[2020.08.28] KATHY YUEN IS NAMED TO TAKE OVER THE ROLE OF "AH BO"

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Snow Suen, Kathy Yuen, Patrick Kong and Jeana Ho will work together on MANG NUI GAING WON
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Kathy Yuen (Tong Yi) recently with her TVB hit series AL CAPPUCCINO character So Chi Shan and her innocent, four eyed girl image has been called the "strongest four eyed girl" in show business. Rising in popularity, she was even named to play the new generation of "Ah Bo" by director Patrick Kong (Yip Lim Sum) in his film MANG NUI GAING WON (BLIND GIRL THRILLER).

After the film NATURAL BORN LOVERS (TIN SUN OI CHING KONG), the Yip Lim Sum directed new film MANG NUI GAING WON will team Tong Yi with him again. He praised Tong Yi's widening range in recent years, as her acting kept improving he wanted to work with her again more. Being named to be the new generation of Ah Bo, Tong Yi felt very lucky. She joked that she grew up watching Director Yip's movies. When he asked her to play the new generation of Ah Bo, of course she was very happy. She hoped that the director would be able to design a character that she has never played before, with even greater differences from her own personality. She said, "From the beginning I have given people a mild mannered impression. I long to try vicious villain roles like in the series BEYOND THE REALM OF CONSCIENCE, or a tough female fighter."

[2020.08.28] SHOCK WAVE 2 BRINGS ANDY LAU AND SEAN LAU TOGETHER AGAIN AFTER 18 YEARS

In the SHOCK WAVE 2 scene, an airplane with a nuclear bomb crashes into the airport

The airport is blown up

DISCONNECT'D

OBSESSED

HAND-ROLLED CIGARETTE
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Sean Lau in order to get into character refuses to take off his suit after putting it on.

Ni Ni receives the director's praise for giving her all
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The Herman Yau Lai To directed, Andy Lau Tak Wa produced and starred giant film production SHOCK WAVE 2 (CHAK DAN JUEN GA 2) will open at the end of the year. SHOCK WAVE 2 will start with an all new story and "Double Best Actors" team of Lau Tak Wa and new addition Sean Lau Ching Wan. Viewers would surely look forward to their performances 18 years since their previous collaboration. In addition, the cast will also include Ni Ni, Tse Kwan Ho, Philip Keung Ho Man, Marc Ma Yuke, Kenny Wong Tak Bun, Ron Ng Cheuk Hei, Timmy Hung Tin Ming and other good actors.

In the first SHOCK WAVE, the team blew up the 1:1 scale Cross Harbor Tunnel replica. In the earlier released SHOCK WAVE 2 trailer, the element of a "nuclear bomb" will be added. In the short trailer, the Hong Kong International Airport was engulfed in fire, the big explosion created a mushroom cloud, and a vehicle that was filled with explosives traveled at high speed. The scenes were shocking and realistic, and the pace was so intense and exciting that the audience would be left on the edge of their seats.

Playing a bomb disposal expert again, Lau Tak Wa's character this time would be even more complex. His fate and Ching Wan's would be drastically different. The audience would look forward to their scenes together very much.

Yau Lai To also praised Ching Wan and Ni Ni's professionalism. "Ching Wan after putting on the costume refuses to take it off. The bomb disposal suit is very heavy, stuffy and hot, but as soon as work began he wouldn't take it off even if the shoot was over. I had to ask him three times before he was willing to remove it. He really is a very professional actor, no more needs to be about his acting!"

As for his first time collaborator Ni Ni, Yau Lai To said that she was very focused. She was willing to personally perform many dangerous scenes. "In one scene she had to be hung to five or six stories, she still personally performed it. In a big explosion scene, she asked for not double. However we were very experience in explosion, as soon as it went off it would be impossible for her to see anything. It would be pointless for her to take the risk for something that would have no result, I had to talk her out of it."

