[2017.07.05] ANN HUI LAMENTS NOT ENOUGH TIMES FOR THE ACTORS

courtesy of on.cc

courtesy of singtao.com

Deanie Ip, Ann Hui, Ivana Wong
courtesy of mingpao.com

The Ann Hui On wa directed OUR TIME WILL COME (MING YUET GEI SI YAU) two nights ago held its premiere. The film's background was the 40's occupied Hong Kong, a story about civilian heroes who fearlessly opposed the Japanese during the war. Based on a true story, it was seen as a film that saluted the Hong Kong Hand Over's 20th anniversary. Yet leads Zhou Xun, Eddie Peng Yu-Yan, Wallace Huo, Nina Paw (Bau Hee Ching), Tony Leung Ka Fai and Jessie Li (Chun Xia) were unable to appear due to work; Ahnn said that actors were busy with their own schedules. Actors Ivana Wong Yuen Chi, Deanie Ip Tak Han, Sam Lee Chan Sam, Babyjohn Choi Hong Yik, Lily Poon Fong Fong, Candy Lo Hau Yam and Joman Chiang attended in support. The actors even presented a painting to Ann in appreciation.

Aside from actors, also attending the OUR TIME WILL COME premiere were Leung Lee Siu Ha, Mr. and Mrs. Mo Chun Fai, Susan Shaw Yam Yam, Lau Kwok Cheung and other filmmakers. They came to support the film's screen writer He Jiping as they appreciated her abilities very much.

Hui On Wa admitted that this performance had numerous actors from three lands on both sides of the Straits. Finding balance in everyone's roles were not a problem. Instead she felt each person did not have enough screen time as she wanted each actor to perform a little more. However, young actors did not care about the size of their roles as they were very honored to be able to participate.

Ip Tak Han praised the already 70 year old Ann on how shockingly energetic she was, but asked Ann to quit smoking. That way she would be able to make movies for eight to ten more years. Ann said, "In front of her I won't smoke, at most I would step away to. Even when I go to friends' homes I don't smoke!" Ann hoped to be able to quit smoking too, but she has been smoking for 40 years. Looking back when she started smoking she felt it was very cool. Now she would like to quit her 40 year old smoking addiction.

Speaking of the actors, Ann said that she would only choose people who suit the characters. Wong Yuen Chi was the exception. Even though she did not resemble the village woman character in the film, her acting caught Ann's eyes. Ivana heard that when the director asked to meet with her she thought that she knew that she was actually 38. She never expected her to be at that age, but Ann still gave Ivana a chance. She encouraged her that she might not have to play a teenage village girl. She could play 18 or 19 year old. She rather liked the village women costume. How did Ivana's husband feel? She said that she did not show her husband the costume photo. He could wait until he sees the movie. Ivana admitted that she was very nervous about working with elders like Ip Tak Han, Zhou Xun and Ann. The pressure still remained, but it was still a very valuable experience. Lee Chan Sam said that it was already their second collaboration. He was very happy that the director arranged for him to play a traitor. It felt great, but of course selling out Chinese people he naturally did not end up well.

The film will open in Hong Kong tomorrow and hopefully would perform well at the box office with the outstanding team. It is in release in the Mainland. On the first day it made 20 million yuan RMB exceeded the opening performance of Ann's past films A SIMPLE LIFE (12 million yuan) and THE GOLDEN ERA (8 million yuan). Its opening weekend box office even exceeded 30 million yuan.