From: NO TOP TEN CENTRAL Newsgroups: alt.asian-movies,soc.culture.hongkong.entertainment Subject: [TAKE OVER] HKSAR Film No Top 10 Box Office (April 24 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 1. THIS TOP 10 IS DEDICATED TO A. Johnnie To Kei Fung who celebrates his birthday on the 22nd B. Alice Tsang Hoi Won who celebartes her birthday on the 22nd C. Janice (Wai Lan) and Jill Vidal (Wai Si) who celebrate their birthdays on the 13th D. Raymond Wong Pak Ming whose father passed away at the age of 88 2. MISCELLANEOUS * (4/30/2008) The Tsui Siu Ming directed new Sundream film production DUET BIU (CHAMPIONSHIP) is heating up in Hengdian. Many actors like Dicky Cheung Wai Kin, Wong Chui Yu, Debbie Goh (Ng Tin Yu) due to the temperature difference between morning and night caught the flu. The film's backdrop was the 30s martial art and sports world. Thus the cast's costumes were all full of motion and color. Cheung Wai Kin particularly liked his Zhongshan costume and joked that each time he put it on he felt like he was "possessed". "I have been in the business for so many years and played characters of different eras, backgrounds and identities. This time I discovered that it was my first time in a Zhongshan costume. I don't know why each time I would put on this costume I would feel a surge and a sense of mission, like I am destined. Most who wore the Zhongshan costume were intellectuals, so I felt that my scholarly aura was greatly increased." * (4/30/2008) At a shoe show earlier in Shanghai, Chang Chen modeled and pointed out that later he would promote RED CLIFF (CHET BIK), which was the first time that he had such an anticipation and his first costume film. Friends all asked him when it would open and he too wanted to see the completed product. He pointed out that director John Woo (Ng Yu Sum) felt that his personality, age and look were similar to Sun Quan so he was very relaxed with him in the role. Chang Chen was very excited himself because the production team was so grand, the director and the cast were so famous he felt very honored. He also praised Tony Leung Chiu Wai as a good role model who played any role outstandingly. He would learn from him. * (4/30/2008) MY WIFE IS A GAMBLING MAESTRO (NGOR LO POR HAI DOH SING) two nights ago held its premiere. Nick Cheung Ka Fai, Natalia Meng Yao, Winnie Leung Man Yi, Chong Si Man and Wong Jing attended. The premiere was near the red light district. Meng Yao said that no one would mistake her because she had a different aura, which was more important. Yao Meng said that she had to thank Cheung Ka Fai for praising her figure and said that normally she would swim and run to stay in shape and avoid fried food. Leung Man Yi was constantly adjusting her dress. She said that her dress kept on slipping. Did her top shrink? She said, "It doesn't matter, I am the smallest one anyway." Chiu Tung showed off her legs instead. "Everyone is very noble. I am a little more conservative and only show legs, which I have a lot of confidence in." She revealed that earlier when she hit Ka Fai with newspaper she accidentally injured him. Ka Fai's glassed flew off and shattered, which she felt very sorry about. Ka Fai was amid the sexy ladies. How great was that? Ka Fai humorously said, "Of course it's great. (Did you deliberately not bring your wife?) I tried, actually I still haven't seen them. Each one was covered." Would his wife mind him working with so many beauties? He said, "No. (Would you ask your wife to learn from them?) Haha, you can't learn that. You have to be born wit that. She wouldn't mind, but I mind her intimate scenes with other actors. Every time I would skip them." * (4/30/2008) Christian film WE WILL ROCK YOU (LAU LONG HONG SAI GAI BUI) yesterday shot with actors Gigi Lai Chi, Eric Suen Yiu Wai and Hui Siu Hung. Actually Lai Chi and Suen Yiu Wai have known each other over a decade ago. They have worked together abroad five to six times. This time was their first collaboration in Hong KOng. Suen Yiu Wai praised Gigi as still very youthful. Gigi cracked up and asked whether he was referring to the legend of no aging and recommended Eric to visit her brother's clinic for laser work. Gigi made six figures for this film and would donate it to different charity organizations. She only guest starred for ten days because she had to make time for her work at her brother's clinic. Suen Yiu Wai this time played a downtrodden social worker. Both he and Lai Chi were Christians. He expressed that this time he would take 1/10 of his salary to sponsor children. For the role he grew facial hair, which he would shave off as soon as the film wrapped because eating was inconvenient. He and Gigi had no intimate scene. They visited homeless people earlier to understand them better. * (4/30/2008) Wu Chun currently is in Shanghai working on his first film BUTTERFLY LOVERS (GIM DIP, formerly MO HUP LEUNG JOOK). For his first film he gave his all. In the film he played the martial artist Leung Chung San and needed to work on many action scenes. Thus before the shoot he worked hard on practicing swords with action director Ching Siu Tung and trained hard. In one scene a court villain was in pursuit and he had to escape on the roof. Although director Jingle Ma Chor Sing suggested stunt doubles, he insisted on performing the fight and wire scenes himself. Although the training was ample, he still could not escape injury as his palm and wrist were bruised and bloody. He was in pain and looked worried, "Would the palm injury affect my career line? My career fortune is very important!" He still worked despite of the pain and both Ma Chor Sing and Ching Siu Tung praised his professionalism. * (4/30/2008) China's first new Eastern fantasy art film PAINTED SKIN (WAT PEI) has been slated for an after Olympics September 28 global release. Yesterday the film companies, distributors, lead Donnie Yen Chi Tan and photographer Arthur Wong Ngok Tai along with the top ten national cinema circuit bosses attended a contract signing ceremony in the story's original creator home town. The new version is completely different from the old version, a new Eastern fantasy film with new era elements, thinking and vision. The total investment was US$15 million. Aside from Yen Chi Tan, the cast also included Zhou Xun, Chen Kun, Vicki Zhao Wei, Betty Sun Li and Chik Yuk Mo. Three time Hong Kong Film Award Best Action Design winner, Chi Tan in the new film would play a general and a wandering hero and again thoroughly display his martial art action talent and potential. Chi Tan said, "This character is very attractive to me. While it enables me to fight it also provides me with a lot of performance space. I rather enjoy the performance pleasure that it has brought." * (4/29/2008) Andy On Chi Kit, Alice Tsang Hoi Won and HotCha two nights ago worked on the film CHUN OI DIK (DEAR) at Whampoa. In the story Tsang Hoi Won had many suitors, one of whom is On Chi Kit. Another suitor Chubby (Siu Fei) was able to kiss a dizzy Tsang Hoi Won when HotCha caught and chased him. Siu Fei pointed out that HotCha was already hitting him lighthly. Earlier when On Chi Kit hit him he only gave him a tug and bent his cross. However, he would rather be hit than work on intimate scenes because he would blush. As for his kiss scene with Tsang Hoi Won actually they did not kiss and he still has not had the chance to give his