[2021.09.01] FOR THE WEEK ENDING SUNDAY, AUGUST 29 2021

For the week ending Sunday August 29 2021

Photos courtesy of Yahoo! Movies Hong Kong

10 LET'S SING
  Can : Yit Cheung Ba
    d. Keo Lou (Lo Ka Ho)
    Endy Chow Kwok Yin, Vivian Chan Wai Man, Endy Leung Chin Hung,
      Wong Shu Tong, Terence Siufay, Anna Ng Yuen Yi,
      Sofiee Ng Hoi Yan, Mika Lee Ka Mei
  Rating : IIA
  Length : 102 mins.
  Opening August 26 2021
  Trailer : https://youtu.be/8i6VlFfDZwQ

[ MCL CINEMAS ]
    Fong who is a hot-tempered high school girl, dreams of being a singer, she threatens the talented music teacher Cheong Chi Ian to give her private lessons. Despite the fact that they agree like cats and dogs, there is a chemistry between them. However, in a interscholastic singing competition, Fong sang a song with foul languages, which leads to Cheong Chi Ian's dismissal by the school, she also made herself three demerits and was forced to drop out.

    What surprises her is that she became really famous due to this incident, she was even invited to a big singing competition for challenging the professional singers, but only on one condition: she must sing the song which made her famous. Cheong Chi Ian thinks it is playing to the crowd, Fong should not participate in this; Fong's mother also emphasizes that if Fong does this, then the chance of returning school is slim, on the contrary, Fong knows very well that if she stands out in the competition, she will probably become a real singer.

    Choosing between family, school and her dream, which will it be, will Fong return the school or step on the stage?

  9 CANDYMAN
    d. Nia DaCosta
    Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Teyonah Parris,
      Nathan Stewart-Jarrett, Colman Domingo

  8 OOOPS 2!
    d. Toby Genkel, Sean McCormack
    Animation
    Cantonese Voices: Edan Lui Cheuk On, Shirley Chan Yan Yin

  7 REMINISCENCE
    d. Lisa Joy
    Hugh Jackman, Rebecca Ferguson, Thandie Newton, Daniel Wu (Ng Yin Cho)

  6 CRAYON SHINCHAN: SCHOOL MYSTERY! THE SPLENDID TENKASU ACADEMY
    d. Wataru Takahashi
  Rating : IIA
  Length : 104 mins.
  Opening August 19 2021
  Trailer : https://youtu.be/aLQ3jYq8VZY

[ MCL CINEMAS ]
    Shinchan and the Kasukabe Defense Force are going to experience school life in "Private Tenka Unification Kasukabe Gakuen" for a week.

    Student with high elite score during this trial enrollment will be admitted as a scholarship student. Although Kazama dreams to attend this elite college with the Defense Force, he has a quarrel with Shinchan and dashes out the dormitory.

    When he was found by the Defense Force, his intelligence had been reduced and his butt had a strange bite mark.

    Who is the suspect? In order to find out the truth, "Kasukabe Detective Club" is formed!

  5 SUICIDE SQUAD
    d. James Gunn
    Margot Robbie, Idris Elba, John Cena, Joel Kinnaman, Jai Courtney,
      Peter Capaldi, David Dastmalchian, Daniela Melchoir,
      Michael Rooker, Alice Braga, Peter Dvidson, Nathan Fillion,
      Sean Gunn, Flula Borg, Mayling Ng, Sylvester Stallone, Viola Davis,

  4 PAW PATROL: THE MOVIE
    d. Cal Brunker
    Animation

  3 FREE GUY
    d. Shawn Levy
    Ryan Reynolds, Jodie Comer, Lil Rel Howery,
      Utkarsh Ambudkar, Joe Keery, Taika Waititi

  2 ZERO TO HERO
  AKA : ON YOUR MOM, GET SET, GO!
  Can : Ma Ma Dik Sun Kei Siu Ji
  Lit : Ma Ma's Wonder Kid
    d. Jimmy Wan Chi Wan
    Sandra Ng Kwan Yu, Louis Cheung Kai Chung, Leung Chun Hang,
      Mason Fung Ho Yeung, Tony Wu Tsz Tung, Chin Siu Ho,
      Lo Hoi Pang, Yeung Wai Lun, Locker Lam Ka Hei,
      Ng Siu Hin, Lok Wing, Chung Suet Ying, Mak Pui Tung
  Rating : IIA
  Length : 103 mins.
  Opening August 12 2021
  Teaser : https://youtu.be/byBgUOK1Cbg
  fb : https://www.facebook.com/zerotoherofilm
  ig : https://www.instagram.com/zerotoherofilm

[ THE FILM CATALOGUE ]
    This film is based on the story of So Wa Wai, the medal-winning Paralympic athlete. It teaches audiences that even people who "lose on the starting line" can achieve victory as long as they persist.

