Thursday, July 30, 2020

[2020.07.31] HONG KONG CINEMA OWNERS PLEAD FOR RENT REFORM

Raymond Wong says that the largest expense for cinema owners righ now is rent
courtesy of mingpao.com
Albert Yeung hopes property owners would lend a helping hand
Albert Yeung has suffered huge losses due to the pandemic
Aside from cinema owners, Simon Yam also urges each major company to reduce rent
Carlos Chan
Michelle Wai hopes the industries would reach an agreement soon
courtesy of on.cc

The novel coronavirus has had severe impact on every business and industry. Yesterday the Hong Kong Theaters Association issued an open letter, stating that under the pandemic cinemas have suffered serious setbacks. Box office revenue has dropped drastically from the same period of the past year, almost 90%. The Association pleaded with property owners to reduce rent and get over the hard times with cinema owners. Cinema circuit boss Raymond Wong Pak Ming also asked property owners to consider rent according to business operation rate.

The Hong Kong Theaters Association said that even though the government earlier provided an one time subsidy to the industry, it was not enough to help the industry out of the crisis as the cinema industry fell into an unprecedented crisis!

The Association said that 80% of the box office revenue came from foreign language films. Currently the pandemic remained rampant in many nations around the world, film productions and distributions have halted. With a severe film supply shortage, cinemas suffered even more. Over the past half a year, cinemas have coordinated with government pandemic prevention measures numerous times. Basically they could not operate normally. Now they are in zero income condition, have no way to pay rent to property owners and other shopping center fees, not to mention operation cost. The industry again pleads with various property owners to cancel rent at the most difficult time for cinemas, to change to rent according to business operation rate and drastically reduce management and other costs in order to get over the hard times together. Otherwise cinemas would have difficulty with their survival and the entire film industry chain would be affected.

Cinema circuit boss Wong Pak Ming said, "In the half a year under the pandemic, every business and industry have been affected in Hong Kong. Despite the government's "employment support scheme" subsidy, it has been less than effective! Salary only took up 10% of the cost but cinema rent took up 80%. Thus I plead with various property owners to consider rent according to business operation rate, to get over the hard times with the industry so cinemas would be able to continue to provide basic entertainment to the people."

Emperor cinema circuit boss Albert Yeung Sau Sing yesterday pointed out that the cinema industry currently was in an extreme depression, as operation was rather difficult. "First film supply is an enormous problem, because of the pandemic now many films have stopped productions. Even when cinemas will open up again in the future, the movies available to them would last to February to March next year, or even January to February. As for other uncertain factors like the current China U.S. trade war. How would U.S. film open in the Mainland? For now no one knows, without the Mainland they probably won't open in Hong Kong either."

Mr. Yeung revealed that the cinema operation has become more difficult with every step. Every month he faced enormous expenses. In some of the more popular districts cinema rent has risen above HK$ 6 million, before salary and other expenses were even considered. In the past half a year, in order to coordinate with the government pandemic prevention measures, cinemas basically could not operate normally. Now they are in zero income condition, making operation harder than hard!

How much money did he lose during the pandemic? Yeung Sau Sing said, "I am really embarrassed to say, astronomical figures! (What kind of assistance would you like property owners to provide?) Now many property owners have reduced rent, but the reduction amount won't be able to help us out of this crisis. The situation really is dare, as box office has dropped 90%! I hope property owners can cancel rent, and use box office business operation rate as rent to get over the hard times together! If cinemas close, Hong Kong people would lose even the most basic entertainment of watching movies." As for "astronomical" monthly losses, has he planned for the worst? He helplessly said, "The worst is closing, cancelling renovation, equipment, everything."

Wednesday, July 29, 2020

[2020.07.30] KIU BO BO HAD NO PLACE TO STAY UPON HONG KONG RETURN

courtesy of on.cc

Artist Gill Mohinderpaul Singh (Kiu Bo Bo) emigrated to Scotland in March this year to reunite with his family, but his acting bug acted up in over 5 months of "retirement". He decided to return to Hong Kong to make the film SI DOI (ERA). His return required 14 days in quarantine. "The pandemic is raging in England. Many relatives didn't dare to take me in this time. Luckily in the end a cousin who is living alone took me in."

Even So, Kiu Bo Bo admitted that his cousin was very scared. "He gave me his entire living room, hiding in the room most of the time. Even when he chatted with me or got food for me, he would maintain his distance." He lamented that many friends "pretended not to know" that he came back, but he was not disappointed as he understood everyone's concern.

