[2021.04.25] TONY LEUNG KA FAI KEEPS GETTING SLAPPED TO SUPPORT THE FILM INDUSTRY

Chrissie Chau jumps rope in tight fitness gear
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Ten Hong Kong film companies co-funded a movie to fight the pandemic, ALL U NEED IS LOVE (JUNG SI YAU OI JOI GAK LEI) has already opened. The 63 year old Best Actor Tony Leung Ka Fai said that he was already halfway out of the film industry. This time due to the pandemic he agreed to perform. In the film Chrissie Chau Sau Na kept slapping her. He was red and swollen and needed to keep applying ice, but he did not feel it was rough.

This film had a major scene that brought up a scene from the classic Hong Kong film MEN SUDDENLY IN BLACK (DAI JEUNG FU). Playing Uncle Nine and Brother Tin, Leung Ka Fai and Eric Tsang Chi Wai were in quarantine with two newcomers Aaron Chow Chi Kwan and Dough Boy at a hotel. The four got lonely, disguised themselves as the testers, went to different rooms to test hotel patrons and look for the chance for "hook up". They ran into different patrons, including landlady Yuen Qiu, office worker Jacky Cai Jie, and fitness lady Chau Sau Na.

In the film Chau Sau Na wore low cut fitness wear and jumped rope in front of Ka Fai. Uncle Nine took the chance to test Sister Na, but Sister Na kept slapping him. Actually Sister Na had a fear of men. When any man got close she would hit him. Uncle Nine thus suffered and turned all red and swollen from being slapped.

On the set, Ka Fai would tell Sister Na every time, "Hit me hard! Don't worry!" The crew immediately would apply ice to Leung Ka Fai while Sister Na kept apologizing. Ka Fai said that during the shoot he often had to work in full gear. Shooting in the balcony under the blazing sun, he almost had a heat stroke. In addition Sister Na slapped him like mad. However he did not feel that was rough, in comparison to the pandemic this was child's play. Ka Fai said, "I already am half out of the film industry. This time due to the pandemic I agreed to perform. I hope there wouldn't be a second time because of the pandemic." Ka Fai admitted that being able to be with a group of old and new on and off screen talent, he sensed how united everyone were. He hoped that even when for the pandemic, Hong Kong film industry would be able to continue to remain united!

Sister Na felt very sorry that she had to slap Brother Ka Fai like crazy. "I can only say sorry, Brother Ka Fai, thank you, Brother Ka Fai!" Sister Na said that when she got the script she really was very afraid and very nervous, because she did not know how to start. "After two or three takes, Brother Ka Fai suddenly asked me, 'Are you making a martial art film?' Then I was very afraid! Did you hit too hard? In addition when I saw how red and swollen his face was, other than sorry I really don't know what else I could say! Brother Ka Fai was really very professional, each time he would tell me, 'Don't worry about hitting me, I am OK!'" Brother Ka Fai made Sister Na relax in her performance, but seeing Brother Ka Fai having to keep applying ice her heart ached a little.

[2021.04.24] SAMMI CHENG, CHERIE CHUNG CELEBRATE JOHNNIE TO'S BIRTHDY

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Sammi Cheng Sau Man yesterday posted on social media a photo with Cherie Chung Chor Hung, Mr. and Mrs. Wai Ka Fai and William Chang Suk Ping as they celebrated Johnnie To Kei Fung's 66th birthday.

Sammi wrote, "For me, every year a very important day is To Sir's birthday. Last night, also present were Hung Goo, Mr. and Mrs. Wai and Ah Suk, of course Mrs. To as well! Simple dinner and talk made a happy night. 21 years ago I met To Sir."

[2021.04.24] YU MO LIN WILL BE RELEASED FROM THE HOSPITAL NEXT WEEK AT THE SOONEST

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Yu Mo Lin at the end of October last year was hospitalized. After half a year of treatment, yesterday came the good news of a release.

According to Yu Mo Lin's good friend Tang Tat Chi, Yu Mo was approved for a release from the hospital next week at the earliest. Reportedly Yu Mo now could speak with strength. Everyday she is eating her own on a liquid diet. Yu Mo planned to return home to rest for a few days first after her hospital release, then get her hair done before seeing everyone.

[2021.04.23] ALL U NEED IS LOVE PREMIERE

Jeannie Chan has to lose 10 pounds for her costume role
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Julian Cheung's smile is stiff from the pain

Jeannie Chan is going vegetarian to lose weight to play a female general
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49 year old Julian Cheung says trying for a daughter would be a race against time so it would probably be impossible.

Jo Kok brings her 6 year old daughter Lau Yui to the premiere.  Julian Cheung calls her daughter cute.

