Wednesday, November 29, 2023

[2023.11.29] WILLIAM CHAN ALMOST SUFFOCATS FROM FIGHT SCENE

William Chan watches what he eats and loses weight to get into good shape for the role

William Chan gets tossed around and choked 

William Chan says that after this fight scene he has mud everything and could not wash all of it off

Nick Cheung remembers to tag William Chan while promoting their new film
courtesy of on.cc

William Chan Wai Ting in the Emperor Motion Picture BURSTING POINT (BAU LIT DIM) in many fight scenes became the "human punching bag", frequently taking beatings and got all scarred and bruised. His normal handsome image suddenly became nonexistent, as he could match his level of risks with his good brother Nicholas Tse Ting Fung! He also obviously threw himself into the fights like his co-star Nick Cheung in UNBEATABLE (GIK JIN).

William has been in the business for many years, and has always given him all into his acting. Highly popular in the mainland, he this time would rather turn down hundred million yuan mainland jobs to return to Hong Kong for the film. He hoped to make a name for himself in his birthplace. His film BURSTING would open on the 8th next month. Playing undercover in the film, he was able to work with his idol Nick Cheung Ka Fai. Of course he was excited. During the shoot he put an effort into his performance, gave up using stunt doubles and personally performed a fall from above. He also got numerous beatings and got tossed around, the scenes were bloody and gory. The film would be released with a category III rating.

The director arranged for William and Philip Keung Ho Man to battle in the mud. In one scene Hak Jai forced his head into the mud to try to suffocate him. Their clothing and even appearances were all covered up by the invading muddy water. Speaking of the production process, William revealed, "The team used two cameras for the above and below angles. One of them was actually in he mud to capture the visual in order to get the most realistic feeling. Although I got mud all over and cleaning was very hard afterward, the most important is the result is good. Actually the shoot was a lot of fun!"

William said that in comparison to his past fight scenes, the biggest difference this time was becoming a "human punching bag"! Aside from almost being choked to death at the hands of Julius Brian Siswojo (Lee Hoi Yin), he also had to interpret being threatened into the corner with multiple layers of pain and suffering physically and spiritually. The final life and death battle at the end of the film was cruel, as he was arranged to face a famous Malaysian MMA expert and got busted open. Reportedly, this scene was shot on location in a cavern. Without enough air circulation and the actors "fighting in water" during the shoot for several days, William stated that this memory would be unforgettable. He said, "He has only made one or two movies, doesn't really know how to hold back. So he really took a swing, every punch hit me very hard! (In that scenes the look in your eyes could kill.) It was a very natural response. As soon as I took my mark I automatically knew what to do, but at the time I just recovered from illness. I was actually very tired for real." Fan commended him on how fit he was in the film, William humbly said, "Actually the director wanted me to be thinner, so I quit carbohydrates and got myself so thin. Being undercover really isn't good for your appetite!"

Nick Cheung Ka Fai has always liked to lend a hand to the younger generation. Working with Chan Wai Ting this time, he of course did his part to assist. Earlier Cheung Ka Fai posted their film BURSTING POINT's poster on social media. "With just one look you know it's hardcore, can you take it?" He tag William. In the poster, William held a burning bottle with a fierce look in his eyes. Next to him Ka Fai maintained his usual tough guy look.

As for another Hong Kong Film Awards Best Actor Nicholas Tse Ting Fung, he would work with William on the film MO HAN YUM MO (INFINITE MISSION). Earlier on William's birthday, Ting Fung even drove over to visit the set.

[2023.11.29] CARLOS CHAN'S MOTHER AND WIFE TEAM UP AGAINST HIM

courtesy of on.cc

Carlos Chan keeps crashing Michelle Wai's dates

Chu Pak Hong, Hedwig Tam, Renci Yeung, Kaki Sham at the READY O/R ROT premiere
courtesy of mingpao.com

The film READY O/R ROT (BUT YUT SING FUN 2) two nights ago held a premiere. Emperor Group chief Albert Yeung Sau Sing and his wife, actors Carlos Chan Ka Lok, Michelle Wai Sze Nga, Elaine Jin (Kam Yin Ling), Chu Pak Hong, Kaki Sham, Renci Yeung Sze Wing, Hedwig Tam Sin Yin, Susan Shaw Yam Yam, Kenny Kwan Chi Bun and Catherine Chau Ka Yi attended. Ka Lok looked rather stylish in a long black coat. He pointed out that his wife Shiga Lin helped him coordinate. He even picked up a guitar and performed the film theme song with Chu Pak Hong and Kaki Sham to warm up the event and received everyone's applause. Ka Lok pointed out that at home the mother in law and the daughter in law were on the same side so they had no dispute, as he and Shiga actively tried for a baby.

