Wednesday, June 18, 2025

[2025.06.19] CARINA LAU WEARS A SUSPECTED WOMEN'S SOCCER SHIRT FOR A PHOTO WITH STEPHEN CHOW

Carina Lau dons a shirt with the WOMEN'S SOCCER logo for a photo with Stephen Chow

Carina Lau and Stephen Chow play a couple in FORBIDDEN CITY COP
courtesy of mingpao.com

Stephen Chow Sing Chi (Sing Yeh) has been busy filming the new film WOMEN'S SOCCER in recent months, and the cast was rumored to include Dilraba, Zhang Xiaofei, Lay Zhang Yixing, Sisley Choi Si Bui and South Korean actor Song Kang-Ho. Carina Lau Ka Ling uploaded a photo with Chow Sing Chi on social platforms yesterday. The two played husband and wife in the 1996 movie FORBIDDEN CITY COP (DAI NOI MUK TAM LING LING FAT). In the group photo Chow Sing Chi wrapped his arms around Lau Ka Ling and put his head on her shoulder. Lau Ka Ling posted one of the classic dialogues of FORBIDDEN CITY COP. "Are you hungry? I'll cook some noodles for you!" The collective memories of many online were evoked.

[2025.06.19] GEORGE AU IS GRATEFUL TO SUNNY CHAN FOR WITNESSING HIS GROWTH

George Au feels lucky that Sunny Chan shares his view about him online

Alice Hui is happy to attend an event to earn extra money
courtesy of mingpao.com

P1X3L member George Au Chun Ho and Alice Hui Bo Hung attended a telecommunications event yesterday. Au Chun Ho revealed that he planned to travel to Japan with his parents and sister at the end of the year. Would he cover the cost of the entire trip? Au Chun Ho hoped so but denied that it was because he was making a lot of money; it was rare for the family to find time to travel together. "I have been busy with work in recent years. I haven't traveled with my family for a few years, so I look forward to it."

George said that he has been busy recently with his film VALLEY IN THE SHADOW OF DEATH (BUT SEH JI JUI) audience appreciation events. The record of which was visiting 10 shows in a day, and he was very happy to see all the shows were sold out. VALLEY's screenplay consultant Sunny Chan Wing Sun earlier posted on social platforms, citing that when he was one of the judge on KING MAKER II early on, he had an extremely poor impression of George. 6 years later seeing him at work with the greatest respect, he has obviously grown. George admitted that after reading the post he took a deep look at himself. "I am grateful to him for witnessing my growth all along, from the then punk kid to now an artist who treats work seriously. I am very honored to have his post about me! His disgust for me back then was normal. When I watched my competition videos I despised myself. At the time I didn't understood what respect was. After getting into the business, I have accumulated some stage experience and observed the elders. I realized that to make an exciting performance, I had to contribute a lot of effort off stage."

George said that tomorrow night he would support his P1X3L group mate Phoebus Ng Kai Yeung's musical THE 18, 28 and 38. Hui Bo Hung was asked if she would support Phoebus, who she has been linked to previously. She said that earlier she and Yoyo Kot Cheuk Yiu have already attended. She praised Phoebus for his exciting performance and the story was very touching, as many viewers were moved to tears.

[2025.06.19] AARON KWOK ATTENDS THE PREMIERE OF PATRICK TAM'S NEW FILM

Aaron Kwok shows his support in person for Patrick Tam

Mark Cheng states that he would not have any relationship with female colleagues
courtesy of singtao.com

Patrick Tam (right) congratulates Aaron Kwok (left) on becoming a father for a third time

Patrick Tam goes on one knee to thank Aaron Kwok for his support in person

Mark Cheng jokes that he has no money for shirts in order to save money

Locker Lam says that he would share his work out photos if FIGHT FOR TOMORROW box office would exceed HK$ 5 million
courtesy of mingpao.com

Patrick Tam Yiu Man (Brother Tam), Locker Lam Ka Hei, Mark Cheng Ho Nam and others starred in the movie FIGHT FOR TOMORROW (PING MING SAM LONG), which held its premiere the night before and attracted many friends in the circle. They included Alice Chan Wai, Catherine Chau Ka Yee, Angela Tong Ying Ying, etc. Recently announced to be a father again, Aaron Kwok Fu Sing appeared in the finale and became the focus. Sing Sing came to the scene to support Tam Yiu Man, the two hugged each other as soon as they met and could not be friendlier. However originally proudly claimed to inquire about Sing Sing's baby gender on behalf of the media, Brother Tam was embarrassed to "gossip" in public. After Sing Sing learned about it, he spread his arms with a smile and said humorously, "Even I don't know!" Brother Tam put his hands together and went to one knee to thank Sing Sing for coming to support the event, which made the audience laugh.

