[2024.05.06] DADA CHAN TANGLES WITH TWO MEN OVENIGHT

Dada Chan gets into the fray from the get go with Philip Ng and Andy On

Dada works out regularly, so the action scene poses no difficulty for her
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Dada Chan Ching earlier worked overnight on a film with two strong men Philip Ng Won Lung and Andy Tien (On Chi Kit). Despite staying up she did not lose energy. Instead she put her acting on display. During the fight scene shoot she "changed her face in one second" from the kind mode instantly into a "mad woman", as she went into a rage and fought. No wonder action director Ng Won Lung added fight scenes for her as a "reward"!

Dada Chan Ching, Philip Ng Won Lung and Andy Tien (On Chi Kit) earlier in Kai Tak worked on the action drama MO MING FOR (NAMELESS FIRE). Despite two martial arts stars in the cast, Dada stole a lot of the spotlight on the shoot that night. Because in the scene Dada in order to help On Chi Kit, whose arms were secured by Philip, she had to hit Philip hard with a bowling pin. The three tested their marks before hand. Dada was afraid to hit Philip and looked "sorry", needing Philip to tell her not to worry several times. Then during the official shoot, the once Hong Kong Film Awards Best Supporting Actress Dada got into character in a second. She strongly hit Philip with a vicious look in her eyes. Then the three struggled. Dada was thrown to the ground many times. Since she worked out regularly, the action scene went very smoothly. In this tussle she stole the spotlight from the two lead actors.

Dada stated that actually the action director Philip added the scene on the spot. "In the film I get to both hit people and get hit, but my character isn't a fighter. Only occasionally I would get into it in some scenes." She said that because the scene was a last minute addition, she was uncertain about a lot of the details. However she trusted Philip 100% and was not afraid of getting hurt.

Speaking of the production, she said, "Earlier at the hospital I had a scene that needed one straight take, I really like it. We shot many takes because of camera angle switches. The whole shot was around 2 minutes, it was a lot of fun but intense."

Dada kept accepting new challenges in her career, often looking for breakthroughs. Romantically even though she has suitors, she has not yet dated. Last year she once revealed that she would like to freeze her eggs in the U.S.; but finally due to the complexity of the process and the time consuming recovery period, she was worried that her work would be affected. "Actually it isn't simple at all. I inquired about it and it has a lot of requirements. So I would have to consider it further. However if I would I would have to do it in these few years. Now I have to think it through, a lot of stuff is up in the air."

Philip this time in MO served many posts. He even took part in its planning. As for his good friend On Chi Kit, he naturally had endless praises. However this time actually he did not call in a favor when inviting him, but he did so through the producer; because he felt that even though they were close, personal and professional should be clear cut. He felt that the most important was for the collaboration to be pleasant. As for Dada, Ng Won Lung also appreciated her very much. "As soon as Dada joined the team her first scene was the film's ending. She had to run, struggle, act fully and she was able to do them all. (She gave to have stolen the spotlight in the scene just now!) Every actor is stealing the spotlight. Actually this time every actor gets the full score. I of course am the happiest!" He pointed out that this time the production has been rather smooth. Although he once shot for over ten hours in a cramp environment and appeared to have suffered a heat stroke, the issue was minor. The film in 8 short days shot over 30 minutes of usable fight scenes, which made him even happier. "Normally in the business being able to in one day shoot two minutes of usable film was already very talented, this time truly has broken a record!"

[2024.05.06] MALE VIEWER SNEAK ATTACKS PHILIP NG

Raymond Lam receives a joke "most 'chok' Walled City resident" certificate
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German Cheung, Raymond Lam, Tony Wu and Philip Ng
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Philip Ng jokes that the viewer gets too much into the movie and still thinks he is his character in the film,Wong Gau

The male viewer during preparation has already launched a kick to Philip Ng.  After demonstrating the "inch impact" Philp Ng shakes hands with the viewer, who pushes him down from behind.

