[2024.12.07] PAPA OPENS TO ALMOST HK$ 2 MILLION

Sean Lau and Jo Koo attend an audience appreciation event

Director Philip Yung does not dare to predict whether PAPA will catch up to THE LAST DANCE at the box office
courtesy of mingpao.com

Sean Lau Ching Wan, Jo Koo (Kok Cho Lam) and director Philip Yung Tsz Kwong went to the theater the night before to thank the audience of their new film PAPA. The film company reported the good news on the spot, as its opening day box office (December 5th) received HK$ 1,006,593; together with the previous previews the cumulative box office was HK$ 1,928,847. Hearing the good results, director Yung Tsz Kwong was so happy that he repeatedly "wow". Ching Wan's reaction however seemed to be dissatisfied, as he joked, "Just over a million?! What feeling would I have! It would be the best not to lose money, and I hope there will be more donations!" After sharing the shooting experience with the audience and then completing the group photo, Ching Wan turned around and reminded the audience as he left the theater, "Give more donations!"

Ching Wan and Siu Kok went to a few audience appreciation shows in a row the night before, felt the response of the audience. When asked if many viewers were crying, Ching Wan said that they probably were. By the time he entered the theater, the audience has already wiped away their tears. Some viewers asked him if playing this role was so tragic that he became thinner, Ching Wan pointed out that he was even thinner during the shoot. He was at a normal weight for his age. Siu Kok was also curious and asked him how he stayed in shape? Ching Wan stated that it was determination and the understanding that he could do it. Ching Wan emphasized that PAPA was not a deliberately sensational movie. He got along with the cast and the crew during filming, only in front of camera he forced out unhappy expressions. "The cooperation between the cast and the crew off camera is very pleasant; especially with many new generation actors I have never worked together, they are not familiar with it at first. They don't talk much and think they are alone, then they take a little more initiative." He really hoped to have good box office performance, and he would continue to attend audience appreciation events to thank everyone. "I will continue to thank the audience, everyone has seen how 'wilted' I am!" Kok Cho Lam was grateful to her friends for their support. Because her two daughters were still too little, she was afraid that the subject matter would be too heavy and serious; so she has not planned to let them enter to watch.

Yung Tsz Kwong saw the recent acclaim of Hong Kong films and thought it was a good thing. He found that the audience's tastes were ever-changing, which seems to be able to re-cultivate and ignite the audience's enthusiasm for watching movies. Thus he strengthened his confidence in PAPA. Was he confident about breaking THE LAST DANCE's box office record? Kok Cho Lam immediately rushed to say, "Yes! Yes!" Yung Tsz Kwong said that the films he directed in the past have received more than 10 million box office, and the films he has produced have more than 40 million. He did not dare to make any prediction. "Wong Tze Wah once said that THE LAST DANCE has a serious subject matter, so there are restrictions. The subject of PAPA is also very serious, but it is slice-of-life. I think Hong Kong audiences have made a lot of progress. Seeing them sharing on the Internet like writing movie reviews, they will discuss and analyze it in depth." He said that he was happy to work with Ching Wan and Kok Cho Lam, and looked forward to the opportunity to cooperate with the original team again.

[2024.12.07] ERIC TSANG PRAISES LAURINDA HO'S ACTING TALENT

Laurinda Ho is the lead actress for the first time with Ci Sha
courtesy of singtao.com

Shawn Dou is caught in a sweet moment, fixing his wife Laurinda Ho's hair

mainland actor Ci Sha and Laurinda Ho

Eric Tsang says that Laurinda Ho's acting is more than qualified; with a lot of talent, she can make a living in this business

The Laurinda Ho starred film PROMISE OF DECADES held its premiere in Macau. Her mother third wife Ina Chan, sister Florinda Ho, twin brother Orlando Ho, from second family Pansy and Daisy Ho, fourth wife Angela Leong and Mario Ho all show their support
courtesy of on.cc