first on screen kiss. Tsang Hoi Won in the film had to take a beating from Vivian Yeo (Yeung Sau Wai). That scene took five or six takes. Used to action films, On Chi Kit this time worked on a romance. He revealed that lately he has been in a relationship so he believed that he would be more convincing. * (4/28/2008) Michelle Yeoh (Yeung Chi King) yesterday attended a watch event, which stipulated that no more than three questions about Isabella Leong Lok Si would be permitted. However Yeung Chi King still did not directly respond to the questions and only said that if an artist wanted to break into Hollywood, learning English would be the most important. As for rumors of a July marriage, she denied and said that for now she would not consider it. Earlier she formed a management company with a few friends. Yeung Chi King only said that the company has signed Kelly Lin (Lam Hei Lui) and praised her as a talented artist. She also stated that the company's focus would be training new comers, including directors and screen writers. * (4/28/2008) Elanne Kong Yeuk Lam and Law Chung Him in the film HAPPY FUNERAL (LOK LAU HAU JOR 2 GA SHOOK JEH LAI) played a couple. Of course they would have kiss scenes. Since they have worked together many times before they had chemistry on the set. With co-stars like Fama, Tian Yuan, and I Love U Boyz they naturally set off many sparks. Kong Yeuk Lam says that the production has given her a comfortable feeling of home. She even brings her own blankets to work and rest in the rooms. "5 years ago when I saw the first movie at the movies I already liked this movie. I never guessed that today I would take part in it so I was very into the shoot. Sometimes I would be too tired and fall asleep in the room. Director (Barbara) Wong Chun Chun would wake us one by one for work. It really feels like a family." As for the drunk kiss scene, Kong Yeuk Lam reveals that she had 2 bottles of beer and truly got drunk. "I have never been drunk before. I was afraid that I would not be convincing either so I asked the director for permission to drink. I had beer and finally really felt drunk, I even kept laughing and talked loud. The entire scene only I was drunk. After drinking however due to other jobs I did not sleep. After five days I had fever and the flu. The experience truly was unforgettable." For Law Chung Him, hair extension and red dye on his face were the most difficult. "I have always had short hair, but for the character I had to get hair extension. I really wasn't used to the month and a half month production period, washing my hair everyday was hard. I even had to tough out itchy scalp. After the shoot I removed the extensions first. After washing my hair the feeling truly was great! Another tough thing was the injury make up. That red dye was hard to get clean. Luckily my skin was not allergic to the color, otherwise I would have a hard time imagining what I would look like." Law Chung Him even says that he has learned how actors walk through the door. "Actually a simple door opening has a lot of technique. The actor has to know where to go and to coordinate with the photographers' angles and lighting. Although I had six bad takes I was already satisfied with one good take." * (4/26/2008) The Jackie Chan and Jet Li (Lee Nin Kit) starred THE FORBIDDEN KINGDOM (GONG FU JI WONG) last week has already started to open around the world and reported success. Last Friday it opened on over 3,000 screens in the U.S. and as of the 24th the film has already made US$25 million in six days. The local industry even predicted that this film would soon march toward US$100 million. Its Asian opening box office has also been leading. Singapore's opening last week made over S$ 2 million and broke many local records; Malaysia's opening box office reached 3 million. In Hong Kong, its opening also broke 1 million on 47 screens. In Mainland with over 1,500 screens most cinemas already have lines. The film company estimated that the figure should break 10 million. * (4/26/2008) Eric Tsang Chi Wai in recent years have dedicated himself to cultivate new film industry talent. Two nights ago he presented the Best Director award at the 6th Annual Global Chinese University Student Film and Television Awards. Earlier Chi Wai even became one of the Filmmaker in Focus of the Hong Kong Film Festival. Since then he has received many screenplays from Mainland, Taiwan and Hong Kong new comers. Chi Wai praised, "I read these screenplays online. Some of them I really could not stop reading until the sun came up." In the future, Chi Wai would like to help these new comers as a producer to look for investors while he would serve as their co-signers. Karena Lam Ka Yun injured her right shoulder earlier and could not attend her new film HAPPY FUNERAL (LOK LAU HAU JOR 2 GA SHOOK JEH LAI)'s premiere. Two nights ago she attended the awards with the injury. Some speculated that she was displeased and did not attend the premiere. Ka Yun denied, "No! That day during a recording session my shoulder suddenly tightened up. Later it hurt so much that I had to go to the emergency room for painkiller injection and antibiotics. On the day of the premiere I had medicated pads all over me after seeing a Chinese medicine practitioner. Even Father made fun of me as Frankenstein's monster. How could I have attended like that?" Ka Yun said that when she called her manager, boss Alex Wong Hoi Fung did not believe her to be sick. She had to personally talk with the boss to express that she absolutely was not faking her illness before he believed her. She said, "That night my shoulder suddenly cramped up. I looked like I was staring at others angrily. To avoid scaring others I couldn't come." Ka Yun expressed that perhaps her high heels and improper sitting posture led to the injury. Luckily she had no side effect but she needed to continue physical therapy. Bernice Liu Bik Yi two nights ago represented TVB. She clarified that TVB has not suspended her due to her unwillingness to extend her contract and said that every year she has been rumored to be suspended. Yet she has been in TVB for seven years already and the contract remained. She stressed, "Tonight my attendance is not to shatter rumors because time will prove everything. I still appreciate the outside concern though." * (4/26/2008) The 92 film ALL'S WELL ENDS WELL (GA YAU HEI SI) starring the late Leslie Cheung Kwok Wing, Maggie Cheung Man Yuk, Stephen Chow Sing Chi, Sandra Ng Kwan Yu, Teresa Mo Shun Kwan and Raymond Wong Pak Ming made 48.99 million and remained in seventh place among the 50 highest grossing Hong Kong films. 