From: NO TOP TEN CENTRAL Newsgroups: alt.asian-movies,soc.culture.hongkong.entertainment Subject: [TAKE OVER] HKSAR Film No Top 10 Box Office (February 28 2008) 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 * (3/5/2008) The Daniel Lee Yan Kong directed THREE KINGDOMS RESURRECTION OF THE DRAGON (SAM GOK ji GEIN LUNG SEH GAP) will be released on April 3. In the film Andy Lau Tak Wa played the "invincible general" Zhao Zilong. Sammo Hung Kam Bo played Luo Pingan. They were as close as brothers in life and death situations. Maggie Q played Cao Cao's granddaughter Cao Ying. This film was about Zhao Zilong's life. The film had many action scenes, many took place on horsebacks. This time Hung Kam Bo was both an actor and an action director. He pointed out that action on horseback was very difficult. In the past they fought with their feet on the ground, but this time they fought on horseback. He personally preferred direct exchanges that were not too exaggerated. Thus this time the style would be different from his past work. This time Maggie Q was the only woman in the film. Earlier she has worked on several action films but this was her first time on horseback. She pointed out that the shoot was truly very exciting but required a lot of energy and concentration. Maggie Q was an animal lover and animal protection was her cause. Thus she was very excited about working with horses this time. Before each shoot she would first communicate with the horse. Sometimes she would only hold the horse and whisper to it in a very gentle manner. Although she took the full safety precaution and the horse riding scenes felt great, she still injured her back in the process and finally had to rest five days. She was very upset and apologetic that her injury has hindered the production process. * (3/4/2008) The film THE EMPRESS AND THE WARRIORS (GONG SAN MEI YUN)'s music video premiere ceremony took place last night at Causeway Bay's Times Square. Leads Leon Lai Ming and Kelly Chen Wai Lam dressed up for the occasion. They talked about their production experience. Leon pointed out that in one scene they had to ride on an airship. The ship was hung very high above the mountains for a romantic feeling. The costumes were very heavy, which was very memorable for them. Lai Ming had to wear 30 to 40 pound of armor that was stuffy. Luckily when he was not in a scene the director asked people to bring him air conditioning, but he thus caught a cold and was sick for four to five days. However, Leon pointed out that was not considered tough because his life has not ended and he still had movies to make. Leon also pointed out that during the shoot everyone had spark. They had chemistry underneath. The shoot was very smooth and comfortable. Leon earlier worked on MEI LANFANG in Mainland. He expressed that the film shot for a long time. In Mainland he spent summer, fall, winter and spring. Did Gillian Chung Yun Tung finish her scene? Leon expressed that he did not know. Ultimately he has already completed his. The team wrapped at the end of February. Kelly in the film had many action scenes, in one of which warriors chased after her. Later she fell into the water. At the time she truly was out of breath and thus took a few gulpes of water. Has Leon given her any "golden words"? Kelly said that perhaps he has said many or she could not experience it because he talked about cars, food, Tai Chi, decorating and personal opinions. Kelly in the second half of the year would work on a science fiction film. * (3/4/2008) The 4th annual Hong Kong I.T. Best award took place yesterday. Twins' Charlene Choi Cheuk Yin received the Most Popular Cover Figure award and accepted Joey Yung Cho YI's I.T. product spokes model award. Reportedly Gillian Chung Yun Tung has been dropped from MO HUP LEUNG JOOK (MARTIAL ART HEROES LEUNG JOOK) for Ah Sa. "I have heard about that, but now the public has many rumors. Asking the film company would be the most accurate. (Has the film company spoken with you?) Any day before the film starts production, the director has the right to cast someone else. The screenplay has not been confirmed yet so no one should listen to too many rumors. When the shoot officially starts then they would know." Has she talked with Ah Gil about when to return to work? She expressed that Ah Gil's emotions have been harder to control. She still needed more time and would return to work when she was ready. Ah Sa believed that the rumor of Ah Gil marrying Juno Mak Chun Lung at the end of the year was false. Has she become used to working alone, Ah Sa said, "It's a little dull! Normally when we were together we would talk and be very noisy, but today even the driver thought was quiet!" * (3/4/2008) Based on the Nanjing Massacre real story, the film ESCAPE FROM HUANGSHI (Mainland title CHILDREN OF HUANGSHI) would be released in Mainland, Hong Kong and the West on April 3. This film cost US$40 million, but lately reportedly Michelle Yeoh (Yeung Chi King) would be absent from the promotion due to her displeasure at the film promotional poster order. Other actors like Chow Yun Fat would attend the March 31 global press conference in Huangshi. This film's director was TOMORROW NEVER DIES' Roger Spottiswoode, with a Hollywood cast that included FINDING NEVERLANDS' Radha Mitchell and MISSION IMPOSSIBLE III's Jonathan Rhys Meyes. Chow Yun Fat and Yeung Chi King also participated in a strong cast. This year would be Fat Gor and Yeung Chi King's first collaboration since CROUCHING TIGER HIDDEN DRAGON eight years ago. Yeung Chi King played a female businesswoman who had both legitimate and illegitimate connections, a change from her usual action actress image. Yeung Chi King's absence from the premiere actually was due to her feeling that she was only a guest star, thus she did not want to steal the thunder. In addition she had to work on the day of the premiere. She has already taken time off with the director and would definitely assist with future film promotions if her schedule would permit. * (3/3/2008) Chan Chen with THE GO MASTER at the 3rd Annual Osaka Film Festival won the Best Actor award for a Foreign Film. This was Chang Chen's first international film festival Best Actor award. Chang Chen came from Taipei to attend the award ceremony. He expressed when he accepted the award appreciation to the Osaka Film Festival for his first Best Actor award and stressed that making THE GO MASTER was one of the rarest experience in his film career. To be able to have everyone's recognition, most importantly he had to thank two people; director Tian Zhuangzhuang for giving him guidance and encouragement and Master Wu Qingyuan who provided such a full and colorful life to be able to make this movie. * (3/2/2008) Snazz and Star J boss Nat Chan Pak Cheung and his wife Wong Hung Sau led their artiss EO2, Vangie Tang Wing Chi, Hiromi (Yu Mei), JJ Jia (Ga Hiu Sun) to attend the company's spring banquet. EO2 in the upcoming year will have many new attempts. Lately they have been rehearsing for Kenny Bee (Chung Chun To)'s concert. In the middle of the month Osman will head to Australia, Thailand and Japan for an art film production about homosexuality and bisexuality. Osman in the film will make the sacrifice for art. Aside from nude performance he will also have kiss scene with a male co-star. Osman honestly said that he agreed to perform in the buff mainly because after reading the screenplay he liked the content. In addition this was not a sex film. Other EO2 members joked that when they changed they have already seen Osman in the nude. This time they could share Osman for everyone's enjoyment. Otto even joked that it was rare for something small to be on the big screen and asked whether Osman would not be able to leave his character and turn gay. Osman stressed that he likes women. Before taking the role he has already talked with his girlfriend and family. 