From: NO TOP TEN CENTRAL Newsgroups: alt.asian-movies,soc.culture.hongkong.entertainment Subject: [TAKE OVER] HKSAR Film No Top 10 Box Office (MAY 22 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. Charmaine Sheh Si Man who celebrates her birthday on the 28th B. Director Sung Tsu-Shou (Sung Chuen Chau) who passed away on the 27th at the age of 78 C. Cecilia Cheung Pak Chi who celebrates her birthday on the 24th D. the Brooklyn Bridge which celebrates her birthday on the 22nd 2. MISCELLANEOUS * (5/28/2008) The police undercover confidential information has been leaked on the internet, which made many worry about the safety of undercover cops. Shawn Yue Man Lok in the new film THE MOSS (CHING TOI) is an undercover cop who is assigned to work in Sham Shui Po. Lok Jai yesterday was very surprised to learn about the undercover information leak and felt that would endanger frontline police undercover work, the same danger that he was in on screen. Lok Jai said, "Like in the scene when the mob uncovered my identity and chased after me, I didn't use a double so I really was busted open. Luckily the wounds were only superficial." He also said, "Fortunately I was acting, I don't dare to imagine how those undercover cops in real life under such a situation would protect themselves." In addition, Lok Jai before making this film went with director Kwok Chi Kin to familiarize themselves with the environment. Kwok Chi Kin actually knew the district's complex environment like the palm of his hand. Lok Jai visited some brothels with Kwok Chi Kin and conducted research with some prostitutes. Lok Jai said that after playing this role his eyes have been opened widely. "The jobs were very difficult and keeping the identity confidential was a science and not something outsiders could imagine. I also appreciate all undercover police officer's incredible patience." * (5/27/2008) Lam Tsz Chung earlier worked on the film ALL'S WELL ENDS WELL 2009 (GA YAU HEI SI 2009) on the beach. Yesterday on a radio interview his face was peeling like a globe. He said that he only guest starred for the day, the sun was really strong and he had no shade from any tree so finally he was severely sun burnt. He joked that among the cast only Louis Koo Tin Lok was not peeling because Goo Jai has always been tanned. Would he pursue the film company for medical expense? He said, "I didn't even ask for transportation cost, haha, I have to send the bill for money." He said that two nights ago he has already used facial masks on his body and joked that from his shoulder front to his belly he has already used five. * (5/24/2008) Gigi Lai Chi, Eric Suen Yiu Wai, Zhang Jun, Pei Wai Ying, Hui Siu Hung and Tats Lau Yi Tat yesterday worked on the Christian film WE WILL ROCK YOU (LAU LONG HONG SAI GAI BUI). The cast under the leadership of Media Organization chief Yuen Man Fai gave a moment of silence for the Sichuan earthquake victims. Suen Yiu wai played a social worker in the film. In this scene he was the captain who led homeless people to become players. Eric expressed that today was already the third day of shooting on the field. Aside from visiting the homeless at night, he had to work on a rain scene at night and almost got sick. He said in the film he had to sleep on cardboard on the streets, which made him relate to the bitter condition of the Sichuan victims. Pei Wai Ying was from Chengdu, Sichuan and Zhang Jun from Chongqing, Sichuan. Both belonged to the same home region. Pei Wai Ying was very worried on the first few days of the earthquake because she could not contact her family. Luckily they were fine. Now she just worried about the aftershocks. She said that she has been busy with the film and thus could not return home to visit. After the film wrapped in early June she would head to Chengdu. She too would like to comfort and encourage the victims as an artist. Pei Wai Ying expressed that in the film she and Zhang Jun were a couple. Since both were from Sichuan they had extra familiar and had a very pleasant collaboration. Zhang Jun was very worried that Chongqing still had aftershocks but because he was busy with the film in Hong Kong he could not return home. He expressed that his wife Ada Choi Siu Fun had work but as a daughter in law of Chongqing she definitely would go, it would just be a matter of time. Zhang Jun expressed that he has seen many beyond brutal earthquake scenes and experienced China's patriotism and persistence. He said that originally his family lived in lower level but now Chongqing has already started to return to normal and people have returned to their homes. He said, "Actually I too want my family to live in a lower level, but it's beyond my control. When something happens then they regret it. I am in Hong Kong and can only pray everyday." Zhang Jun and Pei Wai Ying both screamed, "Go China, Rise China." * (5/24/2008) One of the Cannes Film Festival's Un Certain Regard films OCEAN FLAME earlier premiered at Cannes. Director Liu Fen Dou, producer Simon Yam Tat Wa, actors Liao Fan, Monica Wang (Mok Siu Kei), Hai Yitian walked the read carpet and attended the premiere. Because lead actress Monica has studied abroad in Australia, she made the introduction in fluent English. "I am very happy about my first trip to Cannes, I hope to have the chance to work with France's directors." Finally Monica thanked everyone in French. She even said, "Actually I once hated the director because in the film lead actor Liao Fan slapped me for real. Now that I see how well received OCEAN FLAME has been I finally feel the director's intention and talent." After the screening, the live audience reaction was very passionate as it applauded for nearly ten minutes and sent the director and the cast on their way in support and encouragement of the film. The OCEAN FLAME team was very inspired. When they foreign press and fans