A movie about a pair of lovers spanning 20 years of love as the main plot, PROMISE OF DECADES (DOR SEUNG WOR NEI JOI GEIN YUT MIN) premiered at Macau's Teatro Dom Pedro V yesterday. Gathering actors from the mainland, Hong Kong and Macao to participate, the story is based on Macau's return to the motherland as the background of the times. Stars Laurinda Ho Chiu Lin, Ci Sha, Eric Tsang Chi Wai and Joy Liu Yichun all attended the event, and Chiu Lin's family including her mother Ina Chan Un Chan, Daisy Ho Chiu Fung, Pansy Ho Chiu King, Florinda Ho Chiu Wan, Orlando Ho Yau Kai, the fourth wife Angela Leong On Kei and Mario Ho Yau Kwan also came to cheer. Chiu Lin's husband Shawn Dou Xiao also came, but he did not take a photo with Chiu Lin nor did he accept media interviews.

The story of the film revolved around a pair of young lovers, telling the story of their love becoming stronger and stronger through the tides of history before and after Macau's return to the motherland, crossing the strait through the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, and reuniting after the two have experienced changes. With the strong support of the Macao SAR Government and the Macao Cultural Development Fund, the film was shot in Macao and aimed to promote the prosperity of Macao's tourism industry through the film and television industry, showcase the potential of Macao's local creations to the Mainland and the world, and bring Macao to a broader international stage. The film received Macau SAR government supported the production. Chiu Lin said that many locations in the film would be very hard to rent normally. For example the venue for yesterday's premiere and one of the film locations, Teatro Dom Pedro V was usually not loaned for filming. All thanks to the strong support of the government, the film was able to shoot there. It also marked the 25th anniversary of Macao's return to the motherland for China's first Western-style theater, which was of great significance.

Playing the lead role for the first time, Ho Chiu Lin said that it was a little embarrassing to watch her performance at the theater. "I haven't watched the movie. It's a little embarrassing because the screen is very big. It's a little scary to see myself so big." Playing Chiu Lin's father in the film, Tsang Chi Wai at first refused her invitation. He said, "Originally I turned it down, thinking that I had to play (Stanley) Ho Hung Sun! Chiu Lin's performance as a newcomer is more than qualified, she has a talent for acting. She is destined to making a living in this business." Could Chi Wai invite Chiu Lin to work together on dramas again? He said, "She could be very expensive for dramas, do I pay in chips (salary)?" Chiu Lin also said that she felt the box office pressure. She was so nervous that she lost sleep the night before the premiere, but fortunately, the cast and the crew loved her; especially her co-star lead actor Ci Sha who took good care of her.

Making a special trip from Beijing to Macau to promote, mainland actor Ci Sha said that he was very happy to work with Chiu Lin because there would be a lot of delicacies on the set every day. Chi Wai emphasized that they were shark fin and abalone. Ci Sha could only eat as much as possible to repay her. Did Ci Sha felt that Chiu Lin was a beauty so he treated her particular well? He praised Chiu Lin herself for being the same as the movie character, so he would take good care of her. As for whether he had any intimate scene with Chiu Lin in the film, Chiu Lin said no while Ci Sha asked the audience to keep an eye out at the movies.

Was Chiu Lin afraid that her husband Dou Xiao would be jealous and thus would not make intimate scenes? She denied it. "No, he has come to visit the set, and we ate together." Chiu Lin was grateful to her family for taking the time to support her. She even revealed that her younger brother Orlando Ho Yau Kai also participated but unfortunately the scene was cut in the end. She said, "Little Brother has a cameo as a passerby. He waited until 3 in the morning for the shoot but unfortunately the director cut the scene in the end. He was not disappointed after finding out." Did Chiu Lin pay her brother's salary? She coquettishly said, "No, we only have a high-five." As for whether Dou Xiao taught Chiu Lin to act, she said no because her husband was also busy with a series. She instead asked her "Papa" in the film, Tsang Chi Wai. Earlier, rumors were rampant that Chiu Lin and Dou Xiao's relationship has changed, and that Dou Xiao was unwell. Chiu Lin refused to talk about private matters on the grounds of promoting the movie.

