From: NO TOP TEN CENTRAL Newsgroups: alt.asian-movies,soc.culture.hongkong.entertainment Subject: [TAKE OVER] HKSAR Film No Top 10 Box Office (JUNE 19 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. Maggie Lee Man Kwun who celebrates her birthday on the 24th B. Sherman Chung Shu Man who celebrates her birthday on the 20th C. Joe Cheng Yuan Chang who celebrates his birthday on the 19th 2. MISCELLANEOUS * (6/24/2008) The 11th Annual Shanghai International Film Festival closing ceremony took place last night and the 8 Jin Jue Awards were announced. At the ceremony, the most touching moment had to be when the Shanghai International Film Festival, Shanghai senior foundation and Shanghai Cultural Broadcast Technology donated 35 digital film projection systems and two broadcast project equipment to a Sichuan earthquake impacted city, Dujiangyan city. An ordinary film projectionist from Sichuan accepted the donation. He also became the evening's star who was more brilliant than the winners. Since the May 12 earthquake he and his colleagues picked up their projectors, ran to the suffering compatriots and showed movies for them. The film festival committee expressed that the projectionists have completed the most dignified promise and served the holiest duty of China's film professionals. Thus, this donation expressed their salute to ordinary but noble film professionals like them and at the same time looked forwarded to even more suffering victims would be able to watch movies and experience hope. Another closing ceremony bright spot had to be the newly crowned Best Actor Ma Guowei, who won with Chinese director Gao Qunshu's film OLD FISH. He was not a professional actor but a Harbin police station assistant chief. Non professional actors rarely won major awards in the history of A class international film festivals. This film was also considered this film festival's biggest winner. Aside from Best Actor, it also received the Jin Juen jury award. Two days ago at the Media Award it also won the Actor of Regard award, director of regard award and the most box office draw award. This film festival jury president Wong Kar Wai not only thanked the Shanghai International Film Festival for providing a completely credible environment but also stressed that in this film festival most films were "hope and rebuilding". They used different methods to express courage, understanding and honesty. As Wong Kar Wai has said, this film festival's theme of "the power of filmmakers, for the light of life" has been thoroughly demonstrated. * (6/24/2008) Yip Lim Sum's romantic thriller CHUN OI DIK (DEAR) two nights ago held a wrap banquet. Leads Miki Yeung Oi Kun, Alice Tsang Hoi Won and boss Paco Wong attended. Miki expressed that during the shoot, everyday she did not receive the screenplay until she got to the set. It was very mysterious. Now the film has been completed but she has not seen it yet. She said, after making it she realized that it was a thriller. One day at work she received three pages of dialogue and truly felt stressed. She was afraid that she would perform poorly and keep others from getting off work. She honestly said that because she has worked with the director and trusted him. Sometimes she did not know that she had to remove her clothes until she got to the set, but she could not throw a tantrum. Miki also said, this film had other actors like Kwan Chor Yiu, Andy On Chi Kit, Chubby (Siu Fei) and HotCha, but she has never seen them. In the entire film she acted with Tsang Hoi Won. Did the film scare her? She expressed that she was easily frightened. If someone screamed behind her she would be terrified. Luckily during the shoot she did not run into anything strange. However, after the shoot she lost 3 kilograms. In the film she wanted revenge against her boyfriend. If her boyfriend had someone else in real life she definitely would not forgive him. Tsang Hoi Won had her first lead in a Hong Kong film. Due to the size of the role she too had certain stress. In one scene she gave Chubby a sneaky kiss, which was the most awkward scene. She was not familiar with him so she was a little shy. Yet because both she and On Chi Kit were from Taiwan they were more familiar. * (6/23/2008) Charlene Choi Cheuk Yin, Joey Yung Cho Yi and Raymond Lam Fung yesterday appeared in rider gear at the Sha Tin Racetrack to promote their July 1 end of season race concert. Ah Sa looked trimmer but she said that she ate too much and had too much fun on the set and has already gained four to five pounds. When asked whether she dined with Wu Chen who she has been linked to romantically, she stressed that the director and other actors also ate. As for reports that she and Wu Chen have been secretly dated for three months while working on BUTTERFLY LOVERS (MO HUP LEUNG JOOK), she and Wu Chen both claimed that the film has only been in production for two months. She also said, "I can differentiate between the real and the fictional worlds very clearly. In the film we are a couple, outside we are friends. I am very certain about myself. If rumors can help promote the film and bring box office success, I wouldn't mind." * (6/23/2008) The Karena Lam Ka Yun and Cyndi Wang Sum Ling starred film FA CHI LIU NA NUI HAI (FLOWER CRAZED THAT GIRL) two nights ago held its premiere in Taiwan. THis short film qualified for this year's Taipei Film Festival Best Short Film competition. For her first film, Wang Sum Ling was the happiest about working with Ka Yun for the first time. She thanked Ka Yun for teaching her a lot. During the shoot she did not even turn on her cell phone in hopes of being able to catch up to Ka Yun's rhythm. Ka Yun expressed that working with Sum Ling was very pleasant. She also has benefited a lot from the interaction. Sum Ling this time played an unreasonable girlfriend whose personality was very different from her own. Because every night she worked hard on studying