surrounded them. Male French fans even asked Monica for photos and autographs. * (5/24/2008) Stephen Chow Sing Chi is not only considering a visit to the Sichuan earthquake region but also a disaster relief film. He thanked the front line medical and rescue personnel's care for the victims and hoped that they would keep going and save more people. The Hong Kong Performing Artist Guild expressed that a disaster relief film was in preparation. Sing Yeh expressed that he did not know much about this project and whether he would be able to participate. Yet due to professional habit, whenever disaster occurred he would think about whether he could make a movie. He did not know what angle he should take and would like to think more clearly before revealing more. * (5/23/2008) Director John Woo (Ng Yu Sum), Tony Leung Chiu Wai, Zhang Fengyi, Lin Chiling, Chang Chen, Hu Jun, Vicki Zhao Wei all attended the RED CLIFF (CHET BIK) press conference. As the Sichuan earthquake shook the hearts of all Chinese people around the world, Ng Yu Sum led the stars in a moment of silence. RED CLIFF will open on July 10 and the global premiere will take place on July 3 in Chengdu. Producer Terence Chang Ka Chun announced that a charity premiere will take place in Beijing with all proceeds going to the Sichuan earthquake disaster are rebuilding. Ng Yu Sum expressed that he was editing the film when he learned about the earthquake. He said, "After the tragedy occurred, I experienced the Chinese people's unity the most. We as film workers should put in an effort when we can. So that day I encouraged the team to help the disaster victims with donations and other methods." According to him, aside from donations from each creators RED CLIFF also has planned to donate a certain percentage of the film box office revenue to disaster area rebuilding assistance. Ng Yu Sum's next film will be the 60th national anniversary film 1949. He has announced the cast that will include Chang Chen and Song Hye-Kyo. He expressed, the film will be a love story that takes place during the historical era. The production will start within the year and will shoot in Mainland, Taiwan and Japan and schedule for an end of next year release. he has thought about making this subject for 20 years. The film will have four love stories that are related. Chang Chen and Song Hye-Kyo are only leads in one of the stories. Song Hye-Kyo will play a shanghai woman who is stuck in the past, which Chang Chen finally pulls her out and gets her past. Wai Jai and Carina Lau Ka Ling were rumored to announce their wedding date at Cannes but both have declined to discuss the matter. Wai Jai expressed, "I don't feel this is the platform to make this announcement. With such an enormous disaster in Sichuan we are not in the mood to talk about this." Leung Chiu Wai expressed that the Sichuan earthquake shocked him and he was very sadden to read the reports. "I will try my best to provide the biggest assistance. In addition I believe every Chinese person would extend a helping hand." Ka Ling also expressed, "Originally this trip to Cannes was very pleasant, but this disaster has upset us. I have never seen such tragic scenes in this life. My good friend Faye Wong will also participate in the disaster relief performance. What we can now do is through donation and performance, to try to provide as much help to them as possible." * (5/22/2008) Janice Man, Ella, Wong Cheung Hing and Hotcha two days ago attended a Sweet Years new store opening in Hong Kong. Janice Man is working on NOI YI SIU NUI (UNDERWEAR GIRL) with Stephy Tang Lai Yun. Reportedly Tang Lai Yun yelled at her and made her cry, Janice Man immediately denied the rumor and stated that their collaboration has been a pleasure. They even dined together and chatted. She did not feel that Stephy was being arrogant. Janice also said that when she had any question during the shoot she would ask Stephy because Stephy had more experience. Janice Man also has been rumored to be taking stab at Stephy. She said, "Everyone would experience a certain age. I am too young, which doesn't mean she is old. She is still very young." Janice Man was not worried that Stephy would misunderstand because they had great communication. * (5/22/2008) Wong Ka Keung yesterday appeared on a radio interview. The Hong Kong film organizations would like to make a disaster relief film. Leon Lai Ming two days ago expressed that he would not mind participating, but if the production took more than a few days he would rather use the time to visit the disaster area. Ka Keung agreed with what Lai Ming said. He pointed out that making a movie would be too commercial and needed investment. The resource would be better off donated. He honestly said that he would like to go to Sichuan not only to visit the victims but also friends in Chengdu. Although he was glad to learn that his friends were fine but Chengdu had injuries and deaths as well. * (5/22/2008) The Tsui Hark directed new film THE MISSING (SUM HOI CHUM YUN) will be released simultaneously in china and Hong Kong. The film's poster has been unveiled as well. Because of the lead actresses Isabella Leong Lok Si has been absent, Angelica Lee Sinjie had to carry the load on her own. To coordinate with her romantic love story with Guo Xiaodong, Sinjie even appeared in a wedding gown. During the photo shoot, the designer prepared a beautiful wedding gown for Sinjie but the photographer asked her to put away her sweet smile and replace it with a look of fear, like she was falling into the abyss to thoroughly express the film's theme and atmosphere. The film poster shoot was rather difficult for Sinjie. "Because the poster should look like the bottom of the sea, the photographer aimed a huge spotlight on my eyes but I had to keep my eyes wide open for the shoot. An hour after the shoot I still saw shadows. The