[2024.07.25] FOR THE WEEK ENDING JULY 21 2024

For The week ending Sunday July 14 2024

10 CRISIS NEGOTIATORS
  Can : Tam Poon Juen Ga
  Lit : Negotiation Expert
    d. Herman Yau Lai To
    Sean Lau Ching Wan, Francis Ng Chun Yu,
      Michael Miu Kiu Wai, Philip Keung Ho Man, Kent Cheng Juk Si,
      Michael Chow Man Kin, Wong Yau Nam, Cherrie Ngan Cheuk Ling,
      Chu Pak Him, Chu Kam Yin, Yeung Wai Lun
      Timmy Hung Tin Ming, Kenny Wong Tak Bun, Adam Pak Tin Nam,
      Ken Low Wai Kwong,
  Rating : IIB
  Length : 120 mins.
  Opening June 13 2024
  Trailer : https://youtu.be/4sSS0IVz5kk


[ BROADWAY CIRCUIT ]
    Negotiator expert Cheuk Man Wai unexpectedly becomes the prime suspect in a murder case. Forced into a corner, he occupies the police station, taking officers hostage, and demands negotiations with the former negotiator Tse Ka Chun. With Tse's expertise in psychological manipulation and Check's exceptional skills, they engage in a battle of wits. As the verbal sparring deepens, their positions and mindsets gradually change...

    This film is adapted from the American movie "The Negotiator".

  9 ROBOT DREAMS
    d. Pablo Berger
    Animation

  8 FLY ME TO THE MOON
    d. Greg Berlanti
    Scarlett Johansson, Channing Tatum

  7 PROJECT SILENCE
  Can : Moot Yut Si Sat Kiu
    d. Kim Tae Gon
    Lee Sun Kyun, Ju Ji Hoon, Kim Hie Won
      Michael Miu Kiu Wai, Philip Keung Ho Man, Kent Cheng Juk Si,
      Michael Chow Man Kin, Wong Yau Nam, Cherrie Ngan Cheuk Ling,
      Chu Pak Him, Chu Kam Yin, Yeung Wai Lun
      Timmy Hung Tin Ming, Kenny Wong Tak Bun, Adam Pak Tin Nam,
      Ken Low Wai Kwong,
  Rating : IIB
  Length : 95 mins.
  Opening July 18 2024
  Trailer : https://youtu.be/9_Z2bpV151M


[ BROADWAY CIRCUIT ]
    Due to sudden deteriorating weather conditions, visibility on the Airport Bridge is severely impaired, leaving people stranded and at risk of the bridge collapsing due to a series of chain collisions and explosions. Amidst the chaos, the canine subjects "Echo" from the military experiment "Project Silence," who were being transported in secret, break free, and all human survivors become targets of relentless attacks.

    Various individuals find themselves stranded on the Airport Bridge for different reasons - a government official from the presidential office who was seeing off his daughter at the airport; a tow truck driver who was on his way to a multi-collision scene; an elderly couple who were returning from a trip abroad; sisters who missed their flights, and Dr. Yang, the researcher responsible for Project Silence - and a desperate struggle begins for them to escape to safety.

  6 ONCE UPON A TIME IN HKDSE
  Can : Gung Hoi Si Dong Jun
  Lit : Open Trial and Error
    d. Leung Yik Ho
    Hui Yin, Tung Ngai Hong, Lam Yik Yan
  Rating : IIB
  Length : 90 mins.
  Opening June 5 2024 (Preview)
  Opening July 4 2024
  Trailer : https://youtu.be/SN3klZUqkJk

[ CINEMA CITY ]
    How challenging is the Hong Kong university entrance exam? Is failing it the end of the world? Popular Youtube Channel "Trial and Error" spent 8 mnonths documenting the journey of Hong, an exam candidte who does not give much thought to his future. With the help offered by the team, will Hong be able to make up for the lost time and secure a spot in an university?

