From: NO TOP TEN CENTRAL Newsgroups: alt.asian-movies,soc.culture.hongkong.entertainment Subject: [TAKE OVER] HKSAR Film No Top 10 Box Office (APRIL 16 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. Claire Yiu Ka Nei and Lam Cho Fai who gave birth to a six pound and a half baby girl Kyra on the 19th B. Shu Qi who celebrates her birthday on the 16th C. Moses Chan Ho who celebrates his birthday on the 16th 2. MISCELLANEOUS * (4/22/2009) Earlier at a taping of BE MY GUEST, Stephen Chan Chi Wan presented Michael Tse Tin Wa with a banner of the word LAUGHING that was built from $5 coins. Later Tin Wa put it on auction for charity. Yesterday Tin Wa and Chan Chi Wan attended a press conference to announce that the banner was auctioned for ten times its base bid and Tin Wa will personally hand the banner to the winner at the opening show of BE MY GUEST stage edition on the 27th. Reportedly the Michael Tse Tin Wa starred film LAUGHING GOR CHIN JUEN (LAUGHING BROTHER PREQUEL) did not receive support from Best Actors Anthony Wong Chau Sun and Francis Ng Chun Yu. Tin Wa said, "I have spoken with Chau Sun Gor over the phone and he personally confirmed that he will play an important role in the film. Although Chun Yu hasn't confirmed, Chau Sun Gor said that Chun Yu was very interested in the film too." As for the female lead, Tin Wa expressed that director Herman Yau Lai To will cast and no one has been confirmed yet. Later Tin Wa kissed up and felt that the film should invite Chan Chi Wan to guest star. He joked that if Chan Chi Wan was willing to help, he would make sure that Chan played a boss. Chan Chi Wan joked that he did not know how to act and would ruin the entire film. In addition, the TVB broadcast of the Hong Kong Film Award was criticized as poorly edited. Chan Chi Wan explained that the Hong Kong Film Award did not have any rehearsal before hand, and with the sheer number of attendees timing was very difficult to control. Problems thus were inevitable. TVB on the 25th and 26th on TVB Jade High Definition and TVB Jade will broadcast the complete version. TVB's exclusive broadcast contract of the Hong Kong Film Award will end this year. Will TVB bid for it next year? Chan Chi Wan said, "We would, but I personally feel that the event should provide a signal for all major Hong Kong media to broadcast this annual event together." * (4/22/2009) The Alex Law Kai Yu, Mabel Cheung Yuen Ting directed film ECHOES OF THE RAINBOW (SHUI YUET SUN TAU) took place in the 60's Hong Kong. Yesterday Sandra Ng Kwan Yu and Simon Yam Tat Wa wore nostalgic costumes and worked on the film in Central's old building area. 1/3 of the film's funding (around HK$3 million) came from the Hong Kong Film Development Fund. Law Kai Yui expressed that he did not run into any trouble with location and the production has been rather smooth. He said, "Hong Kong in the 60s although was poor, everyone worked very hard and had a sense of direction. Now the negative energy is too much! Only through film can Hong Kong people's former spirit and old scenery live forever as collective memory." Ng Kwan Yu expressed, in the 60s people of Hong Kong were hard working and straight laced. Everyone had the "all for one and one for all" spirit. Back then they did not have too much entertainment. Everyone worked and lived in order to support the livelihood of the family. Kwan Yu joked, earlier her mother visited the set, saw her in the nostalgic costume and was frightened. Kwan Yu wore a wig and a pair of plastic slippers, which she said that her mother used to dress like this. Kwan Yu said, "Ah Ma saw me and realized that I looked just like her back then. When I got home I even dug up her old photos to reminisce." Kwan Yu in the film played shoemaker Yam Tat Wa's wife, their son had a terminal illness. Kwan Yu spent more than half the film crying. The story was biographical, which was very different from Kwan Yu's usual comedy. Would her return to drama increase her chance at a film award? Kwan Yu said, "The film hasn't been completed yet, not all movies with crying get an award. I never thought about it. Nine out of ten scenes are crying, crying hard, which makes me somewhat unpleasant. Like I have a mental illness, I am very nervous and intense. I am losing it a little and afraid that I have emotional illness. I asked the doctor about the hand tremors and stuffy chest. The doctor suggested for me to reduce work." Kwan Yu expressed that she is working on a Wong Jing comedy as well as radio and television, everyday her mood goes through a roller coaster. She would like for everything to return to normal after the film wraps at the end of the month. In addition, Kwan Yu denied that she was pregnant. She explained that she had to play the mother of two in her 40s so she gained weight for the role. "I don't mind pregnancy, if I am pregnant I would be very happy." Yam Tat Wa spent half a month before the production on studying shoemaking, the reason was in the film he had to play a shoemaker. Yam Tat Wa planned to personally make shoes for Ng Kwan Yu, his wife and daughter. Yam Tat Wa expressed that he would make leather shoes for them, but because high heels were very difficult he might not be able to do so. One of the reasons that ECHOES OF THE RAINBOW took place in the 60s was the director wanted to record some old landmarks and childhood history. Yam Tat Wa said, "I hope through this film the government realizes that many things need to be kept and maintained. Hopefully they would be cherished more." Avid photographer Brother Wa not only brought his own camera to the set but also his daughter's teddy bear to take pictures with. Meanwhile, his wife Qi Qi at an event expressed that her husband was not disappointed and had a lot of sportsmanship at the Hong Kong Film Award, as he felt that the winners all deserved their awards. Qi Qi also said, "He has already worked hard for many years and had five nominations. I believe it will be his sooner or later. In my heart he is already the Best Actor, Best Papa and Best Husband." * (4/22/2009) After Paw Hee Jing won the Hong Kong Film Award Best Actress Award, celebration, work and crying have been nonstop. While she has been busy with making movies and hosting ATV programs she also had to take time to accept congratulations from everywhere. Yesterday, Paw Hee Jing taped her ATV program. Lam Wai Shun and other artists brought out a cake and flowers to celebrate with her. When Paw Hee Jing saw her husband Fong Ping's congratulations to her, she was moved to tears. Two nights ago fresh out of the oven Best Actor Nick Cheung Ka Fai and Paw Hee Jing accepted Sandra Ng Kwan Yu's radio program interview. Kwan Yu mentioned TVB's Hong Kong Film Award broadcast storm. Kwan Yu said, "I introduced Paw Hee Jing as 'Asia representative' because she came from Asia Television. After this line, I also joked that I didn't know whether Ms. Lok (TVB executive Elaine Lok Yi Ling) would cut it, but Ms. Lok did not have any response. Later (Carina) Lau Ka Ling and I speculated whether it would be cut." Finally, TVB indeed cut it. Ms. Lok was seen sending text messages on her phone during the show. Cheung Ka Fai joked, "Maybe she was texting back to the company to cut the related dialogue." Ng Kwan Yu said, "Ms. Lok was texting her drive to pick her up." * (4/21/2009) Paw Hee Jing with THE WAY WE ARE (TIN SHUI WAI DIK YUT YU YEH) won this year's Best Actress Hong Kong Film Award. Many good friends who witnessed Sister Bao's victory were moved to tears. Sister Bao two nights ago attended three celebrations. However, because TVB cut Sister Bao's speech out as well as the entire Hong Kong Film Award into pieces it has upset many on the internet and in film. Sister Bao two nights ago attended the event's celebration with her husband Fong Ping, the couple was asked to pose for photos with a kiss on the cheek. Later Sister Bao went to a Tsim Sha Tsui restaurant to attend Ann Hui On Wa's THE WAY WE ARE celebration, then rushed to good friend Derek Yee Tung Sing's celebration for her. Chin Kar Lok, Alex Fong Chung Shun, Jaycee Chan (Fong Cho Ming) and Fiona Sit Hoi Kei came to congratulate her. Sister Bao at the party kissed her husband as requested. She joked, "After several decades of marriage we are like newlyweds again." Sister Bao honestly said that she felt very fortunate and appreciated the support of those around her. Hui On Wa pointed out that if she did not win riots might have erupted, she said, "Right! She told me not to cry if I don't win, but I'd be lying if I wasn't nervous. My heart was beating very hard. Actually if I didn't win it wouldn't have been anything bad, since I won of course I am happy." Would she raise her price after the award? She stated that now she would not do so. Did she feel like she was the glory of ATV? She said, "Right." TVB cut her thanks to ATV, did she feel the move was very petty? Sister Bao said, "Business is business, it's inevitable. It has the right to do that, hopefully ATV realizes my intention." Both she and Nick Cheung Ka Fai came from ATV, she said, "Right, during red carpet Ka Fai hug me and said to me to do it one more time. He was full of ambition, I never thought like it. On the eve of the award show I dreamt of my parents, I already felt very encouraged." When asked if she would bring her award to her late father Bao Fong, Paw Hee Jing said, "I would, but I have to wait for my brother (Peter) Pau Tak Fun to return from Mainland to go together." Fong Chung Shun was very crying very hard when Sister Bao won. He expressed that he has known Sister Bao since 86, he felt very encouraged that Sister Bao won and comforted that Hong Kong small production could win. "Ka Fai and I have known each other for a long time too. This time I saw victories for two strong artists who didn't rely on other support, I am confident about Hong Kong film again." He expressed that as long as Sister Bao asked he would give her whatever she wanted. Yee Tung Sing was also happy for Sister Bao. As for TVB's cut off Sister Bao's thanks to ATV, he said, "I don't believe Siu Yat Fu (Sir Run Run Shaw) and (Mona) Fong Yat Wa would be so petty, it's lower rank people who made the decision to cut. This is the Hong Kong Film Award, not TVB production. When winners speak, TVB shouldn't cut. All the board members are upset and would meet to discuss this." Siu Bo even said, "(Elaine) Lok Yi Ling came from ATV." When Hui On Wa two nights ago won Best Director, she even brought her handbag to stage. She joked that because she wanted to smoke backstage after winning. She was very satisfied with the film's four awards. She joked that she was worried the most about the riot if Sister Bao did not win. Did she feel that she has avenged local low budget production? She expressed that she could not say that. In the end she was very happy about the award and hoped that more local film productions would come to prove that these films would receive people's recognition. Wong Jing was THE WAY WE ARE's executive producer. He said that four awards already exceeded the quota. Would he make more low budget films? He said, "The size of the budget doesn't matter, high quality is the most important." Would he approach Cheung Ka Fai with comedy roles? "In August or September we should work together again." Would he raise Ka Fai's salary? He said, "Definitely, how can the old price be possible. He is underpaid, I know how much of a raise to give him." Ka Fai thanked him on stage. He said, "As a friend I would support him no matter what, whether at the peak or the depression I still would." Was Ka Fai different from others who forgot where they came from? Wong Jing said, "You can't say that. People have many different stages. You don't have to repay your benefactor. If you respect me and still be my friend then it's already great." In addition, Wong Jing said about Stephen Shiu Ting Yat's 3D SEX AND ZEN, "I am not making it anymore, I don't think it would have business." * (4/21/2009) This year's Hong Kong Film Award president Gordon Chan Ka Seung felt that the event two nights ago was a little long. As for TVB cutting winners' speeches, he said, "I too have received complaints, TVB was really editing in a hurry. (Sister Bao's thanks to ATV was cut.) I don't know about that. (Do you feel it's less than perfect?) Of course, if it was cut like that it definitely was. As a guest of course you would like more to be broadcast, but we don't have that much time." Would he keep TVB from broadcasting it next year? He said, "Next year it will be up for bidding again, it may not necessarily be TVB." Carina Lau Ka Ling and Tony Leung Chiu Wai waited a long time for the event's vehicle. He said that they went to the wrong place and admitted that they had some misunderstanding. Ultimately this year was the first time and he hoped that everyone would understand. Peter Lam Kin Ngok was one of this year's sponsors. He said that the government's financial assistance was the largest, he was just one of the sponsors. He felt that as a part of the film industry he should support it. Has his misunderstanding with Eric Tsang Chi Wai been thus resolved? He said, "What misunderstanding? I don't know, I only read about it in the paper. Jackie Chan isn't in Hong Kong, in Hainan and he is reported like this; which proved that Hong Kong is very free, you can write and say whatever you want. It is very free." Jackie Chan's fellow Seven Little Wonder Sammo Hung Kam Bo stated that he did not notice Jackie Chan's recent comment coverage. As for his Jackie Chan joke at the Hong Kong Film Award, Hung Kam Bo said, "I was just joking." * (4/21/2009) Eric Tsang Chi Wai felt this year's Hong Kong Film Award flow was great. It felt like a family and was very touching. As for TVB's cut of Paw Hee Jing's speech, Chi Wai said, "Nothing can be done about the cut, everyone has its own policy. This is also the reason that the TVB broadcast had an hour delay." He wished that all winners could say whatever they like and nothing would be cut. On stage they joked about Jackie Chan's comment, Chi Wai said that was improvised. Was he afraid that Jackie Chan would be mad? He said, "Other would talk even if we don't, so we might as beat them to it." As for Tony Leung Chiu Wai, Carina Lau Ka Ling and Miriam Yeung Chin Wa and others missed the event vehicles and could not walk the red carpet. Chi Wai said, "Because the time has passed. Maybe this year was at a new place they weren't able to adjust. Next year we will improve and communicate better." Would he apologize to Wai Jai? He said, "Wai Jai would apologize to us, he was late! I am just joking." Tsang Chi Wai was linked to Shirley Kwan Suk Yi years ago. Yesterday a tabloid reported that Chi Wai secretly met with Kwan Suk Yi and her son and insinuated that the child resembled Chi Wai. Chi Wai yesterday responded, "I have three answers, no, of course no, definitely no! If he is I definitely would respond. You have to be responsible to the child with this. If I am not how can I admit it? This is my last response, I don't want to be unfair to others." * (4/21/2009) Stephen Chan Chi Wan yesterday attended a Commercial Radio BE MY GUEST stage version press conference to announce that the stage version will be broadcast on Commercial Radio in hopes of raising more money for charity. TVB this year broadcast the Hong Kong Film Award. As for criticism that the event was cut to pieces, Chan Chi Wan watched it but all the way. He honestly said that it was somewhat regrettable because his colleagues have already done their best. Of course they still had room for review. He said that award show schedule was very hard to control. They have already delayed the broadcast by an hour to leave room for editing, but it was not enough. Thus some performances had to be cut, which they felt very regrettable. Was Sister Bao cut due to her thanks to ATV? Chan Chi Wan said that definitely would not be the reason because the Hong Kong Film Award was a film industry event. Reporters pointed out that it was cut. He expressed that he did not see that part and had to get an understanding first. He believed that it was a timing issue and she was not cut due to her thanks to ATV. He stressed that they did not have any message about cutting, which was incorrect and inappropriate. If he discovered that someone was at fault, internal action would be taken. Chan Chi Wan also said that he had to be fair and absolutely would not cut due to ATV. They did not support such a move either. As for Josephine Siao Fong Fong's speech being cut, Chan Chi Wan said that it was a timing issue. TVB ultimately had advertising, a hour of editing was not enough. He expressed that he would immediately make a call to see if the footage would make the evening edition of SCOOP (TUNG JEUNG SAI MONG) or EXTRA (YU LOK TAU TIU). They also could invite Sister Bao for an interview as long as her contract permits. Was he worried that TVB would be accused of being petty? Chan Chi Wan frankly said that he had concerns so he had to clarify their stance. They would review a replay of winners' speeches. Derek Yee Tung Sing two nights ago was very upset. Would he apologize to him? He honestly said that they were not familiar, but every year TVB and the Hong Kong Film Awards would review, if they had any misunderstanding he would not mind apologizing to him and hoped that he would not be upset. Would TVB apologize to Sister Bao? Chan Chi Wan stated that he was uncertain about what happened and stressed that it was not deliberate. He believed as a part of the television industry she would understand and understanding what the television station did. In addition TVB last night on SCOOP aired the cut speeches of the Hong Kong Film Award winners to make up for the mishap and settle any unpleasantness. It included Paw Hee Jing's thanks to ATV colleagues and Siao Fong Fong's speech. On April 25 at 12:15AM, TVB would air the full version of the Hong Kong Film Award again. Both the Broadcast Authority and TVB received 34 complaints. TVB received 19 Hong Kong Film Award related complaints. Most were upset that Siao Fong Fong's speech was not shown in its entirety, one was upset that Paw Hee Jing's speech was cut. As for Fan