photographer's assistant kept using a hair dryer on my face so my hair looked like it was in flight. My eyes were really dry." As for Isabella's lack of participation, Sinjie expressed, "Of course I feel a little disappointed because after finishing this film I never have the chance to see her again. Originally I thought when we shoot the poster I would be able to see her, but because of contract issues she didn't attend. When the audience goes it can still enjoy her performance though, I personally feel her performance is great." [ BLAH OF THE WEEK ] Columns, Reviews, Interviews 1. MING PAO DAILY, MAY 26 2008, FILM AND TELEVISION OBSERVATIONS DISASTER RELIEF IS NOT FOR CHARITY COMPARISON Andy Lau Tak Wa donated 100,000 to disaster relief and was accused of donating too little. Director Feng Xiaogang immediately stood up and explained for him that he asked show business to donate the same amount of 100,000 to avoid the media using the donation amount to create controversy and compare wealth. Lau Tak Wa has always remained silence, which was rather well mannered. Everyone knew that disaster relief donation welcomed both amounts big and small. Why would the rich and the famous have to stand up and donate big amounts in their own names to be reasonable? When reports publicized show business donation amounts, online criticism of Lau Tak Wa for donating only 100,000 immediately appeared and many responded. The real donation amount actually did not need to be known and should not be compared. Sometimes artists have been more effective with action than money. When they dig into their own pockets the result far cannot compare to calling for others to donate. Some media still use who donated how much as headlines. This attitude does not help disaster relief and rescue at all and only adds to gossip, as well as increasing pressure to artists who are working hard on disaster relief. The writer knows that some management companies have suffered a lot of pressure due to its artists' inability to participate in disaster relief due to busy schedules, have to ask artists to stop working and perform publicly once or twice in response. This has already proven that disaster relief has already changed in its nature. It did not come from everyone's hearts but from answering to the call of the public, maintaining artist image and avoiding media attacks. The writer feels Lau Tak Wa's silence toward the unreasonable criticism is even rarer. No matter how little the surface donation amount was and how much he has done for the victims, they do not represent how charitable he is inside. One does not have to be famous to be charitable, when no one knows and the acts do not bring even great reputation, they would seem even more elegant. The public also should not compare how much people donate. Entertainment news only reports a part of the fact and exaggerates a small part to create controversy. Anyone with logic should be able to tell the difference. - KWOK HIN CHING 2. MING PAO DAILY, MAY 25 2008, FILM AND TELEVISION OBSERVATIONS STARS WITHOUT ACTING ABILITY Actor just refers to a performance participant, which is a very basic term. Yet now being called an actor seems to be a honor because not every star is considered able to act. Actors are not necessarily people with acting abilities. From a satirical angle, if someone is called not an actor that means that the artist is not fit to perform. Some actors have excellent acting abilities but has no luck with the audience. They may never be famous, at least they would not have too many viewers who like them. Acting ability is not a necessity in stardom. Instead some artists who are considered not knowing how to act at all would become famous for reason. One can only say that they have luck with the audience, the audience can easily relate to their performance. This is not something that only happened recently. Some Cantonese film era stars do not have any good acting at all, but they were famous. Some only truly became good actors when they became veteran actors. Some people have little to no natural acting talent, later life experience filled them with acting abilities. In recent years the suddenly famous ones who do not have much acting abilities at most would only be famous for a short time. Viewers would very quickly grow tired of them. When similar type new comers arise, they would be immediately replaced. This type of artists need to rapidly grow up before viewers get sick of them, in the shortest time elevate their acting and transform from idols to actors with acting abilities. After their acting is recognized, their fame can be extended and their artistic life is longer. Artists rise and fall are not good for show business. The generation gap is already a severe problem in the circle. If a famous artist can continue to be famous, the new generation may have more time to grow. If they are not in too much of a hurry to grab money, reduce workload, and have more time to learn, they can show viewers their gradual improvement and be better. - KWOK HIN CHING 3. TA KUNG PAO, MAY 25 2008, LIGHT SHADOW PATH ENDLESS TWIN FILM STORMS May 12 Sichuan Earthquake has already taken place over a dozen days ago. The entire nation is united in disaster relief events. With leaders live visits and commands, the disaster has the world's attention and glitters with the glory of humanity. As the earthquake death toll continues to climb, an extremely few are cold bloodedly criticizing from the sidelines. Some righteous columnists could tolerate them no longer and directly struck back. These few lately dared not make any more ridiculous comments. The Sichuan earthquake was the biggest disaster in China's history. In order to raise fund to rebuild the disaster area and people's lives, China Film Group and Emei Film Studio have respectively expressed that they wanted to make an earthquake