    Soon after birth, Wai was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, which made him hard of hearing and even unable to walk normally. But under a strict training regimen from his mother, Wai eventually learned how to walk and was even invited into the Hong Kong Disabled Track and Field Team. Wai has participated in multiple Paralympic Games and won many gold medals. To this day, he is still the record holder for men's 100-meter and 200-meter at the Paralympics. For his achievements, he has earned the nickname "Wizard Boy".

    Wai wanted to be a full-time athlete, but due to his father's work injury, he chooses to become a courier instead to support his family. He tries to balance between work and training, but his mother begins to arrange ad appearances and paid appearances on his behalf. Soon, he falls out with Fong, his coach, for neglecting his training, and he begins to fight back against his mother's control. At the 2008 Paralympic Games, Wai finds himself under unprecedented pressure from the match and his fallout with his mother.

    Fortunately, Wai repaired his relationship with his mother, and he received encouragement from his father and fellow competitors before the match. In the end, he not only wins the race, but also sets a new world record for the men's 200-meter sprint. As he stands on the podium with pop hit "Boundless Sky" playing in the background, he finds himself filled with pride as all 90,000 people inside the Bird's Nest sing along with the song.

    But Wai actually has a more important motivation for winning the gold medal: Wai wants to share the gold medal with his mother, who didn't have a piece of gold when she got married. Now, she can finally proudly wear the gold that she's waited her entire adult life for.

  1 RAGING FIRE
  Can : No For
  AKA : CROSSFIRE
  Can : For Ping
  Lit : Fire Fight
    d. Benny Chan Muk Sing
    Donnie Yen Chi Tan, Nicholas Tse Ting Fung, Qin Lan,
      Patrick Tam Yiu Man, Kenny Wong Tak Bun, Deep Ng Ho Hong,
      Jeana Ho Pui Yu, Angus Yeung Tin Yu, Bruce Tong Kwan Chi,
      Henry Prince Mak Hung Lei, Yu Kang,
      German Cheung Man Kit, Tony Wu Tsz Tung,
      Ray Lui Leung Wai, Simon Yam Tat Wa, Ben Yuen Fu Wa,
      Ben Lam Kwok Bun, Ken Low Wai Kwong, Carlos Chan Ka Lok
  Rating : IIB
  Length : 126 mins.
  Opening July 30 2021 (POSTPONED)
  Opening August 19 2021
  Trailer : https://youtu.be/mX7D4z9dcOA

[ THE FILM CATALOGUE ]
    Shan is a righteous cop who's solved countless cases. One day, his past comes back to haunt him when his sting operation is attacked by a mysterious group of criminals led by Ngo, his former protege.

    Ngo was once a talented cop who admired Shan. However, a terrible accident sent him to prison three years ago, transforming him into a furious man dead set on killing everyone who's wronged him -- including his former mentor.

[2021.09.01] FOR THE WEEK STARTING SATURDAY, AUGUST 28 2021

For the week starting Saturday, August 28 2021 (Week 35)

VIUTV CHILL CLUB CHART

  5 SEA OF THORNS
  Can : Gik Chi Hoi
  Vincy Chan (Wing Yi)

https://youtu.be/lbuUY4s8rYs

  4 LOVE CRIME
  Can : Yun Oi Ji Jui Ming
  Jay Fung Won Him

https://youtu.be/GuRrVpfNgOc

  3 UNLOVEABLE CULT LEADER
  Can : But Hor Oi Gau Ju
  Anson Lo Hon Ting

https://youtu.be/63kYZhp-FtU

  2 THE SHAPE OF WIND
  Can : Fung Dik Ying Jong
  Yoyo Sham Ning Yi

https://youtu.be/KEb1Db47DAg

  1 BOSS
  MIRROR

https://youtu.be/7-wAaOWD7mY

[2021.08.31] MAINLAND DIRECTOR URGES JET LI TO "HURRY UP AND RUN" OVER RUMORED "CITIZENSHIP RESTRICTION ORDER"

Mainland director Zhou Guogang (left) on TikTok urged Jet Li to "hurry up and run"

Yesterday a blacklist spread like mad online, including artists with foreign citizenships like Nicholas Tse and Crystal Liu
courtesy of mingpao.com

Negative news followed one after another for Mainland artists. Kris Wu was arrested for rape. Zheng Shuang was exposed for abandoning her surrogate's child and evading taxes. Vicki Zhao Wei suddenly was banned as all of her film and television work were either been removed or her name was removed from the credits. According to Mainland media reports the authorities wanted to clean up the show business on a large scale. Recently the latest blacklist spread like mad online. It had 7 artists included Jet Li (Lee Nin Kit), Crystal Liu Yifan, Nicholas Tse Ting Fung and others. Some said that they coincidentally were ll artists with foreign citizenships, which might affect their work in the Mainland. Often exposing show business secrets, Mainland director4 Zhou Guogang earlier on TikTok shot a video to tell Lee Nin Kit, "Hurry up and run!"