871449 * (3/1/2008) Miki Yeung Oi Kun in L FOR LOVE L FOR LIES (NGOR DIK JUI OI) plays a trendy and sexy fashion store owner who often appears in short skirts and midriff baring clothing. Thus each time before the shoot she would take full precaution against wardrobe malfunction. Playing a couple in the film with Terry, Miki has a passionate kiss and intimate touching scene. Miki laughs, "That scene is the most passionate scene in my career. Actually when I learned about this scene I didn't react too much as I only gave a few 'wow' and that's it. Yet on the day of the shoot, I became more and more concerned and the atmosphere turned intense. Before places I would coordinate with the director and Terry and communicate. Luckily Terry is a gentleman. Trust in the co-star is the most important. Before places, Miki's preparation was gum chewing. Finally the director took the first take. She said, "The director cleared most of the set for us. We only needed on take, but later after editing we realized that adding some other action would make the visual and the expression better. Finally we had to shoot it again." Miki would always crack up in an obviously awkward way when she talks about the kiss scene. She says, "Embarrassment would always been there, but luckily Terry and I have known each other from a long time ago so very quickly I was fine." Miki understands bodily contact would be difficult to avoid in filmmaking. During the shoot she has to be completely involved and treat her co-star as her boyfriend in order to achieve the feel. * (2/29/2008) Kelly Chen Wai Lam in THE EMPRESS AND THE WARRIORS (GONG SAN MEI YUN) has a staff practice scene with Donnie Yen Chi Tan. Kelly even has to stand on a piece of driftwood and spar with Yen Chi Tan. She not only has to mind her action but also her balance. Finally she is drenched. Kelly remains excited as she says, "Although I was drenched, director Ching Siu Tung praised me for the effort during practice and the result was decent. Actually Yen Chi Tan was more nervous than me. When the shot got to my staff wielding, he still threw hints at me on camera, 'Left, right, up, down'. I felt Chi Tan had a tougher time than I did. Because he was stronger than me, when we sparred he had to adjust to me. Luckily his action was very agile." As for this co-star, Kelly has nothing but praise. "Chi Tan on the set wouldn't show off. He wouldn't boast and tell you what to do. Perhaps he truly is too amazing so he keeps it hidden. He wouldn't teach you with too much enthusiasm, and would only make suggestions when I have questions." Chi Tan also says about Kelly, "Kelly is someone who is very hard working. During breaks she still would practice. This is what I admire about Kelly. Since I have to spar with Kelly, I of course have to 'be gentle with her'." * (2/29/2008) Gigi Leung Wing Kei, Myolie Wu Hung Yi, Kevin Cheng Ka Wing, Simon Yam Tat Wa and Catherine Hung Yun two nights ago attended a film company spring banquet. Gigi revealed that she rushed to the event as soon as she completed her ad campaign shoot to support her WONDER WOMEN (NUI YUN BOON SIK) boss Raymond Wong Pak Ming. She was excited about being nominated for Best Actress with the role. In two months she would work on another new film and proclaim that this year she would start to concentrate on film development. Was film production making more money? She said, "No, music, movie and advertising all make even money. I only want to concentrate on one thing." Hung Yun stated that recently she has turned down several films and said that now she would only make movies if she likes the character. Enjoying the process would be the most important as she would not want to suffer emotionally. She denied that she was being selected due to her son. * (2/29/2008) Lynn Xiong (Hung Doi Lam), Donnie Yen Chi Tan, Cici Wang, Wang Yuanyuan, Sammo Hung Kam Bo and Raymond Wong Pak Ming also attended the Mandarin Film Company spring banquet two nights ago. Lynn would make her big screen debut in the Wilson Yip Wai Shun directed YIP MUN, in which she would play Yen Chi Tan's wife. Lynn said, "I haven't decided yet. (Have you already auditioned?) Yes, I was asked to make some expressions." When asked whether she would have any bed scene, she looked frightened and said, "I don't think so!" Her rumored boyfriend Aaron Kwok Fu Sing was a two time Golden Horse Best Actor award winner. Has she asked him to teach her how to act? She said, "No, I worry that I wouldn't be able to pick up anything good but would add something bad myself. (Has Sing Sing encouraged you to make movies?) People around me don't know." As for her acting bottom like like kiss scene, Lynn expressed that she would have to see whether the story called for it or not. Did she look forward to working with Sing Sing? Lynn expressed that she had to make her debut good first then talk about the future. Yen Chi Tan was asked when YIP MUN would start production. He said, "You should ask the director and Wong Pak Ming. I have already trained in Wing Chun for several months. It shouldn't be a problem." Chi Tan stated that Yip Mun's descendants have recognized him to play this role and he would do his best. As for Wong Kar Wai's YIP MUN JUEN, he said, "I don't know about other people's sytle. Like Big Brother says, many bakeries make pineapple buns." As for Hung Doi Lam as his wife, Yen Chi Tan revealed that he had no idea. Earlier he heard the director said that when she auditioned her aura was very similar to the character. In addition, Wong Pak Ming talked about the upcoming year's projects. He revealed that the Isabella Leong Lok Si, Angelica Lee Sinjie and Chang Chen starred SUM HOI CHUM YUN (DEEP SEA PEOPLE SEARCH) has already entered its latter stages. The Clifton Ko Chi Sum directed DAI HEI YUEN (BIG THEATER), which he described as an extension of THE PHANTOM LOVER (YEH BOON GOR SING), would hopefully be released this year. As for the two movies about Yip Mun, he said, "Wong Fei Hung had many film series with different directors. Yen Chi Tan has been training for months. Ours would mainly be about martial art." * (2/28/2008) Jackie Chan's father Charlie Chan (Fong Do Lung) passed away on Tuesday (26th) afternoon. Currently working on THE SHINJUKU INCIDENT (SUN JOOK SI GEIN) in Mainland, Big Brother was unable to see his father one last time. Yesterday with a heart full of sorrow he made a statement to all his family, friends, fans around the world and anyone who was concerned about him to expressed that although he was grieving he was proud of his father's full life and would remember his father's helpful and happiness and optimism above all spirit. He also mentioned the arrangement for his father. He would first bury his father in Australia next to his mother and then plan to send both back to their homeland. Dear friends, fans around the world and all who care about me, With sorrow I announce to the world that my father Mr. Fong Do Lung (Charlie Chan) in the afternoon of February 26 2008 with a smile and in the embrace of his beloved relatives peacefully and comfortably left us, left this world and went to be by my mother's side. In life since the dawn of time, who would not pass on? I am no exception. I am mourning and sad, but I am also proud of my father's full life, from now on I would remember my late father's helpful, happiness and optimism above all spirit. Fans and friends, please do not worry about me. Everything goes with the wind. Late father's smile told me that he was the world's happiest father! I as a child has already fulfilled my filial duty to its fullest and have no regret. Late father's remain would be buried in Canberra, the capital of Australia, next to late mother in peace. My plan is to return late father and mother back to China. Here, I thank fans, friends and media friends who care about me very much! Thank you, Jackie Chan * (2/28/2008) Sammo Hung Kam Bo, Simon Yam Tat Wa, Maggie Siu Mei Kei, Tian Niu, and Pinky Cheung Man Chi two nights ago attended the film FATAL MOVE (DUET SHUI) premiere. Recently show business has had many scandals. After the "obscene photo" storm, Jaycee Chan (Fong Cho Ming) has been rumored to once rape Stephy Tang Lai Yun. Recently Big Brother's son Timmy Hung Tin Ming has also been swept into the rape scandal. When asked whether Big Brother knew about Tin Ming's Stephy rape rumor? He overreacted, "Who? Stephy? I don't know! (Tang Lai Yun) I don't know. (Would you call your son to get an understanding?) Tin Ming would call me." When asked whether he was certain that his son would not do anything like that, he hesitated, "I don't dare to be that certain. Logically he wouldn't. He has quite a mouth that can charm people, he doesn't need to!" As for FATAL MOVE's category III rating, Big Brother felt that it might be related to the cruel action. He joked, "In the past I have made action category III films, I even thought about making category III bed scenes. (Have you found a co-star for that?) Not yet, but no one has applied to work with me." Among the evening's guests, Big Brother and Yam Tat Wa were the most popular. Fans grabbed them all night for photos but they were not bothered at all. Instead they did not turn anyone away and were very friendly. Pinky was very happy to be able to work with veterans like Hung Kam Bo and Tian Niu