Siu Wong's "alleged foul language", according to TVB's Tsang Sing Ming, "What he said sounded like slang, not foul language." Two nights ago the Hong Kong Film Award average rating was 28 points and 1.7 million viewers; the peak was 29 points and 1.84 million viewers, a rise of 4 points from last year's ratings. * (4/21/2009) Miriam Yeung Chin Wa yesterday promoted a certain eyewear chain store as its spokesmodel. Chin Wa two nights ago attended the Hong Kong Film Award and missed the red carpet opportunity. Chin Wa said that due to the strong wind and rain, she and Richie Jen (Yam Yin Chai) was arranged to go indoors. She felt that showing support was the most important. The evening's leads were the nominees. She already felt very honored to be able to enjoy the show in the audience. Was she afraid that the jewelry sponsors would be upset? She expressed that it would not because she could wear it again at her next performance. * (4/21/2009) The annual Hong Kong Film Award two nights ago came to an end as each award has been presented. Winning with BEAST STALKER (JING YUN) as the favorite, fresh out of the oven Nick Cheung Ka Fai was in high spirits after his victory. He not only kissed his wife Esther Kwan Wing Ho but at the celebration kissed seven or eight familiar female reporters in a row. The fresh out of the oven Best Actor Cheung Ka Fai and Best Actress Paw Hee Jing two nights ago after the show attended with their other halves the event's celebration. Both even kissed their other halves at the request of the reporters. Ka Fai who stated before the award show that he would kiss female reporters after winning truly grabbed female reporters to kiss at the celebration. He even joked, "The kisses are great." Kwan Wing Ho could not help but snicker. Later, Ka Fai attended the Emperor Motion Picture celebration for him. Attendees included boss Albert Yeung Sau Sing, Best Supporting Actor Liu Kai Chi, BEAST STALKER director Dante Lam Chiu Yin and others. Uncle Chi was so happy that he danced with the award for the reporters. Many reporters even asked Ka Fai for photos with them. Boss Yeung Sau Sing expressed that when he got the good news he jumped out of his bed. Would he issue bonuses? He said, "Of course. (What about a sequel?) Right away." Ka Fai honestly said that since the nomination to now he has kept a peaceful mood, but when he saw Uncle Chi won he began to get excited. He also said that he forgot to thank on stage his four co-stars because earlier he saw reporters that they all picked him. He was very thankful for their generosity. Would he get a Best Actor raise? He expressed that he did not know yet and would talk later. Would he have another child to celebrate? Ka Fai joked, "I have always wanted another baby, but I can't just have one when I want one. Even with pimples you have to eat more greasy food first." He joked that his daughter should not know about his victory in the next ten years. Even Nicholas Tse Ting Fung who was working on a Mainland series called to congratulate him. Uncle Chi not only thanked his late song but also Ting Fung and Ka Fai for their fire. Ka Fai joked, "You haven't seen my fire (rage) yet." Uncle Chi expressed that he would not have to celebrate as he would have to start work the next day. Ka Fai yesterday appeared on a Commercial Radio phone interview and sounded very tired. He honestly said that he was exhausted. Two nights ago he was celebrating until 4AM. He honestly said that from the nomination to the announcement a lot of cells died. At the moment of the announcement, Ka Fai left his seat to go to the bathroom. He joked, "I didn't want to hold it in any longer, I was afraid that when the real announcement came I would have to go really bad." He pointed out that the staff told him to hurry back. When Chi Wai made the announcement he deliberately went over to Donnie Yen Chi Tan to have a little fun with him. Ka Fai honestly said that at the time he was not sure what Chi Wai intended. He originally expected Chi Wai and Sandra Ng Kwan Yu would have fun with him too but they did not. His wife accompanied him to the award show for the first time and he won, would he bring his wife from now on? Ka Fai said, "That's not good! A guy dragging his wife around all time looks like a mama's boy." Did his daughter know Papa won? He said, "The Aunt who babysat my daughter said she had a lot of fun watching television but had no idea what happened. When she saw me accepting the award she applauded. The worst part is no one recorded her expressions for me to see, I regret that a little." Would he work on a comedy again? He was not reluctant but did not want to make more gambling films. Among the Hong Kong Film Award Best Actor nominees, only Ka Fai asked for less than 1 million per film. No wonder he joked that he was quite a value. Yesterday at an Oriental Daily interview he said, "Yen Chi Tan last year made five movies. he asked for 12 million per film, wow! 60 million, I immediately announce I quit." Cheung Ka Fai joked that he had to get boss Yeung Sau Sing drunk for an opportunity to get a raise, but he still felt having a dream was more worthy of respect. "Most importantly I want the company to promise more quality projects for me. At first I was stubborn, why did everyone think I only know how to play comedy. So I would rather sit out to find a chance to change my genre. Those four years were very hard to take. The fact is I was right. I have to have myself back then for my persistence." As for what else Ka Fai wanted from his career, he frankly said, "With two awards in a row and this time in 'one shot', and it happened to be Hong Kong film's 100th anniversary, what else do you want? Should you get the Oscar too?" * (4/21/2009) Although Donnie Yen Chi Tan did not win Best Actor, IP MAN won the Best Film Hong Kong Film Award. Two nights ago boss Raymond Wong Pak Ming held a private celebration. Yen Chi Tan, Lynn Xiong (Hung Doi Lam), Lam Ka Tung, and director Wilson Yip Wai Shun attended. Was the pre race favorite Chi Tan disappointed? He expressed that he was already very happy about his first nomination and never thought about winning. He was also happy for Ka fai because he is a good actor. He said, "Maybe IP MAN 2 has a chance to win." Did he feel that awards are hard for action actors? He pointed out that action actors had to act with their bodies as well. Everyone's attention on IP MAn was already a victory and he would lightly face the situation. He said, "Life has many much more important things like family." Did his wife feel bad for him? He said, "No, in her heart I am always the Best Actor. It's just a game." Wong Pak Ming was happy about IP MAN's performance because everyone's hard work was not wasted. However he was disappointed that Chi Tan did not win Best Actor because he spent a lot of time on practicing Wing Chun. He understood that this time the competition was strong. With both Terry Fan Siu Fan and Lam Ka Tung nominated as well, the votes might have been divided; but the Best Film award already included everything. Did the award justify all the gossips from IP MAN's production? Wong Pak Ming said, "This is a positive competition. I too want to see how their (Wong Kar Wai) film is made. I believe it will be great." Hung Doi Lam was just as disappointed for Chi Tan as this time was a great breakthrough for him. Did Chi Tan cry? He said, "He wouldn't, how would he let anyone see that?" For this year's added Best Dress Award the elegant and sexy Lynn lost to Pat Ha Man Jik. Was she disappointed? She said, "I am already very happy about being able to participate." She also pointed out that the entire night's atmosphere was touching, and it was her first Hong Kong Film Award. Did Aaron Kwok Fu Sing see her dress? She said, "No, I just wore it today." Although PAINTED SKIN (WAT PEI) did not win many awards, it still held a celebration two nights ago. In attendance were lead actress Zhou Xun, Best New Performer nominee Monica Mok Siu Kei and Prudence Liew Mei Kwan. Zhou Xun was happy that Arthur Wong Ngok Tai received Best Cinematography for this film and hoped that they would have a chance to work together again. She was not disappointed about her defeat because Paw Hee Jing deserved the award. She would look forward to the next time. Liew Mei Kwan lost the Best Actress as well and also said that she would not be disappointed as it was her first Hong Kong Film Award. As for losing as the favorite, she said, "I can't say that. Sister Bao did great and truly deserved it. I can't say I was the favorite. I am already very happy with the nomination. Last time I already won with my first nomination, I was lucky." Liew Mei Kwan pointed out that after the award she returned to the U.S. so no one approached her with offers. She hoped that film companies would approach her now. At the award show Liew Mei Kwan was teary eyed. She expressed that the show was very touching and she was very happy for other winners. In addition she was a cry baby. Wong Ngok Tai joked that he never thought that he would win. Because he sat in the middle of the audience it took a lot of work for him to get on stage. Thus he forgot to thank his wife in his speech and was later "grilled". * (4/21/2009) Missing from the public eye for a long time, Pat Ha Man Jik two nights ago made a rare appearance as a Hong Kong Film Award guest presenter. In a red dress she won this year's newly added Avenue of Stars Best Dressed Award. Simon Yam Tat Wa won for the male artist. Ha Man Jik changed into another dress for the event celebration. She honestly said that she never thought about winning but she felt that her evening wear was very pretty. She at first thought Anita Yuen Wing Yi would win because what Len Len wore felt great. She also said that she has not been in the public for ten years, she was in the U.S. focused on taking care of her three daughters. She said that her current profession was Mommy. Would she return to film? She expressed that she would consider good scripts because the story is the most important part of film. She would carefully consider a role if it is suitable. Len Len was very happy to hear Ha Man Jik's praise. She honestly said that for the Hong Kong Film Award she did not have rice for ten days already so she would look thinner. She expressed that being praised by the Best Dressed person was something worth being happy about. Yam Tat Wa also did not think that he would win the Best Dressed award. Reporters praised him for winning just by throwing something together. He joked that good health and good shape were the most important. Was he disappointing about not winning Best Actor? He expressed that the Best Dressed Award proved that he was in good shape, which he was already very happy about. He hoped that next year he would have a chance to win Best Actor. "I feel the director designed a very perfect character (SPARROW). The other character in NIGHT AND FOG (TIN SHUI WAI DIK YEH YU MO) is also very perfect. Since I have played perfect characters, I don't mind. For example (Teresa) Mo Shun Kwan waited 9 years to win an award." In addition, the sisters of 2R dressed up for the event and did not win Best Dressed. They were not disappointed either because too many pretty people were at the event. Race Wong Yuen Ling was not disappointed about not winning Best Supporting Actress either. The winners all have years of experience and she would keep working hard. Mok Siu Kei did not win Best New Performer, she joked that next time she would see a fortune teller first. When asked if she was disappointed, she has already forgotten what disappointment was. "After this time I wouldn't be." Would she follow Tang Wei's lead and apply to come to Hong Kong via the Professional Program? She expressed that she has not won any award. She would need chips to be able to. To increase acting opportunity he now lives in Beijing because Shenzhen and Guangzhou had few productions. Currently she is working on the Wang Chuanan directed art film TUEN YUEN with 82 year old veteran actor Lu Yinjie. She played Lu Yinjie's granddaughter. She would like to be able to try a commercial film one day. * (4/21/2009) Tsim Shui Man will perform a stage show in mid June. Yesterday Jim Sir announced on a Metro Radio interview that the sales have been very ideal and four more shows have been added. Speaking of the Hong Kong Film Award, when Paw Hee Jing gave her speech TVB cut the "thank you ATV" segment. Jim Sir expressed that such situation may not be related to the higher ranks. He joked that perhaps the staff did not want to displease the higher ranks. As for Jackie Chan's comment at the Hainan Boao Forum For Asia about Hong Kong and Taiwan were very chaotic because they were too free and that Chinese people needed to be controlled, Jim Sir supported Jackie Chan. After he watched Jackie Chan's footage and felt that it was not as reported. He stated that although Jackie Chan was intense, he did not mean to demean anyone. He and Jackie Chan have met once and felt that he was a very passionate person, but because celebrities have rather large influences their every word would become different focus. Thus he definitely had to be careful because the audience would have different impression. Jim Sir revealed that Gillian Chung Yun Tung was still studying acting with him. He praised her hard work as she also studied dance and martial art. When she studied acting before she was very rigid, now she is already much more open. * (4/21/2009) William Chan Wai Ting and Annie Liu (Lau Sum Yau) attended a mobile phone event. Annie was very happy for her EXODUS (CHOOK AI CUP GEI) co-star Nick Cheung Ka Fai's Best Actor Hong Kong Film Award. She said, "From acting with him I can tell that he has put a lot of effort into his work. Everyone wants to be recognized, but I don't have his number. I couldn't congratulate him personally!" As for Karena Lam Ka Yun not winning Best Actress award, did Annie comfort her? She only said, "I feel the nomination is already an award. (She is nominated every year but never wins?) I know she is working very hard to overcome this." * (4/21/2009) Fan Bingbing has joined the ASSASSINS AND BODYGUARDS (SUP YUET WAI SING) production, in which she and Wang Xueqi played an older husband, younger wife couple. She also had a relationship with Donnie Yen Chi Tan and stuck between two men. Earlier Bingbing has already made the emotional scenes and cried. She was not satisfied yet with her emotional release. Director Peter Chan Ho Sun explained to her with Eric Tsang Chi Wai and Maggie Cheung Man Yuk's classic emotional scene from COMRADES ALMOST A LOVE STORY (TIM MUK MUK) and said that the performance needed some reasonable accident. Bingbing understood and was greatly encouraged. Bingbing needed to look old for the role but saved a lot of time in make up. Chan Ho Sun felt that she looked very beautiful without make up and asked to perform without it, even with the dark circles around her eyes. The originally two and half hour of make up shrank to half a hour to complete. * (4/20/2009) The 28th Annual Hong Kong Film Award took place last night at the Cultural center. Nick Cheung Ka Fai with BEAST STALKER (JING YUN) and Paw Hee Jing with THE WAY WE ARE (TIN SHUI WAI DIK YUT YU YEH) won the Best Actor and Best Actress awards as favorites. With six nominations, WE also won Best Director, Best Screenplay and Best Supporting Actress. Best Film went to IP MAN, while with 15 nominations RED CLIFF (CHET BIK) received five awards. Another big film PAINTED SKIN (WAT PEI) won two. Obviously big productions might not be able to sweep award shows and small budget productions often would have pleasant surprises. This year's Hong Kong Film Award due to the Hong Kong film 100th anniversary at the opening ceremony arranged for a hundred lion dancers to dance on the red carpet while Donnie Yen Chi Tan commanded them with drums in the rain. In addition, this year the host team featured an unprecedented 12 hosts who included Eric Tsang Chi Wai, Sandra Ng Kwan Yu, Teresa Mo Shun Kwan, Denise Ho Wan Si and Kay Tse On Kay. Guest performers not only had Heavenly King and Queen like Jacky Cheung Hok Yau and Sandy Lam Yik Lin but also Janice Vidal (Wai Lan) who was under her sister Jill (Wai Si)'s court case influence also performed with Justin Lo (Juk Tin) and Ivana Wong Yuen Chi. Cheung Hok Yau and Lam Yik Lin had stage effects and firework for their performance while Wai Lan and Juk Tin did not receive the same treatment. When Eric Tsang Chi and Sandra Ng Kwan Yu revealed the Best Actor award, first they walked all over the stage. Cheung Ka Fai and Donnie Yen Chi Tan wore nervous looks on their faces. Before officially announcing the award Ng Kwan Yu stared at Cheung Ka fai and kept saying, "This year it's you! Come up!" Ka Fai did not dare to. When Ka Fai was announced the winner, the entire audience immediately stood up as Ka Fai immediately hug and kissed his wife. After getting on stage he hug Chi Wai. Ka Fai said, "The two months since the nomination has been very abusive, Luckily Obama became the President, which made me feel like I had a chance. I waited for this award for a long time, now my hands are in the award." Kwan Yu immediately corrected him, "the award was in my hands" and the audience laughed. "The award doesn't just belong to me, but the entire team. Thank you Emperor Motion Pictures, Mr. Albert Yeung Sau Sing. In my show business journey I have to thank two people: (Johnnie) To Kei Fung for many benefits, introducing me to a really great seafood restaurant and recommending a doctor and a Feng Shui master to me, which may have something to do with this Best Actor award. When I switched from comedy I felt very alone and very difficult, Wong Jing gave me constant support and said, 'Come back, Mahjong and Domino are waiting for you'. I thank him for keeping an eye on me." Ka Fai joked about the Best Actor curse of three years without work, "Among those who won this award, some are doing very well, and some went to become street vendors. If I am unlucky and become a street vendor, I hope everyone will still remember that the 28th Annual Hong Kong Film Award Best Actor is Cheung Ka Fai." He also thanked his