16 years later, Mandarin in September will start production on ALL'S WELL ENDS WELL 2009 with Vincent Kuk Tak Siu as the director and Ng Kwan Yu and Wong Pak Ming in the cast. Louis Koo Tin Lok has been rumored to be in the cast as well. * (4/25/2008) Shu Qi yesterday attended a new mobile phone store in Macau. She said that because she was rarely in Hong Kong she wanted to her Hong Kong property and invest elsewhere like the U.S. or France. Did she want to develop in Hollywood? Shu Qi denied and claimed that they were not related. Earlier she was rumored to be the star of the Feng Xiaogang directed GWAI JOOK (ARISTOCRAT), which she expressed that she has not decided yet. * (4/25/2008) The Cannes Film Festival announced that the Wong Kar Wai directed martial art film ASHES OF TIME REDUX has been invited to participate in this year's festival. Wong Kar Wai will bring this all new edit redux to Cannes for its global premiere. ASHES OF TIME REDUX is one of the recognized Chinese martial art films. Back then Leslie Cheung Kwok Wing, Brigitte Lin (Lam Ching Ha), Tony Leung Chiu Wai, Maggie Cheung Man Yuk, Carina Lau Ka Ling, Jacky Cheung Hok Yau, Tony Leung Ka Fai and Charlie Yeung Choi Nei gathered to perform. The cast was already "unprecedented" and would never repeat since Cheung Kwok Wing has already passed and Lam Ching Ha has already retired. Wong Kar Wai expressed that the production of the redux was extremely difficult because the film from 15 years ago has already gone to pieces, finding and repairing of which were very hard. The redux not only has been remastered for sound and sights but also added many never before seen footage. At the same time internationally renowned special effect company BUF has designed and added new visual effects. Wong Kar Wai expressed, the Redux also received assistance from Chinese cellist Yo Yo Ma, who provided an all new look to this film for the audience. This film was not only Jet Tone's founding film but also meaningful to his personal creative life. It was also his only martial art film so far. He was very honored to received this invitation. * (4/25/2008) The film MY WIFE IS A GAMBLING MAESTRO (NGOR LO POR HAI DOH SING) stars Natalie Meng Yao, Winnie Leung Man Yi, Chong Si Man and Zhao Tung, Cheung Ka Lun, Chan Kwok Kuen and Samuel Pang King Chi promoted on a yacht. The female leads even appeared in bikinis. Meng Yao was asked whether she was afraid of figure comparison? She expressed that she was not worried because everyone was pretty and in great shape. She honestly said that she was very satisfied with her figure and very confident. She felt that being healthy was the most important. Yesterday she became the focus again. She said that everyone often photographed her. At first she was not used to it and felt very helpless, but now she is already used to it and does not mind. Leung Man Yi expressed that after learning that she had to promote in swimwear she started to exercise and lose her belly. Zhao Tung said that her figure definitely was not the most amazing. She earlier purchased fitness equipment to train at home. Chong Si Man was the tallest but was the worst at wearing swimwear so she chose one with more coverage. * (4/25/2008) The Media Evangelism Limited TEAM OF MIRACEL WE WILL ROCK YOU (LAU LONG HONG SAI GAI BUI) yesterday shot at a small soccer field. Actors included Eric Suen Yiu Wai, Zhang Jun and Cheng Chi Sing as well as a group of beggars that included real ones and extras. Eric said that he has worked with beggars before and after work he took home a few lice! Eric has had a run of bad luck lately. Earlier including cracking the bridge of his nose earlier in a car accident two weeks ago his credit card was stolen. "Due to my online stock transaction I discovered that credit car account has been used to buy two plane tickets to the Philippines. Although it was only a few thousand I called the police right away. The related charges would wait for a bank investigation then refund to him." The bandage has already been removed her nose still had a scar. His dislocated right wrist still needed to be treated. When asked whether his wife Ada Choi Siu Fun visited him on the set, Zhang Jun only gave a sweet smile. He said, "She has used the new kitchen the most. Her family came from Chouzhou, her best dishes are Cambodian noodles and pork skin roll." He even said that Ada's taste bud was very spicy so her personality was very spicy as well. Luckily she was not spicy toward outsiders and has treated him very well. Zhang Jun expressed that he and Ada would continue to work hard and they would wait to become a parent. * (4/25/2008) THE FORBIDDEN KINGDOM (GONG FU JI WONG) last week opened on over 3,000 U.S. screens and topped the box office. Jackie Chan however suffered beyond words in order to play an old scene. Jackie Chan expressed, in the film he and Lee Nin Kit each had to play many characters. He himself had to play the Drunken Master and a pawn shop owner. Speaking of this Chinese pawn shop owner, Jackie Chan praised this scene as his favorite. "When I played old, I imitated GOD FATHER's Marlon Brando; I studied the way he spoke and walked and added my own Jackie Chan style. It was a lot of fun and the result was great." Jackie Chan honestly said that he did not know how old this character was and thus he could perform freely. His only complaint was the necessity for heavy make up to play this character. "When I shot this scene, all day I didn't want to eat or speak because the make up made me feel tired very easily. It was tougher than usual highly difficult stunts." Jackie Chan pointed out the make up took 7 hours each time to apply and 2 to remove. To him it was a test of endurance. "Every morning I had to sit there at 5AM and be like a pancake for the make up artist as the make up was applied to my face as syrup. It was truly quite a pain!" Jackie Chan honestly said that he admired John Travolta for being able to take the costume and make up work for HAIRSPRAY. * (4/24/2008) RUN PAPA RUN (YUT GOR HOR BA BA) will soon be released in Taiwan. The film two nights ago held a premiere there. Aside from the leads Louis Koo Tin Lok, Rene Liu (Lau Yeuk Ying) and director Sylvia Chang (Cheung Ngai Ga), Tao Man Ming, Tsang Bo Yi, Chun Cheung Lam, director Chu Yen Ping and others attended in support. The premiere originally took place outdoors but due to recent drizzles in Taipei the event was moved to the ninth floor. Before the premiere the film company hired several cute children to perform three children numbers. Goo Jai said, in the film his and Lau Yeuk Ying's product of love occupied an important role and at the time he and the children had many scenes together. Thus development a relationship with child actors have already become his strong suit. This film opened in Hong Kong and made 5 million over ten days. At earlier Taipei screenings it received uniformly good reviews, so viewers even ran out of tissues from crying at the cinema. Goo Jai said excitedly, "Making this film felt like living another life for me. I was very glad to be able to make this film." * (4/24/2008) The film HAPPY FUNERAL (LOK LAU HAU JOR 2 GA SHOOK JEH LAI) two nights ago held its premiere at the Kowloon Bay MegaBox. Actors Elanne Kong Yeuk Lam, I Love U Boyz, Fama, Stephanie Cheng Yung, Candy Lo Hau Yam and Eric Tsang Chi Wai attended. Gigi Leung Wing Kei, Annie Liu (Lau Sum Yau) and Kay Tse On Kay came in support. Karena Lam Ka Yun due to shoulder infection could not even raise her arm or speak so she was absent. Lo Hau Yam guest starred for a day. Earlier announcing her breakup with boyfriend Eric So, Lo Hau Yam honestly said that she was still recovering and has already reduced contact with him because they were both busy. Kong Yeuk Lam expressed that she was very nervous because she has always made her own company's films. This was the first with another company, which felt like a test. She said that she had a lot of memorable moments from the production. Once she was drinking water when Fama told a joke and she had to spill it out to laugh. In another scene she and Tian Yuan had to dress up like buxom foreigners. Because she did