From: NO TOP TEN CENTRAL Newsgroups: alt.asian-movies,soc.culture.hongkong.entertainment Subject: [TAKE OVER] HKSAR Film No Top 10 Box Office (JUNE 26 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. Mark Lui Chung Tak who celebrates his birthday on the 9th B. Ella Koon Yun Na who celebrates her birthday on the 9th 2. MISCELLANEOUS * (7/9/2008) Today, Jackie Chan came to Shanghai for the Jackie Chan film art museum launch. Reportedly, Jackie Chan personally selected the location and granted the right to construct the museum, which was the world's only Jackie Chan museum. The art museum has three preserved building with total area of 2,000 square mteres. The exhibit is in three parts. The first part introduces Jackie Chan's growth, life background, opera academy experience, the second part displays Jackie Chan's most initial film experience and this period's Hong Kong film culture, and the third part displays Jackie Chan's Hollywood experience. Jackie Chan expressed that many secrets that few knew about would appear here, including some setback that he has experienced. He believed that more could learn from the experience. Jackie Chan said, a film art museum construction has always been one of his dreams. Years ago he has already considered the location, which included Australia, Japan, New Zealand or Hong Kong. Ultimately he felt that he was Chinese, an art museum with his name would be best in Mainland China. Jackie Chan said, after the art museum construction has been completed, he would invite stars from the entertainment world to promote film culture here, as well as friends who like film and especially young people to talk about film and general film knowledge. At the press conference, Jackie Chan even revealed that he still has many unfulfilled dream. Currently he has been working nonstop and has not have time. Later he would put more effort into what he originally wanted to do. He expressed that he has always wanted to build a wushu school but since he did not have so much time to run it and did not want to let it in the hands of someone else, the plan has been set aside. He absolutely would not give up. As long as it had a chance he still would do his best to complete it. Reportedly, Jackie Chan Museum will be opened to public on October 1 2009. * (7/9/2008) The Chinese costume epic RED CLIFF (CHET BIK) yesterday held a Taiwan press conference. Director John Woo (Ng Yu Sum) led Tony Leung Chiu Wai, Takeshi Kaneshiro (Gum Sing Mo), Lin Chiling and Chang Chen in attendance. They even attended the premiere. While Wai Jai talked about his character Zhou Yu, the press was more concerned with his marriage to girlfriend Carina Lau Ka Ling. He however stressed that he would not answer "minor romantic" questions and disappointed the press. Lin Chiling honestly said that she was very nervous about the film promotion reaching her hometown of Taipei. She felt like an elementary school girl getting a report card and at the same time she understood the greatness of the film industry and the effort that Ng Yu Sum has paid bravely to fulfill his dream of many year. In the film her bed with Leung Chiu Wai has become the focus. Did she want to challenge the limits of Tang Wei in LUST CAUTION? She expressed that this bed scene was artistic and reserved, but she would not put herself in a frame and was willing to try any challenge and opportunity. When asked whether she played a "flower vase" fittingly, she had tears in her eyes and said that her character Xiaoqiao's personality was as soft as water but as strong as water as well. She also stressed that each character in the film had its importance. Even as a "flower vase" she should be fully responsible. Ng Yu Sum said that if she was a flower vase she was a beautiful flower vase. However Lin Chiling was not as her hard work made her performance a pleasant surprise and not feel like her first. Gum Sing Mo played Zhuge Liang. He said that this time the character had more sense of humor, which was the unique quality that Ng Yu Sum wanted to add as he did not want every character to be so serious. They could be more lively. He liked the arrangement and felt that Ng Yu Sum handled each character very well. In addition, Mrs. Ng Yu Sum put the entire production process and highlight into a RED CLIFF book, the royalty of which would be donated for Sichuan earthquake relief. * (7/8/2008) John Woo (Ng Yu Sum) and Chang Chen headed to Taiwan together to promote their film RED CLIFF (CHET BIK). Ng Yu Sum honestly said that he has been very satisfied with RED CLIFF"s performance, especially the Mainland box office that has been very ideal. Was he confident that RED CLIFF would win awards? He felt that awards would depend on luck and audience appreciation was the most important. Recently Chow Yun Fat has been rumored to have resigned from MEN OF IRON as well. Ng Yu Sum clarified that MEN still needed investors and has not started production. As for Chow Yun Fat's resignation from RED CLIFF it was due to contract negotiation. It would not affect their collaboration and in the future they will have many opportunities. Chang Chen said that RED CLIFF's Korean response has been great. He has never thought that he could invade the Korean market because he did not know Korean. Yet if the chance would arise to make Korean films to play foreign characters he would like to give it a try. * (7/8/2008) Johnnie To Kei Fung two nights ago headed to Paris then to the New Delhi film festival, which he would attend for the first time after numerous invitation. Ah To revealed that recently an Indian film company has purchased ELECTION (HAK SEH WUI)'s remake right but they would be responsible for everything. He would not participate. Ah To ran into John Woo (Ng Yu Sum) at the airport but Ah To has not seen RED CLIFF yet. He said that he definitely would. This film took years to make and he looked forward to it. * (7/8/2008) Manfred Wong (Man Jun)'s marriage with Law Ka Wai has been rumored to come to an end. Earlier paparazzi caught him with a woman in a Macau casino. Man Jun kept quiet until yesterday when he responded on his blog and admitted that he and Law Ka Wai have parted. However he would always treat her as family and promised to care for and protect his former wife. "Most of Ka Wai's and my friends know that we have parted, which isn't any secret. Our son will soon be 19 and he says he understands. Ka Wai has her career and bright future ahead. I continue to live my life. We still are in touch and have a friendly relationship! Thank you very much for your concern. We are not on screen artists, so I hope to be able to maintain some privacy! Former wife can also always be family. I have already promised to care for and protect, as I always have!" * (7/6/2008) Prudence Lau Mei Kwan, Anthony Wong Chau Sun, Race Wong Yuen Ling, Sammy and Susan Shaw Yam Yam yesterday attended the new film NGOR BUT MAI SUN JI MAI JI GUNG (I DON'T SELL BODY ONLY SELL UTERUS)'s production start ceremony in Sham Shui Po. Wong Chau Sun and Prudence posed for pictures together and Prudence said that the last time they worked together was a soft drink commercials decades ago. "At the time I was only 14 or 15, he said he was two years older." Chau Sun praised Prudence for remaining just as young looking over the years. He pointed at his hair and joked, "When I saw her I didn't dare to get close. She didn't change, look at me!" Prudence said, "I feel I have grown up, without as much baby fat. Normally when I go out I don't wear make up, which is the reason." Prudence said that she has not made a movie for over 20 years. Her last time was already LAW OR JUSTICE (FAT JUNG CHING). Was she used to filmmaking? "It takes a little getting used to, before the shoot I don't know what to do. Herman (director Yau Lai To) is my good friend. He says that the script is very right for me. After reading it I really liked it. Earlier when I left Hong Kong, he said he would wait for me to come back. He waited for three years and was very sincere." Prudence in the film played a street walker. Yesterday she worked without any make up. She said, "It's more comfortable in such heat, I can wipe my face as much as I want." Before the shoot the film company arranged for Prudence to talk with two sex workers. She said, "I want to know why they would take drugs, I want to know the feeling, what happens when they don't take them, what happens when they are done taking them. The meeting was very helpful to the characters and added my understanding of this business." Chau Sun earlier worked on a film in Brazil. He claimed that the local environment and hygiene were rather poor, luckily he was able to stomach them. Emperor has sued Universal for approaching Isabella Leong Lok Si to promote THE MUMMY TOMB OF THE DRAGON EMPEROR without its permission, did Chau Sun have any contact with Isabella? He said, "Yes, (how does she feel?) no comment, (is she unhappy?) Her life is great, thank you everyone for your concern." Emperor has prohibited her from promoting in Los Angeles. Chau Sun also participated in the film but he did not need to promote there. Was Isabella rather troubled? "I have my own principles. The less I know about sensitive questions the better so don't ask me." Race recently signed with Hong Kong Star and in the coming year she will develop in music and movies. In the film she played a pregnant character. She said that she did a lot of research. "Girls have to have a child. I just signed with a new company so I have to wait a few years, when I am 30." Sherming Yiu Lok Yi played a drug addict street walker and attracted a lot of leering men. Lok Yi said, "I thought they were extras. I am not scared, so many workers are here that I would stick to them. I wouldn't go to the bathroom alone." * (7/6/2008) Nicholas Tse Ting Fung yesterday worked on Dante Lam Chiu Yin's new film JING YUN (WITNESS). He not only performed a car crash but also was in an upside down car. He not only did not complain but also joked that this scene was already considered minor. As for whether his company would team him with Gillian Chung Yun Tung, Ting Fung said that he would not listen to anything that has not been confirmed. Yesterday around 3AM, Tse Ting Fung has already arrived in Tseung Kwan O for the film. Liu Kai Chi who had a lot of scenes with Ting Fung also arrived earlier. Nick Cheung Ka Fai and Mainland actress Miao Pu did not join Ting Fung until the afternoon for the car crash scene. Ting Fung performed personally many car chase and crash scenes yesterday. He even had to work inside an upside down car. Before the shoot Ting Fung studied the plot and performance with the director. When he saw left over glass on the ground, to avoid any unnecessary injury he even personally picked up a broom and swept the area clean. Ting Fung said, "Necessary dangerous stunts have to be done. This film doesn't have too many car chase and crash scenes. I don't have to fight either. Yet the heat is hard to take, making this film is harder than working on STORM RIDERS 2 in Thailand. Although STORM RIDERS had heavy costumes, the shoot was only a few steps from the studio. Here is very hot and we have to shoot until the end of the month." After the shoot