[2014.03.01] CHOW YUN FAT SETS 1.5 BILLION RMB BOX OFFICE RECORD

THE MONKEY KING

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International superstar Chow Yun Fat starred in Lunar New Year films THE MONKEY KING (SAI YAU GEI ji DAI LAU TIN GUNG) and FROM VEGAS TO MACAU (DOH SING FUNG WON) and created over 1.5 billion yuan RMB box office record. After getting the "good news", Fat Gor joked, "What does that have to do with me! The most important is for the bosses to be happy!" Both films have asked Fat Gor to join their sequels in August. Although Fat Gor's film schedule was already tightly packed, he promised that he would "work hard to see if he can accommodate".

Fat Gor humbly said, "What does that have to do with me! The most important is for the boss to be happy. Without the bosses' investments, wouldn't we end up eating the wind from the Northwest? The film industry needs to make more movies, then there will be more job opportunities."

Fat Gor this year has reportedly planned to make 3 films, his chance of working on THE MONKEY KING and FROM VEGAS TO MACAU sequels would not seem likely. Yet he has not turned them down directly. Fat Gor said, "THE MONKEY KING's lead is Sun Wukong, the Jade Emperor in the next installment shouldn't have much room to perform because sun Wukong has already left his Journey to the West. I would be expendable. Brother Fung (Alex Wong Hoi Fung) said that it will start production in August, I will read the script first and see if Hollywood special effects will be used, I will work hard to accommodate. (Will you make the FROM VEGAS TO MACAU sequel?) I indeed had a lot of fun working with Wong Jing and (Nicholas) Tse Ting Fung, but would a sequel so soon be too soon? I think waiting another year would be better! Brother Jing has asked to dinner, we will look at the story first, read the script then see if my schedule will be able to accommodate!"

The Chow Yun Fat starred FROM VEGAS TO MACAU only opened in the Mainland with 24 million RMB, its momentum grew stronger and stronger. Currently its cumulative box office already exceeded 500 million RMB, third only the 1 billion RMB of THE MONKEY KING (SAI YAU GEI ji DAI LAU TIN GUNG) and the 690 million RMB WHERE ARE YOU GOING DADDY. However VEGAS was thriving in single day box office and film scheduling.

In general, with a Mainland opening of 20 million RMB, the film's total box office would be around 200 million. Yet VEGAS's box office trend opened eyes as it only needed 4 weeks to reach 500 million. Starting last week its single day box office surpassed MONKEY and DADDY.

As for scheduling, because more and more cinema circuits fought to show VEGAS, its scheduling already exceeded the other two films and set the over 1.5 billion yuan RMB box office record for Fat Gor.

[2014.03.01] SAM HUI WELCOMES KISSES WITH ANYONE

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Ryan, Sam and Scott Hui

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God Song Sam Hui Koon Kit will perform three shows of WHAT A WONDERFUL WORLD SAM HUI 2004 CONCERT at the Hong Kong Coliseum in April. Yesterday Sam with his sons Ryan and Scott attended his Hong Kong University concert press conference. Sam's fans attended in support and presented flowers to their idol. Sam as usual returned the favor with a kiss. He also showed his new song JOYOUS LAND music video that Scott shot in Hawaii.

Sam revealed that lately he has been getting back into shape for his performance. "Earlier people wrote that I got fat, which made me lose weight immediately. I mainly run, swim and practice karate, now I have already dropped seven pounds. I hope to lose ten more pounds before the show." He also said that the concert costumes would be more elegant. "They will have leopard print, but more conservative than before." During the show he would as usual go to the edge of the stage to "kiss" fans. He stated that both guys and girls were OK.

Sam said that aside from his sons, Scott's wife will also sing. He praised his daughter in law's singing. He invited Ella Koon Yun Na as well. The concert theme would be WHAT A WONDERFUL WORLD. He hoped that the audience would feel the joy. Did he go with this theme only because Hong Kong lately had more and more complaints? Sam said, "Yes,I want to disguise harmony, I hope Hong Kong would take an optimistic approach to life."

