[2024.11.01] SAMMO HUNG THINKS TEACHING KUNG FU THE OLD WAY MIGHT INVOLVE CHILD ABUSE

Fans surround Dayo Wong as he leaves the cinema late at night

Sammo Hung, Yasuaki Kurata and Kenji Tanigaki attend the TIFFCOM seminar

Director Anselm Chan, Tommy Chu, Dayo Wong, Michael Hui, and Michelle Wai meet the audience at a Tokyo cinema
courtesy of mingpao.com

Natalie Hsu and Fish Liew participate in the Tokyo International Film Festival
courtesy of on.cc

THE LAST DANCE (POR. DEI YUK) was recently selected for the 37th Tokyo International Film Festival World Focus section, writer and director Anselm Chan Mou Yin, leads Dayo Wong Tze Wah, Michael Hui Koon Man, and Michelle Wai Sze Nga after attending the opening ceremony went to the theater in Hibiya the night before (30th) to meet the audience, and a large number of Hong Kong people living in Japan came to support them. Wong Tze Wah greeted everyone in Japanese, and also broke out the golden quote "Death will happen, but it is also very strange". In addition, Sammo Hung Kam Bo joined Japanese actor Yasuaki Kurata and TWILIGHT OF THE WARRIORS: WALLED IN (GAU LUNG SING JAI JI WAI SING)'s action director Kenji Tanigaki to share their experience in filming action movies at a TIFFCOM seminar. Attending the master class today, Hung Kam Bo joked that if he would teach kung fu to the children now in the same way it was done before, he might be involved in child abuse and sentenced to 150 years in prison.

Hung Kam Bo appeared at the Tokyo Film Festival accompanied by his wife Joyce Godenzi (Ko Lai Hung). In addition to Yasuaki Kurata and Kenji Tanigaki, Philip Ng Won Lung and Wai Sze Nga also appeared. Hung Kam Bo said that the Hong Kong Film Awards did not have an action director award at the beginning; it was added later, which was a comfort to action directors; he also said that whether there is an award or not was not a problem, the most important thing was to pass on the legacy.

Hung Kam Bo has worked with Yasuaki Kurata before, and praised him for being "direct, fast, and great". He hoped that they could collaborate again. Hung Kam Bo said that since he was also an action director, when he made TWILIGHT OF THE WARRIORS: WALLED IN he would not take over. Instead he followed Kenji Tanigaki's arrangements in everything. Speaking of the development of AI and whether it would help action directors, Hung Kam Bo said, "The best would be for AI to help me fight without moving, then I can collect money comfortably. On second thought, action direction requires the human brain to conceive and design the stunts. We can't just use a computer like that to do everything." Hung Kam Bo has repeatedly called for Hong Kong films to shine, hoping that the audience will buy tickets and go to the movies more to support Hong Kong films; the best would be chartering the theater everyday and watch everyday.

Some viewers mentioned that the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts still has no martial arts courses, and Hung Kam Bo also has similar thoughts. "How should we teach more newcomers? The most important thing is that even if you teach children, they don't have a chance to succeed or make movies. After teaching and learning kung fu, should we all sell roasted pork buns instead?" Hung Kam Bo also joked that if he used the old ways to teach kung fu, now they might involved child abuse and be sentenced to 150 years in prison.

THE LAST DANCE held the first audience meeting in Tokyo the night before, and director Anselm Chan Mou Yin, Dayo Wong Tze Wah, Michael Hui Koon Man and Michele Wai Sze Nga appeared at the theater around 10:30 p.m. The audience cheered, many Hong Kong people who were living in Japan held up signs to show their support. Wong Tze Wah greeted everyone in Japanese, "I am Wong Tze Wah, who played Tao Sun in THE LAST DANCE; hello everyone". Hui Koon Man said that for everyone who has just finished watching the movie, they should think first. "Everyone can wait until they are calm before discussing it." An audience member responded, "Seeing you, I can't calm down." Director Chan Mou Yin said that he lost many relatives and friends during the pandemic and attended different forms of funerals, which inspired him to make this film. "During that time, I experienced a low point in my life. I felt reluctant to face life and death. How to accept birth, old age, sickness and death is very important for those who are alive." When the interpreter of the event spoke, Wong Tze Wah, who was sitting next to him, jokingly said to Chan Mou Yin, "I seem to understand Japanese."

Wong Tze Wah said that during this film production he learned to put make up on and change clothes for the deceased. "I also know how much money this job can make in Hong Kong!" Hui Koon Man said that his role was not good at rhetoric, and his personality was serious. Completely opposite to himself, he needed to learn how to perform it. Wai Sze Nga said that she learned the hell-breaking ritual and first aid. Wong Tsz Wah mentioned that the film had a "bone collecting" for the ground buried ancestor scene. The funeral consultant told him that once after opening the coffin, he found that the body was still decomposing. "That stench was so strong that it could be smelled as far away as Kyoto". He said that he gained knowledge every time he filmed a scene, and broke out the golden quote, "Death must happen, but it is also very strange".

Hui Koon Man said that he did no research for the movie, because he was afraid of ghosts. The director was responsible for all the information. Chan Mou Yin said he has spent a year and a half on collecting information, and the "hell breaking" ceremony was an intangible cultural heritage of Hong Kong. Wong Tze Wah was worried that there was too much content and the translator could not cope with it. So he reminded the director to be brief and concise, which made the audience laughed. Wai Sze Nga revealed that when she was a child, she watched the hell breaking rituals. She only felt it was amazing. After filming, she realized that every step had its meaning, such as the 9 brick tiles representing the 9 layers of hell, and carrying the spirit tablet and jumping the fire ring was to take the ancestors out of hell.

At the end of the event, THE LAST DANCE's Chu Pak Hong made a surprise appearance from the audience. Wong Tze Wah pointed out that he was "undercover" and blended into the audience to observe the reaction. Chan Mou Yin hoped that everyone would be in a better mood after watching the movie. "Wherever hell you have, just break it!"