would he have to go home for his wife Cecilia Cheung Pak Chi to examine his injuries? He responded only with a smile and the crew immediately stopped the press from following up. * (7/5/2008) Gigi Leung Wing Kei, Chen Bo-Lin (Chan Pak Lam), Shaun Tam Chun Yin, Terry Fan Siu Wong and HotCha yesterday attended the Joe Ma Wai Ho directed new film OI DUT HEI's production start ceremony. The ceremony took place in Chen Bo-Lin's on screen home inside a former elementary school. For the actors to have a sense of belonging during the shoot, the director asked them to bring personal items to work. Gigi brought a bathrobe and a giant pillow. Bo-Lin brought a rinse cup and toothbrush. In the film, Gigi and Bo-Lin would develop a sibling in law romance and even have intimate scenes. They did not know how passionate it would be but they worried that the temperature would be too hot and stick for the shoot. Bo-Lin felt a little awkward about intimate scenes with Gigi and hoped that they would not be too passionate. He also would not mind his girlfriend Mandy Lieu to visit. * (7/5/2008) Gordon Chan Ka Seung and Joe Cheung Tung Cho yesterday attended a Hong Kong City University East Asia film cross cultural layer international forum. Chan Ka Seung's film PAINTED SKIN (WAT PEI) is in post production and will be released simultaneously in Hong Kong and Mainland at the end of September. He said that Mainland would have 10 circuits and 1,500 screens and he would spent 2 to 3 weeks on the promotional tour. He said, "My duty is to make a movie good. The box office is beyond my area of control. Instead I am more concerned with the audience's reaction. However I am confident that Hong Kong and Mainland viewers will like this film." * (7/4/2008) Roger Kwok Chun On, Natalie Meng Yao, JJ Jia (Ga Hiu Sun), Maggie Lee Man Kwan, Tanya Wu (Ng Ka Yun) and Anke Bei two nights ago worked on the Wong Jing produced new film YAU JET GEUNG SI UM LUEN NEI (A ZOMBIE HAS A CRUSH ON YOU). Playing models in the film, the ladies all appeared in bikini tops and shorts. Kwok Chun On had a kiss scene with Jo Kuk Cho Lam and took only two takes. He said that his wife Cindy Au Sin Yi was very relaxed and would not question him. He also stated that their child came first for his wife. At first he was worried about mood issue after birth with her but luckily he was just worrying too much. Playing Apple in LADY IRON CHEF (MEI YUN CHU FONG), Angel Ho Cheuk Ying two nights ago also participated and had a make out scene with a male co-star in the cemetery. The director asked him to kiss Angel's neck and she pushed him away. Later reporters asked her and the co-star to pretend for photos and she declined as well. Brother Jing asked her for a peek on the cheek with the co-star and she still was reluctant to cooperate. She even joked, "How can Brother Jing be so open!" Brother Jing walked away displeased and asked Meng Yao to pose for the press photos. Brother Jing expressed that perhaps before hand they did not state their bottom line clearly and he could not change the cast. Yet he felt that now new comers were not cooperative and would only put themselves at a disadvantage. He praised other actress though for being very nice. * (7/4/2008) Sundream Pictures' SUMMER TAIL qualified for the 2008 Taipei Film Festival's Million Movie Award. Director Cheng Wen-Tang even attended the screening two nights ago and met with the audience. Many film students at the event expressed after watching that film they had the impulse to make movies. Director Cheng wished them well and encouraged me to. Director Cheng was asked whether he minded the kiss scene between his lead actress and daughter Enno and Bryant Chang (Cheung Yui Ga), he humorously responded, "Originally the screenplay didn't have the kiss scene, I added it to throw my daughter into the fire. Just kidding! I don't care, it's filmmaking!" * (7/4/2008) Andy Lau Tak Wa was rumored to play Zhuge Liang in RED CLIFF (CHET BIK). Yesterday John Woo (Ng Yu Sum) denied at a radio interview and stated that he admired Wa Jai. Currently they had plans to work together. He expressed that in INFERNAL AFFAIRS and WORLD WITHOUT THIEVES Wa Jai had extremely great performance and has already entered another stage. He hoped to make a new genre for Wa Jai. Earlier they ran into each other at the Golden Horse Award, Wa Jai said that as soon as he called he would come. As for Lau Tak Wa as Zhuge Liang, he said that actually Leung Chiu Wai would have played the role but Wai Jai just finished LUST CAUTION and was worried that he would not have enough time to practice the Mandarin line. Later due to numerous changes Wa Jai played Zhou Yu while Takeshi Kaneshiro (Gum Sing Mo) played Zhuge Liang. * (7/4/2008) Mandy Chiang Nga Man for the film SUP FUN JUNG CHING (100% FALLEN IN LOVE)'s poster and was very friendly with director Cheung Wai Hung. They made different poses and put their arms around each other's shoulders as couples. They even kept on shaking. After the shoot she joked that she was a little dizzy. In the film's FORECAST short story, she played art student office lady Doi Ah who lived for her mother. When her mother passed away she suffered a tremendous setback and could not be certain whether she was heartbroken or freed. Lead actor (Cheung Tak Kwong)'s appearance gave her a chance to look inside herself. * (7/3/2008) Mainland actor Hu Jun earlier came to Hong Kong to attend the press conference and premiere with Chinese epic RED CLIFF (CHET BIK)'s fellow cast members. Playing Zhao Zilong in the film, he turned down a lot of work to focus on the film. For almost a