From: NO TOP TEN CENTRAL <hktopten@yahoo.comx>
Newsgroups: alt.asian-movies,soc.culture.hongkong.entertainment
Subject: [TAKE OVER] HKSAR Film No Top 10 Box Office (MARCH 26 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. Nancy Sit Ka Yin who celebrates her birthday on the 30th
	B. Director Alan Mak Siu Fai who wed on the 28th
	C. Fiona Yuen Choi Wan who wed on the 28th
	D. Gigi Leung Wing Kei who celebrates her birthday on the 25th

2. MISCELLANEOUS

* (4/1/2009) The Hard Rock Collection will be on display at the Macau 
Hard Rock Hotel opening in June.  This time Jacky Cheung Hok Yau was 
invited to donate to the display.  Hok Yau was the first Chinese star to 
receive such an invitation and he would donate two costumes from his 07 
and 08 concert tour and a wooden guitar that he has been playing since 99.
	Lately Hok Yau has been busy with his movie YUET MOON HIN NEI SI 
(FULL MOON HENNESSY).  Everyday after work his daughter would be in 
school.  Finally his older daughter complained and told him not to work 
anymore.  Reporters suggested that he could take her to visit the set 
during her break to watch him at work and have more time to be together.  
Hok Yau however shook his hand vigorously.  "If they like making movies 
then it would be a big deal!"  He honestly said that he knew this business 
was very tough, of course he did not want his daughters to have the same 
experience.

* (4/1/2009) The Hu Mei directed, Dadi Film Group and China Film Group 
co-produced epic film CONFUCIUS (HUNG JI) quietly started production on 
March 30 in Beijing.  The cast has finally been confirmed with Chow Yun 
Fat in the title role as rumored.  Reportedly the film would be completed
before the end of 2009.
	Since the launch of the project last year, the casting especially 
the role of Confucius has always been the focus, from Zhang Yimou, Sun
Honglei to Chen Daoming.  On the day of the production start, the film 
finally announced its cast for the first time.  Chow Yun Fat would play 
Confucius, Zhou Xun would play Nan Zi.  As for rumors of Chen Daoming as 
Lao Zi, the news has been confirmed as false.  Yet reportedly Chen Daoming
has been confirmed to be in the cast with a yet undetermined role.  In 
addition Lu Yi would play Ji Huanzi's son Ji Sunfei, Ren Chuan as 
Confucius' son Yan Hui, Wang Ban as Sun Heji, Chen Jianbin as Ji Huanzi, 
and Zhang Kaili as Confucius' wife.  Chen Jianbin in the film would have 
many scenes with Chow Yun Fat.  At the same time, the crew would include
cinematographer Peter Pau (Bau Tak Fun), costume designer Yee Chung Man, 
art director Lin Chaoxiang, music composer Su Cong, all of whom are 
Chinese film creative heavyweights.  Due to the film production's "tight
schedule and heavy mission", the production started with only a short and
simple ceremony.  According to the film, before the production started, 
the film representative along with Director Hu Mei and many creative 
personnel went to the Confucius Temple to pay their respects.
	Confucius' 75th generation descendant Kung Jian expressed that 
with the international market consideration Chow Yun Fat was the most 
suitable choice.  Yet he worried that Chow Yun Fat would have an 
unconscious mob aura.  "Chow Yun Fat's expertise is playing mob boss 
characters.  Confucius was a philosopher and needed to be steady and 
generous.  I hope that Chow Yun Fat would not have any mob aura."  Kung 
Jian's favorite choice to play Confucius would be Tang Guojiang, but now
that Hu Mei confirmed Chow Yun Fat Kung Jian expressed his understanding,
"CONFUCIUS the movie would be very hard to please in the Chinese market.  
Hu Mei's focus is on international markets like Japan, Korea, Europe and
America."

* (4/1/2009) Wong Yau Nam earlier worked on the Christian gospel film TEAM
OF MIRACLES WE WILL ROCK YOU (LAU LONG HONG SAI GAI BUI), his first 
inspirational film.  He felt it was very special and in it he even had 
many first experiences.
	Yau Nam said, "Including my entire body being covered in green 
paint.  In the film I played a character who has been homeless since the 
age of 9 who is often bullied and is willing to take a beating as long as
he gets paid.  In one scene I was covered in green paint.  During the 
shoot some of the paint got into my eyes.  It hurt, but because I didn't 
want a bad take I could only tough out the scene.  Later I had to take 
many showers to completely get the paint off.  Another time I was working
on Lantern Street.  While waiting for my scene I was so exhausted that I 
truly fell asleep on the street.  In another all night shoot in a 
underpass, the equipment suddenly broke down.  We the actors while 
waiting really fell asleep next to the gutter and truly experienced the 
life of the homeless."  The film will be released around Easter.  He 
hoped that the audience would be able to experience the film's message of
never giving up.

* (4/1/2009) The One Foundation founder and famous film star Jet Li (Lee 
Nin Kit) on the 31st attended an unveiling of the One Foundation charity
commemorative stamp release in Shanghai.
	When asked why would he promote charity with stamps, Lee Nin Kit
expressed that stamp was a very commonly used item and was closely related
to life.  He hoped through a tiny stamp to bring more attention to the 
One Foundation's hard work in helping the poor, education, health, 
environment and disaster relief.  The One Foundation is not only 
concerned with natural disasters that are common to humanity, but also 
with building a charity platform for the public.  He also hoped that 
enterprises with social responsibility would participate and maximize the
strength.  The press asked whether so many charity events would hinder his
career and would he return to the screen soon.  Lee Nin Kit said that 
performing was only hobby, charity was his career.  Currently he wanted to
focus on the One Foundation.  Of course, he would not give up his hobby 
either.
	A female fan broke down at the event and said that she rushed from
Chongqing to see Lee Nin Kit.  In childhood she had two dreams, a show 
business career and marry a good husband with a charitable heart like Lee
Nin Kit.  Now both dreams have gone unfulfilled so she only wanted to make
more money to participate in the One Foundation.  Lee Nin Kit responded
that charity could not be measured in the amount of money.  With this 
heart, one dollar was enough for someone to be a good person.
	
* (4/1/2009) CHI LING (THORN TOMB) earlier started production in Ningxia.  
Jay Chou (Chow Kit Lun) and Lin Chiling's costumes in the film have been
revealed.  They would stay in Ningxia for over a month for the production.
Who knows whether this couple would set off spark on the set of this film 
in this barren land.
	The film had horse riding scenes.  Lin Chiling who has fallen off 
a horse still had a lot of fear about horse riding scenes, but she would 
try to coordinate as the screenplay required.  Chow Kit Lun did not have
any such fear but his bad back might act up again due to excessive 
horse riding.  Thus the team has decided to remove some of the horse riding
scenes and designed a new iron horse for Chairman Chow and Chiling to ride
on.  Chiling said, "Holding on to Kit Lun on the iron horse I panicked 
less and was more at ease."
	In addition the art director deliberately designed a pair of boots
with higher heels for Chairman Chou so when he stood next to Chiling he 
could look more manly.  Due to the structure and material of the boots, 
with the strong bottoms each boot weighed 3 pounds.  Ningxia was already
dusty, this pair of boots made walking very difficult for Chairman Chou 
during the shoot.

* (4/1/2009) Jackie Chan and Daniel Wu (Ng Yin Cho) yesterday promoted 
SHINJUKU INCIDENT (SUN SHOOK SI GEIN) in Singapore.  Before their arrival
over 3000 people were present in the shopping center to catch a glimpse 
of them.  Some even came in 6AM for their spots.
	Jackie Chan grabbed his camera and took photos of the scene.  He 
felt that Japanese fans were very respectful and appreciative of him, but
not as passionate and wild as Singapore fans.  With Jackie Chan's birthday
coming up, the event arranged for a birthday cake with his likeness.  
Jackie Chan looked pleased when he saw the cake and even grabbed Ng Yin 
Cho to pose for photos with him.  Later he pretended to throw cake on Ng
Yin Cho's face but Ng Yin Cho was very calm as he knew Big Brother would 
watch what he was doing.  Jackie Chan joked, "Such a pretty cake would be 
wasted if it is thrown."  Finally the event presented two caricatures to 
Jackie Chan and Ng Yin Cho.  Big Brother joked, "The msot convincing part
of this picture is the nose, indeed it is my symbol."

* (4/1/2009) Cartier's latest Trinity line recently invited Sylvia Chang
(Cheung Ngai Ga), Shu Qi and Chen Kun to shoot three series of photos to 
interpret the meaning of "All about you forever".  Yesterday Cheung Ngai
Ga and Shu Qi attended the press conference and discussed the content and
experience of this photo series production.  As for Feng Xiaogang's 
criticism of Hong Kong's lack of Mainland film understanding, Shu Qi 
pointed out that each place's culture was different but she believed that 
a good movie would definitely have people who appreciate it.
	Shu Qi in the photo interpreted care, anticipation and joy, while 
Cheung Ngai Gai interpreted true self, sharing and passion.  Among the 
photos was a rare picture with Cheung Ngai Ga's son Oscar.  Shu Qi was 
asked whether she looked forward to love in real life?  She joked that she 
was waiting for love but might as well look forward to it.  She honestly 
said that love was something that girls look forward to.  However, now 
she felt that friends were more important because friendship was infinite
and would accept her.  Shu Qi that any chance for a friend to turn into a
lover would be harder, as she has known her friends for over a decade.  
None of them have pursued her because friends were friends.  She believed
in love at first sight.  Although she has never experienced it, but she 
felt that two people must understand each other in order to get along.  
She would not be caught in a moment's impulse or passion.
	As for Director Feng Xiaogang criticizing Hong Kong people for not
understanding the Mainland films, like IF YOU ARE THE ONE was a big 
Mainland hit but a box office dud in Hong Kong.  As IF's female lead Shu
Qi pointed out that each place's culture and background were different, 
but she believed that good movies would definitely have people who 
appreciate them.  Her friends all thought it was decent.  She has never 
had a movie that was in release for four months.  As for this film's poor
Hong Kong box office performance, she pointed out that the Mainland had 
a population of 1.3 billion, Hong Kong only had 7 million; in addition 
this film was a Mainland style humor, to the Hong Kong audience listening
to Putonghua dialogue was rather tough.  Earlier Karena Lam Ka Yun claimed
that Hong Kong film was a pool of death, Shu Qi felt that was unrelated.  
Mainly Hong Kong films were developing toward the Mainland and joining the
Greater Chinese culture was a direction.  She pointed out that Hong Kong 
could make HK$5 million movies if it could not make 50 million ones.  For
example Taiwan film CAPE NO. 7 was a big hit because Taiwan people had a
passion for film.  Hong Kong could make its own CAPE NO. 8 or CAPE NO. 12.  
Today was the 6th Anniversary of Leslie Cheung Kwok Wing's passing.  Shu 
Qi honestly said that she hoped to see joy and happiness on Gor Gor's face
and for him to be forever handsome.
	Cheung Ngai Gai expressed that since his son Oscar returned to 
Hong Kong on his break she took a series of photos with him.  Earlier when
she performed in a play her son also attended.  With the thriving rumors 
of Brigitte Lin (Lam Ching Ha)'s comeback, would she approach her for a 
movie?  Cheung Ngai Ga said that she would wait until Lam Ching Ha has 
confirmed but she believed that Ching Ha had her own choice.  At the 
soonest her new film would start production would be next year.

* (3/31/2009) The 33rd Annual Hong Kong International Film Festival today 
held its Award Night at the Hong Kong Cultural center and presented the 
Asian Digital Competition, Humanitarian Awards for Documentaries, FIPRESI
and SIGNIS Awards.  China directors won three of the major awards.
	Presented to new Asian directors, the FIPRESCI Award went to 
Mainland Chinese director Zou Peng's A NORTHERN CHINESE GIRL.  The story 
was about how a young Chinese woman struggled to survive in a rapidly 
developing city.
	The Humanitarian Awards for Documentaries' Best Documentary went
to Mainland Chinese director Yu Guangyi's SURVIVAL SONG, which brought the 
Chinese farm village's simple country village life to the audience; the 
Outstanding Documentary went to Japanese director Kazuhiro Soda's MENTAL.
	The Asian Digital Competition gold prize went to Mainland Chinese
director Emily Tang Xiaobai's PERFECT LIFE, the silver prize went to 
Malay Director James Lee's CALL IF YOU NEED ME.