[2020.07.30] ANN HUI'S NEW FILM WILL MAKE ITS DEBUT IN VENICE

courtesy of singtao.com

The 77th Venice Film Festival will take place in September. Two nights ago the event announced its selections. The Hong Kong director Ann Hui On Wa directed, Eddie Peng Yu-Yan, Janine Chang Chun-Ning starred new film LOVE AFTER LOVE (DAI YUT LO HEUNG) was selected for non-competition segment. The film, based on Eileen Chang's novel that was published in 1943, will make its global premiere at the festival.

Saturday, July 25, 2020

[2020.07.26] AARON KWOK PREPARES FOR NEXT YEARS AS THE HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL IS CANCELLED

Aaron Kwok urges everyone to stay home and fight the pandemic
courtesy of mingpao.com

Due to how serious the recent Hong Kong community spread of the pandemic has been, the Hong Kong International Film Festival Association announced that the 44th Hong Kong International Film Festival will be cancelled. The 18th Hong Kong Asian Film Financing Forum will continue to take place online from August 26th to 28th.

Aaron Kwok Fu Sing as the Hong Kong International Film Festival ambassador posted on social media, "I hereby sincerely thank the industry insiders and alliance partners who have always been supportive of the film festival. The passion for promoting good films will not subside for me and the film festival team. We will continue to promote next year's film festival and look forward to bringing exciting international film projects and programs to the audience again!" Aaron also reminded everyone to properly Stay home! Stay Safe! now.

Aaron's manager Siu Mei said that this week they and the Hong Kong International Film Festival team have been working hard in hopes of the film festival to be able to hold press conference and the August opening ceremony as scheduled. The film festival team has put in a lot of effort and hard work. With the severe and unstable pandemic, they in the end still had to make the decision to cancel because the general public's health is the most important.

[2020.07.26] TEN YEARS DIRECTOR JEVON AU "RUNS AWAY" TO CANADA

courtesy of mingpao.com

One of the five directors of the film TEN YEARS, Jevons Au Man Kit, appeared at the film BEYOND OUR DREAM (WAN OI)'s premiere at the end of last month and reunited with the other four directors. Currently living in Canada with his wife, he appeared on a Commercial Radio program and described himself as "running away". He once said that he never thought about leaving. "I wouldn't say it was emigration. It was 'running away'. Because we left in a hurry, we didn't plan anything at all or apply for anything. My wife is Canadian. She was worried about me, afraid that I would say something wrong. So she bought plane tickets very quickly, we grabbed our passports and boarded!"

Au Man Kit said that starting in mid June he started to consider leaving Hong Kong because of the fear after the National Security Law was enacted. He said, "Making movies and speaking in Hong Kong would have too many concerns, no freedom of speech to speak of at all. In Canada I have to adjust anew, I don't regret giving up my Hong Kong career. Making movies isn't my greatest pursuit."

When TEN YEARS won the 35th Hong Kong Film Award Best Film, it led to a lot of controversy. TRIVISA (SHU DAI CHIU FUNG), the film Au Man Kit directed the following year, was banned in the Mainland. Au Man Kit did not feel that he dragged down TRIVISA, saying that the saddest thing in his 13 years in the business was when TEN YEARS was forced out of the cinemas. "The film was sold out everyday, but it still had to leave the theaters? This is different from the Hong Kong film I know in the past. At the final forum, I was very upset. I broke down and cried." Au Man Kit reiterated that he did not give up on Hong Kong, he only wanted to continue to speak freely as someone from Hong Kong. Even if he was no longer able to make movies, he would continue to create.

Thursday, July 23, 2020

[2020.07.24] MICHELLE WAI FINDS FUN AT HOME AFTER NEW FILM SHUTS DOWN


courtesy of mingpao.com

Every July and August, film companies would begin preparing for the Lunar New Year. This year due to the novel coronavirus pandemic, aside from Emperor Motion Pictures and One Cool Film's Lunar New Year film BUK YUT SING FUN (COMING SOON WEDDING) that started production in early July, so far other film companies have taken a wait and see approach. Due to this year's pandemic, Lunar New Year films that postponed their releases like LEAP, THE RESCUE and VANGUARD would likely be delayed until the next Lunar New Year. Thus even if film companies did not start any production, they would not need to worry about a lack of Lunar New Year films.

Due to the third wave of the pandemic not being under control yet, BUK YUT SING FUN, which has been in production for over a week, earlier already temporarily stopped production for everyone's safety. Lead actress Michelle Wai Sze Nga had no idea when work will resume. "Earlier I received the notice, personal safety is the most important. The company's move is correct. Actually earlier at work, the team had very high pandemic prevention awareness. Only actors removed their face masks when they took their marks. All other workers wore face masks."