Tsang Chi Wai was asked about his cousin Tsang Lai Chun's promotion and appointment as TVB's executive director. He also learned from Chiu Lin and would only talk about the movie and nothing else.

This year would mark the 25th anniversary of Macau's return to the motherland, Chiu Lin and Chi Wai were both happy to witness the prosperity of Macau. Chi Wai even jokingly asked that if Macau people liked to eat out, because he saw different types of dining rooms on the street and each of which was full of people. Chiu Lin agreed that Macau people do like to eat out.

[2024.12.07] JEFFREY NGAI GETS INTO SHAPE IN ADVANCE FOR NEW FILM

Kary Ng says that she is collecting songs in hopes of performing her own concert

Jeffrey Ngai has been taking jobs frequently and secretly raking in all the gold
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Ayla Sham, Jeffrey Ngai and Kary Ng attend an event has been taking jobs frequently and secretly raking in all the gold
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Jeffrey Ngai Chun Sun, Kary Ng Yu Fei, Ayla Sham Yuet, Elva Ni, Will Or Wai Lam, Mandy Tam Man Huen and Nancy Kwai Cheuk Hiu attended the Christmas lighting event the night before. Kary was made fun of for making one appearance every year after she was married. She thought about it and said, "That sounds about right." She explained being the mother of 3 children has been very busy. She has become tired and worn out but they were worth all the hardship. She happily said, "My 6 year old eldest son is in first grade, my 5 year old daughter also has grown a lot. My 2 year old daughter has had numerous microsurgeries that have fixed the heart disease she was born with. I can relax." She said that she still had a passion for music, sometimes she would create songs. However now she is a free agent. Without the bind of company contracts, she has creative freedom but is very slow. "I never thought that former Cookies group mate (Stephy) Tang Lai Yan would soon perform her Hong Kong Coliseum concerts, which has become a chain reaction. The whole world is asking me when I would perform, and I said I don't know yet. Actually it wouldn't be hard, but I want to have a plan first. Writing new songs would take most of the year. I hope to release new songs first next year. (Would you write a song for Stephy or a duet with her?) I can, but she makes movie most. She doesn't release many songs. When I write songs I would save them for myself, but if Stephy would invite me to be her concert guest I would support her. If we would be able to invite all 9 members of Cookies it would be even more explosive, because it really is very hard to get everyone together."

Jeffrey said that there will be a shopping center performance this Christmas, and to be able to spend the festive season with Coffee Beans (his fans' nickname) and sing Christmas songs would be a joy. Was he laughing from all the money he was making? He smiled and said, "Actually, the market is so light, but I have been working hard to sing and perform so it is also a year of progress. I am so grateful and happy. I am so content, but I can chase down everything in both my goals and myh work. The most important thing is to live in the moment." Speaking of his plans for the new year, he revealed that he will start filming a movie in the middle of the month. He will go overseas for location shoots in February and March next year and will be a lot of action scenes. In addition there would be requirements for physical shape, thus now he has begun to train in advance. He revealed that he fasts after 6 o'clock every night to lose weight. Now he has already achieved the "mermaid line", which he has been also very satisfied with as it has enhanced his self-confidence. After working with Kaho Hung on a concert, they released a duet I CAN FEEL IT. He said that the song had a type of romance of men. He has also fallen in love with singing harmony. "I got along famously with Kaho and felt like brothers. I hope to be able to work together more in the future."

