Irene Wan appears on Nancy Sit's Metro Radio program courtesy of mingpao.com
Irene Wan Bik Ha yesterday appeared on Nancy Sit Ka Yin's Metro
Radio program and promoted the film she invested in and starred in,
ONCE UPON A LIE (FONG DOH MEI YUN YU); which will open on Easter.
Irene said that she was very nervous with the upcoming release,
so she went to Bali for a few days off to relax. She pointed out that
ONCE UP A LIE invited the master Peter Kam Pui Tat to score the film, and had
the black humor of producer Edmond Pang Ho Cheung. In the film she
developed a older woman-younger man relationship with lead actor Bruce
He Hao Chen, who also had a mother-son relationship with the Golden
Horse Best Actress Grace Guei Ah Lei. She hoped that the audience would
like it. In the film she and He Hao Chen started with "online dating",
Irene said that in the past many fans showed their love to her and even
asked for a date, but of course she did not dare to accept it. At most
she would only give a heart gesture in return. "I want to really get
along. Even if he is pretty handsome, he still have to have something
inside to be able to communicate!" As for the older woman, younger man
love in the movie, Irene pointed out that it was also very realistic.
Many boys in Hong Kong also like more mature girls. She hoped that the
audience after watching the film would dare to love. "In fact, age is
just a number, (Nicholas) Tse Ting Fung and Faye Wong are the best
example. Love who you love, no one should mind the age different.
True love is the most valuable. True love has no age limit, and this
film is about this."
Speaking of the recent poor movie market, would she be worried
about the box office of the new film? Irene said, "This way we need to
support Hong Kong films even more. We need to use new people in front
of and behind the scenes. I used a new director in my films. He is a
well-known advertising director, so the pictures this time came out
beautifully."
In addition, when TVB CEO Xu Tao summoned nearly 100 artists to
return to the company for a meeting to listen to opinions, Lo Chun Shun
directly pointed out to Xu Tao that in recent years his income has been
greatly reduced due to the reduction of shows from time to time. Sister
Ka Yin said that that probably happened, but she was not too clear about
the truth. "Lo Chun Shun is a good actor, and he has done a good job in
many roles. However recently the company has made less dramas,
co-produced dramas have to calculate the production budget, and it costs
a lot of money to return to the mainland to shoot. The production and
the investment must be considered. Many actors have a little harder time
during this period. Not only TV dramas, but also less Hong Kong movies
have be made. It is a market problem, in fact, if the company has a
suitable role it would probably use him." Sister Ka Yin pointed out
that recently her Mother Hong Kong Arts Center has been hiring
instructor to teach students to act, and she has asked Lo Chun Shun to
be one for him to share his acting experience. Students would be able
to learn on the journey of performing and receive good development.
Famous Shaw Brothers era actor Ku Feng (Kok Fung) passed away at
home a few days ago at the age of 94. Sister Ka Yin once collaborated
with Ku Feng in the drama VIRTUES OF HARMONY. She recalled, "I have
watched a lot of Uncle Kok Fung's films. Everyone would think that he
was mean and serious, but after working together I learned that he was
so funny. He often shared his filming experience, the whole group would
laugh until their bellies hurt. Actually he was quite a talker and
amiable, and his action could not be better. He was able to get into
character right away, so working with him was very pleasant." However,
Sister Ka Yin pointed out that Ku Feng was over 90 years old after all.
"I am still reluctant, my condolences to his family. I also want to
tell Uncle Kok Fung that he made so many movies and TV works, we will
always miss his artistic contributions. May he have a safe journey!"
Nick Cheung and Terrance Lau promote their film in Taiwan and are presented their character pillows
Jacky Cheung sends a video and recording to congratulate "little brother" Nick Cheung
Eddie Peng sends over Taiwan food like bubble tea and pineapple cakes
Nick Cheung and Terrance Lau takes a photo with the audience
Nick Cheung earlier lectures a fan and the video goes viral courtesy of mingpao.com
The Nick Cheung Ka Fai written, directed and starred film PEG O'
MY HEART (SHOOK MUNG) headed toward HK$ 9 million at the box office
after two weeks in release in Hong Kong. The day before yesterday, he
and Terrance Lau Chun Him went to Taiwan to promote, and were surprised
by Jacky Cheung Hok Yau and Eddie Peng Yu-Yan. Cheung Hok Yau sent
flowers and recorded congratulations, and Peng Yu-Yan prepared bubble
tea, pineapple cakes and other delicacies for them. Cheung Ka Fai has
been promoting the movie all over in recent months. A few days ago, a
video of him giving a lecture to a fan was circulated on the Internet.
He received online praises for his patience to explain to the fan,
saying that he should not take extreme behaviors if he could not get
autographs and photos.
Cheung Ka Fai and Lau Chun Him played Choi Sun Keung and Dr. Man
respectively in PEG O' MY HEART, which became the favorite characters of
many online. After promoting the movie HELIOS in Taiwan 10 years ago,
Cheung Ka Fai felt intimate when he set foot in this familiar place
again. The most surprising thing was the support of his "older brother"
Cheung Hok Yau and his disciple Peng Yu-Yan; Hok Yau was holding a
concert in Taipei, and learned that "younger brother" Cheung Ka Fai came
to Taiwan to promote. He also specifically recorded congratulations
even when he could not appear, joked that he was afraid that this
"younger brother's" Mandarin was not good enough, and asked the on-site
master of ceremonies to help translate. He left Cheung Ka Fai not
knowing whether to cry and laugh. Hok Yau even described the tension of
the "Younger Brother's" work as Hitchcockian and congratulated Cheung Ka
Fai on the success of the film, which flattered Cheung Ka Fai.