According to Mainland media reports, the Mainland lately wanted to clean up show business. After Best Actress Zhao Wei was suspected of being banned as her film and television work were removed and her award history blanked out, the latest blacklist with 7 famous artists spread like mad on Weibo. It included Liu Yifei, Zhang Tielin, Mark Chao, Lee Nin Kit, Will Pan, Tse Ting Fung, Wang Leehom, coincidentally they all had foreign citizenships: U.S. citizens Liu Yifei, Will Pan, Wang Leehom; U.K. citizen Zhang Tielin; Canadian citizens Tse Ting Fung and Mark Chao; Singapore citizen Lee Nin Kit.

Mainland director Zhou Guogang in the past often exposed secrets. Earlier he posted a video on Tiktok and publicly told Lee Nin Kit, "Hurry up and run! The next house to fall may very likely be yours!" Lee Nin Kit was born in Beijing, in 1997 he became an U.S. citizen. In 2009 he became a Singapore citizen. Online speculations claimed that he might be the next target.

The blacklist that spread online mentioned, "From now on those stars with foreign citizenship already would have difficulties with appearing on the stage in China again, and they would not be able to make the big bucks on the Chinese stage."

Actually in March last year the State Administration for Radio, Film and Television already issued a "citizenship restriction order", the detail of which became a hot topic online. For the "creative and on camera personnel selection problem", anyone whose speech or action ridicule, slander, defame, attack the socialist system with Chinese characteristics or national sovereignty, security and development interests would not be chosen; any artist whose behavior disrupts social order, has scandals and negative past, criminal violations would not be chosen.

Another point was, "selection of anyone with foreign, Hong Kong, Macao or Taiwan citizenship would be inappropriate." In other words artists with foreign, Hong Kong and Taiwan citizenships would be under the restriction. People online thus named U.S. citizen Liu Yifei, Canadian citizen Wu Yifan, Singapore citizen Lee Nin Kit and other well known artists.

Although because of this rule many Mainland artists with foreign citizenships were uncovered, according to the rule, without any negative history, criminal behavior and the like, in principle no one would be affected.

[2021.08.31] CHU PAK HONG CELEBRATES ANTHONY WONG'S 60TH BIRTHDAY IN ADVANCE WITH A KISS

Chu Pak Hong, Anthony Wong, Chan Suk Yi
courtesy of mingpao.com

Anthony Wong Chau Sun, Chan Suk Yi and Chu Pak Hong starred in the play ART, which ended its 15 show run. During the curtain call of the last show, the cast, the crew and the audience celebrated Wong Chau Sun upcoming 60th birthday. Chau Sun once said that this year would be the farewell, next year would be the comeback, he on the stage talked about this performance experience. He enjoyed it but was reluctant for it to end. He sentimentally said, "With so many unstable and uncontrollable elements, this play couldn't be performed for two years due to a variety of reasons. In this environment would anyone watch a play? I really didn't have much confidence, but over this 15 show run, the audience told me that I could keep going. Thank you everyone!" Chu Sun immediately invited everyone to take a group photo with him.

They had Spanish cuisine for the celebration. Everyone sang the birthday song and presented a cake to wish Chau Sun a happy 60th birthday Thursday (September 2nd) in advance. Chu Pak Hong even passionately hug Wong Chau Sun and kissed him; Chau Sun's birthday wish was good health. Chu Pak Hong worked with two alumni for the first time, he said that it was a very important milestone in his performing art career. He hoped to have another chance to work with them again.

[2021.08.27] NICHOLAS TSE FEELS TOASTY AFTER EXPLOSION SCENE

courtesy of singtao.com

courtesy of on.cc

The Benny Chan Muk Sing directed film RAGING FIRE (NO FOR) has already opened in Hong Kong and made over HK$ 10 million; in the Mainland it has been the box office champion for 27 days straight (as of the 26th) as its latest box office broke 1 billion yuan RMB. At the same time it received recognition from more international film festivals as RAGING FIRE was selected for the L'Etrange Festival and the Zurich Film Festival. Ting Fung saw RAGING FIRE as the film he was the most pleased with in recent years. He summed up, "I believe, Director Benny and I have no regret!"