because they constantly had treats for everyone. As for the film's category III rating, Pinky estimated that it was due to the murderous air. This was her first category III film as well but she thought it was no big deal. Yesterday was Maggie Siu Mei Kei's birthday. Two days ago while working on PTU 2 Yam Tat Wa has already celebrated with her. Two nights ago she dined with fans in an early celebration then at the premiere fans presented flowers and gifts. Maggie expressed that every year she would dine with fans on her birthday to celebrate. On the actual day she would celebrate with friends. Her birthday wish was for health. She did not want a boyfriend? She said that she would definitely tell everyone when she dates. Maggie earlier denied that she had any emotional disorder and said that she was happy everyday. She also said that if she did, everyone would have to help her. * (2/28/2008) The 14th Annual Hong Kong Film Society Critic Award yesterday held its award ceremony. The five major award winners including MAD DETECTIVE (SUN TAM)'s Best Screenplay winners Wai Ka Fai and Au Kin Yi, POST MODERN LIFE OF MY AUNT's Best Picture, Best Director Ann Hui On Wa and Best Actress Siqin Gaowa, EYE IN THE SKY (GUNG JUNG)'s Best Actor winner Tony Leung Ka Fai attended. Director Stanley Kwan Kam Peng presented the awards. The eight recommended films also had representatives in attendance. Hui On Wa eight weeks ago injured her foot. Although she has already recovered yesterday she still used a clutched to avoid contact with the wound. Siqin Gaowa's old injury also happened to act up. Thus when they accepted their awards, Leung Ka Fai gave them a hand like a gentleman. Ka Fai earlier visited Guizhou and deliberately returned for the award. He stated, "Thank you to Mr. (Charles) Heung Wa Keung who still supports Hong Kong film during the ice storm, director Yau Nai Hoi who still makes movies despite a lack of resource and viewers who support Hong Kong films." This was the 14th year for the award, but during the opening chair Cheung Wai Hung expressed that he did not know whether it would continue on. Ka Fai hoped that the award would be able to keep going as an encouragement to everyone. Returning to Mainland today, Siqin Gaowa has already won this award as early as 95 with THE DAY THE SUN TURNED COLD. She felt very honored to win again and would keep working hard on movies. She has also bee nominated for a Hong Kong Film Award and should come to Hong Kong to attend. Hui On wa was very happy about the film's three awards. She said, "Every time when I am in a crisis I get an award, thank you very much." She also said that the film has made investors lose money, now the awards should make up for that. Have the victories increased her Hong Kong Film Award confidence? She expressed that she dared not think too much but hoped that she would not be "bald". The two awards have different standards. She was very happy to win this award. Right now, she would like to make a new film the most and has been seeking investors for around 10 million. * (2/28/2008) Louis Koo Tin Lok in the new film RUN PAPA RUN (YUT GOR HO BABA) played a mob figure. In the film Goo Jai would play the character from a 20 something kid to 60 something tought senior. His nostalgic look in the 20s would be the most outstanding. The story took place in the late 60s. At the time Wise Guys often had afro, wore tank tops to show off tattoos and made trouble. In one scene Goo Jai met with brethren Max Mok Siu Chung and Lam Suet to go to a Shanghai barber for hair cuts. As they said with cigarettes each had several red curlers in their hair. Goo Jai said, "Our hair wasn't considered long so we had to wear wigs to pretend to get perms. When I looked into the mirror and saw that I looked like the food shopping housewives I couldn't help but laugh." In another scene Goo Jai was collecting debts at a brothel as several young and sexy girls hooked for clients. The directors for realism shot in old neighborhoods where prostitutes frequented. When several young actresses were on the streets men came over and asked for prices. Everyone jumped and finally a male production assistant had to settle the matter. Goo Jai was very angry after hearing about the incident. He said that if he was on hand he definitely would have stood up for the girls. Goo Jai in the film had a ferocious tiger on his left shoulder and chest, a dragon on the knife scar on his back. Goo Jai said, everyday the make up artist spent at least two hours to fix the tattoo. When he had to work two days in a row after work he would not shower and just went straight to bed. [ BLAH OF THE WEEK ] Columns, Reviews, Interviews 1. MING PAO DAILY, MARCH 5 2008, FILM AND TELEVISION OBSERVATIONS CRISIS COURSE THAT IS WORTHY OF DISCUSSION If management or performance art public relation courses exist in the future, the bed photo incident would be a subject that is worthy of discussion for a crisis management course. The writer has said before, when Edison Chen Koon Hei personally appeared and explained, from the pre event planning to his personally read, lawyer written script everything was reasonable. Actually, they would have been very hard to be even better done. In comparison, when Gillian Chung Yun Tung explained she had a lot of room for improvement. First, she should not have met with her fan club and played games first. Although loyal fans were very important, if she was absence under this type of circumstance, "vermicelli" could understand and forgive. During the process, the media caught and published her smiling photos. Later the media also added her tearful scene at the meeting, but the first impression was very hard to turn around. At this important moment, artists should not be allowed to appear for a long time in any public venue because as long as her face made an expression that could not be negative news the media would make some stories about it. When young artists do not know what to do, they always would flash a silly smile to hide their awkwardness. They should immediately quit the habit. Ah Gil's public comments have been made fun of as "naive". She should have been able to find someone to write better ones. With this type of public statement, guilt admission with less to no explanation pleases the most because the more they explain the worse the matter gets. If most people feel that that type of photo was wrong, then they would neither need an explanation of why nor care wehther they were naive or dumb. As the victim, they should try to win even more sympathy. Thus a pitiful news photo was required. Unfortunately that day Ah Gil was too brave. The public hoped to see a certain level of loss over the matter. She insisted on continuing to work. Although she has demonstrated her tough side, she did not meet most people's expectation. Taking time off to study and to use the time to transform actually would be more reasonable. Finally Ah Gil after acting tough for awhile still needed to change and take this route. - KWOK HIN CHING 2. MING PAO DAILY, MARCH 2 2008, FILM AND TELEVISION OBSERVATIONS RUMOR MAKER SHOULD PAY THE PRICE The press has been using online information more and more. Sometimes it is printed for shock value without any validation just for higher sales. Everyone can express their views without fear on internet discussion areas without any responsibility to bear. Freedom of speech is valuable, but someone would always abuse this type of freedom and express some unconfirmed and irresponsible news and comments. Many later confirmed to be false information has already appeared online, including artists' accidental death. Most recently a male artist has been accused of raping a female artist. These online rumors that require no brain power to validate actually can be laugh off, yet magazines use them for cover stories and lead to controversy. If truly a female artist is raped and filed a police report, even when the police in the name of protecting the victim does not reveal her name it would still begin an investigation on the rape suspect male artist. Anyone who is related to the case no matter what would not still act like nothing has happened and appear in public, including that victim. This is the most basic human nature knowledge, but some people do not have this simplest of ability to decipher. The press' use on online prank information has turned some nonsense that only 100 or so people would laugh off into headlines, page and time filling entertainment news, and in turn encouraged the prankster. When false information or ill will libel becomes controversy, its maker of course