The disciple Eddie Peng Yu-Yan knew that the Master had a tight
schedule and did not have time to taste Taiwanese food, so he
thoughtfully sent bubble tea and pineapple cakes. Cheung Ka Fai took
the opportunity to make fun of Peng Yu-Yan, who was recently
photographed traveling with a female companion. "Congratulations to
him, some photos on the Internet prove that he is not gay. It turns out
that he also has a girlfriend, and I am happy for him". The event
designed two pillows in the shape of Choi Sun Keung and Dr. Man for
them, and Cheung Ka Fai and Lau Chun Him had fun at the expense of each
other.
In an interview Cheung Ka Fai said that he has contacted Jacky
Cheung Hok Yau, "I said that I was coming to Taiwan but I couldn't watch
your concert, and he said that he also wanted to come and watch the
film. I said don't you come here; with too many people you may catch
the flu, then I would be in big trouble. With so many people who have
bought concert tickets, I can't afford it." He revealed that Cheung Hok
Yau insisted on asking about the time and place of the premiere, so he
guessed that he was the one who sent the flowers. Cheung Ka Fai said
that the movie was about dreams, and he liked to dream very much. He
often dreamed of happy things. Would he accidentally hit his wife
Esther Kwan Wing Ho while dreaming? He laughed and said, "She hit me
once, I don't know if she was intentional or pretending to be asleep. I
thought about it for a while, but I still believe that she didn't mean
to." Lau Chun Him bared his back in the film. He did not deliberately
get into shape before filming, because he thought it was a natural
thing. However the camera was fixed on his rear during the shoot.
Cheung Ka Fai rushed forward to cover up the screen as soon as he saw
it, so as not to let even more people see it. He said, "He is so good,
if I don't stand up when something happens to him, I won't be righteous
enough!" Speaking of Louis Koo Tin Lok's right eye retina issue, Cheung
Ka Fai said that the medical science is advanced, it might be a small
problem. No one would need to worry too much.
In addition, a video of Cheung Ka Fai admonishing fans earlier
went viral. In the clip he was seen getting into the car and leaving
after completing the publicity. Fans approached and asked for
autographs and photos, when they were unsuccessful they conducted
extreme behaviors. Seeing this, Cheung Ka Fai patiently explained to
the fans. He said that he was grateful for the support, but sometimes
the situation would not permit him to sign autographs and take photos.
No one should conduct any extreme behavior. He said, "If people say
they can do what you want, then you go crazy. We can't act like this!
When we work in society, we would encounter something that doesn't go
our way everyday. This way doesn't work, do you understand?" He
asked the fan to understand before agreeing to sign an autograph; the
fan finally said, "Thank you". The video of "teaching fans" has
received positive responses online, praising him for his patience in
reasoning with fans.
The Anita Yuen Wing Yee (Lan Lan) and a group of Malaysian
actors Miko Wong Jie Kee, Juztin Lan (Lau Gai Fai), Chan Fong, Chris
Tong Bingyu starred warm family movie OMG! MOM'S BIG NEWS (OMG! AH MA
YAU HEI) has been scheduled to be released in Hong Kong on May 15th.
The film tells the story of a couple who is about to retire. When they
are about to enjoy the second half of their lives, the wife suddenly
unexpectedly becomes pregnant; not only disrupting the plan for the
"second half" but the whole family also has to think about how to face
sudden problems and examine anew the situation and mentality of how the
family got along and grew over the years. The proposition was worth
anyone to think about in life and touch people's hearts. Lan Lan's
interpretation of the suddenly with child "mama" in the movie was very
appropriate. In a noodle eating solo scene she even performed until
she kept crying, which made the on-site staff also admire the wonderful
performance of this Best Actress-level elder.
Lan Lan has not made a movie for a while. She worked with
Malaysian actors for the first time, and got along well with the family
in and out of the film. The two new actors Miko and Juztin Lan (Lau Kai
Fai) were on the set to take the opportunity to learn even if they were
not in the shoot. Lan Lan filmed a noodle eating scene alone. When
thinking of the effort and care her family has given her, she could not
help but cry again and again. Although after a few takes the director
was satisfied, Lan Lan felt that she was not good enough and asked for
another take. She would not quit until her emotions were completely in
place, after the cameras stopped rolling her face was still covered in
tears. As a mother for many years, Lan Lan was also very suitable for
the role. Coupled with superb acting skills, she further enriched the
role of the mother in the film.
OMG earlier held a special screening on International Women's
Day on March 8th and the response was decent. Many viewers reported
that the film not only talked about family and family affection but
also reflected on self-growth, which was a warm and joyful movie worth
recommending to everyone. Advanced screenings would begin starting
April 18th.
The 94 year old Kok Fung passed away, leaving behind countless classic works courtesy of mingpao.com
Kok Fung passed away at his residence last month at the age of 94
John Chiang yesterday posted the 1971 film THE NEW ONE ARMED SWORDSMAN's poster in remembrance of Kok Fung
Kok Fung and John Chiang worked together on THE NEW ONE ARMED SWORDSMAN
Philip Keung says that Kok Fung is an elder and an instructor he respected and wished him a safe journey.
Candy Lo played Kok Fung's daughter on the TVB series THE LAST BREAKTHROUGH
Kok Fung played Seung Kun in Stephen Chow's LAWYER LAWYER courtesy of mingpao.com
The 60's Shaw Brothers movie star Ku Feng (Kok Fung) passed away
at the age of 94. His friend Susan Shaw Yam Yam confirmed the news of
Kok Fung's death the night before. Tin Kai Man also revealed that he
has heard the rumors of Kok Fung's death two months ago, but he has
not been able to find the nephew who lived with him to confirm. He
was very sad after learning the bad news, and praised Kok Fung was a
good predecessor at first sight. They have worked with each other in
front of and behind the scenes. They used to have dinners often, but
they have had little contact with each other after his immigration.
