Chan Lok, Hanjin Tan, Kay Tse, Teddy Robin Kwan, Anna hsibbuR and Manson Cheung promote BAND FOUR and perform live courtesy of mingpao.com
Kay Tse On Kay, Teddy Robin Kwan, Rondi Chan Lok Ting,
Anna hisbbuR, Mason Cheung Chun Hiu, Hanjin Tan (Chan Woon Yan),
director Mo Lai Yan Chi yesterday promoted their film BAND FOUR (4 PAK
4 GA JOOK) at the Lantau Island Ngong Ping Village. Kay and Anna
performed the movie theme song, while the 10 year old Chan Lok Ting
played the drum. Also the producer, Teddy revealed that BAND FOUR took
8 years before finding 4 companies to finance the production. Because
music movies in the past 30 years have not performed as expected, many
investors have been scared off. Teddy and Kay hoped that the new film
would have a box office breakthrough and blaze a trail for music
movies. Kay said, "Many directors and music makers have watched the
advanced screenings and praised the story as touching, which
increased my confidence."
Kay and Teddy in the film played father and daughter, the
relationship of which turned from bad to good. Then the entire family
formed a band to play rock music. The production process was very
pleasant. Kay created a song for the film for the first time and
thought it was a lot of fun. "I have thought that the song I wrote
would pair with how touching the story was. When I watched the
video I cried, I felt a little narcissistic." Would she form a band
with her family? She said, "My family has the right people, the
children have a little talent."
Teddy praised Kay's performance in the film was better than
before, and also said that the father role in the film for him was a
tremendous challenge. In order to get into the estranged father and
daughter relationship, he had to ask people all for research. Kay
said that in real life her relationship with her father was close.
During the production she projected certain real feelings into the
film. "I am prepared to bring Father to see the movie, I believe it
would make him cry."
Carlos Chan is much thinner due to stomach infection
Bosco Wong has a lot of interest in smoking cuttlefish
Carlos Chan, Kenny Wong and Bosco remembers shivering from shooting in the cold courtesy of on.cc
courtesy of singtao.com
Kenny Wong, Carlos Chan, Bosco Wong and German Cheung attend the BROTHERHOOD OF REBEL late show promotion courtesy of mingpao.com
The Ng Kin Hung produced, Ng Ka Wai directed, Bosco
Wong Chung Chak, Louis Cheung Kai Chung, Carlos Chan Ka Lok, Kenny Wong
Tak Bun, Niki Chow Lai Kei, Michelle Wai Sze Nga starred film
BROTHERHOOD OF REBEL (JAT JIK 2) would be a Hong Kong film that has
been missing for a long time, focusing on brotherhood and authentic
local flavor. In coordination with the film subject and in response
to the government's most recent push for night economy, North Point's
Sunbeam Theater did its part to revitalize the night business held a
special late show of BROTHERHOOD OF REBEL. Several retro snacks like
sugarcane, smoked cuttlefish, steamed corn, salted baked quail eggs
were available. Wong Chung Chak even personally smoked the cuttlefish
and relive the cheer from the late show peak in the past with the
audience, as all the collective memories returned.
Wong Chung Chak, Chan Ka Lok and Wong Tak Bun two nights ago
attended the film BROTHERHOOD OF REBEL's late show. Playing the mob
boss in the film, Tak Bun said that he did not just order subordinates
to fight. He too got into the water and had a very tough shoot,
because it took place in the chill of December. During the shoot he
had hot water poured on him to keep warm.
As for Bosco and Ka Lok on the first day of work they already
had to fight a big group of people on the rocky beach. Bosco said
that the director had more and more fun as the shoot went on, wanting
them to fight in the water and made them all soaking wet. They shot
from the 6 AM notice to the afternoon. He thought that the sun would
come out in the afternoon and warm him up, but he did not expect to
get sunburn.
None of the three has seen the new film yet, but Bosco's
friends felt that it probably would capture the YOUNG AND DANGEROUS
film flavors and emotions. He also planned to go to the movies for
audience appreciation events, and would even book shows with Ka Lok
then invite "Big Brother" Tak Bun to watch. Ka Lok said that the first
film was over ten years ago, William Chan Wai Ting at the time has yet
to work in the mainland. At the end of the first film Ka Lok went to
"chop" Chan Wai Ting to move up. This time he finally truly has been
promoted; as for TRIAD 3 actually it was completed at the same time,
but the trio only revealed that it would be with the original team but
in an all new story.
Bosco revealed that he would have to perform in the mainland.
In November he would return to Hong Kong to shoot FORENSIC HEROES IV
and form the iron triangle of case solving with Jacky Cai Jie and
Benjamin Yuen Wai Ho. Ka Lok appeared to be obviously thinner. He
pointed out that in January next year he would have to participate in
a film, and the director asked him to be very thin to match the
character. Thus now he has been dieting and exercising to lose weight,
in less than two weeks he has already lost almost 10 pounds. He never
imagined that he would be so thin so fast. Has his wife Shiga Lin
been a weight loss obstacle? Ka Lok joked, "I have many meals in a
day, one of which she cooks for me. I got thinner perhaps due to
a stomach intestinal infection earlier." Would the illness be related
to his wife? Ka Lok rushed to clarify, "Definitely not her fault,
it has to be a problem with the take out! Mrs. Chan's cooking is the
most delicious!"
