From: NO TOP TEN CENTRAL Newsgroups: alt.asian-movies,soc.culture.hongkong.entertainment Subject: [TAKE OVER] HKSAR Film No Top 10 Box Office (SEPTEMBER 25 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. Daniel Wu (Ng Yin Cho) who celebrates his birthday on the 30th B. Pinky Cheung Man Chi who celebrates her birthday on the 30th C. Elanne Kong Yeuk Lam who celebrates her birthday on the 30th D. Francis Ng Chun Yu and his wife who gave birth to their nearly 8 pound baby boy. E. Andy Lau Tak Wa who celebrates his birthday on the 27th F. Betty Sun Li who celebrates her birthday on the 26th 2. MISCELLANEOUS * (9/28/2008) The film CONNECTED (BO CHI TUNG WA) has already promoted and held premieres in Beijing, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Shanghai. In Hong Kong it opened at the top of the box office, with nearly 600,000 on a single day it left the other two opening films in the dust. Director Benny Chan Muk Sing, actors Louis Koo Tin Lok and Barbie Shui (Tsui Hei Woon)'s hard promotional work was not wasted. Earlier the actors promoted in Singapore and Malaysia. Since Singapore radio all broadcast in Mandarin, Big S became the representative and could not stop talking. Goo Jai made a "thank you" gesture to Big S in appreciation of her verbal assistance. Goo Jai said, "Big S's words have always been professional. Whenever I don't know how to answer she would help me out." At the Malaysia press conference, they talked about their lifestyle. Actually both were homebodies and longed to rest at home as soon as they left work. * (9/27/2008) Eason Chan Yik Shun yesterday appeared at the airport to prepare for his concert in Beijing. Sundream Picture LOST INDULGENCE's director Zhang Yibai is a Chan Yik Shun fan. Aside from inviting Eason to perform he also tailors a character for him to play a Hong Kong doctor who opens a clinic in Chongqing. In one scene Jiang Wenli whose husband passed away in an accident asked Eason out to share her troubles, but Eason misunderstood and thought Jiang Wenli was offering herself to him. He even drove to the top of a hill in Chongqing. Eason in order to seduce Jiang Wenli gradually got close to her and pressed himself onto her. After lowing the seat he realized that he made a mistake. Although he did not have any highly difficult move, they have given a lot of sweat in this car shaking scene. Chongqing was hot in the summer, they were trapped inside a small vehicle without any air conditioning and surrounded by the crew and lights. Before they reached the scene they were already covered in sweat. Jiang Wenli joked, "This scene with Eason was harder to make than any nude scene. As soon as I saw him I wanted to laugh. With the heat we sweat a lot. When Eason pressed himself onto me, I truly was afraid that his sweat would drop on me. Finally I couldn't help but laugh. We frequently had bad takes." * (9/27/2008) Sundream Pictures' CHAMPIONS (DUET BIU) earlier shot its poster and promotional stills. Due to the film's many explosive action scenes, the poster hoped to be able to express the same level of power. When Dicky Cheung Wai Kin and Xie Miu demonstrated the way of the fist they had to keep punching. The photographer captured their most powerful moment. Brother Tsui Siu Ming asked Priscilla Wong Chui Yu to leap so she kept on jumping. Perhaps she was too focused she did not notice that her pants' zipper has failed. Slowly her pants declined until they reached her knees. When Tsui Siu Ming saw even her underwear was showing he immediately yelled, "Stop". At this time she caught on and immediately zipped up her pants and added a safety pin on them. Cheung Wai Kin and Xie Miu both joked that they missed the chance. * (9/27/2008) After four years without making a New Year film, director Feng Xiaogang this year teamed up with Ge You again on their latest film. After completing all of the shoot in Hokkaido. Director Feng along with leads Ge You and Shu Qi yesterday attended a grand production commencement ceremony in Shanghai. Feng Xiaogang and Ge You brought a light atmosphere to the audience with their ample chemistry. Feng Xiaogang's previous work THE ASSEMBLY was a critical and commercial hit. This time he returned to a New Year comedy. He expressed that many viewers looked forward ot his comedy and this year was full of disasters, she should make a comedy to relax the audience. The film's title had the word HONESTY, Director Feng hoped through the aging Ge You's story of matchmaking to reflect how beauty and honesty reflect in life. The film has already been scheduled for a December 22 release. He and Ge You were unwilling to reveal how funny the film would be. Director Feng said if he gave away where his film was funny for free, no one would be willing to buy tickets to go to his movie. Aside from funny, the film's other selling point was Ge You's first romance with Shu Qi. Director Feng humorously said, "I feel that their romance definitely exceeded the limit of kissing. Yet our film had strict inspection standard. If it's made like (Tony) Leung Chiu Wai and Tang Wei then definitely it won't pass inspection. Since then I might as well not make anything like that. Although they don't have any kiss scene in the film, their relationship absolutely is deepr than kissing." Working for the first time with Director Feng, Shu Qi discovered that the director actually was very talented director and was very romantic as well. In the film the romantic girl chasing ideas came from Director Feng. Director Feng humbly said, "With a beauty like Shu Qi, romantic ideas of course are endless." He even took a big detour to praise Shu Qi's acting. "Our production assistant was a Beijing Film Academy graduate. His sights are set very high and very wild. He always ignores Hong Kong and Taiwan stars' acting, but after watching Shu Qi's acitng he ran to me and said that Shu Qi's acting was truly decent. Shu Qi finally has been recognized." * (9/26/2008) The Broadway film center organized Hong Kong Asian Film Festival 2008 yesterday at Central held a press conference. The opening film TRUE WOMAN FOR SALE (NGOR BUT MAI SUN NGOR MAI JI GUNG) director Herman Yau Lai To, Anthony Wong Chau Sun, Hong Kong independent short film MR. RIGHT actor Patrick Tam Yiu man and Chan Yat Ning attended the press conference together. This year's closing film was CLAUSTROPHOBIA. Wong Chau Sun expressed that he has just completed the Wong Jing film WONG GUM DAI GOK (MONEY EMPIRE). He said that this film was similar to the film ISLAND OF GREED (HAK GUM), not a comedy. The cast included Tony Leung Ka Fai, Wong Tin Lam, Wong Jing, Natalie Meng Yao and Eason Chan Yik Shun. In the film he and Leung Ka Fai played cops. Did he feel the cast seemed like ELECTION (HAK SEH WUI)? He said that Hong Kong film had no new idea. The same group of actors played cops and mobsters. He honestly said that he has been in contact with god son Edison Chen Koon Hei, who seemed to have returned to Hong Kong to handle business matter. At the time he called him but he did not get the call. Chen Koon Hei left him a voice mail. Chau Sun pointed out that he would not visit Chen Koon Hei in the U.S. because he was not interested in going to the U.S. and feeling like a refugee. Earlier Wong Chau Sun took an adult video actress back to her hotel. The actress praised him as a gentleman. He expressed that they were working together and he only took her back to her hotel out of courtesy. She was not an adult video actress. Chau Sun helplessly pointed out that the headlines often hinted at something but the content was not as such. He honestly said at first he was a little mad but it was just ridiculous. He only treated it like entertaining the public. Tam Yiu Man expressed that soon he would work on a Mainland series and big film production, which for now he could not reveal. * (9/26/2008) The film PAINTED SKIN (WAT PEI) two nights ago held a Hong Kong premiere. Attendees included Vicki Zhao Wei, Betty Sun Li, Qi Yuwu, Donnie Yen Chi Tan and director Gordon Chan Ka Seung, lead actor Chen Kun and the other lead actress Zhou Xun were absent. Zhou Xun recorded a short message. Other guests included Wong Chi wa, Law Lan, Stephanie Wang Chung Hei, Kenneth Tsang Kong and his wife, Lam Ka Wa and his wife, and Au Kam Tong and his wife. Zhao Wei two days ago came from Guangzhou. She expressed that she has seen a sand storm before, this time she saw a typhoon for the first time. She denied that she was upset at the Shanghai promotion. "I only didn't respond to personal life question because I felt it was pointless and would affect work." In early October she will promote PAINTED in Korea. As for film festival awards, she said, "I