* (3/31/2009) The 33rd Annual Hong Kong International Film Festival's 
ASHES OF TIME REDUX premiere took place two nights ago at the Tsim Sha
Tsui Cultural Center.  Actors Tony Leung Chiu Wai, Carina Lau Ka Ling, 
Brigitte Lin (Lam Ching Ha), Charlie Yeung Choi Nei, director Wong Kar Wai
and cinematographer Andrew Lau Wai Keung attended.  At the event guests 
reminisced about their departed co-star Leslie Cheung Kwok Wing.
	The premiere two nights ago not only witnessed this classic's new
interpretation but also lit candles as a salute to Cheung Kwok Wing.  At 
the event a two minute film was shown with Gor Gor's friends Maggie Cheung
Man Yuk, Gong Li, Andy Lau Tak Wa, Faye Wong, Leon Lai Ming, Michelle Reis
(Lee Ka Yun), Cherie Chung Chor Hung and others through words expressed 
their feelings for Gor Gor.  Cecilia Cheung Pak Chi, Shu Qi, Sandra Ng 
Kwan Yu, Alan Tam Wing Lun and John Woo (Ng Yu Sum) also recorded videos.  
Pak Chi said, "I miss Gor Gor very much.  I am already different, married
and have a baby.  I missed you very much, I am very happy to be able to 
share your work with my son."  Pak Chi brought her son Lucas on camera 
and asked Lucas who starred in this film.  Lucas cutely said, "Gor Gor."
	Lam Ching Ha and To Man Ming walked the red carpet together.  As 
for her comeback, she only waved and did not respond.  Lam Ching Ha also
spoke about Gor Gor on stage and expressed that her first collaboration 
with him was THE EAGLE SHOOTING HEROES (DONG SING SAI JAU).  Back then 
she and Gor Gor both lived in Wan Chai and rode a bus to the set.  She 
recalled Gor Gor asking her, "Ching Ha how are you?"  Perhaps at the time 
she was very lonely in Hong Kong, after a few words she was in tears.  Gor
Gor said to her, "I would treat you very well."  Thus they became good 
friends.  She also remembered while shooting in a cave with Gor Gor, Gor 
Gor suffered a scorpion bite on his neck.  Two Mainland workers brought 
venomous scorpion wine to treat his wound and he was fine.  She honestly 
said that the shoot was very tough but now looking back it was very 
happy.  The host asked her about her comeback rumors, she said, "I see 
people acting so well that I wanted to act too, but I am not ready 
psychologically yet."
	Wai Jai and Ka Ling walked the red carpet with hand in hand.  Wai
Jai expressed that every year around this time he would remember Gor Gor.  
He pointed out that Gor Gor was a very outstanding actor.  Ka Ling's 
impression of Gor Gor was deep.  She expressed that Gor Gor was very 
mischievous and vain, but had a lot of expectation professionally.  Wai 
Jai also pointed out that Gor Gor treated his friends very well.  Ka Ling
continued, "Gor Gor needed love, he was both strong but also fragile."
	As for rumors that she asked Ng Kwan Yu for childbirth secrets, Ka
Ling laughed, "That's crazy, no."  Wai Jai also said that having a baby 
should be natural and could not be rushed, otherwise the stress would be
enormous.  As for Faye Wong's return, would Ka Ling have chance to work
with her good friend?  She expressed she probably would not since she did
not know how to sing, but she was very glad that she has returned.
	Wong Kar Wai said that this film was 15 years old.  15 years ago
he did not have so many resources, now it was much better.  As for whether
Gor Gor had more scenes, he expressed that he did not want to say more or
less so the audience could watch for themselves.  This film earlier was 
screened at the Cannes Film Festival.  He explained that because Gor Gor 
really wanted to go to Cannes, so he decided to start there and only now
to return to Hong Kong.  This way would be more meaningful.
	Yeung Choi Nei honestly said that she would never forget that her 
first film was with Wong Kar Wai and Cheung Kwok Wing.  Gor Gor was a big 
star then and treated her like a child.  Yet after work they would still 
play badminton together.  When she saw Gor Gor's face, she felt very sad
inside.
	Karen Mok Man Wai came in support.  Lately Stephen Chow Sing Chi
was accused of having problems getting along with people.  Mok Man Wai
was still very protective of her old flame.  "He got along great with 
everyone.  When working with elders, I would take a learning approach."  
She honestly said that she had very little contact with Chow Sing Chi and
did not want to disturb him.

* (3/31/2009) The epic film WONG DAI (YELLOW EMPEROR) will soon start 
production, bringing commercialism, culture, epic and entertainment into 
one.  It will abandon legends, folklores, myths, and fair tales and return 
the Emperor to an actual "human" and tell the tale of the Emperor's journey 
with nature, society, interpersonal relationships, conflicts and harmony.
	Emperor Xuanyuan was the founder of the Huaxia civilization, 
creator of agriculture, and made into a deity later.  Over 5,000 years, 
due to the distance of time, loss of documentation, and transformation 
through oral historical accounts, the Emperor has been placed onto the 
altar.  Famed film and television planner Gao Jun will write the film, 
famous director Lee Xiaojun will direct and Chian Music Academy assistant
professor Yuan Kunshen will score the film.
	At the press conference, Li Xiaojun said, "In the film the Emperor
is a passionate, strong, honest, perceptive, kind and brave embodiment.  
We want to bring the Emperor to 'life', 'stand' up and truly walk among 
its over 1 billion descendants."  The film's chief distributor Gao Jun
added, as an historical epic, the film will have to return to reality, 
confirm history and fill in a large void in Chinese film history.  The 
film will cost 60 million yuan.  Young actor Jin Dong will play the young
Emperor.  While the elderly Emperor will not have a lot of screen time, 
Jackie Chan will play the role.  The film is expected to shoot for a year.
	Meanwhile, the Jackie Chan film SHINJUKU INCIDENT (SUN SHOOK SI 
GEIN) shot a scene in Kobe.  In it Jackie Chan rescues Naoto Takenaka in 
the water.  At the time the temperature was two degrees Celsius below
zero.  After each shot the crew would immediately cover them with heating
blankets and hand them hot tea, then bring them to a wooden barrel off 
camera to warm up so their stiff limbs would be mobile again.  In another
scene a bloody Jackie Chan is about to be washed away in the water before
Naoto Takenaka grabs to him tightly.  The director hopes to be able to 
create a shocking moment and needs to use several tons of water on the 
set to achieve this visual effect.
	Naoto Takenaka joked that he was not afraid of being in the cold 
water but the Putonghua dialogue to communicate with Jackie Chan.  
"Luckily we very quickly cultivated chemistry.  During breaks, Jackie Chan
corrected my pronunciation."

* (3/31/2009) The Jay Chou (Chow Kit Lun) and Lin Chiling starred new film 
CHI LING (THORN TOMB) earlier started production in Ningxia.  Chairman 
Chou and Chiling started work at Huangsha.  He said that the desert 
environment was truly extraordinary, even the water out of the tap was 
yellow.  Under the sun Chairman Chou appeared darker.  The crew revealed 
that he deliberated got a tan for his role instead of make up.  Chairman 
Chou who always had a way with the ladies took extra care of Chiling on 
the set.  He had no Heavenly King arrogance and the collaboration was very
pleasant.  The film company chief Wu Dun, director Chu Yen-Ping and actor
Wong Yat Fei participated in the production start as well.  Chu Yen-Ping 
expressed, "Here we have nothing, we are bored to death.  Actors can only
focus on acting."  Best Actors Chen Daoming and Eric Tsang Chi Wai will 
join the production within the week.

* (3/30/2009) The Fourth Annual Fresh Wave Short Film Competition award
presentation yesterday took place at the Tsim Sha Tsui Science Museum.  
Directors Benny Chan Muk Sing, Herman Yau Lai To, Alan Mak Siu Fai, Dante
Lam Chiu Yin and Hong Kong Art Development Council film and media art 
committee chair Johnnie To Kei Fung attended.  Lau Ching Wan was the guest
presenter.  Famous Mainland director Feng Xiaogang earlier at an 
Entertainment Expo Hong Kong forum criticized Hong Kong audience for not 
appreciating and overlooking Mainland films.  His film IF YOU ARE THE ONE
was a big Mainland box office hit but a Hong Kong box office bomb.  Feng
Xiaogang at the forum expressed his displeasure.  To Kei Fung expressed 
that he has not read the news.  "That's not too big of a deal.  The 
audience of two places of course have differences.  Some people like 
European films, some people like Indian films, this doesn't matter."
	To Kei Fung said that when he watched Mainland films he might not
completely accept them.  Some scenes that others would find funny he might
not understand completely.  He said, "Some also say they don't know what 
my movies want to say, let's not argue over this."  He felt that everyone
should respect creativity and different regional cultures.  In addition 
Hong Kong and the Mainland belonged to the same circle, Chinese people 
could tolerate each other.
	Director To felt that Feng Xiaogang's grudge would not help the 
film market.  Instead of hatred, he might as well consider ways to resolve
it.  As for Feng Xiaogang's foul language, To Kei Fung defended him, "I 
always use foul language too.  Only sentimental people would let real 
emotions flow.  He was very serious about the matter."
	Stephen Chow Sing Chi recently has received criticism over the way
he handled issues from his past collaborators like Wong Jing and Danny Lee 
Sau Yin.  To Kei Fung said Chow Sing Chi was a talented film professional
with character.  As for the selfishness accusation, To Kei Fung said, 
"Each person would be selfish, I am selfish.  It depends on how selfish 
you are.  I have talked about Chow Sing Chi for many years, I don't want
to talk anymore.  He and I have no contact."
	As for working together again, To Kei Fung felt that Chow Sing Chi
was already a director and two directors had no reason to work together.  
To Kei Fung stressed that they were not considered friends.  As for hatred
he said Chow Sing Chi should be asked.  With so many people criticizing 
him they must have their reasons.  He said that Chow Sing Chi did not need
self evaluation because he was very successful, he could just maintain 
status quo.  Manfred Wong (Man Jun) earlier said that the Chow Sing Chi 
era has already ended, To Kei Fung disagreed.
	The newlywed director Mak Siu Fai expressed that he understood 
Tony Leung Chiu Wai's personality.  He would not mind that Wai Jai did not
attend his wedding two nights ago.  Enjoying the joy of marriage was the 
most important.  

* (3/30/2009) Eric Suen Yiu Wai, Zhang Jun, Wong Yau Nam, Wong Tak Bun, 
Tats Lau Yi Tat, Lam Ka Wah and director Kwan Shun Fai yesterday attended
the TEAM OF MIRACLES WE WILL ROCK YOU (LAU LONG HONG SAI GAI BUI) 
promotion.  Suen Yiu Wai expressed that after watching this film he was 
deeply touched.  This was an inspirational film.  People would run into 
many problems.  He went to develop in the Mainland early in his career.  
When he considered returning to the Hong Kong music scene many people 
called him silly, but he believed that he still had many fans in Hong 
Kong.
	Would Suen Yiu Wai give tickets to his friend Kelvin Kwan Chor Yiu
who was just released two nights ago?  He said after thinking for awhile,
"Of course I would."  Suen Yiu Wai and Kwan Chor Yiu belonged to the same
company and he treated him like a little brother.  Did he call Kwan Chor
Yiu two nights ago?  He said, "Yes, Kwan Chor Yiu said he was back and 
thanked everyone for their concern.  I also have been praying for him.  
This return is considered a conclusion, his return to Hong Kong was the 
most important.  We were very worried and hoped everyone would support him
because he has already withstood a lot of stress.  Hopefully they would 
continue to keep working hard and everyone would give them a chance."
	Suen Yiu Wai also hoped they would bring positive influence.  
	Zhang Jun expressed that he really liked this film.  In the film 
he and Yau Nam played brothers and they got along very well.  He said the
funniest was Lau Yi Tat.  Sometimes he had no idea what he was saying.  
When he saw him he could not help but laugh.  This was Gigi Lai Chi's 
final film.  He said, "Her last film was my first collaboration with her,
this was a great chance to work together.  In addition she is a good 
friend of my wife.  I would wish her well."
	Zhang Jun expressed that he has not seen Lai Chi in a long time.  
He revealed that in May he would work on a Mainland series about Deng 
Xiaoping.  He would play the lead, a Liberation Army soldier.  
	Wong Tak Bun expressed that when Lai Chi worked on this film he 
did not know it was her last film.  Yau Nam expressed that he would work 
on IP MAN 2.  The director has already said that he expected him to 
perform.  Now every week he would spend two days on martial art training 
with Wing Chun, Tai Chi and Shanda.

