From: NO TOP TEN CENTRAL Newsgroups: alt.asian-movies,soc.culture.hongkong.entertainment Subject: [TAKE OVER] HKSAR Film No Top 10 Box Office (DECEMBER 18 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. Ray Lui Leung Wai who celebrates his birthday on the 22nd B. Edmond Leung Hong Man who weds his girlfriend of 10 years Karen Lam Man Wai on the 18th 2. MISCELLANEOUS * (12/24/2008) Rising to fame after a hit series in Mainland, Hong Kong and Taiwan, Ethan Yuen King Tin two days ago attended a promotion in Kwun Tong apm shopping center for his film OI DOH DAI (LOVE TO THE BOTTOM). Co-stars Van Fan Yat Sun, Annie Liu (Lau Sum Yau) and Makiyo also made appearances. In terms of popularity, Siu Tin of course was the strongest. On Christmas Day, Siu Tin expressed that he would work on his new series. Gillian Chung Yun Tung who was originally rumored to be in the cast was replaced due to her sex photo scandal. Siu Tin said, "I don't know whether the original intent was her. I have seen her earlier work and felt she is a good actress who is very serious about work. If that is true I am very sorry and hope that there are future opportunities to work together." In addition, one of the female co-stars Makiyo two nights ago stole the thunder from Lau Sum Yau with a push up look. She said that she was not considered sexy because Taiwan had much sexier stars than her. * (12/24/2008) BQ 2008 Celebrity Award ceremony was held in Beijing last night. After months of internet selection and comprehensive expert assessment, celebrities representative of sports, fashion, charity and other fields have been selected for 2008. One of the evening's most important prize, Celebrity of the Year Award, ultimately went to Huang Xiaoming with the support of 1.13 million users as he defended Zhang Ziyi, Vicki Zhao Wei, Zhou Xun, Li Bing-bing, Fan Bingbing and other star, to win this award again. In addition, due to the recent IP MAN success Donnie Yen Chi Tan has had a lot of exposure and was the evening's only award winning Hong Kong actors. Yen Chi Tan said, "I never thought that I don't know how to act, but each actor inevitably would have his or her own position in the market. 'Yen Chi Tan is a gong fu actor who really knows how to fight' is my position. Over the years, I have been waiting for such a well rounded character. To play IP MAN well, I have spent more effort than in any previous film. I am very grateful for everyone's support, I will continue to work hard." * (12/24/2008) Kitty Zhang Yuqi yesterday attended a Whampao Christmas E-Show Star show legend event and signed with those who were hearing impaired. She even donated 100,000 to Hong Kong Sign Language Association and the event returned the favor with a big Christmas card. She expressed that because this year she was busy with acting she has rarely participated in charity events. This time she would like to be able to help the physically impaired to express her love. She expressed that she would rush back to Beijing to spend Christmas with her family because they have not seen each other for a long time. However soon she would have to work on the additional shoot for the Stephen Fung Tak Lun directed TIU CHOOK HUI (DANCE OUT). She has heard that the Edison Chen Koon Hei character would go to Leon Jay Williams but was not sure. She said that she has seen his idol dramas. Did she feel he was right for the role? She said, "I have attended an event with him before, I thought he was young and handsome. He's great." * (12/23/2008) The Feng Xiaogang directed, Ge You and Shu Qi starred Media Asia Film, IF YOU ARE THE ONE, has already accumulated over 80 million in Mainland after four days in release. The director and leads after all this good news were very happy, Shu Qi said that her hard promotional work was not wasted. Shu Qi earlier attended the Beijing premiere of IF YOU ARE THE ONE and revealed that day after the premiere she and her assistant went for a late night snack and discovered a man staring at her. When she got the bill, he suddenly handed his card to her, expressed that he has admired her for a long time and would like to go out with her. Shu Qi thought that he was very offensive, joked that she has made a new film called IF YO UARE THE ONE and urged him to watch it. Later she discovered that he was a company's president, at the time she felt very surprise but actually he was very sincere. He did not make any drastic move, so her assistant did not separate them. She felt that a photo was not big deal but since they did not know each other they could not possible go out. Shu Qi in IF fell for a married man Alex Fong Chung Shun, finally the sincerity of Ge You, who published a marriage seeking ad, touched her. Shu Qi said frankly that the older she got, the more she did not force love and would face it with ease. She said that now she had no suitor. She believed that when destiny arrived one naturally would come. She felt that love required tolerance, forgiveness and giving, not only the word love alone. * (12/23/2008) Popular Taiwan drama idol Ethan Yuen King Tin has been working nonstop. Since making the jump from modeling to television, earlier he even joined the film world. Yesterday he visited Hong Kong for 15 hours to promote his film OI DOH DAI (LOVE TO THE BOTTOM). This Christmas Eve he would come to Hong Kong again for work. The Filmko film OI DOH DAI last night held a promotional event in Kwun Tong. Aside from Siu Tin, other actors including Van Fan Yat Sun, 9 Knives and Annie Liu (Lau Sum Yau) attended from Taiwan. Because Siu Tin recently has been busy with a television series, two nights ago after working all night he flew to Hong Kong at 8AM to prepared for last night's promotion. The entire afternoon he accepted different press interviews and truly could not be busier. * (12/23/2008) In view of the 8 Wing Chun school's recent press conference to denounce Jason Wu Jing, many subsequent speculations spread. Yesterday Mandarin film distribution president Raymond Wong Pak Ming issued a statement to the media to clarify that the press conference ad nothing to do with the company. The company at this stage would not make such a stupid promotion gimmick. As for one of IP MAN's executive producer Sin Kwok Lam, because he was also a representative of Wing Chun the company had no right to prevent any of his comment and reiterated that all comment and position would have nothing to do with Mandarin. As for Du Yuhang signing contract to become a Mandarin artist, the statement clarified that Mandarin had no management department. Thus Du Yuhang was not the new comer with the company support. His management should be "National Arts Entertainment Co. Limited." At the same time, Mandarin currently did not have any plan to shoot the film WING CHUN thus it had no idea about the film's casting and content. Mandarin reiterated that the company has always considered harmony as a virtue, averting issue and quieting people as principles. It would never provoke a dispute in the industry and would follow Master Ip Man's convincing others with honor code. It hoped that the statement would eliminate outside speculation and misunderstanding of Mandarin and settle all storms. * (12/23/2008) Universe Entertainment's 100 million investment THE STORM WARRIROS (FUNG WON II) will debut in December 2009. Earlier at the Beijing press conference, the first 30 second trailer was premiered. Aaron Kwok Fu Sing as Cloud and Dior Cheng Yi Kin as Wind had costumes that could be both good and evil. This time Cloud would overcome the demon inside and take the right path, but Wind in order to train turns evil. In the trailer other characters have also been unveiled, like Charlene Choi Cheuk Yin as the Second Dream, as Tang Yan as Chor Chor, Nicholas Tse Ting Fung as Juet Sum and Simon Yam Tat Wa as Godless. The event even gave an exclusive 50 second preview of a military scene. The entire clip was computer generated, with a black, white, gray and red as primary colors it displayed traditional Chinese painting's streamline boldness. STORM WARRIORS is China's first special effects film that integrated the blue screen and real location scenes that were comparable to Hollywood standards. After STORM WARRIORS' footage release, film companies, media and fans have responded positively and was amazed with the heights of Hong Kong computer special effects. Kwok Fu Sing also said that the film was the one in which he was injured the most in his career. In order to coordinate with the special effect, he not only had to be accurate but also paid attention to the details of action. Cheng Yi Kin also pointed out that the director has designed a lot of new action scenes, some of which he has never been involved before. During the shoot he had to proper train himself. * (12/22/2008) Leon Lai Ming will release his new EP IT'S ME (SI NGOR) on Christmas Eve. Yesterday a new record release press conference was held in the Prince's Building at Central. Although earlier Janice Vidal (Wai Lan) was suspended, recently it has been lifted as her new record SERVING YOU sold over 150,000 copies in Asia and reached 5 platinum record figures. As the owner Leon Lai Ming naturally looked happy and made time to celebrate with Janice at his own new record press conference. He also announced that next year he would make a movie with her as the female lead. Lai Ming also announced his Hong Kong Coliseum concert next summer. Next year Pepsiwood would also produce a movie for Wai Lan to be the female lead. Lai Ming did not directly answer whether he was fully supportive of Wai Lan. He only expressed that it was an ordinary job. He pointed out that not only the company support, the artist's own fate was also important. Next year he will make three movies for Pepsiwood, Media Asia and another company. Would he teach Wai Lan how to act? He joked that since everyone had their own world, how could he teach her when he himself was still learning. This Christmas, he would rehearse in Hengzhou for the concert there. With his recent illness he had to take antibiotics for a week and would not go out. * (12/22/2008) Aaron Kwok Fu Sing and Carina Lau Ka Ling last night attended an event in Guangzhou. Sing Sing said that on Christmas Day he would still have to rehearse for his upcoming concert and he would be very busy; but he hoped to have time for Christmas shopping. Reporters were the most concerned about whether Sing Sing would give Lynn Xiong (Hung Doi Lam) any gift. Sing Sing did not give a direct answer. Kwok Fu Sing this year has performed well