Before Sing Sing arrived, Brother Tam and his on screen son Locker spoke to the media. He revealed that the new film that will be released soon. In addition to FIGHT FOR TOMORROW, he also worked with Sing Sing on MY FIRST OF MAY (MO MING JI). Brother Tam even said that if the box office would exceed HK$ 10 million, he would remove the shirt to thank the audience. However he would need to train his abdominal muscles two weeks in advance. Locker said that when the box office would reach HK$ 5 million, he would release the never-before-seen muscle photos. However Brother Tam joked that he "lacked sincerity". Cheng Ho Nam appeared in a white suit. The reporter joked that his charm was unstoppable. First he was rumored to have a new love, and dozens of people rushed to the stage to surround him on stage earlier. Not only did he get a bear hug from male fans, but also he forced kisses and marriage proposals from female fans. He bluntly said that he often encountered similar situations, "The event in Xian had 20 security guards that day, but 50 people rushed over so it was actually very dangerous. (Did he get "lucky" from forced kisses?) There were more than one sister, but several. I pushed them all away, trying to keep my innocence. I absolutely wasn't taken advantage of!" Speaking of the rumored new love, he clarified that she was just a colleague and emphasized that he was still single. Earlier he attended Anita Lee Yuen Wah's dinner with the same person. After experiencing a divorce, he admitted that he still had some trauma and the injuries he has suffered have not yet recovered. He is now focusing on filming, taking care of his parents and children. "I just raised the children. Originally I was in negotiation for a new film, but I couldn't work out the schedule because I have to return to Canada to take care of my parents."

Locker spoke about being an "assistant" earlier and going to the market with his girlfriend Marf Yau Yin Tung to collect presents. Did he get paid? He pointed out that they were more about heart than money, sometimes they would take turn to be each other's assistant. His girlfriend would attentively shoot videos for him on the field. After two years together they still have not considered marriage as work came first for them. Speaking of her just turning 23, Locker said that he gave her a cat shaped birthday cake and a homemade birthday card to her that day. She was jumping for joy. Would he have to grab tickets for COLLAR's concert in August? Locker joked, "I don't know if he would get to be an assistant, let me ask first!"

[2025.06.18] FOR THE WEEK ENDING SUNDAY, JUNE 15 2025

For the week ending Sunday, June 15 2025
Photos courtesy of Yahoo! Movies Hong Kong


THE DUMPLING QUEEN MOVIE POSTER

10 THE DUMPLING QUEEN
    d. Andrew Lau Wai Keung
    Ma Li, Kara Wai Ying Hung, Zhu Yawen, Ben Yuen Fu Wah
  Rating : I
  Length : 119 mins.
  Opening May 1 2025
  Trailer : https://youtu.be/xT1FuJt8sVw

[ BROADWAY CIRCUIT ]
  The film is based on a true story. In the 1970s, Zang Jianhe, a woman from Qingdao, was forced to leave her hometown with her two daughters. To make ends meet and raise her children, she washed dishes by day and cleaned cars by night. With no one to rely on, she bore the immense pressure alone. Determined to break free from her fate, Zang Jianhe decided to make a living by selling dumplings. From struggling to attract customers to eventually thriving, she received much support from tough-but-kind Hong Jie, Brother Hua, and Uncle Dessert. Through perseverance, she grew her dumpling business into a success, and her life gradually opened up to new possibilities...

TRAPPED MOVIE POSTER

  9 TRAPPED
  Can : Dai Fung Sat
    d. Zhang Qi
    Bai Ke, Xin Baiqing, Geng Le, Yueting Lang, Sun Ning, Li Xiaochuan,
      Benyu Zhang, Li Haotian, Zuo Jie Zeren, Leon Li,
      Li Yan, Xue Xuchun, Sabu, Roy Wang, Rebecca Li
  Rating : IIB
  Length : 130 mins.
  Opening June 5 2025
  Trailer : https://youtu.be/wjpSzeNVR9o

[ HONG KONG MOVIE 6 ]
    The year is 1995. Mangya, A northwestern border town of China has become a ghost town since the once-prosperous mine and border trade shut down. The town has become an island, isolated from the outside world.

    There is only one police station with three police officers and one gun. XIA Ran, a retired soldier has spent over a decade here. There's a saying that he’s the last survivor of the battlefield but he never talk about his story.

    Sandstorms hit the town once a year, and a catastrophic, once-in-a-decade sandstorm is forecasted for this year. The storm looms on the horizon; the final transport out of town has long left. In the dead of night, five corpses are tossed into the oil tank in the town's sole gas station. The piercing silence is interrupted by a pack of uninvited guests.