year in production he only worked only one job, which he thought was worth the effort. He was confident that through this film he would gain back all that he has lost in the process. Most recently Andy Lau Tak Wa also released THREE KINGDOMS RESURRECTION OF THE DRAGON (SAM GOK ji GEIN LUNG SEH GAP), in which he also played Zhao Zilong. Was Hu Jun worried about the comparison? He said, "No, Lau Tak Wa's performance definitely had a lot more room for development. Because he played the character from his youth to his senior years, he definitely was more thorough. I only played the Red Cliff portion. I still haven't see his film yet because I have been working, but I still look forward to seeing his film." Hu Jun had no gong fu background but he had a part in all the film's major battle scenes. Before the shoot he had martial art and horse riding training. He also ran to get in shape and action director Corey Yuen Kwai tailored his moves, thus he was able to handle the action. However he injured his hip and needed to rest for a month at the hospital. Would he start studying martial art to handle future shoots? He laughed, "It's too late to learn now. I like drama more anyway. This time mainly the screenplay attracted me to try." Working with internationally renowned director John Woo (Ng Yu Sum) on such a big production, would he hope to launch internationally with the film? He said, "If the opportunity presents itself of course I would, but working in Mainland is great too. Even Ng Yu Sum has come back." As from the director, Tony Leung Chiu Wai and Takeshi Kaneshiro (Gum Sing Mo) are also known around the world. The media focus would easily fall on them and he obviously was at a disadvantage. Yet he was a top Mainland Best Actor. Why was he willing to take this role? He felt that each actor had his fame, completing the character was the most important. The audience should judge whether an actor's performance in a film was outstanding and not the actors themselves. "They both had decent performance. Sometimes they even worked while ailing, even with high fever. Everyone got along great so I felt very honored to be able to work with them. (The director) was great to the actors and on the job he was in full control." When asked whether he would like to direct, he stated that he still liked acting. Although actors might suffer from the weather and injuries for the performance he felt that actors should accept the pain as long as it was worth the effort." In the past Hu Jun has played many heroes as well as little people, all of which have won his rave reviews. However he still liked playing the little people the most because the interpretation was easier. Thus when he went out he liked to pay attention to other people's expressions to help his own character research. If he had the chance to play a hero again he would like to play Nuerhachi or Genghis Khan. Although a lot of work has been done about them he felt that they still could be made repeatedly. * (7/3/2008) Lin Chiling earlier appeared on a Cable interview. In the film RED CLIFF (CHET BIK) she played Xiaoqiao and had many intimate scenes with Best Actor Tony Leung Chiu Wai. She honestly said that during the shoot she was not frightened or embarrassed because Wai Jai focused on communicating with her and would bring her into the role. Thus the performance was very natural. When asked whether she has forgotten her lines due to Leung Chiu Wai's eyes, Lin Chiling gently said, "That's a secret between me and him." She also praised Wai Jai's magnetism when he spoke Putonghua, full of masculinity with a little tenderness. She hoped that director John Woo (Ng Yu Sum) would consider her for a villain role, the worse the better because it would be more challenging. She did not mind playing a prostitute or a killer. She did not even have any problem with table dancing and confidently said, "I can do it! I can do it!" * (7/3/2008) RED CLIFF (CHET BIK) director John Woo (Ng Yu Sum) led the cast and the One Foundation founder Jet Li (Lee Nin Kit) two days ago at a RED CLIFF charity auction event to help the Sichuan earthquake relief effort. The evening raised 1 million yuan. Lee Nin Kit stated that Chinese film has already stepped into a level of coexistence between art and charity. Director Ng Yu Sum stated that Lee Nin Kit truly represented human heroics and he was no match for him. The 9th annual China Changchun Film Festival today opens in Changchun, Gelin. This film festival had 286 films in competition and participation, 153 films would compete for the Golden Deer award in 12 categories. The film festival jury consisted of 11 famous film professionals of two shores three lands and even had overseas exchange as films from New Zealand, Australia, Germany, Russia and France have participated. [ BLAH OF THE WEEK ] Columns, Reviews, Interviews 1. MING PAO DAILY, JULY 8 2008, FILM AND TELEVISION OBSERVATIONS THIS "HIGH DEFINITION" DIFFERS FROM THAT "HIGH DEFINITION" Television now has high definition broadcast, film has also started to use more and more high definition productions. The two actually are different. Television high definition is 1920 X 1080 p broadcast standard, which is still quite far from high definition that film uses. Overseas the highest resolution digital video is used to replace traditional film and the result is already very close. Some would describe it as high definition, but its clarity is much higher than the broadcast high definition. However, some truly uses broadcast high definition equipment or even the lower HDV to make movies then transfer them to film for theatrical screening. No