Dennis Law, Lam Sheung and Jill Yeung
courtesy of mingpao.com
Director Dennis Law Sau Yiu two nights ago along with
actor Lam Sheung and Jill Yeung Yan promoted their new film NIGHTS OF A
SHEMALE A MAD MAN TRILOGY 1/3. He said that the subject was more
alternative, the most difficult was choosing whether to make it or not
because before the production began he already knew the film would be a
guaranteed loss. However he wanted to fulfill his wish to make this
story and finally he decided to.
Law Sau Yiu said that he would rather ask Lam Sheung to perform
than consider spending almost HK$ 300,000 to hire real shemales in
Thailand for the production. Because the story was about a protagonist
who was a drug addict before becoming a shemale, he was looking for
realism. As for casting Lam Sheung, he said that he was looking for an
actor who was willing to perform frontal nudity. He also said that the
film was arranged for a release during the "outbreak" market because the
promotions were already scheduled months ago. He said, "I still have
confidence in the film market. Ultimately film has a demand, we shall
see if we will prevail."
Terrance Lau is not disappointed about the lack of a Hong Kong Film Award Best Actor nomination and is happy about the Best New Actor nomination
Terrance Lau and Cecilia Choi click while working on BEYOND THE DREAM and honestly admit to their romance
Terrance Lau and Sofiee Ng in the ViuTV series LEAP DAY have a romance but no intimate scene
courtesy of mingpao.com
With his film debut BEYOND THE DREAM (WAN OI), Terrance
Lau Chun Him received the 26th Hong Kong Film Critic Society Award Best
Actor but at the 39th Hong Kong Film Award he was only nominated for Best
New Actor. Was he disappointed that he fell from Heaven back to Earth?
He said that he was not disappointed, feeling that different award shows
would have different judging standard. In both film and television he
was new, so he was already very pleased and comforted with the
nomination.
Lau Chun Him as the Film Critic Society Best Actor was seen as
the favorite, but he did not feel that the Hong Kong Film Award Best New
Actor award was in his pocket. He admitted, "Since the world has reached
where it is, nothing is predictable. No one knows what will happen
tomorrow. I realize more and more that that I have to live in the
present, I am happy about the nomination and that's it. I don't think
too much about it, just take it naturally."
However, he stated that he felt very surprised to win the Best
Actor with his first film. He once asked himself, "Why me, defeating
so many opponents?" Would he like to ask the judges if he truly
performed so well if he would have the chance? How did he feel about
his performance the mental patient in BEYOND THE DREAM? He said, "I
already did my best, it's very hard to evaluate yourself. The role is
hard to grasp. Because I did a lot of work before production, research
with the director, met with people who were mentally ill, social workers
and psychiatrists, table reads and rehearsals, the pre-production effort
helped me slowly enter the character's world. I was able to perform the
complex emotions of illness eruption, collapse and seeing hallucination."
Lau Chun Him due to BEYOND THE DREAM fell for his co-star Cecilia
Choi Sze Wan. He admitted that he hoped his girlfriend would win the
Hong Kong Film Award Best Actress, he even praised her outstanding
acting. He said, "For new actors, her performance was great and had a
lot of potential. She is only 25. This type of girls hasn't appeared
in Hong Kong in a very long time. She started in Chinese opera, has
quite a presence and her own ideas. She does a lot of preparation and
is very willing to work with co-stars. After listening to the director's
guidance she digests it very quick. She has both the look and the
substance."
As for the Hong Kong Film Award Best Actor, he said that he was
selfish as well. He hoped that MY PRINCE EDWARD (GUM DOH)'s Chu Pak
Hong would win because they were buddies. Both were Performing Art
Academy students, they have worked together on the stage and recently
they have worked together on television and film. He said, "Chu Pak
Hong is a young actor I really admire."
Aaron Kwok Fu Sing's mother reportedly passed away at
home on the 7th in her 90s. The funeral has been scheduled to take place
at the Hong Kong Funeral Parlor on March 4th with the burial on the
following day. Sing Sing's manager Siu Mei yesterday responded that
Sing Sing's mother passed away peacefully early this month, and Sing Sing
and his family has been fully dedicated to make funeral arrangements for
Mother Kwok. Sing Sing wholeheartedly accepted everyone's condolences
and concern and simply replied, "Thoughtful!" Sing Sing during his
January concert in Macau revealed that he was very worried about his
mother's health, once even lowering his head and sobbing, "Without Mama
I wouldn't be here."
Famous singing instructor Pau Pui Lei passed away on the
17th. Yesterday services took place at the Universal Funeral Parlor.
The hall was decorated elegantly in white. A color photo of Pau Pui
Lei with a brilliant smile was accompanied with heart shaped floral
arrangements from her three children, granddaughter and son in law at
the center.
