[2019.09.30] DENISE HO CONDEMNS ATTACK AS "RED TERROR"

courtesy of mingpao.com

Denise Ho Wan Sze over the past few months has participated in the anti extradition amendment movement, spreading the pleas of the protesters and Hong Kong's current status around the world. Yesterday she went to Taipei for the 929 Taiwan and Hong Kong March to support Hong Kong's fight against totalitarianism. When she spoke to the media suddenly people threw red paint from behind. She remained calm and continued the interview, as she condemned the act as suppression and threat that she would not back away from. Later she held a press conference and called the behavior low and violent, condemning it as "red terror" and something that she would certainly take action against. Taiwan president Tsai Ing-wen said that the attackers would be punished severely and warned against any challenge against Taiwan's democratic rule. The police took away two attackers at the site. Reportedly they were members of the Chinese Unification Promotion Party.

[2019.09.30] WORK KEEPS SONIJA KWOK FROM HER DAUGHTER

courtesy of on.cc

courtesy of singtao.com

courtesy of mingpao.com

Sonija Kwok Sin Nei yesterday attended a children's fashion week promotional event. Having just completed the BACK TO THE PAST (CHUM CHUN GEI) film production, she lamented how tough the job was this time around. She had to wear heavy costumes in the middle of the scorching heat and she was soaked. Because she spent the summer vacation at work, Kwok Sin Nei did not have time to go on vacation with her 7 year old daughter. She not only had to commute to the Mainland on and off for work, but she could only help her daughter Kylie study for her examinations over video chat.

[2019.09.28] ANKIE BEILKE AND LAI SUEN CONVERSE IN ENGLISH?

14 year old Ankie Beilke with Lai Suen

courtesy of on.cc

Ankie Lau Heung Ping spent over four years to plan the film THE WISHING TREE (YUT FOR SUM JUNG DIK "HUI YUEN SHU") as a director, producer, executive producer and screenwriter. Earlier advanced screenings for the film began to take and the film will be officially released in November.

Lau Heung Ping two nights ago visited many cinemas for audience appreciation events. After the screenings viewers praised the film as touching and sentimental. One special screening was for the hearing impaired. She did not expect that they would give a score of over 90 despite not being able to hear the wonderful music and the exciting dialogue, just from subtitles alone. She was very surprised as she got a shot of confidence.

A WISHING TREE was about Kim, a girl who was born in the U.S. but grew up in Hong Kong. Due to her parents' separation she went to study in Germany. Ankie Beilke (Bui On Kei) played the character that after growing up returned to her beloved Hong Kong to find her roots. In the film Lai Suen guest starred.

Director Lau Heung Ping said, "Years ago I produced, wrote, directed and starred in a film. A WISHING TREE is that film's continuation. The 14 year old Bui On Kei played her daughter and Aunt Suen played Bui On Kei's grandmother. The film was entirely in English and Aunt Suen personally delivered her lines!"

When she was preparing for A WISHING TREE, Lau Heung Ping also hoped very much for Aunt Suen to perform again. Originally the granddaughter returned to Hong Kong to look for her long lost grandmother, but due to Aunt Suen's age her family did not want her to be too exhausted and turned it own. Thus the script was written as a regretful memories, a flashback to the previous film. Michelle Yim (Mai Suet) in A WISHING TREE played a Tai Po village aunt. Mai Suet accompanied Bui On Kei on her search in Hong Kong and brought out many touching stories.

Lau Heung Ping hoped A WISHING TREE could make everyone cherish the true love between people. The film had a story of real love and was filled with Hong Kong colors, especially despite the difference between Chinese and Western cultures they were able to live in harmony. Through the film she hoped to bring more positive energy to Hong Kong people.