Keung To and Vivian Sung's new film has been selected for an international film festival courtesy of on.cc
The popular MIRROR member Keung To and Taiwan star
Vivian Sung starred film MY HEAVENLY CITY would open in Hong Kong next
month. The film earlier opened in Taiwan and became the new film box
office champion. The film company yesterday also released the
poster of the five characters in the film. They even personally wrote
about their character. Keung To played a top student who loved to
dance. He wrote for his character, "When I dance, the world is in my
hands." In addition, the film was invited to participate in the 43rd
Hawaii International Film Festival. Direcor Yu Sen-I excited said,
This was the first international film festival that selected the
film. Hawaii is a place where cultures mix, which is very suitable
for this film. We would hold the state of mind of overseas wanderer
as we go international, may this Taiwan story touch the heart of the
world."
Xu Jiao comes to Hong Kong for the exhibit and meet with Stephen Chow courtesy of on.cc
Xu Jiao signs with Stephen Chow's company anew courtesy of singtao.com
Stephen Chow calls the 24 year old Xu Jiao pretty
Xu Jiao gives a memorable performance as Stephen Chow's son in CJ7 courtesy of mingpao.com
Stephen Chow Sing Chi in 2008 released the film CJ7
(CHEUNG GONG 7 HO) and asked mainland child star Xu Jiao to play his
son. The father and son relationship in the film touched many viewers.
Earlier, Xu Jiao came to Hong Kong to promote the CJ7 exhibit and met
with "mentor" Chow Sing Chi. Chow Sing Chi two days ago posted the
photo on social media and joked he was taken back when he saw Xu Jiao.
"Yours truly has experienced all kinds of storm and never back down,
today I was taken back. The CJ7 mischievous boy Chow Siu Dik actually
became a pretty girl, the vast universe should not be overlooked!"
Later, Chow Sing Chi's assistant Chris on social media
announced that Xu Jiao has officially signed with Chow Sing Chi's
company. Xu Jiao also announced, "With the stroke of a pen, I am
back!" She even revealed in the comment section that Chow Sing Chi
prepared 3 "7 Jai" hand made figures as gifs. "The meeting gift was a
set of three hand made figures, bu I never expected Director Chow to
have his heart set on poop."
Currently 26, Xu Jiao in 2006 after being chosen by Chow Sing
Chi to participate in CJ7 have worked with him for 8 years. Then she
went to study in the U.S. In the first half of this year she
completed her education, as soon as she graduated she signed with
Chow Sing Chi to work together again after 6 years.
The Irene Wan Bik Ha produced and starred film LONELY
EIGHTEEN (NGOR MOON DIK SUP BAK SHUI) would open on the 28th. The
film would be a story of two girls growing up and was also adapted
from Irene's adolescences experience. Yesterday she visited where she
grew up -- Tiu Keng Leng, went to the old Tiu Keng Leng police station
that is now the Tseung Kwan O Heritage Post Museum and brought back
many of her childhood memories. She even thought of her parents' love
for her, got sentimental and broke down in tears.
As the LONELY EIGHTEEN producer and lead actress, Irene said
that she felt a little nervous as the film was about to open because
the film took 5 years of planning and production. It was based on her
adolescence story, in which family, friendship and love were on
display. Irene remembered when she was little her Tiu Keng Leng home
was on the middle of the hill, she had to walk half a hour to go to
school. To go into the city she even had to walk a hour before being
able to take a bus. At the time one of her neighbors was Idy Chan Yuk
Lin. She would constantly see this pretty sister pass by her door.
She has also seen Chow Yun Fat taking Chan Yuk Lin home. She pointed
out that artists who lived in Tiu Keng Leng also included Pauline Wong
Siu Fung, Kara Wai Ying Hung and Rosamund Kwan Chi Lam. Sometimes when
she went out guys would flirt with her, and Big Sister Wong Siu Fung
was very protective of her. At this film premiere, she would see if
she would be able to invite them to watch the film and reminisce about
the past together.
This time in the film Ti Lung played her father, the
resemblance Irene thought was uncanny as both were very strict.
Yesterday returning to where she has lived in the past, Irene
remembered being with her parents. "Papa was very strict with me, but
I was very rebellious. When I was 14, Mommy slapped me and and I left
home. Later a star scout discovered me. Because I wasn't 18 yet, I
had to beg Mommy to sign the contract for me. Originally Papa didn't
approve, but Mommy still came and cried as she signed the contract.