He learned that the other party was in poor health in recent years.
Nancy Sit Ka Yin also expressed her sadness, lamenting that
there was no party that would not come to an end. They have
collaborated on VIRTUES OF HARMONY. He was amiable, would share a lot
of stories and care about everyone's health. She too received care from
him; John Chiang Dai Wai shared the movie poster of THE NEW ONE-ARMED
SWORDSMAN with Kok Fung on social networks to mourn him; Candy Lo Hau
Yam also shared their "father and daughter" photo from filming TVB's
THE LAST BREAKTHROUGH, praising the elder for getting into his character
in one second. Philip Keung Ho Man at his lowest received Kok Fung's
encouragement to continue to persist. Kok Fung was an elder and
instructor he respected very much and he wished him a safe journey.
Veteran actor Kok Fung two nights ago was rumored to have passed
away at his residence last month. Former Shaw's martial art star Barry
Wai Chi Wan posted a video on TikTok Wednesday (the 9th) and mentioned,
"Uncle Kok passed away!" Mainland media reported that those in the know
revealed that on the 27th last month Kok Fung's relative found him dead
at his residence. He was 94. The cause of death would await
announcement.
Dayo Wong's performance is on full display in the film courtesy of singtao.com
THE LAST DANCE courtesy of mingpao.com
The Anselm Chan Mou Yin directed, Dayo Wong Tze Wah, Michael Hui Koon Man
and Michelle Wai Sze Nga starred, Tommy Chu Pak Hong, Catherine Chau Ka
Yee and others co-starred Hong Kong Film Awards favorite THE LAST DANCE
(POR. DEI YUK), since its release it has repeatedly achieved
success. Yesterday the film reported more good news. THE LAST DANCE
jumped to the third place in the box office list of Hong Kong film
history and became the only Hong Kong film among the top three total box
office, creating a new milestone for Hong Kong films! Michael was
overjoyed when he heard the news, and praised the extended version for
being richer and more complete. Chu Pak Hong thanked the audience and
hoped that Hong Kong movies would keep going.
THE LAST DANCE's extended version opened on the Ching Ming
Festival last weekend, and even received more than HK$ 1 million at the
box office. After a week, yesterday the film received more good news.
According to cumulative box office statistics, as of 6 PM., the Hong
Kong box office of THE LAST DANCE was HK$ 153.5 million and the Hong
Kong and Macao box office was HK$ 165 million. The film has officially
surpassed the 2018 Hollywood film release AVENGERS 3: INFINITY WAR (HK
$153 million) to occupy the third place in the box office list of Hong
Kong film history. It has become the only film in full 2D format among
the top three box office films, showing the unique charm of Hong Kong
films.
THE LAST DANCE even swept 18 nominations at this year's Hong
Kong Film Awards, setting a new nomination record in the past ten years.
Earlier at the "Hong Kong Film Directors' Guild Annual Awards", "The
Three Masters of the Kwok Family" - Hui Koon Man, Wai Sze Nga and Chu
Pak Hong won three awards respectively for Best Actor, Best Actress and
Best Supporting Actor. The results were remarkable.
Faced with a box office miracle half a year after its release,
the main creative team could not hide its excitement. Director Anselm
Chan Mou Yin said, "Thank you to all the audience who bought tickets to
see the movie, you have become the most beautiful scenery in the life
of THE LAST DANCE team." The Hong Kong Film Awards Best Actor favorite
Michael thanked the audience with words. "I feel very happy, very
grateful, and overjoyed! Now it is getting more and more difficult for
the audience to be willing to enter the theater, and this extended
version is very rich and more complete. I hope the box office can
continue to rise!" Competing for Best Supporting Actor at the Hong
Kong Film Awards, Chu Pak Hong even cheered for Hong Kong films, "Once
again I would like to thank the entire team of THE LAST DANCE,
especially the director for making the extended version possible. I
would like to express my heartfelt thanks to everyone who attended.
Let's go Hong Kong movies!"
In order to thank the fans for their enthusiasm, director Chan
Mou Yin and Wai Sze Nga, who have just won the Extraordinary Actor Award
at the Chicago Asian Pop Up Cinema and was praised for "the most superb
performance of their career", immediately prepared to visit cinemas for
two days in a row to thank the audience upon as soon as they returned
Kong. Wai Sze Nga this time would appear at an audience appreciation
event in support of THE LAST DANCE's extended version.
Takeshi Kaneshiro gives a solemn look courtesy of singtao.com
The big explosion in the air of Causeway Bay appears in the video, as well as Takeshi Kaneshiro (lower) courtesy of mingpao.com
The Juno Mak Chun Lung produced, directed and written new film
SONS OF THE NEON NIGHT (FUNG LUM FOR SHAN) has been selected for the
"Midnight Screening" section of this year's Cannes Film Festival and
became the only Chinese film selected for this year's film festival.
After receiving the news, Juno released the 15 second teaser trailer
of SONS online and posted, "Presenting a 15 second prelude on this
night." The video began with blood flowing into the gutter,
followed by the appearance of several male and female leads
including Takeshi Kaneshiro (Gum Sing Mo), Sean Lau Ching Wan,
Louis Koo Tin Lok, Tony Leung Ka Fai and Gao Yuanyuan. Also edited
in was the street shooting and explosion scenes from the film. At
the end of the video the footage of the explosion in the Causeway
Bay area was revealed.
