Thursday, January 25, 2024

[2024.01.25] EDAN LUI SAYS KEUNG TO LOOKS COOL WITH A GUN

Anson Lo, Keung To and Edan Lui talk about their film characters

Keung To with a gun indeed looks pretty cool
courtesy of on.cc



Both Anson Lo and Edan Lui says Keung To's "boss" presence is terrifying

Keung To has mixed emotions about his first shooting scene
courtesy of mingpao.com

The MIRROR members Keung To, Edan Lui Cheuk On and Anson Lo Hon Ting starred Emperor Lunar New Year film THE MOON THI4V3S (DOH YUET JEH) would open on the Lunar New Year's Day. Edan and AL n the film each had their own "superpower skills". Playing the "boss" Keung To had a lot of fun, only in one of the gun fight scenes he had to overcome his mental block to be able to shoot successfully.

Keung To, Edan and Anson Lo had plenty to say about their characters. Playing a watch repair person and a lock opening genius respectively, Edan and AL before the production began learned the related skills with experts. The Keung To played mob boss extorted them into illicit activities. Playing the "boss" for the first time, Keung To's character was vicious and cruel. He joked, "Playing the villain is a lot of fun. When he appears everyone stand up in salute. He has a lot of action and gun fights. He uses people around him to achieve his goal, almost without any concern for how many lives it would take. He really slaps you if you don't do what he says, very vicious so the challenge is great. At the time I have studied classic villains, like the characters in YOUNG AND DANGEROUS; I have watched them all, then I would use my methods to interpret the role."

Keung To said that he had to show how merciless the character was, but not as vile as everyone would imagine. Edan and Anson Lo praised Keung To's presence as terrifying. Keung To said that his cool performance relied on behind the scene editing. His co-stars Michael Ning (Bak Ji) and Louis Cheung Kai Chung were serious at work, kept discussing the character and the performance on the set, and helped shaped his boss atmosphere. He also said that he learned to shoot for the role. Edan praised how cool Keung To looked with a gun. Keung To humbly said, "The editing made us look cool, but it was pretty fun. At first I thought shooting could be very cool, but the kick back was pretty scary. I had to overcome that mental block, because the sound was so loud that you would be really scared. I even had to keep shooting the machine gun, and suppress that type of fear inside. I also deliberately keep myself from blinking. On the set I had to wear ear plugs, I really admire the actors in the past."

Anson Lo also received lock opening training. Keung To was curious whether he has already learned to open any safe. He said, "I have asked the locksmith instructor, after class whether I would be able to open all safes. He said that it's impossible to be so easy to open locks, safes have many different types of locks." Edan said that Anson Lo's character had "superpower", a genius who could open locks by touch. Actually whether he went to class or not it would not matter. Anson Lo explained, "Going to class helps with the gestures of operating a safe key. At my first lock opening lesson, I already used my strength incorrectly. It requires very little force, relies on sound and feel." Edan joked that he used too much force, he used the strength he used to dance.

Edan revealed that the story revolved about a watch that has been to the moon. Everyone saw it as treasure and would try everything to get this watch, leading to a series of events. He learned to repair watches with a watch maker, wearing magnifying glass, finger gloves, how to grab the gears. The shoot was not too detailed, in addition he had a body double. Thus he only learned the superficial. "I myself have zero knowledge about watches, this time at least I learned what tools to use to open the case and screws."

Edan said that he and Anson Lo did not have many action scenes, only participating in a large scale gun fight. Other gun fight scenes were left to Keung To. While shooting in Japan they had to handle explosion scenes. Edan praised how professional and amazing the stunt people there were. "While shooting in Japan, we had dangerous stunts but we left them all to professional stunt people. However Anson Lo and I experienced the minor explosion on the truck." AL joked, "I am just an innocent little boy, when I see people fight I would scream wow wow wow. Mainly Bak Ji and Cheung Kai Chung had stronger fights." Edan said, "Bak Ji may not look like he can fight, he even says that normally he doesn't really fight. Who knows as soon as the cameras start rolling, his every shot is very accurate. For one shot as soon as he jumps up he kicks, from his appearance he doesn't look like he would be able to do that. He absolutely is fast, fierce and accurate!"