Wai Sze Nga felt lucky that before the production halted her pole dancing scene was already completed. Otherwise she would be stuck at home, getting rusty from unable to practice with the instructor and getting fat from pigging out; then having to practice anew and getting back into shape when work would resume. She and Carlos Chan Ka Lok's kiss scene and intimate scene still have not been shot. She was not worried to have close contact with Ka Lok because they were both homebodies. They would not go anyway and they would report their health status to each other. Following the government's "stay at home" order, Wai Sze Nga did not feel bored. "You can have fun at home too, I like to build models, play video games, read and watch movies. I once watched 5 movies in one day."

Under the pandemic, not only no one dared to start any film production, many large scale film events have been cancelled. However the Hong Kong International Film Festival will take place on August 18th. A press conference will be held in a few days to announce how many films will be screened this year. The event would pay attention to the pandemic development and make further arrangement.

[2020.07.24] JULIAN CHEUNG DOES NOT DARE TO RETURN TO WORK

Julian Cheung and Anita Yuen cook at home more
courtesy of on.cc

The Julian Cheung Chi Lam starred film JUNG SI YAU OI JOI GAK LEI (THERE'S ALWAYS LOVE AROUND) due to the pandemic has not been scheduled for release yet. He stated that he has several films that have completed production but unable to be released. Other jobs that were in negotiation and in the Mainland were halted. He said, "Because going to the Mainland would require 14 days in quarantine, I still am not mentally prepared to accept that. I would wait and see, and I thank the production units for their coordination."

Aside from Cheung Ch Lam, Jennifer Yu Heung Ying also has been affected. "Originally at the end of July I would have a movie, now it has been postponed. I hope the pandemic would pass soon and everyone would be able to return to work in good health."

[2020.07.24] MAT YEUNG HOPES HIS RESTAURANTS WOULD SURVIVE THE PANDEMIC

courtesy of on.cc
Raymond Cho, Lisa Chong and Mat Yeung
courtesy of singtao.com

Mat Yeung Ming and Lisa Chong Si Ming two nights ago worked on a movie at a cafe in Tai Wai. While the characters and the scenes actually were not special, the most special was that a senior center in the district had two confirmed cases! However Yeung Ming and Chong Si Ming appeared in "casual wear". The former only wore face mask while the latter carried many air purifiers, unlike other artists who wore face shields. Si Ming stated that she was somewhat worried, but the cafe was a feature location. She had to work and could do nothing about that. When she was not in a scene she would not remove her mask and she carried hand sanitizer with her.

Speaking of the "gathering restriction order" extension, Yeung Ming and Chong Si Ming admitted that the restaurant business has been affected. They could only give a 10% discount to take out order. The shop was constantly disinfected so everyone would be able to eat at peace. For now they have not planned to close like other restaurant as all shops will operate as usual. Yeung Ming said, "The initial estimate was a business drop of 40%. Luckily earlier we got two government subsidies. We hope we will be able to tough out this year, grind our teeth and get over the pandemic."

Wednesday, July 22, 2020

[2020.07.23] CARLOS CHAN'S NEW FILM SUSPENDS PRODUCTION FOR A WEEK

courtesy of on.cc

The Carlos Chan Ka Lok, Michelle Wai Sze Nga starred film BUK YUT SING FUN (COMING SOON WEDDING) earlier began production but due to the third wave of the pandemic, the rising number of infections forced the decision of suspending production for a week. Emperor Motion Pictures marketing department replies, "Due to the pandemic, the film will temporarily stop production. Once the pandemic subsides work will resume." Another Eric Tsang Chi Wai led film JUNG SI YAU OI JOI GAK LEI (THERE IS ALWAYS LOVE AROUND) originally was scheduled for an August release. Now due to the cinema closing and the "seat restriction order" even when re-opened, for now the film's actual release date remained unknown.

Tuesday, July 21, 2020

[2020.07.22] FOR THE WEEK ENDING SUNDAY JULY 19 2020

For the week ending Sunday July 19 2020
Photos courtesy of Yahoo! Movies Hong Kong



10 THE LAST FULL MEASURE
    d. Todd Robinson
    Sebastian Stan, Christopher Plummer, William Hurt,
      Ed Harris, Samuel L. Jackson


  9 THE HIGH NOTE
    d. Nisha Ganatra
    Dakota Johnson, Tracee Ellis Ross, Kelvin Harrison Jr., Ice Cube


  8 INTRUDER
  Can : Ngok Wui Ga
    d. Son Won-Pyeong
    Song Ji-Hyo, Kim Moo-Yul
  Rating : IIB
  Length : 102 mins.
  Opening July 1 2020
  Trailer : https://youtu.be/zVAG4_vUV4g


  7 DREAMBUILDERS
    d. Kim Hagen Jensen, Tonni Zinck
    Danish Animation


  6 SUMIKKOGURASHI: GOOD TO BE IN THE CORNER
  AKA : SUMIKKO GURASHI THE MOVIE: THE POP-UP BOOK AND THE SECRET CHILD
  Can : Gok Lok Siu For Boon
  Lit : Little Corner Partners
    d. Mankyu
    Japanese Animation
  Rating : I
  Length : 66 mins.
  Opening June 25 2020
  Trailer : https://youtu.be/vzIlmYzcZWI

[ BROADWAY CIRCUIT ]
    In the usual corner at the usual café. What's in the mysterious picture book hidden in the basement…?

