[2021.11.11] ANITA MOVED LOUIS KOO TO TEARS

Stars Gordon Lam and Louis Koo not only praise how moving the film is but also how loyal Anita Mui was

Louise Wong has received compliments for her portrayal of Anita Mui

The director and the cast share their experience on the stage 

The already demolished Lee Theater returns to the screen again
courtesy of singtao.com

Gordon Lam and Louis Koo want to show their respect for Anita Mui with the film

Louise Wong and Fish Liew cry out real emotions from playing sisters in the film
courtesy of on.cc

Louis Koo laments how quickly Hong Kong has changed, as many places have either been relocated or demolished

Terrance Lau, Louise Wong and Fish Liew in the film play Leslie Cheung, Anita Mui and Ann Mui.  Louise Wong's husband Sheldon Lo (circle) also show up to support his wife

Gordon Lam claims to be an Anita Mui fan.  He has worked with her as well and praised her for taking care of her junior colleagues

The event two nights ago was both a premiere and a concert.  When C AllStar performed Anita Mui's image appeared behind them.  

John Chiang, Lee Lam Lam, Lin Yim Fai and Chen Chen

Samantha Ko
courtesy of mingpao.com

Louis Koo Tin Lok, Gordon Lam Ka Tung, Louise Wong Dan Nei, Fish Liew Chi Yu, Terrance Lau Chun Him, Harriet Yeung Sze Man, Gin Lee Hung Ngai, director Longman Leung and others two nights ago attended the film ANITA's Hong Kong all star premiere and concert at the Kowloon Bay International Trade and Exhibition Center. Wong Dan Nei's husband Sheldon Lo Hau Yung also showed up to support his wife. Other guests included Samantha Ko Hoi Ning, famed hairstylist Kim Robinson, John Chiang Dai Wai and his wife, Chen Chen, Lin Yim Fai and others. Goo Jai said that the most memorable scene in the film for him was when Sister Mui put on a wedding gown to marry the stage. During the shoot the story already moved him to tears.

Playing fashion designer Eddie Lau Pui Kei in the film, Goo Jai said that bringing the 70s and 80s back on the screen felt very wonderful. He said, "I believe those born after 2000 probably wouldn't know what was the Lai Chi Kok Amusement Park, Sincere and Millie's Department Stores. Actually the research process was pretty interesting, but it was very difficult as well. In the end we were still able to overcome it. When I was little I have been to the Lai Chi Kok Amusement Park, Millie's, looking back now I feel the society has changed very fast."

When asked about his impression of Mui Yim Fong, Goo Jai stated that he has never worked with Sister Mui and only met her once or twice. His impression was that Sister Mui would never give up and was very loyal. She also was really helpful to the younger generations. As for the most memorable scene in the film, Goo Jai said that it was the scene in which Sister Mui put on a wedding gown to marry the stage. He said, "While shooting me backstage sending her off, that feeling was very hard to describe. I knew that she couldn't, but she still toughed it out. I really admire her, but back then I didn't attend Sister Mui's final concert." Would he be moved to tears from watching the film again? He said that during the shoot the story already moved me to tears.

Goo Jai also said that while working on the film one night, Wong Dan Nei scared him. "She was wearing a red qipao. When she turned the corner, there was no lighting at night and she scared the wits out of me. She really resembles (Sister Mui)." Has Goo Jai listened to Sister Mui's songs? Goo Jai said that the most frequently heard were BAD GIRL and YEARS FLOW LIKE WATER, because Papa would always played those two songs in the morning everyday. Mama would listen to Cantonese Opera. Every morning when they got up they would listen. Papa now still listens to YEARS FLOW LIKE WATER, but he likes to listen to the sound track. He doesn't like the one with people voices."

Playing the 80s Capital Artist record executive So Hau Leung, Lam Ka Tung said that the most memorable was when he worked with Sister Mui on the film DANCE OF A DREAM, she loved to tell him to tell jokes. He said that he was Sister Mui's fan. He has always bought her records and watched her movies. Back then being able to work on a movie with her idol felt very wonderful. He also praised Sister Mui not only took great care of the young generation, she was also a very determined and hard working elder who was well worth appreciating.

Playing sisters Mui Yim Fong and Ann Mui Oi Fong, Wong Dan Nei and Liew Chi Yu have been praised for their convincing appearance and performance. Making her film debut, Wong Dan Nei happily said, "That's great, I hope everyone would like this film. All the actors have the same goal, to pass on the love and memories of Sister Mui." Carrying enormous pressure during the performance, she said that fortunately she had instructors' guidance. She was taught to trust the role, trust the facts, that way her performance would have more blood and flesh. Viewers definitely would be able to sense it. The film had a funeral home scene. Wong Dan Nei said that this scene was full of challenges, at the time she and the team overcame them together. Every obstacle has been difficult but every obstacle has been overcome.

Wong Dan Nei said that because she has been busy with film promotion, she still has not have a chance to enjoy the film. Later she would watch it with the entire family. Speaking of her husband Sheldon Lo Hau Yung earlier urged viewers to bring tissues to the movie and said that he was proud of her. Wong Dan Nei said, "Thank you, he is relatively shy. He hid it away and didn't tell me." Speaking of the box office, Wong Dan Nei said that the boss revealed his wish of giving everyone who know Sister Mui something to remember her by, and those who did not know her could through the film have more knowledge about Sister Mui. This was her mission. Wong Dan Nei also said that after finishing the film, she had to gradually leave the role. She went to learn horseriding, drawing, cooking, enjoying time with her family in order to find the real Wong Dan Nei again.

Liew Chi Yu revealed that when she watched the fil again, she was already crying when she heard the song HEART DEBT. She cried from the beginning to the end. She and Wong Dan Nei both asked everyone to bring tissues to the movie. Playing "Gor Gor" Leslie Cheung Kwok Wing, Terrance Lau Chun Him also said that it brought back a lot of memories. He said, "My greatest impression from Gor Gor is to learn to love others as well as how to appreciate yourself."

Before the screening, the event also held a concert. The Children's Choir, Gin Lee Hung Ngai, Harriet Yeung Sze Man, C AllStar and others performed many of Sister Mui's classic songs like YEARS FLOW LIKE WATER, HEART DEBT, STAND BY ME and DREAM COMPANION. Later the director and the cast were invited to shared their impression of Sister Mui on the stage and a video from boss Bill Kong Chi Keung was played. Kong Chi Keung in the video hoped that everyone would like the film. Finally Wong Dan Nei sang Sister Mui's SONG OF SUNSET and brought the concert to its end.