[2022.08.01] KEAREN PANG SWITCHES MAMA'S AFFAIR TO A LOW KEY PREMIERE

Kearen Pang reveals that after seeing the MAMA'S AFFAIR advanced screenings were sold out, she felt very touched
courtesy of mingpao.com

MIRROR members Keung To and Jer Lau Ying Ting, Teresa Mo Shun Kwan starred, Kearen Pang Sau Wai directed film MAMA'S AFFAIR (AH MA YAU JOR DAI YI GOR) will open on August 11th. Due to MIRROR's Hong Kong Coliseum concert had a severe accident, two nights ago the film held its low key Hong Kong premiere as Pang Sau Wai met with the audience.

Pang Sau Wai said that the MAMA'S AFFAIR release when from the originally planned May this year, to later due to the pandemic production delay and cinema closure changing many times. Finally with Keung To and Jer's focus on the concert in mind it was set for August. When she and the team were preparing to bring the film to the world, suddenly an unhappy accident happened. She had to digest a lot of emotions and received many messages about whether the film would be released as scheduled? Would a premiere take place? Pang Sau Wai after detailed considerations felt that if she issued a statement that claimed due to an emergency the ticket sales plan was changed, it would only mention the accident again and that might not be a good thing. In addition perhaps many friends were already prepared to buy tickets, and she did not want to further disappoint everyone. The response was to cancel the promotion that covered everywhere and handle everything in a low key manner. She said, "Finally I saw all the shows (advanced screenings) were sold out. I suddenly felt a comfort that was more than just selling out a cinema but the feeling of being related to."

Pang Sau Wai agreed with what Vincent Kok Tak Chiu said, "The tragedy occurred, we only rely on ourselves and tell ourselves, everyone want to have the right to be happy again......seeing us hanging tough, perhaps it would become the motivation for them to stand up again." She said that what she could do now was her responsibilities, to continue to do well what was within her abilities to do, to cheer on each other, to embrace hope, kindness and wish those hurt and in pain a speedy recovery.

[2022.07.31] LOW BUDGET PRODUCTION FAR FAR WAY AIMS FOR PROFIT

Both films Amos Why directed earlier DOT 2 DOT and NAPPING KID lost money, thus he is determined to make a commercial film that would make money.

The film FAR FAR AWAY completed its production under its HK$ 2.7 million budget

Kaki Sham and Jennifer Yu are referred to as a "Beauty and the Beast" team

In the film Kaki Sham goes far far away to meet girls.  Hanna Chan is one of his girlfriends.
courtesy of mingpao.com

The director Amos Why (Wong Ho Yin) directed FAR FAR AWAY (LUEN LO SHAN KA LA) due to the fifth wave of the pandemic went postponed from Valentine's Day to a summer release. Wong Ho Yin was not worried that the film would be outdated because love had no time limit. Making this movie, the way to success was to lower the cost and complete production within the production budget. He was not afraid of the journey to get a movie made would be difficult. He would continue to direct. Currently he had four or five subjects on hand. Once financing would be raised, production would likely begin within this year.

The film FAR FAR AWAY (LUEN LO SHAN KA LA) earlier had no release date. Director Wong Ho Yin never thought about putting it on streaming platforms. He said, "I definitely wouldn't. Many online asked why, because they didn't know that if it was placed on a streaming platform, only that platform would make money. We would have no way to break even. The theatrical release revenue would have Heaven and Earth difference with the streaming platform proceeds. Thus the film must be released on the big screen."

FAR was the third feature film Wong Ho Yin directed. He made it with the in it to win it mentality, because his two previous films DOT 2 DOT (DIM DUI DIM) and NAPPING KID (YIK HEUNG YAU GWAI) both lost money. He said, "FAR's producer Tsang Lai Fan was right, as a director the resume couldn't be every movie you directed lost money but you still wanted to keep making movies. Such talk wouldn't be valid; just like if I went to play ball, I already lost 2 balls, 2 to 0. I too would want to close the distance, I don't want to keep losing to 3 to 0 or even as brutal as 4 to 0. If you show a little performance, in the future you would be able to make riskier subjects again. Not to mention that the Hong Kong film industry isn't in the charity business, there is no reason for every movie to lose money. Thus you have to make commercial films that are certain to make money."

Wong Ho Yin revealed that this time the way to success was to lower the cost, strictly completion the production within budget. "When I wrote the script, I already though about how to lower the cost without sacrificing film quality. Thus I came up with a guy who met girls who lived very far away. Actually it could be done with one story, but I was worried that the audience would feel bored. So I chose to multiple by 5 and add 4 more actresses. Keep switching girlfriends would make the film much richer. The 5 relationships were shot separately. With 80% of the scenes actors were one on one, the film had no time wasting ensemble scenes. In addition we tried to finish in one location, saving on people, time and money."

