[2024.11.02] SEAN LAU'S PAPA PERFORMANCE MAY BE THE BEST IN HIS FILM CAREER

Director Philip Yung, Dylan So and Jo Koo attend a PAPA after screening forum in Tokyo

Dylan So in his film debut already has many scenes opposite his on screen PAPA Sean Lau
courtesy of mingpao.com

The 37th Tokyo International Film Festival has screened many new Hong Kong films, but only PORT OF CALL (DAP HUET CHUM MUI)'s Philip Yung Tsz Kwong directed PAPA was selected for the main competition section. The film was screened at the theater in Hibiya in Tokyo the night before. Yung Tsz Kwong, lead actress Jo Koo (Kuk Cho Lam) and new actor Dylan So Man To attended the after screening forum; some viewers described Sean Lau Ching Wan's Best Actor-level acting skills in the film as impeccable. He perfectly interpreted the mood and mental changes before and after the great tragedy, which perhaps might be the best performance in his film career. However due to work he was unable to attend in person.

Opening in Hong Kong on December 5th, PAPA was based on the 2010 Tsuen Wan 15-year-old teenager's mother and sister murder case. It told the story of Yuen Wing Nin (Lau Ching Wan) returning to work at a Cha Chan Tang, everything seemed to be the same. His wife prepared breakfast, his son was playing computer games, and his daughter was taking care of the three colored cat; but since that night, the picture of the family no longer existed. Blood relative has taken away the love of life; he would never be able to forget the deceased, let alone hate the survivor. Kuk Cho Lam and So Man To followed the local customs, greeted the audience in Japanese at the post-screening meeting and received applause from the supportive audience. Director Yung Tsz Kwong said that he came into contact with the case in 2012, met with the "Papa" in the case, and listened to his story. "In the case the father would write to his wife, and the son in prison would also write to his father. I made a movie of the feelings expressed in their letters."

Some viewers praised the movie and described Lau Ching Wan's Best Actor-level acting skills as impeccable. Perfectly interpreting the mood and mental changes before and after encounter the great tragedy, he might have given his best performance in his film career; some viewers were also surprised by the maturity of newcomer So Man To's acting skills, and asked Kuk Cho Lam and So Man To what preparations have they made before filming. Kuk Cho Lam said that many years ago she already knew that Yung Tsz Kwong was preparing the script of PAPA, and thanked him for casting her to play the role of the wife; Kuk Cho Lam said that during filming she had to hollow herself out and devote herself to the role, and the preparation seemed to be there but not, "Lau Ching Wan's acting skills are good, and it is easy to get into character on the set. I often started crying before the cameras started rolling."

Current 18, So Man To is in his first year of college. He said that when he received the notice to perform, he was very happy because he was filming for the first time and he could also work with Lau Ching Wan. However the preparation process was a bit tortuous. "At first I didn't know how to play the role of psychosis, but then I figured it out. The most important thing was to express the relationship between father and son, and the relationship between father and son in the film is similar to mine with my own father to some extent."

Yung Tsz Kwong said that the mental illness mentioned in the film was very common, and there have been many tragedies in society due to mental illness. He also said that the relationship between father and son could not be expressed in a word or two, and he hoped that it could be presented through the movie. Yung Tsz Kwong did not forget to thank his friend Kuk Cho Lam, pointing out that she lost a family member to suicide due to emotional illness. He said, "I really like Kuk Cho Lam." She returned the favor, "I also really like Director Yung Tsz Kwong."

[2024.11.02] JOHNNIE TO LAMENTS THE REDUCTION OF FREEDOM IN FILM PRODUCTIONS

Johnnie To has a conversation with Japanese director Yu Irie, who expressed that To Kei Fung's THE MISSION and EXILED are his favorites
courtesy of mingpao.com

The chairman of the jury of the main competition section of this year's Tokyo International Film Festival, Tony Leung Chiu Wai said in an interview with the official publication of the event that every time he has made a movie he has taken a lot of time to prepare. "The longer the preparation time is, the easier it is to invest in the role". All the scripts and materials would become the nutrients for him to immerse into the role. Leung Chiu Wai has worked with many famous directors and admitted that Wong Kar Wai has had the greatest influence on him. "Before making a movie with him, I rarely put forward my ideas on the set. He was the one who encouraged me to bravely express myself, which opened my eyes." What were the difficulties in working with directors outside Hong Kong? Leung Chiu Wai said that as long as he focused on what he needed to, the director would automatically understand that "the actor already has given everything" and then he will respect him. Even if they had different languages and cultures, they could understand each other. As for what opportunities would befall him in the future, "It's up to fate to decide".