She said to Manfred Wong (Man Jun) and David Lai Dai Wai to properly
take care of her daughter. I thought I was very bad, but my parents
actually loved me very much. It was only that I was little and didn't
know how to think......" Remembering her late parents' love for her,
Irene could not help but succumb to tears and had to stop the
interview for awhile.
Aside from family, Irene said that the movie also had
friendship and even invited her friend Loletta Lee Lai Chun to
perform. "The film is about two young girls growing up. Sister Chun
and I both grew up and made movies together, and we have experienced
a lot of joy and sadness. No matter how we changed, perhaps now we
see each other less, our ideas may not be the same, but in our hearts
is still a great relationship. This friendship would never change."
Former TVb gold label producer Wilson Chin Kwok Wai
passed away from pancreatic cancer in 2020. The film he directed in
2018, YIT HUET YIN SIU (HOT BLOOD BURNING) has been in production for
a long time. Its release date was changed and changed again, finally
it has been confirmed to be released in the mainland at the year of the
end. This film starred YOUNG AND DANGEROUS (GOO WAT JAI)'s Jordan Chan
Siu Chun, Michael Tse Tin Wa, Jerry Lamb Hiu Fung and Jason Chu Wing
Tong. Tin Wa said, "Earlier because some reasons certain scenes went
missing. The production team went through a lot of trouble to get them
back, then asked famous Hong Kong editor Wong Hoi to help Wilson put
together the entire movie. Later we would coordinate with the
promotion!"
10 TALK TO ME
d. Danny Philippou, Michael Philippou
Sophie Wilde, Alexandra Jensen, Joe Bird, Otis Dhanji,
Miranda Otto, Zoe Terakes, Chris Alosio,
Marcus Johnson, Alexandria Steffensen
9 GRAN TURISMO
d. Neill Blomkamp
David Harbour, Orlando Bloom, Archie Madekwe
8 THE EQUALIZER 3
d. Antoine Fuqua
Denzel Washington, Dakota Fanning
7 RANSOMED
Can : Gau Sum Dik Si
d. Kim Seong-hun
Ha Jung-woo, Ju Ji-hoon
Rating : IIB
Length : 132 mins.
Opening September 7 2023
Trailer : https://youtu.be/MgHqvKxEnjU
[ BROADWAY CIRCUIT ]
In 1987, diplomat 'Min-jun' was unable to escape the Middle East Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for five years. One day, he receives a coded message from a missing diplomat in Lebanon, who was kidnapped 20 months ago. Filled with hopeful aspirations of a promotion to the United States if successful, he volunteers for an unofficial mission to rescue his colleague and heads to Lebanon.
Upon arrival at the airport, 'Min-jun' narrowly avoids a hail of bullets from airport security guards who are after his life. By chance, he ends up getting into the car of a Korean taxi driver named 'Pan-su'. With local gangsters hot on their heels attempting to steal the ransom money, 'Min-jun' has no choice but to rely on expat Pan-su, the only fellow Korean around. However, can this shady character, who will do anything for money, truly help in rescuing his colleague?
6 STAND UP STORY
Can : Suet Siu Ji Yun
Lit : Person who Tells Jokes
d. Au Cheuk Man
Ng Siu Hin, Ben Yuen Fu Wa,
Ng Wing Sze, Franco Yuen Siu Fai, Chan Lai Wun,
Joman Chiang, Locker Lam Ka Hei
Rating : IIA
Length : 104 mins.
Opening September 14 2023
Trailer : https://youtu.be/eLID--7Kw8w.
[ CINEMA CITY ]
From a young age, Mancer had always known that his father Wah is different from other adults; he speaks illogically, he has slow comprehension and he's quite easily deceived. After growing up, Mancer finally understood that Wah is intellectually disabled. After his mother ran away from home, Mancer was forced to become his father's primary caregiver.
By chance, Mancer joins a stand-up comedy competition for the prize money and becomes instantly hooked. He's addicted to the joy he feels from making people laugh. However, after the competition, Mancer couldn't make people laugh again. While searching for inspiration, Mancer realizes that his best jokes seem to come from his hardships -- the ridicule he received at school, his difficulties at work, his struggles in caring for his father, and even the worldwide pandemic. Perhaps misery can also be the best source of comedy after all.
[ SCREEN DAILY ]
The film tells the story of a man who gets involved in stand-up comedy, as an emotional outlet after becoming the primary caregiver to his intellectually disabled father
5 OPPENHEIMER
d. Christopher Nolan
Cillian Murphy, Emily Blunt, Robert Downey Jr.,
Matt Damon, Florence Pugh,
4 IT REMAINS
Can : Yeung Won
Lit : Brewing Spirit
d. Charlie Wong Wing Fung
Anson Lo Hon Ting, Summer Chan Chi Huen,
Tommy Chu Pak Hong, Ng Siu Hin,
Tree Kwok Chui Yi, John Chiang Dai Wai,
Angela Yuen Lai Lam, Lam Yiu Sing
Rating : IIB
Length : 100 mins.
