[2009.09.01] FAN BINGBING SURPRISES ZHANG ZIYI AS A BUTCHER

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Fan Bingbing in SOPHIE'S REVENGE appeared with a variety of image. Not only did she completed her Wu Zetian dream but also challenged her personal acting ability as she played a sloppy female butcher. Her performance even made her first time co-star Zhang Ziyi call her the new "impersonation" queen.

Winning the Huabiao Best Actress with FOREVER ENTHRALLED (MEI LANFANG), Zhang Ziyi's first turn as a producer, the comedy SOPHIE'S REVENGE, broke the 70 million mark at the Mainland box office. She was very excited and hoped that the film will perform just as well in Hong Kong. She was the most appreciative of the cast's breakthrough performance, particularly Fan Bingbing who gave her the most pleasant surprise. Ziyi said with shock, "Actually Bingbing has quite a sense of humor. My deepest impression is her butcher look. With her messy perm, a cigarette in her mouth, dark black lips and a butcher's apron with a butcher knife, when she first appeared I was truly frightened. She truly is very professional."

Bingbing expressed that she only performed according to the script, but since comedy was rare for her she let go a little and perform thoroughly. Bingbing also admired Ziyi's acting and even praised her as an attentive person. She said, "Once I lost my voice, but that scene required simultaneous recording. The director said that the scene had to shot that day. That night when I returned to the vehicle at 3AM, I saw a bowl of soup that Ziyi put on the table, next to flowers and a card. At that moment I was very touched. On the set we didn't have much exchange, but she was so attentive."

[2009.09.01] KARENA LAM WINS IN SEOUL

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The Karena Lam Ka Yun and Dior Cheng Yi Kin starred romance CLAUSTROPHOBIA (CHUN MUK) earlier participated in the Chungmoru International Film Festival. Ka Yun with her detailed and touching acting broke out among the competition and won her first Best Actress award.

The film was about a city couple in a closed space developed an awkward relationship that seemed to be there but was not. The entire film's emotions were full of stress and discomfort. With a few lines, it was truly a challenge to actors. Lam Ka Yun earlier this year received a Hong Kong Film Award Best Actress nomination for the role.

Ka Yun was very happy to receive her first Best Actress award and decided to leave for Seoul immediately to accept the award. "I just received the news and I am very happy, but because I didn't go in person to accept the award, my personal emotion still hasn't reached the most emotional moment, but I truly am very happy! I am very glad that a non commercial non mainstream film is not overlooked! I truly thank the director Ivy Ho (Ong Sai), the film company, my management company, and all the actors and workers who worked on CLAUSTROPHOBIA!" How will Ka Yun celebrate? Ka Yun said, "I decided to treat all the co-workers, the cast and the crew to dinner! Ekin has to help me with the bill though!"

[2009.08.31] LEON LAI FOCUSES ON FILM

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Leon Lai Ming and Gaile Lok were discovered to have registered their marriage in Las Vegas March last year, but neither has responded. Yesterday Lai Ming worked on the film FOR LUNG (FIRE DRAGON). The media and onlookers flocked to the shoot. Although Lai Ming was surrounded, he still concentrated on work and did not respond.

The Dante Lam Chiu Yin directed film FOR LUNG yesterday shot an action scene at Central. In the scene Mainland actor Wang Baoqiang strapped a bomb to himself to rob the loot. Lai Ming hoped to stop him in time. Aside from Lai Ming and Wang Baoqiang, Michelle Ye (Yip Shuen) and Richie Jen (Yam Yin Chai) also participated. Action director Chin Kar Lok was in command on the set.

Lai Ming appeared around 3PM and continued to shoot with his bearded look. He first tested the marks for the cameras then returned to his vehicle to wait until the media rushed up. Leon greeted the press but only responded with a smile when asked whether he was married or would conduct any interview. The press found a ring on his ring finger and thought it was a wedding ring, but the crew explained that the story required it. He wore it in earlier shoots as well. Despite the media circus, Lai Ming still chatted and laughed with his assistant and co-workers in his vehicle. During the shoot, he ran between cars with machine gun in hand. He also had to work on a gun play scene.

Did director Lam Chiu Yin congratulate Lai Ming? He said, "How do I congratulate him before he admits it? (Would you gossip about it?) I leave that with you, why would I do something like this." Chin Kar Lok expressed that he did not know about Lai Ming's marriage. As for the marriages of Andy Lau Tak Wa, Lai Ming and Miriam Yeung Chin Wa being exposed, was he afraid? He said that he was not afraid but joked, "I can still go to L.V. key spots?" He also pointed out that only Aaron Kwok Fu Sing was single among the Four Great Heavenly Kings. He expressed that he did not see Gaile Lok visit the set. Instead he knew that boss Peter Lam Kin Ngok brought red wine that was worth 100,000, but he had no part of it.

