THE LAST DANCE's Hong Kong and Macau box office is nearing HK$ 170 million courtesy of singtao.com
THE LAST DANCE at the Udine Far East Film Festival receives the Silver Mulberry Award and the Black Dragon Award
Michelle Wai, Anselm Chan, Cheng Wai Kei and Chu Wan Pin continue to thank the audience for their support at the theaters
With 54 years in film, Sylvia Chang holds the award high, the live guests and audience response with enthusiastic applause
TWILIGHT OF THE WARRIORS: WALLED IN returns to the theaters, the film company provides a special reminder to the audience regarding surprise footage after the screening courtesy of mingpao.com
Since the release of the Emperor Motion Picture THE LAST DANCE
(POR. DEI YUK) last year, as of May 2 the film's latest Hong Kong and
Macao cumulative box office figures have reached HK$ 169.21 million,
moving towards HK$ 170 million. After winning five awards at the Hong
Kong Film Awards last month, the film team received good news from Italy
yesterday morning that THE LAST DANCE won two awards at the 27th Far
East Film Festival in Udine, Italy to become the big winner of this
year's festival. Sylvia Chang also receives the Golden Mulberry Award
for Lifetime Achievement, which she said was a great encouragement for
her 54 year film career. She felt fortunate that this mad world still
has movies and theaters people can go to.
The 27th Udine Far East Film Festival in Italy held an awards
ceremony yesterday morning Hong Kong time, among which the extended
version of THE LAST DANCE (POR. DEI YUK) became the only Hong Kong film
to win awards this year. The film won the Silver Mulberry Audience
Award and the Black Dragon Audience Award and became the big winner of
this year. For the recognition of both the audience and the film
critics, the director and screenwriter of THE LAST DANCE Anselm Chan
Mou Yin expressed his gratitude through words. "I would like to thank
the audience and professional judges of the Udine Far East Film Festival
for their love and affirmation of THE LAST DANCE, and I am grateful for
this magical journey of THE LAST DANCE for collecting another beautiful
scenery." As for THE LAST DANCE leading actress, Michelle Wai Sze Nga
was also excited after learning the news. She said, "I am very grateful
to the team of THE LAST DANCE for being recognized in Italy, and thank
the local audience for their love and letting the film go further."
In addition several Hong Kong Film Award winners, including
fresh out of the oven Best Actress Wai Sze Nga, director Chan Mou Yin,
Cheng Wai Kei and Chu Wan Pin, recently visited the cinema to thank the
audience for their support. "Participating in the entire journey of THE
LAST DANCE, the power of the viewer friends has occupied a very
important position. Everyone share their own stories with our team,
so the film and each one of the character would have more weight. So I
am very happy to be able to personally go to the theaters to thank each
and every friends who have always walked along with us.
Louis Koo praises Neo Yau for his quick wit and creativity courtesy of on.cc
Poon Chan Leung, Neo Yau and Louis Koo speak to HOY TV.
Neo Yau and Louis Koo play ambulance workers. courtesy of mingpao.com
The Louis Koo Tin Lok (Goo Jai), Neo Yau Hawk Sau and Poon Chan
Leung starred film VITAL SIGNS (SUNG YUEN TOH JUNG) opened two days ago
and made over HK$ 1.3 million in Hong Kong and Macau on the first day,
becoming this year's Hong Kong film opening box office champion. They
spoke to HOY TV a few days ago. When making movies they would often
encounter crying scenes. Speaking of working on this type of scenes,
Goo Jai joked that he often shed tears. "Actually performing crying
scenes is the basics of being an actor!" Earlier he revealed that he
had two holes in his retina and needed surgery as soon as possible, and
in this interview he also mentioned the neck pain that has plagued him
for many years. "I have had neck pain for 3 or 4 years, and I couldn't
sleep and had to take morphine to be able to tough it out."
He praised his artist Yau Hawk Sau, saying that he has
influenced his values. "He thinks fast on his feet, and he would find a
lot of interesting or unconventional ideas. Creators should not stick
to the rules." With praises he also had criticism. He also advised
juniors not to be in a hurry to do things and to get rid of bad habits,
"Don't be in a hurry when you do something, for example, don't drink and
go live online!" However lately he has already changed a lot, and
started to know how to take a step back."