Wong Tze Wah left the theater late at night and was surrounded by a large number of fans. He thanked everyone for their support and comforted the fans who wanted to cry; when he heard some fans say, "We are Hong Kong people!" He waved in response, and was very friendly. Miss Wong, a Hong Kong resident in Japan, revealed to the media that she used to return to Hong Kong to see Wong Tze Wah's stand-up comedy in the past. She also said that the first album she bought in her life was Wong Tze Wah's "Guan Laosan". She was very happy to see him in Tokyo and even took a selfie with him.

Fish Liew Chi Yu and Natalie Hsu teamed up with director Chong Keat Aun to represent Hong Kong and Malaysia co-produced film PAVANE FOR AN INFANT the day before yesterday, attended the "37th Tokyo International Film Festival" and hosted the world premiere and symposium.

Natalie won the Best Newcomer Award in 2021 for THE DAY WE LIT UP THE SKY. This year would be her third year of participation in the Tokyo Film Festival, and two day ago was her first time watching the finished film on the big screen. She said, "Because when I made the movie a year ago, I already felt that I really understood this character. This time was the first time I sat in a theater and watched the entire movie from the viewer's perspective. With the editing, score and color tuning, I understood more in-depth the social issues that the story tells. Every group performance was amazing!" Fish revealed that she became good friends with Natalie because of this movie, and joked that their friendship was ageless. "I am more than 10 years her senior; she is crazy all the time, but actually she is so mature. With her I feel at ease."

[2024.11.01] JUN LI WRITES A HONG KONG JAPAN LOVE STORY

Cheuk Wan Chi brings the relationship with her grandmother to the big screen. She plans to start production next year and shoot on location in Japan.

Jun Li
courtesy of mingpao.com

At the Hong Kong-Asian Film Collaboration Funding Scheme TIFFCOM seminar held yesterday, EGOIST director Daiji Matsunaga and producer Shunsuke Koga shared their experience in co-producing Hong Kong-Japan films. Among the projects would be ALL THE THINGS WE HAVE DONE WRONG THAT LED US TO THIS would be Stanley Kwan Kam Peng produced, Daiji Matsunaga directed, and Lee Chun Suk written; and the Cheuk Wan Chi directed 38.83. Both were award-winning screenplays that received US$1.1 million for production assistance respectively.

ALL THE THINGS WE HAVE DONE WRONG THAT LED US TO THIS would tell love that spans 10 years between a Hong Kong and Japan couple, Kwan Kam Peng said that he has known Li Jun Shek for a long time. Working together again after FLY ME TO THE MOON (DAN YUEN YUN CHEUNG GAU), he said that ALL's script and characters attracted him. The ending even moved him to tears, so he was very happy to serve as the producer of ALL. Li Jun Shek said that he liked EGOIST very much, "I met Daiji Matsunaga when he came to Hong Kong to attend a film event, he said that he wanted to make a movie about the love story between a Hong Kong and Japan couple and we hit it off." Daiji Matsunaga praised Lee Jun Shek's script as one that he would not be able to write, and for being well-versed in all funding schemes to help find funding for the film.

The Cheuk Wan Chi written, directed, and starred "38.83" would tell the story of her relationship with her maternal grandmother. It would start filming next year and shoot on location in Japan. "I often travel to Japan with my grandmother, so this place is indispensable for new films. In addition my grandmother worked with Japanese people when she was a child, so she could speak fluent Japanese. I only learned about it much later."

[2024.11.01] GARDNER TSE HOPES FOR A WIN WIN SITUATION WITH CROSS MOVIE PROMOTIONS

Gardner Tse and Jeffrey Ngai would meet with the audience soon.
courtesy of on.cc

Gardner Tse and Jeffrey Ngai appear on Vincent Kok's TV show.
courtesy of mingpao.com

The movie CESIUM FALLOUT (FUN SING)'s actors Gardner Tse Kwan Ho and Jeffrey Ngai Chun Sun participated in the recording of the TV program THE POPCORN SHOW with producer Bill Kong Chi Keung and director Anthony Pun Yiu Ming the night before. The two films CESIUM FALLOUT and THE LAST DANCE (POR. DEI YUK) for the first time launched a bundled movie ticket set, with which you would be able to enjoy the two movies for HK$ 120. Tse Kwan Ho and Ngai Chun Sun both praised it as a good thing. They hoped that more people would go to the cinemas to enjoy the movies and support the Hong Kong film industry. They looked forward to everyone working together to drive a new film boom, which would be the most practical.

Tse Kwan Ho suggested that future Hong Kong films could also follow the collaboration model of CESIUM FALLOUT and THE LAST DANCE, which was very interesting just because of the topicality. When asked which movie he hoped would be able to win out, Tse Kwan Ho said, "I haven't watched THE LAST DANCE, the best would be a win-win situation." As for whether the actors of the two movies would promote for each other, Tse Kwan Ho praised it as a good proposal but he would have to watch the two movies first. He was also looking forward to attend audience appreciation events with his friend Dayo Wong Tze Wah. He said, "Hui Koon Man is the master of a generation and my idol, I am afraid that I will be timid when I partner with him."

As a newcomer in the film industry, Ngai Chun Sun did not dare to reach for Wong Tze Wah or Hui Koon Man. He would choose to promote with Tommy Chu Pak Hong, because they knew each other. In addition Jeffrey was interested in the "hell breaking" ritual and could ask him about it. He has seen his interview and learned that he really knew how to conduct the hell breaking ritual. He said, "(Michelle) Sze Nga said that he was very convincing, because he studied hell breaking for a month!" Tse Kwan Ho said, "Chu Pak Hong while making DRIFTING (SHOOK SHUI PIU LAU) has already learned the hell breaking ritual and had a background. This time making THE LAST DANCE he should know it like the back of his hand."

Ngai Chun Sun said that he and Mr. Tse would later go to Hong Kong and the mainland respectively to thank the audience for the film CESIUM FALLOUT. They were looking forward to the audience's reaction. Tse Kwan Ho said, "Viewers say that the movie is very moving. Actually I have cried every time I have watched it, several spots are very emotional." Jeffrey was also moved to tears by many scenes. "From the scene in which all Hong Kong fire engines went to the rescue, I got goose bumps."