in movies and music. His world tour is heating up. He was very satisfied about this year's performance and has designed an all new plan for next year's work. He even expressed hope that the already completed SAT YU FAN (MURDERER) would become his representative work. * (12/21/2008) The movie FOREVER ENTHRALLED two nights ago held its Hong Kong premiere. Aside from Leon Lai Ming, Sun Honglei, Chen Hong, boss Albert Yeung Sau Sing and his wife, ATV Executive Chairman Linus Cheung Wing Lam, Kevin Cheng Ka Wing, Elaine Lok Yi Ling, Wong Cho Nam, Mandy Lee Cho and Edwin Siu Jing Nam came in support. Emperor artists Vincy Chan (Wing Yi), William Chan Wai Ting, Kenny Kwan Chi Bun, and Deep Ng Ho Hong were also present. The three main characters did not accept any interview, only shared the production experience on stage and host the toast ceremony. Female Lead Zhang Ziyi has not come to promote the film in Hong Kong. Lai Ming was asked whether the shoot was very difficult and about his experience. He thanked his friends for coming but he believed that tonight some friends might not know Mei Lanfang. They made the film for people to enjoy, they paid the hardship for everyone; they performed truly from the hart in this film and they hoped that everyone would support it sincerely. The master of ceremonies asked Lai Ming whether performing the Beijing Opera was difficult. He said, "I hope everyone like it." Chen Hong was asked whether the shoot had any pressure? She said, "Yes, Lai Ming and Hong Lei both had pressure, my pressure was from learning the Beijing dialect." * (12/21/2008) Jason Wu Jing earlier while promoting the film LEGENDARY ASSASSIN (LONG NGA) accepted an interview, parts of which was placed on YouTube. Many Wing Chun students felt that when Wu Jing mentioned did not know about Ip Man he had a frivolous attitude and was disrespectful and provocative to the master of a generation Ip Man. Yesterday many Wing Chun school and institute representatives held a press conference to show dissatisfaction with Wu's remarks. At the same time, they also questioned the authenticity of Wu Jing's self proclaimed Chinese martial arts championship, because research found that Wu Jing only participated in a youth tournament of a rather level rank. Wing Chun school representatives requested a friendship charity match with Wu Jing. They would send a male and female disciple for Wu Jing to choose as an opponent in an exchange of martial arts experience. If Wu would be willing to accept this match, Wing Chun would donate 100,000 yuan for charity. If they lose they would donate another 400,000 for 500,000 total. If they win, they would like Wu Jing to donate 500,000. If wu Jing was unable to raise enough, Wing Chun would be willing to cover him. They also hoped that through this match they would be able to have an exchange of martial arts. Sin Kwok Lam, a school director, pointed out that any misunderstanding could be clarified, and that this time was not a martial arts dispute. They have yet to contact Wu, as for Ip Man's son Ip Chun he has not seen the clips. He also said that this was an individual action and the elders needed not to be disturbed. If Wu Jing apologized, Wu Jing had the final option whether to fight or not. They mainly wanted to safeguard Master Ip Man's dignity. Kong Chi Keung, the Wing Chun martial art association president, felt that Wu Jing was a bit arrogant. The way he talked would offend the spiritual leader of everyone who studied Wing Chun. The Wing Chun camp yesterday sent a man and a woman, Du Yu-hang and Lee Mei-hui. Du Yu-hang has won a number of youth tournament championships, while Li Mei-hui is a traditional martial arts champion. Du Yu-hang was the movie IP MAN's martial arts consultant and even participated in the movie. Undoubtedly some would suspect that he was promoting for the film. As for Wu Jing's company Gold Label it claimed that Wu Jing and director Li Zhongzhi were never disrespectful to Master Ip Man but questioned why they waited so long to speak out since the Wu Jing interview took place on the 20th and the clips were uploaded on the 28th. The company would not respond to other matter but appreciated their assistance in promoting Wu Jing and LEGENDARY ASSASSIN. * (12/20/2008) The Chen Kaige directed, Leon Lai Ming and Zhang Ziyi starred, 100,000,000 yuan production FOREVER ENTHRALLED yesterday held its Hong Kong press conference. The director along with lead actor Lai Ming, actors Chen Hong and Sun Honglei attended while lead actress Zhang Ziyi was absent. Investor Emperor Group's chairman Albert Yeung Sau Sing also attended. FOREVER ENTHRALLED's Mainland box office has already received over 100 million. Yesterday the film company arranged for the three children in Beijing opera customs to carry banners with the words MEI, LAN, and FANG and posed for pictures with the cast and the director. The actors also talked about their production experience. The film has been enrolled in next year's Berlin International Film Festival, male lead Leon Lai Ming expressed that he should be able to go. Whether he would go with Gaile Lok, he expressed that he would not decide until that day. Lai Ming said that he was well aware of how the mood of attending a film award ceremony should be. He felt that if he had no expectation then he would be heart broken. Being a good actor was the most important as he would have plenty of time in the future. Lai Ming claimed that COMRADES ALMOST A LOVE STORY (TIM MUK MUK) had nine nominations except the Best Actor category, which made him understand that as an actor he should not pe too concerned with the nomination. He had no expectation in THREE because it was only one third of the film, yet he won. In the end as long as the audience was please he was satisfied. Lai Ming stated that FOREVER ENTHRALLED after two weeks in Mainland release has already reached 100 million at the box office. As a drama it has already broken records and he hoped it would continue on. He was already very happy with the good word-of-mouth. Earlier Sun Honglei claimed that Lai Ming was too direct and could easily offend people. Lai Ming felt that he did not need to explain himself. "People are people, I am me. I don't have any discretion, but I have never hurt anyone." As for Sun Honglei's claim that Zhang Ziyi was like a tiger on the set, Lai Ming disagreed and felt that was incomprehensible. Many people felt that Zhang Ziyi was lucky, but she had to have talent to have such a performance. She also needed luck and hard work. He said that Zhang Ziyi was a good actor in his mind. For example she was not a singer but her theme song performance was already great, which took a lot of courage. Lai Ming also said, "In the past she was accused of speaking poor English, which was the position of some people. Why should Chinese people speak too much English words, she has already done her best in being able to say a few lines." With the film registered for the Berlin Film Festival, director Chen Kaige expressed that he would attend with the cast. Was he confident about winning? He said that he has participated in Cannes and won the Palme d'Or award. He would not have any expectation in Berlin as he felt very happy about being able to participate already. As for celebrating, he expressed that he did not have any suitable time. The Mainland box office has since passed the 100 million yuan mark. Chen Kaige frankly was very happy. Was he worried that Hong Kong viewers may not have the patience for this type of films? He said, "A lot of circumstances are different, so I just take the usual approach." As for Gillian Chung Yun Tung's scenes being removed, Chen Kaige said that actually all actors' scenes were cut because the film was too long. Otherwise the film could be up to 3-4 hours. He said honestly that any director would feel that any cut would be a pity. Originally he suggested two installment releases but the investors disagreed. If the film in the future would have the opportunity to be a DVD release, then he may add the deleted scenes. Chen Kaige also praised Ah Gil's performance. She went to the set three times and each time she has worked very seriously. Was Ah Gil very disappointed? He said that they were not familiar privately and that the film was about the "lock" problem. He felt that Ah Gil also had the same problem. However, setbacks at youth could be treated as experience so future development would be better. In addition she was still young, if he had any suitable role they would work together again. He stressed that he would not underestimate anyone and would keep an open mind. Was he pressured to remove Ah Gil's scenes? He said, "All sides had pressure, which was very natural." * (12/20/2008) Mandarin Film's New Year comedy film ALL'S WELL ENDS WELL 2009 two nights ago held a wrap banquet in the Venetian Macao Resort Hotel. In addition to the 40 tables, the film company even arranged for the film's three new couples including Raymond Wong Pak Ming and Sandra Ng Kwan Yu, Louis Koo Tin Lok and Shen Lijun (Shum Lai Kwun), Ha Chun Chau (Uncle Winter) and Lee Heung Kam to wear wedding costumes as director Vincent Kuk Tak Siu bared witness on their behalf. The scene was lively. The couples performed the ceremony to its fullest, but Goo Jai was obviously perfunctory. When he read the oath he urged it not to be too long; during the ring exchange he just casually put it on his co-star, but when it was her turn he took the ring from her and put it on himself; then when he kissed the bride he would only pretend with a pose; when he and Chen Lijun left the venue, the guests came to shake their hands like it was a real wedding. Uncle Winter and Sister Piano during their pretend kiss he accidentally hit her forehead; as for Kwan Yu and Boss Wong they pretended to vomit. Later Goo Jai was asked when he was so sloppy, was he waiting for the real wedding to be serious? He said, "Of course! (What's the hurry?) There are so many people here! I am shy, (are you looking forward to marriage?) I haven't thought about that yet but I definitely will get married. I have this year attended one or two Weddings, almost all my friends are married with children. For my future wedding I would like it to take place in some quiet environment (like the library?) Good idea!" He added that even if he would host a banquet, he would not have too many tables. At most he would only dine with the parents, family and friends. He believed that if he got married elsewhere his family would be even happier because they could go on