the screenplay, she cut her hand and needed stitches at the hospital. She joked that the break at the hospital was perfect. Ka Yun said how tense Sum Ling was and did not dare to give her too many suggestions. She was afraid of creating any side effect. The best way to get into character was through her own feeling. * (6/23/2008) The L FOR LOVE L FOR LIES (NGOR DIK JUI OI) DVD autograph session yesterday took place. Alex Fong Lik Sun, Stephy Tang Lai Yun and Miki Yeung Oi Kun attended. The DVD has been released for a week and Siu Fong stated that over 40,000 copies have been sold. Unfortunately they would not get a share. Perhaps they would suggest that for their next film. Stephy said that Yip Lim Sum had a new screenplay for her and Miki. Reporters joked that finally Fong Lik Sun was dumped. She joked, "Earlier he made CHUN OI DIK (DEAR)! Directors like pretty girls." Siu Fong agreed, "Of course the guy gets dumped first! He likes to shoot pretty girl." * (6/23/2008) The 12th Annual Shanghai International Film Festival's ASHES OF TIME REDUX special screening took place last night. This festival's Jin Jue Award jury chairman Wong Kar Wai along with the film's actors Tony Leung Chiu Wai, Carina Lau Ka Ling and Charlie Yeung Choi Nei attended. It was also ASHES OF TIME REDUX's first Asian appearance. The film had 150 yuan high price tickets but over 2,000 tickets were sold out in a little over a hour. The screening had no empty seat, on one hand in support of the earthquake area rebuilding and on the other due to the appreciation of this classic film. Finally the event rose 135,000 yuan. Along with the enterprise donated 1 million yuan the sum would be donated to Shanghai Red Cross for Sichuan earthquake rebuilding. Wong Kar Wai expressed, "I am very honored to be able to have this chance to contribute to the Sichuan disaster area rebuilding." This screening is only a start. They would continue to pay attention to the Sichuan disaster area and school rebuidling. To salute Leslie Cheung Kwok Wing, Wong Kar Wai's film in the end left a shot for him. In the audience many were Gor Gor's loyal fans. They rose a "Keep loving Leslie Cheung" banner and cried Cheung Kwok Wing's name in memory of this late idol. Reportedly from ASHES OF TIME to ASHES OF TIME REDUX now, Wong Kar Wai and his production team used four years to restore the original film's visual effects. Wong Kar Wai hired a foreign special effect company to restore this 15 year old film frame and frame with the latest digital technology. On the big screen the effects were very obvious, the visual color were heavier. Each scene was like an oil painting. Editing wise, the entire film was less than minute longer than the original with the addition of Lau Ka Ling's close up on horseback in the water and a scene that stood out Brigitte Lin (Lam Ching Ha)'s character. Yet the rumored Joey Wong Cho Yin scene did not appear. Some action scenes were actually cut, like Leung Chiu Wai's horse thief killing scene. As for sound effect, the original ASHES OF TIME was in mono. The REDUX had 5.1 Dolby stereo surround sound with famous cellist Yoyo Ma's all new score. Yoyo Ma's Silk Road band performed in Hong Kong when Wong Kar Wai after the concert felt that his music was very similar to ASHES OF TIME. Thus he approached Yoyo Ma to help with seven new scores. Wong Kar Wai stated that one of Yoyo Ma's solo performance had an enormous effect on the entire visual, a sound that could not be imagined and only a cello could make. When ASHES OF TIME was released 15 years ago, many viewers complained about its difficulty to comprehend. In comparison to the original 100 minutes, REDUX was only 93 minutes long. With changes in the order of actor appearances the film was smoother and easier to understand. When ASHES OF TIME was made, Cheung Kwok Wing, Leung Chiu Wai, Tony Leung Ka Fai, Jacky Cheung Hok Yau, Maggie Cheung Man Yuk, Lam Ching Ha, Lau Ka Ling and Wong Cho Yin starred. Out of the eight superstars with the exception of Cheung Kwok Wing other scenes were very loose. Wong Kar Wai and William Chang Suk Ping could only add narrative during editing to connect the scenes into a story. Finally the resulting film had a lot of hints and viewers would not help but become confused. Now Wong Kar Wai has arranged the order anew. The film's themes were the seaons and returned to spring. Appearing in memory Cheung Man Yuk, Lau Ka Ling and Lam Ching Ha had slight order changes that made understanding easier. Even Leung Chiu Wai and Lau Ka Ling agreed that they liked REDUX more. Lau Ka Ling said, back then she felt that film was very hard to understand. This time the story was very easy to accept. Leung Chiu Wai liked REDUX's music and visual, which were better to appreciate in the cinema. * (6/22/2008) Michelle Yeoh (Yeung Chi King), Terence Chang Ka chung and David Tang Zaiyang's Stellar Entertainment yesterday held a press conference to announce the signing of Kelly Lin (Lam Hei Lui), Zhang Fengyi, Pace Wu (Ng Pui Chi), Hung Siu Ling, Mark Cheng Ho Nam, Brandon Chang Cheuk Nam, Yeung Chi San and Ranee Yuan Xinyu. Michelle denied earlier rumor that Richard Li was the boss but reserved the possibility of any future investors. Michelle invested six figures in US dollars mainly on work and not on any extravagant office. Reportedly Richard has handed Isabella Leong Lok Si for Michelle to take care of. She denied and asked why she would be in charge. "I have been rumored to wed and have child for three to four years." Isabella is in a lawsuit for her freedom against Emperor. Was Michelle worried about future artist dispute? She expressed that she would respond only when the matters were separated. She was not suitable to comment on Isbella's incident. How would she prevent dispute? She said, "People would have different opinions, even in the same house. (Did you sign any artist to ten year contract?) No, (Are you afraid