Ka Lok said that he has been attending audience appreciation shows for several days in a row. Viewers after watching the film asked him about real life in law relationship issues. He said that his wife Shiga had a very close relationship with her mother in law. "My wife and Ma would always chat on the phone and talk behind my back. They have already formed an alliance against me. I of course wouldn't be 'without thunder' like that jerk in the film, but seeing how good their relationship has been, I would continue to create the jerk character."

Once at the READY O/R KNOT premiere, Sze Nga's niece revealed Ka Lok and Shiga's relationship. Two nights ago her niece was also present. Sze Nga asked her niece whether she had any more secrets to expose? Ka Lok nervously drove the child away first, then was asked whether he was afraid that she would reveal Shiga was with child? He turned red and denied that, "No, even if we are pregnant she wouldn't know. Shiga and I are very naturally trying, nothing deliberate, no protection, if we are we would be happy, if not then we would leave it to nature."

Ka Lok pointed out that because of the pandemic, he and Shiga were trapped at home and got to know each other's real faces. "So when I proposed I also used the dialogue from the movie. In the film Wai Sze Nga and I were trapped inside together for several years during the pandemic, but we haven't chop each other to death. Because this dialogue was too ingrained into the mind, during the proposal I accidentally delivered the line. When my wife would come to watch later, I have already made preparations. When you go to see the movie you would know which line. I hope I would be fine!" Sze Nga who took part in planning the proposal joked that before Shiga cried, as soon as Ka Lok got into the door he was already moved to tears. Ka Lok joked, "In this business I have seen everything, I only haven't seen a marriage proposal!"

Ka Lok immediately struck back and asked about Sze Nga's love life. She said that actually she had many suitors and even revealed that earlier while on a date with a guy Ka Lok who once lived in the same housing estate caught them. "Very often I would have just met a guy, at the first dinner date we would run into Chan Ka Lok. It has happened at least two or three times." Ka Lok joked, "You intended to dodge me, but destiny wanted me to see!"

Sze Nga also believed in destiny. At first when Ka Lok and Shiga dated, she too has run into them. However whenever Ka Lok met the guys Sze Nga dated, he would be happy for her each time. Because she was too strong and too career minded, very few guys would approach her. "Each time I would smile from the heart, but each time she would be smiling very awkwardly."

Sze Nga stressed that lately the guys she has been dating were industry outsiders. If something happened, she would tell everyone before she would even tell her parents. Ka Lok joked, "I would definitely be the first to know, everyone can ask me to respond then; but she has great eyes, all the guys she goes out with a good guys."

Yeung Sze Wing and Tam Sin Yin have already worked together four times and also become good friends. In the past Tam Sin Yin even went on vacation to Taiwan with Yeung Sze Wing. Yeung Sze Wing pointed out that at the time she was a little lost due to a company and not over relationship issue.

Tam Sin Yin smiled and pointed out that she was single and she would not have the opportunity to talk about relationships even if she wanted to. In addition she hid herself and rarely communicate with others. Yeung Sze Wing joked that she wanted to introduce guys, she would have to chop open this iceberg of hers. However that would be difficult because she was a big guy and also wanted fiery passion to melt away this iceberg. Wu Tsz Tung would be a suitable choice, but Tam Sin Yin spoke up and declined. She said that she and Tsz Tung have known each other for years and were already good friends. Speaking of READY OR KNOT, Tam Sin Yin performed a sexy pole dance. This time the director asked her to sing and dance; but her singing was very hard to listen to. The director still convinced her. Finally in the film she performed a pop song, she even beg he original performer for advice. Would Yeung Sze Wing treat her boyfriend Owen Cheung Chun Long to watch the movie? She joked, "Tell him to buy his own ticket, once wouldn't be enough as he has to watch a few more times. We have to generate box office."

