Michelle Wai remembers her first role was already the lead, but after she kept playing big support roles; for awhile she did not even have any movie to make at all courtesy of mingpao.com
With 16 years in the business, Michelle Wai Sze Nga
this year with READY O/R ROT (BUT YUT SING FUN 2) received her first
Hong Kong Film Awards "Best Actress" nomination. Recently on a radio
program she shared her rises and falls in her 16 years in the film
industry. She even revealed that her manager Mani Fok originally
discovered her to make her into a singer. She also personally explained
the reason of working with numerous gods in the business over the
years but never setting off romantic spark.
Wai Sze Nga shared her experience of singing audition. "at
first I was asked to be a singer, because the audition process was
too horrifying I didn't become a singer. The first time I went into
the recording studio, I had to put on headphones to listen to myself
sing, but when I heard my own sing I immediately went to the throw up
in the bathroom. Then everyone no longer had any hope of my
singing anymore." As soon as Wai Sze Nga stepped foot in the film
industry Emperor made her the lead actress. "At the time I didn't know
how to think, I thought everyone would be the lead actress as soon as
they got into the business. Looking back now, I realized that the
opportunity at the time was very rare. Back then when I promoted HAPPILY EVER AFTER (HUNG SEUNG WOR NEI JOI YUT HEI) with (Ken) Hung Cheuk Lap and (Carlos) Chan Ka Lok, Ka Lok
told me he was very unhappy. He felt that at every interview almost
no one cared about him, but I just got into the business so I didn't
notice these details. I didn't understand how he felt. However
after so many years, I understood it really was very hard to take
because I too have experienced a lot. The most sentimental was three
or four years after getting into the business, sometimes I would
return to play big support roles. Even the lady at catering didn't
put my name on the drinking cup. For a long time no one offered me
any movie. I would really question myself, but I also really liked to
act so I took the initiative to fight for opportunities."
Having worked with different gods but always had zero rumor,
Wai Sze Nga joked, "My biggest rumor is no rumor, the biggest news is
no news! Actually I don't know why, I too want to create some rumors!
During the shoot I have had real feelings, but I very quickly and very
clearly pulled out of the emotions." She also explained the reason
that she never had fantasies about gods in the business. "This
business has too many pretty people, maybe I have filtered the pretty
part so I wouldn't feel they are particularly attractive. I can't be
attracted with appearance. When I get along with industry insiders I
have no ambiguity at all, personally I no longer have a lot of
interest in industry insiders; my ideal companion is an industry
outsider because I don't want our topics to be the same. I want to
get to know this world from the other person, I want to know about
other businesses."
Jasper Liu greets fans in Cantonese at an AS IT BURNS audience appreciation event courtesy of mingpao.com
Taiwan actor Jasper Liu yesterday went to the cinema
for his film AS IT BURNS (BAK SAU YU FUN)'s audience appreciation
event. When he entered the cinema viewers already applauded to welcome
him. He waved to the audience and greeted in Cantonese, "How are you
everyone, I am Jasper Liu."
During the audience appreciation event viewers asked Jasper
Liu questions, what was memorable for him during the production.
Jasper Liu said, "Before the first scene I had to eat egg rolls,
but Tang Lai Yan and I ended up with crumbs all over our heads and
spent a very long time on cleaning up." Jasper Liu also said that
he has never come in contact with this type of film character, and
he did not what the audience to guess the ending too early. Thus
as the shoot went on he kept discussing the details with the director,
so he had an even better grasp of the character. A viewer asked him
how he got to be so handsome, Jasper Lu thanked everyone for the
compliment and said that he would try to stay happy. He would
not think too much to ruin his mood either. Of course he also had to
thank his parents for blessing him with this appearance.
Although it was not his first trip to Hong Kong, Jasper Liu
was still very nervous because he has not seen the Hong Kong audience
in awhile. He also joked that yesterday he felt lonely because he was
the only one at the audience appreciation event. He knew that the
director and other actors were all at work. "They have made
recommendation on what I should try, I have had buttered pineapple
bun, French toast, soy sauce and others and everything were very
delicious." Jasper Liu said that he had a good impression of Hong
Kong girls, and praised Stephy for being tender and smart. What was
he looking for in a mate? He said, "I like girls who likes both
being active and peaceful. When she wants to be peaceful she would
be, but I myself also like sports and go skiing, to be able to find
a person to have fun with would be decent too."
Lokman Yeung, Frankie Chan, Ian Chan courtesy of on.cc
Ian Chan smiles throughout the audience appreciation event courtesy of singtao.com
Jeremy Lee cannot even take a step with all the fans, later he yells "Can you make way?"
Ian Chan, Frankie Chan and Lokman Yeung invites a child from the audience to say "We are MIRROR" with them courtesy of mingpao.com
With the popularity of MIRROR, wherever members went
would be full of fans. Originally it would be something to be happy
about, but it also brought many problems. Aside from public event
supports, some MIRROR fans even tightly followed them on non public
trips as "private chase" issues have been growing in severity. After
member Anson Lo earlier while working on a movie attracted a large of
fans and even hindered production, another member Jeremy also went
into a rage over "private chase" fans.
The MIRROR starred new film WE 12 (12 GWAI DOH) was recently
released. Its 12 members divided into teams for audience appreciation
events at the movies. Someone online caught "popularity king" Keung
To with Jeremy and Stanley while leaving were chased by a large group
of fans from the cinema to the parking lot. When the trio went to
their vehicle, fans crowded them so tightly that they could not move
an inch. Although the staff urged, "don't crowd, make room" they were
not successful. In the video Jeremy who was in the lead began to get
upset, behind him Stanley was even forced to the side of the
vehicle. Jeremy before getting into the vehicle could not help but
look back and roared. "Can you make way!" The scene went dead
silent as the staff immediately patted him on the shoulder to comfort
him.