German Cheung, Tony Wu, Philip Ng and Raymond Lam continue to attend audience appreciation events

Raymond Lam complies with viewer request for a photo
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Philip Ng Won Lung aside from working on his new film also promoted the film TWILIGHT OF THE WARRIORS: WALLED IN (GAU LUNG SING JAI JI WAI SING) with Raymond Lam Fung, Terrance Lau Chun Him, Tony Wu Tsz Tung, German Cheung Man Kit, Josev Lau (Giu Ching Fu) and others. They braved the red storm warning and foul weather two days ago to thank the audience for the support. Even Korean viewers were present.

Always known for his "chok" Lam Fung received the "Kowloon Walled City's most Chok resident" certificate. He immediately shared the award photo online, which received comments like "That's right that's right, the most chok is you" and "so chok do you need to reward us with a concert?"

Viewers also presented the cartoon mask and chocolate glasses from the film to Lam Fung, who put them on right away to entertain everyone. He revealed, "The mahjong scene originally had no script, not to mention that neither the director nor I knew how to play. Luckily we had a technical director (pointing at Wu Tsz Tung). The scene talked about the lives of the four brothers." Cheung Man Kit said, "We chose how we appeared in that scene."

In addition, Ng Won Lung during the audience appreciation event at the LOHAS invited a viewer to the stage to demonstrate the "inch impact", but the middle aged man kicked him before he was ready, when he was holding up his microphone and about to speak. Even the book in his hand was knocked out. Then he turned around and kicked again. They continued as Ng Won Lung pretended to punch but pushed him in the chest one. As everyone thought the demonstration was over, the male viewer suddenly struck Ng Won Lun with an elbow and pushed him onto the ground. Wu Tsz Tung immediately helped him up while Lam Fung was stunned. Lam Fung then said, "Oh, we lost. Great great great great great, don't be so impulsive." With his high emotional quotient Ng Won Lung held back and said, "I really don't know Qi Gong." Later he tried to ease the tension more, "Now you can see that I actually don't know Shenda." Many online praised Ng Won Lun for his high EQ online afterward.

As the incident went viral online, Ng Won Lung responded that he was fine, only because he was not prepared he was pushed over. "Very obviously this viewer got too involved into the movie and thought I was Wong Gau (character in the film)." He thanked everyone for their concern, which warmed his heart very much. As of yesterday, TWILIGHT's Hong Kong box office has already exceeded HK$ 20 million. Released simultaneously in the mainland on May 1st, TWILIGHT's mainland box office has reached 315 million yuan RMB and in the top three of the mainland May Day golden week.

Ng Won Lung was undaunted by what happened as yesterday he continued the audience appreciation tour with 6 shows from Cheung Sha Wan to Tuen Mun. The live audience interaction and "inch impact" demonstration segment were cancelled, as they only fielded questions from the audience. Ng Won Lung, Lam Fung, Cheung Man Kit and Wu Tsz Tung received audience compliments of their good performance at the first audience appreciation show. The real life kung fu expert Ng Won Lung said that unlike the character he did not know hard Qi Gong, from the beginning to the end he had to tolerate. "The biggest challenge of the character was taking a beating, but not showing the pain." A viewer asked, "Are you fine from yesterday?" He smiled and said, "No problem, no problem!"

A viewer asked about their most memorable scene. Lam Fung said that at the risk of sounding lame every scene has been very unforgettable. I had to fight from the start to the finish, has everyone have a great time watching the movie? The longest fight scene was the great duel, which took almost two weeks to shoot. All the brothers were united and toughed it out, actually it wasn't easy at all. We fought at least 16 hours a day, the longest was 22 hours in a day. I felt it was quite a feat."

When asked about working with Koo Tin Lok this time, Lam Fung said, "I am happy, actually I have known Boss Goo Jai for over 20 years. I was fortunate to have met this brother not long after I got into the business, now he still teaches me a lot. After joining the company, in recent years I have had more opportunity to participate in big screen performance. I also hope to keep learning myself." Lam Fung said that Goo Jai in the film interacted with every character in the film, in particular everyone had a very difficult time with the life and death emotions in Goo Jai's final scene. Because of the heavy emotions, this scene also took two days to shoot. "The greatest sentiment was that after our hard work, we are able to show it to the audience. We truly are very grateful to the audience for their support. I hope to have even more friends who like this movie, only then would we have the opportunity to make the next one." Before leaving the cinema he stopped to comply with viewers' photo requests.