late sister and his wife for raising their daughter well so he could make movies at ease. When Sister Bao was announced, the entire audience gave a standing ovation. Alex Fong Chung Shun and his wife Mok Ho Yun both embraced Sister Bao. Fong Chung Shu even broke down and cried. Sister Bao thanked the other four nominees for their great performances, because she knew they respected their elder she was able to win. She also thanked her parents for raising her to be interested in acting, which has become her lifelong career. She thanked director Ann Hui On Wa and her ATV colleagues, as well as her family's support and true love that has filled her life with meaning. After accepting the award from Andrew Lau Wai Keung and Gordon Chan Ka Seung, she sobbingly said, "Thank you everyone, I would like to thank my parents for raising me, the cast and crew for giving me the chance. I also have to thank director Hui On Wa. From her I have learned a lot, especially seeing her sincerity toward film in a movie that lacked funding and star power." Finally she excitedly said, "Thank you my children, Their love for me have filled my life with meaning." Later Sister Bao expressed that in July she would turn 60, this was a great birthday present. She said that after the victory she accepted a TVB interview. She expressed that she did not know whether she would have any problem. At first she thought that TVB would not interview her and even cut her part, but TVB actually was also happy for her. Because TVB was responsible for the broadcast, was she worried that TVB would cut her victory? She joked, "If it's cut, I would say it one more time on ATV." During TVB's broadcast it cut Sister Bao's thanks to her ATV colleagues. Even Chi Wai and Kwan Yu's joke that Sister Bao represented Asia (ATV) and Kwan Yu's comment that Elaine Lok Yi Ling looked upset were all cut out. Veteran actors Liu Kai Chi with BEAST STALKER (JING YUN) and Chan Lai Wun with THE WAY WE ARE (TIN SHUI WAI DIK YUT YU HE) won this year's Best Supporting Actor and Best Supporting Actress awards. Winning Best Supporting Actor in 93 with CAGE MAN (LUNG MAN), Uncle Chi honestly said that he was very happy to win the award again at Hong Kong film's 100th anniversary. He hoped that next year he would be able to compete for the Best New Performer. "I want to have the new comer mentality. Thank you Lord for giving me the potential to act. Thank you to my wife and three songs for letting me work at east. Thank you director (Dante) Lam Chiu Yin for your gentle guidance." Uncle Chi even joked, "Jai Jai said that the award from 16 years ago was broken, just as you said I am able to win this award again." He also said that after over 30 years of acting he might have become lazy, but he thanked Nicholas Tse Ting Fung and Cheung Ka Fai for igniting him again. "When I look at your eyes I got ignited. Thank you Emperor Motion Picture, Sil-Metropole organization." He even shared the award with his late younger son. "Lok Lok, although you are not by my side, I know we all have a part of this award." He expressed that tugging his son in would be his celebration, then he would kiss his wife. The award will be placed next to his late son Lok Lok's photo. After 43 years in the business, Chan Lai Wun has worked both on and off screen but never thought about winning the Hong Kong Film Award. When she accepted the award she thanked director Ann Hui On Wa, co-star Paw Hee Jing, the producers and others. Sister Bao was very excited when Chan won. The only 11 year old Xu Jiao in CJ7 played a boy. Her outstanding performance defeated famous Taiwan model Lin Chiling, Monica Mok Siu Kei and others to win this year's Best New Performer award. Xu Jiao accepted the award from Tang Wei and Prudence Liew Mei Kwan and excited expressed her thanks to her god father Stephen Chow Sing Chi, "Thank you Old Pa Chow, for giving me the chance to receive this award. Thank you the Hong Kong Film Award jury." Before leaving the stage she even screamed, "Old Pa, today I finally got a score of 100!" then kissed the award. Later she expressed that she and her mother came up with the speech two nights ago because her mother felt getting a score of 100 was already very decent. She also said that she would call Sing Yeh with the good news. Hui On Wa after SUMMER SNOW (NUI YUN SEI SUP) and BOAT PEOPLE (TAU BUN NO HOI) won her third Best Director award with THE WAY WE ARE. She was somewhat excited as she said, "When I was young I feel that I have to win an award at Cannes to be amazing. In my old age I recognize that I am the happiest to win an award among my own people. 30 years ago when I first became a director men were the film industry center, but back then I wasn't discriminated against. 30 years later today I am much older but I still am able to win. No one has discriminated against my age either, which proved that the film industry was still open and improving. I am very proud of to be a part of it. On Hong Kong film's 100th anniversary, I hope everyone will continue their hard work." When IP MAN producer Wong Pak Ming led the team to accept the Best Film award, he on stage comforted the Best Actor nominee Donnie Yen Chi Tan. "Chi Tan may be disappointed, but Best Film includes all of the best!" Josephine Siao Fong Fong received the Lifetime Achievement Award. Wong Kar Wai was responsible for presenting the award while Stephen Chow Sing Chi narrated her introduction short film. Before Sister Fong Fong appeared, Wong Kar Wai first asked everyone not applauded and only waved their glow sticks. When Sister Fong Fong appeared and saw everyone waved their glow sticks she was surprised and expressed that she was very happy in sign language. Sister Fong Fong said, "I never imagined the silent applause to be like this, thank you. My hip is bad, my leg is injured, so I am getting this award. If an actor can't hear applause and as soon as she hears it she gets sick, this actor is done. Thus Wai Jai, Sister Bao you don't have to be jealous. When you are as disabled as me, you will get this award!" She continued, "My daughter two nights ago mentioned that I have to thank my family, luckily my family is small. I thank my family, as a public figure the stress is enormous. I thank my husband Cheung Ching Fu. Are you sleepy yet? Whenever he sees me he would get sleepy! Thank you everyone." The Professional Spirit Award recipient Ting Yu not only had his wife accompanying him but also his children there to support him. He expressed that he joined the film industry in 1953. After 56 years his work has not been wasted with this award. He stated that he would never retire because he would miss his friends and colleagues. Did he feel the award came late? He expressed that he would not. As long as he had the award and recognition he was fine. "Many friends have congratulated me and celebrated every night. I am very happy." His wife gave him the pink tie that he wore while his children gave him a shirt to congratulate him. This year's award show made several comedy short films based on several Hong Kong classic films and showed them during the ceremony. In them Chapman To Man Jat, Chin Kar Lok and Alex Fong Lik Sun dressed up for laughs. Cheung Ka Fai made it known in advance that this year he would attend the Hong Kong Film Award in a relaxed and comedic mood. Last night when the event asked Ka fai and three other Best Actor nominee Tony Leung Chiu Wai, Louis Koo Tin Lok and Simon Yam Tat Wa to make a happy expression, Ka Fai gave a silly smile and banged his head. Terry Fan Siu Wong was a guest host. When he, Chin Kar Lok and Tsang Chi Wai talked about costume film stunts, he said, "I have to tell costume to add air in the shoes, otherwise falling on pebbles would be very X painful." As soon as the foul language came, Chi Wai sneakered. The event started 7:30PM and TVB's broadcast was on one hour tape delay. However the broadcast was blasted on the internet, as Zhang Guoli's opening speech, Wai Lan's performance to salute the late film workers and Siao Fong Fong's Lifetime Achievement Award speech were brutally cut. Some even blasted TVB was the evening's real "Best Editing". THE 28TH ANNUAL HONG KONG FILM AWARD WINNERS BEST FILM IP MAN BEST DIRECTOR Ann Hui On Wa (THE WAY WE ARE) BEST SCREENPLAY Lou Shiu Wa (THE WAY WE ARE) BEST ACTOR Nick Cheung Ka Fai (BEAST STALKER) BEST ACTRESS Paw Hee Jing (THE WAY WE ARE) BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR Liu Kai Chi (BEAST STALKER) BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS Chan Lai Wun (THE WAY WE ARE) BEST NEW ACTOR Xu Jiao (CJ7) BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY Arthur Wong Ngok Tai (PAINTED SKIN) BEST FILM EDITING Yau Chi Wai (CONNECTED) BEST ART DIRECTION Tim Yip Kam Tim (RED CLIFF) BEST COSTUME MAKE UP DESIGN Tim Yip Kam Tim (RED CLIFF) BEST ACTION CHOREOGRAPHY Sammo Hung Kam Bo, Tony Leung Siu Hung (IP MAN) BEST SOUND EFFECT Wu Jiang, Roger Savage (RED CLIFF) BEST VISUAL EFFECT Craig Hayes (RED CLIFF) BEST ORIGINAL FILM SCORE Taro Iwashiro (Ngan Doi Tai Long) (RED CLIFF) BEST SONG PAINTED HEART (WAT SUM) (PAINTED SKIN) NEW DIRECTOR Derek Kwok Chin Kin (MOSS) BEST ASIAN FILM ASSEMBLY (China) PROFESSIONAL SPIRIT AWARD Ting Yu LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD Josephine Siao Fong Fong AVENUE OF STARS BEST DRESSED Simon Yam Tat Wa, Pat Ha Man Jik * (4/20/2009) Last night the Hong Kong Film Award spent 2 million for the red carpet walk outside the Cultural Center. Starting around 5PM for 2 hours 380 reporters from around the world covered the event, over 1,000 people looked on and over 100 security guards were in place. Due to the rain, the event prepared 1,000 umbrellas. Luckily the entire red carpet ceremony went on without any rain. Only around 7PM during the 100 year lighting ceremony wind started. Last night many film viewers came to support their fans, with Louis Koo Tin Lok and Wu Chen having the most fans. To celebrate the Hong Kong film industry' 100th anniversary, the event last night held a special 100 year lighting ceremony. With this year's Best Actor and Actress nominees host the ceremony that included firework. However Best Actor nominee Tony Leung Chiu Wai did not walk the red carpet and was nowhere to be found at the start of the ceremony. Even Carina Lau Ka Ling and Miriam Yeung Chin Wa have not appeared yet. Actually they were waiting for their ride around 6PM at the hotel but because it was late they took their own ride. When they arrived at the ceremony it already started and they were not permitted to enter. This year the event added the Best Dressed awards so many artists dressed up. Wong Jing first led two Jing Girls Natalie Meng Yao and Liu Yang, both of whom wore super low cut dresses. The sexiest was Lynn Xiong (Hung Doi Lam), who even wore over 10 million worth of jewelry. She arrived with her firs film IP MAN's director Wilson Yip Wai Shun and producer Raymond Wong Pak Ming. Because her evening wear was already very sexy and she also stepped on the train of her dress and leaned over, everyone was worried for her. She said that she has already taken all wardrobe malfunction prevention precaution. Wiley Chiu Shek Chi and Barbie Hsu (Tsui Hei Woon) both came with low cut tops, but Shek Chi stated that she did not come to steal any thunder. She only dressed up out of respect for the event. Monica Mok Siu Kei who also dressed provocatively stated that she already wore many layers underneath, so she was not afraid of accidental exposure. Chin Wa wore over 12 million in jewelry, just the amber diamond ring alone was worth 5 million. Carl Cheng Yui Ling wore 6 million worth of jewelry. Karena Lam Ka Yun's jewelry was 2.8 million. Janice Vidal (Wai Lan) last night wore two sets of jewelry. Her red carpet jewelry was worth 400,000 and during her performance she wore another set that was worth 160,000. She expressed that last night she was very excited because it was her first Hong Kong Film Award. Will she go to Japan for her sister's trial? She said that she did not think about that because she wanted to focus on tonight's performance. In a gold low cut evening gown with 5 million in jewelry, Lin Chiling dispelled rumors of marriage. Her rumored boyfriend did not propose and she had no such plan. She stated that she absolutely did not call him and shook her head when asked whether she was mad over the rumor. The sisters of 2R attended together, with Race Wong Yuen Ling a Best Supporting Actress nominee. Did their friends like Mrs. Heung support her? She said, "Sure! Mrs. Heung called to wish me good luck. (What about your rumored boyfriend Heung Jor?) He also wished me good luck. (Are you very familiar with Mrs. Heung?) OK, she is great. I have already met her before I got into the business." Has she dined with Mrs. Heung? She walked away with a smile of embarrassment. Lam Ka Yun appeared in an over 50,000 back revealing dress and 2.8 million in jewelry. Due to many low front cut dress, she joked that she knew she could only show her back. Sandra Ng Kwan Yu's peacock bloom dress was worth 200,000 and wore 5 million in jewelry. When asked whether she was pregnant, she immediately said that she still had a lot of movies to make and could not have a baby. Nick Cheung Ka Fai arrived in a Prince Charming look with his wife. He stately that he was not superstitious and still wore last year's clothing. He joked that if he won he would give each female reporter a kiss. Reportedly Vic Chou Yu Man last night originally was scheduled to perform, but because he wanted to avoid Big S Vanness Wu (Ng Kin Ho) took his place. Big S said, "I don't know, I think he is very busy lately!" Ng Kin Ho said that he was not certain and he did not hear anything, in addition it was none of his business. Jackie Chan's comment at the Boao Forum for Asia led to responses in Hong Kong. Last night his son Jaycee Chan (Fong Cho Ming) supported his father's comment and said that his father was only honest and direct. He also covered for his father, "Everyone have seen China's improvement, the only strong nation that is rising in the world. Perhaps thus it attracted jealousy." Cho Ming last night walked the red carpet with rumored girlfriend Fiona Sit Hoi Kei. They expressed that they would present the Best Editing award. Chin Kar Lok joked that he should speak better than his father. Cho Ming honestly said that he was very afraid of what might come out of his father's mouth. Later during press interviews, he stated that he has seen reports that criticized his father and said that certain media misinterpreted what he said, using a few quotes of what he said without watching the entire scene to target him. He said, "Many artists don't dare to speak. Because Papa was a little loud, people always operate on him. He didn't mean anything bad, he's just honest and direct. On and off screen he is the same person. (Has Papa educated you on freedom?) He doesn't have to. Everyone has seen China's improvement, the only strong nation that is rising in the entire world. (Do you feel people of Hong Kong and Taiwan are too free?) No problem, as long as they are happy. (Do you agree with what Papa said?) I agree with what my family and many people of Hong Kong and China say, perhaps China's strength has attracted the envy of many nations. (Would you ask Papa to speak less?) I can't control him, he is honest and direct, he says what he wants to say. Everyone should wait until he finishes before coming to any conclusion." During an interview Sit Hoi Kei suddenly looked at the television station symbol and switched to respond in mandarin. After that she pounded her chest and said, "I used Cantonese!" Jackie Chan's good friend Manfred Wong (Man Jun) expressed that Jackie Chan as the film industry big brother has always had his own views. He is direct and his intention is not bad. Some newspapers used this as the headlines. Man Jun felt that this market caught the business world's eyes and wanted to fan emotions. Everyone should look at it peacefully. He said, "This world isn't just yes or no!" Finally Simon Yam Tat Wa and Pat Ha Man Jik won the Best Dressed awards. Ha Man Jik last night presented Best Screenplay with her NOMAD (LIT FOR CHING CHUN) co-star Cecilia Yip Tung. Although she was already the mother of three daughters she still looked great. * (4/20/2009) Donnie Yen Chi Tan attended a Tai Chi event and expressed that his mother taught Tai Chi. His first film was DRUNKEN TAI CHI (SIU TAI GIK) with Lydia Shum Din Ha. When they fought it was rather difficult. Due to a variety of reasons he had a connection with Tai Chi. Tai Chi is helpful to ease Parkinson's disease. He would like to participate more in this type of charity events as artists should be good examples. Last night he competed for Best Actor with IP MAN. He said that he would be relaxed as in his wife's heart he was already Best Actor. Sportsmanship was important. * (4/20/2009) Film star Tao Hong returned home today to participate in the China Citrus Culture Festival. Tao Hong expressed that she founded her own film workshop at the end of the last year, produced and starred in her workshop's first film MAI HEUNG (RICE FRAGRANCE). Tao Hong brought this film that received the South France film foundation sponsorship for post production. She hoped that this film would be able to premiere in her hometown simultaneously with the world to repay her compatriots' support and love for her. Tao Hong revealed, the film was based on an award winning novel. The France cultural ministry selected the film from over 1000 films from 135 nations for this year's 2 million South France film fund to the Chinese film. Tao Hong proudly stated that because the fund must be spent in France, all of the film's pre production work was done in the country so the post production could be done in France with a Hollywood team. Tao Hong frankly said that she used to think producing was very comfortable job. Now she understood its pain. "For awhile I was particularly broken down, struggling between two identities. Everyday watching the playback after the performance I felt it had problems and had to reshoot. I constantly started over due to some new ideas. I also had to spend a lot of energy to explain