The video led to passionate discussions online, many fans said
that they have never seen Jeremy throw a tantrum. They praised him
for being tender and tolerate normally, a man of few words as they
strongly supported him that he "yelled' because he was making way for
Keung To behind him. They felt that if he did not speak up, he would
only encourage even more fans to appear and legitimize "private chase"
behavior. They also pointed out that parking lot had vehicular
traffic and could easily become dangerous; however, some also felt
that fans chasing stars were understandable, and declared that Jeremy
has ruined his nice guy setting.
In addition, members Ian Chan Cheuk Yin, Lokman Yeung and
Frankie Chan Shui Fai two nights ago took the baton for audience
appreciation events. In the film Lokman had many action scenes.
With his taekwondo background he felt that it greatly helped the
production, the action coordinators even arranged many kicks for him.
"However I haven't practiced for too long, I could only do it with
brute force and the control wasn't too good. I was very afraid of
kicking the martial art masters." He said that while practicing he
kicked through a wall. After repairs Frankie then kicked through it.
Ian had car chase scenes. He said that they were different from
everyday driving, during the shoot the two cars were very close.
Aside from paying attention to the speed, he also had to maintain the
same pace and needed very high level of focus.
During the question and answer segment, a boy asked how to
become the 13th member of MIRROR? Lokman asked him to the stage,
and the boy said with the three, "How are you everyone, we are MIRROR".
Later the boy said he was happy times 100, but when Lokman asked him
whether he would like to hug Ian, he was only willing to shake hands.
How would he use the lock picking skills if he would have them in
real life? Lokman joked, "I don't know how to pick the heart lock;
even actually I still wouldn't know how to open it, so I haven't."
Frankie said that if he had sixth sense, he would probably play the
lottery.
MIRROR's hard work on audience appreciation has been rewards
as the film not only became the Easter holiday opening day box office
champion, but also exceeded HK$ 5 million after 3 days in a decent
showing. Edan Lui Cheuk On two nights ago revealed the good news on
social media. "I just got the good news, after 2 days in release the
movie has already passed HK$ 5 million! We are truly too sharp!
Thank you everyone for being so supportive. Coming up we would have
to fly for half a month, we should properly take advantage of the
opportunities to meet these few days!"
Sandra Ng dresses up to attend the LOVE LIES premiere with MC Cheung courtesy of mingpao.
The film LOVE LIES (NGOR TAM DIK NA CHEUNG LUEN OI)
held its world premiere at the 48th Hong Kong International Film
Festival. Actors Sandra Ng Kwan Yu, MC Cheung Tin Fu, Emotion Cheung
Kam Ching, French actor Noel Norman Rodger Patrick and director Ho
Miu Ki walked the red carpet together. Ng Kwan Yu received support
from husband Peter Chan Ho Sun and their daughter Jillian Chan Si Ji,
while MC had a large group of fans waiting.
Kwan Yu felt very honored to be invited by the Hong Kong
International Film Festival, so she was dressed in red to match the
carpet. Yesterday MC drew the support of a large group of fans. Kwan
Yu also praised his fans for being polite, at the heat they even gave
everyone beverages. MC said that this was his second movie; as a new
comer working with elders with experience, they would be able to bring him into character and the tense atmosphere would become natural.
Playing a con man in the film, MC said, "To be a successful con man,
you have to do all your homework. First you have to be able to fool
yourself, looks are very important to a con man." Fans at this time
went into an uproar, Kwan Yu immediately made fun of him and said, "For
you being handsome is enough! However your performance is pretty
good. Of course your looks would also have to convince the audience.
When I watched his concert, I discovered that he had a strong
approachability. Some are very handsome but had no approachability."
MC joked whether that was related to his height. When he worked with
Kwan Yu, her presence did not frighten him. Instead she was able to
help him with getting into character. During the performance they would
not be embarrassed, which made the scenes happen very naturally.
However it was still good that the character he played was also very
shy.
Because in the film Kwan Yu and MC were linked in an online
romance scam, they did not have any physical contact. MC said,
"In the film I had closer distance contact with (Stephy) Tang Lai Yan,
at first I didn't know to react, later I was brought into character.
With Ng Kwan Yu we played an online romance scam, we kept our distance
and didn't have any physical contact." Kwan Yu said,
"Only I thought I was in love, he was on the wrong side of the law
for a job." Did she feel younger from working with fresh meat? Kwan
Yu said, "I didn't, I don't let age affect me!" She felt that working
with MC was rather refreshing and had different spark. Perhaps now
the new generation of actors would not appear to be very scared during
their performance, the feeling was very natural. For example in one
scene they did not coordinate in advance, as soon as they took their
mark they were able to deliver the same dialogue. Would they like to
collaborate again? MC said that he would not mind, while Kwan Yu
pointed out that the most important was for the movie to be successful
and profitable. Only then would they have an opportunity for a second
relationship. Next time she would be his girlfriend in close
distance.
Speaking of her daughter Jillian Chan Si Ji's 18th birthday
next month, Kwan Yu revealed that the family would go on a vacation to
celebrate. Her daughter even chose a bicycle ride through a farm
with a sea of flowers.
