the deceased (whether romantic or family love), actually more importantly, they want to display the wealth and status of the living. Because this kind of love, the deceased can no longer experience. Instead the extravagant funeral is a consumption of the Earth's resources, which is exactly a display of waste and selfishness. This also reminded me of the recent death of Master Sheng Yen's views on death and funerals, which was the exact wake up call for such people. - CHUI HIU 6. TA KUNG PAO, MARCH 22 2009, LIGHT SHADOW PATH HONG KONG FILM ADVANTAGES LINGER Hong Kong film's biggest market has already shifted to the Mainland, so some in the media has asked the industry whether it is producing movies for the Mainland audience's taste. This issue is worthy of discussion. First of all, good stories and scripts are the most important. TITANIC and KUNG FU PANDA did not aim at the Mainland market, they have performed much better than movies that are deliberately made to suit the tastes of a certain region. The most recent IP MAN is absolutely a Hong Kong film. Initially after its opening its northern region performance was not satisfactory, then with word-of-mouth it exceeded 100 million at the box office. Thus, meeting the audience's taste is not the right path. Film should be a trend leading product. Hong Kong cinema still has advantages in the face of the Mainland market. Costume martial art films in general have been enormous successes, their crew from action director to screen writer to even director are all Hong Kong film professionals. The recent RED CLIFF (CHET BIK) and two years ago THE WARLORDS (TAU MING JONG) were examples. Some would say, "If they are modern films, do they need more Mainland flavor?" The answer is yes and also no. IF YOU ARE THE ONE is a very Chinese flavor movie, but this has little to do with our Hong Kong film professionals because in the short term (three to five years) we cannot achieve such authenticity. At the same time, the Mainland audience actually appreciates cinema with Hong Kong characteristics just as the same. LOOK FOR A STAR (YAU LUNG HEI FUNG) made over 100 million at the box office (over 10 million in Hong Kong). PROTEGE (MOON TOH) and CONFESSION OF PAIN (SEUNG SING) both were very outstanding and were authentic Hong Kong films. Moreso, Mainland China also have people who would produce this type of Hong Kong movies. Were last year's SHI QUAN JIU MEI and the year before CRAZY STONE not Hong Kong style films? The Mainland market's biggest Hong Kong co-production movie restriction actually is with its film inspection system. Underworld, pornography, violence, homosexuality as well as movies about minorities or religion would be strictly inspected before production registration. Hong Kong film features except comedy are almost within these areas. Last year LA LINGERIE (NOI YI SIU NUI) and two years ago ELECTION 2 (HAK SEH WUI II), EXILED (FONG, JOOK) and so on were not approved for Mainland release. Unfortunately, this is the reality. No matter which market our products go they are subject to inspection there, which is also the laws of the market. As for Mainland film inspection, actually the system has never been tightened. Instead during its implementation it is highly flexible. In accordance with the CEPA's clear stipulations, many movies actually cannot be approved. This point is commendable. Yet in the long run, relaxing the inspection or adopting a classification system is the only once and for all resolution. In the continuing communication and exchange between Mainland and Hong Kong, the writer's view is rather optimistic and hopes that the authorities will respond positively so the pessimistic colleagues can see the new light of day. - TIN LIK 7. TA KUNG PAO, MARCH 22 2009 IP MAN IS A BIG HIT IN THE MAINLAND The Fifth Annual Hong Kong Entertainment Expo will take place from tomorrow (23rd) to April 19. This year's theme is "Get into the Scene". To strengthen the business matching service in the extremely challenging time as the economy waits for a rebound, cultural industries such as film, television and multimedia project developments need to comprehensively elevate closer exchanges, business opportunity expansion and publicity increase. Hong Kong Entertainment Expo has been regarded as the region's film, television and entertainment industry event. In recent years it has paid more attention to strengthen external demand and make full use of this international film