[2014.03.01] VIVIAN HSU RETURNS TO WORK AFTER MARRIAGE

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Vivian Hsu (Tsui Yeuk Suen) after getting married last month attended her film LOCK ME UP, TIE ME DOWN (YUEN MEI GA CHAI 168) Beijing press conference with director Jeff Lau Chun Wai and He Jiong. This film was made before Tsui Yeuk Suen was married. In the film she even played a frustrated wife. The director joked that the film was an off the rail work. A reporter asked Tsui Yeuk Suen what she would do if her husband went off the rail (cheated), she said, "I just got married, don't scare me."

[2014.03.01] FAREWELL, WU MA!

Jackie Chan and Sammo Hung lead the pallbearers

Daughter Fung Chi Wai and widow Ma Yin carry the photo

Elliot Ngok, Jackie Chan, Stanley Tong, John Chiang

Sammo Hung, Ti Lung

Tian Ni, Chin Han, Ivy Ling

Eric Tsang

Jimmy Wang, Ko Chun-Hsiung

A letter from Wu Ma's daughter 

The widow's letter
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Wu Ma's friends are his pallbearers

Sammo Hung and his wife Joyce Godenzi comfort Wu Ma's wife

Elliot Ngok

Tian Ni, Chin Han, Ivy Ling

Jimmy Wang and Ko Chun-Hsiung make the trip from Taiwan

John Chiang and his wife Lee Lam Lam

Ti Lung, Chin Ping, Tao Man Ming, Dean Shek
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Famous veteran actor Wu Ma (originally named Fung Won Yuen) last month due to lung cancer passed away at age 71. Yesterday his funeral took place at the Universal Funeral Parlor. At the funeral, Elliot Ngok wah on behalf of Wu Ma's wife read a letter to Wu Ma.

Wu Ma's funeral took place yesterday at the Universal Funeral Parlor. Friends Eric Tsang Chi Wai, Jackie Chan, Sammo Hung Kam Bo, Ti Lung, Dean Shek Tin, Elliot Ngok Wa, John Chiang Dai Wai, Stanley Tong Kwai Lai were the pallbearers and represented the family as they shook hands with guests in appreciation. Industry insiders Chin Han and Ivy Ling Po, Tian Ni, Lam Wai, Yuen Biao, Lee Lam Lam, Mang Hoi, Jimmy Wang Yu and Ko Chun-Hsiung who both came from Taiwan attended to bid their friend farewell. The coffin was then transported to Fu Shan Crematorium.

Losing her husband, Wu Ma's wife was extremely sadden with her daughter. Aside from having Tian Ni riding in the hearse with her, after pressing the button to begin the cremation, Wu Ma's wife became even more emotional. When she left with Wu Ma's photo, tears overcame her. She and her daughter both wrote farewell letters that Ngok Wa read at the funeral. "To Wu Ma: the most loyal husband, the kindest father, Wu Ma my beloved!!! I never thought that I would have to bid farewell to you so soon......I miss you very, very much. I was lucky enough to accompany you for 20 springs and falls, 20 years that were filled with your warm love. You always said that you wanted the world to see me gray, yet why did you leave so soon......losing you, although I am living I may as well be dead. Tell me, will I see you again in Heaven or Earth? Daddy, you are strength. In the final moment of life you still came and went as you pleased. You are carefree, quietly with a smile you sat and passed away. It is hard to believe that you went like this......I will raise our daughter well, giving her all of your love. You can go in peace! Daughter and I will bring you home. Everything at home will remain for you, in my and our daughter's hearts you never left......it's hard for me to let go in this lifetime! If the next life, if you are a high ranking official, then you will be your wife. If you are a beggar, then I will be a beggar's wife. Forever Wu Ma's wife......Fung Ma Yin"

Wu Ma's daughter Fung Chi Wai expressed how much she missed her father in her letter. "Daddy: do you still remember when I was little someone asked me if I like Papa or Mama more, my answer would always be Papa. Daddy, you have taken care of me for 15 years. You left before I was able to take care of you, but I will properly take care of Mama. I know you are watching us from Heaven, blessing us, you will always be my only Papa, I love you!"