film. Hong Kong show business has also united to make a disaster relief film. The difference is, Hong Kong perhaps would not make the earthquake the content. Like the East China flood fund raising film THE BANQUET (HO MOON YEH YIN) last time, many famous actors would participate for charity. Mainland and Hong Kong's "earthquake film" goals were the same, but the content definitely would be different. Mainland earthquake film should be touching stories and would not lead to "twins". Yet lately a film's "twin case" has heated up -- the story of Master Yip Mun. Director Wong Kar Wai during the Cannes Film Festival opened fire on Mandarin Film Company's Raymond Wong Pak Ming and claimed that knowing about his Yip Mun project Wong still made a film with a similar Chinese title. Martial art required honor and Mr. Wong should learn about that first. Such rage from Director Wong who rarely spoke was truly rare. After announcing his film five years later it still has not started production, thus Mandarin chose to make another Yip Mun film. The same subject actually had no conflict. Director Wong was the most upset about using the same title. Wong Pak Ming said that the term was a common term that anyone could use. Mr. Wong was also right. Yet with the same title and content, the coincidence seemed to be too much and could easily give people the "stolen idea" impression. If Mandarin made a film about Master Lam Sai Wing with the same title Director Wong definitely would not question it. Actually, this storm involved Yip's descendants. Master Yip Jun authorized Wong Kar Wai to make the story about his father but later also gave Wong Pak Ming the right (reportedly because Wong's right has already come to term) and said that the more the better. Neither Wong has brought Master Yip Jun into the controversy. Unfortunately Yip's descendant has pointed out that Tony Leung Chiu Wai was not suitable to play Master Yip Mun because he did not know gong fu. Six years ago everyone knew that Leung did not know gong fu, why were they willing to let him play the master then? Even more puzzling was, the Mandarin version was Wilson Yip Wai Shun directed and he has not made a single comment. The entire matter seemed to be unrelated to him at all. Where has the director's passion gone, not to mention his message and statement? - TIN LIK 4. MING PAO DAILY, MAY 24 2008, FILM AND TELEVISION OBSERVATIONS MAKE A GOOD FILM FOR THE EARTHQUAKE After SARS a group of Hong Kong directors made 1:99 to express their love for Hong Kong. This was a post disaster film and not a disaster relief film. 1:99 would not used to raise fund and differ from THE BANQUET (HO MOON YEH YIN). The grade 8 Sichuan earthquake differs from SARS. Although the Sichuan victims and Hong Kong people are thicker than water, it ultimately did not occur in Hong Kong. If Hong Kong film professionals have to make a movie about this disaster it should be a touching story of the rescue. These stories after the May 12 disaster seemed to have happened daily, some definitely would be memorable for a lifetime. The writer feels, nothing is more touching than documentary. After dramatic treatment and actor performance the film would have less realism. Story handling is possible but cannot be too hurried. It has to have an angle that cannot be described in a documentary among numerous real stories. Film and documentary differ in that the former needs an author's angle. The story not only has to be realistic but also has to elevate in levels. The writer's objection for a disaster relief film for the sake of fund raising due to its effectiveness. Yet the human stories that have occurred in this earthquake absolutely could create more than one excellent film. Disaster rescue work is long term because rebuilding and treatment for the psychological wounds would not be overnight. Thus film creations do not need to be immediate. Disaster relief shows to raise fund are the most suitable to take place immediately, in addition it can raise a lot of fund and motivate many to care. Film requires time for creation and production, rushed products would rarely be excellent. The writer hopes that film professionals would have enough time for proper research to make a good film that is as shocking as this earthquake. It should be achievable. - KWOK HIN CHING 5. MING PAO DAILY, MAY 23 2008, FILM WORDS SEVERAL GREAT EARTHQUAKE FILMS The Great Sichuan Earthquake is very shocking. The rescue's text, photo and video coverage have been full and touching in an unprecedented manner, with more visibility and directness than the Myanmar cyclone disaster. In 2003 ancient Iranian city Bam was destroyed in an earthquake, tens of thousands died. Yet due to difficulty of access, it lacked coverage. In 2004 Japan earthquake was very destructive yet only 31 died. Coincidentally the Japanese hit based on that earthquake A TALE OF MARI AND THREE PUPPIES has been released this month in Hong Kong with nearly 7 million. This film featured a dog and children mainly, focused on a mountain village family's relationship with its dog before and after the earthquake. It was not a complete earthquake description but it was rather touching. Sichuan earthquake also had wandering dog rescuing people, but according to disaster area reports an order to kill stray dogs and cats perhaps to prevent them from biting and eating victims and spreading germs? The last major earthquake in China was the 1976 Tangshan earthquake. 