not have the natural asset during the shoot she had to use multiple bras and padding. She expressed that although the burden was enormous but felt decent because she would not have the chance to try ordinarily. However she rather have her current figure and did not want too much burden. Tsang Chi Wai guest starred in a role and praised Fama and I Love U Boyz for their comedy talent. This group of young people was very hard working. He expressed that he would offer them new roles as they were the new generation of "screwball" actors and their comedy was rare. Cheng Yung appeared late but denied, "I have arrived long ago but I wasn't scheduled to make an appearance because I was only a guest star, not a lead." Cheng Yung expressed that in the film she originally had a kiss scene with I Love U Boyz' Donald but because camera position already achieved the intimate result they did not have to really kiss in the end. Cheng Yung joked that she still had her first on screen kiss and was lucky not to have to kiss for real this time. However she heard that Donald said he lost a chance. Leung Wing Kei came to support Barbara Wong Chun Chun because Chun Chun has approached her but due to scheduling issue she could not. [ BLAH OF THE WEEK ] Columns, Reviews, Interviews 1. MING PAO DAILY, APRIL 30 2008, FILM AND TELEVISION OBSERVATIONS THE CYCLE OF ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY DOWNTURN When a company is first founded, production design must come first. When the production is popular, the marketing department starts to roll because it shoulders the burden of expanding the market and increasing the revenue. Finally financial management takes charge because the further market expansion space is limited. The company must cut cost to increase profit. If the market shrinks, cost needs to be controlled even more and thus needs financial policy as resolution. Hong Kong entertainment industry has already reached the period of the aforementioned cost control. If the market shrinks further, further cost is cut. The creative industry then would have a lot of difficulty with being more creative. Creativity has always been risky, only people who do not know how to create would lightly say that creativity does not cost money. Currently the Hong Kong music, film and television productions are facing the period of decline. Before any new product is released to the market it is without any practical market. Investors only hope that the market would accept this product. In the past local music, film and television productions have faced the exploration period. As everything lies in ruins, anything including success and failure is possible. The old rules of the games have already collapsed, only then would new rules be built from the mix. Yet today's entertainment industry is still trapped within the rules of 30 years ago, which has not been toppled yet. Thus it is still struggling. For example Hong Kong film still is in the control of markets outside Hong Kong. It must creatively keep the traditional market in mind, which is the after effect of the market expansion period. Popular music cannot shake off the radio and television song plugging format. The few music awards and pop charts are able to reflect the actual market demands less and less and has gone from motivating the music scene to hinder the music scene development. Television programs under the long term strategy of low cost and high yield have both quality and creative slides. The downturn cycle seems to be still continuing. - KWOK HIN CHING 2. MING PAO DAILY, APRIL 28 2008, FILM WORDS HAPPY FUNERAL PLAYS DIRTY AND DUMB The 2003 release TRUTH OR DARE: SIXTH FLOOR REAR FLAT (LOK LAU HAU JOR) was Barbara Wong Chun Chun written and directed (Lawrence Cheng Tan Shui and Cheung Fan co-written), Karena Lam Ka Yun, Candy Lo Hau Yam, Lawrence Chou Chun Wai, Patrick Tang Kin Wong, William So Wing Hong, Sammy and Kitty (Siu Yi) played new generation housemates. The film was rather popular. 5 years later Wong Chun Chun completed HAPPY FUNERAL (LOK LAU HAU JOR 2 GA SHOOK JEH LAI), aside from Hau Woon Ling as landlady Susie Wong, the young cast went through an entire overhaul with Tian Yuan, Elanne Kong Yeuk Lam, Law Chung Him, Fama and I Love You Boyz. The changing of the guards have become faster and faster. Of course, change is very normal and not a problem. The problem is that now the Hong Kong film industry is even more depressed than 5 years ago. The last installment had some inventiveness. This new film however has taken a step back. This time the new comers of Sixth Floor Rear Flat are all "youth without dream". They are silly, speak without thinking, play dirty and even dead as they go to the funeral home for comedy. Their get rich scheme is designing a "happy funeral". This film's production style is somewhat like the surprise hit SEE YOU IN YOU TUBE (OI DAU DAI). Both have Kong Yeuk Lam, both have funeral homes, both are just as messy and perfect for the young audience that enjoys pranks. Unfortunately, is such silly films truly popular now? If Hong Kong films keep messing around like this, perhaps they should arrange their affairs accordingly! More special remains landlady Hau Woon Ling. This happy old lady has become this film's soul. She truly cares for the young people, treats them with good intention and breaks through the generation gap to play with them. Her terminal illness makes the jokers sincere and even fulfill their ideal of turning sorrow into joy. With Hau WOon Ling, this film ultimately is not complete nonsense. Yet it still has too much foolishness and idiocy while it plays dumb and dirty. Looking back, 5 years ago Hong Kong was in the midst of the SARS pandemic and protest, the impact of which was tremendous. Yet that year Hong Kong film still had signs of life amid the crisis as many films became hits. Now Hong Kong is much more stable economically and politically, but Hong Kong film is in a much worse situation. How can this very dark yet childish play of "Happy Funeral" save the market? Actually today new generation's chances with employment and education are better, why would this new film's young people resemble "bottom of the barrel"? In comparison, the last SIXTH FLOOR REAR FLAT's young people were more stylish, independent. They appear this time to visit the landlady and appear more mature. Another recent Hong Kong youth film LOVE IS ELSEWHERE (OI CHING MAN SHUI)'s young people are more normal and lovable, not outrageous like the ones in HAPPY FUNERAL. - SHEK KEI (http://www.cultureshot.net/seekkkeiluklei) 3. MING PAO DAILY, APRIL 28 2008, FILM AND TELEVISION OBSERVATIONS NEW COMER ARE BETTER WITH PICTORIAL COLLECTIONS THAN RECORDS Ten years ago the new comer formula was after signing a contract first record songs, then send them for airplay to generate popularity, then release a record, at the year end music award win new comer awards. The next year not only release a record but also make movies and television appearances. The best would be making one or two movies, more for work than for money. Television series should not be accepted too soon. Any television appearance would be better on variety shows. New comers finally must work in music, film and television to be able to achieve the goal of making big money. Few new comers only act and not release record, even if they do not sing well. Popularity maintenance with