Aaron Kwok appears in Causeway Bay in good spirits
Aaron Kwok goes undercover in the film
Louis Koo is ready to start working at anytime courtesy of on.cc
Aaron Kwok Fu Sing, Sean Lau Ching Wan and Louis Koo Tin
Lok earlier gathered in Xishangbanna, Yunnan for the new Universe film
THE WHITE STORM 3 (SO DUK 3). Originally the film's main location was
to be in Thailand. Earlier the film company also sent a large crew there
for pre-production work and set construction. Unfortunately as the
pandemic worsened there, the film company after considering a variety of
reasons finally decided to abandon all the pre-production work that was
done there to return to work in Hong Kong. It rapidly found a 500,000
foot location in New Territories, made in the Mainland props and
large scale set decorations for the construction of an entire village
and shipped them to Hong Kong. There it "constructed" a large sized
Thai village. Such a construction made the film company lose almost HK$
10 million!
As the Mainland shoot has already been completed, Sing Sing,
Ching Wan and Koo Tin Lok have already returned to Hong Kong. Koo Tin
Lok two days ago even appeared at an event, while Sing Sing and Ching Wan
stayed home and rested. However on the rare occasion of returning to
Hong Kong, Sing Sing two days ago went back to the company to handle
work matter. Playing undercover in the new film, he in order to get
into character became extremely depressed. On social media he posted
his dark eyes and weary condition numerous times, even with an extreme
hot cup in his hand he still was numb. He also posted that he was not
afraid of hardship for playing the role well. He only wanted to work
hard and do his best.
Although Sing Sing would enter into a self forgetting state once
at work, good actors often would have ways to reduce stress. Two days
ago when he went out, he was full of energy. Good and fit, after a 3
hour meeting at the Causeway Bay company he showed no sign of exhaustion.
When reporters approached for photos, his assistant anxiously covered him
up. Sing Sing saw and joked, "No need to be so tense." Then he walked
to his car. When he saw reporters almost fell from walking while taking
photos, he even heartwarmingly said, "Be careful!" Before getting into
his vehicle, he was asked whether he knew the film company lost HK$ 10
million from the location change? He said, "You would have to ask the
film company."
Reporters asked film company boss Daneil Lam Siu Ming about
losing almost HK$10 million from the location change from Thailand to
Hong Kong. He said, "We have changed to construct a large scale Thai
village for the shoot. As for how much was lost let's not talk about
it more. It is a big number though."
Louis Koo leads Elva Ni, Gigi Yim and others at an event
Chantel Yiu,Gigi Yim, Yumi Chung
One Cool Film distribution denies using athletes to promote ZERO TO HERO courtesy of singtao.com
STARS ACADEMY
Chloe So courtesy of on.cc
Chantel Yiu, Gigi Yim and Yumi Chung are practicing hard for their STARS ACADEMY live concert in August
Stephanie Ho's husband Fred Cheng will perform in the U.S. in September and they will head there a month in advance for their honeymoon
ZERO TO HERO courtesy of mingpao.com
Louis Koo Tin Lok, Stephanie Ho Ngan Sze, Chloe So Ho Yi
and 15 STARS ACADEMY contestants yesterday attended an event. Team Hong
Kong fencing representative Cheung Ka Long won a historic Olympic gold
medal for Hong Kong, swimmer Soibhan Haughey (Ho Sze Pui) after the
silver medal for he 200 meter free style yesterday won another silver
medal at the Women's 100 meter free style to become the first Hong Kong
athlete to win Olympic medals. This year Team Hong Kong performed
outstandingly. Although Goo Jai was busy with work, he still watched
the Olympics to support Team Hong Kong and was pleasantly surprised by
Team Hong Kong's good performance!
At yesterday's event an electronic pet dog was on display. Goo
Jai said that he has seen it online before. Yesterday was the first
time that he saw it in person. He was also interested in using it for
a movie, but believed that it would have to be designed anew before he
would be able to.
Goo Jai earlier worked on THE WHITE STORM 3 (SO DUK 3) on
location in Xishangbanna with Aaron Kwok Fu Sing and Sean Lau Ching Wan.
Lately the production continued in Hong Kong. Although the climate has
been humid, he said that he was still able to handle it. It was still
better than working in period costume in the summer. He could only
drink as much water as he could to avoid heat stroke. Although he had
to work, he still took time to watch the Olympics. He said, "I would
support Team Hong Kong. This year has been a pleasant surprise.
Medaling has made me very happy!" However his favorite was women's
volleyball, diving and freestyle gymnastics.