* (3/30/2009) Wang Xuebing promoted his film COLLEGE ENTRANCE EXAMINATION
in Hunan.  When asked about marriage, he who has been linked to actresses
like Fan Bingbing firmly said that he has always wanted to get married and
was very envious of his friend Li Yapeng being a father.
	A decade ago CHERISH OUR LOVE FOREVER made people remember Wang 
Xuebing, but also because a romance with Fan Bingbing he received added 
media attention.   Everything now was behind Wang Xuebing, who already has
a steady girlfriend Sun Ning.  Turning to the topic of marriage, Wang 
Xuebing did not hide his desire to wed.  "Our relationship is very 
stable.  We always have the intention of marriage, when people grow up 
they should get married and have children.  If a wedding date is set I 
definitely will tell everyone." 
	After 11 years in the business, Wang Xuebing's most memorable 
work was still CHERISH OUR LOVE FOREVER because during that series he made
a lot of friends like Li Yapeng and Xu Jinglei, "Several of us actually 
would meet when we are free, but in small groups.  The big group met once 
a few years ago."  As for once "good friend" Fan Bingbing, Wang Xuebing 
said directly, "We don't have much contact, we are both very busy. " 
	COLLEGE ENTRANCE EXAMINATION is the latest Wang Xuebing television 
and film work.  The Shanghai Film Group invested 20 million on Chian's 
first movie after the Cultural Revolution about the important historical
event of reviving the College Entrance Examination.  The movie traced a 
group of intellectual youth who lived in a Northeast farm and was 
preparing for the college entrance examination.  With almost documentary 
style the film realistically recorded their friendship, family and romance, 
as well as restored the college entrance examination circumstances for 
people of that time, the Northeast Big Trench, old porcelain tea cup, 
college entrance examination book review, and other items that have been 
long gone reappeared in the film and brought back memory for the first 
batch of "college entrance examination" takers. 
	Wang Xuebing in the film played an intellectual youth who 
participated in the 1977 college entrance examination.  Veteran actor Sun
Haiying played a factory manager with some resistance against the 
examination.  The director was the famous Shanghai Film Group director 
Jiang Haiyang. 
	Wang Xuebing was full of confidence in the film's release, as 
China's college entrance examination after all changed the destiny of 
many people, "If the college entrance examination wasn't restored, Chen 
Kaige may still be a worker at the Beijing laboratory, Zhang Yimou would 
still be at the state cotton plant, they wouldn't have the opportunity to 
become today's well-known directors." 

* (3/29/2009) Director Alan Mak Siu Fai and his girlfriend of five years
Chung Wai Tak wed yesterday.  Guests included Jade Kwan Sum Yu, Michelle
Ye (Yip Shuen) and director Andrew Lau Wai Keung who was rumored to be at
odds with him.  Mak Siu Fai was asked whether he invited Lau Wai Keung, 
he frankly said yes.  He also invited Anthony Wong Chau Sun and Chapman To
Man Jat.  As for Andy Lau Tak Wa, he said, "No!  (Because of his April 
wedding scheduling conflict?)  I don't know, I didn't think that much 
about it!"
	How did he propose?  Mrs. Mak expressed that on Valentine's Day 
last year they went to Japan.  At the hotel Mak Siu fai suddenly proposed
to her with a two carat diamond ring.  Although he was not on his knee, 
she agreed on the spot.  This wedding took a year to plan.  Mak Siu Fai 
said, "Lately a lot of people got married, I don't know if I have 
influenced them.  I remember last year I told Wai Jai (Tony Leung Chiu 
Wai) that I wanted to get married.  He said really?  Then last February he
got married and stole first dibs from me."  His new film OVERHEARD (SIT 
TING FUNG WON) will be released in the summer.  He would have to hand over
the film in May.  Thus they would not spend their honeymoon yet.
	Also, Shawn Yue Man Lok and Felix Chong Man Keung yesterday were
in the wedding party.  Lok Jai claimed that the bride's party was very 
mild mannered when they picked up the bride.  Did he check out any of the
bridesmaids?  He said, "It was so early this morning.  I just rushed back
from Beijing.  Because Mommy was hospitalized for a heart problem, I was 
worried that I may not be able to attend today.  (How's Mommy?)  She has 
scheduled surgery a month from now, my younger sister will rush back from 
England."  In Beijing he was working on a romantic thriller with Kitty 
Zhang Yuqi.  He and the director have been friends since the first 
INFERNAL AFFAIRS (MO GAN DOH).
	Lau Wai Keung and the groom were rumored to be at odds, why would
he attend the ceremony?  He said, "When we are at odds I can still come,
how else can we escalate it!"

* (3/29/2009) Angelica Lee Sinjie yesterday attended her children's book 
press conference and autograph session to raise fund for a charity 
education fund.  Lee Sinjie expressed that her mentor Sylvia Chang (Cheung
Ngai Ga) has helped her a lot and gave her many suggestions.  She said 
that she has already ordered 100 copies for children, family and friends 
back home in Malaysia.  As for her boyfriend Pang Shun, she joked that she
would ask him when she goes home.  Sinjie said that in the story Little 
Yellow Flower faces a lot of setbacks in life, but each setback has made
her grow and become braver.
	Lee Sinjie earlier attended Tsui Hark's A Tribute to Romantic 
Vision: 25th Anniversary of Film Workshop.  She expressed that she did not
have a chance ot chat with Tsui Hark that day.  She of course would like 
to work with him, but that night he was very busy.  Sinjie said that she
ran into Kuai Lun-Mei that night and got along famously as they embraced
and exchanged numbers.  "Actually that night was our first meeting, but I
have always liked Kuai Lun-Mei's acting.  I thought she had quite an aura
and hoped that we would have a chance to work together."  She expressed 
that she also saw Brigitte Lin (Lam Ching Ha).  That day Ching Ha appeared
to be radiating on stage.  Actually earlier she ran into her at a hotel 
and kept staring at her like a little fan.

* (3/29/2009) Although recently Stephen Chow Sing Chi received criticism 
from elders like Law Kar Ying and Wong Jing, Chan Kwok Kwan who rose to 
fame at his hand expressed at a Mainland program, "Sing Yeh is not as hard
to get along with as rumored.  He doesn't like to talk but is great with
artists."
	Chan Kwok Kwan caught Chow Sing Chi's eyes due to his resemblance
to Bruce Lee and signed him to Star Overseas for eight years.  He played 
important roles in SHAOLIN SOCCER and KUNG FU HUSTLE.  As for criticism 
that Chow Sing Chi had poor personality and only focused on money, Chan 
Kwok Kwan felt bad for Sing Yeh.  "I don't know why so many people talk 
about him, everyone seems to have no new film and needs to speculate.  The
Sing Yeh I know although doesn't like to talk and would be somewhat 
boring, but he isn't hard to get along with and his character isn't good.
He just spent all of his energy on movies and overlooked interpersonal
relationship."    During his eight years at Star Overseas, Chan Kwok Kwan
honestly said that he has taken Sing Yeh's scolding.  "When you perform 
poorly he would get mad and yell at you, but he is not deliberately 
picking on you; your performance isn't serious enough."  As for rumors of 
a petty Sing Yeh, Chan Kwok Kwan cited himself as an example to the 
contrary, "Over eight years I have only performed in two movies SHAOLIN 
SOCCER and KUNG FU HUSTLE, but the salary that he has paid is enough for
me to live on.  Sing Yeh treats us very well.  When he works on ads and 
promotions he would take us along to make some extra cash.  I admire him
a lot.  As long as he needs me, I will rush over to help."
	On the program the same day was Jay Chou (Chow Kit Lun)'s official
lyricist Vincent Fang (Fong Man San), who said that Chairman Chou was an 
idiot in life.  "He doesn't even know the basics of how to pay for 
utility bills or even take public transportation.  He doesn't know how to
shop at the convenience store.  If his cell phone and money are stolen, I
think he has a very hard time surviving."  Fong Man San even revealed 
that Chow Kit Lun was "computer illiterate".  "He types with one finger, 
very slowly.  He only uses computers to search for information.  He took 
a long time to learn MSN."
	Chairman Chou's specialty was swindling.  He often liked to play 
prank on his friends with different identities.  "Chairman Chou also 
picks up dancing very quickly.  He only looks daze, he always has the 
same expression.  However, Chairman Chou is very proud of his small eyes,
which he feels is very Eastern."

* (3/29/2009) Wong Kar Wai in a Mainland interview admitted that he would
like to invite Brigitte Lin (Lam Ching Ha) to return and already had a 
role in mind.  He was the happiest that no one has forgotten Ching Ha and
believed that when the time was right Ching Ha would come to this 
conclusion.  He would like to work with her.  However, Ching Ha has a mind
of her own, published her own book and would not be influenced by others.  
Earlier Shi Nansun revealed that Ching Ha would be suitable to play Mo 
Juk Tin.  Wong Kar Wai said that he also had a role that was right for 
Ching Ha but he would keep it a secret.

* (3/28/2009) Over the past few days some in the film industry have 
constantly criticized Stephen Chow Sing Chi.  Sandra Ng Kwan Yu and Gordon
Chan Ka Seung both have worked with Sing Yeh and still support him.  Kwan 
Yu even joked that when she worked with Sing Yeh she felt electricity and
praised Sing Yeh as a talented person who only did not know how to
express himself.  Kwan Yu yesterday attended a taping of her TVB program
with guests Donnie Yen Chi Tan, Gordon Chan Ka Seung and Chapman To Man 
Jat.  Chow Sing Chi recently has constantly been criticized, even Danny 
Lee Sau Yin who single-handedly gave Sing Yeh his start claimed that he 
had no friend.  Kwan Yu said that the comments were according to other 
people.  In her past with Sing Yeh he has always treated her very well.
She even praised Sing Yeh as a talented person who had his own ideas.  
"Perhaps in the eyes of others, he is a very difficult person to get along
with, but he just doesn't know how to express himself.  He only knows how
to express himself in movies."  In her view communication was the most 
important, having played a couple with him she even stated that with Sing 
Yeh she felt electricity.
	Even Tin Kai Man has criticized Sing Yeh on his weblog.  She 
said that was an issue with employer and employee.  She also praised Sing 
Yeh as a very charismatic man, now even better with his white hair.  Chan
Ka Seung also felt that each person dealt with matter differently.  In 
fact, many directors had poor temper.  Sing Yeh should not be the only 
target.  He was not without friends.  Life has many ways of doing things, 
which is just a matter of opinion.  He said, "An artist's personality is 
very important, he should have his own character.  If everyone is in PR, 
then no one is an artist."  He did not rule out working with him again. 
	In addition, reportedly Kwan Yu was not invited to the rumored 
Andy Lau Tak Wa wedding in Malaysia at the end of April.  Kwan Yu did not
believed the rumor and jokingly beg not to be invited as she was loose 
lipped.  She said, "Not inviting industry insiders is very normal.  I 
didn't invite any insiders to my wedding either."  She insisted that she
did not know whether Wa Jai was getting married, if so she would 
congratulate him, not if then she would treat it as a joke.