wonder people are confused. Filmmaking with lower standard high definition works but is mostly for television films. If well made then they are transferred to film for theatrical release, otherwise they would only be sold on video and television broadcast. This type of high definition film after transferring to 35 MM traditional film the visual quality would be obviously different than film. For movies like documentaries or more stylized films, the problem would not be much. The quasi documentary youth film SEE YOU IN YOU TUBE (OI DAU DAI) was made HDV. With the low budget and the over 5 million box office its box office was better than many big productions that used film, which proved that viewers would not mind visual quality too much with some subjects. Highest standard digital video production are mostly used on big Hollywood special effect film, the average viewer may not be able to tell that it is not made with film. The use of this type of high quality digital video is not to save money but for computer special effect convenience. Computer special effect would require film to be transferred to digital format, stored into a computer for editing then transferred back to film from digital. With all the transfers, of course some realism is lost. If the production is digital, one less transfer instead reduces the realism loss. The future definitely will be a digital world. Hong Kong currently only has a few high quality digital projection cinemas and has not officially started. - KWOK HIN CHING 2. TA KUNG PAO, JULY 6 2008, LIGHT SHADOW PATH BIG FILMS REIGN THE MAINLAND MARKET In a Beijing class, a very famous professor Cheung Yi Mo explained the "globalization era Chinese culture problem". The subject was very serious, but Professor Cheung's lecture was rather interesting and a great lecture demonstration. Cheung Yi Mo earlier due to a comparison between Zhang Ziyi and Confucius and received some internet criticism. This lecture was captivating but also had a lot humor that everyone could appreciate. Professor Cheung felt, the creation of globalization had two very important events, one was 119 and the other 911. The former was the Berlin Wall collapse, the latter was the World Trade center attack. Two events were two different worlds' merger and standoff that became the most important political events of the last 20 years. The Berlin Wall collapse gave mutual exchanges between two camps. Professor Cheung cited a very interesting example. During the Lenin era, the revolutionaries all said capitalists should be hung. Suddenly someone asked, "Where would we buy ropes to hang capitalists?" Lenin paused and said, "At that time those capitalists will sell ropes to us." Lenin's quick wit was thoroughly demonstrated. Shanghai's Xintiandi is a thriving district, but next to it is a memorial hall for the People's Republic of China's first meeting location. Someone asked the curator, "Here is the first meeting museum, outisde is a thriving metropolis, how do you feel?" The curator calmly responded, "Our revolutionaries back then bled rivers not the later generations to be able to live like this." Another intelligent yet complete answer. Cheung Yi Mo often watched movies and pointed out that big films reigned in the Mainland market. In 2002's 600 million yuan Chinese film box office, 200 million came from HERO. Small budget production's "confirmation" was weaker and "coincidence" was higher. Due to globalization and the growing use of the internet, Mainland would have the most internet users. CRAZY STONE due to internet word of mouth became the surprise hit. In the last quarter century, globalization has gradually formed. With Mainland's open policy, mainland has become the global market's most important virgin land. Mainland with its economic growth has become the third largest nation in the world. Many foreign business people love to come to Mainland. Professor Cheung described them as "Love the Chinese people and get the Chinese currency". They came to Mainland for business. Cheung Yi Mo's lecture lasted three hours without any lull. The average listener may not be able to understand the deeper meaning parts, but his wit and humor along with his ability to tell a sotry are worthy of our film colleagues' study. - TIN LIK 3. MING PAO DAILY, JULY 5 2008 FILM CRITIC TABOOS Film biographer Ronald Bergan recently in an English newspaper blog posted a film critic discussion article and questioned whether truly objective film criticism was viable. Critiques have always been subjective and Bergan's question was rhetorical (many reader comments proved that in the blog), but the article reminded colleagues to avoid using some antiquated and overused terms that were worthy of study. The first word was slow. This word in any critique today obviously is negative but actually it is neutral, like its opposite term "fast". Would we criticize a score as slow, too slow, fast or too fast? When film critics say a film is slow or too slow, he hints that the film is very "dull", another meaningless and subjective term (similar terms include "black and white production", "video/high definition production"). If someone proclaims that he feels operas or Shakespeare to be dull, the comment does not reflect on anything of operas or Shakespeare but only the person who has made the comment. Time is extremely subjective. Critique and film length has no definite direct relationship, the relationship is the critic's experience within this period. You can watch a three to four hour film and not feel it is long, but a poor fifteen minute short film can feel endless to you. Film critics