don't dare to think about that. I hope it will perform well. Because it represents Hong Kong, it expressed that Hong Kong people like this film." Zhao Wei yesterday has already returned to Beijing to continue to record her new record, which will be released at the end of the year. This was Sun Li's third film and her first fight scene attempt. Luckily Yen Chi Tan has taught her a lot and she was not injured. This time she worked with Zhao Wei and Zhou Xun, their costumes were pretty but her costume was the ugliest. She said, "This character is necessary, I don't mond. (Was working with a veteran like Zhou Xun stressful?) No, we were good friends already." Today is Sun Li's birthday. She expressed that each birthday has brought her good luck. The second year in the business she was able to work on a series. Last birthday she received an award and this year she had a film release. After returning to Beijing she would attend a stray dog protection photo exhibits. She personally took 40 photos and would release a dog book BRING ME HOME. * (9/26/2008) China Film Studio's big film MEI LANFANG has not appeared in Beijing yet and missed the Oscar application deadline. Yesterday, China Film Studio Group chair Han Sanping expressed that the Mei family has already seen the film with dialogue. "It could be said as better than imagined". The Mei family announced that in 50 years it would no longer grant anyone else the right to make a movie about Mei Lanfang's life. Han Sanping after fulfilling RED CLIFF I's 300 million box office dream looked forward to using MEI LANFANG to fulfill the grand dream of a Chinese epic critical and commercial success. He expressed, this film completely was able to represent Chinese cultural height and Chinese people's spirit. Yet its post production music mixing and other work orders could not make the schedule, so opportunities were missed regrettably. He again stressed that the mid December release date would not change. Han Sanping also expressed that after the Mei family saw the film it did not express any difference of opinion as they were completely touched. Mei's son said, "This is my father." A Mei family spokesperson said that Mei's son recognized Leon Lai Ming's performance. "Lai Ming is a very generous person, upstanding with good aura. Lai Ming in his heart has already absorbed Mei Lanfang and he has played this character with the aura, which has been very natural. In the film Lai Ming is the person who has the most rooted personality of Mei Lanfang." * (9/26/2008) Wu Chen has given BUTTERFLY LOVERS (MO HUP LEUNG JOOK) many firsts, one of which is a topless water scene. In the story Charlene Choi Cheuk Yin is thrown into the water. Originally the director did not ask Wu Chen to remove his clothes, but Wu Chen saw how poor Ah Sa got thrown into the water. Since he was going into the water anyway he thought being topless would be more appropriate. Thus he discussed with the director, who told him to try it. When Wu Chen removed his shirt everyone's eyes turned to him. Even Ah Sa could not help but take a few glimpses. "I Know that he has been training. From his strong arms you can guess he would be pretty big, but I never thought that he would be truly great shape. His muscles are very even and he is in perfect shape." Wu Chen was a little red and embarrassed after the praises but did not forget to promote his beloved fitness. He encouraged everyone to "exercise more so everyone could have a beautiful body." He even said that if BUTTERFLY LOVERS' box office would pass 30 million he would not mind showing more. Ah Sa said, "If the box office would be so ideal, to thank the audience's support I definitely would put on swimwear with Wu Chen for a real water ceremony." * (9/25/2008) Two nights ago a typhoon hit Hong Kong. Despite the category 8 typhoon warning, the Hong Kong and Mainland produced animated film STORM RIDER CLASH OF EVILS (FUNG WON KUET) still held its charity premiere for Yan Oi Tong. Voice actors Hins Cheung King Hin, Raymond Lam Fung, Juno Mak Chun Lung, HotCha, Wong Ho Shun, Chow Sau Na and STORM RIDER creator Ma Wing Sing attended in support. Cheung King Hin, Lam Fung and Juno had chatted nonstop as soon as they got together. During the celebration Hin Jai even emptied his champagne glass. Hin Jai originally wanted to walk around after the premiere but due to the typhoon most stores were cosed. Recently Hin Jai has changed his management contract, adding labor and medical insurance as well as other benefits. At the premiere he and Lam Fung did not stop talking. Hin Jai said that six years ago they were under the same record label and he has written a song for him. As for Juno he has always admired his fashion sense and hoped to be able to learn a few things from him. Juno would like to work with Hin Jai on music while Lam Fung would like to work with him in movies. Juno this time only played a new character in the film but already felt it was a lot of fun. Instead if he had to provide his voice for Wind or Cloud the stress would definitely have been much greater. Lam Fung after providing his voice to the film started to develop an interest in martial art. Earlier due to work he has studied swordplay and Tai Chi. Zhao Wen Zhou also has encouraged him to study martial art. He agreed that for action films real gong fu interpretation would get the audience more into them. * (9/25/2008) CONNECTED (BO CHI TUNG WA) received the 52nd Asia Pacific Film Festival invitation to represent Hong Kong in competition. The actors and the director earlier met with Hong Kong, Taiwan and Korea press in a Hong Kong media interview. That day Louis Koo Tin Lok, Nick Cheung Ka Fai, and director Benny Chan Muk Sing presented a birthday cake to Barbie Shui (Tsui Hei Woon) to celebrate her October 2 birthday in advance. Big S was very surprised, immediately thanked everyone and made a wish, "I wish for health and happiness for my family, luck and happiness and for love not to trouble me anymore." Two days ago, Koo Tin Lok, Big S and Chan Muk Sing flew to promote in Singapore. Due to their early flight they avoided the typhoon, but due to a formula 1 race in Singapore the entire promotional tour hit obstacles at every turn. The originally ten minute car ride turned into 40 minute long and made the promotional event schedule even more intense. [ BLAH OF THE WEEK ] Columns, Reviews, Interviews 1. MING PAO DAILY, SEPTEMBER 2008, FILM WORDS CHASER : KOREAN VERSION LAMB CHASER is this year's Korean hit that has received Best Picture, Director, Actor and other Great Bell Award. Its Hong Kong release though has caught less attention. The Japanese film 20TH CENTURY BOYS although poorly made still had many supporters. Undoubtedly, the Japanese storm in the Greater East Asian region still leads the trend. Hong Kong has several generation that has grown up on "Japanese milk" and grown up watching Japanese film ,television, animation and manga. In the recent decade the Korean storm and the Thai storm suddenly rose but could only occasionally surprise. The Greater Chinese in popular culture lacks successors. The production quality is severely mixed and still unable to rebuild mainstream. Korean director Kwak Jae-Yong's new film CYBORG SHE in Hong Kong is more successful with 5 million, but it is a Japanese film. Even Hong Kong sex film FORBIDDEN LEGEND OF SEX AND CHOPSTICKS has to rely on Japanese adult video stars to have 2 million at the box office. Although Japan has stalled it ultimately maintains the advantage. Actually Korean film professional talent has overflowed, the impact has been strong, the production serious, only that they often imitate foreign films and adds Korean variation. Seemingly few are truly uniquely created. CHASER chases after a deranged killer, which obviously has been under the influence of the 90s U.S. controversial film SILENCE OF THE LAMBS. In the film the mild mannered looking young maniac (Ha Jung-Woo) continuously kills call girls. Male lead (Kim Yun-Seok) once was a detective and now is a call girl agent. Due to the mysterious disappearance of several prostitutes, he picks up his investigation skills again and chases after the wanted. The more he chases the more enraged he becomes. This category III film actually does not sell sex but is very dark, bloody and cruel. In addition it targets today's Korean political world and police. When the male lead captures the maniac, due to bureaucracy and a incident with the Seoul mayor the criminals becomes above the law and kills even more innocent people. One of the poor prostitute (Seo Yeong-Hie)'s kidnapping and escape is very thrilling and chilling. This is new writer director Na Hong-Jin's first full length