Thursday, May 30, 2019

[2019.05.31] LINAH MATSUOKA CURSES AT JEANA HO

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The Justin Cheung Kin Sing, Linah Matsuoka and Jeana Ho Pui Yu starred Heung Sai trilogy DECEPTION OF A NOVELIST (JOK GA DIK FONG YIN: BUK JUNG YAU JUI) held many screenings in recent months. Playing the married writer, Cheung Kin Sing hooked up with Matsuoka the sexy tenant upstairs. Aside from the seduction she also had various mysteries behind her. She even appeared in his home for a direct confrontation with Cheung Kin Sing's on screen wife Jeana. The housewife Jeana had to fend off the woman who was messing with her husband. In one scene Matsuoka even cursed at her.

Cheung Kin Sing in the film was stuck between two women, fortunately it was just a movie. If it happened in reality he definitely would be in big trouble. Jeana played a housewife who originally had a grea family but had to face a third party's taunting. She admitted that the character had drastically emotional changes, which was rather challenging.

[2019.05.31] STANLEY KWAN CREDITS HIS WOMEN'S FILM EXPERTISE TO HIS MOTHER

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Director Stanley Kwan Kam Peng talked about his expertise in "women movies" on the radio and joked that it might have to do with prenatal education from his mother. Because Mama was a movie fan, from pregnant to after birth she constantly took him to the movies. He revealed that when he was little he would walk to school to save up for the movies. When his documentary participated in the Venice Film Festival he came out and revealed that one part of the film THE ABSENT FATHER was his own experience. "Papa passed away when I was 13. I remembered he always took him to the bath house to wash my back. When I was little I really liked wu xia films, their same sex loyalty, men could take up arms for their brothers and walk through fire. This type of relationship was very wonderful."

[2019.05.31] STEPHY TANG IS TOO BUSY WITH WORK TO SEE HER BOYFRIEND

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Stephy Tang Lai Yun attended a beauty center opening. She has been busy lately with her new film CHAN YING HUNG GAN (RUINED SHADOW SPACE). Her character was rather heavy. She said that lately her has been in poor mental condition and has not been sleeping well. At first she did not realize it, and it gradually came out. (Did your boyfriend notice?) Stephy said, "I realize myself, I also mentioned it. (Did he notice anything difference in you?) Maybe not as energetic, when we chatted he sensed it. I smiled less and was thinner."

Would her boyfriend help her relax? She said that he was very busy as well. Stephy said, "I am busy, and we are already long distance so we don't see each that much. However we would stay in touch through video conferencing. At the end of June after the movie I probably would have a week off."

[2019.05.31] TONY LEUNG KA FAI KEEPS RUSHING LOUIS KOO TO GET MARRIED

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In the film CHASING THE DRAGON II: WILD WILD BUNCH (JUI LUNG II: CHAK WONG), Leung Ka Fai played a crime lord. He pointed out that this character had no background for research. Everyone did not see his actual face until he was arrested. Thus despite other actors having played the role before, impersonation would be hard. The performance relied on the creativity between directors and actors. However this time producer and director Wong Jing before the shoot already had a fifth draft. He had even more time to prepare and construct the character.

Ka Fai admitted that this shoot has been very tough as well, because the entire film was shot on location in Shenzhen and Huizhou. The film also had a series of gun fights and highway chases. He said, "While shooting on the highway steam was rising due from the heat, without needing a smoke machine we already had special effect!" However the most memorable scene for Ka Fai was a scene in which he sat at a pool table and split a durian for the brothers. "I like durian, but due to different angles I had to eat it in every shot. I really had too much. When I gave it to the brothers, they spat it out when the cameras were on me or threw it in the ice bucket. So far I still haven't had durian again. Earlier when I went to Malaysia, I saw durian and turned around immediately. I already had a little phobia!"