However the originally HK$ 2.5 million production budget was finally exceeded. In the end he went HK$ 200,000 over. Wong Ho Yin revealed that during the production, some of the staff felt that under such a tight production budget, completing a film would be rather difficult. Thus they volunteered to help him find several more investors and increased the budget to 5 million. He declined on the spot. "With looser production budget, undoubtedly the production could be more luxurious. However it would need even higher box office to break even. Then my original intent of making a profitable movie would be even harder to achieve."

Wong Ho Yin admitted that at first some investors did not like this "Beauty and the Beast" pairing of Jennifer Yu Heung Ying and Kaki Sham. He then approached a tall and handsome actor but was rejected. Later he found a handsome actor, but not tall. Unfortunately he did not have a driver's license and was unable to make the film. He finally realized that many Hong Kong actors did not have driver's licenses. In addition they did not know anything at all. Thus he could only return to the original idea. "Actually from the ancient to modern times and both China and overseas had many love stories about Beauty and the Beast. In addition Jennifer helped with persuasion, the investor finally accepted Kaki Sham." The five actresses included Jennifer, Hanna Chan, Rachel Leung Yung Ting, Cecilia So Lai Shan and Crystal Cheung Man Ka, Wong Ho Yin knew that they would be able to achieve what he wanted before inviting them. Due to the tight schedule they only had 10 days to shoot, he did not have the time to teach the actors how to act.

Wong Ho Yin only made one film in 4 years, he joked that he wanted to make two a year. He revealed that FAR once applied for assistance from the government, but was neither approved nor declined as it dragged on for over a year. However when big companies applied, they were approved between 3 months to half a year. Did any unfair phenomenon appear? He said, "I wasn't approved for a reason. I can't say whether it was fair or not, making Hong Kong film is like this." He was not afraid of how difficult the journey of getting a movie made has been. He would continue to make movies. Currently he already had four or five subjects on his hands. Once financing has been raised, the production would likely begin within the year.

[2022.07.30] STARS PRAYS FOR THE MIRROR CONCERT INJURED DANCER

The accident took place while Anson Lo and Edan Lui performed with dancer Ah Mo.  Both have suffered 

The accident took place behind Anson Lo (red circle), who did not detach anything out of the ordinary and kept singing

Anson Kong turned his social media profile picture black to express his frustration

MIRROR's first concert series was less than smooth

Louis Koo

Even COLLAR's work schedule has been affected
courtesy of on.cc

One of the injured dancer Ah Mo (center) also performed at MIRROR's concert last year

Louis Koo wishes that people would stop posting and sharing videos of the accidents online
courtesy of singtao.com

The accident took place during Anson Lo and Edan Lui's performance of ELEVATOR

When the accident happened, Anson Lo did not detect the giant monitor behind him has fallen and kept performing

When Anson Lo turned around the event turned down the lights.  He was about to walk closer to see what happened but the staff pulled him away

Aaron Kwok

Sammi Cheng

Hins Cheung

Louis Koo

So Chi Ching (in white cap) visited her boyfriend at the hospital

COLLAR member So Ching is Ah Mo's girlfriend

Ah Mo is Anson Lo's official music video dancer

Ah Mo 4 years ago competed on KING MAKER and stopped at top 55

The already discharged from the hospital Ah Fung was once a dancer for Aaron Kwok
courtesy of mingpao.com

At the MIRROR Hong Kong Coliseum concert two nights ago a severe accident took place, a giant monitor fell from above and injured two dancers Ah Mo (Lee Kai Yin) and Ah Fung (Cheung Chi Fung). Ah Mo's condition is serious and remains in the intensive care unit. Aside from MIRROR members and the concert team are worried about the dancers' conditions, many in show business and fans all showed their support for the injured and wish them a speedy recovery. Video of the accident spread nonstop online, upsetting many after watching it. Louis Koo Tin Lok urged those online to stop posting and spreading it. Aaron Kwok Fu Sing called for serious attention to performer safety.

As the Hong Kong Performing Artist Guild president, Koo Tin Lok posted on social media after the accident. "Tonight a serious stage accident took place in Hong Kong show business and has shaken and saddened everyone. I plead for everyone to pray for the injured together, and stop posting or spreading the video that upsets everyone. No one want an accident to happen, even once is too many. The most important right now is focusing on handling and coordinating the matter, then fully pay attention and examine the safety issues for all the performance's on and off screen staff to keep it from happening again. secondly, I wish for everyone to positively pray for the injured, for them to overcome the difficult times soon. May everyone be safe."