Recently different internet media outlets mentioned that "In
1996, Lee Lai Shan won gold at the Atlanta Olympics. At the Paralympics
of the same year, Hong Kong Paralympics athlete So Wa Wai also won gold
at the Men's 4x100 meter relay race. Unfortunately the treatment they
received were drastically different." Some online felt that this
article was disrespectful to Olympic athletes and claimed that the
marketing people for the movie about So Wa Wai issued the article in
order to promote.
Goo Jai had no comment about his investment One Cool Film
Distribution (the film ZERO TO HERO (MAMA DIK SUN KEI SIU JI)'s
distributor) being accused of promoting with Olympic athletes.
One Cool Film Distribution made a special statement. "All of our
marketing people have never directly or indirectly provided the
information to the media for the aforementioned article. We also would
not compare athletes who have worked just as hard for the glory of Hong
Kong to promote. We hope everyone would put their focus and attention
to supporting all Hong Kong athletes. Thank you!"
Goo Jai yesterday was at the same event as STARS ACADEMY
contestants. He said that earlier he occasionally watched their
contests. Have any of them caught his eyes for a movie? Goo Jai said
that he would talk about that later.
Yesterday at the event 15 STARS ACADEMY contestants met Koo
Tin Lok for the first time. Would they like to make a movie? Chantel
Yiu Cheuk Fei said, "That would also be a good opportunity. Singing
actually also require acting. Working on more movies in the future
would be able to motivate the singing!" Yumi Chung Yau Mei agreed,
"Aside from singing I can work on series and movies, being an actor would
also be a great attempt!"
Speaking of the film TIME (SAT CHOOK GOR WONG FUN), Stephanie Ho
Ngan Sze played the younger version of Petrina Fung Bo Bo and received
raves. She happily said that earlier people already said that she looked
like Sister Bobo. She was also very happy about everyone's compliments
now that the film has been released. Producer Gordon Lam Ka Tung said
that there would be a chance a prequel would be made. She said, "If it's
true it would be great, this was my first movie and I had a great
experience!"
Donnie Yen Chi Tan and Nicholas Tse Ting Fung in RAGING
FIRE (NO FOR) were on opposite sides of good and evil. They also dueled
in music outside the film as well.
Ting Fung created the RAGING FIRE theme song STAND OFF, which
was released yesterday. During the creative process, Ting Fung often
consulted Chi Tan and even invited him to play the piano in the music
video. Although known as the "Strongest in the Universe", Chi Tan
joked that Ting Fung asking him to perform in the music video was a
"risky" decision. However he still agreed in the end and even practiced
more before hand. He humbly said that he did not want to be "too
embarrassing". Ting Fung said that he was very envious of guys who
could play the piano, and praised Chi Tan that being highly skilled in
martial arts and still knew how to play the piano as something that
was very cool. He said that he had to find the best Chi Tan to perform,
so the team found a HK$ 2 million concert piano. Ting Fung then brought
his electronic guitar that was only one of 29 in the world from his
collection, so they created the most elegant musical duel in the music
video.
Irene Wan celebrates her birthday at a Central restaurant
Irene Wan's husband brings flowers and a kiss for his wife courtesy of mingpao.com
Irene Wan Bik Ha yesterday held her 55th birthday party.
Her husband Ho Cho Kwong made an appearance, presented flower and a
kiss to her to celebrate. Emperor Entertainment CEO Hui Pui Si also
attended in person. Boss Albert Yeung Sau Sing gave her brand name
luggage for her gift.
Irene's birthday wish was for dreams to come true, for
everyone to be happy and healthy, and for the pandemic to subside soon.
however Irene declined to reveal if she had any dream. She only said
that it was related to her personal work plan, because her film office's
third film NGOR MOON DIK SUP BAK SHUI was her biggest dream. In the
film Irene was the executive producer, producer and star as the adult
version of "Elaine". Irene revealed, "The film has already been in
preparation for 3 years. Based on a real life story, the cast and the
crew can be considered the perfect team. The cast includes (Moses) Chan
Ho as my boyfriend, Ti Lung and Candy Man Suet Yi as parents, and Lam Ting
as the lead 'Elaine' younger version. Other actors include (Loletta) Lee
Lai Chun, (Renci) Yeung Si Wing and others." Working in the sweltering
summer, Irene said that she was already used to it. The film office in
the future will continue to contribute to Hong Kong film and hope to
win glory for Hong Kong. As for profit she has not thought much about
it, she only wanted to make a sincere film.
Irene's previous film THE FALLEN (DOR LOK FA) was selected for
many Asian film festivals and brought her the first Best Actress award.
Unfortunately due to the pandemic, many viewers were unable to enjoy it
at the movies. Irene revealed that the film would have a chance to be
released again this year. Was she confident about winning another
award with her new film NGOR? Irene said, "This subject is very
touching, it will have a chance. It will open early next year, I want
to wait until after the pandemic to release it."
