[2023.03.23] FOR THE WEEK ENDING SUNDAY, MARCH 19 2023

For the week ending Sunday, March 19 2023

10 THE WANDERING EARTH II
  AKA : THE WANDERING EARTII
    d. Frant Gwo
    Andy Lau Tak Wa, Wu JUing, Li Xuejian, Sha Yi, Ning Li,
     Wang Zhi, Zhu Yanmanzi
  Rating : IIA
  Length : 173 mins.
  Opening February 9 2023

[ CINEMA CITY ]
    The sun is about to destroyed, and humans have built huge engines on the Earth's surface to help them find a new home. However, the road out into the universe is perilous. In order to save the Earth, a group of young people once again stepped forward to begin a life and death battle.

  9 65
    d. Scott Beck, Bryan Woods
    Adam Driver, Arianna Greenblatt

  8 HIDDEN BLADE
  Can : Mo Ming
  Lit : Anonymous
    d. Cheng Er
    Tony Leung Chiu Wai, Wang Yibo, Chengpeng Dong (Dapeng),
      Zhou Xun, Eric Wang Fujian, Huang Lei
  Rating : IIB
  Length : 131 mins.
  Opening March 9 2023
  Trailer : https://youtu.be/XhWTs42DdTo

[ CINEMA CITY ]
    In the 1920s, the Chinese Communist Party begins its struggle in Shanghai, leading the covert front of the Chinese Communist Party's Special Branch, the Party strive in their deadly battle against various forces. The unsung heroes march towards victory through irreplaceable and inimitable courage and contributions. After the outbreak of the War of Resistance Against Japan, the Chinese Communist Party's Special Branch in Shanghai circles between Chongqing, Wang Puppet Government and Japanese espionage agencies. Through an intricate system of intelligence behind enemy lines, they recruit the enemy, obtain information, kill traitors, and establish a broader united front line, charging towards Yan 'an on the eve of the victory of the War of Resistance...

  7 LOST LOVE
  AKA : FOSTER LOVE
  Can : Lau Shui Lok Fa
  Lit : Flowing Water Fallen Flower
    d. Ka Sing Fung
    Sammi Cheng Sau Man, Alan Luk Chun Kwong, Hedwig Tam Sin Yin
      Sean Wong Tsz Lok, Lee Yun Wai, Phoebe Ng Chi Kiu,
      Matt Jiu Kai Lam, Chui Ka Him, Maya Tsang Yui Tung,
      Wong Tsz Hin, Gordon Lau Chiu Kin
  Rating : IIA
  Length : 95 mins.
  Opening November 13 2022 at the Hong Kong Asian Film Festival
  Opening November 28 2022 (Preview)
  Opening March 2 2023
  fb: https://www.facebook.com/LostLoveMovieOfficial/
  Site : https://www.hkaff.asia/en/film/2022/detail/130

[ BROADWAY CIRCUIT ]
    Parenting means raising and nurturing children, but oftentimes children enrich and enlighten the lives of parents instead.

    Chan Tin Mei and Ho Bun’s son passed away abruptly at three years old due to a congenital heart disease. Still in pain over the loss, Mei resists having another child.

    One day, Mei finds out that they can become a foster family. Her desolate heart finds sustenance from possibly regaining the feeling of being a mother. But when she discovers the emotional scars on the children caused by their harsh realities, she starts to adjust her expectations.

    Bun's extramarital affair leads to a big fight between the couple, but it also reveals the feelings concealed in Bun's heart. Mei realizes her selfishness; she has neglected Bun's feelings and the true needs of her wards. In the end, the foster children inspire her and help the couple to redeem their relationship. Although Mei is praised for her dedication to her foster children, she knows she has been saved by the children instead.

    When the couple finally settles into a simple and happy life with their foster child, Mei suffers a heart attack. In the final stage of her life, Mei's seven foster children reappear. She seems to see her son grow in these foster children.