Dancer and singer Kwok Fu Sing spoke up for the two injured dancers. "This serious stage accident took place in show business, which is very heartbreaking and shocking. Right now everyone should try their best to use positive thinking and pray for the two injured dancers, wish them a speedy recovery! At the time I wish the industry would solemnly pay attention to the safety of all stage performers! Life is more important than everything! Be safe!" Anson Lo Hon Ting and one of the injured Ah Fung were dancers on Kwok Fu Sing's Nanjing concert in 2018. Reportedly, Ah Fung yesterday was already released from the hospital.

In addition, the Performing Industry Association, which promoted domestic entertainment and performance industry's healthy development, provided support for its members and ensured their benefits, issued a statement that the accident has caught the attention of the Association and the Association would like to send their deepest well wishes to the injured performance team members. Because the Association has yet to be informed of the accident details, commenting on the cause of the accident would be difficult. The Association believed that performance safety would be very important to the industry in general, full safety measures would be taken before any public performance. The accident was an isolated case. In the end, the Association urged the industry to pay attention to personal and equipment safety during the performance.

Before the accident Anson Lo and Edan Lui Chuek On were performing ELEVATOR with many dancers. When the monitor fell it happened behind Anson Lo. Although the live music suddenly halted, he continued to finish that verse. At the same time Edan suddenly s screamed into the microphone "OH!" Anson Lo thus was attacked online, with some calling him "cold blooded" and "pretending to be professional".

However some concert industry insiders explained that at the time Anson Lo was singing to the audience. Singers during the performance were required to wear an earphone to receive any information from the staff. At the time he could not possibly heard the noise from the accident. In addition the lights suddenly went out on the stage, from the video people surrounded the injured. From his angle he could not have seen the giant monitor's fall, thus he probably did not know an accident occurred at the time. "The spotlights on the stage actually would make performers unable to see a lot. Thus when the accident suddenly happened, the performer would have difficulty with finding out right away." Hoping that everyone would not target the performer, some fans said that after witnessing the accident, when Anson Lo left the stage he looked stunned -- proving that Anson Lo was not indifferent.

After the accident, MIRROR's 12 members have been silenced and not made any response. However member Stanley Yau turned his social media profile photo black and was found to have stopped following the related company Makerville perhaps to express his displeasure over the accident. Anson Kong and Edan Lui Cheuk On's social media have all gone black as well. Since MIRROR members rarely kept silence, fans have expressed their concern. MIRROR's colleagues ERROR and COLLAR continued to make their voices heard online. COLLAR's Winka Chan in black and white posted, "Please could everyone stop sharing?" Group mate Marf Yau and GAO shared the Post Traumatic Syndrome Disorder assistance hotline, while Day yesterday asked in her story in black and white, "Are accidents that can be predicted considered accidents?" ERROR's Fatboy in black and white posted, "Pray for everything has to be OK"; Dee Ho Kai Wa posted, "GOD BLESS", while Poki posted the praying hands emoji to pray for the injured.

MIRROR's concert accident has caught overseas media's attention as CCTV, People's Daily, Reuters, New York Post, BBC, Variety, even media in Brazil, Sweden, Argentina, Holland and other places have recovered the news and brought attention to stage safety issue around the world. Aside from those from Hong Kong showed their support for Ah Mo online, messages that wished for his recovery were left of Ah Mo's IG from the Mainland and overseas.

The 27 year old Ah Mo is MIRROR member Anson Lo's university classmate and friend. They in 2018 both participated in the first season of ViuTV's talent show KING MAKER, Ah Mo was eliminated in the top 55. Ah Mo's dance skill was outstanding and was able to play the violin. He was the official dancer for many of Anson Lo's songs, including the hit MEGAHIT music video and the guy group ERROR.

Ah Mo's girlfriend is COLLAR member So Chi Ching, So Ching after the accident immediately arrived at the hospital for an update and waited outside the room for news. Many online also flooded So Ching's IG with messages of comfort and well wishes for her boyfriend Ah Mo. COLLAR's official social media two days go announced the cancellation of all events and interviews yesterday, including member Marf's first MakerVille original series production start worship ceremony.

Reportedly before the first show of the MIRROR Hong Kong Coliseum concert series, someone on the dance team was already injured and complained about stage safety issues and went on full blast on social media. The stage then for consecutive days had mishaps. By the second show, MIRROR member Frankie Chan was bruised after a misstep. Then two nights ago the severe accident took place and left two dancers injured. Despite the frequently accidents before the concerts, the concert organizers and the related productions were still unwilling to "halt" the concerts for detailed inspections. Many online angrily blasted them for neglecting performer safety. "Tough and sloppy production that has never paid attention performer safety, how can there be no accident? For several days accidents kept happening. The organizers never paid attention. The shows are cursed, these are mankind factors."

