[2023.07.22] LOUIS KOO: AI CAN NEVER DEFEAT HUMANITY

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courtesy of singtao.com

Louis Koo says the award is a team effort and absolutely not his only personal glory

Louis Koo attends the VITAL SIGN premiere

Louis Koo attend the festival with directors Cheuk Wan Chi and Lawrence Kan
courtesy of mingpao.com

Louis Koo Tin Lok received the New York Asian Film Festival's highest honor "Extraordinary Star Asia Awards for Exceptional Contribution to Asian Cinema". Goo Jai flew to New York to attend the award ceremony. His new film VITAL SIGN (SUNG YUEN TOH JUNG) also made its North American premiere at the film festival.

On July 19th, Goo Jai appeared at the New York Asian Film Festival's VITAL SIGN (SUNG YUEN TOH JUNG)'s premiere. Before the screening the event presented the Extraordinary Star Asia Award. Goo Jai thanked the event for the recognition and mentioned that Hong Kong filmmakers during the pandemic has never changed their nature. They still made movies with their hearts. "Without any one the behind the scene position, making a movie would be very difficult. So this award is a team effort, absolutely not a honor for me alone." Goo Jai also noticed that the American screen writer and actor union strikes in Hollywood. He pointed out that the human creativity and emotions are very important. "AI (artificial intelligence) provides mankind convenience and functionality, but it would never beat human creativity and emotions. Only with creativity and emotions would a movie be able to touch the audience's soul." Goo Jai also promised in the future he would continue to work hard and make movies.

As the Hong Kong Performing Artist Guild president and the Federation of Hong Kong Filmmakers president, Goo Jai during the pandemic took action to assist with film professionals. Goo Jai at the press conference before the premiere shared his experience. "During the 3 years of the pandemic Hong Kong film industry halted production for almost a year and a half, some film professionals thus switched jobs. Even with opportunities they would not return to work in film again. I only wished to try to help as much as I could, not only hoping to maintain film production but also for professionals to maintain their livelihood."

Goo Jai this time played an emergency medical team member. He pointed out that Hong Kong has never had a movie about the emergency medical team. "One thing the new film wants to examine is, whether we can save ourselves. After the pandemic everyone should properly cherish everything. Everyone should be united and face the future together."

[2023.07.21] EVENTS TO COMMEMORATE THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF BRUCE LEE'S PASSING BEGINS

Chin Kar Lok and Andrew Lam both feels that Bruce Lee has far reaching influence on Hong Kong action films
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This year would be the 50th anniversary of Bruce Lee's passing. Many in show business yesterday attended a memorial event and remembered this kung fu superstar's contributions to film development.

An event to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Bruce Lee's passing held a launch ceremony yesterday in Sha Tin. Yesterday was the anniversary of Bruce Lee's passing, which made the event even more meaningful. A series of memorial events were announced, including a charity memorial publication, the proceeds of which would be donated to the Hong Kong Stuntmen Association; the publication invited Sammo Hung Kam Bo, Stephen Chow Sing Chi, Donnie Yen Chi Tan, Wu Fung and others to write articles. In addition, Andrew Lam Man Chung wrote the lyrics to the event theme song with the song writer and former CD Voice member Tam Yat Hong performing it. A children's impersonation contest would also take place to pass on Bruce Lee's martial art spirit and philosophy to children.

Yesterday at the launch aside from Cheung Tung Cho, Ng See Yuen, Raymond Wong Pak Ming, Andrew Lam Man Chung, Chin Kar Lok, Michelle Yim (Mai Suet), Tin Kai Man and Fung So Bo were also on hand. Cheung Tung Cho was a script supervisor and an assistant director on THE WAY OF THE DRAGON (MAN LUNG GOR GONG). Remembering his time with Bruce Lee, Brother Cho said, "He was a big kid who could play but very serious at work. He was a 'foreign kid', actually he might not converse a lot of traditional film workers. Yet when the cameras stopped rolling and waited for lighting, he was still jumping around to maintain in condition. He also didn't drink water. On the set in a wicker basket were a lot of fresh squeezed orange juice." Brother Cho also pointed out that Bruce Lee was an action performer, but he would also bring out books about photography and on the set study lighting to make the resulting shots even better. When he was internationally renowned, he remained very demanding in his filmmaking.