why I had to reshoot." * (4/20/2009) Two days ago Richie Jen (Yam Yin Chai) brought his new record to Jinan as a guest. At the press conference, Siu Chai even talked about his future plans of script writing, directing, and riding a motorcycle on the Silk Road. Siu Chai said that his screenplay OI POR DIK PANG WU WAN although has not been completed he has already invited actors who he liked. When asked whether he would star and direct, he hoped that he would be able to but joked that perhaps he would embarrass himself. * (4/20/2009) Jackie Chan's comment at Hainan Boao Forum for Asia led to a lot of criticism. His friend Eric Tsang Chi Wai yesterday at a shopping center event was asked about the incident. He frowned, "After reading the report, I miss the day when (Willie) Chan Chi Keung was by Jackie Chan's side. Because every time before Jackie Chan attended an event, Chan Chi Keung would filter what he would say so he would be fully prepared. Actually everyone knew that Jackie Chan doesn't know to talk, he had problems with his expression ability." Chi Wai also said that Jackie Chan's original intent was that now children were too free, unlike them during the Seven Little Wonder era. Their master was very strict with them so they would have the achievement today. Unfortunately Jackie Chan though of applying this idea on Hong Kong and Taiwan, which led to this trouble. Would Chi Wai who has always spoken well teach Jackie Chan how to correctly express himself? Chi Wai said, "Unfortunately I am not always around him. I feel artists are not suitable to talk about politics because the involvement would be too much. The word freedom is too deep. When a prisoner is released it is freedom, speech also requires freedom, people and nations would also fight for freedom. Ultimately the less he says the better. When I see him I would review this with him." * (4/19/2009) Tonight's 28th Annual Hong Kong Film Award in commemoration of Hong Kong film's 100th Anniversary spent nearly 2 million on the red carpet ceremony, the start of which would be relocated from only at the Cultural Center stairway to the Tsim Sha Tsui East Clock Tower. All guests would first arrived at the Clock Tower in scheduled sedans then walk the red carpet. Near 380 reporters from China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Spain, Italy, France, Japan and other areas would cover the event, which would also provide over 100 security guards to maintain order. When Janice Vidal (Wai Lan) arrived at the Cultural Center for the final rehearsal, the flock of reporters frightened her as she waited in the vehicle for security. Upon leaving the vehicle, Wai Lan frowned a little due to the crowd. When asked about her sister Jill Vidal (Wai Si), Wai Lan answered with multiple "Sorry!" but still politely let reporters take photos. Around midnight, she, Wong Yuen Chi and Juk Tin walked to the square for a recording. Due to rain the crew held umbrellas for them. Reporters asked whether she would like to visit Wai Si in Japan. She finally spoke, "I miss her a lot." She did not answer any more question and only said sorry. Two nights ago during the recording they were lifted to mid air outside the Cultural Center for their performance. Due to rain they were forced to sing in the rain. They first rehearsed once then began recording. After two takes the shoot ended around 00:40 and the shoot went smoothly. Later Wai Lan left directly. During the recording, Wai Lan had pleasant chats with the crew. Only when she was alone worry returned to her face. * (4/19/2009) Eric Tsang Chi Wai, Chin Kar Lok and Yuen Siu Cheung yesterday attended a Caring For Children Foundation event to celebrate its 15th anniversary. The event also presented Chi Wai with a belated birthday cake. Reportedly Shaw will start production on the new film 73 GA JO HAT (73 FAMILIES OF RENTERS). Chi Wai admitted, "I know that Shaw will start production because I am the producer. As for actors I hope TVB will make its entire roster available, with (Elaine) Lok Yi Ling as the casting manager." Chi Wai said that Ms. Mona Fong Yat Wa has always been very supportive on the film industry. Each time she talked about movies she would be full of energy. He revealed that this time the film's budget would be around 20 to 30 million, Lee Lik Chi will direct. As soon as Ms. Fong gives the nod the production will start officially. Chi Wai said, "The industry has always lacked a strong company that is familiar with distribution. I of course agree with Shaw's production decision. In addition the industry already has very few cheerful genre. Hopefully it will be scheduled for a Lunar New Year release. We may approach the cast of HOUSE of 72 TENANTS for cameos." As for today's Hong Kong Film Award, Chi Wai picked Nick Cheung Ka Fai and Paw Hee Jing as the Best Actor and Actress. He joked, "Wai Jai (Tony Leung Chiu Wai) has been the Best Actor so many times, he should let other people have a turn." Last year Bernice Liu Bik Yi published a dog book, due to its decent response this year she will public a new book for charity. She also donated 50,000 to the Caring For Children Foundation to show her support. Bik Yi expressed that currently she was preparing for Law Sau Yiu's new film, in which she will be an action actress. Thus everyday she has been training. As for whether she would like to make the switch, Bik Yi said, "On television the impression that I give people is the funny girl, in film I would like to try other things." * (4/19/2009) Karena Lam Ka Yun yesterday attended a West Kowloon Center event. Ka Yun has a Hong Kong Film Award Best Actress nomination with CLAUSTROPHOBIA (CHUN MUK). She said that she already has chosen an armor for tonight, a beautiful long dress with a pair of six inch high heels. Ka Yun honestly said that with the red carpet outdoors she was very concerned that if the floor was slippery she would fall. "This time I am the only one attending because lead actor Cheng Yi Kin and director Ong Sai (Ivy Ho) will not be able to attend. If I slip no one would be there to catch me." She said that she was used to going to award shows so she was not nervous. She would not mind not winning because she was very happy about the nomination. * (4/19/2009) Idy Chan Yuk Lin and Annie Liu (Lau Sum Yau) yesterday attended a beauty and health event. Chan Yuk Lin expressed support for THE WAY WE ARE (TIN SHUI WAI DIK YUT YU YEH) co-star Paw Hee Jing and was often nervous for her. She would like to support her in person if the chance arose. Lau Sum Yau tonight could not attend the Hong Kong Film Award but picked Donnie Yen Chi tan and Lam Ka Yun to win. Chi Tan had to fight while acting, which truly was not easy so she thought he was amazing. Although she has not seen Ka Yun's nominated film she definitely would support her. * (4/18/2009) The 28th Annual Hong Kong Film Award will take place Sunday. Yesterday Hong Kong Film Award chair Gordon Chan Ka Seung along with this year's board representatives and Denise Ho Wan Si attended the worship ceremony. Eric Tsang Chi Wai was out of town and did not attend. To celebrate Hong Kong film's 100th anniversary, this year's ceremony invited many hosts and guests. Tsang Chi Wai will lead a group of actors as hosts in a new format. Yesterday this year's Hong Kong Film Award hosts were announced to be Tsang Chi Wai, Teresa Mo Shun Kwan, Vincent Kok Tak Siu, Kay Tse On Kay, Ho Wan Si, Lam Tsz Chung, Chin Kar Lok, Terry Fan Siu Wong, Tin Kai Man, Lo Mik Shuet and Wong Cho Nam. Guest presenters included Tang Wei, Jaycee Chan (Fong Cho Ming), Fiona Sit Hoi Kei, Anita Yuen Wing Yi, Miriam Yeung Chin Wa, Richie Jen (Yam Yin Chai), Pat Ha Man Jik, Cecilia Yip Tung, Wong Kar Wai, Zhang Guoli, Wu Chen, Zhou Xun, Carina Lau Ka Ling, Shu Qi and Seven Little Wonder. Yesterday Sandy Lam Yik Lin, Jacky Cheung Hok Yau, Donnie Yen Chi Tan, Vanness Wu (Ng Kin Ho), Ivana Wong Yuen Chi, Justin Lo (Juk Tin) and Janice Vidal (Wai Lan) were announced as guest performers. In addition, the Hong Kong Film Award Association will remake in commemoration of Hong Kong film's 100th anniversary Hong Kong's first film TAU SIU NGAP (STEAL ROAST DUCK), adapting it with four classic films A BETTER TOMORROW, DAY OF BEING WILD, INFERNAL AFFAIRS and THE EYE and a group of star volunteers like Ronald Cheng Chung Kei, Chapman To Man Jat, Lawrence Chow Chun Wai, Sammy, Stephy Tang Lai Yun, Alex Fong Lik Sun and Rubber Band. The film will be shown during the ceremony. Ho Wan Si expressed that she will host a segment with Tse On Kay, since they both are singers turned actors. She said that in 2004 she host the JADE SOLID GOLD awards but she certainly had pressure. She joked, "I asked to be placed among the support segment because only support players last, support players 'keep working'." Ah Si said that she was not in line to be a flower vase, but she might be able to be an antique. Ah Si expressed that she was interested in becoming a comedy star. Would she ask her boss? Ah Si frankly said that the boss should know her abilities in this area, which has only be buried all along. Last time LOOK FOR A STAR (YAU LUNG HEI FUNG) was already a test. She hoped to have a chance to receive a film nomination in the future. Ah Si honestly said that she will share the stage with Tsang Chi Wai as the host. Was she afraid of his pranks? She expressed that Chi Wai rarely had fun at her expense and has already been merciful perhaps because of her mentor Anita Mui Yim Fong. She also said that she would not dare to improvise out of fear of a rating drop. Chan Ka Seung earlier revealed that he would like classic film teams to reunited at this Hong Kong Film Award. Yesterday he honestly said that it was certainly difficult. Chi Wai has already called nonstop to contact artists. He pointed out that Chow Yun Fat was very busy and Cherie Chung Chor Hung was approached but declined. Ultimately some have already retired from show business and was not at liberty or did not need to appear. He said that the host line up would have different divisions, with Tsang Chi Wai as the main force, and artists from music, stage and comedy. Did he feel that these hosts would be able to hold up the show? He expressed that new comers should be given opportunities, like Kok Tak Siu, Nick Cheung Ka Fai and Sammi Cheng Sau Man all have been hosts. If he did not use new faces the industry would have generation gaps. Wai Lan although has been troubled with her sister Jill Vidal (Wai Si)'s drug possession case still agreed to perform at the Hong Kong Film Award, a truly sincere gesture. * (4/18/2009) The Tsui Hark directed new film DETECTIVE DEE (DIK YUN KIT) will start production next month in Hengdian. The role of Wu Zetian was once rumored to be Cherie Chung Chor Hung or Brigitte Lin (Lam Ching Ha)'s, but now finally Carina Lau Ka Ling has been confirmed. This will be her first film as "Mrs. Leung". As for her recent pregnancy rumors, her manager has already denied everything so she not only will be able to concentrate on making movies but also negotiate other advertising work as well. Reportedly earlier Tsui Hark has put quite an effort into persuading Lam Ching Wa to return with DEE, but she felt that she could not surpass her SWORDSMAN II (DUNG FONG BUT BAI) performance and finally declined. However Ka Ling has always been "aside from Ching Ha, Wu Zetian's best choice" in the hearts of Tsui Hark and others. In fact producer Chen Kuo Fu also expressed that Wu Zetian was a heavyweight character so she needed a woman of power and control to play her. Ka Ling after years of accumulation had this aura and could completely grasp this role. However actually Wu Zetian's role would not be too large. Instead the other female lead Li Bingbing as Shangguan Wan'er would have a lot of scenes with the film's "Tang Dynasty top detective" Di Renjie, Andy Lau Tak Wa. * (4/17/2009) People are full of anticipation for Tsui Hark's soon to start production new film DETECTIVE DEE (DIK YUN KIT) not only due to its subject's legendary color but also its cast. According to earlier media coverage, Andy Lau Tak Wa, Li Bingbing and Tony Leung Ka Fai have joined the cast. Most surprisingly, the frequently rumored to be pregnant Carina Lau Ka Ling has also confirmed her participation. Yesterday Hua Yi revealed that Lau Ka Ling will play Empress Wu Zetian. This will be her first film after her wedding and thoroughly clarify all the pregnancy rumors. Hua Yi Brothers has confirmed the cast, with Lau Tak Wa still playing Detective Dee, Li Bingbing as Shangguan Wan'er will have many scenes with Lau Tak Wa in the film. In addition, Lau Ka Ling will play another important female character Wu Zetian. Many film viewers feel that Lau Ka Ling and Wu Zetian have similar aura, but some feel that Lau Ka Ling is too superficial to play the powerful Empress. The film company expressed that it will consider audience opinions but hoped that it will trust the DETECTIVE DEE production team. "At first when casting this role, director Tsui Hark wanted to be able to find a strong actress with a mature aura. We felt Lau Ka Ling completely met the requirements." As for what role Leung Ka Fai will play, the company stated that it was not at liberty to discuss yet. In addition, earlier Brigitte Lin (Lam Ching Ha) was rumored to be making her comeback with this film. The company stated that it could not make any announcement yet. The film will start production around late April or early May. * (4/17/2009) The Vanness Wu (Ng Kin Ho) starred KUNG FU CHEF (GONG FU CHU SUN) will be released in the Mainland in May. Vanness and famous producer Terry wrote the theme song DRAGON HEAD BLADE (LUNG TAU DOH) and Gabe Lan Jun Tian wrote the lyrics. The producer hoped that Vanness would perform with a playful approach. Thus he wore a gong fu costume to the recording. Ng Kin Ho stated that KUNG FU CHEF is a movie that mixes culinary and martial arts. If he brought a Dragon Head Blade to the recording studio it would be very strange. Instead he wore a gong fu costume to the recording. He invited Sammo Hung Kam Bo to rap in the song, while female lead Ai Kago performed the Japanese part. At first when the lyrics were completed he had his mind set on Hung Kam Bo rapping. Yet because Sammo has not heard his songs he was afraid that he would be rejected. The producer and Vanness stopped Hung Kam Bo at the studio cafeteria and made the suggestion to him. They never expected Hung Kam Bo to agree so quickly. He only took 20 minutes to finish the rap and impressed everyone. * (4/17/2009) Juno Mak Chun Lung yesterday appeared on a Metro radio interview and promoted his new song. Juno expressed that recently he has been working on the Pang Ho Cheung directed category III film, in which he played a cop. Since the police came to investigate a snake appearance near his home, he took the chance to interview the officers to improve his perfomrance. He said, "I chatted with the officers for half a hour. They seemed to be very embarrassed, but I really thank them. They helped me a lot." Juno pointed out that his character had to constantly use foul language, which he honestly said that since he rarely got mad he rarely used it in real life. Thus the foul language use during the shoot was somewhat awkward. Ho Hung Sun invested in the film and Josie Ho Chiu Yi also participated in it. Would he ask his father to invest in a movie? He frankly said that he hasn't thought of that yet, but this time he introduced Ho Chiu Yi and Chan Chi Chung to Pang Ho Cheung. He himself would enjoy being an actor, making records and running his fashion business. As for claims that this film was very bloody, Juno admitted that some scenes were. However the director said that it was an inspirational film. He said that Ho Chiu Yi and Chan Chi Chung preferred movies with such stimulations of the senses. * (4/17/2009) Tsui Hark revealed on a satellite television interview that he made A CHINESE GHOST STORY (SIN NUI YAU WON) because when he was little the film scared him at the cinema and left a deep impression. As for the numerous Chinese and foreign remake movies, Tsui Hark felt that most importantly the director had to have his or her own new ideas and angles. He said, "Otherwise when the result was lacking, the audience might as well watch the old film!" Tsui Hark alter expressed that he was very curious about subjects like detective mysteries and the Tang Dynasty. He said, "Now aside from Justice Bao, Chinese history seems to lack a representative detective character. Thus if I can describe a Chinese Sherlock Holmes, the character definitely would bring the audience a pleasant surprise!" * (4/17/2009) Mainland director Lu Chuan directed CITY OF LIFE AND DEATH will be released in Hong Kong in May. The film describes the 1937 Nanjing Massacre's sad conditions and Chinese military's fatal resistance of the Japanese in the occupied area. Although the event took place over 70 years ago, the Nanjing Massacre so far remains the most painful wound in Chinese history. Thus the film has already led to enormous response even before its release. Lu Chuan spent 4 years in preparation, which received the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television's full support and cost over 80 million yuan on the entirely black and white production. A veteran of 8 years Lu Chuan said, "I used an all new approach to shoot the most brutal battle in Chinese history. All the battle scenes were shot in the most realistic manner." Actor Liu Ye agreed with Lu Chuan's serious production. Liu Ye played a low ranking Kuomintang soldier. He expressed that he put the most effort of his entire career into this film. As the character changed, he recalled the pain of this battle and felt heavier and heavier as he performed. He hoped that the younger generation of both China and Japan would through this film understand this history even more. * (4/17/2009) The Andy Lau Tak Wa guest starred in the heavyweight film JIAN GUO DA YE. He took 12 hours to complete his role and looked heroic in his military uniform. The shoot location was the famous Shanghai old construction science museum, which the crew turned into Kuomintang Central Office. Lau Tak Wa's co-stars included Zhang