"Why would this production company be so haphazard? Shouldn't these concerts be suspended and they be demanded to inspect all of the equipment before they would permitted to continue the performance? The safety of performers or dancers is very important!"

Some online also flooded ViuTV's social media platforms to air their displeasure, even clearing the board with comments on unrelated posts. Among them many were extremely strongly worded and mixed with foul language, blaming the company for "grabbing as much money as it can, neglecting artist and dancer safety", and "Rubbish! Neglecting Human Lives".

[2022.07.28] LOUIS KOO: HONG KONG FILMS SHOULD EXPAND THEIR GENRES

Both Carina Lau and Louis Koo decline to reveal the cost of WARRIORS OF FUTURE

The kind father shows every time Aaron Kwok talks about his daughters
courtesy of singtao.com

Louis Koo says that the investment in WARRIORS OF FUTURE is very large

Sing Sing has been the film festival ambassador for 4 years now
courtesy of on.cc

Carina Lau reveals that Louis Koo invests heavily on WARRIORS OF FUTURE and looks forward to seeing the film at the cinema

Mabel Cheung shares the experience of making TO MY NINETEEN-YEAR-OLD SELF
courtesy of mingpao.com

The 46th Hong Kong International Film Festival will open with two major Hong Kong features WHERE THE WIND BLOWS (FUNG JOI HEI SI)'s world premiere and the largest scale production in Hong Kong history, the science fiction epic WARRIORS OF TOMORROW (MING YUT JIN GEI). The film festival ambassador Aaron Kwok Fu Sing yesterday attended the press conference. He revealed that he just finished the film NOI MOK (INSIDE INFORMATION), during the production of which he injured his ribs. Luckily his two daughters made him feel better. As for WARRIORS OF FUTURE, Louis Koo Tin Lok produced the film. Even star Carina Lau Ka Ling lamented how much the investment cost. Koo Tin Lok stated that Hong Kong film should expand into even more genres and urged viewers to support more Hong Kong films.

Yesterday the press conference took place at the West Kowloon Cultural District's Freespace. The film festival ambassador for the 4th year in a row and the star of WHERE THE WIND BLOWS, Best Actor Kwok Fu Sing, youth ambassador Jennifer Yu Heung Ying, WARRIORS OF FUTURE director Ng Yuen Fai, producer and star Koo Tin Lok and two opening films' actors including Lau Ka Ling, Philip Keung Ho Man, Michael Chow Man Kin, Elaine Jin (Kam Yin Ling), Tse Kwan Ho, Lam Yiu Sing and Michael Ning (Bak Ji). 3 gala premiere directors appeared as well, including THE SPARRING PARTNER (JING YI WUI LONG)'s Ho Cheuk Tin, TALES OF THE OCCULT (SUT HUNG HUNG GAN)'s Fung Chih Chiang, and the documentary TO MY NINETEEN-YEAR-OLD SELF (CUP SUP GAU SHUI DIK NGOR)'s Mabel Cheung Yuen Ting.

Cheung Yuen Ting shared the production highlight on the stage. She said that the film took almost ten years to produce. When the film was shot the student actors were in their rebellious stage and would get in her face and yell at her, which made her feel disrespected. Thus she asked the headmaster for help and tried to use love to accept them.

The 17 day long 46th Hong Kong International Film Festival would again be held in a physical and online mixed format. With over 200 films from 67 countries and regions selected, 4 would be world premieres and 32 Asian premieres. Almost 300 shows would be screened the cinemas and over 40 would be selected for online platform broadcast. This year's film festival filmmaker in focus would be Sandra Ng Kwan Yu, with a retrospective of 10 of her films and a special program. Kwan Yu would not be in Hong Kong and would be unable to attend, but she also shot a video to show her support.

Aaron Kwok Fu sing shared highlights from the WIND production. This was his second film with director Philip Yung Tsz Kwong. He hoped to be able to set off spark. He also mentioned that he had to play the role in the film from its youth to senior years. In middle age he even had to weight gain, but later he had to lose his belly in a short time. It was quite a challenge for him.

Sing Sing was interviewed afterward. Last year due to the pandemic there was no physical events. He was very happy bout the physical stage's return. He would be able to see many filmmakers again and the atmosphere would be much more cheerful. Mainly viewers would be able to go to the movies and watch. He also revealed that he just completed another film NOI MOK (INSIDE INFORMATION), during the production of which he injured his rib. "In one scene I was spinning on wires. After the 10th take my ribs couldn't take anymore. The doctor said that the ribs did not fracture, but I had to keep shooting in pain for several months. It would hurt even when I turned in my sleep. However now it's much better. No production has been affected." He said that when his daughters learned that Papa was hurt they tried to make him feel better.