Around 5PM, Liza Wang Ming Chuen, Edmond Leung Hon Man, Hai Sau
Lan arrived to pay their respects. Ah Jeh and Hai Sau Lei stayed for
over half a hour and left together. Ms. Pau was Ah Jeh's first singing
instructor. Ah Jeh said, "She was very talented and had a great voice.
Under her guidance I had a great foundation for my early singing. Ms.
Pau took in many, many students. (Was Ms. Pau's passing very sudden?)
I knew that she has been ailing for awhile, but for a period we didn't
have a lot of contact. Hai Sau Lei on the other hand had contact with
her, but earlier for my 50th anniversary concert I invited Ms. Pau to
attend. After the show she even told me, 'Wang Ming Chuen you did
great'. Those words gave me a lot of encouragement." As for Ms. Pau's
final wish, she said, "I didn't asked her children. Her family was
rather peaceful, ultimately Ms. Pau has been ailing for awhile."
10 A BEAUTIFUL DAY IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD
d. Marielle Heller
Tom Hanks, Matthew Rhys, Chris Cooper
9 ENTER THE FAT DRAGON
Can : Fei Lung Gor Gong
Lit : Fat Dragon Crosses the River
d. Kenji Tangiaki
Donnie Yen Chi Tan, Teresa Mo Shun Kwan, Niki Chow Lai Kei,
Wong Jing, Louis Cheung Kai Chung, Jessica Jann Kei Ching,
Naoto Takenaka, Joe Tee, Tetsu Watanabe, Chaney Lin (Lam Chau Nam),
Wong Cho Lam, Lawrence Chou Chun Wai, Jerry Lamb Hiu Fung, Yan Hua,
Hiro Hayama (Yip Shan Ho), Jim Chim Shui Man, Anthony Chan Yau,
Bob Lam Sing Bun, Tyson Chak,
Philip Ng Won Lung, Wong Jing
Rating : IIB
Length : 96 mins.
Opening January 23 2020
Trailer : https://youtu.be/rDpmvM7K2OI
[ THE FILM CATALOGUE ]
The 300-pound special agent Chu loses his convict in custody in Japan. Deeper trouble befalls when he finds himself pursued by both triads and police...
8 SPIES IN DISGUISE
d. Nick Bruno, Troy Quane
Blue Sky Studio Animation
English Voice: Will Smith, Tom Holland
7 1917
d. Sam Mendes
George MacKay, Dean-Charles Chapman,
6 JOJO RABBIT
d. Taika Waititi
Roman Griffin Davis, Thomasin McKenzie, Taiki Waititi, Rebel Wilson,
Stephen Merchant, Alfie Allen, Sam Rockwell, Scarlett Johansson
5 YOU ARE THE ONE
Can : Ngor Dik Shun Poon Nam Yau
Lit : My Hot Property Boyfriend
d. Patrick Kong (Yip Lim Sum)
Carlos Chan Ka Lok, Gladys Li Ching Kwan,
Bob Lam Sing Bun, Ashina Kwok Yik Sum, Elva Ni, Kandy Wong Shan Yee,
Erin Wang Zhuoqi, Snow Suen Wai Suet, Justin Cheung Kin Sing,
Kaki Sham, Mak Ling Ling, Carrie Ng Ka Lai
Rating : IIA
Length : 94 mins.
January 25 2020
Trailer : https://youtu.be/1i32VPQi13w
Site: https://www.emp.hk/en/production/current/you-are-the-one
[ EMPEROR MOTION PICTURES ]
Young, talented rogue trader Finn Ma lives a mysterious, low-key life. The word "failure" doesn't exist in his vocabulary, and he's never seen a deal he can't make. However, his life experiences a 180-degree change when he encounters Bo.
All her life, Bo has never believed that good things will happen to her. Having lost her parents at an early age, she sees dreams as unreachable things. To make ends meet, she works multiple jobs, including one as a promoter in a Karaoke joint.
One night, Finn hold a secret meeting in a nightclub with his employees. On his way out, he tosses out cash to get rid of two gold-digging girls hitting on him. Bo sees this and mistakes him as the vanished swindler who caused her friend, Pauline, to attempt suicide. Bo confronts Finn and drags him away.
The two go to the hospital where Pauline still lies in a coma after her suicide attempt. Pauline's older brother, Wing, and her other friends all believe that Finn is the bad boyfriend responsible for Pauline's suicide, forcing Finn to take responsibility. Wing believes that Finn is the only one who can wake Pauline up, so he drags Finn to his home to prevent Finn from running away.
During their short time together, Finn starts to grow fond of Bo. He learns of her sad background and her passive attitude towards life's hardships. Finn, who believes that people must take control of their own fate, uses the Law of Attraction to convince Bo to change her own destiny.
In the end, Wing and the others realize that Finn is really not Pauline's boyfriend and lets him go. When he leaves, Finn promises to see Bo again.
