[2009.06.01] ANDY LAU GETS NO SLEEP FOR DETECTIVE DEE

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Currently in Hengdian working on the Tsui Hark directed film DETECTIVE DEE (DIK YUN KIT ji TUNG TIN DAI GOK), Andy Lau Tak Wa posted new photos on his site. In the photo Wa Jai was fixing his beard in the dressing room. He even took off his cap and showed off his long wig.

Wa Jai expressed, since early May he has been working on the film in Hengdian. Aside from going to Sichuan Satellite to participate in the earthquake anniversary special he basically has been working on the film from 5PM to the next morning 5 or 6AM. However, he still took time to return to Hong Kong and spent Duen Ng Festival with his parents. He even reminded his fans to be careful with the H1N1 Influenza A because during the shoot he paid attention to the disease threat's latest development. On his flight home he even personally experienced the intense atmosphere. Wa Jai even urged that stopping the spread of the disease was everyone's responsibility.

[2009.06.01] ZHOU YUN JOINS BODYGUARDS AND ASSASSINS

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The New Year film BODYGUARDS AND ASSASSINS (SUP YUET WAI SING) has already completed half its shoot in Shanghai. After the appearance of Fan Bingbing and Li Yuchun, the film's other female lead, Zhou Yun, who in the film grew up with Nicholas Tse Ting Fung joined the cast quietly on the eve of June 1 Children's Day. Since both Tse Ting Fung and Zhou Yun are parents, although they met for the first time the topic of children brought them closer and very quickly put them into the film's "lover" condition.

Zhou Yun who was busy slimming down after giving birth was absent from the film's earlier press conference, but director Teddy Chan Tak Sum expressed, "Zhou Yun was our first confirmed actress." As early as eight years ago, Chan Tak Sum has wanted to work with Zhou Yun on a new film; after several misses they could not work together successfully. This time he approached Zhou Yun again but learned that she just gave birth to her second son. He thought that he would have to be sorry again. Then Zhou Yun read the script and was very attracted to the character. She immediately decided to train for this "eight year long appointment" and rapidly slimmed down.

Ting Fung and Zhou Yun on the set talked about their children. Although both families' "star babies" had different educational environment, they agreed that they could not spoil their children. When they should educate them they would have to "educate" them. On their children's future choices, they felt that they should respect their children, but both seemed to lean against letting their children come in contact with show business too soon.

[2009.05.30] LIN CHILING PROVIDES HER VOICE FOR MA LAN HUA

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Lin Chiling's language training while working on the film RED CLIFF has proven to be useful again, as she rushed to Shanghai todayfor the Shanghai Animation Film Studio's just finished animation MA LAN HUA to provide her voice. The entire recording process lasted an afternoon. The film will be released June 19. The folklore animation MA LAN HUA is a Shanghai Film Group Animation Film production and a China Education Television Station joint release, and a Shanghai Animation Film Studio, Xiamen advanced technology company and Shanghai Sheng Tai Investment Management company joint production. The story mainly centers around a battle for a magic flower that can bring humanity well-being. The magic flower's guardian Ma Long accidently rescues Old Man Wang, who fell while picking herbal medicine inthe mountains. He meets and falls for Old Man Wang's daughter Xiao Lan. Xiao Lan's twin sister Da Lan longs for the material indulgance than themagic flower can bring and becomes jealous of Xiao Lan. The Ivy Demon who has long been coveted the magic flower uses Da Lan's vanity to steal the magic flower in order to dominate the Ma Lan Mountain. Finally, the industrious and kind-hearted Ma Long and Xiao Lan eventually defeat the demon, while Da Lan and Old Cat also mend their ways.

With the special support of the Shanghai Charity Foundation and Shanghai Special Care Foundation, more and more stars have taken the initiative to join the film. Lin Chiling after reading the script gladly joined without any salary consideration. In order to give herself even more challenge, she deliberately chose the easily despised character of Da Lan. Lin Chiling today was dressed in light yellow to the recording studio. She said that the film highly recommended the virtues of hard work and kindness, which were very significant. Da Lan's vanity, laziness and selfishness provided a new attempt for her voice performance and for fans to see a different her.

Known for her sweet baby voice Lin Chiling felt that her voice matched the 18 year old Da Lan very well. She said that the pronunciation, tone, and other training that she received during RED CLIFF helped her manage this role better. When a reporter asked whether she would change her voice for this role, she said with a smile that voice hadno age. She was confident that as long as it was properly maintained, her voice would still be as sweet at age 50 and 60 as it is now. Reportedly, MA LAN HUA like the hit MAGIC LAMP many years ago used a strong all star lineup. Aside from Lin Chiling, Chen Hao provided the voice of Xiao Lan. Many mystery stars would also provide their voices from three lands on both sides of the strait. The theme song performers will be Taiwan Seed Music artists Kenji Wu Ke Chun, Valen Hsu Yu Wan, Landy Wen and others.