Kar Lok pointed out that even though all three were discovered to be married, they were all joyous. Artists wanted to have privacy and did not want to lie, cheat and steal. As for Wa Jai being called "Lying Heavenly King" now, he said, "No, you shouldn't say that. He has been in the business for 20 to 30 years and gave 99.9% to the public. Leave him 0.1% space." Kar Lok also pointed out that even Wa Jai once denied his marital staus, everyone should understand that he did not want to. He had a lot to worry about. As for Wa Jai hinting at seeing a fertility doctor, Kar Lok said, "I don't know about that. I didn't study medicine, don't ask me yet. (Would you?) Can't I do it directly, it's more natural! Maybe I spent the future fertility money already?" He also was happy for Lai Ming and Chin Wa. He said, "Lately I saw a happier Lai Ming. Chin Wa's marriage is great, as people always call her a spinster."

[2009.08.31] NICK CHEUNG RUNS INTO MIAO PU AT HUABIAO

Nick Cheung Ka Fai, Miao Pu, Michelle Wai (Si Nga) and Albert Yeung Sau Sing
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The 13th Annual China Broadcasting Film and Television Award Film Huabiao Award Ceremony took place two nights ago at the Beijing Exhibition Center. FOREVER ENTHRALLED (MEI LANFANG) with five awards was the big winner. This Huabiao Award also saluted the 60th national anniversary so the event was star studded. Guests included Jackie Chan, Jet Li (Lee Nin Kit), Shu Qi, Donnie Yen Chi Tan, Zhang Ziyi, Nick Cheung Ka Fai, Fan Bingbing, Zhou Xun, Li Bingbing, and Lin Chiling.

The Chen Kaige directed FOREVER ENTHRALLED and Feng Xiaogang's ASSEMBLY went head to head throughout the entire ceremony. Finally FOREVER ENTHRALLED won one more award than ASSEMBLY, including Excellent Feature Film, Excellent Film Technique, Excellent Director for Chen Kaige, Excellent Actress for Zhang Ziyi and Excellent New Actor for Yu Shaoqun.

Cheung Ka Fai attended the first Huabiao award and presented with Miao Pu and Alec Su (So Yau Peng) the Excellent Opera Film. He expressed that earlier he was very nervous with he attended award shows with BEAST STALKER (JING YUN) and he looked forward to the film winning. This time as a guest presenter he felt like he was attending a carnival. He was able to see his BEAST STALKER wife Miao Pu again.

In addition, Yen Chi Tan and Shu Qi won Excellent Overseas Chinese Actor and Actress. Chi Tan even called his wife with the good news on the spot. He also said that yesterday was their sixth anniversary. He would give this award to his wife and appreciated all the luck and fortune that his wife brought him since their wedding. Shu Qi was asked about Lai Ming's marriage. She wished happiness for all lovers.

[2009.08.31] HUANG XIAOMING RECEIVES GOOD REVIEWS

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The 13th Annual Huabiao Award took place at the Beijing Exhibition Center. Although he was not nominated, Huang Xiaoming attended with the team to promote the upcoming film THE MESSAGE. He and Shu Qi were reviewed as best dressed.

Earlier due to his new series production, Huang Xiaoming was often absent from THE MESSAGE promotion and Huayi company events. The company reportedly suspended him. Recently he has been busy with IP MAN 2 in Shanghai. Luckily several days ago the team received a call from the film authority and finally the team agreed to release him to go to Beijing with Yen Chi Tan. Without two leads, director Wilson Yip Wai Shun gave the team the day off. IP MAN 2's team finally gathered at the Huabiao award.

At the event Huayi had complete victory. Industry insidered predicted that THE MESSAGE might be the next Huabiao award favorite. On the day before the Huabiao award, THE MESSAGE unveiled THE MESSAGE chart in Beijing, as Zhou Xun, Li Bingbing, Huang Xiaoming, Zhang Hanyu, Alec Su Yau Peng, Wang Zhiwen, Ying Da's latest posters were unveiled. Huang Xiaoming was dressed in a military uniform with a military blade in his arm on the poster. He looked dark and down. With an eagle in the middle, he in the film grasped everyone's fate. Like a sharp eyed eagle he observed everyone's every move.

Reportedly, Huang Xiaoming's THE MESSAGE performance almost perfectly brought the original work's character to life. Director Gao Qunshu praised Huang Xiaoming's performance as a "pleasant surprise". The novel creator called Huang Xiaoming "an idol with substance, reaching an actor's highest stage".

[2009.08.30] SOMEONE IS NO LONGER SINGLE...

Yesterday a reported exposed that Miriam Yeung Chin Wa and Gary Ting Chi Ko, Andy Lau Tak Wa and Chu Lai Sin were married in Las Vegas in August this year and June last year respectively, leaving the entire city in a state of shock. Then East Asia boss Peter Lam Kin Ngok hinted that aside from Wa Jai and Chin Wa, another artist was already married as well. Upon the press' investigation, the person was revealed to be Leon Lai Ming. He and Gaile Lok were already married last March.