Donnie Yen Chi Tan and Nicholas Tse Ting Fung led their followers to a heavy gun fight, car crash into stores on Peking Road and Canton Road in RAGING FIRE. The team blocked off the streets for production early in the morning. Ting Fung had a lot of experience in handling explosive scenes, but the crew did not dare to hesitate. Ting Fung and the cinematographer who were the closest the explosion point all had dangers of being burn. To ensure safety, the team repeatedly tested and calculated precisely. Ting Fung said, "On the day of the shoot, behind me was a very large gas bomb. After I tossed the grenade it would explode. Of course each time I would rely on experience. I didn't know where it would explode, or what response the explosion would cause. I only knew that I had to keep my appearance flawless. When I tossed it I only remembered it was very hot, like being toasted it should be a little burnt. Luckily Brother Chi Tan was very pleased with the result." Ting Fung pointed out that each time before the explosion production the team would require several hours. After the explosion the team would have to clean up for several hours. Luckily this time the shoot was completed in just one take.

[2021.08.26] CHRISSIE CHAU SIGNS WITH LOUIS KOO, TAKES AIM AT BEST ACTRESS

Started as a pseudo model, Chrissie Chau successfully transitions into a star

Louis Koo has been recruiting artists with potential in recent years

Working with Louis Cheung in MADALENA, Chrissie Chau has the chance to participate in various film festivals
courtesy of on.cc

Chrissie Chau Sau Na in 2018 had a contractual dispute with her former manager. Actually last year it already came to an end. She even signed with Louis Koo Tin Lok's management company and started over! Soon after Chau Sau Na joined, the company already had a series of projects and even tailored a script for her. They hoped to challenge for the Hong Kong Film Award Best Actress after 29+1 and reached new heights in her career.

Earlier she worked on the film MADALENA with Louis Cheung Kai Chung, which was invested in by Koo Tin Lok's One Cool Film. In the film she played a foreigner who went to Macau for work and had many emotional scenes and potential. Recently it was selected for the 55th Golden Horse Film Project Promotion and had the chance to participate in various film festivals.

[2021.08.25] FOR THE WEEK ENDING SUNDAY, AUGUST 22 2021

For the week ending Sunday August 22 2021

Photos courtesy of Yahoo! Movies Hong Kong

10 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

  9 JUNGLE CRUISE
    d. Jaume Collet-Serra
    Dwayne Johnson, Emily Blunt, Edgar Ramirez, Jack Whitehall,
      Jesse Plemons, Paul Giamatti

  8 CRAYON SHINCHAN: SCHOOL MYSTERY! THE SPLENDID TENKASU ACADEMY
    d. Wataru Takahashi
  Rating : IIA
  Length : 104 mins.
  Opening August 19 2021
  Trailer : https://youtu.be/aLQ3jYq8VZY

[ MCL CINEMAS ]
    Shinchan and the Kasukabe Defense Force are going to experience school life in "Private Tenka Unification Kasukabe Gakuen" for a week.

    Student with high elite score during this trial enrollment will be admitted as a scholarship student. Although Kazama dreams to attend this elite college with the Defense Force, he has a quarrel with Shinchan and dashes out the dormitory.

    When he was found by the Defense Force, his intelligence had been reduced and his butt had a strange bite mark.

    Who is the suspect? In order to find out the truth, "Kasukabe Detective Club" is formed!

  7 OOOPS 2!
    d. Toby Genkel, Sean McCormack
    Animation
    Cantonese Voices: Edan Lui Cheuk On, Shirley Chan Yan Yin

  6 REMINISCENCE
    d. Lisa Joy
    Hugh Jackman, Rebecca Ferguson, Thandie Newton, Daniel Wu (Ng Yin Cho)

  5 SUICIDE SQUAD
    d. James Gunn
    Margot Robbie, Idris Elba, John Cena, Joel Kinnaman, Jai Courtney,
      Peter Capaldi, David Dastmalchian, Daniela Melchoir,
      Michael Rooker, Alice Braga, Peter Dvidson, Nathan Fillion,
      Sean Gunn, Flula Borg, Mayling Ng, Sylvester Stallone, Viola Davis,

  4 PAW PATROL: THE MOVIE
    d. Cal Brunker
    Animation

  3 ZERO TO HERO
  AKA : ON YOUR MOM, GET SET, GO!
  Can : Ma Ma Dik Sun Kei Siu Ji
  Lit : Ma Ma's Wonder Kid
    d. Jimmy Wan Chi Wan
    Sandra Ng Kwan Yu, Louis Cheung Kai Chung, Leung Chun Hang,
      Mason Fung Ho Yeung, Tony Wu Tsz Tung, Chin Siu Ho,
      Lo Hoi Pang, Yeung Wai Lun, Locker Lam Ka Hei,
      Ng Siu Hin, Lok Wing, Chung Suet Ying, Mak Pui Tung

  Rating : IIA

  Length : 103 mins.