Edan said that when he was little he watched many Hong Kong action films. In addition this time he saw how cool Keung To looked in his shooting scenes, he hoped that in the future he would be able to make more action and kung fu films. "I want the challenge of playing a villain, it's not important that the character won't have a good ending. It should be pretty fun."

Keung To has been addicted to playing the villain, hoping to hold different guns next time. Anson Lo hoped to play a mental patient, as he felt that it would have many layers and would be challenging. Speaking of the lack of a female lead in the film, were they afraid of upsetting the fans? Edan said no, "Because we have to steal, we don't have time. The story just happens to be unable to add any romance. Actually Anson Lo has a mother and son relationship."

Wednesday, January 24, 2024

[2024.01.24] DANNY PANG IS SAVED FROM BANKRUPCY BEFORE THE DEADLINE

Danny Pang on social media thanks everyone for their support

Danny Pang has resolved his immediate financial issues and cancels his bankruptcy application 

Danny Pang has been described as the "wife saving hero"
courtesy of on.cc


Danny Pang leaves the Admiralty Superior Court with an approve to cancel his bankruptcy application

Danny Pang posts on social media that he would begin working with Alibaba Picturs and Universe Films soon

Francis Ng has lent a helping hand to Danny Pang
courtesy of mingpao.com

The 58 year old "Ghost King director" Danny Pang Fat at the end of last year was revealed that due to his wife's end stage lung cancer, he desperately needed money for the medical cost but had no proof of stable income. So he had to borrow from second tier money lenders, owing nearly HK$ 2 million without any ability to pay it back. Thus he filed for bankruptcy. After the incident has been widely reported, Pang Fat has described as the "wife saving hero". A production company "approached" him bout working together and even provided 7 figures for him to handle the emergency. In the end before the "deadline" Pang Fat cancelled the bankruptcy application with the court.

Pang Fat yesterday morning around 9 AM already appeared at the Admiralty Superior Court, after court he went through a simple process and completed the related procedures. When leaving the court he revealed that two days ago the Official Receiver's Office notified him that his bankruptcy application has been cancelled. Speaking of debt arrangement issues, he simply said, "I would take care of it, later I would explain on social media. Right own the company doesn't want to say too much, everyone please understanding." As for his wife's condition, he said, "She's fighting, 50/50. (How are you feeling?) I still have to face it, that's life." Francis Ng Chun Yu and Eddie Cheung Siu Fai's wife have offered money to help before. Pang Fat sad, "Yes! I want to thank them. People in the business have approached me with projects to work together on, there really is love in the world! (Has the financial company approached you again?) No!"

Then he posted on social media and thanked everyone's support and concern for him over the past month. "In regards to earlier news reports about me getting everyone's concern and love, I deeply feel there is love in the world. I would very soon have a collaboration project that would be able to immediately resolve my current problems, and even earlier rescinded the bankruptcy application. Thus I can focus on work and taking care of my wife."

Pang Fat admitted, "Last month's report had particular strong response in the mainland. Even the official media have covered it and described me as 'wife saving hero'. Many people praised me. The next time Universe Film's (Alvin) Lam Siu Keung called and said that two major mainland film production companies wanted to work with me. Before making the film I could work as a producer and editor first. I handed over a script for them to approve. I couldn't believe that everything would be taken care of in a month."

