[2009.09.23] KELLY LIN TURNS SUN HONGLEI INTO A GENTLEMAN

courtesy of mingpao.com

courtesy of takungpao.com

The John Woo (Ng Yu Sum), Michelle Yeoh (Yeung Chi King), Terence Chang Ka Chun produced romantic comedy MY FAIR GENTLEMAN yesterday afternoon held a Beijing press conference and attracted nearly 100 media outlet members. Aside from the three producers, director Peter Lee Juyuan along with leads Sun Honglei, Kelly Lin (Lam Hei Lui) and special guest star Yuan Xinyu in attendance.

In the film Lam Hei Lui played a public relations manager who transforms a rich country bumpkin Sun Honglei into a well mannered gentleman. Ng Yu Sum pointed out that currently women's power was on the rise, so the role reversal was not a problem. He said that at home he respected his wife very much. His daughters were always managing him as well, prohibiting him from smoking, drinking and urging him not to throw a tantrum on the set. Was he a gentleman? Ng Yu Sum joked that he could not be considered one as he only pretended to be one. He felt that a gentleman should always put the lady first and always be humble and polite.

In the film Lam Hei Lui was called the "white bone fairy". She joked that "white bone fairy" referred to white collar, structured and elite. However, when she first heard this term she too had no clue. Sun Honglei was very glad to be able to make a romantic comedy. He had so much fun that he would like to make a sequel. Sun Honglei not long ago received a excellent actor award and just completed Zhang Yimou's new film. Lately Chen Kaige and Ng Yu Sum both were rumored to be interested in working with him, as he became several big directors' target. He pointed out that the directors have shown a lot of love perhaps because he was more hard working. Ng Yu Sum earlier expressed that he would like to bring him to Hollywood. Sun Honglei expressed that he was not too interested. He felt that good script and character were the most important. Speaking English was only a tool.

In addition, Ng Yu Sum earlier met with the Beijing press and talked about the second round casting of the martial art epic GIM YU GONG WU, which he will produce and chief direct with Su Chao-pin as executive director. Aside from Michelle Yeoh, Jung Woo-Sung, Lam Hei Lui and Wong He, Barbie Hsu (Tsui Hei Woon), Shawn Yue Man Lok and Wang Xueqi also joined the cast. The film's production budget reached an estimate of US$11.5 million. Ng Yu Sum pointed out that GIM will be a highly entertaining but also innovative martial art film. Director Su Chao-pin pointed out that Yeung Chi King in the film will play a strong female killer in retirement. She runs into the Jung Woo Sung played simple and optimistic man. After they wed they long for an ordinary life but her colleagues refuse to let her go. Big S is cast because her acting has improved a lot. She is smart and also has the rare innocent yet sexy quality among Taiwan actresses. He has met with Yeung Chi King and Jung Woo Sung. Jung Woo Sung will deliver Chinese dialogues in the entire film. His Chinese is great and he asked not to be dubbed. When asked whether Yeung Chi King and Jung Woo Sung will have bed scenes, Su Chao-pin expressed that if so he might turn the lights down a little.

Ng Yu Sum's daughter Angeles Woo Fei Ha was rumored to take part as well. Ng Yu Sum pointed out that his daughter actually was more interested in behind the scene work. Her future goal was directing, but if the chance arose she would be an actor first. Then she will be able to understand what the actors will be thinking when she will direct. Ng Yu Sum's wife pointed out that she will not stop their daughter from joining the business, but she also will not encourage her. Their daughter's happiness is the most important.

[2009.09.22] MAGGIE Q COMES BACK TO ASIAN FILM

Joe Odagiri, Tian Zhuangzhuang, Maggie Q

courtesy of on.cc

courtesy of takungpao.com

The Tian Zhuangzhuang directed film THE WARRIOR AND THE WOLF (LONG JOI GEI) yesterday held a press conference in Shenzhen. The film's lead actor Joe Odagiri and Maggie Q attended. At the press conference, Tian Zhuangzhuang praised Joe Odagiri as a very hard working actor. The initial script that he gave him was in Chinese and required translation, but he handled it very carefully. After translating the script and familiarizing himself with it, he got into character as soon as the production started. He had a lot of acting potential. Tian Zhuangzhuang also praised Maggie Q as a smart actor who was very at east in her role. She was only missing a little experience because in comparison to Odagiri Odagiri had much more experience.