[2024.11.01] CHARLENE CHOI COUNTERS A DISS IN 9.9 SECONDS

Ah Sa shares her skincare experience in a video bravely without make up.
courtesy of on.cc

The group Twins completed their mainland concert tour in the middle of last month and will soon embark on a world tour, with members Charlene Choi Cheuk Yin recently appearing in Hong Kong to start work on her new film. Although the itinerary was so tight, she still maintained her best. After she finished work earlier, she shot a video to show the makeup removal process. She showed off her skin without makeup, and her skin was still white and smooth. Many online could not help but praise, "The skin quality of a young girl, light and smooth", "It's so beautiful, I want to touch it".

During Ah Sa's filming the staff next to her laughed at the large range of her entire body, so her skin care products would probably be used up quickly. She immediately counterattacked, "Aren't yours bigger?!"

[2024.11.01] CANDY WONG LOSES SLEEP FROM HER NEW FILM

Candy works on an argument scene as soon as she starts work, which makes her nervous

Candy and Alan Yeung promote their new film.
courtesy of on.cc

A member of the girl group COLLAR, Candy Wong Ka Ching promoted the movie POSSESSION STREET (CHEH MALL) with Alan Yeung Wai Lun earlier. Candy played the daughter of Philip Keung Ho Man (Hak Jai) in the film. She remembered that she had to shoot an argument scene with Hak Jai on the first day of work, and she was naturally nervous. Luckily before taking their marks Hak Jai first chatted with her for warm up. The elder's friendly demeanor greatly reduced the pressure on her, and she was able to breathe a sigh of relief after completing the shoot smoothly.

For making a ghost movie for her debut, Candy originally thought it would be a big challenge because she has always been afraid of going to the theater to watch ghost movies. However when she started work, she was no longer afraid as she faced a large number of workers. For Candy, the real challenge was to keep her eyes peeled. She once slept only for 3 hours everyday, which led to her body deteriorating. "There is some qi deficiency, like the entire person isn't awake. I have to see Chinese medicine practitioner for recuperation." Alan praised Candy for being sharp and able to balance her studies and work. Even when he was her age he might not have been able to do it.

[2024.11.01] CHUNG SUET YING FEELS NO PRESSURE FROM SECOND TRY FOR GOLDEN HORSE BEST ACTRESS

Chung Suet Ying and Yau Hawk Sau feel honored to compete for the lead acting Golden Horse Awards

Chung Suet Ying, director Adam Wong, Marco Ng and Yau Hawk Sau
courtesy of singtao.com

Yau Hawk Sau and Chung Suet Ying attend the premiere of THE WAY WE TALK

Adam Wong directed THE WAY WE TALK, and he said the subject is rare and very meaningful.
courtesy of mingpao.com

The Adam Wong Sau Ping directed new film THE WAY WE TALK (HONG NGOR GUM TIN JUM MOR SUET) held its premiere the night before at the 21st Hong Kong Asian Film Festival. Neo Yau Hawk Sau, Chung Suet Ying, Marco Ng Tsz Ho, hearing impaired actors and others were present to share their production experience. In response to the film's subject, the event arranged for live sign language interpreter to translate. Wong Sau Ping revealed that he has already begun conceiving the film 5 years ago. He thought this type of subject was rare and meaningful, and praised the hearing impaired actors in the film had a lot of life.

Yau Hawk Sau in order to interpret the role practiced sign language for over a year. Every week he attended classes to learn, the process of which was both difficult and happy. He felt very happy to be recognized for his convincing performance. "Performing the fluent signing in the film was very difficult, like having to perform in a French film without knowing French. I wanted to practice until I was more than familiar with it, so I had a lot of pressure. Luckily other hearing impaired friends said I was OK and I was able to relax. Because this movie had very little dialogue, the director joked that he wanted to take away my strong suit." Chung Suet Ying said that before the shoot she has studied sign language, auditing classes with Yau Hawk Sau and practicing.

Yau Hawk Sau and Chung Suet Ying were nominated for "Best Actor" and "Best Actress" at the Taiwan Golden Horse Awards earlier for this film. Yau Hawk Sau became the only Hong Kong actor nominated for the Golden Horse Award for Best Actor this year, and he admitted that he had the feeling of honoring his ancestors. "I am really very happy, because I haven't made a movie for a very long time. It is also a great encouragement, proving that I am still an actor. (If you win would you give your thank you speech in sign language?) After making the movie, I have already forgotten most of the sign language. However later I would attend the award ceremony, mostly to attend classes and watch all the other nominated movies." Yau Hawk Sau stated, "For me, between winning an award or having a movie to make, I would choose having a movie to make. (Were you very touched at the moment you found out?) As soon as I knew I cried, it's a big encouragement."

Chung Suet Ying has been nominated for the Golden Horse Film Award for Best Actress for the second consecutive year after THE LYRICIST WANNABE (TIN CHI L) last year. Yau Hawk Sau joked that she was twice the pride of her ancestor. Despite facing competition from elders like Sandra Ng Kwan Yu and Sylvia Chang, she said that there is no pressure at all this time. Just because since the last time she knew that there were many activities at the Taiwan Golden Horse Film Festival, she felt very happy to be able to participate in it. "It is a great honor to be able to participate because there are both classes to attend and movies to watch." She also has not imagined winning with Yau Hawk Sau, because her biggest wish was to be nominated. Now that has come true, she would not have too much expectation. They both said that earlier they both wished for the other to be nominated.

[2024.10.31] AFRAID OF LOSING HIS SHIRT, BILL KONG LOOKS FORWARD TO MAKING A KILLING WITH A NEW GENRE

Edko Films chief Bill Kong and director Anthony Pun discuss the production difficulties of CESIUM FALLOUT and various challenges of the the film industry

Andy Lau and Karen Mok are often at odds in the film

CESIUM FALLOUT has many explosion and fire scenes.