Currently working on NGOR, she joked that perhaps the team knew
about her birthday and arranged for a day off. Her husband and son
Xavier already gave her their gifts, but she has not have the time to
open them yet. She said, "Whatever they give doesn't matter, seeing
them already makes me very happy. Thank you to my family the most for
giving me their support and freedom. Today I would celebrate with a group
of friends. Earlier I was busy with work and didn't have time to see
everyone. With the birthday party we would be able to catch up."
Earlier Irene shot a wedding gown scene and the team presented her with
a cake to celebrate in advance with the cast.
Ti Lung and Man Suet Yi in the film played "Elaine's" parents.
Both agreed that the last time they worked together was already over 40
years ago in a movie. However because they have known each other for
years they would get together sometimes. Thus during the shoot they
had plenty of chemistry.
Back left: Kelly Yao, Brigitte Lin, Chen Chen and Grace Chang courtesy of mingpao.com
Great Beauty Brigitte Lin (Lam Ching Ha) earlier with
Chen Chen, Kelly Yao Wei and veteran media person Wong Man Ling
celebrated Grace Chang (Got Lan)'s 88th birthday. Known for her "acting,
singing, and dancing", Grace Chang starred in many famous Chinese musical
films like MAMBO GIRL, SPRING SONG, and A WILD WILD ROSE.
Wong Man Ling shared a photo from the party on social media.
Earlier revealing that she lost 26 pounds from active exercising, Lam
Ching Ha was dressed in red and looked great. Grace Chang also appeared
to be well, holding Lam Ching Ha's hand during the photo. Lam Ching Ha
kept praising, "Aunt Grace Chang is the prettiest." Chen Chen
celebrated her birthday on the 17th. Everyone prepared birthday peaches
and cakes to celebrate with her and Grace Chang.
Jeana Ho remembers Benny Chan's smile at the production wrap banquet courtesy of on.cc
The late director Benny Chan Muk Sing's film RAGING FIRE
(NO FOR) two nights ago held a Beijing premiere. Currently working on
JOHN WICK 4 in Germany, Donnie Yen Chi Tan was unable to appear in
person but still took time to thank the audience for its support online.
Nicholas Tse Ting Fung, Qin Lan, Ray Lui Leung Wai, Jeana Ho Pui Yu all
neatly lined up. As director Chan Muk Sing's close colleague, Jackie
Chan led 8 famous directors to stand on the stage for RAGING FIRE as a
salute to the action film master class director of a generation Chan
Muk Sing.
Director Chan had friends far and wide. At the RAGING FIRE
Beijing premiere a rare sight appeared. Big Brother Jackie Chan led
Dante Lam Chiu Yin, Raymond Lee Wai Man, Wong Jing, Lau Ho Leung, Li
Shaohong, Yu Baimei, Zhang Luan, Song Haolin to salute Director Chan on
the stage. Jackie Chan said, "As everyone would know, Muk Sing and I
worked together on many films. Even if I didn't work with him, I would
attend his every premiere. Today might be the only one that he isn't
here for. So I represent him and take the stage!" Before Director Chan
passed away, Big Brother Jackie Chan was still planning ROB B HOOD 2,
NEW POLICE STORY 2 and DRUNKEN MASTER 3. Unfortunately before the movies
were made, Director Chan passed away first. Big Brother sorrowfully
said, "I knew about his entire (illness) process, including arranging
for a hospital for him until that day when he passed......so it left a
very deep mark. I really miss his smile and him as a person very, very
much. On the set he wouldn't throw a tantrum, but the entire team would
be afraid. He was a good man, a good husband, a good director and a
good brother!"
Lam Chiu Yin revealed that he and Director Chan had history.
"When he made his first movie, I was his assistant producer. Now I am
making action film too. He of course was one of the action directors I
liked. I constantly watched his movies to study, to steal ideas. I just
finished watching RAGING FIRE. To be able to make action with this
type of energy in Hong Kong, I feel he truly was a very amazing director.
Seeing ample Hong Kong action power, I was very moved!" Wong Jing also
worked with Director Chan on his first film A MOMENT OF ROMANCE (TIN YEUK
YAU CHING). He already was planning with late director Ringo Lam Lan
Tung. Wong Jing said, "If Director Chan was given a little more time to
make several more movies like RAGING FIRE then it would have been great.
Hong Kong film would also have an extra share of strength!" Director Lau
Ho Leung as a junior remembered Director Chan. "Like everyone I was a
Director Chan Muk Sing fan. I am very grateful to him for leaving so
many films for us younger generations to keep learning from!"
Yen Chi Tan thanked the audience for its support online and was
grateful that he was able to work with director Chan Muk Sing on this
rare collaboration. "I madly love film, I also like to make movies with
some people who madly love film and are of the same mind. Director Chan
Muk Sing was this type of person. He not only in Hong Kong but also in
the entire Chinese film community was one of the directors with the most
contributions. I hope everyone who love movies would properly cherish
Director Chan's final film!"