* (3/28/2009) The famous sixth generation director Jia Zhangke expressed 
at Zhengzhou, Henan, "In regards to the mission of our generation of 
directors, first in this movie we not only have to resolve the aesthetic 
problem, but also the most important question -- the question of realism."
Jia explained as a guest at the Third Annual Huangdi Cultural 
International Forum.  When Director Jia studied film theory profession at
the Beijing Film Academy Film, he gradually was dissatisfied with not 
being able to see ordinary people's lives on the Mainland silver screen.
He said, "The whole silver screen world has nothing to do with our lives, 
especially for us, children who grew up in small and medium-sized cities 
or the county seat rural villages; especially stories with backdrops that 
have profound cultures from the inland, but at the same time amid the 
contemporary development process are full of contradictions and full of 
difficulties."  He felt that he chose film because of his life; living 
life one way for a long time has given him a desire to express.  He hopes
to be able to display all of his personal survival experience through 
film.  While in the university, he and his classmates formed the Beijing
Film Academy Youth Film Committee, put together some money to make some 
films. 
	Director Jia's first short film screenplay XIAO SAN GOES HOME was
a story of a Henan Province migrant farm worker who in the 90s went to 
Beijing to work as a cook.  During the Spring Festival he wanted to go 
home and celebrate but he did not want to go alone.  Thus he hit the 
streets to look for other compatriots, including college students, 
construction workers, ticket vendors, in this process the condition of a 
Henan person who was drifting outside was on display.
	Director Jia liked to use local dialects a lot in his films, he 
also particularly liked to cast the so-called non-professional actors, so 
real characters from all walks of life could play their respective image. 
He said, "Inside dialects brew a natural and a linguistic charm that makes
people think that movies can show a very natural state, present to the 
screen a real world, a space and environment that is dusty, dialect 
speaking, very cordial, full of contradictions and also filled with hope."
He felt in the face of complex reality, in the face of this and that
crisis, we had to start from individuals, from simple concepts, so we 
can pursue truth, kindness and beauty.

* (3/28/2009) Stephen Chow Sing Chi has recently been brutally criticized.  
Earlier he spoke to a Mainland newspaper at his office.  He directly said 
that he did not have any feeling toward the various criticism from others.
	Sing Yeh looked exhausted.  "In my leisure I look like this."  He
also denied he has suffered any blow. "Because I have been in a company 
meeting the whole day and I still haven't eaten, I am a bit tired."  
Recently comments have been numerous, especially Manfred Wong (Man Jun)'s
article that claimed the Chow Sing Chi era has ended and Danny Lee Sau Yin
recounting his flaws.  In the face of various criticism, was he upset?  He
said that he has read all the related reports and did not have any 
feeling.  When others complained about him, they only made a comment that 
he would not keep inside.  Since he has been preparing for his new film 
he could not be busier.  Where would he still have the mood to worry about
something like this?
	Did he agree with the comment "Chow Sing Chi era has passed"?  
Sing Yeh said that this was someone's comment.  It did not directly 
affect him, so he could only laugh.  As for his friendship with Man Jun, 
Sing Yeh's eyes widened.  "I don't know Man Jun, I never had no contact 
with this person!"  Sing Yeh insisted on the principle of original 
scripts, thus his preparation would drag on so long.  Many have offered 
him scripts, but the scripts and roles did not fit him so he turned down
many offers.  He did not want to indiscriminately make money just for 
money.  Sing Yeh was a big star who was worth over 100 million, has he 
made enough?  He said, "Don't say it like that, how can money ever be 
enough!"
	Sing Yeh recently has not attended any public event has he become
"introverted"?  He said, "Not appearing in public events doesn't mean 
autism.  I have to discuss scripts with screen writers so I have to hide."
He also said that the era of drinking and nightlife has passed.  This 
year he is already 46 years old.  After a night of drinking the next day 
would be very tough, his head would be in incredible pain.  Should he 
still have a nightlife like this?

* (3/28/2009) Emperor Entertainment is celebrating the tenth anniversary 
this year, its singers Joey Yung Cho Yi, Gillian Chung Yun Tung, Ken Hung
Cheuk Lap, Vincy Chan (Wing Yi), Yumiko Cheng Hei Yi, William Chan Wai 
Ting, Deep Ng Ho Hong and Sherman Chung Shu Man yesterday attended an 
Emperor Entertainment Tenth Anniversary Event Announcement.  Charlene Choi
Cheuk Yin, Raymond Lam Fung and Nicholas Tse Ting Fung were abroad and 
could not attend.
	This year Emperor's ten events included Lam Fung's first Hong 
Kong Coliseum concert, Chan Wai Ting's mini-concert, Wing Yi's Music 
Night, Yung Cho Yi's Perfect Ten, Hung Sin Nui's Cantonese Opera 
animation film, two Emperor films, the all star tenth anniversary concert 
as well as many singer exhibits, but Joey said that hers would have to 
wait until she dies.
	Ah Gil brought her first TVB JADE SOLID GOLD group gold prize for 
the exhibit.  She would also have many concert costumes on display.  When
asked whether she and Ah Sa would perform as Twins at the company's year
end concert?  Her manager Mani Fo Man Hei cut in and said there would be a
chance.  Ah Gil said that from her comeback press conference she was ready
to perform on stage and hoped to have a lot of confidence to do so.
	As for rumors that she and Cecilia Cheung Pak Chi would work 
together on Derek Yee Tung Sing's SAM SIU YEH DIK GIM (THIRD YOUNG 
MASTER'S SWORD).  Mani said that he has not contacted her yet.  As for 
working with Pak Chi, Ah Gil said, "Probably not!"  Mani said that Ah Gil 
this year would focus on film.  

* (3/28/2009) Lau Ching Wan who rarely appears in public yesterday 
attended the Hong Kong Society for the Blind's "2009 volunteers and 
corporate partners ceremony" to cheer on more than 300 volunteers. Ching 
Wan was very popular at the scene, especially with the opposite sex.  
Former Best Actor award winner Ching Wan this year picked his good friend
Nick Cheung Ka fai to win and joked that dinner would be on him.
	Ching Han said that earlier while filming the movie SI LIM 
(REMINISCE) he got to know a group of volunteers.  In the film he played 
blind.  Before playing the role he personally visited the Association for 
the Blind to observe the daily lives of the blind, their every move, and 
made friends with a group.  Has he volunteered?  He expressed that he has 
only been a token helper, but if the chance arose he would have no 
problem.
	As for his popularity with Volunteers, he said, "They are too 
kind."  Many female volunteers called Ching Won handsome.  He appeared to
be thinner.  He revealed that when he made SI LIM was he was around 150 
pounds, the thinnest in recent years.  Now he has gained more than 10 
pounds because in his leisure he is just eating and drinking at home 
everyday.

* (3/28/2009) The large China and South Korea co-production SOPHIE'S 
REVENGE recently revealed stills from a major scene.  The scene was shot 
in a new Beijing landmark building and was grand.  Actress Zhang Ziyi's 
comedy appearance was exposed for the first time as well. 
	Dressed in a fashionable bright red jacket, exquisitely charming 
chestnut hair, and cute plush gloves, Zhang Ziyi played the female lead 
Sufei who after dressing up was full of confidence and went to the 
hospital, intended to "take back" her former doctor boyfriend.  In this 
still, Zhang Ziyi's expression was full of longing and yearning.  For her 
first attempt at comedy, Zhang Ziyi's graceful appearance and different 
from the past interpretations indeed has brought a fresh and new style to 
everyone. 
	Reportedly, the scene was highly difficult to shoot due to the 
enormous size of the venue.  For best results, the production crew did not 
select a ready-made real hospital, but spared no expense to construct a 
set on location in the newly completed Beijing New International 
Exhibition Center.  This was the first production permitted to shoot since
the completion of the new building.  Also, due to the multiple camera 
shoot and the sheer size of the cast in the enormous venue, on-site 
adjustment was very complex as a series of scenes needed to be shot in one 
take.  This film cost more than 50 million yuan, starred Zhang Ziyi, Fan 
Bingbing, So Jisub, Peter Ho Yun Tung, Ruby Lin (Lam Sum Yu), Yao Chen and 
others, and is expected to be released nationwide in August this year.

* (3/27/2009) Vivian Yeow (Yeung Sau Wai), Li Yanan, Yuen Qiu, Pinky 
Cheung Man Chi, Tin Kai Man and Zoie Tam Hoi Kei two nights ago attended 
an artist management company opening parties.
	Wong Jing, Manfred Wong (Man Jun) and Danny Lee Sau Yin recently 
criticized Stephen Chow Sing Chi's attitude.  Yuen Qiu did not feel Sing 
Yeh was difficult to get along with.  He was very serious at work and 
after work they would dine together.  Would she said something on behalf 
of Sing Yeh?  Yuen Qiu felt that actually Sing Yeh would not mind, as his
style has always been let others talk while he did things his way.  Yuen
Qiu expressed that she would not work with Sing Yeh for now, but sometimes
they would meet to chat.  She still was with Sing Yeh's company.

* (3/27/2009) William Chan Wai Ting, G.E.M Tang Chi Kei, Si Nga and Ciwi 
two nights ago worked on a street dance scene for their film THE BIG CHEAT 
(OI CHOOK MAU) at the Mong Kok pedestrian precinct.
	Earlier due to a torn ligament in his left leg, William received 
a double from director Oxide Pang Shun but he insisted on personally 
performing with G.E.M.  In one scene G.E.M had to step on a dancer's back
then lept into the air for William to catch her.  Finally they 
successfully completed the scene. 
	William was asked whether the pain was hard to take.  He only 
said, "The pain would last for one or two months, but the pain is quite a 
high.  For my first dance on the streets of Mong Kok, I truly was so
excited that I forgot about the pain."  G.E.M was just as excited about
dancing in front of over 100 strangers.  Did she ask William for advice?
William broke in, "She studied for a short time and danced very well, 
without any bad take!"
	William in the film would be in a relationship triangle with Si 
Nga and Ciwi.  He expressed that so far they have not had any intimate 
scene but he did not know about later.  However he would not resist any.  
Was he worried that his girlfriend AngelaBaby would be jealous of his 
intimate scene?  He joked, "She probably wouldn't be!"

* (3/27/2009) To celebrate the Film Workshop's 25th anniversary, Tsui Hark
and Shi Nansun two nights ago held a party.  Guests included Brigitte Lin
(Lam Ching Ha), John Woo (Ng Yu Sum) and his wife, Eric Tsang Chi Wai, Ti
Lung and his wife, Raymond Wong Pak Ming, Raymond Chow Man Wai, Ng See 
Yuen, Andrew Lau Wai Keung, Teresa Chiang Siu Wai, Kuai Lun-Mei, and 
Angelica Lee Sinjie.
	Ng Yu Sum disclosed that his new film 1949 due to copyright and 
contractual issues has been placed on hold.  The issues were not script 
related and now he is proceeding to prepare the other films.  When he made
A BETTER TOMORROW (YING HUNG BOON SIK), he reportedly had a difference of
opinion with Tsui Hark.  He explained, "Back then creatively we had our
own ideas, but our friendship was unharmed.  Tsui Hark is someone who I 
admire and appreciate.  Today we still appreciate each other.  That 
friendship will last forever. (Would you have any chance to work 
together?)  Who knows!  It's possible."
	Lam Ching Ha came with Ti Lung and his wife.  Although she did not
speak with the press, she kept smiling throughout and was as attractive as
ever.  Was Tsui Hark interested in making a biography film about her?  He
frankly admitted that due to too much outside pressure, all the talk has 
scared off Ching Ha.  Thus he dared not mention it again for now and had 
to keep a low profile.  Would casting for a young Ching Ha be difficult? 
He said that the film industry has many actors with potential, but the 
script has not been completed yet.  Cecilia Cheung Pak Chi reportedly was
interested in work with him on her comeback.  He honestly said that he 
would approach Pak Chi.  Her personality was very special and rare among
actors, she deserved to have further space for development. 
	Kuai Lun-Mei did not know in advance that Ching Ha would be 
present.  When she learned she was very excited.  "I have seen her movies, 
the most impressive was THE SWORDSMAN II (DUNG FONG BUT BAI).  If I see 
her I have to introduce myself.  (Ching Ha is still Taiwan's top beauty?) 
Right!  You would know without a close look, she is Taiwan's most 
beautiful."   Would she like to play the young Ching Ha?  She said, "If I 
have the pleasure......" Promoting her children's book in Hong Kong, Lee 
Sinjie revealed that in April she will work on Ah Ngau (Chan Hing Ching)'s
new film.  In it she and Ah Ngau would have romantic scenes.  However 
Sinjie for now had no interest in directing because directing required 
a balance between a lot of things.  She still did not have the ability to 
deal with them. 

