[2024.11.20] CHARLENE CHOI RECEIVES A CASH BIRTHDAY CAKE AS HER LUNAR NEW YEAR FILM PRODUCTION WRAPS UP

Charlene Choi cannot be more surprised as she pulls one banknote after another from the birthday cake
courtesy of on.cc

Charlene Choi works on the Lunar New Year MY BEST BET's production wrap scene with Louis Cheung, Bowie Wu and others. The team presents a cash birthday cake to celebrate Ah Sa's birthday in advance, and Ah Sa screams that she really likes the cake while pulling out the banknotes
courtesy of mingpao.com

The Lunar New Year film MY BEST BET (CHEUNG DOH BIT SING) has officially wrapped up production a few days ago. The team specifically prepared a cash cake for Charlene Choi Cheuk Yin (Ah Sa) on the set to celebrate her birthday on November 22nd in advance. Ah Sa even revealed that Louis Cheung Kai Chung sprained his neck from laughing during the shoot, as the set was full of joy.

That night the production wrap scene was shot at a mahjong parlor. Ah Sa, Cheung Kai Chung, Kayan Ng, Bowie Wu Fung (Brother Sau) and other actors gathered on the set to celebrate. The team prepared an unique birthday cake with Lunar New Year elements like poker cards, chips, mahjong and gold coins, and contained a cash surprise that meant "becoming very popular". Ah Sa pulled out red and purple banknotes while unveiling her birthday card, and said with great surprise, "Cash, it's cash. It's my first time getting such a cake! I really like the cake, I love the filling, haha!" Ah Chung even led the team to sing the birthday song, and Ah Sa followed along with "Happy Birthday to me" in a hilarious way. The scene was very lively.

The movie has already been in production for a month in the brink of an eye. When the production wrap day came, Ah Chung found it hard to part from the happy moments at work. Everyday he improvised hilarious scenes with everyone. "We wrapped up filming today. I feel that the whole process has been super fun, and also very happy. I hope to put this happiness into the movie and edit it into a very happy work for everyone to watch." Ah Sa said, "I have never experienced such a happy production process. I really looked forward to work everyday, so that I could play with everyone and create even more very funny scenes and characters together. I think it's been too great, I am a little reluctant to give it up."

Ah Sa even revealed that Ah Chung sprained his neck while laughing during the filming. Ah Chung added, "Chu Pak Hong said that he laughed until he got up the next day and his whole body ached like he was filming a martial arts film. His abdominal muscles really hurt from the filming!" Brother Sau also shared his feelings during the filming. "I'm very happy to be able to work with some juniors this time. I'm very happy. Although the production has wrapped up, I would really miss it. I hope this movie will be a critical and box office hit."

Participating in a Lunar New Year film for the first time, Kayan Ng said with a smile, "This is the first time for me to work with so many elders. I was very nervous and very happy. I felt the magic of comedy that could be performed on the spot, and I haven't laughed so happily in a very long time."

[2024.11.20] FOR THE WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 17 2024

For the week ending Sunday, November 17 2024

10 WISH COMES TRUE
  Can : BA HUNG FOOK LAI GUNG YUT DIM
  Lit : Pull Happiness A Little Closer
  AKA : Yuen Mong Nau Dan Gei
  Lit : Wish Claw Machine
    d. Ling Chi Man
    Ling Man Lung, Lin Minchen, Coffee Lam Chin Yu,
      Rachel Leung Yung Ting, Ken Law Ho Ming,
      Boris Wong Chun Ming, Amy Tam Ka Chuen,
      Joman Chiang, Lam Yiu Sing, Norman Noel
      Belinda Hamnett (Han Kwan Ting), Gary Tam Wai Kuen,
      Terence Lam (Hon Yeung), Candice Yu On On
  Rating : IIA
  Length : 94 mins.
  Opening September 17 2023 at the Asian Pop Up Cinema Season 17
  Opening October 24 2024
  Site : https://www.asianpopupcinema.org/season-17-calendar/wish-comes-true
  Trailer : https://youtu.be/xvkX1A4EL64

[ ASIAN POP UP CINEMA SEASON 17 ]
      Abandoned by her mother, Xiaofei, a positive and cheerful girl, encounters a "Wish Come True Machine" that can fulfil people's wishes, and forms a bond with a young man named Wai who suffers from a rare disease. While Xiaofei is finding the lost lover of Wai, they discover that the new medicine for treating his illness is ineffective. Though hit hard by fate, they hold on to the only things they can: hope and each other.