Cecilia So wants to play matchmaker for her friends

Carlos Chan gives Shiga Lin a shot of confidence

Eric Tsang and Raymond Wong thank the ten companies for uniting to raise funds
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The Hong Kong film industry united to produce the pandemic fighting film ALL U NEED IS LOVE (JUNG SI YAU OI JOI GAK LEI) two nights ago held a "You support me support you all star premiere". Stars who appeared included the boss level Eric Tsang Chi Wai, Raymond Wong Pak Ming, Daneil Lam Siu Ming, actors Julian Cheung Chilam, Louis Cheung Kai Chung, Carlos Chan Ka Lok, Cecilia So Lai Shan, Cheung Tat Ming, Jeannie Chan Ying, Alex Lam Tak Shun, Bob Lam Sing Bun, Sarika Choy Yuen Shan, Alex Fong Lik Sun and others.

Before the screening, ALL's producers Tsang Chi Wai and Wong Pak Ming thanked the ten Hong Kong film companies for uniting to make this pandemic fighting film happen. Wong Pak Ming said that under the pandemic, the film industry's on and off screen livelihoods were drastically affected. At first Chi Wai called him. "I thought he had some great deal for me, when I learned that it was a pandemic fighting film idea I agreed right away." Chi Wai praised Boss Wong. "It's not easy to get a rich guy to give money and effort, not to mention for his entire family to help. Truly the whole f'n family came out!" Chi Wai also thanked the ten film companies, which agreed in less than 15 minutes. While everyone in the industry gave their support, the film's production start was very difficult as they had to save on everything. He said, "Everyone raised HK$ 3 million, then not only did they had to chip in more, I also had to thank (Peter) Lam Kin Ngok for providing his hotel for the shoot. Everyone divided into 7 teams, going up and side. Workers turned night into day and shot day and night, because under the pandemic they had no other idea and had to save money and raise money. The cast and the crew fully united, as participating artists also did not charge any money. Everyone need to applaud them. Actually they put in more effort for not giving paid than for getting paid. workers also only gave some symbolic compensation!" Later, the ten film companies' representatives came to the stage for a simple yet elegant "heart sticking" ceremony.

Chilam was ailing two nights ago but still insisted on showing his support. He said, "my clavicle really hurts, I couldn't even raise my arm. At first I thought it was frozen shoulder, but the doctor said it was a clavicle infection." Chilam pointed out that although he was unwell, he still insisted on attending because how meaningful this event was. "I haven't watched a premiere for too long, in addition this film's message is 'love'. I hope to properly deliver this message to everyone. Since the film industry put so many hearts into this, I hope it would perform well!" In the film he worked with Kok Cho Lam's younger daughter and thought it was very fun. "I don't have a daughter, I really long to play with other people's daughters. It's especially fun. Siu Kok's girl is very cute, when I saw her I was happy." Did he want to try for a daughter? Chilam said, "Probably almost impossible, this would be a race against time!"

So Lai Shan and Lok Wing in ALL U NEED IS LOVE played a couple. She said that in the film she was a control freak, but in reality she did not feel that she was. However her control freak boyfriend said that she too was the same type of person. So Lai Shan revealed that her boyfriend was quite lucky with the opposite sex, thus sometimes she would be jealous as well. However she trusted her boyfriend, and he would introduce his female friends to her. Her boyfriend also knew her friends.

Chan Ying after visiting her family in Vancouver jumped right into the production. Because each time she would balloon up in Canada, she was probably at her fattest in the film. Chan Ying joked that next week she would start work on a costume film, but she just had a costume fitting for a female general. The costume was ten layered thick and the director thought she was very swollen and ordered her to lose 10 pounds. "I have to lose 10 pounds in 10 days, Right now I can lose 1.5 pounds in a day. I can only try to watch what I eat."

After RAISING THE BAR, Chan Ying worked together with Cheung Kai Chung over 6 years later. She admitted that Ah Chung was her idol and like a big brother. Thus she would consult him about work or personal life.

Chan Ka Lok and rumored girlfriend Shiga Lin were rumored to be on the rocks as former Miss Hong Kong Carmaney Wong Ka Man interjected herself between them. Ka Lok two nights ago denied the rumor and instead asked the media why they would believe it. "Such nonsensical information from a reader, actually several days go this reader already attacked me then my fans on IG. Anyone can tell it is made up!" Did he explain it to Shiga? He said, "No need, I myself didn't bother with it because his account is fake. It's too fake, too made up, it should get 0 points and be done over." However Shiga "liked" on his clarification social media post. Ka Lok joked, "I have no comment on that, as long as friends who know and support me understand then it's fine. I am rather helpless myself!" He stressed that his love life has been very stable. "Work and love life are already very exciting, the reader shouldn't rile me up again!"