Hedwig Tam enjoys the ice cream there courtesy of on.cc
Lo Chun Yip and Hedwig Tam both say that they are currently fighting for their careers, they will think about everything else later.
Hedwig Tam and Lo Chun Yip play wife and husband in the film
Hedwig Tam in order to bring the first time mother role to life deliberately gains 20 pounds before the shoot courtesy of mingpao.com
Hedwig Tam Sin Yin and Siuyea Lo Chun Yip play husband and wife
in the movie MONTAGES OF A MODERN MOTHERHOOD (FU DUK BUT). Tam Sin Yin
once wanted to be a mother, but after making the film she felt that
being a mother was not simple. She was physically and mentally
exhausted, she was scared off as she said, "I won't have one." She
jokes that she does not want to be a "tiger mom". Lo Chun Yip instead
has grown in knowledge, understands more about the responsibilities of
being a husband and father, and does not resist having children; but his
career has just improved. His popularity has only increased since TIME
STILL TURNS THE PAGES (NIN SIU YUT GEI). He will sprint in his career
in the next few years and maintain a love marathon run with his
girlfriend Fish Liew Chi Yu.
Tam Sin Yin and Lo Chun Yip starred in the Oliver Chan Siu Guen
directed movie MONTAGES OF A MODERN MOTHERHOOD (FU DUK BUT), which tells
the story of Suk Ching after becoming a mother. She faces parenting
pressure, her husband never taking the initiative to participate in
parenting, mother-in-law and daughter-in-law conflicts and estrangement
from her own family. Lack of sleep, physical changes and work stress
leaves Suk Ching physically and mentally exhausted. Trying to be a good
mother but losing herself, she feels lonely and helpless.
In order to play the role of a first-time mother, Tam Sin Yin
deliberately gains 20 pounds in advance to exaggerate her after
childbirth shape. She also learns from some mothers to understand their
physical changes, emotions and stress during and after pregnancy and
childbirth, as well as how to breastfeed. She said, "I don't think I
have gained enough pounds. My face is relatively thin, I originally
want to gain more weight, but the pounds all fall on my body and I
couldn't do anything." Although most of the role is "solo" to tell her
inner world, she does not find it difficult to act. "The baby's
constant crying is actually helping me".
Tam Sin Yin and Lo Chun Yip feel that it is very difficult for
women nowadays to balance their family and career. Tam Sin Yin said,
"In the past, women concentrated on their husbands and children after
marriage. Now mothers not only think about at home, but also think
about outside the home and find their own value." Lo Chun Yip believes
that ways of taking care of children now are different, which also cause
pressure on parents. "In the past children ran around the streets, but
now they can't. They must be accompanied by their parents. When
children are born, we must prepare for their education, and taking care
of children is a new science." Tam Sin Yin agreed, saying that
children in the past were born and raised on their own; but in the era
of information explosion, parents get a lot of parenting information
from the Internet. At the same time a lot of comparisons would be made
between parents, feeling that they haven't done well enough, unable to
pave the way for their children. "That's why there are so many monster
parents appearing, they are afraid that their children will lose out in
the future. Parents' fear is also much greater, because they have too
many choices in front of them. They are afraid to make wrong choices,
which will affect the future of their children.
Have they been scared off from becoming parents in the future?
Tam Sin Yin said that when she saw how cute the baby was during the
shoot, she was tempted to have one; but the fantasy disappeared
immediately after the shoot ended, "I'm not having one!"
Lo Chun Yip is not scared to be a father by MONTAGES, but he
learned a lesson. He knows more clearly the responsibilities of
marriage and fatherhood. Actually he would have so many things to care
about, such as women's physical and psychological changes, pressure,
mastitis and childbirth, etc. He said, "I didn't know these things
before, but finishing the film I have more knowledge. I can prepare for
having children in the future. (More considerate of women?) Gotta be!