* (3/27/2009) Richie Jen (Yam Yin Chai) yesterday appeared on a Commercial 
Radio program.  He revealed that his record will be released in April and 
at the same time he would promote SNIPER (SUN CHEUNG SAU).  Siu Chai in 
the film with Huang Xiaoming was full of muscles, he said that at that 
time he was much fatter.  Because his wife was pregnant, he would often 
eat with her.  The director earlier said that his shape was slim and fit, 
but during the shoot he got "much bigger".  However, he recalled his army 
instructors' body types were a lot of muscle and without any curve.  Now 
that he has completed the movie, he has returned to the shapely figure.  
Siu Chai also had to prepare for his next film.  With his six pack 
abdominal muscles now he would like to train to eight pack.  He said, 
"I've reached the Bruce Lee zero fat body type, at the time I took photos 
for keepsake." 
	Reportedly Edison Chen Koon Hei was rumored to have committed 
suicide in Beijing two nights ago.  Siu Chai laughed, "In the past, I have
been rumored to have jumped off a building on the internet.  I don't 
understand why such news had to be made up."  He remembered at the time 
he was surfing, a friend found him after a long time and everyone was 
threatened.  Would he believe that Chen Koon Hei would kill himself?  He
said, "No way!  If he would he would have done it a long time ago!  His 
personality isn't like that."  He also said that these rumors were silly.
If they claimed Chen Koon Hei was shot then some might believe them due to
the early bullet threat.  He said, "We should think and use common sense." 

* (3/27/2009) At the China Night reception and the "super typhoon" 
premiere two nights ago at the Convention center, Peter Lam Kin Ngok was 
present.  Speaking of SNIPER (SUN CHEUNG SAU)'s Singapore promotion, he 
was asked whether Edison Chen Koon Hei would appear as scheduled.  Lam
Kin Ngok expressed that no one has said that Chen Koon Hei would not 
attend.  He said, "When I say he goes, he goes."  Would he arrange for a
bullet-proof vest for Edison?  He joked that a bulletproof vest would be
useless, a scuba suite might be better.  He claimed that the local police
will take full security measures and no one will need to worry.  As for
private bodyguards, he said that Edison has always had them. 
	He said with his father's bankruptcy filing and this not so smooth
year, Edison would not be in a good mood.  Now he could not return to 
Hong Kong.  He sighed, "He is just a kid, even I say he is guilty.  I hope 
everyone will give him a chance, only then would he have a chance."
	As for Jill Vidal (Wai Si), he felt that he had no way to respond.
Any punishment would require proof.  Right now before any further 
information no action would be taken, so he had no response.  As a boss, 
he frankly said that he was not in a good mood because no boss would like
his own artist to make mistake.  Would he give Jill a chance?  He said that
he would never help anyone, but the two cases were different; one did not
make a mistake on his own, the other did but should she be punished?  He
said, "One is direct and the other indirect, I won't play favorites.  If I
make a mistake I would admit it.  If my driver crashed into someone I 
shouldn't have to go to prison!  People would determine the weight of the 
issue."  He said that Leon Lai Ming was not furious about Jill Vidal.  
Earlier he did not accept any interview because he was in a hurry to catch
his flight.  In addition he did not break the law.  If Wai Si truly did 
drugs then would she be fired?  Mr. Lam said that at this moment he could 
not answer.

* (3/27/2009) This year is the sixth anniversary of Leslie Cheung Kwok 
Wing's passing.  All over Hong Kong and Southeast Asia Wing fans have 
launched commemorations.  The Korean company More In Group's general 
manager TJ Chung, Hong Kong partner Choi Lik and Dominic Yip Tak Wai will 
hold a "Leslie Cheung Memorial Film Festival" in Korea. 
	2009 is the 100th anniversary of Hong Kong cinema, More In Group 
starting with "Never ending story in HK" has been promoting Hong Kong 
movies in Korea, and with Gor Gor's as the first shot the first event is 
"Leslie Cheung Memorial Film Festival".  The event will take place from 
March 27 to April 23 in Korea's HOOLYWOOD and DREAMCINEMA theaters.  Seven
of Gor Gor's films including HAPPY TOGETHER (CHUN GUONG JA SIT), THE 
PHANTOM LOVER (YEH BOON GOR SING), ALL'S WELL ENDS WELL (GA YAU HEI SI), 
BRIDE WITH WHITE HAIR (BAK FAT MOR NUI JUEN), DAYS OF BEING WILD (AH FEI 
JING JUEN), A BETTER TOMORROW and its sequel will be featured.
	In Hong Kong, starting March 28 a series of commemorative 
activities will take place, including an Avenue of Stars memorial event. 
On March 30 at the Golden Harvest Movie Gateway City a Cheung Kwok Wing 
film retrospective series 5 will take place.  A few attendees would 
receive film still postcards.  The proceeds from the two screening will be
donated to children's cancer fund. 

* (3/27/2009) Feng Xiaogang two days ago attended a "Chinese Film 
Outlook" forum in Hong Kong, where he blasted, "Hong Kong audience looks 
down on us!"  He was so upset that he even used foul language.
	Feng Xiaogang not only blasted the Hong Kong audience for "not 
knowing all about the goods", but also felt that Hong Kong and Taiwan 
lacked understanding of the Mainland culture, "So I now don't want to work
on the overseas markets, as long as I do a good job with China then it's 
just fine. The Mainland culture now is strange to Taiwan and Hong Kong." 
Then his series "blastes" rocked the audience.  "For example Wei 
Te-Sheng's publicity was known to most Hong Kong.  My movies over 10 years
have made a lot of money, but my reputation is not as great as Wei 
Te-Sheng's in a year.  My boss has promoted me, but the Hong Kong audience
doesn't care about me.  My films' Mainland box office is 350 million yuan 
and no one knows.  Yet Wei Te-Sheng's CAPE NO. 7 only made 100 million 
yuan, and Hong Kong audience all knew about it.  Because in their hearts, 
Taiwan films were more bullish than Mainland."  Feng Xiaogang was so upset
that foul language slipped.  "My movies in the Mainland made 20 million 
yuan a day at the box office, but here (in Hong Kong) it made 2 million 
yuan in a month.  Is it truly poor?  Many Hong Kong viewers were very 
touched.  Yet the Hong Kong audience look down on us (expletives)!  So why 
should we still go chasing after them and lick their faces?  I have always
been very direct, if I hurt the Hong Kong audience here there is nothing I
can do.  I have to say the truth." 
	Feng Xiaogang had a lot of confidence in his own brand.  He felt
that he would not need Zhang Ziyi to make EARTHQUAKE.  "For instance I 
want to make an earthquake movie next.  I calculated and it would take 
200 million yuan, but now I can make it with only 100 million yuan.  Do I 
have to hire Zhang Ziyi?  I said I would only pay 20 million yuan and Ziyi 
agreed, but I also sincerely said that I might as well use a rookie.  I 
want to spent the 20 million yuan in the production." 

* (3/26/2009) The Richie Jen (Yam Yin Chai), Huang Xiaoming starred, Dante
Lam Chiu Yin directed SNIPER (SUN CHEUNG SAU) two nights ago held its 
premiere at the Wanchai Convention Center.  Michelle Ye (Yip Shuen), 
Wilfred Lau Ho Lung, and Mango Wong Sau Lam also attended, but one of the
leads Edison Chen Koon hei did not return to promote in Hong Kong.  Miriam
Yeung Chin Wa and Elaine Lok Yi Ling were among other guests.
	Earlier a letter with a bullet enclosed threatened Chen Koon Hei 
against any comeback attempt.  Although Chen Koon Hei did not attend, the
security did not increase much.  Siu Chai expressed that he of course did 
not wear any bulletproof vest because Hong Kong was a very safe place.  He
was absolutely safe.  As for paying attention to anyone suspicious, he 
said, "With so many people here, how can I pay attention?"  As for 
publicity in Singapore, Siu Chai expressed that he has not received any 
notice from the company yet.  He said, "Even if I have to go to promote in
Singapore, I believe it will be very safe.  No one needs to worry."
	Siu Chai expressed that the film was completed two years ago.  
Because he has not seen the entire film, he has forgotten some scenes.  Of
course he would remember some tough scenes.  He expressed that he did not
mind Chen Koon Hei's absence but of course everyone together would be the
best.  As for the threat, Siu Chai felt that if it would help with the 
film's publicity it might not be all bad.  Yet if everyone only looked at
that threat and ignored the film then it would not be good at all.  He 
said, "I don't care what the reason is, everyone risked their lives for 
this film.  The production was very tough."  Has he called Chen Koon Hei?
"I didn't deliberate call.  Earlier I have already asked people around him
to give him my regards.  He needs some time to calm down because the 
incident still has aftermath.  He should think about his direction again.  
This incident has affected many entertainment newcomers.  I hope everyone
would give them some space."  As for the financial tsunami, he sighed, "I
have to keep working hard."
	Yeung Chin Wa hoped that Chen Koon Hei would be able to arrange 
new jobs for himself.  After the incident he was even more mature.  Was 
she worried about him?  She said, "Worry may be good.  He can use it to 
motivate himself, turning these worries and concerns to make himself work
harder.  That would be the most meaningful."  Has she met with Chen Koon 
Hei?  She only said, "A lot time ago online."  Chin Wa also said that she
did not need a bulletproof vest.  As a taxpayer she would trust the Hong 
Kong police.  Of course she did not want anything to happen either.  
	After the premiere, the cast and guests attended a film party at 
central.  Fama and Fong Ho Man also attended.  Huang Xiaoming expressed 
that in the film he had many scenes with Chen Koon Hei and said that Chen
Koon Hei's mother liked him a lot.  During the shoot, Chen Koon Hei often 
brought his mother to visit the set and took photos with him.  Xiaoming 
expressed after the premiere he felt very touched.  All the hard work 
before finally was not wasted.  As for the film's Mainland release, he 
said that if it could not be released of course he would be very 
disappointed.  The film was like his own child and it would be a shame.  
Would he blame Chen Koon Hei for not being able to promote the film and 
caused delay in its release?  He said, "No, I understand."
	Yip Shuen earlier was caught with Jason Wu Jing.  Two nights ago 
she said, "The report was very exaggerated.  We are just friends."

* (3/26/2009) Tsui Hark and Shi Nansun celebrated their Film Workshop's 
25th anniversary organized A Tribute to Romantic Visions: 25th Anniversary
of Film Workshop with this year's Hong Kong International Film Festival 
and displayed many Film Workshop items.  Yesterday an opening ceremony was
held.  Film Workshop's first film SHANGHAI BLUES actors Kenny Bee (Chung 
Chun To) and Sylvia Chang (Cheung Ngai Ga) attended.  Tsui Hark explained 
that due to technical issues many film props were not kept and some were
donated to the Film Archive.  As for the exhibit's romantic theme, Tsui 
Hark expressed that filmmaking was like plowing the field, from seed sowing
to harvest a lot of time was required.  Movies needed a group of people to
persist, willing to suffer was a type of romance.  In the past 25 years, 
he was the most satisfied with the first film SHANGHAI BLUES.  Would he 
work with Chung Chun To again?  He said that he would have to wait until 
he completed the new film, which would start production at the end of 
April.

* (3/26/2009) The Hong Kong Asia Film Financing Forum 2009 award 
ceremony took place yesterday.  Dante Lam Chiu Yin's WANTED (TUNG JUP FAN)
and Na Hong-jin's THE MURDERER received the awards.  Charlie Yeung Choi 
Nei with CHRISTMAS ROSE received the Excellence Award.  Yeung Choi Nei 
expressed that CHRISTMAS ROSE was her first film as a director and her 
first screenplay, so she was very glad that it was nominated and win.  In
addition she was able to land Pang Shun as its producer.  She cited that 
the entire market was "unpleasant" but everyone should look ahead.  She 
pointed out that this film on the second day of the forum has already 
raised HK$13 million.  It would start production at the end of the year 
but no casting has been confirmed.  She expressed that she would not 
perform as she hoped to focus on directing.  Would she ask for favors 
from Andy Lau Tak Wa and Gigi Leung Wing Kei?  She said that if the roles
were suitable and they had time she of course would be very happy to ask.
	She denied that this film was about her old flame.  Would she 
project her own emotions into her films?  She expressed that she projected
her own life experience and internal struggle, but it also had a little 
thrilling element.  The story had thrills and romance.  She was glad that
she received encouragement with the award.  Also, Lam Chiu Yin claimed 
that he was not as lucky as Yeung Choi Nei, but she has given him luck.  
His film has not raised enough financing and he still did not know how 
much investment it would need.