Opening August 24 2023
[ HONG KONG MOVIE 6 ]
A group of friends, Finn, Luke, Liam and Cora, heads to a little-known island for a getaway camping trip.
Upon arrival, the friends are startled to find the island devoid of residents aside from a father and his daughter. When strange paranormal encounters begin to occur, it becomes evident that a supernatural force is at work...
With the group trapped on this mysterious island shrouded in darkness, will they be able to escape alive?
3 BACK HOME
Can : Chut Yuet Fan Gwai
Lit : July Return
d. Nate Ki (Tse Ka Kei)
Anson Kong Ip-sang, Bai Ling, Tai Po, Helen Tam Yuk Ying
Rating : IIB
Length : 102 mins.
Opening August 11 2022 (POSTPONED)
Opening July 25 2023 at the New York Asian Film Festival
Opening September 14 2023
Trailer : https://youtu.be/i7xDrL55KdM
[ BROADWAY CIRCUIT ]
Heung Wing has been sensitive to paranormal activity and keeps seeing ghosts since he was a kid, which is called having "Yin Yang" eyes. To avoid being bothered by the ghosts, he pretends to be ignorant even though he knew their existence. When he gets older, he escapes from Hong Kong to Canada because of his miserable childhood.
One day, Heung Wing has been told that his mother is in coma by committing suicide, which forces him to return back to Hong Kong. When he goes back to the old home, everything looks strange and unfamiliar to him. What's more horrifying is, a series of suicide cases happen in his neighbourhood, and ghosts start to appear in front of him again. The situation is deteriorating beyond his imagination...
[ NEW YORK ASIAN FILM FESTIVAL 2023 ]
A young man who can see ghosts must return to his childhood home where he soon finds himself caught in a waking nightmare between the lands of the living and the dead.
2 THE NUN II
d. Michael Chaves
Taissa Farmiga, Jonas Bloquet, Storm Reid
1 A HAUNTING IN VENICE
d. Kenneth Branagh
Kenneth Brangh, Michelle Yeoh (Yeung Chi King), Jamie Dornan,
Tina Fey, Kelly Reilly
IT REMAINS producer Charlie Wong on social media thanks each and everyone cast and crew member for their effort and contribution, and praises Anson Lo for giving his all. However he complains that a certain actor has not helped with the promoting without naming any name. The internet guess is Angela Yuen
Jack Yao, Vivian Sung, Keung To, Mandy Wei and Jessica Lee attended MY HEAVENLY CITY's Taiwan premiere courtesy of mingpao.com
MIRROR members Anson Kong Yip Sun, Anson Lo Hon Ting
recently both have new film releases, but neither has performed ideally
at the box office. AK's BACK HOME (CHUT YUEN FAN GWAI) after 5 days
in release accumulated HK$ 1.87 million at the box office; Anson Lo's
IT REMAINS (YEUNG WON) opened on August 24th and accumulated over HK$
6 million. IT REMAINS' producer Charlie Wong Wing Fung on social
media thanked each and every cast and crew member for their effort and
contribution, but complained that a certain actor has not helped with
the promotion without naming any name. The online guess was Angela
Yuen Lai Lam because she did not attended the premiere and her social
media also has not promoted the film. Keung To's first Taiwan film MY
HEAVENLY CITY opened last Friday in Taiwan. As of two days ago the
box office was around NT$ 1.19 million, a less than stand out
performance. The film would open in Hong Kong on October 12th. Who
knows whether the "Keung Candies" support would welcome a box office
breakthrough?
The MIRROR members starred films have not performed ideally at
the box office. The AK starred BACK HOME opened on September 14th,
after 5 days its box office was HK$ 1.87 million, over a million
more than the same day release, the Ben Yuen Fu Wa and Ng Siu Hin
starred STAND UP COMEDY (SUET SIU JI YUN) and its HK$ 820,000. IT
REMAINS after the "cult leader" Anson Lo's over 30 show audience
appreciation visit passed HK$ 6 million. Without the "cult leader's"
box office push, the momentum did not continue. Two days ago its
single day box office was over HK$ 80,000, after 18 days its cumulative
box office was HK$ 6.2 million.
Recently IT REMAINS producer Wong Wing Fung made a series of
social media posts, thanking the cast and crew members one by one for
their effort and contribution, including Anson Lo, John Chiang Dai Wai,
Summer Chan Chi Huen and Tommy Chu Pak Hong, but complained about a
certain actor for not helping with the promotion without naming any
name. He wrote, "Actually I understand being busy.....but when the
star doesn't even make one post I have to be disappointed." He
admitted that he disliked movies that he has been a part of, but for
people who would not even give a little effort to promotion, "No
matter how famous you would become I still wouldn't respect you."
Many online speculated that the star the producer was
complaining about was Angela Yuen Lai Lam. She participated in IT
REMAINS in a "special performance". In the film she played Anson Lo's
late girlfriend, the film plot was related to their relationship
conflict. Yuen Lai Lam did not appear at the IT REMAINS premiere, nor
did she promote the film on social media in any way.