Guoli, Feng Xiaogang and Sun Xing. Reportedly although Lau Tak Wa did not have a large role he had many lines; thus he reserved two days in advance, only to smoothly complete his role ahead of schedule. * (4/16/2009) The Sandra Ng Kwan Yu host CLUB SPARKLE held a taping last night. The show was about "idea kings" in the industry and invited famous "idea king" Wong Jing and Eric Kot Man Fai as guests. Wong Jing expressed that in the program he mainly talked about the past. Kwan Yu's expertise was guest interrogation. Wong Jing said, "She already knows everything about me, in addition I can only talk about stuff that can be broadcast. (Would you talk about former colleague Stephen Chow Sing Chi), yes but it wouldn't be deliberate." Lately many film industry insiders have criticized Chow Sing Chi. Wong Jing said, "I have always praised him more than criticized him. His temper is a little strange, but I understand and wouldn't blast him. Outside work, he really doesn't need to properly get along with you. (Were you able to get along with him?) In the past we have been very close friends." * (4/16/2009) Aaron Kwok Fu Sing has worked with director Benny Chan Muk Sing on DIVERGENCE (SAM CHA HUA), which earned him the Golden Horse Award. Sing Sing two nights ago at Eric Tsang Chi Wai's birthday party revealed that he will work with Chan Muk Sing again on a science fiction story. Sing Sing also said, "(William) Chang Suk Ping will be the art director. I truly am looking forward to it. After my concert I don't know what all new image Chang Suk Ping has in store for me." [ BLAH OF THE WEEK ] Columns, Reviews, Interviews . MING PAO DAILY, APRIL 2009, FILM WORDS - SHEK KEI . MING PAO DAILY, APRIL 2009, FILM AND TELEVISION OBSERVATIONS - KWOK HIN CHING . TA KUNG PAO, APRIL 2009, ENTERTAINMENT HORIZON - SIU O . TA KUNG PAO, APRIL 2009, LIGHT SHADOW PATH - TIN LIK . TA KUNG PAO, APRIL 2009, FILM AND TELEVISION TRAVERSAL - CHUI HIU . TA KUNG PAO, APRIL 2009, HOTSPOT PURSUIT - CHOW YI 1. MING PAO DAILY, APRIL 22 2009, FILM AND TELEVISION OBSERVATIONS CAN THE HONG KONG FILM AWARD EDITING ISSUE BE RESOLVED? TVB's response is fast. On the second night SCOOP (DUNG JEUNG SAI MONG) aired the controversial Hong Kong Film Award footage that was cut. The most entertaining part of the Hong Kong Film Award is its many unexpected scenes and dialogues, unlike other TVB big event programs. After so many years of experience, TVB actually developed a programming direction that feared mistakes. Thus big event programs in recent years have been fairly safe and without any controversy. TVB's guideline aside from the broadcast regulation also has its own for the television station. The writer does not feel that TVB would in advance state clearly that no content that involves another station is prohibited, but the entire organizational culture would enable directors or live broadcast producers to prevent mistakes. If the Hong Kong Film Awards assigns people to watch how the show is edited, the problem would still arise. The broadcast time although is a hour later than the start of the show, if the live timing control is poor and the show drags on and on, the editing time is reduced more and more and causes a traffic jam. The editing argument not only does not help the lack of time but also makes the matter worse. Only two resolutions are possible, either broadcast live or the Hong Kong Film Award and TVB or the television station that lands the broadcast right set up a system that both sides can trust. Live broadcast is viable, ATV has tried it during its Hong Kong Film Award broadcast. As long as it is applied for with the Broadcast Authority it can work. Of course it has to take the risk of mistakes, and the live event has to stop for commercial time so the atmosphere definitely is affected. A live broadcast would require a very strong producer. As for the second method, the difficulty of the two organizations building a system that both trust is not low either. Big shows like the Hong Kong Film Award that has extremely numerous live changes, no matter how many preparation is made and everything is agreed upon before hand, many unexpected problems still frequently arise. We cannot expect Stephen Chan Chi Wan to personally supervise the editing work. - KWOK HIN CHING 2. MING PAO DAILY, APRIL 21 2009, FILM AND TELEVISION OBSERVATIONS ATV IS THE HONG KONG FILM AWARD BIG WINNER Who is this year's Hong Kong Film Award big winner? Is it THE WAY WE ARE (TIN SHUI WAI DIK YUT YU YEH)? It is ATV. This is the joke that industry insiders tell. Paw Hee Jing is an ATV artist and host, Chan Lai Wun used to be an ATV artist as well. Both the Best Actress and the Supporting Actress are related to ATV. The fresh out of the oven Best Actor Nick Cheung Ka Fai, sorry, also comes from ATV. IP MAN's lead actor Donnie Yen Chi Tan, everyone should remember, has made an ATV series and played Chan Chun. TVB cutting out Paw Hee Jing's thanks to her ATV colleagues is an unwise decision. How much did this line help ATV? Would it raise ATV's rating and cause TVB any harm? If this line would have aired as usual, this column would not mentioned this point. None of the Hong Kong media would. Any mention would only say that TVB is generous and now accuse TVB of being petty like now. Win or lose if TVB did not know before it would know now. In media the understanding of two types of people is the most important, the boss and the audience. When an employee does not accommodate the boss, of course he or she is very silly. Does he or she not want to keep his livelihood? Yet the boss should always put the company's greatest benefit first. Excellent employees have responsibilities to analyze the benefit and the harm to the boss. The media's goal is to serve the general public. The general public's benefit is the media's biggest benefit. Thus it should not focus on minor benefits. This industry has an unwritten rule -- to avoid mentioning the competition by name. Not only television is like that, radio, newspaper are too. They do not mention the good, but the bad is no big deal. News programs have greater freedom than other programs, luckily this area has th editor in charge. When the need arises to mention the other stations, for some unknown everyone would be very reluctant. It is almost worse than using foul language or talking about sex. No one dares to name the other station, only says friendly station or station next door. Has any loss truly been caused? Does it have any number as evidence? - KWOK HIN CHING 3. MING PAO DAILY, APRIL 20 2009, FILM AND TELEVISION OBSERVATIONS SHAW FILM PRODUCTION SHOULD NOT RELY ON TVB Shaw and TVB's parent and child film production cooperation so far has two known projects, the Herman Yau Lai To directed LAUGHING GOR CHIN JUEN (LAUGHING BROTHER PREQUEL) and the Lee Lik Chi directed 73 GA JO HAT (73 FAMILIES OF RENTERS). The film's genres are completely different. LAUGHING GOR CHIN JUEN is developed from a successful television character that obviously targets television viewers. 73 GA JO HAT is Lee Lik Chi directed and Eric Tsang Chi Wai produced. It is obviously a "show off style" comedy that will feature all top TVB artists and even invite contract singers to guest star. From these two completely different genre films, no one can truly see how long term Shaw's renew film investment will be. Since Shaw reduced production, it mainly operated TVB and has worked with TVB on some films with only average performance. Back then it used top television artists to make HOUSE of 72 TENANTS (72 GA FONG HAT) and also cut THE BUND (SEUNG HOI TAN) television series anew for a big screen version. Because the performance was only average, it did not continue to develop. For minimal profit, such approach that relied on television is very stable but does not belong to film. Television and film are two obviously different media and two businesses of different nature. Shaw's cooperation at its peak and later experimentally with TVB are completely different. Cooperation with TVB and using TVB's successful creations and artists can effectively control cost. Film productions basically would not lose money, but they are just tiny investments that would have a lot of difficulty enlarging in scale. Shaw's new studio is rather sizable and provides an "one stop" service. Since it has already invested over 1 billion into it, it is not used to make small to medium sized films. The impression is like using an aircraft carrier for a ferry. From the industrial angle, since Shaw has invested over 1 billion on the hardware it should rebuild its previous big studio image. Its cooperation with TVB can only be a start, otherwise how it can put the advanced yet expensive hardware to complete use. - KWOK HIN CHING 4. MING PAO DAILY, APRIL 19 2009, FILM AND TELEVISION OBSERVATIONS THE HONG KONG FILM IS PROFESSIONAL DEMOCRACY The annual Hong Kong Film Award will be unveiled tonight. This award show that has been long criticized as a small circle election actually has always been misunderstood. In comparison to other show business award show, the Hong Kong Film Award is considered big circle. First, this is a professional award that is not open to public voting. Professionals in the film industry are less than several thousand people. In terms of numbers, of course it is a small circle. Yet from the angle of several thousand voters, in comparison to the circle's other award shows including the music awards, this one definitely has the most people. In addition each person only gets one vote. Thus the Hong Kong Film Award principle can be summed up in one phrase: professional democracy. Many foreign film festival awards are jury decided. The jury mostly consists of eight to ten people. These film festivals are even smaller circles. Yet small circle does not mean inability to select excellent work or lack of professionalism. If the public has one vote per person, most films with good box office and more viewers would win. Whether a film is well done technically or not it is overlooked. The advantage of professional voting is that it truly starts from an angle inside the industry. For example, the average viewer would only enjoy the eye catching special effects. Only industry insiders would know that special effects that can pass for reality and cannot be seen are considered amazing for the visual effect award. As for acting, viewers mostly confuse characters and acting abilities and mostly vote for some likable but not difficult to play characters. Sometimes the unpleasant characters require even more acting abilities to express. The Hong Kong Film Award is the most representative among the numerous local film award shows because many professional organizations in the circle cooperate to organize it. The writer feels that the voting system still has room for improvement. Actually every year minor adjustments are made. If you are interested you can check out the Hong Kong Film Award site. - KWOK HIN CHING 5. TA KUNG PAO, APRIL 19 2009, LIGHT SHADOW PATH ESTIMATING FILM FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROJECT'S EFFECTIVENESS The film development fund has allocated 300 million to financially assist the Hong Kong film industry. The project has already been in operation for over a year and a half. Recently a series of reviews have been discussed, many points are worthy of the film development council's study. After the Legislative Council's meeting, Radio Hong Kong last Friday spoke with three experienced film professionals. Originally the program examined the idea of the creative industry office, so they reviewed the film industry financial assistance project as an example. The most different idea the speakers had with the last LegCo discussion was the financial assistance project's inspection standard had problems. Film consultants are only asked whether film projects are viable and whether their calculations are reasonable. Whether a film is viable refers to whether the budget can complete the film, an estimate of whether its production budget is too high or too low. Calculation refers to its calculation after distribution. Some film professionals said that film is a high risk industry, so "viability" and "return" were very hard to estimate. Of course, production budgets required estimates; but film's most important part should be creativity. Whether a movie can be reasonably completed it is not the most valuable. As for reasonable return calculation, actually they should look at whether the film is well made and whether creativity is outstanding. Unfortunately, the entire inspection process never asks consultants to give screenplay evaluations. In other words basically the project has absolutely nothing to do with creativity. Film is the "Dragon Head" of the creative industry. If the film financial assistance project completely ignores its creativity (screenplay), it is not right. Some speakers also suggested a resolution -- government film production loans. If tthe government does not participate in investment then it can save a lot of problems. Unfortunately, Hong Kong film returns are often lacking (some co-productions are exceptions). The government's original intention is to share the risk. If it does not participate in investment, investors would abandon many films due to excessive risk. The program host asked why Korean films were able to take off? A film professional said that because South Korea had a long term training project. Actually South Korea in 1985 established its film academy to cultivate film industry talent and send film professionals overseas to study film. The Korean government also participated in film investment by directly investing in privately operated film fund, completely keeping its hand off the fund operation. None of Hong Kong financial assistance project's inspection problems exist. Thus film professionals suggested that Hong Kong film financial assistance project was in too much hurry to succeed, lacked a complete plan, in other words as some council people have mentioned "excessively quantitative". For over a year, film development fund has invested in 11 films. The quantity does not seem few, but whether the goal of the "financial assistance" project has been achieved remains the question. How to measure the performance of film financial assistance project over the years seems to be the development council's most urgent subject. - TIN LIK 6. TA KUNG PAO, APRIL 19 2009, HOTSPOT PURSUIT TELEVISION INDUSTRY LACKS A REPRESENTATIVE AWARD CEREMONY The Hong Kong Televisioners Association earlier held its 5th anniversary celebrate and thanked the industry personnel that has donated to and assisted the Sichuan charity record. The evening united artists from different areas. More charity work was another theme aside from fun and entertaining. Soon after the event began a jewelry auction to raise fund for the association took place. The bids started around 3,000 and got heated. Later with the more valuable items, many guests made five figure bids. Chung Lai Seung (Ding Dong) donated Some of the works of art. This former singing star has already become a famous antique collector and worked at an international auction house as a collection appraiser. After a long time from public performance, she had so much fun that she performed with a song with other members. Singer Maria Cordero demonstrated her "iron lungs" and performed Chinese and foreign hits. She even won the bid for the first item of the auction. Others who performed included Lo Chun Shun, Lee Lai Ha and Keung Ho Man. Honestly, most industry insiders were there to catch up and applauded their colleagues who volunteered to provide entertainment. The performers dared not linger too long on stage and handed over the microphone at the right time. The presentation of trophies to honor veteran colleagues brought the event to another climax. Aside from Uncle Shek Kin who was not mobile and had to be presented the award through earlier recording, other winners like Leung Shun Yin, Yu Mo Lin, Ting Yu and the first generation television engineer Lam Sai Cheung all personally accepted the award. This brought out another old topic. The Hong Kong television industry has already had half a century of history, yet it still does not have a publicly recognized industry award ceremony to celebrate those who have contributed their hard work, especially elders who have never touched an award. The Hong Kong Film Award this year has already stepped into its 28th year. Its ballot format and evaluation process have seem more and more improvement. Before the event was founded, the film industry had differences of opinions. In the end everyone came together and created the event, which has more and more public support and recognition. TVB's annual anniversary award ceremony is a self celebration event. Participating are the station's own artists, and ratings and advertising rate are evaluation considerations. In the past ATV anniversary also held similar award shows. They all are for decoration and focus on the commercial angle. That management used warning remains. From the overall television industry level of acceptance and encouragement, a fair and balance award show has its practice effect. Depending on television stations and media agreements and negotiation, if the polar effects of competition and mutual benefit can compromise and the general direction is set for a common goal, the problem is not hard to resolve. An united television industry award show will have extraordinary meaning for industry encouragement. - CHOW YI 7. MING PAO DAILY, APRIL 18 2009, FILM AND TELEVISION OBSERVATIONS HOW MUCH GROWTH WILL MAINLAND BOX OFFICE HAVE THIS YEAR Last year the Mainland box office growth was strong due to the screen number rapid increase. Screen number refers to cinema number. Now mini cinemas are popular, one cinema can have many screens. Thus the tabulation mainly counts by the screens. This year's economy has been poor, Mainland screen number growth has definitely eased. Industry insiders have even expressed pessimism. 