[2021.04.23] FIVE BEST ACTORS TAKE CARE OF ONCE UPON A TIME IN HONG KONG DIRECTOR

Woody Hui says that Kent Cheng is already OK in his first take
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Kent Cheng says that Woody Hui does not resemble a new director at all

Kent Cheng plays his role from a different perspective

Tony Leung Ka Fai changes his appearance to look more like his character, while Francis Ng creates another Lui Lok
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The Wong Jing, Woody Hui Yui Ming directed film ONCE UPON A TIME IN HONG KONG (WONG GUM DAI GOK: JUI FU KUM LUNG) starred five Best Actors Louis Koo Tin Lok, Francis Ng Chun Yu, Tony Leung Ka Fai, Gordon Lam Ka Tung and Kent Cheng Juk Si. The story was about the 60s and the 70s police and underworld collusion in Hong Kong. The government hence established the Independent Commission Against Corruption.

Yesterday Hui Yui Ming and Brother Kent promoted the film together. After 13 years in the business as a screenwriter, Hui Yui Ming for his directing debut already worked with many Best Actors. He stated that he felt the pressure because everyone was full of experience. Luckily everyone took great care of him. He said, "Lam Ka Tung would take a lot of time to chat with me about the story and the character. Goo Jai from the moment of the script creation already discussed the general story with me; Ng Chun Yu directly created a new Lui Lok character that was very different from before; although Leung Ka Fai was very busy, he still designed the look of the character. He made his nose bigger and shaved his head for a higher forehead because he wanted to resemble the character's original form. Brother Kent was really bad......he would never give me a second take, he was already OK in the first take!" Hui Yui Ming revealed that the film production cost over HK$ 100 million, which was mainly spent on set constructions like bringing the Kai Tak airport back for the audience.

Brother Kent said that he met Hui Yui Ming when he starred in CHASING THE DRAGON (JUI LUNG). He praised him as a new comer with great potential. His work has been very solid. This time was a big investment, so he believed that his performance would be able to meet everyone's expectation and he was also very happy that the film industry has this successor.

In the film Brother Kent would again play the pork grease kid role. He revealed that in the film Crippled Ho and Tsui Lok were both his benefactor. Back then once the Independent Commission Against Corruption was established many conflicts ensued. He stood between both sides of the law, not only having to protect himself but also afraid that his benefactors would be in trouble. He said, "In the film there was more emotions than the case. If I save myself, others may have to die. However I also have to protect the two benefactors. The conflict became rather enormous. I didn't know whether I was able to grasp it well!" Brother Kent also praised each actors' selfless contribution. Everyone would keep rehearsing, if anyone had any questions they would bring it up. Once improved then they went into production, which went very smoothly. He sensed how important the spirit of unity was.

[2021.04.23] KARA WAI AND CHARLENE CHOI CONTINUE "MOTHER DAUGHTER" RELATIONSHIP

Kara Wai says both Pakho Chau and Charlene Choi are much more mature than in the previous film
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Kara Wai Ying Hung and Charlene Choi Cheuk Yin after 77 HEARTBREAKS (YUEN LEUNG TA 77 CHI) in the new film 77 HEARTWARMINGS (GUM DUNG TA 77 CHI) continued their "mother and daughter relationship".

As the Mommy in the film, Sister Hung had different encounters in the two films. She said, "This Mommy last time ran into rather rough husband who didn't know how to cherish those around him. She was a rather suffering woman of old society, keeping all the tastes good or bad inside her belly. She tolerated in order to keep her family whole; in 77 HEARTWARMINGS, her husband passed away, ran into her first love. They are both in their 50s or 60s, what should they do?" Interestingly, in the film Sister Hung's husband and first love were both played by Lawrence Cheng Tan Shui. Sister Hung said that she never asked why, but she could understand it. "Although in the first film, my husband wasn't too likable but the audience really liked it. They really accepted this team. Thus in the new film, my character no matter how she chose hoped to find someone like her husband. Thus her first love was again played by Brother Tan. If the director was able to have a scene to exchange this mentality, then it would be the best!"

Playing mother and daughter again with Ah Sa, Sister Hung felt that in the film her daughter Eva and her boyfriend Adam were more mature than in the previous film, improved on their views on life and love from the previous film. She said, "If I have children, I would be just like in the film and be a rather understanding Mommy. Life is only a few short decades. If we are fated to be together, we shouldn't waste time. I feel Eva and Adam is wasting a little time. Since they love each other, why not forgive and cherish each other?"