that artists would leave after success?) In the end if they are unhappy with us, like marriage we have to settle peacefully. If artists leave and are very famous, the biggest feeling is we achieved that, which proved that we work." Michelle stated that commission and term duration were very fair. Commission would be no more than a half, but new comers have to sign at least two to three years for ample time to support the artists. Michelle said that back then she too needed others' cultivation and spoke of responsibility for media comment. "The pens are in your hands, please have mercy!" Would she sign Isabella? "I can't until after the lawsuit is over. Everyone please give her a little space." She honestly said that she would be interested in every new comer with potential and praised Isabella's outstanding performance in THE MUMMY 3. Chang Ka Chun revealed that when he returned to Hong Kong to make a movie three to four years ago he realized that the market lacked stars and casting was very hard. Thus he would like to cultivate a new group of film stars. A stunt professional died in a fire during the production of RED CLIFF (CHET BIK). Later Chang Ka Chun was rumored to have hired Korean stunt professionals to cut cost. He denied, "Koreans are very expensive. I never said that. I have to clarify." He revealed that the stunt professional's funeral took place two days ago and the compensation has been completed. Due to contract he could not reveal the amount. He revealed that the other five injured workers were recovering rapidly. Due to the Beijing Olympics production has halted and moved to Shanghai and other locations for additional shoots. As for exceeding the budget, he expressed hope that insurance would be helpful. Chang Ka Chun admitted that the matter has impacted the entire team including John Woo (Ng Yu Sum) and morale definitely would be affected. Chang Ka Chun revealed that RED's lead Tony Leung Chiu Wai after the Beijing and Chengdu promotion would not participate in the promotion after July due to personal reasons. When asked whether Wai Jai was getting married, he joked, "I don't dare to ask about personal affairs." Ng Pui Chi earlier went to court with her former management company due to contract dispute. She revealed that the case has ended and she won. Ng Pui Chi stated that she did not know what she was doing before and lived in a "daze". Ng Pui Chi in September would release a Mandarin record. As for film she said that this year would be a new start. Lam Hei Lui declined to reveal the contract duration. Would she invite rumored boyfriend Ken Zhu Hau Tin to join? She said, "No, it's not my decision. I am not the boss." * (6/21/2008) The film RED CLIFF (CHET BIK) earlier while shooting camp burning boat crash scene had an accident that led to one death and six injuries. Earlier RED executive producer Terence Chang Ka Chun at the Shanghai Film Festival expressed that the film company originally planned to hire a Hollywood stunt team for the shoot, but later due to the price a Korean stunt team was hired. However the Korean team knew how to set the fire but did not know how to put it out. Finally when the fire started the Korean team has left and the team got the local August 1 Film Studio to help. The film company yesterday issued a statement that since June 18 2008 they discovered the media during the Shanghai International Film Festival misreported executive producer Chang Ka Chun's RED CLIFF accident explanation. First, Mr. Chang Ka Chun during the Shanghai International Film Festival only revealed that the production is working on proper treatment for the injured workers. Secondly, the Korean stunt company has already completed all jobs at the end of 2007. This accident has nothing to with the Korean special effect company. * (6/20/2008) ASHES OF TIME REDUX tomorrow will hold a special charity screening at the Shanghai International Film Festival. It will not only be the Asian premiere of the film but all of the proceeds will be donated to Sichuan disaster relief. Due to the overwhelming response tickets have already been sold out. Director Wong Kar Wai will lead actors Tony Leung Chiu Wai, Carina Lau Ka Ling, Charlie Yeung Choi Nei and William Chang Suk Ping to attend. Wong Kar Wai is not only the jury presdient but also brings ASHES OF TIME REDUX to Shanghai for the charity screening and its Asian debut. Wai Jai, Ka Ling and Yeung Choi Nei dropped the jobs on their hands for charity and agreed to attend the premiere. Wong Kar Wai also expressed hope that this film would be released around the world this year depending on the local distributors. [ BLAH OF THE WEEK ] Columns, Reviews, Interviews 1. MING PAO DAILY, JUNE 24 2008, FILM AND TELEVISION OBSERVATIONS PACO WONG IS GOLD LABEL'S MOST VALUABLE Michelle Yeoh (Yeung Chi King), Terence Chang Ka Chun, David Tang have formed a management company and so far they still have not admitted that Richard Li has been the behind the scene boss. However, Yeung Chi King had reservation during the interview and only said that Richard Li so far has not invested. In the industry Richard Li has been rumored to be investing and has contacted many in this area about this. The official announcement would only be a matter of time. On the other hand, reportedly Peter Lam Kin Ngok's East Asia entertainment planned to take over Paco Wong's Gold Label Entertainment. Paco Wong has been known as the Gold Label manager. Gold Label Entertainment was named after him. The writer felt, the most valuable part of the Gold Label Entertainment actually was not its artists but Paco Wong himself. Paco Wong has always been furious in supporting artists. Not everyone would agree with his way, but he has been fast, furious and ferocious. Idols have their own way to stardom. Whether they sing well or not, their popularity have to swell and their concerts keep going on. This is where Paco Wong has been amazing. Even