gains enormous satisfaction and others nonsensical people would be encouraged to receive similar sense of satisfaction. If the media unwisely continue on, although people who do not use their brains and only want to gossip would have more to talk about they have damaged reputation and public trusts. They also have succumbed to be pitiful tools of individuals who create and spread rumors. Artists and management companies should take legal action. Otherwise not only the matter would have no end, but also the related artists would suffer blame without any fault. Hong Kong has freedom of speech but cannot enable people to distribute irresponsible comments, which harm others without any proof. Rumor makers should pay the price. - KWOK HIN CHING 3. TA KUNG PAO, MARCH 2 2008, FILM AND TELEVISION TRAVERSE 08 STARTS WITH SHOW BUSINESS CHANGES Stepping in 2008, show business has started to enter the midst of trouble. In the television territory, due to high definition broadcast, not only TVB and ATV's competition has a new battlefield but also breaks through the barrier between free and pay television. The specialty that separates the two due to digital broadcast has blurred. Free television due to digital broadcast can start new channels and in turn can increase more variety in programming to meet the minority's taste and become direct competition for pay television. If even Cable has started producing its own series and border crossing variety programs, Now aside from airing sporting events is also planning to release its own entertainment news channel, TVB's new digital channels are preparing to air Taiwan, Korea and Japan's youth idol series, what is different between pay television and free television? Why do we still have to pay for pay television? If digital broadcast symbolizes Hong Kong television industry's entrance into a war, then the online erotic photo incident very obviously focuses on the entire local entertainment circle culture especially among the philosophy of the young generation's idol worship. In this incident they have returned to their original form. After this, we know that actually the screen and stage image that young idols have worked so hard to operate has been so in depth. We often say that real actors have to learn to leave the characters that they play, but actually the ones who cannot leave are the general audience instead. The paparazzi have introduced the general public into artists' daily lives. Magazine competition has put everyone in real and false entertainment news. The triangle relationship between artist, media and the general public have always developed in a tug of war; this erotic photo incident indeed has vanquished many people's fantasy and eradicated longing for idols. However even if they have abandoned Hong Kong's pretty girls and guys, young fans would not have enormous value crisis that would require therapy for them as the public expects; because the online world has enabled these young "vermicelli" with more opportunities to support other idols like the young Taiwan idols who continue to flood in. These "imports" friendliness, initiative and close contact without any hesitation with fans have already held many local young people's hearts captive. Lately with online and television series pushes, their momentum was even stronger. From their arrival to Hong Kong to their promotion to their departure, that kind of flock popularity was originally difficult for Hong Kong stars to rival. After this, Hong Kong artists would have to work harder and harder to be able to rebuild their image. - CHUI HIU 4. TA KUNG PAO, MARCH 2 2008, LIGHT SHADOW PATH RENTAL LEGISLATION AGREEMENT FINALLY HAS BEEN REACHED Film distributors finally have reached an agreement with the video rental industry. The rental video price will be at most 30% higher than retail price (originally it was between 30 to 100), which would be in effect for a year. After that the market would decide the price. This new rental copyright law will take effect on April 25. The industry initially estimates that the video rental fee would rise by 10 to 20%. Over half a year of distributors and rental alliance struggle that focused on rental inventory price, distributor's enormous compromise was not only with price but also canceling the originally 9,100 in security. The main reason was distributors hoped that the rental industry could become territorial. Because rental stores number over 500, if no law was made that only rental version products could be rented, basically the "agile" businesses would be difficult to be held responsible. Now the laws prevent rental stores from renting retail version, which at least makes civil action more convenient. Thus distributor's "benefit" monetarily would not be much. Mainly they protected the retail royalty from being eroded. Rental businesses earlier felt that distributor "struck" at small businesses and charged copyright (rental inventory) fee. Now they are willing to pay certain price to buy rental version products because they know in the past retail version products were rented, distributors thus have suffered tremendous losses (last week the column has already clearly explained that in the end it would lead to the eradication of Hong Kong film. Instead of everyone loses, they may as well pay a little more to become a legitimate business.) Another promise that the distributors have made is at least 80% videos would have rental versions. Thus rental businesses would not have to fear that distributors would deliberately issue rental versions to boycott them. As for operational issues like the timing of different version releases or how to calculated rental version percentage would be examined in a year. From now on (after the new laws take effect), distributors would register rental stores. Customers could identify special permit stores and non special permit stores by business symbols. In addition rental and retail version packaging would be different. Rental version videos would be marked "rental version" and published distributor's company name. Rental business and film distributors have agreed with the current agreement. Business and economic development council welcomed the agreement as a "win win" situation that meets with general public benefit. Once assisting the rental alliance's Legislative Council member Lau Wai Hing also expressed that she was pleased with this result. Yet this one year agreement definitely would not operate successful. If conflicts developed to a very severe step, independent copyright tribunal would make a judgement. The writer would be interested in how the future cooperation would turn out. - TIN LIK 5. MING PAO DAILY, MARCH 1 2008, FILM AND TELEVISION OBSERVATIONS EVERYTHING IS READY EXCEPT INSPECTION APPROVAL Mainland film box office growth has been much faster than its economic growth. The officially announced figures have been an annual growth of over 20%. As screen numbers continuously increase, viewers seem to mind high ticket prices less and less. In some more remote areas, ticket prices have reached 50 yuan and far beyond the living standard. Mainland distribution estimates, more and more movies will exceed 100 million and they will not necessarily be those super big productions. Super production Chinese films in the past few years have become excessively inflated. Even when the movies have 100 to 200 million box office, if the overseas market performance is poor it still loses money, a lot of money. Viewers have begun to grow tired of super productions with similar subjects. Big names are often the same group of stars. Since the market has already expanded, it has certain demand for film. In estimate more below US$10 million production would attempt to break into the 100 million yuan box office club. Different from Hong Kong, Mainland cinemas have more and more viewers. Most of them in the past watched video that were mostly pirated. The big screen experience to them was fresh. The sensory enjoyment was rather exciting and hiding at home to watch video could not compare to. Super big films expanded the market. Films of all sizes in existence at the same time would be the healthiest and solid Chinese film power before Hollywood's all scale invasion. Several big Mainland directors' super productions have performed better than their Hong Kong directors, but for the several 10 million entertainment films, in the future few years Hong Kong directors will still have the advantage. Mainland does not lack resource, market, talent but its inspection standard remains the biggest obstacle for film market development. Reportedly lately the inspection