[2009.12.06] GONG LI, ZHANG ZIYI JOIN THE GRAND MASTER

Zhang Ziyi at a magazine event in Beijing

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Gong Li

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The Wong Kar Wai directed GRAND MASTER (YUT DOI JUNG SI) reportedly has landed Zhang Yimou's two Mou Girls Zhang Ziyi and Gong Li. In addition Wong Kar Wai did not rely on a screenplay but his mouth to do so. The fact is Wong Kar Wai's retelling of Ip Man's story indeed requires a strong cast and topic to be able to attract the audience into the cinema again. After MEMOIR OF A GEISHA, the audience has not seen Gong Li and Zhang Ziyi together. According to those close to Wong Kar Wai, his invitation to Gong Li was planned very early on.

When Gong Li earlier worked with Wong Kar Wai on EROS and 2046, Gong Li had words about Wong Kar Wai's filmmaking without a screenplay. On the set they performed as he talked, which gave Gong Li of an abyss inside. When she made 2046, Gong Li felt that her performance was not successful. She only played a partial character. She even criticized Wong Kar Wai's waste of actors. "You put all these good actors into a movie, then you random waste them. This is like a training class."

Yet this time Gong Li was still tempted. Reportedly this character would be very challenging to Gong Li as she played the female leader of another Foshan martial art school. In the film Gong Li might turn into another "action actress". After landing Gong Li, Wong Kar Wai also began to invite Zhang Ziyi to play the role of Ip Man's wife, but this character would be different from the role that Lynn Xiong (Hung Doi Lam) played in IP MAN. Wong Kar Wai is still telling the story so Zhang Ziyi and Tony Leung Chiu Wai have romance in the film. Yet Zhang Ziyi still had concerned. Finally Wong Kar Wai agreed to give Mrs. Ip Man a lot of screen time, then Zhang Ziyi was all smiles. Currently Zhang Ziyi has already joined the team and made preparation before the shoot. As for whether Brigitte Lin (Lam Ching Ha) will join in the end, there is no way to guess.

[2009.12.06] WAI YING HUNG: EVERYTHING GOOD COME AT ONCE LIKE A DREAM

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Wai Ying Hung two nights ago attended the TVB award show then rushed to attend THE END OF DAYBREAK (SUM MOR) appreciation event. Siu Hung with END won this year's Golden Horse Best Supporting Actress. This film thus will be released again at the cinemas. Siu Hung had a lot of fans waiting outside in support. Her good friend Petrina Fung Bo Bo and her son also came. After watching the film, Fung Bo Bo waited for Siu Hung to arrive and personally congratulated her with a kiss. Siu Hung was very touched. Fung Bo Bo felt that she deserved a Best Actress nomination, Siu Fung said, "Like (Maggie) Cheung Man Yuk said, the award

is already great no matter the position."

Siu Hung excitedly expressed that this month has been like a dream. She said, "In my 30 year career I never had so many good things happened in one month, like the series ROSY BUSINESS (GUN GOK HIU HUNG) won all the major awards. Although I didn't win, I am just as happy." Siu Hung expressed that she received many nominations in the past 30 years

but this Best Supporting Actress made her happier than the Hong Kong Film Award Best Actress, since at the time she was still younger. Did Siu Hung celebrate with friends? She said, "I only dined with Chung Wai Bing and (Meg) Lam Kin Ming. Because I was too busy I really didn't have time. Later I have to work on GONG FU WING CHUN in the Mainland, which will take several months before I return to Hong Kong." Siu Hung expressed that END will participate in the Dubai International Film Festival, but because she will be busy with her series she will not be able to go with the team.

Tsui Tin Yau in END played Siu Hung's son, he said two nights ago he finally officially congratulated "Mommy". As for Siu Hung not being nominated for Best Actress, Tin Yau felt that an award required the coordination of timing, location and people. Best Supporting Actress was decent as well. Tin Yau revealed that he is writing a screenplay about violence. Siu Hung immediately volunteered after hearing. Tin Yau expressed that currently he is seeking investors and he will cast later.