substance artists have to rise fast too, no matter what. For example Justin Lo (Juk Tin) although had short brilliance was very successful, or at least has been successful. Paco Wong is very clear about how this circle operates. Trends do not wait. If you are popular today then you have to keep going for absolute victory. You would not take anything slow. That 80's way is not longer suitable for today. The previous generation of artists had to be gradually cultivated. Today's are all instant product. As the record industry declines, Gold Label Entertainment could not only be singer manager and record release. After signing a group of artists they have to work. Gold Label Entertainment switched to film and opened up the youth romance market. Yip Lim Sum's youth romance series cost little and profit big. In a weak market every one has passed 10 million at the box office and performed better than many big directors. Although they only focused on the local market and has been no match for other Hong Kong films overseas, it still is the way to survive. If Lam Kin Ngok's buy out is succsesful, he would have all the weapons in the world and become the local entertainment king. Richard Li's director is aimed at Mainland and overseas. - KWOK HIN CHING 2. MING PAO DAILY, JUNE 23 2008, FILM WORDS SPARROW HAS FLAVOR, NO PLEASANT SURPRISE Director Johnnie To Kei Fung's previous film LINGER (WU DIP FEI) changed his style with a modern human ghost love story that was average but had no way to be a surprise hit. His new film SPARROW (MA JEUK) returned to his expertise of mob duel and cooked up the rarely seen pickpocket gang. The opening was successful as To Kei Fung remained one of the big pillars among the Hong Kong film depression. SPARROW mainly battled with something out of nothing and blade hidden under the tongue tricks, instead with big action with bullets and knives. Its center is even the thieving brethren running into a beauty plot that is rather interesting and shot with a lot of style. Yet the story is limited to small time game and not thoroughly entertaining enough. It is not as fun and suspenseful as last year's To Kei Fung and Wai Ka Fai co-directed MAD DETECTIVE (SUN TAM). In the film the Simon Yam Tat Wa led pickpocket gang of four ran into a mysterious thieving beauty Kelly Lin (Lam Hei Lui). After the encounter they often failed. Yet with honor among thieves, she struck up chivalry among the four men. They joined her in a plot against the wealthy expert Old Sparrow. This time To Kei Fung painted with light strokes, casually he often started with birds flying into old buildings, shot very nostalgic coffee shop, antique black and white camera, bicycle riding, and lingered around Wanchai, Central and Sheung Wan's streets and alleys that were full of neighborhood flavor. An earlier scene caught a series of theft, in the middle four men were bruised all over, later on a rainy night they battled with umbrellas in hands, all of which were full of film noir style. IT also had cross dressing humor. Love and honor were this film's positive points. Although the thieves lusted after the beauty they were able to remain gentlemen and chivalrous. The flaw was that it was more flashy than truly intriguing. Actor wise, Yam Tat Wa was tolerant and solid. Brethren like Lam Ka Tung each had small character specialty but were very "underdeveloped". Female lead Lam Hei Lui was like a bird that flew in, with a mysterious attraction she even specialized in winning sympathy that made her irresistible to men. Veteran Lo Hoi Peng also stood out and not the formula big old villain. How is today's Hong Kong pickpocket? SPARROW only made a movie with the subject and was not any practical reflection. In comparison to To Kei Fung's gunplay and mob films, this one was only child's play. Actually To's team has made thieving films like RUNNING OUT OF TIME (UM JIN) and YESTERDAY ONCE MORE (LUNG FUNG DAU). The former with Andy Lau Tak Wa and Lau Ching Wan were especially suspectful and full. - SHEK KEI (http://www.cultureshot.net/sekkkeiluklei) 3. MING PAO DAILY, JUNE 22 2008, FILM AND TELEVISION OBSERVATIONS INNOVATION REQUIRES TOLERANCE Tsui Hark's THE MISSING (SUM HOI CHUM YUN)'s box office has been less than ideal. After eight days in release it made only 940,000. The film company feels that the Hong Kong market is changing and the audience taste is hard to grasp. Several years ago many in film market surveys viewers criticized Hong Kong films for the lack of creativity. THE MISSING's overall performance may not have been ideal but it is full of creativity. At least viewers can tell the director is looking for innovation and change, but he may not necessarily receive viewer support. In comparison, foreign films performed better. Were foreign films truly creative? Not really, most sell computer visual effects. After watching too many they do not have much pleasant surprise. Viewer demand for creativity is one thing, buying a ticket is another. The writer feels that those market survey results are useless. When the film market is good, viewers instead would gladly accept innovation. Because they often go to the movies they would watch good and bad movies. They would be more able to accept some innovative but not yet mature work. Now before going viewers have to be very certain about what kind of movie it is. Comedy has to be very funny, tragedy has to jerk a lot of tears, horror has to be horrifying. Innovation has to be mature and complete mature, otherwise it would be criticized as no match for the old. Viewers are even more demanding with movies that seek innovation and change. Instead they have no expectation for movies that remain the same and barely pass and would not have very strong criticism. To film professionals who work hard for breakthrough the sense of setback is tremendous. Change is not successfully creating the next mainstream in one or two