[ SCREEN DAILY FILMART 2023 ]
    A drama about a girl who helps a friend with a rare disease with a machine that can fulfil wishes

  9 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

  8 THE SUBSTANCE
    d. Coralie Fargeat
    Demi Moore, Margaret Qualley, Dennis Quaid

  7 ANORA
    d. Sean Baker
    Mikey Madison, Mark Eydelshteyn

  6 THE VOLUNTEERS: THE BATTLE OF LIFE AND DEATH
    d. Chen Kaige
    Zhu Yilong, Zhang Zifeng, Xin Baiqing, Wu Jing
  Rating : IIB
  Length : 145 mins.
  Opening October 1 2024

[ BROADWAY CIRCUIT ]
    It tells the story of the third to fifth battles in the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea, among wich Battle of Cheorwon will be the highlight. Li Xiang, Fu Chongbi, Cai Changyuan from 63rd Army and others will come on Stage.

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

  4 RED ONE
    d. Jake Kasdan
    Dwayne Johnson, Chris Evans, Lucy Liu, J.K. Simmons

  3 GLADIATOR II
    d. Ridley Scott
    Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal, Connie Nielsen, Denzel Washington

  2 CESIUM FALLOUT
  Can : Fun Sing
  Lit : Burnt City
    d. Anthony Pun (Poon Yiu Ming)
    Andy Lau Tak Wa, Bai Yu, Karen Mok Man Wai,
      Gardner Tse Kwan Ho, Ivana Wong Yuen Chi, Louise Wong Dan Nei,
      Fish Liew Chi Yu, Michael Wong Man Tak, Kent Cheng Juk Si,
      Bowie Lam Bo Yi, Kenny Wong Tak Bun, Jeffrey Ngai Chun Sun,
      Dee Ho Kai Wa, Leung Chung Hang,
      Locker Lam Ka Hei, Wesley Wong Hoi Kit
      John Chiang Dai Wai, Patra Au Ka Man, Michael Chow Man Kin,
      Natalie Hsu (Hui Yan Yi), Eric Kwok Wai Leung, Cheung Tat Ming,
      Wu Yanshu, Tanya Tong Yao, Pak Yiu Chan,
      Max Cheung Tat Lun, Deon Cheung Chun Chi
  Rating : IIB
  Length : 138 mins.
  Opening November 1 2024 in mainland China
  Teaser 1 : https://youtu.be/Cq0-flEXqew
  Teaser 2 : https://youtu.be/_ftyxHQFpQc

[ BROADWAY CIRCUIT ]
    Hong Kong's historic first radiation disaster blockbuster!

    After a fire accident triggers a radiation leakage, the entire city suddenly finds its survival hanging by a thread. In order to tackle the impending catastrophe, expert Simon Fan joins the emergency crisis response team led by Acting Chief Executive Cecilia to tackle this catastrophic disaster. With the lives of 7 million people on the line, the fire brigade is tasked with stopping the spread at all costs by entering the radiation zone. Facing this unprecedented calamity, will Hong Kong wake up to an overnight annihilation?

  1 THE LAST DANCE
  Can : Por. Dei Yuk
  Lit : Breaking. Hell
    d. Anselm Chan Mau Yin
    Dayo Wong Tsz Wah, Michael Hui Koon Man,
      Michelle Wai Sze Nga, Tommy Chu Pak Hong,
      Catherine Chau Ka Yee, Paul Chun Pui,
      Elaine Jin (Kam Yin Ling), Rachel Leung Yung Ting,
      Rosa Maria Velasco (Wai Law Sha), Chung Suet Ying
  Rating : IIB
  Length : 126 mins.
  Opening October 10 2024 at the Hawaii International Film Festival
  Opening November 14 2024
  Trailer : https://youtu.be/om4lN8N-TIc
  Site : https://hiff.org/events/thelastdance/

[ HAWAII INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL ]
    Hong Kong's historic first radiation disaster blockbuster! Starring current Hong Kong comedy king Dayo Wong and comedy legend Michael Hui, THE LAST DANCE is the story of a debt-ridden wedding planner who finds unexpected success as a funeral planner, but he has to win over a traditional Taoist priest to stay in the business...The pandemic has sent most industries into recession. Mired in debt, wedding planner Dominic gets a miraculous chance to turn things around when a funeral planner retires and passes the baton to him. Planning weddings and funerals are polar opposites, but Dominic puts his all into his new job, from opening graves, digging coffins, to handling the deceased. No matter how unpleasant it gets, he takes on everything with gusto. However, the biggest obstacle is getting the approval of respected Taoist priest, Master Man. In his 70s, Master Man is a traditional man who has devoted his life to his Taoist faith. He wants to pass the mantle to his son, Ben, but Ben is more devoted to his wife and kids than to Taoism. Master Man's daughter, Yuet, respects her father greatly. However, since her ancestors dictated that women are filthy by nature, Yuet doesn't take romantic relationships seriously.