The Federation of Hong Kong Filmmakers permanent honorary chair Ng See Yuen said that in the blink of an eye Bruce Lee passed away for 50 years already. Aside from sentimentality, he was also happy that Hong Kong had a group of passionate people who over the years remembered Bruce Lee without fail. "Bruce Lee was someone who represented Hong Kong, Hong Kong's spirit and Hong Kong film industry." Ng See Yuen also has made several movies about Bruce Lee, among them the Federation of Hong Kong Filmmakers in 2013 made a documentary that took 4 years of preparation about Bruce Lee. It was very valuable because it interviewed over 90% of people who have worked with Bruce Lee on movies like Raymond Chow Man Wai, Ting Pei, even Bruce Lee's widow and daughter.

Lam Man Chung created a theme song and lyrics for the event. He pointed out that he spent over 40 minutes, half hour more how much he normally needed for lyrics. He also joked that his only idol from childhood was Bruce Lee. After watching him he hit people up and down the streets, but when kids hit it would not hurt. Ah Chung also jokingly asked Wong Pak Ming to make an action film for him. Chin Kar Lok joked that he could make the IP MAN film series. Ah Chung joked, "After Chairman Che, I would play Chairman Ip!" Chin Kar Lok said that he has never come in contact with Bruce Lee, but after watching THE BIG BOSS (JING MO MOON) in his childhood he and brother Chin Siu Ho on the way home kept imitating their idol and jumped off a table to see who was more convincing. "In our era everyone went to learn kung fu because of Bruce Lee. In the film LEGACY OF RAGE (LUNG JOI GONG WU) I was a double for Bruce Lee's son Brandon Lee." He remembered the most when he was at the Sammo Hung Stuntmen Association, he worked with the late Lam Ching Ying on a movie. Lam was a stunt coordinator for Bruce Lee. When they designed the fight it felt like actual combat, every punch and kick had meaning and shades of Bruce Lee.

[2023.07.20] GORDON LAM CONSIDERS CATEGORY III FILM WITH A MESSAGE

Jacquelin Chong and Gordon Lam are both car lovers
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Gordon Lam Ka Tung, Jacquelin Chong Si Man, Chin Siu Ho yesterday attended a League of Prezioso Auto opening ceremony. Ka Tung said that he deliberately came to support his friend and director Hui Yui Ming, because he owned many antique classic cars and super sports cars he joked that in the future when he would make a movie he could ask his friend to borrow cars for the shoot.

With 5 cars of his own, Ka Tung said that he was not someone who was after speed. He said, "I drive because I want to enjoy it. I would listen to music so I wouldn't pursue speed. The most important is being agile enough." Speaking of the future general trend of electric cars, Ka Tung has also considered getting one but chuckled that he would have a little less joy of driving because the electric cars only had a choice between fast or slow. However, Ka Tung lately also got into a four door car that he has into for a long time. He said that now his biggest hobby was to wash his cars, he felt like he had to baby them like his girlfriend. As for work, Ka Tung revealed that an investor invited him to make a category III films. He said, "The investor wants to make a category III film with a message, the subject would require further meeting to discuss. I really admire him, if he makes a category II film he would give up a lot of market." In addition, Ka Tung would also work with LPA boss Hui Yui Ming on a drama. He said that as soon as they saw each other Hui was not talking about cars but instead the movie.

[2023.07.19] FOR THE WEEK ENDING SUNDAY, JULY 16 2023

For the week ending Sunday, July 16 2023

10 MARRY MY DEAD BODY
    Can : Guan Yu Ngor Wor Gwai Bin Sing Ga Yun Dik Na Gein Si
    d. Cheng Wei-hao
    Greg Hsu Kuang-Han, Austin Lin, Gingle Wang,
    Tsai Chen-nan, Tuo Tsung-hua, Ma Nieh-hsien
    Rating : IIB
    Length : 129 mins.
    Opening April 1 2023 at the Hong Kong International Film Festival
    Opening April 27 2023

[ HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL ]
    During a pursuit, homophobic police officer Ming-Han inadvertently picks a red envelope off the ground and becomes roped into a ghost marriage with a dead man named Mao-Mao. To get rid of his ghostly groom, Ming-Han agrees to help Mao-Mao find the culprit behind his death. Previously best known for scaring audiences with The Tag-Along series, director Cheng Wei-Hao proves himself to be one of the best genre directors in Taiwan cinema with a rambunctious high-concept comedy that has the comic energy of an old-school Hollywood farce.