However Ka Fai was the happiest about being able to work with his ELECTION (HAK SEH WUI) brothers Simon Yam Tat Wa, Louis Koo Tin Lok and Gordon Lam Ka Tung. Best Actors reunited 14 years later. Ka Fai joked, "We all have gone legit, dividing up roles like cops and robbers but getting back together is a lot of fun!" Has everyone matured? Ka Fai said, "If after over 10 years we still aren't grown, then we really have to go home!" He admitted that among the four brothers Brother Wa was the most different. "Now his daughter is so big. As soon as we see each other we talk about our daughters. When I was with (Michael) Wong Man Tak, as soon as we got together we talked about getting girls. Now I talk with them how to raise girls!" Ka Fai sentimentally said that now he was waiting for Goo Jai and Ka Tung to hurry up and wed, "I am constantly rushing them to get married, every time I see anyone I would rush them to wed!" Would he introduce anyone good to them? Ka Fai joked, "Sure, some of those around my age are still single!"

[2019.05.31] ANDY LAU PUNISHES LOUIS KOO WITH A REAL KNIFE

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The Andy Lau Tak Wa, Louis Koo Tin Lok, Michael Miu Kiu Wai starred WHITE STORM 2 DRUG LORDS (SO DUK 2 TIN DEI DUI KUET) will open on July 16th. The first trailer showed Wa Jai and Goo Jai's brotherly relationship, from turning on each other to an eye for an eye. The young version Wa Jai displayed his individuality. Wa Jai mentioned his young version appearance, which he put a lot of thought into preparing for. Wa Jai jokingly said, "I haven't had hair extension or pony tail in a very long time. With the tail and unable to shave, and a knife in hand waiting to punish Goo Jai, I really was like a samurai possessed." Wa Jai and Goo Jai on the first day of work went full 12 hours. Not only did they shared scenes together, they also had scenes with Sam Gor Miu Kiu Wai and his on screen wife Elena Kong Mei Yi. Originally in a quiet early morning, the four outside the hospital ran into each other and chatted.

Because Mei Yi only had one day, despite being on a stretcher from injuries she jumped up on this rare chance to run into several Best Actors of film and television, turned into a fan and got a photo with the three hunks. Mei Yi said, "I took this role because I knew I would be on the set with these three hunks. These chances don't come randomly." Sam Gor on the set often had Wa Jai taking care of him, even on fixing make up and marks he had attentive guidance. Sam Gor also proudly said, "Having a Heavenly King around at work is really a great benefit."

Wednesday, May 29, 2019

[2019.05.30] FOR THE WEEK ENDING MAY 26 2019

For the week ending Sunday May 26 2019
Photos courtesy of Yahoo! Movies Hong Kong



10 STILL HUMAN
  Can : Lun Lok Yun
  Lit : Fallen People
    d. Oliver Chan Siu Kuen
    Anthony Wong Chau Sun, Crisel Consunji,
      Sam Lee Chan Sam, Cecilia Yip Tung, Wong Ting Him
  Rating : IIB
  Length : 112 mins.
  Opening November 6 2018 at the Hong Kong Asian Film Festival
  Opening April 11 2019
  Trailer : https://youtu.be/A0eq_aNF5yg

[ HONG KONG ASIAN FILM FESTIVAL 2018 ]
    Cheong-wing is a paralyzed man who has lost his family. Evelyn is a young woman who abandoned her dreams and her home to make a living abroad. Two people outcast and overlooked by society are brought together by fate when one enters the other's home to work as a domestic helper. Their co-habitation gets off a rocky start, but they develop a bond as they slowly come to see beyond each other's superficial qualities.


  9 LONG SHOT
    d. Jonathan Levine
    Charlize Theron, Seth Rogen


  8 BRIGHTBURN
    d. David Yarovesky
    Elizabeth Banks, David Denman, Jackson A. Dunn


  7 3D MAYDAY LIFE
  Can : Ng Yuet Tin Yun Sun Mo Han Gong Si
  Lit : Mayday Life Company Unlimited
    d. Muh Chen
    Monster, Stone, Masa, Guan You, Ashin
  Rating : IIA
  Length : 112 mins.
  Opening May 24 2019
  Trailer : https://youtu.be/TYYFbVgW3o0