[2019.09.28] PATRICK TSE TAKES BACK HIS YOUTH WITH PETRINA FUNG

courtesy of on.cc

courtesy of mingpao.com

The Gordon Lam Ka Tung produced, new director Ricky Ko Chi Bun directed, three heavyweight actors Patrick Tse Yin (Sei Gor), Petrina Fung Bo Bo and Lam Suet starred black comedy SAK CHOOK GOR WONG FUN earlier started production at a Yau Ma Tei nostalgic music hall. Having caught attention with GALLANT (DA LUI TOI), JJ Jia ten years later returned to work with Lam Ka Tung again as well as Belinda Yan (Ngan Chi Fei), Sam Lee Chan Sam, Zeno Koo Ting Hin, Stephanie Ho Ngan Sze and newcomer Chung Suet Ying.

This time the subject revolved around Sei Gor and two close friends Fung Bo Bo and Lam Suet, as the trio tried to find the value of existence. Sei Gor in recent years mostly guest starred. This time he put on the armor again and played the role for SAK CHOOK GOR WONG FUN. He praised SAK's casting was very outstanding. "I have made a lot of movies, but working with so many kids this is the first time. Ka Tung said that he wanted me to change and prohibited me from tilting my head, we will see how much clout he has! This time I have scenes with Ah Suet, ask him to show me mercy!"

Speaking of running into old friend Fung Bo Bo, Sei Gor said that it was like going back in time. "Bo Bo in my eyes will always be a little girl. Although we are old co-stars, I look forward to having new sparks as I lead her to take back our youth." Sei Gor even said that he had another mission -- to lead a group of newcomers.

Fung Bo Bo has not appeared in a long time. On her first day at home she already ran into the appearance of the film's "senior angel". The trio saw each other and immediately got into a passionate embrace. They even encouraged each other. Sister Bo Bo said, "When I heard I would work with Sei Gor, I immediately flew back from Malaysia. He really is like my big brother. With Sei Gor I truly regret meeting too late." The always playful Lam Suet was very relaxed on the set. "I am learning from Sei Gor and Sister Bo Bo, but this time I have a very rare romance. I hope to show the audience what is called Uncle's Romance."

Aside from scenes of getting along, they also have stressful scenes. Producer Lam Ka Tung admitted that it would be rather stressful. "This time each character would have its own burden. The challenges they face would be enormous, so they would have to slowly adjust. Luckily this time Sei Gor, Sister Bo Bo and Ah Suet had a lot of breakthrough, very actively made suggestions. I feel it is a good opportunity for newcomers to learn from."

[2019.09.27] AARON KWOK ACCEPTS ANY OFFER FOR HONG KONG FILM

courtesy of on.cc

courtesy of singtao.com

courtesy of mingpao.com

Aaron Kwok Fu Sing yesterday attended an insurance company event. The Sing Sing starred social hot topic film I'M LIVIN' IT (MAK LO YUN) was selected for the Tokyo International Film Festival's "Asian Future" segment. Sing Sing revealed that he became very interested after reading the synopsis one night. Because this was a movie about the Hong Kong poverty line and housing problem, no matter what offer the film would make he would agree to perform. He learned that the film received high praises at the film festival and felt very happy.

The Sing Sing starred film I'M LIVIN' IT (MAK LO YUN) was selected for the Tokyo International Film Festival's "Asian Future" segment, after receiving high praises the film will hold its global premiere. Sing Sing was very happy after he got the news. He remembered before he took this role he was promoting another film at the Cannes Film Festival. The producer deliberated brought the script to show him. That night after reading the synopsis he immediately felt interested, because this was a movie about the Hong Kong poverty line and housing problem. As a Hong Kong actor he hoped to be able to do his part to make the world experience a Hong Kong story with Hong Kong film. Thus he told his company that no matter whatever offer the film would make he would agree to perform. He pointed out that after PORT OF CALL (DAP HUET CHUM MUI) he ran into another character with a lot of potential and gave him a sense of satisfaction over his performance. Sing Sing pointed out that if he would be able to make time he would attend the Tokyo International Film Festival.

