From: NO TOP TEN CENTRAL Newsgroups: alt.asian-movies,soc.culture.hongkong.entertainment Subject: [TAKE OVER] HKSAR Film No Top 10 Box Office (NOVEMBER 6 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. Myolie Wu Hung Yi who celebrates her birthday on the 6th 2. MISCELLANEOUS * (11/12/2008) Dicky Cheung Wai Kin and Xie Miu in CHAMPIONS had building jumping and explosion scenes, with danger lurking at every turn, both were aghast at the scene of the environment. In one scene they rescue people from the warehouse during an explosion, Kin Jai risked from just from great height and the scene was breathtaking. Dicky had a serious fear of height, in the film he had to jump from almost 10 meters down, a 10 degree difficult challenge for him. "People who know me know that I am not afraid of much with height. As long as I stand taller, my legs would start trembling. My entire body will go limp and cannot stand firmly. Therefore I don't even ride amusing park rides. This building jump almost took my life, but for an actor professionalism is the most important, so I still let go and jumped. Fortunately, director Brother Siu Ming was satisfied with the first take, otherwise I definitely would not have the guts for a second time." * (11/11/2008) The Universe invested, Peng Fat directed new movie WAN DAI JOR (PLAY TOO BIG) yesterday held a press conference, attending actors included Elanne Kong Yeuk Lam, Stephanie Cheng Yung, Chow Pak Ho, William Chan Wai Ting, Wiley Chiu Shek Chi, Kung Chi Yun, and so on. However the boss Daneil Lam Siu Ming did not appear, perhaps out of fear that reporters would ask him about his rumors with Elanne. In the film Elanne played a beer girl and a female drinking game player. She said frankly that her costume was short and tight, so she would have to keep fit in advance. Chow Pak Ho played a gambler who often asked her for money. She smiled and said, "He got into the role very fast, his constant scratching was very funny." To help with the performance, they met regularly to practice their lines. Once they made Sherman Chung Shu Man and Ken Hung Cheuk Lap thought that they were truly arguing! Elanne as the female drinking game player naturally had to play drinking games, which she knew nothing about. The only one that she knew she played very slowly. Chow Pak Ho did not know any either because he did not go to the bars. Elanne expressed that she despised going to the bar, which not only were noisy but also no one told the truth. Cheng Yung in the film would traverse between William, Chiu Shek Chi and Chan Pak Yuk and later would develop homosexual relationships with both. Yet in real life, she likes plain and simple romance. She smiled and said: "Although I don't have much screen time, the performance will be very stimulated, including a row, table banging and glass busting, (Any kiss scene?) That would depend what the director needs, I would not mind kissing a girl but the best would be shooting it right away. Familiarity would make it embarrassing." As for William he joked that he lost out, because he could not work on a kiss scene with Cheng Yung. He smiled and said, "I have a lesbian friend who knew I was working with Cheng Yung and said, 'Do you have any romantic scene with my goddess?' and putting my life at risk. (Would you need to explain to your rumored girlfriend Angelababy about the kiss scene first?) No! Artists have to be professional!" Later he also humorously asked Cheng Yung, "Do you have to answer to yours?" Cheng Yung glowered at him and said, "Who?" He joked that he did not dare to speak. In addition, this would be Chiu Shek Chi's second film. As for Cheng Yung's hope to make the kiss scene right away and not wait until they were familiar, she agreed that kiss scenes were very embarrassing. Yet with ample mental preparation even shooting them with familiar people would be OK. She was asked about her performance limit? She said definitely no nudity, and this time she needed to give a sexy performance. * (11/11/2008) Nicholas Tse Ting Fung in BEAST STALKERS (JING YUN) due to a scene in which he had to dig a girl from the mud pile was subject to great pressure and suffered insomnia whole week. He was concerned that he would not be dredging fast enough and put the girl in danger, he sighed emotionally, "If this time was without this little girl, I guess I wouldn't have kept going." While shooting this scene, the girl had to shoot in a Tuen Mun warehouse's dark and dirty environment for more than 20 hours, taking only a 10-minute nap then she worked on a buried alive scene. Everyone was very worried that she would collapse. Fortunately, the movie's mud consisted of very light material like sawdust and cork powder. In addition it only took one take and reduced the child's danger to a minimum. Tse Ting Fung had to dig 30 seconds with bare hands to see the girl's legs. Even though the girl had a respirator to help her breathe, Ting Fung has already developed a real concern for the girl and was very nervous, "I was scared something would happen to her, I only worried about this scene in the entire film. I thought a lot about what to do." He realized that this scene has made his broken lacrimal gland teared up once again. "Since a few years ago when during filming I broke my right lacrimal gland I have rarely cried, but when I dug her out I was too much into the drama, that day the right eye actually shed tears!" To Ting Fung, this is the most important scene in his life. * (11/11/2008) The movie CHAMPIONS (DUET BIU) at Times Square held a promotion two nights ago, director Tsui Siu Ming, producer Amy Li Fengming, actors Dicky Cheung Wai Kin, Xie Miu, Priscilla Wong Chui Yu and