tries. Unfortunately viewers lack the patience or would rather buy tickets to continue supporting the non creative ones. Trend founding creators are the loneliest and have to be the most prepared for criticism. The writer feels for Hong Kong films to have tomorrow, they must have even more film professionals who are not afraid of failure or criticism, even more investors with foresight who are willing to give creators who are innovating and changing more chances to try. Past successes have become this way. - KWOK HIN CHING 4. TA KUNG PAO, JUNE 22 2008, LIGHT SHADOW PATH THE MOST IMPORTANT PART OF NEW DIRECTOR CULTIVATION Singapore film authority last week established a fund to invest in new director (first time director)'s films. The upper limit is S$250,000. This fund requires the director to find a local production company to invest. The fund investment can be as high as 80% and would guarantee local distributor Golden Village's distribution release, as well as providing 20,000 for promotion and distribution. The new director can even ask for profit sharing after the film recoups cost. The chairman says, this project is to promote the budding Singapore film industry and for new directors to be born easier. Singapore is doing so due to its director Eric Khoo becoming the first Singapore director with a movie (MY MAGIC) in Cannes film festival competition. The director over a decade ago has directed his first film and paid for it out of his own pocket. This film was not commercial and was very experimental; it did not stand out at all. Ten years later, he has become Singapore's film master (Time description) and proved the effort over time. Looking back at our Hong Kong film development council, it has no new director investment or financial assistance project. We keep saying that Hong Kong film industry talent has a gap. Without financial support for new directors the comment does not seem to hold water. Korea's assistance of new directors does not require any payback. Today even the "bud" Singapore film assists new directors. Our "sunsetting" film industry still does nothing to help. New directors' importance is not only in succeeding the business but also a market demand. Our 40 to 60 year old film professionals have hard time with satisfying the entertainment format of the teens and the 20s. This is not only an age difference but more important the cultural difference. This "thumb clan" (used for mobile phone activity and communication)'s trace in the virtual world indeed is not something that we can understand. Our assistance of new directors actually is not just assisting them but we also truly need them to provide new product for the market. Another issue that the Hong Kong film development council should think about is that the Singapore film authority's promotion and distribution assistance, which we would not consider in the investment budget. A 10 million film's promotion fee would be around 2 million, a common knowledge to film professionals. In other words to make a 10 million film the project must have 12 million. The film council is willing to invest 1/3 of the production cost but unwilling to promote and distribute, which actually is taking advantage of the investment partners. Thus many film professionals do not understand. The film council film investment should help film investment partners and film professionals not for taking advantage. It cannot ignore reasonable opinions due to "policy convenience". Helping the film industry but not new directors is another unreasonable example. - TIN LIK 5. TA KUNG PAO, JUNE 22 2008, FILM AND TELEVISION TRAVERSE THE INCREDIBLE TALENT AND LOVE OF CHANG CHEH In recent years, Hollywood science fiction action films not only used a lot of computer special effects but also added a lot of hardcore fight scenes that made the screen fuller and more cheery. Part of the reason is due to Hong Kong behind the scene film workers (mainly action directors) participation, and many directors' deep influence from Hong Kong films. One of the most influential directors was Chang Cheh. He has founded a masculine heroic gong fu films and the avenging passion blood filled films, the influence of which has endured to now. Quentin Tarantino has expressed numerous times his respect and appreciation of his work, especially Chang Cheh's gut spilling battle in THE HEROIC ONES (SUP SAM TAI BO). Instead of saying his KILL BILL was a salute to Shaw's, calling it a salute to Chang Cheh would be even more appropriate. Having passed away already for six years, Chang cheh was not only talked about for his masculine violence films but also for continuing to discover young actors and make several eras of action actors from Jimmy Wang Yu, John Chiang Dai Wai, Ti Ling, Chan Kuoon Tai, Alexander Fu Sing, to Tsui Siu Kin, Tung Yuk Wa, To Yuk Ming, Law Mong and others. His work's masculine heroic and that "dying for those who know you" influenced John Woo (Ng Yu Sum), Lau Ka Leung, Tsui Hark, Ringo Lam Lan Tung, Johnnie To Kei Fung and others, became the later mob film foundation and opened the 80s Hong Kong film glorious era in the international film scene. However, I admired Chang Chen the most for his pursuit of knowledge and persistence of his ideals. Looking back closely at his work recently, he has participated in many Huangmeidiao and dramatic film behind the work, or screenwriting (THE MERMAID, THE AMOROUS LOTUS PAN, SONG WITHOUT WORDS), or lyrics and music writing (HEAR PEARLY TEARS and THE FEMALE PRINCE's lyrics); his criticism and comments in his film critique, whether he liked the film or not, were not only objective but also had constructive suggestions. He also cited Chinese and foreign classic and film examples, which told us that Great Director Chang's wide range of knowledge of film, art and literature. Of course, the most memorable was Director Chang's beautiful calligrpahy in GOLDEN SWALLOW to match the sword wielding