Wong Wing Fung later posted a photo with Anson Lo and praised
him. "I am very happy and grateful to be able to work with Anson Lo.
Don't worry about what other people say, if you did everything you
could and can answer to yourself then it's OK. I believe your
improvement would only make people like you more and more. Your
performance would also make all the haters shut up."
The Keung To and Vivian Sung starred Taiwan film MY HEAVENLY
KING opened in Taiwan last Friday. According to a Taipei box office
observation facebook page, after 4 days in release the film's box
office performance has been brutal with around NT$ 1.19 million and
in 17th place on the single day box office chart.
Anson Lo's IT REMAINS and AK's BACK HOME box office
performance has been less than ideal, the outside was concerned about
Keung To's MY HEAVENLY CITY October 12th Hong Kong opening box office.
According to the Hong Kong distribution company, Vivian Sung has
already been invited to attend the Hong Kong premiere in mid October
and hope that she and Keung To would promote together to pump up the
box office.
Anson Kong's first film leads have received praises. Some film critics have said that Anson Ko might win Best New Actor if he is nominated for BACK HOME courtesy of singtao.com
Anson Kong and director Nate Ki attend an audience appreciation show courtesy of mingpao.com
MIRROR vice captain Anson Kong Yip Sun's first lead
in the supernatural film BACK HOME (CHUT YUET FAN GWAI) challenged a
character on the verge of an emotional breakdown. In one scene in
which he rammed his head into the wall, because he was too focused he
ended up bleeding. He even created a "being locked into an elevator
to cultivate emotions" method, using self torture to make himself get
into character even more.
AK's first film lead required the use of imagination space
for many scene due to its supernatural subject. He also had to
remember the character before and after mental state, so he asked a
drama instructor to supervise and remind him what he needed to pay
attention to. Speaking of the character's heavy emotional pressure,
AK said that it was not hard to leave the role. "I was afraid that I
would bring the negative energy home. Luckily, although the
production environment was rough, the process was a lot of fun. After
work and removing the make up, everyone would talk and laugh so we
would slowly pull away from the emotions from the shoot." AK pointed
out that he normally would watch ghost films and horror films. He
said that the set had many people, even when the environment had a
horrifying atmosphere he did not feel scared. In addition he had to
remember his lines and marks, getting distracted would be really hard.
AK said that during the shoot in order to cultivate his mood,
he would walk into a pitch dark elevator alone to experience the
atmosphere. "Our main set is constructed. When I had to shoot the
scarier scenes, I would ask the staff to turn on the elevator for me
to go in and experience the atmosphere. Because after the door closes,
it is a completely enclosed, all dark space. So for several major
scary scenes, before the cameras rolled I would go in for 5 to 10
minutes to warm up. Being alone in there I felt scared, but I know
outside many people are there. Actually it has a little self torture
element."
He mentioned that one of the scenes that was the most memorable
for him. He was in the middle of a red hallway and saw Mama Bai Ling
walking toward him. "In order to express the feeling of ramming my
head into the wall out of fear, at the time I really rammed into it.
After the first take, the director said OK. I touched my head and
realized it was wet. Later the cinematographer said to me, 'Dummy,
that was the wide shot. It was pretty well done, but can you do a
few more for close up?' In the end this scene took 3 or 4 takes, each
time I rammed for real. Later I held back. When the crew learned
that I rammed until I bled and jumped out of fright."
Gordon Lam, Angela Yuen and others go to Denmark to promote Hong Kong films courtesy of on.cc
Denmark's capital Copenhagen recently held MAKING WAVES
-- NAVIGATORS OF HONG KONG CINEMAS 2023 and introduced many Hong Kong
films like VITAL SIGN (SUNG YUEN TOH JUNG), MAD FATE (MING ONG) and A
GUILTY CONSCIENCE (DUK SIT DAI JONG). Best Actor Gordon Lam Ka Tung,
Angela Yuen Lai Lam and director Ng Wai Lun all flew there to support
the event and come in close contact with viewers. Many fans fought for
the opportunity to get photos and autographs.
The event opened and closed with MAD FATE and GUILTY. Because
viewers there have had very few opportunities to have exchanges with
actors. This rare opportunity had unusually passionate responses.
At the screening, Ka Tung discovered that many viewers were Asian and
thus conversed in Putonghua and Cantonese. Due to his busy work
schedule, he only stayed there for 3 days before returning to Hong
Kong. He did not take any time to sightsee and try the cuisine. Ng
Wai Lun flew to Sweden to meet with the CYBER HEIST (DUEN MONG)
director Wong Hing Fan and attend another larger scale film festival
in Northern Europe.