[ BROADWAY CIRCUIT ]
    Mayday LIFE TOUR is linked by four distinct segments and the story is unveiled in "Yesterday's Rumbling Fun". Unlike Mayday's previous perfectionist and fussy attitude towards music, the members are now featured as the superhero of the day and form a fifth elite combat team. Monster the guitarist is now the agile Mr. Monster, complete with a red shining armor, Stone the guitarist is now Lonely Stone, who is as hard as a stone. Guan You the Drummer is the crossbowman Mini Ming, who is comical in nature and has super good luck. Masa the bass player is Hell Kitty, who is mean and humorous while owning heavy arms and ammunition. Ashin the Vocal acts as Honey Potter, and has super powers and is quite a genius. After the war, the five people went back to "Today Loser Record Store" to lead their usual ordinary life, until the Commanding Officer appears and "re-summons them". The Commanding Officer is portrayed by movie star Bo Huang, a Golden Horse Award-winning actor. However, when Supermen stop saving the earth, how should the Commanding Officer persuade the five middle-aged "losers" with super powers? To "restart training and rejoin the war" utilizing their limited life and infinite friendship and figure out the infinity of life? This memoir for 7 billion is now transitioning to the next chapter: LiFE will continue to be lived on the screen.


  6 THE HUSTLE
    d. Chris Addison
    Anne Hathaway, Rebel Wilson, Alex Sharp, Dean Norris


  5 FRIEND ZONE
  Can : Hui Ba! Nui Sun Bing Tuen
  Lit : Go! Goddess Army
    d. Chayanop Boonprakob
    Naphat Siangsomboon, Pimchanok Luevisadpaibul
    Rating : IIA
    Length : 118 mins.
    Opening May 16 2019
    Trailer : https://youtu.be/QUBfHBtIC0I

[ BROADWAY CIRCUIT ]
    In this world, there are many people who seem to be wandering along a relationship borderlining 'friends' and 'lovers'. Palm is one of those who has been stuck in the friend zone with his best friend, Gink, for 10 years. During high school, he tried to cross the line by confessing his feelings for her. But Gink simply rejected him, saying that "being friends is good enough." Since then, Palm and Gink have grown closer as true best friends. One day, Gink asks Palm out of the blue, "have you wondered...what if we were an item?" Right then, sparks fly wildly inside Palm's mind, knowing that this might be the only chance for him to cross the borderline. Although, Palm has no way of knowing if leaving the FRIEND ZONE this time will lead him to the beginning of his romantic love life or to the end of his friendship with Gink for good.


  4 POKEMON DETECTIVE PIKACHU
    d. Rob Letterman
    Ryan Reynolds, Justice Smith
    Cantonese Voices: Ronald Cheng Chung Kei, Alex Fong Lik Sun
  Rating : IIB
  Length : 112 mins.
  Opening November 6 2018 at the Hong Kong Asian Film Festival
  Opening April 11 2019
  Trailer : https://youtu.be/A0eq_aNF5yg

[ HONG KONG ASIAN FILM FESTIVAL 2018 ]
    Cheong-wing is a paralyzed man who has lost his family. Evelyn is a young woman who abandoned her dreams and her home to make a living abroad. Two people outcast and overlooked by society are brought together by fate when one enters the other's home to work as a domestic helper. Their co-habitation gets off a rocky start, but they develop a bond as they slowly come to see beyond each other's superficial qualities.


  3 AVENGERS: ENDGAME
    d. Russo Brothers
    Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth,
      Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner, Don Cheadle, Paul Rudd,
      Brie Lawson, Karen Gillan, Danai Gurira, Bradley Cooper, Josh Brolin


  2 JOHN WICK CHAPTER 3 PARABELLUM
    d. Chad Stahelski
    Keanu Reeves, Halle Berry, Lawrence Fishburne, Mark Dacascos,
      Asia Kate Dillon, Lance Reddick, Angjelica Huston, Ian McShane,



  1 ALADDIN
    d. Guy Ritchie
    Will Smith, Mena Massoud, Naomi Scott,

[2019.05.30] LUI KEI APPEARS IN TAIPEI

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Cantonese film era star Lui Kei has retired from film for decades, but actors often impersonated him on television and in film like Gallen Law Ka Leung and Tony Leung Ka Fai. Lui Kei after retiring from show business moved to Taiwan. Lately veteran media person Wong Man Ling went to Taiwan to visit friends, met with the 77 year old Lui Kei and shared their photos on social media.

