Wednesday, October 30, 2024

[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."

Tuesday, October 29, 2024

[2024.10.30] FOR THE WEEK ENDING OCTOBER 27 2024

For The week ending Sunday October 20 2024

JOKER: FOLIE A DEUX MOVIE POSTER

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

WHITE BIRD: A WONDER STORY MOVIE POSTER

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

MY DEAREST FU BAO MOVIE POSTER

  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.

STUNTMAN MOVIE POSTER

  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.

SMILE 2 POSTER

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

THE WILD ROBOT MOVIE POSTER

  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

LOVE LIES MOVIE POSTER

  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.

HIGH FORCES MOVIE POSTER

  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.

THE SUBSTANCE MOVIE POSTER

  2 THE SUBSTANCE
    d. Coralie Fargeat
    Demi Moore


VENOM: THE LAST DANCE MOVIE POSTER

  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

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

  3 VILLAIN
  Jeremy Lee Chun Kit

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


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

Monday, October 28, 2024

[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.

Sunday, October 27, 2024

[2024.10.28] CESIUM FALLOUT CHALLENGES DEE HO'S PHYSICAL LIMITS LIKE A SUPERHERO MOVIE

Locker Lam and Dee Ho talk about their memorable production
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Locker Lam and Dee Ho admits CESIUM FALLOUT is worth the difficult production

Dee Ho remembers that the child actor is one size largers for the re-shoot a month later

Locker Lam suffers a second grade tear on his right leg.
courtesy of mingpao.com

A member of the guy group ERROR, Dee Ho Kai Wa and Locker Lam Ka Hei played firefighters in the new film CESIUM FALLOUT (FUN SING). They were interviewed a few days ago. Going into life and death situations and as close as brothers, they put on "golden armors" to rescue people trapped in the fire. The most memorable scene for Dee was when he had to carry an 8-year-old child to escape from the disaster scene. He said, "This shoot was very rough. In the story the character is hurt and can feel that his physical strength is starting to decline. Before the shoot the director asked me how many takes I could do, I say at most two takes. Finally we did 3, by the 3rd take I thought, 'why have the child gotten so much heavier?' Months later we need additional shoots, but on the set I saw the child has gotten much taller and a size larger. I immediately got chills in my heart." He joked that if the director needed more re-shoots, the child would have to carry him. Dee said that CESIUM FALLOUT was physically the most difficult production in his career. Wearing the heavy and stuffy "golden armor", he entered the intense fire for the shoot and also had to handle many action scenes. Everyday was like being in the sauna. Although he has to work at least 8 to 10 hours a day, he also found it fun. After work he felt like he was working on a superhero movie; after experience a war he was completely "drained" and much thinner. However he felt that the movie was worth all the hardship. "This was an once in a lifetime experience, perhaps no one would ask me to play a firefighter again. This time I deeply sensed that the job of a firefighter was truly not a simple one." In addition to successfully challenging the limits of his physical strength, Dee also had emotional scenes and the director gave him space to perform. He said that when filming another major scene, the director put forward the request of "torturing you to death", but it inspired him to sublimate his acting skills. "The shoot went on for over a hour, the director pushed me to the limits. After completion my body felt a little unwell, but it was a lot of fun. Actually my acting could go so far, which helped me increase a lot of nutrients."

For Locker the most memorable was bringing reality into the film when he worked injured. In the film his character had to jump half a story from the second floor, then jumped down again and got hurt. He said, "A character was really injured. During the filming, I really injured my right leg when I landed. The doctor said that I had a second-degree ligament tear. I toughed out the pain and kept performing. Luckily since the character was injured, for two months I limped to play the firefighter. The production wasn't affected and I was fine with just being myself. However I had to shoot the ViuTV drama SPARKS at the same time. My leg was tremendously swollen, and I had to ride in a wheelchair to the ice skating rank for work." He said that when he was not working, he would go for acupuncture, blood letting and physical therapy. When asked if he has recovered, Locker said, "Walking isn't a problem anymore. I don't need any further physical therapy, but the ligament isn't as flexible as it used to be. I have to stretch diligently." The on set injury has not scared him away from taking another action film, because action film productions were his favorite.

[2024.10.28] PHILIP NG TAKES MARTIAL ARTS SERIOUSLY FOR SELF DEFENSE

Philip Ng learns Indonesian martial arts for his new film.
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Martial arts movie star Philip Ng Won Lung recently gave a radio interview, revealing that he was bullied when he was a child; so he started to practice martial arts. "When I was little Papa taught me kung fu because he wanted to help me release my energy, so when I finished practicing I could be quieter. When I was 13 years old, my classmates punched me in the chest and knocked me down. Since then I began to study martial arts seriously."