Speaking of the luxury home he resided in had an unit that was burglarized, he said that actually it was the neighbors of his parent in laws' unit. He said, "That morning I got home after work, the security guard downstairs already told me. I was prepared. That morning when I went to my father in law's home I saw all the windows opened in the next unit, so I told security to call the police. My staff saw someone jumped to the balcony of my in law's unit to escape. Although no one was caught and the neighbor suffered a little loss. We were already very lucky." He revealed that afterward his wife and daughter were a little worried. The building has already strengthened security and posted notice to remind residents to lock their doors and close their windows.

The other opening film WARRIORS OF FUTURE was produced by and starred Louis Koo Tin Lok. Goo Jai told the reason of making a science fiction film. "Because I like it, don't always watch foreign films. Watch Hong Kong films. We could use more production genres, don't always make crime film, romance, we can more subject. Science fiction films took a lot of time and investment. Someone had to take the first step and widen the genres." Ka Ling revealed that in the film she would play a military officer who was all about efficiency. It was also her first military officer role. She thought the uniform was very cool, and thanked the director and the producer for giving her this chance.

Goo Jai was asked how much the total investment amount was on WARRIORS OF FUTURE? He said, "As long as it's entertaining it's fine, don't ask so many questions. It's all spent, all dried." Lau Ka Ling joked, "Very, very, very expensive! Even the post production cost a lot, because you would be able to see so much future Hong Kong street scenery." Goo Jai said that he has already seen the movie over 1,000 times. Ka Ling said that she still has not seen it yet but she would insist on watching it at the cinema. Was Goo Jai very pleased? Goo Jai said that he already did his best. Of course it had room for improvement. This time a Hong Kong team was used to produce to properly learn the lesson. With the first experience, the second and third times they would improve even more." Goo Jai also revealed that he was planning another space travel subject science fiction film TIN TAI (STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN) and would construct a set in Hengqin for the production and space would be virtual. The technology would be even more complicated. Before hand he would have to go to Japan or the U.S. to study for a month.

Ka Ling said that after completing WARRIORS promotion and the premiere on August 22nd, she would leave Hong Kong to meet up with her husband Tony Leung Chiu Wai. Wai Jai later would head to Canada for a Netflix series. Ka Ling also said that now the expenses after going abroad would be enormous. "I am very afraid of having to quarantine. If you were outside and then come back (to Hong Kong), if you test is positive you would immediately have to go to the quarantine camp. I am very scared."

[2022.07.28] JOHNNIE TO URGES THE NEXT GENERATION OF DIRECTORS TO CONTINUE THE SPIRIT OF UNITY

courtesy of singtao.com

Sire Ma's qipiao look is full of 60s flavor

courtesy of on.cc

Johnnie To, Sammo Hung, Ann Hui and Yuen Wo Ping team up for SEPTET

Johnnie To admits that he really misses his late friend Ringo Lam

Ann Hui feels that Francis Ng has to be the HEADMASTER
courtesy of mingpao.com

The film SEPTET (CHUT YUN LOK DUI) today officially opened, seven Hong Kong master directors Sammo Hung Kam Bo, Ann Hui On Wa, Yuen Wo Ping, Johnnie To Kei Fung, Tsui Hark, Patrick Tam Ka Ming and (the late) Ringo Lam Lan Tung teamed up to document "Hong Kong stories" of each different eras with film and "jammed" out this nostalgia that never changed among Hong Kong people. Hung Kam Bo, To Kei Fung, Hui On Wa and Yuen Wo Ping spoke to the press. To Kei Fung admitted that from making SEPTET he saw the unity of the Hong Kong film industry and felt very warm. He also advised the new generation of directors to mutually respect and appreciate each other, not to see each other as enemies.

Project founder To Kei Fung said that by coincidence this alliance took place. In the current digital era, he was sad that the film production era has become a thing of the past. However it still brought a little excitement, because Hong Kong directors and actors only through film were able to go all over the world and become internationally renowned. Thus he daringly invited many directors to again with film "remember" the Hong Kong nostalgia and salute to film. Hui On Wa said that at first when the seen directors met, they drew straw for a decade to make the story about. She chose the 60's that gave her her start and even chose an established script HEADMASTER (HAU JEUNG) and shrank it down to a 15 minute story about a rooftop school. Ann said that she once taught herself, and understood the teacher student relationship very well. As for asking Francis Ng Chun Yu to play the headmaster, she said, "Actually it's not too suitable for his range, but I still deliberately asked him to perform because Chun Yu's quality was a little evil yet very energetic. Playing a righteous headmaster he would not be so boring. He could a 30 year old and had the acting skills of a 60 or 70 year old, so he had to play the role. The impression of Ma Choi as the female teacher is that she isn't considered too pretty, but she is thin and petite like a 60s woman. In a qipiao she looked rather good."