The DaDa Chan Jing, Kevin Chu Kam Yin, Candice Yu On On and Louis Cheung Kai Chung starred film THE SECRET DIARY OF A MOM TO BE (BABY FOOK SAU GEI) was invited to the 32nd Tokyo International Film Festival's "Asian Future" segment. Director Luk Yee Sum would attend the event with the on screen couple Kevin and DaDa.

DaDa was very happy to learn about the film festival selection and praised her first time co-star Kevin as a "treasure boy". He said, "Kevin has many positive points that is worth everyone to discover, he looks very sunny and very positive. He also has his own charm, very serious at work and is a good actor with a lot of passion!"

Speaking of preparing for the production, DaDa admitted that she did a lot for this character. She first cut her hair short for the first time for a film. She even made the "sacrifice" and gained almost 20 pounds for the role. She said, "I spent almost two months on molding this character. The most stressful was that I have never been pregnant before. Although I really like children, the character isn't the usual pregnant woman. She is a strong career woman who doesn't like children, because of her experience, her journey and even biological elements from the pregnancy......so I spent more time on research. I also studied many pregnancy books and was very grateful for many great Mamas around me for s sharing a lot of experience and knowledge. I hope the audience can sense my effort and sincerity from the film."

Kevin was surprised and grateful for his first lead role to be selected for the Tokyo International Film Festival. He also spoke about the shoot. "The funniest was when DaDa, Sister On On and Ah Chung were doing a dinner scene. It was the first time a man squeezed my chest hard, but it didn't feel all that bad! Haha! In addition DaDa and I got along very quickly; we worked on intimate scenes on the first few days already, but no one didn't seem to have any problem. It was my first time with such a strong intimate scene so the impression was deep."

[2019.09.26] FOR MONDAY SEPTEMBER 23 2019

For Monday September 23 2019

Photos courtesy of Yahoo! Movies Hong Kong

  5 ANGEL HAS FALLEN
    d. Ric Roman Waugh
    Gerard Butler, Morgan Freeman,

  4 ANNA
    d. Luc Besson
    Sasha Luss, Luke Evans, Cillian Murphy, Helen Mirren

  3 FAGARA
  AKA : FAGARA IN MARA
  Can : Fa Jiu Ji Mei
  Lit : Taste of Flower Pepper
    d. Heiward Mak Hei Yan
    Sammi Cheng Sau Man, Megan Lai Ya-Yen, Cherry Li Xiaofeng,
      Kenny Bee (Chung Chun To), Richie Jen (Yam Yin Chai),
      Linda Liu, Wu Yan-Shu, Bryant Mak Chi Lok, Andy Lau Tak Wa,
      Ben Yuen Fu Wa
  Rating : I
  Length : 118 mins.
  Opening August 10 2019 (Preview)
  Opening September 12 2019
  Trailer : https://youtu.be/W0ayqNSv9Mc

[ THE FILM CATALOGUE ]
    In the wake of her father's untimely demise, Cira not only inherits his debt-ridden hot pot restaurant in Hong Kong but also two younger sisters whom she never even knew existed: Luna from Taiwan and Stella from China. Together, the three estranged sisters from radically different backgrounds must strive to build up their sisterly bond in order to rescue their father's restaurant from imminent closure. Meanwhile, Cira is trying desperately to reconnect with the man she secretly loves, who has fled to Maasai Mara in Kenya after being spurned by her.

  2 IT CHAPTER TWO
    d. Andy Muschietti
    James McAvoy, Jessca Chastain, Bill Hader

  1 RAMBO: LAST BLOOD
    d. Adrian Grunberg
    Sylvester Stallone, Paz Vega, Yvette Monreal

[2019.09.26] JADE LEUNG URGES YOUNG ACTORS TO BE MORE CAREFUL

courtesy of singtao.com

courtesy of on.cc

courtesy of singtao.com

courtesy of mingpao.com

The film THE FATAL RAID (BUK YI JI JIN) two nights ago held its premiere. Actors Patrick Tam Yiu Man, Jeana Ho Pui Yu, Jade Leung Jung and Michael Tong Man Lung attended. Ah Tam admitted with a smile that the film's six actresses got him dazed and confused. Jeana was the sexiest with her midriff, while Leung Jung's eyes were electrifying. 6 actresses were all capable of fighting, in comparison he had less action. He also felt that the combat scenes should be left to the muscular Tong Man Lung.