Las Vegas has always been an artist wedding hot spot because they can avoid Hong Kong paparazzi, but their marriage records are available online at the Clark County, Nevada site. Thus Yeung Chin Wa and Ting Chi Ko were exposed to be married on August 11, registered as "Yeung Chin Wah Miriam" and "Ting Ho Lam Gary" (Ting Chi Ko's original name). At the same time Lau Tak Wa and Chu Lai Sin were discovered to have wed on June 23 2008 as "Lau Tak Wah Andy" and "Choo Lay Keng".

Since his artists were married, boss Lam Kin Ngok immediately became the press target. Yet Young Master Ngok gave an even more surprising answer to the reporters. He responded through his assistant that aside from Wa Jai and Chin Wa, the company also has another artist who is already married. He even joked, "I hope they can make one wedding ceremony, then everyone don't have to waste so much time and spend so much on wedding gifts. Haha, they are all joyous events. Everyone in the company are happy for them."

After investigation, the third couple turned out to be Lai Ming and Gaile Lok. They wed in Las Vegas on March 9 2008 as Leon Lai Ming and Lai Gia. The information revealed that they notified the office on March 7.

Since the revelation, Lai Ming's company so far has not responded. Yeung Chin Wa will respond personally at today's Sun Project event. Lau Tak Wa who promised in the past that he definitely will notify everyone when he wed yesterday apologized to his fans on his blog. "Sorry. I am ashamed that I can't keep my promise to tell everyone and make things difficult for my family, friends and friends in the media, sorry......Since I am at work, I can't tell you everything right away. I will clarify to you later."

Later Wa Jai made a "late honesty" post. "Actually I have always wanted children, and getting older is inevitable; at the doctor's suggestion, the chance for success is higher with medical science. So fine, I followed suit! Yet last year Hong Kong changed its laws and required couple registration for a Hong Kong doctor to conduct the process, otherwise the doctor will face legal responsibility. I thought and thought some more, finally I decided to register in the U.S. with her, then I can stay in Hong Kong for the process; yet I was afraid that after the announcement the press will chase her endlessly, so I made a selfish decision. I thought that if all went well, when the pregnancy was stable then I would tell everyone. However the matter got more and more complicated. Because I didn't correctly handle it I made things difficult for everyone. I am truly sorry! This is the end of the matter, I said it. Although I am late and already was wrong first with not keeping the promise, but you have the most right to know first, sorry......"

[2009.08.29] SHING FUI ON: RELUCTANT TO GO

Shing Fui On (1955-2009)

Whether mean or silly, Big Silly will forever remain in people's hearts

Star soccer team goalkeeper

PRISON ON FIRE

GREATEST LOVER

Yu Siu Bo: "I just visited him yesterday with Michelle (Mai Shuet). I even gave him a foot massage. I knew it was in vain, but I wanted him to know that we were here and give him some warmth. I have known him for over a decade, he really likes to play with girls. He was very kind hearted and raised his younger son very well."

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Eric Tsang Chi Wai : "I never expected him to go so soon."

Alan Tam Wing Lun remembered shipping for Shing Fui On's first suit with him

courtesy of takungpao.com

Always playing mean people, the artist known as Big Silly Shing Fui On recently due to returning nasopharyngael carcinoma was often recuperating at the hospital. Earlier the news of his death was even misreported, but last night Big Silly finally succumbed to cancer as it reached his liver. Around 11:45PM at the Baptist Hospital he passed away at the age of 54. Before Big Silly passed, his family and friends accompanied him on his final journey.

Around 11PM, Big Silly's firends including Eric Tsang Chi Wai, Nick Cheung Ka Fai, Maria Cordero and others arrived at the Baptist Hospital. Originally some claimed that Big Silly's family will hold a press conference at midnight but the media waited until 2AM. Then they learned that Big Silly passed away at 11:45PM.

Shing Fui On's family had five sons, he was the fourth. Due to a poor family he dropped out of school at the age of 13. In 15 he worked at Shaw as an extra. Later he switched to Golden Harvest, but after a few years he switched to work at a dance hall. In 1978 Danny Lee Sau Yin discovered him for the role of "Big Silly" in FINAL JUSTICE (PIK LIK SIN FUNG). Since thus "Big Silly" became his nickname. Because of Big Silly's stature and mean looks, in over 100 films he mostly played mob figures. They included 1987's PRISON ON FIRE (GAM YUK FUNG WON) and GOD OF GAMBLERS (DOH SUN). Big Silly's final film was 2007's THE DETECTIVE (C+ JING TAM). He also worked on television series like THE VIGILANTE IN THE MASK (GWAI HUP YUT JI MUI) and A TASTE OF LOVE (MEI MEI CHING YUEN).