[2024.01.24] JOEY YUNG VISITS NICHOLAS TSE ON THE SET

Albert Yeung, Joey Yung, Nicholas Tse
courtesy of on.cc

courtesy of singtao.com

courtesy of mingpao.com

The Derek Kwok Chi Kin directed, Andy Lau Tak Wa produced and starred, Nicholas Tse Ting Fung starred and action directed Emperor Motion Picture THE UNLEASHED BLAZE (NO FOR MAN YIN), with a special performance by Michael Hui Koon Man, also starred Ci Sha, Carlos Chan Ka Lok, Ray Lui Leung Wai, Chan Kwok Bong, Ken Wong Tak Bun and Sammy Sum Chun Hin. The team has been in intense production. Always with a passion for film, music heavenly queen Joey Yung Cho Yi paid a surprise visit to the set with Emperor Group chief Dr. Albert Yeung Sau Sing. Witnessing the production process in person, she had eye opening experience.

On the set, Joey watched a highly difficult action scene and could not help but be repeatedly "wowed". Dr. Yeung saw how into it she was quietly revealed to her that an even more exciting fight scene between Lau Tak Wa and Tse Ting Fung would be shot later. Joey immediately asked when it would start production as she wanted to visit the set again. Joey said, "The boss says that I haven't seen Ting Fung in a very longtime. I didn't even know I could actually come to the set, because I was afraid of affecting the shoot."

After the rare occasion of watching an action scene, would Joey be itching to make an action film too? She immediately answered, "That's good!" However Dr. Yeung joked, "Don't mess round!" Joey said that if she would have the opportunity, she would gladly sing the movie theme song. Before she could finish saying what she was saying, Ting Fung immediately appeared. Joey and Ting Fung have not seen each other for awhile. They first gave each other a hug and took the opportunity to chat. Ting Fung also showed her the production stills; later Lau Tak Wa arrived and Joey like a fan greeted the idol, after a few words she did not dare to disturb the production further.

Looking at the production environment, Joey said, "Earlier I have been to this studio to shoot a commercial, but this time I really see how big the studio actually is and even this grand set could be constructed here." After staying for about a hour, the team prepared for lunch. Joey then bid everyone farewell. As Joey left, Ting Fung even asked her to join them for a meal and experience the production team life.

Tuesday, January 23, 2024

[2024.01.24] FOR THE WEEK ENDING SUNDAY, JANUARY 21 2024

For the week ending Sunday January 21 2024

ANATOMY OF A FALL  MOVIE POSTER

10 ANATOMY OF A FALL
    d. Justine Triet
    Sandra Huller, Samuel Thels

THE BOY AND THE HERON MOVIE POSTER

  9 THE BOY AND THE HERON
    d. Hayao Miyazaki
    Japanese Animation
  Rating : IIA
  Length : 124 mins.
  Opening December 14 2023

[ BROADWAY CIRCUIT ]
    Tokyo, near the end of World War II in the Pacific. 11 year old Mahito loses his mother in a fire, and takes refuge with his father in his mother's hometown. They move into an old mansion on a large estate, which also includes a secluded tower that has become a nesting spot for a gray heron. Mahito struggles with complex feelings toward his father, who runs a factory supplying the war effort, and his new stepmother Natsuko, who happens to be his mother's younger sister. To make matters worse, he becomes alienated at school. Mahito was told that the tower was built by his mother's granduncle, who eventually disappeared inside it, never to be seen again.

    One day, Natsuko suddenly goes missing, so Mahito ventures into the tower to look for her. Led by the gray heron, he unwittingly ends up embarking on an odyssey into another world. Mahito finds himself in a bizarre realm where the living and the dead exist side by side. As he encounters its astonishing inhabitants, he comes to learn of the secrets of the world.