Debbie Goh (Ng Tin Yu) attended. The event requested 13 wushu representatives' attendance. Li Fai demonstrated Tai Chi, while Xie Miu performed the mantis fist. Cheung Wai Kin said that he has made many series and films that needed martial arts, but in fact he has never studied martial arts. This time he studied only before the shoot, he joked that he was able to learn because he was gifted. Even while playing soccer he has not gotten into a fight because he was the goalkeeper. He once recalled that nearly fought on the field once, the whole team of people surrounded him and he resorted to the tactic of "leave". He joked that he was very smart, and would ask brothers for help. I would avoid direct confrontation and he was Johnnie To Kei Fung's follower of "Harmony is precious." Kin Jai said that in recent days the promotion has been so busy that he could not stop. Earlier he flew to promote in the U.S. Soon after arriving in Hong Kong he would head to promote in Hong Kong. Did his wife Zhang Qian complained? He said that his wife would attend the premiere in Hong Kong, he hoped that by the end of November he would have time to spend with her. When asked how the preparations for the wedding was going, he said that there is place for the time being but did not confirmed. Actually he has forgotten to inform his mother, his mother learned from family, friends and the newspaper, which was a little bit embarrassing. As for William So Wing Hong's Hong Kong concert, he laughed and pointed out he felt he could sing, did not need guests or friends. He would only support him. Kin Jai also said that he would not go on stage to steal Hong Jai's thunder. As soon as he appeared he would steal the spotlight. Although Hong Kong did not need help, Kin Jai promised Hong Jai at write the draft of his short film for him and for the dressing intermission. He joked ou that others really knew how to get him to "fill in". Even he pointed out that he really knew how to get into "position", he could not even help brothers. * (11/11/2008) Stephy Tang Lai Yun in the movie played an entertainment feature writer and is like sisters with Kary Ng Yu Fei. Counterfeit Lok Gaile, Chrissie Chow Sau Na at initially worked as the cleaning lady at Stephy's office. She thought collected the important information for Stephy. Finally she even sold out Stephy and stole her boyfriend Leung Cho Hiu. In one scene Chrissie and Leung Cho Hiu played a hilarious bed scene. Chrissie put on a tempting "sailor uniform" to tame Leung Cho Hiu with "uniform fetish". The duo at the beginning of the shoot had some initial embarrassment, but after getting into the role she would only have her mind on playing the characters. When Stephy and Kary saw Leung Cho Hiu's exaggerated expressions and movements, they have worked very hard on holding back their laughter. Stephy said that she wants to "hide" under the table but acting with Kary who was on top of the table was somewhat difficult because she could not see her expression. Because he did not see his expression, they made be dying from holding their laughs. She joked that several times ago she hit herself because she was not looking at where she was going! * (11/10/2008) Ken Lo Wai Kwong expressed that his films NOBODY'S PERFECT, LEGENDARY ASSASSIN and THE SHINJUKU INCIDENT will be released at the same time. Has the financial tsunami affected his salary? He said, "It has on everything, I would reduce it a little. Originally a boss has approved a screenplay that I wrote for production, now it would have to wait." * (11/10/2008) Huang Xiamong today came from Hainan's Sanya film studio to Shanghai to celebrate his 31st birthday with several hundred fans. He told reports that his new series will wrap by the end of the year, then he will work on two films, one of which will be a Hong Kong production. He revealed that this film will be very different from his last SNIPER, as it would be a comedy. He feels Hong Kong to him is as familiar as Hong Kong and looks forward to coming to work on a film in Hong Kong again. He would like to be able to come to Hong Kong more. He claims that his Cantonese remains "iffy" but he is working hard on learning the dialect. He plans to include Cantonese songs in his new record in April. * (11/9/2008) Yesterday Sundream Motion Pictures and Hong Kong United Youth Association CHAMPIONS distinguished advanced screening was held for those with prominent position in society. The guests included the Liaison Office Secretary General Zhao Guangting, Hong Kong United Youth Association Chairman Mr. Hui Wa Kit, director Tsui Siu Ming, executive producer Amy Li Fungming, lead actresses Priscilla Wong Chui Yu and Debbie Goh (Ng Tin Yu). During the period the actresses even brought the Golden Angel award that CHAMPIONS won at the Chinese American Film Festival to share with the public. At the end of the event a simple yet solemn commitment signing ceremony. Everyone put their piece of the jigsaw puzzle together as a sign that the two sides promised with the martial art spirit of CHAMPIONS to encourage young people to reach a higher level and face life with a positive outlook. * (11/8/2008) The Eric Tsang Chi Wai produced, Mak Hei Yun directed LIK YUT DONG HUNG (BLAZING SUN IN THE SKY) two nights ago held its premiere. A group of new actors Wong Man Yik, MAGIC BOY (MOR SHOOK NAM) star Leung Hiu Fung attended. Chi Wai was abroad and absent. Shaun Tam Chun Yi came to support his good friend Director Mak. Mak Hei Yi was very excited this evening. Although Chi Wai was not in Hong Kong he called in support of them. When asked when she would release the film with a category III rating, Mak Hei Yun helplessly pointed