Wong Man Ling wrote, "This Taipei trip has been a very full harvest. I ate well and lived well, even took the chance to see several old show business friends. Can everyone guess who I would see today? Do you recognize him? He is Lui Kei." Wong Man Ling said that they chatted for an afternoon, as Lui Kei told her the story of him making his first Cantonese film MY DARLING WIFE (GUNG JI DOR CHING) in 1965. She wrote, "MY DARLING WIFE made him an overnight sensation. He thanked Nam Hung, Wong Man Lei and Sir Run Run Shaw for their assistance, for which he would always remember. Originally named Tong Kok Man, his stage name was Lui Kei. He said, 'Because my idol at the time was Fu Kei.'"

[2019.05.30] CARLOS CHAN PRAISES DANTE LAM FOR TESTING STUNTS FOR ACTORS



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"Demon director" Dante Lam Chiu Yin's new film THE RESCUE (GUNG GUP GAU WOON) earlier wrapped up production in Mexico. This time Director Lam asked Eddie Peng Yu-Yan, Ian Wang, Xin Zhilei and Carlos Chan Ka Lok to star. New additions Ian Wang and Xin Zhilei said that although Director Lam was a "demon" he did everything himself. Injured from a previous Lam Chiu Yin film, Chan Ka Lok praised the director for being very willing to take risks. Before his explosion scene the director would personally test the mark, boosting the team morale even higher.

Costing over HK$ 800 million, THE RESCUE in order to perfectly display rescue heroes in various everyday danger not only constructed a sea rescue command center in Fuzhou but also went to shoot on location in Mexico in order to achieve the most realistic disaster scene. New addition Ian Wang, the only female member Xin Zhilei and Chan Ka Lok in company of Director Lam had physical training on land and in water. When asked whether Director Lam was a "demon" as rumored, Ian Wang said, "He definitely is a demon, but the director is not as strict as rumored because he demands even more of himself. He does everything himself. When he asked you to get into the water, he would go in with you. Thus everyone on the team was very united and respected the director very much. Luckily earlier I trained with the director, which left me spending more time in the gym than in bed and achieving fitness beyond what was asked for. I was able to get over any minor accidents during the shoot."

Actually earlier while shooting in the straits of Xiamen, the day before the shoot had great weather. Yet during the shoot the wind and the rain suddenly became very strong. Ian Wang due to water pressure lost his hearing temporarily. "In one scene I had to get on a helicopter after diving. Originally I had to depressurize, after I got out of the water I didn't know my ear had problems. Later Director Lam recommended a doctor to me, after examination my right ear was confirmed to be completely deaf and my left right only had 50% hearing ability. If I delayed treatment further I might have permanent hearing loss. This time I also learned to fly a plane for the performance and had a piloting scene. Originally Xin Zhilei was asked to take over the control, but she actually went to fly the plane. Everyone was so scared that they screamed for her not to."

Last time for OPERATION RED SEA Lam Chiu Yin asked the agile Jiang Luxia to fight nonstop. This time it was the turn of Xin Zhilei, Consort Jia in RUYI'S ROYAL LOVE IN THE PLACE. Xin Zhlei even was fortunately enough to play a couple with lead actor Peng Yu-Yan. Lam Chiu Yin's level of strictness made no gender difference. The film's only sea rescue female team member Xin Zhilei said, "The director isn't demon like at all, he is a 'demon king'. Actually when I watched OPERATION MEKONG and OPERATION RED SEA, I also knew that working on Director Lam's movies would be torture. So I was mentally prepared. Yet after arriving in the team I truly experienced the demon director's might. I basically trained like the men everyday, working out, diving. I used to only know the breast stroke, but I not only know various swimming styles but also diving. Although the director is very strict about our physical training, actually the director cares about the actors a lot normally."