Ting Fung at age 19 already worked with director Chan Muk Sing on
GEN X COPS (DUT GAING SUN YUN LUI). Since then Ting Fung has been
determined to develop in action. "I didn't start as a stunt man, didn't
accept any official training. However I am willing to use my life, my
guts as wagers. The director and I experienced many very memorable life
and death moments, like rolling down the Convention Center and throwing
me out of the 41th floor. I remember I was tossed a dozen or so times!"
Director Chan's passing naturally made Ting Fung very sentimental.
"Losing him is like losing the right hand! He to me was a Hong Kong
action film specialist. Of course the entire film industry has many
very outstanding action directors, but none are in his field!"
Qin Lan came to Hong Kong to make a movie for the first time and
already she was working with director Chan Muk Sing. She also played
a couple with Yen Chi Tan. She admitted that RAGING FIRE was a
production experience that she would never forget in her lifetime,
especially that explosion scene. "This was my first explosion scene,
luckily I had Big Brother Chi Tan. He was very experienced, told me how
to run. Although it wasn't the first time I played a pregnant woman, but
at the time Hong Kong was a little hot. My fake belly was a little heavy
too. I thank Big Brother Chi Tan and the director for taking great care
of me. The director at that time was already sick, but during the
shoot he never gave us any impression that he was sick at all. Looking
back now, I would always feel incredibly shocked and touched. He was
actually able to persist under that condition and make his final movie!"
Looking back at the 80's, Lui Leung Wai already worked with
director Chan Muk Sing on television. When Director Chan invited
Brother Lui to guest star in RAGING FIRE, he gladly agreed and fought
for ten full days in an abandoned shopping center. He was very
professional.
Based on the real life struggle of the Paralympic Games
athlete So Wa Wai, the film ZERO TO HERO (MA MA DIK SUN KEI SIU JI) was
produced by and starred Sandra Ng Kwan Yu. She was used to making
commercial films. She admitted that at first boss Louis Koo Tin Lok
introduced new director Jimmy Wan Chi Man to her, but she understood
that investing in sports films, musical films and the likes would have
certain risk. With the belief that "life needs hope", and with Koo Tin
Lok telling her, "I put up the money you put up the effort", in the end
they overcame all the hardship to finish the film.
Kwan Yu pointed out that before the production began she and the
director prepared for several months, especially when the budget was
only HK$ 30 million. The film had many running and special effect
scenes, but could not neglect the mother and son relationship. Thus the
calculation had to be accurate and precise. Did boss Koo Tin Lok pound
her chest? Kwan Yu said, "Koo Tin Lok only told me to do what I could.
I understood that we couldn't make the movies without any limit. It
would become a bottomless pit!" Kwan Yu stated that she already took a
2/3 pay cut for her acting salary. The producer fee was also included
within. "Ultimately this was something I wanted to do, it meant something
so I didn't mind. Mr. Koo and I have worked together for years. For his
founding film GOLDEN CHICKEN S (GUM GAI SSS) we were already working
together. I had a lot of trust in me. He said, 'If you say it's OK
it is'. So anything that went over the budget was taken from my
salary!"
Kwan Yu said that before the film went into production she first
received the agreement from So Wa Wai's Mama "So Ma" for the rights,
then went to get an understanding from So Wa Wai for research. "I talked
many times with So Ma, and I very greatly touched to learn about how
tough a time So Ma had in raising Wai Jai. So Man did not mind even
sharing private stuff, but I said that we weren't shooting private
things. We hoped to take the feeling to turn it into the character. In
addition I wouldn't be impersonating her, I thought with the experience
I would naturally resemble her!"
Did So Ma have any opinion of casting this time? Kwan Yu said
no. Although So Ma has not yet watched the film, she visited the set
during the shoot. When she saw to 1 to 1 scale set of her former
residence, she was reminded of how she raised her son. Kwan Yu planned
to hold a special screening for her. "So Ma said that she was afraid
she would cry then, I said you definitely would cry. Actually if someone
made a movie about Ng Kwan Yu, I would cry too. Next time I would find
someone to shoot me first, but I might as well wait until I would be 90!"
Kwan Yu admitted that earlier she had Lunar New Year films and
commercial films well in hand. This time producing an inspirational
film truly was a huge challenge, thus she put a lot of effort and time
into the script. From the half a year of editing to before the
production began every department needed to table read the script.
Aside from So Wa Wai's real life story, the film also had some
fictional parts. Among them were touching but tearjerking scenes.