The Sammo Hung Kam Bo (Big Brother Sammo) directed EXERCISE (LIN GUNG) was the experience of the "Seven Little Fortunes" training as well as his childhood memories. He chose his son Timmy Hung Tin Ming to play Master Yu Jim Yuen. Big Brother Sammo said that Tin Ming indeed looked a little like Master, but for Tin Ming to play Master it was very easy to handle because as soon as someone was disobedient he would beat them. The toughest was to accommodate the child actors' schedules. They had to wait until the weekends to be able to begin work; Big Brother said that he would always think of the seven years of his life at school. This time in the short film he did not want to bring out any particular message, he only felt that the new and old ways of education were already two different matter. "My master was lucky, in this era he probably would be in jail." Thus Big Brother felt that children now are very fortunate, the social climate and the resources are better. However he hoped that they would understand that success would depend on them working for it, like Master used to say, "Master brought you through the door, discipline would depend on you yourself!" He hoped the most for everyone to be able to see how Hung Kam Bo, Jackie Chan and Yuen Biao were like as children, in comparison to current society, knowing how to grow up healthily to achieve the success. However Big Brother also admitted that he would not use the old way to teach his grandchildren, he would not even dare to teach them. "If I was just a little meaner he would say he doesn't want to see me anymore. Once he wouldn't go to sleep at my home, I strictly told him to go to sleep. He then told everyone on the streets that Grandpa yelled at me!"

Excelling in action films, Yuen Wo Ping (Lord Eight)'s HOMECOMING (WUI GWAI) this time told about the warmth and conflict of family. Lord Eight said that it told a heartwarming story of a granddaughter spending a few days with Grandpa before going to study abroad, going from a generation gap to blending in together. He particularly felt that the granddaughter on the screen Ashley Lam Ho Ling's performance was decent.

To Kei Fung (To Sir)'s BONANZA (PIN DEI WONG GUM) talked about how Hong Kong was full of opportunities. However he joked, "I spent my life going after a free lunch, but not only each time it didn't work, but I also made things worse!" To Sir pointed out that the biggest pillars of the Hong Kong economy came from property and finance. Each era has experienced multiple drastic rises and falls. At those times people would always been filled with greed and fear, but when greed and fear were improperly handled, even with a BONANZA of opportunities they would all be missed out. Only Hong Kong had these opportunities, he even predicted the in the future something similar would happen again. At that time he would have to see how he would "play" this role. He was very philosophical.

With SEPTET's successful release, To Sir admitted that after finishing the film he was happy to death because he saw the unity of the Hong Kong film industry and felt very warm. "The days of Hong Kong past, we all have gone through them. They were very worth reminiscing. These Hong Kong stories hopefully would bring warmth to everyone!" To Sir would not eliminate the possibility of working together again. He joked, "I of course want to, one more time 20 years later!" Ann answered, "After 20 years if I am not dead yet I definitely would make it with you!" Lord Eight also said, "It doesn't have to be so far, 3 years are enough!" To Sir immediately responded, "I have to stock up on ammunition!"

The four great directors on hand also mutually respected and appreciated each other. To Sir pointed out that before each director came from different companies, but they would meet to talk about movies. They even really appreciated each other's movies and rushed for the late night preview show tickets for an early glimpse. Their friendship was built on film. This was due to the film industry's atmosphere then. As long as you loved film, you would be able to mix in with everyone. He joked that only big bosses could not become friends. To Sir advised the new generation of directors to also mutually respect and appreciate each other, not to see each other as enemies. Targeting anyone would give no one any advantage. Ann added, "We would argue too, but it would be for the good of film. We wouldn't talk about anyone, we wouldn't exclude anyone." To Sir and Ann also caught a glimpse of how harmonious the new generation got along. Lord Eight felt that with the new generation the compatible ones would become friends, otherwise they would act on their own.