In order to shoot the explosion and snow scenes at Causeway Bay
in the film, Juno did not hesitate to build a real 1:1 scale set of
Causeway Bay in the 60,000-square-foot steel factory in Huizhou. All
the stores in the set was built in accordance to the actual appearance
of the shops in the Causeway Bay district then. Even the goods in the
shops were shipped from Hong Kong for display to recreate the form.
SONS OF THE NEON NIGHT began production in 2017 and wrapped up
production the next year. 7 years later it still has not yet been
released, reportedly its production cost went from the original HK$ 150
million to 400 million. The story was a certain Hong Kong wealthy
businessman who passed away in an explosion, which was connected to the
power struggle between drug lords and law enforcement. In addition the
heir created chaos behind the scenes, proclaiming that he wanted to
create a "world without drugs". Who in the end would restore law and order?
The Hong Kong Film Awards Association yesterday announced the
recipients of the "Lifetime Achievement Award" and "Professional
Spirit Award", the highest honor of the "43rd Hong Kong Film
Awards". The "Lifetime Achievement Award" recipients would be the
legendary director Tsui Hark and the well-known film producer Shi
Nansun. The "Professional Spirit Award" recipients would be
veteran voice actors Jiang Xiaoliang and Han Dongqing, in
recognition of their outstanding contributions to the Hong Kong
film industry over the years, and their efforts and achievements
that inspire fellow filmmakers.
On behalf of the Board of Directors, the Chairman of the Hong
Kong Film Awards Association Derek Yee Tung Sing congratulated Tsui
Hark, Shi Nansun, Jiang Xiaoliang and Han Dongqing. Yee Tung Sing
praised Tsui Hark's unremitting efforts, pursuit of excellence, and
courage to break through in film creation, creating countless classic
works; with his international vision and excellent marketing
capabilities, Shi Nansun has spared no effort to promote Hong
Kong-made films to the international film industry over the years.
At the same time, Yee Tung Sing praised Jiang Xiaoliang and Han
Dongqing for their decades of dedication to the Mandarin dubbing
work of Hong Kong films, allowing Chinese people around the world to
watch Hong Kong films through their wonderful dubbing performances,
and they are the behind-the-scenes contributors to promoting Hong
Kong films to the Chinese and foreign markets.
Louis Koo says that he has already arranged for the operation and would take a week after to recover.
Chrissie Chau's new film will open soon, she would probably coordinate with the promotion then courtesy of on.cc
Best Actor Louis Koo Tin Lok has recently been troubled by an
eye disease, pointing out that he had two holes in the retina of his
right eye. The "eye floater syndrome" was very serious, and he would
need to undergo eye surgery. Then he would need to recuperate, and his
work plan might be affected!
When Best Actor Louis Koo Tin Lok (Goo Jai) recently appeared in
public events, he often wore sunglasses. The outside world has been
very concerned about his health. In an interview the day before
yesterday, Goo Jai admitted that he was troubled by eye disease. "There
is a problem with only one eye, and the retina of the right eye is
perforated with two holes......that's why eye floaters syndrome is so
severe, a lot of black lines are flying around. Wearing sunglasses
darken the environment so it would not be so serious." He also said
that surgery has been scheduled, "I can't wear contact lenses before
surgery, I have to recuperate for the first week after surgery. I can't
fly for a while, which will affect my work. I am still arranging the
schedule right now."
However Goo Jai's recent work schedule has been jam packed.
Films he starred in and his company invested in would be released in
the mainland one after another. After BEYOND THE SIN (NGOK HUNG JI
OI), he starred with Chrissie Chau Sau Na in the film BEHIND THE
SHADOWS (SI GA JING TAM, formly titled MEI CHUI). It will also be
released in the mainland on the 31st of next month. Although neither
has any Hong Kong release date yet, their release should tightly
follow. Now Goo Jai is suffering from eye disease, work has to be
postponed one by one. Who would know whether the promotion of BEHIND
film will also be affected.
In addition, he, Sean Lau Ching Wan and Takeshi Kaneshiro (Gum
Sing Mo) starred film SONS OF THE NEON NIGHT (FUNG LUM FOR SHAN) has
been selected for the "Midnight Screening" section of the Cannes Film
Festival in France. About the foreign media's optimism for the film,
Goo Jai felt happy. However he expressed that he has not seen the
latest version either, only the 4 to 5 hour long edited version.
Hedwig Tam says that this year's Hong Kong Film Awards annual publication photo shoot feels great courtesy of singtao.com
Locker Lam says Neo Yau (inset) has a lot of pressure, worrying about his TRIAL AND ERROR colleagues being unable to find work
Locker Lam jokes that he has to ride his girlfriend Marf Yau's coattail just to be able to go to the COLDPLAY concert
Kaki Sham and Renci Yeung's kiss scene in the film is removed. Both say that they respect the director's decision
Hedwig Tam earlier attended the Hong Kong Film Awards photo shoot and was happy to gather with other nominees courtesy of mingpao.com
Hedwig Tam Sin Yin, Locker Lam Ka Hei, Kaki Sham and Renci Yeung
Sze Wing attended the premiere of the movie SMASHING FRANK (DOH POR FAT
LAN HAK) the night before.
In the film Yeung Sze Wing and Kaki Sham originally had a kiss
scene , but it was deleted in the end. Did Kaki Sham feel any regret?