* (3/26/2009) THE SHINJUKU INCIDENT two nights ago held its Taiwan 
premiere.  Director Derek Yee Tung Sing, actors Jackie Chan and Daniel Wu
(Ng Yin Cho) attended.  The film's Tainan mobster, Taiwan actor Jack Kao, 
also attended.  Although in the film he was very rough on Ng Yin Cho, off
screen they were very friendly.
	Before the show the director and actors met with the audience.  
Many looked forward to the revealing scene with Jackie Chan and Ng Yin 
Cho.  Ng Yin Cho gave an embarrassed smile and said that the director 
arranged for this scene perhaps because he felt good stuff should be 
shared with the audience.  
	The event even arranged for a mystery guest to meet with Jackie 
Chan.  The guest was Emil Chau Wa Kin, who suddenly appeared and Jackie 
Chan immediately embraced.  Chau Wa Kin said, "Usually Big Brother would 
suddenly appear at my concerts then steal the show.  Today I have to 
appear at his premiere as retribution and steal his thunder."  Then he 
sang a few lines a cappella and the audience heated up.
	The Taiwan audience praised the film as very human.  Jackie Chan's
performance even brought the audience a pleasant surprise as no one 
expected Jackie Chan to be able to play a character who did not know any
martial art.
	With all the Brigitte Lin (Lam Ching Ha) comeback rumors, Jackie
Chan was asked whether his wife Lam Fung Giu would return.  He said, "It's
not that I wouldn't let her, this real big shot truly can't be moved.  If 
you want to see 'Dual Lin' sharing the stage, I feel this is an impossible
mission."
	Jackie Chan described Lam Fung Giu already had "young housewife 
mentality", she would not work with a good script.  Even when her 
benefactor Lee Heng asked she remained unmoved.  "A Hong Kong shampoo ad 
campaign offered her to show just half her face for HK$20 million.  I told
her this offer was higher than mine and she could help with family 
expenses, but she still declined."  Although his wife would not return, 
Jackie Chan promised to definitely bring Lam Fung Giu to attend this
year's Golden Horse Award.
	Jackie Chan has worked with Lam Ching Ha in POLICE STORY.  When he
recalled deliberately designing her glass table crash, she was screaming 
with fright and her legs were shaking.

* (3/26/2009) Tony Leung Chiu Wai and Carina Lau Ka Ling earlier went to
Beijing to promote ASHES OF TIME REDUX, which has been described as Wong 
Kar Wai's love letter to Leslie Cheung Kwok Wing in Heaven.  Yesterday at
the press conference, they along with director Wong Kar Wai and 
Christopher Doyle (To Ho Fung) shed tears in silence when Gor Gor was 
mentioned.  Maggie Cheung Man Yuk even sent a fax from the United States
to Wong Kar Wai.  He revealed that Cheung Man Yuk wanted to say, "Cheung
Kwok Wing and ASHES OF TIME will forever be in my heart."  Ka Ling also 
expressed that she missed Gor Gor the most in this film.  Recalling her 
collaboration with him, she would never forget his smile and his 
professional persistence.  Wong Kar Wai felt that in ASHES was a shadow 
in which everyone's shadow could be found.  It was not just a martial art
film.  Thus he looked forward to watching this film again today and how 
everyone's feeling would be.

* (3/26/2009) Kama Law Hoi San two nights ago attended a cosmetic event 
with Catherine Hung Yun.  Kama mentioned that she took her first film 
role.  In the new film she would play a 16 year old mother and work with
Chapman To Man Jat, Fiona Sit Hoi Kei, and Wong Cho Nam.  Kama disclosed
that her idol was Andy Lau Tak Wa and she would like to work with him.  As 
for her new film co-star To Man Jat, she felt stressed.  "I have always 
Ah Jat's performance since childhood.  Although we are over 10 years 
apart, we fortunately don't have any generation gap.  Before work started
everyone have already met and chatted.  He is very funny!"

[ BLAH OF THE WEEK ] Columns, Reviews, Interviews

1. MING PAO DAILY, MARCH 31 2009, FILM AND TELEVISION OBSERVATIONS
THIS PERSON STEPHEN CHOW SING CHI

	Manfred Wong (Man Jun) has discussed Stephen Chow Sing Chi more 
than once in his writing.  This time the incident has been elevated not 
only due to widespread internet discussions but also others like Raymond
Wong Pak Ming and Wong Jing have discussed Sing Yeh around the same time.
	Whether Chow Sing Chi is a loner, how many are his real friends in
the business, whether his partners have left one after another, how hard 
is he to get along with, actually all these questions have little to 
debate over.  Each person has the right to make personal evaluation of 
another person, as long as it is not slander and excessive personal 
attacks it is fine.

Keeping the Work And the Creator Separate
	The writer feels the work and the creator should be kept separate.  
How Chow Sing Chi is as a person has nothing to do with his work.  Film 
viewers like his work, his characters in movies, his comedy styling and
his acting methods; what kind of person the real him is no one needs to be
too concerned with.
	Even if he truly is very hard to get along with, during the shoot
no one can understand him.  He would try everything to achieve his 
production demand, all of which has nothing to do with the audience.
	The fact in the eyes of the audience is whether his movies are 
truly enjoyed by everyone.
	All the gossips during the shoot to outsiders are just gossips.
	Chow Sing Chi in recent years has been very low key.  Outside film
he rarely attends public events.  Most entertainment reports are paparazzi
shots of him at dinner or around his office.

Never Did Anything That Has Brought Troubles To Everyone
	He has not publicly said that he is Mr. Nice Guy, never crosses 
anyone, has many friends, works pleasantly with everyone.  Anyone who pays
attention to his news knows he mostly answers reporters' questions about 
his movies.
	No matter what kind of person Chow Sing Chi is, he has never done
anything that has brought troubles to everyone.  Perhaps this is one of 
the reasons that he is considered a loner.
	Few successful film professionals are easy to get along with, 
especially superstars.  Their psychological condition is difficult for 
outsiders to understand, perhaps they themselves have not completely 
understood why they would be like that.
	The best thing for people who like Chow Sing Chi movies is to 
ignore everything else and continue to appreciate his work.  
- KWOK HIN CHING

2. MING PAO DAILY, MARCH 30 2009, FILM WORDS
DANCE, SUBARU HAS SIGHT AND SOUND

	The Lee Chi Ngai directed Japanese film DANCE, SUBARU! is based 
on Japanese manga that performs the Swan Lake ballet.  Would it only be 
suitable for manga fans?  Yet surprisingly its performance is decent.  
This Japan, Hong Kong and Korea co-production achieves pleasing and 
entertaining attraction among the common.

Clean And Direct Tone
	Strictly speaking, the subject actually is melodramatic and 
contrived.  In the beginning twin siblings have a life and death terminal
illness tragedy.  In childhood the female lead even "slumps" to an exotic
dance hall, which is too much.  The director's slightest mishandling can
easily become a mess.  Fortunately this time Lee Chi Ngai shows steady 
abilities and outstanding sense of motion, with the serious production 
and proper casting the plot and dancing become more and more charismatic 
and even have a clean and direct tone.

Meisa Kuroki Catches Eyes And Escapes the ordinary
	The girl who plays Subaru's childhood is lively and fresh but 
looks ordinary.  When she grows up into a young woman, Meisa Kuroki stars
and indeed is a sharp on the eyes cold beauty who escapes the ordinary.  In 
addition her character is independent, strong and full of self confidence.
As soon as she appears she performs a Bolero solo, the music and movements
are absolutely "extraordinary".  No wonder dance experts immediately see 
her as a strong rival, makes colleague friends love and envy her and of 
course makes romantic hunk fall in love with her at first sight.

Hit Song, Hot Dance, Strong Sense of Rhythm
	The intriguing relationship story itself is only secondary, the 
main body is a series of "competitions" -- from the Swan Lake new talent
ensemble selection to the official performance, then through a famous 
master's guidance, along with Hip Hop street dance and modern dance, to 
an international competition in Shanghai that becomes the climax.  
Although doubles are often use and no one should demand real and intense
dance art, but undoubtedly it is complete, colorful and convincing.  The 
Hip-Hop dance is the most cheerful, with the strongest sense of rhythm of
hit song and hot dance.

Kaori Momoi Is Crisp and Touching
	Among the co-stars, veteran great Kaori Momoi as the cabaret 
owner resembles an "old witch" who is crisp and touching.  Korean female
star Ara as the American ballet expert is pretty, humorous and also very 
likable.  The black cat that appear and vanish on its own adds fun to this
film.

Lee Chi Ngai Beats Martial Art With Dance
	Musicals are not as popular in East Asian films as their South 
Asian Indian counterparts.  Dance training films are also fewer than the
West, only Japan's SHALL WE DANCE is an exceptional success.  Chinese 
films are better with martial art than dance, with the exception of Lee 
Chi Ngai's former colleague, Peter Chan Ho Sun's big musical number 
PERHAPS LOVE (YU GOR OI) that even hires an Indian choreographer.
	Lee Chi Ngai from THIS THING CALLED LOVE (FUN YUN MUK YU) to MAGIC
KITCHEN (MOR WAN CHU FONG) has made many Hong Kong films.  He also went to
Japan to make SLEEPLESS TOWN (BUT YEH SING).  This time his Japanese manga
adaptation mixes the originally contrived story and difficult to move 
dance movements smoothly and energetically as it becomes one of the few 
East Asian dance drama films with sight and sound.  - SHEK KEI

3. MING PAO DAILY, MARCH 30 2009, FILM AND TELEVISION OBSERVATIONS
SUGGESTIONS FOR FILM DEVELOPMENT FUND

	To truly help the Hong Kong film industry, the film development 
fund must be even more practical.  The allocation of around 20 million for
Hong Kong film investment in its first year is a pace that definitely 
cannot use up all 300 million.
	
Using The 300 Million's Productivity As Much As Possible
	300 million of course cannot be exhausted, but being able to use
as much of the 300 million to motivate productivity as possible would be 
the best.  Most of the investment amount in the end returns to the 
treasury.  An increase to the investment upper limit is obviously needed.
Currently the highest is 30% of 12 million cost budget investment.  The 
writer feels that it can be raised to 30% to 40% of 16 million, or even 
rocketed to 30% of 20 million.
	In order to encourage film professionals to make more profitable
movies, after the government invested 30% is made back and a little more
administrative fee the royalty should be completely given to these 
successful film professionals.  The government investment goal is not to 
share the profit with the private sector, but just to elevate Hong Kong 
film production rate.

Allocating Fund To Creative Film Professionals
	Film development fund should allocate certain amount, like 
Taiwan's Assistance Fund, to be given directly to some creative movies or
movies that can expand the future film industry.  We also hope to see Hong
Kong with its own CAPE NO. 7.
	Grants without repayment of course have quota and also need to be
strictly selected.  With 10 million a year, 2 million per film, 5 winners
are enough to encourage film professionals to create more better 
screenplays.
	Even so, over 3 years only 30 million or 1/10 of the 300 million 
fund would be spent.
	When the fund provides financial assistance to film awards or 
overseas film festival participations, it can easily spend several million
each time.  Since it is willing to spend this much at once, why not 
invest more on truly elevating Hong Kong film quality?