25,500 died. Two years ago was its 30th anniversary, I have seen at least two Mainland films that mentioned that disaster. Yet few have noticed. Hong Kong director Kevin Chu Ka Won and the Tangshan authority made TANGSHAN TANGSHAN (DAN YUEN YUN CHEUNG GAU), a film about a laborer couple during the Tangshan earthquake and several orphans' relationships after growing up. The production was rather simple. The other was the Zhang Yang directed SUNFLOWER, about a son's 30 year growth and experience through the latter part of the Cultural Revolution, Mao Zedong and Zhou Enlai's passing, the Tangshan earthquake, and hinted at the 89 Beijing Student Movement. This film avoided the heavy subjects but was decently made. It mainly described the angry son's relationship with his father. Joan Chen played the kind mother. Zhang Yang has made SPICY LOVE SOUP, SHOWER, QUTTING and GETTING HOME and is one of the active semi alternative directors in the recent decade in China. - SHEK KEI (http://www.cultureshot.net/sekkkeiluklei) 6. MING PAO DAILY, MAY 23 2008, FILM AND TELEVISION OBSERVATIONS DISASTER RELIEF FILM'S LOW ECONOMIC EFFICIENCY Show business may make a disaster relief film with Andrew Lau Wai Keung as the director. If a film is made for disaster relief, it is not a very economical way. During the East China Flood THE BANQUET (HO MOON YEH YIN) was made, the amount that it raised was unknown. Film return is very slow. For fast and direct, a fund raising show is even more efficient. The message of unity has already been reached. Each participant would only need to take a short time to attend and the fund raised would be more. A disaster relief film in comparison would more laborious and costly. The usual way was to first find investors or get a budget from different buyers. The cast and crew would try not to charge salary to reduce the cost to its lowest. After the necessary expenses the money would be donated. Thus, before production some money may already be available for disaster relief but it would not be too much. Not taking a salary actually would only be the cast and some of the key creative posts. Other posts, especially the daily and hourly rate ones still charge salary. Like a charity show, not everyone is a volunteer. Set construction, sound and transportation all charge salary. A film also requires screenplay consideration. THE BANQUET used an old story that could contain many star cameos as its backbone. A film needs to have a story, so it needs to have several big stars who are willing to be the leads. The rest are only guest stars. To accommodate countless guest stars who may only have a day or a few hours of free time, the film has to be shot in one or several simple sets. The screenplay also needs to improvise on the set for attending stars. Creatively it would have a lot of restrictions. Due to a variety of restrictions the resulting film aside from glittering starlight would not be very entertaining, unless the disaster relief film is not heading in this direction. - KWOK HIN CHING 7. MING PAO DAILY, MAY 22 2008, FILM AND TELEVISION OBSERVATIONS POST DISASTER FILM MARKET During the three days of national mourning, cinemas should not be operating. Hong Kong also has China funded cinemas taking part. Even other cinemas continue to operate, with "May Poverty June Bottom" last week's box office was not that great. Monday box office champion was IRON MAN, which was also the cumulative box office champion. After 20 days it made 19.84 million and that day it made 214,000. Of course it could pass 20 million. This film had the best word of mouth and box office among films of the same period. THREE KINGDOMS: RESURRECTION OF THE DRAGON (SAM GOK ji GEIN LUNG SEH GAP) was still on one screen and made 2.7 million that day. Yet it remained in second place at the cumulative box office with 16.95 million. It could not possibly break 17 million. Two gong fu superstars starred in THE FORBIDDEN KINGDOM, which only made 11.75 million over 26 days in release. As the writer has said, Hong Kong viewers would not accept their foreign film much. Jackie Chan's last two foreign films in Hong Kong only made around 6 to 7 million. Jet Li (Lee Nin Kit) if memory serves made around 4 million. Together their FORBIDDEN KINGDOM made 11 million, which seemed to be right. This film's primary market was not Hong Kong (actually all big films are not). It should earn firmly in the foreign market. Released on the same day as RESURRECTION OF THE DRAGON, STEP UP 2 THE STREETS last Monday after 47 days accumulated 8.19 million. The performance was decent with the single day one screen take of 18 million. Its momentum was better than RESURRECTION OF THE DRAGON. The new comer starred HAPPY FUNERAL (LOK LAU HAU JOR 2) and LOVE IS ELSEWHERE (OI CHING MAN SHUI) made respectively 4 million to almost 3 million, again telling everyone that youth film have certain audience support and not worse than the better known star vehicle MY WIFE IS A GAMBLING MAESTRO (NGOR LO POR HAI DOH SING). The new and old audience exchange has gradually become obvious. Old subjects can only target traditional and video markets. On Thursday the new installment of INDIANA JONES will open and should bring up the recently quiet film market. This year needs even more entertainment film to make everyone feel a little better. - KWOK HIN CHING [ In Production Now/Soon ] ALL'S WELL ENDS WELL 2009 Can : Ga Yau Hei Si 2009 Lit : Family Has Joyous Event 2009 d. Vincent Kuk Tak Siu Sandra Ng Kwan Yu, Louis Koo Tin Lok, Ronald Cheng Chung Kei Can : Tung Moon Lit : Classmate d. Herman Yau Lai To Shawn Yue Man Lok, Ada Choi Siu Fun, Ella Koon Yun Na, Elanne Kong Yeuk Lam, Chapman To Man Jat, Jun Kung Shek Leung Can : Chun Oi Dik Lit : Dear Andy On Chi Kit, Miki Yeung Oi Kun, Kwan Chor Yiu, Alice Tsang Hoi Won, Chubby (Siu Fei), Vivian Yeo (Yeung Sau Wai), HotCha STORM RIDERS II Can : Fung Won II Lit : Wind Cloud II d. Pang Brothers Aaron Kwok Fu Sing, Dior Cheng Yi Kin, Nicholas Tse Ting Fung, Charlene Choi Cheuk Yin, BUTTERFLY LOVERS Can : Dip Gim Lit : Butterfly Sword AKA : Mo Hup Leung Jook Lit : Martial Art Heroes Leung Jook d. Jingle Ma Chor Sing Wu Chun, Charlene Choi Cheuk Yin, Hu Ge, Harlem Yu Ching Hing, Ti Lung Can : Nui Yun But Wai Lit : Women Not Bad d. Tsui Hark