He said, "I can't say it's a pity, the actors act according to the
script. In the end because of the editing of this secondary creation
plus the director's ideas, in order to make the film better a few scenes
need to be cut; so I respect the director's decision." Yeung Sze Wing
also said that it did not matter, she only felt that Kaki Sham's
psychological preparation in advance was wasted. "The kissing scene
that was cut was just a peck. I felt that it was because Kaki has a
family, a good husband and father. I communicated with him well before
filming, finally it was deleted because of the pacing issue in editing.
I don't think it matters." Did she provide an explanation to her
boyfriend Owen Cheung Chu Long before filming? Yeung Sze Wing said, "I
think it's more important to explain to the audience that the scene was
deleted." Speaking of her boyfriend's recent daring performance in the
drama ANONYMOUS SIGNAL, she immediately changed the subject. She
pointed out that she was watching the online drama ADOLESCENCE
recently, and the actors were also discussing it. The drama was about
the relationship between parents and children, and she hoped that
everyone would support this kind of social drama. Ask her again if she
doesn't watch her boyfriend's show? Would he not watch her boyfriend's
performance? She continued to avoid the subject, saying only, "I'm
focused on promoting this movie." When the media said that Chun Long
graciously talked about her during interviews, she awkwardly said, "I
can't help that. Thank you."
Tam Sin Yin would compete for the "Best Actress" at the Hong
Kong Film Awards with the film MONTAGES OF A MODERN MOTHERHOOD (FU DUK
BUT). She recently attended the event publication photo shoot. She
described her deep feelings about the shoot this year. "I attended the
photo shoot once when I was a newcomer competing for the 'Best New
Performer Award' 9 years ago. I didn't know what was happening when I
went to the scene on the day of the shoot, and I was a little panicked
when I got there. I did whatever people told me to do; but this year
the difference was enormous. I felt so happy. When I got there I had a
lot of clothes to choose from, and a lot of friends I knew in the
business did makeup together and took turns at the shoot. The feeling
was very down to earth, like doing group project when I was in college.
It felt like a summer camp.
Louis Koo laments that applying for location shoots in Hong Kong is not easy and has plenty of restrictions
Sakura Ando states that she enjoys Stephen Chow's movies courtesy of on.cc
Louis Koo urges the Hong Kong film industry to explore new roads courtesy of singtao.com
Louis Koo feels that Hong Kong films must innovate, and hopes that the government would coordinate with the industry more
Japanese Best Actress Sakura Ando expresses that she likes Stephen Chow's movies and hopes to have a chance to work with him
PAVANE FOR AN INFANT's director Chong Keat Aun, actors Fish Liew and Ben Yuen attend the Hong Kong International Film Festival opening ceremony
The Juno Mak written and directed SONS OF THE NEON NIGHT is the only Chinese language film selection at the Cannes Film Festival courtesy of mingpao.com
The opening ceremony of the 49th Hong Kong International Film
Festival was held at the Cultural Centre last night, with the world
premiere of Japanese director Tetsuya Nakashima's THE BRIGHTEST SUN and
Malaysian director Chong Keat Aun's PAVANE FOR AN INFANT kicking off the
12-day festival. This year's filmmaker in focus would be Louis Koo Tin
Lok. The film festival would bring 10 of his films to relive his iconic
moments on the silver screen, and he would also participate in
interviews. He would like to talk about the future of Hong Kong's
film industry the most.
The filmmaker in focus Koo Tin Lok attended the opening ceremony
of the festival, along with THE BRIGHTEST SUN's director Tetsuya
Nakashima and producer Yasunori Naruse, as well as PAVANE FOR AN INFANT
director Chong Keat Aun and its two leads Fish Liew Chi Yu and Ben Yuen
Fu Wah. The guest of this year's Focus section, famous Japanese actress
Sakura Ando made a surprise appearance, but the ambassador of this
year's film festival Angela Yuen Lai Lam was absent due to illness.
Koo Tin Lok would be this film festival's filmmaker in focus.
10 of his films would be screened and an interview would take place on
the 19th of this month. He joked that he has never tried to talk for
the whole hour in an interview, but it would be only about films. He
wanted to talk about the future of the Hong Kong film industry the most.
Regarding the development and trend of Hong Kong films, he said, "The
trend has to open up a new direction, trying different new things!
Actually it also depends on different factors. Now that the global
economy is not good, how can anyone be in the mood to go to the movies?"
Referring to the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism,
Rosanna Law Shuk-pui encouraging Hong Kong filmmakers to film more in
the mainland. Goo Jai said, "There has always been. It also depends on
whether the film itself is suitable for filming in the mainland. If a
large set construction is needed then we have to. If we are making a
family film, shooting it in Hong Kong is already enough." However Goo
Jai pointed out that Hong Kong has always been small and crowded, and
finding a place to film had certain difficulties. For example TWILIGHT
OF THE WARRIORS: WALLED IN (GAU LUNG SING JAI JI WAI SING) built the
entire Kowloon Walled City set that had to be demolished at the end of
filming; while the mainland movies can retain the sets for tourist
attractions after filming, which would help promote tourism. "Actually
some movies in Hong Kong can be used as tourist attractions for tourists
to visit after they have been successfully made, like the old Yau Ma Tei
Police Station." Would there be more negotiations with the relevant
departments of the government so that the movie sets could be preserved?
Goo Jai said helplessly, "Just finding a place to apply for filming is
difficult. I have tried to rent a flyover from the government to shoot
a film, but when it is approved the shoot could not take place during
rush hour; and the remaining time was not enough to shoot, so I really
need to communicate more. I hope for a little more coordination with
us, then the film industry would be able to shoot more smoothly."