    One day, the Sumikko friends find an old pop-up book in the basement of their favorite Sumikko Café. When they are looking at the book, the mechanism suddenly starts moving and the Sumikko friends are sucked into the book. In the world of the book, they meet a lonely Hiyoko, who doesn’t where it is from or who it is.

    "Let's help Hiyoko find its home!" The Sumikko friends decide to help their new friend. The journey in the world of the book begins.


  5 UPGRADE
    d. Leigh Whannell
    Logan Marshall-Green, Betty Gabriel, Harrison Gilbertson


  4 ONWARD
    d. Dan Scanlon
    Disney Pixar Animation
    English Voices: Tom Holland, Chris Pratt,
      Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Octavia Spencer


  3 MY PRINCE EDWARD
  Can : Gum Doh
  Lit : Golden City
    d. Norris Wong Yi Lam
    Stephy Tang Lai Yun, Chu Pak Hong, Nina Paw Hee Ching,
      Jin Kaijie, Eman Lam, Hui So Ying, Kaki Shum Ka Kei
      Siuyea Lo Chun Yip, Creamy Yik Kin Yi, Bryant Mak Chi Lok
  Rating : IIB
  Length : 93 mins.
  Opening November 17 2019 at the Hong Kong Asian Film Festival
  Opening December 12 2019 (Preview)
  Opening May 9 2020 (Preview)
  Opening June 11 2020
  Trailer : https://youtu.be/DMUYt9i8V9s
  Site : https://www.facebook.com/myprinceedwardfilm

[ HONG KONG ASIAN FILM FESTIVAL ]
    Golden Plaza is a shopping mall that is best known for bridal shops and cheap wedding supplies in Hong Kong. Fong is a clerk at one such bridal shop. She has been with Edward, the owner of a wedding photography shop in the same mall, for seven years. Everyone sees Edward as Fong's Prince Charming, destined to head to the altar. The problem is that Fong must first sort out the sham marriage that she was paid to take part in years ago before she can get married for real.


  2 LEGALLY DECLARED DEAD
  Can : SEI YUN MO HOR YI
  Lit : UNSUSPICIOUS CAUSE OF DEATH
  AKA : DECLARED LEGALLY DEAD
    d. Steve Yuen Kim Wai
    Anthony Wong Chau Sun, Karena Lam Ka Yun,
      Carlos Chan Ka Lok, Kathy Yuen (Tong Yi), Liu Kai Chi,
      Stephen Au Kam Tong, Joey Tang Kin Ming, Fung So Bo,
      Cheung Chun Hung, Benjamin Auyeung Wai Ho
  Rating : IIB
  Length : 109 mins.
  Opening December 5 2019 (Preview)
  Opening April 2020 (Postponed)
  Opening June 25 2020
  Trailer : https://youtu.be/Ol0s_JWgFFg

[ THE FILM CATALOGUE ]
    When insurance agent Sean is called to visit Tak and Ling's home to follow up on a life insurance policy, he discovers their son's corpse hanging in the bathroom. Principled and kind-hearted, Sean suspects that the child may have been murdered.

    As Sean digs for the truth, the real perpetrator turns the tables and forces Sean into a psychological battle of wills.



  1 BEYOND THE DREAM
  Can : Wan Oi
  Lit : Fantasy Love
    d. Kiwi Chow Koon Wai
    Terrance Lau Chun Him, Cecilia Choi Sze Wan,
      Nina Paw Hee Ching, Poon Chan Leung
  Rating : IIB
  Length : 120 mins.
  Opening November 14 2019 at the Hong Kong Asian Film Festival
  Opening December 13 2019 (Preview)
  Opening May 9 2020 (Preview)
  Opening July 2 2020
  Trailer : https://youtu.be/y1X2n0DVqgQ

[ BROADWAY CIRCUIT ]
    Lok is a recovering schizophrenic who yearns for love. One day, he encounters the young and beautiful Yan and quickly falls in love with her. Just when he struggles whether to tell her about his illness, he has a relapse and becomes delusional. Little does he know that she's a psychological counselor who has a hidden agenda. The pair develops a relationship that is beyond their wildest dreams.