[ HONG KONG ASIAN FILM FESTIVAL ]
    For his project under the lauded First Feature Film Initiative programme, director Ka Sing- fung tells the heartrending journey of a woman whose life is forever changed by the children she takes in as a temporary foster carer. In a career-best performance, Sammi Cheng stars as Mei, a woman trying to get over the death of her young son through the children she welcomes into her home. Each ward offers Mei a different challenge and a newfound appreciation for the difficulties of motherhood, but when her dedication to the job causes her marriage to turn sour, Mei is forced to make a choice.

  6 THE WHALE
    d. Darren Aronofsky
    Brendan Fraser, Sadie Sink, Hong Chau

  5 EVERYTHING EVERYWHERE ALL AT ONCE
    d. Dan Kwan, Daniel Scheinert
    Michelle Yeoh (Yeung Chi King), Stephanie Hsu, Ke Huy Quan,
      James Hong, Jamie Lee Curtis, Harry Shum Jr.

  4 A GUILTY CONSCIENCE
  Can : Duk Sit Dai Jong
  Lit : Poison Tongued Lawyer
    d. Jack Ng Wai Lun
    Dayo Wong Tze Wa, Tse Kwan Ho,
      Louise Wong Dan Nei, Fish Liew Chi Yu,
      Michael Wong Man Tak, Dee Ho Kai Wa, Renci Yeung Sze Wing,
      Adam Pak Tin Nam, Bowie Lam Bo Yi,
      Vincent Kok Tak Siu, Sheldon Lo (Law Hau Yung)
  Rating : IIB
  Length : 135 mins.
  Opening January 7, 14 2023 (Preview)
  Opening January 21 2023
  Teaser : https://youtu.be/JRUKWIv59Uw
  Trailer : https://youtu.be/DYJ828h8k4M

[ BROADWAY CIRCUIT ]
    A simple supermodel's child abuse case becomes the battleground of justice, power, and fame. When the apex society exercises every network and resource to save itself, how will the barristers pursue justice?

  3 CYBERHEIST
  AKA : DISCONNECTED
  AKA : DISCONNECT'D
    Can : Duen Mong
    Lit : Broken Net
    d. Wong Hing Fan
    Aaron Kwok Fu Sing, Simon Yam Tat Wa, Gordon Lam Ka Tung,
      Patrick Tam Yiu Man, Kenny Wong Tak Bun,
      Megan Lai Ya-Yen, Tony Wu Tsz Tung, Kathy Yuen (Tong Yi),
      Michael Ning (Bak Ji), Zeno Koo Ting Hin, Wiyona Yeung Lau Ching,
      Terrence Huang (Wong Yiu Wong)
  Rating : IIB
  Length : 110 mins.
  Opening December 1 2022 in Malaysia (POSTPONED)
  Opening March 9 2023
  Teaser : https://youtu.be/E-k_F8quEWA
  Trailer : https://youtu.be/_3tDvZoQbo0

[ CINEMA ONLINE MALAYSIA ]
    Hackers release a virus onto the web and unleash a large-scale cyber attack. Fortunately, cyber security engineer and IT whiz, Cheuk Ka-Chun, uses a firewall he developed to resolve the crisis. Unbeknownst to Ka-Chun, the mastermind behind this virus is his superior, Chan Ming-Chi. As the two begin to butt heads, Ka-Chun secretly develops a rival virus and Ming-Chi plots to have Ka-Chun's wife and daughter kidnapped. As Ka-Chun panics, his new virus starts to spread across every computer in Hong Kong - threatening the entire city's future.

[ SCREEN DAILY ]
    A cyber security engineer develops a powerful AI program, but then has to prevent it from falling into the wrong hands.