A month later, Bo finds a luxury sedan parked in front of her workplace, and the owner is Finn. She finally learns that Finn is actually the ideal boyfriend that every girl dreams of: Rich, handsome and a perfect gentleman. However, this Cinderella's adventure has just begun!
4 DOLITTLE
d. Stephen Gaghan
Robert Downey Jr.
3 THE GRAND GRANDMASTER
Can : Muk Doi Jung Si
Lit : Whatever Generation Grandmaster
d. Dayo Wong Tze Wah
Dayo Wong Tze Wah, Annie Liu (Lau Sum Yau),
Benz Hui Siu Hung, Harriet Yeung Sze Man, Dickson Yuen Man Tai,
Catherine Chau Ka Yi, Chen Jiajia, Eddie Law Tin Chi,
C Kwan (Stephen Cheng Sze Kwan), Eric Tang Chi Kin,
Ivana Wong Yuen Chi, 6 Wing (Billy Luk Wing Kuen), Tyson Chak Hoi Tai
Rating : IIA
Length : 117 mins.
Opening January 23 2020 (Preview)
Trailer : https://youtu.be/tTcHMiVobUY
[ CINEMA ONLINE MALAYSIA ]
Following Grandmaster Fei Lung's defeat to his rival, Chun, he challenges her to a final fight in order to restore his reputation. His plan to win the fight is derailed when he unexpectedly develops romantic feelings towards her. He will have to figure out a way to win both the fight and Chun's affection.
2 ALL'S WELL ENDS WELL 2020
Can : Ga Yau Hei Si 2020
d. Raymond Wong Pak Ming
Julian Cheung Chi Lam, Louis Cheung Kai Chung, Raymond Wong Pak Ming,
Chrissie Chau Sau Na, DaDa Chan Jing, Patrick Tam Yiu Man,
Adam Pak Tin Nam, Sheila Chan Suk Lan,
Law Kar Ying, Cheung Tat Ming, Liu Kai Chi, Helena Law Lan,
Jim Chim Tsui Man, Andrew Lam Man Chung, Kingdom Yuen King Tan,
Richard Ng Yiu Hon, Wong Yat Shan, Karena Ng Chin Yu,
Justin Cheung Kin Sing, Wilfred Lau Ho Lung, Toby Chan Ting Yan,
Stephen Huynh (Wong Hing Cheung), Mak Cheung Ching, Bob Chang Yin Bok,
Yu Mo Lin, Chen Jiajia, Kendy Cheung King Yan, Aliya Fan Man Nga,
Lisa Ch'ng Si Ming, Six Cents (Luk Chi Ho), Maggie Yu Miao,
Terry Zou Man Ching, Shirley Shen Din Yi, Chow Chi Hing,
Jiro Lee Sheung Ching,
Rating : IIA
Length : 98 mins.
Opening January 25 2020
Trailer : https://youtu.be/C_wQQDVMePk
[ CINEMA ONLINE MALAYSIA ]
All three Yau brothers are con artists who use their notorious talents to punish bad people. They meet fellow con artists, the Lui sisters, through a misunderstanding and both sets of siblings decide to team up. Their target is an infamous mob boss, who they plan to scam using various tricks and disguises.
1 BIRDS OF PREY AND THE FANTABULOUS EMANCIPATION OF ONE HARLEY QUINN
d. Cathy Yan
Margot Robbie, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Jurnee Smollett-Bell,
Rosie Perez, Chris Messina, Ella Jay Basco, Ali Wong, Ewan McGregor
IP MAN 4 THE FINALE and ALL'S WELL ENDS WELL 2020 in
Malaysia passed the 37 million RM Chinese language box office record and
6.2million RM respectively. ALL'S WELL ENDS WELL 2020 producer and star
Raymond Wong Pak Ming in order to fulfill his promise yesterday attended
the film's appreciation banquet with Dada Chan Jing and Adam Pak Tin Nam
as they celebrated with the cinema representatives and workers there.
At the banquet, when the host asked why the trio still chose to
come amid the tension of the outbreak, producer Wong Pak Ming said that
this time was to keep their promise. Actually in mid December last year
when he promoted IP MAN 4 THE FINALE in Malaysia he already promised to
celebrate in Malaysia if it broke the box office record there. Now that
the film has performed so well, he truly had to personally thank
everyone for their support! Actually Wong Pak Ming and the organizers
have already discussed this trip many times. Everyone was worried about
the novel coronavirus outbreak. In the end the event was scaled down.
Since he has already promised to attend audience appreciation there,
Wong Pak Ming believed that as long as properly precautions were taken
they should have no problem.
The fact was that no one knew how long the outbreak would last,
but life still had to go on. During this period everyone should
cautiously prevent the outbreak and live normally. Otherwise problems
would very easily arise.