and television platform, the focus activity of which is the Hong Kong International Film and Television Market (Filmart) to be held at Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center between the 23th and 26th. This year focuses on Asia and emerging markets, with the Mainland and the Philippines exhibition halls the largest as well as the addition of the Polish exhibition hall, and exhibitors and traders from Ukraine. The organizers over the past two years has been determined to recruit Middle East and Iranian businesses. This strategy that has focused in the past mainly on Europe, the United States, South Korea, and Japan has expanded and paved the way to strengthening external demand. Hong Kong International Film and Television Market this year has received over 100 previews, among which TV World column is the collaboration between the Hong Kong Association of television Professionals and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, with the television industry of Hong Kong and around the world as the core activity. This year it continues to have the support of 11 television media outlets. This is an united front of local television industry outside healthy competition, joining forces for the entire television industry's benefits and reputation. Television World's numerous major activities included "the opening ceremony and international forum", industry exchange activities, screening, and exhibition booths. For the first time this year, the "Television World interactive preview counter" provides buyers everywhere the last program preview service in an interactive manner and at any time in hopes of promoting sales and advertising effects. Another focus of the Entertainment Expo -- "Hong Kong Asia Film Financing Forum" (HAF) will also take place between the 23rd and the 25th simultaneously with the "Hong Kong International Film and Television Market" at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center. This year it has 27 qualified film production plans from 11 locations for rare investment units to provide financing and assist their productions. Selected entries from Hong Kong included the Charlie Yeung Choi Nei directed CHRISTMAS ROSE, the Barbara Wong Chun Chun directed BJ $300, the Teddy Chan Tak Sum directed YING SAT (CRIMINAL KILL) and Dante Lam Chiu Yin's TUNG CHUP FAN (FUGUITIVE) (tentative title). From the success of last year's Ann Hui On Wa directed THE WAY WE ARE (TIN SHUI WAI DIK YUT YU YEH) with its industry applause and the box office profit, the small sized film investment evidently not only has to keep pace with life but also has more emphasis on exploring alternative realist perspective and timely packaging. A subsidiary of the Entertainment Expo, the Hong Kong International Film Festival (HKIFF) this year will screen as many as 250 world-class films in Hong Kong. In addition two film industry grand events -- the third annual Asian Film Awards (AFA) and the twenty-eighth annual Hong Kong Film Awards Presentation Ceremony (HKFA) will respectively take place on the 23rd and April 19. They are classified as the Entertainment Expo's big time opening and closing ceremony events. The Asian Film Awards will feature Michelle Yeoh (Yeung Chi King) as its jury president as 13 awards will be presented. Although this year's Hong Kong Entertainment Expo exhibition businesses is slightly less in number than last year. The event has increased its effort in recruiting more businesses! Hopefully the attending buyers and participants will not decline too much from previous years, making every effort to do their parts with perseverance and showing the current Hong Kong industry's fighting spirit. - CHOW YI 8. MING PAO DAILY, MARCH 21 2009, FILM AND TELEVISION OBSERVATIONS BIG MOVIES IN SMALL MARKETS Hong Kong is a small market, can Hong Kong film sustain only on this small market? China Hong Kong co-production films are often accused of interfering with Hong Kong creative freedom because screenplays and finished products would have to pass inspection first. The way to be completely free creatively is avoid co-production, first completing the film then breaking into the Mainland market as an import. Revenue would definitely be less, at best with some editing and at worst the entire film fails inspection. Because of these issues, co-production is definitely done first to guarantee Mainland market revenue. Film professionals of course would like inspection to loosen and take a simple