In 2015 Carlos Chan Ka Lok had an accident while making TO THE FORE (POR FUNG) and broken his left arm. 4 years later he worked with Director Lam again. Ka Lok said, "You get back up where you fell down". He also admitted that last time he was so nervous and excited that he overlooked his safety. This time he made sure he was ready before he went to work. He said, "Last time I was too excited, I wasn't focused enough so I wiped out and got hurt. This time I am fully prepared in every aspect, but the director would personally demonstrate the scene every time. For example in an explosion scene, the director told me the explosion would be very close to me. When I officially took my mark, the action director told me that Director Lam personally tested the mark for me without any protective gear. Because of that I was very at ease on the set. His work attitude boosted the entire team's morale even more."

Tuesday, May 28, 2019

[2019.05.29] FOR THE WEEK STARTING MAY 25 2019

GLOBAL CHINESE MUSIC CHART
For the week starting May 25 2019


15 BEGGAR
  Can : Hak Koi
  MD Liu Yuning (Modern Brothers)

14 SUSHI LOVE
  Can : So Gei Ok Kiu Chi Long
  Ken Hung Cheuk Lap
https://youtu.be/8enWsFMxmgg VOICE NAVIGATOR
  Can : Sing Yum Doh Hong
  Jay Fung Wing Him

13 FREEDOM
  Can : Jung Yu Liu Gai Ji Yau
  Eric Chou (Chow Hing Jik)

12 DON'T LET ME GO FAR
  Can : Bit Yeung Ngor Jau Yuen
  Yoga Lin (Lam Yau Ga)

11 PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS
  Can : Hung Fook Ji Nam
  Victor Wong (Bun Guoon)

10 YOU ARE AN APRIL DAY OF HUMANITY
  Can : Nei Si Yun Gan Dik Sei Yuet Tin
  Chris Lee Yuchun

 9 WHITE HAIR
  Can : Bak Fak
  Khalil Fong Datong

 8 ACTUALLY LONELY
  Can : Kei Suk Jik Mok
  Kay Tse On Kay

 7 PRAISER
  Can : Gor Jung Jeh
  Wu Qingfeng (Ng Ching Fung)

 6 YOU
  Hins Cheung King Hin

 5 BIG BOWL THICK NOODLE
  Can : Dai Woon Foot Min
  Kris Wu (Ng Yik Fan)

 4 PASSING BY HUMANITY
  Can : Lo Gor Yun Gan
  Yisa Yu (Yuk Hor Wai)

 3 PRETTY CRAZY
  Joey Yung Cho Yi

 2 ONE THOUSAND GOODNIGHTS
  Can : Yut Chin Gor Man Ong
  A-Bin Fang (Fong Gwing Bun)


 1 NO THOUGHT
  Can : Mo Lim
  Jane Zhang Liangying (Cheung Lan Wing)

[2019.05.29] DAVID SIU GETS BIG LAISEE FOR HITTING HIS HEAD


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courtesy of singtao.com

Wylie Chiu and Yuri Chan
courtesy of mingpao.com

The film MO YEH CHA (FEMALE YAKSHA) yesterday held a worship ceremony. Actor David Siu Chung Hung, Wylie Chiu Shek Chi, Yuri Chen and Bonde Sham Lok Y attended. This time in the film Siu Chung Hung and Chiu Shek Chi played a criminal couple. Yesterday Shek Chi wore red to perform a scene in which Siu Chung Hung persuaded her on a end stage cancer death bed to hang herself. Shek Chi said that earlier she already worked on the morgue scene. He was very disrespected toward the corpse. Siu Chung Hung joked that he only wanted to examine the sexy corpse.

They would have some intimate scenes in the film and naturally bodily contact. Shek Chi said that in one scene Siu Chung Hung added something on his own, but the corpse examination scene would be very entertaining. Thus for the result she did not have any problem. She also knew that this time he recommended her for the role. Did she get any lai see for hanging herself in the film? Shek Chi said that she basically had to die in every act, if she had to get lai see she probably would have received a lot.

Siu Chung Hung joked that this time he received the biggest lai see in his career. "I got it several days ago. When we shot on location at the Pak Tam Chung park and the camera hit my head, I got fives stitches and HK$ 1,000 in lai see." He showed the wound to reporters. Luckily he did not need to shave his hair for the stitches, otherwise he would lose continuity. Shek Chi pretended to strangle him and said, "After he got hurt we had to shoot a scene in which I strangle him. I forgot and choked him very hard. Luckily he wasn't hurt again!"