[2020.07.22] AARON KWOK'S NEW FILM HALTS PRODUCTION TO FIGHT THE PANDEMIC

Aaron Kwok and Megan Lai star in DUEN MONG
courtesy of singtao.com

As the pandemic continued in Hong Kong, the film industry has been drastically impacted. The Soi Cheang Pou Soi produced, Wong Hing Fan directed film that Best Actor Aaron Kwok Fu Sing gave a 30% discount on his salary to make, DUEN MONG (BROKEN NET), has started production. Due to the third wave of the pandemic recently in Hong Kong and the rapid rise of infection cases it could only temporarily halt production and decide on when to resume the production depending on the pandemic. Sing Sing during the production last month said that in the first half of the year the pandemic impacted the entire industry. He asked everyone not to be discouraged and to prepare properly in their posts. However now as a third wave of the pandemic erupted in Hong Kong the production also needed to temporarily stop production. The film's public relations responded that due to the severity the pandemic is currently they should pause, as to when they still have no idea.

Monday, July 20, 2020

[2020.07.21] ANN HUI TO BECOME FIRST CHINESE FEMALE DIRECTOR TO RECEIVE VENICE LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT HONOR

courtesy of mingpao.com

The 77th Venice Film Festival yesterday announced that this year's lifetime achievement Golden Lion Award will go to Hong Kong director Ann Hui On Wa and English actress Tilda Swinton. Hui On Wa would be the first Chinese female director to receive this award. Chinese director John Woo (Ng Yu Sum) receive this honor in 2010.

The 73 year old Hui On Wa became the first female director to receive this award. She said, "I am so happy to receive the news and honored for the award! So happy that I feel I cannot find the words." Would she personally attend the film festival to accept the award? She said, "I would if the environment permits, right now the pandemic is rather serious in Hong Kong. I hope it will be better this month. I only hope that this world can recover as soon as possible. Everyone can be as happy as I am now!"

Hui On Wa has been in film and television for 45 years. As a representative of the "Hong Kong New Wave", Hui On Wa became an overnight sensation with the based on the real Lung Fu Shan murder THE SECRET (FUNG GIP, 1979). Her debut was nominated for the Golden Horse Awards and won three awards in a row. She has won three Golden Horse Best Director three years and the Hong Kong Film Award Best Director six times. Her achievements have long been recognized overseas and at home.

Hui On Wa has a connection with the Venice Film Festival. Her film SUMMER SNOW (NUI YUN SEI SUP) won Josephine Siao Fong Fong the Venice Best Actress. In 2011 with the film A SIMPLE LIFE (TOH JEH) she competed in the festival and won the Equal Opportunities Award, Signis Award -- Honorable Mention, and La Navicella Award. In 2014 she also served as the festival jury president.

[2020.07.21] BUK YUT SING FUN SUSPENDS PRODUCTION FOR A WEEK

courtesy of singtao.com

The novel coronavirus has not only affected cinema but also brought the film industry to a halt. The first shot of Emperor Motion Picture and One Cool Film's BUK YUT SING FUN (COMING SOON WEDDING) although has already begun production earlier, due to the third wave of the pandemic infection cases rapidly rose. Thus it would suspend production for a week. The Emperor Motion Pictures marketing department responded, "Due to the pandemic, BUK YUT SING FUN would suspend its production for a week. Of course we hope that after the pandemic subsides we would be able to resume work." Would actors wear face masks when not in a scene? She said that before the cameras rolled actors and the crew would follow the guidance fully and wear face masks. Everyday the temperature checks were also required.

Another film SI DOI (ERA) has not stopped production. Performer Jacquelin Chong Si Man said that she would not be too worried because the production locations were centralized. The actors and the crew only numbered in a dozen or so people, so the set would not have too many people gathering. She said, "The film has mainly dramatic scenes, I almost have scenes with (Raymond) Cho Wing Lim, Gwailo Yut Gor (Bui Wai Kit/Brian Thomas Burrell). If they are fine, then I am fine! Haha." The film SI DOI's public relations revealed that the production would continue as usual and would continue to strengthen the crew's health precautions. He said, "A temperature check would take place before entering the production location. Each worker would have alcohol based hand sanitizer; the crew would wear face masks at all times, on non production time actors would also wear face masks."

Sunday, July 19, 2020

[2020.07.20] KO CHEN-TUNG DOES NOT MIND NEW FILM RELEASE DELAY

courtesy of mingpao.com

Taiwan stars Kai Ko Chen-Tung and Ariel Lin starred in the film A CHOO, which was originally slated for a Hong Kong released on the 16th. Yet due to the novel coronavirus rise, the government tightened the social distancing order. Cinemas starting on July 15th closed for 7 days. A CHOO postponed its release date until further announcement.