out that the censors felt the behavior in school uniform in the film did not meet youth standard. Yet there was no set answer for what the standard was. She said that many films would have foul language, fighting or sex scenes, but why would this film be rated category III. She was more curious than upset. Tam Chun Yin expressed that lately he has been very busy. Aside from making movies, television series and hosting programs he has been preparing to direct a movie and planned to apply for financial assistance from Taiwan. This time the film would cost 2 to 3 million, but he has never thought about the performance of CAPE NO. 7. This time he would only try his own abilities. Would he cast his father Ti Lung? He said that probably not. Papa earlier has read the screenplay and said that a role was very suitable for him. However he could not afford to hire Papa. Tam Chun Yin and Nicholas Tse Ting Fung were good friends. He said that he has not played video games with Ting Fung and his wife for a long time, but he knew that his fellow gamers are still in battle and would meet to play. He said that he would not approach his friends to participate. He planned to approach some Chinese and Korean actors. * (11/8/2008) Priscilla Wong Chui Yu in CHAMPIONS (DUET BIU) performed in her first lead role and first tasted the difficulties and hardship of filmmaking. She even mumbled, "Only I would know the pain." In the film Priscilla played a short distance runner and had many race scenes. To Priscilla who rarely exercised normally the role was very tough. She said, "During one shoot, the temperature was near 40 degrees. I ran under the unusually strong noon sun. Half a hour later everything went black and I collapsed to the floor. After I regained consciousness I realized that I fainted from heat stroke. In another scene I had to run with an injury in the final race. Brother Siu Ming asked me to fall to the floor as I crossed the finish line and my face had to hit the floor. I was worried about what I would do if I was unfortunately scarred. I even broke down." Although finally her face did not suffer a single scratch, her limbs suffered as she was covered in scars all over her bodies. * (11/7/2008) To promote social harmony, Radio and Television Hong Kong would produce a radio broadcast drama MARTIAN, with both same and opposite sex love stories. Yesterday participants William Chan Wai Ting, Ken Hung Cheuk Lap, Stephanie Cheng Yung, Raymond Wong Ho Yin and Wong Yuek Kei attended the press conference. Cheng Yung in a new film would like a lesbian couple with Wylie Chiu Shek Chi. She did not mind any intimate scene with a girl. Did she want to touch Chiu Shek Chi's ample figure? She was indifferent. It would not a category III film and her figure had nothing to do with her. However, she felt that Chiu Shek Chi's figure was great. Has she received any expression of love from the same sex? She joked, "No! Maybe people feel that Cheng Yung likes men too much!" Would she be able to accept a same sex kiss scene? She honestly said that if the director would show her that much respect, as a professional actor she would. However she would have to choose unfamiliar co-stars. If they were too familiar she might not be able to help herself but slap or punch her co-star. * (11/7/2008) Taiwan actors Alice Tzeng Hoi Won and Joseph Chang Hau Chuen's film BALLISTIC (DAN, DOH) will open on November 25. This film was based on the Taiwan election assassination of Chen Shui-bian, but all of the characters were completely fictional. Chang Hau Cheun in the film played a cop who was responsible for this case's investigation. Tzeng Hoi Won played Liu Kai Chi's daughter. Chang Hau Cheun was asked whether he felt that the subject was too sensitive? He honestly said that at first he has considered the problem but later felt that the story was rather interesting and should not be considered from a political stance. The most unforgettable for him was the gun fight with the mob. The film also had many fight scenes while in reality he actually did not know how to fight. In addition, Hau Chuen in one scene had to throw a chair toward glass and accidentally injured his face with the shrapnel. He said that the injury was minor. Hau Chuen said that in the film he had to shoot a fire dragon dance in Hong Kong. He had to traverse among the fire dragon. It was his first experience, which felt very special. Tzeng Hoi Won expressed that in the film she played a girl on the run because her father Liu Kai Chi was mistaken as the killer. In one scene she had to run with her father but stumbled. Her leg was bleeding from the fall but since the story also called for it her blood was not wasted. Hoi Won in the film played a rebellious and independent girl. She honestly said that everyone would have a rebellious period. She did too and would persist to do what she wanted. She said that when she was younger she wanted to date, her mother was reluctant but she insisted. She honestly said that she would not now and would think more. Hoi Won pointed out that the collaboration with Hau Chuen felt great. Since they were close in age and both from Taiwan, privately they chatted like friends. However she did not worry about gossip with him. She only had 15 minutes in the film. She said that her role had nothing to do with politics so it had less screen time. She said that she was not a flower vase and a small part of the film. Hoi Won expressed that subject was okay because the film was not completely the same as the truth and some changes were made. Did she understand the Chen Shui-bian case? She expressed that she watched daily in Taiwan and personally she was very concerned