Zhou Xun, Kuei Lun-Mei, Kitty Zhang Yuqi, Alex Fong Chung Shun 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) [ COMING SOON ] BREATH d. Kim Ki-Duk Chang Chen, Zia, Ha Jung-Woo [ BROADWAY CIRCUIT ] On a cold winter day, after learning her husband has found a new woman, Yeon absent mindedly heads for the prison where Chen is confined. Although she does not know him personally, repeated news of his suicide attempts on TV has subconsciously grown in her mind and now is leading her to seek him. Jin has no visitors and normally would not agree to meet with a complete stranger, but hearing that it is a woman he accepts her meeting request out of curiosity. Their first meeting is as awkward as it can get. Yeon treats Jin like an old friend whereas Jin does not open up so easily. WINDS OF SEPTEMBER - THE 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 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. 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 their 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... SHAOLIN GIRL Can : Siu Lum Siu Nui d. Katsuyuki Motohiro Kou Shibasaki, Yosuke Eguchi, Toru Nakamura, Kitty Zhang Yuqi, Lam Tsz Chung, Tin Kai Man Rating : IIA Length : 107 mins. Opening May 29 2008 [ YAHOO! MOVIES HONG KONG ] Rin Sakurazara is a girl who is full of martial art potential. Since childhood she has been sent to China's Shaolin Temple to study Shaolin fist and swears to return to Japan to spread the glory of Shaolin. When she returns to Japan, Rin sees her grandfather's dojo in ruins and all the students are shattered everywhere. The sensei has even switched jobs to become a Chinese restaurant chef and told Rin to give up Shaolin Fist. Rin is discouraged but refuses to give up. She is determined to rebuild the dojo while finding opportunity to recruit students. Man Man works at the sensei's Chinese restaurant. She is curious about Rin and seeing her passion for Shaolin fist she takes Rin to join the international star university lacrosse team in hopes of her abilities can elevate the team's potential. Rin thus enrolls into the school. From the start Rin has the ability but overlooks the importance of teamwork, the team loses due to her excessive focus on personal ability. Luckily through the sensei and Man Man's reminders and encouragement, Rin finally understands the importance of teamwork and understands that spreading the glory of Shaolin fist is not just asking people to study it, but to merge Shaolin fist spirit into life. From there others' interest in the martial arts will be raised. The rejuvenated Rin joins the team again and at the same time influences other team members to practice Shaolin fist together. Each one’s ability thus takes a great leap! When everything seems to go smoothly, the dojo and the restaurant is suddenly attacked. The sensei is severely injured and Man Man is kidnapped! Rin discovers that the university's dean is behind the series of assaults and ruining the dojo over ten years ago! In order to save Man Man and rescue the dojo and Shaolin Fist's dignity, Rin decides to challenge the dean with her Shaolin gong fu and even triggers the potential that she has never realized...... 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, Rating : IIB Length : 94 mins. Opening June 19 2008 Official Site : http://moss.big.com.hk [ 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. 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, Law Wing Cheung, Cheung Moon Yuen, Kate Tsui Tsz Shan Opening June 19 2008 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. 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 June 19 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=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. 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...... CONNECTED 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 Opening September 11 2008 [ YAHOO! MOVIES HONG KONG ] Based on the Hollywood film CELLULAR, single mother Grace as usual takes her daughter Yu Ting to school but on the way robber Yi Fok crashes into her. Half conscious and powerless, she witnesses Yi Fook ransacking her home and brutally kills her maid! Later he takes Grace into a cargo. Yi Fok forces Grace to hand over his criminal evidence or he would kill her entire family. Frightened, Grace takes out a heavily damaged mobile phone, builds it while no one is watching and miraculously makes a call for help. The call accidentally goes to a financial company loan department employee Bong. Bong's son will be studying abroad and is waiting for him at the airport with his sister Jeanie. He remains suspicious on Grace's call for help and hands the phone to traffic cop Fai. Unfortunately due to network problems Fai cannot clearly hear what Grace says and warns Bong about playing prank on the police. At this time Yi Fok suddenly rushes into the cargo and luckily Grace can hide the phone in time. When Bong picks up the phone and clearly hears a gunshot he realizes the severity of the call and decides to rescue Grace! The task at hand though is to prevent the robber from hurting his next target -- Grace's daughter. Bong must keep her daughter from falling into the robber's hand. With danger ahead of him, at anytime he may have to give up his valuable life to save someone... 