film. The visual is energetic, solid and full but also a little satirical. Lead Kim Yun-Seok is very frustrated, but also good hearted enough to take care of a prostitute's cute little daughter. His performance is lively. Ha Jung-Woo and other numerous characters each has the uniqueness of social variety. Strictly speaking though, the story is contrived with too many coincidences. In addition the lead seems to be as brutal as the killer. This film praises him but criticizes the government for not daring to randomly beat and arrest people, which is extremely excessive. Yet Korean mainstream film can uncover social ill and scold the government, which is much freer than China. - SHEK KEI 2. MING PAO DAILY, SEPTEMBER 28 2008, FILM WORDS CONNECTED: POPULAR HIT The Hong Kong film industry has had a long history of copying foreign films, always stealing and taking without asking. In recent years the U.S. copied Hong Kong film INFERNAL AFFAIRS (MO GAN DOH) as it officially bought the remake right. In return, now new Hong Kong film CONNECTED (BO CHI TUNG WA) also made the exception and legally copied the U.S. film CELLULAR. Four years ago CELLULAR starred Chris Evans and Kim Basinger and became a cell phone era action thriller was a rather popular entertainment film. Actually China has the most cell phone users in the world and has made cell phoen romance New Year films like CELL PHONE. Yet they were not thrillers and were not released in Hong Kong. The Benny Chan Muk Sing directed CONNECTED was similar to the original. Taiwan star Barbie Shui (Tsui Hei Woon) played the Kim Basinger role. After being kidnapped she called for help and was connected to a stranger, lead Louis Koo Tin Lok's cell phone. He proceeded to play hero and rescue the beauty. This half Cantonese half Mandarin Hong Kong version actually was not as smooth and intense as the U.S. film. It even had more illogical flaws and became melodramatic and tear jerking. Luckily it also had a lot of comedy as well as fierce action. Thus it landed at the top of the box office. Action was the film's strongest suit. Several car chases and crashes were captivating. Koo Tin Lok's car on the cliff stunt scene was outstanding and better than the U.S. original. Certain subplots of the film were more interesting than the plot itself, like making fun of international school and telecommunication company's bureaucracy that upset the crisis driven male lead. Wong Cho Lam as the service agent was very humorous. Vincent Kuk Tak Siu was also funny as the guest star driver. Traffic cop Nick Cheung Ka Fai had a rather heavy role. His personality stood out. Wonderfully he was able to accommodate all situations. He and detective Eddie Cheung Siu Fai's feuding relationship was also entertaining. The mixed heritage hit woman was also decent. This time Koo Tin Lok was very righteous and had more opportunities to perform than the weeping Tsui Hei Woon. Of course, his sudden self sacrifice was very exaggerated and exceeded common sense. As for Interpol becoming the villain, it was even more contrived and unintelligent than the original. Originally Liu Ye as the major villain was cool and stylish. Yet due to the dumb kidnapping he was not convincing as an expert. The entire film's action was great, parts were lively and met the cheerful entertainment requirements. Yet like many Hong Kong films it was flimsy in logic. Even when Hong Kong directors made foreign films or borrowed ideas from foreign films, often they were more flawed than the average foreign film. Chan Muk Sing is currently one of the most efficient Hong Kong directors but still cannot easily achieve both brains and brawls. This film mentioned Batman, but Hong Kong film often had more guts than brains. How could it compare to THE DARK KNIGHT? - SHEK KEI 3. MING PAO DAILY, SEPTEMBER 28 2008, FILM AND TELEVISION OBSERVATIONS HOLLYWOOD'S REMAKE TRICK Big Hollywood films are either sequels or remakes. Remakes include previous Hollywood films, television series, comic books or hit films from around the world. Instead of claiming the world's creativity as its own, one may as well as big films' big investment cannot afford any loss. The responsibility of innovation is left with small to mid scale films, animation, video games, independent films and filmmakers around the world. Big Hollywood companies not only remake themselves but also export remakes. They purchase film remake rights from around the world, give the stories a Hollywood spin and instantly transform small market product into international class, small to big. Another way is to turn big into small. Some successful Hollywood film can be regionalized or localized. With the success of HARRY POTTER, Hollywood companies have thought about a Chinese version. Benny Chan Muk Sing's CONNECTED is a Hollywood film remake. CONNECTED for a Chinese film is a big production, which if invested on a Hollywood film the budget would not be high. After working with local companies or Mainland companies and Hollywood companies' international distribution, making money would not be hard. Now the calculations are done before the production starts to scatter the risk. Business wise of course it is reasonable, but lower risk at the same time reduces gain. Whether remaking Hollywood film and localizing it can continue on, the writer dares not judge yet. In terms of investment, it is reasonable in the current market situation. Hollywood film is the most entertaining and most commercial scale, this point everyone is very certain. The most difficult is in the process of localization to inject a new angle. The most successful Hollywood Hong Kong film is INFERNAL AFFAIRS, which gave Martin Scorsese an Oscar. Hong Kong viewers may love the Andrew Lau Wai Keung and Alan Mak Siu Fai original more, but undoubtedly in the hands of a master, THE DEPARTED has successfully localized it. - KWOK HIN CHING 4. TA KUNG PAO, SEPTEMBER 28 2008, LIGHT SHADOW PATH SITUATION CHANGES, HONG KONG FILM GRADUALLY DISAPPEARS Director Benny Chan Muk Sin in an interview pointed out that Hong Kong new actors' frivolous style, lacking concentration and willingness to prepare; instead, Mainland actors have been professional and tough. Hong Kong directors welcomed them. Director Chan even pointed out that now film seemed to have traveled back in time. Years ago "Qing Dynasty films" and martial art films all had Putonghua speaking actors (like RED CLIFF and THE WARLORDS), hinting that Hong Kong professional actors were lacking. Without the advantage of speaking Putonghua the future looked grim. Established three years ago the Hong Kong film industry emergency response team (which now has merged already into the film development council's assistance team) once pointed out that the most severe of Hong Kong film industry's three major problems was the talent gap. Fewer and fewer were willing to toil and suffer and the industry had to extend its hand to Mainland actors. Most Hong Kong new actors were idol singers who primarily sang and secondarily acted. Instead nine out of ten Mainland new actors have been professionally trained. Their acting's average quality has been night and day in comparison to Hong Kong new actors'. When the film industry was in a crisis, co-production films also had actor quota (1/3 key cast had to be Mainland actors) restriction, Hong Kong directors of course gladly worked with Mainland actors more. Back then the film industry response team pointed out another issue, illegal film download online. Three years later, this phenomenon still continued. The difference is now film owners hoped to pursue right protection and seek compensation from illegal uploaded film sites in Mainland. The Mainland courts have been very accommodating as well as successful right protection cases continued to increase. With the Mainland film market's high speed inflation, film business return has increased as online download damage declined. Three years ago Hong Kong film professionals have mentioned the illegal film video rental issue, now it is under legislative control. Although some film companies felt that the law has loopholes, as Hong Kong film dwindled in the local market (also related to illegal rental), this issue should not be as severe as back then. The three major difficulties have found certain revelations amid the Mainland market change. Mainlanders could make up for the talent gap, Mainland market inflation can reduce illegal download and rental issues' impact. New issues have unknowingly appeared though, as Hong Kong film's specialty has gradually lost its luster. Local market remained depressed. Hong Kong film would soon become a part of Chinese film. One day perhaps Mainland and Hong Kong film would