SHOCK WAVE 2 announced its end of the year release. Scheduled for release around the same period would be DISCONNECT'D (DUEN MONG), OBSESSED (FUN SUN) and HAND-ROLLED CIGARETTE (SAU GUEN YIN). The Aaron Kwok Fu Sing starred DISCONNECT'D will be Soi Cheang Pou Soi produced, Wong Hing Fan directed. Other actors will include Wong Tak Bun, Patrick Tam Yiu Man and Michael Ning (Bak Ji). Sing Sing in the film will play a computer genius whose program puts himself and his family in danger. Mandarin Film's OBSESSED will star Kevin Cheng Ka Wing, Rebecca Zhu and Dada Chan Jing. Cheng Ka Wing will play a "cheater". As for the Chan Kin Long directed HAND-ROLLED CIGARETTE, the cast aside from Gordon Lam Ka Tung, Ben Yuen Fu Wa, Bak Ji and Chin Siu Ho will also include Best Actor Tai Po.

[2020.08.27] LEGALLY DECLARED DEAD RETURNS TO THE MOVIES

Emperor's LEGALLY DECLARED DEAD has good word of mouth

BEYOND THE DREAM was heading toward HK$ 9 million 13 days into its release
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As the pandemic showed signs of easing, the government announced that cinemas will resume operation tomorrow. Once cinemas would reopen, many films will be released. They will include Emperor Motion Pictures' LEGALLY DECLARED DEAD (SEI YUN MO HOR YI), the Golden Scene quartet of SUK SUK, MY PRINCE EDWARD (GUM DOH), BEYOND THE DREAM (WAN OI) and BAMBOO THEATRE (HEI PANG), PENINSULA and TENET. The Steve Yuen Kim Wai directed, Anthony Wong Chau Sun and Karena Lam Ka Yun starred Emperor Motion Picture LEGALLY DECLARED DEAD made almost HK$ 7.6 million at the box office before cinemas closed in mid July. Director Yuen Kim Wai said, "The release basically experienced different conditions, from the start we weren't certain whether it will open because cinemas were completely closed, then opened with half capacity. Later the cinemas were fully opened but suddenly closed again. My emotions were up and down. The hope of continuing the release became further and further away. Now I learn that it will return on Friday, of course I have mixed emotions. I wholeheartedly hope that viewers who have not seen it will be able to return to the movies and continue their support!" Lead actress Lam Ka Yun described LEGALLY DECLARED DEAD's return to the cinema as a tremendous surprise and thanked every cinema circuit for supporting Hong Kong films.

Meanwhile, LEGALLY DECLARED DEAD was selected for the 24th Montreal International Fantastic Film Festival and the 19th New York Asian Film Festival. The director said, "Being selected for these two film festivals is the recognition for the entire production team. In particular the Montreal International Fantastic Film Festival mainly features horror and thriller films, seemingly LEGALLY found a suitable platform to interact with colleagues everywhere."

The film BEYOND THE DREAM headed toward HK$ 9 million at the box office before cinemas closed 13 days after its release and even became the talk of the internet. The film's director Kiwi Chow Koon Wai said that although the film was heading toward HK$ 9 million, last month's cinema closing was quite a setback for BEYOND THE DREAM 13 days into its release. Fortunately he learned that Friday cinemas will open up again and he was a little excited.

[2020.08.26] PENINSULA WILL OPEN UPON CINEMA RE-OPENING

Kang Dong-Won is happy to hear that Hong Kong cinemas will open up again and hope everyone will see his film PENINSULA

BEYOND THE DREAM's director Kiwi Chow is excited about the return of cinema
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Korean film PENINSULA after over a month of delay will rush out of the gate.

BEYOND THE DREAM's director Kiwi Chow admits that the cinema closing after only 13 days of the film's release was quite a setback.

MY PRINCE EDWARD's director Norris Wong hopes everyone would pay attention to their hygiene when they would return to the movies.
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The Hong Kong government yesterday announced an easing of gathering restrictions. Cinemas will resume operation Friday. Originally scheduled for an August 15th release, the Korean film PENINSULA finally would see the light of day and open on the day that cinemas would return.