[2009.05.29] THURSDAY, MAY 28 2009

For Thursday May 28 2009

10 17 AGAIN
d. Burr Steers
Zac Efron, Matthew Perry, Leslie Mann

9 HANDSOME SUIT
Can : Fan Juen Ju Nam Si Wong Ji
Lit : Turning Over Pork Belly Is A Prince
d. Hanabusa Tsutomu
Shosuke Tanihara, Muga Tsukaji, Keiko Kitagawa, Miyuki Oshima
Cantonese Voices: Eric Kot Man Fai, Jan Lam Hoi Fung

8 TEAM OF MIRACLE: WE WILL ROCK YOU
Can : Lau Long Hong Sai Gai Bui
Lit : Homeless World Cup
d. Kwan Shun Wai
Eric Suen Yiu Wai, Zhang Jun, Gigi Lai Chi
Man Chin Shui, Yuen Wah, Lam Ka Wa, Wong Tak Bun,
Wong Yau Nam, Tats Lau Yi Tat, Tong Kim Hong,
Hui Siu Hung, Wong Chi On, Ng Chung Tin,
Cheng Chi Sing, Pei Wei Ying

7 CORALINE
d. Henry Selick
Voices: Dakota
Fanning, Teri Hatcher, Jennifer Saunders

6 A FROZEN FLOWER
Can : Seung Fa Dim
Lit : Frost Flower Shop
d. Yoo Ha
Jo In-Sung, Ju
Jin-Mo, Song Ji-Hyuo

5 CITY OF LIFE AND DEATH
Can : Nam King! Nam King!
Lit : Nanjing! Nanjing!
d. Lu Chuan
Liu Ye, Fan Wei, Hideo
Nakaizumi, Gao Yuanyaun

4 ASHES OF TIME REDUX
Can : Dong Che Sai Duk
Lit : East Evil West Poison
d. Wong Kar Wai
Leslie Cheung Kwok Wing, Brigitte Lin (Lam Ching Ha),
Maggie Cheung Man Yuk, Tony Leung Chiu Wai,
Jacky Cheung Hok Yau, Tony Leung Ka Fai,
Carina Lau Ka Ling, Charlie Yeung Choi Nei

3 ANGELS AND DEMONS
d. Ron Howard
Tom Hanks, Ewan
McGregor, Ayelet Zurer

2 NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: BATTLE OF THE SMITHSONIAN
d. Shawn Levy
Ben Stiller, Amy Adams, Owen Wilson, Hank Azaria

1 TERMINATOR SALVATION
d. McG
Christian Bale, Sam Worthington, Moon Bloodgood

[2009.05.29] NO DAYLIGHT FOR LESLIE CHEUNG AND BRIGITTE LIN LOVE SCENE

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Wong Kar Wai in order to fulfill Leslie Cheung Kwok Wing's wish spent 4 years to remaster ASHES OF TIME REDUX and brought it on a world tour. Gor Gor, "Big Beauty" Brigitte Lin (Lam Ching Han) and Maggie Cheung Man Yuk were a classic team that many missed, but actually 15 years ago Wong Kar Wai shot a Gor Gor and Ching Ha kiss scene. Unfortunately he still decided to cut this scene.

Wong Kar Wai's ASHES OF TIME REDUX on the 6th anniversary of Cheung Kwok Wing's passing this year started its worldwide release tour. On the 28th it returned to Hong Kong for release.

15 years ago when ASHES OF TIME was released, Cheung Kwok Wing revealed to director Wong Kar Wai his hope for the film to break out of Asia to Europe and America, even the Cannes Film Festival. In order to fulfill Cheung Kwok Wing's wish, Wong Kar Wai spent 4 years to edit the REDUX. Earlier he even completed Gor Gor's wish with a Cannes Film Festival, European and American release tour. For its final stop, Wong Kar Wai chose to "return" to Hong Kong, "Gor Gor's home" for release and for a perfect ending.

Actually When Lam Ching Ha shot ASHES OF TIME in Yinchuan 15 years ago, she did not have many friends in Hong Kong. Because Ching Ha was homesick during the shoot and constantly wished to return to Taiwan, the film company rented a hotel style residence for Ching Ha. Everyday the cast received a ride and Gor Gor and Ching Ha were assigned to the same vehicle. Their relationship thus grew closer. Gor Gor also took special care of Ching Ha and due to this film they became good friends.

In ASHES, Cheung Kwok Wing and Lam Ching Ha each had their own love. Cheung Kwok Wing loved Cheung Man Yuk while Lam Ching Ha loved Leung Ka Fai. When Gor Gor and Ching Ha talked about their relationships,they had an awkward relationship. When Wong Kar Wai made the film 15 years ago, he originally shot a Gor Gor and Ching Ha intimate scene but finally Wong Kar Wai decided to cut it. Wong Kar Wai wanted to leave the audience with space for imagination. This classic intimate scene was only published once 15 years ago in the ASHES OF TIME pictorial collection. This photo was extremely valuable and well worth a glimpse for Gor fans for nostalgia of Gor Gor's glory. When Gor Gor and Ching Ha shot this scene, they were already good friends and had in depth exchange. Thus they without any special preparation completed the shot with one take.

Wong Kar Wai's REDUX not only did not shoot any new footage but also had an all new production team like editing, subtitle, color, sound effect and music. The production was 10 million as if he was making a new film. The sound effect and special effect were more perfect than the production 15 years ago. Reportedly, REDUX added more Gor Gor and Leung Chiu Wai scenes. Lam Ching Ha in the old version had Cantonese dubbing, but the new version would use the original Mandarin original sound recording.

[2009.05.29] SHORT OF LOVE WRAP BANQUET

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Wong Cho Nam and many beauties starred in the film SHORT OF LOVE (NGAI JAI DOR CHING), which two nights ago held its wrap banquet. Aside from Cho Nam, several actresses Kate Tsui Tsz Shan, JJ Jia (Ga Hiu Sun) and Race Wong Yuen Ling attended. On stage the beauties all presented a giant sized Viagra pill to Cho Ming and joked that Cho Nam needed to grow in certain area.

Cho Nam revealed that he just returned from Canada. He honestly said that he was afraid of catching Influenza A because soon after he arrived he had a fever, coughs and nosy nose. Luckily he saw a doctor and he was fine. Originally this time Cho Nam was going with his mother but because of the flu he told his mother not to go. He expressed that he intended on going on a holiday with his mother because it would be his first long trip with her. Now he regrets that they could not go.