Louis Koo and Chrissie Chau play a couple who have drifted apart
Raymond Wong after working on a series would work on the new film and have many scenes with Renci Yeung courtesy of mingpao.com
The action suspense film MEI CHUI (PIGGYBACKING) started
production in Kuala Lumpur, this film would be the first step of One
Cool Film opening up the Malaysia market. It would star Louis Koo Tin
Lok, Golden Horse Award Best Supporting Actor Liu Kuan Ting (Lau Koon Ting),
Chrissie Chau Sau Na, Raymond Wong Ho Yin, Renci Yeung Si Wing, Eddie
Cheung Su Fai, Malaysian actor Yumi Wong Sze Kei, Auguste Kwan Teik Hooi (Kwan Tak Fai), Phei Yong (Pui Wing) and others. The 37th Hong Kong Film Award Best New Director
nominee Jonathan Li Tsz Chun, and SONS OF THE NEON NIGHTS (FUNG LAM
FOR SHAN) screenwriter Chow Man Yu would direct. Soi Cheang Pou Soi
would produce. The three would work together again after THE 8TH
SUSPECT (DAI BAK GOR YIM YI YUN). The film would have almost 100
Malaysian actors and behind the scene workers. The production would
focus on Kuala Lumpur city center.
The film MEI CHUI two days ago in a Kuala Lumpur hotel held
its production start press conference. The actors attended the
ceremony. Goo Jai after promoting the film LINE WALKERS in Malaysia
in 2016 appeared in Malaysia again in seven years. This time would be
the first film for One Cool Film's branch company in Malaysia. Goo Jai
at the press conference said that the company would try to shoot more
in Malaysia. He said, "The food here is very delicious, but the
traffic is particularly bad. I feel it's great, as it gives me time
to rest. I fell asleep three times in the vehicle and was still in
traffic. I had enough time to have a bowl of wonton noodles, come
back and still be in traffic." Chau Sau Na praised how great the
catering in Malaysia has been. Goo Jai joked, "For two days straight
we couldn't order food delivery, as we discovered that it was the
public holiday Malaysia Day. Did many people have to go back home?"
Goo Jai also said that during his stay in Malaysia he discovered many
old style buildings that would be suitable for production. These
structures would be harder to find n Hong Kong. In addition there
was no language barrier in Malaysia, making the production even more
convenient.
Lau Koon Ting said that he was happy to be able to participate
in this performance. He was also excited about working with Goo Jai.
He said, "I am very nervous and look forward to working on the film
in Malaysia for the first time." Chau Sau Na said, "I have quite a
connection with Malaysia, last year I worked on a movie in Ipoh for
three weeks. At the time I had to take many flights of stairs, going
to the bathroom was very inconvenient. This time I have done a lot of
preparation. Firs I had to communicate with the screenwriters and the
director, then I had to communicate with my on screen other half. Boss
Goo and I would play a couple. The relationship has run its course
over the years, so how would everyone keep going together." Goo Jai
said, "In this life of acting with me has been very painful for her,
because she would have to cry each time and in the previous movie she
had to be tortured by me."
Wong Ho Yin in recent years has been constantly working in
Malaysia. He said that in a few short days he has already gained 3
kilograms. "Tomorrow I will finish working on a series, in two days I
would officially work on the movie. Everything is just right, I am
very happy to be able to participate in the film production. I haven't
played a mobster in a very long time, the feeling is very fresh. When
you see my character you might want to hit me." Yeung Si Wing said, "Ho
Yin is one of my companions in the film, later I would have some
action scenes with Koon Ting."
Ng Siu Hin and Ben Yuen are excited about accepting their awards in the U.S.
Rachel Leung with IN BROAD DAYLIGHT wins a Bright Star Award courtesy of mingpao.com
Ben Yuen Fu Wa and Ng Siu Hin with their film STAND
UP STORY (SUET SIU JI YUN) a the 17th season Asian Pop Up Cinema in
Chicago received respectively the "Pinnacle Career Achievement Award"
and the "Bright Star Award". Yuen Fu Wa was very happy to receive the
award, and thanked the cast and the crew. He hoped that STAND UP
STORY would be able to introduce the sincerely touching story to the
Chicago audience and that they would like this film. Aside from going
to Chicago to accept the award, he also visited Lake Michigan, enjoyed
a Mexican meal, took a walk by the lake and took in the sunshine. He
hoped that he would be able to stay longer the next time and
experience this beautiful city.
Ng Siu Hin thanked the film festival for presenting the award
to him, and felt happy about receiving the recognition. "Film has
never been the work of one person, I would share he honor with everyone
in the cast and the crew. I hope that this generation of filmmakers
would be like a bright new star and show the audience of the entire
world this generation of filmmakers' work." He hoped that the
audience would see Hong Kong people's spirit of facing adversity with
a smile. Starting from Dayo Wong Tze Wah's stand up comedy, the
people of Hong Kong have already been used to resolving problems in
life with humor. He hoped to show and remind people of Hong Kong and
overseas through the film this spirit of Hong Kong. He would stay for
a day then return to Hong Kong, so he has not have the time to go out
and visit. He looked forward to returning to Hong Kong as soon as
possible for A STAND UP STORY audience appreciation events, because
the "box office was in crisis". Ng Siu Hin said, "Although the film
hasn't opened yet and I already said it was in crisis, but I really
want to fly back to Hong Kong, see and have exchanges with the
audience sooner. I hope more people would support STAND UP COMEDY.