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 * SUPERKEY PRODUCTION AND ATLANTIC CITY HILTON CASINO RESORT PRESENT ANGELA TONG YING YING AND RON NG CHEUK HEI LIVE VENUE LOCATION : Hilton Grand Theatre Hilton Casino Resort Atlantic City NJ DATE AND TIME : Saturday night / Sunday morning, June 29 2008 @ 1AM TICKET PRICES: $ 108, 78, 48 TICKET OUTLET LOCATIONS: Online: Superkey Productions http://www.superkeypro.com Superkey Productions 16 Bowery, 4th Floor 212.619.2628 P & M Music 2 Elizabeth Street 212.732.3828 Double Happyness Travel Inc. 133 East Broadway 212.513.7898 Brooklyn Paradise Vacations 778 60th Street 718.238.1228 * GEORGE LAM CHI CHEUNG LIVE VENUE LOCATION : MGM Grand Theatre Foxwoods Resort Casino DATE AND TIME : Saturday night / Sunday morning, June 22 2008 @ 2AM Sunday afternoon, June 22 2008 @ 2PM TICKET PRICES: $ 98, 68, 48 TICKET OUTLET LOCATIONS: P & M Music 2 Elizabeth St. 212.732.3828 Jessica Holdings 135-27 40th Rd. Suite 301 Flushing NY 718.460.2628 Trans-Pacific Travel 11 Tyler St. Boston MA 617.451.3478 * AH NGAU (CHAN HING CHEUNG) LIVE 2008 With Special Guest Sin To Lai VENUE LOCATION: The Theatre Trump Plaza Casino and Hotel Atlantic City NJ DATE AND TIME : Saturday night / Sunday morning, June 15 2008 @ 1AM TICKET PRICES: VIP$88, 58, 38 TICKET OUTLET LOCATIONS: P & M Music Inc. 2 Elizabeth Street New York NY 10013 212.732.3828 * MANDALAY BAY PRESENTS MIRIAM YEUNG CHIN WA ALL ABOUT LOVE WORLD TOUR 2008 VENUE LOCATION: Mandalay Bay Resort 3950 Las Begas Blvd. South Las Vegas NV 89119 DATE AND TIME : Sunday, May 25 2008 @ 8 PM TICKET PRICES : $138, 108, 78, 48 TICKET OUTLET LOCATIONS : TICKETMASTER http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/0A00407494C36035?artistid=1207420&majorcatid=10001&minorcatid=5 San Gabriel Five Star Laser 626.281.7676 Fire Link Video 626.284.8680 Arcadia Life Plaza 626.447.8816 Rowland Heights Life Plaza 626.839.8811 San Francisco / Oakland Fire Link Video 510.268.3588 * TAI PAN TOURS AND CASINO RAMA PRESENT MIRIAM YEUNG CHIN WA ALL ABOUT LOVE WORLD TOUR 2008 VENUE LOCATION: Casino Rama R.R. #6 Rama Rd., Orillia ON L0K 1T0 Canada DATE AND TIME : Tuesday, May 20 2008 @ 8PM TICKET PRICES : VIP CA$88, 68, 48, 28 TICKET OUTLET LOCATIONS : ONLINE www.taipantours.com 416.646.8838 TICKETMASTER CANADA http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/10004088E72B9FFB?artistid=1215062&majorcatid=10001&minorcatid=5 Richmond Hill - Golden Plaza: 328 Highway 7 East, Unit 5 Richmond Hill, Ontario L4B 3P7 905-881-8838 Markham - Pacific Mall: 4300 Steeles Ave. East, Unit B50 Markham, Ontario L3R 0Y5 905-948-8838 Markham - First Markham Place: 3255 Highway 7 East, Unit 68 Markham, Ontario L3R 3P9 905-946-8838 Downtown - Chinatown Centre: 222 Spadina Ave., Unit 139 Toronto, Ontario M5T 3A2 416-593-8838 Toronto - Rio - Can Marketplace: 2215 Steeles Ave. West, Unit C5 Toronto, Ontario M3J 3N2 416-736-8838 Scarborough - Oriental Centre : 4438 Sheppard Ave. East Unit 103 Scarborough, Ontario M1S 1V2 416-293-7838 Tai Pan Centre (Weston Branch): 3668 Weston Road Toronto, Ontario M9L 1W2 416-749-8838 -------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 May 27 2008 10 SPEED RACER d. Andy and Larry Wachowski Emile Hirsch, Christina Ricci, John Goodman, Susan Sarandon, Matthew Fox 9 GHOST OF MAE NAK Can : Gwai Sat Lit : Ghost Kill d. Mark Duffield Pataratida Pacharawirapong, Siwat Chotchaicharin, Pomthip Papanai, Jaran Ngam-dee 8 THE OTHER BOLEYN GIRL d. Justin Chadwick Natalie Portman, Scarlett Johansson, Eric Bana 7 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 6 DOOMSDAY d. Neil Marshall Rhona Mitra, Caryn Peterson, Adeola Ariyo 5 TEETH d. Mitchell Lichtenstein Jessica Weixler, John Hensley, Josh Pais 4 BE KIND REWIND d. Michel Gondry Jack Black, Mos Def, Danny Glover 3 IRON MAN d. Jon Favreau Robert Downey Jr., Gwenyth Paltrow, Terrence Howard, Jeff Bridges 2 WHAT HAPPENS IN VEGAS... d. Tom Vaughan Cameron Diaz, Ashton Kutcher, Rob Corddry, Lake Bell 1 INDIANA JONES AND THE KINGDOM OF THE CRYSTAL SKULL d. Steven Spielberg Harrison Ford, Cate Blanchett, Karen Allen ------ Summaries for some of the films above. Some contain SPOILERS GHOST OF MAE NAK Can : Gwai Sat Lit : Ghost Kill d. Mark Duffield Pataratida Pacharawirapong, Siwat Chotchaicharin, Pomthip Papanai, Jaran Ngam-dee Opening May 15 2008 [ YAHOO! MOVIES HONG KONG ] Newlywed couple Mak and Nak buys an old house in the Bangkok suburb to form a new family, yet this old house is where the legendary ghost Nang Nak lived 100 years old. Mak constantly has nightmares and later falls into a coma after a car accident. Everything is Nang Nak's doing because she is very envious of Mak and Nak's love and at the same time has fallen for Mak. Thus she uses Nak's love for Mak to find where she is buried and receive her soul from the seal in order to wake Mak. Nak can only follow and saves Mak in the last minute. Mak finally wakes up and returns to Nak's side. They plans to give Nang Nak's remains a proper burial. Yet when they think everything has passed and can live peacefully, Mak realizes that his wife seems to no longer be Nak... A TALE OF MARI AND THREE PUPPIES Rating : IIA Length : 125 mins. 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! ------ GLOBAL CHINESE SONG CHART For Saturday, May 24 2008 15 HIS STORY Can : Ta Dik Goo Si Hins Cheung King Hin 14 PREPARING AT ANY MOMENT Can : Si Hak Jung Bei Jeuk Bobo 13 FALLEN FOR BEAUTY Can : Oi Seung Nei Dik Mei Yu Quan 12 DO NOT SING REALLY WELL Can : Moot Yau Hung Wui Cheung Siao Yu 11 THOSE THINGS THAT GIRL TAUGHT ME Can : Na Seh Nui Hai Gau Ngor Dik Si Victor Wong (Bun Guoon) 10 GROWN UP OVERNIGHT Can : Yut Man Jeung Dai Andy Lau Tak Wa 9 ESCAPE LIFE Can : Toh Sun Jeff Chang Shun Jit 8 ONE WORLD, ONE DREAM Wang Leehom (Wong Lik Won) 7 QUESTION ANSWER USELESS Can : Mun Dap Mo Yung Wang Zijian 6 FAITH Can : Shun Lim Anson Hu (Wu Yin Bun) 5 WRONG LOVE Can : Chor Oi Nicholas Teo (Cheung Tung Leung) 4 SING WITH ME Can : Pui Ngor Gor Cheung Soda Green 3 BEIJING WELCOMES YOU Can : But Gaing Foon Ying Nei Various Stars 2 SHE AND I SHE AND HE Can : NGOR WOR TA TA WOR TA Emil Chau Wa Kin, Lee Chi Ching 1 ROAD...HAS ALWAYS BEEN HERE Can : Lo...Yut Jik Doh Joi Eason Chan Yik Shun ------ [ Yakety Yak ] The views and opinions expressed here are purely those of the writer and in no way reflect those of Hong Kong Film Top 10 Box Office, its contributors and affiliated web sites. HOW I STARTED MY SUMMER