  2 SHAZAM! FURY OF THE GODS
    d. David F. Sandberg
    Zachary Levi, Asher Angel, Jack Dylan Grazer, Rachel Zegler,
      Adam Brody, Ross Butler, D.J. Cotrona, Grace Caroline Currey,
      Meagan Good, Lucy Liu, Djimon Hounsou, Helen Mirren,
      Faithe Herman, Ian Chen, Jovan Armand,
      Marta Milans, Cooper Andrews,
    Rizwan Manji, PJ Byrne, Diedrich Bader

  1 SUZUME
    d. Makoto Shinkai
    Japanese Animation
    Rating : I
    Length : 121 mins.
    Opening March 2 2023

[ CINEMA CITY ]
    Suzume, a 17-year-old girl who lives in a quiet town in Kyushu, meets Souta, a young man looking for a door. Following Souta, Suzume finds an old door in the mountains and reaches out her hands towards the door as if pulled by something. This opened door will bring disaster; thus, Souta must travel round to lock the door to avoid disaster. But then, a mysterious kitten turns Souta into a broken wooden chair. To catch the kitten, Suzume and Souta follow it and travel from Kyushu to Tokyo. "Doors of disaster" begin to appear across Japan simultaneously, and Suzume needs to close and lock the doors one by one to stop the disasters. Unexpectedly, a forgotten truth is waiting for her.

[2023.0323] LESLIE CHEUNG FANS SHARES ENCOUNTERS AT MEMORIAL EXHIBIT

A group of Leslie Cheung fans and a shopping center organize an exhibit for the 20th anniversary of his passing.  

Man Suet Yee shares the story of how she and Leslie Cheung went from colleagues to friends.  The exhibit displays her photos with him

Experienced fan Shirley not only shares her collection but for the story of her encounter with Leslie Cheung

Docent Ling feels that Leslie Cheung never left us.  His work never feels outdated at anytime 
courtesy of mingpao.com

April 1st would be the 20th anniversary of the superstar of a generation "Gor Gor" Leslie Cheung Kwok Wing's passing. A group of Gor fans and the Olympic shopping center organized TIMELESS LESLIE ENCOUNTER through 20 stories of "encounters" introduced Gor Gor to everyone from multiple angles, including Candy Cheung (Man Suet Yee) sharing her experience from working on television series with him, Gor Fan Shirley's memorable kiss being gladly accepted by her idol. The memorial event would take place from today to April 2nd for 11 days. Many out of print publications and collections would be on display. For two weekends in a row free "docents" would be available. At the event on the 31st, Gor Gor's friends, colleagues, experienced fans and "late Wing fans" would share their experience. Mike Tsang Pei Tat would also be on hand to perform Gor Gor's classic songs.

The venue had a 430 inch big screen that played 20 of Cheung Kwok Wing's classic work videos and the giant montage of over 3,000 "encounter with Gor Gor" photos. At the center of the event was a wall with a neon light infinity symbol. It was filled with titles of Gor Gor's most representative work as voted by Gor fans around the world. They included classic songs THE WIND RISES AGAIN, MONICA, FALLEN FOR YOU, and movies DAYS OF BEING WILD (AH FEI JING JUEN), FAREWELL MY CONCUBINE (BA WONG BIT GEI), A BETTER TOMORROW (YING HUNG BOON SIK) and others.

Also on display was a self playing piano that played 8 of Gor Gor's classic songs in a loop. The event also invited talented musicians to play to salute Cheung Kwok Wing. Visitors would be able to make donations to participate in producing the giant montage Cheung Kwok Wing instant photo wall. The event created 4 Cheung Kwok Wing classic iron on designs for fans as well.

Man Suet Yee shared her story with Gor Gor and wrote about them turning from colleagues to good friends. She and Gor Gor worked together on RTV series and would always remember her days of working with Gor Gor. Their group of young people after work was unwilling to sleep, once they went to one of their homes for a pot luck party, almost forgot where they were from all the fun they had and still went to work as usual the next day. Young people were rebellious like this.

Having followed Gor Gor for over 40 years, experienced fan Shirley was one who provided items from her collection and shared her "encounter with Gor Gor". After 20 years, she still missed him. "Gor Gor was a superstar who beyond our reach, but he was very friendly and always had others in mind. It was like we grew up together, I really missed him. 20 years ago, on the day of his passing, I was very depressed until his funeral. I went to bid farewell and watched his hearse depart. I was so heartbroken that I lost it immediately and broke down in tears. After so many years, now I would miss Gor Gor normally, spread his love and the beauty of how serious he was about things and sincerely he was toward friends."