Tsui Tsz Shan rarely wore mini skirt. She joked that she deliberately showed her feminine beauty to the director because in the film her character was quite a tomboy. At the wrap banquet she had to return to her true form. Would she be even sexier at the premiere? Tsz shan joked that she would worry about it then and that she might go topless. However, she pointed out that Cho Nam was the lead and they were responsible for supporting him. Tsz Shan also praised JJ and Race's beauty. She said that JJ was very cute and Race's figure was absolutely top notch.

[2009.05.28] ALL STAR SUPPORT FOR MICHAEL TSE

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Shaw's first film return to the film industry TURNING POINT (LAUGHING GOR ji BIN JIT) held a production start ceremony at Television City yesterday. Laughing Gor Michael Tse Tin Wa along with other actors Anthony Wong Chau Sun, Francis Ng Chun Yu, Lai Yiu Cheung, Tracy Ip Chui Chui, Felix Wong Yat Wa, Matthew Ko Kwan Yin, Benjamin Yuen Wai Ho, Kenny Wong Tak Bun and Johnson Lee Si Jit attended. Director Herman Yau Lai To, producer Leung Ka Shu, TVB executive Elaine Lok Yi Ling and Shaw production director Wong Ka Hei were present as well. However, at the production start ceremony, Laughing Gor Tin Wa did not steal the show from two Best Actors Wong Chau Sun and Ng Chun Yu as they showed off their chests. One even wore eye make up.

Yesterday rain kept falling until the production start ceremony. Laughing Gor Tin Wa screamed it was lucky. In the film he would be undercover in the mob for nine years. Wong Chau Sun and Ng Chun Yu were mob leaders while Eric Tsang Chi Wai would play the boss. Tin Wa's superior officer would be Yuen Biao while Wong Yat Wa would play a senior inspector. "Chai Gau" Lai Yiu Cheung expressed that he only received the notice last week and would play an inspector.

As for Laughing Gor's girlfriend, Tse Tin Wa expressed that the role has not been confirmed. Lok Yi Ling expressed that it would be confirmed shortly. She felt that most importantly the choice had to be fresh, pretty and a good actress. She hoped she would be one of TVB's own. Tin Wa pointed out that the company approached so many Best Actors to participate, he was very happy to have this opportunity to learn. He also thanked Chi Wai for guest starring. As for exceeding budget, he expressed that he would have to ask the company. He believed that the Best Actors of course would have a draw. He did not know about his salary yet but believed that it would not be less than the series. He felt thatthe opportunity was more important than money. In addition this film would be Shaw's first shot, which not every actor would be able to run into.

Chau Sun's costume yesterday was very sharp, especially his black eye shadow. Chau Sun pointed out that in the film he would be the underworld's Wai Siu Bo with six or seven girlfriends, one of whom would be Yip Chui Chui. Yesterday Chui Chui expressed that she would not mind any intimate scene. She joked that she only said that because he was a professional actor, but she probably would not have any intimate scene. Chui Chui said that Chau Sun was a Heavenly King so even intimate scenes she would not mind. Yet in front of two Best Actors she was very nervous. She would like the most for Chau Sun to "criticize" her more, which was like putting money in her pocket. Chun Yu expressed that his role could be lacking but the salary must be fully paid because now he has a son to raise. As for the all star support cast for Laughing Gor, Chun Yu said that was good and hoped that no one would be in a mood to take fun of it.

[2009.05.28] YU LIK WAI PRAISES ANTHONY WONG'S LANGUAGE ABILITIES

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Sundream's latest film PLASTIC CITY will be released on June11. The film is Yu Lik Wai directed. Two strong actors Anthony Wong Chau Sun and Joe Odagiri work together for the first time. Yu Lik Wai expresses that when Joe Odagiri learns that he would work with Chau Sun and play father and son with him, he is extremely excited. He says, "Joe Odagiri is already a top Japanese actor, but he is very interested in other Asian regions' developments. He accepts the role because he feels his co-star is a good actor and in his past hits he mostly works with actresses. Thus he looks forward to working with a very strong actor." Joe Odagiri before production often watches Chau Sun's films to fully prepare for their first collaboration.

At the same time, Chau Sun also has done a lot of homework for this film. Most of his lines are in Portuguese. He is so fluent that even the Brazilian crew praises his accuracy. Chau Sun's hard work has touched Yu Lik Wai. "Learning a language in a short time is very hard. Chau Sun can deliver his lines in Portuguese without affecting his acting, which is truly amazing. Chau Sun has quite a talent for language, he picks it up very quickly. I often see Chau Sun repeatedly practice on the set with a recorder."

[2009.05.28] CHOW YUN FAT, GONG LI NEW FILM OPENS PUSAN

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Pusan Film Festival chair recently visited Chengdu for an understanding of the film production CHENGDU I LOVE YOU. He mentioned that the film might very likely be Pusan Film Festival's closing film. As for this year's opening film, he hinted, "It will be a Chinese film about 1937 Shanghai." Reporters understood that this "mystery" opening film will be the Chow Yun Fat and Gong Li's reunion after CURSE OF THE GOLDEN FLOWER, SHANGHAI.

SHANGHAI takes place in the World War II Shanghai. Gong Li plays the top singer in the Bund's night club scene. Chow Yun Fat plays the mob boss who gave her her start and keeps her. Yet after the John Cusack played American reporter appears, Gong Li finds true love and is determined to leave Chow Yun Fat. Chow Yun Fat proceeds to use all of the mob's power for revenge. This film that started production last year originally planned to shoot in Shanghai, but due to some of the more sensitive story details finally moved to Thailand's "Shanghai" set. However last year at the Shanghai International Film Festival, China Film Studio chief said after the film's Chinese title change it was able to obtain a production permit. Yet due to a variety of reasons, the film in the end was unable to shoot on location in the Mainland.