TIME STILL TURNS THE PAGES MOVIE POSTER

  8 TIME STILL TURNS THE PAGES
  Can : Nin Siu Yut Gei
    d. Nick Cheuk Yik Him
    Siuyea Lo Chun Yip, Ronald Cheng Chung Kei,
      Hanna Chan, Rosa Maria Velasco (Wai Law Sa),
      Sean Wong Tsz Lok, Curtis Ho Pak Lim, Yukki Tai (Dai Yuk Kei),
      Nancy Kwai (Gai Cheuk Hiu), Henick Chou Hon Ning,
      Joey Leung Cho Hiu, Chan Yu Ting,
      Lee Ting Long, John Ho Kau
  Rating : IIB
  Length : 95 mins.
  Opening October 13 2023 at the 20th Hong Kong Asian Film Festival
  Opening October 28th 2023 at the 36th Tokyo International Film Festival
  Opening November 16 2023
  Site : https://2023.tiff-jp.net/en/lineup/film/3604WFC23
  Teaser: https://youtu.be/ShK5VPUro9w
  Trailer : https://youtu.be/0k8VPd1W5BQ

[ HONG KONG MOVIE 6]
    High school teacher Cheng looks back to his repressed childhood memories, as he finds an anonymous suicide note in the classroom. He strives hard to prevent another tragedy from happening, meanwhile facing a series of family problems, his wife is divorcing him, and his father is dying.

[ THE 36TH TOKYO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL ]
    Teacher Cheng uncovers repressed childhood memories via an anonymous suicide note in his classroom. He strives to prevent another tragedy.

[ SCREEN DAILY FILMART 2023 ]
    This drama follows a high-school teacher who recalls his traumatic childhood after he finds an anonymous suicide note and must find the troubled student before tragedy strikes.

AQUAMAN AND THE LOST KINGDOM MOVIE POSTER

  7 AQUAMAN AND THE LOST KINGDOM
    d. James Wan
    Jason Mamoa, Patrick Wilson

WONKA MOVIE POSTER

  6 WONKA
    d. Paul King
    Timothee Chalamet, Calah Lane, Keegan-Michael Key,
      Paterson Joseph, Matt Lucas , Matthew Baynton, Sally Hawkins,,
      Rowan Atkinson, Jim Carter, Tom Davis, Olivia Colman
      Hugh Grant, Murray McArthur

FERRARI MOVIE POSTER

  5 FERRARI
    d. Michael Mann
    Adam Driver, Shailene Woodley

ANYONE BUT YOU MOVIE POSTER

  4 ANYONE BUT YOU
    d. Will Gluck
    Sydney Sweeney, Glen Powell

THE BEEKEEPER MOVIE POSTER

  3 THE BEEKEEPER
    d. David Ayer
    Jason Statham

I DID IT MY WAY MOVIE POSTER

  2 I DID IT MY WAY
    Can : Chim Hung
    Lit : Undercover Walk
    d. Jason Kwan Chi Yiu
    Andy Lau Tak Wa, Gordon Lam Ka Tung, Eddie Peng Yu-Yan,
      Cya Liu, Simon Yam Tat Wa, Kent Cheng Juk Si,
      Philip Keung Ho Man, Terrance Lau Chun Him,
      Hedwig Tam Sin Yin, Kevin Chu Kam Yin, Lam Suet,
    Rating : IIB
    Opening December 29 2023 in mainland China
    Opening January 11 2024
    Trailer : https://youtu.be/yr_9PmIX-MA

[ BROADWAY CIRCUIT ]
    In the new century, the fight against drugs faces an unprecedented and difficult challenge! Under the deep and complex dark network, an invisible war is being waged in Hong Kong......

    Typhoon signal was hoisted in Hong Kong. Under the cover of the fierce wind, four tons of methamphetamine were entering Hong Kong, pending to be sold on the dark network. A cyber revelry of druggies was about to be unveiled, and a storm was brewing in the quiet Victoria Harbour.

    Police had to arrest the "boss" behind the scenes and nip the "drug network" in the bud in no time, that pushed their undercover intelligence to the narrow road. In the center of the storm, undercover agents, police officers, drug lords, black, white, and gray entangled.