Shing Fui On was an original resident of Sai Kung's Nam Wai Village. In 2003 he was elected the village chief. In 2007 he was elected to the post for the fifth time. In October 2004 Big Silly discovered that he had stage four NPC that already reached his lungs. Fortunately after electro- and chemotherapy his condition became stable. Yet his mouth was no longer able to produce saliva, lost all sense of taste and only left with 20% hearing in his right ear. In the last year, Big Silly's condition worsened. Reportedly his cancer reached his liver and caused his death, he also supposedly weighed less than 100 pounds.

Tsang Chi Wai two nights ago sent Big Silly off on his final journey. Chi Wai yesterday at a TVB event said that when he arrived Big Silly was already in a coma. His friends never expected for him to go so soon and thought that he could endure until the morning. He said, Alan Tam Lun Wing went straight from his flight to the hospital. At the time Big Silly was still speaking. When he arrived the doctor just gave Big Silly a shot of morphine and expressed that after which Big Silly will not wake again.

Chi Wai said that Big Silly refused to sleep 20 some hours before his passing, perhaps because he was reluctant to go. The doctor did not want him to suffer so he gave him the shot. He said that Big Silly was no longer able to say and told him to leave in peace. Was Big Silly very thin? Chi Wai expressed that he was OK but the process was very quick. He felt that sometimes passing earlier might be better. Fortunately he did not have to struggle for months before it got worse. He said last time he saw Big Silly, Big Silly still optimistically said, "Fried the (cancer), it's no match for me." He pointed out that Big Silly was at peace when he passed and was still very big.

Chi Wai two nights ago also invited Buddhist masters to pray and conduct ceremonies at the temple for Big Silly. Chi Wai said that the doctor last week already stopped chemotherapy for Big Silly because he realized that his condition was bad. Chi Wai said that Big Silly was the most reluctant to leave his 10 year old son. Chi Wai expressed that his industry friends definitely will help with Big Silly's funeral but they have to respect his family's wishes. Although Miu Kiu Wai was in the U.S. he expressed that he will immediately return to Hong Kong to help.

Chi Wai knew Big Silly for years and became closer due to GREATEST LOVER (GUNG JI DOR CIHNG). Big Silly was also a member of the star soccer team. Chi Wai said that Big Silly was very loyal. Although he looked mean, he was very kind hearted and attentive. He also pointed out that Big Silly had a lot of connections in the underworld and many in the business would ask him for help. Chi Wai also said that Big Silly in recent years has been very successful in the Mainland and often performed the most among Hong Kong artists. He not only performed but also drank and played games with people. Chi Wai felt that perhaps too much alcohol affected his body. As for whether Performing Artist Guild will help Big Silly with his affairs, Chi Wai expressed that they will meet to decide. Currently he only knew that the funeral will be conducted with a Buddhist ceremony.

Aside from Chi Wai, many Big Silly's friends visisted him at the hospital one more time. Nat Chan Pak Cheung two nights ago went with Alan. After leaving they learned that Big Silly passed away.

Ah Lek said that he will ask Big Silly's family to see if they need any help. Alan rushed to the hospital from the airport. He was very reluctant and sad to lose a good friend. He expressed that he knew Big Silly for years. When they saw each other they always had a lot to talk about. Alan remembered that once Big Silly had to buy his first suit because of a film promotion. At the time they were still at Cinepoly. He accompanied Sor Gor, who mentioned that every time he ran into Alan afterward.

Ken Low Wai Kwong two days ago visited Big Silly and chatted for nearly two hours. At night he received a call from Big Silly's family and learned of his passing. He will try to help Big Silly's family with the funeral. Danny Lee Sau Yin discovered Big Silly. He expressed that although he was sad about Big Silly's passing, he was prepared for it mentally. As for Big Silly's family, he believed that their financial condition should be fine. Big Silly loved his ten year old son and was the most concerned with him. Lee Sau Yin also pointed out that though Big Silly looked rough and tough he was quite filial and serious at work. He said, "He makes those who know him laugh to death and those who don't know him scare to death."

Maria Cordero was very close to Big Silly's wife. Two nights ago when she received her call she immediately went to the hospital. She said that Big Silly looked much more worn down than a week before. She whispered in his ear to go in peace as everyone will help with any problem. When she returned home she already received the news. She expressed that earlier she visited Sor Gor with the Grasshoppers. When they spoke they were all tough, but when they saw him again he was much more worn down. She also said that Big Silly looked very mean but often helped his friends and treated his friends well. As for whether his family had any financial issue, she was not at liberty to discuss.

Law Kar Ying two nights ago received a call from the star soccer team secretary to visit Big Silly. Because he was at work he could not make the trip. Brother Kar Ying expressed that he worked with Big Silly on two films but became familiar due to star soccer team. He himself earlier had cancer and Big Silly passionately taught him different treatment diets. He wished him peace.