vacation. Unfortunately so far he still had no object of affection. For her second time in a wedding gown, Shen Lijun said that wearing the wedding gown again was happy and fun. Was she worried that wearing it too many would make her numb to the real wedding? She said, "I heard that wearing wedding dress too many times and being the bridesmaids too many times would prevent marriage. Although I have been the bridesmaid three times, I am not worried about not getting married. I think as long as both people are happy the wedding doesn't have to be a grand ceremony." Ng Kwan Yu two nights ago refused to kiss Wong Pak Ming as they even pretended to vomit. The reporters later made fun of her for keeping the kiss for boyfriend Peter Chan Ho Sun. She immediately explained that their characters would never kiss because as soon as they did they would vomit. Thus she was only coordinating with the story. However this time she had a kiss scene with Goo Jai. She explained that the script required it and she did not ask for it. She even revealed that Goo Jai would turn all red when he kissed. She said, "He was like a rookie, shy with everything. Yet he doesn't look like it! I have to ask him later!" Although Kwan Yu and Chan Ho Sun already had a daughter they have no formally married. When she put on the wedding dress two nights ago, did her father Uncle Winter ask her when her wedding would be? Kwan Yu said, "He didn't. I won't engage in any wedding ceremony, anything in secret, choose a corner of the earth where you have to climb mountains and wade over water, or even a banquet in Hong Kong because I don't like the format." At this point Wong Pak Ming joked that he could pretend to be Chan Ho Sun for now. Kwan Yu told him to grow his hair longer first. Since she did not like the format, would she quietly register? She said, "Let's see what happens first. Maybe I will have another one first then register so everyone would be happier. In addition, her father and Sister Piano played newlyweds in costume. Kwan Yu said, "I am laughing to death. I saw Sister Piano looking very tragic and aggrieved. (Would Mommy be jealous?) No, they are over 100 together, they are playing like this just for fun!" * (12/20/2008) Stephen Chow Sing Chi would direct and star in GREEN HORNET, but recently it was reported that Sing Ye would not direct and would only act because he later would direct another big Hollywood film, a special effect superhero film with Jack Black and Anne Hathaway. When asked to confirm, Sing Ye yesterday admitted that he has decided not to direct GREEN HORENT. He said, "Sony Pictures would like me to make it and I like the role a lot. However whether I would I would have to see next year's schedule." As for working with Jack Black, Sing Ye expressed that he would not at liberty to reveal anything. Later he would make an announcement to everyone. * (12/19/2008) "Marie Claire" award presentation ceremony was held two nights ago. The event presented Aaron Kwok Fu Sing, Charlie Yeung Choi Nei, Yao Yu and Mary Cheung with the "Fashion with Heart Award". Other guests included Ana R., Kathy Chow Man Kei, Janet Ma Si Wai and Vanessa Yeung Jung. Wilson Yip Wai Shun will begin shooting IP MAN 2 next year and is interested in Sing Sing for the role of Bruce Lee. Sing Sing said frankly that he was very happy about the appreciation but nothing has been confirmed because his schedule next year has been packed. Sing Sing said that Bruce Lee was his idol, to play him he must spare no effort to prepare in advance. His rumored girlfriend Lynn Xiong (Hung Doi Lam) was in the cast of IP MAN. Would he take the role if she would remain in the cast? Sing Sing said that work was work so it was not complex as everyone has imagined. Would he see IP MAN? Sing Sing expressed that he would with his guy friends because many of them were Bruce Lee fans too. Has Lynn offered him tickets? He expressed that she has not but he would show his support because appreciating others' performance was encouragement as well. If needed he would provide his opinion and his criticism if the performance was poor. He would not give random praise, which might be harmful to her. * (12/19/2008) Shu Qi two nights ago with director Feng Xiaogang, boss Peter Lam Kin Ngor attended the IF YOU ARE THE ONE charity premiere. Shu Qi said that this evening she wore six inch high heels, she said that this Christmas she will promote the film in Mainland. As for Hong Kong people might not necessarily understand the story, Shu Qi was a bit worried at first, but a few days ago at the IF Beijng premiere, her hair stylist and makeup artist were very moved after watching and praised this film was comprehensible and humorous. She was at ease and hoped that Hong Kong people would like it. Shu Qi said that the film had a sexy hot spring scene. Did she perform in the buff? She said, "A little bit." She said that this film's scenery was beautiful as they shot on location in Japan's Lake Akan, Lake Kussharo and the Shiretoko Peninsula, suitable romantic locations for couples. When asked whether she has gone to anywhere romantic with her boyfriend before, Shu Qi said that she could not remember and all she had in her mind was Mandarin. Was her former boyfriend not the romantic type? She felt that romance sometimes depended on personal preference, when two people were in love, they would be happy with street stalls or high class restaurant and either could be romantic. In addition, Feng Xiaogang praised Shu Qi's beauty and acting so she was worth waiting for. Shu Qi was a little embarrassed. * (12/18/2008) The movie IP MAN two nights ago held a grand premiere ceremony. In addition to director Wilson Yip Wai Shun and main actors Donnie Yen Chi Tan, Lynn Xiong (Hung Doi Lam), Simon Yam Tat Wa, Lam Ka Tung, Terry Fan Siu Wong and Du Yuhang attended, other guests included Ip Man's son Ip Chun, Alan Tam Wing Lun, Peng Kin Sun, Kristy Yang Kung Yu, Catherine Hung Yun, Zhang Jun and Wang Yuanyuan. An orchestra performed live as well. During the event, boss Raymond Wong Pak Ming even announced more good news and expressed that the films since its Mainland opening last Friday has already broken FEARLESS (FOK YUEN GAP) and FOREVER ENTHRALLED's box office record. Its first weekend box office exceeded 30 million. They celebrated with champagne and wished for similar success in Hong Kong. After the premiere the film company held a party at Central and continued to celebrate with the cast and guests. Looking dapper in a suit, Yen Chi Tan two nights ago attended with his elegantly dressed wife Cici Wang. About the reportedly film box office success, Chi Tan frankly said that he was the happiest about the good word-of-mouth. When asked whether he has already decided to make a sequel? He said, "All in all it will include Bruce Lee and the four disciples. Earlier Yip Wai Shun told the story and I just could not help but weep while listening. In fact, IP MAN is also very moving, I am the happiest that even guys are moved to tears. So I feel Yip Wai Shun should be nominated for best director, if he doesn't win it would be really unfair. " * (12/18/2008) Universe's two new films WAN DAI JOR (PLAY TOO BIG) and OI CHING GOO SI (LOVE STORY) two nights ago held a wrap banquet. Once linked in rumors with Elanna Kong Yuek Lam, boss Daneil Lam Siu Ming announced that later the Peng Shun directed new film OI CHOOK MAU (LOVE CHEAT) would recruit young student performers. However during the entire event he had no exchange with Kong Yeuk Lam. During the toast, Kong Yeuk Lam even deliberately retreated to the back row and Lam Siu Ming did not raise a toast to her. When reporters were about to take pictures, Lam Siu Ming immediately screamed, "Don't shoot me, shoot (Joe) Ngai Chun!" Kong Yeuk Lam has not been arranged to perform in the new film OI CHOOK MAU (LOVE CHEAT). The director thus was asked whether Miffy Zhang Mau was eligible. Pang Shun said, "She definitely can!" As for her own company's new film had no role for her, Kong Yeuk Lam explained that she had other projects on hand and the film would like to feature new comers. When asked whether she and the boss had deliberately drawn the line, she said that she would not answer any related question. In OI CHING GOO SI, she had passionate kiss scenes with both Rex Ho Chun Wai and Janice Man. The one with Rex even lasted up to half a minute, so after finishing it they were so embarrassed that they dared not look at each other. Instead the kiss scene with another girl was not as awkward. Janice in the film had to constantly cry. Her eyes were not only swollen from all the crying but she almost lost control of her emotion. The shoot took place when Kong Yeuk Lam was at her unhappiest, Janice said that privately she was concerned about her, and the atmosphere of the set was very warm. The well endowed Wylie Chiu Shek Chi has constantly become the focus, but on that evening was Chow Sau Na, Kung Ka Yun and Chan Chor Kiu stole her thunder. She not only did not mind, but also revealed that she did not deliberately train her chest as reported. She was only taking care of her skin. In addition, Stephanie Cheng Yung's face broke out recently. She said that stress has led to skin irritation and she has been plagued for two years. In the future she would like to be able to slowly adjust. [ BLAH OF THE WEEK ] Columns, Reviews, Interviews 1. MING PAO DAILY, DECEMBER 24 2008, FILM WORDS DESIRES OF THE HEART AND IF YOU ARE THE ONE These two new Mainland films are very commercial, elegantly packaged modern romantic comedies. Both had Ge You as a marriage seeker. With numerous new stars DESIRES OF THE HEART (TOH FA WON) reportedly has already made several tens of millions yuan in Mainland and doing decent business. The official New Year film IF YOU ARE THE ONE (Mainland New Year film is based on the Western New Year) had an even stronger opening. However DESIRES OF THE HEART last week opened in Hong Kong and had a very cold reception. The Shu Qi starred IF YOU ARE THE ONE will be released around Christmas, we shall see if it could attract more Hong Kong viewers. Frankly speaking, Neither is right for my taste but DESIRES OF THE HEART is richer and more interesting. This is a new era romantic ensemble film that included beauty girl Li Xiaolu's crush on enterprise elite Duan Yihong, conservative girl Mei Ting's encounter with passionate wanderer Lu Lu, and divorcee Vivian Wu's run-in with romantic expert Ge You. Two couples are even more wonderful: rich girl Song Jia's romance with poor chef Li Chen has a rather