After at the end of last year when it had no hope of a 2008 release and no chance at the Oscars, the film gradually retreated from the audience's line of vision. Yet Pusan Film Festival chair expressed that the film should be the opening film for the 14th Annual Pusan Film Festival that will take place between October 8 and 16.

[2009.05.28] JUNO MAK CLARIFIES THAT HE IS WAITING FOR WONG CHING PO

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STAR TREK held its Hong Kong premiere two nights ago. Guests included Juno Mak Chun Lung, Louis Cheung Kai Chung, Takuya Suzuki, Mr. and model Carrie Chiu Ka Yi. Juno revealed that lately he has been busy with his record. Earlier he met with STAR TREK's director in Japan. Later he will head to Florence, Italy because his label will host a fashion show at a palace there. In October he will work on Wong Ching Po's new film. Was he waiting to work with Gillian Chung Yun Tung? He pointed out that he was waiting for Wong Ching Po. He also clarified that he did not recommend Ah Gil for this film.

[2009.05.28] DONNIE YEN'S PIANO SKILL MAKES HIM TIAN HAN

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The film FOUNDING OF THE REPUBLIC, which will commemorate the 60th anniversary the founding of the nation, gathered Jet Li (Lee Nin Kit), Tang Guoqiang, Zhang Guoli, Ge You, Chen Daoming, Jiang Wen, Chen Kun, Eva Huang Shengyi, Feng Xiaogang, Chen Kaige, Andy Lau Tak Wa, Leon Lai Ming and other big stars in its cast. Yesterday the film announced the addition of Donnie Yen Chi Tan as artist Tian Han. Chi Tan mainly will appear in the important scene of "national anthem and flag selection". Tian Han was the national anthem lyrics creator. Although the role is minor it has key function. For example Tian Han nominated the five star red flag that was eliminated in the first round again, insisting that the five star red flag was more suitable to be the national flag. This scene required a firmer performance.

Yen Chi Tan expressed that he had less than ten lines but they were not simple. This scene was the most serious in his career. Yen Chi Tan was asked to play Tian Han also because he was a level ten piano master. After PAINTED SKIN and 14 BLADES Yen Chi Tan and Vicki Zhao Wei run into each other again in FOUNDING OF A REPUBLIC, but this time they become Revolutionary comrades. Zhao Wei in the film plays a female Revolutionary representative who discussed the national flag and anthem with Tian Han and Zhou Enlai. The female representative would object to Tian Han's lyrics. Yet Tian Han received Xu Beihong, Zhou Enlai and Mao Zedong's support and finally the national anthem lyrics were set to be MARCH OF THE VOLUNTEERS.

FOUNDING OF A REPUBLIC's production team has already shot the film's largest scene at Beijing's Nanyuan Airport, "the Xiyuan Airport Military Review". Aside from Tang Guoqiang who played Mao Zedong, Liu Ye, Wang Xuebing and other actresses also guest starred. Chen Kaige was responsible for directing this scene. The film is expected to wrap by June and tentatively scheduled for a September 17 release.

[2009.05.28] NG SEE YUEN FEARS BRIGITTE LIN BACKING OUT

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This year is Hong Kong film's 100th anniversary, but in the past during film productions industrial accidents have taken place or actors and stunt teams have suffered injuries. To provide film professionals with a more systematic guidelines in the film industry, Hong Kong Film Workers Union released "Hong Kong Film Worker Professional Production Guidelines and Industrial Safety Handbook" in hopes of bring to everyone's attention the importance of film industry safety.

Yesterday at the press conference, Hong Kong Film Worker Union chair Ng See Yuen, Hong Kong Directors Guild chair Gordon Chan Ka Seung and others were present. Lam Ka Tung was the host. Ng See Yuen pointed out that in the past many films had accidents, for example John Woo (Ng Yu Sum)'s RED CLIFF suffered a crew member fatality and stunt team injuries. He felt that such events should not happen so they decided to produce a guideline for the industry from their past experience. This guideline will be in two parts, in hopes that it would make Hong Kong film even more systematic.

Ng See Yuen would produce the Wong Kar Wai directed GRAND MASTER (YUT DOI JUNG SI), which he expressed was originally scheduled to start production in June and now postponed to July. He denied that Brigitte Lin (Lam Ching Ha) would play Ip Man's wife. He admitted that earlier they dined with Ching Ha and she agreed. Yet they did not know what role she would play. He hoped that the reports would not change Ching Ha's mind. Now the screenplay is being written and the team has been checking out locations in Northeast China. Did Ching Ha have any condition for her comeback? He expressed that he did not know, but Ching Ha and Wong Kar Wai are great friends. They definitely would fully assist. Was he afraid of going head to head against Raymond Wong Pak Ming's IP MAN 2? He said, "No, the release dates are different. Many people are looking forward to seeing how Wong Kar Wai makes Ip Man. Ultimately it will give everyone a pleasant surprise."

[2009.05.27] AARON KWOK'S LATEST

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Aaron Kwok Fu Sing yesterday hosted the Longines Master Collection Retrograde unveiling as its spokesmodel. He even introduced the new watch on his wrist with his expertise of dance. Reportedly his manager Siu Mei set him up to reunite with Norika Fujiwara? He asked when did he admit that he was dating? As for rumors of Lynn Xiong (Hung Doi Lam) hiding for a days due to her jealousy of Norika, Sing Sing expressed that he did not know and said that no one, male or female, should be jealous.