have no difference. As for films that only kept Hong Kong and the traditional markets (Southeast Asia and Taiwan) in mind they would become minority films as their production rate would only decline. Recently co-production films' Mainland process (registration) and inspection took longer and longer, impacted film companies' production release rate and increased film cost. In the long run, Hong Kong film production rate naturally would decline and the speed of Hong Kong film's disappearance would be accelerated. - TIN LIK 5. MING PAO DAILY, SEPTEMBER 27 2008 NOT A LEGENDARY ERA (3) Another shock of the 60s appeared in Japan's film new wave. Here a misunderstand could easily existed, that is to say, "new wave" as the name implied was a movement under the influence of the "French New Wave". Yet actually from the films' years -- for example this Leisure and Cultural Service Department's retrospective -- revealed that Japan film new wave's earliest work, whether Ko Nakahira's CRAZED FRUIT (1956) or Yasuzo Masumura's KISSES (1957), was at least two years ahead of the "French New Wave"'s foundation work, Truffaut's THE 400 BLOWS (196) and Goddard's BREATHLESS (1961) (even if Chabrol's LE BEAU SERGE (1958) or Alain Resnais' HIROSHIMA MON AMOUR (1959) counted, they were at least two years later.) honestly, the debate of the two's appearance dates would not have too much meaning (although undoubtedly, both in terms of content or technique or even style had many similar places. Around the late 60s, one look could tell that certain Japan New Wave pillars like Nagisa Oshima and Yoshishige Yoshida, they indeed were under the influence of their French counterparts (especially Goddard), but since last year I have seen many (limited) film analyses. I actually wanted to "appeal the case". In terms of film art and beauty, even very likely technique, among the different new film movements that appeared in the 60s around the world Japan's achievement would at many second be the highest. The reason would be very simple, first, its production rate of the year was shockingly full and has since created an extremely vibrant film industry and market; second, it was full of talent; third, its society was amid a wave of transformation. All three together unleashed something that could not be stopped. (of course, "appeal" would be a huge operation, not something that just one person could do. The mention here was only a hope that could lead to discussion.) According to numbers that Shu Ming's article provided, In 1958 Japan produced 504 films, in 1960 the production rate reached a peak of 547. Even though the figure declined annually, but in 1969 it still remained the production rate of 494. Independent film ratio delivered 256 films, exceeding half of the total production rate. The reason could not be simpler, by any calculation if one out of ten was a good film, every year would have 50; even if 1/5 every year would have over 20. The "scary" part was among these good films they were not only independent/art films but also included a lot of commercial work. As the Japanese film studio gradually to transform, the tradition master apprentice system collapsed as newcomers and veterans competed against each other. Talent rose and masters could be named randomly. When the society had controversy, the silver screen responded right away. When the audience left the cinema, on and off screen the world was the same. Aside from a sense of resonance, viewers could completely experience film's mighty power (stepping in life and as large as life. History was thus created like this.) - SHU KEI 6. MING PAO DAILY, SEPTEMBER 26 2008, FILM WORDS 20TH CENTURY BOYS: LONG AND NOSTALGIC Naoki Urasawa's science fiction adventure manga 20TH CENTURY BOYS began its run in 1999. Not only was it a hit in Japan but also popular in East Asia. It was even translated in the West and received awards. Now it has been made into a super live action big movie, of course it has caught the attention of manga fans. For non manga fan like me, watching this film is like the blind describing an elephant by touching it, completely baffled. Reportedly the original itself was very complex, the big screen adaptation had to be made into a trilogy. This was the first film, which was already over 2 hours long. The audience must have patience, perhaps viewers have to wait until early next year for the second one to improve. Honestly, the Yukihiko Tsutsumi directed 20TH CENTURY BOYS is rather long and complicated, not as mysterious and suspenseful as the Shusuke Kaneko directed DEATH NOTE two years ago. Anyone who has not read the original manga would still enjoy that film. 20TH CENTURY BOYS' lead actor Kenji Endo (Toshiaki Karasawa) is a failed rock singer who has fallen to work at a neighborhood convenience store. He even babysits for his sister's daughter and misses the 60s and 70s school days. In the story he participates in an elementary school reunion and discovers that the science fiction adventure that they play as children, the end of the world prediction and strange symbols now have already become an evil cult logo. Mysterious deaths have also occurred. Thus the lead and former classmates team up to investigate, even to fulfill their childhood dream of saving the world, and to stop the 20th century evil cult's world domination with a monster. When middle age people watch this film, they would have a lot of nostalgia as they can see decades ago old streets, old country side, old toys and old film trailers. It even has the old children's science fiction fantasy. After a middle age depression, they attempt to revive their lost fairy tales and old dreams. Originally the story is very easy to understand, but the time jumps between 1969, 1971, 1997, 2000, and 2015; later it cooks up disaster special effects and mechnical giants as fact and fiction become hard to differentiate. In the film among the old students Etsushi Toyokawa has become a Thailand killer, the only woman is Takako Tokiwa as a customs officer. Other characters are numerous and have childhood and adulthood changes that are not clearly handled. For a movie, this one has a decent nostalgia but not too entertaining. The real culprit is also unknown. Perhaps more is on the way. At the end the lead's niece grows up. Hopefully the second movie will be crisper and more interesting. - SHEK KEI 7. MING PAO DAILY, SEPTEMBER 25 2008, FILM WORDS PAINTED SKIN: HUMAN AND DEMON BOTH ARE TOO OBSESSIVE The Gordon Chan Ka Seung produced and directed costume film PAINTED SKIN (WAT PEI) turns a folklore ghost story into a wuxia fantasy. The production is serious and the tone is decent. Surprisingly it focuses on complex relationships that a faithful romance leads to. It even is heavy in an artistic tone. Although it has many martial art action and duels, it does not try to cook up thrill, horror, gore and sex gimmicks. In the past at least two Hong Kong films have been based on this story, the 1966 Bau Fong directed, Chu Hung, Ko Yuen starred PAINTED SKIN and the 1993 King Hu (Wu Kam Chuen) directed, Joey Wong Cho Yin, Adam Cheng Siu Chau, Sammo Hung Kam Bo starred PAINTED SKIN. The latter is also wuxia style, unfortunately it is Wu Kam Chuen's luster lost final work. This time has the most changes. In the original the king is an ordinary person who runs into a gorgeous demon. In this film an armored army commander (Chen Kun) saves a beauty (Zhou Xun) while battling in the West. She has everyone under her spell, yet a series of mysterious heart ripping murders has taken place. The commander's wife (Vicki Zhao Wei) suspects her to be a fox demon. This film's specialty is whether human or demon they are all faithful, but true love, crush and innocent care create a knot that is hard to untie. The commander, the wife, the fox demon's triangle relationship is also very delicate. A soldier (Donnie Yen Chi tan) has a crush on the wife, a flying lizard (Qi Yuwu) is obsessed with the fox demon, the demon hunter girl (Betty Sun Li) is in love with the soldier. This film is actually "painting love". Yet the battles of love become too complicated, and even the demons are faithful. Without any real horrible evil, the audience cannot easily be afraid. 