Stephy Tang looks sexy but also would not show you anything
Jasper Liu is actually the joy bringer from Taiwan courtesy of on.cc
Jasper Liu, Stephy Tang, Gladys Li, and Ray Lui attend the premiere courtesy of singtao.com
courtesy of mingpao.com
Stephy Tang Lai Yan two nights ago with Jasper Liu,
Gladys Li Ching Kwan attended the film AS IT BURNS (BAK JAU YU FUN)'s
premiere. The new film has yet been officially released in Hong Kong
when it was selected to be the Fukuoka Rising Sun International Film
Festival opening film. Lead actress Stephy even won the "award for
career achievement".
Stephy in the film played two characters, but because the
characters were less than normal the performance was rather
complicated. The characters became rather difficult after playing
them from youth to ten years later. Did her performance give her a
personality split? She said, "Maybe sometimes I don't know myself,
usually if I say no then I do. After the performance originally
felt it didn't really affect me, but after watching the movie again
I realize that type of pain has affected me. When I think back to the
production process I would have the feeling of pain."
She also pointed out that during the production Jasper Liu
made her very happy. She praised this god as a joy bringer. Jasper
Liu admitted for his first collaboration with Stephy, at first he was
both scared and nervous. Afterward he felt that she was very
attentive. This time he experienced the rapid pace of Hong Kong film
production, fortunately he was still able to keep up. Stephy said
that during the shoot she has taught him Cantonese, but when reporters
asked Jasper Liu he has already forgotten everything. Jasper Liu said
that he had no knack for language. After the lesson he has already
forgotten by the afternoon, but he still was able to recognize foul
language.
Keung To is jealous of the shape Stanley Yau is in, while Jeremy Lee jokes that he can be their "matchamker".
Frankie Chan and Anson Lo appears at the movies
Edan Lui, Alton Wong and Anson Kong
Tiger Yau, Jer Lau and Anson Lo courtesy of on.cc
Keung To, Stanley Yau and Jeremy Lee meet the audience first
Frankie Chan and Anson Lo answer all questions from the audience courtesy of singtao.com
Anson Lo, Jer Lau and Tiger Yau share their experience with their fans
On opening day, GODZILL X KING KONG NEW EMPIRE is in first place, WE 12 second, and KUNG FU PANDA 4 third courtesy of mingpao.com
MIRROR's first all members starring film WE 12 (12
GWAI DOH) opened two days ago. The 12 stormed the Easter holiday
slot and divided up the team for 5 days of audience appreciation
events to pump up the box office at over 400 shows. Films opening
two days ago GODZILLA X KONG: NEW EMPIRE and KUNG FU PANDA 4 provided strong competition, the former led with HK$ 2.3 million on the single
day, WE 12 came in second with 1.7 million and KUNG FU PANDA 4 rounded
out the top three with 800,000.
Guy group MIRROR two days ago began to attend audience
appreciation events at cinemas in different districts. Members Keung
To, Jeremy Lee Chun Kit and Stanley Yau Si Chun yesterday appeared at
a cinema in Kowloon. Speaking of the most memorable moments, Stanley
said that at the premiere Easter egg viewing he saw Keung To's ice
bucket turning scene for the first time. At first he thought it was
computer generated effect, he did not expect that someone was turning
it. Keung To said, "I originally want to tell you about this, it's my
part." Later he mentioned the motorcycle scene. "I thought I really
had to ride the motorcycle, who knew we actually had a double."
Stanley joked that if he rode it "the motorcycle owner would be even
more scared!" Jeremy said that the mosquito eradication curse was the
most memorable because it was very hard to remember. "In the end I
had 3 or 4 bad takes but Jer had 14 bad takes. Usually remembering
choreography isn't hard for me, but I have a very hard time with
memorizing lyrics. This time I spent a lot of time on just memorizing
the line, so it was very stressful."
During the fan interaction segment, a viewer asked how to
catch the 12 kaito? Keung To rushed to answer, "Money! Open a
company and sign us all!" Stanley added, "In other words Lo Ting Fai
could be the film's Johnny character." They were
asked what characters would they want to play if they would work
together on another film. Jeremy suggested for them to get married and
he could be the officiant. Keung To immediately held Stanley's hand
and Stanley looked very helpless. Then he seriously said that he
would play Keung To. "I want to know what it feels like to have so
much in life, he has both fame and fortune while I only have fame
and no fortune." Keung To even felt Stanley's abdominal muscles and
said that he would like to experience the feeling of waking up every
morning to see that he was full of muscles.
At the Kowloon Bay stop, members Anson Lo Hon Ting, Tiger Yau
Ngor Yin and Jer Lau Ying Ting appeared as a big group of "Disciples"
held up signs in support. Jer said that this was the first movie, he
hoped later they would have a second, a third one, that they would
be better and better, even be able to shoot in Europe and made "special
agent movies" like Tom Cruise. He even suggested for Anson Lo to jump
off a bus next time. Anson Lo joked that he did not know that he has
become an action actor and thanked everyone for supporting WE 12.
"Because this absolutely is a milestone for MIRROR members and a very
important project for the company, so having everyone's support is
very important. I hope aside from supporting us, after watching this
movie everyone would have a relaxed atmosphere to bring home and be
able to temporarily forget all the little troubles of life."
The lip reader in the film, Tiger pointed out that the eyes
were very important during the shoot. Because he had to be able to
see the enemies' lips, he normally would try to look at something a
little farther. It was helpful to lip reading. Jer who had to keep
changing disguises asked Anson Lo to wear his bowl cut wig as he
wanted to see what he would look like. Anson Lo said that in earlier
movies I have tried it. This time he had to train his agility.