Sing Sing looked obviously slimmer. He explained that currently he not only is busy with Benny Chan Muk Sing's new film CITY UNDER SIEGE (CHEUN SING GAI BEI) but also with his Singapore concert rehearse.

[2009.05.27] BARBIE HSU SEDUCES LOUIS KOO

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Louis Koo Tin Lok and Barbie Hsu (Tsui Hei Woon) in DAI NOI MUK TAM LING LING GAU play a couple and even have a daring bed scene in which Big S takes the initiative.

Goo Jai plays Ling Ling Gau who is a little slow and constantly the blunt of his brethren's jokes. Big S plays Goo Jai's arranged fiance who is a well trained martial artists. Big S has fallen hard for him, has her heart set on marrying Goo Jai and be the little woman behind him. Yet Goo Jai is clueless. Big S can only take the initiative, get on the bed to seduce Goo Jai in hopes of winning his love. In the film Big S puts Ina full effort. At first he only awkwardly stands by the bed. Later Big S shows off her shoulders as her legs tightly grabs Goo Jai and immobilizes him. Finally Goo Jai succumbs as his face is full of lipstick marks.

Did Big S who has always played serious roles feel embarrassed with this performance? She expressed, "During the shoot I was very nervous because in this scene I had to take the initiative to seduce Goo Jai. I am not the kind of girl who really know how to seduce guys, so I only follow director Wong Jing's direction to perform. It's really embarrassing! Luckily Goo Jai helped me a lot and told me to relax in my performance. Later when we watched the playback we all thought it was very funny."

[2009.05.27] JAY CHOU IGNORES HIS OLD WOUND AND FIGHTS FOR HIS LIFE

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The TREASURE HUNTER (CHI LING) production team earlier moved to Wuxi to shoot the ancient tomb adventure scenes and the key "tomb of fate"wrap scene. Jay Chou (Chow Kit Lun) had no fear of aggravating his old injury again and personally performed every stunt without a double.

Chow Kit Lun in the film struggles with the villain over the ancient city treasure. Action director Ching Siu Tung designed this scene. The villain during the fight would turn white bandages on his body into weapons. With film technology animation this weapon displays shocking visual effects. In addition Eric Tsang Chi Wai plays a treasure hunter who dreams of finding treasure, Chen Daoming plays his buddy, a treasure hunting expert. Chi Wai is full of humor while Chen Daoming is quiet. Although the friends have drastically different personalities, on and off the set they are able to become good friends.

In the film Lin Chiling also makes a huge change. Actually she has quite a sense of humor so she is very suitable to play this lovable silly girl.

[2009.05.26] AARON KWOK'S COP LOOK RESEMBLES BRAD PITT

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Director Ang Lee's protege Roy Chow Hin Yeung worked with two time Golden Horse Best Actor Aaron Kwok Fu Sing on the new film MURDERER, which will be released this summer. Ang Lee even called his proteges three times to cheer him on. The film company Jet Tone spent nearly HK$1 million on the SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE trailer production team to produce a trailer for MURDERER.

Although Chow Hin Yeung is a new director, Kwok Fu Sing is still full of confidence in this team. Sing Sing in the film play a cop who is investigating a serial murder case. After the trailer is released, fans accused Sing Sing of resembling Brad Pitt from certain angles and costumes. Sing Sing considered the fan response and said, "Really? I don't know!" Chow Hin Yeung expresses that during this films'

[2009.05.26] SPRING FEVER WINS SCREENPLAY PRIZE

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The 62nd Annual Cannes Film Festival closing ceremony took place. Although many stars and directors have already left, the red carpet still glittered with stars. For example Cinefondation jury member and famous Chinese actress Zhang Ziyi appeared in a tight long silver dress. Jury member Shu Qi appeared in a blue long dress. She also responded to the master of ceremony's questions in English but mischievously mixed its with Chinese. She said that she was a little reluctant to leave Cannes because she had to return to Hong Kong right away.

Chinese screen writer Mei Fang with SPRING FEVER won Best Screenplay. He is teaching at the Beijing Film Academy and the supervising instructor of this year's graduation class. His students next week will defend their graduation theses so he could not make time to accept the award at Cannes. He could only ask director Lou Ye to accept it on his behalf. Mei Fang expressed that the award was somewhat a surprise.

Lou Ye said that he and screen writer Mei Fang have worked together for a long time and revealed how difficult the production was. Lou Ye expressed that Mei Fang was very proud of his award and hoped that young Chinese directors would be able to freely make movies. At the same time he did not want this film's production and award to bring any trouble to anyone on the production team, and he believed that would not happen. Independence is something that every filmmaker could achieve and is also a basic condition.

[2009.05.25] JOHN WOO RUMORED TO MAKE BIG PRODUCTION FANTASY FILM

After RED CLIFF, John Woo (Ng Yu Sum) seemed to be interested in China's historical myths. Reportedly Director Woo will work on the fantasy film TIN WAN LING based on SHAN HAI JING, which will cost 300 million yuan. The lead actress supposedly has been confirmed to be Mainland actress Fan Xinyu, as for the lead actor Ng Yu Sum was interested in Korean idol Rain or Won Bin.
5000 years ago human and demon co-existed. In the end human successfully drove off the evil demon. One of the human warrior was in love with the demon's guardian. Reportedly Ng Yu Sum wanted to turn this movie into the Asian LORD OF THE RINGS series. This collaboration also crossed borders with actors in China, Japan and Korea.