[2009.12.05] PERFECT ENDING FOR ROSY BUSINESS

Lai Yiu Cheung

Sheren Tang Shui Man

Lee Tim Sing

Charmaine Sheh Si Man

Sonija Kwok Sin Nei

Koni Lui Wai Yi

Law Kar Ying joked about his wife, Liza Wang Ming Chuen

TVB remembers Chan Hung Lit

Richard Ng Yiu Hong presented Best Program Host and slammed all the nominees

Wong Cho Nam, Chin Kar Lok, Eric Tsang Chi Wai, Yuen Siu Cheung won Best Program Hosts

Han Ma Lei, Lee Kwok Lun, Wai Ying Hung

Nick Cheung Ka Fai was a little nervous when presenting Best Actress.

Wyman Wong Wai Man was Sheren Tang's image consultant

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Linda Chung Ka Yun

Lai Yiu Cheung, Sheren Tang

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Charmaine Sheh

Sonija Kwok,

Roger Kwok Chun On, Liza Wang Ming Chuen

Tse Suet Sum

Koni Lui, Joe Ma Tak Chung

Linda Chung

Sheren Tang

Myolie Wu Hung Yi

Michelle Yim (Mai Suet)

Tavia Yeung Yi

Andy On Chi Kit and Tse Ting Ting presented tvb.com Popularity Award

Liu Kai Chi, Law Kar Ying

Chan Hung Lit

Lee Tim Sing as Street Sweeper Mau

Pierre Ngo Ka Nin

Aimee Chan Yan Mei

Tavia Yeung

Tse Suet Sum, Michael Tse Tin Wa

Sheren Tang

Lai Yiu Cheung, Sheren Tang

Lai Yiu Cheung

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Aimee Chan, Pierre Ngo

Lai Yiu Cheung, Sheren Tang

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The TVB Anniversary Award Show 2009 took place last night. ROSY BUSINESS (GUN GOK HIU HUNG) won six awards, including Best Series, Best Actor/Actress Lai Yiu Cheung and Sheren Tang Shui Man, Best Supporting Actress Tse Suet Sum, Leaping Improvement Male Artist Pierre Ngo Ka Nin and My Favorite Television Male Character Lai Yiu Cheung. Cheung Jai even won the tvb.com Popularity Award. The series producer Lee Tim Sing also won the Anniversary Performing Art Award. Instead the recent hit series BEYOND THE REALM OF CONSCIENCE (GUNG SUM GAI) only won Tavia Yeung Yi Female Character Award, which was somewhat surprising.

Last night the program opened with a salute to Chan Hung Lit who passed away earlier. Then the nominees appeared to campaign for votes. The first award tvb.com Popularity award went to Cheung Jai, then he won two more awards including Best Actor and Male Character. Cheung Jai thanked his mentor Lee Tim Sing because over 20 years ago Brother Tim turned him into an actor. 20 some years later Brother Tim also made him Best Actor. Cheung Jai also thanked the media friends for their support and said that after leaving TVB, he depended on Sister Chun to ask him to return home and continue to act. He also did not forget to thank the audience and said that the audience's support was his life's greatest achievement. He also shared all the honor with his mother, wife and son, the three most important people in this lifetime. Cheung Jai later

expressed that at first he only wanted to win one award and did not expect to win three. His wife and son were on hand to support him last year. His wife was even moved to tears. Cheung Jai honestly said that his wife cried easier. He also said that their series was able to win so many

awards, that even Brother Tim won an award, the series had a perfect ending. Did he feel the award came late? He said, "No, I walked further because I accumulated even more. I am not in the circle of flash in the pan and making a quick buck. (Do you feel that this time broke the

tradition of biological son (contract actor) winning the award?) TVB would look at public opinion. Maybe earlier all the winners happened to be salary artists."

Man Nui as the favorite won "Best Actress". On stage she not only thanked her colleagues and numerous executives, but also TVB for not requiring her to sign a long term contract but still giving her one good show to make every year. She also said that her award was still less than

perfect. If she was able to win with Chai Gau then the ending was perfect. Finally her wish came true, even Brother Tim won an award. Man Nui felt the entire matter had come full circle and without any regret. Brother Tim from actor to off screen has worked at TVB for 40 years. When he received the Performing Art Award, he expressed that he was very touched and revealed his principle in life. "It's very simple, be less selfish, be fairer, treat superior and subordinate with more respect. This is my principle in life." Was Brother Tim's award a bonus for 40 years in the business? He said that it filled an empty space in his resume and said that next year's ROSY BUSINESS sequel will bring more pressure. Charmaine Sheh Si Man honestly felt disappointed that REALM only received one award, fortunately Yeung Yi won the award as the representative. She joked that later she would ask Yeung Yi to treat her to dinner. In the future she will work even harder.