three category rating system like Hong Kong, but would this resolve all issues? Not necessarily. Because relying on the larger outside market, Hong Kong film still would have to make sacrifice. If starting today Mainland does not have strict inspection standards, would Hong Kong film truly be without any creative interference? No, one can only say that certain interferences are reduced. In the 90s Hong Kong film started to decline also because of creative interference. As Hong Kong film thrived and became popular in Southeast Asia, one of the largest market at the time was Taiwan. Taiwan financing directed many Hong Kong films because its market was larger than Hong Kong's. Film companies demanded Hong Kong films to add elements that Taiwan audience wanted as well as many Taiwan stars, in turn creating a pile of Hong Kong films that were mainly for the Taiwan market. Everyone should remember and have seen them! This is one of the processes during which Hong Kong film lost Hong Kong flavor. Later with the piracy issue, the Taiwan market also shrank. When Hong Kong film was its most energetic and its best, it was completely carefree. At the time it made whatever it thought of. When the market expanded and instead influenced creativity, problems arose. Although Hong Kong is a small market, everything started from here. The highest grossing Hong Kong film can score more than 50 million at the box office, which actually is enough to keep local flavor Hong Kong film alive. You can say that movies that make over 50 million cost a lot, small to medium sized films cannot possibly reach this box office. Of course it cannot be done in one day, but it is not impossible. Audience confidence requires a lot of time to rebuild anew. - KWOK HIN CHING 9. MING PAO DAILY, MARCH 19 2009, FILM AND TELEVISION OBSERVATIONS DRAGONBALL LIVE VERSION FEELS UNREALISTIC DRAGONBALL once was a very popular Japanese comics and cartoons, its fever continued for a long time. In Hong Kong it has undergone a genuine conversion from pirated comics process. DRAGONBALL live action version is finally released now, which is truly a bit late. Its young comic fans then have entered the middle-aged today. Regardless of who stars and how it is made, it still would have a group of fans who would blindly support it. The box office would be able to tell the amount. At its opening last Thursday, DRAGONBALL: EVOLUTION made 680,000 and overwhelmed WATCHMEN's 450,000. On Saturday it made 1,160,000, on Sunday it also had 890,000 and firmly topped the single-day box-office chart. Monday was a problem, as THE WATCHMEN overtook the led. It was no match for even SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE and made only 230,000. On Tuesday SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE once again came in first, after 20 days it made 330,000. THE WATCHMEN came in second with almost 330,000. DRAGONBALL: EVOLUTION showed surprising exhaustion and made 274,000. After four days in release it made 4,060,000, which looked decent; but its rapid decline was also truly terrifying. This live action DRAGONBALL actually had a lot of Hong Kong elements, with Chow Yun Fat as Master Roshi and Stephen Chow Sing Chi as one of the producers. Even with both Chows it should not be this bad! Hong Kong people were used to the Japanese version of cartoons and comic books, with foreigners in the leads they already felt the original flavor was lost. Fat Gor has his fans, but as Master Roshi he truly violated the wishes of the Hong Kong audience. Not only did he not increase the desire to watch the live action DRAGONBALL, honestly the result was somewhat the opposite. Originally Chow Sing Chi as the producer would mean something to Hong Kong viewers, but the entire package already drastically reduced expectation. In addition Sing Yeh did not take part in promotional activities, the impression was even worse. Although a producer would not necessarily have to promote the movie, but from the coverage Sing Yeh seemed somewhat reluctant to talk about this movie. His lack of excitement kept everyone's expectation at bay. DRAGONBALL in the comics, animation, and even video game consoles is still the most attractive. - 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 November 12 2009 in Malaysia 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) HAPPY FLIGHT Can : Hoi Sum Jik Hong Lit : Happy Direct Flight d. Shinobu Yaguchi Ayase Haruka, Seiichi Tanabe Rating : I Length : 104 mins. 