[2009.05.25] JAYCEE CHAN CANNOT HANDLE INTIMATE SCENES WITH FIONA SIT

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The reality film BREAK UP CLUB's new actor audition took place yesterday. Director Barbara Wong Chun Chun, producer Lawrence Cheng Tan Shui and the leads Jaycee Chan (Fong Cho Ming) and Fiona Sit Hoi Kei attended. Film company representative Chung Won On was also present. The film would start production on June 1. Yesterday 100 participants took place in the audition, one even performed a break up scene with Cho Ming and Fiona. Rumored couple Cho Ming and Fiona reunited for this collaboration, naturally they became the targets. Director Wong Chun Chun yesterday revealed that when she first approached Fiona about the film, she said that if Cho Ming would take the role she would too. Fiona looked embarrassed and denied it with laughter; however, this collaboration this time would not resemble 2 YOUNG (JO SHOOK). Instead they would have to bungee jump together.

Later when they talked about this challenge they immediately tried to push the responsibility to the other. Cho Ming jokingly said to Fiona,"You jump, I jump!" Cho ming was very resistant to any intimate scene together. He was afraid that his heart would not be able to take it and would ask the director to reduce intimate scene. Cho Ming would also be a photographer as well as an actor for the film.

The film's subject was break up. Would they interpret their break up experience? Cho Ming said that he had some experience but actually this was not a tragic film. Thus he would not be excessive. He frankly said that when he was 18 he was "dumped"; Fiona would not put her experience in the film. Were they "under order" to date this time? Fiona immediately nervously expressed no and stressed there was no "order". During the interview they often traded jabs and flirted. Cho Ming expressed that was how they communicated ordinarily and he would never submit to anyone. Fiona expressed that she would respond to anything, but it would depend on whether Cho Ming's comment was nonsense.

[2009.05.25] DANIEL WU HAS 8 MEALS A DAY TO TRAIN

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Daniel Wu (Ng Yin Cho) two nights ago attended the Terence Yin (Wan Chi Wai)'s concert and celebrated Wan Chi Wai's birthday. As close as brothers, Ng Yin Cho was busy shooting a movie inside. He expressed that he would make a music video of this concert for Wan Chi Wai's birthday gift.

Ng Yin Cho revealed that currently he is busy with the preparation of the Derek Yee Tung Sing directed TRIPLE TAP (CHEUNG WONG JI WONG), which will start production in August. Since he will play a sniper in the film, he will have shooting and physical training. Ng Yin Cho said, "I have to train hard. Everyday I have to have 6 meals to get bigger. Since I am not young anymore, to look more muscular the training is not as easy as when I was twenty something. I will have to exercise a lot." As for his abdominal muscles, he said, "I have them but I haven't reached my goal yet."

Ng Yin Cho said that he had to gain weight because earlier he lost15 pounds for a role. Now he had to gain 18 pounds, which was his former weight. He expressed that losing weight with exercise was very healthy. Currently he would train with weights and boxing.

[2009.05.22] ALFRED CHEUNG GIVES UP LI BINGBING FOR MIKE HE

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Mike He (Ho Kwun Cheung) (Siu Mei) recently has come to Hong Kong with Li Xiaolu to work on the Alfred Cheung Kin Ting directed film SHU DANG SEUNG DIK LUEN YUN (LOVERS ON TREETOP). Siu Mei even grew facial hair to look more masculine. Yesterday they shot on location at Central a photography scene. Avid photography fan Xiaolu before the shoot captured Siu Mei in a close up and studied it with him. Cheung Kin Ting revealed that he waited for Siu Mei for two years and for Siu Mei he gave up Li Bingbing.

On their first collaboration together, Cheung Kin Ting praised Siu Mei's good attitude and waiting two years for him was worth it. He pointed out that when he first conceived SHU DANG SEUNG DIK LUEN YUN, the female lead choice was Li Bingbing. At the time Bingbing suggested an older male lead, but he felt that this was an idol film. Finally he decided to cast Siu Mei and not Li Bingbing. He cherished Siu Mei completely because Siu Mei's good attitude. Two years ago when they methe already wanted to work with him. This time the film cost 8.5 million.

Siu Mei felt that his coordination was the director was great, perhaps because they were born on the same day their personalities were well matched. He had a lot of room to work with his acting and the collaboration has been rather pleasant. Siu Mei said that this time he would stay in Hong Kong for 3 or 4 days.

Yesterday Cheung Kin Ting's 15 year old son Cheung Ko Ming was also on hand. He expressed that his son was interested in directing so his son was an intern on the set. Later he would send his son to study film in New York and let him learn through literary works and novels.

[2009.05.22] THURSDAY, MAY 21 2009

For Thursday May 21 2009

10 CORALINE
d. Henry Selick
Voices: Dakota Fanning, Teri Hatcher, Jennifer Saunders

9 HANDSOME SUIT
Can : Fan Juen Ju Nam Si Wong Ji
Lit : Turning Over Pork Belly Is A Prince
d. Hanabusa Tsutomu
Shosuke Tanihara, Muga Tsukaji, Keiko Kitagawa, Miyuki Oshima
Cantonese Voices: Eric Kot Man Fai, Jan Lam Hoi Fung

8 X-MEN ORIGINS: WOLVERINE
d. Gavin Hood
Hugh Jackman, Liev Schreiber, Danny Huston

7 NIGHT AND FOG
Can : Tin Shui Wai Dik Yeh Yu Mo
Lit : Night and Fog of Tin Shui Wai
d. Ann Hui On Wa
Simon Yam Tat Wa, Zhang Jingchu,
Jacqueline Law Wai Guen, Amy Chum Yun Mei,
Audrey Chan, Ariel Chan