Michael Tse Tin Wa worked with Big Silly on YOUNG AND DANGEROUS (GOO WAT JAI). He felt Big Silly's passing was regretable as the world had one less representative actor. He felt that whether wealthy or not, competing with health was very difficult.

[2009.08.29] TURNING POINT FOR FLOOD BENEFIT

Koni Lui Wai Yi, Michael Tse Tin Wa, Lorretta Chow Mei Yun

Tracy Ip Chui Chui and Sherry Chan Song

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Chow Mei Yun, Lui Wai Yi, Ip Chui Chui, Chan Song

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Shaw's return to the film industry, TURNING POINT (LAUGHING GOR ji BIN JIT) last Wednesday held a charity performance for the August 8 flood benefit. Yesterday the cast including Michael Tse Tin Wa, Tracy Ip Chui Chui, Koni Lui Wai Yi, Lorretta Chow Mei Yun and Sherry Chan Song attended a check presentation ceremony.

This performance raised 320,000, which Performing Artist Guild representative Eric Tsang Chi Wai presented to Hong Kong Red Cross. Ip Chui Chui and Lui Wai Yi both appeared, but Chui Chui's low cut clothing stole the show. Even Chi Wai joked that Lui Wai Yi lost to Chui Chui this time. Lui Wai Yi said, "I shouldn't be too sexy for charity." She added that Chui Chui was appropriately dressed yesterday and pointed out that Chi Wai was only joking. Due to the fate of her character, Lui Wai Yi would like to be able to participate in the prequel.

With both film response and box office successes, lead actor Tse Tin Wa expressed joy that the film broke Chinese film's Wednesday single day box office record. He felt that the amount raised was unimportant but the intention was. Chui Chui expressed that she was very happy about her first chance to work with many big stars.

[2009.08.29] STORMY SHOOTS FOR LOUIS KOO

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The Louis Koo Tin Lok and Richie Jen (Yam Yin Chai) starred, Soi Cheang Po Shui directed and Johnnie To Kei Fung produced new film ACCIDENT (YI OI) is in competition at this year's Venice Film Festival. Koo Tin Lok changed his usual image and played a silent and careful killer organization mastermind. Yam Yin Chai played the villain insurance agent. In the story they excelled in making murders look like accidents. Koo Tin Lok expressed that during the shoot he ran into two category 8, one category 9 typhoon and several black storm warning, which were quite coincidental.

[2009.08.28] SHING FUI ON PASSES AWAY

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Famous character actor "Big Silly" Shing Fui On passed away near midnight at the age of 54 due to recurring nasopharyngeal carcinoma. On the eve of his passing, friends in the industry rushed to the hospital for a final glimpse. When Eric Tsang Chi Wai and Nick Cheung Ka Fai arrived at the hospital their brows were locked tightly in a frown. Maria Cordero even broke down and made the atmosphere very sad.

In 2004 after confirming NPC, Big Silly has been persistently battling Death. His condition was once under control, but recently the cancer returned and already spread to other major organs including the lungs. He was very weak and last month was again hospitalized at the Baptist Hospital for treatment.

Reportedly, Big Silly lately often called his friends and urged visiting friends to pay attention to their health. He also asked his friends to take care of his wife and his 30 year old and less than ten year old sons. He appeared to be rather worried.

When Big Silly first suffered from the illness he insisted against writing a will, but when the cancer spread to his lungs and he lost 30 pounds, he changed his mind. He asked his friends to take care of his family for him and expressed concern for his younger son and wife's future.

Shing Fui On dropped out of school at the age of 13. Director Danny Lee Sau Yin discovered him in 1975. With his mean look he brought many mean characters to life. Among them in the 1987 film PRISON ON FIRE (GAM YUK FUNG WON) he played the character Big Silly that became his claim to fame. In his later films his characters were called Big Silly, which was rare in the industry. He thus became red hot in the circle and made over 300 films. While he was battling cancer in recent years he participated in films like THE DETECTIVE (C+ JING TAM).

Shing Fui On's other well known identity was as Sai Kung's Nam Wai Village chief. In 2003 he even ran for Regional Councilman but was defeated.

Although in recent years he had to treat his illness, as his family's economic pillar he occasionally performed in the Mainland and made guest star appearances. As for financial problems, he already admitted his concerns over a years ago. Big Silly's final public appearance was in April on Maria Cordero's program FAT MOTHER COOKING. At the time he even shared how he successfully beat cancer. He claimed that after discovering he had cancer in 2004 he immediately went to the hospital for chemotherapy. He was successful but already lost his sense of smell.

He said, "Now when I eat I have to have a great imagination. Like when I have a bowl of roast duck noodle I have to remember its taste and image that it is very delicious. I have completely quitted cigarettes, but I occasionally would have a little to drink. Being ill is not scary, the key lies with how you face it."