Leung Jung remembered that 28 years ago her debut BLACK CAT (HAK MAU) also held the premiere at the same site, which was especially meaningful to her. She also said that this time she was able to get into character easily because the script was well written. She did not deliberately flirt with Ah Tam. Leung Jung said that she did not have enough fight scenes in the film, but she should save them for the young girls. For real fisticuffs, she believed that aside from Hidy Yu Hiu Tung the others would not be any competition for her. She said that during the shoot she had some superficial wounds and child's play to her past internal injuries. Looking now at the young actors she would be reminded of a lot of memories. She said, "I have a lot of old wounds, both my tail bone and my neck are misaligned. After yoga they have improved. Actually young actors should take risks but they have to pay attention to safety too." She also revealed that FATAL already participated in the Okinawa and the New York Asian Film Festival. It will also be invited to participate in another film festival in Japan. She was also very happy to be able to introduce Hong Kong female action films overseas.

As for Tam Yiu Man's praises, Jeana said that in the film her costume was rather exaggerated. Instead she felt that the fight scenes were more attractive. In one scene Tong Man Lung grabbed her by her hair and rammed her toward a car. Including bad takes she had to do it over a dozen times. After the film she was full of internal injuries. Since she would not fight ordinarily, fight scenes were great releases. yet after getting hurt she needed to get more massages to ease the bruising and prevent any side effect.

[2019.09.25] LOUIS KOO BLOCKS OFF NATHAN ROAD FOR A ROBBERY SCENE

courtesy of on.cc

courtesy of singtao.com

WHITE STORM 2 DRUG LORDS will represent Hong Kong in its bid for a Best Foreign Film Oscar nomination
courtesy of mingpao.com

The film A WITNESS OUT OF THE BLUE (FAN JUI YIN CHEUNG) will open on the 24th. The major "jewelry store robbery" scene that was shot on the actual Jordan Road was very eye catching. The team spent 7 figures to construct "Lei Sang Jewelry Store" and even blocked off part of Jordan and Nathan Roads for the shoot. Even an action film veteran like Louis Koo Tin Lok said, "It's very awesome! Shooting such a realistic gun fight scene in Hong Kong is very rare!"

In this major scene Koo Tin Lok played robber Wong Sun Yuen, along with cohorts Ling Man Lung, Sam Lee Chan Sam, Deep Ng Ho Hong and Deon Cheung Chung Chi robbed the "Lei Sang Jewelry Store". As a cop Philip Keung Ho Man led Cherry Ngan Cheuk Ling, Tsui Kwong Lam and other officers in pursuit and created a series of suspicious events. Used to making gun fights and full of action film experience, Goo Jai said, "Very often we had to use a studio set for our movies, very rarely would a crime suspense film would truly shoot on location in Hong Kong. However this time we really rented a store front and built a jewelry store. The scale of the scene was enormous, with so many cops in pursuit how would the robbers rob the jewelry store and leave afterward? I feel the entire scene felt very real and very impactful!" Speaking of the difficulties of the shoot, Goo Jai said, "Shooting the jewelry store was a fight against time, because it involved street lights. After midnight many street lights and neon signs would be turned off. In addition many scenes required road blocks and many police vehicles. The cops had to run several blocks to get organized and fired many shots. Shooting all night led to panic. Everyone thought that a real robbery was taking place. My character had to carry a machine gun and spray, the feeling was somewhat rare. Actually in my film career, very rarely have I shot such a realistic gun fight scenes in Hong Kong!"