Shirley said since she was a teenager, she was attracted to Gor Gor's handsome looks. "I treated him like a boyfriend, I really admire how he treats work, people and things, he was very kind." She looked back at the 1980s when the technology was not as advanced and her family was very strict, chasing stars was very difficult. She could only join the fan club. She was fortunate to have participate in several of Gor Gor's birthday parties, two of which she would never forget. Shirley recalled, "Once at a Central hotel ballroom, I was picked to play a game on the stage and received an autograph poster from Gor Gor. At the time I gave him a kiss, Gor Gor didn't resist and even knelt down lightly to get close to me. He gladly accepted it. In my impression he was very tall, very handsome, smelled great. At another fan club event, near the end I ran to the stage and lined up to get a photo with him. Gor Gor was very friendly, he even put his arm around my shoulder. I was very nervous, but the scene was very hard to forget." Shirley said that she was very thrifty when she was young, relying on her allowance to buy Gor Gor's poster, work, photos and newspaper clippings. So far she has collected over 100 items. On Gor Gor's birthdays and passing anniversaries, she would take them out to reminisce.

Exhibit docent Ah Ling has fallen for Gor Gor since his 1980s record FALLEN FOR YOU. She praised her idol as the total package, his film ALL'S WELL ENDS WELL (GA YAU HEI SI) was very entertaining. She too said that in that era it was very hard to come in contact with stars. She could only occasionally try her luck at the radio stations or recording studios. "I only saw Gor Gor twice, once I waited for him for a picture outside Commercial Radio. I still have that photo today. I am envious that Shirley got to kiss Gor Gor." Although Gor Gor passed away years ago, Ah Ling felt that Gor Gor never left. "He would always appear around me because normally when I go to work I would constantly listen to his songs. Gor Gor had great taste, his image was very trendy. Even now as I look back at his work and photos, I wouldn't feel he was outdated."

[2023.03.23] MUSIC VIDEO BRINGS BACK MEMORIES OF LOLETTA LEE'S FIRST ONSCREEN KISS

courtesy of on.cc

Loletta Lee Lai Chun was the lead actress in the late superstar Leslie Cheung Kwok Wing's commemorative album never before released song WHO IS THE MOST LOVED MY DEAREST music video. She said that when she heard Gor Gor's interpretation of his version, she thought that it was not as sad as the original. She was reminded of memories like her first on screen kiss and her first love. She said that when she worked with Gor Gor on the film FOR YOUR HEART ONLY (WAI NEI JUNG CHING) she was still a new actor. "He at the time couldn't be any more popular. When I saw him I was a little nervous, but actually he was very easy going. He took the initiative, came over and asked, "Are you Chun Chun?" He seemed to have given me the courage to talk to him." She admitted that at the time she was so shy that she did not dare to look at Gor Gor directly, but he did not give her any pressure. He put her at ease so they would be able to finish the shoot."

[2023.03.23] SAM HUI'S HONG KONG COLISEUM CONCERT WILL STREAM ONLINE

courtesy of on.cc

courtesy of mingpao.com

"Song God" Sam Hui Koon Kit starting April 7th will perform 7 shows at the Hong Kong Coliseum. One of the founders of the organizers Siu Chiu Shun and Lawrence Cheng Tan Shui yesterday announced that the last show would be streamed online via a live pass to over 50 cities in Southeast Asia, North America and the mainland, a simultaneous live stream with high definition video and a global sing a long would take place. Cheng Tan Shui revealed that Hui Koon Kit only had one request -- to benefit the disadvantaged in the community. Thus over 1,000 online live pass would be donated to charitable organizations.

