[2022.01.18] HONG KONG FILM CRITIC SOCIETY AWARDS PATRICK TSE HIS FIRST BEST ACTOR

Best Director Benny Chan (RAGING FIRE)
courtesy of singtao.com

85 year old Patrick Tse with TIME wins the 28th Hong Kong Film Critic Society Best Actor, the oldest winner of the award

The Best Actress award encourages Cya Liu to keep working hard

Benny Chan with his final film RAGING FIRE won Best Director.  The Nicholas Tse and Donnie Yen starred film was also one of the recommended films

ANITA and ZERO TO HERO are both recommended films

Gordon Lam wins Best Screenplay with TIME
courtesy of mingpao.com

The 28th Hong Kong Film Critic Society Awards yesterday announced the winners. TIME (SAT CHOOK GOR WONG FUN) won three awards: Best Screenplay, Recommended film and the 85 year old Patrick Tse Yin with the film won Best Actor.

Tse Yin said, "Thank you Hong Kong Film Critic Society. I also have to thank everyone on and off screen in TIME. Director Tze Bun, screenwriter Ching yi, and such a silly producer Ka Tung. I definitely would treat him to coffee at a six star hotel. I would like to thank my co-star Fung Bo Bo the most. As soon as we shot she had spark. I hope in the future we would have the chance to work together again. I wish everyone good health."

In addition, RAGING FIRE (NO FOR) received the Best Director award (Director Benny Chan Muk Sing) and Recommended Film. Emperor Motion Pictures said, "Thank you Hong Kong Film Critic Society for presenting this year's Best Director Award to Director Chan Muk Sing and also making RAGING FIRE a recommended film. Director Chan Muk Sing kept looking for breakthrough in his life, giving his all to spread the one and only style of Hong Kong action film, erecting the internationally renowned unique trademark and superb position. This film was the work of sincerity that Director Chan Muk Sing poured his heart into, with this honor we give Director Chan the most prestigious salute!"

As for the Gordon Lam Ka Tung produced LIMBO (JI CHI), it won Best Film. The film's lead actress Cya Liu won Best Actress. ANITA, SHOCK WAVE 2 (CHAK DAN JUEN GA 2) and ZERO TO HERO (MAMA DIK SUN KEI SIU JI) were among the other recommended films.

Best Actor Cya Liu said, "Thank you Hong Kong Film Critic Society, congratulations to the film LIMBO for winning Best Film. I also thank "my Wang Tao", thank you Director Cheang Pou Soi. It is an extremely enormous encouragement, I will continue to work hard!'

The Hong Kong Film Critic Society on the 16th selected the 28th Hong Kong Film Critic Society Award's 5 awards and 10 recommended films. This year they went through 9 hours of fiery discussions and three rounds of voting to determine the winners.

THE 28TH HONG KONG FILM CRITIC SOCIETY AWARDS
https://www.filmcritics.org.hk/node/2988

BEST FILM: LIMBO
BEST DIRECTOR : Benny Chan (RAGING FIRE)
BEST SCREENPLAY: Ho Ching Yi, Gordon Lam (TIME)
BEST ACTOR: Patrick Tse (TIME)
BEST ACTRESS: Cya Liu (LIMBO)
TEN RECOMMENDED FILMS: RAGING FIRE, HAND-ROLLED CIGARETTE, DRIFTING, TIME, CAUGHT IN TIME, COFFIN HOME, SHOCK WAVE 2, THE WAY WE KEEP DANCING, ANITA, ZERO TO HERO

[2022.01.15] WONG JING'S COMPANY IS BEING SUED FOR OVER 4 MILLION RMB

Wong Jing's Mega-Vision is being sued by producer Charlie Wong
courtesy of mingpao.com

Director Wong Jing's Mega-Vision company two years ago signed an agreement with producer Charlie Wong Wing Fung's company to work together on film productions, with Charlie Wong's company providing the funding. In the end the productions were unable to start on schedule and the investment was also unable to be returned on time. Two days ago Charlie Wong filed suit with the Superior Court for 4.184 million yuan RMB.

The plaintiff is WUCulture. According to the plaintiff's web page, Charlie Wong Wing Fung is the company's CEO. The defendant is Mega-Vision. The lawsuit claims that both parties signed an agreement on March 5th two years ago. The defendant would start production on the film tentatively titled NEW YORK CHINATOWN, with the plaintiff providing 14 million yuan RMB in funding.