  5 CUSTOMS FRONTLINE
  Can : Hoi Guan Jin Sin
  Lit : Customs Front Line
    d. Herman Yau Lai To
    Jacky Cheung Hok Yau, Nicholas Tse Ting Fung,
      Karena Lam Ka Yan, Cya Liu, Francis Ng Chun Yu,
      Kenny Kwan Chi Bun, Michelle Wai Sze Nga,
      Carlos Chan Ka Lok, Angus Yeung Tin Yue,
      Michelle Yim (Mai Suet), Shek Sau, Amanda S.,
      Ben Yuen Fu Wa, Melvin Wong Kam Sun, Brahim Chab
  Rating : IIB
  Length : 115 mins.
  Opening July 5 2024
  Teaser : https://youtu.be/JtVM_VgfYE8
  Trailer : https://youtu.be/eS8d2HnQJgE


[ THE FILM CATALOGUE ]
    Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department officers Chow Ching-lai and Cheung Wan-nam share a close mentor-student relationship. On a case involving seized smuggled arms, Ching-lai is sent to take part in a joint operation with Interpol to capture a reclusive arms dealer. However, Wan-nam makes a drastic decision that complicates the case even further.

  4 DETECTIVE CONAN THE MOVIE: THE MILLION-DOLLAR PENTAGRAM
    d. Chika Nagaoka
    Japanese Animation
  Rating : IIA
  Length : 111 mins.
  Opening July 18 2024

[ CINEMA ONLINE MALAYSIA ]
    A message has arrived from Kid the Phantom Thief, that he will steal a Japanese sword belonging to wealthy Onoe Family in Hakodate, Hokkaido. Conan and Heiji Hattori are on the case to capture Kid. Why is Kid, who specialises in jewels, going after a Japanese sword? The grandfather of Onoe family`s patriarch was deeply involved with army industry during wartime, and it was rumoured he hid some powerful weapon that could "change the course of war" somewhere in Hakodate. Is Kid after that weapon? Meanwhile Heiji is trying to find a perfect viewpoint to declare his love to Kazuha... In the North among cherry blossoms, the exciting hunt for treasure begins!

  3 DESPICALBE ME 4
    d. Chris Renaud
    Illumination Animation
    English Voices: Steve Carell, Kristen Wiig, Pierre Coffin,
      Joey King, Mirand Cosgrove, Stephen Colbert, Sofia Vergara,
      Steve Coogan, Chris Renaud, Madison Polan, Dana Gaier,
      Chloe Fineman, Will Ferrell

  2 TWISTERS
    d. Lee Isaac Chung
    Daisy Edgar-Jones, Anthony Ramos, Glen Powell

  1 INSIDE OUT 2
    d. Kelsey Mann
    Disney Pixar Animation
    English Voices: Amy Poehler, Maya Hawke,
      Kensington Tallman, Liza Lapira, Tony Hale, Lewis Black,
      Phyllis Smith, Ayo Edebiri, Lilimar, Grace Lu,
      Sumayyah Nuriddin-Green, Adele Exarchopoulos
      Diane Lane, Kyle MacLachlan, Paul Walter Hauser
    Cantonese Voices: Ivana Wong Yuen Chi, Ivy So Nga Lam,
      Ah Jeng (Wong Ching Yi), Jeffrey Ngai Chun Sun, LaiYing Tang,
      Gigi Cheung Man Chi, Harriet Yeung Sze Man,
      Ram Chiang Chi Kwong, Benz Hui Siu Hung

[2024.07.24] FOR THE WEEK STARTING SATURDAY, JULY 20 2024

For the week starting Saturday, July 20 2024 (Week 29)

VIUTV CHILL CLUB CHART

  5 HANDS UP
  JFYT

https://youtu.be/fas8EnK_wkU

  4 MENSTRUAL PAIN IS NOT AS PAINFUL AS MY HEARTACHE
  Can : Gaing Tung But Cup Ngor Sum Tung
  sica

https://youtu.be/WYDbhie2dG0

  3 EXIT
  Aaron Kwok Fu Sing

https://youtu.be/ocKttiiWAt0

  2 THANK YOU POSTMAN
  Ian Chan Cheuk Yin

https://youtu.be/qqOESfE53DA

  1 REST
  Can : Tau
  Jason Chan Pak Yu feat. Yellow!

https://youtu.be/tC31khwO2YI

[2024.07.20] HONG KONG FILM INDUSTRY MOURNS NEWPORT CINEMA CIRCUIT FOUNDER CHAN WING MEI

Chan Wing Mei, the founder of the Newport Cinema circuit, passed away due to illness at the age of 75

Sandra Ng and her husband Peter Chan attended the funeral. The latter was heavy-hearted and remained silent.