Wang Yu in white, which coordinated with his film's cold, lonely, alone and downtrotted wandering heroes. - CHUI HIU 6. MING PAO DAILY, JUNE 21 2008, FILM AND TELEVISION OBSERVATIONS CONCERT FROM PROFIT TO LOSS The Hong Kong Coliseum closes for renovation, which would make many singers lose money making opportunity. Built in 83, the Hong Kong Coliseum although was named as a sports complex, in the past most have gone to watch a concert. The Hong Kong Coliseum turned into the main concert venue and gave rise to the concert business. Yet over these 20 some years concert has changed a lot. In the 80s Chinese songs entered their prime and needed a major venue for concerts. Venues that only held 1,000 to 2,000 people could not handle the shows. The completion of the Hong Kong Coliseum actually was just right for this trend. The 20,000 seat Hong Kong Coliseum in the 80s still needed several dozens shows for the top singers. You could imagine how crazy fans were then. This business of concert pays first, when tickets are sold in advance. Investors theoretically can pick and choose. with good advanced sales and more shows, more can be invested in the show; if not, the shows cut back a little. Hong Kong concerts are different. In the 80s they started to buy luxurious costumes. Viewers not only came to listen to idols sing but also to watch the gadget filled stage, eye catching effects and the ever changing elegant clothing. When everything started big, when the popular music scene took a downturn, once big money making concerts started to lose money. Although the Hong Kong Coliseum has been booked solid in advance, singers could perform fewer and fewer showers. Only several could perform more than ten. With less shows, production quality could not be reduced in proportion. During the peak the cost was drastically risen but during the decline it did not fall in turn, which was the reason for the loss. With less shows, sponsors had to cover most of the tickets. When the official sale began, actually tickets were few. Yet they still had problem selling. The full house was only glory on the surface. - KWOK HIN CHING 7. MING PAO DAILY, JUNE 20 2008, FILM AND TELEVISION OBSERVATIONS THREE GREAT MASTERS CONTINUE TO PERFORM This summer, from now to august, Chinese films still have to rely on three 80s great directors' support. Tsui Hark's THE MISSING (SUM HOI CHUM YUN) will be released first, then Johnnie To Kei Fung's SPARROW (MAN JEUK) and John Woo (Ng Yu Sum)'s RED CLIFF PART I (CHET BIK). Among the three famous directors, Ng Yu Sum and Tsui Hark appeared in the 70s. To Kei Fung at that time was still working in television, but at the end of the 70s he made THE ENIGMATIC CASE (BIK SHUI HONG SAN DUET MING GUM). This year the three directors' work has one commonality, they all took time to shoot and years to make. THE MISSING is Tsui Hark's daring attempt with high definition in deep sea. Actors, directors, cinematographers, and workers all have to have scuba diving training. Deep sea filmmaking and a horror film at that, it is a Chinese film first. This film took a long time to prepare and was fully experimental. Tsui Hark once in awhile would seek breakthrough. His work might not be very mature, viewers can tell that he still continues to innovate and attempts to start the next mainstream. To Kei Fung's SPARROW took three years to make. The production stopped and started again, or shot when the mood struck. His film has become more and more stylized. The production has been very free and not very large. The cast consists of actors who he was used to, no need to adjust to schedules so he could make movies at his will. Only this type of production at will could make a little free innovation that is obviously different from Hong Kong films that took a dozen or so working day to complete. To Kei Fung in recent years has abandoned mainstream commercial films, shaken off the China Hong Kong co-production obstacle and gone international. Hong Kong is still his base. Even for his upcoming foreign film he will still abandon European locations for Hong Kong and Macau. Ng Yu Sum's RED CLIFF is the most expensive Chinese film in history and the first film of his return from Hollywood to the Chinese film market. RED CLIFF has been his dream for years. Although he ran into numerous obstacles and difficulties, the first installment will soon be released. No matter what, this is not just a movie, but a Chinese film event. When three great masters perform, what kind of impact would they have on the film market? - KWOK HIN CHING 8. MING PAO DAILY, JUNE 19 2008, FILM WORDS CITY WITHOUT BASEBALL'S NEW COOL ACTORS Like most in Hong Kong I did not understand baseball and thought that this place had no official baseball team. Then I watched the Lawrence Lau Kwok Cheung and Scud (Wan Yu) directed CITY WITHOUT BASEBALL (MO YEH JI SING) and realized that Hong Kong is not "without baseball". It actually has a baseball team. These young players have had no attention but keep training and playing hard, each to his own brilliance. CITY WITHOUT BASEBALL is very special Hong Kong new film, with fit and cool baseball players and Taiwan coach personally performing. They are natural and lively, unlike other Hong Kong youth films that often are silly and constantly about mob Wise Guys. This film has a new century city realism. As a semi documentary dramatic ensemble, aside from practices the film mainly is about opposite and same sex relationships. Undoubtedly, this independent production is complete enough. It even leans toward the same and opposite sex as it often shoots naked players bathing in the locker room and couples in bed. It loves the human body more than actually describing baseball. After watching I still have no idea with the baseball rules are. This film has not yet fully introduce the baseball situation, using the subject for homosexuality is not too fresh or crisp. Luckily