  Opening August 12 2021
  Teaser : https://youtu.be/byBgUOK1Cbg
  fb : https://www.facebook.com/zerotoherofilm
  ig : https://www.instagram.com/zerotoherofilm

[ THE FILM CATALOGUE ]
    This film is based on the story of So Wa Wai, the medal-winning Paralympic athlete. It teaches audiences that even people who "lose on the starting line" can achieve victory as long as they persist.

    Soon after birth, Wai was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, which made him hard of hearing and even unable to walk normally. But under a strict training regimen from his mother, Wai eventually learned how to walk and was even invited into the Hong Kong Disabled Track and Field Team. Wai has participated in multiple Paralympic Games and won many gold medals. To this day, he is still the record holder for men's 100-meter and 200-meter at the Paralympics. For his achievements, he has earned the nickname "Wizard Boy".

    Wai wanted to be a full-time athlete, but due to his father's work injury, he chooses to become a courier instead to support his family. He tries to balance between work and training, but his mother begins to arrange ad appearances and paid appearances on his behalf. Soon, he falls out with Fong, his coach, for neglecting his training, and he begins to fight back against his mother's control. At the 2008 Paralympic Games, Wai finds himself under unprecedented pressure from the match and his fallout with his mother.

    Fortunately, Wai repaired his relationship with his mother, and he received encouragement from his father and fellow competitors before the match. In the end, he not only wins the race, but also sets a new world record for the men's 200-meter sprint. As he stands on the podium with pop hit "Boundless Sky" playing in the background, he finds himself filled with pride as all 90,000 people inside the Bird's Nest sing along with the song.

    But Wai actually has a more important motivation for winning the gold medal: Wai wants to share the gold medal with his mother, who didn't have a piece of gold when she got married. Now, she can finally proudly wear the gold that she's waited her entire adult life for.

  2 RAGING FIRE
  Can : No For
  AKA : CROSSFIRE
  Can : For Ping
  Lit : Fire Fight
    d. Benny Chan Muk Sing
    Donnie Yen Chi Tan, Nicholas Tse Ting Fung, Qin Lan,
      Patrick Tam Yiu Man, Kenny Wong Tak Bun, Deep Ng Ho Hong,
      Jeana Ho Pui Yu, Angus Yeung Tin Yu, Bruce Tong Kwan Chi,
      Henry Prince Mak Hung Lei, Yu Kang,
      German Cheung Man Kit, Tony Wu Tsz Tung,
      Ray Lui Leung Wai, Simon Yam Tat Wa, Ben Yuen Fu Wa,
      Ben Lam Kwok Bun, Ken Low Wai Kwong, Carlos Chan Ka Lok
  Rating : IIB
  Length : 126 mins.
  Opening July 30 2021 (POSTPONED)
  Opening August 19 2021
  Trailer : https://youtu.be/mX7D4z9dcOA

[ THE FILM CATALOGUE ]
    Shan is a righteous cop who's solved countless cases. One day, his past comes back to haunt him when his sting operation is attacked by a mysterious group of criminals led by Ngo, his former protege.

    Ngo was once a talented cop who admired Shan. However, a terrible accident sent him to prison three years ago, transforming him into a furious man dead set on killing everyone who's wronged him -- including his former mentor.

  1 FREE GUY
    d. Shawn Levy
    Ryan Reynolds, Jodie Comer, Lil Rel Howery,
      Utkarsh Ambudkar, Joe Keery, Taika Waititi

[2021.08.25] FOR THE WEEK STARTING SATURDAY, AUGUST 21 2021

For the week starting Saturday, August 21 2021 (Week 34)

VIUTV CHILL CLUB CHART

  5 OVERRULED
  Can : Fan Dui Mo Hau
  MC Cheung Tin Fu

https://youtu.be/L67zi-8wBXo

  4 SEA OF THORNS
  Can : Gik Chi Hoi
  Vincy Chan (Wing Yi)

https://youtu.be/lbuUY4s8rYs

  3 THE SHAPE OF WIND
  Can : Fung Dik Ying Jong
  Yoyo Sham Ning Yi

https://youtu.be/KEb1Db47DAg

  2 BOSS
  MIRROR

https://youtu.be/7-wAaOWD7mY

  1 CIAO
  RubberBand

https://youtu.be/fpjJmMDyjvM

[2021.08.25] NICHOLAS TSE HOPES TO REKINDLE HONG KONG ACTION FILMS' SPIRIT

Nicholas Tse is pleased with RAGING FIRE's Hong Kong box office success

Nicholas Tse was honored to take part in Benny Chan's final film and hoped that it would rekindle Hong Kong action films' spirit
courtesy of singtao.com

Henry Mak, Nicholas Tse and Jeana Ho come in close contact with the audience
courtesy of on.cc

courtesy of mingpao.com

The Emperor Motion Picture RAGING FIRE (NO FOR) opened in Hong Kong, stepping into the sixth day (the 24h) it already made over HK$ 9 million and headed directly for the 10 million mark.