filmmaking is very hard, especially for new comers. They would not have too important of roles, naturally they would not be the media's focus. Whether they sing well or not, they remain the sole performer. Even if records lose money, other performances can make it back. Thus no new comer contract would just be a record contract. It must also be a management contract. Yet this way has started to fail. Many new comers after release records have no way to rely on popularity to break into film and television. If they rely on money losing records to maintain popularity, no one knows how long the losing streak would last. Thus some management companies have already stated that they would not release any more record with certain singers and would only focus on film and television for them. If they do not succeed still they would face the fate of contract termination. Anyone who pays slight attention to recent industry status would discover that several more popular new comers are not any new singer. These new comers who release new records have songs and music videos, but they do not have the advantages of the ones with just modeling background. Some may be young models of print ad campaigns. With online support their popularity rise, even more rapidly than new comers who must first face singing career challenges. Youth films reign and need even more new generation idols. The earlier bed photo incident has adjusted some industry idols' positions and in turn become good opportunities for new comers to rise. Anyone who does not know how to sing is more attractive with pictorial collection than record release. - KWOK HIN CHING 4. MING PAO DAILY, APRIL 27 2008, FILM AND TELEVISION OBSERVATIONS LAI YIU CHEUNG'S FIRST TIME ON TELEVISION Lai Yiu cheung finally gets a lead in the July Qin costume series production CHAI CHIP SING KWUN (WIFE CONCUBINE BECOME GROUP). TVB series relies more and more on a group of veteran actors with good acting abilities. They are truly rating guarantees. Everyone knew about Lai Yiu Cheung's great acting long ago. Due to his external limits he could only play some small characters but it was the best way for many good actors to hone their acting. Some artists only look at the size of the role and the importance of the character and do not play some small characters well. Amid the grudge they bury themselves. Lai Yiu Cheung is a good actor who plays any character well. He should have been heavily used long ago. Now he finally lands the land, hopefully it is not too late. Not every artist who work hard in playing small characters can become the lead. Some artists may only be suitable to play a lifetime of support roles. Lai Yiu Cheung's acting gets attention not only for the second or third support characters well but also for his ability to play an ordinary character extraordinary and full of life. His comedy talent is also decent. Occasionally he would guest star in movies effectively. Anyone who can act well seriously may not necessarily be able to remain the lead firmly. The range is the most important. While comedy is popular, Lai Yiu Cheung with his comedy talent should have quite a future. The first series lead is a rather huge challenge. No matter how well the second or third support roles are played, the lead is quite different and needs another performance. After 20 years of acting, can Lai Yiu cheung with this chance bring something new to the audience and solidify his lead position. We have to wait and see. The series reportedly has many substance actors like Sheron Tang Shui Man, Sheung Tin Ngor, Wai Ying Hung to co-star with him. Actually it is very stable. Good actors of course need good screenplay to shine. Hopefully for his first lead Lai Yiu Cheung would run into a good script. - KWOK HIN CHING 5. TA KUNG PAO, APRIL 27 2008, LIGHT SHADOW PATH FILM DEVELOPMENT FUND ALLOCATION NEEDS ADJUSTMENT The Hong Kong film industry is in the midst of a depression, one of the most important sign is few independent production companies. Without small film company and with only groups that make big films, this industry is clearly not easy to operate. Creative industry differs from retail industry in market pricing. It is not easy to monopolize and does not necessarily need strong financing. Only that the risk is excessively high for small budget operations to survive. The government thus has allocated 300 million for the film investment fund to help independent production company and small to mid scale film productions. Actually, Hong Kong has one or two very highly productive (ten films or more) film companies, but these film budgets are extremely low. On average they are around 1 million. Only video products are sold and the movies would not be released in cinemas. Thus these several dozen films are not listed in the annual Hong Kong film figures. A famous actors would invest in one or two films (several in past years) every year. According to past records, small budge productions did not make money. Mid scale productions however have room for profit. Because this actor would star or guest star in their own film investment, his performance would not cost any money. Thus his film "would make money". To him film investment has only been an interest and not a business to make a living from. He is not considered a real independent producer. Most recently the film development fund has invested in 1/3 of a movie that reportedly has a very low budget. Many participants (including the cast and the crew) charge less than market price in order to make this film a profitable production. Such a method is called "charging the card" in the industry, meaning a request for help. Usually "charging the card" only happens once or twice and would leave a mark. The "chargee" in the future may have the same request. In the 80s the best know "charging the card" movie was CARRY ON HOTEL (GUM JONG DAI JAU DIM), in which a big pile of stars perform in a movie with not too high budget. Unfortunately the performance was only average. This type of filmmaking method could not possibly last long. A film company is rumored to have applied for film development fund investment on one of its movie, which supposedly due to too high production cost and too low return estimate the film company is asked to adjust. This is still considered normal. Yet some have said that the film fund only helps small company investments and not big companies, which needs to be clarified because no stipulation states that big companies cannot apply for fund investment. Another rumor is a producer wants to make a 3 million film with Mainland and Korea buyers each willing to pay 1 million for the film. The producer then applies for 1 million (1/3 of 3 million) investment. Yet the fund says that only 330,000 would be approved because the Hong Kong investment was only 1 million, 1/3 of which is 330,000. The writer feels that the fund would approve 1 million but would not permit the producer to use Mainland and Korean revenue. In other words the producer has to raise another 2 million. No matter what, both ways cannot help producers. Hopefully the film development fund focuses on these incidents and make appropriate responses. - TIN LIK 6. MING PAO DAILY, APRIL 26 2008, FILM AND TELEVISION OBSERVATIONS FEMALE ACTION FILM HAS A BIG MARKET Wednesday still did not have any new film opening. The box office champion was the new comer led LOVE IS ELSEWHERE (OI CHING MAN SHUI) with the single day take of 195,000 over the more screen CHOCOLATE. CHOCOLATE made 192,000 and only lost by a little. Hong Kong viewers recently seem to be more interested in local youth romance more. Thai action actress Jija has both reasonable look and agility but Tony Jaa's initial pleasant surprise. Perhaps due to their similar fighting style, and the Hong Kong new generation audience does not appreciate fighting action much. Female action films like CHOCOLATE actually have quite a market. Friends who are familiar with international film market say, foreign companies have always wanted this type of movies. They are interested in women and action elements. They do not need any big name. Male action films have market but depend on who star. After all the better known ones are still preferred. With women anyone would work, of course the price is quite far from famous male action stars. Action films have a lot of market because action is a common language that the entire world loves to watch. More and more film channels that are dedicated to action films and the demand continues to increase. Small to mid scale ones definitely have market. Many action television films are made for these channels abroad. As long as the budget is well controlled, action films can make money without great box office performance. After all the markets are added together the revenue can be rather sizable. The Sylvia Chang (Cheung Ngai Ga) directed RUN PAPA RUN (YUT GOR HO BA BA) firmly guarded third place with 147,000 and an even performance. This film has a decent cast with Louis Koo Tin Lok and Rene Liu (Lau Yeuk Ying). The production is strict and the writers and director are focused. The box office did not stand out perhaps because the subject was not what young viewers prefer lately. The group that is younger in age and mentality support the Hong Kong film market. When middle age viewers go to the movies they mostly would choose foreign films. THREE KINGDOMS RESURRECTION OF THE DRAGON (SAM GOK ji GEIN LUNG SEH GAP) had great opening numbers and good word of mouth, but after two weeks its box office declined very rapidly. - KWOK HIN CHING 7. MING PAO DAILY, APRIL 25 2008, FILM AND TELEVISION OBSERVATIONS SINGERS WITHOUT TVB CONTRACTS Chan Chi Wan says that TVB would not ban non contract singers but would only work closer with the ones with contracts. Singers almost always used to sign contract with TVB because when they wanted to plug their songs they would have to promote on television. They then would have to negotiate contract with TVB. How bad was not signing with TVB? If the singer did not release Cantonese record and Hong Kong was not the primary market, the effect would not be much. Local singer's Mandarin record on average did not sell well in Hong Kong. With Taiwan and Mainland as the primary markets, less local television promotion would have little effect. On the other hand, with local television station's assistance, singers did not do much better. In addition, anyone who did not sign contract perhaps could be divided into two categories, independent and against TVB. The independent ones, as long as they do not build a close relationship with TVB's primary competition, still respect TVB and should be able to negotiate without contract. Thus the relationship would not be too bad. If they are against TVB, for example the entire record company feels TVB does not treat them fairly, singers not signing contracts can be seen as a negotiation ploy. This is the monopoly side effect. With less supply and more demand, naturally some would feel slighted. After too much benefit and harm weighing, they know how much negotiation power they have. Thus, as long as both sides agree they can still have room for long term cooperation. These singers in the future will still sign with TVB again. If negotiations succeed though, more similar action would follow and give TVB more headaches. With more and more television channels and in the futhre even more online television and mobile phone channels, their influence on young music fans is much greater than traditional free television. Young idols no longer come from television or even music. The world has changed. - KWOK HIN CHING 8. MING PAO DAILY, APRIL 24 2008, FILM WORDS THE FORBIDDEN KINGDOM IS A CHINESE AND FOREIGN MIXTURE Two great gong fu stars Jackie Chan and Jet Li (Lee Nin Kit) have been famous for decades but never worked together until this Hollywood film. THE FORBIDDEN KINGDOM (GONG FU JI WONG) has caught the attention of the world's gong fu fans and opened atop the U.S. box office. Yet because of the international market target, especially the U.S. youth taste, real Chinese specialty and superb martial art would be hard to anticipate. The film could only be a cheerful Chinese and foreign mixture. This film's director Rob Minkoff has made LION KING and STUART LITTLE. The movie is about an old Hong Kong gong fu film fan's magical Chinatown encounter that led him into the ancient Chinese martial art and mythical world. This fantasy world starts with a staff, with appearances from JOURNEY TO THE WEST's Monkey King and Jade Emperor, the drunk fairy, martial art monk, Golden Swallow and White Hair Witch. Actually it is a Western gong fu fan's "Journey to the East". More interesting are the two great martial art stars. Jackie Chan as the drunk fairy is the equivalent of his early work DRUNKEN MASTER (JUI KUEN)'s mentor Beggar So (played by Yuen Woo Ping's father Yuen Siu Tin), who is lively and humorous; Lee Nin Kit's martial art monk is an extension of his claim to fame SHAOLIN TEMPLE (SIU LUM JI). The entire film's best fight is the heroic exchange. Even though the action is familiar, masters in competition have stage presence. From then on they feud and mentor the U.S. kid in martial arts, which also have some comedy. Lee Nin Kit and Jackie Chan also play the Monkey King and the Chinatown old man. The entire film is thrown together. The U.S. kid Michael Angarano is ordinary until later when he shows his agility in action. New Mainland star Crystal Liu Yifei as the female lead Golden Swallow is only average and no match for COME DRINK WITH ME (DAI JUI HUP) and GOLDEN SWALLOW (GUM YIN JI)'s Cheng Pei Pei. Instead Li Bingbing as the White Hair witch is rather eye catching. Collin Chou Siu Lung (Ngai Sing) as the villain Jade Warlord fights well but the character is one dimensional. Director Rob Minkoff's style is similar to the old Shaw Studio, action comedy with a little special effect. Action director Yuen Woo Ping, cinematographer Peter Pau (Bau Tak Fun) did their jobs but without any brilliance like their outstanding CROUCHING TIGER HIDDEN DRAGON (NGOR FU CHONG LUNG) performance. Overall, THE FORBIDDEN KINGDOM is generally for foreign martial art fans. The Chinese subjects are borrowed from here and there, but have not "insulted Chinese" at all. It even supports the old Hong Kong martial art films. Yet with Jackie Chan and Lee Nin Kit's positions, this collaboration is not at full force. Let us see whether they can create any real spark later. - SHEK KEI (http://www.cultureshot.net/seekkkeiluklei) 9. MING PAO DAILY, APRIL 24 2008, FILM AND TELEVISION OBSERVATIONS WHY IS FORBIDDEN KINGDOM A FOREIGN FILM? The Jackie Chan and Jet Li (Lee Nin Kit) starred THE FORBIDDEN KINGDOM (GONG FU JI WONG) in the U.S. has become last week's box office champion. This