Ko Chen-Tung shot a video to cheer on the people of Hong Kong. "Hong Kong friends how are you, I am Ko Chen-Tung. Due to the pandemic A CHOO has to be postponed, but I feel that doesn't matter. Hong Kong friends should first focus on fighting the pandemic. In the future we definitely would have a chance to see each other again. Safety comes first, health comes first, pandemic prevention comes first, A CHOO will see you later."

Friday, July 17, 2020

[2020.07.18] LAW CHUNG HIM ACHIEVES 42 INCH CHEST AT THE REQUEST OF THE DIRECTOR

courtesy of mingpao.com
Law Chung Him jokes that he never measures his chest and guesses that it was 42 inches.
Henry Lau has to give up his favorite food to get into this shape
courtesy of on.cc
courtesy of singtao.com

Law Chung Him and former Korean boy band Super Junior-M member Henry Lau Hin Wa in the new film DOUBLE WORLD (JING TOH) maintained "explosive muscular" conditions during the 3 months of production at the request of the director. Everyday after work they would keep training. Him Jai even achieved a 42 inch chest and won many "hearts"!

During the shoot Henry and Him Jai had to handle of a lot of stunts and special effect scenes for 12 hours everyday in 40 degrees temperature. On their days off they still had to continue their martial art, equestrian and other training. Everyday after work they met at the fitness center and never slacked off; they also paid attention to their diets! Henry who had to handle a sea of work notices daily during the shoot went without grease, salt and his favorites rice and noodles. Everyday he only had steamed chicken breast and vegetables; Law Chung Him followed his coach's instruction and ate less grease and salt.

Him Jai said, "Henry and I both have chest baring costumes. Aside from strength training, the coach also made special arrangement to improve our shape. Before the costume still shoot I had to drink 10 liters of water for several days in a row. On the day of the shoot I ate potatoes like mad to absorb water so I would be even more obviously cut." When asked about his chest size, he said, "I didn't measure then, it was around 42!" With self discipline and effort, Henry and Him Jai's explosive muscular results were ideal. Their arms, chests, and abdominal muscles were all present, cut without being excessively muscular.

Thursday, July 16, 2020

[2020.07.17] NEIGHBORS YELL AT JACQUELIN CHONG FOR NOT WEARING A MASK AT WORK


Jacquelin Chong says that actors cannot make a movie in face masks
Someone complains to the police and yells, "Wear a mask, it's very dangerous!"
Over 50 people looked on
The Police patrol arrives on scene and registers information from film workers
Lisa Chong two nights ago helps boyfriend Mat Yeung with his take out business.  Yesterday they attend the production start ceremony together
courtesy of mingpao.com
Jacquelin Chong's work has not been affected yet
Mat Yeung checks on Lisa Chong's injuries
courtesy of on.cc
courtesy of singtao.com

As the Hong Kong pandemic entered its third wave, the government earlier released even stricter gathering restriction order. Yesterday Mat Yeung Ming, Lisa Chong Si Ming, Jacquelin Chong Si Man, Raymond Cho Wing Lim and others attended a production start worship ceremony for the Chak Ai Dun directed new film SI DOI (ERA) at a Tai Wai cafe. Over fifty people looked on. Several police officers on patrol tried to get an understanding with estate security and film workers and registered workers' information. Because the actors did not wear face masks due to work, during the roast pig cutting ceremony someone yelled, "Put your face masks back on, it's very dangerous." Chong Si man explained that while at work they could not possibly wear face masks. Yeung Ming also believed that when anyone in a scene would know to put on their masks.

The film company later said that because of the crowd, some residents complained about its size. Thus the police came to get an understanding. Actually the film company earlier applied for a letter of no objection for the police public relations branch. The officers checked the related documents and registered the workers' information before departing.

As for neighbors being upset that they were not wearing face mask, Chong Si Man said, "It's awkward for actors. At work we can't possibly wear face masks. if you see actors in face masks on television they would look rather curious. At work we can't do anything about that, but outside work I would put it on. After work or during meal time I would wear it. it's not just the law but also it protects myself."

She revealed that in SI she and Cho Wing Lim would play siblings. Work already began last week. A new round of gathering restriction order just started. For now it has not affected the production too much. Of course she would be even more careful and wear face mask outside work.

Yeung Ming and girlfriend Chong Si Ming played a cop and a news anchor, not a couple. Si Ming pointed out that her boyfriend and a new comer would have a relationship but no intimate scene. She joked that she would not need to supervise. Yeung Ming said, "It's just acting, stay calm!" Was the film's story related to the last year's social movement? Yeung Ming said, "No, it's about changes in the thinking of young people nowadays, maybe sometimes they thought about something wrong and made the wrong decision. Later they realized a lot of facts and truth and examine the process."