2009 is the 60th anniversary of the founding of the nation, with more official theme films that will most likely occupy several major slots. With political policy assistance, the box office definitely will not be poor. Due to the past two years' rapid box office rise, national and co-production film investments have been very active. This year non official theme big films are also numerous. The summer and the end of the year Christmas and New Year slots have already been ferociously fought over. Even if certain release dates have been announced, they may change. Big stars and big productions can make over 100 million at the Mainland box office easier than before, but whether the economy will bring any negative impact no one knows. Big film investments have certain risk with over 100 million budget. Around 50 million instead the fluctuation is not bad. 50 to 70 million can hire big stars and have certain action scenes. Actually the cast has already decided a film's cost. Certain star's past performance becomes investment guideline. Class A cast can go from 50 to several hundred million, but Class B has difficulty with 30 million. Below 20 million is more conservative. Mainland film market has given investors too much hope, thus often investments that are unwise and ignore the real market conditions appear. Of course many have lost their shirts. Some appear to have decent box office on the surface, but the cost and return ratio is not in proportion. Everyone think they have made money, but actually they have lost. Film professionals are busier under poor climate than other industries. Productions are starting everywhere, but who knows how much this year's box office will grow? - KWOK HIN CHING 8. SING TAO DAILY, APRIL 18 2009 ANN HUI AND THE WAY WE ARE: DELICATE WITH HIGH CHANCE OF WINNING The 28th Annual Hong Kong Film Award will take place tomorrow. This year's Best Director nominees include THE WAY WE ARE (TIN SHUI WAI DIK YUT YU YEH)'s Ann Hui On Wa, SPARROW (MAN JEUK)'s Johnnie To Kei Fung, RED CLIFF (CHET BIK)'s John Woo (Ng Yu Sum), CONNECTED (BO CHI TUNG WA)'s Benny Chan Muk Sing and IP MAN's Wilson Yip Wai Shun; THE WAY WE ARE, SPARROW and IP MAN are also nominated for Best Picture and should be considered the favorites. Hui On Wa with THE WAY WE ARE just won the 15th Annual Hong Kong Film Society Award's Best Picture and Best Director, then followed up with with Hong Kong Film Award nominations in the same categories. Conceivably they have already injected a shot of confidence into Ann. Actually Hui On Wa has been in film for years and directed many excellent films. THE BOAT PEOPLE (TAU BUN NO HOI) in 82 won the 2nd Annual Hong Kong Film Award for Best Director. Years later, Ann even made other drama about relationships like SUMMER SNOW (NUI YUN SEI SUP) and JULY RHAPSODY (NAM YUN SEI SUP). To Kei Fung directed SPARROW took four years to make. In it To Kei Fung described much Hong Kong nostalgia. In 1972, To Kei Fung joined TVB. From writing and directing to producing, To Kei Fung has always made good use of a variety of subjects, added creativity, and knew to use melodramatic techniques. In the 80s he has made a variety of films, all of which were commercial and critical hits. Later, at the 19th, 23rd and 25th Hong Kong Film Award he has won Best Director three times with THE MISSION (CHEUNG FOR), PTU and ELECTION (HAK SEH WUI). Chan Muk Sing early in his career once was To Kei Fung's assistant director at the television station. In 90 with his first film A MOMENT OF ROMANCE (TIN YEUK YAU CHING) he made a name for himself. Since then MAN WANTED (WONG GOK DIK TIN HUNG) and BIG BULLET (CHUNG FUNG DUI NO FOR GAI TAU) made him a scorching hot action director. Then he directed WHO AM I (NGOR SI SHUI) and ROB B HOOD (BO BUI GAI WAT) all performed great at the box office. Although he was nominated for Best Director with BIG BULLET, NEW POLICE STORY and HEROIC DUO but never won. Chan Muk Sing adapted CONNECTED from Hollywood film CELLULAR. The film had many major explosive action scenes. Ng Yu Sum is an internationally renowned director. In the 80s his A BETTER TOMORROW (YING HUNG BOON SIK), THE KILLER (DIP HUET SEUNG HUNG), and HARDBOILED (LAT SAU SUN TAM) were all critical and commercial successes. In the 80s Ng Yu Sum went to Hollywood and made big films like FACE/OFF and MISSION IMPOSSIBLE 2; once with THE KILLER he won the 9th Annual Hong Kong Film Award for Best Director. Ng Yu Sum spent years to prepare for RED CLIFF and ran into many difficulties, but finally he was able to complete it and divided the film into two installments that were big Mainland and Hong Kong box office hits. Yip Wai Shun after years in film worked from assistant director to director. Since 95 he has begun directing and made many good films like BULLET OVER SUMMER (BAU LIT YING GAING), SPL (SAT POR LONG), and DRAGON TIGER GATE. IP MAN even made a name for him. With lower budget he shot a film about this master of a generation, won overwhelmingly at the box office and received his first Hong Kong Film Award Best Director nomination. This year's Best Actor nominee Louis Koo Tin Lok of course picked CONNECTED. He felt that entire film was very memorable. Because it was adapted from a foreign film, it actually had a lot of difficulties. The resource was also limited. For example the car chase took a lot of time to prepare. INFERNAL AFFAIRS (MO GAN DOH)'s Best Director Alan Mak Siu Fai also picked Chan Muk Sing's CONNECTED. He said, "I feel Chan Muk Sing made it very smooth, achieved Hollywood quality. The entire production was enormous and took a lot of effort." Yip Wai Shun was a Best Director nominee but picked Hui On Wa's THE WAY WE ARE to win. He said, "I feel this film is made very delicately, captured the specialty of Tin Shui Wai and described it very well." 9. MING PAO DAILY, APRIL 17 2009 BATTLE FOR THE THRONE: NICK CHEUNG VS. DONNIE YEN The 28th Annual Hong Kong Film Award will take place Sunday (April 19). Everyone's attention is of course on who will win Best Actor and Best Actress. Earlier with BEAST STALKER (JING YUN) winning the Hong Kong Film Critic Society Best Actor, Nick Cheung Ka Fai and IP MAN's Donnie Yen Chi Tan are the Best Actor favorites. As for the Best Actress, conceivably the competition is between Prudence Liew Mei Kwan and Paw Hee Ching. 5 time Hong Kong Film Award Best Actor Tony Leung Chiu Wai is nominated again this year with RED CLIFF (CHET BIK) and competes for Best Actor with Louis Koo Tin Lok, Simon Yam Tat Wa, Yen Chi Tan and Cheung Ka Fai. Many are concerned with whether Wai Jai will win Best Actor again. Conceivably the chance will not be too big because his film has many characters. John Woo (Ng Yu Sum) in order to make room for each kept Wai Jai who played Zhou Yu from a thorough performance, leaving room for BEAST STALKER's Cheung Ka Fai and IP MAN's Yen Chi Tan. Nick Cheung Fires The First Shot In fact, after 20 years in the business Cheung Ka Fai earlier won the Hong Kong Film Critic Society Best Actor award with this film. Thus he has an edge for another victory. However nominated for the first time for Best Actor with IP MAN, action star Yen Chi Tan should not be overlooked because he surprised in the film and shook off his past superficial and stiff acting. Not only was he able to fight but also act. RUN PAPA RUN (YUT GOR HO BA BA)'s first time Best Actor nominee Koo Tin Lok and the often nominated Yam Tat Wa conceivably will have a very hard time with the first two rounds. As for Best Actress, undoubtedly the competition is between Paw Hee Ching and Liew Mei Kwan. Liew Mei Kwan earlier with TRUE WOMEN FOR SALES (SING GUNG JOK JEH 2 NGOR BUT MAI SUN NGOR MAI JI GUNG) won her first Golden Horse Best Actress award. Sister Bao with THE WAY WE ARE (TIN SHUI WAI DIK YUT YU YEH) also got her first Best Actress taste at the Hong Kong Film Critic Society award. Although they had an age difference, their acting has been uniformly praised. Dark Horse Zhao Xun Should Not Be Taken Lightly Nominated with CLAUSTROPHOBIA (CHUN MUK), Karena Lam Ka Yun earlier has already lost to Liew Mei Kwan at the Golden Horse award; making her Hong Kong film debut with CONNECTED (BO CHI TUNG WA), Barbie Hsu (Tsui Hei Woon) (Big S)'s acting although has been praised but conceivably had a hard time to turn the situation around. Zhou Xun in PAINTED SKIN (WAT PEI) brought life to the demon's charm. Because of her acting the film was much more vivid. Her victory as the dark horse would not be surprising. - Or Mei, Chung Yat Hung 10. MING PAO DAILY, APRIL 17 2009, FILM WORDS CONFUCIUS AND FEI MU'S MERITS AND FLAWS Watching the almost 70 years old CONFUCIUS, I again feel that elder director Fei Mu had sincerity and creativity, but he at the time had a lot of limitation, his actual performance was not yet mature, even much was left to be desired. He focused on the traditional Confucian virtue and morality, which instead might have limited his development. I have to declare that I am not anti-Confucian. Actually, China's Confucians are people-oriented, focus on education, righteousness and courtesy. Far from blind worship, today it is still very valuable. Yet I do not like in the name of Confucianism to promote blind loyalty and filial piety, but China has many old films that are exactly like that. I resent that. I have read Fei Mu's films, most versions are tattered and incomplete. The 1935 SONG OF CHINA (TIN LUN) is a dubbed silent film that promoted Confucian benevolence, which was very preachy. The 1936 THE WOLF HILL, I have only seen the video without the supporting actress Lan Ping (Jiang Qing)'s part. Incomplete, the film was not very natural. The 1937 Beijing Opera film MURDER IN THE ORATORY (This old play was also known as "Wu Kills Wife," Cantonese Opera is "A Faithful Sword"), achieved old opera stage style, but the actor followed his mother's order to kill his wife (in order to be loyal to the king, patriotic and avenge his father). He could not bear to do so, his faithful wife committed suicide for the benefit of her husband. I do not like this kind of "Murderous Confucian." The 1948 Fei Mu directed, Mei Lanfang starred Beijing Opera film HAPPINESS NEITHER IN LIFE NOR IN DEATH was China's first color film, I have seen it many years ago. It was already in extremely poor condition, the impression was unremarkable. Later it was so broken that it could not be shown. Fei Mu was the film pioneer who combined Chinese opera and film art. Although he belonged to the attempt stage, he had an important impact on the subsequently opera film boom. As for the 1940 CONFUCIUS, it was a non opera costume film. However, it resembled silent film visuals with stage dialogue. Very binding, it did not constitute a smart image of Chinese film aesthetic. In addition to HAPPINESS NEITHER IN LIFE NOR IN DEATH, he in 1948 also made SPRINGTIME IN A SMALL TOWN, which was really excellent. SPRINGTIME IN A SMALL TOWN was outstanding in that it no longer hard sell Confucian and force Chinese style, but a vivid and detailed, characterization of depressed young wife's "immoral" fantasy of eloping on a clandestine love affair, really showed the human nature of the pursuit of freedom and achieved the "New Wave" film sense. In the end the young wife returns to his home life, to the embrace of her sick husband, which was somewhat helpless. SPRINGTIME IN A SMALL TOWN was Fei Mu's self breakthrough film. Unfortunately after he moved to Hong Kong in 1951 he passed away too soon and did not have a chance to perform further. Fei Mu's other films that are currently in existence are not in that film's class and should not be boasted randomly. Actually with SPRINGTIME IN A SMALL TOWN alone, Fei Mu has already made his mark in history. (III) - SHEK KEI 11. MING PAO DAILY, APRIL 17 2009, FILM AND TELEVISION OBSERVATIONS CLARIFICATION RELATED TO RECORD SALES IFPI has written to request clarification on the column related to record sales. The letter had three key points and responses. 1. This organization (IFPI) since 1976 has operated the Gold Record award presentation and developed the record sales award presentation today with accountant certified sales figures as standards. Accountant certified sales figures have always included record distribution figures. 2. The standard and certification methods that this organization has issued for record sales are effective and recognized by local and international record industries alike, and cannot be achieved through marketing strategies as described in the column. 3. As for record company repurchase and market fixing as mentioned in the column, this organization considers them as pure speculation and completely without any factual evidence. The writer here would like to clarify that the earlier column did not claim that IFPI sales figures lacked fairness. It only mentioned that four foreign funded record companies have backed out without offering figures. The sales award thus did not include all record sales. If this is untrue, would IFPI please correct the column again. The organization's sales tabulation already included distribution figures, which was a point that the writer indeed did not mention. As for repurchasing to fix the market, the point truly had no actual evidence but it also was not from pure personal imagination. The writer only mentioned such approaches that would be viable logically. Like the film box office, if a film company used real cash money or coupons to buy tickets at the box office, it could put the box office higher and fix the market as long as it was willing to lose the difference in final tabulation. The writer has never said that any record company has done so, he only said that the repurchase method could achieve better sales. This point needs to be clarified. Anyone with money can fund a record release in the same way and buy 80,000 to 100,000 copies or even more. No one can say that is impossible! - KWOK HIN CHING 12. SING TAO DAILY, APRIL 17 2009 NICK CHEUNG HAS TO ASK TONY LEUNG BEFORE THE CORONATION The 28th Annual Hong Kong Film Award will take place in two days. This year's Best Actor nominees include RUN PAPA RUN (YUT GOR HO BA BA)'s Louis Koo Tin Lok, SPARROW (MAN JEUK)'s Simon Yam Tat Wa, RED CLIFF (CHET BIK)'s Tony Leung Chiu Wai, BEAST STALKER (JING YUN)'s Nick Cheung Ka Fai, and IP MAN's Donnie Yen Chi Tan. Koo Tin Lok in RUN PAPA RUN plays a mob boss Lee Tin Yun who is willing to go through fire for his daughter and even orders his followers to change their image like him to disguise their identities. He also gradually makes his mob business legitimate. After growing up his daughter learns his true identity and is very heartbroken. Finally he is forced to walk a road of no return. Koo Tin Lok after last year's Best Supporting Actor defeat this time jumps with RUN to the Best Actor nomination. His strength is beyond any doubt. As SPARROW's veteran pickpocket Kei, Yam Tat Wa makes a living from stealing with his partner. He even often rides his bicycle through the streets. In order to steal back something important for a mysterious woman, he teams up with his partners but runs into strong opposition. Best Actor Yam Tat Wa has lost the Best Actor award twice. This nomination with the new film hopefully will fulfill his wish. The other three nominees include the "Frequent Best Actor" Leung Chiu Wai. He in RED CLIFF plays Zhou Yu, has Lin Chiling as his wife Xiaoqiao and Takeshi Kaneshiro (Gum Sing Mo) as Zhuge Liang to come up with strategies for him. Wai Jai in order to bring life to the historical figure has spent a lot of effort and time on the characterization. Already 5 time Best Actor award winning, Wai Jai not only is a film award frequent guest but also has won the Cannes Film Festival Best Actor for the glory of Hong Kong. As for this year's first nomination but already seen as the favorite, Cheung Ka Fai has been in the business for 20 years. He in BEAST STALKER plays a lethal criminal Hung King. In the film his performance is exceptional and deeply receives the uniform praise from the audience and the internet. He also has changed his memorable comedy image. Earlier with BEAST he won the Hong Kong Film Critic Society Best Actor award and got his first taste of Best Actor. Whether he will win the Hong Kong Film Award for Best Actor he has become this award show's focus. The final Best Actor nominee Yen Chi Tan in IP MAN plays the master of a generation Ip Man. The most memorable moment in the film for the audience is when he screams, "I want to fight 10" as he takes on ten opponents. 13. MING PAO DAILY, APRIL 16 2009 WILSON YIP ANN HUI THE STRONGEST DIRECTORS IP MAN VS. THE WAY WE ARE The 28th Annual Hong Kong Film Award on April 19 will take place at the Cultural Center. As this film event enters its countdown stage, who will win naturally becomes the topic. Earlier the Best Supporting Actor, Best Supporting Actress and Best New Actor categories have been discussed. Today the Best Picture and Best Director categories will be analyzed. This year's Best Picture nominees are THE WAY WE ARE (TIN SHUI WAI DIK YUT YU YEH), RED CLIFF (CHET BIK), CJ7 (CHEUNG GONG CHUT HO), PAINTED SKIN (WAT PEI) and IP MAN. Best Director nominees are Ann Hui On Wa, Johnnie To Kei Fung, John Woo (Ng Yu Sum), Benny Chan Muk Sing and Wilson Yip Wai Shun. The Hui On Wa directed THE WAY WE ARE and the Yip Wai Shun directed IP MAN have pre race buzz in the stratosphere. Some claimed that they have the best chance to win Best Picture and Best Director. Although the Hui On Wa directed THE WAY WE ARE is a small budget film, it has won word of mouth without piles of money. Praised for its local color, the film also reflects the Tin Shui Wai scenery and fully demonstrates the director's abilities. The Yip Wai Shun directed IP MAN not only has a powerful story but also has a style that differs from the usual martial art film. Its release even led to a tremendous response, as its box office success was unexpected to many industry insiders. Naturally it is this Hong Kong Film Award's favorite. RED CLIFF, CJ7 Can Win Out At Anytime Other Best Picture nominees, big productions RED CLIFF, CJ7 and PAINTED SKIN, had many supporters and in addition big box office hits during their Mainland and Hong Kong releases. RED CLIFF especially took Ng Yu Sum ten years to prepare, to bring the renown giant battle to life in front of the audience is no simple feat. CJ7 also took Chow Sing Chi several years to prepare. This film not only sells family but also has comedy elements. A victory would not be surprising. 