with politics. * (11/6/2008) The Wong Jing directed new film MEI LOI GAING CHAT (FUTURE COP) yesterday held a production start ceremony at a Tuen Mun mansion. Attendees included Andy Lau Tak Wa, Barbie Hsu (Tsui Hei Woon), Mike Ho (Hor Gwun Cheung), and Xu Jiao. This time Xu Jiao could finally appear as a girl to play Wa Jai's daughter in the film. Wa Jai would play a 2085 future cop. Hor Gwun Cheung Would play his superior. At the production start ceremony, although with Taiwan beauty Big S next to him, Wa Jai took the most care of his on screen daughter Xu Jiao. Wa Jai this time played someone from the future and in the film would have an armor look. Yet because Ching Siu Tung would be the action director, it would have many highly difficult action films. Even the wire work would be as high as the Olympics. This was the first collaboration between Wa Jai and Big S. They would have romantic scene but did not know whether they would have any intimate scene. Yet he pointed out that this film would be very healthy. He pointed out that this film have been negotiated a long time ago, but earlier he was too busy with the Olympics the film was postponed until now. Has this market affected his film salary? He joked that luckily this film was negotiated two years ago when the economy was taking off. Xu Jiao felt veyr lucky to be able to work with Wa Jai and praised him as very handsome. When asked whether he or Stephen Chow Sing Chi was more handsome, Xu Jiao was stunned and Wa Jai immediately helped him. He said that Chow Sing Chi had a flavor while he was handsome. Rescued, Xu Jiao repeatedly agreed. Earlier expressing that she would like to work with Wa Jai, Big S' dream came true. She honestly said that when posing for pictures with Wa Jai, he had his arms around her waist and she nearly fainted. She believed that the film would not have too many intimate scenes, otherwise she definitely would faint. She also said that being able to work with Wa Jai she did not mind getting paid a little less. In addition she also revealed that her sister Little S has always liked Wa Jai. She was very envious and expressed that she would visit the set. She joked that she did not have a right role for her. As for salary, Big S expressed that she was new and the salary was reasonable. Yet this time she got a little raise. This would be Big S' second Hong Kong film. Having just signed with TVB, Taiwan idol Hor Gwun Cheung would make his first Hong Kong film. This time he would work with Wa Jai and even play Wa Jai's superior. He honestly said that as a new comer he felt a lot of pressure and in addition Wa Jai was his idol. He was afraid to be embarrassed in front of him and that his poor performance would hinder production progress. He said that he might have to yell at Wa jai but honestly said that he would not dare to. He was very happy to meet his idol for the first time. Several actors yesterday wore white to the ceremony. Wong Jing expressed that the film approached White Dragon King to pick a lucky day and his followers came to Hong Kong to host the ceremony. Actors accommodated the lucky day and rushed to Hong Kong. Wong Jing revealed that White Dragon King felt that the title was decent. As for Wa Jai's salary, Wong Jing joked that the other boss negotiated that while he negotiated with Xu Jiao. Of course it was higher than CJ7 (CHEUNG GONG CHUT HO). * (11/6/2008) The Hong Kong Sil-Metropole Group, Media Asia film company and Enko Film company joint production TOH FA WON (PEACH BLOSSOM LUCK) about couples with different identities and age like mature woman, abandoned wife, gold digging rich girl, housewife killer and others. Peach blossom luck falls upon them in different manner, but it comes suddenly and cannot be stopped. Guo Tao and Yuen Qiu teamed up for a love story. As for the most memorable scene, Sister Qiu said it definitely was the bed scene. "I rarely made bed scenes, not to mention one in which I had to be very passionate. It truly was embarrassing because that day was the second day I have met Guo Tao. I can fight but I can't be so gentle. I still don't feel natural with the replay." Guo Tao was the most afraid of the crying scene. "In that scene Sister Qiu decided to leave her inheritance to someone who has his heart set on cheating him of the money like me. The director asked for more emotions, tear was the best. Men rarely cried. I didn't know how to shed tears. Luckily with Sister Qiu's lead the result was decent." * (11/6/2008) Sundream film CHAMPIONS was invited to participate in the Los Angeles Chinese American Film Festival. Yesterday it received a Gold Angel award along with THE WARLORDS (TAU MING JONG) and other films. Director Tsui Siu Ming, producer Li Fengming, actors Dicky Cheung Wai Kin and Priscilla Wong Chui Yu were very excited. Brother Siu Ming expressed that although he has been to Los Angeles many times, this time was the most exciting for him because it brought their film, team and friendship spirit. He hoped through film China and the U.S. cultural exchange would be promoted and could learn from each other. He was very honored to be a part of the East and West cultural exchange and hoped that both nations through culture, wushu and film advanced their friendship. Liza Wong Ming Cheun also received a Gold Angel Award for her show business contribution. She was proud to learn about CHAMPIONS being the opening film and expressed that she would definitely take time to enjoy it when it would be released. [ BLAH OF THE WEEK ] Columns, Reviews, Interviews 1. MING PAO DAILY, NOVEMBER 12 2008, FILM WORDS HIGH NOON The recent youth film HIGH NOON (LIT YUT DONG HUNG) belongs to experimental Hong Kong