Johnnie To Kei Fung in an overseas media interview said that he
has not scalped plans to make ELECTION 3 (HAK SEH WUI 3). If the
production would begin would he participate? Goo Jai joked, "I want STAR
WARS to reach episode 18 too!" His film SONS OF THE NEON NIGHT (FUNG
LUM FOR SHAN) was selected for the Midnight Screening section of the
Cannes Film Festival. Some foreign media liked his and Sean Lau Ching
Wan's chances to compete for Best Actor. Koo Tin Lok humorously said,
"Do you really like the odds? It's still something to be happy about!"
Koo Tin Lok constantly wore sunglasses at events as of late. Goo Jai
revealed that it was due to an eye problem. "The right eye's retina
has two holes and eye floaters appeared. Wearing sunglasses would turn
the environment darker so it wouldn't be as serious." He has already
scheduled the operation and would need a week to recover. He would not
be able to take a flight for some time.
Speaking of attending G-Dragon's concert in Korea earlier, he
was caught with a mystery woman next to him and some suspected her to
be GD's sister. Goo Jai said, "GD's Pa, Ma, sister, the whole family
was there. I was just watching the concert, but I haven't watched the
concert when it was so cold."
This year's festival screened nearly 200 films from 69 countries
and regions, including 6 world premieres and 52 Asian premieres. The
festival also invited a number of renowned filmmakers, including French
director Leos Carax, Spanish director Albert Serra, Finnish director
Juho Kuosmanen, Golden Horse Best Actor Lee Kang-sheng, Japanese
director Shinobu Yaguchi and actress Yukino Kishii, to meet and exchange
views with Hong Kong audiences during the festival.
The director of the opening film PAVANE FOR AN INFANT Chong Keat
Aun, the two leads Fish Liew Chi Yu and Ben Yuen Fu Wah walked the red
carpet and were interviewed. Liew Chi Yu revealed that she played a
volunteer in the abandoned baby barn in the film, in order to find the
son she abandoned atone for her sins. The biggest challenge was that
she has been used to making commercial films in Hong Kong and had to
adjust to the pace of the film production there. This time she has to
find the slow pace of acting in dramatic films. Although she was
Malaysian, but she was not used to speaking Malaysian in this film.
"Because I rarely speak it, I have to study it with a tutor before
hand." Yuen Fu Wah had a ritual dance scene in the film and also had to
practice hard in advance.
When asked about boyfriend Siuyea Lo Chun Yip's Hong Kong Film
Awards Best Supporting Actor nomination this year, would she walk the
red carpet with him? She joked, "I am not his spouse yet. I can walk
it myself, I don't need him to, haha! Let me take all the glory
himself."
Famous Japanese actress Sakura Ando came to Hong Kong the night
before. She greeted the media in Cantonese, "How is everyone?" She
said that this would be her third trip to Hong Kong. "The last time
was 6 years ago, at the time I attended the Asian Film Awards with
SHOPLIFTERS." She would stay for three days. Although the trip would
be very short, but she hoped to take the opportunity to taste Hong Kong
food and watch more movies. She admired Wong Kar Wai, Johnnie To Kei
Fung and Stephen Chow Sing Chi's movies the most, so she has seen all
the Chow Sing Chi movies released in Japan. Her husband was a To Kei
Fung supporter, and she would also accompany her husband to watch his
movies. "Hong Kong films are very charming, and have brought me a
lot of inspirations and revelations." Would she like to have a chance to
work with the three directors? She bluntly said that she would. As for
whether she wanted to make comedy, she laughed and said that she has
never chosen roles. She would go all out if she would have the
opportunity to work together.
In addition, yesterday the Cannes Film Festival announced its
selections. The Juno Mak Chun Lung produced, directed and written SONS
OF THE NEON NIGHT (FUNG LUM FOR SHAN) was chosen for the "Midnight
Screening" segment and became the only Chinese-language film selection
this year. Mak Chun Lung said, "I would like to thank the Cannes Film
Festival jury on behalf of the team. I believe that every film has its
own destiny. I really couldn't find a more suitable time and place to
hear the prelude to SONS OF THE NEON NIGHT than this."
The lively Natalie Hsu and the calm Chung Suet Ying make the perfect match
Raymond Lam and Aaron Kwok each have his own supporters and the competition has been fierce courtesy of on.cc
Michelle Wai is the top Hong Kong Film Awards Best Actress favorite this year courtesy of on.cc
Michelle Wai and Chung Suet Ying are this year's Best Actress favorites
Best Actors Michael Hui, Sean Lau and Aaron Kwok are nominated for this year's Hong Kong Film Awards courtesy of mingpao.com
The 43rd Hong Kong Film Awards Awards Presentation Ceremony will be
held on April 27th at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre. The event
yesterday released the "prospective Best Actors" Michael Hui Koon Man,
Sean Lau Ching Wan, Aaron Kwok Fu Sing, Raymond Lam Fung, Neo Yau Hawk
Sau, as well as the "Prospective Best Actress" Michelle Wai Sze Nga,
Chung Suet Ying, Hedwig Tam Sin Yin, Natalie Hsu (Hui Yan Yi) and Patra
Au Ga Man.
The first Hong Kong Film Awards Best Actor Michael Hui Koon Man
years later competed again with Emperor Motion Picture THE LAST DANCE
(POR. DEI YUK). In the film, he put away his true character of a comedy
craftsman to play the old-fashioned and serious Namo master and
traditional strict father. His performance was well received, and he
was recognized by a number of Hong Kong directors in the "2024 Hong Kong
Film Directors' Guild Annual Awards" and was selected as "Best Actor".