"The learning process was the biggest challenge, like people say you
learn from doing because you wouldn't learn until the shoot for most
of the scenes. This time challenging myself to remember the action
was just like remembering the choreography. Everything tested the
memory. I was able to tough out such complicated shoots thanks to
the action coordinators."
At the Mongkok stop, Anson Kong Yip Sun, Edan Lui Cheuk On
and Alton Wong Chi Tak made an appearance. Edan asked everyone to pay
attention to their very cool appearance and he final scene because the
action was very cool. Alton joked, "While watching the fight aside
from watching the focus, actually the sides are very entertaining too.
We have watched it several times and saw some interesting spots. You
can see why I would lose my windbreaker in the middle of the fight."
As for Edan he stated that with an ideal box office performance, they
could hold a "MIRROR fan games" as fans would compete while the 12 of
them would cheer from the sidelines.
Anson Lo Hon Ting and Frankie Chan Shui Fai two nights ago
attended a WE 12 audience appreciation event. AL revealed that the
shoot was very chaotic. Because each member was shot separately,
everyone was very curious about the final version. Even he only saw
the near finished product a month ago and said that the teammates'
reactions were just like the audience's with thrills and chills
galore.
Two lucky fans were selected for the question and answer
segment. Speaking of Frankie's final flip scene, he revealed that he
personally performed the stunt but by the fourth take he already kicked
through the wall. He also said that he has done similar stunts before
so it was not too difficult. AL was asked whether he liked to be
called "Ah Lo" or "Lo Lo Pig". He joked, "In the film I would like to
be called Ah Lo, I believe the character would want to be fast, light
and more efficient. I myself like to be called 'Lo Lo Pig' or Lo Hon
Ting." When asked
if the infrared ray dodging scene in the film was shot on an actual
location? He said that it was. The audience asked him for a live
demonstration, but he smiled and declined, "I can't demonstrate it,
it was an actual location!" He also said that during the shoot there
were few infrared rays, some of them were added in post production.
The Hong Kong novel comic book action film TWILIGHT OF
THE WARRIORS: WALLED IN (GAU LUNG SING JAI. WAI SING) has been
scheduled for a May 1st release. The film was based on Yu Yi's
original graphic novel CITY OF DARKNESS (GAU LUNG SING JAI), Soi
Cheang Pou Soi directed, Sammo Hung Kam Bo, Richie Jen (Yam Yin Chai),
Louis Koo Tin Lok, Raymond Lam Fung, Terrance Lau Chun Him, Philip Ng
Won Lung, Tony Wu Tsz Tung, Kenny Wong Tak Bun, Fish Liew Chi Yu and
others starred.
TWILIGHT OF THE WARRIORS: WALLED IN released its first
trailer and poster yesterday. The film not only brought
back the 80s Kowloon Walled City's unique environment but also had
many action scenes that turned the world upside down. In it a well
built Lam Fung carried gasoline and propane tanks through the walled
city's streets and alleys, shops and hair salons. Lau Chun
Him stole the spotlight with his curly hair and trendy appearance and
rode a bicycle through the electrical wire and water pipe filled
walled city alleys. Lam Fung wielded two hammers in a battle against
ten, bending over to slam his opponents and quickly lay down to capture
the enemies. He fended off Lau Chun Him's knife attacks. Wu Tsz Tung
waved his katanas to fight off enemies. The big boss in the film, Hung
Kam Bo entered empty handed, then killed with two blades. German Cheung
Man Kit displayed his lightning kick. In the film Koo
Tin Lok's character held an extraordinary position, as he said with
dignity, "I am warning you! The Walled City isn't for you to mess
around in, if you make trouble, you would lose your life!"
Sammo Hung receives the Hong Kong Film Awards Lifetime Achievement Award for his contribution to promote Hong Kong martial art action films
Sammo Hung's Hong Kong film career spans over 60 years, aside from actor turned director, he is also a producer and an action director
Film costume manager Tong Ping would receive the Professional Spirit Award courtesy of mingpao.com
The Hong Kong Film Awards in honor of outstanding
filmmakers who hve made excellent contributions to the Hong Kong film
industry over the years has set up a master class honor the "Lifetime
Achievement Award" and the "Professional Spirit Award". The event
yesterday announced that Sammo Hung Kam Bo, whose career has span over
60 years in the Hong Kong film industry, as the recipient of this
year's Hong Kong Film Awards "Lifetime Achievement Award" and Tong
Ping, whose has worked as a film costume manager for over 40 years,
as the recipient of the "Professional Spirit Award".
The Hong Kong Film Awards Association chair Derek Yee Tung
Sing on behalf of the Board of Directors congratulated Hung Kam Bo and
Tong Ping, sincerely saluting Mr. Hung's contributions in leading and
promoting Hong Kong martial art action films and Ms. Tong's
professionalism of focusing on Hong Kong film behind the scene work.
Hung Kam Bo is a film producer, director, action director and
actor. With over 60 years in the Hong Kong film industry, he proclaims
that film has given him everything he has now and describes his deep
love for film with "I love you". In 1977, he with his original name
Hung Kam Bo directed for the first time and starred in THE IRON FISTED
MONK and blazed the trail for comedy kung fu films. Later his 1978
release ENTER THE FAT DRAGON even made Hung Kam Bo a kung fu comedy
star with an unique image. As for on screen performance, with his
versatile acting Hung Kam Bo with the 1982 release CARRY ON PICKPOCKET
won the 2nd Hong Kong Film Awards Best Actor. 6 years later in PAINTED
FACES (1988) he played the Yu Jim Yuen based Beijing Operas master
and again won Best Actor. Stepping into the millennium, he served as
action director for IP MAN (2008) and IP MAN 2 (2010) and still
innovating despite working on the subject of Wing Chun again. He
also added two Hong Kong Film Awards Best Action Choreography Awards
after the one for THE PRODIGAL SON (1981). Along with PARADOX
(SAT POR LONG TAM LONG) (2017) later Hung Kam Bo has won the Hong Kong
Film Awards Best Action Choreography four times.