In the end the film was unable to start production before the deadline of June 30th 2021. Both parties agreed to terminate their agreement on July 12th 2021. According to the "investment termination agreement", the defendant was required to return the total amount of 10 million yuan RMB in four payments between July 31st 2021 and January 31st 2022.

However the defendant only paid the first payment of 2.5 million RMB on September 1st last year and did not pay the second and third payments of 5 million yuan RMB total according to the agreement. On December 15th last year, the plaintiff after issuing a legal letter to the defendant received only HK$ 1 million (816,000 RMB) from the defendant and still owed 4.184 million yuan RMB.

[ CASE NUMBER: HCA 49/22 ]

[2022.01.15] JER LAU AND KEUNG TO SHOOT ADDITIONAL FIGHT SCENE

Keung To and Jer Lau fight
courtesy of singtao.com

Recently online complaints bout ViuTV playing favorites surfaced, citing that Girl group COLLAR stole all the spotlight from the start while MIRROR has been neglected. MIRROR's manager "Sister Fa" Wong Wai Kwan posted an apology to MIRROR fans. On the day of COLLAR's press conference, Keung To and Jer Lau Ying Ting had to shoot an additional scene for the Emperor Motion Picture AH MA YAU JOR DAI YI GOR. Sister Fa would rather miss COLLAR's first press conference to cover Keung To and Jer's additional shoot.

Wednesday at 4PM, Keung To and Jer re-shot a fight scene in Tuen Mun. On the set they pushed, shoved and even rolled in close combat. Keung To pushed Jer onto the grass but did not stop there. During the shoot the crew saw people took out their phones and immediately asked them to stop.

Although it was a re-shoot, it took over ten takes. After each shoot they would watch the playback together, attentively watching whether they did good enough. Due to the season change, the climate was colder than the shoot before and they did not have as much difficulty with the fight. This scene originally starred Teresa Mo Shun Kwan, but Sister Mo has not been in Hong Kong recently. Director Kearen Pang Sau Wai personally stood in for Sister Mo.

Although it was just a re-shoot, manager Sister Fa was present for Keung To and Jer on the set that day. Conflicting with COLLAR's first official debut, Sister Fa as one of the behind the scene masterminds would rather skip the girl group's debut press conference to take care of Keung To and Jer from morning to night.

The fith scene shot from day to night. Jer left first around 6PM while Keung To stayed to continue the shoot. Sister Fa took Keung To to a vehicle to rest. Keung To changed into another costume then went with the team to another location for monologue scene. In front of the camera he looked down.

This "Jer To Battle" was shot in September last year. At the time they shot at a super sunny location and fought in long sleeve heavy coats in over 30 degree Celsius temperature. Keung To even had to cry in front of the camera. Finally they shot until 2AM. Keung To even fainted at an event the next day.

[2022.01.15] STEPHY TANG WISHES FOR CINEMAS TO RE-OPEN ON THE LUNAR 4TH

The pandemic postpones TABLE FOR SIX's Lunar New Year release
courtesy of singtao.com

courtesy of on.cc

TABLE FOR SIX, CHILLI LAUGH STORY
courtesy of mingpao.com

The government in order to fight the pandemic announced that current pandemic prevention measures including the temporary suspension of entertainment activities to February 3rd (the Lunar 3rd). Lunar New Year films that have been scheduled for Lunar New Year's Day releases would be drastically impacted. Among them TABLE FOR SIX (FAN HEI GUNG SUM) and CHILLI LAUGH STORY (HOP GA LAT) both said that "everyone would follow the government's currently announced policies". TABLE's actor Stephy Tang Lai Yan felt that the health of everyone would be the most important. She hoped that everyone would pray for cinemas to re-open on the Lunar 4th.

The government announced that cinemas would close until the Lunar 3rd. Originally slated for Lunar New Year's Day releases, Lunar New Year films TABLE FOR SIX and CHILLI LAUGH STORY both said, "Everything would follow the government's currently announced policies, the release date would await further discussion." TABLE's Tang Lai Yan expressed that the film missing its scheduled release would be super regrettable. "This is what everyone want to happen the least. Earlier when (cinemas) were closed for 14 days, I asked everyone to pray for a smooth release for the film. However now everyone's health would be the most important, safely passing this round. (Are you wishing for cinemas to re-open on the Lunar 4th?) That's what I wish for, everyone are optimistic. If everyone thinks like this then it would be successful. Under the pandemic many industries have suffered brutal losses. I wish for the pandemic to pass soon."