who say a movie is "too long" again expose their dullness from the film' style and not its length. We say a movie is "dated" not because its lack of mobile phones or computers. The traditions and habits that are reflected in the film may no longer be found in our time. Yet these so-called "dated films" can reflect their ears more than other films. Describing a film as "old" or "dated" often hints that the film was made before the film critic's birth. Yet why use the term "old" to describe a movie? Why would no one say that he is listening to old concert performance, reading an old novel, or watching an old play? The terms pretentious and obscure' true meaning is that the film critic does not understand the film. Film critics should not recommend a film. How can he recommend a film to a group of strangers? When you run into a stranger on the train, would you recommend the book that you are reading without identifying his taste first? Your critique should enable readers after reading it decide whether they should see that movie. - SHU KEI 4. MING PAO DAILY, JULY 5 2008, FILM AND TELEVISION OBSERVATIONS HOLLYWOOD FILM'S "HABITUAL RATING" TVB in the local television market has always relied on habitual rating. In the film market, Hollywood films in the cinemas also enjoy such a "habitual rating" advantage. Hong Kong films or other areas' films are like ATV or pay television channels' Hong Kong ratings. No matter how hard they try, they can only occasionally achieve once in awhile. TVB after seeing other television stations' success would follow suit and produce similar programs or make high offers to the cast and crew to prevent the other station from succeeding further. When Hollywood sees regional films' outstanding box office it would do something similar. First it buys the film's remake rights, cast Hollywood superstars and then film directors to direct in Hollywood. This way it absorbs content and talent away to strengthen itself. We say TVB programs rarely innovate, Hollywood films have the same problem. TVB year after year makes a new installment of a successful series. Does Hollywood film not continuously make sequel? As the market leader, innovation risk reduction and maximizing profits from old ideas seem to be definite strategies. Risky innovation is left for others. When they succeed they are transplanted over or require more money. Yet it is safe and low risk. The big winner should give other opponents a little space to exist. That little space may permit miracles to happen and can be treated as experimental grounds. Eradication may not be advantageous to winners. Instead it may accelerate their deaths. In television for example, a monopoly would stall programming. After cost is continuously reduced, rating would appear to slide. Viewers who are tired of repeating programs would switch to watch weaker rival station programs even if they are not quality programs just for a change of taste. This situation in the past has appeared numerous times, when ATV had no power to fight back and TVB had over 90% rating for a long time. Hollywood film peak also had a period of decline. - KWOK HIN CHING 5. MING PAO DAILY, JULY 4 2008, FILM AND TELEVISION OBSERVATIONS YOUTH VIEWERS DRIVE FILM MARKET Two foreign films are entangled in a battle, one is the family driven KUNG FU PANDA and the other is comic book based special effect film WANTED. KUNG FU PANDA opened with 3 million and showed the market potential after examinations and before summer vacation. WANTED's numbers could not rival KUNG FU PANDA's, especially on holidays. Yet the interesting phenomenon was on weekdays WANTED's box office was better than KUNG FU PANDA's. Although with few screens it had better admission rate. From screen numbers cinema owners initially favored KUNG FU PANDA so it had more shows. However, WANTED was a hit and made owners add screens and shows. On the holiday KUNG FU PANDA's success could be simply explained: parents would only have time then to take their children to the movies. WANTED targeted young people, who go to the movies on their own. Without their parents the box office naturally was lower. Worthy of attention is that WANTED and KUNG FU PANDA's box office did not differ too much, demonstrating that young viewers' film market power. In the past films that targeted the entire family were favorable, which was the most obvious with Hollywood animation that usually had great performance in the summer. WANTED was not this type of film. Its story was simple and not the highest class action film of the same Hollywood caliber. Yet the trailer's action scenes were very stylish and thus attracted many young people. Some industry insiders felt that young viewer driven film market would become clearer and clearer. Earlier survey showed that most cinema viewers were teenagers. They would go to the movies all year long. Yet has film production walked toward this direction? In recent years Hong Kong films began to get younger, most were small budget operations and have not achieved mainstream. Big film subjects tended to be old, a situation that worried some. The box office would show that some small budget youth subject films would not be lower than big director and old subjects at the local box office. - KWOK HIN CHING 6. MING PAO DAILY, JULY 3 2008, FILM AND TELEVISION OBSERVATIONS THREE KINGDOMS FILMS ATTRACT MIDDEL AGE AUDIENCE John Woo (Ng Yu Sum)'s highest cost Chinese film RED CLIFF (CHET BIK) will release its first installment soon. Although in recent years Chinese armor films have flooded in continuously and made viewers tired of armors, this armor film that