CESIUM FALLOUT director Anthony Pun praises the new generation actors Jeffrey Ngai, Leung Chung Hang, Wesley Wong, Locker Lam and Dee Ho for having the courage to personally perform many dangerous scenes
courtesy of mingpao.com

Edko Films president Bill Kong Chi Keung is one of the mainstays of today's film industry. Facing the weakness of the Hong Kong film market, he still strove to fight against adversity, rose to the challenge and produced Hong Kong films. He even personally promoted the film he produced, CESIUM FALLOUT (FUN SING). He admitted that he spent HK$ 100 million to invest in the new film, so he was very worried about losing money. However he believed that if he did his duty and made the movie well, there would definitely be an audience. Kong Chi Keung said that the film business was difficult. He was not Superman, and did not know how to save the Hong Kong film industry. He only held on to the principals of making a good movie and believed that there would definitely be an audience. He also encouraged his peers to be bold and careful in filming. "If Hong Kong films want to move forward, we must have the courage to try and seek new genres." The CESIUM FALLOUT director Pun Yiu Ming said that in addition to relying on the co-operation of the cast and crew to overcome the various difficulties during the production, the future development of film and cultivating talents were also very key.

The Andy Lau Tak Wah, Karen Mok Man Wai, Gardner Tse Kwan Ho, Louise Wong Dan Nei, Jeffrey Ngai Chun Sun and others starred new film CESIUM FALLOUT will be released on November 1st. Director Anthony Pun Yiu Ming and producer Kong Chi Keung recently accepted an interview. For the filming of a disaster film with the subject of radiation leakage, Kong Chi Keung said that Hong Kong films must seek new genres of films to move forward. Thus he often paid attention to different things, revealing that during the novel coronavirus epidemic the screenwriter showed him a report on radiation. After reading it, he felt that it could be made into a disaster film. "For the incident to happen in Hong Kong is very important to me, because Hong Kong movies are meant to take place in Hong Kong. The report was about a lot of toxic foreign garbage, electronic waste from some developed countries, have ben shipped to Hong Kong but no one knew about it. No one cared about it either. So the screenwriter and I started to write the script and gather information." Foreign garbage referred to solid waste imported from foreign countries, which may be transported to various places through ways like authorization through corruption, smuggling channels or parallel trading.

Kong Chi Keung said that regardless of whether the problem of "foreign garbage" was serious, he only hoped to arouse the public's attention through the movie. He used to be like many Hong Kong people, only caring about things close to him and indifferent to things that were farther away. He emphasized that CESIUM FALLOUT was not preachy. The starting point was that the subject matter could be made into a commercial film, bring the audience sensory stimulation and move them.

The film had a lot of explosions and action scenes that involved many people, Pun Yiu Ming admitted that the production had certain difficulties. Hong Kong is densely populated, and does not have many places that could be filmed without affecting the public. Like the recycling site involved in the film, it seemed simple. When he tried to find it during the preparation, he encountered many obstacles. "I originally planned to find a very large place, and put all the sets into it. The whole shooting progress would be more ideal. Unfortunately there wasn't such a big place, or it has been used for commercial purposes. I ran into many different changes, which was the most difficult part of making CESIUM FALLOUT. The second were the explosion scenes; under the current Hong Kong filming regulations, after 11 p.m. I couldn't shoot anything that would affect people's residences like explosions and gunfights. So they had to completed within the specified time. I also have to stay away from people's residences, so the possibility is really very small. We have spent a lot of thought in this regard."

Pun Yiu Ming said that the cast and the crew were united, and the filming went quite smoothly. Were there any accidents? He said that this type of filming would be somewhat dangerous. Large-scale explosion scenes were safer, because everyone knew that it is serious and will improve safety awareness; from rehearsal to filming, they would remain alert. "Some small stunts instead would have accidents. In one scene a group of firefighters in golden armors and masks rushed into the fire. When filming the wide shot, I recommended to use a stand-in instead since I felt that the audience wouldn't see their faces. The group of young actors were very engaged and wanted to personally perform the scene. When Lam Ka Hei (Locker) filmed a simple shot of jumping down the stairs, he accidentally sprained his foot and resulted in a torn ligament. He returned to the team after a more than 10 day break."

Pun Yiu Ming admired the new generation of actors very much, praising them for their courage and perseverance. Under the leadership of a group of veteran actors, they have performed even better. "The best situation is for the old, middle and young actors to immerse themselves in the film together. This is the future direction of film. Every actor has great potential, but if even those with potential also require cultivation and personal efforts. As long as they are willing to work hard, I believe that every new actor can be hold their own in the future."

The post-production of CESIUM FALLOUT involved thousands of computer generated special effects (CG), and the production cost was expensive. Kong Chi Keung declined to disclose the total amount on the bill, "More than HK$100 million". Speaking of the weak Hong Kong film market now, several blockbusters earlier did not perform at the box office as expected, and the losses are heavy. Would he be worried that CESIUM FALLOUT would have difficulties with breaking even? Kong Chi Keung admitted that the market is really difficult now, and in recent years many movies have made less box office than expected. The audience has become more and more picky. He believed that if he did his due diligence and made the movie well, there would definitely be audiences. "You ask me if I am worried about losing money, and the answer is very worried!"

As the head of Edko Films, Kong Chi Keung has been in the industry for decades. Would he feel that because how readily available information has been and how popular online channels have become, the audience's desire to watch movies at the cinema has decreased? He said that many people have done research in this area, and there are a variety of reasons. "I still believe that as long as the film is made well, the audience will definitely return to the cinema. Ultimately the audience will always need to be entertained, the question is how the industry can push itself to make the best content it can."

In recent years, some film companies have suddenly "retreated" and not dared to start productions. As earlier reported, the Nicholas Tse Ting Fung directed NEW POLICE STORY 2 (SUN GAING CHAK GOO SI 2) and he and William Chan Wai Ting co-starred MO HAN YUM MO (INFINITE MISSION), and the MIRROR member Edan Lui Cheuk On starred movie have all halted. Would Edko Films become cautious as well and reduce its productions in the future? Kong Chi Keung said that his company has always been cautious, its production rate has not been numerous. It made what it could. ""Edko film releases from preparation to completion would take five or six years or more, CESIUM FALLOUT also took many years. We don't get to say whether we are concerned or not, we make only what we can. Our ability can only make this amount. Making movies is not making clothes, when you can make a few batches of shirts in one go. Movies have to be made slowly."