At one of the audience appreciation shows yesterday, the 4 were asked which fight scene was the most memorable, Wu Tsz Tung joked, "Of course it was that show yesterday." The crowd broke into laughter. Ng Won Lung then smiled and reprised that push after the handshake with the male viewers from two nights ago with Wu Tsz Tung, Lam Fung and Cheung Man Kit. Wu Tsz Tung stressed that they were only joking, saying that every audience appreciation show has been very memorable. The most important was seeing the audience having fun from watching the movie.

[2024.05.05] LI LINLIN WOULD TRY NEW GENRES

Li Linlin braves the red rain warning to be on Nancy Sit's radio program
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Li Linlin yesterday braved the red storm warning for Nancy Sit Ka Yin's Metro Radio program interview to promote her film ALL SHALL BE WELL (CHUNG GUM YI HAU). Husband John Chiang Dai Wai was her chauffeur. She said that her husband was afraid that she would be too rushed, whenever he would have the time he would provide transportation.

Li Linlin said that she and Sister Ka Yin have known each other for decades, praised her for being a joy and knowing how to cultivate an atmosphere. She also put work first, was very hard working. "Because I really like this movie, I promote harder. I used to be lazy in this business, I wouldn't be so smart. Only as I get older, I feel I have the responsibility to do my best to coordinate with the promotion." Since the film had good word of mouth and received an award, would she make more movies? She pointed out that good scripts were hard to come by, and her health was not what it used to be; however with new genres she would still give it a try.

Li Linlin said that she did not know whether her family would arrange to celebrate Mothers' Day, but her daughter hs always valued holidays. She instead never made any special celebration. "Because I am always free, everyday is like a holiday. On Mothers' Day the family would probably eat together to celebrate. My son in law (Raymond) Cho Wing Lim is great, likes to cook and cook well. Perhaps because he frequently cooks for us, his cooking skills has improved and he has been particularly attentive."

[2024.05.03] SOI CHEANG LEADS THE WALLED IN FOUR TO THANK THE AUDIENCE

 

German Cheung, Terrance Lau, director Soi Cheang, Raymond Lam and Tony Wu shoot a video to thank the viewers
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courtesy of singtao.com

Josev Lau and Philip Ng visit over 10 cinemas for audience appreciation shows

Louis Koo hopes that domestic film professionals would systemically continue to develop and pass the torch, so the industry would have steady and quality production rate, continue to elevate the Hong Kong film creativity level and competitiveness
courtesy of mingpao.com

The Hong Kong Film Awards winning director Soi Cheang Pou Soi's new film TWILIGHT OF THE WARRIORS: WALLED IN (GAU LUNG SING JAI JI WAI SING) officially opened and rapidly passed HK$ 5 million, with advanced screenings its total box office was HK$ 5,020,529, broke many records and became the 2024 single day opening box office champion, the total Hong Kong film opening day box office champion in the past 8 years, and second place in Hong Kong film opening day box office only behind COLD WAR 2 (HONG JIN II) in 2016.

The film in the past week held many preview shows. The audience response was enthusiastic and raves came in like waves. Aside the crazy comic book style action that left the audience with endless praises, viewers also savored the brotherhood that moved them to tears.

The film's near perfect replication of the 80s Kowloon Walled City told a story of Hong Kong nostalgia that could not be "left behind or held on to", both became highlight for viewers. The opening advanced sales and same day sales figures both reflected the film's popularity with the audience. The opening day admission reached 73,070 people, the highest admission of a Hong Kong film opening day in the past 8 years. Many shows were all red and almost sold out.

For the opening box office rapidly exceeding HK$ 5 million, director Cheang Pou Soi led the quartet of Raymond Lam Fung, Terrance Lau Chun Him, Tony Wu Tsz Tung and German Cheung Man Kit and shot a video to thank the audience for the support. Cheang Pou Soi said, "I am very happy to learn that TWILIGHT OF THE WARRIORS: WALLED IN reached second place among the Chinese language film opening box office." The quartet asked in unity, "TWILIGHT OF THE WARRIORS: WALLED IN has already opened its city gate, we hope everyone would strongly support it."