Philip pointed out that kung fu is a technique that can be used to knock out opponents in the most powerful, direct and simple way, while at the same time protecting himself. "I mainly use kung fu for film shoots. Of course I have to know the goal before I can express it first." In March this year, his production company started filming on the film MO MING FOR (NAMELESS FIRE), in which he not only fought but also challenged Indonesian martial arts and the use of tiger hook knife for the first time.

Saturday, October 26, 2024

[2024.10.27] LOUIS CHEUNG HAS NOT FALLEN FOR ANY SCAM

Louis Cheung and Angus Yeung.
courtesy of mingpao.com

Louis Cheung Kai Chung and Angus Yeung Tin Yu co-starred in the movie INEXTERNAL (LUI YING OI HUP). Yesterday they went to the theater with director Steve Yuen Kim Wai to thank the audience. Cheung Kai Chung played the villain in the film, and he never forgot that shooting a series of fight scenes that caused a thigh strain. He had to endure the pain and stay awake to complete the all-night scene. Yeung Tin Yu described the hardest parts were overcoming his fear of heights and receiving a series of difficult stunt training.

Cheung Kai Chung felt that the subject of INEXTERNAL (LUI YING OI HUP) was novel, including fantasy and intense action scenes. Although the filming process was hard, it but worth it. His character was fierce and terrifying, but he would not mind letting his son support the film. "The movie has a little comic book style, I hope my son will bring his classmates to the show. It would be the best for them to buy tickets and enter the theater to support me." Other releases of the same time included CESIUM FALLOUT (FUN SING) and THE LAST DANCE (POR. DEI YUK), but he was not worried about the box office impact. He believed that the current film market was not like before, everyone should unite to improve the market.

The TVB program SCAM ALERT! mentioned the "Beverly Hills rich imposter 400 million scam", and it was rumored that people in the circle, including Elena Kong Mei Yee and Mr. and Mrs Cheung Kai Chung fell for the scam. Cheung Kai Chung denied being involved. "I have never been scammed, and the rumors sound convincing interesting. Mrs. Cheung (Kay Tse On Kay) and I have not been deceived." He lived in the same district as the person involved in the case, and they only knew each other because of his neighborly relationship. He reiterated that he did not give any money to the other party for investment. He did not believe in free lunches the world, so he would never dare to rashly hand over money to his friends to invest. It would not be in line with his character. He said that the biggest investment was his health, or mainly long-term and stable ones. He has not even made any stock speculation. After work he would mostly go home and be with his family. He rarely went out for dinner, so he was not involved.

[2024.10.27] LOUIS KOO IS NOT MAKING A LUNAR NEW YEAR FILM TO BAIL OUT THE MARKET

Louis Koo wants to make a happy movie and spread joy.

Chrissie Chau puts on the boxing gloves.
courtesy of on.cc

Gigi Leung says Louis Koo still has quite the sense of humor.
courtesy of singtao.com


Shiga Lin attends the celebrity advanced screening.
courtesy of mingpao.com

Louis Koo and Gigi Leung work together on a Lunar New Year film again after 22 years, playing a couple this time

Tony Wu, German Cheung and Philip Ng work together again after TWILIGHT OF THE WARRIORS: WALLED IN

Each actor holds a couplet to wish everyone an early Happy New Year

Chrissie Chau says after the injury she thought she was fine, but the wound busted open and she needed to go to the hospital for 5 stitches.
courtesy of mingpao.com

Louis Koo Tin Lok, Gigi Leung Wing Kei, Chrissie Chau Sau Na, Peter Chan Charm Man, Louise Wong Dan Nei, Tony Wu Tsz Tung, German Cheung Man Kit, and Philip Ng Won Lung appeared at Central yesterday for the ROB N ROLL (LUM SI GIP ONG) director Albert Mak Kai Kwong directed Hong Kong-made Lunar New Year film HIT N FUN (LUM SI KUET DAU). The set had lion dance, firecrackers, couplets and was filled with Lunar New Year atmosphere.