Kong Chi Keung admired his CESIUM FALLOUT co-producer Lau Tak Wah, and praised him for being a great person and actor. The two have collaborated on many movies already and have a great degree of trust, so everyone are very automatic. Their collaborations have been very smooth and happy.

As for how should the film industry save itself? Kong Chi Keung said that he was not Superman, not as great as knowing how to save the film industry. He only knew how to make movies as well as possible. "I don't agree with some people who say that the subjects of movies have been limited now, everyone says that there is no subject. The film industry in the eighties and nineties was also accused of being a cultural desert and a lack of subjects, but how could such powerful movies come out, even spread to the four corners? Since it could back then, the most important is when there is a will there is a way. I encourage everyone to be a little more daring."

[2024.10.31] CESIUM FALLOUT, THE LAST DANCE PUSH A TICKET PACKAGE TO SAVE THE MARKET

CESIUM FALLOUT and THE LAST DANCE are launching a 1,000-unit limited movie package that would go on sale tomorrow.
courtesy of singtao.com

courtesy of mingpao.com

In the face of the recent downturn in the Hong Kong film market, two upcoming Hong Kong-made blockbusters CESIUM FALLOUT (FUN SING) and THE LAST DANCE (POR. DEI YUK) decided to join hands to break the boredom and jointly launched a 1,000-set limited movie package that would allow fans to support Hong Kong films with "two tickets". The package included one CESIUM FALLOUT and one THE LAST DANCE movie ticket that could be used at Emperor and Broadway theaters, and the price was HK$ 120. Tomorrow, November 1st, at 12 noon, it will be available at four designated cinemas, including Emperor Cinema Times Square at Causeway Bay, Emperor Cinema Plus+ Tai Wai The Wai, Broadway's MY CINEMA YOHO MALL on Broadway and GALA CINEMA (Langham Place). CESIUM FALLOUT producer Bill Kong Chi Keung said, "The two films, one dramatic and one action, and both subjects are determined to break new ground for Hong Kong films. Even if it could only lead Hong Kong films one small step ahead, we will give our all every time." Emperor Motion Pictures Chief Operation Officer and co-producer of THE LAST DANCE Cecil Yow Hon Hung said that the two films are rich in themes and profound emotions. He hope to awaken everyone's love for Hong Kong films, go into the theater to support Hong Kong films, and work together to promote the revival of the Hong Kong film industry.

[2024.10.31] DAYO WONG LETS GO AND FORGIVES

Michelle Wai accepts special training in order to play the role well

Tommy Chu
courtesy of on.cc

Tommy Chu, Michelle Wai and Dayo Wong speak to the media about THE LAST DANCE
courtesy of singtao.com

Dayo Wong feels that Michael Hui is as quick witted as ever and has not regressed.
courtesy of mingpao.com

Dayo Wong Tze Wah has only two idols in his life, Bruce Lee and Michael Hui Koon Man. Now after 32 years, he was able to cooperate again with Hui Koon Man on the movie THE LAST DANCE (POR. DEI YUK). Even if it was not a comedy this time, he fully cooperated with this respectable elder. On the set, everyone was frightened by Michael's majesty, Tze Wah joked, "Everyone should be afraid. Hui Koon Man is an elder worthy of respect. I respect him very much, but I wasn't scared of him because we were already very familiar with him. He was really strong though, there is no regression at all. He should be studied. His logic and reasoning were still sharp, and his thinking was so comprehensive."

The subject of the movie was life and death. Because of making the film, Tze Wah went to have dinner with a person he once said he would never see again. "After watching you would have a feeling of forgiveness, relief and cherishment." He pointed out that the other person was not someone in the business, and he did not know that he was stopped from being seen. This movie made Tze Wah take a new step. "The movie has a famous line, 'There are many hells to break in life', these are the hell of life." When ask how much "hell" he still had to break in life? Tze Wah smiled and said, "If you can't pass it, it's hell. Of course I very luckily opened my mind and broke one."

Wai Sze Nga deliberately went to learn the hell-breaking ritual 9 months early, mainly because her coordination was relatively poor. "I hope to practice earlier to perform more convincingly." She also pointed out that during the hell-breaking ceremony in the film she jumped over the real brazier in person, and joked that after the shoot she found that her hair smelled burnt. In the film, Sze Nga scolded everyone, her father Hui Koon Man, her brother Chu Pak Hong, and even seniors like Wong Tze Wah were scolded by her. During the shoot her emotions were very intense, she constantly looked mad. Even her assistant said that her aura were very despicable. She thanked Tze Wah for teaching her breathing to relax on the set. Tze Wah however joked that anyone could recover their energy, but she went to vomit. Sze Nga hurriedly explained, "Because it was so cold that day and the strong wind kept blowing during the shoot, I only threw up because I smoked three packs of cigarettes in a row. However Tze Wah God also brought me throat candy."

Chu Pak Hong also had to preside over the hell-breaking ceremony in the film, but he only trained a month in advance. His ballet background was of great help, but the most difficult thing was to memorize the mantra in the ceremony and recite it again. He admitted that at first he did not have to recite them, but after the director made script changes he had to. "When we were down to a little more than a week, every morning and night when I drove I would listen to them nonstop. I also arranged for a master to instruct me. After recording him I just followed when he said and kept reciting."

[2024.10.30] FOR THE WEEK ENDING OCTOBER 27 2024

For The week ending Sunday October 20 2024

10 JOKER: FOLIE A DEUX
    d. Todd Phillips
    Joaquin Phoenix, Lady GaGa

  9 WHITE BIRD: A WONDER STORY
    d. Marc Forster
    Ariella Glaser, Orlando Schwedt, Gillian Anderson, Helen Mirren,

  8 MY DEAREST FU BAO
    d. Shim Hyung-Jun, Thomas Ko
    Documentary
  Rating : I
  Length : 95 mins.
  Opening September 28 2024 (Preview)
  Opening October 4 2024
  Trailer : https://youtu.be/jP1aAYNeK0M

[ CINEMA ONLINE MALAYSA ]
    After her miraculous birth in Korea, giant panda Fu Bao gained tremendous popularity and love from fans worldwide. While her upcoming return to China is leaving fans in sorrow, her zookeepers continue their duty to make Fu Bao happy and solemnly start preparing her trip to China. As the expected day of farewell approaches, the zookeepers have to confront another unexpected farewell, and cannot give in to the emotions they have been holding back.