Nicholas Tse Ting Fung was pleased. "I know that the film opened in Hong Kong, many friends liked it. For me, I haven't watched this type of Hong Kong action film in a very long time; I remember when I got into the business, why did I really want to make movies? Because 'Hong Kong action film' once led us all over the world. This was Director Chan Muk Sing's final film. I hope it would be able to rekindle the Hong Kong action film spirit. So everyone must go to the movies to support it!"

Recently, Ting Fung led Ho Pui Yu and Henry Mak to promote in the Mainland. On the rare occasion to meet their idol, Ting Fung's fans of many years brought the star chasing notebook from 23 years ago to ask Ting Fung for his autography. A viewer was upset that Ngo had instant cup noodle throughout RAGING FIRE and brought hot pot ingredients to compensate, which made Ting Fung very excited.

A viewer said that Ting Fung's Ngo broke their hearts. Ting Fung said that he also shed tears for Ngo's ending. "I cried too, I never thought that everyone would like this character so much. When I play the good guy, I feel your response isn't as enormous!" He at the same time revealed that he improvised the ending. "At the time different versions were shot, the director finally chose this method to appear."

In the film, Jeana Ho Pui Yu played the female cop who was on the team to capture Ngo. Before taking her mark she needed to accept a series of physical training. Jeana joked, "Because in the film chasing Ngo really was too tiring, expended too much energy!"

[2021.08.24] KENNY WONG REMEMBERS THE SOUTH ASIAN VILLAGE FIGHT SCENE THE MOST

Deep Ng, Kenny Wong, Angus Yeung
courtesy of singtao.com

courtesy of on.cc

courtesy of mingpao.com

Director Benny Chan Muk Sing's final film RAGING FIRE (NO FOR) has been heating up in its run. Aside from leads Donnie Yen Chi Tan and Nicholas Tse Ting Fung's life risking performance, Kenny Wong Tak Bun, Deep Ng Ho Hong and Angus Yeung Tin Yu who played fellow police officers also had their action sequences. However they all said that their production was tough but also very enjoyable. Yen Chi Tan had opinions and demands for each action shot. The three of them before the shoot also needed to learn different gun knowledge in classes. The scene in which he was surrounded by a dozen or so people in the South Asian village was the most memorable for Wong Tak Bun.

Wong Tak Bun said that stunt had inherent danger and expend a lot of energy because the action sequences were very explosive. In the particular with Yen Chi Tan as the action director, he who was always highly demanding would make the scene even grander. The three of them before the shoot also needed to go to class to learn different gun knowledge and how to hold a gun. Yeung Tin Yu said that because in the film they had both physical combat and explosion scenes, they needed to memorize different types of guns. This time they even had the chance to come in contact with machine guns and other heavy equipment; Ng Ho Hong also said that he went to classes for a full week, in particular he had to focus on the gun pulling skills.

During the action film production process injury was inevitable. Wong Tak Bun pointed out that he too had minor scratches or muscle bruises. Ultimately Yen Chi Tan had opinions and demands for each shot. The most memorable for him was shooting a scene in which a dozen or people surrounded him in the South Asian village. He had to fight each person, lifting them up and slamming them down. "I was made to look very amazing, Brother Chi Tan even said that he would not increase the film speed because the result was already fast enough. This combat scene was all bout the atmosphere, luckily after a few takes we already reached the effect!"

As for Yeung Tin Yu he attempted wire work for the first time. He said that he just passed by on the day of the shoot. Yen Chi Tan took him to watch the stunt double's performance, then he asked him to fly to the street from 3 stories up on wires. He toughed it out. "However in the process of flying to the streets, my thigh hit an air conditioner that stuck out. In half a hour after the shoot, I felt that I started to limp when I walked. I had to get the medical treatment on the spot!" However Yeung Tin Yu was not scared off. Although in that scene he had to land head first, he still liked to seek thrills and thought that actors had to try anything once. Wong Tak Bun was asked whether he liked action scenes or playing "Uncle"? He joked that he was capable in everything. Ultimately he was just an actor. Did he like fight scenes or kiss scene with an actor? He said, "They both are fights, but the other is fighting for affection!"