Right now Si Ming has already been working for a few days. Yeung Ming will join the production next week. Working under the pandemic, Si Ming said that she would not worried. The crew would wear face mask. Before taking their marks everyone would sit apart. She would also bring a mini air freshener, at least she would feel safe in her mind. Yeung Ming pointed out that the event location was in open space and he did not need to worry, not to mention that everyone was very self aware and wore face mask. Everyone was more aware. Has his numerous soup shops been affected with further gathering restrictions? He said that on the first day he want to the Wanchai shop and saw that the diners were very self aware. At 6PM they would leave and the take out situation has been rather ideal. However fewer people were on the streets. He would have to await after 7 days to get an accurate count.

Si Ming injured her left arm while learning to ride a motorcycle. She said that she was neglected and should focus on learning. She still would keep learning for the August license test. Yeung Ming said, "You have to fall down to know it hurts. After learning the lesson you would be even more careful. (Do you dare to ride with her?) No, riding a tricycle would be much more stable."

[2020.07.17] IRENE WAN WOULD LIKE TO WORK WITH LOUIS KOO AGAIN

courtesy of mingpao.com
courtesy of on.cc
courtesy of singtao.com

Irene Wan Bik Ha due to the pandemic had many jobs put on hiatus, but she still positively faced life. She took the time to enjoy her family. However in August she will return to work, conceivably she would have to be in quarantine first before she would be able to go to the Mainland to work on some commercials and attend some events. As for film, she has been in negotiation with Mainland and Hong Kong projects. Speaking of Hong Kong actors having to pay taxes and reduce salary when they go to the Mainland for co-production films, Irene said that the company would make the arrangement. When the market is poor she would not mind any appropriate adjustment, the most important would be running into a good script and a good character.

Irene has been in the business for over 30 years and has worked with directors like Stanley Kwan Kam Peng on movies. She would like to work with Wong Kar Wai the most. She said, "My dream is to be able to work with Wong Kar Wai in my lifetime. He is my favorite and most appreciated director. He is a Hong Kong genius. If I would have a chance to work with him before retirement, I would have no regret in this life." Would she offer her services? Irene said, "I haven't thought about it. I feel it's about destiny. Actually she approached me about AS TEARS GO BY (WONG KOK KAR MOON), but at the time I was working on LOVE UNTO WASTE (DEI HA CHING). I don't know why nothing came of it!"

In addition, Irene's film workshop has been preparing for the new film GAING DOH BIT LUEN (KYOTO FAREWELL TO LOVE, tentative title). She would like to be able to start production in October. She revealed that the director would like Louis Koo Tin Lok to be the lead actor. Initially she felt the character would be suitable for Goo Jai and she would like to work with him again. Irene and Goo Jai in 1997 worked together on the television series AGAINST THE BLADE OF HONOR (YUET YUEN WAN DOH). She remembered at the time Goo Jai was still without a tan but was just as handsome. "However while work with Goo Jai it was the saddest time in my life, because my Papa just passed away. When working with him I couldn't help but shed tears. He came over to console me and chatted with me. However even with a handsome guy in front of me, I didn't feel anything because I was too heartbroken. However years later when I saw him again I felt he truly was very honorable, he quietly helped many people."

Due to the return of the pandemic, Irene's plan to release charity edition of her pictorial book at the Book Fair was changed to online sale. In addition she hoped the Mainland edition of the photo book would be released this year, with the addition of text about how she grew up. "Looking back I ran away from home at age 15. On the streets I ran into a talent scout. Actually at the time I really was a kid and was very rebellious, so being able to make LONELY FIFTEEN (LAN MUI JAI) changed my life. Without this opportunity I don't know what I would be like right now."

Wednesday, July 15, 2020

[2020.07.16] FOR THE WEEK ENDING SUNDAY JULY 12 2020

For the week ending Sunday July 12 2020
Photos courtesy of Yahoo! Movies Hong Kong



10 THE LAST FULL MEASURE
    d. Todd Robinson
    Sebastian Stan, Christopher Plummer, William Hurt,
      Ed Harris, Samuel L. Jackson