Maggie Q praised Odagiri as a very charming and excellent actor and she was very honored to work with him. Since she is already working in Hollywood, why would she take this Chinese film? She said, "I have been always very lucky. As soon as the chance arises I do it, whether the movie is in Hollywood, China or other places. I am very glad to be able to work with two professionals Tian Zhuangzhuang and Odagiri, and it is time for me to come back to the Asian film scene. The director protects me and takes care of me very well, and had very high expectations for me and other actors. He is very stubborn but his ideas are very clear, his directions precise, which to us actors are great. Both the director or Odagiri are great teachers." As for rumors that Tang Wei was originally cast in the role, she stressed that never happened and the press could ask the director about it.

Joe Odagiri yesterday arrived a little late and apologized to everyone in Japanese. He was late because his flight was delayed. He said that this film was an ancient Chinese story and he lacked understanding of Chinese history. He humbly said, "I may not have been fully prepared, but the story is very clear. It is in three parts, the relationship between men, men and women and men and wolves. They are all stories of loyalty and love." When asked if the numerous intimate scenes with Maggie Q were embarrassing, he said, "We had intimate scenes but we actually didn't have the time to be shy. As soon as we got there we were in them. Maggie Q and I communicated very well. We knew how to handle our characters, which helped me a lot. If I was truly shy I wouldn't do well. Maggie Q's personality is like a guy, very direct. So we got along very pleasantly."

[2009.09.22] LOUSIE WONG STEALS THE SHOW

courtesy of takungpao.com

Wylie Chiu Shek Chi, Renee Dai Mung Mung, Melody Chan Yeuk Lan, Louise Wong Lo Yiu, Chow Pak Ho, Wong Ka Lok, JJ Jia (Ga Hiu Sun), Cecilia Ngan Hau Kwan, Lee Ting Ting, and Kwok Sze Lam yesterday attended the production start of the film NGOR YIU JO LAN MO (I WANT TO BE A YOUNG MODEL). Shek Chi has always been known to be sexy but yesterday she was more reserved. Will she have to be sexy in the film? She said, "I don't know yet, costume fitting is later." When asked whether Yumi Wan Chun Hei's absence was due to company suspension, Mung Mung and Chiu Shek Chi both said that they did not know as the company arranged the job.

Mung Mung, Shek Chi and Melody was asked whether they would follow company rules even more? They expressed that they have always followed the rules. Shek Chi even said that after her suspension she had even more jobs. She said that earlier during her cool down period, she learned from the paper that JJ did not know the reason for her suspension but still praised her as a very real girl. She said, "This incident already confirmed JJ's support. Earlier when I saw her I was very touched. So we will support Yumi the same way." JJ expressed that her comment that supported Chiu Shek Chi was just the truth because they have known each other for very long. As for sexy performance, she expressed probably not.

Earlier linked to Michael Tse Tin Wa in rumors, young model Wong Lo Yiu yesterday showed up in a strap dress. During photo opportunity the wind kicked up and caused a wardrobe malfunction. The company artist director jokingly told the reporters to hurry up and take pictures, and even asked Wong Lo Yiu to stand still for them. Although Wong Lo Yiu was embarrassed she remained still for the reporters. Finally she at least posed two to three times. Her promotional gimmick was unusual and stolen other actresses' thunder. Wong Lo Yiu expressed that earlier she worked on the film THE GLAMOUR OF YOUTH (MING MEI SI GUONG) so this will be her second film. The film described her as "special introduction", she honestly said that she had a lot of scenes. Will she have very sexy performance? She expressed that in one scene the girls will play a prank on her and her clothes will come off on the catwalk. She said, "You will find out when you see it. I won't need to show anything but it will be very sexy." Wong Lo Yiu learned from the paper that she was described a category III and erotic film star, but actually GLAMOUR is an art film that participated in international film festivals earlier. She honestly said that she had nude performance in the film but hoped that the audience does not focus on her figure. As for Tse Tin Wa, she explained that she and Tse Tin Wa are just a fan and an idol. Earlier she put the photo online, but as a fan why would she contact him. However she was sorry that this time affected his family. Did she feel that her gossip with Tse Tin Wa helped her get this role? She only said that the film negotiation began a long time ago.