[2024.11.20] FOR THE WEEK STARTING SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 16 2024

For the week starting Saturday, November 16 2024 (Week 42)

VIUTV CHILL CLUB CHART (WEEK 43)

  5 YOU ARE SO COOL
  THAIMAY

https://youtu.be/Yyb-IcWtviA

  4 BEAR BEAR
  Can : Siu Sum Hung Chook Moot
  Terence Siufay

https://youtu.be/ZJU-Br_tQSY

  3 GAME OF LIFE
  Anson Kong Yip Sun feat. John Chiang Jr.

https://youtu.be/NCuJwjcnnr4

  2 SEE YOU SOON, IT'S NOT A GOODBYE
  Can : Wui Joi Gein Dik
  Jay Fung Won Him

https://youtu.be/SRG29U7Fw_o

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

https://youtu.be/-24iWWT9hj4

[2024.11.20] CANTONESE FILM STAR JAMES LUI KAY RUMORED TO HAVE PASSED AWAY

Lui Kay made many classic movies as a top young actor in the Cantonese film era

Veteran media person Wang Man Ling visited Lui Kaymany times in Taiwan, but has started to lose contact with him two years ago.
courtesy of mingpao.com.com

Top Cantonese film actor James Lui Kay eased out of the screen in late 1980s and moved to the Taiwan. Over the years his life has been in low profile. Veteran media person Wang Man Ling yesterday on her online platform expressed that Lui Kay has lived reclusively in Taipei for over 20 years. She visited him there numerous times. The last time they saw each other was in 2019, but starting in 2022 she has been unable to contact Lui Kay. Wang Man Ling said that in March or April this year she received news from Lui Kay's friends and family in Taiwan and Hong Kong that Lui Kay has passed away. The news has yet to be confirmed.

Wang Man Ling wrote, "(Missing Lui Kay) In April 2024, friends in Hong Kong and Taiwan came across rumors of Lui Kay's death. I have always been found them dubious, tried to spend time to verify it from various sources continuously. However, Brother Kay has settled down for more than thirty years in Taiwan, had a low-key style and rarely communicated with the outside world except close relatives and friends. So far I haven't found any verified answer." Connie Chan Bo Chu's son Dexter Young Tin King said in an interview with the media that his mother has no contact with Lui Kay and has no news; Nancy Sit Ka Yin also said that she has not heard from him for a long time and did not know about the rumors.

Lui Kay was originally namd was Tang Juemin. He was admitted to the Union Film Enterprise Ltd.'s actors training course in 1959. In July of the following year, he joined the Shaw Brothers Cantonese film team with his sister Lee Man and starred in the film THE TRAGEDY OF NINE LIVES (GAU MING KEI YUEN) for the first time. Lui Kay became an instant hit with MY DARLING WIFE (GUNG JI DOR CHING) in 1964. Later, he was pair with Chan Bo Chu numerous times and made them the ideal screen couple. Lui Kay was versatile and has made 99 movies, directed 29 films, wrote 35 works, and served as the producer of two movies. His classic works include TEARS OF LOVERS (CHING YUN DIK NGAN LUI), FORGET NOT TONIGHT (MOK MONG GUM SIU), MOVIE FANS (YING MAI GUNG JU), THE PREGNANT MAIDEN (YUK NUI TIM DING), MAIDEN THIEF (YUK NUI SUN TAU), LOVE WITH A MALAYSIAN GIRL (LEUNG YEH JI LUEN) and THE HEART-STEALER (TAU SUM CHAK).

In 1974, Lui Kay founded the Golden Film (Lui Chi) Company that specialized in directing and producing soft-core erotica, including THE FOXY LADIES(GAU GAK NUI LONG), STARLETS FOR SALE (CHOI JI MING FA SING MA), THE STUD AND THE NYMPH (YUEN FU, YUM WA, FUNG SAT SAU), etc. The movies were criticized for being pornographic and vulgar, and their reputation and box office were getting worse and worse.

With the decline of Cantonese films, Lui Kay directed his last erotic work THE SEDUCTRESS (MING DAI TOH FA) in 1987 and retired from the entertainment industry. He moved to Taiwan with his second wife Ling Tai to open a restaurant, while investing in stocks and buying properties to collect rent. Lui Kay was once rumored to be living in poverty and working as a taxi driver in Taiwan. In 2003, he denied this in a radio interview.