Chan Jing and Pak Tin Nam made their first appearance in
Malaysia. Chan Jing even said that she only had eyes for the durian
there. "Yesterday I tried the Musang King durian and thought it was
very delicious. I hope to have a chance to bring my family to visit!"
Although Pak Tin Nam has been to Malaysia before, he has not publicly
come in contact with the Malaysian audience. "This time I am very happy
to be able to come to Malaysia and meet with the media friends and
audience, thank you very much everyone for your support!" When asked
about their work, they both stated that due to the outbreak their jobs
have been canceled and postponed. Despite all that, everyone's health
would b the most important.
As the banquet neared its end, Wong Pak Ming, Chan Jing and Pak
Tin Nam took part in an ice breaking and toast ceremony. In the end they
also took place in the lucky drawing.
After years in film and television, veteran actor Tai Bo
(Cheung Ka Nin) recently won the Hong Kong Film Critic Society Best
Actor. Actually in the past he has performed in countless film and
television series and his acting has been recognized.
Tai Bo most recently in the film SUK SUK played a gay man and
won Best Actor at the 26th Hong Kong Film Critic Society Awards along with
BEYOND THE DREAM (WAN OI)'s Lau Chun Him. However Tai Bo said that when
he took the role he suspected whether he would be able to master the
role. Director Ray Yeung even went to Taiwan three times to persuade
him to perform.
"This film is a role that I have never played before, as a
professional actor I feel it's still fine. However I considered this
character to be a 60 something homosexual, would I be able to play this
character? I struggled. The director after watching my performance in
GLAMOROUS YOUTH flew to Taiwan three times for me. First when I read the
script I took 3 months. After reading it I discussed it with my family
and my wife. My wife said, 'This script is good, you take it!' So I
took the role. I asked the director how far would the film go, but the
director said that the relationship would be very light.
Playing a twilight homosexual relationship with Yuen Fu Wa in
the film, Tai Bo stated that they did not know each other before hand.
Although before the performance they did not study how to perform, after
they took their marks they very naturally performed according to the
script.
"I understand the character I play this time, Pak. Often people
have expiration dates, but what are in their hearts are forever. This
relationship can't be too wild, too revealing; so it is secretive and
hidden, something that they want but can't have. When he runs into
this romance, this very short term relationship explodes out of the 60
something."
Playing a brokeback relationship, Tai Bo admitted that he was
very pleased to be able to perform from within. He even joked that the
reason the director asked him was perhaps his potential. Every take
has been a good one and few changes were made. "I performed with the
method that I came up with, so I really was like the character Pak. This
type of character truly doesn't come long even when you ask for it! We
were able to have the recognition of those who have seen the film. While
at the Busan Film Festival, although the people there didn't understand
Chinese they were moved to tears during the screening. This movie isn't
about sex, just family and friendship. During decades of acting, I
mostly performed in commercial films in the past. I have also made
dramatic films, but this performance left a very deep impression."
After winning the Film Critic Society Best Actor award, was he
confident that he would win the Hong Kong Film Award? He said, "In this
business I have never deliberately made a movie in order to win an
award. I go with the flow! If it comes, I will accept it. I am
already very happy to have professional praises and recognition."
Louis Cheung Kai Chung and Candy Yu On On worked together
for the first time in the film THE SECRET DIARY OF A MOM-TO-BE (BABY FOOK
SAU GEI). Playing a maturity helper internet star, Cheung Kai Chung
was paid handsomely to supervise her daughter in law Dada Chan Jing's
diet and rest.
As an internet star maturity helper, Cheung Kai Chung said that
after taking the role he shared his view on maturity helpers with the
director. When his daughter was born they hired a maturity
helper, from which he had quite a deep impression. He felt how noble
it was to be a maturity helper!
"I feel maturity helpers are almost in the same class as doctors
in my heart, because they save a family. After I talked with the
director, she added a lot into the script."
In the film when Cheung Kai Chung often gave advice to the soon
to be father Kevin Chu Kam Yin to prepare for the soon to arrive baby.
Cheung Kai Chung said that his performance reminded him of himself
back then. "Back then when my wife was carrying the older son and her
water broke, I was the one who drove to the hospital. I still remember
that after finishing work at the studio it was already early morning.
When I got home I was still very hungry! I was planning to make ramen
when the Old Lady said her water broke. So I carried her downstairs to
drive her, but all the cars were in the way! I wanted to ram other
people's cars out of the way, like I really was crazy!"
With two daughters, Yu On On said that in the past most mostly
only wealthy clans would hire maturity helper. Thus during pregnancy
she would ask her mother for advice and take care of herself. On On
also said that back then when she had her older daughter she was not too
stable. The doctor asked her to be on bed rest for three months. "At
the time I only lay in bed. I did everything in bed aside from going
to the bathroom. Even when I urinated I didn't dare to do it too hard.