    However, what frightens XIA Ran more than the murders is that the gas station's tank has been emptied and the town's phone line has been severed. As the sandstorm closes in on Mangya, he realizes that everyone in town has been trapped. Even worse, it seems that some of the town people have their own secrets too...

FINAL DESTINATION BLOODLINES MOVIE POSTER

  8 FINAL DESTINATION BLOODLINES
    d. Zach Lipovsky, Adam Stein
    Kaitlyn Santa Juana, Teo Briones, Richard Harmon,
      Owen Patrick Joyner, Anna Lore, Brec Bassinger, Tony Todd

SINNERS MOVIE POSTER

  7 SINNERS
    d. Ryan Coogler
    Michael B. Jordan, Hailee Steinfeld, Miles Caton, Jack O'Connell,
      Wunmi Mosaku, Jayme Lawson, Omar Miller, Delroy Lindo,

VALLEY IN THE SHADOW OF DEATH MOVIE POSTER

  6 VALLEY IN THE SHADOW OF DEATH
  AKA : THE SIN OF UNFORGIVENESS
  Can :But Seh Ji Jui
    d. Jeffrey Lam Sen, Antonio Tam Sin Yeung
    Anthony Wong Chau Sun, Louisa So Yuk Wah
      George Au Chun Ho @ P1X3L,
      Summer Chan Chi Huen, Sheena Chan Shu Yan
  Rating : IIB
  Length : 83 mins.
  Opening October 31 2024 at the 37th Tokyo International Film Festival
  Opening April 14 2025 at the 49th Hong Kong International Film Festival
  Opening June 5 2025
  Trailer : https://youtu.be/t-lCYaD6bjU
  Site : https://2024.tiff-jp.net/en/lineup/film/37003ASF08

[ 37th TOKYO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL ]
    A pastor struggles with sin and punishment in this intense drama. A boy who killed his daughter is released from prison. Torn between vengeance and God's forgiveness...

[ 49th HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL ]
    'Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you.' Pastor Leung, who preaches God's forgiveness, finds himself in a dire situation when his church gives shelter to a young man who caused the death of his beloved daughter. Torn between his wish to avenge his daughter, his wife's anger and his principles as a pastor, he struggles to submit to God or the Devil when an opportunity of retribution presents itself. Impressive as ever, Anthony Wong acutely leads the story with a restrained yet intense performance, stretching the questions of faith, hope, and humanity to their extremes.

BEHIND THE SHADOWS MOVIE POSTER

  5 BEHIND THE SHADOWS
  Can : Si Ga Jing Tam
  Lit : Private Detective
  FKA : MEI CHUI
  Lit : PIGGYBACKING
    d. Jonathan Li Tsz Chun, Chou Man Yu
    Louis Koo Tin Lok, Chrissie Chau Sau Na,
      Liu Kuan Ting (Lau Koon Ting),
      Raymond Wong Ho Yin, Renci Yeung Si Wing,
      Eddie Cheung Su Fai, Yumi Wong Sze Kei,
      Auguste Kwan Teik Hooi (Kwan Tak Fai), Phei Yong (Pui Wing)
  Rating : IIB
  Length : 103 mins.
  Opening May 31 2025 in the mainland
  Opening June 12 2025
  Trailer : https://youtu.be/kSGEDo7KvTs

[ BROADWAY CIRCUIT ]
    Au Yeung Wai Yip is a private detective who has been focusing on missing persons and adultery investigations for many years. One day, he received a "special" commission: the owner of the travel agency had asked him to investigate his girlfriend, who happened to be Au Yeung Wai Yip’s wife.

    Being a private detective, he is used to looking for the truth with cold eyes for his clients, but he finds it difficult to face the truth about their own marriage. Unable to withstand his inner torment, Au Yeung Wai Yip gave up on another ongoing case - a client's search for his missing fiancée - and went to the hotel to catch the adulterer. Unfortunately, the marriage could not be saved in the end, and the client's fiancée was killed after he left. A seemingly ordinary affair turned into a murderous incident! The police officer in charge of investigating this murder case, Chan Heong Meng, who is seemingly a good policeman and husband, discovers that more than one woman has been killed in a similar manner—the perpetrator is very likely a serial killer. After handing over the clues to Chan Heong Meng, Au Yeung Wai Yip found himself unknowingly entangled in an intricate web of mystery, with danger looming through the thick fog. To prevent the killer from striking the next target, he must rely on his professional detective instincts to turn the tide.

HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON MOVIE POSTER

  4 HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON
    d. Dean DeBlois
    Mason Thames, Nico Parker, Gerard Butler, Nick Frost,
      Julian Dennison, Gabriel Howell,
      JBronwyn James, Harry Trevaldwyn, Ruth Codd

MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE - THE FINAL RECKONING MOVIE POSTER

  3 MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE - THE FINAL RECKONING
    d. Christopher McQuarrie
    Tom Cruise, Hayley Atwell, Ving Rhames, Simon Pegg,
      Henry Czerny, Angela Bassett

BALLERINA MOVIE POSTER

  2 BALLERINA
    d. Len Wiseman
    Ana De Armas, Anjelica Huston, Gabriel Byrne,
      Lance Reddick, Norman Reedus, Ian McShane, Keanu Reeves,


LILO AND STITCH MOVIE POSTER

  1 LILO AND STITCH
    d. Dean Fleischer Camp
    Maia Kealoha, Sydney Elizabeth Agudong, Billy Mangussen,
      Courtney B. Vance, Zach Galifianakis, Kaipo Dudoit,
      Tia Carrere, Amy Hill, Jason Scott Lee

Tuesday, June 17, 2025

[2025.06.18] FOR THE WEEK STARTING SATURDAY, JUNE 14 2025

For the week starting Saturday, June 14 2025 (Week 24)

VIUTV CHILL CLUB CHART


  5 FLASH
  Can : Sim Guong
  Kaho Hung

  4 XIHU
  Can : Sai Goo
  Jace Chan Hoi Wing, Novel Fergus

  3 50/50
  Kay Tse On Kay

  2 DRIFTWOOD
  Can : Piu Lau Muk
  Jason Chan Pak Yu


  1 THE OCCUPANT
  Can : Sum Jung Na Ju Hak
  Gordon Flanders

Monday, June 16, 2025

[2025.06.17] JONATHAN LI AND CHOW MAN YU CO-DIRECT AND BELIEVE THAT THE FILM INDUSTRY WILL SURVIVE THE WINTER


Directors Jonathan Li (left) and Chow Man Yu (right) remain positive about the Hong Kong film industry and believes that it can definitely tough out the cold winter

Chrissie Chau and Louis Koo play an estranged couple, the entire film is shot in Malaysia

Taiwan actor Liu Kuan-Ting receives the directors' praises for his professionalism, pursuing perfection in his performance
courtesy of mingpao.com

Director Jonathan Li Tsz Chun and screenwriter Chow Man Yu after DUST TO DUST (DAI BAK GOR YIM YI YUN) worked together again in BEHIND THE SHADOWS (SI GA JING TAM). This time the two co-directed, Li Tsz Chun believed that Chow Man Yu could fill his blind spots. Even with arguments their relationship was not harmed, the most important thing was to achieve a consensus on filming. The two praised Louis Koo Tin Lok (Goo Jai) as a good boss and actor, giving advice in the process and willing to respect their practices. Even if it was a reshoot, he was willing to cooperate. BEHIND THE SHADOWS was released during the cold winter of the film industry, and the cumulative box office was only HK$ 1.83 million in the first 4 days (as of the 15th). The two directors believed that each movie has its own life. Li Tsz Chun said, "When I entered the industry in 2000 and I already encountered a cold winter. I believe that the film industry will survive the cold winter, don't be so pessimistic." Entering the industry in 2013, Chow Man Yu joked that he has always been facing the cold winter and did not know what spring felt like. The most important was to do his part well, as there would be always be a chance for survival.

Li Tsz Chun thought that his partner Chow Man Yu had a lot of ideas, and it was an advantage to have a lot of opinions during production. "Last time I directed and he wrote the screenplay. He saw some blind spots on the set, which helped me a lot and everyone had a lot of sparks. So I wanted to try co-directing to see what new sparks would come out, although there may be arguments." He admitted that everyone argued during filming, whether it is the pre-production creation and character depiction, as well as the requirements for the visuals during the shoot, everyone has different opinions but their relationship was not harmed. The most important thing was to be willing to talk and reach a consensus on how to shoot.

The most intense discussion between Li Tsz Chun and Chow Man Yu was when Goo Jai learned that the Liu Kuan Ting played police officer was the real culprit. He was worried about the personal safety of his wife Chau Sau Na, so he tried to persuade her to leave Malaysia temporarily and quarreled; at which time Liu Kuan Ting suddenly came to the door. Chau Man Yu said, "Whether Liu Kuan Ting should enter the house or not, I think he should be because the house is the place people feel the safest in. When someone enters the house, it is like being stabbed in the heart with a knife; but Li Tsz Chun and Goo Jai both think that it is better for Liu Kuan Ting to stand outside the door. Finally they used my proposal, but after filming and watching it I began to understand their thoughts. Goo Jai pressed the door with one hand, not letting anyone come in and hurt his wife. The feeling was even stronger." He tossed and turned all night, and the next day he mustered up the courage to propose a reshoot to Goo Jai. Goo Jai went "huh" and said, "We are in big trouble!" but did not refuse. Li Tsz Chun smiled and said, "I was afraid to tell Goo Jai, fortunately Chow Man Yu opened his mouth first."