[2009.09.21] ANDY LAU ATTENDS THE FOUNDING OF A REPUBLIC HONG KONG PREMIERE

courtesy of singtao.com

Tang Guoqiang, Peter Lam Kin Ngok, Zhang Guoli

courtesy of mingpao.com

courtesy of takungpao.com

In order to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the People's Republic of China founding, the film THE FOUNDING OF A REPUBLIC two nights ago held a grand charity premiere. Directors Han Sanping, Huang Jianxin, Tang Guoqiang who played Mao Zedong, Zhang Guoli who played Chiang Kai -Shek and Andy Lau Tak Wa who only had an one minute scene also attended. The event also invited Chief Executive Donald Tsang to host the ceremony. Other guests included Dragon Foundation chairman Yang Tieliang, Peter Lam Kin Ngok, Peter Chan Ho Sun, Sandra Ng Kwan Yu, Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Chow Man Wai, Pansy Ho Chiu King and others. At the event the Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups also performed one of the 2008 Beijing Olympics songs SINGING THE ANCESTOR NATION to open the premiere. Chief Executive Tsang and the other guests host a bronze gong ringing ceremony. This premiere raised fund to promote Chinese youth cultivation work.

After resting a month Lau Tak Wa yesterday made an appearance. Some fans from Chongqing, Chengdu and even held up banners that said "With you for life, forever support you"; however, the number and the noise level were unlike before. When Wa Jai arrived, fans screamed nonstop. Wa Jai flashed a smile and was in a light mood.

The event borrowed wax figures of Mao Zedong, Zhou Enlai and Deng Xiaoping from Madame Tussaud's for guests to pose for pictures with. Wa Jai also posed with the three leaders' wax figures. Then he accepted media questions. Wa Jai expressed that of course he was very happy about having so many fans on hand. Was he nervous? He said, "Not at all, why do I have to be nervous? (You haven't seen fans in a long time?) I always see them." Was he still bothered? He said, "I am fine." September 27 will be Wa Jai's birthday. This year he will continue to celebrate his birthday with his fans as he did in previous years.

In the film Wa Jai only had an one minute scene. Wa Jai said, "This time I come to see how long it is. Actually I only spent two days on the shoot." After a month of rest, what plan did he have for the future? He said, "I am thinking about national events, the 60th Anniversary National Day I have to thin kabout too." He pointed out that actually work was already scheduled and no special change was made. Did he have to prepare to have a baby? Wa Jai immediately said, "Don't ask about that." Did he congratulate Miriam Yeung Chin Wa on her marriage? Wa Jai expressed that he did not see her yet. Some reporters pointed out that he dragged her into the storm with him. He said, "No. (Will you apologize to Chin Wa?) I am not answering that. (Will you host a make up wedding banquet?) I am not answering."

Wa Jai expressed that he received birthday presents but did not want to say what they were. Did he feel that fans were different after the earlier incident? He said, "This is between me and them. I will communicate with fans." Did he feel he had more supporters? He expressed that it has always been like this. Later Wa Jai in an electronic media interview praised this film's Chinese history and was a great teaching material. As for on site fan support, Wa Jai expressed thanks for their years of support. He felt touched and warm, after which he got a little teary eyed.

In addition, Zhang Guoli and Tang Guoqiang were interviewed together. Zhang Guoli expressed that he turned down the offer many times. Finally the director convinced him to play Chiang Kai-shek. He said that as his son he had to do something for his mother's birthday and contribute to the nation. He explained, "At first I turned down the role because I thought I didn't resemble Chiang Kai-Shek, but the result was unexpected. Even Mr. Tang was very satisfied." Tang Guoqiang has already played Mao Zedong 14 times. This time his character was the same. Yet Zhang Guoli honestly said that ths film was very stressful. Because of the many star cameos, he watched himself and dared not be lazy. This film alrady passed 100 million. Zhang Guoli said, "Right! This figure never appeared in past performance." Did he congratulate Wa Jai? He said, "We are good friends. Fortunately you mentioned it. If you didn't say anything I would have forgotten. When I see him I will congratulate him."