THE GOLDFINGER MOVIE POSTER

  1 THE GOLDFINGER
  AKA : ONCE UPON A TIME IN HONG KONG
  Can : Gum Sau Ji
  Lit : Gold Finger
    d. Felix Chong Man Keung
    Tony Leung Chiu Wai, Andy Lau Tak Wa,
      Simon Yam Tat Wa, Alex Fong Chung Shun, Charlene Choi Cheuk Yin,
      Philip Keung Ho Man, Ken Hung Cheuk Lap, Carlos Chan Ka Lok,
      Catherine Chau Ka Yee, Chin Ka Lok, Dee Ho Kai Wa
  Rating : IIA
  Length : 126 mins.
  Opening December 30 2023
  Teaser : https://youtu.be/UDbHJ-f-mVk
  Trailer : https://youtu.be/x3VE106Srzs

[ THE FILM CATALOGUE ]
    In the 1980's, a stock market crash causes the sudden collapse of a multi-billion-dollar company. Elite anti-corruption investigator Lau uncovers a criminal conspiracy involving the company founder Ching, who built the company from the ground up. Little does Lau know that he's about to meet his match in a HK$200 million investigation that will entangle him for years to come.

[ SCREEN DAILY ]
    the film is set in Hong Kong in the 1980s when a stock-market crash causes the sudden collapse of a multi-billion-dollar company. An anticorruption investigator uncovers a criminal conspiracy involving the company's founder, and becomes entangled in a long-running investigation.

[2024.01.24] FOR THE WEEK STARTING SATURDAY, JANUARY 20 2024

For the week starting Saturday, January 20 2024 (Week 3)

VIUTV CHILL CLUB CHART


  5 UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN
  Can : Joi Gein Yau Si
  Sica

  4 FIRST AID GUIDE TO EXPLODING POTS
  Can : Bau Bo Gup Gau Ji Nam
  The Hertz

  3 CHEATING ON YOU
  Can : Tau Dong Sai Dik Nui Hai Wan
  Angela Hui Ching

  2 SUNLIGHT BLEACHING
  Can : Yut Guong Piu Bak
  Cath Wong Yin


  1 CALM DOWN
  Can : CALM DOWN Lin Gung
  Jace Chan Hoi Wing

Monday, January 22, 2024

[2024.01.23] TONY LEUNG CHIU WAI AND ANDY LAU'S HOSPITAL SCENE SHOWS CHEMISTRY

Director Felix Chong says that Tony Leung Chiu Wai and Andy Lau's collaboration is an enjoyment for the heart and the eyes
courtesy of mingpao.com

Having been called the most perfect classic team of Hong Kong film, Tony Leung Chiu Wai and Andy Lau Tak Wa after 20 years reunited again for the film THE GOLDFINGER (GUM SAU JI), but due to the limited space in the film, the two Best Actors' scenes were forced to be cut just as the same. One of the valuable confidential footage was unveiled -- the scene between Wai Jai and Wa Jai in a hospital room.

In this scene Wai Jai was arrested for the first time by Wa Jai, who played the Independent Commission Against Corruption supervisor. Yet once at the ICAC, Wai Jai fainted and hindered the investigation progress by claiming illness. He even moved from the office to a hospital room, boldly smoking cigars and drinking fine wine in an extremely arrogant manner. The short scene thoroughly depicted Wai Jai's wild tyranny and Wa Jai's stubbornness. Whether in terms of exchanges of tone, pace, looks and other aspects, they all showed extreme chemistry in light strokes. No wonder director Felix Chong Man Keung said, "Watching Wai Jai and Wa Jai act is truly an enjoyment that pleased the eyes and the heart."

Wai Jai said, "Wa Jai indeed is my good partner. He is professional, full of experience, and diligent. Such a good partner, where would I be able to find another?" Wai Jai analyzed that his chemistry with Wa Jai has long been built from the age of making series together in television. After years of exchanges, their compatibility and trust are unbreakable. Wai Jai added, "Each time I run into Wa Jai, we would always have new impact. Even without much rehearsal before taking our marks, whatever I play on the set, he would always have a way to follow. This is chemistry."