creativity that hsa not yet matured. HIGH NOON is the Eric Tseng Chi Wai produced SEPTEMBER WIND HONG KONG CHAPTER. The project also has a Taiwan and Mainland chapter, all of which are young, new comers made. The film has been shown at this year's Hong Kong International Film Festival. Tseng Chi Wai has been a long term mainstream and alternation Chinese film supporter. Whether success or failure he remains passionate with his assistance, which is very rare. This recently released Hong Kong chapter is the 23 year old Heiward Mak Hei Yun's first full length feature as a director. The film describes a gang of "delinquent" secondary school students, some rich and some poor, who have almost all given up on themselves with drugs, sex, fighting, and uploading classmate's bedroom antics online. Finally they cause a series of tragedies. Young actors are all very lively and natural, but the production method is messy and lacks professional quality. In addition the film focuses on problem students' dark side, like hell on earth they have no light and joy. Actually Hong Kong has many ordinary students, but Hong Kong youth films that capture the ordinary side is extremely rare. - SHEK KEI 2. MING PAO DAILY, NOVEMBER 9 2008, FILM AND TELEVISION OBSERVATIONS WILL TAIWAN TIDE OCCUR? Will CAPE NO. 7 bring a Taiwan wave? Those who have seen the film know this is not a mainstream movie, full of life Tainan flavor and nostalgia, but not stuffy. CAPE NO. 7 is a phenomenon in Taiwan, whether it will also occur in Hong Kong it is difficult to say. Turning the phenomenon into the trend requires more elements, which is not something that a movie can create. Like the Korean wave that has passed, we can see not only one quality Korean film, but the emergence of a variety of mainstream flood, as well as television dramas and pop songs. Taiwan idol drama has long attracted a group of young people in Hong Kong, but they are few in numbers, unlike the Japanese and Korean TV series that can even attract the housewife audience. CAPE NO. 7 is a phenomenon of extremes. Taiwan viewers have looked down on Taiwan films over the years, which is not the kind from poor quality Taiwan films. Viewers feel that the non-mainstream film is boring. It can be taken to film festivals to win several awards but getting good box office would be very hard. The other extreme of Taiwan film is comedy that does not require any brain power does not appear as often. However the Taiwan box office is good, people are going to the movies. The audience is just watching foreign films, especially the most popular Hollywood film. Hong Kong films after the peak on average would only be released in a few cinemas in Taiwan, unless they are super large films. Film is a strange business of extremes, cycles often appear. Hollywood film although is very strong and dominating for awhile, the audience has seen such a formula so much that their taste naturally changes. The rise and fall cycle of Hollywood film is longer than film of other regions because it has done every aspect better, but it still would happen. The film investment mentality is flock. When Hollywood films decline, if local film does not pick up and nearby regional films cannot replace them, the audience's first choice remains the same. CAPE NO. 7 proves that Taiwan audience no longer resists Taiwan films. A good film can achieve NT$5 billion at the box office, which tells investors that this market is viable. The performance that follows, the number of good films, and whether they are just accepted overseas will decide whether or not a Taiwan tide appears. - KWOK HIN CHING 3. TA KUNG PAO, NOVEMBER 9 2008 ON THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE FILM FUND The government has allocated three million in Film Development Fund to finance the film industry over the past year, the most important investment part of which is film financing. Reportedly, the industry response has not been enthusiastic. From time to time articles would criticize Film Development Council's film investment regulations being too tight, which results in their inability to help the industry get out of the bottom. Is this really the case? The most common view is that the Film Development Council's investment position are the same as the film owner's position in general. Film that they invest in are all small and medium sized productions that are able to guarantee return. The even sharper criticism refers to the movies that the Development Council are interested in. They are all projects that make money and have very low risk of loss, and have no demand for creativity and quality. Film Development Council's investment project must be low-risk because of the whole concept of investment. Development Council's careful handling of taxpayer money is right and proper, but this idea confused film investment with film industry assistance. Investment should consider return on investment; our problem is it does not help with elevating the film industry to a cultural level, thus the Hong Kong Film Development Fund is different from France, Germany and even South Korea. The most important task of Hong Kong's film consultant (at the invitation of the Fund) is to assess whether the film cost can be recovered. They do not have to review whether the subject matter is special and is a creative breakthrough. Movies that the Film Development Fund to invest in do not offer concessions to new directors. New directors' productions can only apply for financial assistance with the Art Development Council, and the amount is rather small. First Time Director is the most precious rare animals in film. While other countries and places have put in an effort in