[2024.12.06] DONNIE YEN TALKS FRANCIS NG INTO FIGHTING HIM ONE ON ONE

Donnie Yen has always been serious at work, of course he would be cautious with casting

Donnie Yen admits to spare no expense for his new film

Donnie Yen talks Francis Ng into going from dramatic scenes only to some fight scenes
courtesy of on.cc

"The Strongest in the Universe" Donnie Yen Chi Tan wore three hats for his movie THE PROSECUTOR (NG POON), and was extremely rigorous in casting. He even recruited television best actress Sisley Choi Si Bui and Mandy Wong Chi Man to make cameos to help. Chi Tan revealed that Si Bui had a re-encounter scene that needed to be reshot 3 times, but it was not because of her acting skills. Two versions were filmed as he hoped to choose the better one among them. In order to be perfect, he kept changing during filming. Ng Chun Yu had a dramatic scene that also became an "one-on-one" fight scene. Chi Tan joked that Chun Yu took a lot of convincing beforehand, and the result was full of sparks!

The Donnie Yen Chi Tan, Julian Cheung Chi Lam and Michael Hui Koon Man starred film THE PROSECUTOR (NG POON) will be released for Christmas. Chi Tan was also the producer, director and star, so he was extremely cautious about the casting. He even personally supervised the auditions. "Every actor in this movie was asked by me to join the team. I was lucky, all of them performed very well. The first one I met was Uncle Lau Kong. He had a video in which he talked about his past, when he was talking he was full of arrogance. So he was very suitable for the role of Fung Ho Yeung's grandpa in the film. As for Si Bui (Sisley Choi), she rarely played a law enforcement officer. The role was very right for her. In addition to the fight scenes, she also had a scene where we ran into each other at the MTR. There were two versions and reshot three times, because I wanted to see which result would be better. She cooperated well every time, great at both dramatic and action scenes."

Mandy Wong Chi Man made a cameo appearance as a lawyer in the film, and her appearance added a lot of points for her. Chi Tan revealed, "I want to find an actress to play a lawyer. This lawyer will not appear to be very sharp on the outside; she has to be a little gentler, but she is very powerful on the inside. Chi Man is very suitable."

Since the film has Yen Chi Tan, of course there would be many fight scenes. This time THE PROSECUTOR has many ingenious fight scenes, including a group fight at the rooftop bar. Chi Tan even used aerial photography for one straight take. He fought with dozens of stunt people at the same time, and the difficulty was super high. "This scene is completely without CG, honestly one straight take is really difficult to recapture. 40 or 50 people fought all night. (Was such a high-pressure shoot that went all night difficult to take?) Yes! I had to depend on will power, not to mention that any carelessness would lead to trouble. In a simple scene of Yeung Yeung (Fung Ho Yeung's nickname) evading pursuit, he only had to climb up the wired fence and be dragged back down. His arm was bleeding from the metal wire scrapes. Stuff like this is beyond our control."

Ng Chun Yu and Chi Tan often confronted each other in the film. They had an argument scene, in which Chi Tan decided to add an "one-on- one" fight scene in order to add more flavor. He was full of confidence in Chun Yu's fight scene skills. "He has been working for many years, so he definitely would have no problem. When I was coming up with ideas with the screenwriters, I felt that adding an one-on-one fight would elevate the whole thing by a lot. However ultimately Chun Yu is an experienced actor, and would filter whether he should do it or not. As the director, of course I had to sell the idea, and analyze it with him from different points of view and perspective. Finally he gladly accepted it, and the result was also great."

In addition to the large-scale action scene at the rooftop bar, Chi Tan also had a fight scene with the killers in the MTR car. Because the whole car would be in tatters, an actual location shoot was impossible. Thus he spent another 7 digits to build the set. He said, "The set's scale ratio is one-to-one, and a lot of stuff like the seats and railings' steel are real. Underground we have to add machinery to make the train move when it is running, which really costs a lot of money. No expense was spared."

[2024.12.06] IAN CHAN'S NEW FILM SHOWS NO FEAR FOR ITS CHRISTMAS RELEASE

Ian Chan's new film has a beautiful Christmas release date
courtesy of on.cc

In addition to Donnie Yen Chi Tan's THE PROSECUTOR (NG POON), this year's Hong Kong Christmas film schedule would also have THE LION KING: MUFASA, THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE WAR FOR ROHIRRIM, and the Dior Cheng Yi Kin and Ian Chan Cheuk Yin starred LAST SONG FOR YOU (GAU BIT CHUNG FUNG) and other movies. There would be something for everybody, and each should have its own supporters.