21 years ago A CHINESE GHOST STORY (SIN NUI YAU WON) is another ghost folklore that is mixed with magic and wuxia. The effects are especially successful. Now PAINTED SKIN is more detailed but too entangling. It is not crisp enough. In the film the skin shedding special effect is realistic, the action however does not fully demonstrate magical color. Then later the action gets intense. Actor wise, Zhou Xun has the fox demon charisma, her costume and aura are very entertaining. Zhao Wei looks more weathered, luckily her acting has matured. This loyal wife role in the end is touchingly dramatic. Sun Li as the energetic girl is lively and cute and becomes an odd couple with Yen Chi tan. They even become good partners at the climatic duel. Chen Kun looks handsome but has a confusing personality. I feel the demon Qi Yuwu is more faithful, passionate and tragic than him. Overall, this film rarely captures multiple sides of love. Yet it has added too much and too mixed material. Why does Chinese classic work are often adapted into something that is completely beyond recognition? - SHEK KEI [ In Production Now/Soon ] CLAUSTROPHOBIA Can : Chun Muk Lit : Intimate d. Ivy Ho Dior Cheng Yi Kin, Karen Lam Ka Yun, Andy Hui Chi On Length : 100 mins. Opening October 26 2008 at the Hong Kong Asian Film Festival Opening March 23 at the Tokyo International Film Festival Site : http://www.tiff-jp.net/en/lineup/works.php?id=4 [ BROADWAY CIRCUIT ] Pearl has quietly fallen in love with her boss Tom, who’s married with a family. Without warning, Tom asks Pearl to interview for another job. Wounded, Pearl demands that Tom terminate her. The gauntlet has been thrown down. Screenwriter Ivy Ho (JULY RHAPSODY) makes her directorial debut with CLAUSTROPHOBIA, using eight scenes and multiple characters to explore the complications and the irony of workplace romance and politics. In a space as small, crowded and claustrophobic as the office, love doesn’t grow - it incubates and breeds, like a virus. LOOKING FOR A STAR Can : Sing Mung Kei Yuen Lit : Star Dream Fantasy Destiny d. Andrew Lau Wai Keung Andy Lau Tak Wa, Shu Qi, Denise Ho Wan Si, Zhang Han (Cheung Hom), Ella Koon Yun Na, Elle (Siu Shuet), Pei Wei Ying, Pu Pu, Lam Ka Wa Can : Juet Doi Seung Giu d. Yip Lim Sum Stephy Tang Lai Yun, Kary Ng Yu Fei, Sammy, Hotcha 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, Richie Jen (Yam Yin Chai) 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 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, 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 : 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, Opening October 23 2008 in Malaysia 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) LOST INDULGENCE Can : Bei Ong Lit : Secret Coast d. Zhang Yibai Eric Tsang Chi Wai, Karen Mok Man Wai, Eason Chan Yik Shun, Jiang Wenli Rating : IIA Length : 101 mins. Opening October 2 2008 [ BROADWAY CIRCUIT ] The story starts with a car accident that shatters the silence lives of family of three. Husband Ng To's taxi falls into the river. He is missing, leaving an injured female passenger -- barmaid So Dan. Wife Fan Lai faces a hefty compensation. With a family in trouble she can only first take So Dan home to recover. At home her son Siu Chuan has just finished his examination and faces his own love and father's passing, all of which has him feeling alone and lost. The entrance of So Dan into his home stirs up changes in his life, as So Dan's beauty seems to lead his growth from a boy into a man. While treating her injury he seems to have fallen for her legs. Siu Chuan panics in the face of desire. Mother Fan Lai under So Dan's silent influence seems to have found a strain of youth. She runs into a Hong Kong businessman Siu Yi with a type of awkwardness. Finally So Dan after recovering leaves them. Two years later, Siu Chuan finds So Dan and learns the cruel but sad truth of the accident... STORM RIDER - CLASH OF EVILS Can : Fung Won Kuet Lit : Wind Cloud Duel d. Dante Lam Chiu Yin Animation Cantonese Voices : Hins Cheung King Hin, Juno Mak Chun Lung, Raymond Lam Fung Rating : IIB Length : 99 mins. Opening September 26 2008 PAINTED SKIN Can : Wat Pei d. Gordon Chan Ka Seung Donnie Yen Chi tan, Vicki Zhao Wei, Zhou Xun, Chen Kun, Qi Yuwu, Betty Sun Li Rating : IIB Length : 103 mins. Opening September 25 2008 in Malaysia Site : http://huapi.ent.sina.com.cn/ [ CINEMA ONLINE MALAYSIA ] Chong Wu, an amorously inclined young man, came across an attractive young woman needing his help and he immediately rushed to her aid. The meeting brewed wild imaginations to have her in his arms for himself. Though he is married, he continues having strong desires and urges to bed any pretty woman that he meets. To his shock, the woman that he sexually desires is actually a ghost. CHASER Can : Jui Gik Jeh d. Na Hong-Jin Kim Yoon-Seok, Ha Jeong-Woo, Seo Young-Hee Rating : III Length : 125 mins. Opeing September 25 2008 [ YAHOO! MOVIES HONG KONG ] Once a cop, Joong-Ho has always become a pimp. Yet lately trouble has increased as his call girls vanish without clearing their debts. He receives a call from a client and sends Mi-Jin, even though she has a bad cold. Mi-Jin goes as Joong-Ho realizes that this client's number is the same as the previous ones with the vanished call girls. He realizes something is wrong and immediately goes after Mi-Jin. On the way, Joong-Ho crashes into another car in an alley. That driver Young-Min does not ask for compensation. Joong-Ho sees the blood stain on his shirt and suspects that he is behind the missing call girls. After a chase, Joong-Ho finally catches up with Young-Min. Yet because Joong-Ho impersonates a police officer, both are brought to the police station. Inside the police station, Young-Min admits that he has killed the missing call girls but Mi-Jin is still alive. Although he confesses the police has no evidence to charge him, so everyone is frantically looking for bodies. Only Joong-Ho believes that Mi-Jin is still alive. As the 12 hour holding period fades, he must find the missing Mi-Jin in a hurry. DIVE Can: Fa Yeung Tiu Shui Siu Nin Lit: Trick Diving Youth d. Naoto Kumazawa Iori Ashihara, Toru Emori, Yuya Fukuda Opening September 18 2008 [ YAHOO! MOVIES HONG KONG ] A diver who has dreamt of becoming a diving master after years of hard work finally successfully joins the diving team and sees the coach's son and three time champion teammate as his target. however, the diving team faces financial trouble and is about to disband. The new coach must train a national diving representative to be able to turn the crisis around. She thus tries her best to invite a rebellious diving elite to join the team and trigger competitiveness among the team. To focus on his training, the diver ignores his girlfriend who has a change of heart. The rebel leaves home and his live in girlfriend behind and the champion time and again struggles with his coach father. As the national competition edges closer, each of three young divers faces his own troubles and fear. The competition grows more and more fierce because only one can qualify... [ 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 Opening November 6 2008 in Malaysia [ CINEMA ONLINE MALAYSIA ] Ming is renowned as the top shooter in the police force. However things get complicated after the release of his former teammate and superb marksman Ching from prison. With only vengeance on his mind, Ching wants to take on Ming and the police, believing that they are the ones who put him in jail. When a mysterious sniper sabotages a high-security prisoner transfer and a convict escapes, Ming and his team are dispatched to profile the suspect. THE SHINJUKU INCIDENT Can : Sun Juk Goo Si Lit : Shinjuku Story d. Derek Yee Tung Sing Jackie Chan, Ken Watanabe, Daniel Wu (Ng Yin Cho) [ 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. BUTTERFLY LOVERS AKA : Dip Gim Lit : Butterfly Sword Can : 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 Opening October 9 2008 [ BROADWAY CIRCUIT ] From the richest wine making family, Jook Yin Ji is energetic and happy. She likes to disguise herself as a man and wanders the town with her servant Ngan Sum. By chance she runs into Leung Chung San, a young hero who helps the constable in the capture of a major robber and has a good impression of him. Jook Yin Ji's father has a past business rivalry with Chin Wing Wai. Today as a high ranking official Chin claims that the Jook family is selling counterfeit wine in an attempt to take over the Jook family business and even wants the pretty Yin Ji as a concubine. Luckily the new rising star of the court Ma Sing Yun who has fallen for Yin Ji wisely backs him off. Sing Yun seeks help in the palace and leaves the help of his assistant Cho Fong. Father Jook asks old friend a herbal medicine maker to take care of Yin Ji in disguise and to teach her martial arts. LADY COP AND PAPA CROOK Can : Cha Ji Nui Lit : Woman of Investigation d. Alan Mak Siu Fai, Felix Chong Sammi Cheng Sau Man, Eason Chan Yik Shun, Zhang Guoli, Chapman To Man Chat, Wilfred Lau Ho Lung, Kate Tsui Tsz Shan, Michelle Ye (Yip Shuet), Liu Kai Chi, Lok Ying Kwun, Lo Mik Shuet, Chan Bo Yuen Richie Jen (Yam Yin Chai) Official Site : www.mediaasia.com/lcpc Opening October 16 2008 [ CINEMA ONLINE MALAYSIA ] When an oil tanker explodes, John Fok becomes the focus of investigation by the Hong Kong and Mainland Chinese police and is forced to put on hold his business to settle things out. Just as John is planning on a comeback, his son is kidnapped. Doomed in love, Senior Inspector Molline Szeto is fed up with her 10-year relationship with her boyfriend. With no prospect of an imminent wedding, she ends the relationship. Excited with her new crossroads in life, she is thrilled to be assigned to investigate the case of John's kidnapped son. MY SECRET ADMIRER IS A VAMPIRE Can : Yau Jet Geung Si Um Luen Ngor Lit : A Zombie Has A Crush On Me d. Chin Hon Kong J.J Jia (Ga Hiu Sun), Natalie Meng Yao, Roger Kwok Chun On, Sam Lee Chan Sam, Chubby (Siu Fei), Jo Koo (Kuk Cho Lam), Ha Yu, Sammuel Peng King Chi, Anke Bui On Kei, Winnie Leung Man Yi, Maggie Lee Man Kwan, Tanya Ng Ka Yun Opening October 16 2008 [ BROADWAY CIRCUIT ] On a remote island, the police station only has Uncle Fat, Wai and Man Jai. Because nothing happens ordinarily, everyone has become very lazy. Thus, the headquarter assigns Madame Tsui to adjust order and morale. The trio is very disturbed. New youth fashion label boss King, along with strange director Roman, model agent Sister Kimchi, and a group of pretty young models Macy, little Taiwan diva "sexy pope" Chelsea, Bibi, Apple, Susie and others to the extremely eerie island for a sexy swimwear photo shoot and a party. KUNG FU CHEF Sammo Hung Kam Bo, Vanness Wu (Ng Kin Ho), Cherrie Ying Choi Yi, Lam Tze Chung Opening October 16 2008 in Malaysia [ GOLDEN SCREEN CINEMAS ONLINE ] Jo had kept hatred in his heart for a very long time and did what he could to oust his uncle Wong Bing-Yi (Sammo Hung) from the village and to claim the rights to the “Dragon-Head Cleaver”, a symbol of power to the clan. As Wong Bing-Yi was forced out of the village, he encountered Shen Qing by chance and is determined to help her during the troubled times at her restaurant “Four Seas”. Here, he discovered a young cooking wonder, Lung Kin-Yat. To bring “Four Seas” back to the top, Lung ends up representing “Four Seas” to the competition against Chef Tin, two times “Top Chef” winner and the head chef at “Imperial Palace”, the restaurant owned by Jo. At the day of the finals, Wong Bing-Yi and Jo met privately to try to resolve their problems. Lung shined by overcoming many obstacles and preparing a dish called “Fresh Water Bak-Choy” just as his master, Wong Bing-Yi had taught him. However, the head judge has been bribed by “Imperial Palace” and he is also the master of Chef Tin. Who will finally win the title of “Top Chef”? Can the “Kung Fu Chefs” finally win over the hearts of many? SWEET RAIN d. Masaya Kakei Takeshi Kaneshiro (Gum Sing Mo), Manami Konishi (Siu Sai Jun Noi Mei), Junko Fuji (Fu Si Shun Ji), Ken Mitsuishi (Guong Shek Yin), Takuya Ishida (Shek Tin Cheuk Ya) Opening October 16 2008 [ YAHOO! MOVIES HONG KONG ] Based on Kotaro Isaka's novel about a music loving, nicknamed Chiba Grim Reaper. He has been ordered to observe targets in the human world and decide their fate after seven deaths. Their fate can be only of two: "execute=death" and "farewell=life". Each time the Grim Reaper appears, it rains. Thus Grim Reaper Chiba has never seen the blue sky. Chiba has traversed to 1985, 2007, and 2028 for three cases. Each case is a life with a different mood: an ordinary office worker who receives harassing calls; a mob boss under a mob hit; and an aging hairstylist. The three different stories seem to be connected by fate! Chiba who originally does not care much for the human world starts to understand human relationships and a new understanding of "human life". TICKET Can : Cheh Piu d. Jacob Cheung Chi Leung Zuo Xiaoqing, Nicky Wu (Ng Kei Lung), Cecilia Yip Tung, Liu Sitong, Fan Wei, Wu Ma Length : 110 mins. Opening October 23 2008 [ YAHOO! MOVIES HONG KONG ] A film, three stories. A ticket links three parents' choices for their children's lives and sacricie for love. "Fate" A mother to be Wu Jing suffers a child with a heart problem, which has no successful cure precedence. Wu Jing and her husband have suffered endless pressure from whether to still bring the baby to the world. As the little life hangs in the balance, they make a shocking decision that deeply affects Zheng Yutong, the news anchor who has been following the story. "Separation" Zheng Yutong has been abandoned at a nunnery as a child and was raised by a nun. With extreme hatred for her mother, Yutong receives a ticket from the nun and under the encouragement of good friend Zhixuan she steps on the road of seeking her root and understanding the truth of why her mother abandoned her. She never expects the answer to leave a mark that will remain with her for the rest of her life. "Helpless" Yutong on the road runs into a single parent taxi driver who has an autistic son. He keeps on matchmaking in hopes of being able to find someone who can take care the son who is ten years younger than him. Yet the failed matchmaking makes him worry that in his old age no one would take care of his son. One day, the father accidentally leaves the son on the subway. Watching the leaving train and his son, he suddenly gets an idea...... THE BLACK SWINDLER d. Yasuharu Ishii (Shek Jang Hong Ching) Tomohisa Yamashita (San Ha Ji Gau), Maki Horikita (? But Jung Hei), Naoto Takenaka (Juk Jung Jik Yun), Mao Daichi (Dai Dei Jung Yeung), Naoko Iijima (Fan Doh Jik Ji), Tsutomu Yamazaki (San Kei Lo), Yui Ichikawa (Ji Chuen Yau Yi) Length : 129 mins. Opening October 23 2008 [ YAHOO! MOVIES HONG KONG ] In a dog eat dog world, there are three kinds of swindlers: the money swindling white crane, the woman swindling red crane, and the last one who specializes in hunting white and red cranes, the swindler of the most dangerous swindlers -- the black crane. Under the burden of a fraud case, Kurosagi's father kills his entire family and makes him an orphan. For revenge he willingly becomes the black crane swindler. He swindles swindlers as his goal as he swindles their lives. Kurosagi receives information from the behind the scene swindler boss that a swindler king plans to collapse Japan's economy and lead to a financial storm..... A MAN WHO WAS SUPERMAN d. Jung Yoon-cheol Hwang Jung-min, Jeon Ji-hyun Opening October 23 2008 [ YAHOO! MOVIES HONG KONG ] A documentary film producer who is angry at the world and cares about people interviews a self proclaimed Superman and uncovers a touching story that affects the world for the first time. "One day, I ran into Superman......a strange man." Television station producer Song for the past three years has made social conscience documentary but gradually she has grown tired of deliberately jerking the audience's tears and sympathy. She quits her job to "shoot African lions" and even steals a camera to pay her debt. Unfortunately the camera is stolen and her African journey does not pan out. One day, a man in a Hawaiian shirt brings the camera back to her and claims to be Superman -- but because a villain has implanted a piece of Krytonite in his mind his power has been temporarily subdued. "No way! You can't attract ratings like this! Hurry up and show everyone some super power!" Superman everyday helps others, like catching flashers and finding lost dogs. He even suddenly does a hand stand, claiming to push the earth away from the sun to avoid polar icecap melting! Song decides to make this somewhat crazy but friendly man her next documentary lead. As in the past, she edits the tear jerking parts into a program called SAVE THE EARTH, SUPERMAN! and instantly becomes a hot producer. After a night of celebration, Song carries her hung over head home but does not expect Superman's sudden appearance. He insists on finding out the truth and even brings her to the sewer to see a "monster". Of course, there is no monster but Superman in this smelly, dirty and dark sewer hits his head. Finally Song takes him to the hospital. X-ray shows that something truly is in Superman's head. Song decides to continue to cover his story..... DETROIT METAL CITY d. Toshio Lee Kenichi Matsuyama, Yoshihiko Hosoda, Ryuji Akiyama Opening October 30 2008 Site : http://www.tiff08.ca/filmsandschedules/films/detroitmetalcity [ TORONTO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL 2008 ] Souichi is a timid, sensitive and innately polite music geek who moves from the Japanese countryside to Tokyo with big dreams: he aspires to sing sugary love ballads and become a chart-topping sensation. But life does not turn out the way Souichi had hoped, and the only gig