week it will open in Hong Kong, who knows whether it will have similar success. THE FORBIDDEN KINGDOM although has two great martial art superstars actually is a foreign film, thus its Hong Kong box office will be hard to gauge. Jackie Chan and Lee Nin Kit's Chinese films have higher Hong Kong box office than their foreign films. When Hong Kong viewers watch these two martial art superstars, they still like them to express themselves in Chinese. This is not just a language issue. Chinese film directors ultimately know how to work with them better. THE FORBIDDEN KINGDOM is a little better. The action director is Yuen Woo Ping, who has worked with both before and is very certain about how to display their abilities. Yet the story comes from foreign hands and the director is not a Hong Kong director. Although the background is our familiar martial art world, the angle is the foreign curious vision. Jackie Chan and Lee Nin Kit's first collaboration is not a Chinese film, which conceivably disappoints many a little. As the writer has said earlier, if they worked together over ten years ago they would have been better. If THE FORBIDDEN KINGDOM was made over ten years ago with a Hong Kong director, what impact would it have on the Chinese audience! This is a market issue. A Chinese film and an English film in the international market have very enormous value difference. Industry outsiders may not believe that with the exact same content, if the dialogue is in English the film's overseas price is much higher because English is the world's primary language. Its market is greater than other languages. With higher overseas price, the budget naturally can be larger and can afford these two martial art superstars' collaboration salary. Jackie Chan and Lee Nin Kit's salary together has already passed 200 million before calculating the production cost and other key worker salary. The market decides certain dram team's possibility. This is the reason why Hong Kong film professionals would like the Mainland market to open up sooner. As long as our market is large enough we would have even more possibility. - KWOK HIN CHING [ In Production Now/Soon ] Can : Chun Oi Dik Lit : Dear Andy On Chi Kit, Miki Yeung Oi Kun, Alice Tsang Hoi Won, Chubby (Siu Fei), Vivian Yeo (Yeung Sau Wai), HotCha 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 : 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 : 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) 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 : 97 mins. Opening May 1 2008 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 Official Site : http://besiegedcity.big.com.hk [ 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. MY WIFE IS A GAMBLING MAESTRO Can : Ngor Lo Por Hai Doh Sing Lit : My Old Lady Is Gambling Saint d. Wong Jing Nick Cheung Ka Fai, Meng Yao Opening May 1 2008 MASKED RIDER THE NEXT d. Ryuta Tazaki Masaya Kikawada, Kazuki Kato Opening April 17 2008 [ 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. 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 BASEBALL 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. SNIPER Can : Sun Cheung Sau Lit : Godly Gunslingers d. Dante Lam Chiu Yin Richie Jen (Yam Yin Chai), Edison Chen Koon Hei, Huang Xiaoming [ 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. A TALE OF MARI AND THREE PUPPIES d. Ryuichi Inomata Eiichiro Funakoshi, Akiko Matsumoto Cantonese voices: Tony Leung Ka Fai, Gigi Leung Wing Kei, Eric Suen Yiu Wai, Wu Fung, Jacky Opening May 8 2008 [ YAHOO! HONG KONG MOVIES ] Based on a true story, on October 23 2004 at 5:56PM, a 6.8 earthquake took place in Japan. A grandfather and a child were heavily injured and trapped under the debris. At this moment they heard their dog. It risked its life, while taking care of its puppies Rock, Scissor, and Paper it kept on calling for their courage to survive. Finally the Self Defense Force arrived and rescued all of the residents but left Mari and its three puppies in the disaster area! Without any food, Mari still tried to protect its three puppies. At the shelter the child and his brother learned that a storm was approaching and decided to start their own rescue! THIS DARLING LIFE Can : Oi Yu Gau Tung Hung Lit : Dog Walking With Love d. Chan On Kei Documentary Paul Wong Koon Chung Opening May 8 2008 [ YAHOO! MOVIES HONG KONG ] Everything starts with a dog. After 16 years with the director, dog Baby is ailing and slowly approaches death......this pain process of parting with the beloved brings the director in a stream of memories and considerations of family relationship anew. Also with the dog as the guide, the director opens up the heart and listen to other dog owners' exciting stories. Behind these stories of human and canine, we explore the enduring problems of humanity: life, death and love. Through the brilliant visuals, we see in our short but cute lives what is the most important. THE LUCKIEST MAN Can : Dai Sei Hei Lit : Great Four Joys d. Lam Tsz Chung Nat Chan Pak Cheung, Yuen Qiu, Bosco Wong Chung Chak, Lam Tsz Chung, Monica Chan Fat Yung, chan Kwok Kwun, Timmy Hung Tin Ming, Pinky Cheung Man Chi Opening May 29 2008 [ YAHOO! MOVIES HONG KONG ] Ho Bit Fat founded a mahjong parlor in the 50s. With his superb mahjong skills and wise management he now has all 60 mahjong parlors in Hong Kong and has the Hong Kong mahjong industry by its ear. The industry calls him "gambling king" out of respect. He has three wives, Sophie, Sister Ling and Manna, two sons and a daughter. Sophie's son Kei has no accomplishment and uses gambling king's reputation to start trouble all over. Sister Ling's son has never grown up. Having liked music since childhood he considers himself a singer. Ling's daughter Sisi is pretty and ambitious. She makes her own living and never relies on her father. In others' eyes Ho Bit Fat's wives get along well and serve gambling king together. Many are envious but no one knows that the wives and the sons have been fighting continuously over the gambling king's inheritance. They not only get the gambling king's butler to watch his every move, but also turn food into hteir weapon as they constantly play pranks on each other. The wives constantly duel in the living room, where nothing is left unturned. As they battle to life and death, the gambling king brings home his illegitimate son Fai and makes the situation even more complicated. Fai is filial and respectful to everyone, thus has the gambling king's favor. The wives and the sons for their own benefit team up and often play pranks on Fai. On the other hand the gambling king wants to retire and in order to keep his business legacy going suggests for his three sons to each take care of a mahjong parlor, with the best performer becoming the successor. Kei and Kin in order to prevent Fai's victory not only hire monks and beggars to create disturbance outside the store but also three great swindlers to cheat at Fai's store. Because Fai has no knowledge of gambling finally he has nothing left. The gambling king orders his butler to take Fai and visit three mahjong experts of the 50s. Because the trio is already aging, they can only teach mahjong techniques via lecture. Fai's extraordinary smart enables his mahjong abilities to improve suddenly with the three experts' guidance. Finally a mahjong war is about to erupt... THE MOSS Can : Ching Toi d. Kwok Chi Kin Shawn Yue Man