standard has tightened again. Many movies that have been completed are still waiting for approval, which some claims to be the aftermath of LUST, CAUTION (SIK, GAI) and LOST IN BEIJING's daring sex scenes. Originally in the upcoming two years Hollywood films would be weaker than last year's, which would have been very helpful to Chinese film development. Yet the unstable inspection tightening has not been able to coordinate, which is truly regrettable. - KWOK HIN CHING 6. MING PAO DAILY, FEBRUARY 29 2008, FILM WORDS FATAL MOVE: VICIOUS AND FULL OF MATERIAL Yet another Hong Kong mob film has arrived, which has led to the thought that the mob actually has contributed a lot to the world film scene as it has become the frequently made and must have subject. The dwindling Hong Kong film industry actually has to rely on mob films for the rescue! Even the U.S.' Oscar award has been very supportive on the mob. Last year's Best Picture THE DEPARTED was a remake of a Hong Kong film. This year NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN won. It is also a mob chase, another award for the mob. Among Hong Kong mob internal turmoil films, the newly released Law Sau Yiu written and directed FATAL MOVE (DUET SHUI) mainly featured older stars. The screenplay also does not depart from the familiar formula suite, but it is full of material. It turns up the heat, achieves grand scale with a sizable cast, ample story and action. The result is above average. FATAL MOVE's ensemble of style can be said as a mix of ELECTION (HAK SEH WUI) and SPL (SAT POR LONG). Without the former's Tony Leung Ka Fai and the latter's Donnie Yen Chi Tan, the entire film aside from the strong male battles of brawl and brains surprisingly has decent female descriptions. The story itself needs no introduction, as it almost has all the police and mob film elements that it should have. This film fortunately does not drag its feet and as it makes the complicated story fast paced. It stresses mob figures' viciousness, any suspicion leads to instant execution. Thus when internal struggle occurs they try their best conspiracy and tricks and ferocious invasion and mad killing without any hesitation. In the film the mob's cruel torture interrogation is simple and direct. Without anything excessive it is already threatening enough. Of course the police station murder is exaggerated, but it still has considerably cool headed planning and not some brainless brawl. The police later investigates "traitor" with evidence and proof that are basically reasonable. Sammo Hung Kam Bo as the mob boss has quite a stage presence. Simon Yam Tat Wa plays his gambling and womanizing little brother. With their poverty stricken childhood memories, they touch on middle age nostalgia. Danny Lee Sau again plays the detective, with Eddie Cheung Siu Fai, Ken Low Wai Kwong, Hui Siu Hung, Lam Suet, Maggie Siu Mei Kei, Wong Tak Bun and veterans Wong Tin Lam, Chow Chung, Tam Bing Man and others in support, as well as martial art star Jason Wu Jing and new generation Heung Jor the film truly has several generations under one roof. Female characters are few, fortunately both Pinky Cheung Man Chi and Siu Mei Kei have important drama; Tian Niu as the mob boss' wife even performs outstandingly. Wu Jing as the cold blooded thug remains fierce. In the end his duel with Hung Kam Bo actually is not required in the story, but as two generations' masters fight with real gong fu it becomes a martial art climax. FATAL MOVE does not innovate, but is lively with old people and ideas. Overall it has achieved efficiency. - SHEK KEI (http://www.cultureshot.net/seekkeiluklei) 7. MING PAO DAILY, FEBRUARY 28 2008, FILM AND TELEVISION OBSERVATIONS "INNOCENCE" UNDER HEAVY BOUNTY Not only women in the photos of the nude photo incident were victims, but also female artists who the media have linked to Edison Chen Koon Hei have suffered negative impact. The police earlier announced that 1,300 photos were stolen along with videos. Currently less than half of the photos have been distributed. Supposedly Edison Chen Koon Hei had even more nude photos and more women were involved. Female artists who the media described as likely to be the next nude photo female lead truly could not clear their names. The worst would be the image damage, as the average person would rather believe gossip. If suspected female artists do not come up with early clarifications their careers would definitely suffer. 2R's Rosanne was the earliest to swear on her family's lives that she has never taken such photos. Jolin Tsai (Choi Yi Lam) and Elva Hsiao (Siu Ah Hin) both have issued NT$100 million reward and issued statements to clarify. Such heavy handed bounty would turn the situation around. If they remain passive, without publicizing all of the related photos these female artists would always remain under suspicion. No one of course would like more photos to be distributed, but suffering innocently in the long run was no resolution. Thus they must turn the situation around. Choi Yi Lam's company reward was even more challenging than Siu Ah Hin's. That NT$100 million would be given to the provider who would be able to bring the photos and proof. Siu Ah Hin's company after evidence confirmation would donate NT$100 million to charity. In other words, if someone truly have their photos on their hands, they could get the reward from Choi Yi Lam but Siu Ah Hin would only benefit charity. Both companies have done so actually as a way for the public to switch to their side when no other way can prove these photos do not exist. Its shock has led to an even more enormous response than Rosanne swearing on her family's lives. From a human angle, swearing on a family's lives should be more severe than heavy reward, but management companies seem to be very certain about what kind of society this is and what kind of media we face. - KWOK HIN CHING [ In Production Now/Soon ] Can : Bo Chi Tung Wa Lit : Keep In Touch d. Benny Chan Muk Sing Louis Koo Tin Lok, Barbie Shui (Tsui Hei Woon), Liu Ye, Nick Cheung Ka Fai Can : Ngor Lo Por Hai Doh Sing Lit : My Old Lady Is Gambling Saint Nick Cheung Ka Fai, Meng Yao Can : Ching Toi Lit : Moss d. Kwok Chi Kin Shawn Yue Man Lok, Sin Sik Lai, Eric Tsang Chi Wai, Liu Kai Chi, Terry Fan Siu Wong, Jan Lam Kam Lin, Shaun Tam Chun Yin, Shao Yam Yam Can : Cha Ji Nui Lit : Woman of Investigation d. Alan Mak Siu Fai Sammi Cheng Sau Man, Eason Chan Yik Shun, Richie Jen (Yam Yin Chai) 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, Official Site : www.emp.hk [ OFFICIAL SITE ] A beautiful and cocky swimmer Jill and her teammates kidnaps Alex, Hong Kong's champion swimmer, in order that he can train her to win a duel against her rival in swimming and in love. All hell breaks loose when hate at first sight inadvertently becomes something else... Can : Kit Ji Lit : Scorpion d. Joe Ma Wai Ho Sam Lee Chan Sam, Emme Wong Yee Man, Leung Siu Lung, Miki Mizuno (Shui Yeh Mei Gei), Nana Natsume (Ha Muk Noi Noi) Can : Hat Sei Nei Lit : Scare You To Death Sam Lee Chan Sam, Elanne Kong Yeuk Lam, Tommy Yuen Man On Can : Hok Hau Hak Sai Lik Lit : School Mob Power Jordan Chan Siu Chun, Lee Si Pui, Annie Man Chung Han, Lui Hoi Yun Ada Wong Chi Hom, Timmy Hung Tin Ming Can : Goo Mo Mui Ying Lit : Ancient Tomb Phantom d. Chan Kwoon Wai Chin Kar Lok, Yuen Wah, Candy Lo Hau Yam Can : SI GUONG DOI LAU DIK WA Lit : IF TIME FLOWS BACKWARD d. Mak Kai Kwong Fiona Sit Hoi Kei, Kenny Kwan Chi Bun, Yan Ng Yat Yin, Ken Wong Hap Hei, Karen Tong Bo Yu NEW PERFECT EDUCATION Can : Sun Gum Sut Pui Yuk ji Oi Dik Fu Lo Lit : New Chamber Cultivated Desire: Captive of Love d. Ng Man Lik Kaori Sakagami (Ban Seung Heung Jik) Tony Ho Wa Chiu, Vonnie Lui Hoi Yu Can : Jin Fu Lit : War Tiger Eric Tsang Chi Wai, Kristy Yang Kung Yu, Julian Cheung Chi Lam, Lam Ka Tung, Candy Yu On On, Guo Xinqi (Kwok Sam Kei), Jason Chu Wing Tong, Koey Leung Shuet Mei, Iris Wong Yat Tung, Pavarit Mongkolpisit Nahatai Lekbumrung, Yunee Can : Mo Yau 24 Siu Si Lit : Worry Free 24 Hours Chiu Chung Yu, Natalie Ng Man Yan, Simon Loui Yu Yeung, Siu Chuen Yung, Carl Ng Ka Lung, Libby Lao Kuai Ieng Can : Nui Kuen Wong Lit : Female Fist King Diana Pang Tan, Angie Cheong Wei Yee, Lai Yiu Cheung, Emi Tojo (Dung Sing Gong Mei) Mizuho Ishikawa (Shek Chuen Mei Jung Shui) --- [ NOW SHOWING ] Info from Mov3.com (http://www.mov3.com), Ryan's Hong Kong Movie DataBase (http://www.hkmdb.com), Korean Movie Database (http://www.krmdb.com), Cinema Thai (http://www.cinemathai.com), Hong Kong Entertainment News In Review (http://www.hkentreview.com), Internet Movie DataBase (http://www.imdb.com) SHAMO