Hung Kam Bo's films with its unique martial art style and
agile action have won him the love and appreciation of viewers around
the world. Hong Kong martial art action films have become popular
around the world since the 80s, Kam Hung Bo's contribution could not
be overlooked. Hung Kam Bo with his versatility and never tiring
spirit led and promote Hong Kong action film development and made him
one of the most influential figures in the Hong Kong film industry
and won him the nickname of the film industry's "Big Brother Big".
Called "Sister Ping" by many, Tong Ping has been the film
costume manager. She originally worked in the garment industry, at age
27 she joined Hong Kong film production teams behind the scenes,
has worked for over 43 years and participated in over 400 films.
Rich in experience, Sister Ping has already been used to "make sharp
turns" with her mind. Yet to mention retirement, her Hong Kong Film
Award "Professional Spirit Award" would be encouragement for her
continuing persistence and effort to do each film's costume work well.
Rachel Leung greatly benefits from working with a group of elders in ALL SHALL BE WELL
Tai Po, Li Linlin, Patra Au, director Ray Yeung, Leung Chung Hang, and Fish Liew courtesy of mingpao.com
The 48th Hong Kong International Film Festival opening
ceremony yesterday took place at the Hong Kong Cultural Center. The
Berlin Film Festival Teddy Award winner ALL SHALL BE WELL (CHUNG GUM
YI HAU) also made its Asian premiere as this year's film festival
opening film. The performance team Patra Au Ka Man, Li Linlin, Tai
Po, Hui So Ying, Leung Chung Hang, Fish Liew Chi Yu, Rachel Leung Yung
Ting, Lee Lai Ha and Lai Chai Ming walked the red carpet together,
met and shared their film production experience with the audience. In
addition the film festival ambassador Karena Lam Ka Yan, filmmaker
in focus Fruit Chan Gor and other guests appeared at the opening
ceremony.
Liew Chi Yu in ALL SHALL BE WELL played Li Linlin's niece.
She praised Li for still being very fit despite being away from film
for many years. She also learned to naturally relax from Li. Leung
Yung Ting earlier in IN BROAD DAYLIGHT (BAK YUT JI HA) worked with
Sister Linlin's husband John Chiang Dai Wai and with Paul Chun Pui on
THE LAST DANCE (POR DEI YUK). She joked that she has successfully
collected their entire family. In addition each elder is great at
acting. For example earlier during a meal scene the elders' performance
was very relaxed, something solid flowed from everyday life. Liew Chi
Yu and Leung Yung Ting yesterday both brought their boyfriends to
watch the premiere. Liew Chi Yu said that she and her boyfriend would
mutually support each other's work, and discussed whether they
performed well or no. If they ran into any problem they would talk
and resolve it.
Jennifer Yu looks forward to walking the red carpet with her daughter and believes that it would be a beautiful experience courtesy of on.cc
Jennifer Yu Heung Ying, Kelvin Kwan Chor Yiu, Sammy Sum
Chun Hin, and others two nights ago attended a brand anniversary
event. Yu Heung Ying put down her soon to be 3 year old daughter and
6 month old son for the appearance. She said that she was fortunate
to have a "god teammate", because her mother was already retired.
Aside from traveling and enjoying life, her mother would also help
with the grandchildren. In particular after the birth of her son
she had more opportunities to work abroad. Each time before she flew
she would check schedules with Mama. Her husband would also help with
the children and was especially sensitive to baby cries, which never
happened when their daughter was born. She continued that every time
she traveled she would definitely miss her children very much. She was
grateful to modern technology advances for video chats; when she would
go out in Hong Kong she would try to bring the children as much as she
could so they would be fairly treated. Thus even though her daughter
occasionally be jealous, she still would spoil her little brother.
Last year when she attended the Hong Kong Film Awards she was carrying
her son. This year she has been nominated for Best Actress, would
mother and son walk the red carpet again? She said, "Last year my son
was in my belly, if I would bring him this year I would have to custom
order a sling so I probably wouldn't. Maybe I would consider bringing
my daughter." She also happily pointed out that earlier when she
choose what to wear for the awards with her colleagues, her daughter
also helped and had a great eye for it. Since what she would wear
had the blessing of her daughter and her son has been lucky for her,
would she have even more confidence about winning? She said that she
has not had any thought about the award, instead she really looked
forward to walking the red carpet with the film team.