Kwan Yu said, "I cried from the beginning to the end, from the first
scene when I carried my son to the hospital I was crying. The director
said that if you couldn't cry, he would drop two drops of fake emotions
(eye drops) or slap me hard. However actually if the scene wasn't
written well it would be meaningless!" The most memorable for her was
the argument scene with her son. "I almost had heart problems from
making it. It took two or three full nights. Because lights off was at
11PM at the rented campground, every night I wanted to shoot a little
better but ended up having to turn off the lights!" However she praised
the adult version So Wa Wai actor Leung Chung Hang as very professional.
"Maybe because of his stage background, once before the cameras rolled
he hug me hard and said, "I miss my Ma". Then we took our marks.
After the shoot our emotions still couldn't be stopped. Then I asked
whether this was the technique that the Performing Art Academy required,
to dig at where you hurt!" Leung Chung Hang admitted that his mother
already passed. Ultimately playing a character required to have a part
of him inside, so he had to put the realest side on display! Kwan Yu
said that actually all three actors who played So Wa Wai in different
stages were very outstanding and actually went beyond expectation.
Leung Chung Hang said that while exploring the role of the
adult So Wa Wai, before the performance he met with him to run and play
video games. However he did not "poke" him to talk about the past,
because he already knew everything in his autobiography. Instead he
wanted to know about his life and everyday movements and gestures.
"Because this time wasn't a real documentary, it added created stories
that were able to fill any hole. However the greatest difficulty was
to imitate how he talked, because everyone would have to pay a lot of
attention in order to be able to hear Wai Jai talk. Acting however
couldn't be like this, yet I couldn't lose the soul of Wai Jai's
speech. Thus the director, the younger version's Fung Ho Yeung and I
all worked hard on practicing it." Before his performance he also hired
a coach to help him train, ate four full meals a day and egg white.
However after a nightly run he would burn everything off. Who was faster
between him and So Wa Wai? Leung Chung Hang said, "Of course I couldn't beat
him, he is a gold medalist!"
Gladys Li, Chin Kar Lok, Ekin Cheng, Albert Yeung and Catherine Chau courtesy of singtao.com
courtesy of on.cc
courtesy of mingpao.com
The Dior Cheng Yi Kin, Catherine Chau Ka Yi, Chin Kar Lok,
Gladys Li Ching Kwan and others starred Emperor Motion Picture SUM SIU
SIM BEI KAU (LATE NIGHT DODGEBALL) yesterday held a production start
ceremony. Emperor boss Dr. Albert Yeung Sau Sing paid a special visit
and brought a birthday cake to celebrate Chau Ka Yi's birthday last
week. Young actresses kissed the birthday girl. Yeung Sau Sing even
called Chau Ka Yi "Emperor Top Sister", which embarrassed her so much
that she hoped the media would not write about it. Ekin and Kar Lok in
the film would work with many young actresses. They both joked that
they would have a generation gap. Ekin even admitted that he could not
keep up with how the trendy lingo is used now.
Cheng Yi Kin and Chin Kar Lok worked together again after THE
GOLDEN JOB (WONG GUM HING DAI). They said that in the film they played
coaches. They would have no rivalry, only positive competition.
Speaking of choosing the alternative sport of dodgeball as the subject,
Ekin joked, "I too only found out about it from video games. Before work
we asked the Hong Kong women's team to teach us. Their throws were very
powerful." Ekin said that the film wanted to bring out the message that
life would always have problems, no one should dodge them in response.
In real life, Ekin said that he definitely has run into things that he
wanted to dodge, but because it was resolved very quickly he already
forgot what it was.
Working with many young actresses in the film, Ekin and Kar Lok
both joked that they would have generation gap. Kar Lok said, "We would
have a generation gap but it wouldn't be a death sentence. We would be
able to adapt very quickly. On the first day of work they were scared
when they saw us, but after getting familiar we got along very well.
We used to play with the elder actors too." Ekin joked that he could not
caught up to the usage of the trendy lingo, even the food changed.
"We were treated to milk tea and custard tarts, now they like cheese
cake and bubble tea." Speaking of Team Hong Kong's success at the Tokyo
Olympics, Ekin who currently has property investment in Japan said that
due to the pandemic he has not been to Japan for a very long time. He
cancelled his original plan to attend the games. "I don't like to go to
places with a lot of people. Originally I wanted to see what new
technology Japan would have during the Olympics, but I didn't get to go.
I could only pay attention to the games between takes."
Turning 42, Chau Ka Yi hoped to absorb even more youthful
energy. Has she planned any major event in life? Ka Yi joked, "The
funeral? I am not dating now, if I say I have no suitor I would sound
very weak. Maybe I am about the feeling when dating, at this age I
don't think about it too much. Maybe when I turn 60 I would be in more
of a panic." The Yeung Sau Sing dubbed "Emperor Top Sister" said that
she did not dare to accept the title and scare other people. She hoped
that the media would spare her and not to write about it. Team Hong Kong
again performed well at the Olympics. Chau Ka Yi felt that it proved
young people now are very powerful, Hong Kong will certainly be in luck
in the future.