  7 STUNTMAN
  Can : Mo Tai Jeh
    d. Albert Leung Koon Hiu, Herbert Leung Koon Shun
    Stephen Tung Wai, Terrance Lau Chun Him, Cecilia Choi Sze Wan,
    English Voices: Chris Hemsworth, Brian Tyree Henry,
      Philip Ng Won Lun, Max Cheung Tat Lun,
      Lam Yiu Sing, Rachel Leung Yung Ting
      Stephanie Che Yuen Yuen, Keith Ng Shui Ting, To Yin Gor
  Rating : IIB
  Length : 113 mins.
  Opening September 26 2024
  Teaser : https://youtu.be/yuId0bB2LW0
  fb : www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090464305290
  ig : https://www.instagram.com/stuntman.film/
  Site : https://hiff.org/events/stuntman/

[ BROADWAY CIRCUIT ]
    LEE Sam was the undisputed king of stunt choreography during the golden era of Hong Kong action cinema in the 80s. After a devastating stunt accident, Sam steps away from the industry for 30 years. However, his old friend, a veteran director, has now persuaded Sam to work as the stunt choreographer on what will be the director's last film.

    The only catch is that his film stars Wai - Sam's former stunt crew member who has since become a famous action star in his own right. Sam and Wai have a contentious history, with Sam's infamously overbearing and demanding personality clashing with Wai's own ego and ambition. By chance, Sam crosses paths with a young, ambitious stuntman named LEE Sai Long, who sees this as an opportunity to advance his career. Long is caught between Sam and his former protégé turned rival. At the same time, Long helps Sam to reconcile with his estranged daughter, Cherry.

    As Sam returns to the world he once dominated, he must confront his past, mend fences with Wai, and overcome their personal conflicts in order to deliver an epic final action spectacle for the director's swan song. However, in the midst of shooting a robbery heist, Sam's shortsightedness endangers the public, and members of his crew are arrested, causing him to be fired.

    As the pressure mounts and the stakes rise, Sam must decide what he's truly fighting for—reclaiming his former glory or reconnecting with the daughter he's taken for granted.

[ SCREEN DAILY FILMART 2023 ]
    An once-famous stunt director pursues a comeback but disrupts the relationship with his daughter in the process.

  6 SMILE 2
    d. Parker Finn
    Naomie Scott, Rosemarie DeWitt, Kyle Gallner, Lukas Gage

  5 THE WILD ROBOT
    d. Chris Sanders
    DreamWorks Animation
    English Voices: Lupit Nyong'o, Pedro Pascal, Kit Connor, Bill Nighy
    Chinese Voices: Joey Yung Cho Yee

  4 LOVE LIES
  Can : Ngor Tam Dik Na Cheung Luen Oi
    d. Ho Miu Ki
    Sandra Ng Kwan Yu, MC Cheung Tin Fu, Stephy Tang Lai Yun,
      Chan Fai Hung, Emotion Cheung Kam Ching,
      Ronald Cheng Chung Kei, Jo Koo Cho Lam, Elva Ni,
      Joman Chiang, Lam Yiu Sing, Norman Noel
  Rating : I
  Length : 116 mins.
  Opening July 15 2024 at the 2024 New York Asian Film Festival
  Opening July 21 2024 at the Malaysia International Film Festival
  Opening July 26 2024 at M Plus (Preview)
  Opening August 23 2024 (Preview)
  Opening September 12 2024
  Teaser : https://youtu.be/6o-eMc9CaMc
  Trailer : https://youtu.be/c1v4-GhyeGQ
  fb: www.facebook.com/loveliesfilm
  ig: www.instagram.com/loveliesmovie
  Site : hiff.org/events/lovelies/

[ SCREEN DAILY ]
      A widowed gynaecologist falls for a French engineer on a dating app, which turns out to be a romance scam. Nevertheless, she insists it is true love despite being swindled out of a large sum of money.

[ 2024 NEW YORK ASIAN FILM FESTIVAL ]
    Are online "romance scams" always destructive? In this moving, absorbing feature debut from Ho Miu-ki, Sandra Ng plays Veronica, a wealthy, widowed doctor who falls for a middle-aged French engineer on a dating app. Soon, "Alain" has convinced her to provide large infusions of funds and Veronica’s friends urge her to report him to the police. But even as she assures them it's true love, Alain must steel his heart of gold and quell his second thoughts to continue bringing in cash or risk painful consequences. With a hilarious Stephy Tang as the young scammer's coach, this captivating film probes the unlikely emotional connection that forms between a lonely young man and a vibrant older woman—and sets crucial scenes in the pretty-as-a-postcard Sapporo.

[ M PLUS ]
    A successful obstetrician-gynecologist whose love life has stagnated, Veronica casually downloads a dating app for some harmless fun. Little does she know that the dashing French engineer on the other end of the line is actually a local con artist named Joe. The young man inadvertently joined a group of online scammers led by the oddball veteran Mr. White and the maudlin temptress Joan. As their fake relationship grows, so have Joe's guilty conscience and Veronica's hopes. First-time director Ho Miu-ki takes on the romantic comedy formula from a refreshing and topical angle, inquiring the essence of romantic love through the prism of deceit.

  3 HIGH FORCES
  Can : NGAI GEI HONG SIN
  Lit : Crisis Flight
    d. Oxide Pang Chun
    Andy Lau Tak Wa, Zhang Zifeng, Qu Chuxiao, Tamia Liu Tao,
      Guo Xiaodong, Jiang Mengjie
  Rating : IIB
  Length : 119 mins.
  Opening October 3 2024 in Malaysia
  Opening October 10 2024
  Teaser : https://youtu.be/Fj0XjqIUMxE
  Trailer : https://youtu.be/GcwLL7BklBM

[ HONG KONG MOVIE 6 ]
    "Is anyone there? Yes..." A mysterious message from Gao Haojun came from 10,000 meters in the air. A five-star luxurious A380 airplane was hijacked on itsmaiden flight. The hijacker Mike is threatening the lives of all 800 passengers onboard and Gao's wife and daughter. Gao, an international security expert, stepped up to deal with the hijackers. Will he be successful save all the passengers and resolve the crisis?