6 17 AGAIN
d. Burr Steers
Zac Efron, Matthew Perry, Leslie Mann

5 OUTLANDER
d. Howard McCain
James Caviezel, Sophia Myles, Jack Huston

4 A FROZEN FLOWER
Can : Seung Fa Dim
Lit : Frost Flower Shop
d. Yoo Ha
Jo In-Sung, Ju Jin-Mo, Song Ji-Hyuo

3 CITY OF LIFE AND DEATH
Can : Nam King! Nam King!
Lit : Nanjing! Nanjing!
d. Lu Chuan
Liu Ye, Fan Wei, Hideo Nakaizumi, Gao Yuanyaun

2 ANGELS AND DEMONS
d. Ron Howard
Tom Hanks, Ewan McGregor, Ayelet Zurer

1 NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: BATTLE OF THE SMITHSONIAN
d. Shawn Levy
Ben Stiller, Amy Adams, Owen Wilson, Hank Azaria

[2009.05.22] CONFUCIUS BRUISES CHOW YUN FAT ALL OVER

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Chow Yun Fat is suffering all sorts of abuse on the production oF CONFUCIUS. He not only lost over ten pounds but also got bruises all over from a tumble scene in the rain. Director Hu Mei said that Fat Gor in this film had to kneel in the mud water and tumble in the rain. After the shoot Fat Gor was not satisfied and after over a month asked for another take. At the time his shoulder was already injured buthe still insisted on tumbling on the ground. After the shoot his shoulder was all bruised, but Fat Gor had no complaint.

Earlier when the press visited the set, the media called Fat Gor's wonderful response great wisdom from the saint's possession. He frankly said that he did not understand Confucius at all. He did not have much education and completely relied on the manner and speech that the director and experts provided him. How did he feel about Confucius? He said that this person was great. He did not understand Confucius, but he understood the screenplay and character were already enough. Fat Gor felt that the director approached him to play Confucius perhaps due to the proximity of their height. Fat Gor and Zhou Xun shot the Confucius and Nanzi meeting scene, the atmosphere of which was somewhat awkward. It was their own scene together in the film.

[2009.05.21] BATEER JOINS BODYGUARDS AND ASSASSINS

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Since the holiday film release BODYGUARDS AND ASSASSINS (SUP YUET WAI SING) began production, the "nine king one queen" cast has become the hot topic. A new addition is the "basketball giant" Bateer, who plays a street vendor in the film. He would protect Dr. Sun Yat-Sen along with Donnie Yen Chi Tan, Nicholas Tse Ting Fung and Leon Lai Ming. Bateer arrived in Shanghai late at night and headed directly to the costume fitting. For the 2.11 meter tall basketball player costume fitting was not easy. The costume director looked for help from a taller assistant. Bateer joked, "None of you has seen such a tall street vendor!" When he ran into Tse Ting Fung, Fan Bingbing and Li Yuchun on the set, everyone chatted and joked with him with respect.

[2009.05.21] CHARLENE CHOI WANTS MORE MONEY TO KISS RONALD CHENG

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Charlene Choi Cheuk Yin yesterday attended a Hunan satellite television international channel global launch ceremony. Earlier reports claimed that Ah Sa will work with Ronald Cheng Chung Kei on a Lunar New Year film. Her manager Mani Fok Man Hei expressed that they contacted the film company for confirmation but they have not talked in detail. Would Ah Sa resist working with Cheng Chung Kei? She said, "No, the screenplay and the director would be the most important. I wouldn't mind who the lead actor is. As long as others don't mind me I am already very happy."

Would she mind intimate scenes with Cheng Chung Kei? She stated that would depend on whether the screenplay required it. Anything forced would not be good. Would they feel embarrassed because they were too familiar? Ah Sa said, "We are professional actors, and we worked together four or five years ago." Would the couple performance pay more? Ah Sa asked, "We can do that? I have to ask Mani to take care of that." Mani joked that a hug would add 10,000 and a kiss would add 20,000. Ah Sa joked, "It's 10,000 per second! That probably won't happen, who would be dumb enough to pay me." However, Ah Sa expressed that she would have to work on another film in the second half of the year and promote an idol series. She did not know whether she would have time for this film.

[2009.05.21] MICHAEL TSE ON TVB CLUB SPARKLE

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TVB CLUB SPARKLE two nights ago held a taping with guests Bosco Wong Chung Chak, Michael Tse Tin Wa and So Man Fung. Reportedly Chrissie Chau Sau Na will be TURNING POINT (LAUGHING GOR CHIN JUEN)'s lead actress. Tse Tin Wa expressed that he did not know. Director Herman Yau Lai To would have the details. The film will start production at the end of the month, by then the lead actress will be unveiled. As for his choice, he joked that his heart was like still water. Currently he would only focus on acting.

[2009.05.20] CITY OF LIFE AND DEATH A HIT IN HONG KONG

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The film CITY OF LIFE AND DEATH made over 150 million in the Mainland box office. After less than two weeks in release in Hong Kong, it also made an ideal 3 million. On the other hand the Feng Xiaogang directed IF YOU ARE THE ONE made 300 million in the Mainland and only 1.58 million in Hong Kong. Feng Xiaogang's other film THE ASSEMBLY also suffered the same fate, which made him earlier criticize the Hong Kong audience. However, CITY OF LIFE AND DEATH's decent box office dispelled Director Feng's comments. Although this film was shot in black and white it had great word of mouth. Johnnie To Kei Fung felt that the film showed Lu Chuan's persistence and perseverance. Andrew Lau Wai Keung praised the film's documentary style production. The black and white visuals not only did not reduce the visual effect but also added to the story's realism.