Now I can laugh about it, but back then it was very worrying! After
three months the doctor said that the condition was more stable. However
I didn't dare to walk around freely until the sixth month. The younger
daughter was born on the Lunar 3rd, a premature birth baby. On the Lunar
2nd I was at home and ate like crazy. Mama told me not to keep eating,
otherwise I would give birth from all the eating. Finally that night
the birth really started!"
Although On On is already a grandmother, she said that she was
open minded and would not be longing for a grandchild like her character.
She said that her older daughter and son in law both really like
children, but her son in law was more in a hurry to become a father.
She felt that the most important was for them to be prepared mentally to
be parents. "I would share a lot about what they would face in the
future, but after making this film I felt great because the result could
show the trouble and the concern a couple would run into when having
children. So I definitely would ask my daughters to watch."
The Police feels HEADLINE discredits the work it has done during the outbreak
Wong Hei introduces hot jobs at the "scared force"
Gregory Wong also guest stars as Black Jack courtesy of mingpao.com
Radio and Television Hong Kong's HEADLINER last Friday
(February 14th) invited Wong Hei and Gregory Wong Chung Hiu to perform.
Wong Hei host the "Shocking Information" segment, while Wong Chung Hiu
appeared as "Black Jack" and "Gong Tong Gan" with hosts Tsang Chi Ho,
Ng Ch Sum and Law Kai Sun in a comedy skit. The program originally
was scheduled to air at 6PM on TVB Jade, but due to the live broadcast
of Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet Ngor's press conference it was
postponed until last night. However the program still caught attention.
Yesterday RTHK Broadcasting Authority chief Leung Ka Wing received
complaint that HEADLINER's "Shocking Information" segment discredited
the police's performance during the outbreak and expressed extreme
regret. RTHK's Amen Ng Man Yee stressed that they had no intention to
discredit or ridicule. The program only used a parody format to reflect
social phenomenon and different voices.
Wong Hei in the HEADLINER's "Shocking Information" segment
plays the host "Chung Yung Ngai" and introduces the "scared" job
posting, expressing the police's performance during the outbreak and
their equipment that became viral online in a satirical format. The over
3 minute long segment was lively and earned a laugh from the audience.
However, the Broadcasting Authority chief Leung Ka Wing yesterday
received a letter of complaint from the Police Commissioner (care of Kwok
Ka Chuen), citing that the "Shocking Information" segment on numerous
occasionally discredited the police force's job during the outbreak and
expressed extreme regret; it also rebutted that the massive outbreak
prevention equipment stockpile at the police that the program alluded to
was untrue; it also claimed that the program completely neglected the
police's work and effort in fighting the outbreak and demanded the
Broadcasting Authority chief to follow up.
RTHK's organization communication and program standard division
director Amen Ng Man Yee admitted that they have received the complaint.
"We understand that the police has done a lot on outbreak prevention,
other government departments like medical and healthcare and others
have also done a lot. The program only reflects social phenomenon, has
different voices and appears in a parody format for the viewers." She
also stressed that they had no intention to discredit and ridicule. At
the end of "Shocking Information", Wong Hei waved to the camera and said,
"See you next episode!" When asked if "Shocking Information" would be a
regular part of the program, she said that HEADLINER segments have
variety. As for whether it will be a regular part, she would have to
get an understanding from the production team.
Wong Hei revealed that "Shocking Information" will be biweekly.
"Today is Sunday, I haven't received any new program related guidance."
Conceivably the outside would be concerned about whether the segment
would remain.
How did Wong Hei feel about the police complaint to RTHK? He
said, "The letter issuer only has a three Chinese characters, no official
title, no assigned number, no identification card number. Who knows if
it is whoever writing a chain letter. I have no comment." According to
information, Kwok Ka Chuen is the police public relations bureau chief
superintendent.
Due to the police complaint to RTHK, HEADLINER's "Shocking
Information segment has gone viral online. Its social media platform
hit rate has drastically increased, with messages like "Thank you police
for helping with HEADLINER's promotion, I am watching right now!"
"Seeing Wong Hei and Wong Hung Chung, truly it is both yellow
(Wong) and joyous (Hei)".
"Radio and Television Hong Kong program staff union" on
facebook yesterday posted the RTHK union response. "Faced with this
'outbreak border war' the government's prevention policy has been
criticized. Now medical and healthcare prevention equipment has a
shortage and the police force receives a large amount of protective
material, citizens' expectation of the police is naturally elevated.
HEADLINER has always taken a parody style for modern satire. This union
hopes that the police would pay attention to the public criticism and
dedicate itself to servicing the general public, doing what it promises
and utilizing the beliefs of loyalty, sincerity, courage and dedication
on helping to fight the outbreak and connect with the community. This
union notices that the police force has targeted this station more than
once. Now it again attempts suppression with speech. This union
strongly demand the police force to respect RTHK's professionalism and
the editor's independence, focusing on protecting the public as it
should."