[2023.03.22] FOR THE WEEK STARTING SATURDAY, MARCH 18 2023

For the week starting Saturday, March 18 2023 (Week 11)

VIUTV CHILL CLUB CHART

  5 AIN'T NO SMARTIES
  Can : Chung Ming Dau
  ANSONBEAN (Chan Ngai Sun)

https://youtu.be/RJgU5-z9z4o

  4 RAPHAEL THE ARCHANGEL
  Can : Ji Siu Wan Yau Nei Chui Luen
  Leung Chiu Fung

https://youtu.be/VVvsqchRcAU

  3 LITTLE LAM REAL ESTATE
  Can : Siu Lum Buk Dong Chan
  Terence Lam Ka Him

https://youtu.be/KNwmV-dUBXU

  2 THE FIRST FAN
  Can : Dai Yut Gor Mai
  Jeffrey Ngai Chun Sun

https://youtu.be/cuERt5FAvV0

  1 RAPHAEL THE ARCHANGEL
  Can : Ji Siu Wan Yau Nei Chui Luen
  Andy Leung Chiu Fung

https://youtu.be/VVvsqchRcAU

[2023.03.19] SIMON YAM WISHES FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO SET UP A NEON LIGHT STREET

Simon Yam and Henick Chou have a big age difference, but both have a special place in their hearts for neon lights
courtesy of on.cc

Henick Chou and Simon Yam attend the A LIGHT NEVER GOES OUT advanced screening
courtesy of singtao.com

courtesy of mingpao.com

Simon Yam Tat Wa, Henick Chou Hon Ning, director Anastasia Tsang Hin Ning and producer Saville Chan Sum Yiu yesterday appeared at the A LIGHT NEVER GOES OUT (DUN FOR LAN SHAN) advanced screening, and presented gifts to the neon light masters on and off camera Tong Kwok Cheung and Wu Chi Kai. Today happened to be Brother Wa's 68th birthday. The event waited until Brother Wa finished his work, and immediately brought out birthday cake to celebrate with the the birthday boy. Brother Wa after accepting the cake wished for A LIGHT NEVER GOES OUT to be a big box office hit. The director also thanked Brother Wa for contributing his birthday wish to this film. Brother Wa revealed that his personal birthday wish has all been good health, so for celebrating he would be already very happy with dinner with the family.

When Brother Wa volunteered to take this role, the pandemic was at its peak. Originally working in the Mainland, he was willing to be in quarantine for 21 days in order to participate. He even spent a week to learn to make neon lights. In the process he even got a little hurt; he said that at the most difficult period he needed to help new directors and new actors even more. In addition, because he grew up in the Wan Chai district he witnessed the beauty of the neon lights in the 60s. Back then entire streets of Wan Chai were neon lit, which was very memorable. This color could not be duplicated. Although Hong Kong no longer had neon lights, we still would be able to remember them through film and support them in spirit; thus he hoped the government would be able to set up a street in Wan Chai or Mongkok for neon lights as for landmark in Hong Kong, which would also increase the tourism element. Young Chou Hon Ning has never seen neon lights in all their glory. He said that through film he watched the real face of neon lights, praised Brother Wa as very amazing to be able to come up with an idea to preserve the art of neon lights.

[2023.03.18] WITH HONG KONG FILM REBOUND SUCCESSES, VINCENT KOK DOES NOT DARE TO DIRECT

Vincent Kok treats himself like a newcomer and create film scripts
courtesy of mingpao.com

Vincent Kok Tak Chiu yesterday shared his financial experience at a bank event at Central. He said that he has been safe with his improvement. Some friends have invested in artwork or cryptocurrency, but he has yet to dare to participate. He would rather making money from doing something solid, currently he is creating scripts. Yet with the recent Hong Kong film successes, he instead considered not directing personally. He explained that because the trend now is new directors, movies that he has directed are already considered old. He said, "Maybe I would joint direct or produce, I want to work with new directors." Speaking of his buddy Dayo Wong Tze Wa's film A GUILTY CONSCIENCE (DUK SIT DAI JONG) exceeding HK$ 100 million at the box office, he said, "I have congratulated him. It is very outrageous, over HK$ 100 million! When something so outrageous can happen, it is something to be very excited about. Very obviously the world is telling us, creativity is the most important. The traditional hit's cast and crew don't matter. I treat myself like a newcomer when I create."