[ CINEMA ONLINE MALAYSIA ]
    Gao Haojun is a former Special Police officer. One time while subduing robbers who were robbing a jewellery shop, Gao accidentally blinds his daughter, Xiaojun, which shatters his family and is guilt ridden as a result. After his wife, Yuan, leaves him with their daughter, Gao resigns from the police force and becomes an international security expert. Years later, Gao bumps into his ex-wife and daughter while boarding the luxurious Airbus A380. However, during the flight, 12 hijackers seize the plane and hold its 800 passengers hostage while at over 10,000 feet in the air. As the hijackers mercilessly kill passengers on the economy class, Gao steps forward and engages in a battle of brains and brawns against the hijackers where Xiaojun also secretly assists her father by providing him intel.

[ SCREEN DAILY ]
    This action thriller takes places on a plane where a former SWAT member is caught up in a mid-air hijack with hostages including his own daughter.

  2 THE SUBSTANCE
    d. Coralie Fargeat
    Demi Moore

  1 VENOM: THE LAST DANCE
    d. Kelly Marcel
    Tom Hardy, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Juno Temple, Rhys Ifans
      Stephen Graham, Peggy Lu, Clark Backo, Alanna Ubach,

[2024.10.30] FOR THE WEEK STARTING SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26 2024

For the week starting Saturday, October 26 2024 (Week 41)

VIUTV CHILL CLUB CHART (WEEK 42)

  5 AFTER MIDSUMMER
  Can : Sing Ha Ji Hau
  SENZA A Capella

https://youtu.be/ZLNEf1NRZBM

  4 ME-TIME
  Can : Yut Gor Yun Hung Gai ME-TIME
  The Absent Brother (Lui Pung Yi Yau)

https://youtu.be/Zl8gWLT3Svk

  3 VILLAIN
  Jeremy Lee Chun Kit

https://youtu.be/WtIWsIqwGZA

  2 IDOL IS DEAD
  Can : Gau Jeung Yi Sei
  Gareth T

https://youtu.be/-24iWWT9hj4

  1 STRAWBERRY LOVE
  Anson Lo, Edan Lui, Jeremy Lee, Keung To

https://youtu.be/xQMvA43QVEY

[2024.10.29] CHARLENE CHOI BECOMES A "MAD WOMEN" POSSESSED AND GETS INOT A FIGHT WITH JJ JIA

Ah Sa works on her new film at the Shau Kei Wan market
courtesy of singtao.com

The Charlene Choi Cheuk-yin and Louis Cheung Kai Chung starred Lunar New Year film DOH WOK GUM (WAGER A WOK OF GOLD) had a "trespassing production" storm, but as Tsui Tin Yau's wife Olive Wong expressed her hope that the matter has come to an end. The incident seemed to have subsided. The press caught Ah Sa at work on the set. Ah Sa was in a good mood that day, and the trespassing production storm has not affected her at all. She appeared in a housewife look, and even staged a big fight with Jia Xiaochen (JJ).

According to producer Ng Kin Hung, DOH WOK GUM (WAGER A WOK OF GUM, tentative title) would be a comedy; but due to the tight schedule, hopefully it will be released on the Lunar New Year. A few days ago at about 1 p.m., Ah Sa appeared at Shau Kei Wan Market. She appeared to be in a beautiful mood, transformed into a "housewife" with a polka-dot shirt and dressed in a low-key and simple manner; the scene mainly had Ah Sa wandering around the market, buying vegetables and pork, carrying bags after bags. Suddenly something triggered her and she got upset, became a "mad woman", and turned her hair into quite a mess.

Ah Sa's solo show took around two hours to shoot, soon JJ, who has not appeared in public for a long time, appeared on the set in a floral shirt with an extremely strong housewife flavor. Constantly complaining about the hardship of motherhood on social media, she seemed to be in decent shape. Since it was JJ's first day at work, as soon as she arrived she immediately presented incense sticks to the four corners and prayed for a smooth start. She then immediately took her mark in a scene opposite Ah Sa. In the plot mainly Ah Sa and JJ had a struggle at the butcher stall. The two of them got louder and louder, and then they even started to pull at each other's clothes. Ah Sa even used the bags of vegetables in her hand to hit JJ like crazy; On camera the two fought fiercely, but after the director stopped the cameras the two laughed very happily. This shoot went on for about an hour, JJ then rapidly left while Ah Sa continued her solo performance.

Due to the very hot weather, when not in a scene Ah Sa held the fan to cool down. She also sat down while resting and reading the script. She would take the initiative to chat with the film producer Ng Kin Hung and study her blocking. Everyone chatted and laughed, waving arms and legs. Ah Sa's friendly demeanor even made the on set atmosphere very light and pleasant, seemingly the earlier "trespassing production" storm has not affected anyone's mood. However, as the main location on the day of filming was the market, the team did not specifically block the streets and attracted many passers-by to watch. The staff was required to maintain order once. The shoot ended about 6:30 p.m., as Ah Sa went to a nearby shop to change and left.

With the film market downturn, even Lunar New Year films have been impacted. October finally brought 3 movies into production, all of which are expected to be launched in time for the Lunar New Year in January next year. Although the movie is being filmed, because she was busy with the Twins' concert tour, Ah Sa asked the team for a 5-day holiday early on to rest. She is currently abroad, and would return to the production to continue to work after recharging her batteries.

[2024.10.29] LILY LI REPORTEDLY PASSED AWAY FROM CANCER

Lily Li reportedly passed away at the age of 74
courtesy of singtao.com

Lily Li and her good friend Victor

Lily Li entered the industry at age 16 and started her show business journey as a martial arts actress.