training them, the Film Development Council has given them the cold shoulder. How can film be developed? However, supposedly many films that have applied for Film Development Council investment have new directors; which proves that filmmakers have recognized the importance of nurturing new directors. Development Council should consider allocating some resources to finance first time directors' works. On the other hand, we do not believe that a film development council is good for nothing. Development Council has financed the Entertainment Expo, the Hong Kong Film Awards and a number of very constructive film-related activities. As for film investment, it has invested in more than 7 movies with tens of millions of dollars. In terms of the Hong Kong-produced films quantity this year of probably more than 40, the Film Development Council invested film ratio is nearly 20%; which should be a good start. On the other hand, the Film Development Council will also focus on simplification of investment regulation in order for more film to receive investment. The current Development Council is exploring how to develop markets in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, and also actively head north to discuss the feasibility of the Mainland market expansion, all of which are positive. As to how effective it is, we shall wait and see. - TIN LIK 4. MING PAO DAILY, NOVEMBER 7 2008, FILM WORDS THE ETHNIC CHINESE FILM "Chinese Film Panorama 2008" will end in three days. This column has said that almost all of these Mainland films are in the Mainland official propaganda melody but more or less reflects some delicate national situation. For example, the Space Museum tonight will be showing the taxi driver comedy GOOD MAN, which beautifies Mainland as all good like a fairy tale. Wonderfully the theme is being the good guy is hard, which is quite ironic. Tomorrow night's IN THE WILD MOUNTAINS is a 80s rural area masterpiece that is realistic and ridiculous as it becomes an interesting spouse swapping legend! The Film Archive's tomorrow afternoon screening SUDDEN INCIDENCE shows how a good official in recent years copes with an increasing number of bad businesses, as well how as people struggle against them. While it does not to mention collaboration between officials and businessmen, it has not been completely avoid serious social conflicts. The Sunday afternoon's screening WAY OF THE SNOWSTORM describes excellent Xinjiang special police that runs into a risk taking gold seeking gang. Capturing breathtaking snowy wonders and odd situations, it is a Western with Chinese characteristics. This time the China Film Panorama in addition to Xinjiang themed WAY OF THE SNOWSTORM has two other ethnic region films, each with its own attraction. SONG OF TIBET is the story of Tibet, the female lead loves to sing Tshangs Dbyangs Rgya Mtsho's love poems and develops half a century long relationships with three men. The most wilderness flavor comes from HEAVENLY GRASSLAND, in which a young woman in Inner Mongolia falls in love with her husband's younger brother until her rough husband is released from prison to form a mysterious triangular relationship. The film has decent visuals, and the Mongols perform well. Yet the film adds a stiff Chinese boy who is not very cute. These three ethnic films all have magnificent scenery and ethnic customs, and non-Chinese actors often are cool, WAY OF THE SNOWSTORM's Xinjiang special police and SONG OF TIBET's Tibetan cavalier are very handsome, HEAVENLY GRASSLAND's young Mongol wife is pretty and straightforward. China is a large multi-ethnic country, after the Chinese Communists came to power other than shooting Han nationality it has paid attention to the subject matter of all ethnic groups. Although they promote policies and avoid mentioning ethnic conflict, they once have made Mainland films more glamorous. Several decades ago, FIVE GOLDEN FLOWERS, ASHIMA, THIRD SISTER LIU, and TIANSHAN RED FLOWER were popular, Tibet's SERF had a style of its own. After the reform and opening up "minority ethnic" films were not very popular film but were still often made. They included Tian Zhuangzhuang's famous work ON THE HUNTING GROUND and THE HORSE THIEF, the most prominent in recent years were KEKEXILI and TUYA'S MARRIAGE. Although now rarely shown in Hong Kong, actually the Chinese ethnic issues are complicate and all ethnic films are important. However official restricted areas are plenty, we need even more opening up and improve production to truly be able to display the attraction of multiple ethnicities. - SHEK KEI [ In Production Now/Soon ] Can : Wan Dai Jor Lit : Play Too Big d. Pang Fat Elanne Kong Yeuk Lam, Stephanie Cheng Yung, Chow Pak Ho, William Chan Wai Ting, Wiley Chiu Shek Chi, Kung Yun Chi 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 : Yau Lung Hei Fung Lit : Swimming Dragon Acting Phoenix AKA : 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 : 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, ALL ABOUT WOMEN 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) CHAMPION Can : Duet Biu d. Tsui Siu Ming Dicky Cheung Wai Kin, Xie Miu, Priscilla Wong Chui Yu, Debbie Goh (Ng Tin Yu), Ronnie Yu Rong Guang, Xu Xiangdong, Li Hui Length : 118 mins. Opening November 13 2008 [ YAHOO! MOVIES HONG KONG ] China officially sends a team to participate in the World Games for the first time and announces that wushu will be its performance. Each school and style actively participate in private duels. Central martial art hall chief Zhang Zhijiang decides on a national recruitment for representatives...... WUSHU Can : Mo Shook ji Siu Nin Hung Lit : Martial Art : Youth Journey d. Anthony Szeto Wing Wah Sammo Hung Kam Bo, Wang Wenjie, Liu Fengchao, Mak Wai Cheung, Wu Ma Opening October 23 2008 [ YAHOO! HONG KONG MOVIES ] 9 year old Li Yi and brother Li Er after their mother's passing followed their father to a no name small town martial art school. Their father is this school's instructor. The children are full of curiosity about their about to start new lives... 