Ian played the younger version of Ekin Cheng's role and had innocent yet romantic scenes with Natalie Hsu (Hui Yan Yi). The film was shot in Japan and Cheung Chau and was a fantasy movie. The movie has been scheduled to be released for Christmas. Facing strong competitions, the actors showed no fear and bluntly said that they had zero pressure on the box office, and only hoped that the audience will like their works and understand the message behind the movie. Then they would be very satisfied.

[2024.12.06] HIT N FUN OPENS ON THE LUNAR 29TH BEFORE THE CHINESE NEW YEAR

Chrissie Chau trains hard and suffers a lot for her character
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Gigi Leung works with Louis Koo again in the new film
courtesy of singtao.com

Tony Wu fights in the ring

Louise Wong and Chrissie Chau slug it out

Louis Koo shows off his fit physique as the boxing champion
courtesy of mingpao.com

The Albert Mak Kai Kwong directed, Louis Koo Tin Lok, Louise Wong Dan Nei, Chrissie Chau Sau Na, Tony Wu Tsz Tung, German Cheung Man Kit, Philip Ng Won Lung and others starred 2025 Chinese New Year film HIT N' FUN (LUM SI KUET DAU) announced yesterday that it will be released on the Lunar 29th before the Lunar New Year, and the first trailer was released.

Many actors in the film have boxing scenes. Chau Sau Na and German Cheung Man Kit practiced Muay Thai kicking and were full of ruthlessness. She also fought against Wong Dan Nei; the two were buried in hand-to-hand combat as their veins were on full display. As for Wu Tsz Tung he competed with the boxer. He hit until the knuckles burst, which was quite intense. Even Koo Tin Lok put on boxing glove an gears, and showed off his sturdy figure. He even tossed out a golden quote. "As soon as the bell doesn't ring, never admit defeat!" Then Wong Dan Nei ran into Goo Jai's home and said, "I want to learn to box" to open the story. Goo Jai urged Dan Nei not to be impulsive. "Fighting in the ring isn't a game, people would die." With blood covering her face, Dan Nei replied, "People die from Muay Thai less than car crashes, should I stop taking a ride?" Why would Wong Dan Nei want to learn to fight? The audience would have to wait for the movie to find out.

Goo Jai in the film played an once legendary Muay Thai champion in Macao. He founded a gym and was determined to train professional fighters. Despite the difficulty of operation a gym, he still chose to face it positively, work hard and persist in a thorough demonstration of his lifelong principle of never backing up from strong adversity.

[2024.12.06] TONY LEUNG CHIU WAI RUSHES TO PRODUCE ACTION FILM

Tony Leung Chiu Wai was honored again and discussed his experience as a film producer

Sammo Hung's family was there to share the joy with him
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Tony Leung Chiu Wai receives an honorary doctorate degree from the Hong Kong Academy of Performing Arts.
courtesy of singtao.com

Currently busy with her play rehearsal, Carina Lau takes time off to celebrate with and congratulate husband Tony Leung Chiu Wai

Tony Leung Chiu Wai received a honorary doctorate degree from HKUST last week and one from the Hong Kong Academy of Performing Arts yesterday

Sammo Hung with his wife Joyce Godenzi, daughter in law Janet Chow, son Timmy Hung and grandsons

Director Ann Hui also received the honorary doctorate degree

Cantonese Opera star Yuen Siu Fai and his wife Tang Kung Pik
courtesy of mingpao.com

Actors Tony Leung, Sammo Hung Kam Bo, director Ann Hui On Wah and Cantonese Opera star Yuen Siu Fai were all awarded honorary doctorates by the Academy for Performing Arts yesterday. Tony Leung, who won the award again, said that he was very satisfied, and his next goal was to be a film producer and perform by himself, hoping to succeed next winter and start filming a father-daughter action drama film.