[2009.08.28] STEPHEN CHOW SURPRISES IN NEW FILM

The film JIAN GUO DA YE two days ago held its first internal screening in Beijing. The final film length was confirmed to be 140 minutes. Reportedly due to time constraint some of the "actors" were completely cut out. John Woo (Ng Yu Sum) finally only appeared in a flash.

After the screening, the industry was buzzing about Stephen Chow Sing Chi's appearance as Zhou Zuoren, second brother of Mr. Lun Xun. This accidental discovery made many film professionals very excited as they said that the film's 200 to 300 million box office would be just a "start". With so many big stars, the film after its September 17 release will be easily able to rewrite Chinese film box office record.

With 172 actors in the 140 minute long film, on average every minute a star popped up. Its "star absorbing" ability created a Chinese film production record. However, the industry recognized the film's final 10 minutes were the most dazzling, as Zhang Ziyi, Vicki Zhao Wei, Simon Yam Tat Wa, Donnie Yen Chi Tan, Deng Chao...one familiar star face after another flooded into mind. "They played representatives from all areas, basically everyone had a line, a shot. The final 10 minute's 'lead' actually was (Andy) Lau Tak Wa."

Because too many big stars were in these 10 minutes, only at the post film discussion did everyone realize that Chow Sing Chi was among the actors. "I also looked for confirmation from the film company, and it turns out to be true! Chow Sing Chi not only performed but also played Zhou Zouren."

[2009.08.28] JOSIE CHIU KEEPS QUIET ABOUT HER NEW FILM

Josie Ho Chiu Yi

Hilary Tsui Ho Ying
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courtesy of takungpao.com

Josie Ho Chiu Yi, Hilary Tsui Ho Ying, Lisa S and others recently designed handbags for Mata Hari. Yesterday they attended a press conference, but Chiu Yi was extremely late. She apologized as soon as she arrived.

Reportedly Chiu Yi's film DREAM HOME (WAI DOR LEI AH YUT HO) had to cut out some violent scenes, thus Chiu Yi and director Pang Ho Cheung were at odds. Chiu Yi said, "Filmmaking definitely have artistic differences. The matter is left for the lawyers to handle so I am not at liberty to discuss it." She also said that Pang Ho Cheung was a very talented director. She would respect his talent but did not want to say too much now to avoid influencing everyone's thinking and to maintain fairness. The film was originally scheduled for an October release, which she admitted that it would miss.

[2009.08.28] RICHIE JEN LOSES TEN POUNDS DURING PRODUCTION

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The Dante Lam Chiu Yin directed FOR LUNG (FIRE DRAGON) is in production now. Two nights ago the actors including Leon Lai Ming, Richie Jen (Yam Yin Chai), Vivian Hsu (Tsui Yeuk Suen) gathered for a fire dragon dance. Boss Peter Lam Kin Ngok and Commerce and Economic Development Bureau Chief Entertainment Standards Control Officer Elliot Au Yan Kam personally attended and conducted the eye dotting ceremony for the fire dragon at the Lin Fa Temple. Because the temperature exceeded 30 degrees Celsius, when the actors watched the fire dragon dance they were sweating bullets.

Aside from the few key actors, over 200 extras were present. When Leon Lai Ming arrived, the onlookers fought to take photos. Luckily the police was on hand to maintain order and the production progress was not hindered. Siu Chai came to watch the fire dragon dance for the first time. Previously he has only seen it on television. Witnessing it in person felt very special, if he had the chance he would like to bring his children. Two nights ago the shoot was about the fire dragon dance exorcising evil. Siu Chai expressed that because the film had a lot of action scenes, he lost ten pounds.

Director Lam Chiu Yin expressed that this time the fire dragon dance took a long time to prepare. Just the fire dragon alone took two and a half months to make and used up 10,000 sticks of incense. Earlier a producer resigned because the work was too tough. He hoped to be able to shoot something with Hong Kong specialty this time. Thus aside from the fire dragon, the tram also appeared in the film.

Lam Chiu Yin also said that during the production he received six complaints. Two nights ago he first wrote to every resident and applied for the shoot with the police. Luckily this shoot received government support and road blocks were set up for their shoot. They completed the shoot before midnight to avoid disturbing the neighborhood. In days they will shoot an explosion scene behind the Central HSBC during the afternoon rush hour.

[2009.08.28] MELODY SUPPORTS WYLIE CHIU

Bibe, Lulu Ng Ting Yan and Melody
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August 29 would have been Michael Jackson's 51st brithday. A Michael Jackson impersonator Carlo Riley came to perform in Hong Kong. Yesterday a press conference was held. Attendees included Lulu Ng Ting Yan, Bibe, and Melody Chan Yeuk Lan. Reportedly Wylie Chiu Shek Chi faced a boycott from her SEI SUN SOR LIU (DEATH GOD IS SILLY) cast mates and was accused of using foul language on the set. Fellow co-star Melody expressed that Chiu Shek Chi's character was very rough. Even when she used foul language the story required her to. Privately she has not heard her use foul language. As for the cast boycott of Chiu Shek Chi, she pointed out that everyone chatted and nothing like that happened.