Ngok Wa said that he has known Wu Ma for 51 years. "We met each other at the Southern Nation Training Class. He used to be a carefree horse, very free and without a care. After marriage he had a warm home and he turned into a tamed horse. He would take a bullet or two for friends, never caring about gains and losses. I would always miss this good friend." He said that Wu Ma is now with mentors Chang Chen and King Hu (Wu Kam Chuen), and buddy Lo Lieh talking about a new film script. Finally one day he will work with them again on the set.

Eric Tsang Chi Wai praised how great Wu Ma was to people and was the "King of Being Taken Advantage Of". As long as he could help he definitely would. He could easily resolve any tough cases. He never got mad, but he loved to smoke cheap cigarettes and drink the cheapest wine. He was a great role model. Chi Wai said, "The year before Wu Ma passed, his wife gave him special massage therapies everyday. Thus when he passed his body was warm, his face red and he went comfortable. Wu Ma never owned any property, but before his passing he was fully prepared as he bought a home for his wife and daughter. He made great arrangements."

[2014.03.01] JUST FOR FUN: THREE GENERATIONS OF GEORGE LAM'S FAMILY

Alex Lam holds his baby niece while his father George Lam keeps on an eye on them

George Lam finally gets his hands on his granddaughter
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George Lam Chi Cheung last year became a grandfather and even enjoys some family time with three generations. Alex Lam Tak Shun as an uncle witnesses the baby's growth and often posts the cute baby girl's photos. Earlier at a family function Lam Tak Shun got a cheek to cheek photo with the daughter girl and wrote "baby time". The funniest part was behind them was grandfather Lam Chi Cheung, keeping a close eye on them both as if he was in a hurry to get back the right to hold his granddaughter.

[2014.03.01] SHAWN YUE AND IVY CHEN DO NOT MIND BEING CLOSE

Ivy Chen and Shawn Yue decline to discuss rumors

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Shawn Yue does not mind posing intimately with Ivy Chen (second right), Wallace Chung (left) and Vanness Wu (second left)
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Shawn Yue Man Lok and rumored girlfriend Ivy Chen, Vanness Wu (Ng Kin Ho), Wallace Chung Hong Leung and others attended their film CLOSE FRIEND (GWAI MUK)'s Beijing press conference. Lok Jai and Ivy Chen intimately posed with other actors. They were asked if they minded that their other halves would also be their close friends? All the actors said having their own space was very important. Yue Man Lok said, "I don't mind, each person should have his or her friends. Understanding is the most important."

Chung Hong Leung said about the film, "Between girls it is called close friend love, between guys the close friend relationship has an extra brotherhood."

[2014.02.28] DADA CHAN STOPS ON SPOT IN BED SCENES

DaDa Chan and Janelle Sing

DaDa Chan brings food to the homeless in the film
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DaDa Chan Jing last night was almost 45 minutes late to the film Z STORM (Z FUNG BO)'s wrap banquet. She explained that it was due to traffic jam. In the film she and Gordon Lam Ka Tung had many bed scenes. She said that the story required them and they were not the film's selling points. She said that she did not even have a kiss scene, but she did bare her shoulders and embraced him. She even praised Lam Ka Tung as a very gentle co-star who also took great care of her.

[2014.02.28] GIGI LEUNG'S HUSBAND HAS LITTLE REACTION TO HER SEXY PERFORMANCE

Opening film THE MIDNIGHT AFTER's Wong Yau Nam and Tsui Tin Yau

THAT DEMON WITHIN will close the Hong Kong International Film Festival

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Miriam Yeung, Gigi Leung, Pang Ho Cheung, Louis Koo
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The 38th Hong Kong International Film Festival yesterday held a press conference. The film festival opening film ABERDEEN (HEUNG GONG JAI)'s actors Louis Koo Tin Lok, Miriam Yeung Chin Wa, Gigi Leung Wing Kei and director Pang Ho Cheung introduced their new film at the event.