Eric Tsang and Johnnie To went to the mourning hall to express their condolences
courtesy of mingpao.com

Chan Wing mei, one of the founders of Newport Cinema circuit, passed away due to illness at the age of 75. Yesterday, a memorial service was held at a Hong Kong Funeral Home. The funeral was held at 12 noon today. The funeral was conducted with a Buddhist ceremony. The widow's floral arrangement with "I will always love you" written on it was placed at the center. In an interview, the eldest son Chan Ka Wong revealed that his father had a stroke a few months ago and passed away earlier this month. All his family members were by his side to bid farewell to his father. He pointed out that his father did not mention any specific wishes. He was not responsible for the theater business, which was run by the family.

During her lifetime, Chan Wing Mei made great contributions to the theater industry and the film industry and was highly respected. A large number of friends in the industry, film companies and the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government sent wreaths to commemorate him. The mourning hall was filled with a sea of flowers from the likes of Alan Tam Wing Lun, Michael Hui Koon Man, Andy Lau Tak Wah, Stephen Chow Sing Chi, Louis Koo Tin Lok, Gordon Lam Ka Tung, Albert Yeung Sau Sing and his wife, Charles Heung Wah Keung and his wife, Peter Lam Kin Ngok, Kenneth Fok Ka Kong, director Tsui Hark, Shi Nansun, Wai Ka Fai, Andrew Lau Wai Keung, Wong Jing, Tin Kai Man, Felix Chong Man Keung, Herman Yau Lai To, Ng See Yuen, Clifton Ko Chi Sum, Joe Ma Wai Ho and others. Chan Wing Mei's sworn brother Peter Chan Ho Sun and his wife Sandra Ng Kwan Yu, Eric Tsang Chi Wai, Crucindo Hung Cho Sing, Ma Fung Kwok, John Chong Ching, Stephen Shiu Jr. (Shiu Ting Yat), Daneil Lam Siu Ming, Paco Wong, Johnnie To Kei Fung, Dennis Law Sau Yiu, Mabel Cheung Yuen Ting, Joe Cheung Tung Cho and others mourned their friend at the hall. Chan Ho Sun and Ng Kwan Yu stayed for nearly an hour and left. With a sad expression, Chan Ho Sun remained silent as he got into the car. Ng Kwan Yu revealed that her husband was very saddened.

[2024.07.20] CHIVALROUS WOMAN OF A GENERTION CHENG PEI PEI PASSED AWAY AT AGE 78

Cheng Pei Pei made over 100 film and television work 

Cheng Pei Pei ws with her family late in life

Cheng Pei Pei won the Hong Kong Film Awards Best Supporting Actress with CROUCHING

COME DRINK WITH ME

Cheng Pei Pei co-starred with Stephen Chow in one of his masterpieces, THE FLIRTING SCHOLAR
courtesy of on.cc

courtesy of singtao.com

Cheng Pei Pei's film and television career span 60 years and was well respected in the industry

In 2021 Marsha Yuan shares a photo of her mother Cheng Pei Pei playing with her grandson.  People online notices that Cheng Pei Pei could only sit with a fixed belt around her waist.

Cheng Pei Pei worked with Stephen Chow on THE FLIRTING SCHOLAR and played Mrs. Hua, a role that left a deep impression with many

Cheng Pei Pei played the Jade Fox in CROUCHING TIGER, HIDDEN DRAGON and had many scenes opposite Zhang Ziyi

Cheng Pei Pei won the Hong Kong Film Awards Best Supporting Actress for CROUCHING TIGER, HIDDEN DRAGON

Michelle Yeoh posted a message online to remember Cheng Pei Pei

In the 1966 release COME DRINK WITH ME, Cheng Pei Pei played her representative role as the heroine 

MULAN was Cheng Pei Pei's final film.  She played the matchmaker.