[2009.08.27] JET LI GIVES UP MARTIAL ARTS FOR OCEAN DRAMA

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Jet Li (Lee Nin Kit), Kwai Lun-Mei, Chen Rui, Wen Zhang

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International film star Jet Li (Lee Nin Kit), Kwai Lun-Mei, Wen Zhang, Chen Rui and director Xue Xiaolu yesterday attended the film OCEAN PARADISE (HOI YEUNG TIN TONG) production start ceremony. The film will officially begin production later in Qingdao. This story that takes place in an aquarium receives generous support from the Qingdao city council promotional department and an Qingdao aquarium attraction. The film is slated for a spring 2010 release. After countless action films, Lee Nin Kit this time abandons action for drama. It can be considered the first all new attempt in his 25 year film career. About this tremendous turnaround, he said, "The story of the original screenplay completely touched me because now very few screenplays annotate real love and emotions in the world from a realistic life angle. Yet this screenplay enables every view to experience realistically a little love in the simple and innocent lives so they can be even better."

Director Xue Xiaolu expressed that she originally created the screenplay. The story was mostly based on her personal real life and experience, and years of life experience and accumulation. After learning that Lee Nin Kit agreed to play the role of the father, she truly was very excited and nervous. To turn a gong fu emperor into an ordinary but noble father was truly stressful for her, but at the same time it also became her motivation to make this film well. She said, "With the addition of actors like Kwai Lun-Mei and Wen Zhang, I am even more confident in the film production."

Playing Lee Nin Kit's son, Wen Zhang honestly said that he very much looked forward to working with Lee Nin Kit. Yet he somewhat regretted that he was unable to test his martial art abilities with him on screen. He was already very excited about being able to work with him though. The director asked Wen Zhang to have very superb in water abilities, thus before the shoot Wen Zhang trained very hard in swimming everyday before the shoot. Lead actor Kwai Mei-Lun played a circus clown, which was an enormous challenge to her. She not only had to give a dramatic performance but also some acrobatic performance. Now she has already begun to train to be a real acrobat. She honestly said that she was very excited to be working with Lee Nin Kit because not only his performance professionalism was commendable but also his passion for charity. She hoped to be able to properly learn from him this time.

[2009.08.27] PETER HO SPENDS WINTER WITH ZHANG ZIYI

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Peter Ho Yun Tung and Zhang Ziyi worked together for the first time in SOPHIE'S REVENGE. Peter said that when her manager told him that he was working with Zhang Ziyi, he was happy for the rest of the day.

Peter in the film played a photographer who by chance ran into Ziyi's Sophie and was swept in her and Fan Bingbing's love tug of war as he helped Ziyi in getting back her fiance. Finally Ziyi and Peter fell in love. For the film's several romantic scenes, even when they did not have to shoot in the snow Peter still could remember the high from the shoot. He intensely said, "This wasn't a wuxia film so I didn't have to fight, but the embrace scene under the chilly weather with Ziyi wasn't warm enough. In one scene in which Ziyi and I ran into each other again, my body temperature truly rose steeply. That chill rushed from the ground up my pant legs. Poor Ziyi had it even worse, as she was so cold that she slipped. I am very appreciative that Ziyi spent an unforgettable and romantic winter with me."

Peter for the role brought a lot of his own photography equipment and work from Taiwan as props. In another scene he had to wear a white tank top and bandanna wrapped around his head for the shoot, but the temperature was in single digit. He removed his jacket as soon as he was in position and performed professionally.

[2009.08.26] WILLIAM CHAN MAKES HIS DOUBLE DANCE WHILE ON FIRE

Kathy Tong Yi and William Chan Wai Ting

Sharon Chan Man Chi and Bosco Wong Chung Chak
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William Chan Wai Ting and Kathy Tong Yi yesterday attended a new phone announcement event. With the upcoming ghost festival, William who is working on the horror film SEI SUN SOR LIU (DEATH GOD IS SILLY) feels very eerie. He said, "I am not afraid, but earlier we worked on a scene in which I set myself on fire at a restaurant. Due to safety issues it had to move outdoors. The location was remote was it was somewhat terrifying, but my double had it the worst because after I set myself on fire I also had to dance. Even the double said it was his first time dancing while on fire. I was really sorry."

[2009.08.26] HAPPILY EVER AFTER PREMIERE

Ken Hung Cheuk Lap and Michelle Wai (Si Nga)

Boss Albert Yeung Sau Sing and his wife came in support

Yumiko Cheng Hei Yi, William Chan Ting Wai, Vincy Chan (Wing Yi)
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The Ken Hung Cheuk Lap, Michelle Wai (Si Nga) and Chan Ka Lok starred HAPPILY EVER AFTER (HUNG SEUNG WOR NEI JOI YUT HEI) two nights ago held its premiere. Aside from the leads, guests included Vincy Chan (Wing Yi), Sherman Chung Shu Man, Yumiko Cheng Hei Yi and six models.