Tony Leung Chiu Wai, Sammo Hung Kam Bo, Ann Hui On Wah and Yuen Siu Fai received honorary doctorates at the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts Honorary Awards Ceremony 2024 in Wan Chai yesterday. After receiving an honorary doctorate from HKUST last month he was honored again. Leung Chiu Wai shared his feelings, "It's like graduation, I'm so happy! (How would you celebrate?) Dinner. (This year is the year of the awards?) Not really, it's happened with movies before." He also said that he has not counted how many awards were at home. Would he give lectures and share his experience? He said, "Some people have invited me, but I just know how to act; I don't know how to teach, so for now I wouldn't do it. I can just share my experience. (Would you go to school?) Actually making movies is equivalent to going to school, because each role has a lot of hoemwork. Earlier when I made an European film I had to study neuroscience, basically I have never stopped. (Would you want to become a doctor again?) I am already satisfied, the next goal is to be a producer. I would perform too. I hope to make it happen by winter next year, but the first draft of the script has not been written yet. I would have to keep who the director would be a secret for now. (Is it Hirokazu Kore-eda?) No, that one was last year's. It was an art films, but the script hasn't been completed yet. Mine woul be an action drama film about fathers and daughters. (Which actors would you ask?) Since I haven't decided whether to shoot in Japan or Korea, I will set the location first before casting the actors. I want to make an Asian movie. (Would you ask Carina Lau Ka Ling to perform?) She doesn't know Japanese."

Wai Jai said that action films have a lot of variety. His action subject would not be the hardcore type where every punch would land. Escapes and car chases could also be action type. Also honored that day, Hung Kam Bo's wish was to direct again. Regarding the coincidence, Leung Chiu Wai said, "Of course I want to, but I am afraid I wouldn't be able to afford him. Big Brother Big's film productions are truly very powerful, with him I don't havce to fight."

Speaking of the film THE LAST DANCE (POR. DEI YUK)'s box office exceeding HK$ 100 million, he praised the movie for being entertaining. He was very happy that many people paid attention to Hong Kong movies, and hoped that it could be continued. As for the Sean Lau Ching Wan starred film PAPA, although it did not win any award at the Tokyo International Film Festival, but Wai Jai still praised Ching Wan for performing well. For Chirstmas Lau Ka Ling would have to perform her play. Wai Jai would go skiing with his family, his sister and niece. Of course he would first watch the play before going.

Celebrating his birthday in January next year, was becoming a doctor Hung Kam Bo's best birthday present? He said that he never thought of becoming a doctor. "Now I would only think about what delicious food to buy and eat. I would celebrate with my family, but they won't let me casually eat birthday cake. It has to be suitable for them to let me." In addition to being accompanied by his wife Joyce Godenzi (Go Lai Hung), his son Timmy Hung Tin Ming and daughter in law Janet Chow Ka Wai also brought their two sons to show their support. Other children also came from Beijing and Taiwan to congratulate him. He said: "It was a surprise from my wife. (Be a role model for the grandsons?) I will tell them about how amazing Grandpa is later, but they still have to study hard!"

Did Hung Kam Bo feel the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government has provied enough support to the film industry? He said that different people have different budgets to make different movies, with resources of course their space to perform would be greater. He pointed out that his wish was to direct again and make a big production, unfortunately no boss has been willing to invest yet. Hung Kam Bo hoped to win the "Best Director" award, but he joked that he did not when he would have the opportunity to. However he has not been invited yet, if successful his life would be very fulfilling. Now it really no longer mattered much to him though. Speaking of Leung Chiu Wai's intention to produce his own movie, would Hung Kam Bo be interested in directing? He said, "I didn't know about this at all, let's see what fate and opportunities would bring."

In addition, the famous Japanese director Hirokazu Kore-eda recently had a conversation with director Peter Chan Ho Sun in the mainland. He revealed that he particularly liked Leung Chiu Wai, Zhang Ziyi and Zhou Dongyu. He also said that he has discussed cooperation with Leung Chiu Wai but not in details yet, so there was nothing to reveal.