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? 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... 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. HIGH NOON Can : Lit Yut Dong Hung AKA : 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) Opening 2009 [ 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. 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 November 20 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. 1ST 7 DAY Can : Tau Chut d. Herman Yau Lai To Michelle Ye (Yip Shuen), Lam Ka Tung, Julian Cheung Chi Lam, Eddie Cheung Siu Fai, Fung Hak On, Tony Ho Wa Chiu, Chiu Yu Nung Opening November 20 2008 [ YAHOO! MOVIES HONG KONG ] A depressed driver, a mysterious passenger, a poor woman, a touching past and an unknown forbidden land......like one piece after another of a lost puzzle, together it creates a suspenseful and touching story that is full of twists and turns. Taxi drive map King accepts an order that no one is willing to take. The destination is a Spring Thunder Hotel that has been abandoned for 33 years. Mysterious passenger Siu Ma drives his light truck and asks Map Wong to be his guide with a high offer. When they successfully arrive at the destination he would pay Map King even higher salary. Siu Ma is surprised that Map King is rather familiar with the direction of Spring Thunder Hotel. On the way Map King and the just as strange Siu Ma have too much knowledge of what happened then at the Spring Thunder Hotel. Yet they are unwilling to talk about it freely. After arriving Siu Ma says that the mission has been completed and gives the goods on the truck to Map King. When Map King opens the merchandise...... LEGENDARY ASSASSIN Can : Long Nga Lit : Wolf Fangs d. Nicky Lin Chungzhi Celina Jade, Jacky Wu Jing, Ronald Cheng Chung Kei, Ken Lo Wai Kwong Opening November 20 2008 in Malaysia [ CINEMA ONLINE MALAYSIA ] Whe nBruce helps capture four runaway convicts hiding in an island, cop Holly believes that Bruce is one of the good guys. When a body of a decapitated ruthless criminal was found, Bruce disappears without a trace. His departures makes him the apparent kiler. The arrival of the mobsters forced Bruce to come out of hiding when Holly is taken hostage. As the smoke clears, Holly is faced with dilemma; her feelings toward Bruce and her duty as a cop. 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 27 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...... NOBODY'S PERFECT Can : Juet Doi Seung Giu d. Yip Lim Sum Stephy Tang Lai Yun, Kary Ng Yu Fei, Chubby (Siu Fei), Sammy, Tong So Kei, Hotcha, Length : 99 mins. Opening November 27 2008 [ YAHOO! MOVIES HONG KONG ] Lam Fung Giu and Tsui Giu have been rivals since childhood. As adults, Lam Fung Giu has become a famous fasthion columnist. Vicious, she loves criticizing city celebrities' clothing the most. Yet due to some outstanding comments she has the love of the readers and remains popular; On the other hand Tsui Giu does not have too much career ambition. She and her family operates a traditional dress store in the old district. Although her life is simple, she is optimistic and has no worry...... MIAO MIAO d. Cheng Hsiao-Tse Sandrine Pinna (Cheung Yung Yung), Wing Fan Chih Wei, Ke Jia Yan Opening November 27 2008 [ YAHOO! MOVIES HONG KONG ] The 18 year old Ai is an energetic and happy high school student. Her grades are average. Everyday she only focuses on baking ugly and hard cakes. She feels that in life nothing is happier than making the perfect dessert until she runs into a new firends who makes her realize that some things are even sweeter than cake...... BALLISTIC Can : Dan, Doh d. Lawrence Lau Kwok Cheung Simon Yam Tat Wa, Joseph Chang Hau Chuen, Alice Tzeng Hoi Won, Lam Ka Tung, Liu Kai Chi, Ko Chun Hsiung, Zhang Guozhu Opening November 27 2008 [ YAHOO! MOVIES HONG KONG ] The story opens with an election assassination. Each side with its own agenda struggles for power. Siblings like cops originally are about to uncover the fog after danger after danger. Yet instead they fall in further and are swept into the power storm between the mob and those in power. The duo is forces to make a life and death choice between good and evil, ahead of them remains dead ends at every turn...... IKIGAMI: THE ULTIMATE LIMIT d. Tomoyuki Takimoto (Lung Boon Ji Hung) Shota Matsuda (Chung TIn Cheung Tai), (Sing Mei Lei Ji), Takayuki Yamada (Tin San Hau Ji), Koji Tsukamoto (Chung Boon Go Si) Opening December 4 2008 [ YAHOO! MOVIES HONG KONG ] A place with similar history and environment as Japan has a law called "natoinal vibrance maintenance law". Its goal is to created a reduced national crime rate, highly productive utopia. As each new student enrolls in an elementary school, he or she would receive an immunization shot. One among a thousand would be injected with any extremely small pouch that would stick to the heart. Between the ages of 18 to 24 the poison would be released and killed the person. The government can accurately calculate the poison release time so the 1/1000 person who is selected to die can be assigned a death notice 24 hours before so he or she can make preparations...... 