CHILLI LAUGH STORY originally was scheduled for a premiere at a public venue. Due to the government's announcement of pandemic prevention measure extensions, the venue immediately announced that event cancellation. CHILLI LAUGH STORY's leads Sandra Ng Kwan Yu and Edan Lui Cheuk On originally were preparing to promote for the film. Kwan Yu on social media posted promotional photos with Edan. Kwan Yu wore super short shorts and revealed that the crew said that she was too sexy.

The Edward Ma Chi Wai starred film LOVE SUDDENLY (FUT YIN SUM DONG) was scheduled for a Lunar New Year's Day release. He said that he would be disappointed but wish good health for everyone, reducing gathering and waiting for the cinemas to re-open.

The Hong Kong Theaters Association said that the extended closure would be similar to 2021 (losing the Lunar New Year slot to mid February before re-opening). If they would need to promote anew and arrange for film releases again, film companies would lost around 3 to 6 months. The cinema business would have difficulty recovering in a short time. This year's box office would be estimated to lose by over 40%. Without the food and beverage ban, the snack department had almost zero income. The estimated loss would be over HK$ 1 billion. Cinemas under the pandemic have been ordered to close 4 times, the only industry that suffered "severe damage" throughout the entire pandemic. They truly could no longer withstand this wave of challenges. If the government would not listen to voices from the industry, elevate assistance amount and release employment assurance measures, a downsizing and closing wave would appear in the industry.

[2022.01.14] KARENA NG IS AFRAID OF HITTING ANSON KONG IN THE WRONG SPOT

Both Karena Ng and Anson Kong wish for the new film to be released on schedule
courtesy of singtao.com

Chloe So, Adam Pak
courtesy of mingpao.com

The Anson Kong Yip Sung, Karena Ng Chin Yu, Adam Pak Tin Nam, Chloe So Ho Yi starred new film LOVE SUDDENLY (FUT YIN SUM DONG) originally has been scheduled for a Lunar New Year and Valentine's Day release, but since the cinemas are closed due to the pandemic everyone pray for the new film to be released on schedule.

In the film everyone went to the country for a paint ball war game for the first time. Anson Kong said, "It was very hot but a lot of fun, I especially like the 360 degree shot of me and Chin Yu running in from the side, back to back, then switching our magazines and shooting. Everything had to be done at once, we rehearsed it many times as we were very nervous!" Chin Yu had to shoot AK, for which she stated that she was more afraid of than being shot at. "My aim had to be very accurate, his face was above and pants below so the shot really was awkward. It had to be properly done." AK told Chin Yu to relax. Because he had padding on the chest, he could tolerate one shot; Pak Tin Nam in order to protect So Ho Yi jumped in front of her. After taking multiple shots in the back he could not help but cry out. He said, "Being shot with a paint ball still hurts, I didn't realize I was bruised until I took a shower."

[2022.01.14] DIRECTOR BENNY LAU FINDS ERIC TSANG FOR NEW FILM BACK UP

Albert Yeung leads the cast and the crew in a prayer for new film success
courtesy of singtao.com

Carlos Chan changes his image and becomes more masculine, which even Catherine Chau can sense.

courtesy of on.cc

Eric Tsang

Carlos Chan plays a man with a traumatic past and Catherine Chau a single parent

Known as "young Shek Sau", Alex Fong is happy to work with Shek Sau again
courtesy of mingpao.com

The Benny Lai Wai Hung directed, Eric Tsang Chi Wai produced Emperor Motion Picture WE ARE FAMILY (CHOOK JO GA YUN) yesterday held a worship ceremony. Emperor Group chief Dr. Albert Yeung Sau Sing along with actors Carlos Chan Ka Lok, Catherine Chau Ka Yi, Tian Niu, Yeung Chin Yau, Shek Sau, Angela Hui Ching Wan, Alex Fong Lik Sun, Eugina Lau Mei Guen, Elly and Leung Oi prayed for the film would be a critical and commercial hit.