Yeung Yi won BEYOND THE REALM OF CONSCIENCE's Yiu Gum Ling won My Favorite Television Female Character. She was crying on stage and said that she did not prepare to say anything. After thanking TVB executives, she immediately Ah Sheh once said that if she won she would kiss her. Ah Sheh heard and immediately went on stage to give Yeung Yi a hug, a kiss

and touched her cheek. Award presenter Felix Wong Yat Wa joked that he too wanted to kiss her. Yeung Yi said, "Don't hesitate, come on!" Brother Wa immediately gave her a kiss. Yeung Yi expressed that last year when she won Leaping Improvement Female Actress that she would not be proud and would continue to do her part, which remained true this year. Back stage she continued to cry and said that she never thought that she would be able to win this award because it was her first villain role. The audience accepted her. She also said, "I thought Man Nui won because I chose her. Luckily I won. (How will you celebrate?) Tomorrow I have

an early call, I don't have time to celebrate. I will pay for the celebration though. (Do you want to win Best Actress?) Sure! But I hope Man Nui wins." Later she again won Best Performance Award. She was surprised because she did not think that she could win two awards and hoped to be able to go on stage for a three time. She also said that recent years have been difficult but she would work hard to do her best.

Tse Tin Wa and Tse Suet Sum won Best Supporting Actor and Actress respectively. Sister Sum wanted to thank the audience for their support the most. Back stage, she looked for her daughter Karen Ka Wing but could not. Apparently she did not come. She awkwardly said, "Maybe it's a surprise for me. (Did this award come late?) No, I have my heart set on acting. I started performing at age 7, I enjoy my job a lot. Yet this is my first television series award, I am very happy to be able to be in people's homes." In addition, last night Law Kar Ying and Liu Kai Chi presented Best Supporting Actor and Actress Awards. Ka Yin said that he was "promoted" to Supporting Actor husband and had a lot of advantages. When he looked at Liza Wang Ming Chuen who did not smile in the audience, he immediately said, "Smile!" Ah Jeh only patronized him with a few claps. Ka Ying then compared Ah Jeh to Empress Cixi and joked that it was not easy being the person next to Empress Cixi!

Leaping Improvement Female Artist Aimee Chan Yan Mei could not believe that she won, covered her face and started crying. When she got on stage she was so happy that she was crying and jumping at the same time. She thanked Sister Chun and Stephen chan Chi Wan for taking the risk and giving her the chance to perform in a series because she did not know any Chinese. She also thanked Chan Chi Wan for signing to a long term contract, otherwise she could be better and better. She worked harder so everyone could get off work on time. Back stage, she continued to cry and revealed that two years ago a trusted elder asked her to give up her on scree nwrok and return to Canada because she did not know Chinese, but now she could prove that with hard work she could change reality.

Leaping Improvement Male Artist Pierre Ngo Ka Nin after thanking the executives only remembered to thank his family and girlfriend for their support back stage. He also hoped that his girlfriend would not be mad when he got home because he forgot to thank her on stage. He also said that the award was a "late spring" and an enormous encouragement. As for marriage, he honestly said that it would not be so soon. He also revealed that last night he would celebrate with Golden Horse Best Supporting Actress Wai Ying Hung.

[2009.12.05] AARON KWOK AND TANG YAN PROMOTE WITH HEIGHT?

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Dior Cheng Yi Kin, Aaron Kwok Fu Sing, Charlene Choi Cheuk Yin, Tang Yan and directors the Pang Brothers earlier flew to Chengdu for a STORM WARRIORS (FUNG WON II) press conference. Kwok Fu Sing's height and age became the foci, which caught him somewhat off guard.

A short hair woman in black in the first row after grabbing the microphone started crying before she even opened her mouth. "Ekin, I waited for you for so long. I am a news worker, finally I can make my feelings known to you." After a pause, she continued to sob. "I have liked you for many years. How do you maintain yourself? Because now you don't look any different from before." Ekin looked embarrassed and said that his secret was to be more optimistic and be himself.