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 * INTERNATIONAL ENTERTAINMENT MARKETING AND MOHEGAN SUN PRESENT JAY CHOU WORLD TOUR 2008 CHRISTMAS CONCERT DATE AND TIME : Saturday night / Sunday morning, December 21 2008 @ 2PM Sunday, December 21 2008 @ 2 PM VENUE LOCATION: Mohegan Sun Arena Mohengan Sun Uncasville CT TICKET PRICES : $ 268 VIP, 188, 138, 88, 68 TICKET OUTLET LOCATIONS: ONLINE : www.iemshowplace.com/html/jaychou.html CHINATOWN : 89 Bowery 212.925.1898 FLUSHING International Entertainment Marketing 135-05 40th Rd., 2nd Floor Flushing NY 11354 718-888-3113 BROOKLYN International Entertainment Marketing 5609 8th Ave., 2nd Floor Brooklyn NY 11220 718-437-7717 ELMHURST 85-08 Queens Blvd. 2/F 718.803.3326 EDISON, NEW JERSEY: 1681 Rt.27 Suite 3 732.819.8883 BOSTON : 12A Tyler Street 612.695.1989 * RAYMOND MIU PRODUCTIONS, INC. AND TRUMP TAJ MAHAL PRESENT MOONLIGHT RESONANCE CONCERT 2008 with Linda Chung Ka Yun, Raymond Lam Fung, Lee Sze Kei, Ha Yu DATE AND TIME : Saturday night / Sunday morning, December 20 2008 @ 1AM VENUE LOCATION : Mark G Etess Arena Trump Tah Mahal Casino Resort Atlantic City NJ PRICE : $118, 88, 68, 48 TICKET OUTLET LOCATION: Raymond Miu Productions 195 Canal Street, Suite 201 New York NY 10013 212.966.0800 www.rmpny.com * 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 * HARRAH ENTERTAINMENT AND AND FUNG'S ENTERTAINMENT PRESENT HARLEM YU AND CHAN PAK YU THANKSGIVING CONCERT DATE AND TIME : November 30 2008 @ 1 AM VENUE LOCATION : Caesers Circus Maximus Theater Atlantic City NJ INFORMATION : www.fungshow.com * INTERNATIONAL ENTERTAINMENT MARKETING AND MOHEGAN SUN PRESENT RICHIE JEN "LOVE & BELOVED" CONCERT with Special Guest Huang Pin Yuan DATE AND TIME : Wednesday night / Thursday morning, November 27 2008 @ 2PM Thursday, November 27 2008 @ 2 PM VENUE LOCATION: Mohegan Sun Arena Mohengan Sun Uncasville CT TICKET PRICES : $ 138, 108, 78, 48 TICKET OUTLET LOCATIONS: ONLINE : www.iemshowplace.com/html/richie_jen.html CHINATOWN : 89 Bowery 212.925.1898 FLUSHING International Entertainment Marketing 135-05 40th Rd., 2nd Floor Flushing NY 11354 718-888-3113 BROOKLYN International Entertainment Marketing 5609 8th Ave., 2nd Floor Brooklyn NY 11220 718-437-7717 ELMHURST 85-08 Queens Blvd. 2/F 718.803.3326 EDISON, NEW JERSEY: 1681 Rt.27 Suite 3 732.819.8883 BOSTON : 12A Tyler Street 612.695.1989 * 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 -------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 November 11 2008 10 VICKY CRISTINA BARCELONA d. Woody Allen Javier Bardem, Penelope Cruz, Scarlett Johansson, Rebecca Hall 9 HIGH NOON Can : Lit Yut Dong Hung d. Mak Hei Yun Lam Yiu Sing, Leung Hiu Fung, Shum Ka Kei, Wu Wing Tung, chan Yiu Wing, ? Tin Yeung, Yu Man Ming, Wong Man Yik, Lei Pui Yi 8 CITY OF EMBER d. Gil Kenan David Ryall, Ian McElhinney, Harry Treadaway 7 TROPIC THUNDER d. Ben Stiller Ben Stiller, Jack Black, Robert DOwney Jr. 6 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) 5 THE WOMEN d. Diane English Meg Ryan, Annette Bening, Eva Mendes 4 SAW V d. David Hackl Tobin Bell, Costas Mandylor, Scott Patterson 3 HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL 3 THE SENIOR YEAR d. Kenny Ortega Zac Efron, Vanessa Anne Hudgens, Ashley Tisdale 2 DETROIT METAL CITY d. Toshio Lee Kenichi Matsuyama, Yoshihiko Hosoda, Ryuji Akiyama 1 QUANTUM OF SOLACE d. Marc Forster Daniel Craig, Olga Kurylenko, Mathieu Amalric ------ Summaries for some of the films above. Some contain SPOILERS HIGH NOON Opening November 6 2008 [ YAHOO! MOVIES HONG KONG ] In 2007, as the world was busy welcoming the 08 Olympics, the most important battle for Hong Kong students -- the HKCEE was around the corner. Nine male and female adolescents are lost between adulthood and childhood and through the internet, text messaging, materialistic virtual world and cruel reality are caught in a dilemma; restless and fragile souls appreciate each other, under the scorching sun they frankly find the exclusive love and freedom of youth. Nothing new under the sun? More and more absurd little stories have quietly occurred in balance. Starting with a phone video, they have gone from relying on each other to having a chip on their shoulders from each other, from protecting each other to mutual suspicion; the gradual disintegrating friendship, fragile love, family fetters, death and life impact momentarily erode their youth and turning youth from the land of the free society back to reality. Yearning for brilliant youth freedom, the Community under the hot sun cries aloud the hot and frank growth Universal Declaration!! DETROIT METAL CITY Rating : IIB Length : 103 mins. 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 Length : 136 mins. 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. ------ GLOBAL CHINESE SONG CHART For Saturday, November 8 2008 15 LIVE FOR YOU Can : Wai Nei Yi Woot (Sun Muk Yu Tung) 14 LOVE NOT ENOUGH Can : Oi But Gau Raymond Lam Fung 13 I DECIDE Can : Ngor Kuet Ding Jasmine Leong Jing Yu 12 STRANGE FETUS Can : Gwai Toi Ronald Cheng Chung Kei 11 SLEEPING WITH BUTTERFLY Can : Yu Dip Tung Min Joey Yung Cho Yi 10 PROMISED FORTUNE Can : Shuet Ho Dik Yun Fok Jay Chou (Chow Kit Lun) 9 FALLING LEAF Can : Lok Yip Hai Mingwei (Hoi Ming Wai) 8 SUCCESS DAY Can : Chook Tau Tin May Day 7 SEASIDE HIGHWAY'S EXIT Can : Yuen Hoi Gung Lo Dik Chook Hau S.H.E. 6 TAKE ME TO THE STAR A Shin (Ah Shun) 5 YOU UNDERSTAND MY LOVE Can : Nei Dung Ngor Dik Oi Leon Lai Ming, Zhang Ziyi 4 MISSING YOU Van Fan (Fan Yat Sun) 3 NA NA NA Wu Kequn, Cyndi Wang (Wong Sum Ling) 2 NOT YET TO HEARTBREAK PLACE Can : Mei Doh Seung Sum Chu Andy Lau Tak Wa 1 LITTLE DIMPLE Can : Siu Jau Wor JJ Lin Junjie, Charlene Choi Cheuk Yin ---------------------- HK Top Ten Central hktopten@hotmail.com | http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Towers/2038