Chin Kar Lok, Yuen Biao and Andrew Pong attend a film 4K restored edition premiere courtesy of on.cc
Yuen Biao is working behind the scenes and would leave his on screen career up to fate courtesy of mingpao.com
Yuen Biao, Chin Kar Lok, Joe Cheung Tung Cho, Andrew
Pong King Fai, Alice Lau Nga Lai and her mother two nights ago attended
the film ZU: WARRIORS FROM THE MAGIC MOUNTAIN (SUN SHOOK SHAN GIM
HUP)'s 4K digital restored edition premiere. Yuen Biao recalled when
he took part in the film he was only 22 or 23, just signed to Golden
Harvest as a basic actor when he received the company's nurturing and
worked on a movie with a group of big stars like Adam Cheng Siu Chau,
Brigitte Lin (Lam Ching Ha) and Damien Lau Chung Yan. Only Mang Hoi,
Moon Lee Choi Fung and he were new. However Mang Hoi passed away,
he inevitably got a little sentimental. Brother Biao remembered when
working on the movie with big stars he really was shaking in his
boots. "Back then Sister Ha (Lydia Shum Din Ha), Chau Guoon and Brother
Chung were all big stars who were very busy and had no room on their
schedule. Chau Guoon had the most scenes. As soon as he arrived on
the set when I saw Sister Fei (Shum Din Ha) following him to take care
of him, I would get very nervous. Brother Chun was very busy, Yung
Sin Yuk had the Japan market and even had a special schedule booked
for her to return from Japan for the shoot. I had to be on call 24
hours a day on the set." Brother Biao also revealed that Director
Tsui Hark could be considered record breaking while making the film,
as he took over the year. At the time when the boss saw them "burning
money" he got a headache, but it was that era had made a group of new
wave directors including Tsui Hark, Chiang Kwok Ming, Ann Hui On Wa
and others.
Brother Biao looked at making movies back then and said every
experience was memorable. Every movie was made through a lot of
difficulty. He was even fortunate enough to work with Shintaro Katsu,
who was very popular at the time. "Few actors were able to work with
so many big stars. At the time Golden Harvest strongly pushed me and
gave me a lot of opportunities." Now would he still have the acting
bug? Brother Biao said that as long as it was suitable and friends
would appreciate it, he could accept returning to make movies. Now
he is working as a film producer at a Guangzhou production company.
"Only after work I would go home and don't like appearing on camera.
I don't need to boast how great I am. No matter how great you are you
should put it in the movie, viewers would be able to see how serious
you are."
Ian Chan and Lokman Yeung attend an audience appreciation event courtesy of on.cc
Ian Chan is concerned that fans would be too tired from rushing around for MIRROR audience appreciation events courtesy of singtao.com
Ian Chan and Lokman Yeung in 5 minutes play games with fans, answer questions and pose for a group photo at an audience appreciation event
Teresa Mo (right) praises Edan Lui for being mischievous and cute in the film, as well as being very agile courtesy of mingpao.com
Popular guy group MIRROR recently has been busy with
their concert tour and promoting their film WE 12 (12 GWAI DOH). With
the film's release, the 12 yesterday divided up for audience
appreciation events at each district. Lokman Yeung and Ian Chan Cheuk
Yin appeared at Hong Kong Island cinemas. Their appearance immediately
led to fan screams.
Lokman pointed out that the first of audience appreciation
felt both happy and interesting. "We have talked about this movie
with all of us for so long, it is finally made and now finally born
for everyone to see." Ian worried that fans would be too rushed and
tired. The two later played games with fans and gave away autograph
posters. A fan asked which costume was Lokman's favorite? He
immediately asked the fan and the fan liked his explosive look. He
said, "Then the explosive look! The dirtiest and the greasiest." Ian
was asked which character he would like to try in the film? He stated
that he wanted to play actor Yeung Wai Lun's character Johnny. "I
feel it has a lot of potential, and would be a lot of fun." They
stayed for around 5 minutes before continuing on to the next event,
as they left they waved to the fans.
In addition, MIRROR would perform two concerts on May 17 and
18 on Macau after their 6 stop North American concert tour. On April
28 and May 1 they would perform in Malaysia and Singapore.
10 THE BIRTH OF KITARO: MYSTERY OF GEGEGE
d. Koga Gou
Japanese Animation
Rating : IIB
Length : 105 mins.
Opening Date : March 7 2024
Teaser : https://youtu.be/NzPRw6OKmSQ
[ BROADWAY CIRCUIT ]
To celebrate the 100th birthday of the author of "Kitaro", Shigeru
Mizuki, the past of Kitaro's father will be revealed!
When Kitaro and Eyeball Dad enter the abandoned village named
Nagura, Eyeball Dad recalls an event that took place 70 years ago.
In 1956, Nagura Village was under the control of the powerful Ryoga
clan, which secretly manipulated the nation's politics and finances.
Mizuki, an employee of a blood bank, carried a secret mission as he
mourned the death of the clan’s leader, Tokisada. Meanwhile,
Kitaro's father also entered the village in search of his wife.
They soon discovered that a bitter struggle for the position of
Tokisada's successor had begun within the Ryoga clan. Amidst this
turmoil, a member of the clan was brutally murdered at the village
shrine. This marked the beginning of a horrifying chain of
supernatural events.
9 ROB N ROLL
Can : Lum Si Gip Ong
Lit : Temporary Robbery Case
AKA : Lum Si Hai Gip
Lit : Temporary Armed Robbery
d. Albert Mak Kai Kwong
Aaron Kwok Fu Sing, Richie Jen (Yam Yin Chai), Gordon Lam Ka Tung,
Maggie Cheung Ho Yi, Lam Suet, Lo Hoi Pang,
Leung Chung Hang, Nina Paw Hee Ching, Michael Wong Man Tak,
Paulyn Sun Kai Kwan, Mike Tsang Pei Tak, Calvert Fu Ka Tsun,
Deon Cheung Chung Chi, John Chiang, Jr. (Chiang Cheuk Man),
Ansonbean (Chan Ngai Sun), Kathy Wong Chung Yan,
John Chiang Dai Wai, Nancy Wu Ting Yan,
Rating : IIB
Length : 98 mins.