As for actors Philip Ng Won Lung and Josev Lau (Kiu Ching Fu) on the opening day visited over 10 cinemas in Kowloon and the New Territories in an audience appreciation show marathon. Each time they appeared they received the passionate applause from the audience. Everyone declared the film as entertaining. Ng Won Lung and Kiu Ching Fu also interacted with the audience and played games. Ng Won Lung even demonstrated the "inch impact" for viewers to personally experience the action up close. The response was overwhelming.

In addition, the Louis Koo Tin Lok led Federation of Hong Kong Filmmakers yesterday announced the new screenwriting apprenticeship project. As the Hong Kong film market suffered numerous setbacks in recent years, small to medium sized film production companies' resources have been tightened and had difficulties to bear the responsibility of hiring full time screenwriting positions. At the same time many young screenwriting talent due to the lack of stable income have not dared to fully immerse themselves into film creation, thus a gap has appeared and impacted the potential of Hong Kong film's future development. The new screenwriting apprenticeship project would be the Film Development Fund financed, with the full support of Create Hong Kong. They hoped that through direct salary compensation to support Hong Kong film production companies' hiring of full time screenwriting apprentices, hence creating an opportunity to join the business for a new generation of creators and responding to the industry's dire need for film screenwriters.

President Koo Tin Lok said, "Currently screenwriters mostly could only work with different companies through offering their services or freelance formats. They are unable to steadily create and mesh with production team in the long run and lack actual experience. Every year each higher education institutions' related departments have created their shares of creators, but many graduates or new creators who are interested in developing in the film industry all express that they have 'no door to get into the business through'. I hope that the 'new screenwriting apprenticeship project' would be able to provide resources to the industry, attract and employ this new generation that is full of passion but lacks opportunity." The first period of the project would last 18 months, with a maximum approval of 5 domestic film production companies' assistance applications. Each company would be required to hire two full time screenwriting apprentices, a total of 10 screenwriting apprentices maximum. Each position would receive a maximum assistance of HK$ 324,000 for the period, with each apprentice's salary no less than HK$ 15,000. The project would provide new screenwriters with the opportunity to practice and learn; from creating, planning to production and execution as well as other stages, they would have the chance to work with experienced creators, expand their horizon, understand the film industry more and maintain their passion for creating.

Apprenticeship applicants must hold a Hong Kong permanent residence identification card, and graduated from their university or higher education institution for no more than 5 years. At the same time applicants must have never work on any film as a "screenwriter" or "joint screenwriter", which would ensure the project to be able to truly cultivate new screenwriting talent.

[2024.05.04] CUSTOMS FRONTLINE PREMIERES IN UDINE

The corner of Nicholas Tse was sliced open by an inch, luckily no scar remained

Nicholas Tse congratulates Zhang Yimou on his Golden Mulberry Award for Lifetime Achievement

Fans flock to Nicholas Tse for autographs
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courtesy of singtao.com

Zhang Yimou and Chiu Fu-Sheng

CUSTOMS FRONTLINE's screenwriter Erica Li (left), action director and star Nicholas Tse, director Herman Yau (right) with Zhang Yimou
courtesy of mingpao.com

The Emperor Motion Picture CUSTOMS FRONTLINE would open on July 5th, and good news came on the eve of its release as the film has been invited to be the 26th Udine Far East Film Festival closing film. Director Herman Yau Lai To, screenwriter Erica Li Man and lead actor Nicholas Tse Ting Fung personally went to Udine, Italy to attend the film festival and had contact with the CUSTOMS FRONTLINE world premiere live audience up close. Ting Fung hoped that Chinese language films would connect internationally. He also wanted to work with Zhang Yimou.

Ting Fung's schedule has been intense, upon landing in Udine he immediately headed to the film festival venue. The 26th Udine Far East Film Festival Golden Mulberry Award for Lifetime Achievement was presented before the CUSTOMS FRONTLINE world premiere. International master class director Zhang Yimou personally accepted the honor. Ting Fung attended the presentation with director Yau Lai To and Li Man and gave their highest salute to director Zhang Yimou. Ting Fung even chatted with Director Zhang and took photos, looking forward to the opportunity of working together in the future.