Si Nga during an interview did not respond when a female reporter swept her back. Si Gga explained that she thought it was her assistant and ignored it. She said that a strange man once felt up her thigh at a shopping center. She was stunned and did not know how to respond. She said, "Looking back I feel I was very dumb, I was so frustrated that I wanted to cry. If it happens again I definitely will scream."

Hung Cheuk Lap and Chan Ka Lok both joked that they did not dare to look at Si Nga directly. Ka Lok said, "She is absolutely my goddess!" Did Si Nga want to compete with six models? "No, it's my first movie premiere, I want to be more elegant. I am not turning sexy. This is already my limit. I don't have the asset." She also said that earlier she ran into the earlier youtube hit "pole rubbing man" and was terrified. Hung Cheuk Lam invited his family to the premiere. Was he sweet on Si Nga? He said, "A little, ultimately she is a girl. I have seen her without make up. I fully know how poor she can look!"

Wing Yi earlier made two movies, both characters are arrogant and mean. She hoped to have the chance to play mentally ill or deranged characters. Did she dare to make kiss scenes? She said, "Pretending is OK, I haven't made any kiss scene. (Who would you like to give your first on screen kiss to?) It's not good to say who I want to kiss. I like (Louis) Koo Tin Lok and (Julian) Cheung Chi Lam. I am afraid that my lips would quiver if I make kiss scenes with them. When I see them at events I am as shy as a little fan. As for her first kiss, she revealed that it was during high school in a romantic atmosphere.

[2009.08.25] 7 TO ONE - PLAY BIG COMPETES IN SEOUL

James, Gary, Chrissie Chou Sau Na, Elanne Kong Yuek Lan, Tsui Ching Hei, Terry Siufay
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The Pang Fat directed 7 TO ONE - PLAY BIG (GUAN YUN 7 SI) will compete in the 3rd Annual Chungmuro International Film Festival in Seoul. Its actors Elanne Kong Yeuk Lam, Chrissie Chou Sau Na, James and Gary of Square, Tsui Ching Hei, and Terry Siufay yesterday with director Pang Fat flew to Korea to attend the opening ceremony and the film's global premiere. Due to former Korean president Kim Dae-jung's passing earlier, the event changed its red carpet to green carpet.

[2009.08.24] CARINA LAU GLADLY PLAYS IN A LOVE TRIANGLE

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Carina Lau Ka Ling appeared on the set of YUNG SUM TIU (JUMP WITH HEART) with the

William Chang Suk Ping tailored look for a day of cameo. She played a time traveler. When asked about Tony Leung Chiu Wai and Maggie Cheung Man Chi's private meeting, she graciously said, "Everyone enjoyed the love story for so many years and don't want it to end. If everyone still enjoy it, we can only keep playing it."

[2008.08.24] NEW FILM BOX OFFICE DISAPPOINTS ALEX FONG

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Alex Fong Lik Sun yesterday promoted his film KUNG FU CYBORG in Mongkok. He expressed disappointment over the film's less than ideal Hong Kong opening day box office, but the official number has not been announced. He heard that the opening was 100,000 but the Mainland take over two days was 20 million RMB and would likely reach 100 million. Siu Fong said that perhaps everyone had a misunderstanding of the film, compared it with TRANSFORMERS and felt that China's special effects were far behind Hollywood's. He will work harder on promotion and was still full of confidence in the film's second wind. He also said that because he is a Hong Kong actor he always hopes the Hong Kong box office is a little better.

[2009.08.24] LEON LAI PUTS TWO JANICES IN A MOVIE

Janice Man Wing San, Leon Lai Ming, Janice Vidal (Wai Lan)

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When Leon Lai Ming held his Hong Kong Dream Wedding Leon Live 2009 concert he only arranged for new favorite Janice Man Wing San to appear on stage and was accused of overlooking Janice Vidal (Wai Lan). Two nights ago at his Mainland concert tour's first stop, Guangzhou, he arranged for a special solo performance for Wai Lan. At the celebration he praised Wai Lan's performance and even expressed that he is planning a new film for the two Js to work together on, proving that Wai Lam's position remained firm.

Wai Lan could not be happier about the chance to make a movie and expressed that she has looked forward to it for a long time. Because she did not know how to read Chinese, she will have to trouble her assistant with script translation and romanization. What role would she like to play the ost? She hoped to play deranged serial killer. Janice Man's goal was the same as hers and stated that she hoped to challenge herself. She did not want to play any pretty character. Instead she would like to play ugly female roles. With three films under her belt, she had more experience than Wai Lan. She said, "I am a new comer in this area too. Past films don't represent that I have experience. I have always admired her for her naturally beautiful voice and great singing. Each person has different strong suits."