mythical feel; Hong Kong's Yuen Qiu plays a tailor shop boss lady who develops a romance with a young man, CRAZY STONE's Guo Tao, which is the most dramatic. The comedy and action expert Yuen Qiu this time has a real emotional and realistic acting performance. Writer and Director Ma Liwen has directed YOU AND ME, which describes a girl who has gone to Beijing for school and turns from rivals to intimate with her old landlady. The film is very moving. The landlady Jin Yaqin received the Tokyo International Film Festival Best Actress award. This time she works on a popular films and can no longer be simple. Reportedly Ge You is the original center of the film, but he resigns midway and the film is turned into an ensemble. It becomes busy yet fragmented, fortunately aside from good looking people it also can pay attention to the little guy. As for IF YOU ARE THE ONE, Ge You plays a bachelor who returns "gold plated" from the United States and seeks a wife. He meets a variety odd candidates and has a joyous rivalry with flight attendant Shu Qi. The director is Ge You's old partner Feng Xiaogang. This time he enables Ge You to talk about life and make passionately tearful expression. However, his performances is too individual. The truly good actor is Shu Qi, who only drinks and chats with Ge You because she is in a difficult romantic situation. This drinking buddy relationship is rather special. The dialogue is tit-for-tat. Shu Qi's expression is very charming. The film is loose early and decent in the middle, the latter part that travels to Hokkaido, Japan drags on too long. The story has a lot of trifling matter, for example, for example the opening introduction of the Ge You invented "machine to resolve world dispute" is truly glaringly childish. Ge You is very popular in Mainland. He excels in making fun amid hardship and swindling. This time he is in midlife and enjoys the middle class leisure. Can he become sincere? Actually he is still fishing in troubled waters. - SHEK KEI 2. MING PAO DAILY, DECEMBER 22 2008, FILM WORDS IP MAN'S HARD FIGHTING IS SOUND ENOUGH Recent gong fu films have shown initial signs of life. Jason Wu Jing in LEGENDARY ASSASSIN (LONG NGA) fights mightily. Now the Donnie Yen Chi Tan starred IP MAN has even stronger box office draw. Fortunately it is hardcore fight. Solid and sound it revives the realism based basic gong fu, the performance is decent. Ip Man (1893-1972) is the famous master who expanded Wing Chun in Hong Kong, Wing Chun, due to his disciples (including Bruce Lee)'s overseas success his reputation grew. This film was not an official biography, the story completely takes place in the 30s and 40s Foshan, Guangdong. Apparently the film takes advantage of the opportunity, as Wong Fei Hung in over 100 films was very different from the real Wong Fei Hung and Fok Yuen Gap in the movies is not like the real Fok Yuen Gap. In the film Ip Man is described as the a typical modest gentleman who is almost perfect. He was born rich and sympathized with the poor, loved martial art and respected the martial art code, mild mannered and cultured, loved and respected his wife and women. In addition he was very patriotic and safeguarded national dignity. The keys to the story are three duels. First Ip Man accepts a Foshan master's closed door challenge; then a master from another province arrives to challenge his school. He is invincible until he runs into Ip Man; later after the Japanese army invaded, even Ip Man is under occupation. When he cannot tolerate the situation anymore he challenges the Japanese general in the final duel. Director Wilson Yip Wai Shun this time is particularly robust. Although it lacks the "explosive burst", it adds a subtlety that is both dramatic and action while maintaining his usual dishes (it even adds the pain of wartime starvation, when it becomes necessary to fight to the death for a bag of rice). Yen Chi Tan as the frail hero Ip Man is probably the kindest and the most mature character in his film career. Yen Chi Tan's abilities along with Sammo Hung Kam Bo's action direction have made every fight realistic and fierce as well as varying. Terry Fan Siu Wong as the other province challenger is powerful and strong. Japanese general Hiroyuki Ikeuchi also looks good but the decisive and climatic battle still has not reached the excitement of real masters in a duel because Yen Chi Tan is bound to be unbeaten! Lynn Xiong (Hung Doi Lam) plays Ip's wife. Simon Yam Tat Wa plays his cotton facotry good friend. Even more outstanding is Lam Ka Tung as the police officer turned "traitor", who looks bad but has a good heart. His character has multiple dimensions. As for shortcomings, this film has not officially introduced Wing Chun's characteristics and never mentioned Ip Man's martial art ancestry (30 years ago Hung Kam Bo has made WARRIORS TWO (JANG SIN SUN YU CHAU CHIN WA, reportedly they were Ip Man's master and his master). It also has not mentioned that he has studied in the Hong Kong St. Stephen's school. Wikipedia says Ip Man during the Kuomintung era has been a detective in Foshan and Guangzhou, a police captain, after the Communist Chinese victory he leaves his wife and children to seek refuge alone in Hong Kong. This China Hong Kong co-production of course avoids mentioning that. - SHEK KEI 3. TA KUNG PAO, DECEMBER 20 2008 SUSPECT X: THE FILM VERSION UNCOVERS THE MYSTERY OF LOVE Hong Kong has recently set off a "Detective Galileo" boom, following the end of the Japanese TV drama series' run earlier and tonight's television special, the film version will be released on Christmas Eve. Director Hiroshi Nishitani expressed, a film version would require discovering elements that differ from the series. SUSPECT X's film version will have a lot of human relationship and feeling description, Masaharu Fukuyama as a genius Yukawa in the series never show emotions. This time he will for the first time face the irrational problem of "love", his conviction will be shaken. The film version will also bring out the theme that the genius is also just flesh and blood. SUSPECT X's film version is adapted from the third piece of detective novelist Keigo Higashino's series of the same name, SUSPECT X? DEDICATION, a story about the discovery of a male corpse that cannot be identified, The Kou Shibaski played cop Kaoru Utsumi without any hint has no choice but to find Yukawa (Masaharu Fukuyama), a physics professor at the university for help. Yukawa finds in the investigation that the neighbor of the deceased ex-wife (Yasuko Matsuyuki), Tetsuya (Shinichi Tsutsumi), a mathematical genius who he respects during his university days. A perfect crime eventually turns into the battle of the century between a physics and a mathematical genius. Suspense: The Development of Feelings At the same time responsible for planning "Detective Galileo" the TV version and the film version, director Hiroshi Nishitani stressed that the upcoming film version is absolutely not the same as the Japanese TV drama series extended version, but an all new movie that is shot from a different perspective. "The drama is generally moved onto the big screen after it becomes a hit, but 'Detective Galileo' from the outset had a movie version in mind, which for me was a lot of pressure because I have to ensure that the series that was released first would be a big hit." Launched in Japan in October last year, "Detective Galileo" the TV series was Fuji TV's 9:00 p.m. Monday heavy hitting drama. In order to make the original's neutral world match with 9:00PM Monday series style, the show added a female lead who was not in the original series, the rookie cop Kaoru Utsumi, and arranged for male and female leads to solve the case together. The two main characters in the end created new chemical effect and entertainment value, and their romantic development will become one of the film version's mystery. On the difference between the film version and the TV drama, Hiroshi Nishitani says, "The film version requires elements that differ from the series. When we made the Japanese TV drama series, we spent a lot of strong images to constitute a series style, one of the means was when the main character Yukawa asks questions in depth, the camera would keep on spinning then the background music would burst as images of his mind would appear on the screen. The film version will include more human relationship and feeling description, some emotions that have never appeared in the television version like Yukawa's distressed and perplexed look. I want to capture them." He adds, "Another difference is that the series itself has its limitations so little is written about police action, many cases can only be cracked in Yukawa's laboratory. The film version has more police planning and action, which makes the story development more comprehensive and realistic. " Trouble: Duel Between Friends After a four and a half year absence from the television screen Masaharu Fukuyama through his interpretation of the genius physicist Yukawa role of science surges in popularity and now thus for the first time appears as the male lead on the big screen. For him, this time the greatest challenge is not only to retain in the soul of the character in the TV version but also brings out a new side of the role to express that how a man who has always only insisted on a scientific verification and never emotional succumbs to "love" and whose belief begins to waver; all the troubles come from his old friend Tetsuya who turns hostile as he gradually discovers that the other party is a key figure in the case. "We want to tell the audience that 'Genius Yukawa is no more than flesh and blood', in the film version, Fukuyama's role will face the irrational issue of love for the first time." The Director says. "When we made the TV series, we absolutely would not shoot his loss or worried expression; but in the film, he would for the first time show uneasy and sad emotions. He in the TV series would smile and say, 'I really don't understand', in the film he would have the same dialogue, but the feeling and meaning that he says it with would be completely different." He says, he has requirements for Kou Shibaski too as he would describe her character's performance in the police station and being alone with Fukuyama more. All in all, he wants both to perform their best so Japanese TV drama series fans, the original readers and moviegoers are satisfied. As to whether their relationship would have any breakthrough development in the film version, Hiroshi Nishitani keeps quiet. "Even