Locally, BEYOND THE DREAM (WAN OI) and MY PRINCE EDWARD (GUM DOH) was still in release last month but was forced to cut their runs short. BEYOND THE DREAM's director Kiwi Chow Koon Wai said, "The cinema closing last month had quite an enormous impact on BEYOND THE DREAM, which has only been in release for 13 days. Upon learning that cinemas will be able to re-open on Friday, I am a little excited. During this period Hong Kong changed a lot, the future became very hard to grasp. I would encourage friends who are interested in BEYOND THE DREAM to take the opportunity and go to the movies as soon as possible." MY PRINCE EDWARD's director Norris Wong Yi Lam said, "Cinemas will finally re-open, MY PRINCE EDWARD was still in release before. I hope it will be able to continue. Many people want to see it at the movies. I hope everyone would continue to pay attention to hygiene when they go to the movies." SUK SUK's director Ray Yeung said, "I have been looking forward to the cinemas to open up again for a long time. I hope SUK SUK will be able to continue its journey at the movies. I hope even more that viewers would not forget SUK SUK and continue their support. Everyone please take the full preventive precaution when they go to the movies. The experience of enjoying SUK SUK on the big screen will be even more memorable and even more touching."

[2020.08.26] HONG KONG FILM DIRECTORS' GUILD SALUTES BENNY CHAN

Louis Koo remembers Benny Chan
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Famous director Benny Chan Muk Sing passed away on August 23rd from nasopharyngeal carcinoma at age 58. The Hong Kong film industry was deeply sorry to hear the news. Reportedly his family would like Director Chan's funeral to take place in a low key manner. The 18th Hong Kong Film Directors' Guild executive committee two days ago issued a statement to express deep sorrow over the passing of Director Chan.

The statement mentioned Director Chan Muk Sing devoted most of his life in Hong Kong film, and set up an unique action genre model for Chinese language films. With strong, straightforward and bold visuals and drama, his films reflected the benevolence and righteousness under adversity that modern film environment has been exploring and examining. Behind the fierce light and shadow, Director Chan Muk Sing was always sincere, honest, pragmatic and chivalrous. He was deeply respected by his peers and loved by the younger generations.

Director Chan Muk Sing in his last days still devoted himself to the production of RAGING FIRE (NO FOR). His talent, passion and dedication to film would always remain in the hearts of his colleagues and fans, just like his numerous classic works. The entire Directors' Guild executive committee expressed their deepest sympathy and condolences over his sudden passing and extended their highest salute.

Louis Koo Tin Lok wrote an eulogy titled "Live in My Heart" for the director. Goo Jai said that when he received the news of Chan Muk Sing's passing, his mind first went blank as he was unable to express that sorrow. Once he settled down, various memories in no particular order flooded his heart as bits and pieces of visuals appeared. The first time they worked together on ROB B HOOD (BO BUI GAI WAT) was already 14 years ago, as they started their partnership that was both a friendship and a mentorship. He never thought that MEOW from three years ago would be their last collaboration.

Donnie Yen Chi Tan two nights ago again posted an old photo to remember Chan Muk Sing, saying that he was lucky to be able to work with him on his final film RAGING FIRE. After 25 years he was still that righteous, tough, happy and inspirational director and friend. He would miss his smile, sharing creative exchanges and stories of fatherhood with him.

[2020.08.25] MEMORIES OF BENNY CHAN CONTINUE TO POUR IN

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Hong Kong police film representative and famous director Benny Chan Muk Sing two days ago passed away from nasopharyngeal carcinoma at age 58. China Film Directors' Guild issued a statement that night, "We deeply regret the loss of such an outstanding colleague."

China Film Directors' Guild in the statement said that it was "very sad and deeply sorry" over the passing of Chan Muk Sing. "Upon learning that Director Chan Muk Sing worked until to the final moment of life, the Guild solemnly salutes him."

"He was upright, honest, indifferent to fame and fortune and was deeply loved and respected by his colleagues." The Guild also asked the Hong Kong Film Directors' Guild to extend their deepest sympathy to Director Chan Muk Sing's family.