First time playing a female cop, Ngan Cheuk Ling excitedly said, "Aside from firing a gun for the firs time, I also had a sprinting scene while in pursuit of he robbers at the intersection between Nathan and Jordan Roads. I felt very nervous as I went. Inside the jewelry store machine guns went off and so did smoke grenades, and all the glass broke. Actually at first I was very scared, but after the explosions I realized it was very safe. The team would keep a close eye on the actors. After the shoot the director immediately asked everyone, 'Are you OK? Are you OK?' All the falling glass shrapnel was plastic. Actually it was very safe, so I really enjoyed it! I absolutely didn't have to rely on any imagination to be able to get into the role, including looking at the pedestrians whether they were watching a movie being made or really thought something was happening. All were very able to create the atmosphere for this shoot!"

On the other hand, the Koo Tin Lok and Andy Lau Tak Wa starred film WHITE STORM 2 DRUG LORDS (SO DUK 2 TIN DEI DUI KUET) will represent Hong Kong in competition for the 92nd Best Foreign Film Oscar nomination.

The Federation of Motion Film Producers of Hong Kong yesterday announced that it would recommend the Herman Yau Lai To directed, Koo Tin Lok and Lau Tak Wa starred film WHITE STORM 2 DRUG LORDS will represent Hong Kong in competition for the 92nd Best Foreign Film Oscar nomination. The federation board of directors chose from all Hong Kong films between October last year to September this year. WHITE STORM 2 DRUG LORDS received the most vote.

[2019.09.23] MICHAEL TONG TAKES A BEATING FROM THREE BEAUTIES

courtesy of singtao.com

courtesy of mingpao.com

Patrick Tam Yiu Man, Michael Tong Man Lung, Jeana Ho Pui Yu, Jade Leung Jung yesterday attended their new film FATAL RAID (BUK YI JI JIN)'s premiere in Macau. Tam Yiu Man said that in the film he and Kristy Yang Kung Yu played husband and wife. Working together years after, Yang Kung Yu returned to Shanghai for the shoot and even brought her mother to the set. He said, "I knew Mama Yang years ago, but that day I happened to have warm kiss scene with Yang Kung Yu. Her Mama being on the set made it a little awkward." He pointed out that this time he did not have to fight but had many emotional scenes. In the story he suffered from schizophrenia due to his wife.

Tong Man Lung in the film had many fights in the film. He even had to fight Ho Pui Yu, Lin Minchen and Hidy Yu Hiu Tung. He had the most fight scenes with Ho Pui Yu, as they both were bruised all over from them. He said, "In one scene Ho Pui Yu pounded my chest, I almost couldn't breathe. Friends were even envious that I was able to work with three pretty girls. I immediately replied they couldn't be greater as I took a beating everyday."

[2019.09.21] LOUIS KOO GIVES UP HIS LOOKS TO PLAY A ROBBER

courtesy of on.cc

The Louis Koo Tin Lok, Jessica Hester Hsuan (Suen Huen), Cherry Ngan Cheuk Ling, Philip Keung Ho Man and Sam Lee Chan Sam starred film A WITNESS OUT OF THE BLUE (FAN JUI YIN CHEUNG) yesterday unveiled its trailer. Aside from street chases, it also had gun fights and explosions. In the film Goo Jai played an armed robber. After a jewelry store robbery the police surrounded the place and both sides exchanged fire. Later, he in order to evade arrest grew facial hair and wear a disguise. Ngan Cheuk Ling ran to chase robbers and had car chase scenes.

[2019.09.20] JOHNNIE TO RESIGNS FROM THE GOLDEN HORSE AWARDS

courtesy of on.cc

Johnnie To

Wang Tong

WHITE STORM 2 DRUG LORDS

LINE WALKER 2
courtesy of mingpao.com

The 56th Golden Horse Awards has run into one obstacle after another after being swept into a political storm. In August 7th, China Film Administration announced a suspension of Mainland filmmakers and personal' participation in the 2019 56th Golden Horse Film Festival. Yesterday the Golden Horse Film Festival facebook page announced that the original 56th Golden Horse award jury president Johnnie To Kei resigned from the post. To Kei Fung expressed deep regret. Golden Horse executive and chair Ang Lee understood To Kei Fung's situation and announced the jury president will be veteran Taiwan director Wang Tong. To Kei Fung expressed that he felt honored when he accepted the post in June, unfortunately due to "film investors' production contract restrictions" he had to resign.