Hong Kong Films Lose In Quality And Quantity
	For Hong Kong films promotion currently is not the most important.  
Quality and quantity both have problems simultaneously.  Products must 
first be improved before promoting.
	Without enough quality films, just spending money alone on 
expanding markets is somewhat laughable.
	Everyone is the most concerned with the direct Hong Kong film 
investment portion of the film fund.  Many even think that the entire 300
million is spent on this segment.
	The writer worries the most that when the bill arrives, most of 
the fund would be spent on unrelated items.  Administrative fees would 
take up a lot too. - KWOK HIN CHING

4. MING PAO DAILY, MARCH 29 2009, FILM AND TELEVISION OBSERVATIONS
WHY GIVE UP FILM FUND ASSISTANCE

	The government has approved the Film Development's investment in
Hong Kong films, but applicants after the approval give up the government
assistance.
	There have always been opinions that the Development Fund cannot 
help Hong Kong films.  According to rumors, applicants only have two 
reasons to give up approval fund investment.
	First, after the application has been approved the money takes a 
long time to arrive.  If the production has wrapped but the government's 
money still has not arrived, what would it be needed for?  If this is the
fact, the Film Fund truly needs to be properly examined.
	The film has been completed, the government's money still has not
arrived.  In the future 1/3 of any profit has to go to the government.  
The government also gets 1/3 of the film royalty.  With all the 
restrictions, giving up of course is better than accepting.
	The second reason for giving up is the issue of profit split.
	Hong Kong films very rarely take the full budget to work with.  
Like other businesses, buyers would first make partial down payments that
would be used for production budget.
	Down payment can come from cinema circuits (Discounted after 
release at the box office), or from television, video and overseas right
buyers.
	Film Fund requires applicant and the government to open an 
account for the entire budget, another account that cannot be used for the 
down payments, and spend around 5% of the entire budget for professionals
to keep watch over this return account.
	Thus the money cannot be used, applicants have to raise 2/3 cash 
to be able to receive the government's 1/3 investment.
	The good intention of helping independent producers becomes 
hindrance and trouble, in the end only big companies with ample resources
can benefit.  When they pay 1/3 less they get one more movie.
	When the government takes action, the starting point is usually 
great; but the problems that the execution order creates often somewhat
violate the starting point.  In the end the percentage of this film 
development fund used to help Hong Kong film quantity would be very low, 
most probably are spent on administrative or various extra procedural 
expenses. - KWOK HIN CHING

5. TA KUNG PAO, MARCH 29 2009, LIGHT SHADOW PATH
DEPARTURES, THE ULTIMATE EMBODIMENT OF THE CONCISE

	 Recently, three foreign language movies have become the talk of 
the town.  The first was the box office hit THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN 
BUTTON, the second was the eight Academy Awards winner SLUMDOG 
MILLIONAIRE, the last is the currently in release Japanese film 
DEPARTURES.
	From the creative point of view, the former two films are high 
concept scripts.  They of course are very attractive to viewers and very
successful at the box office.  THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON is the
story of a person who gradually grows younger from birth, but it is not 
really the case because when the story begins he is a baby with an aged 
face.  From birth to age nine his body grows as he becomes an old man, 
after his teenage years he again becomes middle age, adolescent, child, 
infant and so on.  A person's life will not have two infancy stages, and 
from age zero to the teens, the lead's body continuously develops and not 
the other way round; in other words this is not a story of age regression, 
but of two different growth (as anti-growth) phases.  This story's logic
actually is a bit confusing.  Thus one of my friends with exceptionally 
strong logical thinking cannot fully get into this film.  Actually the 
resolution is very simple, only the director (or screenwriter) in order to
achieve visual and image variety abandons the simple rules of the game.
	The momentum of SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE can rival if not surpass 
CURIOUS, an example of commercial cinema.  The lead due to personal 
experience wins the big prize on the game show WHO WANTS TO BE A 
MILLIONAIRE.  The story is very simple, as a certain famous director said,
the merger of childhood past and Q and A changes the tune of a story of 
growing up into a new narrative order, which is a major breakthrough.  
Unfortunately, the entire film is carefully calculated, with a lot of 
coincidence and no suspense.  When screen writers watch the film it does 
not have any pleasant surprise in the plot.  In addition the lead (adult 
portion)'s performance is not outstanding, like THE CURIOUS CASE OF 
BENJAMIN BUTTON's Brad Pitt he is just competent and is not match for 
DEPARTURES' Masahiro Motoki. 
	The subject of "Encoffineer" (make up artist for the dead) indeed
is very difficult to write well.  Some said that because the Japanese has
always valued the ceremony, but this explanation is not established; in 
the film the coffin of the lead's father came close to being hastily 
closed, proving that the existence of "encoffineer" is not definite at 
the funeral.  The first part of the film is full of entertainment, but the 
latter part is moving; combined with Masahiro Motoki and veteran actor 
Tsutomu Yamazaki's performance, the creative people should indeed be very
impressed.  The story of how a person becomes an "encoffineer" and how he 
would be accepted by his wife is simple.  Without any odd setup and 
shocking design it is very touching.  Only winning the Oscar for best 
foreign language film is a bit aggrieved.  The writer thinks such a rare 
film at least should have a Best Picture nomination. - TIN LIK

6. MING PAO DAILY, MARCH 28 2009, FILM AND TELEVISION OBSERVATIONS
FENG XIAOGANG IS RIGHT!

	Feng Xiaogang is Mainland's highest grossing director.  IF YOU ARE
THE ONE had a 340 million yuan performance.  The 1.3 billion population 
market has been conquered, but he has no way to please Hong Kong, the 
little market of 7 million people.
	IF YOU ARE THE ONE in Hong Kong only made 1.5 million.  What Feng
Xiaogang referred to was that the Hong Kong audience thought the Mainland
movies were lame.
	He spoke the truth, which also proved that he minded this fact 
very much.
	In terms of business, the 1.3 billion big market is already in his
pocket, why should he care about the minority audience of Hong Kong.
	Yet film professionals are film professionals.  Although they know 
fully that they cannot possibly please the whole world, even if the 
extreme few are out of favor they still matter.
	Hong Kong audience is harder to please than the Mainland audience,
a fact that is absolutely true.
	With the big market of 1.3 billion population, even with the 
audience taste changes in comparison it is more stable than small markets.
	In the Mainland, the market is divided into North and South.  Feng
Xiaogang's box office is mainly from the North.
	Mainland films that are out of favor with Hong Kong audience are 
mainly modern films, costume films in comparison is a little better.
	We usually categorize the movie going audience into four groups:
young viewers, working women, male viewers and family viewers.
	Feng Xiaogang's modern romance is not the genre that family and 
male viewers prefer.
	Young viewers would support small scale romance but would mind 
that IF YOU ARE THE ONE's cast is not young enough, the content is too 
mature.  Although the dialogues are good, they are difficult to relate to.
	Originally working women is this genre's target audience.  The SEX 
AND THE CITY movie made over 10 million, THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA performed 
even better.  Yet Hong Kong female viewers demand pretty people, pretty
clothes and pretty scenery with their romance.
	IF YOU ARE THE ONE has pretty scenery as it shot on location in 
Hokkaido, better than the average Mainland modern film.  Its fashion is 
also reasonable.  As for pretty people, Shu Qi is not a problem; Ge You 
is not handsome, which is very hard for them to get into.
	LOOK FOR A STAR (YAU LUNG HEI FUNG) also has Shu Qi but pairs her
with Andy Lau Tak Wa instead.  In Hong Kong it made over 10 million.  It 
is just that easy. - KWOK HIN CHING

7. MING PAO DAILY, MARCH 27 2009, FILM WORDS
FILM FESTIVAL, HONG KONG FILM SNIPER IS STIMULATING

	The Thirty Third Annual Hong Kong International Film Festival 
opened last Sunday, both opening films SHINJUKU INCIDENT and NIGHT AND FOG
(TIN SHUI WAI DIK YEH YU MO) are Hong Kong produced.  Although they are 
"biased", Hong Kong should be cheered for.
	Both films do not cater to the Mainland official standards, but 
are related to Mainlanders who leave their homes.  SHINJUKU's Jackie Chan 
plays a nice guy from the Northeast who goes to try his luck in Tokyo.  
NIGHT's Zhang Jingchu plays the Sichuan woman who marries to Hong Kong.  
Hong Kong film and the Mainland's relationship truly are very "close." 
	It also has almost "pure Hong Kong films," the Dante Lam Chiu Yin 
directed SNIPER (SUN CHEUNG SAU) is the typical Hong Kong style (also with 
Mainland and Taiwan actors) and makes the three current and former Hong 
Kong police sharpshooters' rivalry fierce and intense.  Honestly, this
film suits my taste more than the two opening films as it is rather 
stimulating. 
	In fact, before Lam Chiu Yin directed BEAST STALKER (JING YUN) 
last year he has already completed SNIPERS, but due to one of the leads 
Edison Chen Koon Hei's scandal it could not be released until this year's 
film festival "world premiere".  In the current version Chen Koon Hei's 
role is not the most important, while Richie Jen (Yam Yin Chai) and Huang 
Xiaoming have more screen time and more prominent.  Huang Xiaoming is a 
top Mainland television star who plays a super sharpshooter who turns from
good to evil.  He is calm, cool and collected.
	SNIPER is impressive, once again displays the Hong Kong cops and 
robbers gunfight film's unique attraction.  This year's Film Festival is 
also screening BEAST STALKER, a perfect match that shows Lam Chiu Yin's 
good standing.  In addition it also has Tsui Hark's Film Workshop 25th 
anniversary special programs, in which John Woo (Ng Yu Sum)'s A BETTER 
TOMORROW is a classic Hong Kong gunplay film.
	Unexpected is the Film Festival retrospective of Hong Kong 
Mandarin film veteran writer and director Evan Yang (Yik Man)'s old films, 
which also have MAGNIFICENT GUNFIGHTER (SUN CHEUNG SAU).  I have not seen
it yet.  In my impression Yik Man is very old-fashioned literary, his 
most famous representation is the War Against Japanese Aggression film SUN
MOON AND STAR (SING SING YUET LEUNG TAI YEUNG).  Lucille Yu (Yau Man), 
Grace Chang (Got Lan) and Julie Yeh Feng (Yip Fung) were very outstanding.
	Among the Film Festival's Hong Kong films, the Wong Kar Wai old 
martial arts film ASHES OF TIME REDUX is very popular.  He has also made 
modern male and female kilers with guns, such as AS TEARS GO BY (WONG GOK 
KA MOON)'s Andy Lau Tak Wa and CHUNG KING EXPRESS' Brigitte Lin (Lam Ching
Ha). 
	Even Law Wing Cheong's TACTICAL UNIT - COMRADES (GEI DUNG BO DUI 
-- TUNG BAU) has a big church gunfight cliimax.  In fact, his TACTICAL UNIT
-- THE CODE (GEI DUNG BO DUI -- GAING LAI)) is even better.  Unfortunately 
it is never released theatrically, only on video.
	The Johnson Lee Si Jit written and directed independent film 
CITIZEN KING is also worthy of attention.  With love, sex, fisticuffs and
gunplay, it has made film enthusiasts look very crazy and interesting.
- SHEK KEI

8. MING PAO DAILY, MARCH 27 2009, FILM AND TELEVISION OBSERVATIONS
CAN TWO AWARD SHOWS BECOME ONE?

	Asian Film Awards entered its third year this year, as Japanese
films are this year's big winners. 
	The Hong Kong International Film Festival Society founded the 
Asian Film Awards in 2007 mainly to honor the Asian film industry's 
outstanding achievements. 
	Hong Kong every year has the Hong Kong Film Awards, which also has
the best Asian Film category.  With the two award shows very close in 
dates and both have government financial assistance.  Naturally people 
consider the possibility of merging them into one.
	The Hong Kong film professional organizations formed Hong Kong 
Film Award Company organizes the Hong Kong Film Awards, while the 
International Film Festival organizes the Asian Film Awards.  Although 
the agencies are different, cooperation should not be impossible.
	Cooperation is not necessarily a merger.  Most importantly 
resources can be saved, perhaps a win win situation can be achieved. 
	The Hong Kong Awards funding mainly comes from three sources, 
first is television broadcast fees, second is advertising sponsorships,
and third is government assistance.
	The Hong Kong Film Awards often lack funding, the government 
financial assistance is not enough.  Yet the Asian Film Awards every year 
are granted millions and invite many well-known overseas guests. 
	Both award shows' guests often overlap, the event dates are not 
too far apart.  Thus most would only agree to attend one of them, usually 
they would choose the one with better treatment. 
	Such a situation has occurred.  Both events at the same time 
applied with the government to invite overseas guest presenters, but the 
approved treatments were different. 
	These two different presentation ceremonies have different 
organizers, but over 80% of those who have their hands in the events and 
even the attendees are the same.  Since both ask the Government for money, 
each of the two shows wants millions, why not come up with one even more 
star-studded grand event? 
	Above are purely personal opinions of the author, from the 
cost-saving point of view. - KWOK HIN CHING