Can : Kwun Gai Lit : Military Chicken d. Soi Cheang Po Shui Shawn Yue Man Lok, Francis Ng Chun Yu, Annie Liu (Lau Sum Yau), Dylan Kuo (Kwok Bun Chiu), Rating : IIB Length : 101 mins. Opening March 6 2008 [ BROADWAY CIRCUIT ] After killing his parents, teenaged Ryo became a target for bullying from the moment he arrived in the boys' home he was sent to. As he was being beaten to the verge of death, training officer and fellow prisoner Kenji Kurokawa stepped in and taught Ryo a harsh lesson in survival: if you want to leave prison alive, you will have to destroy all your enemies..... PLAYBOY COPS Can : Fa Fa Ying Gaing Lit : Flowery Cop d. Jingle Ma Chor Sing Shawn Yue Man Lok, Linda Chung Ka Yun, Chen Kun, Wong Yau Nam, Carl Ng Ka Lung Rating : IIB Length : 99 mins. Opening February 28 2008 [ BROADWAY CIRCUIT ] An extremely brutal armed robbery case has brought two very unusual young detectives together in Hong Kong. Both men have been known not to follow the usual rules of conduct in solving crimes. Lincoln, the younger brother of the deceased, an ex-policeman in China, has sworn to find the man who has murdered his brother. While he investigates the murder on his own in Hong Kong, he meets Michael, a CID officer on suspension. Michael has often been warned against insubordination, and for pulling stunts such as using his own private helicopter to capture criminals on the run... LE GRAND CHEF d. Jeon Yoon-Soo Kim Gang-Woo, Lim Won-Hee Rating : IIA Length : 114 mins. Opening February 28 2008 [ BROADWAY CIRCUIT ] A cook-off is held to determine the best from all the chefs in the top Korean restaurant, Woonam-jung. The winner is to inherit the restaurant. The dish that the chefs must make is the dangerous yellow swellfish sushi, a taste that is to die for. The two top chefs of the restaurant, Sung-chan and Bong-joo go head to head for the seat of the owner of Woonam-jung. But the judges who taste Sung-chan's sushi get food poisoning from his dish. Bong-joo stands behind him and flashes a complacent smile....What really went on between the two? KAIDAN d. Hideo Nakata Kikunosuke Onoe, Hitomi Kuroki, Mao Inoue, Asaka Seto Rating : IIB Length : 120 mins. Opening February 28 2008 [ BROADWAY CIRCUIT ] 250 years ago Soetsu, a humble moneylender, is murdered by Shinzaemon, a cruel samurai, and his dead body is disposed of in the Kasanegafuchi, the pool of a river where it snakes around, and where legend has it, those who sink into the water will never float to the surface again. 20 years later, in a chance encounter, Shinkichi, the handsome son of Shinzaemon, meets Toyoshiga, the daughter of Soetsu, and they fall in love. When Toyoshiga dies from a mysterious disease, Shinkichi finds that not only is he unable to avoid the mysterious fatality of the past and Toyoshiga's tenacious love for him, but he is also forced to confront the ghostly truths held by the Kasanegafuchi. [ COMING SOON ] THE SPARROW Can : Man Jeuk Lit : Cultured Bird d. Johnnie To Kei Fung Simon Yam Tat Wa, Kelly Lin (Lam Hei Lui), Lam Ka Tung, Lo Hoi Pang, Lam Suet, Kate Tsui Tsz Shan Opening February 11 2008 at the Berlin Film Festival Site : http://www.berlinale.de/en/programm/berlinale_programm/datenblatt.php?film_id=20084390 [ BERLIN FILM FESTIVAL ] "Sparrow" is a common word used in Hong Kong street slang for pickpocket. The term refers to the special dexterity needed to pluck people's wallets from their pockets...and possibly also to the necessity of having to flutter away quickly should one de discovered. Kei is one such "sparrow" -- a nd a very professional one at that. He and his three partners earn a good living from digging deep into the pockets of oblivious passers-by moving along the crowded urban canyons of Hong Kong. As far as Kei's concerned, it's all he needs to live a carefree life. Whenever hei s not going about his business he loves to ride about the city on his bicycle photographing street scenes with his Rolleiflex camera. One day the gorgeous Chun Lei comes into his sights. Kei is fascinated but behind Chun Lei's good looks lurks a mysterious past. Kei falls in love with her -- and he is not the only one. After having managed to turn the heads of his three colleagues, she reveals her true intentions. The sparrows are to steal a key that is of great importance to her. At first the task seems simple, but then another interested party appears on the scene in shape of the shy tycoon Mr. Yen...... [ GOLDEN SCREEN CINEMAS ONLINE ] They are known as the "sparrows", Hong Kong's street slang for "pickpockets". They work in groups, lifting wallets from unsuspecting tourists until one day an irresistible woman of unknown origin appears before them and requests the gang to steal a key for her. The set up begins to unravel itself when the mission completes. The pickpockets realize this exotic beauty has been slowly leading them onto a path of no return. BREATH d. Kim Ki-Duk Chang Chen, Zia, Ha Jung-Woo [ BROADWAY CIRCUIT ] On a cold winter day, after learning her husband has found a new woman, Yeon absent mindedly heads for the prison where Chen is confined. Although she does not know him personally, repeated news of his suicide attempts on TV has subconsciously grown in her mind and now is leading her to seek him. Jin has no visitors and normally would not agree to meet with a complete stranger, but hearing that it is a woman he accepts her meeting request out of curiosity. Their first meeting is as awkward as it can get. Yeon treats Jin like an old friend whereas Jin does not open up so easily. RULE NUMBER ONE Can : Dai Yut Gai Lit : First Sin d. Tong Wing Kin Dior Cheng Yi Kin, Shawn Yue Man Lok, Fiona Sit Hoi Kei, Stephanie Che Yuen Yuen Opening March 13 2008 in Malaysia [ CINEMA ONLINE MALAYSIA ] Rookie Sergeant Lee is assigned to the dubious-sounding Miscellaneous Affairs Department (MAD), where he is paired with Inspector Wong who explains that MAD's role is to answer to supernatural calls and its Rule #1 is that there are no ghosts; for every seemingly-inexplicable phenomenon, there is a scientific and rational explanation. MAD then begins investigating a string of bizarre teenage suicides. As Lee and Wong follow the clues, they realize that something sinister is heading their way. L FOR LOVE L FOR LIES Can : Ngor Dik Jui Oi Lit : My Most Beloved d. Yip Lim Sum Alex Fong Lik Sun, Stephy Tang Lai Yun, Miki Yeung Oi Kun, Hu Qingnan (Wu Ching Nam), Alice Tsang Hoi Won, Leila Tong Ning Opening March 13 2008 [ YAHOO! HONG KONG MOVIES ] Bo originally is an incredibly fortunate girl. She and Chun, the boyfriend who she grew up with, opens a small dessert shop after graduation. Bo has her heart set on marrying Chun after the business settles down. Bo one day runs into a long lost former classmate Kei, who has her eyes on the ambition of the good man Chun, ignores her relationship with Bo and takes him away. Poor Bo not only loses the love that she cherishes like a treasure but also the dessert shop that she has worked hard to established. She is left with the tragedy of losing both the guy and the shop. Mosquito is Bo's good friend who has a boyfriend of many years Fung. The pretty Mosquito often develops one after another short romance behind the introverted Fung's back. Mosquito loves Fung but she is certain that the faithful Fung would not leave her as she is reluctant to be someone who is with one person for a lifetime. THE EMPRESS AND THE WARRIORS Can : Gong San Mei Yun Lit : Kingdom Beauty d. Ching Siu Tung Kelly Chen Wai Lam, Donnie Yen Chi Tan, Leon Lai Ming, Guo Xiaodong, (Kau Jun Hoi) Opening March 20 2008 [ YAHOO! MOVIES HONG KONG ] Amid a war, Princess Feier whose father died in battle took over the duty of protecting her nation with General Xuefu. Later traitor Hu Ba assassinated and injured the princess, who luckily was saved by Duen Lanchuan. They fell for each other; but with trouble inside and outside how would Feier choose? WINDS OF SEPTEMBER - THE TAIWAN CHAPTER Can : Gau Gong Fung d. Lin Shu Yu Rhydian Vaughan, Chang Chieh, Wang Bo Chieh Length : 113 mins. Opening March 21 2008 at the Hong Kong International Film Festival Site : http://www.hkiff.org.hk/eng/programme/show_detail.php?fi_id=684 [ HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL ] The winds of September are the wind of Hsinchu, a strong wind that visits the county and city between September and November. The film takes us back to 1996, during the time of the tragic Taiwan baseball scandal, an event that devastated many teenage boys. The story follows Yen and Tang and their gang through the last year of their high school life. From chasing girls to