Monday, May 27, 2019

[2019.05.28] MAX ZHANG WAS AFRAID BEFORE FIGHT SCENE WITH ANDERSON SILVA


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Max Zhang Jin in the crime action film INVINCIBLE DRAGON (GAU LUNG BUK BAI) not only had series of action films but also had a fight with champion Anderson Silva. He admitted that he was a little scared because his co-star was the sharpest in actual fight experience.

Earlier Zhang Jin talked about the production. He said that the worst was braving the cold in the winter because his body was full of blood and glass. He also had to jump eight steps ladder, for which he jumped too high and hit his head. Then he lay on the ladder and injured his back. Because the ladder had no padding, later he learned that he had a soft tissue hyperaemia. The swelling did not go down until a week later.

Zhang Jin in the film fought with champion Anderson Silva. He admitted that when he found out he was a little scared. "Before making the film, I watched many of his matches. He won over ten matches in a row, in one he broke his leg and rested for a long time. Now he is already recovered. (Is Anderson the strongest opponent in your career?) He is the sharpest in actual fight experience. He fought in MMA, even if he was on the ground he would keep fighting. Sometimes he would forget that he was making a movie and keep fighting." Did his wife Ada Choi Siu Fun tell him to be careful? Zhang Jin said that instead his older daughter was worried. "I should my photo with Anderson to her. She was scared and asked if I was making a movie, because she couldn't tell between a film production and reality. Later on the set I called her and asked Anderson to say hello to her, then she was better."

[2019.05.27] STEPHY TANG ONCE SUSPECTED SHE HAD EMOTIONAL DISORDER

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Stephy Tang Lai Yun, Philip Keung Ho Man and BabyJohn Choi Hong Yik starred in the psychological suspense crime film CHAN YING HUNG GAN (RUINED SHADOW SPACE). Yesterday the production took place in Mei Foo. In the story the Stephy played forensic psychologist and the Hak Jai played veteran cop investigated multiple murders in the city, similar to the hit Taiwan drama THE WORLD BETWEEN US.

Stephy said that in order to play a forensic psychologist she did her research and memorized professional terms. Has she had emotional illness before? She said, "I have been unhappy and suspected that I had emotional illness. This time the character has enormous emotional upheaval, sometimes I cry for no reason." Has her character scared her boyfriend? Stephy said that she already told him in advance. "I told him that the character is very heavy and told him not to be scared." She also revealed that her boyfriend has been working on a role that was just as heavy in Taiwan. Speaking of her friend Kary Ng Yu Fei's pregnancy, when would it be her turn to deliver some good news? Stephy said that she has not planned to. "I don't want to limit myself, which would bring enormous pressure. I just let it be."

Hak Jai in the film played father and daughter with child star Wong Sze Nga. After working together on LITTLE BIG MASTER (NG GOR SIU HAI DIK HAU JEUNG) Hak Jai was surprised how much Chu Nui has grown. Before the shoot she was almost recognizable to him. Hak Jai revealed that later he would go to Thailand for another new film and play a Chinese Thai. In the film he would have to speak Thai and Putonghua. Although he would have to work hard on learning Thai, he was very excited to learn that he would be able to work with Best Actress Joan Chen.

BabyJohn revealed that in the film he would play a teacher who suffered from parental complaints. For his students' future, he thought of ways to punish monster parents. The scene was very heavy. During the shoot ten or twenty children kept asking him questions, which made it hard for him to get into the character. He said, "If today you ask me I would be a parent, my answer would be no." BabyJohn also said that he had a connection with the film company. His first lead role was at Mr. Ha Yu's invitation. Recently he formed a new company, and he gave his first to Mr. Ha Yu.

Thursday, May 23, 2019

[2019.05.24] JENNIFER YU WANTS TO MAKE MOVIES THAT GIVE THE AUDIENCE SOMETHING

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Jennifer Yu Heung Yi earlier attended a Hong Kong Open University film society event and shared with students how film inspired her childhood. She said that in school she already rented videos to watch at home. She also went to the movies. "In elementary school I didn't know how to watch drama, I mainly watched commercial light comedy. Film brought me a lot of joy in my childhood, watching comedy together was a family activity."