Also receiving the Bright Star Award was IN BROAD DAYLIGHT
(BAK YUN JI HA)'s Rachel Leung Yung Ting. She thanked the film
festival for giving her an enormous encouragement, and was very happy
to bring Hong Kong films to Chicago. Leung Yung Ting traveled overseas
for the first time since the pandemic and turned work into leisure.
She arrived two days earlier and got up early to run by the lake, have
breakfast, experience the local culture, and had fun with Yuen Fu Wa,
Ng Siu Hin, Wong Yau Nam and others.
Many fans show their support for Andy Lau courtesy of mingpao.com
Andy Lau Tak Wa on the 15th attended the 48th Toronto
International Film Festival award ceremony and received the "Special
Tribute Award" to honor his contribution to the film industry and
at the same time his new film THE MOVIE EMPEROR would hold its world
premiere. Wa Jai while accepting the award encouraged the audience to
choose the path they want, work hard and do their best. He also would
never forget the fans' support.
Over ten years without stepping foot in Toronto, Wa Jai was
welcomed at the airport by a big group of fans' cheer for their
idols. They often loudly said, "We miss you very much, Wa Jai Happy
Birthday!" After an over 10 hours long distance flight, Wa Jai saw
how passionate the fans were and immediately returned to form as he
waved to everyone. He also thanked everyone for their continuing
support and hoped to return to Toronto very soon to meet with everyone
a little longer.
Wa Jai after accepting his "Special Contribution Award"
happily said, "This Special Tribute Award to me means many
things. It represents that everyone has the possibility to do more
than you imagine. Thus, choose your own path, work hard and do your
best. I would never forget the love you have given me, thank you!"
Wa Jai's schedule this time was intense, as he would only be able to
stay for 3 days before rushing back to work in Hong Kong. Aside from
the award, Wa Jai on this Toronto visit would also attend his new film
THE MOVIE EMPEROR's premiere with director Ning Hao and accept local media
interviews. Wa Jai while accepting the award gave a special
introduction to invite director Ning Hao to the stage. Ning Hao said,
"I am very happy that Brother Wa was able to receive this award. In
the film his character hasn't won any award, but off screen and in
reality he truly has won. So I am very happy."
Anson Lo attends over 30 audience appreciation shows with his team in hopes of pumping up the box office
Anson Kong braves the red rain warning to promote at the movies courtesy of on.cc
courtesy of singtao.com
AK shares his production experience
"Little Boss" Wong Chi Lok is popular with the audience
Anson Lo is not discouraged by the HK$ 6 million box office, instead he feels happy
Anson Lo is surrounded by "disciples" as he leaves, making each step difficult to take
Director Sham Ka Yin, Anson Lo, Summer Chan and Lam Yiu Sing pose for a group photo with the audience courtesy of mingpao.com
The MIRROR member Anson Lo starred film opened last
month, a group of "disciples" have come up with ways to pump up the
box office for their idol. Unfortunately after 3 weeks in release
the film only took in around HK$ 6 million and for now has been unable
to beat his previous film SHOWBIZ SPY (GA MO NUI TUEN). Ever the
optimist, he has not yet been discouraged as he attended over 30
audience appreciation shows and promoted hard.
The Anson Lo starred supernatural film IT REMAINS (YEUNG WON)
opened on August 24th. His "disciples" have risen to book shows to
watch the film. Many have booked over two shows. Yesterday some
"disciples" even stated that they have watched it 40 times. When the
film just opened, "disciples" with audience appreciation tickets in
order to pump up the box office of the first few days stated that if
someone watched more than 4 shows they would be able to receive an
audience appreciation show ticket. Anson Lo's support club also
started ticket stubs for prizes events, 15 tickets could win a film
still and a picture frame. They have come up with many ways to help
their idol attract viewers, but the box office has yet been able to
surpass his previous film.
Anson Lo yesterday led the film's cast and crew to audience
appreciation events. Actually the audience appreciation activities
were originally scheduled to take place on the 2nd, but due to the
typhoon they were delayed until yesterday. He and his partners went
to over 30 shows at cinemas from Tsim Sha Tsui, Mongkok to KITEC, met
fans at close distance and went the full 8 hours as they did not stop
until around 8 PM.
The first audience appreciation show was sold out. The
"disciples" brought light signs to cheer. When Anson Lo appeared,
screams arose everywhere. Many even brought long range lenses to get
photos. Anson Lo only stayed for 10 minutes, before leaving he took a
group photo with the fans. Many "disciples" after taking photos left
to chase the star.
Anson Lo said that attending many audience appreciation shows
was not tough, instead he worried about the fans. "At each show we
stay for a very short time. They seemed to have been planning for a
long time. (What do you think about the movie making HK$ 6 million
so far?) I am very happy, the performance is considered pretty good.