Tuesday, November 28, 2023

[2023.11.29] FOR THE WEEK ENDING SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 26 2023

For the week ending November 26 2023

THE PIG THE SNAKE AND THE PIGEON MOVIE POSTER

10 THE PIG THE SNAKE AND THE PIGEON
  Can : Jau Chu Chui Sam Hoi
    d. Wong Ching Po
    Ethan Juan, Ben Yuen Fu Wa, Chen Yi-wen, Gingle Wang,

      Lee Lee Zen, Hsieh Chiung Hsuan
  Rating : IIB
  Length : 134 mins.
  Opening November 2 2023
  Trailer : https://youtu.be/yx9qyqMrgPc

[ HONG KONG MOVIE 6 ]
    Fugitive Gui-lin surprisingly found out that he had only 6 months left to live and he was only ranked third among the most-wanted criminals. He tracked down the top two criminals and eliminated both of them, thinking that he had become a modern-day hero. However, he never thought that greed, anger, and ignorance were the sins and punishments he had to face at the end of his life.

THANKSGIVING MOVIE POSTER

  9 THANKSGIVING
    d. Eli Roth
    Patrick Dempsey, Ty Olsson

MY HEAVENLY CITY MOVIE POSTER

  8 MY HEAVENLY CITY
    d. Sen-I Yu
    Vivian Sung, Keung To,
      Jack Yao Chun-yao, Mandy Wei Man, Jessica Lee Ka Man
  Rating : IIA
  Length : 120 mins.
  Opening October 12 2023

[ CINEMA CITY ]
    Three stories, three struggles for survival, strung together in search of happiness. My Heavenly City uses three interconnected stories to explore the hopeful aspirations of new Asian immigrants moving to New York City – the city of their dreams. We follow a lonely young woman moving to the city to work as a Chinese-English translator, a young couple obsessed with hip-hop and parents dealing with a child with mental illness. They unknowingly influence each other as their paths cross, affecting each other in ways as they go about their lives.

SOUND OF FREEDOM MOVIE POSTER

  7 SOUND OF FREEDOM
    d. Alejandro Moneverde
    Jim Caviezel, Mira Sorvino, Bill Camp

TROLLS BAND TOGETHER MOVIE POSTER

  6 TROLLS BAND TOGETHER
    d. Walt Dohrn, Tim Heitz
    DreamWorks Animation
    English Voices: Anna Kendrick, Justin Timberlake

THE MARVELS MOVIE POSTER

  5 THE MARVELS
    d. Nia DaCosta
    Brie Larson, Teyonah Parris, Iman Valleni, Samuel L. Jackson

THE HUNGER GAMES: THE BALLAD OF SONBIRDS AND SNAKES MOVIE POSTER

  4 THE HUNGER GAMES: THE BALLAD OF SONBIRDS AND SNAKES
    d. Francis Lawrence
    Tom Blyth, Rachel Zegler, Hunter Schafer, Jason Schwartzman,
      Peter Dinklage, Josh Andres Rivera, Viola Davis

NAPOLEON MOVIE POSTER

  3 NAPOLEON
    d. Ridley Scott
    Joaquin Phoenix, Vanessa Kirby

IN BROAD DAYLIGHT MOVIE POSTER

  2 IN BROAD DAYLIGHT
  Can : BAK YUN JI HA
    d. Lawrence Kan Kwan Chun
    Jennifer Yu Heung Ying, Bowie Lam Bo Yi,
      John Chiang Dai Wai, Leung Chung Hang,
      Peter Chan Charm Man, Rachel Leung Yung Ting
    Rating : IIA
    Length : 106 mins.
    Opening July 22 2023 at the Asian Summer Film Festival Vic 2023
    Opening September 16 2023 at the Asian Pop Up Cinema Season 17
    Opening October 13 2023 at the Hong Kong Asian Film Festival
    Opening October 25 2023 at the 36th Tokyo Internaitonal Film Festival
    Opening November 2 2023
    Site : https://www.asianpopupcinema.org/season-17-calendar/in-broad-daylight
    Site : https://2023.tiff-jp.net/en/lineup/film/3604WFC22
    Trailer : https://youtu.be/VCzA9iw2T94