(Mom is so noble?) Noble is noble, but we can't be kidnapped by
the word 'noble'. Noble is giving everything. If you don't give, you
are not noble." Lo CHun Yip and his girlfriend Fish Liew Chi Yu have a
stable relationship, but they have no plans to get married and have
children. He says that they have been making films for more than 10
years, and only been recognized by the audience in recent years. Last
year with TIME STILL TURNS THE PAGES (NIN SIU YUT GEI) he was nominated
for the Hong Kong Film Awards Best Actor, then he had more opportunities
to perform. Thus he would take advantage of them and focus on work in
the next few years.
Tam Sin Yin is the same as Lo Chun Yip, currently sprinting in
her career. She thinks about other things later. Not in a
relationship, Tam Sin Yin said that was because she was too "otaku".
She stays at home when not at work and has no chance to meet new
friends. Does her friends not have any guys to introduce to her? She
looked at Lo Chun Yip and asked with a smile, "Why don't you make any
introduction?" Lo Chun Yip revealed that when they attended the Tokyo
International Film Festival and the Busan International Film Festival
together, he has said that he would introduce guys to Tam Sin Yin.
However he did not follow up after returning to Hong Kong.
Does he have any guy that is suitable for Tam Sin Yin? Lo Chun
Yip said, "Actually it's so difficult, I don't even know new people
myself." Lo Chun Yip asked if Tam Sin Yin would accept a relationship
with a younger man? Tam Sin Yin smiled and said that she could consider
it, but she was not in a hurry to date and her family has not rushed her.
"My family gives me a lot of freedom, as long as I am happy I can
be single for a lifetime."
After the Hong Kong Film Awards, Hedwig Tam Sin Yin flew to
Italy the next day to attend the Udine Far East Film Festival to
interact with local audiences. She would only stay there 3 days during
the 5-day trip. She said, "Before I could adjust to the time difference
I would have to return to Hong Kong. Because I have to attend audience
appreciation events, I wouldn't have time to stay for a few more days.
I flashed over to Venice for two hours and it wasn't enough. I hope to
have a chance to come to Italy again." She said that the response from
the local audience was very enthusiastic and that the audience resonated
with her, which was very memorable for her. On this quick trip to
Italy, she also had a great appetite for local ice cream and has eaten
a variety of flavors. However she did not have time to shop for
souvenirs.
Kaki Sham and Renci Yeung play a pair of ambiguous robbery partners. Although they have a kiss scene in the film it has been cut out courtesy of singtao.com
Kaki Sham and Renci Yeung Sze Wing play ambiguous robbery
partners in the new film SMASHING FRANK (DOH POR FAT LAN HAK). In
addition to being in life and death situations, they also held hands
during their escape and kiss scene, which was finally cut away due
to the length of the film. When speaking of another scene in which
Yeung Sze Wing takes advantage of Kaki Sham to take off his clothes
when he is unconscious, the two laughed and pointed out that the
most difficult thing at that time was trying not to laughter.
Yeung Sze Wing had to take off Kaki Sham's clothes when he was
"unconscious". The two said that they were not embarrassed at the time,
but the hardest thing was to hold back laughter. Kaki laughed and
pointed out that he was lying on the sofa at that time and at the mercy
of Yeung Sze Wing. Yeung Sze Wing said that Hedwig Tam Sin Yin and
Locker Lam Ka Hei were "peeking" next to her. She could not help
laughing when she saw them, so the atmosphere was not only embarrassing,
but also full of joy. Kaki Sham has played the role of a weak and
cowardly little man in the past, and this time is no exception. He
hoped to have the opportunity to challenge the role of a big man in the
future; Yeung Sze Wing thought that he was not afraid of being limited
by his appearance, laughing at him as if he is playing a big man, he
would be quite a cute contrast. At the same time she hoped that
she would be discovered to be a cute contrast as well.