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 Rating : IIA Length : 115 mins. 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... HOME RUN Can : Wui Ga Dik Lo Lit : The Road Home d. Fang Gangliang Chapman To Man Jat, Fan Bingbing Rating : I Length : 93 mins. [ CITYLINE HONG KONG ] A child's quest to return home on his own takes center stage on the reality television program. With declining ratings and investor pressures, Li, the producer and host of the program, also faces difficulty in locating the next show's talent. In the rush of things, a thought pops inside her head and she knows exactly who can take on as her next star. She locates and brings five-year-old Lu to the set, then sends him off to find his way home alone. The cocky and resourceful boy calls his divorced father to overcome numerous hurdles, and in the process finds new and unexpected routes in a treacherous but often hilarious journey, tracked discreetly by a television crew. Lu has always wanted to find the mother whom he doesn't know. The young boy's determination to find his mother touches the heart of the entire nation, including that of his estranged mother, who happens to be.... ORZBOYZ! d. Yang Ya-Che Pang Chin-Yu, Lee Kuan-Yi, Mei Fang, Ma Chih-Hsiang, Hsu Chi-Wen Rating : I Length : 104 mins. 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 Rating : IIA 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? 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. 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 Rating : IIA Length : 108 mins. Opening April 2 2009 Official Site: http://www.media.org.hk/wewillrockyou [ YAHOO! MOVIES HONG KONG ] "Lantern Street" is a name seems to mean "forgotten". When the lights come on, people from everywhere whose home is the street and bed is the floor can be seen here. Time seems to have stopped here, as if isolated from the outside world. "Heaven has no dead end, God will always prepare a way out for Man!" On the other side of Lantern Street, a hot blooded social worker vows to bring dignity and hope back to their lives. With more than a decade of experience in service of the lowest class in society and the homeless, senior social worker Cheung Tung Kin was born in a broken homes and living on the streets with no tomorrow. On a cold night when he was thirteen, in the dark back alley garbage dump, an old, enthusiastic foreign pastor brought "a ray of light" to him. The pastor's life mission: "Exhausting a lifetime to looking for lambs outside the flock, persisting to the end and no doubt God's hand drawn rainbow after the rain will definitely be seen." became Tung's life goal, as he gives his entire life for the homeless who are the hardest to contact and change and have given up on themselves. Tung sees on the Internet a report about Germany's first "Homeless World Cup", vows to use an ordinary football to ignite one homeless soul after another, calls for a homeless formed, seemingly absolutely ridiculous "Dawn Football Team", and even hopes to break out of Hong Kong to attend the first "Homeless World Cup." The ragtag team although faces with a number of ups, downs and crises, its morale is high as life has been rekindled once again. Life has once again caught fire, but the challenge never hesitates with humanity. Can this team of "homeless" achieve the dream to represent Hong Kong in the "World Cup"? Can they play side by side in the second half of life and return a miracle to the their lives? SNIPER Can : Sun Cheung Sau Lit : Godly Gunslingers d. Dante Lam Chiu Yin Richie Jen (Yam Yin Chai), Edison Chen Koon Hei, Huang Xiaoming, Wilfred Lau Ho Lung, Bowie Lam Bo Yi Rating : IIB Length : 86 mins. Opening March 24 2009 at the Hong Kong International Film Festival Opening April 9 2009 Official Site: http://www.mediaasia.com/thesniper 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? TWENTIETH CENTURY BOYS CHAPTER 2 d. Yukihiko Tsutsumi Toshiaki Karasawa, Etsushi Toyokawa, Takako Tokiwa Opening April 9 2009 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 * TAI PAN TOURS AND CASINO RAMA PRESENT ANDY HUI CHI ON AND TAI CHI CLASSIC WITH A TWIST LIVE 2009 DATE AND TIME: Sunday, April 19 2009 @ 8 PM VENUE LOCATION: Casino Rama Entertainment Centre Casino Rama R.R. #6 Rama Rd, Orillia ON L0K 1T0 Canada TICKET PRICES: TBA TICKET OUTLET LOCATIONS: TICKET MASTER: http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/10004254BE219CFD?artistid=1298932&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 