[ ASIAN SUMMER FILM FESTIVAL VIC 2023 ]
    Based on true events, In Broad Daylight reveals a little-known truth about nursing homes that lies beneath the headlines. The investigative journalism unit of a news agency receives a tip about the mistreatment of residents at Rainbow Bridge Nursing Home. To expose wrongdoing at the home, reporter Kay goes undercover to expose the inhumanity inside, seeking the cruel truth in broad daylight.

[ SCREEN DAILY FILMART 2023 ]
    Based on true events, In Broad Daylight follows an investigative journalist who goes undercover to expose the abuse of residents in a nursing home


TIME STILL TURNS THE PAGES MOVIE POSTER

  1 TIME STILL TURNS THE PAGES
  Can : Nin Siu Yut Gei
    d. Nick Cheuk Yik Him
    Siuyea Lo Chun Yip, Ronald Cheng Chung Kei,
      Hanna Chan, Rosa Maria Velasco (Wai Law Sa),
      Sean Wong Tsz Lok, Curtis Ho Pak Lim, Yukki Tai (Dai Yuk Kei),
      Nancy Kwai (Gai Cheuk Hiu), Henick Chou Hon Ning,
      Joey Leung Cho Hiu, Chan Yu Ting,
      Lee Ting Long, John Ho Kau
  Rating : IIB
  Length : 95 mins.
  Opening October 13 2023 at the 20th Hong Kong Asian Film Festival
  Opening October 28th 2023 at the 36th Tokyo International Film Festival
  Opening November 16 2023
  Site : https://2023.tiff-jp.net/en/lineup/film/3604WFC23
  Teaser: https://youtu.be/ShK5VPUro9w
  Trailer : https://youtu.be/0k8VPd1W5BQ

[ HONG KONG MOVIE 6]
    High school teacher Cheng looks back to his repressed childhood memories, as he finds an anonymous suicide note in the classroom. He strives hard to prevent another tragedy from happening, meanwhile facing a series of family problems, his wife is divorcing him, and his father is dying.

[ THE 36TH TOKYO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL ]
    Teacher Cheng uncovers repressed childhood memories via an anonymous suicide note in his classroom. He strives to prevent another tragedy.

[ SCREEN DAILY FILMART 2023 ]
    This drama follows a high-school teacher who recalls his traumatic childhood after he finds an anonymous suicide note and must find the troubled student before tragedy strikes.

[2023.11.29] FOR THE WEEK STARTING SATURDAY,NOVEMBER 25 2023

For the week starting Saturday, November 26 2023 (Week 47)

VIUTV CHILL CLUB CHART


  5 WAVE
  Can : To
  Keung To

  4 THE FLOATING BEDROOM
  Can : Fau Chong
  Dear Jane

  3 FACTORY BUILDING
  Can : Gung Chong Dai Ha
  KOLOR

  2 YOU ARE MINE FOR LIFE
  Can : Cup Nei Hung Fok Jor Yi Hung Fok
  Jay Fung Won Him


  1 UNDER TABLE TUNNEL
  Can : Toi Dai Shui Doh
  ERROR

Monday, November 27, 2023

[2023.11.28] CHARLENE CHOI TURNS 20 YEARS OLDER

Charlene Choi's mature costume is drastically different from how her image is normally

Tony Leung Chiu Wai has a dominating presence in his role
courtesy of on.cc

The HK$ 350 million Emperor Motion Picture investment THE GOLDFINGER (GUM SAU JI) would open soon. Yesterday another trailer was released with Tony Leung Chiu Wai's "wild arrogant" as the selling point. His performance was in his grasp and rather eye catching. In the film Charlene Choi Cheuk who had a relationship with him appeared obviously weathered, at a glimpse looked "20 years older".

GOLD since its production start to confirming its December 30th official release has caught attention everywhere. The film company yesterday released another two minute long trailer to explain how Leung Chiu Wai's character got rich and crossed the line. Choi Cheuk Yin, Simon Yam Tat Wa, Alex Fong Chung Shun and other important characters' appearances have been unveiled. With the news of Anita Yuen Wing Yi guest starring, fans were pleasantly surprised as the trailer instantly became hot topic.