Wong Tak Bun lamented the passing of Director Chan Muk Sing. "I was already working with him since I was very little. The first was WHAT A HERO! (WA! YING HUNG), then NEW POLICE STORY, HEROIC DUO (SEUNG HUNG) and DIVERGENCE (SAM CHA HAU). Thus we had a special connection and he was a very important director to me." He also praised Chan Muk Sing as great, aside from handling action scenes every scene had love -- whether it was between family, friends and couples. Thus he valued love. Director Chan was even a very attentive director. "Sometimes with even minor issues like breathing during action scenes, he would directly tell me without making me feel uncomfortable!" However this time while working on RAGING FIRE, Tak Bun pointed out that Director Chan would work exactly like normal until voice work when he did not appear. Later he learned bout the director's illness from the newspaper. He would send him text messages and receive replies, only that they did not talk about illness.

Ng Ho Hong worked with Director Chan on NEW POLICE STORY, but at the time he was too new and did not have any chance to interact with him. This time around he felt the director was very magnanimous in how he handled matters, full of a sense of justice he was also very sincere with people. If something happened he definitely would speak up. He had many tricks up his sleeves, with many people and many things he has never lost his temper. His emotional quotient was rather high. Yeung Tin Yu worked with Director Chan for the first time. Each time he went to the set, he felt that Director Chan would be able to influence a team of people to unite and work together. In addition he would always welcome everyone with a smile. He was kind and friend. Even if he wanted to improve an actor's method, he would explain with a smile. He would never get mad. He also gave special thanks to him for giving him the opportunity to perform.

[2021.08.23] RAGING FIRE PASSES HK$ 5 MILLION AFTER 3 DAYS

Ray Lui worked on the first television series as well as the final film of Benny Chan as a director
courtesy of singtao.com

Angus Yeung, Kenny Wong and German Cheung

courtesy of on.cc

Ray Lui, German Cheung, Angus Yeung, Kenny Wong
courtesy of mingpao.com

The Emperor Motion Picture RAGING FIRE (No FOR) has topped the Mainland box office for 23 days in a row, passing 920 million yuan RMB to become this year's highest rated action film in the Mainland. The film opened in Hong Kong also won both word of mouth and box office; not only did it become the Hong Kong film with the highest opening and the most admission in 2021; but also firmly sat atop the box office for 3 days straight -- flashing past the HK$ 5 million mark.

To thank the Hong Kong audience for its passion, on the opening weekend the RAGING AGE actors Kenny Wong Tak Bun, Angus Yeung Tin Yu and German Cheung Man Kit attended a series of audience appreciation events and came in close contact with viewers. Even Ray Lui Leung Wai, who extremely rarely participated in audience appreciation events also personally came to the cinema and caused a stir. Viewers all praised Brother Lui for being in great shape.

Brother Lui revealed that he has already enjoyed RAGING FIRE 3 times and still has not grown tired of it. He said, "Nowadays it's already very hard to make such a seriously and strictly produced Hong Kong action blockbuster. As a Hong Konger, I should be proud!" He also took the chance to remember the talented director Benny Chan Muk Sing. "In 1985 he worked on the series THE FLYING FOX OF SNOWY MOUNTAIN, Chan Muk Sing originally was (Johnnie) To Kei Fung's assistant writer and director. This was the first series that he was promoted to director, and I was very fortunate to be able to work with him; I never expected that I would also take part in director Chan Muk Sing's final film RAGING FIRE. This was a wonderful destiny. The passing of director Chan Muk Sing absolutely was a enormous loss to the film industry!"

In the film Brother Lui's scenes was shot in an already abandoned shopping center, without water, electricity, air conditioning. In the high heat he had to work on a fight scene, anyone would be able to imagine the degree of difficulty that must have been. Fortunately his good friend Donnie Yen Chi Tan supported him with practical action. Brother Lui said, "Although Chi Tan didn't appear in this scene, he really was loyal. Before hand he already told me, 'For however many days you would work, I would be there with you!' Indeed when I worked for seven days, he really came all seven days!"

Also popular with the audience, Wong Tak Bun revealed his preparation for the shoot to the audience. "The team had someone instruct us on gun knowledge, like how to use a gun, load it, take it apart, during training we used real guns and bullets so we would perform even better on the set; at the same time foreign action directors with military background trained us on formation, how to attack an defend, which made us able to perform right away as soon as the action director gave the order." Speaking of the memorable action scene of the Peking Road gun fight, Tak Bun said that was shot both on location and on the set. That day they were already in make up before the sun rose, because the streets would be closed at 8 AM. We tried to get the take in one try and in the end we were able to, only the weather was very hot.