Another judge of the main competition section, Johnnie To Kei Fung had a conversation with the Japanese director of MEMORIRS OF A MURDERER, Yu Irie yesterday. The latter said that "I have loved watching Hong Kong films since I was a child", his favorites were the To Kei Fung directed THE MISSION (CHEUNG FOR) and EXILED (FONG JOOK). The latter film was rumored to have completed production without a script, To Kei Fung admitted, "All of the visuals and storyboards were already in my brain." How did the actors coordinated? He joked, "By a third of the way through the film production, they can grasp the director's requirements and capture the spirit of the film." He admitted that this was not the best way to shoot and would not advise young directors to follow suit.

Speaking of the Hong Kong film industry, To Kei Fung admitted that the degree of freedom was not as great as it was back then, "If you want to make a film, you have to first understand how the inspection system works. If you have something to say, you have to think about how you want to say it and how truly or clearly you say it." He emphasized that young filmmakers should not feel like they have no choice, "If you can't make a movie in Hong Kong, then go to Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan or Japan, the most important thing is to have talent. With it you can go anywhere". He also called on the government and the business sector to invest more in films, as this would be the only way to create more opportunities for young filmmakers. "I am almost 70 years old. I may have 10 more years to work, but I am an old man. The environment has changed, times have changed".

[2024.11.02] TWILIGHT OF THE WARRIORS: WALLED IN PREMIERES IN TOKYO

Philip Ng
courtesy of on.cc

Action director Kenji Tanigaki and Philip Ng share their TWILIGHT OF THE WARRIORS: WALLED IN production experience at the Tokyo International Film Festival
courtesy of mingpao.com

Sammo Hung sends a message to young filmmakers to create hard and not give up The 37th Tokyo International Film Festival is being held in Japan. The Hong Kong Film Development Council and the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CACIDA) established the "Hong Kong Pavilion" for the first time at the Tokyo International Film Festival and even held the "Hong Kong Night". The Hong Kong Film Development Council chair Dr. Wilfred Wong Ying Wai and the Assistant Head for Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency Gary Mak Sing Hei led a delegation of industry leaders, including directors Sammo Hung Kam Bo, Stanley Kwan Kam Peng, actors Michael Hui Koon Man, Dayo Wong Tze Wah, Siuyea Lo Chun-yip, Hedwig Tam Sin Yin, Michelle Wai Sze Nga, Jo Koo (Kuk Cho Lam), Philip Ng Won Lung and George Au Chun Ho, etc., to promote Hong Kong and expand overseas cooperation. The lineup is strong, and they jointly showed the strength of Hong Kong films to the international film industry. This year, there are 5 Hong Kong films PAPA (BABA), THE LAST DANCE (POR. DEI YUK), MONTAGES OF A MODERN MOTHERHOOD (FU DUK BUT), VALLEY IN THE SHADOW OF DEATH (BUT SHEH JI JUI), and TWILIGHT OF THE WARRIORS: WALLED IN (GAU LUNG SING JAI JI WAI SING) competing for awards.

The Hong Kong Film Development Council and the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency held the "Hong Kong Night" on the evening of October 31st, which was packed with stars. Sammo Hung Kam Bo was delighted to be invited to attend the Tokyo International Film Festival seminar and said, "Thank you for your support for Hong Kong films. Only with your support are we motivated to continue to create Hong Kong films." Hung Kam Bo sent a message to future generations to work hard, put in an effort, inherit the Hong Kong film spirit of not give up; famous Japanese actor Yasuaki Kurata was grateful for the Hong Kong movies. "Without Hong Kong, there would be no me today."

The Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency and the Hong Kong Film Development Council have also funded the Hong Kong Trade Development Council to set up the Hong Kong Pavilion for the first time in the Tokyo Film Festival's Films and TV Programs Showcase, to promote a number of outstanding Hong Kong films and promote Hong Kong as a filming venue for international films.

THE LAST DANCE (POR. DEI YUK) was selected for the "World Focus" section, and director Anselm Chan Mou Yin and actors Michael Hui Koon Man, Dayo Wong Tze Wah and Michelle Wai Sze Nga attended the Film Festival; Hui Koon Man and Wong Tze Wah both were participating in the Tokyo Film Festival for the first time. Hui Koon Man said that he was very excited. "I would like to thank Chan Mou Yin for creating this unique script, especially Wong Tsze wah, Wai Sze Nga, Chu Pak Hong and all the cast and the crew for their combined effort, so that this Hong Kong film can be brought to Japan and shared with audiences around the world." Wong Tze Wah joked, "It's an honor to be able to come and experience the big event once." Wai Sze Nga was also proud of the team. "Being recognized at such an important film festival is the greatest reward for our efforts." Director Chan Mou Yin expressed his gratitude for the recognition: "THE LAST DANCE is a work with rich Hong Kong local flair. Being recognized on such an internationally influential stage, it is a great affirmation for our entire production team."

Director Philip Yung Tsz Kwong was delighted that Papa has been chosen for the "Main Competition" and competes for the top prize, and was encouraged by the recognition of Hong Kong films at the International Film Festival. "I am very honored, because Hong Kong has not participated in the competition of the Tokyo International Film Festival for six years. I hope that more Hong Kong films will be noticed on the international stage." Actors Jo Koo (Kuk Cho Lam) and Dylan So Man To also felt very lucky and grateful.

MONTAGES OF A MODERN MOTHERHOOD (FU DUK BUT) was selected for the "Women's Empowerment" section, director Oliver Chan Siu Kuen said that she felt a great deal of recognition. "Audiences in different places will have different resonances depending on the local culture and social situation, but I also believe that the core emotion of MONTAGES OF A MODER MOTHERHOOD is the same, because after all, we are all born from mothers." Hedwig Tam Sin Yin said that she was particularly looking forward to this screening. "This selection for the 'Women's Empowerment' section, which focuses on women's rights, has injected more strength into the film, and I look forward to seeing the audience who will see the film because of this subject." Siuyea Lo Chun Yip said, "I believe that the plight of a new mother in the film can easily relate to Asian audiences due to the lack of support. At the same time, there are slight differences in family structure and gender division of labor in different regions, so I hope to have a great exchange with the audience and learn about the specific situation of starting a family and raising children in Tokyo this time."

With his film debut VALLEY IN THE SHADOW OF DEATH (BUT SHEH JI JUI) selected for the "Future of Asia" competition, George Au Chun Ho and other actors Sheena Chan Shu Yan and Summer Chan Chi Huen attended the "Hong Kong Night". Au Chun Ho said, "It is a honor to be a part of the event, because I could have the opportunity to observe foreign works then gradually learn and improve from them." Chan Shu Yan said, "This Film Festival has made me more deeply aware of the power of film, and has made me more motivated to continue on the journey of filmmaking." Chan Chi Huen also cherished her trip very much. "The Film Festival enabled me to see excellent works from all over the world, and I am able to interact with many talented filmmakers and explore different storytelling styles and creative methods."

Selected for the "Gala Selection", TWILIGHT OF THE WARRIORS: WALLED IN (GAU LUNG SING JAI JI WAI SING)'s actor Philip Ng Won Lung said that he was very honored to be a part of such a popular kung fu movie. "Speaking of the Walled City, it is a place people fantasized about and pictured. In addition it is a place that belongs to Hong Kong, which I believe can arouse the curiosity of the audience. I very much look forward to seeing the reaction of the Japanese audience."