Somewhat regrettable about SEPTET this time was the late director Ringo Lam Lan Tung's final film ASTRAY (MAI LO). To Sir admitted that he would remember this good brother in particular, but he still lightly joked that he hid two things from him. "Fat Jai (Chow Yun Fat) and I both called him 'Dai Lo' (big brother). He admitted it and said that his sign was the Horse. Actually he was a sheep in horse's clothing. After calling him 'Dai Lo' for over 40 years, only when he passed did we realize that he actually the youngest!" After watching Lam Lan Tung's short film, To Sir realized that the always very "tough" Lam Lan Tung suddenly became Ann Hui On Wa. "He shot it in such minute details, I never knew that he had this in him. It was a variation in his film world, if developed further it definitely would be different. No more, he said it once and then passed. However in his bones he had tenderness, humanity and hometown love. For over 40 years I didn't know about these."

SEPTET (CHUT YUN LOK DUI) was originally titled EIGHT AND A HALF (BAK BO BOON), telling Hong Kong stories over the span of the 1950s to the 2020s, making a dozen or so minute short films with 35 mm film, at the same time saluting the "film" and past eras and using half a story to forecast the future as the ending. However John Woo (Ng Yu Sum) due to health reasons backed out. The film then was made anew in 2019 with the new title SEPTET. The 1970s era themed short film that Ng Yu Sum drew the straw for was regrettably left blank.

Director Ng Yu Sum yesterday appeared in a video to support SEPTET's Hong Kong release. He said, "The Hong Kong film spirit contains a type of innovative power that runs free, able to accept everyone so each creators would be able to express their own experience, belief, and views on life in each of their films. In addition, it also has a type of very strong sense of era, and a cherished nostalgia. Each film worker is able to work with each other and demonstrate their team spirit, which makes Hong Kong films more and more entertaining. Congratulations to the seven directors on jointly making SEPTET. I wish them a successful release and to be able to make viewers sense that real emotions and experience from each director's segment, to be able to look back at what's good in the past so we would think of something even better in the future."

[2022.07.28] WILLIAM CHAN "VICIOUSLY" TAILS NICK CHEUNG

courtesy of on.cc

William Chan Wai Ting after over a decade returned to Hong Kong film. Recently he has been busy with the new film BAU LIT DIM (EXPLOSION POINT) with Nick Cheung Ka Fai. Two days ago he worked on location in Sham Shui Po in a super short flat top cut and silver hair color, red floral print shirt. The look was rather eye catching. Reportedly in the film his brotherly relationship with Ka Fai would be complicated, in the end they would go their separate ways.

Chan Wai Ting worked on tailing Ka Fai that day. The former disguised himself as a street vendor and a pedestrian. Chan Wai Ting was very gracious with passerby taking photos. Before taking his mark he often smiled and communicated with the staff. Some posted a video on social media and praised the vicious look in his eyes while in character.

[2022.07.27] FOR THE WEEK ENDING SUNDAY, JULY 24 2022

For the week ending Sunday July 24 2022

Photos courtesy of Yahoo! Movies Hong Kong

10 BROKER
    Can : Hai Ji Juen Won Jam
    d. Hirokazu Koreeda
    Song Kang Ho, Gang Dong Won, Doona Bae, Lee Ji Eun, Lee Joo Young
    Rating : IIA
    Length : 129 mins.
    Opening June 11 2022 (Preview)
    Opening June 23 2022
    Trailer : https://youtu.be/Yw98Lfo7Yus

[ BROADWAY CIRCUIT ]
    "Sanghyeon" is always struggling from debt, and "Dongsu" works at a baby box facility. On a rainy night, they steal the baby "Woosung," who was left in the baby box, to sell him at a good price. Meanwhile, detectives were watching, and they quietly track them down to capture the crucial evidence.

  9 ELVIS
    d. Baz Luhrmann
    Tom Hanks, Austin Butler, Olivia DeJonge

  8 DECISION TO LEAVE
  Can : Fun Sau Dik Kuet Sum
  Lit : Determination for Breakup
  AKA : Po Fook Sik Fun Sau
  Lit : Revenge Style Breakup
    d. Park Chan-wook
    Tang wei, Park Hae-il
  Rating : IIB
  Length : 138 mins.
  Opening July 21 2022
  Trailer : https://youtu.be/qPqyUmp91SQ

[ BROADWAY CIRCUIT ]
    Kind and polite detective Haejun is entrusted with a case of unnatural death in the mountains. While investigating the case, he meets Seorae, the dead victim's wife, and can't help but both suspect and develop an interest in her.