Charlee Choi Cheuk Yin's film industry development has
been decent. Recognized for her acting, last year she competed for the
Hong Kong Film Award Best Actress with THE LADY IMPROPER (FEI FUN SHOOK
NUI). This year with the film FATAL VISIT (SING HOR SAI MAU SAK ONG) she
received her first Best Supporting Actress nomination. Ah Sa said that
she was very grateful. "I am very happy to be able to run into a great
director, two great co-stars and a great team."
Currently working on a web drama overseas, Ah Sa's series
co-star Nina Paw Hee Ching was also nominated for the Hong Kong Film
Award Best Supporting Actress with MY PRINCE EDWARD (GUM DOH).
Cinematographer Tse Chung To was nominated for Best Cinematography with
the film A WITNESS OUT OF THE BLUE (FAN JUI YIN CHEUNG). The series
team earlier held a surprise celebration for them. That day after
finishing the shoot, the team suddenly brought of champagne and Ah Sa
was very surprised. She said, "While at work we received the nomination
news. Everyone were very happy, congratulating and cheering each other
on. However I never thought that after the shoot they would have more
surprises. I really am very appreciative for everyone."
Film company boss Raymond Wong Pak Ming with Dada Chan
Jing and Adam Pak Tin Nam yesterday appeared at the airport. They were
heading to Malaysia for a film company appreciation banquet. With the
novel coronavirus outbreak, Wong Pak Ming not only strengthened the
prevention measures at cinemas under his banner but also gave medical
masks to viewers. He also supported a temporarily suspension of
operations at cinemas to "avoid the outbreak" and put safety first!
Wong Pak Ming, Dada, Pak Tin Nam all wore medical masks and
glasses for their appearance. Wong Pak Ming said that he also had air
purifiers and hand sanitizer and would take the full prevention
measure. "This trip is because of an Indian distribution company that
we have worked with for 10 years since ALL'S WELL ENDS WELL in 2010.
After the film IP MAN 3's 30 million RM box office, this time IP MAN 4
also made 36 million RM. Twice we have broken the Chinese box office
record there. In the Lunar New Year ALL'S WELL ENDS WELL 2020 also
headed toward 7 million RMB, a decent performance. Under the outbreak,
we can use all the help we can get. Actually films would have different
performance in different places. IP MAN 4 in the Mainland made 1.2
billion RMB. (Did it make any profit?) If no profit can be made from
1.2 billion, how can any profit be made! This performance has already
reached the target because the four films' box office went from 100, 200,
800 million to 1.2 billion. In addition it was released on Christmas,
we were very lucky that it was not affected."
Speaking of many films having to halt production, Wong Pak Ming
said, "G STORM (G FUNG BO) originally would resume work after the Lunar
New Year. Now we would make the decision based on the situation. We
are in no hurry to start work. Workers would be arranged to work from
home. We haven't asked them to take unpaid time off." Speaking of the
government's suggestion for all entertainment venues to temporarily
suspend operation, Wong Pak Ming said, "The government has sent people to
discuss with the Theater Association. So far we have not reached any
agreement. Cinemas under my banner will strengthen disinfection, take
viewer temperature and give away free medical masks so attendees would
rest easy." He also supported cinema operation suspension. "It should
stop and reopen after the outbreak. Actually the current admission rate
is declining, family audience has been the most affected." The Hong
Kong Film Awards canceled its physical award show. He said that it was
the choice to make under the outbreak, and nothing could be done about
the award climate decline.
Dada and Pak Tin Nam both had enough material and did not need to
fight. Dada pointed out that during the Lunar New Year she rarely went
out but she got fat from eating. No one noticed because she was hiding
behind the mask, but she would wait and see with optimism. Yesterday
she was able to go out and she was happier. Pak Tin Nam stayed at home
and exercised more, took vitamins to strengthen immunity, which were all
good ways to prevent the outbreak.
Kevin Chu Kam Yin and Dada Chan Jing in the film THE
SECRET DIARY OF A MOM-TO-BE (BABY FOOK SAU GEI) played a couple. In the
film Dada worked a highly paid public relations job, but with a sudden
pregnancy her life plan was thrown into chaos. In real life Dada stated
that she really liked children because a family would only feel complete
with a child.
Dada and her protagonist who felt hindered by pregnancy in her new
film THE SECRET DIARY OF A MOM-TO-BE had completely different views. She
admitted that she would like to have two children. "I am very
traditional, I already want a son and a daughter in the future. The
older brother can take care of the younger sister. Maybe because I was
born to a single parent family, at age 6 my parents split up, when I
was little I really wanted an older brother. Maybe I would be bullied
and hoped to have an older brother to protect me."