As an actor now, she hoped to be able to bring something to others through film. "In recent years Hong Kong films have less comedy, instead they are more movies about the community and humanity. Children now are different from my childhood, the school pressure is enormous. Maybe these films are more suitable for them. Like DISTINCTION (FEI TUNG FAN HEUNG), many parents brought their children to watch, learn about other things in the community and make them think."

[2019.05.24] ZHANG ZIYI LOOKS BACK AT HER 20 YEARS IN FILM

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The 72nd Cannes International Film Festival earlier announced its master class line up. Zhang Ziyi was the first Asian filmmaker to be invited to the Master Class event. Cannes Master Class was an official event of the Cannes Film Festival. At the Master Class, Zhang Ziyi admitted that at age 40, when she watched CROUCHING TIGER HIDDEN DRAGON she had a different experience. She also said that Wong Kar Wai was a very important person in her life and career, from being afraid of him to thankful for him!

With 20 years in the business, Zhang Ziyi was the first Asian filmmakers and the youngest female filmmakers to be invited since the creation of the Master Class. One of her representative film CROUCHING TIGER HIDDEN DRAGON was shown again at the film festival and thousands of people watched the classic again. Director Ang Lee set a video in English for his lead actress Zhang Zyi and thanked Ziyi for this film's success around the world. Zhnag Ziyi posted the video on social media. "This surprise brought me to tears, I am grateful for what I have."

Zhang Ziyi at the "Master Class" veteran actor forum talked about CROUCHING TIGER HIDDEN DRAGON. At only 20 she did not understand the deeper meaning of the story, so she could only put all of her effort into the fight scenes. Now at age 40, watching CROUCHING again she had a different experience and understood the theme that the film wanted to examine, "People have to honestly face themselves" and "Do you want to pursue free love?"

In addition, when Zhang Ziyi talked about Wong Kar Wai she shed tears many times. She praised Wong Kar Wai as a very important person in her life and career. Zhang Ziyi said, "Wong Kar Wai in my entire life and career is a very important person. The first time when we worked together on 2046, I was never able to see his eyes. You can imagine, to a 20 something year old new actor how frightening that was. That character required 3 and a half hour for make up, everyday steam was required for hair. This was the look Wong Kar Wai asked for, so that was how he tortured us."

Ziyi recalled at the time she had no script. In the three and a half hour of preparation time she had no line to prepare for. She asked her manager to get her sake. Ziyi said, "Because I was afraid, afraid of Wong Kar Wai whose eyes can't be seen. I was afraid that when the entire shoot was in a Cantonese environment I didn't understand a single word. I was afraid I didn't know my character, had no sense of security at all. Yet I felt like the weed that was burnt to its end, I was able to live in a particularly bad environment. I never thought past one day. One day when I really saw Wong Kar Wai removed his glasses, my eyes were very wide. Actually I didn't need to be so nervous. He was the director who understood me the most out of them all."

Later when they made THE GRANDMASTERS (YUT DOI JUNG SI), Zhang Ziyi revealed that it was when her life was the least smooth. She said, "Under a very panicked and worried condition, I worked everyday. One day I invited him (Wong Kar Wai) to my break room. I very bravely asked, 'Can you give me time off?' Stopping for a day would cost a lot of production budget, but he agreed. I remembered at the time he knew I was in a particularly difficult condition. He held me and said, 'When you want to come back to the set, I will be waiting for you.' He enabled me to win 12 trophies, and is an important friend in life. When I was 5 months pregnant, he was the first person to find out." Because of Wong Kar Wai's concern and care, Zhang Ziyi openly promised, "In the future no matter what character Wong Kar Wai wants me to play, whether the preparation would require three or five years, I would be willing to keep going with him."