Lily Li in the TVB drama BEYOND THE REALMS OF CONSCIENCE played Mama Xu and received good reviews

Lily Li in THE YOUNG MASTER kicked Jackie Chan and left a deep impression with the audience
courtesy of mingpao.com

Senior media person Wang Man Ling yesterday posted on social media, revealing that she received the news of Li Lai Lai's passing from cancer two days ago. She shared a still of Li Lai Lai and Candy Man Suet Yee from the THE ROMANCE OF THE WHITE HAIR MAIDEN CTV drama 40 years ago, as well as a Shaw's female star gathering many years ago. The photo was from 2006 at the 6th Chinese Film Media Award. She lamented that 5 out of the 8 people in the photo already passed away. Aside from Li Lai Lai, Ching Li, Fang Ying, Cheng Pei Pei and Chin Ping did as well. She admitted that everyone would at different times walk on the same path of passing.

In addition, senior media worker Wang Man Ling also revealed Li Lai Lai's condition before her death. She said that she learned from a friend that Li Lai Lai had been found to have a shadow in her lungs a few years ago, but she did not follow up. This month she suddenly was diagnosed with cancer that had spread. She was admitted to the hospital for about a month, and passed away at about 6 o'clock the night before.

Li Lai Lai's good friend Victor Yan said that Li Lai Lai had end stage lung cancer. After playing a final game of mahjong with her, friends sent her to the hospital. Did Victor know whether Li Lai Lai accepted any treatment? He said, "She dragged her feet as long as she could and pretended that she was fine."

Li Lai Lai falsely declared her age at the age of 11 to apply for the Shaw Brothers actors training class, officially graduated at the age of 16 and joined the Shaw Brothers. She became a martial arts actress, in 1970 she worked with John Chiang Dai Wai in THE WANDERING SWORDSMAN (YAU HUP YI) as the lead actress. She was even linked in gossip with Chiang Dai Wai at the time. In 1980 she co-starred with Jackie Chan in THE YOUNG MASTER (SI DAI CHOOK MA). After the completion of her Shaw Brothers contract, she joined CTV, RTV, and finally switched to TVB in 2000 to retiring in 2022, and participated in more than 100 dramas for more than 30 years. They included MORTAL COMBAT (KOI SAI HO HUP), DEMI-GODS AND SEMI-DEVILS (TIN LUNG BAK BO), WAR AND BEAUTY (GUM JI YUK YIP) and BEYOND THE REALM OF CONSCIENCE (GUNG SUM GA), etc. In 2020, she left the nest in a low-key manner on the grounds of old age and physical discomfort, and FORENSIC HEROES IV (FAT JING SIN FUNG IV) became her farewell work. Her portrayal of MAMA XU in BEYOND THE REALM OF CONSCIENCE received raves. After retirement she rarely appeared in public. Reportedly she liked to play mahjong with friends. According to Li Lai Lai's friends, she felt unwell two years ago and was found to have a pulmonary shadow after examination, but she was not concerned at the time. She was admitted to the hospital again a month ago due to further discomfort, and cancer cells were found in her lungs and brain.

[2024.10.29] JURY CHAIR TONY LEUNG CHIU WAI WALKS THE TOKYO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL RED CARPET

Best Actor Tony Leung Chiu Wai is this year's Tokyo International Film Festival jury chair leads jury members like Johnnie To on the red carpet
courtesy of singtao.com

Tony Leung Chiu Wai and other jury members like Johnnie To would select this year's Tokyo International Film Festival competition's Best Film, Best Actor, and Best Actress

THE LAST DANCE team of Dayo Wong, director Anselm Chan, Michael Hui, Michelle Wai appear at the Tokyo International Film Festival opening ceremony

DAUGHTER'S DAUGHTER director Huang Xi, Karena Lam, Sylvia Chang, and Eugenia Liu

P1X3L's George Au appears at the opening ceremony to represent VALLEY IN THE SHADOW OF DEATH

MONTAGES OF A MODERN MOTHERHOOD's director Oliver Chan, actors Hedwig Tam and Siuyea Lo.
courtesy of mingpao.com

The "37th Tokyo International Film Festival" officially opened yesterday. Many Hong Kong films were selected this year, and many Hong Kong filmmakers can be seen on the scene. Best Actor Tony Leung Chiu Wai even led "To Sir" Johnnie To Kei Fung and the rest of this year's competition jury as its chair on the red carpet.

Hong Kong films have shined at this year's film festival, as many works have been selected and would premiere there. The PORT OF CALL (DAP HUET CHUM MUI) director Philip Yung Tsz Kwong directed, Sean Lau Ching Wan starred PAPA was the first Hong Kong film in competition in 6 years. Yesterday the PAPA team has yet to be seen. The Dayo Wong Tze Wah, Michael Hui Koo Man, Michelle Wai Sze Nga and others starred THE LAST DANCE (POR. DEI YUK) was selected for the "World Focus" section. Yesterday director Anselm Chan Mou Yin stepped on the red carpet with the stars. When asked about attending the Tokyo Film Festival, Wong Tze Wah said, "I am very honored to come and experience a major ecent." Hui Koon Man was very excited and again thanked Chan Mou Yin for creating an uniquely good script. Wai Sze Nga said, "Today I am able to walk the red carpet with two god class actors, This memory is both valuable and priceless." Director Chan Mou Yin could not wait to interact with the audience there.

The new generation director Oliver Chan Siu Guen directed, written and produced, Hedwig Tam Sin Yin, Siuyea Lo Chun Yip starred MONTAGES OF A MODERN MOTHERHOOD (FU DUK BUT) was selected for the "Women's Empowerment" section. Everyoen have flown there to appear at the opening ceremony. Also on hand were Sylvia Chang Ai-jia and Karena Lam Ka Yan from DAUGHTER'S DAUGHTER, P13XL member George Au Chun King, Sheena Chan Shu Yan and Summer Chan Chi Huen from VALLEY IN THE SHADOW OF DEATH (BUT SEH JI JUI), a selection for the Asia Future section.

In addition, during the festival seminars will take place for actors from all over the world to exchange ideas. The martial arts superstar of a generation Sammo Hung Kam Bo was invited to attend a masterclass to share how his wonderful acting journey and passion, perseverance and humility have shaped the life philosophy of "Big Brother Big" in the film industry, from his childhood training in Beijing Opera to his unforgettable experience as an actor, action director and director.