  9 THE HIGH NOTE
    d. Nisha Ganatra
    Dakota Johnson, Tracee Ellis Ross, Kelvin Harrison Jr., Ice Cube


  8 DREAMBUILDERS
    d. Kim Hagen Jensen, Tonni Zinck
    Danish Animation


  7 UPGRADE
    d. Leigh Whannell
    Logan Marshall-Green, Betty Gabriel, Harrison Gilbertson


  6 MY PRINCE EDWARD
  Can : Gum Doh
  Lit : Golden City
    d. Norris Wong Yi Lam
    Stephy Tang Lai Yun, Chu Pak Hong, Nina Paw Hee Ching,
      Jin Kaijie, Eman Lam, Hui So Ying, Kaki Shum Ka Kei
      Siuyea Lo Chun Yip, Creamy Yik Kin Yi, Bryant Mak Chi Lok
  Rating : IIB
  Length : 93 mins.
  Opening November 17 2019 at the Hong Kong Asian Film Festival
  Opening December 12 2019 (Preview)
  Opening May 9 2020 (Preview)
  Opening June 11 2020
  Trailer : https://youtu.be/DMUYt9i8V9s
  Site : https://www.facebook.com/myprinceedwardfilm

[ HONG KONG ASIAN FILM FESTIVAL ]
    Golden Plaza is a shopping mall that is best known for bridal shops and cheap wedding supplies in Hong Kong. Fong is a clerk at one such bridal shop. She has been with Edward, the owner of a wedding photography shop in the same mall, for seven years. Everyone sees Edward as Fong's Prince Charming, destined to head to the altar. The problem is that Fong must first sort out the sham marriage that she was paid to take part in years ago before she can get married for real.


  5 INTRUDER
  Can : Ngok Wui Ga
    d. Son Won-Pyeong
    Song Ji-Hyo, Kim Moo-Yul
  Rating : IIB
  Length : 102 mins.
  Opening July 1 2020
  Trailer : https://youtu.be/zVAG4_vUV4g


  4 SUMIKKOGURASHI: GOOD TO BE IN THE CORNER
  AKA : SUMIKKO GURASHI THE MOVIE: THE POP-UP BOOK AND THE SECRET CHILD
  Can : Gok Lok Siu For Boon
  Lit : Little Corner Partners
    d. Mankyu
    Japanese Animation
  Rating : I
  Length : 66 mins.
  Opening June 25 2020
  Trailer : https://youtu.be/vzIlmYzcZWI

[ BROADWAY CIRCUIT ]
    In the usual corner at the usual café. What's in the mysterious picture book hidden in the basement…?

    One day, the Sumikko friends find an old pop-up book in the basement of their favorite Sumikko Café. When they are looking at the book, the mechanism suddenly starts moving and the Sumikko friends are sucked into the book. In the world of the book, they meet a lonely Hiyoko, who doesn’t where it is from or who it is.

    "Let's help Hiyoko find its home!" The Sumikko friends decide to help their new friend. The journey in the world of the book begins.


  3 ONWARD
    d. Dan Scanlon
    Disney Pixar Animation
    English Voices: Tom Holland, Chris Pratt,
      Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Octavia Spencer


  2 LEGALLY DECLARED DEAD
  Can : SEI YUN MO HOR YI
  Lit : UNSUSPICIOUS CAUSE OF DEATH
  AKA : DECLARED LEGALLY DEAD
    d. Steve Yuen Kim Wai
    Anthony Wong Chau Sun, Karena Lam Ka Yun,
      Carlos Chan Ka Lok, Kathy Yuen (Tong Yi), Liu Kai Chi,
      Stephen Au Kam Tong, Joey Tang Kin Ming, Fung So Bo,
      Cheung Chun Hung, Benjamin Auyeung Wai Ho
  Rating : IIB
  Length : 109 mins.
  Opening December 5 2019 (Preview)
  Opening April 2020 (Postponed)
  Opening June 25 2020
  Trailer : https://youtu.be/Ol0s_JWgFFg

[ THE FILM CATALOGUE ]
    When insurance agent Sean is called to visit Tak and Ling's home to follow up on a life insurance policy, he discovers their son's corpse hanging in the bathroom. Principled and kind-hearted, Sean suspects that the child may have been murdered.

    As Sean digs for the truth, the real perpetrator turns the tables and forces Sean into a psychological battle of wills.



  1 BEYOND THE DREAM
  Can : Wan Oi
  Lit : Fantasy Love
    d. Kiwi Chow Koon Wai
    Terrance Lau Chun Him, Cecilia Choi Sze Wan,
      Nina Paw Hee Ching, Poon Chan Leung
  Rating : IIB
  Length : 120 mins.
  Opening November 14 2019 at the Hong Kong Asian Film Festival
  Opening December 13 2019 (Preview)
  Opening May 9 2020 (Preview)
  Opening July 2 2020
  Trailer : https://youtu.be/y1X2n0DVqgQ

[ BROADWAY CIRCUIT ]
    Lok is a recovering schizophrenic who yearns for love. One day, he encounters the young and beautiful Yan and quickly falls in love with her. Just when he struggles whether to tell her about his illness, he has a relapse and becomes delusional. Little does he know that she's a psychological counselor who has a hidden agenda. The pair develops a relationship that is beyond their wildest dreams.