As a new generation of young actors, they cherish every job
opportunity. Kaki Sham has always set goals for life. He has already
accomplished marriage and parenthood, would his next step be winning an
award? He admitted that he has thought about it, but it would not be
his life goal. Instead he hoped that he could keep on acting, which
both of them thought would be difficult to do. Actors were very
passive. Yeung Sze Wing was once worried about being eliminated, afraid
that the audience would not like her. As soon as she talked about this
topic, she was in a cold sweat. As for her life goal, she laughed,
"Traveling around the world, my family often told me when I was little
that it was better to travel thousands of miles than to read 10,000
books. So I travel when I don't have to work, sometimes I am very happy
to work overseas. Working in Norway earlier was a rare opportunity,
and I want to go to South Africa when I have time!" Kaki Sham said that
after the birth of his second child, he could travel as a family of four
since the child is almost 1. He did not think traveling with children
was troublesome, and smiled that it was the responsibility of being a
father. Yeung Sze Wing praised him as a good Papa. Has she thought
about becoming Mama? She laughed and said that she is now focused on
work and wants to travel around the world the most.
Box office pressure is inevitable for the highest grossing actress in the mainland, Ma Li
Kara Wai hopes to complete the Best Actress grand slam courtesy of on.cc
THE DUMPLING QUEEN's charity premiere has the support of many actors and celebrities courtesy of singtao.com
Director Andrew Lau says that THE DUMPLING QUEEN could not have happened without Ma Li, she "fell from the sky" to help him
Just winning the Huabiao Outstanding Leading Actress Award, Kara Wai poses with Ben Yuen for photos at the premiere
The Soi Cheang directed film TWILIGHT OF THE WARRIORS: WALLED IN is in a Hong Kong Film Awards result fixing scandal. He says that he supports the Hong Kong Film Awards Association in following up with the matter courtesy of mingpao.com
The movie THE DUMPLING QUEEN actors Kara Wai Ying Hung, Ma Li,
Ben Yuen Fu Wah, Ashley Lin (Lam Hoi Ling) and director Andrew Lau Wai
Keung attended the charity premiere yesterday. TVB Executive Chairman
Hui To and his wife Balia Chan Chi Yu, Ray Lui Leung Wai and his wife,
and other celebrities were also present. Charged with insider trading,
Raymond Wong Pak Ming served as the officiating guest, but was not
interviewed.
"East Weekly" exclusively broke the news earlier that Eileen
Yiu Tsz Ling secretly dating Norman Chui Siu Keung's song Edward Chui
Woai Dong. Originally scheduled to attend the premiere, Yiu Tsz Ling
did not show up in the end. Director Soi Cheang Pou Soi also showed
his support. When asked about his film TWLIGHT OF THE WARRIORS:
WALLED IN (GAU LUNG SING JAI JI WAI SING) winning the Best Sound
Effects Award at the Hong Kong Film Awards but led to speculation of
vote fixing, he stressed that it was not about the post production
company's issue and also felt that the matter had to be followed up.
Director Cheang Pou Soi's TWILIGHT OF THE WARRIORS: WALLED IN
won nine awards at this year's Hong Kong Film Awards, including the
Best Sound Effects Award. After the race an industry insider who took
part in the voting suspected vote fixing. Cheang Pou Soi yesterday said
that he had no idea what happened, stressing that it definitely would
not an issue with the post production company. "Nothing like that was
done. I don't know how the writing ended up on that person's ballot.
I am not sure, I heard that the Hong Kong Film Awards Association would
follow up. I too feel that it should be followed up." He also pointed
out that the person who filled in the information was well-intentioned,
but he should not fill it in. He also did not know the identity of the
whistleblower, but he thought that it should be an insider. Cheang Pou
Soi hoped that the incident would not affect the perception in the
outside world. He did not talk to Louis Koo Tin Lok about the incident
because they have not yet met again.
Director Andrew Lau Wai Keung said that the legendary story of
the dumpling queen was a rare encounter, and even said that the lead
actress Ma Li fell from the sky to help this movie. He said that the
film production format has already changed. Before several film
productions could be in production, now they would have to be certain
about the script before going into production. With little
production budget, he thanked many actors and friends for their help.
They included Fiona Sit Hoi Kei, who took the initiative not to receive
remuneration and put the remuneration on the production. He was moved.