Cheng Pei Pei's four children were by her side
courtesy of mingpao.com

Cheng Pei Pei, the veteran martial arts actress known as a chivalrous heroine and was popular in three lands on both sides of the Strait, passed away due to illness at the age of 78. When Cheng Pei Pei passed away, her children were by her side. She left love behind as she donated her brain for medical research. Yesterday, many celebrities in the industry posted messages on social media to mourn this elder.

Cheng Pei Pei, an artist whose film and television career spanned 60 years, passed away in the United States on the 17th of this month at the age of 78. She was diagnosed with neurodegenerative atypical Parkinson's syndrome, informally known as corticobasal degeneration (CBD) in 2019, a rare disorder with symptoms similar to Parkinson's but currently without treatment method to slow down the progression of the disease. Two years ago, his daughter and former artist Marsha Yuan Chi Wai revealed that her mother had mobility difficulties and had moved in with her children. Cheng Pei Pei had a happy family life in her later years. Her children often shared photos of her life on social media. It was said that before her death, her three daughters, one son and her grandchildren were all around her. Her daughter personally helped her clean and change her clothes. The atmosphere was peaceful. Cheng Pei Pei hoped to keep everything simple and did not need a big funeral.

Yesterday, Cheng Pei Pei's company announced her death. The text mentioned, "Sister Pei Pei has been ill in recent years. She chose not to make the news public. Firstly, she was working hard to deal with her illness, and she also hoped to spend time with her family. When Sister Pei Pei left peacefully, she was surrounded by her children and loved ones as she wished. The multi-talented Sister Pei Pei won many awards for many years in the industry. She was a martial arts actress who was deeply rooted in the hearts of the people. Her film and television career span a glorious sixty years. Sister Pei Pei was a good mother who was approachable, kind, helpful and patient. Sister Pei Pei, we will miss you forever!"

After the news of Cheng Pei Pei's death came out, Marsh Yuan Chi Wai posted a message on social media yesterday afternoon in memory of her mother. "In the past two years, my family and I moved back to the United States to be closer to my mother. This has been an emotional moment for me, but I feel so lucky to have spent the last few years with her...I almost feel like this is all just a nightmare and I'll wake up in the morning and see her as she was, the most beautiful person I knew, inside and out. My mother was one of the most selfless people I knew and until her last breath, she only thought of her children. I loved my mother so much that the pain of losing her was almost unbearable. She ws loved by all her fans, she was a legend and would continue to be one of the biggest stars of her time."

Cheng Pei Pei in an interview said that she had booked a room in a nursing home for herself in as early as 2010. she did not want to cause trouble for her children and become a burden to them. Influenced by her friend Yin Huaiwen, a writer, she had already filled out a body donation card and would donate her brain to medical research and left love to the world. Many online praised her for being noble and loving.

Over the years, Cheng Pei Pei has made more than 100 film and television works. Her last work was the movie MULAN. Her dedication and professionalism have been admired by many artists she has worked with. Yesterday, many Chinese stars who have worked with her were posted condolences on social media. They included Zhang Ziyi, Li Bingbing, Hu Ge, Liu Yifei and Huang Xiaoming. Cheng Pei Pei played the villain "Jade Fox" in the movie CROUCHING TIGER, HIDDEN DRAGON. Her co-star Zhang Ziyi posted yesterday: "The world no long has blue-eyed fox. Forever Miss Ms. Cheng." Michelle Yeoh also expressed her condolences. "We will always miss your kindness and talent."

Cheng Pei Pei was born in Shanghai, later she emigrated to Hong Kong. In 1963 she was admitted to the Shaw Brothers training class, the 1st "South Nation Experimental Drama Troupe". Yu Ching, Ying Wai, Chun Ping and Wu Man were her classmates. After graduation she signed with Shaw to become an actress and debuted at the age of 17, quickly rose to fame. In 1965 she made the romantic film LOVER'S ROCK, which received an award from the International Association of Independent Producers. In 1966 with the King Hu directed martial arts movie COME DRINK WITH ME she rose to fame. She also played "Taijun She" in the LEGENDARY FIGHTER - YANG'S HEROINE series, the "Jade Fox" in CROUCHING TIGER, HIDDEN DRAGON, and was the most glorious "chivalrous heroine" in Hong Kong martial arts movies. She has filmed countless classics, such as HONG KONG NOCTURNE, LILTING, THE LOTUS LAMP, LOVER'S ROCK, COME DRINK WITH ME, MULAN, etc., which also left an impression on the audience. Among them, Cheng Pei Pei won the "Best Supporting Actress" award at the Hong Kong Film Awards for her film CROUCHING, and later won the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 24th Huading Awards.