Li Ching Kwan and other young actresses saw Ekin as a god,
joking that she was already ahead with just one glimpse of Ekin. On
breaks she would say Ekin's hits to cheer him up.
Assistant director Ko Chi Bun thanks Gordon Lam for giving him the opportunity to direct TIME and officially become a director.
Gordon Lam remembers the details of his relationship with godmother Ha Ping and has even more in depth knowledge about seniors who live alone.
Petrina Fung and Patrick Tse work together again after 60 years, which is able to bring back memories for older viewers and hopefully introduce them to new ones anew.
Patrick Tse and Petrina Fung were already working together during the black and white Cantonese film era courtesy of mingpao.com
TIME (SAT CHOOK GOR WONG FUN)'s director Ricky Ko Chi Bun and
producer Gordon Lam Ka Tung hoped that the film would bring attention
and care for seniors from the government and the general public. Lam Ka
Tung revealed as early as working as a child worker at a cafe at age 12,
he already sensed that seniors were being neglected -- which made them
feel they have lost their value of existence. He never considered making
the senior problem into a film, until he started working on television
and saw many elder actors being disrespected and left to their own
devices. During his days with godmother Ha Ping, he strongly experienced
the variety of problems that seniors who lived alone faced. Thus in
2014 he already had the idea that was brewing until 2020, when he began
production TIME within his abilities. Ka Tung said, "The government not
only needs to have more assistance for seniors, everyone should also
care about seniors around them more. Just a greeting like 'Did you eat',
'What have you been doing?', 'Do you feel all right?' is already
enough."
Ko Chi Bun has been in the business for 22 years. Started as a
TVB assistant director, he then made the jump to film and worked as
assistant director on Herman Yau Lai To directed films. Late to the
director's chair, Ko Chi Bun said that it was a problem of luck. He
said, "Among assistant directors, many have more experience than me,
more skilled and qualified to direct. However nowadays making a movie in
Hong Kong really isn't easy. Who would trust a new director? I was very
lucky to have run into Ka Tung, who gave me an opportunity."
He revealed that he and Ka Tung have already known each other
since TVB. When Ka Tung guest starred in THE WHITE STORM 2 (SO DUK 2),
he asked whether Ka Tung had any script that they could work together
on. Ko Chi Bun said, "At the time I said I had one. When we met, before
looking at my script he wanted me to look at the TIME script. I finished
it on the spot and said that I was interested in directing it. In recent
years many directors have made social subject films. TIME is one too,
but it uses a dark humor method to express it. I personally feel that
film is entertainment, while bringing out a message it also has to
entertain viewers. A balance needs to be reached between them. If it
is just about social topic, you can just watch SUNDAY REPORT and Hong
KONG CONNECTION."
Ka Tung loved to cultivate new directors, liked their fire and
new ideas. He said, "I would be outdated too. They have new ideas,
which cannot be better. The film industry really needs new blood. Ko
Chi Bun and I have known each other for years. We haven't seen each
other in awhile, but I know that he has been with Director Yau for so
long that he has handled movies both big and small. Basically he has
absolutely no problem with control on the set. I believe TIME would
stump him, and he wants to try to direct. The most important is he has
fire. Over a decade go, I asked a new director to make a movie. He
said, "Come find me when you are done." I thought if it was done I
wouldn't need to find you. You would only be executing."
Ko Chi Bun's directing debut was instantly selected to compete
for the Udine Far East Film Festival New Director Award. Would he like
to win? He said that he never thought about it, not even about a
nomination. His heart was set on making a movie for the Hong Kong
audience. Thus when Ka Tung informed him of the selection, his mind
went blank. He did not dare to believe it, but he was very happy to be
recognized by an overseas film festival. Ko Chi Bun said, "When I went
to film festivals before and watched big and new directors' films from
around the world, I never thought that my movie would also have a chance
to be released on the international stage. I am very happy."
Ka Tung revealed that TIME had the script before deciding on
casting. After reading the script, he and the director both felt that
for the over the hill killer Tin Lap Chau and partner Choi Fung, Patrick
Tse Yin and Petrina Fung Bo Bo were the only choices. He said, "After
looking at the entire show business, Sei Gor is the one who is able to
master the mysterious over the hill killer Tin Lap Chau. Because Sei
Gor constantly wore sunglasses, the audience felt very distant from him
-- which was perfect for the character's mysteriousness. Of course we
had to think of how to bring him back to the ground and make him even
more relatable."