77 is Herman Yau Lai To directed. Sister Hung said that he was a friend of many years and praised how sharp his social senses were. "When I am in my teens, I already worked with him at Shaw. A big group of people after work would go to dinner, play sports, chat, one can say we grew up together. His strong suit is his social senses are very sharp. Over the years he not only knows how to make UNTOLD STORY but is willing to try other subjects, even for a romance people have to be able to connect with it. Otherwise young viewers wouldn't keep watching. The director obviously is someone who progresses with time, just like I am very sensitive to social changes. If someone doesn't want to lose tough with society, they have to keep this senses sharp."

[2021.04.22] ANTHONY WONG PONDERS STAYING IN TAIWAN FOR WORK

Anthony Wong returns to Hong Kong to prepare for the August run of the play ART.  He laments that the capacity restrictions make theater survival difficult. 

Anthony Wong works on a food truck show in Taiwan and visits many areas

Both Anthony Wong and Chapman To have "Taiwan employment gold cards" and may work together later
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Recently the topic of "Hong Kong Film is Dead" has been hotly contested again. Three time Hong Kong Film Award Best Actor Anthony Wong Chau Sun felt that the current consumer model is different from before, so they could not be compared. Hong Kong film would not completely vanish, people will continue to make movies whether the scale will be large or small. He joked that Hong Kong film is not dead yet but he is already dead, because in Hong Kong no one is approaching him with work. He described himself as being "homeless", climbing back up again would be very hard but he could only look for his own way out. He lamented that even plays could not be done, under the pandemic the admission rate has been restricted. Subjects in the future may be restricted as well, so it would be very difficult. Just received his "Taiwan employment gold card", Wong Chau sun would not eliminate the possibility that after finishing job on his hands in Hong Kong he would focus on developing in Taiwan.

Speaking of "Hong Kong Film is Dead", Wong Chau Sun said, "It's been talked about for a long time, and it depends on what the definition is. If compared to the peak before when 300 some films were produced a year, Hong Kong film indeed is already dead. However the definition of death is no one continues to make movies. Now people are still making movies, (Francis) Ng Chun Yu, (Sammo) Hung Kam Bo, (Richie Jen) Yam Yin Chi, (Simon) Yam Tat Wa, (DaDa) Chan Jing and others are all working, which means it isn't dead. Now it may be in resurrection. However the whole thing isn't as big as it used to be. Hong Kong film thrived earlier because it had many environmental and conditional coordination, overseas markets, more investors and ample financing."

Wong Chau Sun felt that Hong Kong film would not completely disappear and said, "The royal feast isn't the only meal, clay pot rice is also a meal. A little one, big productions won't be numerous, it's impossible to say with just ONCE UPON A TIME IN HONG KONG (GUM SAU JI), one big production that starred Wai Jai (Tony Leung Chiu Wai) and Wa Jai (Andy Lau Tak Wa) that Hong Kong film is back. It can't just rely on Wa Jai and Wai jai to prop up the market, and they can't star in every movie anyway. The definition of film isn't this, both sides (big and small productions) have to have balance, with 10 big productions a years and several dozens small productions, different genres, different actors, then you can say Hong Kong film is in recovery. Ultimately the Hong Kong domestic market is very small, even the UA cinema circuit couldn't survive. Now the consumer model has changed, it can't return to the way it was so they shouldn't be compared at all. Now instead I can see many new subjects, let's take it slow."

The 59 year old Chau Sun joked that he would need to "retire" too. He said, "Hong Kong isn't dead yet, but I am already dead. No offer, no job." Shooting a food truck show in Taiwan, he and Chapman To Man Chak both received the "employment gold card" from the Taiwan government. During the gold card's effective period of 3 years they would not need to apply for a visa when working in Taiwan, they would also be able to enjoy tax benefits and healthcare.

Currently in Taiwan, Ah Chak earlier shared on social media his future plan to build a "Taiwan and Hong Kong culture food and drink garden district" and his visit to the Paktau Film Studio. Would Chau Sun work with Ah Chak? He said, "Not yet, but on this trip to Taiwan I shot a show for Ah Chak's web channel."

Chau Sun would return to Hong Kong for the Dionysus Contemporary Theater to prepare for the August run of the play ART. He lamented, "Even plays can't be done. With the current gathering restriction order, the upper limit is 75% capacity. Actors and workers aren't paid 75% of the salary, so it's very hard. After this time we may possibly not do it another." Chau Sun said that there was nothing for him to do in Hong Kong. He even compared himself to the "homeless", climbing back up would be very hard but he still must face it. He had to find work and a way out himself.

Climbing from the abyss many times, Chau Sun said, "One time after another, they were all life experience. I used to be able to climb back up. Although the future is unclear, I was young. Now I am not that age anymore, what future would I still have. No matter how great of a shape I am in I am still an uncle. I can only find my own way out. After the play ART, I probably would leave Hong Kong for awhile and teach drama in Taiwan, perform a play in Taiwan and create some jobs."