[2009.09.21] RAYMOND LAM SAYS KAY TSE IS TALKATIVE

courtesy of takungpao.com

Raymond Lam Fung yesterday attended an autograph session and performance for his concert DVD release. At the end of the year Lam Fung and Kay Tse On Kay will work on the film LUEN OI TAT YUN, in which they will play a couple. Tse On Kay earlier said that because Lam Fung is too handsome, she was afraid that she might not be able to concentrate. Lam Fung said that will not happen. Tse On Kay's personality is quite talkative. Sometimes at music events when they run into each other they would talk, but privately they have no contact.

[2009.09.19] WILLIAM CHAN EXPLAINS FILM SIMILARITIES

courtesy of singtao.com

courtesy of takungpao.com

William Chan Wai Ting yesterday promoted his new film SPLIT SECOND MURDERS (SEI SUN SOR LIU). Reportedly the film was very similar to Universe's 7 TO ONE - PLAY BIG (GUAN YUN 7 SI). The cast was 80% the same. SPLIT started production later than 7 but was released earlier, which upset 7 boss Daneil Lam Siu Ming and director Pang Fat. Chan Wai Ting who took place in both films felt that the only similarity was that he starred in both films. The film productions actually were quite far apart. Their stories were different. Did he feel the cast was similar? He said, "A little, maybe both films starred young singers. They both felt like an ensemble. Ultimately some people would repeat."

As for SPLIT's earlier release, William pointed out that his characters were different in two films. In 7 he played a mob boss but in SPLIT he played a ballet instructor. Were the two film stories similar? He only said, "I don't know about other actors' characters. I only knew my own story." William expressed that he will soon have a chance to make a new film with Charlene Choi Cheuk Yin. He said, "I want to have the chance to work with other actors. I leave my singer identity when I act. No matter who the co-star is I give my all. Although these two movies were ensemble films, I never thought about how to make myself stand out." Was he worried that the box office would suffer due to the film's similarities? He said that the cast put an effort into its performance. Hopefully everyone would have good reaction after watching the first one and watch the second one. He also said that he was not afraid of audience confusion. The biggest difference was SPLIT did not have Kay Tse On Kay. He said that during promotion he would be extra careful and avoid saying the wrong title.

[2009.09.18] RICHIE JEN NEEDS EXPLANATION FOR BED SCENE

courtesy of takungpao.com

Louis Koo Tin Lok and Richie Jen (Yam Yin Chai) got together for a movie. Their new film ACCIDENT (YI OI) took over a year and a half to make, which both agreed was long and tough! Yet when they saw the movie's birth and received praise, it was worth the hard work.

Goo Jai and Siu Chai worked together for 17 months on ACCIDENT, but when they saw the completed version in the cinema they felt their effort did not go to waste. They only wanted to make a good movie. Goo Jai said, "Just waiting for production to start I already waited half a year. I thought I didn't need to mind the time because spending time to make a good story was a good thing. The production was difficult, but after completion it was forgotten. I am very satisfied with it." Siu Chai continued, "Hong Kong film is known for being fast, pretty and great. I thought in order to make a good movie, the excessive budget should be supported. Although the film production was long, it was an experience that made me grow."

Siu Chai honestly said that for his character he put on a disguise to observe life in a shopping center and the busy city. "Hong Kong people's pace is fast and hurried. To know how to play an ordinary person, first I have to be certain of identity and occupation, fashion and life attitude. I also dressed down and walked around the shopping center. I saw many people liked to talk on the phone or send text messages while they talked, all were very everyday life. I too want to become an ordinary person, but I have to adjust first. Unfortunately when I want to mail a letter I don't even know where the post office is!" In the film Goo Jai had an eavesdropping scene, which was somewhat similar to his OVERHEARD (SIT TING FUNG WON) character. He said, "The movies are of different genres. The only similarity is both wear headphones. Everything else is completely different."

Speaking of bed scenes for both Goo Jai and Siu Chai, Siu Chai pointed out that at first it puzzled him. Later he realized that it was to make a reminisced relationship stand out and accepted this scene. Siu Chai said, "I too asked the director (Soi Cheang) why the film had bed scenes. I learned that this scene was to make Goo Jai's reminiscence of his late wife stand out, from the sounds of eavesdropping he remembered his past and made he feel the pain in his heart. This I can still accept." Goo Jai said that while making ACCIDENT he ran into several typhoons, while shooting a bus crash scene in the rain he was electrocuted due to a electricity leak. Luckily the film was finally completed.