Ka Tung said that Sister Bobo in recently rarely had any
performance. The last time was already LA LEGENDARY ROSE NOIRE (92 HAK
MUI GWAI DUI HAK MUI GWAI) 29 years ago. He said, "Years later, Sister
Bobo also grew and probably had a different type of experience. She and
Sei Gor haven't worked together for 60 years, when they do sparks may
fly again. This was where I started to convince them to perform."
Ka Tung felt that this team of Sei Gor and Sister Bobo for the
group of old viewers was absolutely memories of their youth, but for the
new generation of viewers they were new actors. He once asked some young
people, "Do you know who Sei Gor is?" Their answer was "Sure, (Nicholas)
Tse Ting Fung's Papa." They had no idea how famous and popular Sei Gor
was in his time.
Sandra Ng shows support for Jer during the music video shoot courtesy of singtao.com
The Sandra Ng Kwan Yu produced and starred film ZERO TO
HERO (MA MA DIK SUN KEI SIU JI) will officially open on August 12th. The
film was based on the real story of the Paralympic Games track and
field gold medalist So Wa Wai.
Kwan Yu in the film played "Mama So". In order to get into her
character more, she conversed with Mama So to get to know her. She said,
"When playing someone, you need to have a very in depth understanding of
her. Thus during the shoot, I got to know this 'good mama' deeply.
Early on during the shoot I conversed with her many times, analyzed her
life attitude. I also had a new view on being a 'good mama' from it."
After finishing the film, during the promotion Kwan Yu discovered
that Mama So and Wai Jai's relationship was like a friendship. Their
"friendship" affected her into considering how to get along with her own
daughter anew. Kwan Yu said, "I hope this wonderful mama's might
wouldn't just affect me alone. The best would be every parent after
watching this film would be inspired by her persistence and never give
up spirit, and even be able to experience the power of parents over
their children's growth."
Kwan Yu also shared her view about the new generation, saying
that they seemed not to care about winning or losing. "My daughter once
told me that she won a handwriting contest. At the time I was very
surprised! I asked her when would the award be presented, she said that
she would skip it because she had to spend a lot of time after school to
wait for the award. She said that she still had a lot of homework to do.
I was shocked and said no way! You could let Mama attend the award
ceremony with you, witness your trophy acceptance. I would be very
proud. She said then let's go! If you want to come then come."
Meanwhile, Ng Kwan Yu invited MIRROR's Jer Lau Ying Ting to
perform the film's theme song ROAD OF WONDER with the Hong Kong
Children's Choir. Jer praised the children's singing to be as innocent
and pure as angels. Earlier Jer and 63 choir members shot the music
video. Kwan Yu made an appearance to show her support. Jer praised how
touching the film was. "Mr. So Wa Wai was born flawed and became
disabled, but it didn't mean he lost. He worked hard to tell people
that he would win. Like me, I have never studied singing until I
competed and joined MIRROR. I slowly took one step at a time to today."
In the film the "Wonder Kid" had Mama's support. Jer also had
the family's silent support. "All along my family has been very
supportive of me. When I quit everything to chase my dream, my family
was suspicious but they chose to believe. They didn't give me any
pressure. They would support me unconditionally. Everything I do is
on my infinite loop online. My parents even learned to sing my songs,
which is already very great support for me. I hope to shine brightly on
this journey, I hope I can make them proud."
10 1921
d. Huang Jianxin, Heng Dasheng
Huang Xuan, Ni Ni, Wang Renjun, Liu Haoran, Yuan Wenkang
Rating : IIB
Length : 138 mins.
Opening July 1 2021
Trailer : https://youtu.be/fU9Ho1ETmNk
[ THE FILM CATALOGUE ]
Young representatives from all over China gather in Shanghai to establish th e Communist Party of China in 1921.
9 BUTT DETECTIVE THE MOVIE: THE CASE OF THE COURAGEOUS CURRY + MYSTERY OF THE LADYBUG RUINS
d. Miho Hirayama
Japanese Animation
Rating : I
Length : 71 mins.
Opening July 15 2021
Trailer : https://youtu.be/JS6fsjxDrp0
[ CINEMA CITY ] THE CASE OF THE COURAGEOUS CURRY
On a sunny afternoon, Butt Detective and his assistant Brown are enjoying a leisurely afternoon tea at the cafe. Mr. Walter, the manager of a new curry restaurant in town, walked in with a large shopping bag. At this time, he found that the spices he had just bought, "Piriritokikku", an essential spice for curry dishes, had disappeared from his shopping bag. "You can't make curry without the spices! There is no way to open the business on schedule!" While Mr. Walter was devastated and distressed, Butt detective step forward, his remarkable reasoning mind is ready to solve the disappearance of the curry spices.
MYSTERY OF THE LADYBUG RUINS
Here comes the second piece of "Butt Detective" jumps to the big screen. This is an adventurous action film that tells the story of the Butt detective and his father Butt Dandy discover the mystery of the ancient ruins together!