[ BROADWAY CIRCUIT ]
    Ming-Han is a passionate policeman in a muscular shape. One day, in the process of arresting a criminal with his beautiful colleague - Zi-Qing, Ming-Han accidentally picks up a red envelope, and a group of people suddenly jumps out to call him "son in law". They ask him to get married with their dead child, who is a dead guy! It is impossible for Ming-Han to accept this decision. However, he doesn't expect to be in misfortune since then. What is even more terrifying is that he begins to see his ghost husband Mao-Mao that scares Ming-Han to death. Therefore, Ming-Han visits a great master to get rid of Mao-Mao. The master tells him that he must get married to Mao-Mao and check Mao-Mao's wish lists; otherwise, Mao-Mao will follow him forever. To get rid of Mao-Mao, Ming-Han has no choice but to help him fulfill all his wishes; at the same time, Mao-Mao also acts like Ming-Han’s partner to help him with the investigation of drug smuggling. A fantasy journey full of laughter and tears between a straight man and a gay ghost has begun.

  9 THE FLASH
    d. Andy Muschietti
    Ezra Miller, Sasha Calle, Ben Affleck, Michael Keaton

  8 SPIDER-MAN: ACROSS THE SPIDER-VERSE
    d. Joaquim Dos Santos, Kemp Powers, Justin K. Thompson
    Sony Animation
    English Voice: Shameik Moore, Hailee Steinfeld,
      Brian Tyree Henry, Luna Lauren Velez, Jake Johnson,
      Jason Schwartzman, Issa Rae, Karan Soni,
      Daniel Kaluuya, Oscar Issac

  7 NO HARD FEELINGS
    d. Gene Stupnitsky
    Jennifer Lawrence, Andrew Barth Feldman

  6 MONSTER
    d. Kore-eda Hirokazu
    Ando Sakura, Nagayama Eita, Kurokawa Soya, Hiiragi Hinata,
      Takahata Mitsuki, Akihiro Kakuta, Nakamura Shidou, Tanaka Yuko
    Rating : IIA
    Length : 126 mins.
    Opening June 22 2023
    Trailer : https://youtu.be/hKonnyfsnY0

[ BROADWAY CIRCUIT ]
    When her young son Minato starts to behave strangely, his mother feels that there is something wrong. Discovering that a teacher is responsible, she storms into the school demanding to know what's going on. But as the story unfolds through the eyes of mother, teacher and child, the truth gradually emerges.

  5 INSIDIOUS: THE RED DOOR
    d. Patrick Wilson
   Ty Simpkins, Patrick Wilson, Rose Byrne

  4 ONE MORE CHANCE
  Can : Bit Giu Ngor "Doh Sun"
  Lit : Don't Call Me "God of Gamblers"
  AKA : SALVATION
  AKA : BE WATER, MY FRIEND
  AKA : Giu Yeung Shui Yuet
  Lit : Proud Sun Age
  AKA : Guong Fai Shui Yuet
  Lit : Age of Brilliance
    d. Anthony Pun (Poon Yiu Ming)
    Chow Yun Fat, Anita Yuen Wing Yi,
      Alex Fong Chung Shun, Dick Liu Kai Chi, Andy Tien (On Chi Kit),
      Kenny Wong Tak Bun, Michael Ning (Bak Ji), Calvin Choy Yat Chi,
      Amy Lo Wai Man, Will Or Wai Lam,
  Rating : IIA
  Length : 115 mins.
  Opening June 21 2023 in Mainland China
  Opening June 29 2023
  Trailer : https://youtu.be/rKWzFBrHkSk

[ CINEMA CITY HONG KONG ]
    Water Ng, a typical loser who likes to gamble and takes no responsibility is asked to take care of his ex-girlfriend Jik's son, Yeung. With Jik tells him that Yeung is his son, and promised 100 thousand dollars, Water Ng agrees to be a father for one month. Soon he notices his son has Autism. He gets to understand the difficulties of raising a child along with special needs. With Jik's absence on the agreed date, Water Ng realizes why she brought him his blood. He finds his life goal while discovering Yeung's talent on the racing field, then decides to get rid of the dissipated life and accompany his son spreading wings for the dream.

  3 INDIANA JONES AND THE DIAL OF DESTINY
    d. James Mangold
    Harrison Ford, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Antonio Banderas

  2 ELEMENTAL
    d. Peter Sohn
    Disney Pixar Animation
    English Voices: Leah Lewis, Mamoudou Athie
    Cantonese Voices: Hins Cheung King Hin, Serrini (Leung Ka Yan)

  1 MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE - DEAD RECKONING PART ONE
    d. Christopher McQuarry
    Tom Cruise, Hayley Atwell, Ving Rhimes, Simon Pegg,
      Rebecca Ferguson, Vanessa Kirby, Easi Morales, Pom Klementieff,