I am the happiest that people who aren't familiar with me, or don't
really watch ghost films have attended. Their reviews have been better
than I have imagined." His 2021 film SHOWBIZ SPY had a box office of
HK$ 7.73 million. This time IT REMAINS has yet to surpass it. He
said, "The genres are different, not to mention the movie hasn't left
the cinemas yet. (Would you like it to make over HK$ 10 million?) I
don't dare to predict, I am still a film rookie! Although schedule
wise today is my final audience appreciation show, I still want to
attend one more day and have more contact and exchanges with the
audience. Sometimes audience appreciation isn't just to pump up the
box office." Speaking of group mate Anson Kong's horror film BACK
HOME (CHUT YUET FAN GWAI) opening recently, was he worried about
comparison? He said, "The movies opened at different times, they can't
be compared. Everyone please support Hong Kong films more! Every
movie needs the support of ticket buyers."
AK also did not dare to get lazy. Two nights ago he braved
the red rain warning and attended audience appreciation events with
director Nate Ki (Tse Ka Kei). The 7 audience appreciation shows for
BACK HOME have sold out long ago, with an added show that was also
sold out. AK shared his production experience and took a group photo
with the audience. He even personally handed the microphone to fans
for questions and made everyone very happy! Lead actress Bai Ling
due to work in Los Angeles was unable to attend, but earlier on the
opening day she already went on a live chat with AK, the director and
the producer and kept delivering her Cantonese dialogues to complain
about how difficult they were. The director wanted her to practice
them in a short period of time, and shoot in all Cantonese. Bai Ling
said that she really liked the script and praised that BACK HOME was
not just a horror film but also full of humanity. She hoped that it
would perform well and open in even more places.
Many viewers said that the film hid too many details and had to
watch more than once to be able to find the answers. AK and the
director both said that the first 4 days' box office was very
important, and welcomed viewers to provide suggestions and discuss the
details in the film at anytime. They hoped viewers would continue to
support the film. Playing the childhood AK, "Little Boss" Wong Chi
Lok and producer Man Pui Hing also attended. Wong Chi Lok upon his
arrival received cheers of support from viewers and was invited for
photos and autographs. Viewers said, "Little Boss is the most
popular!"
Anson Kong promises to attend audience appreciation shows to pump up the box office courtesy of singtao.com
Anson Kong hopes that the audience would support Hong Kong films with action, otherwise the film industry would shrink further
AK's BACK HOME had an iffy opening with HK$ 410,0000
The Ng Siu Hin and Ben Yuen starred A STAND UP STORY made around HK$ 110,000
The Anson Lo starred IT REMAINS after 3 weeks in release made HK$ 5.28 million, an average showing courtesy of mingpao.com
MIRROR vice captain Anson Kong Yip Sun starred in the
film BACK HOME (CHUT YUET FAN GWAI), which opened two days ago to a
single day box office around HK$ 230,000. The performance was less
than ideal. The Ben Yuen Fu Wa and Ng Siu Hin starred film A STAND UP
STORY (SIU SUET JI YUN) opened on the same day to about HK$ 110,000.
AK yesterday attended an event and said that he would work hard on
audience appreciation shows to pump up the box office, hoping that the
audience would take action to support Hong Kong films. A lot of
effort has been contributed into every film production. If viewers
would not watch the movie, the film industry would shrink.
BACK HOME opened two days ago with HK$ 230,000, including the
earlier preview shows the cumulative box office would be around HK$
410,000. Opening on the same day, A STAND UP STORY's box office was
around HK$ 113,000. AK's MIRROR mate Anson Lo Hon Ting starred in
the film IT REMAINS (YEUNG WON), which after 3 weeks in released made
HK$ 5.28 million as of 6PM last night.
AK yesterday attended an event and attracted many fans to
show their support in person. As for BACK HOME's opening box office,
AK instead asked whether the performance was good or not. When he
learned that it was average, he hoped fans and viewers would show much
more support and said that he would go to the cinemas for audience
appreciation shows to pump up the box office. "Today I would go to 3
or 4 shows, many viewers after watching said that they didn't
understand it. I would explain it to them at the audience appreciation
events. Then I don't know if he would keep attending audience
appreciation shows because now I am working on WARRIORS WITHIN 2, a
series that wouldn't wrap up production until the end of the month."
Was he worried that the box office trend was less than
expected? AK felt the pressure, but did not want to think about it.
"The costs and effort of making a movie aren't small, I hope everyone
would sincerely support them with action. If viewers don't watch
movies, the film industry would shrink. Now cinemas are closing one
after another. If everyone loves the Hong Kong film industry, we
should go to the movies to support all Hong Kong films." BAKC HOME
was arranged to open during September's back to school period. Did he
feel the timing was not good? AK said that the film company already
had this idea last year and decided to arrange for a Lunar July
release. Ultimately he would put an effort into audience appreciation
shows.