love can take many different forms and types, ultimately their relationship develops gradually; the audience can imagine on its own what happens afterward." In fact, truly enabling Yukawa to discover love in the world instead is the Shinichi Tsutsumi played Tetsuya and all begins with the man who now has turned into the down and out high school math teacher and his encounter with the victim's former wife. Substance actor Shinichi Tsutsumi later with SUPSECT X and CLIMBERS HIGH won the 33rd Annual Hochi Film Award for Best Actor. Climax: Genius Reunion However, the director reminds the audience to focus on the lives of two geniuses Tetsuya and Yukawa, in particular their reunion and separation scenes. "The two's reunion for the first time after 17 years is the climax, their first reaction is speechless. I think this scene is perfect, almost two men's mutual admiration 'love scene'. This is my impression when I read the original work." "In another scene about two geniuses' showdown on an extremely dangerous snow-capped mountains, everyone can see that being a genius is lonely, I want to shoot the world that only has them, two geniuses, left." He says. As for the title, the term SUSPECT is understandable, but what is the true meaning of "dedication"? Hiroshi Nishitani revealed that Tetsuya's "dedication" will be revealed finally in the film. "We have never seen such a way to express love, anyone who has seen it would definitely be significantly moved; of course, Yukawa's sense of justice is equally moving." - SIU O 4. TA KUNG PAO, DECEMBER 20 2008 MOVIE TALK ABOUT THE NEW YEAR SCHEDULE FOREVER ENTHRALLED has been released for two weeks in Mainland, has become the first shot of the New Year films and should be the first New Year film to pass 100 million. In the past Mainland New Year films would refer to mid December or early big new releases that targeted the New Year holiday, which was similar to Hong Kong's Christmas release schedule. Yet starting this year, the Mainland industry very subtle redefined the New Year film as the period has extended from the end of November to the end of January. In other words, the past Spring Festival Lunar New Year schedule was also included in the schedule. Therefore, this year had exceptional many New Year films with a variety of subject matter. Viewers would have ample room to choose, whether the total box office would exceed 1 billion would be a mystery. Yet each film's box office would be dragged down, a seemingly inevitable phenomenon. Films that opened after November in Mainland included THE BEAST STALKER (JING YUN), DESIRES OF THE HEART (TOH FA WON), LEGENDARY ASSASIN (LONG NGA), FOREVER ENTHRALLED (MUI LAN FONG), IP MAN, ALL ABOUT WOMEN (NUI YUN BUT WAI), IF YOU ARE THE ONE (FEI SING MUK YAU), LADY COP AND PAPA CROOK (DAI SAU CHA JI NUI), ALL'S WELL ENDS WELL (GA YAU HEI SI), RED CLIFF (CHET BIK), and LOOKING FOR A STAR (YAU LUNG HEI FUNG). Almost every genre like costume, modern, police, biography, romance, comedy is represented to on one hand provide a variety of choices for the audience but on the other narrow the distribution space. Among more than 10 movies several would become inevitable New Year schedule "victims". ALL ABOUT WOMEN stumbled a little out of the gate as its first weekend box office revenue was not as good as expected. With excellent word of mouth THE BEAST STALKER has only taken in around 20 million, but DESIRES OF THE HEART made 30 million at the box office and was considered the pre-New Year schedule champion. Based on past experience, for a New Year film to have a breakthrough performance they must have a "topic" for the film to become the subject of talk. FOREVER ENTHRALLED is a story of a diva, with Chen Kaige as its director and Zhang Ziyi, Leon Lai Ming and Sun Honglei as its stars. Celebrity biography with famous stars and a big director is a typical "topic film." On the other hand, IP MAN is not considered a strong topic. Its opening weekend box office is 15 million and we will see how the word of mouth and momentum will be. Mainland film release box office results are often subject to "regional" influence. Early Feng Xiaogang movies were popular in the North but not as strong in the South; other genres have the same phenomenon, for example the Hong Kong-style police films and comedy are the most popular in the Guangdong area, reportedly IP MAN also performs better in the South. The only genre that "take-all" in the North and the South is costume wuxia films, probably because costume films did not have any strong background characteristics. With the common "language" of martial arts, they are able to attract the national audience; which is also one of the reasons that RED CLIFF has been elevated to a higher level of expectation. New Year film like other year end programs has a habitual uniqueness. For example only after watching Zhao Banshan's program would the New Year be considered celebrated. Feng Xiaogang's New Year films were just as memorable in the minds of the people. Seemingly over 10 years Feng Xiaogang's New Year films were an indispensable program, appreciating the humor of Feng and talking about the Feng film's merits and demerits already became a habit. IF YOU ARE THE ONE thus was expected to be the second place if not first among the dozen New Year films. As for who wins, it would take at least a month to tell. - TIN LIK 5. MING PAO DAILY, DECEMBER 20 2008, WHERE DOES WIND COME FROM? WINDS OF SEPTEMBER is great! From conception to script, from casting to performance, from art to direction, every segment has been meticulous. The work will always be the most powerful evidence. The film workers' care for the work and concern for the characters define the work's mental outlook and influence. From (Satyajit) Ray to (Abbas) Kiarostami, from (Hiroshi) Shimizu to (Mikio) Naruse, Wu (Yonggang) to the Fei (MU), Lee (Sun-Fung) to (Ang) Lee that has been the way. WINDS OF SEPTEMBER of course still has not been able to achieve these masters' state and achievements, but at least it has followed this direction in the same strain. Among the 2008 Taiwan films appeared CAPE NO. 7 and WINDS OF SEPTEMBER, two films that have certainly created history. On the surface, WINDS is nothing more than another piece of derived from a Taiwan new movie from the 80s (IN OUR TIME) growth/youth films that has constantly appeared and in the past few years become the mainstream. It was about how seven boys who studied together ten years ago (1997) turned from inseparable "buddies" to finally complete strangers, in which weaved these young people's tangled romantic relationships (Homosexuality here often become an inevitable development or routine - - WINDS is not completely without this element but it steadfastly refuses to turn it into a cliche). On campus, under the banyan tree, in a cinema (in this case a KTV room), billiard hall, swimming pool, ball field and classroom, the scenes are set. Flirting with girls, chit-chat, skinny dipping, car racing, disrupt public order, masturbation, and gang fights are inevitable circumstances. Yet like the best work of the new movie period, WINDS is able to jump out of the growth/youth film shackles because its creators (writer Tsai Chung-Han, director Tom Lin Shu-Yu -- I suspect perhaps even including Yee Chih-Yen, who served as the instructor in the process of creation) did not self-indulge/mesmerize in the narcissistic /self-pity sentimental territory at the end of youth. They instead have placed this group of young people's growth in the backdrop of the era and the national territory to write the context of youth. By doing so, running through the whole movie is a professional baseball league that has succumbed to temptation and corruption that led to its decline from the heyday, which has become the reflection of the gang of bigs boys who due to selfishness, weakness and conflict of interest creates mutual suspicion, jealousy, betrayal and treachery. The period that might likely be the final beautiful days in Taiwan history just happens to be the most beautiful moment for these children. According to official coverage, the classification of the "new generation" of Hong Kong Film is strong (up to 33 people). You can criticize me for encouraging the prestige of others, but from a purely personal view: among more than 100 film names on hte list, how many can rival to the other shore's CAPE WIND? None. - SHU KEI 6. MING PAO DAILY, DECEMBER 19 2008, FILM AND TELEVISION OBSERVATIONS CITY WITHOUT MAINSTREAM The film market must have mainstream films to do well. Hong Kong films have been criticized for lacking new ideas. In recent years they have seen much improvement, some film subject matters that would not have been made previously have been made into movies. Some have performed, many have been taken a lot of the festivals and some have even won awards. Yet they have not been able to achieve mainstream. In recent years, Mainland instead has mainstream; the big star, big budget armor films though have started to subside. Action films that cost under 100 million continues on but with the same few martial art stars. New comers have no way to elevate and cannot become the mainstream. Comedy was better, as Mainland would have a few lower budget comedy films with several tens of millions at the box office each year. Some were costume and some modern. The Mainland audience needs more fun. Other film genres like ghost films have a lot of restrictions, so comedy has higher potential. Romantic love story has a market, but it needs big stars. Modern content has a lot of restrictions and its trend is no match for medium-sized comedy. Hollywood film is still the comic book film adaptation's world, but with the financial tsunami this mainstream would change in estimate. The reason is large investment and the market is saturated. Economic recession is more suitable for movies about interpersonal relationships, please feel free to see the previous recession's mainstream work Not only Hong Kong films have no mainstream, other entertainment products do not either. The entire city is very passive and sudden topics led it away to an instant fever that very quickly evaporates. Local creators have lost their leadership charm, media that were powerful in promoting trend in the past have gradually lost their effectiveness. Not only are they unable to promote film and popular music, their influence has also gradually dwindled and faced impact from the internet. Although the Internet is popular among young people, but on-line discussion forums do more harm