wsa the most expensive in history conceivably still would have a lot of viewer support. THREE KINGDOMS themed war films earlier included Daniel Lee Yan Kong's RESURRECTION OF THE DRAGON (GEIN LUNG SEH GAP), the performance of which was average and attracted a group of middle aged viewers who were interested in THREE KINGDOMS. Historical war films were rather heavy for young people. Unless the costumes were outstanding and had the same feel, oe the action had never before seen visual effects, they would not be their cups of tea. THREE KINGDOMS fortunately was used to make Japanese video games. Young people who were not familiar with the historical details at least have heard of it and were familiar with most of the characters. In the game, THREE KINGDOMS characters could be mixed. Thus anyone who liked the game might not truly know the relationships and alignments. THREE KINGDOMS story was attracted to middle age people. When ATV aired ROMANCE OF THE THREE KINGDOMS it had over 10 rating points, which was ample proof. Middle age viewers love THREE KINGDOMS stories for many reasons, one of which was the strategies that could be learned from on and used on today's business battles. Many Chinese and foreign writers cited THREE KINGDOMS figures and events in their business strategy books. The Japanese especially liked Cao Cao and felt that he was quite a business management talent. Film valued visual effects more and was more complex when making THREE KINGDOMS. They could only be used for individual big battles. Television series had several dozen episodes and was more suitable to explain THREE KINGDOMS' complicated relationships. Foreign viewers who were unfamiliar with the THREE KINGDOMS background may be completely lost. Thus it could only be Chinese market driven. When foreigners watched Chinese films they still liked more action and less story. Chinese market actually had the power for big productions like RED CLIFF. - KWOK HIN CHING [ In Production Now/Soon ] Can : Oi Dut Hei d. Joe Ma Wai Ho Gigi Leung Wing Kei, Chen Bo-Lin (Chan Pak Lam), Shaun Tam Chun Yin, Terry Fan Siu Wong, HotCha Can : Yau Jet Geung Si Um Luen Nei Lit : A Zombie Has a Crush On You Roger Kwok Chun On, Natalie Meng Yao, Jo Kuk Cho Lam, JJ Jia (Ga Hiu Sun), Maggie Lee Man Kwan, Tanya Wu (Ng Ka Yun), Anke Bei, Angel Ho Cheuk Ying 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 hteir weapon as they constantly play pranks on each other. The wives constantly duel in the living room, where nothing is left unturned. As they battle to life and death, the gambling king brings home his illegitimate son Fai and makes the situation even more complicated. Fai is filial and respectful to everyone, thus has the gambling king's favor. The wives and the sons for their own benefit team up and often play pranks on Fai. On the other hand the gambling king wants to retire and in order to keep his business legacy going suggests for his three sons to each take care of a mahjong parlor, with the best performer becoming the successor. Kei and Kin in order to prevent Fai's victory not only hire monks and beggars to create disturbance outside the store but also three great swindlers to cheat at Fai's store. Because Fai has no knowledge of gambling finally he has nothing left. The gambling king orders his butler to take Fai and visit three mahjong experts of the 50s. Because the trio is already aging, they can only teach mahjong techniques via lecture. Fai's extraordinary smart enables his mahjong abilities to improve suddenly with the three experts' guidance. Finally a mahjong war is about to erupt... 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 * RIVER ROCK CASINO PRESENTS A-MEI VENUE LOCATION : River Rock Show Theatre 8811 River Richmond BC V6X 3P8 Canada DATE AND TIME : Tuesday, July 22 2008 @ 8PM TICKET PRICES : CA$388, 228, 148, 88 TICKET OUTLET LOCATIONS : TICKET MASTER CANADA http://www.ticketmaster.ca/event/110040CBB8A695B2?artistid=1231195&majorcatid=10001&minorcatid=5 -------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 July 8 2008 10 THE INCREDIBLE HULK d. Louis Leterrier Edward Norton, Liv Tyler, Tim Roth, William Hurt 9 SUPERHERO MOVIE d. Craig Mazin Drake Bell, Sara Paxton, Christopher McDonald 8 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 7 THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA: PRINCE CASPIAN d. Andrew Adamson Ben Barnes, Georgie Henley, Skandar Keynes 6 ENSEMBLE, C'EST TOUT d. Claude Berri Audrey Tautou, Guillaume Canet, Laurent Stocker 5 SEX AND THE CITY d. Michael Patrick King Sarah Jessica Parker, Kim Cattrall, Kristin Davis, Cynthia Nixon 4 NIM'S ISLAND d. Jennifer Flackett, Mark Levin Abigail Breslin, Jodie Foster, Gerard Butler 3 WANTED d. Timur Bekmambetov James McAvoy, Morgan Freeman, Angelina Jolie 2 KUNG FU PANDA d. Mark Osborne, John Stevenson Dreamwork Animation English voices: Jack Black, Dustin Hoffman, Angelina Jolie, 1 HANCOCK d. Peter Berg Will Smith, Charlize Theron, Jason Bateman ------ Summaries for some of the films above. Some contain SPOILERS 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, July 5 2008 15 NEXT SUNRISE Can : Ha Yut Gor Tin Leung Claire Guo Jing 14 THE OLDER THE LONELIER Can : Yuet Jeung Dai Yuet Gu Dan Milk and Coffee 13 WELCOME TO MY WORLD Gary Cao (Cho Gat) 12 FAITH Can : Shun Lim Anson Hu (Wu Yin Bun) 11 SLOUCHING 21ST CENTURY Can : Hong Bui 21 Si Gei Jade Kwan Sum Yin 10 DONATE LOVE Can : Ba Oi Guen Chook Loi Guan (Kwan Jik) 9 EYE COLOR Can : Ngan Sik James Lin (Lam Yau Ga) 8 LOVE AND HOPE Can : Oi Yu Hei Mong JJ Lin Junjie 7 EVERY YEAR HAS TODAY Can : Nin Nin Yau Gum Yut Leo Ku Kui Ke 