When she lost his friend Khalil Fong Datong, he also sent her
condolences. She said that she could withstand it. Speaking of the
speculation about the Hong Kong Film Awards vote fixing, Lau Wei Keung
said that he did no know about it and regarded it as a rumor. As for
the outside criticism that this year would be the "coldest May Day
schedule", Lau Kwai Keung said that he would not mind. "Because it is
a global economy issue, not just a film industry issue." He revealed
that he would visit many places to promote and even said that the film
took place in the 60s, the economy at the time was just as bad as now
in Hong Kong and relied on everyone helping each other. He said that
when he could not direct before he became a cinematographer, urged
filmmakers not to blame and complain, and hoped that after the cold
winter passed would be spring.
Wai Ying Hung recently won the Outstanding Actress Award at the
20th China Film Huabiao Awards, becoming the first Hong Kong actress to
win this award. She admitted frankly yesterday that she has been
longing for it. Speaking of setting a record to become Hong Kong's
first Huabiao actress, she said that when winning the first Hong Kong
Film Awards Best Actress with an action film she has already set a
record, and the second time when she won the award in her 50s it was
also a record. She would only have to win the Golden Rooster Best
Actress for a Grand Slam. Sister Siu Hung said that she has not
retired, she also has confidence and wishes to work hard to collect the
entire set of Best Actress awards. She revealed that she was looking
forward to her upcoming film release later, and joked that she would
also have the opportunity.
Yuen Fu Wah and Wai Ying Hung in the film only brushed by each
other. He joked that he wanted the director to add a scene with the
two of them. Wai Ying Hung joked, "Extramarital affair?" Yuen Fu Wah
said that it could be a friendship scene too. He appreciated her never
admitting defeat spirit and hoped that they could work together in the
future. Wai Ying Hung suggested for them to collaborate as villains,
claiming that she was not bad at playing a villain either.
Tsui Hark says that the achievement of a film, aside from the efforts of the cast and the crew , an audience that is willing to buy a ticket and enter the theater to support it is the most important
Tony Leung Ka Fai flies to Italy to present the Lifetime Achievement Award to his good friend Tsui Hark
Tsui Hark accepts the audience's applause courtesy of mingpao.com
A few days after he and his good partner Shi Nansun were
awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 43rd Hong Kong Film Awards
on Sunday, Tsui Hark was awarded the "Golden Mulberry Lifetime
Achievement Award" at the 27th Udine Far East Film Festival in Italy in
recognition of his contribution to cinema for more than 40 years, and
his status as a pioneer and experimenter of the Chinese action and
fantasy genre. Tsui Hark's friend Tony Leung Ka Fai was the guest
presenter, and was moved to tears when he saw Tsui Hark winning the
award. Tsui Hark lamented, "I first came to the 27-year-old Udine, I've
been making films for more than 40 years. I still sense the all new
discoveries and experiences here." He said that in addition to the
efforts in front of and behind the cameras, the most important thing for
a film's achievements was that the audience to be willing to buy tickets
to support it at the theater.
Tsui Hark and Shi Nansun earlier at the Hong Kong Film Awards
received the Lifetime Achievement Awards from their frined Brigitte Lin
(Lam Ching Ha)'s hands. At the time he said that the film industry has
been facing a bumpy road ahead, and hoped that filmmakers will help each
other and support each other with their original aspirations and
passion, and use professionalism, attitude and ability to work together
to face many difficulties and overcome challenges, and break new ground
in the complex market.
The Udine Far East Film Festival president Sabrina Baracetti
said that since more than 10 years ago, Tsui Hark has been invited to
receive the Lifetime Achievement Award every year. Tsui Hark recalls
that he first received the first invitation when promoting IRON TRIANGLE
at the Cannes Film Festival one year, but he was unable to make the trip
every year due to the filming schedules until he finally set foot in
Udine this year. During the festival a number of Tsui Hark's classic
works will be screened, including THE GREEN SNAKE, 4K RESTORED SHANGHAI
BLUE, and his latest work LEGENDS OF THE CONDOR HEROES: THE GALLANTS.
The event invited actor Leung Ka Fai as guest presenter. He
often collaborated with Tsui Hark, had a deep friendship, and was also
an important partner in the golden age of Hong Kong cinema. Leung Ka Fai
in order to support Tsui Hark flew there, he said on he stage, "Mr.