than good, with limited capacity for positive publicity and a strong ability to destroy. It is more negative than positive, and not suitable for promoting the mainstream. More comforting is Hong Kong films with local characteristics have started to show some performance at the box office and with word-of-mouth, Hong Kong films' return to its initial step may be a way out. - KWOK HIN CHING 7. MING PAO DAILY, DECEMBER 18 2008, FILM WORDS TOKYO! INTERESTING THREE PARTER Since PARIS, JE T'AIME set a precedence two years ago for a city to be the subject, many multiple segment films with groups of international directors and stars have appeared one after another. NEW YORK, I LOVE YOU has already been completed, with over a dozen directors each shooting a New York love story. They included China's Jiang Wen, Japan's Shunji Iwai, actresses Scarlett Johannson and Natalie Portman also tried their hands on directing. The film will be released next year. The third, SHANGHAI, I LOVE YOU, has been scheduled for a 2010 release. Actually this year already has Hong Kong's DECADE OF LOVE (SUP FUN JUNG CHING), but its directors were all from Hong Kong and not international enough. Although several segments were rather wonderful, especially in one shot straight OPEN RICE. Unfortunately it did not attract too much attention. Perhaps later would come an international class HONG KONG, I LOVE YOU, but it may have to wait until LONDON, I LOVE YOU, TOKYO, I LOVE YOU and MUMBAI, I LOVE YOU. Conceivably other big cities would fight for "I LOVE YOU". As for the current release TOKYO!, it is not considered a part of the "I LOVE YOU" series as three non Japanese foreign directors each directing modern Tokyo "strange tales" that are more alternative and strange. Yet unlike short film collections it is not confusing as all three segments have interesting display with style. The first segment INTERIOR DESIGN describes a young couple's search for shelter, job and home in Tokyo. The director is France's Michel Gondry who has made the U.S. film ETERNAL SUNSHINE OF THE SPOTLESS MIND. Unexpectedly he has made the poor Japanese youth and Tokyo's run-down area very lively and natural. Wonderfully the male lead is a film enthusiasts, while the female lead lazily longs for her own little world. Michel Gondry as usual loves to shoot paper bags, wooden gadgets, and the final metamorphosis is very wonderful and better than his last U.S. full length nonsense film BE KIND REWIND In the second segment MERDE, French director Leos Carax of THE LOVERS ON THE BRIDGE this time cooks up a very ugly and smelly gutter monster that rampages through Tokyo, gets arrested and stands trial. This story is particular dark, absurd, deranged. It seems to have a lot of irony and metaphor, but it is exaggerated and excessive. The director truly is a "plunger". My favorite is the third segment SHAKING TOKYO. South Korean director Bong Joon-ho's approach is exceptionally superb in described the romance of a "imperial house man" who has lived in self imposed seclusion for ten years. The story is simple and fun, real, practical with a sense of humor and fantasy, it even turns the entire Tokyo into an empty city in which almost every family lives in seclusion. Due to the twin shaking of love and earthquake, a welcomed and lovely ending is formed and the film becomes a very unique romantic comedy skit. - SHEK KEI [ In Production Now/Soon ] Can : Sit Ting Fung Won Lit : Eavesdropping Situation d. Alan Mak Siu Fai, Felix Chong Man Keung Louis Koo Tin Lok, Lau Ching Wan, Daniel Wu (Ng Yin Cho), Alex Fong Chung Shun, Zhang Jingchu, Lok Sze Wan, William Chan Ting Wai 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 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 WARRIORS AKA : 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, Simon Yam Tat Wa, Ken Ho Ka King, Lam Suet, Tang Yan Opening December 3 2009 [ GOLDEN SCREEN CINEMAS MALAYSIA ] Japanese evil warlord Lord Godless desired to conquer China. He imprisoned a large number of martial artists and tried to make them subjugate. Among the prisoners were Cloud and the martial arts elder statesman Nameless. Wind came to the rescue. The trio was badly wounded by Lord Godless’s evil martial arts attack. Chu Chu was also knocked out when she blocked Cloud from Lord Godless’s strike. The remaining martial artists sacrificed their lives to save the trio, in the hope that the trio would beat Lord Godless one day and save the country. Chu Chu was badly wounded and stayed unconscious. Cloud was filled with remorse and vowed to take revenge. Wind chose to take the evil way to quickly boost up his martial arts skills, so that he could protect the people. During his training, he met the girl who changed his life, Dream. Meanwhile, the troop of Lord Godless came to attack. Wind’s training was interrupted when he tried to save Dream from Lord Godless’s assault. After some killings, Wind ran away and disappeared.... Lord Godless took The Emperor in captivity and stationed his troops in Heaven Cave. Cloud arrived alone and started a combat with Lord Godless. Lord Godless had the upper hand. In the meantime, the half-evil Wind appeared and joined the battle. During the fight, they inadvertently discovered the secret of the sovereign. The real intention of Lord Godless’s invasion was related to an ancient tomb, a forbidden ground buried with the Royal family’s secret. The truth was finally revealed. At last, how would the battle end? Who would eventually rule over the country? 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) IF YOU ARE THE ONE Can : Fei Sing Muk Yau Lit : Not Sincere Do Not Disturb d. Feng Xiaogang Ge You, Shu Qi Opening December 24 2008 [ YAHOO! MOVIES HONG KONG ] Overseas Chinese entrepreneur Qin Fen has truly lived up to the term "return from the sea", only returning from the United Stated to Beijing to visit his aging mother after his father's passing. He was 40 something and still single. Home again he got the idea to wed and published a lengthy marriage recruitment ad in the newspaper. This ad that ends with 'if insincere do not disturb' attracts many women with different state of mind for encounters, including a woman who talks to her pet about her feelings, a cemetery salesman, a frigid young woman and a pregnant young girl who is looking for a father for her child. The more Qin Fen goes on the more fun he has. Among the dates, Qin Fen finally meets Siu Siu, a woman who truly touches his heart but also is a flight attendant who is involved in an extra-marital affair. They do not fall in love at first sight, not to mention get along; but like a pair of nemesis, surprisingly they always run into each other from time to time, Siu Siu on a rare occasion can use his shoulder to lend on. Qin Fen finds her naughty smile very acceptable. As both have needs to fulfill, they unknowingly spark off a delicate relationship. However, no matter what, Siu Siu and that man have a hard time with breaking off ties while Qin Fe always seems to be waiting by her side. Finally, Siu Siu is determined to go with Qin Fen on a trip to Hokkaido, and agrees if she can resolve her heart's shackles, they would marry immediately. When the two arrive in Hokkaido, Qin Fen at first does not understand why Siu Siu would insist on coming to this cold town, only to find out that the location is where Siu Siu's love story started. Two months later, Qin Fen has spent over 60 days with Siu Siu's "recovery", she has already gone from a lost person back to a cheerful woman. Qin Fen in these days truly get to know this wonderful woman and loves her even more. They already are no longer two lonely people who meet over a marriage ad, but a true hearted couple who has suffered and shared joy and sorrow together. SUSPECT X Can : Sun tam Ga Lei Lok Lit : Detective Galileo d. Hiroshi Nishitani Masaharu Fukuyama, Kou Shibaski, Kazuki Kitamura, Yasuko Matsuyuki, Shinichi Tsutsumi Rating : IIA Length : 128 mins. Opening December 24 2008 [ YAHOO! MOVIES HONG KONG ] A male corpse without a face or fingerprint was discovered. When a cop is assigned the cast and cannot find the deceased' identity, she can only turn to Yukawa, an university physics professor for help. While investigating the case, Yukawa discovers that the neighbor of the deceased's former wife happens to be Tetsuya the mathematical genius of the century during Yukawa's university days. Tetsuya is now a unremarkable high school math teacher who has multiple connections to the case. This time in the battle of the century about the physics genius and the math genius, what tricks can Yukawa pull to resolve this perfect crime? DESIRES OF THE HEART Can : Toh Fa Won Lit : Peach Blossom Fortune d. Ma Liwen Ge You, Vivian Wu (Wu Kwan Mui), Fan Bingbing, Song Jia, Li Chen, Cong Shan, Guo Tao, Yuen Qiu, Mei Ting, Li Xiaolu, Duan Yihong Length : 117 mins. Opening December 18 2008 [ YAHOO! MOVIES HONG KONG ] Luck with the opposite sex, some cannot wait to ask for more, others avoid it like the plague. It is not only outside love but also within desire Luck will tell whether it is a disaster or fortune... Ye is a newly divorced single mother who through a marriage agency gets to know a gentleman Wang Ben, whose pursuit is strong and powerful. His romantic and polite ways have re-ignited the distracted Ye's hope in love, restored her confidence in marriage, and dead set on following him for life until two strange women who claim to be Wang's girlfriends come...Wang Ben disappears, is this suddenly visiting luck with the opposite sex a gift of love from Heaven, or a well-planned fraud?... 9 WINDS AKA WINDS OF SEPTEMBER - THE TAIWAN CHAPTER Can : Gau Gong Fung d. Tom Lin Shu Yu Rhydian Vaughan, Chang Chieh, Sheng Wei Nian, Wang Bo Chieh Length : 113 mins. Opening December 4 2008 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? [ 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 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. 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 2009 [ 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. KUNG FU CHEF Sammo Hung Kam Bo, Vanness Wu (Ng Kin Ho), Cherrie Ying Choi Yi, Lam Tze Chung Opening 2009 [ 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? 