Ting Fung shared the production experience from CUSTOMS FRONTLINE. He revealed that in one scene he fell from a dozen or so meters to the ground, the impact turned the sunglasses into a sharp object that deeply sliced the corner of his right eye. "As soon as the glasses sliced I was bleeding, at the time I didn't know I needed stitches. Luckily later I recovered, otherwise I would probably have an inch long scar here (pointing at the corner of his eye)."

CUSTOMS had many large scale scenes, some involved many giant trailers and ships. Ting Fung stated that he was risking his life every minute. "This time I did a lot of preparation before hand. Because I insisted on using large actual sized material, we used a lot of heavy equipment. Most were over 1,000 pounds or even 2 tons. We really couldn't have any mishap! Normally when a prop table would ram into you, you might only have bruises and scratches, but if these heavy trailers ram into you, you might die! So I have been even more cautious with this production than movies before. Our new team tried the stunts many times, before shooting we already blew up 5 cars and knocked over many trailers. Ultimately we had to be careful."

Working with Jacky Cheung Hok Yau, Ting Fung praised his strong ability to replicate the action. He even revealed that Hok Yau had a major breakthrough. "Over the years probably no one has seen Hok Yau fight with a weapon. I am very happy to give him the chance to make the breakthrough with us. I used a long staff, while he used a short one. If we were accurate, hitting our fingers would have been a pretty big deal. I thank him for trusting us."

CUSTOMS FRONTLINE became the 26th Udine Far East Film Festival closing film. Many viewers descended upon the premiere venue for advantageous positions. When CUSTOMS FRONTLINE creators Ting Fung, director Herman Yau Lai To and Erica Li Man arrived, they caused a stir as viewers fought for autographs. Ting Fung also responded to every request and tried his best to please everyone; before the show began, Ting Fung, director Yau Lai To and Li Man personally shared their experience on the stage. Director Yau Lai To said, "I am very glad to come to Udine again, run into some good friends and meet some new ones. Everyone is here because of their love of film; CUSTOMS FRONTLINE aside from the participation of the outstanding screenwriter Li Man also has Ting Fung as the action director. This is Ting Fung's first attempt in the film world. I am very honored to have his first time in this post in the film I directed, CUSTOMS FRONTLINE." Li Man said, "This is probably my third time at this film festival. CUSTOMS FRONTLINE is not about a superhero, but a story that an ordinary person can also demonstrate heroic action. It is an extraordinary action film." Ting Fung said, "I am very honored to be able to come to the CUSTOMS FRONTLINE's global premiere. Everyone would become the first audience of this film, to be able to very truly experience this film. I hope you would like it."

CUSTOMS FRONTLINE before its release has already garnered the attention of international film festival, which Ting Fung admitted felt greatly encouraged. "Of course I am happy, I very much hope for Chinese language films to connect with the world. this time would be a great platform and opportunity." CUSTOMS FRONTLINE has been rather important for Ting Fung, who from planning to production has given his all in order to achieve the perfect result. Ting Fung said, "It's the first time I am the action director, our explosions are real explosions. Falling from several floors above, of course I have wire assistance but truly I still personally perform. All the methods I use are the most traditional methods of Hong Kong action films, I really hope in the future to introduce anew, inspire some young people to understand and like this industry; for me, if an action film has no danger, it isn't called an action film; but now too few young people would work on action films!" Ting Fung had his heart set on passing the torch of Hong Kong action film. He traveled thousands of miles from Shanghai to Udine to bring CUSTOMS FRONTLINE to the overseas market. Ting Fung said that this trip would be very memorable. "From Shanghai to Udine requires almost 20 hours. We would first spend 9 hours to fly from Shanghai to Dubai, after an over 3 hour layover in Dubai we would spend 6 and a half hours to fly to Venice. Then from Venice we would take a half hour flight to Udine and directly begin to work. Now I still feel a little dizzy."