The story was based on the real case that rocked the world. The "Triple Golden Best Actor" Wai Jai with his god class acting easily brought to life the financial tycoon who was only after profit, and successfully played a down on his luck illegal immigrant who accidentally got on the ride to riches and ended up becoming a multibillionaire. During the period a high ranking ICAC official refused to let him go, began 15 years of complicated entanglement and filled the story with tension.

In the trailer, Wai Jai went from the social phobia representative in real life to a highly sociable "social bull", waltzing in the financial world and at important moments would rip off his mask to talk conditions. He also often showed his impulsive and nouveau riche appearance. Although not likable he held his own and was fully dominating, making people look forward to his performance.

As for Ah Sa this time she had relationships with Wai Jai and Michael Ning (Bak Ji). Working with the former, she once screamed, "I am rich" and hinted that they would have intimate scenes. In the trailer Ah Sa's costume was rather mature and weathered, from a quick glimpse no one could tell it was her. Some online commented that she was "20 years older", truly making the sacrifice for art and ditching her pretty girl baggage for a breakthrough.

[2023.11.28] PREVIEW VIEWERS CALL READY O/R ROT BETTER THAN ITS PREDECESSOR

courtesy of on.cc

The Anselm Chan Mau Yin directed romantic comedy READY O/R ROT (BUT YUT SING FUN 2) would open on the 30th. With the first film's original team returning, the story would be even more hilarious and warm. At earlier media previews the film received compliments for surpassing the previous film. Some even commented that it was the most entertaining romantic comedy of the past ten years. Two leads Kaki Sham and Chu Pak Hong at the preview invited friends and supports for an early glimpse and shared their personal experience after the screening.

Kaki Sham said, "Recent Hong Kong film releases mainly examined more serious social subjects, few have been romantic comedy. Thus this time with READY O/R ROT's preview before its official release, we watched and laughed together. Just now I too was like everyone, sometimes cheerfully laughing, sometimes affectionately crying. The feeling of 'breathing in and out' with the audience was very hard to forget. this time in the film I played a new father, in real life I have also been lost over parenthood issues. For me, to be able to connect with the audience through the character, experiencing joy, sorrow, sadness and happiness all along with the story truly was the happiest thing for an actor."

Chu Pak Hong said that being able to directly experience the live audience's reaction was truly a very rare opportunity. "READY O/R ROT's predecessor started production at the most severe period during the pandemic. For the sequel the original team started work after the pandemic. Our lives over two years have also changed a lot. I believe many viewers who have enjoyed the first film would also have even more experience in life, feeling just like everyone growing up together."

Sunday, November 26, 2023

[2023.11.26] NICK CHEUK WINS BEST NEW DIRECTOR AT THE 60TH GOLDEN HORSE AWARDS

First time Golden Horse Best Actor nominee Wu Kang-ren wins on his first try with ABANG ADIK  

12 year old Best Actress Audrey Lin gets emotional as she cries from the audience to the stage

Lin Chiling makes an elegant appearance and is under a 'hickey" suspicion

Brigitte Lin accepts the Lifetime Achievement Award

Best Actress nominee Jennifer Yu

Greg Hsu is full of self confidence

Vivian Sung

Gwai Lun-Mei adds color to the red carpet

Angela Yuen

TIME STILL TURNS THE PAGES' Best Supporting Actor nominee Sean Wong attend with Hanna Chan

Nick Cheuk sweetly thanks his girlfriend for this award

Terrance Lau holds his twin Fandy Fan's hand as they appear on the stage
courtesy of on.cc

courtesy of singtao.com


12 year old Audrey Lin defeats many elders to win the Golden Horse Best Actress award.  She promises that she would keep working hard.