14. MING PAO DAILY, APRIL 16 2009, FILM WORDS CONFUCIUS HAS SORROW BUT LACKS SOUL The Fei Mu written and directed CONFUCIUS when "the Chinese reached the most dangerous time" through the Spring and Autumn era tragically displayed sorrowfully the loss of morality, slaughter across borders, the strong oppressing the weak, blind leaders, traitors and thieves in power, Confucius and his disciples constantly suffered setbacks but still insisted on virtue and moral conduct. The film stressed that "Confucius the Benevolent", "always in humanity for generations to come", longed for "world peace", but it had too much sorrow and preaching and shaped Confucius as boring and old-fashioned. Actually Confucius focused on the fun of humanity. "The Analects of Confucius" first book is "The Master said, 'Is it not pleasant to learn with a constant perseverance and application? Is it not delightful to have friends coming from distant quarters? Is he not a man of complete virtue, who feels no discomposure though men may take no note of him?" He was known as the dog of a mourning family but still gladly laughed. Yet in the film Confucius was very rigid. Only knew to worry, he was a tragic figure without any joy, nothing like the "At thirty, I stood firm. At forty, I had no doubts. At fifty, I knew the decrees of Heaven. At sixty, my ear was an obedient organ for the reception of truth. At seventy, I could follow what my heart desired, without transgressing what was right." philosophy master or the great educator who affected the world. I think the biggest failure of the entire film is the role of Confucius (Tang Huaiqiu), the only prominent figure is the intrepid Zilu (Chang Yi), the other disciples were also poor. As for the blind leader and traitors, they just kept giving an exaggerated sinister smile. Undoubtedly, Fei Mu took an uncommon "high profile" approach, focused on the historical unrest, and attempted to show classical costumes and music, and even wanted to experience with the Chinese film aesthetics. However, conditions and techniques were inadequate. Those big sleeves costumes were very uncomfortable, the studio sets false, and action handling particularly inept. Thus important scenes like hanging corpse of the troubled world tree, as well as Zilu's archery, sword wielding and the final death in battle, were unrealistic. This film pursued Chinese aesthetics' half fictional half fact, but the fictional was too stiff, the fact was too fake, as the film lacked soul. In fact, at the time the film industry's costume period films were often not quite right. A few years Zhu Shilin in Hong Kong made the film SORROWS OF THE FORBIDDEN CITY (CHING GUNG BEI SI), the pattern of which was better. Then Li Han-hsiang, King Hu (Wu Kam Chuen) and others greatly elevated costume and movement. However, until now, Chinese costume films still have a lot of problems that need to be addressed. Some historical parts of CONFUCIUS actually were quite dramatic, for example, when Lord Wei Ling arranged for the beautiful queen Nanzi to meet with her old flame while Lord Wei Ling had a homosexual affair; it also had controversial scenes, such as when Confucius was upset that a dwarf fooled Zhuhou, Zilu ruthlessly beheaded the dwarf. These of course should be shot accurately without any evasion; yet they were brief and stiff, unable to perform the necessary drama and controversy. (II) - SHEK KEI 15. MING PAO DAILY, APRIL 16 2009, FILM AND TELEVISION OBSERVATIONS EASTER HOLIDAY BOX OFFICE RESURRECTION The Easter box office was decent. Over the four-day holiday, family films of course had the edge. Animation MONSTERS VS. ALIENS was the box-office champion. The 3D effects made it even more attractive to children. The Derek Yee Tung Sing directed, Jackie Chan starred SHINJUKU INCIDENT (SUN SHOOK SI GEIN) was also well received. After more than a week it accumulated more than 11.4 million, ultimately it was a big film. For a Jackie Chan movie, this performance was not considered good. However SHINJUKU INCIDENT was not a traditional Jackie Chan action movie, it had no Hong Kong-style action, no Jackie Chan comedy plot; it is a straight up drama. This figure for this slot was already reasonable. This year the Easter films were not too strong. The box office still had near 13 percent growth, which again proved that the economic downturn helped the film box office. Even so, before Easter the stock market picked up a lot, the property market became more buoyant, and people's holiday mood was good. More surprising was SNIPER (SUN CHEUNG SAU)'s box office was only average. This film was very well made. In terms of directing, Dante Lam Chiu Yin's performance was far better than BEAST STALKER (JING YUN). SNIPER was very martial art hero like. It made snipers look very cool, it also had a rare solid feel. Similar subjects have been made overseas, SNIPER exceeded similar films. With the proper use of computer special effects, snipers' real skills were on display instead of special effects processing that exceeded reality. Perhaps this film was too male audience oriented, which put it at a disadvantage during the holidays. After the four-day public holiday, SNIPER's box office position has already risen rapidly. Hopefully its momentum will be better. The writer believes that Edison Chen Koon Hei's negative impact on the box office was limited, the greatest impact perhaps was the rumor that because of him this film could not be released in the Mainland. However, the villain in the film was a retired police officer, which probably would have failed inspection. - KWOK HIN CHING 16. SING TAO DAILY, APRIL 16 2009 FOX DEMON, PROSTITUTE VS. HOUSEWIFE NICK CHEUNG PICKS PAW HEE JING TO WIN The 28th Annual Hong Kong Film Award will take place in three days, Best Actress nominees include THE WAY WE ARE (TIN SHUI WAI DIK YUT YU YEH)'s Paw Hee Jing, TRUE WOMEN FOR SALE (SING GUNG JOK JEH 2 NGOR BUT MAI SUN NGOR MAI JI GUNG)'s Prudence Liew Mei Kwan, CONNECTED (BO CHI TUNG WA)'s Barbie Hsu (Tsui Hei Woon), PAINTED SKIN (WAT PEI)'s Zhou Xun and CLAUSTROPHOBIA (CHUN MUK)'s Karena Lam Ka Yun. This year's Best Actress competition is strong, many nominees are favorites. Paw Hee Jing has a 40 year long performing career. In THE WAY WE ARE she plays Mother Kwai, a hard worker who was never afraid of being taken advantage of. Everyday she happily works at the supermarket, everything that happens with her and her son Cheung Ka On (Juno Leung Chun Lung) is what the average housewife often runs into. Around her is also an elderly woman who lives alone. The film reflects anecdotes in Tin Shui Wai. Sister Bao has been in film for many years, earlier at the 2008 Hong Kong Film Critics Society Award she finally won Best Actress with the film. At the time she described the feeling as mixed, just like Cinderella. Liew Mei Kwan in TRUE WOMEN FOR SALE plays a prostitute "Lai Chung Chung". In the film she reflects the status and plight of women. Liew Mei Kwan returns to film after 20 years and wins her first Golden Horse Best Actress in one shot and defeated CLAUSTROPHOBIA Best Actress nominee Lam Ka Yun. However, Liew Mei Kwan and Lam Ka Yun run right into each other again at the Hong Kong Film Award to compete for Best Actress. Actually Ka Yun has been nominated for Best Actress more than once. For 4 years in row with INNER SENSES (YI DOH HUNG GAN), FLOATING LANDSCAPE (LUEN JI FUNG GAING), KOMA (GAU MING) and HOME SWEET HOME (GWAI MUK) she was nominated for Best Actress, which was also a record. Unfortunately every time she did not have any luck with Best Actress. However, when Ka Yun made her debut, she also with JULY RHAPSODY (NAM YUN SEI SUP) won the Hong Kong Film Award for Best New Actor and Best Supporting Actress. Since then, her new strong actress name has been solidified. This time, Ka Yun in CLAUSTROPHOBIA plays Ah Pui, a girl with an aura. The story is also close to reality. Tsui Hei Woon (Big S) received a Best Actress nomination for her first Hong Kong film, which surprised her very much. In the film she plays a mother who is kidnapped. With her knowledge of electronics, she finds a stranger Louis Koo Tin Lok and asks for his help. This film is adapted from the Hollywood movie CELLULAR. Zhou Xun has won the 25th Annual Hong Kong Film Award for Best Actress with PERHAPS LOVE (YU GOR OI). Since then she has won many awards. In the film PAINTED SKIN, Zhou Xun plays a fox demon. She has to put on 3 layers of imitation human skin to interpret the role, just the costume alone took a lot of time. In the film she and Betty Sun Li's demon slayer had many fight scenes. Nick Cheung Ka Fai this time is also nominated for Best Actor. Earlier he just won the Hong Kong Film Critics Society Best Actor while Sister Bao won Best Actress, Ka Fai at the Hong Kong Film Award would vote for Sister Bao again. He said, "Sister Bao's acting is beyond any doubt, in the film she is able to play the role. I myself also like this movie a lot. Director Hui On Wa is also a director I like. She made the film very realistic." Hong Kong Film Award winning director Andrew Lau Wai Keung said that all the actresses performed very well, but if he had to choose one he would vote for Zhou Xun. He said, "I have seen her movies, this film too. This time she performed very well and was able to bring out the character." 17. MING PAO DAILY, APRIL 15 2009 LAM KA TUNG VS. FAN SIU WONG Xu Jiao Has Hope To Win Rookie of The Year The 28th Annual Hong Kong Film Award will take place Sunday (19th), the entertainment page starting today for three days in a row will analyze and predict each major category. Today we first talk 3 categories of Best Supporting Actor, Best Supporting Actress and Best New Actor. Among them Lam Ka Tung and Terry Fan Siu Wong, Vicki Zhao Wei and Betty Sun Li, Xu Jiao and Juno Leung Chun Lung are above the rest. Lam Ka Tung and Fan Siu Wong are both nominated for Best Supporting Actor with IP MAn. Although they face the self demoted lead of CJ7 (CHEUNG GONG CHUT HO), Stephen Chow Sing Chi, as well publicly recognized good actors Zhang Fengyi and Liu Kai Chi, Lam Ka Tung and Fan Siu Wong are still the favorites. Best Supporting Actress should be between two Mainland actresses Zhao Wei and Sun Li. Xu Jiao will go head on against Leung Chun Lung for the New Actor award. Ka Tung Siu Wong Exchange Praises Competing for the Best Supporting Actor, Lam Ka Tung and Fan Siu Wong although cannot compare to veteran nominees Sing Yeh, Uncle Chi and Zhang Fengyi, but Sing Yeh in CJ7 gave a breakthrough performance as a kind father the film instead focused on Xu Jiao and left him with little to work with; Uncle Chi in BEAST STALKER (JING YUN) and Zhang Fengyi in RED CLIFF gave average performances; meanwhile Lam Ka Tung and Fan Siu Wong in IP MAN had performances that exceeded quality and left deep impression with the audience. Their acting was no less than the lead Donnie Yen Chi Tan's, thus they have been seen as Best Supporting Actor favorites. After years in the business Lam Ka Tung and Fan Siu Wong honestly said that they would like to win, but they humbly felt that the other had a better chance. No matter who will win they will be just as happy. Sun Li Better Than Zhao Wei 2R's Race Wong Yuen Ling in TRUE WOMEN FOR SALE (NGOR BUT MAI SUN NGOR MAI JI GUNG) although gave up her pristine girl image, performed without any make up and was nominated for Best Supporting Actress due to good reviews of her performance, she ran into two strong Mainland rivals Zhao Wei and Sun Li. Sun Li in PAINTED SKIN (WAT PEI) although was only a big support character, she performed from beginning to end. Her control in her crying scene astonished many; Zhao Wei although performed well in RED CLIFF as the lively Sun Shangxiang, but her role was thinned due to the size of the cast. Seemingly Sun Li had an edge. As for Best New Actor, it should be a competition between THE WAY WE ARE (TIN SHUI WAI DIK YUT YU YEH)'s Leung Chun Lung and CJ7's Xu Jiao who played a boy role. Many picked Xu Jiao as they felt that at such a young age she gave a performance with layers, great at all the emotions. Yet Leung Chun Lung did not have any stage fright either with Paw Hee Jing. His performance opened many eyes. Lin Chiling and Kitty Zhang Yuqi can only run along with him. - OR MEI 18. SING TAO DAILY, APRIL 15 2009 BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR HAS BOTH ACTION AN DRAMA LOUIS KOO PICKS STEPHEN CHOW TO WIN The 28th Annual Hong Kong Film Award will take place in 4 days. This year's Best Supporting Actor nominees are RED CLIFF (CHET BIK)'s Zhang Fengyi, CJ7 (CHEUNG GONG CHUT HO)'s Stephen Chow Sing Chi, BEAST STALKER (JING YUN)'s Liu Kai Chi, IP MAN's Lam Ka Tung and Terry Fan Siu Wong. Mainland Best Actor Zhang Fengyi in the John Woo (Ng Yu Sum) directed RED CLIFF plays Cao Cao, just his tyrannical eyes alone are already full of drama. In the film he battles wits and might with Tony Leung Chiu Wai and Takeshi Kaneshiro (Gum Sing Mo). The series of major battle scenes have left a deep impression. Chow SIng Chi at the 21st Annual Hong Kong Film Award won Best Actor with SHAOLIN SOCCER, which he wrote, directed and starred in. This time he is nominated for Best Supporting Actor with CJ7, a movie about father, son and an alien dog. In the film he is a laborer, down on his luck father whose life an alien dog saves. Liu Kai Chi in BEAST STALKER plays the cop who teams up with Nicholas Tse Ting Fung on an investigation. The criminal chase is thrilling and difficult. The most memorable scene is the slow motion car flip. As a previous Hong Kong Film Award Best Supporting Actor award winner, his strength should not be ignored. IP MAN Twin Stars Award Competition Once nominated for Best Supporting Actor with DANCE OF A DREAM (OI KWUN YU MUNG), Lam Ka Tung in IP MAN turns from a Foshan policeman to a wartime Japanese military translator. He while keeping Ip Man's whereabouts a secret suffers severe injuries. First time nominee Fan Siu Wong in IP MAN plays a Northern martial art master who in order to make a name for himself in Foshan challenges all school headmasters. With his good martial art background Fan Siu Wong's performance in the film is decent. This time at the Hong Kong Film Award he runs into many strong competitors and conceivably will have a fierce fight. Koo Tin Lok is nominated for Best Actor with RUN PAPA RUN (YUT GOR HO BA BA). Among the Best Supporting Actor nominees he picks CJ7's Chow Sing Chi. Goo Jai said, "After watching CJ7, I saw that Sing Yeh's father role in the film was very appropriate. He was able to perform the fatherhood side. In the film his performance was different from his past performances." Best Actress Sandra Ng Kwan Yu prefers Lam Ka Tung's IP MAN performance. She said, "This film's overall performance and every aspect are well coordinated. Ka Tung's acting is great. I pick him to win." - Wong Chi Ying 19. SING TAO DAILY, APRIL 14 2009 BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS VETERANS VS. NEW STARS LEE SINJIE PICKS NORA MIAO TO WIN GOLD The 28th Annual Hong Kong Film Award will take place in 5 days. The Best Supporting Actress nominees are RUN PAPA RUN (YUT GOR HO BA BA)'s Nora Miao (Miu Hor Sau), THE WAY WE ARE (TIN SHUI WAI DIK YUT YU YEH)'s Chan Lai Wun, RED CLIFF (CHET BIK)'s Vicki Zhao WEi, TRUE WOMEN FOR SALE (SING GUNG JOK JEH 2 NGOR BUT MAI SUN NGOR MAI JI GUNG)'s Race Wong Yuen Ling and PAINTED SKIN (WAT PEI)'s Betty Sun Li. Miu Hor Sau has retired from show business for years. This time Sylvia Chang (Cheung Ngai Ga) asked her to return to Hong Kong and play Louis Koo Tin Lok's mother in RUN PAPA RUN. Koo Tin Lok plays a mob boss who ignored his mother's objection and joined the mob. Miu Hor Sau in the film plays a chiropractor. To bring the character to life, Miu Hor Sau even learned some basic of the trade and the Chaozhou dialect. Chan Lai Wun Plays Elderly Who Lives Alone Chan Lai Wun in Ann Hui On Wa's small budget production THE WAY WE ARE plays an elderly woman who lives alone. She meets Sister Kwai (Paw Hee Jing) at the supermarket and brings life to a simple life attitude to this city of sadness. Zhao Wei in RED CLIFF plays Sun Shangxiang, Sun Quan's sister, a well skilled female warrior who disguised herself to spy from the enemy camp and developed a friendship with a fellow soldier. In the end her friend died in battle and Zhao Wei's mourning scene won a lot of praise. Wong Yuen Ling is a film industry new comer. She in TRUE plays Wong Lin Fa, who marries an older Hong Kong man for residence. The film is also a realistic movie. Actually Race was nominated for the Best New Actor Hong Kong Film Award with ABNORMAL BEAUTY (SEI MONG SEH JUN) and her acting is decent. Sun Li in PAINTED SKIN plays the demon slaying heroine Xia Bing, a contrast to the fox demon Zhou Xun. Sun Li's costume in the film was simpler and more masculine. In the film she had her share of fighting sequences. She even learned weapon use from Donnie Yen Chi Tan in the film and worked on the wire for the first time. "Eye Expression Is Truly Touching" Hong Kong Film Award Best Actress with THE EYE (GEIN GWAI) Angelica Lee Sinjie expressed that Miu Hor Sau would win. "Actually I have never seen her movies, but I really like Miu Hor Sau's character this time. Her performance is truly great. She plays that type of mother who looks very mean on the surface, but when she looks at her son (Koo Tin Lok), that eye expression and emotional performance are great. I was very touched." Nick Cheung Ka Fai would vote for THE WAY WE ARE's Chan Lai Wun. He expressed that he has always liked Hui On Wai's movies. This film was very real and close to Hong Kong people. Chan Lai Wun's performance is great, very similar to real life and very moving. - Wan Man Chi [ In Production Now/Soon ] ECHOES OF THE RAINBOW Can : Shui Yuet Sun Tau Lit : Age Moon Godly Thief d. Alex Law Kai Yui Simon Yam Tat Wa, Sandra Ng KWan Yu [ MEI AH PROMO ] The film depicts Hong Kong in the striving 60s, as seen through the eyes of a child. Nosy, naughty and always running into trouble, the kid observes with wit and humor