he can get is that of front man for the notorious band Detroit Metal City (DMC). Wearing a cape, tights and ghostly demon makeup, Souichi storms the stage each night as Johannes Klauser II, smashing guitars and spewing verbal filth in songs about murder and rape. The band's crazy getups and destructive performances have earned them a legion of devoted, maniacal fans, who believe that Klauser is a drug-gobbling demon from hell. To make matters worse, this reluctant rocker runs into his college crush, the demure and adorable Ms. Aikawa, who is now a magazine pop critic. Soon he is struggling to keep his wild metal stardom a secret. After defeating rival bands and winning recognition as one of Japan's top acts, DMC is challenged to a duel by death-metal icon Jack IL Dark. Souichi finds himself locked in a battle of satanic guitar riffs for the title of ultimate death-metal king, all while keeping Ms. Aikawa sweetly ignorant of his alter ego. THE MAGIC HOUR d. Koki Mitani (Sam Guk Hung Hei) Satoshi Tsumabuki (Chai Fu Muk Chung), Toshiyuki Nishida (Sai Tin Mun Hung), Haruka Ayase (Ling Lai Yiu), Koichi Sato (Jor Tung Ho Si), Eri Fukatsu (Sum Luk Wui Lei) Opening October 30 2008 [ BROADWAY CIRCUIT ] Bingo has stolen away the girlfriend of his crime syndicate boss, and now he faces an ultimatum: find him a legendary assassin named Della Togashi, or die. But time is running out and Della’s whereabouts remain moot. As a desperate measure, Bingo decides to hire a failing actor, Taiki Murata to play the part of the elusive assassin. Believing he’ll be starring in an epic gangster film in the role of his life, Taiki comes to the port town of Sucago, where the film is to be shot. In his attempt to convince his boss that he has found Della Togashi, Bingo inadvertently winds up indenturing Taiki into the service of the town’s crime syndicate just as it prepares for a major gang war. THE BEAST STALKER Can : Jing Yun Lit : Witness d. Dante Lam Chiu Yin Nicholas Tse Ting Fung, Nick Cheung Ka Fai, Zhang Jingchu, Liu Kai Chi, Sherman Chung Shu Man, Miao Pu Opening November 20 2008 [ YAHOO! MOVIES HONG KONG ] A car accident thoroughly changes their lives. Cop Tong fei while chasing a wanted criminal Cheung Yat Tung has a severe car accident. Later he even accidentally kills a girl. He spends his days in darkness; prosecutor Ko Man witnesses her daughter's death in the hands of Tong Fei and can only give all of her love on her young daughter Ting Ling. Three months after the accident, the comatosed Cheung Yat Tung finally awakes. Ko Man immediately wants him in the court. Criminal Hung Gaing is ordered to kidnap Ting Ling and runs into Tong Fei, who cannot save Ting Ling in time. Ko Man receives a threatening call to recall the charges against Cheung Yat Tung to save her daughter; if she calls the police her daughter is dead. Tong Fei swears to save Ting Ling to make up for his past mistake...... IP MAN d. Wilson Yip Wai Shun Donnie Yen Chi Tan, Simon Yam Tat Wa, Lynn Hung Opening December 2008 [ CINEMA ONLINE MALAYSIA ] Adapted from the life story of Ip Man - the grand master of the Wing Chun style of kung fu and sifu of legendary kung fu superstar Bruce Lee. This movie will be the first important record of the master's life. Ip's persistent devotion to Wing Chun is a classic example of the love and respect shown to wushu and the freedom and spirit it represents. Ip Man is a concept, a spirit, a way of thinking - and it exemplifies a new peak in Hong Kong's wushu movies. 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 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, Raymond Wong Pak Ming, Lee Heung Kam, Ha Chun Opening January 22 2009 in Malaysia [ GOLDEN SCENE CINEMAS ONLINE ] Kei's eldest sister Sandra is a hot-tempered magazine editor and her temperament has left her single all this while. They have a traditional family and one of the rules is that none of the siblings could get married before their eldest sister. In view of this, Kei sort help from the famous “Casanova”, Koo Chai (Louis Koo), who is the new journalist in Sandra’s firm to pretend to court his eldest sister and lure her into the mood of love. With Sandra falling in love with Koo Chai, she decides to introduce him to her parents (Lee Heung Kam, Ha Chun Chou). However, Koo Chai fell in love with another girl, Mun during an assignment and this broke Sandra’s heart. To avoid the disappointment of her parents, Sandra asks Mr. Wong a private investigator to pretend as her boyfriend. With Sandra love life going nowhere and her career plunging low, will she get what she wants? Will Kei find his true love and marries her sister off? Who will Koo Chai choose? Will all’s well end’s well? --- [ 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 * Jolin Tsai live in San Jose,CA Nov 30,2008 Date & Time: Sunday night, November 30,2008 @ 7:00pm Venue Location: San Jose State University Event Center 290 S. 7th Street San Jose, CA 95192 Ticket Prices: $58, $78, $98, $138, $188 (VIP) Info & online ticket: http://www.usastarimage.com http://www.usastarimage.com/EventDetail.aspx?id=29 concert info hotline: 510-651-6888 concert info email: concert@usastarimage.com ticket outlet locations: Ng Hing Kee: San Francisco: 415-781-8330 Sunset SF: 415-759-1999 Millbrae: 650-692-8922 Mountain view: 650-969-2034 Oakland: 510-272-0822 Milpitas: 408-433-5188 World Journal Bookstore (San Francisco) 415-397-8473 Evergreen Books (Milpitas) 408-383-9798 Mo Mo Bookstore (Cupertino) 408-863-1288 Tara Books (Newark) 510-818-9666 Nan Hwa Group (San Jose) 408-453-3330 free roundtrip bus for concert ticket holders in: san francisco chinatown (contact ng hing kee sf & world books), san mateo & millbrae marina food call 650-212-3988 & 650-692-8922 for details http://www.usastarimage.com http://www.usastarimage.com/EventDetail.aspx?id=29 concert info hotline: 510-651-6888 * RAYMOND MIU PRODUCTIONS, INC. AND TRUMP TAJ MAHAL PRESENT ADAM CHEN LIVE IN CONCERT 2008 Special Guest : Fala Chen DATE AND TIME : Wednesday night / Thurday morning, November 27 2008 @ 1AM Thursday, November 27 2008 @ 2 PM VENUE LOCATION : Mark G Etess Arena Trump Tah Mahal Casino Resort Atlantic City NJ PRICE : $98, 68, 38 TICKET OUTLET LOCATION: Raymond Miu Productions 195 Canal Street, Suite 201 New York NY 10013 212.966.0800 www.rmpny.com * Sam Hui live in Reno,NV Nov 27,2008 more details coming soon! Tickets On Sale Saturday, September 13th @ 10 AM Contact InfoContact: Ticketmaster Phone: (775) 787-8497 http://ticketsus.at/ticketstudent?CTY=3&CID=874 http://www.visitrenotahoe.com/reno-tahoe/what-to-do/events/11-27-2008/sam-hui * STARLIGHT JOEY YUNG CHO YI RENO CONCERT 2008 Date & Time: Saturday night, October 11,2008 @ 7:30pm Venue Location: Peppermill Tuscany Events Center 2707 South Virginia Street Reno, NV 89502 Toll Free: (866) 821-9996 http://www.peppermillreno.com/entertainment/new_peppermill_headliners/joey_yung_starlight Ticket Prices: VIP $168, $128, $98, $68 bus & hotel packages available call 415-731-3223 for details Ticket Outlet Locations: Concert Info Hotline: 415-731-3223 Concert Info Email: ktv@newfacektv.com website: www.NewFaceKTV.com http://store.edstyle.com/concerttickets.html New Face K-Box 870 Taraval Street San Francisco, CA 94116 tel: 415-731-3223 Quickly 6901 Geary Blvd (cross street: 33rd Ave) San Francisco, CA 94121 tel: 415-867-3412 Premiere Mobile Sunset District: 415-664-9928 SF Chinatown: 415-398-99385 Oakland: 510-331-7288 Usasia Inc Toll Free Hotline 1-800-822-4885 San Francisco Chinatown 415-989-1688 Oakland Chinatown: 510-835-8588 Concert Info Hotline: 415-731-3223 Concert Info Email: ktv@newfacektv.com website: www.NewFaceKTV.com http://store.edstyle.com/concerttickets.html * ERIC MOO LIVE 2008 Special Guest : Hu Yanglin DATE & TIME : Saturday night / Sunday morning, October 5 2008 @ 1AM VENUE LOCATION : Grand Ballroom Bally's Atlantic City Atlantic City NJ * Fei Yu Chin live in San Jose,CA Oct 4,2008 Date & Time: Saturday night, October 4,2008 @ 7:00pm Venue Location: San Jose State University Event Center 290 S. 7th Street San Jose, CA 95192 Ticket Prices: $58, $78, $98, $108, $138, $168 Info & online ticket: http://www.usastarimage.com http://www.usastarimage.com/EventDetail.aspx?id=28 concert info hotline: 510-651-6888 concert info email: concert@usastarimage.com ticket outlet locations: Ng Hing Kee: San Francisco: 415-781-8330 Sunset SF: 415-759-1999 Millbrae: 650-692-8922 Mountain view: 650-969-2034 Oakland: 510-272-0822 Milpitas: 408-433-5188 World Journal Bookstore (San Francisco) 415-397-8473 Evergreen Books (Milpitas) 408-383-9798 Mo Mo Bookstore (Cupertino) 408-863-1288 Tara Books (Newark) 510-818-9666 Nan Hwa Group (San Jose) 408-453-3330 free roundtrip