Wu Kang-ren in ABANG ADIK plays a hearing impaired character and wins the Golden Horse Best Actor award as the favorite

Nick Cheuk wins Best New Director and thanks his girlfriend for walking with him out of the darkness

Yoyo Tse with FLY ME TO THE MOON wins Best New Performer

The Ho Sze-wai directed, written and shot BEFORE THE BOX GETS EMPTIED wins Best Live Action Short

Brigitte Lin accepts her Lifetime Achievement Awards and thank publicly husband Ying Lee Yuen and their 3 daughters

Jennifer Yu walks the red carpet with the IN BROAD DAYLIGHT team
courtesy of mingpao.com

The 60th Golden Horse Awards took place last night in Taipei. The most eye catching battle of Best Actor finally went to Wu Kang-ren with ABANG ADIK, as for Best Actress TROUBLE GIRL's Audrey Lin became the youngest Golden Horse Best Actress at age 12! On the red carpet, "Taiwan's number one supermodel" Lin Chiling got attention with a "hickey" on her chest that instantly became the focus. She explained that it was a scar from a past film injury.

As for the results, Taiwan actor Akio Chen with OLD FOX defeated the favorite Bowie Lam Bo Yi for Best Supporting Actor; Beatrice Fang with DAY OFF won Best Supporting Actress; Hong Kong representative Yoyo Tse Wing Yan with FLY ME TO THE MOON won Best New Performer. Brigitte Lin (Lam Ching Ha) and director Chen Kun-hou both received the "Lifetime Achievement Awards". Lam Ching Ha accepted the award from Ang Lee and received a standing ovation from the entire audience. She also made rare mentions of her husband Ying Lee Yuen and her 3 daughters, thanking them for always letting her do what she liked to do.

Lin Chiling and famous Japanese director Takeshi Kitano presented "Best New Director". Returning to the Golden Horse Awards stage after many years, she first introduced herself in her trademark girlie voice. Takeshi Kitano humorously said in Japanese that he was "Akira", the name of Lin Chiling's husband, which made her smile and praised him as "very cute"!

"Best New Director" went to Hong Kong director Nick Cheuk Yik Him for TIME STILL TURNS THE PAGES (NIN SIU YUT GEI). He thanked the film's cast and crew and his family. He also revealed that during the production he fell into depression, and thanked his girlfriend for always being by his side. "Thank you for your love, your beautiful soul accompanied me out of the darkness. I love you!" His girlfriend also broke down in the audience. He said in his interview that when he watched the opening short film and saw Sylvia Chang say that film would keep rolling, he was moved to tears because when he was making TIME he thought about whether he would keep making movies. He felt that making films in Hong Kong would have some difficulties. After 10 years of screenwriting his income was not steady, and his family was very worried. "I became fat and depressed, I didn't have the money to get married. I really like movies, how can I change jobs. The feeling was very complicated."

Earlier at the Golden Horse Awards nominee luncheon TIME also won the "audience's choice Best Film", and FLY ME TO THE MOON (DAN YUEN YUT CHEUNG GAU) won the "Prix FIPRESCI". The Hong Kong director Ho Sze-wai directed short film BEFORE THE BOX GETS EMPTIED won the Best Live Action Short Film. "I don't dare to say this work is perfect, but this is the proof of hard work. I really want to thank them, including our Taiwan friends in the audience, and various colleague in Hong Kong." Director Ho advised Hong Kong people to bravely use their own footsteps to properly life until they could see the other side. "In the end I hope myself and everyone who is living in Hong Kong can be even braver, even strongly to use their own footsteps to march forward, properly live life, don't forget everything that is important to them until we can see the other side." Hong Kong animation MONSOON BLUE also won Best Animated Short Film. The event also remembered the late music diva Coco Lee Man during the in memoriam segment.

Also a part of the opening introduction like Yuen Lai Lam, Hong Kong representative Terrance Lau Chun Him with the series AT THE MOMENT rose to fame in Taiwan. When he and his "twin" Taiwan artist Fandy Fan presented the Best Visual Effects, they even appeared holding hands. He introduced himself as "I am the Hong Kong Fandy Fan" and cracked up the audience.

Despite being frequently ridiculed for his rotten Putonghua, on the red carpet he still insisted on using the dialect and said that 10 years ago he worked in Taiwan. He felt happy to return this time, even when he was being made fun of. Speaking of "making the sacrifice" for AT that has been widely popular, he joked that many people seemed to have seen his rear.