Director Benny said that WE ARE FAMILY would mainly be about  family. "In recent years many young people have had less than great relationships with their families, so I came up with this story. Its theme is that everyone want a happy family, but due to a variety of factors they don't get what they want. As the story develops, the characters would be able to help and support each other and be close like a family."

Tsang Chi Wa would star in the film. Benny felt that Brother Chi Wai was well recognized as an outstanding actor who at the same time would be able to precisely grasp the emotional spots. He had to play the led. He even talked him into producing as well with his sincerity. He said, "For my first comedy, I hope Brother Chi Wai would produce as well and provide valuable suggestions on the set. As expected he would improvise and add more dialogue. He even selflessly contributed his most unique abilities on expression, position and other aspects. I really am very grateful to him!"

Chan Ka Lok would play a man with childhood trauma and would have a breakthrough appearance wise, as he would not only have messy hair but also facial hair. He said, "The director wants this character to feel dirty and sloppy, so we design this new image. The facial hair is real, but the hair because I cut it short earlier needs some extensions. Sometimes they would be so stuffy that the top of my head would keep sweating, so inevitably it takes some getting used to. However since the role and the plot call for it, it is worth giving a little." As for working with Chi Wai, he said that he benefit alot. "Brother Chi Wai would notice a lot of minor spots and share with us immediately, so the shoot would be even smoother."

Tian Niu since the Lunar New Year film A LIFTIME TREASURE 3 years ago returned to Hong Kong film again. She felt like she traveled through time. She explained. "Last time the co-stars were mostly elders. We were very familiar with each other and were very intimate. However WE ARE FAMILY is drastically different. Most actors and crew members are young people, which make me feel like when I just came to make movies in Hong Kong. Of course my age has already reached a certain number, but my state of mind is getting younger and younger as if time is going backward!" She also had nothing but praise for her first time co-stars Chan Ka Lok and Chau Ka Yi. "They both are very hard working. For example with some scenes together Ka Lok and Ka Yi would rehearse on the set two days before. Comedy is very hard, but they are able to pick it up fast. They perform very naturally and absolutely aren't just on the surface. They really have something inside!"

Tian Niu also said that now working in Hong Kong and the Mainland, she would need to be in quarantine. So in the same period she could only choose one place. In order to make WE ARE FAMILY, she has been delayed her jobs in the Mainland. "Because this story is very attractive; secondly it's Tsang Chi Wai, and thirdly my character. Chi Wai is the husband I have worked with the longest and the most. According to him, originally this role wasn't so big. When the team and the manager negotiated they immediately changed the script for me. I am very grateful to everyone!"

Shek Sau and Fong Lik Sun would again play father and son. Brother Sau revealed that they probably would be their third time. Because so many people have said that they look alike, he has been paying attention to Siu Fong's appearance and agreed that from certain angles they resembled each other. Their noses and mouths are somewhat alike. Siu Fong's character is made to look exactly like Brother Sau this time.

[2022.01.12] FOR THE WEEK ENDING SUNDAY, JANUARY 9 2022

For the week ending Sunday January 9 2022

Photos courtesy of Yahoo! Movies Hong Kong

10 SOME LIKE IT RARE
    d. Fabrice Eboue
    Fabrice Eboue, Marina Fois, Jean-Francois Cayrey

  9 DRIVE MY CAR
    d. Ryusuke Hamaguchi
    Hidetoshi Nishijima, Toko Miura, Masaki Okada,
      Reika Kirishima, Sonia Yuan

  8 SPENCER
    d. Pablo Larrain
    Kristen Stewart

  7 WEST SIDE STORY
    d. Steven Spielberg
    Anson Elgort, Rachel Zegler, Ariana DeBose, David Alvarez,
      Mike Faist, Josh Andres Rivera, Ana Isabelle,
      Corey Stoll, Brian d'Arcy James, Rita Moreno

  6 ANITA
  Can : Mui Yim Fong
    d. Longman Leung
    Louise Wong Tanni, Louis Koo Tin Lok, Gordon Lam Ka Tung,
      Terrance Lau Chun Him, Fish Liew Chi Yu,
      Miriam Yeung Chin Wa, Tony Yang, David Siu Chung Hung,
      Carlos Chan Ka Lok, Harriet Yeung, Wong Chun, Ram Chiang Chi Kwong,
      Waise Lee Chi Hung, Ranya Lee Man, Jason Chan Pak Yu,
      Tony Wu Tsz Tung, Michael Ning (Bak Ji),
  Rating : IIB
  Length : 137 mins.
  Opening October 15 2021 at the Busan International Film Festival
  Opening October 16 2021 (Preview)
  Opening November 12 2021
  Trailer : https://youtu.be/nHn3hhZI7Iw
  Teaser : https://youtu.be/0VcPpH06bOw

[ THE FILM CATALOGUE ]
    This long-awaited biopic provides a vivid account of the remarkable life of Anita Mui in and behind the limelight, chronicling her journey from a child performer to becoming one of world's most recognized music icons.

