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.
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.
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!"
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...
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...
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
7 SINNERS
d. Ryan Coogler
Michael B. Jordan, Hailee Steinfeld, Miles Caton, Jack O'Connell,
Wunmi Mosaku, Jayme Lawson, Omar Miller, Delroy Lindo,
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.
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.
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
3 MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE - THE FINAL RECKONING
d. Christopher McQuarrie
Tom Cruise, Hayley Atwell, Ving Rhames, Simon Pegg,
Henry Czerny, Angela Bassett
2 BALLERINA
d. Len Wiseman
Ana De Armas, Anjelica Huston, Gabriel Byrne,
Lance Reddick, Norman Reedus, Ian McShane, Keanu Reeves,
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
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."
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.