Opening January 19 2024 in mainland China
Opening Februry 9 2024
Trailer : https://youtu.be/Le4MiwCbAr0
Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/movierobnroll
[ CINEMA CITY ]
A ruthless bandit Mui launches a "blitzkrieg"; armed robbery, which
happens to stir up the spirit of two perplexed middle-aged men named
Fai and Timid who are about to acquire a gun for robbing too. The
characters of the three are widely different but they share the same
"luck" and goal. Upon their alliance with Mui's unique slogan "Don't
hurt innocent and brothers, we're civilized and polite!" Finally,
both Fai and Timid became the real gangsters and all three are
hunted by Police all along their escape. Their ad-hoc and dramatic
robbery has started a war with the Police pursuit.
8 SUMIKKOGURASHI: THE PATCHED-UP FACTORY IN THE WOOD
d. Hazumu Sakuta
Japanese Animation
Rating : I
Length : 65 mins.
Opening March 21 2024
[ BROADWAY CIRCUIT ]
At an old factory on the edge of the forest, the Bear Factory
Manager invites the Sumikkos to make toys. They make use of what
they are good at, and complete their stuffed toys. The Sumikkos are
motivated by the praise of the Bear Factory Manager. They have
matching uniforms, delicious food, rooms to stay for the job, .and
spend their days making one toy after another. Then, the toys that
were shipped to Sumikko's town start moving around. There is
something "mysterious" about this factory.
7 ONE LIFE
d. James Hawes
Anthony Hopkins, Lena Olin, Johnny Flynn, Helena Bonham Carter
6 THE LYRICIST WANNABE
AKA : A CANTOPOP LYRICIST TO-BE
Can : Tin Chi Lun
d. Norris Wong Yee Lam
Chung Suet Ying, Eric Kot Man Fai, Amy Tang Lai Ying,
Sabrina Ng Ping, Shannon Chan Shu Yan, ANSONBEAN (Chan Ngai Sun),
Henick Chou Han Ning, Luna Shaw (Siu Mei Kwan),
Ernest Poon Chung Hau, Tony Wu Tsz Tung, Yukki Tai (Dai Yuk Kei),
Yeung Wai Lun, Kayan9896 (Ng Ka Yan),
Leung Chung Hang, Angel Lam Chin Ting,
Chu Pak Hong, Stephy Tang Lai Yan,
Jessey Tsang Tsui Shan, Oscar Chiu (Yau Chi Yu),
Rating : IIB
Length : 113 mins.
Opening Feburary 9 2024
Opening November 12 2023 at the Hong Kong Asian Film Festival
Opening December 16 2023 (Christmas Party)
Opening March 7 2024
[ BROADWAY CIRCUIT ]
Believing that writing Cantopop is her God-given talent, Law
Wing-sze decides to make it her lifelong career. But as hard as Sze
tries to polish her lyrics writing skills and expand her social
circle, nothing seems to go her way. What if there's a will, but
there's no way? The first major motion picture about Cantopop lyrics
writing. Norris Wong's long-awaited follow-up to her acclaimed debut
My Prince Edward is an unsentimental autobiographical dramedy that
reminds us no dream is guaranteed to come true. Ironically, the
film's star, up-and-coming actress Chung Suet-ying, is actually a
real-life Cantopop lyricist.
5 WE ARE FAMILY
Can : Chook Jo Ga Yun
Lit : Family For Rent
d. Benny Lau Wai Hang
Eric Tsang Chi Wai, Carlos Chan Ka Lok, Catherine Chau Ka Yi,
Tian Niu, Yeung Chin Yau, Shek Sau, Angela Hui Ching Wan,
Alex Fong Lik Sun, Eugina Lau Mei Guen, Elly (Ai Nei), Leung Oi
Rating : IIA
Length : 102 mins.
Opening July 16 2022 at the New York Asian Film Festival
Opening March 14 2024
[ THE FILM CATALOGUE ]
"Rent-a-Family" specializes in offering family and friends for rent.
The company consists of Carlos, the founder; Catherine, the drama
coach; and Chi Kwong, the passionate small-time actor. Carlos and
Catherine disapprove of Chi Kwong's overwhelming care for their
clients, but they begin to rethink the meaning of "Rent-a-Family"
when they see the results of Chi Kwong's kindness...
4 YOLO
d. Jia Ling
Jia Ling, Lei Jiayin, Zhang Xiaofei
Length : 130 mins.
Opening March 21 2024
[ BROADWAY CIRCUIT ]
Le Ying has been staying at home for many years, doing nothing in
particular. After graduating from college and working for a while,
Le Ying chooses to withdraw from society, closing herself off from
social circles, which she believes is the best way to "reconcile"
with herself. One day, after several twists of fate, she decides to
live life in a different way. In cautiously venturing into the
outside world, Le Ying meets boxing coach Hao Kun. Just when she
thinks life is about to take a positive turn, the challenges that
follow far exceed her imagination, and her vibrant life is just
beginning...