midnight skinny dipping to rooting for their favorite baseball team, they do everything together. When an accident throws Yen into a coma, their world starts falling apart. A cruel reality has announced itself, can the boys grow up quickly enough to face it? WINDS OF SEPTEMBER - THE MAINLAND CHAPTER Can : Gau Gong Fung d. Han Yan Tai Junjie, Wu Xiaoliang, Liu Shuhan, Chi Jia Rating : 105 mins. Opening March 21 2008 at the Hong Kong International Film Festival Site : http://www.hkiff.org.hk/eng/programme/show_detail.php?fi_id=682 [ THE HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL ] Some time before the return of Hong Kong's sovereignty to China, a Mainland high school stages a variety show to celebrate the occasion. One of the most brilliant openings among the many recent Chinese high school titles, it introduces the unfolding drama of rival groups of "good" and "bad" students and their "internal contradictions", and serves as a continual mental backdrop for the audience: of youth caught in a society whose founding ideology has become obsolete and absurd. WINDS OF SEPTEMBER - THE HONG KONG CHAPTER Can : Gau Gong Fung d. Heiward Mak Lam Yiu Sing, Sham Ka Kei, Anjo Leung Hiu Fung, Venus Wong Man Yik Length : 100 mins. Site : http://www.hkiff.org.hk/eng/programme/show_detail.php?fi_id=683 CITY WITHOUT BASKETBALL Can : Mo Yeh ji Sing Lit : City Without Wildness d. Lawrence Ah Mon (Lau Kwok Cheung), Scud (Wan Yu) Leung Yu Chung, Ron Heung Chi Chun, Gia Lin Yuan, Monie Tung Man Lei Length : 100 mins. Opening March 22 2008 at the Hong Kong International Film Festival Site : http://www.hkiff.org.hk/eng/programme/show_detail.php?fi_id=441 [ HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTVIAL ] Resigned to playing at a remote facility without even a spectator's stand, a local baseball team faces challenges on and off the field before the international championships. BESIEGED CITY Can : Wai Sing Lit : Surrounded City d. Lawrence Ah Mon (Lau Kwok Cheung) Tang Tak Po, Wong Hau Yan, Wong Yat Ho, Tze Lock Chiang Cho Man Rating : III Length : 96 mins. Opening March 22 2008 at the Hong Kong International Film Festival Site : http://www.hkiff.org.hk/eng/programme/show_detail.php?fi_id=425 [ HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL ] A young man in coma is under arrest for murder; as his older brother delves into the past year of his brother's life, he discovers that numbness and cowardice can have murderous consequences. SNIPER Can : Sun Cheung Sau Lit : Godly Gunslingers d. Dante Lam Chiu Yin Richie Jen (Yam Yin Chai), Edison Chen Koon Hei, Huang Xiaoming Opening March 27 2008 in Malaysia [ 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. THE WAY WE ARE Can : Tin Shui Wai Dik Yut Yu Yeh Lit : Tin Shui Wai's Day and Night d. Ann Hui On Wa Paw Hee Ching, Chan Lai Wun, Leung Chun Lung, Idy Chan Length : 90 mins. Opening March 27 2008 at the Hong Kong International Film Festival Site : http://www.hkiff.org.hk/eng/programme/show_detail.php?fi_id=638 [ HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL ] A widowed mother and her teenage son live in a Tin Shui Wai estate. She works in a supermarket and helps a colleague breaks into her new job. The boy, average in each and every way, grows into adolescence hesitantly. In passing, we find out that the mother has made big sacrifices to her family. The way we are, the way we live; an ode to the salt of the earth. LOVE IS ELSEWHERE Can : Oi Ching Man Shui Lit : Love Hail d. Vincent Chui Won Shun Yumiko Cheng Hei Yi, Sherman Chung Shu Man, Jason Chan Pak Yu, Ken Hung Cheuk Lap, Yan Ng Yat Yin, Chow Pak Ho, Length : 97 mins. Opening March 31 2008 at the Hong Kong International Film Festival Site : http://www.hkiff.org.hk/eng/programme/show_detail.php?fi_id=671 [ HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL ] The story takes place in the posh Soho, the city's favorite haunt for the fashionable minded. The film begins with a young couple running a cafe and throwing in free counseling (their real dream is to save up for schooling in Beijing), and draws into this circle a playboy houseman, his object of desire, a gallery owner, her young delivery boy admirer who wants to be a singer, and an assortment of beautiful creatures. As days turn into nights and nights into days, friends and lovers come and go; they dream of a love that ends all love. THREE KINGDOMS : RESURRECTION OF THE DRAGON Can : Sam Gok Gein Lung Seh Gap Lit : Three Kingdoms See Dragon Remove Armor d. Lee Yan Kong Andy Lau Tak Wa, Maggie Q, Sammo Hung Kam Bo, Vanness Wu (Ng Kin Ho), Ti Lung Opening April 3 2008 [ CINEMA ONLINE MALAYSIA ] His country torn asunder by civil war, Zhao, a commoner, heeds the call of duty. From the humblest of roots, he rises through the ranks on wings of courage to command an army charged with liberating the land from an evil warlord. Inspired by action, honour and a dream of unifying his divided nation, Zhao's heroism becomes a legend. But as the years pass and the throne changes hands, the war still rages on. When a newly enthroned king decides peace can only be achieved by defeating the warlords once and for all, Zhao embarks on his final and greatest campaign - a road to adventure that will crown his name in glory for all time. EVANGELION: 1.0 - YOU ARE (NOT) ALONE d. Masayuki, Kazuya Tsurumaki Japanese animation Opening April 3 2008 RUN PAPA RUN Can : Yut Gor Ho Ba Ba Lit : One Good Papa AKA : Hak Ba Ba Lit : Black Papa d. Sylvia Chang (Cheung Ngai Ga) Louis Koo Tin Lok, Rene Liu (Lau Yeuk Ying) Opening April 10 2008 Official Site : www.emp.hk [ OFFICIAL SITE ] Raised by a single mother in a crime-ridden neighborhood, Lee has risen from street punk to successful syndicate crime boss. Fast money and women have always come easily to Lee, but Lee unexpectedly falls in love with a lawyer named Mabel. When Mabel becomes pregnant, Lee panics. Determined to make the relationship the work, Mabel moves into his apartment uninvited. Mabel's persistence pays off when their child Heiyi is born - Lee's paternal instincts are awakened and he is transformed into a doting father. Desperate to protect his new family, Lee conceals the true nature of his business. His gang members undergo an image makeover and to all outward appearances Lee is now legitimate businessman. Lee is selected to be the next kingpin of the underworld, and he is torn between family and brotherhood. His relationship with the three women in his life: his mom, his wife and his daughter, changes his life perspective, and he is determined to make things right once and for all. CHOCOLATE Can : Nui Kuen Ba Lit : Female Fist Tyrant d. Prachya Pinkaew JiJa Yanin (Yanin Vismitananda), Ammara Siripong, Hiroshi Abe Rating : 110 mins. Opening April 2008 [ YAHOO! MOVIES HONG KONG ] Martial artist prodigy Zen has been living with her mother Sin since childhood. Sin is quiet and kind, thus making her the target of extortionists. Zen has always been kept in the dark. When Sin has cancer and needs a large sum for treatment, Len then discovers her family fortune has fallen into the hands of extortionists. To keep her mother alive, Len and her good friend Spider go on the road to get back her mother's money with her fists... THE FORBIDDEN KINGDOM AKA : THE J AND J PROJECT Can : Gong Fu ji Wong Lit : King of Gong Fu d. Rob Minkoff Jackie Chan, Jet Li (Lee Nin Kit), Li Bingbing, Crystal Liu Yifei, Collin Chou Siu Lung, Michael Angarano Opening April 24 2008 [ YAHOO! MOVIES HONG KONG ] U.S. youth Jason is a super Chinese gong fu fan. On an occasion, he discovers a mysterious golden staff in a certain Chinatown store and is taken through time and space and the "door without door" to ancient China! Jason receives a shocking prediction that wants him to return this weapon to its owner and thus resolving the Monkey King who has been trapped for 500 years under a boulder. On his difficult search, Jason meets figures from the martial art hero world and ancient legends -- One of the "Eight Fairies", "Drunken Fist Master" and wandering poet Lu Yan, the mysterious and silent monk and, the vengeful heroine Golden Sparrow. The four travel over the mountains and through the rivers and discovers where the evil Jade Warlord has imprisoned the Monkey King. The Jade Warlord sends his top assassin -- the cold blooded, white haired demon Ni Chang to lead an army of over 10,000 in pursuit of the four..... HAPPY FUNERAL Can : Lok Lau Hau Jor 2 Ga Suk Jeh Lai Lit : Sixth Floor Rear Flat 2 Family Appreciation Ceremony d. Barbara Wong Chun Chun Elanne Kong Yeuk Lam, Fama, I Love You Boyz, Tian Yuan, Law Chung Him, Stephanie