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 January 1 2009 [ 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. FOREVER ENTHRALLED Can : MEI LANFANG d. Chen Kaige Leon Lai Ming, Zhang Ziyi, Sun Hongeli, Chen Hong, Wang Xueqi, Yang Da,Masanobu Ando Opening January 1 2009 [ YAHOO! MOVIES HONG KONG ] The story surrounds the Beijing Opera master of a generation Mei Lanfang's legendary love life -- two women and three men who were the most important in his life. Beautiful on the stage and handsome off the stage, Mei Lanfang early in his career defeated veteran Yan Thirteen and rose to fame. He even set off a romantic spark with the heroic actress Meng Xiaodong. The smart Mei Meng Xiaodong made Mei Lanfang's heart no longer lonely but also broke the heart of Mei's wife Fu Chifang, who even forced Mei's friend Yau Yubai to run interference. Because when Mei's loneliness was driven away, his stage career would be ruined... DREAM Can : Bei Mung Lit : Tragic Dream d. Kim Ki-Duk Joe Odagiri (Siu Tin Chik Yeung), Lee Na-Young Opening January 1 2009 [ YAHOO! MOVIES HONG KONG ] "He dreamed...she was charged..." Jin has a nightmare in which while giving his ex a ride home he has a car accident. Out of curiosity he finds where the accident occurs in the dream, never expecting the same exact accident. The police looks for the suspect with closed-circuit television. Jin quietly follows the police in hopes of knowing more. Ran who the police wakes up in the middle of the night denies any wrongdoing and even points out that she has a sweet dream. Jin comes out to confess and says in his dream he is the driver of the accident. Of course, the police ignores him and arrests Ran. Jin and Ran work together to find out the truth but discover they have a strange connection: When Jin dreams, Ran would sleepwalk and do what Jin dreams of... They in the dream world is the same person. ONG BAK 2 d. Panna Ritthikrai, Tony Jaa Tony Jaa Opening January 1 2008 [ YAHOO! MOVIES HONG KONG ] The story takes place five or six centuries ago in Thailand, Tien's father was a patriotic and heroic soldier, but the ambitious high-ranking military officer Rajasena in order to seize power carried out a massacre. Tien witnessed the killing of parents and the loss of his entire family overnight. While he luckily survived, since then his eyes only had hatred. He was determined to avenge his loved ones. Tien's enemy hunted him down but a bandit leader rescued him, adopted him and trained him to become a bandit. Tien trained hard in various martial arts, such as fighting, boxing, or even magic curse; he was able to use a variety of weapons, including knives, swords, sticks and explosives; he mastered everything. After growing up Tien's martial art skills were unrivaled as he became the bandit leader's successor. Yet in the eyes of the Tien, his only goal was to kill Rajasena himself for revenge. He even planned to assassinate Rajasena at his coronation ceremony. Tien risked everything for revenge, but in front of him was an unexpected strong and stubborn enemy. In the ultimate battle with blood, flesh, and soul as the price, only unwavering will would be able to get Tien out of the woods! TACTICAL UNIT - COMRADES IN ARMS Can : Gei Dung Bo Dui -- Tung Bau d. Vicent Lo (Law Wing Cheong) Maggie Shiu Mei Kei, Simon Yam Tat Wa, Lam Suet, Sammuel Peng King Chi, Wong Chi Yin Rating : 91 mins. Opening January 8 2009 [ YAHOO! MOVIES HONG KONG ] In the police force, invisible competition always exists; between colleagues, are they friends or foes? Wa and Maggie leads their subordinates to face an emergency task on the last day before their dissolution: to search the mountains for armored car robbers. Over the the year and a half of their co-ledership, they have become rivals and the team relationship has already become split and rigid. Maggie's team wins praise and promotion from the superior. Wa on the other hand has no hope for a promotion. While in the mountains to look for criminals, two teams split up to search separately but fall under robbers' attack, Wa and Maggie in order to save their colleagues face a severe test. Can they finally cast aside their prejudices and work together to complete the job? PARKING Can : Ting Che d. (Chung Man Won) Guei Lun-Mei, Chang Chen Opening January 8 2009 [ YAHOO! MOVIES HONG KONG ] A couple on a night on which they cannot return home faces a decision before their divorce. FIT LOVER Can : Oi Ching Jor Yau Lit : Love Left Right d. Zhang Jianya Karena Lam Ka Yun, Leo Ku Kui Ke, Huang Xiaoming, Lu Yi, Alec Su (So Yau Peng), Naoki Hosaka (Bo Ban Seung Hei) Opening January 8 2009 [ YAHOO! MOVIES HONG KONG ] Nie Bing is a famous romantic television program presenter. She is beautiful, gracious and intelligent, on the screen she sounds like an expert with other people's feelings, but ironically in life she is unable to find he likes men. On her 30th birthday, Nie Bing awakes from a nightmare of dying alone; her mother nags her; her suitors maliciously attack her; even more terrifying is that she sees his divorced father's new girlfriend - her elementary school classmate......Is this the start of 30-year-old woman's terrible fate? Fortunately, on this day, she even meets an angel. The angel sends her a magic car and proclaims that Nie Bing will have twelve opportunities to choose, each time she turns a corner as long as she signals left and turns right, she will encounter a different type of man. With 12 types of men, one will always be suitable to her, right? The suspecting Nie Bing starts this wonderful love finding adventure. Indeed, the most handsome traffic cop in history with countless crazy female fans first enters her life. When he salutes a fan takes photos; when he says, "How are you" a fan applauds; even when he writes up a ticket someone is crying with excitement......This type of man is very handsome, but living with him is too extreme. Nie Bing flees in a panic. Then, comes the eloquent insurance salesman, rich coal bosses, a big time lawyer with unparalleled chemistry with her, a radiant little brother next door, a talented but depressed artist......a man after another arrives, each with a brilliant advantage but also exposes shortcomings for Nie Bing to nitpick at. Each experience is a hilarious adventure, every adventure leads to a helpless perception. How great would it be if she can live with the advantageous part of men. A year has passed since, Nie Bing has already suffered 11 straight defeats on the love battlefield. Nie Bing has had enough and does not want to play anymore. Nie Bloody tosses away the cursed car keys as she wants to return this car that has brought her pleasant surprises and disappointments of love to the angel. At this time, the twelfth man appears. Would this one be the one for her? Finding love sometimes has such a perspective, just like looking for moving landscape on both sides from the car windows with the most touching scenery is behind the car..... RED CLIFF II AKA : BATTLE OF RED CLIFF Can : Chet Bik - Kuet Jin Tin Ha Lit : Red Cliff - Decisive Battle Under Heaven d. John Woo (Ng Yu Sum) Tony Leung Chiu Wai, Takeshi Kaneshiro (Gum Sing Mo), Zhang Fengyi, Chang Chen, Vicki Zhao Wei, Hu Jun, Shidou Nakamura, Janny Lin Chiling Opening January 15 2008 [ YAHOO! MOVIES HONG KONG ] RED CLIFF II undertakes the first installment's tense confrontation between the three kingdoms of Cao, Wu and Shu. Cao Cao learns of Wu and Shu's alliance and sends 800,000 troops and 2,000 warships to the south and set up camp in the deark forest across from the Red Cliff on the Yangtze River. The nations of Wu and Shu lack of food and has far less soldiers than the Cao troops, Zhou Yu and Zhuge Liang change the course of events with their resourcefulness, a series of fierce land and sea battle constituted finally The Battle of Red Cliff that has been written in the history of China for ages! PONYO ON THE CLIFF BY THE SEA d. Hayao Miyazaki Japanese Animation Opening January 17 2009 [ YAHOO! MOVIES HONG KONG ] The story takes place in a world that still longs for magic and miracles still happen in the world, the scene is located at the seaside town and a house on the cliff. A fish Ponyo by chance runs into a boy and they become good friends. In order to live with his friend, Ponyo takes the chance, leaves the familiar sea, in hopes of becoming human. The boy also keeps his promise for his good friend. 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? NARUTO SHIPPUDEN 2: BONDS d. Hajime Kamegaki Japanese Animation Opening January 29 2009 [ YAHOO! MOVIES HONG KONG ] A mysterious group of shinobi attacks the Leaf Village! Actually they are Land of the Sky's Sky Ninjas, whose nation the Leaf Village has vanquished previously. Their use of modern weapons bombards the Leaf Village and nearly brings it to the edge of destruction. Master healer Shinno and his apprentice Amaru arrive in the Leaf Village in hopes of the Leaf hokage would assign a squad to rescue the people of Amaru's hometown. The Sky Shinobi has also attacked Amaru's hometown to find the Sky Shinobi's former headquarter address. The Leaf hokage has ordered an counter attack on the Sky Shinboi while Naruto, Hinata and Sakura follow Shinno to Amaru's hometown. They discover the Sky Shinobi's former headquarter but Sky shinobis have killed Shinno. On the other, Leaf traitor Sasuke under Orochimaru's order heads to Amaru's hometown as well...... LOOK 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 Opening February 5 2009 [ GOLDEN SCREEN CINEMAS MALAYSIA ] Sam is the most eligible bachelor in town - he's young, smart and rich. However, every success has its price. Sam has already divorced three times and finds himself crawling back to the game of love sooner than he has expected. It is love at first sight when Sam chances upon Milan at a Macau casino. She is a part-time poker dealer and a full-time cabaret dancer, seemingly not the perfect match with Sam's life. While Milan is being groomed into a society woman by experts galore, Sam is starting to have cold feet. He takes his lawyer's advice and signs a prenuptial agreement without consulting Milan. This time, he is gravely mistaken, as this woman has a heart of gold and is looking for real love rather than fame and fortune. HAPPY FLIGHT Can : Hoi Sum Jik Hong Lit : Happy Direct Flight d. Shinobu Yaguchi Ayase Haruka, Seiichi Tanabe Opening March 5 2009 [ YAHOO! MOVIES HONG KONG ] "Finally I can fly on international routes!" The always optimistic flight attendant Etsuko is very excited about being able to participate on the international route job that she has looked forward to for a long time and is determined to do everything to its fullest! She never expects that the group of usually elegant and enchanting elders not only wolf down expensive flight meals in the break room but also remove their high heels for foot