[2024.05.03] MICHELLE WAI PLAYS DUMB TO GET CLOSE TO NICHOLAS TSE

Sooyoung

Michelle Wai admits liking handsome guys
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courtesy of singtao.com

Sooyoung, Jennifer Yu and Michelle Wai are dressed in black for the event
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Korean girl group Girls' Generation's Sooyoung, Michelle Wai Sze Nga and Jennifer Yu Heung Ying yesterday attended a jewelry event. They were all dressed in black. Visiting Hong Kong again after a long time, Sooyoung not only missed the fans but also looked forward to the Hong Kong night scenery and food. She also wanted to challenge an action film; a part of the film CUSTOMS FRONTLINE (HOI GUAN JIN SIN), Wai Sze Nga played dumb and received Nicholas Tse Ting Fung's attentive direction.

The Wai Sze Nga starred film CUSTOMS FRONTLINE released its production highlight. In the video she seriously listened to the action director Tse Ting Fung's explanation of how to hold a gun. Wai Sze Nga praised Ting Fung as great. Not only was he dizzyingly handsome, he was also attentive. During his performance he even performed professionally. In one scene she watched Ting Fung punched a wall without holding back and ended up with blood strands all over his hand, which gave her quite a headache. She said that actually she knew how to hold a gun, but pretended that she did not so Ting Fung would personally teach her. "By pretending not to know I was able to have him grabbing my hand up close. I also pretended not to be able to hear him so I was able to lean nearly to him. However although this time I played his girlfriend, we didn't have any intimate scene. I hope the next time when we would work together I would be able to add that."

[2024.05.02] NICK CHEUNG HOPES FOR A GOOD START FROM HIS NEW FILM'S UDINE WORLD PREMIERE

Nick Cheung complies with every viewers' requests
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Nick Cheung shares his reason of making PEG O' MY HEART
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Nick Cheung is sharply dressed for PEG O' MY HEART's world premiere
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The Nick Cheung Ka Fai directed and starred new film PEG O' MY HEART (SHOOK MUNG) was invited to participated in the Udine Far East Film Festival and held its world premiere on two nights ago. Ka Fai dressed up for the occasion. When he arrived at the cinema viewers welcomed him, many were mainland viewers who came to support him in Udine. In all the excitement Ka Fai interacted with them on the spot and posed for photos with them. The film would make its premiere and meet viewers from around the world, but Ka Fai stated that he was not particularly nervous. "Because I myself am not too ambitious. This time Udine invited me to take part actually because it was a token of respect. Since they gave it I accepted it. I really am not too ambitious. Of course If I am able to promote the film so more people would know about it and become interested in supporting it, this is my greatest wish." Ka Fai also showed his humorous nature and said that he was able to bring PEG O' MY HEART to Italy, so I hoped it would be a good start. "As the director I brought PEG O' MY HEART to Italy for its world premiere, which means it would be big fortune because it's Italy (sounds like meaning big fortune). Ultimately I hope everyone would have fun watching it."

Before the screening Ka Fai first thanked the audience in English on the stage. He was grateful to receive the film festival's invitation for the world premiere. In addition he also shared his reason for making PEG O' MY HEART (SHOOK MUNG). Ka Fai pointed out that he has always very much appreciated the 80s Hong Kong films, many of which were horror films. He hoped through his own work to prove to the audience of the entire world that Hong Kong was still able to make horror films. Then the festival president Sabrina Baracetti embraced Ka Fai on the stage and congratulated him on his new film finally making its official debut.

After the screening, the audience applauded for two minutes and Ka Fai was very moved. He immediately got up, put his hands together and took a bow to thank the audience. Then viewers flocked to the cinema lobby, surrounded Ka Fai to ask for autographs and photos. Ka Fai was very friendly and responded to every request. He stayed for almost half a hour to please everyone. Some European viewers interacted with Ka Fai, praised the film for its strong style and vicious visuals. Some praised the outstanding special effects as the horror scenes in the film frightened them. Some film critics also posted online to sing the praises of the actors for their outstanding performances.

On this trip to Italy, he also took the time to visit and have good food. During the trip he suddenly wanted to try Japanese ramen. The thinking of the Best actor was truly unexpected!