bus for concert ticket holders in: san francisco chinatown (contact ng hing kee sf & world books), san mateo & millbrae marina food call 650-212-3988 & 650-692-8922 for details http://www.usastarimage.com http://www.usastarimage.com/EventDetail.aspx?id=28 concert info hotline: 510-651-6888 -------------------------------------------------------------------- Box office info : What Box Office Info? The usual suspects : MOV3.COM, Internet Movie Database, Yahoo! Hong Kong Erors : ye olde chaffing editor For Monday September 30 2008 10 10 PROMISES WITH MY DOG Can : Ngor Wor Chum Wui Huen Dik 10 Gor Yeuk Ding Lit : My 10 Promises With My Retriever Mayuko Fukada, Etsushi Toyokawa, Reiko Takashima 9 JOURNEY TO THE CENTER OF THE EARTH d. Eric Brevig Brendan Fraser, Josh Hutcherson, Aniat Briem 8 4BIA d. Yongyoot Thongkongtoon, Paween Purijitpanya, Banjong Pisanthanakun, Parkpoom Wongpoom, 7 DISASTER MOVIE d. Jason Friedberg, Aaron Seltzer Matt Lanter, Vanessa Minnillo, G. Thang 6 YOU DON'T MESS WITH THE ZOHAN d. Dennis Dugan Adam Sandler, John Turturro, Emmanuelle Chriqui 5 MAMMA MIA d. Phyllida Lloyd Amanda Seyfried, Stellan Skarsgard, Pierce Brosnan, Meryl Streep 4 THE FORBIDDEN LEGEND OF SEX AND CHOPSTICKS Can : Gum Jung Mui Lit : Golden Bottle Plum d. Chin Man Kei Kaera Uehara, Hikaru Wakana, Serina Hayakawa Lam Wai Kin, Tsui Siu Keung, Ng Chi Hung 3 20TH CENTURY BOYS d. Yukihiko Tsutsumi Toshiaki Karasawa, Etsushi Toyokawa, Takako Tokiwa, Hitomi Kuroki 2 EAGLE EYE d. DJ Caruso Shia LaBeouf, Michelle Monaghan, Rosario Dawson 1 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 ------ Summaries for some of the films above. Some contain SPOILERS 10 PROMISES WITH MY DOG Rating : I Length : 117 mins. Opening September 11 2008 [ BROADWAY CIRCUIT ] Akari Saito is a 14-year-old girl living in the city of Hakodate in Japan’s northern prefectural island of Hokkaido. Secure in gentle and compassionate love of her father Yuichi, and mother Fumiko, Akari is leading a carefree childhood free of want. The only seed of dissatisfaction comes from having to watch her father, a promising surgeon at a university hospital, grow busier and busier at the cost of time spent with her. And then one fateful day, Akari’s ever cheerful and energetic mother falls ill and is hospitalized. Just as worry and loneliness begin to take their toll on her, a stray puppy wanders into her yard. Taking the puppy with her on a visit to her mother in the hospital, she receives approval to keep it. It is a female Golden Retriever with white markings on its paws. They name him “Socks.” Before Akari leaves, her mother sits her down and carefully explains – by pretending to use the voice of Socks - the “10 Promises” Akari must keep to her new dog as her master. 4BIA Rating : IIB Length : 118 mins. Opening September 11 2008 THE FORBIDDEN LEGEND SEX & CHOPSTICKS Rating : III Length : 94 mins. Opening September 18 2008 [ YAHOO! MOVIES HONG KONG ] In the Song Dynasty, wealthy son Simon Hing is a handsome genius who inherits his father's medical knowledge with specialty in male potency. As he matures, his father hires a courtesan in the disguise of a family friend to stay at the Simon home. Actually she is the beauty that his father has arranged for him, to instruct Simon Hing in the art of the bedroom and woman taming, for him to experience that the joy of sex must not involve love and thus decides Simon Hing's philandering life... 20TH CENTURY BOYS Rating : IIB Length : 143 mins. Opening September 25 2008 Site : http://www.20thboys.com [ YAHOO! MOVIES HONG KONG ] The story takes place between 1960 and 2010, around lead Kenji and a group of classmates. During childhood they fantasize about opposing an evil organization and write a prediction to save the world. 30 years later, a self proclaimed "friend" mystery person forms a friendly gang to save the world as predicted. If someone betrays "friend" then the friendship ends and is immediately killed. The symbol that "friend" uses is the same as Kenji and his friends. What is the true identity of "friend"? Is "friend's” prediction book exactly the same as Kenji's? CONNECTED Rating : IIB Length : 111 mins. Opening September 25 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... ------ GLOBAL CHINESE SONG CHART For Saturday, SEPTEMBER 27 2008 15 GOOD MORNING BEAUTY OF GOD Can : Jo On Sun Ji Mei Lu Guangzhong (Lo Guong Jun) 14 CRUEL MOONLIGHT Can : Chan Ho Yuet Guong James Lin (Lam Yau Ga) 13 IMPULSIVE Can : Chung Dung Elva Hsiao (Siu Ah Hin) 12 REMINISCE Can : Si Lim Tanya Chua (Choi Kin Nga) 11 WEDDING INVITATION STREET Can : Hei Tip Gai Kay Tse On Kay 10 BEIJING BEIJING, I LOVE BEIJING Guan Zhe (Kwan Jit) 9 WEST SON ROMANCE Can : Sai Ji Ching Yuen Lin Yi (Lam Yi) 8 STRANGE FETUS Can : Gwai Toi Ronald Cheng Chung Kei 7 IMPERFECT Can : But Yuen Mei Nicky ee Gau Jik 6 YOU ARE MY HERO Yu Quan 5 NOT YET 18 Can : Mei Moon Sup Bak Shui Anson Hu (Wu Yin Bun) 4 PAINFUL LOVE Can : Tung Oi Jam Hsiao (Siu King Tung) 3 IF ABLE TO BE TOGETHER Can : Yu Gor Nung Joi Yut Hei Jasmine Leong (Leung Sing Yu) 2 LITTLE WAIST Can : Siu Man Yiu Vincy Chan (Wing Yi) 1 RIGHT HAND SIDE Can : Yau Sau Bin Michael Kong Leung ------ [ 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. SO DONE Thank you very much, New York Mets, for making Your Chaffing Editor look like a psychic. With another year of last minute collapse we bid farewell to Shea Stadium. Oddly enough, Your Chaffing Editor's favorite moment at Shea was another Mets' blowout against the Braves. The Mets were so far behind that then manager Bobby Valentine pulled a double switch, bringing in utility player Matt Franco to pitch and starting pitcher Rick Reed in the outfield. Of course, after Rick Reed almost killing himself out there, the move was quickly undone. Nevertheless, it was a circus moment that Your Chaffing Editor will probably never forget. Leave it to Your Chaffing Editor's f'n Raiders to fire their head coach in the strangest manner possible. Here's a quarter, buy a clue Al. When your fans and your offense are scarier than your defense your team is in trouble. As usual, Your Chaffing Editor has overstayed his welcome. After nearly 12 years or more of this, Old Chaffy has finally had enough. It has been pleasure bringing you "old news" at the age of instant messages and weblogs. Alas, time may have finally run out as updates crawl slower and slower week after week. Your Chaffing Editor understands that you can get your news faster and more accurately elsewhere and appreciates your support over the years. Until an exact date has been determined, the updates will continue. Thank you very much, Jer Jer Stinks, Your Chaffing Editor Top Ten Central --- [ WHAT IS YOUR CHAFFING EDITOR LISTENING TO ] WOMANIZER Britney Spears Superstar Where you from, how's it going? I know you Gotta clue, what you’re doing? You can play brand new to all the other chicks out here But I know what you are, what you are, baby Look at you Gettin' more than just a re-up Baby, you Got all the puppets with their strings up Fakin' like a good one, but I call 'em like I see 'em I know what you are, what you are, baby CHORUS Womanizer, you're a womanizer Boy, don't try to front I know just what you are (Spoken: You got me goin', you're oh-so charmin', but I can do it, womanizer) Boy, don't try to front I know just what you are (Spoken: You say I'm crazy, I got your crazy, you're nothin' but a womanizer) Daddy-O You got the swagger of a champion Too bad for you You just can't find the right companion I guess when you have one too many, makes it hard It could be easy, but that's just who you are, baby Lollipop Must mistake me for a sucker To think that I Would be a victim, not another Say it, play it how you wanna But no way I'm never gonna fall for you, never you, baby CHORUS Womanizer, you're a womanizer Boy, don't try to front I know just what you are (Spoken: You got me goin', you're oh-so charmin', but I can do it, womanizer) Boy, don't try to front I know just what you are (Spoken: You say I'm crazy, I got your crazy, you're nothin' but a womanizer) Maybe if we both lived in a different world It would be all good, and maybe I could be your girl But I can't 'cause we don't CHORUS Womanizer, you're a womanizer Boy, don't try to front I know just what you are (Spoken: You got me goin', you're oh-so charmin', but I can do it, womanizer) Boy, don't try to front I know just what you are (Spoken: You say I'm crazy, I got your crazy, you're nothin' but a womanizer) Boy, don't try to front I know just what you are Womanizer, you're a womanizer, baby ---------------------- HK Top Ten Central hktopten@hotmail.com | http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Towers/2038