these new actors are entertaining and would not be familiar looking. The character relationships are rather wonderful. Some encounters are decent too. The most wonderful are one of the players' sister and mother, at home they constantly have familiarity and humor and bring unexpected comedy. Hong Kong has always been under the soccer spell. In the 80s Hong Kong film THE CHAMPIONS (BOR NGAU) has already given soccer the gong fu touch. Stephen Chow Sing Chi's SHAOLIN SOCCER (SIU LUM JOOK KAU) was even mightier (unfortunately Hong Kong soccer has fallen on hard times), which influenced early this year Taiwan Jay Chou (Chow Kit Lun) starred KUNG FU DUNK (GONG FU GUOON NAM) also used basketball and special effect gong fu. Now Hong Kong actually cooked up a very alternative baseball film, let us see if new faces and different relationships can attract viewers. - SHEK KEI (http://www.cultureshot.net/sekkkeiluklei) 9. MING PAO DAILY, JUNE 19 2008, FILM AND TELEVISION OBSERVATIONS EARLY SUMMER FILM BATTLE The early summer film battle's foreign films were not as strong as last year's, but the Chinese films were even weaker. Steven Spielberg's return to INDIANA JONES originally was anticipated, but this KINGDOM OF THE CRYSTAL SKULL has already lost the surprise of the first RAIDER OF THE LOST ARK and only felt like old wine in a new bottle. Perhaps treasure hunt special effect films have been too numerous and everything has been seen. The over 20 million box office already was a decent answer to a classic series. One special effect film followed another, the performance was considered average. THE CHRONICLES OF NARNAI: PRINCE CASPIAN had the most screens with over 60. With less than two weeks in release it has already closed in 20 million at the box office. It should be this slot's best performer. THE INCREDIBLE HULK opened to 830,000, which already was decent for 37 screens. On the weekend the screens went to 42 with 1.5 and 1.6 million respectively. It had the head start but the momentum was the concern. SEX AND THE CITY pleased the office ladies, many female viewers have already watched it more than once. Male viewers are not interested, youth admission desire is not great either. After the second week the box office took a tumble. With more choices at the same time, it should not be able to reach the good performance of THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA. Although the first week box office had obviously slide, without drastic showing reduction it still had certain staying power. Representing chinese film in this slot will be the Tsui Hark directed THE MISSING (SUM HOI CHUM YUN). This film's cast has THE EYE (GEIN GWAI)'s Angelica Lee Sinjie, and the recently controversial due to rumors and contract lawsuit Isabella Leong Lok Si. Unfortunately they do not help the box office. Opening on 30 screens the film only made 84,000, which is a very low figure. THE MISSING reportedly originally was THE EYE 10, but later due to some collaboration issue it became the film that it is now. Hong Kong film rarely spent so much on deep sea production, this alone should be enjoyed at the movies. - KWOK HIN CHING [ In Production Now/Soon ] Can : Um Sat Lit : Assassination d. Soi Cheang Po Shui Louis Koo Tin Lok Can : Jing Yun Lit : Witness Nicholas Tse Ting Fung, Nick Cheung Ka Fai, Zhang Jingchu, Sherman Chung Shu Man 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. 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 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 August 14 2008 in Malaysia [ 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... 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 [ CINEMA ONLINE MALAYSIA ] In the early 1990s, a tractor mechanic from China nicknamed Steelhead illegally enters Japan to search for his girlfriend. To make ends meet, he joins his friend in Shinjuku in doing menial labor. Steelhead finds out that his girlfriend has married Eguchi, a Japanese Yakuza leader. Steelhead decides to stay in Japan and work for Eguchi as a hitman. Soon, Steelhead gets used to the power and find himself embroiled so deeply in the ways of the underworld that there is no turning back. 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 * ANDY HUI CHI ON AND WILLIAM SO WING HONG LIVE IN CONCERT Special Guest : Eddie Ng Kwok King VENUE LOCATION : Horseshoe Casino 777 Casino Center Drive Hammond IN 46320 www.horseshoe.com 866-711-SHOE DATE AND TIME : Friday night / Saturday morning, August 8 2008 @ 12AM TICKET PRICES: $148, 108, 88 TICKET OUTLET LOCATIONS: Ticket Master 866.448.7849 ONLINE www.thevenue-chicago.com * 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 -------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 June 24 2008 10 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 9 INDIANA JONES AND THE KINGDOM OF THE CRYSTAL SKULL d. Steven Spielberg Harrison Ford, Cate Blanchett, Karen Allen 8 THE MISSING Can : Sum Hoi Chum Yun Lit : Deep Sea Search Person d. Tsui Hark Angelica Lee Sinjie, Isabella Leong Lok Si Guo Xiaodong, Chang Chen, Tony Leung Ka Fai 7 21 d. Robert Luketic Jim Sturgess, Kevin Spacey, Kate Bosworth 6 THE HAPPENING d. M. Night Shyamalan Mark Wahlberg, Zooey Deschanel 5 SEX AND THE CITY d. Michael Patrick King Sarah Jessica Parker, Kim Cattrall, Kristin Davis, Cynthia Nixon 4 SUPERHERO MOVIE d. Craig Mazin Drake Bell, Sara Paxton, Christopher McDonald 3 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 2 THE INCREDIBLE HULK d. Louis Leterrier Edward Norton, Liv Tyler, Tim Roth, William Hurt 1 THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA: PRINCE CASPIAN d. Andrew Adamson Ben Barnes, Georgie Henley, Skandar Keynes ------ Summaries for some of the films above. Some contain SPOILERS CITY WITHOUT BASEBALL Rating : IIB Length : 101 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. THE MISSING Rating : IIB Length : 118 mins. Opening June 12 2008 [ CINEMA ONLINE MALAYSIA ] A man who plans to propose to his girlfriend hides an engagement ring in the ancient underwater ruins off Japan's Yonaguni Island. However, the romantic underwater proposal soon goes horribly wrong when a freak accident befalls him. THE SPARROW Rating : IIA Length : 87 mins. 