In the film Goo Jai, Chau Sau Na, Raymond Wong Ho Yin, Renci Yeung Sze Wing and Eddie Cheung Siu Fai are all familiar faces to Hong Kong audiences, so why did he cast Taiwanese actor Liu Kuan Ting to play the role of Chan Hong Man? Li Tsz Chun said that he has always paid attention to Liu Kuan Ting's performances, and his favorite movies starring him were A SUN and CLASSMATES MINUS. Two different interpretations were very well grasped, had a lot of tension and potential.

Li Tsz Chun said, "I thought Lau Kuan-ting's eyes are very suitable for this role and producer Cheang Pou Soi agrees, so I tried to contact him. He said yes as soon as he read the script." Li praised Liu's professionalism. When he felt that he has not done a good enough job during the shoot, even though they have already accepted the take, he would ask if he could try another take. "It really makes a difference, so I appreciate his pursuit of performance very much."

The screenwriter as well, Chow Man Yu felt that BEHIND THE SHADOWS was filmed in Malaysia, which was a multicultural society with different languages. It was reasonable and fresh to have actors from outside Hong Kong to participate in the performance. Liu Kuan Ting looked mild mannered, but he achieved what I asked for -- the feeling of hidden danger behind his smile and love turned into hatred." They were initially worried that the Malaysian staff would not adapt to the rhythm and mode of filming in Hong Kong, but after 7 days together they all adapted to it. They were very diligent, and they had no complaints about long and intensive shoot. The collaboration was pleasant. Directing for the first time, Chow Yu Man did not dare to say whether he was competent or not. He only felt that being a director was very tiring. "When I was filming action scenes in DUST TO DUST (DAI BAK GOR YIM YI YUN) I could sleep peacefully, but I couldn't as the director this time; I had to follow the whole process." He revealed that Goo Jai would call him at 4 a.m. to talk about a certain scene the next day. Sometimes they would talk until daylight.

Hong Kong films are in a cold winter, as cinemas are closing one after another. Were they worried about the box office? Li Tsz Chun said that he was not worried, believing that every film has its own life. They have fulfilled their responsibilities. "When I entered the industry in 2000, it was already a cold winter. Piracy was rampant. Everyone was actively exploring the mainland market, and the output of Hong Kong films was steadily rising; but now the mainland market is sluggish, and the output of Hong Kong films is gradually declining. I believe it is cyclical. The film would definitely be able to tough out the cold winter and reach new heights again. In difficult times you should store scripts, stick to creative ideas, be prepared for when the opportunity comes. Then you can step out. Don't be so pessimistic. BEHIND THE SHADOWS has Malaysian funding, but in fact, many countries or regions have film funding schemes, including Hong Kong."

Entering the industry in 2013, Chow Man Yu also believed that the film industry will survive the cold winter. He said with a smile that he has always been facing the cold winter, as the first film he directed has not been smooth. "At the time director Wong Ching Po likes to take the alternative genre, which kept investors at bay so no movie went into production. I didn't have a spring when I entered the industry, so I don't feel anything in the cold period now, just like African children never know the feeling of freezing. In short, I can do it wherever I have to do it, and I have written scripts for films in the mainland and Taiwan."

[2025.06.17] PATRICK TAM "DISCIPLINES HIS SON" TO PROMOTE HIS NEW FILM

courtesy of on.cc

The Patrick Tam Yiu Man, Locker Lam Ka Hei starred movie FIGHT FOR TOMORROW (PING MING SAM LONG) is about to be released. Coinciding with Father's Day the day before yesterday, director Chan Tai Lee, stars Tam Yiu Man and Locker went to promote the film. They visited small shops to promote the movie and put up posters. Later the three of them went to the Father's Day preview screening to thank the audience, Tam Yiu Man and Locker performed one of the father-son scolding scenes from the movie for their entrance. Tam Yiu Man also gave an acapella performance of the theme song. Some viewers said that they were very happy to watch this movie, seeing that Tam Yiu Man finally met a good role after many years. Tam Yiu Man was very moved, and also said that he was lucky to run into a "good son" Locker. They contributed to and supported each other, and the three of them even hugged on the spot. The scene was touching.