In terms of relationships, Cheng Peipei chose to get married in 1970 at the peak of her career. She married Taiwanese businessman Yuan Wentong. After that, she moved to the United States. Traditionally minded, she tried to have children with her husband, who already had one son. She experienced 8 pregnancies and 4 miscarriages, and finally gave birth to 3 daughters and 1 son. Among them, the third daughter, Marsha Yuan Chi Wai was the first runner-up of Miss Hong Kong in 1999. Her son, Harry Yuan Wo Yuk, and daughter, Eugenia Yuan Lai Kei, also joined the entertainment industry. However, in 1987, Cheng Pei Pei divorced and returned to film. After the divorce, she maintained a friendly relationship with her ex-husband and attended her daughter's wedding together.

Cheng Pei Pei has made many classic movies. In 1993 she collaborated with Stephen Chow Sing Chi in THE FLIRTING SCHOLAR (TONG BAK FU DIM CHAU HEUNG) and played "Mrs. Hua", which was deeply rooted in the hearts of the people and became one of her masterpieces. In particular she and Chow Sing Chi, who played "Tong Bak Fu", turned with a smile the "Smiling Half-Step Nail" from poison introduction segment into a drug-selling advertisement that left a deep impression on the audience. Regarding the death of his former partner, Chow Sing Chi posted on social media yesterday to express his deep regret. "Sister Pei Pei, see you around!"

Earlier Cheng Pei Pei also mentioned two secrets in her memoir "Looking Back on 70 Years of a Smile". The first was that she worked as a translator for Chow Sing Chi and Gong Li, who spoke Putonghua. Because she had to help translate, she often lacked sleep. While half asleep and half awake, she co-created the dialogue "To kill someone and silence them, you need a good medicine". Sister Pei Pei explained that why she took the role. "I have to eat too, right? At least I get to make a movie, I get to eat."

Sammo Hung Kam Bo, who has collaborated with Cheng Pei Pei in movies like PAINTED FACES and FLYING DRAGON, LEAPING TIGER, was also very sentimental when interviewed yesterday. He praised Cheng Pei Pei for having a very good character and being a very professional and good actor. He missed her very much. Jackie Chan posted a message yesterday to praise Cheng Pei Pei is a chivalrous woman of a generation and even more a legend.

[2024.07.20] LEAVING THE TEAM MID PRODUCTION, AARON KWOK IS MAD AT HIMSELF

Chow Yun Fat and Aaron Kwok in PROJECT GUTERBERG
courtesy of on.cc

The Hong Kong Film Awards winning director Felix Chong Man Keung recently appeared on the ViuTV program DIRECTOR'S GATE 2 and talked about the reason why he made the movie PROJECT GUTERBERG (MO SEUNG). He said that it was all because there were few crime movies about counterfeit banknotes in Chinese movies at that time. Therefore, during research he personally tried different equipment to make counterfeit banknotes. As for the two leading actors in the film, Chow Yun Fat and Aaron Kwok Fu Sing, Chong Man Keung said, "After I gave the script to Fat Gor, he made an appointment to talk the next day. He said he has read it 3 or 4 times and was extremely familiar with the entire script." Sing Sing in the middle of the filming had to leave the team for a day due to other work. Unexpectedly, when he rejoined the team Sing Sing could not regain his emotions immediately and got into the scene. He was very annoyed with himself and even stated: "I will never leave the team again!"

[2024.07.20] ANGUS YEUNG ATTENDS THE WORLD PREMIERE OF INEXTERNAL IN NEW YORK

courtesy of on.cc

Angus Yeung shares behind the scenes stories with the American audience
courtesy of singtao.com

The Steve Yuen Kim Wai directed, Angus Yeung Tin Yue, Macy Ma Sihui Louis Cheung Kai Chung, Candice Yu On On, Catherine Chau Ka Yee, Jacquelin Chong Sze Man, Zhang Na, Law Ho Ming, Lan Jing, Chris Collins, and others starred action film INEXTERNAL (LUI YING OI HUP) has not yet been released but has already attracted the attention of international film festivals. It made its world premiere at New York Asian Film Festival.