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. ------ GLOBAL CHINESE SONG CHART For Saturday, June 21 2008 15 GROW UP OVERNIGHT Can : Yut Man Jeung Dai Andy Lau Tak Wa 14 QUESTION ANSWER USELESS Can : Mun Dam Mo Yung Wang Zijie (Wong Ji Kit) 13 CURED WITHOUT MEDICINE Can : But Yeuk Yi Yu Claire Kuo (Kwok Jing) 12 NO ABANDONMENT IN LIFE AND DEATH Can : Sun Sei But Lei Jackie Chan 11 FAITH Can : Shun Lim Anson Hu (Wu Yin Bun) 10 MEMORY PIANO Can : Gei Yik Gong Kum Valen Hsu (Hui Wai Yun) 9 PEONY ? Can : Mau Dan Yau Jeff Chang Shun Jit 8 THOUSAND MOUNTAINS TEN THOUSAND WATER Can : Chin San Man Shui Jay Chou (Chow Kit Lun) 7 LOVE AND HOPE Can : Oi Yu Hei Mong JJ Lin Junjie 6 EVERY YEAR HAS TODAY Can : Nin Nin Yau Gum Yut Leo Ku Kui Ke 5 SING WITH ME Can : Pui Ngor Gor Cheung Soda Green 4 LIKING YOU IS VERY TIRING Can : Hei Foon Yut Gor Yun Ho Lui Vinci Chan (Wing Yi) 3 ROAD...HAS ALWAYS BEEN HERE Can : Lo...Yut Jik Doh Joi Eason Chan Yik Shun 2 MYSTERY GUEST Can : Sun Bei Ga Bun James Lin (Lam Yau Ga) 1 FALLEN FOR BEAUTY Can : Oi Seung Nei Dik Mei Yu Quan ------ [ 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. RUN BABY RUN Bad Baby! Which part of "Don't come home" do you not understand? Just when Juno just made a squished fish face on the glass earlier too. Could this week get any stranger? Apparently it did. Between unconscious date sabotage, making himself anything from unavailable to undesirable, giving advice that he has no business giving, ruining sports for everyone, to rudely turning down wedding invitations (Sorry, Love, Your Chaffing Editor is not that grown up after all.) nothing has been normal. Alas, the week has been a week of loss as well. The passing of George Carlin has been a large one for the world of comedy. Be excellent to each other and party on, dude. (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Carlin) Your Chaffing Editor also joins the New York Aquarium in mourning the loss of Ayveq. (http://www.newsday.com/news/local/wire/newyork/ny-bc-ny--obit-walrus0623jun23,0,2924090.story) Less depressing was that Your Chaffing Editor totally spaced and missed MAD DETECTIVE. First of all, he did not know that the New York Asian Film Festival was going on (someone is not doing his job.) Secondly he could not find the IFC Center or the Japan Society even if his life depended on it. (www.subwaycinema.com) At least he has not squandered his money on ZOHAN, GURU or GET SMART. Less forced laughter means more drinking and artery clogging! Finally, people simply could not drive this week. A freak accident in Chinatown with the Fung Wah bus that resembled something out of FINAL DESTINATION killed a woman. Earlier in the week, a car plowed into a rush hour crowd on the 7th Avenue sidewalk. (http://www.nypost.com/seven/06242008/news/regionalnews/chinatown_nightmare_116934.htm) (http://www.nypost.com/seven/06212008/news/regionalnews/car_chaos_hurts_18_116511.htm) Please, Grand Theft Auto 4 is not a driving instruction video game; leave the reckless driving in the comforts of your couch. Jer Jer Stinks, Your Chaffing Editor Top Ten Central Lunar Stages 2008 Sunset Cinema Series: Chinatown, Summer of Love Columbus Park Paviliion Grounds, 67 Mulberry Street Manhattan 7pm – 8pm: Cultural & Family Activities Sunset: Movie Screening Free Admission (Limited Capacity Available) Bring a blanket/mat with you! Movie Lineup: 5.31 - Nana (Japan, 2005) 6.07 - Hooked on You (Hong Kong, 2007) 6.14 - Train Man (Japan, 2005) 6.21 - Falling for Grace (USA, 2007) 6.28 - Love on a Diet (Hong Kong, 2001) Note: All films are shown in their native language with English subtitles, except Falling for Grace. This program is supported, in part, with public funds from Lower Manhattan Cultural Council New York City Department of Cultural Affairs New York City Department of Parks & Recreation New York State Council on the Arts New York City Manhattan Delegation Special Thanks NYC Office of the Manhattan Borough President Tai Seng Entertainment Event Co-Organizer: Asian American / Asian Research Institute (AAARI), The City University of New York (CUNY) For more information, please visit www.aaari.info/2008sunsetchinatown.htm. --- [ WHAT IS YOUR CHAFFING EDITOR LISTENING TO ] CHECK YES JULIET We The Kings (www.youtube.com/watch?v=s1R_txIuuio) Check yes juliet are you with me rain is falling down on the sidewalk i won't go until you come outside check yes juliet kill the limbo i'll keep tossing rocks at your window cause there's no turning back for us tonight lace up your shoes A O A O ah here's how we do run baby run don't ever look back they'll tear us apart if you give them the chance don't sell your heart don't say we're not meant to be run baby run forever will be you and me check yes juliet i'll be waiting wishing, wanting yours for the taking just sneak out and don't tell a soul goodbye check yes juliet here's the countdown 3...2...1... now fall in my arms now they can change the locks don't let them change your mind lace up your shoes A O A O ah here's how we do run baby run don't ever look back they'll tear us apart if you give them the chance don't sell your heart don't say we're not meant to be run baby run forever will be you and me we're flying through the night flying through the night way up high, the view from here is getting better with you by my side run baby run don't ever look back they'll tear us apart if you give them the chance don't sell your heart don't say we're not meant to be run baby run forever will be you and me ---------------------- HK Top Ten Central hktopten@hotmail.com | http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Towers/2038