VACATION Memorial Day is a day on which we in the US remember the sacrifices that those who have made while protecting and defending our freedom and way of life. Alas, in practice, for the most part it has become yet another day of gluttonous consumption and selfish indulgence. Your Chaffing Editor spent the weekend to kick off the summer. While most would have gone to the beach, Old Chaffy went to his local Six Flags theme park instead. The weather was breezy and cool and the lines were fortunately not bad at all. Perhaps most either opted for road trips or skipped the park. The main reason Your Chaffing Editor visited the park was a new ride, the Dark Knight, which was based on this summer's upcoming blocking of the same title. After some drama with his entourage leaving the line and trying to come back, fellow riders behind him asked his entourage to return to their original spot out of good will. Ah, it is good to see good people are still around. Leaving the line to get butterfly fries and water for brunch however probably is not. Anyway, the ride started off great with a movie tie in in the waiting area. The ride itself however was more like a Disney ride. When people mention indoor coaster in the US, Space Mountain seems to be the measuring stick. Your Chaffing Editor however found this ride like thrilling than Mr. Toad's Wild Ride, not to mention Space Mountain. Go on it once to see for yourself whether your time would have been better spent waiting elsewhere. While waiting for the usual barrage of roller coasters like Batman the Ride, Nitro, Kingda Ka, Superman Ultimate Flight, Medusa and El Toro and some front seats, veteran coaster riders informed Your Chaffing Editor that riding in the last was actually better. Again, test it out and see for yourself -- maybe even save you from some wait time. Finally, Your Chaffing Editor was left alone with his favorite coaster since his entourage had to leave for the last bus back, the oldest coaster in the park, Great American Scream Machine, happened to have all three trains running. Old Chaffy rode on the white one then double backed for the others even though he was already dizzy from the first ride, since one of the operators informed him that they were taking one of the trains off the ride. Luckily, it was the white one. However, after riding the red one, Your Chaffing Editor stumbled off the ride with a mild concussion and decided to go for the infamous turkey leg. Your Chaffing Editor never expected the turkey leg to be so enormous and so flavorful. Fortunately he purchased a large orange drink to wash it down. The flavor however would catch up with him later on the drive home as he managed to drink all the water in the car. Also, much to Your Chaffing Editor's surprise, a turkey leg has more parts than a chicken leg. Sure, it is a bigger bird but who knew? After the overwhelming dinner, Your Chaffing Editor still had time left to complete the Scream Machine triple. He rushed back to the ride and when he saw someone jumped out of the front seat of the blue train, JACKPOT! The euphoria and the delusional sense of accomplishment of completing the ride on all the train went to his head and carried him to the new Neon parade. While it was no match for the Disney parade, Your Chaffing Editor was somewhat impressed with the use of the parent company's trademarks like the DC Heroes and Looney Tunes with the minimal number of cast members. However, the flash photography ban sent Your Chaffing Editor on a chase for the final character -- Daffy Duck with a neon light trash can to sweep up behind Bugs. Daffy's natural color (or the lack of) however did not help. After three attempts Your Chaffing Editor walked away disappointed. On the long walk back to the car, a golf cart cut off Your Chaffing Editor and stopped dead in his path. As he looked up, it was a cart full of Looney Tune characters on their way back to the changing room. By the time Old Chaffy found his camera they took off. Not only that, but much to his dismay he realized that the rides were still going after the posted closing time. Oh well, at least overall it was a good day. HE’S DESPICABLE Jer Jer Stinks, Your Chaffing Editor Top Ten Central --- [ WHAT IS YOUR CHAFFING EDITOR LISTENING TO ] Paramore Thats What You Get www.youtube.com/watch?v=fbLQo0FISIw No sir, well, I don't wanna be the blame, not anymore It's your turn, so take a seat We're settling the final score And why do we like to hurt so much? I can't decide, you have made it harder Just to go on And why, all the possibilities Well, I was wrong That's what you get When you let your heart win, whoa That's what you get When you let your heart win, whoa I drowned out all my sense With the sound of its beating And that's what you get When you let your heart win, whoa I wonder, how am I supposed to feel When you're not here? 'Cause I burned every bridge I ever built When you were here I still try holding onto silly things I never learn Oh why, all the possibilities I'm sure you've heard That's what you get When you let your heart win, whoa That's what you get When you let your heart win, whoa I drowned out all my sense With the sound of its beating And that's what you get When you let your heart win, whoa Pain, make your way to me, to me And I'll always be just so inviting If I ever start to think straight This heart will start a riot in me Let's start, start, hey! Why do we like to hurt so much? Oh, why do we like to hurt so much? That's what you get When you let your heart win, whoa That's what you get When you let your heart win, whoa That's what you get When you let your heart win, whoa Now I can't trust myself With anything but this And that's what you get When you let your heart win, whoa ---------------------- HK Top Ten Central hktopten@hotmail.com | http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Towers/2038