Dada said that on and off screen she grew up in a single parent
family, but in the film due to childhood trauma she did not like
children. Although they had similar family backgrounds, her views were
very different from her character's. She said, "During the performance
I would add or subtract, then put some of my own experience into it.
Adding some of the director's ideas on top, sometimes I would play how
I feel. Thus with the childhood memory part, I remember my past and
feel like the knot in my heart has been untied. I am very happy to have
this chance to relieve the pain in the film."
First time in a leading role, Chu Kam Yin said that he sensed
the pressure because he was opposite a charming co-star in Dada. In
addition his role was very heavy, as this time he played a good husband
and a father to be. During the shoot he received confidence from the
director and the actors though. As a former Hong Kong swim team
representative, Kevin said that in the film he played a basketball
player and revealed that through the director he met a group of
basketball players with children. From them he got an understanding of
their state of mind and sympathy to help with this performance. He
said, "I felt their pain, they are athletes. On top of that a life is
about to arrive, this pressure is rather heavy."
Because Kevin and Dada in the film played a couple, they had
intimate scenes. He even gave his first on screen kiss to Dada. Dada
jokingly asked if she needed to give him lai see and explained that only
after the shoot did she find out that this was his first on screen kiss.
She said, "After shooting this scene someone said to me that it might
have been Kevin's first on screen kiss. I didn't know at all, but he
performed very well! Haha!"
Calvin Poon praises Sammi Cheng's focus in her FATAL VISIT performance, playing the role to its fullest.
While making FATAL VISIT, Calvin Poon discusses the story with Sammi Cheng, Charlene Choi and Tong Dawei
Calvin Poon last year in Toronto marries Rita, 17 years his junior
Calvin Poon does not want to discuss old flame Rache Lee, only wishing her the best courtesy of mingpao.com
The film FATAL VISIT (SING HOR SAI MAU SAK ONG) was Calvin
Poon Yuen Leung directed. Many after the screenings had nothing but
praise for Sammi Cheng Sau Man's performance, as they felt that she would
have a chance to win the Hong Kong Film Award Best Actress. Poon Yuen
Leung also hoped that Sammi would win Best Actress with this film because
her performance was truly too great. She also gave up a lot. As a diva
she had several chair smashing scenes, she still wanted to perform them
personally despite having a double. She completely had no consider for
possible injury. "She truly was very focused, I told her not to take
too much risk but she still wanted to perform personally."
Director Poon Yuen Leung was very demanding for the Cheng Sau
Man played Ling in the film, but Sammi was able to achieve every task.
He said, "In the film Sammi completely expressed her relationship with
(Dominic) Lam Ka Wa, her desire with Tong Dawei, giving it up no matter
how much she didn't want to; she and Lam Ka Wa moved to start over
somewhere else, but Lam Ka Wa was still so hard to take. When Tong Dawei
came to find her, something happened. She became helpless and tried to
fix the entire mater alone, which made her behave much more like what
everyone would consider abnormal. She started everything for love!"
Although Ling was so complicated inside, Poon Yuen Leung had full
confidence in Sammi because she really knew how to perform on camera.
Like earlier in WU YEN (CHUNG MO YIM) and NEEDING YOU (GOO NAM GWA NUI)
she was all to reach the entire range of emotions. He said, "Age wise
she was very close to the character, too young and she would not have
the past and experience. If Sammi was 10 years later she might not be
suitable for the role. Now she is perfect. The role ran into her at
the most suitable time."
The film was adapted from a play of the same name. Sammi, Choi
Cheuk Yin and Tong Dawei were all Poon Yuen Leung's first choice actors.
He felt that they would be able to further develop the original
characters' personalities. He said, "The most changes were made to Tong
Dawei's character, from the original's Hong Kong immigrant in Canada to
the Mainland immigrant there. Because of market considerations, I kept
the boss in mind so the return was also important. I wouldn't sound so
high and mighty, with the bigger market even more viewers can be
reached. I want that too. The original creator (Candace) Chong Mui Ngan also
agreed to the changes. Tong Dawei is one of the actors I want to work
with the most. He is very suitable, rough with some details. He is
afraid of his wife, you would believe it, until later when resistance
explodes out of him and he also has that type of energy. In order to play
Ling's husband Tang, he spent a lot of time in preparation. He went
from not knowing anything Cantonese to learning line by line with our
recording and to converse with Sammi in Cantonese. He made the film
even closer to reality and gave it a sense of familiarity." Ah Sa's
performance also surprised him because she was able to completely
reach the stability a girl would become after becoming lost.