9. MING PAO DAILY, MARCH 26 2009, FILM WORDS
A VERY SHORT LIFE

	After a long hiatus Hong Kong true crime films have emerged again, 
Ann Hui On Wa's NIGHT AND FOG (TIN SHUI WAI DIK YEH YU MO), based on a
real family violence case, was one of this year's Hong Kong International
Film Festival; the Dennis Law Sau Yiu written and directed A VERY SHORT 
LIFE (DUEN JAM DIK SUN MING) was also a family tragedy.  Rushed to be 
released first, its category III rating attracted some viewers.
	A VERY SHORT LIFE also alluded to real cases: a young woman was 
charged with beating her young daughter to death and also turned a blind 
eye to her boyfriend's constant sexual abuse of her daughter.  It was 
truly a human tragedy.
	However, this film did not shoot the brutal family abuse and 
sexual abuse in detail.  Instead it concocted a high ranking female police
officer and her subordinates' torture of the young woman prisoner, which 
turned into "top ten tortures".  Such derange and violent abuse completely
exceeded the Hong Kong Human Rights Law and the police regulations and was 
unbelievable. 
	Perhaps the local police had abuse of power cases, but this film
could not achieve any realism and persuasiveness.  It only took the 
opportunity to concoct gimmicks so that the Leila Tong Ning played young 
woman would give a flesh baring and blood splattering torture scenes.  
Maggie Shiu Mei Kei as the female police officer due to an incest tragedy 
in her own home could tolerate no longer, but why would it turn into a 
woman persecuting another woman?  Only in the latter part did she express 
sympathy.  The entire film was short and simple but lacked real and solid 
material.
	The prelude was more wonderful.  The girl claimed to have already 
died, which was a little eerie.  Officially the story had no ghost. 
- SHEK KEI

[ In Production Now/Soon ]

KUNG FU CYBORG
  Can : Gei HEI Hup
  Lit : Mechanical Hero
    d. Jeff Lau Chun Wai
    Hu Jun, Betty Sun Li, Alex Fong Lik Sun, 
      Gan Wei, Ronald Cheng Chung Kei, Jason Wu Jing, 
      Eric Tsang Chi Wai, Law Kar Ying
  Opening July 2009

  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)

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? 

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.

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 ]

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

[ BROADWAY CIRCUIT ]
  In 2015, 15 years after "Bloody New Year's Eve", after Kenji opposed
  the Friend constructed robot and vanished, the Secret Base Gang goes
  their separate ways.  Each secretly continues to fight -- Otcho escapes
  from the Umihotaru Prison, Yoshitsune now leads his own underground 
  group against Friend.  Maruo decides to follow tightly a certain 
  important individual and waits for the right itme to act, Yukiji raises
  Kenji's niece Kanna.  This group of old classmates also gradually 
  remembers their childhood memories in regards to Friend.....?

  The New Book of Prophecies has also appeared.  "In 2015 at a church in
  Shinjuku, a savior will rise to uphold justice and be struck by an 
  assassin."  Who is this "savior"?  What will happen to the world?

PERMANENT RESIDENCE
  Can: Wing Gau Gui Lau
    d. Scud (Wan Cheung)
    Sean Li Ka Ho, Osman Hung Chi Kit, Jackie Chow Tak Bong, Lau Yu Hong
  Rating : III
  Length: 115 mins.
  Opening March 27 2009 at the Hong Kong International Film Festival
  Opening April 16 2009
  Site: http://www.hkiff.org.hk/eng/film/detail/1137.html

[ HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL ]
  The second film from the producer/screenwriter/co-director of CITY 
  WITHOUT BASEBALL explores in complete abandon and full nudity the life 
  story of a young man who pursues an impossible love with his straight
  boyfriend and who contemplates on the mortality of his loved ones.  

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?

TOUCH OF THE PANDA
  Can : Hung Mau Wui Ga Lo
  Lit : Panda's Road Home
    d. Yu Zhong
    Daichi Harashima (Dai Doh Yuen Dei) 
  Opeing April 30 2009

HANDSOME SUIT
  Can : Fan Juen Ju Nam Si Wong Ji
  Lit : Turning Over Pork Belly Is A Prince
    d. Hanabusa Tsutomu
    Shosuke Tanihara, Muga Tsukaji, Keiko Kitagawa, Miyuki Oshima
    Cantonese Voices: Eric Kot Man Fai, Jan Lam Hoi Fung
  Opening April 30 2009
  Site : http://encorefilms.com/handsome-suit

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 7 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.

KUNG FU CHEF
  Can : Gung Fu Chu Sun
  Lit : Kung Fu Kitchen God
    d. Yau Tat Chi
    Sammo Hung Kam Bo, Vanness Wu (Ng Kin Ho), 
      Cherrie Ying Choi Yi, Lam Tze Chung
  Opening May 2009 
  Opening February 19 2009 in Malaysia

[ GOLDEN SCREEN CINEMAS ONLINE ]
  Jo had kept hatred in his heart for a very long time and did what he
  could to oust his uncle Wong Bing-Yi (Sammo Hung) from the village and
  to claim the rights to the “Dragon-Head Cleaver”, a symbol of power to
  the clan. As Wong Bing-Yi was forced out of the village, he encountered
  Shen Qing by chance and is determined to help her during the troubled
  times at her restaurant “Four Seas”.

  Here, he discovered a young cooking wonder, Lung Kin-Yat. To bring “Four
  Seas” back to the top, Lung ends up representing “Four Seas” to the
  competition against Chef Tin, two times “Top Chef” winner and the head
  chef at “Imperial Palace”, the restaurant owned by Jo.

  At the day of the finals, Wong Bing-Yi and Jo met privately to try to
  resolve their problems. Lung shined by overcoming many obstacles and 
  preparing a dish called “Fresh Water Bak-Choy” just as his master, Wong
  Bing-Yi had taught him. However, the head judge has been bribed by
  “Imperial Palace” and he is also the master of Chef Tin. Who will
  finally win the title of “Top Chef”? Can the “Kung Fu Chefs” finally win
  over the hearts of many? 

KERORO THE MOVIE 4
  Opening July 9 2009

---
[ Entertainment URL ]

MEDIA ASIA
http://www.mediaasia.com

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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

--------------------------------------------------------------------
Box office info    : What Box Office Info?
The usual suspects : Internet Movie Database, Yahoo! Hong Kong
Erors : ye olde chaffing editor

For Thursday March 26 2009

10 WATCHMEN
    d. Zack Snyder
    Malin Ackerman, Billy Crudup, Matthew Goode

 9 PASSENGERS
    d. Rodrigo Garcia
    Anne Hathaway, Patrick Wilson, Andre Braugher

 8 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

 7 HAPPY FLIGHT
  Can : Hoi Sum Jik Hong
  Lit : Happy Direct Flight
    d. Shinobu Yaguchi 
    Ayase Haruka, Seiichi Tanabe

 6 THE READER
    d. Stephen Daldry
    Kate Winslet, Ralph Fiennes, David Kross

 5 SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE
    d. Danny Boyle, Loveleen Tandan
    Dev Patel, Anil Kapoor, Saurabh Shukla

 4 HE'S JUST NOT THAT INTO YOU
    d. Ken Kwapis
    Jennifer Connelly, Ben Affleck, Jennifer Aniston, Drew Barrymore

 3 DANCE, SUBARU!
  Can : Mo Ba! Gok
    d. Lee Chi Ngai
    Momoi Kaori, Meisa Kuroki, Miku Sano, Ara

 2 UNDERWORLD: RISE OF THE LYCANS
    d. Patrick Tatopoulos
    Michael Sheen, Bill Nighy, Rhona Mitra

 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

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? 

DANCE, SUBARU!
  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...

HAPPY FLIGHT
  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?

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 28 2009

15 TWO MISSING ONE
  Can : 2 Kuet 1
  Charlene Choi Cheuk Yin

14 UNFORGETTABLE DAY
  Can : Nan Mong Dik Yut Tin
  Xu Wei (Hui Ngai)

13 MESMERSIZING MAZE
  Can : Mai Won Jun
  Z-Chen Chang (Cheung Chi Sing)

12 COUNTRY
  Can : Gok Ga
  Jackie Chan, Liu Yuanyuan

11 SUN WAHSED IN SPRING RAIN
  Can : Chun Yu Lui Sai Gor Dik Tai Yeung 
  Wang Leehom (Wong Lik Won)

10 ALONE IS GOOD
  Can : Yut Gor Yun Jau Ho
  Jade Liu Liyang 

 9 SONG WRITTEN FOR YOU
  Can : Wai Nei Seh Dik Gor
  Alan Luo (Law Chi Cheung)

 8 LOVE SONG
  Can : Ching Gor
  Jasmine Leong Jing Yu

 7 ALLEGRO OPUS 3.3AM
  Eason Chan Yik Shun

 6 CAN PRAISE CAN WEEP
  Can : Hor Gor Hor Yup
  Joey Yung Cho Yi

 5 CAPE STAR WEAR MOON
  Can : Pei Sing Dai Yuet 
  Hins Cheung King Hin

 4 I LOVE YOU
  Can : Ngor Oi Nei
  Faye Wong

 3 FISH
  Can : Yu
  Cheer Chen Yi Jing

 2 WHY ME
  Chris Li Yuchun

 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.

CHASING AFTER PEOPLE AND LICKING THEIR FACES

	Your Chaffing Editor has no way what this week's column title 
means either, but after reading about Feng Xiaogang's blow up in Hong 
Kong he has come to the conclusion that it meant the same thing as 
"kissing @$$es".  
	The opening paragraph has proven the point that China's most 
profitable director wanted to make.  The cultural difference remains 
between both sides of the strait, so much so that he is accusing the Hong 
Kong audience of "looking down on" Mainland films (which is probably 
true).  However, Your Chaffing Editor would like to warn Director Feng 
about that same sense of entitlement that has sunk both Hong Kong and 
Hollywood film industry and will likely sink the Mainland industry before 
it even gets a chance to bloom.  While Old Chaffy agrees that you do not 
need a market that does not "care about" you, the outburst does little to 
improve the situation (unless you are a glutton for punishment like Your 
Chaffing Editor).  Moreover, Your Chaffing Editor agrees with the 
converse.  If all the co-productions are bad and make less and less money,
should we stop "chasing after it and licking its face" and focus on making
movies that can profit in Hong Kong first?  (More easily said than done, 
Your Chaffing Editor is afraid.)
	No matter Director Feng is such good friends with Sing Yeh.  Sigh.

	Your Chaffing Editor actually enjoyed WATCHMEN.  After being 
repeatedly warned about the BIG BLUE D0\G (TM) and the awkward sex scene,
Old Chaffy did not understand what all the uproar was about.  The movie 
was as faithful to the original graphic novel as it possibly could be.  
The dilemma though was that since Your Chaffing Editor read (re: glanced 
at) the original, he was able to follow along; however, in doing so he 
also knew what would happen for the most part and wondered if others would
enjoy the film as much without the benefit of the original work.
	Along the same line is this story.  A Thai fire fighter dressed up
as Spider Man to get an autistic child away from a balcony.  Funny how 
none of Old Chaffy's exes bought the story as the reason that he had a 
Wolverine costume in the closet.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20090324/od_afp/thailandchildrenoffbeat

Who is enjoying IF U SEEK AMY a little too much?

Jer Jer Stinks,
Your Chaffing Editor
Top Ten Central

----------------------
HK Top Ten Central 
hktopten@hotmail.com	  | http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Towers/2038