Goo Jai and Leung Wing Kei in ABERDEEN played a couple. In the story they had a daughter whom did not resemble them; Leung Wing Kei worried that in the future she would have a similar situation as a mother. She said, "I am confident that my baby will probably be tall, whether it will be pretty or not it will depend on the person." Leung Wing Kei had a photo from the film that featured her swimsuit figure. She joked that her husband after seeing it did not have much reaction. Goo Jai said, "Your husband of course has seen all of you......r stills! I am very pleased with Leung Wing Kei's figure in the film, it would be the best if my future wife is this way too. (What cup size would be the best?) For someone I love, that would change with age at any time. Real or fake wouldn't matter because as long as I love her, flaws would become benefits!" Goo Jai also joked that he wanted K Cup, as in deformed. Speaking of the series of love scenes in the film, Leung Wing Kei felt that they had to make the couple lifelike and the story required them. Since it was not her first collaboration with Goo Jai, they were rather open and not embarrassed.

Yeung Chin Wa in ABERDEEN did not have a figure like Leung Wing Kei's. She joked that she has never had that. Speaking of her character being sadder, during the shoot she rarely conversed with her husband Real Ting Chi Ko. She was afraid that it would affect her emotions and keep her from getting into the character. She even got no sleep. She said, "During the production I left home early and returned home late, when we saw each other at home he rarely conversed. The director also forced me to not sleep all night for the dark circles around the eyes. In the middle of the night he would also send me text messages and tell me not to sleep. My husband was suspicious and asked who sent the text." Luckily after the new film was completed her relationship was not affected and revealed that a couple could do things other than sleep at night, like cooking and giving each other massages. Chin Wa also said, "On the set I didn't dare to joke around. I used to laugh very easily, now in order to make a living I have already learned to hold it back. I am in full control because I have already passed the growing process.

[2014.02.28] CHAPMAN TO PHOTOS ARE REPORTED AS INAPPROPRIATE

Chapman To works on a loan company ad
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Chapman To Man Chak yesterday posted promotional stills from his film NAKED AMBITION 3D (HO CHING 3D) on facebook, in one of which he held a naked adult video actress. Later someone reported the photo as inappropriate. Ah Jat was very upset and rebutted, "This isn't sex, it's NAKED AMBITION!" In another photo he pointed at an adult video's chest on a monitor, which was also reported. He said, "I can't even cover it up? Do you want us to shoot in down jackets?" Fans replied in support. Ah Jat said, "You can keep reporting my photos, but if you think doing so can make me fail, you are too naive! It is easy to take stabs, but NAKED AMBITION is hard to stop!" Later his childhood student photos were reported as well. Some fans jokingly posted that Ah Jat's four eyed student photo was too dirty!

[2014.02.28] SERVICES BEGIN FOR WU MA

Wu Ma's BIG WHALING ROOM still

Law Kar Ying

Dean Shek, Karl Maka

Wu Ma's final film HUA ZHUANG SHI will be released in March

Tian Ni
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Daughter Fung Chi Wai and widow Ma Yin

Lee Lam Lam with Wu Ma's widow

Sammo Hung

Mainland actor Tang Guoqiang

Ti Lung, Tao Man Ming, Willie Chan

Teddy Robin Kwan, Karl Maka, Dean Shek

Mang Hoi, Chan Wai Man, Cheung Kuen, Ting Yu

Susan Shaw

Tian Ni

John Chiang

Law Kar Ying

Anthony Chan

Danny Lee

Chin Siu Ho

Ken Low

Tsui Siu Keung

Eric Tsang shows his appreciation as he arranges for monks to chant for Wu Ma

HUA ZHUANG SHI is Wu Ma's final film
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Famous veteran actor Wu Ma (originally named Fung Won Yuen) passed away at home from lung cancer on the 4th at the age of 71; yesterday services began at the Universal Funeral Parlor. Widow Ma Yin was sorrowfully present at the hall to make the services glorious and elegant as she sent her late husband on his final journey. Wu Ma's remains after today's funeral would be transported to the Fu Shan Crematorium. Friends Jackie Chan, Sammo Hung Kam Bo, Law Kar Ying, Chin Siu Ho, Willie Chan Chi Keung and others yesterday paid their respect and lamented the passing of a good friend.