Lui Kay had a son with his first wife, Kwan Wai Shan; but they later divorced. Lui Kay later fell in love with actress Ling Tai, whom he had collaborated with many times; and they had two sons.

[2024.11.20] SUMLING LI DOES NOT ENVY HER TEAMMATE FOR WINNING AWARDS

Sumling Li went to Japan to promote her new film.
courtesy of on.cc

A member of the girl group COLLAR, Sumling Li recently attended a film festival in Fukuoka, Japan, and represented her movie ONCE IN A BLUE MOON (MONG YUET). Leaving the COLLAR members behind for the first time, she said that the solo journey was inevitably a bit lonely but she was still grateful for this opportunity. She said with a smile that she even learned a few Japanese words to greet the Japanese audience with. Sumling will make a solo debut this year. When asked if she has any expectations for the Newcomer Award, she said that she would keep a normal state of mind. "I really enjoy the process of launching the work, but I don't have much expectations for awards." Speaking of her teammate Marf who won multiple female newcomer awards last year, Sumling did not feel any pressure from competing for the award this year. "I am very happy for her and I am not stressed. The award would be the icing on the cake. (Would you ask Mama to attend the award ceremony?) She is older and is better off watching TV comfortably at home."

[2024.11.20] POLLY LAU LEARNS FROM MICHELLE WAI

Polly Lau often fantasizes about being a bad guy and hopes to challenge the role of villain.
courtesy of on.cc

Emperor newcomer Polly Lau Yeuk Po has been actively developing in the film industry in recent years and has participated in performances in YOU ARE THE ONE (NGOR DIK SHUN POON NAM YAU), THE MOON THIEVES (DOH YUET JEH) and CUSTOMS FRONTLINE (HOI GUAN JIN SIN). She is currently in theaters with the box office hit THE LAST DANCE (POR. DEI YUK). As a newcomer, Polly was able to work with many seniors including Michael Hui Koon Man and Michelle Wai Sze Nga. Polly admitted that she was flattered and praised Michelle as a nice person who would share her acting experience with her from time to time. Regarding her role in the film THE LAST DANCE, she once doubted whether the director hired her because he was from the same company. "I asked the director privately and he said it didn't matter. He chose me only because the casting." She thanked the director for the opportunity and encouragement. The newcomer also hoped to challenge the role of a villain. She smiled and said that she has often fantasized about being a villain in his mind, and would continue to strive for opportunities to participate in auditions in the future.

[2024.11.19] MICHAEL HUI URGES SCREENWRITESR TO CREATE MORE DARINGLY

Michelle Wai's acting has "Papa" Michael Hui's approval, which she says is better than tens of thousands of words.
courtesy of singtao.com

Michael Hui praises boss Albert Yeung for his unique vision, having the guts to invest in a movie about the funeral business.

Michael Hui and Albert Yeung present a birthday cake to Michelle Wai to celebrate her 40th birthday in advance. The birthday girl smiles happily.
courtesy of singtao.com

THE LAST DANCE posters and stills exhibition has a paper car offering on display

Michelle Wai says a word of praise from "Papa" Michael Hui is better than tens of thousands of words.

Well knwon English film critic gives THE LAST DANCE a positive review
courtesy of singtao.com

THE LAST DANCE (POR. DEI YUK) held a poster and stills exhibition media experience day yesterday. The exhibition will be on display for free for one month. Actors Michael Hui Koon Man, Michelle Wai Sze Nga, Elly, Polly Lau Yeuk Po and director Anselm Chan Mou Yin attended. The Emperor Group chair Dr. Albert Yeung Sau Sing even came to support the show and congratulate the film on exceeding HK$ 60 million at the box office in the first 10 days. The 24th of this month would be Wai Sze Nga's 40th birthday. The event presented a cake to her to celebrate with. When she blew out the candles, she laughed and said that this was her last birthday in the thirties and as "Ms. Wai".

Hui Koon Man was happy that the movie had good box office and good mouth of word. He pointed out that on the first day, he said that the film was a comedy. The audience after watching it would cry, then feel that the world has become more beautiful and that they have liberated themselves. He laughed and said, "Maybe only because of the good box office I would say this; I really want to congratulate the boss for his unique vision, because it is really not easy to invest. When I first read the script, I already wanted to cry. The director has his own way, insisting against adding comedic elements in some possibly funny scenes." Michael also pointed out that during the performance, he also forgot about Wai Sze Nga was an actress in a few scenes and treated her as her own daughter. He really wanted to congratulate her, and hoped the film will not only 'break hell' but also break records. "The film environment in Hong Kong is still rather difficult. I hope it will lead to even higher box office records for Hong Kong films in the future."