This film was Poon Yuen Leung's fourth film as a director after
KISS ME GOODBYE (LUEN OI GWAI JIT), HI, FIDELITY (CHOOK GWAI DIK NUI
YUN), and REPEAT, I LOVE YOU (YING JI OI YUN). Did he like to make
romantic films because he was richly romantic, projecting his feeling
into the film? Poon Yeun denied that he was richly romantic, he only
liked to make woman subject films. He did so not because he understood
women but because they had more dramatic elements. "Because women's
expressions have more variety than men's, richer with more changes, they
might be mad but not really mad. Like in FATAL, Sammi started from love.
However when love became excessive what would happen? From a purely
dramatic angle, women's drama is very rich. However whether my work
is purely about love, each other have their own point of view."
When asked if she was just as stubborn about love as Sammi in
the film? What kind of view on love did he hold? Poon Yuen Leung said,
"I am already 60 something, what kind of view on love would I have
left? Happiness is the most important. (Were you stubborn about love
before?) Possibly, but people have to grow up. In the film Sammi
finally learned to let go as well. (Were you not apt at handling
relationships?) I definitely wasn't someone who got 100, not to mention
someone great at it. (Have you hurt others before?) No matter what I
have, I have hurt my former wife because I was young and naive. As for
(Rachel) Lee Lai Chun I don't need to discuss any more, since I have
already said it before. (Did Lee Lai Chun give him the blessing to
remarry?) I gave mine to her too, I hop that her turns could be taken
a little smoother. Actually who is right or wrong it is not longer
needed to be discussed. In the end we wish each other well. (Do you
need to learn to let go of relationships like in the film?) The smile
Sammi flashed at the end of the film was the realization of something,
which was a deliberate design. Of course this woman missed out on a
lot. She did a lot more than she should have, but she should have her
own realization. For example earlier she got a piece of white rabbit
candy, in the end she saw a live white rabbit and she smiled. (Would
letting go be happier?) At any time you have to let go, if you still
don't let go at a certain age each step would be hard to take."
Poon Yeung Leung was a famous lyricist, at the Hong Kong Film
award he has won the film song awards. Last year he even received the
music achievement award from CASH. Would he want to win the Hong Kong
Film Award Best Director? He said that he has never thought about it.
He only hoped that investors would get the return they should have, and
the cast and the crew to receive awards. If he would receive one of
course he would gladly accept it, but award has never been a goal. The
most important was for the audience to like his work, felt the film
was meaningful and inspired everyone a little. He also hoped that in the
second half of life he would make more movies. "If this film is popular
and the boss makes money, maybe I would have the chance to make another
film. However now the film industry is in an ice age. You can count how
many big directors are working. However the colder the ice age, projects
that originally have no possibility of being made may be able to be made."
The 39th Hong Kong Film Awards earlier announced its
nominations. Among them Sammi Cheng Sau Man with the film FAGARA (FA JIU
JI MEI) and the not yet officially released FATAL VISIT (SING HOR SAI MAU
SAK ONG) were nominated for Best Actress. Sammi received her sixth
nomination as this year she had "double" and was the favorite for Best
Actress. Two days ago she talked about her Hong Kong Film Award
nominations on social media. "Two characters enable mi to compete for
Best Actress, thank you voters."
Two days ago on Valentine's Day, Sammi posted on social media
not about love but about her Hong Kong Film Award nominations. Sammi
first said that FAGARA's theme song SAY IT PROPERLY (HO HO SUET) was
also nominated for "Best Film Song". "mi has won the Hong Kong Film
Award Best Film Song once and the Golden Horse Best Film Song. This
time would be the third time competing for this song award, and I am
happy inside!"
Sammi continued, "As for all the nominations, I haven't grind
my teeth and have to win out. I haven't resigned to feel that I wouldn't
win at all. However, I feel that I have used 'treat it normally' too
many times in the past twenty years to respond to each nomination. Aside
from those three words, I actually have even more intricate feelings but
I don't know how to express them." Yesterday she just received lyrics,
two verses of which suitably described her feelings. "'Dreams are
frighteningly distant, like they are insurmountable' Truly, I have had that
moment when 'I was defeated to the point that I lacked even the courage
and the dream to win (dare to win)'. I even began to question myself.
However, for twenty years, mi hoped to achieve a type of metamorphic
performance even more. I am grateful I finally met these two characters.
Awards have twists and turns, but mi realizes that 'a normal heart' is
still the most perfect state of mind. Continuous improvement in my
performance is my real final destination. No matter how it turns out, I
am the most grateful for the teams of these two films; because each
nomination deeply contains the hard work and love of the team."
Finally Sammi thanked everyone who has been with her over n
time nominations and also congratulated FAGARA on its 11 nominations, Ah
Sa (Charlene Choi Cheuk Yin)'s Best Supporting Actress nomination with
FATAL VISIT and Megan Lai's Best Supporting
Actress nomination with FAGARA. She also had to thank producers Ann Hui
On Wa and Chu Nui for their trust in her.
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