12 2009 @ 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 * LUCKY ENTERTAINMENT AND FOXWOOD PRESENT CHANG DI and CHU MI MI live DATE AND TIME: Saturday night / Sunday morning, April 12 2009 @ 2AM Sunday, April 12 2009 @ 2PM VENUE LOCATION: Fox Theatre Foxwoods Resort Casino Mashantucket CT 06339-3777 TICKET PRICES: $98, 78, 48 TICKET OUTLET LOCATIONS: CHINATOWN: P & M Music 2 Elizabeth Street 212.732.3828 FLUSHING: Jessica Holdings 135-27 40th Rd. Suite 301 Flushing NY 718.460.2628 BOSTON: Trans-Pacific Travel 11 Tyler St. Boston MA 617.451.3478 * 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 * Huang Pin Yuan and Winnie Hsin Live DATE AND TIME: Saturday night/Sunday morning, March 29 2009 @ 3PM VENUE LOCATION: House of Blues Showboat Atlantic City 801 Boardwalk Atlantic City NJ 08401 609.343.4000 -------------------------------------------------------------------- Box office info : What Box Office Info? The usual suspects : Internet Movie Database, Yahoo! Hong Kong Erors : ye olde chaffing editor For Thursday March 19 2009 10 WALTZ WITH BASHIR d. Ari Folman Israeli Animation 9 COMING SOON Can : Yum Yung Yuen Joi Lit : Dark Look In Theater d. Sophon Sakdaphisit Chantawit Thanasewee, Worrakarn "Punch" Rotjanawatchra 8 K-20: LEGEND OF THE MASK Can : Gwai Yun Yi Sup Min Seung Juen Lit : Strange Person 20 Faces Biography d. Shimako Sato Takeshi Kaneshiro (Gum Sing Mo), Takako Matsu 7 DRAGONBALL: EVOLUTION d. James Wong Justin Chatwin, Chow Yun Fat, Emmy Rossum 6 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 5 THE READER d. Stephen Daldry Kate Winslet, Ralph Fiennes, David Kross 4 SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE d. Danny Boyle, Loveleen Tandan Dev Patel, Anil Kapoor, Saurabh Shukla 3 WATCHMEN d. Zack Snyder Malin Ackerman, Billy Crudup, Matthew Goode 2 HE'S JUST NOT THAT INTO YOU d. Ken Kwapis Jennifer Connelly, Ben Affleck, Jennifer Aniston, Drew Barrymore 1 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) ------ Summaries for some of the films above. Some contain SPOILERS 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...... A VERY SHORT LIFE Rating: III Length: 86 mins. Opening March 19 2009 Official Site: http://www.averyshortlife.com [ YAHOO! MOVIES HONG KONG ] "Women are inherently doomed to get screwed by Men! Father and men outside are not much different" One day, a high ranked Assistant Police Commissioner Josephine suddenly appears in the Western Police Station, personally review a chilly girl abuse and murder cause. An eleven-year-old girl's mother, Peggy, beat her to death. Peggy has already confessed to killing her child, while her live in boyfriend is also charged with raping the young daughter. The mad Josephine presses hard as one after another torture interrogations appear on screen. Inspector Sister Cat, Chief Inspector Barbara and Sergeant IVY each comes up with tactics to help Josephine's severely abusive interrogation. Peggy suffers a variety of torture but still refuses to confess to giving a silent approval to her live in boyfriend to sexually abuse the little girl. What are female police commissioner Josephine inhuman in her abuse of power and torture of her female suspect? Or is the female suspect Peggy lying and getting what she deserves? Finally Peggy chooses to commit suicide in prison. What untold secrets may a fragile little woman have? Is "women are inherently doomed to get screwed by Men" the truth? K-20: LEGEND OF THE MASK Rating : IIA Length : 138 mins. 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? DEPARTURES Rating : IIA Length : 130 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... ------ GLOBAL CHINESE SONG CHART For Saturday, March 21 2009 15 LOVE SONG Can : Ching Gor Jasmine Leong Jing Yu 14 PERHAPS LOVE Can : Yu Gor Oi Khalil Fong Dai Tung 13 MESMERSIZING MAZE Can : Mai Won Jun Z-Chen Chang (Cheung Chi Sing) 12 RAIN SMOKE Can : Yu Yin May Day 11 CAN PRAISE CAN WEEP Can : Hor Gor Hor Yup Joey Yung Cho Yi 10 PLAY BIG SHOT Can : Sa Dai Pai Jolin Tsai (Choi Yi Lam) 9 WHY ME Chris Li Yuchun 8 THE MOST FORTUNATE MATTER Can : Jui Hung Fok Dik Si Rachel Liang (Leung Man Yam) 7 ALLEGRO OPUS 3.3AM Eason Chan Yik Shun 6 YOU CHOOSE Can : Yau Nei Shuen Jat JJ Lin Junjie, Fama 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 I LOVE YOU Can : Ngor Oi Nei Faye Wong 2 UNFORGETTABLE DAY Can : Nan Mong Dik Yut Tin Xu Wei (Hui Ngai) 1 JOOK YING TOI Kay Tse On Kay ------ [ 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. HEY BUB, WATCH WHERE YOU SWING THAT BLUE THANG Your Chaffing Editor is out of the home office this week for Spring Break. However while on the way out he heard about this odd albeit old obituary. Suddenly he remembered why starting his own family stop looking appealing to him. http://redwolf.newsvine.com/_news/2008/08/17/1757371-obituaries-dolores-aguilar Not even remotely close to those lines are a series of short videos that pokes fun at the Mac vs. PC commercials and the rash of comic book film adaptations. Your Chaffing Editor would love to include a link, except the usual suspects seem to have forced them offline. Oh well. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FlqCaqmrto4 Off to watch WATCHMEN, [ Insert your own Dr. Manhattan IMAX joke here ] Jer Jer Stinks, Your Chaffing Editor Top Ten Central --- [ WHAT IS YOUR CHAFFING EDITOR LISTENING TO ] BLAME IT Jamie Foxx http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UYc875zkDxg Blame it on the goose, gotcha feeling loose Blame it on the 'tron, catch me in a zone Blame it on the a-a-alcohol Blame it on the a-a-alcohol She said, she usually don't But I know that she front 'Cause shawty know what she wan't She don't wanna to seem like she's easy I ain't saying what you won't do But you know what we're probably gon' do What you been feenin' deep inside Let it out now, girl what you drinkin', gon' let it sink in Here for a weekend, thinkin', we can See where we could be if we press fast forward Just one more round and you're down I'd know it Fill another cup up, feelin' on your butt what You don't even care now, I was unaware How fine you was before My buzz set in, my buzz set in Blame it on the goose, gotcha feeling loose Blame it on the 'tron, catch me in a zone Blame it on the a-a-alcohol Blame it on the a-a-alcohol Blame it on the vodka, blame it on the henny Blame it on the blue tap, got you feeling dizzy Blame it on the a-a-alcohol Blame it on the a-a-alcohol Ooh see, she spilled some drink on me And now I'm knowin' she tipsy She put her body on me And she keeps staring me right in my eyes No tellin' what I'm gon' do Baby, I would rather show you What you been missin' in your life When I get inside Girl, what you drinkin'? Don't let it sink in Here for the weekend, thinkin', we can See where we could be if we press fast forward Just one more round if your down, I'm fallin' Fill another cup up, feelin' on your butt what You don't even care now, I was unaware How fine you was before My buzz set in, my buzz set in Blame it on the goose, gotcha feeling loose Blame it on the 'tron, catch me in a zone Blame it on the a-a-alcohol Blame it on the a-a-alcohol Blame it on the vodka, blame it on the henny Blame it on the blue tap, got you feeling dizzy Blame it on the a-a-alcohol Blame it on the a-a-alcohol T-Pain Girl, I know you feel good Just like you look, couple more shots You open up like a book, I ain't trippin 'cause I'ma read ya Shawty, I ain't trippin', I jus' wanna please ya I'ma take a shot of Nuvo, shawty, then you know It's going down, we can go kick it like Judo You know what I mean Shawty got drunk, thought it all was a dream So I made her say I, I Now she got her hand on my leg Got my seats all wet in my ride All over my ride She look me dead in the eye Then my pants got bigga She already knew what to figga Had her lookin' at her boyfriend like, "Fuck dat nigga" Blame it on the juice, gotcha feeling loose Blame it on the 'tron, catch me in a zone Blame it on the a-a-alcohol Blame it on the a-a-alcohol Blame it on the vodka, blame it on the henny Blame it on a blue tap, got you feeling dizzy Blame it on the a-a-alcohol Blame it on the a-a-alcohol Now to the ballas poppin' bottles With they henny in they cups screamin' Money ain't a thing, if it ain't throwin' it up in the sky Hold your drinks up high And to my independent ballas Who can buy they own bottles If you lookin' like a model When them broke fellas holla, tell 'em, bye Hold your drinks up high You can blame it on the goose, gotcha feeling loose Blame it on the 'tron, catch me in a zone Blame it on the a-a-alcohol Blame it on the a-a-alcohol Blame it on the vodka, blame it on the henny Blame it on the blue tap, got you feeling dizzy Blame it on the a-a-alcohol Blame it on the a-a-alcohol ---------------------- HK Top Ten Central hktopten@hotmail.com | http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Towers/2038