In addition, the Hong Kong Film Development Council and the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency also held two seminars, including "The Past and Present of Martial Arts Films: Exploring Tradition and Looking to the Future", in which three renowned action directors and actors Sammo Hung Kam Bo, Yasuaki Kurata and Kenji Tanigaki, discussed the evolution and innovation of martial arts films and looked to the future; Hung Kam Bo said, "The martial arts spirit of Hong Kong films is the best in the world; only because every martial artist and every action director work hard to create and dedicate their lives to contribute would there be Hong Kong action movies. Young people should not give up, the most important thing is to work hard, to inherit the spirit of Hong Kong films: 'Anything can be done!'" Yasuaki Kurata shared his experience of developing in Hong Kong and said, "Without Hong Kong, there would be no me today." Kenji Tanigaki also pointed out, "As long as you work hard, the effort is not in vain, for the younger folks the most important thing is to work hard, to charge ahead."

In addition, the production teams of the two prize-winning films under the Hong Kong-Asian Film Collaboration Funding Scheme of the Hong Kong Film Development Fund, namely ALL THE THINGS WE HAVE DONE WRONG THAT LED US TO THIS and "38.83", were invited to discuss the challenges and strategies in the joint filming between the two places. They included ALL's Producer Stanley Kwan Kam Peng, Director Daiji Matsunaga and screenwriter Jun Li Jun Shek, and "38.83"'s Executive Producer Shunsuke Koga and Director and Screenwriter Cheuk Wan Chi. Kwan said, "Unlike the previous New Wave period, it is difficult for young people to find funding now. Fortunately, Create Hong Kong (now known as the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency) has provided a lot of funding for young people to make films, but it is important to remember that filmmaking should start from the script, not collaboration for the sake of collaboration." Hitting it off with Daiji Matsunaga at the first meeting, Li Jun Shek said that the film revolves around the love story of a Hong Kong and Japanese man and woman, and is still trying to raise funds. When asked why the film was filmed in Japan, Cheuk said, "The subject of the film is my life with my maternal grandmother, who is a fisherman and has a lot of contact with Japanese people. I was a teenager when my family traveled to Japan, only then I found out that my grandmother could speak Japanese. In addition I often took my grandmother to Japan for vacation, so filming in Japan was the best choice."

TWILIGHT OF THE WARRIORS: WALLED IN (GAU LUNG SING JAI JI WAI SING) was screened at the 37th Tokyo International Film Festival yesterday. Playing "Wong Gau" in the film, Philip Ng Won Lung, action director Kenji Tanigaki and producer Angus Chan appeared at the post-screening sharing session. Tanigaki also acted as Angus's translator.

Ng Won Lung said that when he received the script of TWILIGHT OF THE WARRIORS: WALLED IN, he did not know what he would play at all. When Director Cheang Pou Soi told him to laugh, he smiled but the director did not accept the take. It took him 3 laughs before he finished, then he understood what he needed to play. He also re-enacted the classic movements and expressions of "Wong Gau" from the film on the spot, which caused the audience to burst into laughter. Kenji Tanigaki praised Ng Won Lung's acting skills and kung fu, and felt that he had a kind of superpower. Ng Won Lung said that Tanigaki's action instructions were very clear, "I original thought that I had to perform in the style of action movies in the eighties and nineties, but it turned out to be modern."

Angus Chan revealed that the Kowloon Walled City was demolished in 1994, and the cost and risk of recreating the walled city in the film were very high. Millions of dollars were spent. He also revealed that a lot of the information collected came from Japan, and he appreciated the help there. Kenji Tanigaki said that the movie was shot during the new coronavirus pandemic. Everyday the cast and the crew commuted between the set and the hotel, and have become a family. He believed that because of this, the movie was made well.

Speaking of legacy, one of the themes in the film, Ng Won Lung encouraged the new generation who want to devote themselves to action movies to put their videos on YouTube. Perhaps someone will see them and invite them to film; Ng Won Lung said that when he was a child, he rented a video tape in Chinatown in the United States to watch action movies. He was determined to become an action actor in the future.