At the event, the host asked Zhang Ziyi about her competitive relationship with Fan Bingbing, Vicki Zhao Wei and other contemporary actresses. Zhang Ziyi after listening to the translator joked, "Your question doesn't seem to be too friendly." She paused and said that in every business and era competition exists, she never minded it at all. She said, "I am already 40, now young actors are in their teens. Many people have a lot of influence. What I can do is to do what is front of me well, everything else is beyond my control." Then she asked the host, "Are you satisfied?" The crowd cracked up and applauded arose.

In addition, Zhang Ziyi will be this year's Tokyo International Film Festival jury chair.

Wednesday, May 22, 2019

[2019.05.23] STEVEN MA ADMITS TO TANTRUM AT OTHERS

Both Steven Ma and Josephine have nothing but praise for Jennifer Yu
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Jennifer Yu, Josephine Koo, Steven Ma
courtesy of mingpao.com

Steven Ma Chun Wai and Josephine Koo Mei Wa after working together on the play TILL WE MEET AGAIN (SUN CHIN YEUK SEI HAU) would continue their mother and son relationship in the Ma Jai written, directed and starred film version. it would also add new actors like Jennifer Yu Heung Yi. With three jobs Ma Jai in the film would have huge mood swings, which led to a skin reaction. He even revealed that sometimes he would erupt on other people as an emotional release, but Yu Heung Yi praised Ma Jai as a nice guy. He never threw a tantrum at her!

Ma Jai, Sister Mei Wa, Yu Heung Yi yesterday attended their film TILL WE MEET AGAIN's production start ceremony. The film is planned for a November release. Ma Jai revealed, "The film version and the stage version have the same structure, still focusing on the mother and son relationship. The content has some changes and would be even more detailed and rich. The film version would have more visuals, including ones with more impact. The emotional upheaval would be enormous. Earlier we shot a scene and cried like crazy. The emotional changes caused me to have a skin reaction." Sister Mei Wa witnessed how hard Ma Jai worked and was stunned. She said, "At first I thought the film version was just talk, I never expected how fast he worked. (Did you tell him to slow down his pace?) He wouldn't listen. Two nights ago he just got back to Hong Kong and started work immediately. He seemed to not need to stop." Ma Jai explained, "I really want to cherish time, when I have the time I would spend it all. Luckily Ma (Sister Mei Wa) saved me a lot of time. Each time she took her mark she would already be in character."

Sister Mei Wa said that being an actor was very comfortable, but Ma Jai had other jobs and truly was not the ordinary "son". Ma Jai said, "Because I have several posts and I also have to lose weight for the role, sometimes I can sense my own neurosis, the mood swings, so the executive director and the assistant directors have to suffer my temper."

Speaking of working with Yu Heung Yi for the first time, Ma Jai said, "Earlier in SISTERHOOD (GWUT MUI) I noticed her and (Fish) Liew Chi Yu. Both left me with great impression. Yu Heung Yi performed very well in the film, so I asked her to audition. She would play my psychiatrist and would have a little romance." Sister Mei Wa also had nothing but praise for Yu Heung Yi. "Very few girls now are like her without any additive." Ma Jai joked, "The three of us are the no additive family."

Yu Heung Yi was very happy to have Ma Jai and Sister Mei Wa singing her praises. In addition this character came from an audition. She had to compete with many people and in the end received everyone's recognition. Earlier during the table read Sister Mei Wa pointed out that she has seen her movies, which caught her off guard. As for Sister Mei Wa's praise of no additive, she joked, "I just look ordinary, so today I am a little swollen. Mr. Ma is also very friendly, very sharp and nice. Despite being in numerous jobs he still has proper grasp and provides me with a lot of confidence. (Did he throw a tantrum at you?) No, he is very patient. However later I will have a scene that I have to break down and cry in, I hope Mr. Ma would accept the take. This time I play a psychiatrist, I have to memorize a lot of professional medical terms and read a lot of psychology information. In my next time I happen to play a mental patient, maybe because everyone feels I am a little crazy, haha!"

She revealed that she would work until July before having time off. She already planned to visit Greece for 10 days with her mother and sister. When she was not single before, she did not need to plan too much on vacation. Now she has to personally plan the itinerary. Her mother also said that if she knew she would have joined a tour and get more understanding on the history. Now she had to do homework even on historical background so she could be the tour guide then."