Three time Hong Kong Film Awards Best Actor, Sean Lau Ching Wan also won
the "Best Actor" at the 18th Asian Film Awards in March. The other 3
Best Actor nominees included ROB N ROLL (LUM SI GIP ONG)'s Aaron Kwok Fu
Sing, TWILIGHT OF THE WARRIORS: WALLED IN (GAU LUNG SING JAI JI WAI
SING)'s Raymond Lam Fung and THE WAY WE TALK (HONG NGOR GUM TIN JUM MOR
SUET)'s Neo Yau Hawk Sau.
As for actresses, Wai Sze Nga and Chung Suet Ying have both been
nominated for the "Best Actress" at the Hong Kong Film Awards for two
consecutive years. Competing with the film LAST, Wai Sze Nga has
already won a number of Best Actress awards in a row, including "The
39th Huading Award", "The 61st Asia-Pacific Film Festival" and "2024
Hong Kong Film Directors' Guild Awards". Nominated for the deaf role
in the film WAY, Chung Suet Ying won the Golden Horse Actress with the
film last year. LAST SONG FOR YOU (GAU BIT CHUNG FUNG)'s Natalie Hsu
(Hui Yan Yi), MONTAGES OF A MODERN MOTHERHOOD (FU DUK BUT)'s Tam Sin
Yin and ALL SHALL BE WELL (CHUNG GUM YI HAU)'s 39th Hong Kong Film
Awards Best Supporting Actress Au Ga Man all received their first
nomination in the category.
[ 2024 BFL LONDON FILM FESTIVAL ]
The complex lives of young deaf people are explored in all their
intricacies in this earnest, superbly performed drama, set in
contemporary Hong Kong.
[ 2024 HONG KONG ASIAN FILM FESTIVAL ]
A soul-searching story about three friends who have different
conditions of deafness: Wolf embraces sign language with confidence
while tackling realistic obstacles in his everyday life; Alan is
Wolf's cheerful best friend who is an advocate of diverse modes of
communication between the deaf and the hearing communities; Sophie
struggles with oral language and continuously strives to be seen as
"normal". The trio embarks on their self-discovering journeys with
moments of pain and realisation. Sincere and empathetic, Adam Wong's
latest drama feature sensitively questions what social norms and
identity mean for us.
[ 2024 BUSAN INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL ASIAN COTENTS AND FILM MARKET ]
Wolf, from a Deaf family, embraces sign language with confidence,
navigating life's obstacles. Sophie, implanted with a cochlear device
in childhood, strives for normalcy through spoken language, despite
the "deaf accent." Alan, with a cochlear implant like Sophie, shares
spoken language skills but also understands sign language, advocating
for diverse communication among the Deaf. Friendship and love
intertwine their lives, causing both wounds and self-discovery on a
journey to find themselves.
7 COLORFUL STAGE! THE MOVIE: A MIKU WHO CAN'T SING
d. Hiroyuki Hata
Japanese Animation
Rating : I
Length : 106 mins.
Opening April 3 2025
[ BROADWAY CIRCUT ]
"Please tell me about yourself. Maybe then I'll know how to sing."
Hoshino Ichika unexpectedly hears a song sung by Hatsune Miku at a
record store, a song she had never heard before. As she wonders about
it, she notices a screen showing an unfamiliar "Hatsune Miku."
Shocked, she exclaims, "Miku!?" Startled by Ichika's shout, Miku makes
eye contact with her but quickly disappears.
After a street performance a few days later, the same Miku suddenly
appears on Ichika's phone. Looking somewhat despondent, Miku shares
her story with Ichika, revealing her wish to convey her songs to
certain people. However, no matter how much she sings, her voice never
seems to reach them.
During the recent concert, Miku saw Ichika touching many hearts with
her voice. It gave Miku hope that by understanding Ichika, she might
also be able to transmit her voice to others. Summoning her courage,
she approaches Ichika. Ichika smiles in response to her request and
says, "If I can help in any way," readily agreeing to assist her. Thus
begins the new story of Hatsune Miku and the teenagers.
6 GRAND MAISON PARIS
d. Ayuko Tsukahara
Takuya Kimura, Kyoka Suzuki,
Ok Taec-yeon, Yoshinori Masakado,
Yuta Tamamori, Kanichiro,
Ayako Yoshitani, Anne Nakamura,
Ai Tominaga, Mitsuhiro Oikawa, Ikki Sawamura
Rating : IIA
Length : 112 mins.
Opening March 27 2025
Trailer : https://youtu.be/4LXa3i4dWH0
[ BROADWAY CIRCUIT ]
After their restaurant "Grand Maison Tokyo" earned a Michelin three-
star, Natsuki Obana and Rinko Hayami venture to Paris to open "Grand
Maison Paris," aiming to become the first Asian chefs to achieve the
same honor. However, they face cultural challenges and intense
pressure in a city filled with culinary masters.
Following a mishap at a gala dinner, Obana makes a pact with his
former mentor: he will leave France if they don't earn three stars in
the next Michelin evaluation. Can Obana and his team overcome these
obstacles to achieve their dream?
5 NE ZHA 2
d. Jiaozi
mainland China animation
Rating : I
Length : 144 mins.
Opening February 22 2025
Trailer : https://youtu.be/oVURYfWg3RU
[ BROADWAY CIRCUIT ]
After the heavenly lightning, although Ne Zha and Ao Bing survived by
becoming Spirits, they would soon dissipate completely. Taiyi plans to
rebuild Ne Zha and Ao Bing’s mortal bodies with the Seven-colored
Precious Lotus. However, during the process of reconstruction,
numerous obstacles arise. What will become of the fate of Ne Zha and
Ao Bing?