To Kei Fung in June received Ang Lee's invitation to be the Golden Horse Award jury president. At the time he said, "The Golden Horse Award is Chinese film's highest honor, to my movies it is an extremely important recognition. Before my next award, I am very honored to be able to serve the Golden Horse Awards. I also thank Director Ang Lee for the invitation." At the time China's national film ministry was already rumored to be boycotting the Golden Horse Awards and arranged for the Golden Rooster Award on the same day as a counter measure. The Taiwan media praised To Kei Fung for his continuing support of the Golden Horse Award. To Kei Fung was introduced as an eight time Golden Horse Best Director nominee and won three times with THE MISSION (CHEUNG FOR), BREAKING NEWS (DAI SI GEIN), and LIFE WITHOUT PRINCIPLE (DUET MING GUM) -- tying fellow Golden Horse Best Director award record holders Lee Heng, Hou Hsiao-Hsien, and Ann Hui On Wa.

Yesterday the Golden Horse Film Festival committee announced To Kei Fung's resignation from the jury presidency. "Originally scheduled to be the 56th Golden horse Award jury president, Director To Kei Fung now due to production contract restriction with film investors has resigned from the jury president post. Director To Kei Fung deeply regrets any inconvenience this has caused. The Golden Horse committee and chair Ang Lee understands Director To's situation and wishes Director To as smooth production. This year's jury president will be the 7 time Golden Horse winner Director Wang Tong. He personally has won Best Director, Best Art and Costume Design. At the same time he was announced earlier as this year's Lifetime Achievement Award recipient; his films have won three Golden Horse Best Feature Film and one Best Animated Feature. Director Wang Tong said that he would give his all, and Ang Lee also thanks him for his full support. The 56th Golden Horse Award nominations will be announced on October 1st and the award presentation will take place on November 23rd." Yesterday the media contacted the event about To Kei Fung's resignation. The event only expressed that "everything is as stated in the official website public announcement". To Kei Fung did not respond further in regards to the resignation. Reportedly To Kei Fung's film JUI MUNG NAM NUI will be released in the Mainland.

Reportedly Johnnie To Kei Fung already resigned early this month. Yesterday Wang Tong responded to the media and said that he received the notice around a week ago. He said, "When Ang Lee asked me I agreed right away!" He said that he would not think too much about the Golden Horse storm, taking over the Golden Horse jury president seat he would give it his all. The film foundation chair Kevin Chu Yen-Ping responded to the Taiwan media. "I understand and also thank director To Kei Fung's effort and situation, everyone needs to unite and protect the creative stage for filmmakers, Go Golden Horse."

China Film Administration announced in August that it would suspend Mainland filmmakers and personnel's participation in the 2019 56th Golden Horse Film Festival, at the time To Kei Fung was said to be in an awkward situation. Reportedly Hong Kong films like WHITE STORM 2 DRUG LORDS (SO DUK 2 TIN DEI DUI KUET), LINE WALKER 2 (SI TOH HUNG JEH 2 DIP YING HUNG DONG), CHASING THE DRAGON 2 WILD WILD BUNCH (JUI LUNG 2) and NO. 7 CHERRY LANE (GAI YUEN TOI CHUT HO) will also cancel their Golden Horse Award applications.

Last year at the Golden Horse Award when Best Documentary's Taiwan director Fu Yu accepted the award, his "Taiwan independence" comment caused a storm. That night Golden Horse jury president Gong Li was absent in the last minute for the Best Feature Film presentation and the jury summary after the event, as she clearly drew a line with the Golden Horse Awards.