3 POOR THINGS
d. Yorgos Lanthimos
Emma Stone, Mark Ruffalo, Willem Dafoe
2 GHOSTBUSTERS: FROZEN EMPIRE
d. Gil Kenan
Paul Rudd, Carrie Coon, Finn Wolfhard, Mckenna Grace,
Kumail Nanjiani, Patton Oswalt, Celeste O'Connor,
Logan Kim, Emily Alyn Lind, James Acaster,
Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Ernie Hudson,
Annie Potts, William Atherton
1 DUNE: PART TWO
d. Denis Villeneuve
Timothee Chalamet, Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson, Josh Brolin,
Austin Butler, Florence Pugh, Dave Bautista,
Christopher Walken, Lea Seydoux, Souheila Yacoub,
Stellan Skarsgard, Charlotte Rampling, Javier Bardem
Father to be Carlos Chan grasps every opportunity to make money as he offers his services to Gordon Lam courtesy of on.cc
Carlos Chan and Gordon Lam hope to be able to collaborate
Michael Ning, Louis Cheung and Fish Liew put their hand in cement courtesy of mingpao.com
Best Actor Gordon Lam Ka Tung yesterday attended a film
editing exhibit "Magic Behind the Screens" opening ceremony with Carlos
Chan Ka Lok, Chin Kar Lok, Louis Cheung Kai Chung, Fish Liew Chi Yu,
along with director Andrew Lau Wai Keung and Society of Film Editors
Hong Kong president Wong Hoi. The exhibit would take place between
March 28th and May 12th, displaying different effects from different
editing methods that appeared in film. Everyone would understand more
about how the editors apply magic to movies behind the scenes from
the exhibit, which would also salute editors and many film new comer
interviews to embody the succession of the Hong Kong film spirit.
Both Ka Tung and Ka Lok agreed that they were rather
interested in editing. Actor turned producer Ka Tung said that he
often would personally edit films and that editing actually was very
hard. However he learned a lot from it; for example when the
director of TIME could not make time to edit the film, he personally
edited it. "Back then for TIME (SAT CHOOK GOR WONG FUN) I was the
editor! The most wonderful thing about editing is the ability to
rewrite the whole thing. For example in THE GOLDFINGER (GUM SAU JI),
in ten seconds or so you could see the different changes of Ka Lok.
My eyes were open, and I like to hear his foul language usage."
Because Ka Lok has always been a nice guy, the performance in the
film was drastically different. He hoped that they would have the
opportunity to work together.
Ka Lok immediately looked for opportunities to work with Ka
Tung. Ka Lok said that he has always admired Ka Tung and even offered
his services to Ka Tung for TIME 2. He joked that he hoped Ka Tung
would give him the opportunity to make some milk money.
Ka Lok also revealed that he has studied editing. He
mentioned that around 10 years ago when he ran into a lull in his
career, he once opened a wedding photography studio to shoot photos and
edit videos. "At the time I worked with director (Lawrence)
Kan Kwan Chun. When he heard my salary he jumped with fright, then he
sent all the clients on his hands to me. I spent my salary on a
camera and started working. (Did it hurt?) Sure, but he said that he
could help me make back 10 times the money. (What happened?) Of
course it was more than 10 times!" Now he has sold his share of the
studio, which was in the hands of a friend. However for his own
wedding the company was responsible for the shoot. Ka Tung joked that
his salary was only enough to buy a mobile phone.
Tony Leung Chiu Wai's THE GOLDFINGER performance differs from his past style
IN BROAD DAYLIGHT's Jennifer Yu has won both the Hong Kong Film Critic Society Awards and the Hong Kong Film Directors' Guild Awards for Best Actress
Both Dayo Wong and Bowie Lam are first time Best Actor nominees courtesy of mingpao.com
The 42nd Hong Kong Film Awards yesterday released the
Best Actor and Best Actress nominees' styling portraits in the event
special booklet. This year's fight for Best Actor has been
particularly fierce, the nominees included Bowie Lam Bo Yi, Siuyea Lo
Chun Yip, Tony Leung Chiu Wai, Dayo Wong Tze Wah and Da Peng. A
victory for anyone would be uniquely meaningful. Lam Bo Yi, Lo Chun
Yip, Wong Tze Wah and Da Peng are all first time Best Actor nominees,
if a win would be a personal breakthrough for any of them; as for
the five time Best Actor Leung Chiu Wai, a win would even set an
event and personal record.
Bowie Lam Bo Yi in IN BROAD DAYLIGHT played a nursing home
director who was suspected of sexual abuse of a mentally disabled
resident. The villain role has brought him nominations for the Best
Supporting Actor at last year's Golden Horse Awards and this year's
Hong Kong Film Awards Best Actor. THE GOLDFINGER's Leung Chiu Wai
thoroughly displayed the arrogant and unreasonable personality,
different from his usually reserved and low key style. Lo Chun Yip in
TIME STILL TURNS THE PAGES played a teacher who did not excel at
expressing his feelings due to growing up in a high pressure family.
Wong Tze Wah played A GUILTY CONSCIENCE's Lam Leung Shui and earlier
has already won the Hong Kong Screenwriters' Guild Best Film
Character. Da Peng in DUST TO DUST played a character who span 20
years, a huge acting challenge.
Kay Tse On Kay, Michelle Wai Sze Nga, Jennifer Yu Heung Ying,
Louise Wong Dan Nei and Chung Suet Ying, no matter who would win, would
become the first time Hong Kong Film Awards Best Actress. Yu Heung
Ying last year with IN BROAD DAYLIGHT (BAK YUT JI HA) received the
Golden Horse Awards Best Actress, the Hong Kong Film Critic Society
Awards and the Hong Kong Film Directors' Guild Awards Best Actress
this year to strengthen her confidence of winning. Chung Suet Ying
last year with THE LYRICIST WANNABE (TIN CHI L) received a Golden
Horse Awards nomination. A GUILTY CONSCIENCE (DUK SIT DAI JONG)'s
Wong Dan Nei after the Best Actress nomination two years ago was
nominated again this year. Music diva Tse On Kay with BAND FOUR (4
PAK 4 GA JOOK) received her first Best Actress nomination, while Wai
Sze Nga's performance in the comedy READY O/R ROT (BUT YUT SING FUN 2)
would also have a chance to break through.
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