massage. Before the take of high-spirited novice pilots Suzuki only knows to give a silly laugh when he runs into a massive jet stream...how can two flight rookies turn the adventure into happiness with the passengers? NOBODY TO WATCH OVER ME Can : Shui Loi Sau Wu Ngor Lit : Who Would Protect me d. Ryoichi Kimizuka Koichi Sato, Mirai Shida, Ryuhei Matsuda, Yoshino Kimura, Toshiro Yanagiba Opening March 5 2009 [ YAHOO! MOVIES HONG KONG ] A 18-year-old youth suspected of killing primary school sisters is arrested, his mother and sister's lives at the same moment collapse. The unscrupulous media pursued them day and night, the internet continued to dig and uncover their privacy. They even receive death threats against the whole family. A police officer is ordered to protect the mother and daughter but has aroused strong public reaction. The officer's dark past that few know has also been revealed. The suspect's mother finally cannot take anymore and resort to suicide, as the younger sister finds the homicide's key clues......until this moment, actually no one knows whether the suspect is the real murderer? THREADS OF DESTINY Can : 366 Tin Dik Yeuk Ding Lit : 366 Days Appoinment d. Masanori Murakami Junpei Mizobata, Nao Minamisawa Opening March 5 2009 [ YAHOO! MOVIES HONG KONG ] When her first love has just ended, a secondary school student meets a quiet, gentle student Atsushi. Both were born on February 29 and unconsciously they have become attracted to each other. Later she discovers that she has made Atsushi in her childhood and thus is even more convinced that this is the destiny of love. On the other hand, her mother has forced Atsushi to give up this just budding romance! In order to protect his beloved, he can only hold back the pain and disappear in front of her. Fate has arranged for an innocent romance to be filled with suicide, death, drugs, violence, abuse and so many unexpected things in the middle. In the end can the red thread bring them back together and fate destined them to be connected again? 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 APRIL 2 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. --- [ 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 * Eason Chan live in San Francisco,CA March 22,2009 Eason's Moving On Stage, Eason Chan Live in Concert! Date & Time: Sunday night, March 22,2009 @ 7pm Venue Location: Cow Palace, 2600 Geneva Ave, Daly City, CA 94014 Ticket Prices: $58, $78, $98, $138, $198 VIP tickets on sale now online at: http://www.usastarimage.com/ticket.aspx?id=31 Info & online ticket: www.usastarimage.com concert hotline: 510-651-6888 info email: concert@usastarimage.com ticket outlets: http://www.usastarimage.com/ticket.aspx?id=31 http://www.usastarimage.com Ng Hing Kee SF 415-781-8330 Ng Hing Kee Sunset SF 415-759-1999 Ng Hing Kee Millbrae 650-692-8922 Ng Hing Kee Mountain View 650-969-2034 Ng Hing Kee Oakland 510-272-0822 Ng Hing Kee Milpitas 408-433-5188 World Books SF 415-397-8473 Evergeen Books Milpitas 408-383-9798 Taro Books Cupertino 408-863-1288 Taro Books Newark 510-818-9666 * INTERNATIONAL ENTERTAINMENT MARKETING AND MOGEHAN SUN PRESENT JOLIN TSAI WE DANCING ONLINE 2009 CONCERT With Special Guests: Energy DATE AND TIME : Saturday night / Sunday morning, February 8 2009 @ 2AM Sunday, February 8 2009 @ 2 PM VENUE LOCATION: Mohegan Sun Arena Mohengan Sun Uncasville CT TICKET PRICES : $ 168 VIP, 128, 88, 58 TICKET OUTLET LOCATIONS: ONLINE : www.iemshowplace.com/html/jolin_tsai.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 * TAI PAN TOURS AND CASINO RAMA PRESENT PRISCILLA CHAN WAI HAN WORLD TOUR 2009 Special Guest: Don Li Yat Long DATE AND TIME : Sunday, January 18 2009 @ 8PM VENUE LOCATION : Casino Rama Entertainment Centre Casino Rama R.R. #6 Rama Rd., Orillia ON L0K 1T0 Canada TICKET OUTLET LOCATIONS: ONLINE: www.taipantours.com 416.646.8838 Thornhill - Commerce Gate 505 Highway 7 East, Unit 8 Thornhill, Ontario L3T 7T1 905-881-8838 Markham - Pacific Mall: 4300 Steeles Ave. East, Unit B50 Markham, Ontario L3R 0Y5 905-948-8838 Markham - First Markham Place: 3255 Highway 7 East, Unit 68 Markham, Ontario L3R 3P9 905-946-8838 Scarborough - Oriental Centre : 4438 Sheppard Ave. East Unit 103 Scarborough, Ontario M1S 1V2 416-293-7838 Tai Pan Centre (Weston Branch): 3668 Weston Road Toronto, Ontario M9L 1W2 416-747-8877 Casino Rama 705-329-5288 Toronto - Rio - Can Marketplace: 2215 Steeles Ave. West, Unit C5 Toronto, Ontario M3J 3N2 416-736-8838 * SUPERKEY PRODUCTIONS AND TROPICANA ATLANTIC CITY PRESENT CHEUNG CHI LAM AND KAREN TONG LIVE DATE AND TIME : Saturday night / Sunday morning, December 28 2008 @ 1AM VENUE LOCATION: Tropicana Atlantic City Atlantic City NJ TICKET PRICES : $108, 78, 48 TICKET OUTLET LOCATIONS: ONLINE: www.SuperkeyPro.com P & M Music 2 Elizabeth Street 212.732.3828 Brooklyn Paradise Vacations 778 60th Street 718.238.1228 * 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 * JAY CHOU WORLD TOUR 2008 TORONTO DATE AND TIME : Thursday, December 18 2008 @ 2 PM VENUE LOCATION: Air Canada Centre 40 Bay Street, Toronto ON M5J 2X2 Canada TICKET PRICES : CA$ 288, 188, 138, 98, 78, 58 TICKET OUTLET LOCATIONS: ONLINE : TICKETMASTER http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/100041388704539B?artistid=1260229&majorcatid=10001&minorcatid=5 * 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 -------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 December 23 2008 10 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 9 CAPE NO. 7 d. Wei Te-Sheng Van Fan (Fan Yat Sun), Chie Tanaka 8 TOKYO! Can : Tung King Bo Lok Lit : Tokyo Tribe d. Michel Gondry, Leos Carax, Bong Joon-Ho Ayako Fujitani, Ryo Kase, Satoshi Tsumabuki, Yu Aoi, Teruyuki Kagawa 7 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) 6 FOUR CHRISTMASES d. Seth Gordon Reese Withersppon, Vince Vaughn 5 POKEMON MOVIE 10 -- THE RISE OF DARKRAI d. Kunihiko Yuyama Japanese Animation Cantonese Voice : Elanne Kong Yeuk Lam 4 THE DAY THE EARTH STOOD STILL d. Scott Derrickson Keanu Reeves, Jennifer Connelly, Kathy Bates 3 TWILIGHT d. Catherine Hardwicke Kirsten Stewart, Robert Pattinson, Billy Burke 2 MADAGASCAR: ESACPE 2 AFRICA d. Eric Darnell, Tom McGrath DreamWorks Animation English Voice: Ben Stiller, Chris Rock, David Schwimmer 1 IP MAN d. Wilson Yip Wai Shun Donnie Yen Chi Tan, Lynn Xiong (Hung Doi Lam), Li Ja, Simon Yam Tat Wa, Terry Fan Siu Wong, Lam Ka Tung, Hiroyuki Ikeuchi ------ Summaries for some of the films above. Some contain SPOILERS IP MAN Rating : IIB Length : 106 mins. Opening December 19 2008 Official Site : http://www.ipman-movie.com [ 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. POKEMON MOVIE 10 - THE RISE OF DARKRAI Rating : I Length : 90 mins. Opening December 20 2008 IKIGAMI: THE ULTIMATE LIMIT Rating : IIB Length : 133 mins. Opening December 4 2008 [ YAHOO! MOVIES HONG KONG ] A place with similar history and environment as Japan has a law called "national vibrancy 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...... TOKYO! Length: 112 mins. Opening December 18 2008 [ YAHOO! MOVIES HONG KONG ] A young couple decided to start a new life in Tokyo, his goal was clear, hers was not as decisive. In this colorful city filled with people, their hearts start to part until one day, her loneliness has begun to change her body to an unknown and crazy condition...... a mysterious and madman like organism appears in Tokyo, "his" series of odd behaviors has brought panic and disaster to this city. "His" emergence slowly divided the entire city. As the city of Tokyo gradually collapsed into chaos, this organism was arrested. At this time, people of the whole city held their breath for his final sentence ...... He is a typical "Otaku", in the past 10 years he has locked himself in his Tokyo home and reduced the chance of outside contact to its lowest. A day, a delivery girl appears in front of his house amid an earthquake and something that he has never imagined happened -- falling in love. Not long after he learned that the girl like him was an "Otaku". In order to see the girl again, he decided to summon up the courage of his life and took his first step out the door...... CAPE NO. 7 Rating : IIA Length : 130 mins. Official Site : http://cape7.pixnet.net/blog THE BEAST STALKER Rating : IIB Length : 110 mins. Opening November 27 2008 Official Site : http://thebeaststalker.emp.hk [ 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...... ------ GLOBAL CHINESE SONG CHART For Saturday, December 20 2008 15 TAKE ME AWAY Can : Dai Ngor Jau Rainie Yang (Yeung Sing Lam) 14 NO ONE LOVES YOU MORE THAN ME Can : Woot Yau Yun Bei Ngor Gung Oi Nei Shui Mu Nian Hua 13 EVEN IF THE WORLD HAS NO FAIRY TALE Can : Jau Shuen Sai Gai Mo Tung Wa Janice Vidal (Wai Lan) 12 IF CONTACTED YOUR FACE Can : Yu Gor Pung Doh Nei Dik Lim Vincy Chan (Wing Yi) 11 Grass Ring Can : Cho Gai Ji Y2J (Sun Muk Yu Tung) 10 SEEKING MICHAEL Can : Chum Sau Michael Hai Mingwei (Hoi Ming Wai) 9 SUPER LIKE Can : Chiu Cup Hei Foon Genie Chuo (Cheuk Man Suen) 8 DEEPLY LOVED YOU Can : Sum Sum Oi Gor Nei Jacky Xie (Sit Ji Him) 7 PERSON WHO CATCHES THE MOON Can : Lau Yuet Leung Dik Yun Miriam Yeung Chin Wa 6 YOU ARE NOT TRUE HAPPINESS Can : Nei But Si Jun Jing Dik Fai Lok May Day 5 PROMISED FORTUNE? Can : Shuet Ho Dik Yun Fok Neh Jay Chou (Chow Kit Lun) 4 YOU ARE IN MY HEART Can : Nei Joi Ngor Sum Seung Huang Xiaoming 3 ?EXPOSURE Can : ?Bo Guong Hins Cheung King Hin 2 BEAUTIFUL MOMENT Can : Mei Ho Si Guong Michael Kong Leung, (Ah Muk Lung) 1 NOT TRENDY DOES NOT COST MONEY Can : But Chui But Yung Fat Chin JJ Lin Junjie ------ [ 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. DADDY SAYS, "STAY AWAY FROM JULIET," What a week so far. Your Chaffing Editor is absolutely convinced that office holiday parties are a BAD IDEA. Top Ten Central just had one and aside from Your Chaffing Editor's usual jackholery with karaoke that has been forever permanently documented on video (look out for it on your online video or social networking sites), Old Chaffy has also seen the volatile mix of free food, liquor and comingling and coupling with people you spent most of your day with. Speaking of which, kids nowadays seem to be much more scheming than when Old Chaffy was a kid. In case you have not heard, some college girl has become the star of the tabloids after being "caught" with Joe Ngai Chun -- Vivian Chow Wai Man's long time significant other. While Joe and Vivian have now announced plans to wed, this girl has turned herself into a local internet sensation. It would seem that the social networking starfu(