6 COLLECT Can : Sau Chong (Siu King Pung) 5 I WILL BE THERE Elva Hsiao (Siu Ah Hin) 4 FALLEN FOR BEAUTY Can : Oi Seung Nei Dik Mei Yu Quan 3 ON THE TREADMILL Can : Pau Bo Gei Seung Joey Yung Cho Yi 2 TOGETHER WITH YOU Can : Yu Nei Tung Joi Chen Chusheng (Chan Chor Sun) 1 LIKING YOU IS VERY TIRING Can : Hei Foon Yut Gor Yun Ho Lui Vinci Chan (Wing Yi) ------ [ 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. WHEN I RULED THE WORLD Your Chaffing Editor must be getting soft in his old age. As mentioned earlier, Your Chaffing Editor has always disliked Gwynelth Paltrow from when her head was in a box to SHAKESPEARE IN PAIN. Then recently with IRON MAN her character has completely changed his mind about her. Now her non meat eating (a good enough reason to dislike anyone) husband Chris Martin and his band Coldplay, which Your Chaffing Editor has not enjoyed since YELLOW, finally released a song that he liked and could not stop listening to; especially when his known world is collapsing around him. Speaking of the end of the world, Your Chaffing Editor went to see Disney Pixar's WALL*E. First the only negative things that Your Chaffing Editor could say about this animation is that he found the robot speech to be difficult to understand at times and that it might be too sweet for some. The reference to HELLO DOLLY was a nice touch, as was the live action footage with Fred Willard. The robot romance took cues from many classics, while Your Chaffing Editor would like to (and probably will) see more about the "malfunctioning" robots (especially the power tool one -- HULK SMASH!) Overall, Al Gore should just hand over his Oscar and Nobel Prize over to WALL*E as the little robot that poops garbage bundle may be able to get across the theme of environmental protection and obesity from sloth much better than any preachy documentary. Finally, who cannot relate to a robot that has been doing dutifully a job that no longer necessary or even matter? Also, Independence Day in the U.S. meant Will Smith in the cinema. This year's offering was HANCOCK, which by now you have either seen for yourself or heard that it was a good premise that did not execute well. Fortunately, for a summer breeze it served its purpose. While the heroes' buttons (being called "a-hole" and "crazy") were commonplace for Your Chaffing Editor, he could definitely relate to the most quoted lines from the film. "Life here can be difficulty for me. After all I am the only one of my kind. You deserve better from me. I can be better. I will be better." "What kind of a bastard must I have been, for nobody to claim me?" Your Chaffing Editor stumbled upon the Brooklyn Museum for its Target Free First Saturday and even more accidentally visited the Murakami exhibition (http://www.brooklynmuseum.org/exhibitions/murakami/). After drooling and gawking over PROJECT KO2 for an uncomfortably long time (and finally the security ladies approached him to tell him "no camera" but meaning "keep it in your pants"), Your Chaffing Editor moved on to MY LONESOME COWBOY (who looks an awful lot like Cloud from Final Fantasy) and HIROPAN. Many would consider GERO TAN the piece that Your Chaffing Editor can relate to the most (especially after a night out), but he finds INOCHI much more to his "scale" (especially how puny MY LONESOME COWBOY made him feel). For more on the artwork and a multimedia tour of the exhibits, please visit the Museum of Contemporary Art (www.moca.org/murakami), Los Angeles. For the INOCHI video, please visit (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZagGfBC7wPU) Finally, who the f picked Blown Save Billy as the Mets all star representative? Finding WALL*E's hand fetish somewhat disturbing, Jer Jer Stinks, Your Chaffing Editor Top Ten Central --- [ WHAT IS YOUR CHAFFING EDITOR LISTENING TO ] VIVA LA VIDA Coldplay http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EijXYo1t3Rw I used to rule the world, Seas would rise when I gave the word, Now in the morning I sweep alone, Sweep the streets I used to own. I used to roll the dice, Feel the fear in my enemy’s eyes, Listened as the crowd would sing, “Now the old king is dead! Long live the king!” One minute I held the key, Next the walls were closed on me, And I discovered that my castle stands, Upon pillars of salt, and pillars of sand. I hear Jerusalem bells are ringing, Roman cavalry choirs are singing, “Be my mirror, my sword, and shield!” My missionaries in a foreign field. For some reason I can’t explain, Once you go, there was never, Never an honest word, That was when I ruled the world. It was a wicked and wild wind, Blew down the doors to let me in, Shattered windows and the sound of drums, People couldn’t believe what I’d become. Revolutionaries wait, For my head on a silver plate, Just a puppet on a lonely string, Oh, who’d ever want to be king? I hear Jerusalem bells are ringing, Roman cavalry choirs are singing, “Be my mirror, my sword, and shield!” My missionaries in a foreign field. For some reason I can’t explain, I know Saint Peter won’t call my name, Never an honest word, But that was when I ruled the world. Woah oh oh oh oh oh, Woah oh oh oh oh oh, Woah oh oh oh oh oh, Woah oh oh oh oh oh, Woah oh oh oh oh oh... Hear Jerusalem bells are ringing, Roman cavalry choirs are singing, “Be my mirror, my sword and shield!” My missionaries in a foreign field. For some reason I can’t explain, I know Saint Peter won’t call my name, Never an honest word, But that was when I ruled the world. ---------------------- HK Top Ten Central hktopten@hotmail.com | http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Towers/2038