Sing Sing wore shoes with rather high heels. His co-star Tang Yan also wore a pair of super high heels. Their height immediately became the media's interest. Did Sing Sing feel any pressure while working with the tall Tang Yan? He spoke louder with displeasure, "I don't think that's anything special. Actually Tang Yan isn't that tall. Today she is wearing high heels." Tang Yan said that height and weight would not affect a professional actor's performance. Sing Sing even said that while at artist training class, an instructor once said to him, "'Your grade is the best, but your look is the most rotten.' I can only work hard on acting and not rely on looks to receive any recognition." Sing Sing even joked that after 11 years he has already become even more mature. When the host asked Sing Sing to "electrify" Tang Yan, fans chanted, "Hung Doi Lam, Hung Doi Lam" and made Sing Sing's displeasure even more obvious.

[2009.12.05] VICKI ZHAO HAS NOT DENIED PREGNANCY

The film MULAN (FA MUK LAN) after six days in release has already broken 50 million in the Mainland and has a chance to break 100 million. Female lead Vicki Zhao Wei was very happy to receive the news and even treated the release company executives and director Jingle Ma

Chor Sing to celebrate in Beijing.

Rumored to be pregnant, Zhao Wei appeared casual and without any make up on the day of the celebration. During the toast, she did not forget to call Jaycee Chan (Fong Cho Ming) to wish his a Happy Birthday (December 3). Cho Ming who played Hua Mulan's good friend in the film enjoyed MULAN with his family and friends in Hong Kong on his birthday, the day of the film release. Despite the fate of his character, Cho Ming did not mind at all. He said, "The film release happens to be on my birthday. Everyone has to remember my 'death anniversary'!" Everyone demanded Cho Ming to spit and pretend that he never said it.

[2009.12.04] POSSESSED LIN CHILING HAS JAY CHOU RUNNING FOR COVER

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Lin Chiling in TREASURE HUNTER (CHI LING) not only tries to swtich to action but also got in over her head. In the film she suddenly turned "vicious" and almost caught co-star Jay Chou (Chow Kit Lun) off guard.

Lin Chiling in one scene was possessed. She completely tossed her usual girly image aside to become a mad woman. Even co-star Chow Kit Lun said, "During the scene, Chiling seems like a complete stranger to me. She completely turns into another person, she truly scared me. She is

very crazy! I suddenly had a chill in my heart."

Chow Kit Lun even revealed that Chiling before the scene quietly sat alone. Her face showed a flash of murderous intent. When she got into her mark, Chiling gave her "possessed" performance and viciously chased Chow Kit Lun. This time Chiling did not act with her pretty face and her most vicious and ferocious expressions naturally flowed. Even Chow Kit Lun ducked for coverage. Chiling also said that this breakthrough "transformation" truly took a lot of work. Everyday she spent the morning on training. Luckily Chiling had a dance background so

it was not too much. Yet the possession scene truly exhausted Chiling.

"This scene truly was an exhausting performance. The fight is ferocious and the performance is mad. During the shoot, several times I almost injured myself and Kit Lun. Luckily Kit Lun was agile enough to dodge. The crew also worried that I was too into it, accidentally injured my face and affect other jobs. Thus everyone on the set paid extra attention to our fight. After this scene, everyone was exhausted. I truly admire veteran (Michelle Yeoh) Yeung Chi King. Talking about being an action actress is easy, she truly is great."

[2009.12.04] JANICE VIDAL COMPLAINS ABOUT ACTING

Linda Chung Ka Yun, Janice Vidal (Wai Lan), Aarif Lee Chi Ting

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Janice Vidal (Wai Lan), Linda Chung Ka Yun, Kary Ng Yu Fei, Araif Lee Chi Ting two nights ago attended a TVB JADE SOLID GOLD taping. Chung Ka Yun revealed that in the film 72 TENANT OF PROSPERITY (72 GA JO HAT) she played a fighter and made any first attempts, including kissing Wong Cho Nam and holding a giant lizard.

Also working on the film FROZEN, Wai Lan complained about how tough the production has been and joked that she looked forward to the day of the wrap. Due to work everyday, she did not even have to celebrate her new record release. In Christmas she will perform with Leon Lai Ming overseas and did not know whether she will be able to attend any music award shows.