To show his sincerity, Yeung Tin Yue flew to New York to appear at the premiere and promotional activities, achieving three "firsts" in Angus' life - in addition to his first appearance at an international film festival as a leading actor, he analyzed the other "two" firsts. "It was my first time to attend a film festival, and it was also my first trip to New York. As soon as I arrived, I felt a sense of deja vu that made me feel quite relaxed. INEXTERNAL's world premiere in New York means a lot to me. Growing up, I have loved watching Hollywood superhero action movies, and INEXTERNAL has some Western elements incorporated into it to some extent, so it is very appropriate that the film can have its world premiere in New York. As a new Hong Kong actor, I have great visions for the future of Hong Kong films. I also hope that Hong Kong films can become more international and reach out to different audiences around the world audience."

It is rare to have close interaction with American audiences. What impressed Angus the most was the enthusiasm and support of local fans for Hong Kong action movies. Angus recalled, "The audience asked about the whereabouts of action movies. As an actor who grew up in Hong Kong, action movies have a profound influence on me. The new generation should inject new elements into action movies. The story background of this movie takes place in the two-dimensional world. This kind of plot is relatively rare in Hong Kong movies. Action movies will continue to improve, and there will be more innovations." Has Angus taken the opportunity to sightsee on the first visit? He said, "The first day I arrived in New York was also the only day I had time to go sightseeing. I took advantage of the time to visit many places like St. Peter's Church, Times Square, Wall Street and many other famous landmarks, and had very wonderful memories."

[2024.07.19] STAR ASIA AWARD RECIPIENT NICHOLAS TSE HOPES CHINESE LANGUAGE FILMS WOULD CONNECT WITH THE WORLD

Nicholas Tse hopes to develop different products and take his brand all over the world
courtesy of on.cc

courtesy of singtao.com

The film CUSTOMS FRONTLINE (HOI GUAN SIN JIN) has received a lot of attention from international film festivals. After becoming the closing film of the 26th Udine Far East Film Festival in Italy, it was invited to participate in the 23rd New York Asian Film Festival. The winner of the highest honor of this film festival, Star Asia Award, is none other than Nicholas Tse Ting Fung! The event took this opportunity to commend Nicholas Ting for his outstanding performance and significant contributions to the film industry over the years. Ting Fung flew to New York to attend the event and receive the Star Asia Award!

The 23rd New York Asian Film Festival kicked off a few days ago. Ting Fung flew to the city to attend a series of promotional events and personally accepted the Star Asia Award. He shared his feelings about winning the award. "I hope to use this rare opportunity to bring Chinese-language films to the world. Action movies are the most barrier-free type of body language. Over the years Hong Kong movies have been popular all over the world mainly because of this barrier-free body language. Due to the popularity of special effects in recent years, everyone seems to have become more dependent on special effects. I hope that through RAGING FIRE, CUSTOMS FRONTLINE, or movies in the future, we can once again introduce Hong Kong action movies to a new generation. This is a very important spiritual existence!"

For the first time he was both the lead actor and action director in CUSTOMS FRONTLILNE. Ting Fung said, "In addition to being an actor, I have been involved in different positions including action, editing, camera placement, etc. When it comes to which one I like, I think music, food, and movies are all channels for me to express my creativity!" Would he consider becoming a director in the future? Ting Fung responded, "I think the most important thing is that action movies also need to tell stories. Actions should serve the emotions of the characters. So far in my movies, what the directors let me to do the most is action. Different characters have different storytelling methods. Whether I will work in other positions in the future I haven't decided yet." Ting Fung, who has been seeking a breakthrough in movies, shared his personal experience. "You must put your true love in this career. I have been putting it in more than 25 years so far. I still plan to continue and hope to do my best every day. I don't think anyone can escape this fate: keep practicing and keep seeking progress!"

When asked if he would bring his brand "Chef Nic" to the U.S., Ting Fung stated that of course he would like to, but he would need to slowly prepare for that. He hoped to be able to develop different products to take to the entire world.