the ever changing society of Hong Kong. The story revolves around the kid and his family -- a working class father, a happy-go-lucky mother, an aspiring, starry-eyed elder brother, and our young protagonist himself. Through the elder brother's first romance, and the family's encounters with love, hope, failure, death and rebirth, we travel back to a place called old Hong Kong, a time we will always remember, and a place we have always called home...... BODYGUARDS AND ASSASSINS Can : Sup Yuet Wai Sing Lit : October City Siege AKA : DARK OCTOBER d. Teddy Chan Tak Sum Leon Lai Ming, Nicholas Tse Ting Fung, Donnie Yen Chi Tan, Eric Tsang Chi Wai, Hu Jun, Simon Yam Tat Wa, Tony Leung Ka Fai, Wang Xueqi, Fan Bingbing, Wang Bo-Chieh Opening December 18 2009 Can : Ngai Jai Dor Ching Lit : Short Guy Romantic d. James Yuen Sai Sun Wong Cho Nam, Kate Tsui Tsz Shan, JJ Jia (Ga Hiu Sun), Race Wong Yuen Ling, Angelababy, Maggie Lee Man Kwan JUNIOR SOLDIERS Can : Dai Bing Siu Jeung Lit : Big Soldier Small General d. Ding Sheng Jackie Chan, Wang Leehom (Wong Lik Won), Yoo Seung-Jun, Lin Peng Can : Yuet Moon Hin Nei Si Lit : Full Moon Hennessy d. Ivy Ho (Ong Sai) Jacky Cheung Hok Yau, Tang Wei 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) DRIFTING FLOWER Can : Piu Long Ching Chun Lit : Drifting Wave Youth d. Zero Chou Mei Ling Lu Yi-Ching, Serena Fang, Chao Yi-Lan Rating : IIA Length 97 mins. Opening April 23 2009 [ BROADWAY CIRCUIT ] Taiwanese director Zero Chou (Spider Lilies) offers up three subtle, interwoven lesbian tales of the lost and found nature of love. The first segment opens with a fragile domestic bliss cobbled together by Jing, and her younger sister Meigo. Butch accordionist Chalkie upsets the balance by falling for Jing and inspiring Meigo’s first big crush. The middle story belongs to Lily, a patient endlessly searching in her disintegrating memory for her lost lover. The final segment follows Chalkie, coming of age with best pal and coming to terms with her repulsion at her own budding body and her complicated feelings for girls. CANDY RAIN Can : Fa Hap Liu Na Nui Hai Lit : Flower Ate That Girl d. Chen Hung-I Karena Lam Ka Yun, Cyndi Wang (Wong Sum Ling), Belle Hsin Chia-Ying, Grace Chen Yang-Kun, Sandrine Pinna (Chang Yung-Yung), Waa Wei Yu Huen, Kao Iling, Niki Wu Lichi, Mo Tzu-Yi, Lu Chia-Hsin, Josephine Hsu An-An Rating : IIB Length : 107 mins. Opening April 23 2009 [ YAHOO! MOVIES HONG KONG ] How many types of love are there? When they are together they are very happy. When they are together they are very unhappy. When they are not together they are very happy. When they are not together they are very unhappy. All of the above are. Do you make one choice or multiple choices? No choice? In an old Taipei apartment, lovers would each receive an anonymous package addressed to Candy Rain as four little love stories are told. 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 23 2009 Official Site : http://www.permanent-residence.com 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. 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 May 14 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? 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 ] 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 30 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 [ SINA MOVIES HONG KONG ] 9 year old Lo Jai after losing his parents in a fire loses his ability to speak. Without any friend Lo Jai in the forest runs into a young panda Bobo, which is under hunters' pursuit. To keep it from harm, Lo Jai takes it home and hides it. During this period, Lo Jai teaches Bo Bo a variety of survival skills while Bo Bo opens up his heart again. Thus they build a deep friendship. Unfortunately, Lo Jai gradually understands that his strength alone is not enough to stop the hunters and the hounds' pursuit. Thus he is determined to return Bo Bo back to its mother...As danger approaches closer, can Lo Jai finally overcome the odds with Bo Bo and find the road home? LI SHUANGLIANG Can : Yu Gung Yi San Lit : Dumb Grandpa Moves Mountain d. Huo Jiaqi Wang Qingxiang, Guo Xiaodong, Dong Jie Rating : 91 mins. Opening April 30 2009 [ YAHOO! MOVIES HONG KONG ] Shanxi Taiyuan steel factory's waste has piled up for nearly 40 years into an over 10 million square meter mountain. This enormous pile has not only impacted the steel factory production but also polluted the city environment, endangering everyone's health. How would this pile be removed? To build a railroad to pull it away requires 100 million; To push it across the river requires 2 to 3 years. The pile problem has become critical. Retired old worker Li Shuangliang volunteers without a cent of investment from the nation. With his persistent determination he finally removes this pile and even creates 200 million yuan in economic benefit for the steel factory. 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 Rating : IIA Length : 115 mins. Opening April 30 2009 Site : http://encorefilms.com/handsome-suit [ SINA MOVIES HONG KONG ] If you have a suit that makes you handsome, what would you do? The extremely ugly Takuro Oki after taking over his late mother's diner Kokoroya runs into new part time help Hiroko, but he suffers a major setback after she rejects him. Later he runs into the "handsome suit" and transforms into the super handsome Hikariyama Annin. He begins to live a double life as the lady killer Annin and the pervert suspect Takuro. With the ultimate Handsome Suit that can permanently transform him into Annin, what would Takuro choose? 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. CITY OF LIFE AND DEATH Can : Nam King! Nam King! d. Lu Chuan Liu Ye, Fan Wei, Hideo Nakaizumi, Gao Yuanyaun Rating : IIB Length : 131 mins. Opening May 7 2009 [ BROADWAY CIRCUIT ] China, December 1937. The country is at war with Japan. Beijing and Shanghai have already fallen. Japanese troops arrive at the doors of the capital, Nanjing. Following weeks of bombardment, local and foreign officials have fled the city in ruins. LU, a charismatic Chinese General intensely determined to repel the enemy, leads his men in defense of their capital, street by street. They have little ammunition left as they face the Japanese tanks, but they refuse to leave. Mr. TANG is guardedly optimistic as he and his family flee to the International Safety Zone, where a growing number of Chinese civilians find shelter. Operated by the city's few remaining foreigners, the zone has become a large refugee camp. Miss JIANG, a young Chinese teacher with a strong sense of mission, coordinates life in this crowded enclave, attempting to protect as many individuals as she can. A FROZEN FLOWER Can : Seung Fa Dim Lit : Frost Flower Shop d. Yoo Ha Jo In-Sung, Ju Jin-Mo, Song Ji-Hyuo Opening May 14 2009 [ SINA MOVIES HONG KONG ] True love requires decisive courage. In the end of Goryeo era politically manipulated by the Yuan Dynasty, unknown assassins threaten the King's life. The ambitious King of the Goryeo Dynasty organizes Kunryongwe. Hong Lim, the commander of Kunryongwe, grew up with the King and swears to protect him with his life. They develop a bed sharing relationship that is deeper than brothers. Yet they do not understand that this relationship actually has already exceeded the border of friendship. Hong Lim always sees any of the King's command as more important than his life. He never expects that this time in order to give birth to a successor, the King who has no way to be with a woman asks Hong Lim to sleep with the Queen for him. The stuck between honor and loyalty Hong Lim, the helpless Queen and the jealous King are tightly entangled in desire and power. Since that night, fate change. The complex and difficult triangle is about to explode. When his most beloved person and his wife share a bed, jealousy and fear have become the King's demons. He does not trust anyone around him and no longer believe in love. He chooses dark and cruel ways to eliminiate anyone who may reveal the secret. The struggle with desire has Hong Lim stuck in the mud. Facing the King's extreme brutality and the Queen's tender love, Hong Lim who once only has one man in his heart experiences for the first time the love from another woman. Between him and her, between personal relationship and national struggle how will Hong Lim choose? 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 Japanese animation Opening July 9 2009 [ SINA MOVIES HONG KONG ] On the day of Keroro's Earth invasion, Keroro oversleeps! When he arrives at the space tunnel and sees his waiting teammates, enemies suddenly appear! Giroro and Dororo are under attack when another strong rival joins in the attack! One day, an inexplicable giants object "Dragon Tails" appear all over the world. To seek the truth, Keroro Platoon starts a worldwide investigation, ends up in a mysterious world landmark in France, Mont Saint Michel. There it runs into a mysterious girl Shion, whose "Dragon Book" holds incredible power that transforms Keroro Platoon into different ferocious dinosaurs with immense power. Would the dinosaur Keroro invade Earth or... --- [ Entertainment URL ] MEDIA ASIA http://www.mediaasia.com EMPEROR MOTION PICTURES http://www.emp.hk GOLDEN SCENE http://www.goldenscene.com SING PAO http://www.singpao.com THE HONG KONG FILM ARCHIVE http://www.lcsd.gov.hk/hkfa/ CHANG CHUN CHINA FILM FESTIVAL http://www.cc-film.com GOLDEN HARVEST http://www.goldenharvest.com STAR EAST http://www.stareastnet.com CITY ENTERTAINMENT http://www.cityentertainment.com.hk Commercial Radio http://www.crhk.com.hk Television Broadcast Limited http://www.tvb.com.hk --- [ NORTH AMERICA AREA CONCERTS ] Courtesy of our neighbors at : High Level Entertainment's Concert & Event News Center http://www.levelhigh.com http://www.geocities.com/NapaValley/1721/hlecaen.htm * SUPERBAND LIVE IN SAN JOSE Emil Chau Wakin, Lo Ta Yau, Jonathan Lee, & A-Yue Chang Live in Concert! DATE AND TIME: Monday night, September 7,2009 @ 7pm Labor Day Holiday VENUE LOCATION: San Jose State Event Center 290 S. 7th Street, San Jose, CA 95192 TICKET PRICES: $58, $68, $78, $88, $98, $108, $138 Info & online ticket: www.usastarimage.com concert hotline: 510-651-6888 info email: concert@usastarimage.com TICKET OUTLET LOCATIONS: http://www.usastarimage.com Ng Hing Kee SF 415-781-8330 Ng Hing Kee Sunset SF 415-759-1999 Ng Hing Kee Millbrae 650-692-8922 Ng Hing Kee Mountain View 650-969-2034 Ng Hing Kee Oakland 510-272-0822 Oakland Bookstore 510-465-9865 World Books SF 415-397-8473 Evergeen Books Milpitas 408-383-9798 Taro Books Cupertino 408-863-1288 Taro Books Newark 510-818-9666 * ANDY HUI AND TAI CHI LIVE DATE AND TIME: Saturday, July 4 2009 @ 8PM VENUE LOCATION: Reno Events Center 400 North Center St., Reno NV 89501 TICKET PRICES: $118, 98, 78, 58, 38 TICKET OUTLET LOCATIONS: TICKET MASTER http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/1C0042900F966A00?artistid=1317479&majorcatid=10001&minorcatid=1 * MGM MIRAGE INTERNATIONAL MARKETING, RAYMOND MIU PRODUCTIONS, INC, AND SEA GULL HOLIDAY PRESENT ALAN TAM AND HACKEN LEE WORLD TOUR 2009 DATE AND TIME: Saturday, June 20 2009 @ 8PM VENUE LOCATION: Mandalay Bay Resort 3950 Las Vegas Blvd. S. Las Vegas NV 89119 TICKET PRICES: $168, 138, 108, 78, 48 TICKET OUTLET LOCATIONS: TICKET MASTER http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/1700428AA5868458?artistid=1314934&majorcatid=10001&minorcatid=52 Raymond Miu Productions, Inc. http://www.rmpny.com 195 Canal Street Suite 201 New York NY 10013 212-966-0800 GotoBus.com http://www.gotobus.com/cs/c343/hackenleeconcert/alantamandhackenlee__24038___40607___21491___26446_concert.html LOS ANGELES Sea Gull Holiday Monterey Park 626-382-1100 San Gabriel 626-288-3857 Rowland Heights 626-839-7688 Westminster 714-728-7228 Irvine 949-451-1689 Ng Hing Kee Monterey Park 626-284-4861 Rowland Heights 626-854-0060 Alhambra 626-943-9933 SAN FRANCISCO Golden Time Travel San Franciso 415-392-8928 Ng Hing Kee San Franciso 415-781-8330 Millbraz 650-692-8922 * TAI PAN TOURS PRESENTS ALAN TAM AND HACKEN LEE WORLD TOUR 2009 TORONTO DATE AND TIME: Monday, June 8 2009 @ 8PM VENUE LOCATION: Air Canada Centre 40 Bay St. Toronto ON M5J 2X2 Canada TICKET PRICES: CA$138, 108, 88, 68 TICKET INFORMATION: http://www.taipantours.com/Concert/EventList.aspx TICKET OUTLET LOCATIONS: TICKET MASTER http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/100042868E356A05?artistid=1313977&majorcatid=10001&minorcatid=1 * THOUSAND PRODUCTION AND SALON STUDIO 2000 PRESENT LUI FONG AND CHANG DE LAN LIVE DATE AND TIME: May 24 2009 @ 8PM VENUE LOCATION: Downtown Reno Ballroom 401 N. Center St. Reno NV 89501 TICKET PRICES: VIP $128, 98, 68, 48 Info & online ticket: http://www.thousandproduction.com/www.thousandproduction.com/home.html concert hotline: (650)288-8127. (510)351-0218. (510)333-8076. * FUNG'S ENTERTAINMENT AND CAESARS ATLANTIC CITY PRESENT RENE LIU MOTHER'S DAY CONCERT 2009 With Special Guests Ocean Ou and DATE AND TIME: Saturday night / Sunday morning, May 10 2009 @ 1AM VENUE LOCATION: Caesars Circus Maximus Theater Caesars Atlantic City Atlantic City NJ TICKET INFORMATION: www.fungshow.com * SUPERKEY PRODUCTION AND ATLANTIC CITY HILTON CASION RESORT PRESENT Sam Li Shengjie and Lee Lai Ha Live DATE AND TIME: Saturday night / Sunday morning, May 3 2009 @ 1AM VENUE LOCATION: Hilton Grand Theatre Atlantic City NJ TICKET PRICES: $118, 88, 48 TICKET OUTLET LOCATIONS: Online: http://www.superkeypro.com P & M Music 2 Elizabeth Street 212.732.3828 Apple Travel Service Inc. 774 60th Street 2/F Brooklyn NY 718.680.6666 Paradise Vacations 135-17 40 Road 3/F Flushing NY 718.886.8294 -------------------------------------------------------------------- Box office info : What Box Office Info? The usual suspects : Internet Movie Database, Yahoo! Hong Kong Erors : ye olde chaffing editor For Thursday April 16 2009 10 HE'S JUST NOT THAT INTO YOU d. Ken Kwapis Jennifer Connelly, Ben Affleck, Jennifer Aniston, Drew Barrymore 9 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 8 DEFIANCE d. Edward Zwick Daniel Craig, Liev Schreiber, Jamie Bell 7 TWENTIETH CENTURY BOYS CHAPTER 2 d. Yukihiko Tsutsumi Toshiaki Karasawa, Etsushi Toyokawa, Takako Tokiwa 6 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) 5 INKHEART d. Iain Softley Brendan Fraser, Sienna Guillory, Eliza Bennett 4 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) 3 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 2 MONSTERS VS. ALIENS d. Rob Letterman, Conrad Vernon DreamWorks Animation English Voices: Reese Witherspoon, Seth Rogen, Hugh Laurie, Cantonese Voices: Kelly Chen Wai Lam, Kenny Bee (Chung Chun To) 1 KNOWING d. Alex Proyas Nicolas Cage, Chandler Canterbury, Rose Byrne ------ Summaries for some of the films above. Some contain SPOILERS TEAM OF MIRACLE: WE WILL ROCK YOU 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? TWENTIETH CENTURY BOYS CHAPTER 2 Length : 141 mins. 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? 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... THE SHINJUKU INCIDENT 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. SNIPER 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. ------ GLOBAL CHINESE SONG CHART For Saturday, April 18 2009 15 SUN WAHSED IN SPRING RAIN Can : Chun Yu Lui Sai Gor Dik Tai Yeung Wang Leehom (Wong Lik Won) 14 MARS LOVES MOON Can : For Sing Oi Yuet Leung Huang Yali (Wong Nga Lei) 13 EYES OF CHILDREN Can : Hai Ji Dik Ngan Jing Jane Zhang Liangying 12 RELUCTANT TO LET GO Can : Seh But Dut Fong Sau Danson Tang (Tong Yu Jik) 11 I LOVE YOU Can : Ngor Oi Nei Faye Wong 10 HUMMING LOVE Can : Hung Hung Oi Abin Fang (Fong Gwing Bun) 9 TWO MISSING ONE Can : 2 Kuet 1 Charlene Choi Cheuk Yin 8 MY MEMORY IS NOT MINE Can : Ngor Dik Wui Yik But Si Ngor Dik Hai Mingwei, Vincy Chan (Wing Yi) 7 WITHOUT IF Can : Moot Yau Yu Gor Jasmine Leong Jing Yu 6 PROUD OF YOU Can : Yi Nei Wai Wing Leo Ku Kui Ke 5 SONG OF THE YEAR Can : Nin Doh Ji Gor Kay Tse On Kay 4 BIG MAN Can : Dai Jeung Fu Jolin Tsai (Choi Yi Lam) 3 TEAR OF METEOR Can : Lau Sing Dik Ngan Lui Jacky Xie (Sit Ji Him) 2 CAPE STAR WEAR MOON Can : Pei Sing Dai Yuet Hins Cheung King Hin 1 700 YEAR LATERS Can : 700 Nin Hau Eason Chan Yik Shun ------ [ Yakety Yak ] The views and opinions expressed here are purely those of the writer and in no way reflect those of Hong Kong Film Top 10 Box Office, its contributors and affiliated web sites. FREEDOM IS JUST ANOTHER F WORD Your Chaffing Editor would like to apologize for an error during the live online update of the Hong Kong Film Awards results. The incorrect result for the Best Action Choreography category was posted on the site and has since been corrected. He apologizes for any inconvenience that the error may have caused. Speaking of which, Heck Week has ended for Your Chaffing Editor this year. As you may have noticed, the two worse weeks for Top Ten Central are when the Hong Kong Film Award nominations are announced and when the Hong Kong Film Awards take place. Old Chaffy can only imagine how bad it was for Sanney and his crew in Hong Kong: the rain, the wind, the crowd, the stars, Jackie Chan running his mouth and he is not even there, WTF. Just curious, was his latest movie not banned from the Mainland? Any less freedom and maybe all of his movies will be banned. Considering his recent track record though, that may not be a bad thing. http://movies.yahoo.com/news/movies.ap.org/spokesman-jackie-chan-comments-out-context-ap As much as Your Chaffing Editor would like to tell him to shut his trap, he firmly believes in freedom of speech for the mentally deficient (hence this column) just as much as for any other person. Speaking of which, TVB broadcast of this year's Hong Kong Film Award apparently was seriously lacking in freedom of speech, literally and figuratively. Despite TVB's promise to air the event again in its entirety on its High Definition channel later in the week, Your Chaffing Editor is concerned which version overseas viewers such as himself will end up with. NA NA NA NA, NA NA NA NA, HEY HEY HEY, Jer Jer Stinks, Your Chaffing Editor Top Ten Central ---------------------- HK Top Ten Central hktopten@hotmail.com | http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Towers/2038