Tsui Hark not only created films, but also redefined them. His work has
transformed the screen into a land of fantasy and inspired audiences and
filmmakers alike." When Tsui Hark gave his speech, Leung Ka Fai
frequently wiped away tears. The European premiere of LEGENDS OF THE
CONDOR HEROES: THE GALLANTS took place that night at the festival, more
than 1,200 people in the audience gave a standing ovation at the end,
and Leung Ka-fai and Tsui Hark were moved by the atmosphere.
Attending the festival for the first time in person, Tsui Hark
said, "I have been making films for more than 40 years, and this is the
first time I have come to this '27-year-old' Udine. I still sense the
'all new discoveries and experiences'." Talking about this "new discovery",
he said, "I hope that both the creators and the audience can
share the beautiful discoveries that film brings." This sentence
expressed his motivation to continue making movies to this day.
Tsui Hark said that the achievement of a film has been never the
effort of one person, but the result of the cooperation of everyone.
They included the staff in front of and behind the cameras. Of course,
the most important thing would be that the audience that is willing to
buy tickets to enter the theater to support it. He would like to take
this opportunity to wish the audience, creators, and partners of the
film festival that they will always make new discoveries in films.
10 WARFARE
d. Ray Mendoza, Alex Garland
D'Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai, Will Poulter, Cosmo Jarvis, Kit Connor,
Finn Bennett, Joseph Quinn, Charles Melton,
Noah Centineo, Michael Gandolfini
9 NINTAMA RANTARO: INVINCIBLE MASTER OF THE DOKUTAKE NINJA
d. Masaya Fujimori
Japanese Animation
Rating : I
Length : 90 mins.
Opening April 17 2025
Trailer : https://youtu.be/Vq2ix1x9fYY
[ CINEMA CITY ]
A film adaptation of a popular novel, which the loyal fanbase of
"Nintama Rantaro" has long awaited. his is an action-paked, tear-
jerker story, never-before-seen in the TV series! At the Ninjutsu
Academy, Doi teaches young ninjgas known as "Nintama." One day, he
goes out for a battle against a ninja from the rival clan, but
vanishes without a trace. The Nintamas worry for Doi's safety,
especially Kirimaru, a war orphan who lives with him. At the same
time, the Academy receives troubling news that their rivals at
Dokutake Castle may be scheming something. The older ninjas
infiltrate the castle to investigate, but they are stopped by Tenki,
whose face is identical to Doi.
[ 29th BUSAN INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL ]
Jing's day begins with a graceful tracking shot that follows her from
the early morning as she pumps breast milk, leaves her baby with her
mother-in-law, and heads to the bakery where she works. Her baby
daughter Qing is difficult and cries constantly and Jing frequently
clashes with her live-in in-laws over childcare and housework, while
her husband, who works as a delivery driver, views parenting as
something he occasionally helps with. All she did was have a child,
yet Jing's life is turned upside down, leaving her in a situation
where all her efforts to build her career have been negated. Director
Oliver Siu Kuen Chan meticulously dissects Jing's struggles, revealing
the emotional turbulence she endures. The film’s realistic and precise
narrative depicts the suffocating oppression women suffer within both
family and society, the pressures of 'being a mother' and
'motherhood,' and resolutely move forward, forcing Jing to make a
final decision.
(PARK Sun Young)
[ 37TH TOKYO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL ]
Suk-jing's ordinary life in Hong Kong is disrupted by motherhood,
forcing her to navigate challenging changes that redefine her routine
and sense of self.
[ 2024 BUSAN INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL ASIAN COTENTS AND FILM MARKET ]
Suk-jing recently welcomes a baby daughter into her ordinary life,
which, to her surprise, will never be the same again. She is soon
stressed-out taking care of the baby 24/7, while her husband never
proactively takes part in it. Conflicts with in-laws, postpartum
bodily changes, affected work performance are straws piling up on her
back...After long nights of nursing in loneliness, where will the
break of day lead her?
7 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.
6 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.
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