[ BROADWAY CIRCUIT ]
    A household name in Hong Kong, queen of Canto pop, Anita Mui was the very definition of a cultural icon during Hong Kong's golden age in the eighties and nineties. With a career that began at the age of 4 in an amusement park, Mui dedicated almost her whole life to music. Behind stardom, her personal life, passion at work and the love for friends made her an irreplaceable role model of "The Daughter of Hong Kong". The film opens with her final concert and looks back on her life and legacy.

  5 THE MATRIX RESURRECTIONS
    d. Lana Wachowski
    Keanu Reeves, Carrie-Anne Moss, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II,
      Jonathan Groff, Jessica Henwick,

  4 G STORM
  Can : G Fung Bo
    d. David Lam Tak Luk
    Louis Koo Tin Lok, Julian Cheung Chi Lam, Kevin Cheng Ka Wing,
      Jessica Hester Hsuan (Suen Huen), Bosco Wong Chung Chak, Rosyam Nor,
      Michael Tse Tin Wa, Louis Cheung Kai Chung,
      Janelle Sing (Anika Xia Yan), Dick Liu Kai Chi, Dada Chan Jing,
      Lo Hoi Pang, Babyjohn Choi Hon Yik, Deon Cheung Chung Chi,
      Toby Chan Ting Yan, Wilfred Lau Ho Lung,
      Ding Haifeng, Sienna Li (Lee Yan Ngok), Kendy Cheung King Yan,
      Liu Mengna (Lau Mong Na), Elisa Ye (Yip Hei Yuet),
      Eddie Cheung Siu Fai, Eddie Kwan Lai Kit, Justin Cheung Kin Sing,
      Li Fung, Ken Law Ho Ming, Aaron Chow Chi Kwan, Jason Wu Cheuk Hei,
      Terry Zou (Chow Man Ching), Brian Chan On Lap
  Rating : IIB
  Length : 93 mins.
  Opening December 31 2021
  Teaser : https://youtu.be/mJiX1TOWlwc
  Trailer : https://youtu.be/wknnaRuF0dk

[ THE FILM CATALOGUE ]
    William Luk solves the terrorist attack in the ICAC Symposium in Thailand, but therefore targeted by the terrorist. William is investigating a corruption case in Immigration Department, but soon finds it links with human trafficking in Thailand. The Princess Ariya from Thailand visits Hong Kong for a global forum and attacked by the terrorist. Things linked together and William suspects an undercover terrorist is hiding inside the forces...

  3 THE KING'S MAN
    d. Matthew Vaughn
    Ralph Fiennes, Gemma Arterton, Rhys Ifans,
      Harris Dickinson, Djimon Hounsou,

  2 TILL WE MEET AGAIN
  Can : Yuet Lo
    d. Giddens Ko
    Vivian Sung, Ko Chen Tung, Gingle Wang, Umin Boya
  Rating : IIB
  Length : 127 mins.
  Opening December 23 2021
  Trailer : https://youtu.be/0jznRMoISLI

[ HONG KONG MOVIE 6 ]
    Alan is struck dead by lightning. In the underworld, he has no memory of his previous life and soon assumes the duty of God of Love. Teaming up with Pinky, the duo brings countless couples together while Alan tries to find out what happened to him. Along his quest to know what happened in his previous life, coupled with the overwhelming strong déjà that gets to him, Alan finds out that his biggest task is to set up the love of his life, Mi with someone else...

  1 SPIDER-MAN: NO WAY HOME
    d. Jon Watts
    Tom Holland, Zendaya, Benedict Cumberbatch, Jacob Batalon,
      Jon Favreau, Bendict Wong, Tony Revolori, Marisa Tomei