In addition, Wu Jing starred in Chan Muk Sing's films SHAOLIN and CITY UNDER SEIGE (CHUEN SING GAI BEI). In his own hit film WOLF WARRIOR 2 he gave special thanks to Director Chan. Two days ago he posted an old photo of them on Weibo. "I would always remember every drop of the past! Director Chan Muk Sing have a safe journey!"

Daniel Wu (Ng Yin Cho) also posted an old photo and remembered Director Chan on social media, "I am saddened over the passing of the legendary Hong Kong director Benny Chan. With GEN-X COPS, DIVERGENCE, and NEW POLICE STORY, under your guidance I completed my best work. I will always miss you, you are the greatest director." His GEN-X COPS co-stars Sam Lee Chan Sam and Grace Ip Pui Man also remembered the director on social media.

Eddie Cheung Siu Fai worked with Chan Muk Sing many times. "I met you on MING MOON, we met again on CONNECTED. You were great in the eyes of everyone. I thought I would be able to work with you again on THE TRIER OF FACT (SAU KUET JEH) but it was not meant to be. Have a safe journey!"

Taiwan artist Eddie Peng Yu-Yan posted a poster from CALL OF HEROES (NGAI SING). "Remembering director and mentor Benny Chan: CALL OF HEROES reached the 4th anniversary of its release! Thank you Director for showing us the beautiful world that is full of justice in his heart."

Aaron Kwok Fu Sing's manager Siu Mei posted the music video for the film DIVERGENCE (SAM CHA HAU). "I dedicated the film DIVERGENCE's theme song to my most beloved Director Muk Sing. Thank you for always supporting, helping, sharing with and trusting in me. I also thank him for his love, care, appreciation and trust for Aaron, enabling him under the guidance of Director Muk Sing to play this obsessive cop in DIVERGENCE that won him the rave reviews and his first Golden Horse Best Actor award. All of these are deeply etched into our hearts. This gratitude would never be forgotten. They were just like they happened yesterday. Originally we agreed to look for a movie to work together on this year, or Director Muk Sing wanted to see I'M LIVIN' IT (MAK LO YUN), but everything would never be fulfilled. I blame myself the most for not knowing how seriously ill he was, hate myself for not doing anything for himself at all. However, I believe that the gentle and good Director Muk Sing is without pain elsewhere. He would still forgive us with a smile and wish us well. Chan Muk Sing was a good director and a good friend with such generosity and talent! In the end, I would forever forever forever miss Chan Muk Sing. Without any time limit. It's late. As DIVERGENCE played, many memories were in my heart but tears could not hold back. "She said that after getting a call from Teddy Chan Tak Sum about Chan Muk Sing's passing she could not go back to sleep, as they had a "tearful vs. tearful" talk from the heartbreak and the sadness. "I am grateful to have met a gentleman and a good person like you in life. I would always remember you."

Chan Muk Sing was the producer of LITTLE BIG MASTER (NG GOR SIU HAI DIK HAU JEUNG) and everyone's "school supervisor". Yesterday the film's official site shared photos of Chan Muk Sing with the children during the shoot and wrote, "Dear Supervisor - Director Chan Muk Sing: Thank you for your patient guidance. We will remember your smile and your teachings. Director, thank you, have a safe journey!"

[2020.08.25] HOU HSIAO-HSIEN WILL RECEIVE THE GOLDEN HORSE LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD THIS YEAR

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The Golden Horse Awards yesterday held an executive committee meeting and voted unanimously for this year's Lifetime Achievement Award winner. The 73 year famous Taiwan director of CITY OF SADNESS, Hou Hsiao-Hsien, will be honored for his contribution to and achievement in Taiwan cinema.

Director Hou Hsiao-Hsien upon learning that he would receive this year's Golden Horse Lifetime Achievement Award immediately said that he wanted to donate the cash prize to the Golden Horse Award. However the Golden Horse Award workers reminded him that the Lifetime Achievement Award had no cash prize. However the workers were still moved by Director Hou Hsiao-Hsien's good intention. As for the Lifetime Achievement Award, Director Hou Hsiao-Hsien said, "I like film, I make film, this is what I believe in." The Golden Horse Award will take place on November 21st in Taipei.