4 FLOW
d. Gints Zilbalodis
Latvian Animation
3 THE LAST DANCE [DIRECTOR'S CUT]
Can : Por. Dei Yuk
Lit : Breaking. Hell
d. Anselm Chan Mau Yin
Rachel Dayo Wong Tsz Wah, Michael Hui Koon Man,
Michelle Wai Sze Nga, Tommy Chu Pak Hong,
Catherine Chau Ka Yee, Paul Chun Pui,
Elaine Jin (Kam Yin Ling), Rachel Leung Yung Ting,
Rosa Maria Velasco (Wai Law Sha), Chung Suet Ying
Rating : IIB
Length : 126 mins.
Length : 139 mins. (Director's Cut)
Opening October 10 2024 at the Hawaii International Film Festival
Opening November 14 2024
Opening March 14 2025 at the Osaka Asian Film Festival (Director's Cut)
Opening April 4 2025 (Director's Cut)
Trailer : https://youtu.be/om4lN8N-TIc
Site : https://hiff.org/events/thelastdance/
Site : https://oaff.jp/en/programs/2025-hk03/ (Director's Cut)
[ 20TH OSAKA ASIAN FILM FESTIVAL ]
After Covid bankrupts wedding planner Dominic, he moves into
caring for cadavers by taking over his girlfriend’s uncle's
place in a funeral parlour. His services become a hit with
everyone except a crotchety conservative Taoist priest,
Master Man, who is unconvinced that Dominic is committed to
spiritual care. Thus Dominic digs into all of the details of
deathcare while discovering Man’s dedication to the dead means
he disregards his nearest and dearest.
Filmed in funeral homes in Hong Kong's Hung Hom district, the
film has a ring of authenticity while delivering whip-smart
verbal comedy via Michael HUI and Dayo WONG as a mismatched
pair. From there, it opens up into a more considered look at
the Taoist influence in Hong Kong’s funeral rituals and a
fascinating family drama that explores how gender roles are
affected by these traditions.
[ HAWAII INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL ]
Starring current Hong Kong comedy king Dayo Wong and comedy
legend Michael Hui, THE LAST DANCE is the story of a
debt-ridden wedding planner who finds unexpected success as a
funeral planner, but he has to win over a traditional Taoist
priest to stay in the business...The pandemic has sent most
industries into recession. Mired in debt, wedding planner
Dominic gets a miraculous chance to turn things around when
a funeral planner retires and passes the baton to him.
Planning weddings and funerals are polar opposites, but
Dominic puts his all into his new job, from opening graves,
digging coffins, to handling the deceased. No matter how
unpleasant it gets, he takes on everything with gusto. However,
the biggest obstacle is getting the approval of respected
Taoist priest, Master Man. In his 70s, Master Man is a
traditional man who has devoted his life to his Taoist faith.
He wants to pass the mantle to his son, Ben, but Ben is more
devoted to his wife and kids than to Taoism. Master Man's
daughter, Yuet, respects her father greatly. However,
since her ancestors dictated that women are filthy by
nature, Yuet doesn't take romantic relationships seriously.
2 PEG O' MY HEART
AKA :THE SHADOW OF REDEMPTION
Can : Shook Mung
d. Nick Cheung Ka Fai
Nick Cheung Ka Fai, Fala Chen,
Terrance Lau Chun Him, Rebecca Zhu Chenli, Ben Yuen Fu Wa,
Julius Brian Siswojo, Natalie Hsu (Hui Yan Yi),
Yem Yuen Yee Man, Brian Lee Hoi Yin@24 Herbs, Lauria Wu Ga Ying,
Rating : IIB
Length : 97 mins.
Opening February 22 2025
Opening April 30 2024 at the 2024 Udine Far East Film Festival
Opening July 21 2024 at the Malaysia International Film Festival
Opening March 27 2025
Trailer : https://youtu.be/HakTGK5KEwY
[ CINEMA CITY ]
Dr. Man, an unorthodox psychiatrist, is skilled at extracting the
deepest secrets of his patients. One day, he hops into a random cab
and encounters Choi, the cab driver. Man finds Choi's condition
deeply disturbing but is unable to express his concern during the
short cab ride. A few day later, the two men cross paths again. Choi
has been ordered to undergo a psychiatric evaluation due to his
alleged involvement in reckless driving, and Man is assigned to his
case. Man quickly realizes that Choi struggles to differentiate
between dreams and reality. He constantly sees "devils". Awake or
not, his mind can never rest; his body continues to waste away. As
hopeless as Choi's condition seems, Man is determined to get to the
bottom of his story. As Choi's story unfolds, Man begins to
experience disturbing and perplexing dreams. These dreams are vivid
and unsettling. The deeper Man delves into Choi's past, the more
intense and haunting his nightmares become. Man becomes increasingly
suspicious of what is pay for uncovering the ghosts hidden in Choi's
closet?
[ CINEMA ONLINE MALAYSIA ]
Choi San-keung, a taxi driver who perpetually lacks sleep, thus
endangering anyone who sets foot in his taxi. One passenger is
psychiatrist Dr Man, who survives the taxi ride and offers to help
Choi. The offer is refused, but Choi later becomes Dr Man's
involuntary patient after a particularly egregious night of driving.
Dr Man has his own personal issues: his motto is "I think a doctor
should do more than prescribe meds," which means a doctor should
also investigate his patients secretly in defiance of common sense
and hospital protocol. In a parallel to Choi, Dr Man also has
sleeping issues. He suffers from disturbing dreams of his deceased
mother, which hints at a secret involving his father, and perhaps
some repressed memories.
1 A MINECRAFT MOVIE
d. Jared Hess
Jason Momoa, Jack Black, Danille Brooks,
Emma Myers, Sebastian Hansen,