  7 CRAYON SHINCHAN THE MOVIE: THE TORNADO LEGEND OF NINJA MONONOKE
    d. Masakazu Hashimoto
    Japanese Animation
  Length : 100 mins.
  Opening July 21 2022
  Trailer : https://youtu.be/YQVCD6_gH8o

[ CINEMA CITY ]
   One day, a woman named Chiyome Hesogakure visits the Nohara family with a 5-year-old called Chinzo. Chiyome claims that she is the actual birth mother of Shinnosuke! But before Misae and Hiroshi figure out the truth, a group of mysterious ninjas come to the Nohara family and take Chiyome and Shinchan away to a Ninja Village! Chiyome tells Shinchan that there is powerful energy stored inside the Earth. To prevent energy loss from the "Navel of the Earth", descendants of the Hesogakure block it with a pure gold plug by using "Ninpo: The Art of Mononoke". The Earth will wither, and the rotation will stop if it comes off! Can Shinchan protect the future of the Earth and the "tomorrow" of his family?

  6 SONIC THE HEDGEHOG 2
    d. Jeff Fowler
    James Marsden, Ben Schwartz (English Voice), Tika Sumpter
      Colleen O'Shaughnessey (English Voice),
      Idris Elba (English Voice), Jim Carrey

  5 TOP GUN MAVERICK
    d. Joseph Kosinski
    Tom Cruise, Jennifer Connelly, Miles Teller, Monica Barbaro,
      Val Kilmer, Lew Pullman, Glen Powell, Jon Hamm, Ed Harris

  4 MINIONS : THE RISE OF GRU
    d. Kyle Balda
    Illumination Animation
    English Voices: Steve Carell, Pierre Coffin,
      Taraji P. Henson, Michelle Yeoh (Yeung Chi King), Russell Brand,
      Julie Andrews, Alan Arkin
      Jean-Claude Van Damme, Lucy Lawless, Dolph Lundgren, Danny Trejo,

  3 DETECTIVE VS. SLEUTHS
  AKA : COLD DETECTIVE
  Can : Sun Tam Dai Jin
  Lit : Godly Detective Great War
    d. Wai Ka Fai
    Sean Lau Ching Wan, Charlene Choi Cheuk Yin, Raymond Lam Fung,
      Kevin Tan Kai, Jeana Ho Pui Yu, Kathy Yuen (Tong Yi),
      Deep Ng Ho Hong, Yeung Tin Hong, Carmen Lee Yeuk Tung
  Rating : IIB
  Length : 102 mins.
  Opening April 2 2022 in Mainland China (POSTPONED)
  Opening July 8 2022 in Mainland China
  Opening July 21 2022
  Trailer : https://youtu.be/vLo3Qfu0p0M
  facebook : https://www.facebook.com/DetectiveVS.Sleuths

[ EMPEROR MOTION PICTURES ]
    The story centers around a murderer who dubs himself "Super Sleuth" and challenges the police force's own super sleuth. They engage in a battle of wits akin to a Hong Kong-style Seven, when at the critical moment the police's "cold detective" discovers the assassin's next target and patiently awaits his arrival...

  2 THOR: LOVE AND THUNDER
    d. Taika Waititi
    Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Christian Bale,
      Tessa Thompson, Taika Waititi (English Voice), Russell Crowe,
      Jaimie Alexander, Chris Pratt, Dave Bautista, Karen Gillan,
      Pom Klementieff, Sean Gunn, Vin Diesel (English Voice),
      Bradley Cooper (English Voice),

  1 CHILLI LAUGH STORY
  Can : Hap Ga Lat
  Lit : Spicy Whole Family
    d. Coba Cheng Chun Him
    Sandra Ng Kwan Yu, Ronald Cheng Chun Kei, Gigi Leung Wing Kei,
      Edan Lui Cheuk On, Matthew Chow Hoi Kwong, Angela Yuen Lai Lam,
      Tony Wu Tsz Tung, Dee Ho Kai Wa, Locker Lam Ka Hei,
      Lo Hoi Pang, Tam Yuk Ying, Donald Tong Kim Hong
  Rating : IIA
  Length : 91 mins.
  Opening February 1 2022 (POSTPONED)
  Opening July 14 2022
  Trailer : https://youtu.be/xQC60x_Fbbs
  Teaser : https://youtu.be/ZPRMeWKIZKg

[ MCL CINEMA ]
    The COVID-19 pandemic offered white-collar workers everywhere the chance to work from home. At first, it seemed like a luxury to be able to work outside the shackles of the office, but people quickly realized that it could also drive them insane.

    For Coba, work-from-home has led to a daily cage match with his family. When he inadvertently learns that his mother's homemade chili sauce is a hit with his co-workers, he convinces his family to turn the chili sauce into an online business in order to divert their attention away from conflicts. However, Coba didn’t expect that the sauce would become a timely internet sensation, thanks to families eating at home more often during the pandemic.

    From deciding which type of bottle to use for the chili sauce, long-hidden family conflicts are on the verge of erupting again. Soon enough, the family's daily tug-of-wars become even spicier than chili sauce......