The boss Yeung Sau Sing was more than pleased with the film's box office exceeding HK$ 60 million and said that he did not dare to believe it. Now he would be laughing even while dreaming. He considered himself a businessman and did not have any great or noble idea. He only wanted to make money. The film now is already making money. "It's really like a dream to be able to find (Dayo Wong) Tze Wah and Michael to partner up. My friends said to me: Brother Sau, do you have a lot of money to make the coffin shop movie? Hiring two comedians to make such a serious film, do you think you have money to burn? Anyone who isn't making a comedy movie (with them) is crazy! When I got yelled at I panicked a little, but since I already promised to make it I would have to tough it out." Would an extended version be released? Dr. Yeung said that it would be the director's decision, and joked that the director has become his boss. "When artists first start I am their boss, after they become famous they are my boss. When I see (Nicholas Tse) Ting Fung and Joey (Yung Cho Yee) my legs would shake. So whether I would make a comedy for Tze Wah and Hui Koon Man, it would be the director's decision. (Tze Wah suggested making 'Villain Hitting'?) We have to shoot under the Bowrington Bridge, otherwise there would be a riot! However I am confident that THE LAST DANCE would break Hong Kong box office records." Director Chan said that he would wait until THE LAST DANCE's performance to get a little better before making the decisions. The extended version would only run ten or so minutes more, as he would return the deleted actors' scenes as soon as possible. Was he confident about become the third HK$ 100 million box office director? He said that he would try his best and leave it up to the ancestors. Speaking of a raise for the director, Dr. Yeung joked that a raise would put him in bankruptcy. The producer suggested a gradual increase.

Hui Koon Man stated that he has been very excited lately, because for decades he kept racking his brain to make Hong Kong people laugh, get out of the doldrums and let go a little. The director was very strong. "I recently went out, and someone said that they have laughed with me for decades, and now they are crying with me. I have never tried it before. This movie is really magical; all of the audience in Hong Kong after shedding tears were relieved. Let go of the situation in Hong Kong a little, start over after breaking through hell. Hong Kong people will definitely be fine. Although they don't know the way forward yet, Hong Kong people are very smart and knowledgeable. I hope to continue to make more good movies, let’s have more fun together and encourage each other."

He was still filled with emotions after seeing good results? Michael frankly said that the Hong Kong film market was in bad shape; in fact, Hong Kong as a whole was also in bad shape. Some people complained that the government have not been much help, but actually all walks of life must do a good job in their own industry. "So I come back to work as an actor, support good scripts and characters, and hope to continue the momentum of Hong Kong films. The audience now is very talented and has increased in level. Movie productions around this caliber isn't too much for them; they want to see good movies and new elements. To make good movies for everyone, young directors and screenwriters are very important. We must encourage screenwriters to create even more daringly, like this time they led the audience to laugh together and cry together. They don't necessarily have to force out some jokes. THE LAST DANCE has inspired me, I don't have to deliberately 'tickle people to make them laugh'. The future comedy would also go this route." In order to thank the audience, Michael would attend two audience appreciation shows. He would invite alumni from his alma mater to support the show. He joked that he would not be nervous in front of alumni, like when he participated in an university lecture a few days ago and met professors and vice-presidents. They were all his students, but they looked older than him. Referring to Tze Wah's suggestion that his appearance has not changed in thirty years and should be studied, Michael said, "As long as you tell more jokes and listen to more jokes, you will naturally get sick less and age a little slower. So joy and happiness are the most important."

Wai Sze Nga received praise for her acting skills from her on screen father Hui Koon Man. She smiled sweetly and said with excitement, "One word of praise from Papa is better tens of thousands of words." Michael smiled and wondered why she said it was her last year to cut the cake with the last name Wai? Wai Sze Nga laughed and said, "I'm getting married next year, I sent the invitation to you Papa, and you even agreed to come." She also said that she has been too busy with work recently. She probably would not have time to celebrate with her parents on her birthday, which is really a fly in the ointment.

In addition, the Hong Kong Box Office Co. Ltd. yesterday announced that LAST's Saturday single day Hong Kong and Macao box office reached HK$ 9,179,401 (HK$ 8,613,824 in Hong Kong), setting a new Hong Kong Chinese language film single day box office record as it broke the COLD WAR 2 (HONG JIN 2) set single day box office record of HK$ 7,557,526in 2016. Reportedly THE LAST DANCE also performed well with its UK opening. Its release in Malaysia also passed 3 million MYR and firmly sat atop the box office there.