Around 2PM, Wu Ma's widow Ma Yin and her friend Tian Ni arrived. Wu Ma Soh looked sadden and teary eyed, declining to accept any interview; 14 year old daughter Fun Chi Wai after school arrived at 5PM. The hall was simply decorated, elegant yet solemn. Wu Ma's photo was a still from his Mainland television series BIG WHALING ROOM, smiling in a Chinese suit with his hands in a congratulating pose. The photo was decorated with yellow orchids and white lilies, in the center hung a banner that wrote "carefree life". On each side was a water ink painting of a horse and a couplet, "Gazing the fairy scenery from afar waves of smoke rage, noon horse (Wu Ma) gallops through the cloud"; Ma Yin and her daughter's pink rose heart shaped floral arrangement was placed at the center of the hall.

Floral arrangements from Wu Ma's friends filled the hall. They included the Performing Artist Guild, China Central Television, Jacky Cheung Hok Yau and May Law Mei Mei, Liu Xiaoqing, Eric Tsang Chi Wai, Alan Tam Wing Lun, Tsui Hark and others. Wu Ma's past films were playing on the television, like A CHINESE GHOST STORY (SIN NUI YAU WON), THE SWORDSMAN (SIU NGO GONG WU), MR. VAMPIRE IV (GEUNG SI SUK SUK). Family photos were on display aswell. The ceremony had no religious affiliation. Tsang Chi Wai arranged for monks to chant scriptures as an expression of his appreciation after approval from Wu Ma Soh.

In the afternoon friends arrived to pay their respects, including Lee Lam Lam, Stanley Tong Kwai Lai, Chan Wai Man, Susan Shaw Yam Yam, John Chiang Dai Wai, Chin Siu Ho, Law Kar Ying, Ti Lung and his wife Tao Man Ming, Chan Chi Keung, Dean Shek Tin, Karl Maka and others; when Lee Lam Lam arrived, she embraced and comforted Wu Ma Soh. Wu Ma Soh was very heart broken.

Chin Siu Ho has known Wu Ma for years, both started with big director Chang Cheh. The last time he saw Wu Ma was 7 or 8 years ago. At the time they worked on A BATTLE OF WITS (MUK GUNG) in Beijing. Wu Ma was in great spirit and very energetic. He lamented how unexpected life was. His impression of Wu Ma was that he was very humorous and kept the mood light.

Law Kar Ying and Wu Ma both started in the Southern Nation Training Class. Wu Ma was a few years ahead of him. Last December when they saw each other in Hengdian, he already knew about Wu Ma's condition. He never expected that he would pass so soon, which was quite regrettable.

Brother Kar Ying praised Wu Ma as flawless, very easy going with both elders and juniors. When he had time he would make chicken soup for him. He lamented, "He really liked to drink and smoke, but he drank until he couldn't drink anymore!" As for Brother Kar Ying's own health, he said, "How can I recover completely, at least I have to rest for over a month. Sigh, I already went to two funerals in the Year of the Horse!"

Ti Lung already knew Wu Ma from his first day in the business. At the time Wu Ma was Chang Cheh's assistant director. When he had some success of his own, he supported Wu Ma's bid to become a director and a screen writer. Wu Ma's passing was a loss for the film industry. They made the best partners, their name together had the spirit of "Dragon and Horse".

Chan Chi Keung has known Wu Ma for over 20 years and they were the best drinking buddies. He said that Wu Ma left suddenly, but according to his widow he went very peacefully.

The Wu Ma directed and starred final film HUA ZHUANG SHI (MAKE UP ARTIST) will be released on March 20. This horror suspense film would be Mainland actor Da Zuo's silver screen debut, and he benefited a lot from working with Wu Ma. In the film he and Wu Ma were friends. Da Zuo thanked Wu Ma for teaching him a lot. "I will always remember him as the director of my first film."