Yeung Tin Yu revealed that in the final physical combat on Peking Road, his elbow accidentally injured Cheung Man Kit's left brow. He felt guilty about it for a long time. When asked German had no idea. Instead he asked Angus, "Did this happen? I really don't remember it! It probably wasn't a big deal, minor injuries are inevitable in an action film!" Angus joked that perhaps he hit too hard and made German lose his memory.

[2021.08.23] SANDRA NG DRESSES UP FOR AUDIENCE APPRECIATION EVENT

Locker Lam, Sandra Ng, Leung Chung Hang and Jimmy Wan
courtesy of singtao.com

courtesy of mingpao.com

The film ZERO TO HERO (MAMA DIK SUN KEI SIU JI) since its opening accumulated over HK$ 8 million at the box office. Two nights ago producer and actor Sandra Ng Kwan Yu and director Jimmy Wan Chi Man, actors Leung Chung Hang and Locker Lam Ka Hei dressed up as fencing athletes to attend an audience appreciation event, shared their experience with and asked question from a group of student viewers.

Because the good word of mouth and thriving run for the film, Kwan Yu revealed in the future she would continue to attend audience appreciation event and thought about dressing as different types of athletes for each appearance as a salute to Team Hong Kong representatives at the Tokyo Olympics. At the same the Paralympic Games also opened on the 24th, she would also cheer for Team Hong Kong. When Edgar Cheung Ka Long won the gold medal at the Tokyo Games, Kwan Yu thought of dressing up as a fencing athlete for the first appearance. "However I realized that finding fencing gear wasn't easy at all, I had to ask a mother of my daughter's classmate for help to be able to find the right size. When I put it on I thought it didn't look good, the face guard was very heavy and I was sweating all over." As for upcoming audience appreciation events, Kwan Yu joked that she already thought of appearing as badminton, table tennis and karate athletes. She even promised that if the film would reach HK$ 12 million, she, the cast and the director would wear swimsuits, but they would wear swimming athlete's competition "shark" suits. Does her daughter have any athletic gene? Kwan Yu admitted that her daughter did not have the determination of an athlete, but she loved to dance. She tried to force her daughter to swim but in the end she still gave up!

In the past Andy Lau Tak Wa once donated HK$ 100,000 to sponsor Hong Kong para-athletes every year. Does Kwan Yu feel that the government assistance in this area was enough? Kwan Yu said, "It's a little better, now is better than before. Maybe with this movie ZERO TO HERO, lately private groups increased their donations. This is a good thing too!"

In addition, in memory of director Benny Chan Muk Sing, Siu Mei's First Strong Workshop and Entertaining Power held a special memorial screening of RAGING FIRE (NO FOR) on its opening day and supported this "special" work from Director Chan Muk Sing in action and in spirit. That day Aaron Kwok Fu Sing also enjoyed his "benefactor" Chan Muk Sing's final film. Sing Sing attended to show his support and shared his feelings with the audience afterward. Of course Sing Sing still missed this great mentor and friend, a good director with great character, talent and passion for film. After the screening, the entire audience applauded as the cinema was filled with respect and memories.

[2021.08.21] "THE GODFATHER OF TAIWAN FILM" LEE HSING PASSED AWAY

Lee Hsing won the Golden Horse Award Best Director for three years in a row
courtesy of singtao.com

Lee Hsing directed BEAUTIFUL DUCKLING (top), AUTUMN EXECUTION and HE NEVER GIVES UP (bottom), all of which won him the Golden Horse Award Best Director 

Chen Chen (right) praised Lee Hsing as one of the greats in the film industry

Directors Ang Lee (left) and Kevin Chu (right) were in pain over Lee Hsing's passing

Yao Chiung due to the pandemic has been unable to see Lee Hsing, which she regretted

Kenny Bee called Lee Hsing his mentor and benefactor
courtesy of mingpao.com

Known as the "Godfather of Taiwan Film", Lee Hsing two nights ago passed away from heart failure at age 91. Lee Hsing started as an actor, becoming the performing cast of his mentor, Director Tang Shaohua, but at the same time also serving as his assistant director. In 1958 he made his directing debut BROTHER WANG AND BROTHER LIU ON THE ROADS IN TAIWAN and became an overnight success.

Director Lee Hsing made many positive contributions to Chinese films. His representative work included BEAUTIFUL DUCKLING, THE AUTUMN EXECUTION and HE NEVER GIVES UP. Lee Hsing won the Golden Horse Award Best Director three times and even received the Golden Horse Award Lifetime Achievement. Since 1986 Lee Hsing no longer directed, but he still contributed to the domestic film scene and served as the commissioner of the first "Republic of China Film Directors Association", the chairman of the Taipei Golden Horse Film Festival Executive Committee. In 2016 Lee Hsing even received the Nation Cultural Award of the Republic of China (Taiwan) in honor of his contributions.