Reuniting after 20 years, Wa Jai felt that both he and Wai Jai have matured a lot and more able to coordinate with each other's performance. "I just chatted with Wai Jai. After so many years, we both have become matured. Just like before with (Sean) Lau Ching Wan, we too haven't worked together in a very long time and the freshness still remained; everyday working on THE GOLDFINGER, facing Wai Jai would always feel fresh. Just like when we worked on DUKE OF MOUNT DEER, the very refreshing flavor, the purest performance, I would also respond to Wai Jai with very fresh performance."

[2024.01.23] GORDON LAM LEARNS TO SHOOT FROM AARON KWOK

Aaron Kwok picks up a toy gun for a shooting demonstration
courtesy of on.cc

The 2024 Lunar New Year film ROB N ROLL (LUM SI GIP ONG) would open on February 9th (Lunar New Year's Eve). In the latest poster, Aaron Kwok Fu Sing with weapon in hand departs in a cute version taxi with Gordon Lam Ka Tung and Richie Jen (Yam Yin Chai) against a group of thieves and robbers and celebrate the Lunar New Year with the audience.

The three leads earlier suddenly had the idea of creating a shoot the bad guy game. Ka Tung picked up a toy gun and shot at plastic cups with the villains from the film on them, but he seemed to lack any shooting talent. Aaron had to personally demonstrate how to use the toy gun. Siu Chai was in character and lamented that he did not know how. When Ka Tung got it and could not miss, Aaron gave him for a doll as encouragement. However just like the character in the film, Aaron demanded for him to say "thank you" after accepting the gift. After a round of struggle finally Ka Tung submitted and said thank you. Of course all of the above were from their advanced Lunar New Year greeting parody video. Ka Tung had ample experience from gun fight scenes. In reality on the set he could almost become the gun instructor. Many actors have asked him for shooting and stance advice.

Ka Tung pointed out that this time ROB N ROLL was a fresh comedy subject. Not only was it a dark comedy, it also focused on telling the pain of men. He said, "This time Siu Chai, Sing Sing and I in ROB N ROLL played 3 middle aged men who were facing difficult issues." Playing the role "Lap Shui", Ka Tung said, "This term is pretty interesting, describing the chicken and the coward. When we reach a certain age, we know what we are capable of. Often when we have less and less courage and don't dare to take risks, people would describe that as 'lap shui' because they have too many burdens. Actually it's the portrait of many people."

Lo Hoi Pang in the film played Ka Tung's Papa. Ka Tung inevitably would be "greeted" by Papa. Ka Tung joked, "I have worked with Brother Pang a long times. He truly has the presence of Papa. He would 'greet' his son each time he would lecture him. Actually when I see him I am happy, the more he greets me the happier I get; because it means he has fire. That type of impact is truly love and hate, usually father and son are like this. This is his style, since we aren't at his age yet we might not necessarily understand it so deeply. He would make suggestions and the results are very decent." As for how he faced Brother Pang's "greeting", Ka Tung joked, "I opened my heart and let him greet me, but I have talked back before. Instead he backed off. Actually he doesn't like to be confrontational, he just want to have a clearer answer."

Ka Tung this time worked with Nancy Wu Ting Yan for the first time. She played his pregnant wife. Ka Tung felt that the collaboration was interesting as it went on. As for working with Siu Chai and Sing Sing, he was also very excited. "I work with Sing Sing a lot so we already have chemistry. With Siu Jai it's been six or seven years. Not only did I look forward to it, but we were also surprisingly compatible. Siu Chai and I everyday would have a lot of fun on the set. We didn't just treat everyone, we would also coordinate with each other on the characters' demands. He would follow along with how I perform, we would improvise together. It was a very fun process. I hope in the future we would have the chance to work together again."