Lok, Bonnie Sin Sik Lai, Terry Fan Siu Wong, Susan Shaw Yam Yam Liu Kai Chi, Kiu Bo Bo, Jan Lam Kam Lin, Matthew Chow Hoi Kwong, Si Suet Yi Shaun Tam Chun Yin, Eric Tsang Chi Wai, Opening June 19 2008 [ YAHOO! MOVIES HONG KONG ] Moss is the lowest form of plant life but also has the strongest will to live. Prostitution, robbery, and murder happen in Sham Shui Po everyday. Full of Wise Guys, police, prostitutes, the homeless and IndoPak laborers, here is like the new Kowloon Walled City, a strange land within the city, a moss overrun hell. Jeung is a special mission unit officer who is stationed in Sham Shui Po. He has his way of survival in this violent and bloody world, with mobsters and prostitutes as constant companions, his life does not have much goal. To other police officers he actually resembles a Wise Guy more. Among the numerous prostitutes he only favors Lulu. It is not love or even pity, only when he faces Lulu he can sleep at peace. On this day, mob boss Ma Chop's son Kei disappears in rival Four Eyed Tong's turf. Even the rare emerald that Kei has smuggled into the border has vanished. Ma Chop knows Jeung has connection to Four Eyed Tong and forces him to face Tong on her behalf. Yet Tong vehemently denies that he has taken Kei. Both sides refuse to yield and Ma Chop even swears to have Tong Killed as Jeung is stuck in the middle. A killer who resembles a homeless person suddenly attacks Four Eyed Tong. Jeung in order to protect him severely injures the killer but accidentally kills Four Eyed Tong! The killer has become the only witness. Jeung worries that after the police has the killer he would provide the truth. For his own safety Jeung tries everything to get to the killer before the police. During his chase from Jeung, the killer runs into Lulu and knocks her out. He even holds Lulu's cousin Fa hostage. Jeung watches as the unconscious Lulu is sent to the Intensive Care Unit and discovers that his feeling for Lulu is deeper than he has imagined. The rage between self preservation and vengeance burns beyond control. Amid the pressure between the police and the mob, several low life people officially declare a dark war in Sham Shui Po; whoever has the strongest will to live is the final victor. 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 10 2008 [ CINEMA ONLINE MALAYSIA ] 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 July 10 2008 CYBORG SHE Can : Ngor Dik Gei Hai Yun Nui Yau Lit : My Robot Girlfriend d. Kwak Jae-Yong Opening September 4 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...... THE SHINJUKU INCIDENT Can : Sun Juk Goo Si Lit : Shinjuku Story d. Derek Yee Tung Sing Jackie Chan, Ken Watanabe, Daniel Wu (Ng Yin Cho) Opening September 25 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 -------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 April 29 2008 10 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 9 THE SAVAGES d. Tamara Jenkins Philip Seymour Hoffman, Laura Linney 8 STEP UP 2 THE STREETS d. Jon Chu Briana Evigan, Robert Hoffman, Adam G. Sevani 7 OVER HER DEAD BODY d. Jeff Lowell Eva Longeria-Parker, Paul Rudd Lake Bell 6 RUN PAPA RUN Can : Yut Gor Ho Ba Ba Lit : One Good Papa d. Sylvia Chang (Cheung Ngai Ga) Louis Koo Tin Lok, Rene Liu (Lau Yeuk Ying) 5 STREET KING d. David Ayer Keanu Reeves, Forest Whitaker, Common 4 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, 3 CHOCOLATE d. Prachya Pinkaew JiJa Yanin (Yanin Vismitananda), Ammara Siripong, Hiroshi Abe 2 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 1 THE FORBIDDEN KINGDOM d. Rob Minkoff Jackie Chan, Jet Li (Lee Nin Kit), Michael Angarano, Lee Bing Bing, Crystal Liu Yifei, Collin Chou Siu Lung ------ Summaries for some of the films above. Some contain SPOILERS THREE KINGDOMS : RESURRECTION OF THE DRAGON Rating : IIB Length : 102 mins. 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. RUN PAPA RUN AKA : Hak Ba Ba Lit : Black Papa Rating : IIB Length : 115 mins. 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 Rating : IIB Length : 93 mins. Opening April 17 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... LOVE IS ELSEWHERE Rating : IIB Length : 94 mins. Opening April 17 2008 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. HAPPY FUNERAL Rating : IIB Length : 101 mins. 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... THE FORBIDDEN KINGDOM AKA : THE J AND J PROJECT Rating : IIA Length : 105 mins. 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..... ------ GLOBAL CHINESE SONG CHART For Saturday, April 26 2008 15 I TEACH YOU BREAK UP Can : Ngor Gau Nei Fun Sau Eric Suen Yiu Wai 14 TIRED STYLE Can : Lui Gat Tai Ailing (Dai Oi Ling) 13 REVIVING MEMORY Can : Fook Hak Wui Yik Fiona Sit Hoi Kei, Fang Datong 12 WE ARE CHILDREN Can : Ngor Moon Si Siu Hai Yu Fei Men 11 PREPARING AT ANY MOMENT Can : Si Hak Jung Bei Jeuk Bobo 10 THE JOY OF HAVING YOU Can : Yau Nei Dik Fai Lok Joanna Wang (Wong Yeuk Lam) 9 OBSESSION PREFERENCE Can : Tam Sun Chi Joey Yung Cho Yi 8 I AM NO GREAT PERSON Can : Ngor But Si Wai Yun Jordan Chan Siu Chun 7 ONE WORLD, ONE DREAM Wang Leehom (Wong Lik Won) 6 EMBRACE DREAM OF LOVE Can : Yung Po Oi Dik Mung Seung Jane Zhang Liangying, Andrea Bocelli 5 RED ALL OVER THE GLOBE Can : Hung Pin Chuen Kau Jacky Cheung Hok Yau 4 HOLD HOLD HOLD HAND Can : Hin Hin Hin Sau Wu Kequn 3 SHE AND I SHE AND HE Can : NGOR WOR TA TA WOR TA Emil Chau Wa Kin, Lee Chi Ching 2 HIS STORY Can : Ta Dik Goo Si Hins Cheung King Hin 1 ESCAPE LIFE Can : Toh Sun Jeff Chang Shun Jit ------ [ 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. DON'T WORK HARD, DON'T FORM EMOTIONAL ATTACHMENTS AND DON'T BE A COW Words to live by, Homer. As you may have noticed, the site has not been updated in the past two weeks. Alas, hardware issues have led to the possible loss of the two previous weeks' reports. Signs of depression continue to be a pain in the @$$ this week, as the warming weather bring more gatherings with friends. Old Chaffy is dreading the events though. He feels exhausted and guilty as attendance almost seems like a chore. Luckily, being possibly bipolar means that when he actually shows off the pendulum swings off the handle the other way. Of course, being off the wagon with the wagon nowhere in sight also helps. Now if he just can get a ride... Earlier this week, Your Chaffing Editor walked by the news stand and showed a cover picture of a scadily clad woman on a New York tabloid newspaper. Alas, with the former governor's professional escort scandal earlier Your Chaffing Editor has already been oversaturated with them and simply dismissed it as another. However, due to his curious nature (or the lack of a better term, "pervy-ness" he took a closer look and discovered that it was a photo of everyone's favorite Disney character Hannah Montana! OK, so the press just let its imagination run wild with the story. Hey kids, the kid will have a billion when she turns legal; do you really think she gives a flying Dumbo about what you think? More depressing part of the story is poor photographer Annie is getting the blame. WTF, Your Chaffing Editor already blindly mistook her work for some heck job. How do you think she feels right now? THE TASTE OF HER CHERRY CHAPSTICK Jer Jer Stinks, Your Chaffing Editor Top Ten Central ---------------------- HK Top Ten Central hktopten@hotmail.com | http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Towers/2038