Koo Tin Lok was rumored to make the Lunar New Year at the last minute, and asked the rising in popularity actors from TWILIGHT OF THE WARRIORS: WALLED IN to star; but due to how sudden it was, out of the "Four Sons of the Walled City" only Wu Tsz Tung and Cheung Man Kit had room on their schedules. Goo Jai said that he mainly wanted to make a happy movie this time, which had nothing to do with the rumored "bailout of the market". Everything was planned. With the Lunar New Year 3 months away, the production would not be rushed.

Leung Wing Kei and Koo Tin Lok have worked together on the 2002 Lunar New Year film FAT CHOI SPIRIT (LEK GU LEK GU SUN NIN CHOI). Their previous collaboration was ABERDEEN (HEUNG GONG JAI) 10 years ago. At the time she was not a mother yet. She said, "Working together again on a Lunar New Year comedy, Goo Jai still has quite a sense of humor. We play husband and wife in the movie, mainly it is about overcoming the obstacles within and challenging yourself. It's pretty inspiring." Goo Jai said that the most difficult part of making a comedy was that many jokes were not written in the scripts, but from on the spot group improvisations during the shoot. Leung Wing Kei had boxing training before and realized that getting hurt was very easy. "I don't have many boxing scenes, I would leave them for Chau Sau Na and Wong Dan Nei. However I would have my hair pulled in the mix." Goo Jai felt that girl fights without any protective measures would be easier to get hurt in than boxing. Would he take special care of the actresses during fight scenes? Goo Jai joked, "I haven't 'kissed' girls." Playing a retired Hong Kong boxing champion in the film, he revealed that he would have a fight scene and even opposite Cheung Man Kit in a master and disciple duel. Was he worried that he would be no match for Cheung Man Kit? He joked, "He (Cheung Man Kit) will have to improvise, he can't hit me at will." Would he work out for the role in the film? He said, "I'm retired, I have to take a break. Leave that for the younger actors. (Would Aaron Kwok Fu Sing guest star?) I don't know yet."

Speaking of Patrick Kong (Yip Lim Sum)'s new film MAHJONG NUI WONG JUI NAM JAI parodying TWILIGHT OF THE WARRIORS: WALLED IN characters "Tornado" and "Shun Yat", Goo Jai said that they were very funny. He thought Benz Hui Siu Hung as "Tornado" had a lot of comedic effect. The Lunar New Year film would be pretty happy and he was not upset. "The character has to be successful for it to be parodied." Earlier at a fan held birthday party, when he picked up a baby and heard the baby cry he immediately handed it back to the parents. Goo Jai said, "When the baby cries of course you give it back to the parents, it is very reasonable. (When would you hold one of your own?) I don't know. (Next year?) Do you think I am an alien? Able to asexually reproduced?"

Missing Raymond Lam Fung and Terrance Lau Chun Him from the "Four Sons of the Walled City", Cheung Man Kit and Wu Tsz Tung both expressed regret. Ng Won Lung felt that if everyone together would be even better, but the Lunar New Year film has many actors in the cast and would be very cheerful and joyous. Would he play the villain again? Ng Won Lung said that he did not know because the script kept changing. Originally he did not need to fight, now he has to box too. "Earlier I took two months off to recover from the leg injury, so I have to train to get into a little better shape." Wu Tsz Tung and Cheung Man Kit had the same master in the film. The former said that he has exercised before the production started and was a little thinner. He did not deliberately work out, because he did not need to be very big to box. Cheung Man Kit said, "Wu Tsz Tung would fight with a Thai boxer. I would fight with Mr. Koo, who would play the Hong Kong boxing champion. (Would he dared to hit his boss?) No, it would depend on the moves the action director would come up with. Even if we have to fight fol real we have to take every opponents seriously." They said that the action scenes would not be as tough as TWILIGHT, because the Lunar New Year film would pay more attention to comedy.

In addition, Chau Sau Na and Wong Dan Nei revealed that in the film they played female boxers and would have many fight scenes. Chau Sau Na said that after returning from making a drama in Malaysia she has already begun Muay Thai training, and she has been in training for a month. However on the first day of work when she fought with Wang Dan Nei she immediately got hurt. "In the story she and I started to fight with our bare hands, I couldn't use the gloves. In the chaos a chair hit my left leg. At first I thought it was just a scratch, but the wound burst open. I even had to go to the hospital for 5 stitches. No one wants an accident to happen." Wong Dan Nei also suffered minor injuries from this scene and was bleeding from her ankle. Luckily she did not need stitches. Wong Dan Nei joked, "Our goal is very clear, we are fighting over Chan Charm Man."