CITY OF LIFE AND DEATH's group booking response was also very passionate. Some schools even used it for history education purpose. Director Lu Chuan and the cast were very pleased to learn about the film box office and word of mouth. The director even treated the cast to dinner and drinks because the cast had a very tough time during the production. Now he was able to thank them and he truly wished that he could buy them drinks everyday.

[2009.05.20] VIVIAN HSU CANNOT LEAVE HER CHARACTER

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Vivian Hsu (Tsui Yeuk Suen) suffered for the SIU NIN SING HOI (YOUTH STAR SEA) production, in which she played a young mother. Earlier during a rape scene, she was barefoot on a floor that was full of wood chips and injured herself. The director did not stop the shoot so the actors could maintain their emotions. Before the shoot the cast already had communicated. Vivian was so in character that she lost control emotionally and her face was numb from crying. She was exhausted physically and spiritually. After the show, the crew immediately treated Vivian's wounds. Vivian was still unsettled and took awhile to get out ofcharacter.

[2009.05.20] THE MESSAGE DELAY CAUSES STARS A MILLION

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The Huayi Brothers and Emperor Motion Pictures collaboration THE MESSAGE is heating up in production. Due to the production delay, Zhou Xun and Huang Xiaoming's next films have been impacted. They would rather turn down and compensate over 100 million yuan worth of work. Producer Tao Kun again expressed appreciation. THE MESSAGE is China's first commercial espionage film. The production delay is due to the time consuming prop and set, which included a cliff side mansion and a metal bridge. Another reason for the production extension was while the directors were satisfied with the performance the cast asked for another take. At most they used up the total length of the ordinary film in one day. Zhou Xun even stated that THE MESSAGE would be her representative work.

[2009.05.19] JOHNNIE TO RECEIVED FRENCH HONOR

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The Johnnie To Kei Fung directed Chinese French co-production VENGEANCE qualified for the Cannes Film Festival competition. Although Cannes has not announced its prizes, To Kei Fung was made an officer of the French Order of Arts and Letters. The honor surprised him but also pleased him a lot. His film journey and achievement were still quite far from his idol Akira Kurosawa. He still had a long way to go. He still needed to keep learning. No matter what his heart still belonged to Hong Kong. He would firmly hold down the fort and make even more good movies to share with everyone.

At the same time, VENGEANCE's Cannes premiere took place. Not only the nine jury members attended, Ang Lee, Quentin Tarantino, Tony Leung Chiu Wai, Michelle Yeoh (Yeung Chi King) and other stars came in support. Ang Lee even expressed that the movie that he wanted to watch the most at this festival was VENGEANCE. To Kei Fung's popularity at Cannes was very high, as many European reporters showed their admiration for him.

In recent years To Kei Fung's popularity in Europe has climbed higher and higher. Not only did he frequent the three major film festivals but also served on the Venice film festival jury. The French was particularly fond of him. Almost all To Kei Fung movies were able to be released in France. Young people and film critics alike supported his film and felt that he not only was able to make the mob genre into art but also was able to maintain the Hong Kong specialty. This time VENGEANCE again qualified for Cannes competition. The nine jury members attended the premiere together. Ang Lee after his own film premiere alsocame in support and told reporters that he looked forward the most to VENGEANCE. To Kei Fung in the past almost always used the same cast. This time the lead actor was France's Johnnie Hallyday. However after the firs screening on the morning of the 17th, many reporters felt that despite adding French star and French financing, the film did not lose To Kei Fung's pure Hong Kong film style. On the other hand a few reporters felt that the pace of the second half of the film was very similar to Hong Kong mob films of the 70s and 80s.

Reporters from all over Europe at the first screening all basically gave very high marks and praised To Kei Fung as an excellent filmmaker with his own style. Many reporters expressed that they liked To Kei Fung's films. Some viewers said that although they did not understand the film's second half they still felt it was great. Some reporters also felt that this was not To Kei Fung's best work.

Meanwhile, To Sir at the VENGEANCE press conference expressed thathis first English film, due to his less than adequate English abilities, was a huge challenge for him. However, he added, "As everyone's coordination improved, we were able to smoothly complete the job. To me it is a valuable experience." As for the film's lead actor, To Sir frankly said that initially he wanted to invite Alain Delon but he was not interested. Finally he and Johnny Hallyday clicked right away, but he joked that he did not know Johnny at all before hand. French rock star Johnny Hallyday also honestly said that in the entire production only To Sir was able to speak a little English, but he was very glad to be able to work with Hong Kong actors. He also praised lead actress Michelle Ye (Yip Shuen), who he could not help but fall for.

To Sir was obviously very excited about being able to work with the international team. "I was able to accept some challenges and do something that I was unfamiliar with. I also hope through this production to bring new opportunities for contact between Hong Kong and international film and bring new spark to the Hong Kong industry."

Also, a Mainland site yesterday claimed that Tony Leung Chiu Wai's comment of Hong Kong film industry had generation gap and was under continuous threat, which upset Ah To. "How can he say that? Hong Kong film won't die, he isn't a director......" Ah To yesterday denied the rumor and blamed the reporter for misinterpreting his original intent. "He only wanted to say that only with good screenplays and good directors would a successful actor be cultivated. Then the generation gap situation wouldn't occur." As for his comment becoming Ah To's over the net war of words, Wai Jai expressed, "Everyone's goal is for Hong Kong film to be great. As long as this goal is achieved, I don't mind what is said about me."

Wai Jai yesterday already returned to Hong Kong. He expressed that this year he had no film in competition so he was more relaxed. He said that he would not be a part of the jury. "I am very random when I watch movies, when I am in the mood I watch them. Being a jury member would be very tough." He also said that he has been practicing Wing Chun for months. Everyday he repeatedly perform the same sets of movements, which frustrated him somewhat after awhile.