One day Butt Detective received a commission from his father's Butt Dandy, which is going to the Ladybug Ruins to investigate into a case. According to the rumors, the hidden treasure in the ruins, possibly could save the continuous drought in the dim dim village. Butt Dandy and a baby panda called Tan arrived to the site in advanced, however someone who wants to steal the treasure are already onto them. Moreover, the phantom thief U delivered a criminal notice at the same time...........Butt Detective follows the footstep of Butt Dandy, while unraveling various mysteries in the ruins!
8 SPACE JAM: A NEW LEGACY
d. Malcolm D. Lee
LeBron James, Don Cheadle, Sonequa Martin-Green, Ceyair J. Wright
English Voices: Zendaya
Cantonese Voices: Tyson Chak Hoi Tai, Harriet Yeung Sze Man
7 MAN IN LOVE
Can : Dong Nam Yun Luen Oi Si
d. Yin Chen-Hao
Roy Chiu, Ann Hsu Wei Ning,
Rating : IIA
Length : 114 mins.
Opening July 22 2021
Trailer : https://youtu.be/nHHFoo1OW7I
[ HONG KONG MOVIE 6 ]
A-cheng is a rogue who relies on debt collection for living. He lives in the attic of a small barber shop managed by his elder brother. It's time for a 37-year-old adult to live on his own, but he always ignores all contempt from others. One day, he goes to the hospital to collect a debt from a creditor in coma, there he meets Hao-ting, daughter of the creditor. She is forced to sign a debt transferring contract without any complaint. Her silhouette of silently taking care of her father deeply attracts A-cheng, a guy who never had responsibility before. A-cheng clumsily draws a "graffiti contract" to offset Hao-ting's debts with walks and dinners as dating, even tries his best to manage the funeral for her father. Hao-ting feels touched by his behaviors and accepts his pursuit. Unexpectedly, a barter gambling takes away their future ruthlessly. A-cheng is not only imprisoned, also diagnosed with hemangioma. He has not much time left...At that moment, A-cheng finally understands that when a man falls in love, he can give up everything without hesitation.
6 TIME
Can : Sak Chook Gor Wong Fun
Lit : Kill Out A Sunset
d. Ricky Ko Chi Bun
Patrick Tse Yin, Petrina Fung Bo Bo, Lam Suet, Chung Suet Ying
Sam Lee Chan Sam, JJ Jia, Zeno Koo Ting Hin,
Belinda Yan (Ngan Chi Fei), Stephanie Ho Ngan Sze,
Rating : IIB
Length : 100 mins.
Opening April 4 2021 at the Hong Kong International Film Festival
Opening July 15 2021
Site : https://www.hkiff.org.hk/film/getdetail?fid=947
Trailer : https://youtu.be/CWXNXh1mGYY
[ BROADWAY CIRCUIT ]
Last generation of assassins moved to HK in 50/60’s and posted as "killer-for-hire" trio to fix all sort of problems for their clients. Decades passed, they now become redundant themselves at work and home. An accidental mission calls upon them turns out to be an assisted suicide. The trio suddenly finds new 'life'...as "Guardian Angels of the Elders". Just when they are finding meanings to this new role, an order from a teenager turns their new practice upside down again...this might as well be their very last job.
[ HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL ]
Once famous for his quick blade, a retired assassin can no longer earn a living with his cut-throat skills. Summoned again, he partners with his chauffeur to carry out special missions – fullfilling the wishes of old people looking to kill themselves. When commissioned by a young girl who has been deserted by her parents and lover, the "Elderly's Angel" squad finds an arresting way to complete its task. New director Ricky Ko slashes open the loneliness and depression of old age, in a black comedy that's no laughing matter.
5 SNAKE EYES: G.I. JOE ORIGINS
d. Robert Schwentke
Henry Golding, Andrew Koji, Haruka Abe, Samara Weaving,
4 LUCA
d. Enrico Casarosa
Disney/Pixar Animation
English voices: Jacob Tremblay, Jack Dylan Grazer, Emma Berman
3 ESCAPE ROOM: TOURNAMENT OF CHAMPIONS
d. Adam Robitel
Taylor Russell, Logan Miller, Thomas Cocquerel
2 BLACK WIDOW
d. Cate Shortland
Scarlett Johansson, Florence Pugh, David Harbour,
O-T Fagbenle, Ray Winstones, Rachel Weisz
1 THE BOSS BABY: FAMILY BUSINESS
d. Tom McGrath
DreamWorks Animation
English Voices: Alec Baldwin, James Marsden, Amy Sedaris
Cantonese Voices: Bob Lam Sing Bun, Harriet Yeung Sze Man
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