Cheng Yung, Lollipop, Eric Tsang Chi Wai Opening April 24 2008 [ YAHOO! MOVIES HONG KONG ] Landlady Susie after years as the landlady has run into countless young people. She still misses the former rear flat residents the most. This year, as she increases rent another group of new young people has rented this residence. Because her grandson will return to Hong Kong from the U.S., Susie takes the chance to find his grandson a wife. Thus this time her strict rental questions basically revolve around strange questions like blood type and Chinese and Western astrology. Some young people have great backgrounds, some are wooden and stiff. As soon as she sees Kay and Chi Susie is already pleased with herself... CYBORG SHE Can : Ngor Dik Gei Hai Yun Nui Yau Lit : My Robot Girlfriend d. Kwak Jae-Yong Opening June 12 2008 Official Site : cyborg.gyao.jp [ YAHOO! MOVIES HONG KONG ] A straight laced young man runs into a robot from the future and becomes deeply attracted to this pretty, cute and unique robot girl. They gradually fall for each other but an earthquake disaster strikes. He is trapped and his robot girlfriend risks her life to rescue her most beloved...... RED CLIFF PART I AKA : BATTLE OF RED CLIFF Can : Chet Bik Lit : Red Cliff d. John Woo (Ng Yu Sum) Tony Leung Chiu Wai, Takeshi Kaneshiro (Gum Sing Mo), Janny Lin Chiling, Vicki Zhao Wei, Chang Chen, Zhang Fengyi, Hu Jun, You Yong Opening July 3 2008 [ CINEMA ONLINE ] In the early third century, the warlord Cao Cao and his soldiers invaded the land of Wu. The ruler of Wu, Sun Quan called on the rival warlord Liu Bei for help, but their two armies were still badly outnumbered. However, strategists Zhou Yu and Zhuge Liang see that Cao Cao's army was not used to battling at sea. With 200,000 men, Zhou Yu and Zhuge Liang defeated Cao Cao's army at the Yangtze River. KERORO THE MOVIE 3 Japanese Animation Opening August 14 2008 RED CLIFF PART II AKA : BATTLE OF RED CLIFF Can : Chet Bik Lit : Red Cliff d. John Woo (Ng Yu Sum) Tony Leung Chiu Wai, Takeshi Kaneshiro (Gum Sing Mo), Janny Lin Chiling, Vicki Zhao Wei, Chang Chen, Zhang Fengyi, Hu Jun, You Yong Opening December 18 2008 --- [ Entertainment URL ] EMPEROR MOTION PICTURES http://www.emp.hk GOLDEN SCENE http://www.goldenscene.com SING PAO http://www.singpao.com THE HONG KONG FILM ARCHIVE http://www.lcsd.gov.hk/hkfa/ CHANG CHUN CHINA FILM FESTIVAL http://www.cc-film.com GOLDEN HARVEST http://www.goldenharvest.com STAR EAST http://www.stareastnet.com CITY ENTERTAINMENT http://www.cityentertainment.com.hk Commercial Radio http://www.crhk.com.hk Television Broadcast Limited http://www.tvb.com.hk --- [ NORTH AMERICA AREA CONCERTS ] Courtesy of our neighbors at : High Level Entertainment's Concert & Event News Center http://www.levelhigh.com http://www.geocities.com/NapaValley/1721/hlecaen.htm * RAYMOND MIU PRODUCTIONS AND TRUMP TAJ MAHAL CASINO RESORT PRESENT HACKEN LEE HARK KUN HACKEN'S CONCERT HALL 2008 DATE AND TIME : Saturday night / Sunday morning, March 23 2008 @ 1AM Sunday, March 23 2008 @ 2PM VENUE LOCATION : Mark G. Etess Arena Trump Taj Mahal Casino Resort TICKET PRICCES : $118, 88, 68, 48 EXCLUSIVE BOX OFFICE LOCATION : Raymond Miu Productions 195 Canal Street, Suite 201 New York NY 10013 212.966.0800 www.rmpny.com * INTERNATIONAL ENTERTAINMENT MARKETING AND MOHEGAN SUN PRESENT SAMMI CHENG SAU MAN SHOW MI 2008 CONCERT DATE AND TIME : Saturday night / Sunday morning, March 23 2008 @ 2AM Sunday, March 23 2008 @ 1PM VENUE LOCATION : Mohegan Sun Arena Mohegan Sun 1 Mohegan Sun Boulevard Uncasville CT 06382 (860) 862-4002 TICKET PRICES : VIP$138, 108, 78, 58 TICKET OUTLET LOCATIONS : ONLINE : www.iemshowplace.com CHINATOWN 89 Bowery 212.925.1098 FLUSHING International Entertainment Marketing 135-05 40 Road 2/Fl 718.888.3113 BROOKLYN International Entertainment Marketing 5609 8th Avenue 718.437.777 EDISON 1681 Rt. 27 Suite 3 732.819.8883 BOSTON 12A Tyler Street 617.695.1989 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Box office info : What Box Office Info? The usual suspects : MOV3.COM, Internet Movie Database, Yahoo! Hong Kong Erors : ye olde chaffing editor For Tuesday March 4 2008 10 JUMPER d. Doug Liman Hayden Christensen, Samuel L. Jackson, Rachel Bilson, Jamie Bell 9 VANTAGE POINT d. Peter Travis Dennis Quaid, Matthew Fox, Forest Whitaker, William Hurt, Sigourney Weaver 8 ENCHANTED d. Kevin Lima Julie Andrews, Amy Adams, James Marsden, Idina Menzel, Susan Sarandon, Patrick Dempsey 7 LOVE AND OTHER DISASTERS d. Alek Keshishian Brittany Murphy, Matthew Rhys, Santiago Cabrera 6 P.S. I LOVE YOU d. Richard LaGravenese Hilary Swank, Gerard Butler, Lisa Kudrow 5 THE MIST d. Frank Darabont Thomas Jane, Marcia Gay Harden, Laurie Holden 4 JUNO d. Jason Reitman Ellen Page, MichaelCera, Jennifer Garner, Jason Bateman, Allison Janney, J.K. Simmons 3 NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN d. Joel and Ethan Coen Tommy Lee Jones, Javier Bardem, Josh Brolin 2 MEET THE SPARTAN d. Jason Friedberg, Aaron Seltzer Sean Maguire, Carmen Electra, Kevin Davitian, Kevin Sorbo 1 FATAL MOVE Can : Duet Shui d. Dennis Law Sau Yiu Sammo Hung Kam Bo, Danny Lee Sau Yin, Simon Yam Tat Wa, Maggie Siu Mei Kei, Pinky Cheung Man Chi, Jason Wu Jing, Ken Low Wai Kwong, Heung Jor, Tian Niu, Yen Wing San ------ Summaries for some of the films above. Some contain SPOILERS FATAL MOVE Rating : III Length : 116 mins. Opening March 6 2008 Official Site : http://www.fatalmove.com [ CINEMA ONLINE MALAYSIA ] In the violent world of Hong Kong's triad, one false move can be fatal. A series of unexpected misfortunes challenge gang leader and his mob, eventually leading to a bloody gangster war. The gang is moving closer to destruction as their every move backfires on them - a drug deal turns bad, a kidnap victim is murdered, and a secret mission turns into a savage shoot-out with the police. Who is the mastermind behind these evil plots? Will the gang leader be able to defy fate and survive? ------ GLOBAL CHINESE SONG CHART For Saturday, March 1 2008 15 FAREWELL CONCERT HALL Can : Joi Gein Yin Jau Tang Hacken Lee Hak Kun 14 LONGING FOR LOVE Can : Dui Oi Hok Mong Yang Chung Wei 13 RUNAWAY BRIDE Can : Lok Pau Sun Leung Rene Liu (Lau Yeuk Ying) 12 I JUST LIKE YOU Can : Ngor Jau Si Hei Foon Nei Big Mouth 11 YOU ARE THE PERSON I LOVE THE MOST Can : Nei Si Ngor Jui Oi Dik Yun Ivana Wong Yuen Chi 10 WHEN WE ARE 2GETHER Can : Dong Ngor Moon Jat Yut Fai Alan Luo (Law Chi Cheung) 9 ZERO HOUR ZERO MINUTE Can : Ling Si Ling Fun Joey Yung Cho Yi 8 LIGHT YEAR Can : Guong Nin Sam Lee (Lee Sing Kit) 7 BIG HERO CHOW Can : Jau Dai Hup Jay Chou (Chow Kit Lun) 6 GIVE WARMTH IN SNOW Can : Shuet Jung Sung Luen Various Stars 5 DON'T WANT TO COMPREHEND Can : But Seung Dung Dut Angela Chang (Cheung Siu Hom) 4 LOVE SONG Fong Datong 3 PAIN THAT BREATHES Can : Wui Fu Cup Dik Tung Jasmine Leong Jing Yu 2 INNOCENT Can : Mo Gu Gary Cao (Cho Gat) 1 EIFFEL TOWER Can : Ba Lai Teet Tap Anson Hu (Wu Yin Bun) ------ [ 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. NO DRINKING FOR OLD MEN Your Chaffing Editor is total scum. He hijacked a friend's birthday movie plan and detoured it from JUMPER to NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN. While Your Chaffing Editor considered that a great b-day gift as friends should not let friends watch crap, his less film geek of a friend might have felt otherwise; especially since he was not familiar with the Coen Brothers' style. Alas, there lies the cause of the chief complaint about NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN -- the ending. First of all, the title itself should have already told you who is the actual lead character of the movie; which would make all the "perceived leads" nothing but tools to get the point across. Thus their "fates" really do not matter in the grander schemes of the point. Much like most of Your Chaffing Editor's life, viewers would probably feel like they have wasted two hours of their lives. However they should ask themselves, "Did I enjoy the trip?" Your Chaffing Editor pondered for awhile where he has seen Kelly Macdonald before. Then he recognized her with another accent -- she was driving him crazy with it in ALIAS. How close are the Irish and the Texan accents anyway? All Your Chaffing Editor has left to say is, he thinks his mother is trying to make him look like Javier Bardem. Where can he get an cattle air gun? CALL IT, Jer Jer Stinks, Your Chaffing Editor Top Ten Central --- [ WHAT IS YOUR CHAFFING EDITOR LISTENING TO ] ---------------------- HK Top Ten Central hktopten@hotmail.com | http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Towers/2038