[2023.07.19] FOR THE WEEK STARTING SATURDAY, JULY 15 2023

For the week starting Saturday, July 15 2023 (Week 28)

VIUTV CHILL CLUB CHART

  5 PRICE OF ROMANCE
  Can : Tam Ching Dik Ga Jik
  Kelly Chen Wai Lam

https://youtu.be/Y2ywNWlvY58

  4 RICH WOMEN
  Can : Yau Chin Dik Nui Yun
  Serrini

https://youtu.be/RKoGRMTskSY

  3 SAFETY DISTANCE
  Can : On Chuen Kui Lei
  Pandora

https://youtu.be/zEMk3gNVEok

  2 MY SEMITA
  Can : Guong ji Doh
  Alan Po (Bo Chi Lun)

https://youtu.be/BzuABLXdBFM

  1 DUMMY
  Keung To

https://youtu.be/OjaJmRSJvgo

[2023.07.18] CHOW YUN FAT APPEARS AT 1,000 PEOPLE SCREENING UNDER A TYPHOON WARNING

Edwin Siu and Priscilla Wong cannot hide their excitement from meeting Chow Yun Fat
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Albert Au Wing Kuen, Fat Soh, Edwin Siu and Priscilla Wong pose for selfie with Fat Gor
courtesy of mingpao.com

In order to be in close contact with even more viewers, Chow Yun Fat for several weeks in a row led the ONE MORE CHANCE (BIT GIU NGOR DOH SUN) team to meet viewers everywhere. Last weekend, Fat Gor even attentively took care of the New Territories viewers as he visited many cinemas in Tsuen Wan, Tuen Mun and Tin Shui Wai and met with over 1,000 viewers.

Two days ago under the number 3 tropical cyclone signal, Fat Gor and director Anthony Pun (Poon Yiu Ming), producer Wong Bun, art director Man Lim Chung, Will Or Wai Lam and others appeared at the 1,000 people show at the Sunbeam Theater. The 1,000 people audience included Fat Fans but also different lower class families, gambling addict families, volunteers and community welfare organization viewers. Fata Gor at this 1,000 people show continued to spread the positive message from the film. For everyone to experience that determination was the power of change, Fat Gor even invited viewers to talk with on the stage and share their experience. One viewer recalled running into Fat Gor working on location and how he took care of his co-stars, they even wept and could not continue to speak.

Although the weather was poor, it did not put a damper on the event. No seat was empty among the over 1,000 seats as the live audience responded enthusiastically. Some were even from Macau, Guangzhou and Korea. Without any fear, they were supports who wanted to personally catch a glimpse of Fat Gor; some viewers wept in joy, saying that they have already supported their idol for decades. When Fat Gor heard he immediately gave hugs of love and heated up the atmosphere.

After the 1,000 people show, the team went to Hollywood Square to meet with viewers. Not only did they catch Edwin Siu Ching Nam and Priscilla Wong Chui Yu on a date, but also on hand were overseas fans from Canada and a female viewer who got so emotional she broke into tears; a teenager felt that ONE MORE CHANCE like ALL ABOUT AH LONG was able to affect him. Because he liked Fat Gor he called himself "Mark". Fat Gor was surprised that at such a young age he has already enjoyed films from over 30 years ago and made quite an impression on him.

To loyal fans who have seen ONE MORE CHANCE since its release three, four, nine and even 19 times, Fat Gor expressed his gratitude.

[2023.07.17] OCEAN PARK AND MCL PROMOTE "CARING FOR FUTURE SHOWCASE"

Ocean Park, Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, Lai Sun Group and Multiplex Cinema Ltd. representatives attend the "Caring for Future Showcase" opening ceremony

After the ceremony the guests watch INTO THE BLUE

The representatives visit the showcase concept store

MCL earlier releases theme screenings and attracts many viewers

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courtesy of singtao.com

Ocean Park and Multiplex Cinema Ltd. recently teamed up for the "Caring For Future Showcase", as the theme park would promote preservation to the general public with a series of events in the next years. It would include environmental preservation film screenings and forums, in hopes of increasing the general public's environmental preservation knowledge.

MCL in recent years created the "SEE LIFE @ MCL" brand and further brought in a variety of screenings and entertainment programs, like the live broadcast of Japanese ice skating prince Yuzuru Hanyu's February personal performance at the Tokyo Giant Egg via MCL. The brand also set up the Wednesday Movie Club series that has screened films of Leslie Cheung Kwok Wing, Gordon Lam Ka Tung, Sean Lau Ching Wan, Audrey Hepburn and others. They also took care of classic films like AS TEARS GO BY (WONG GOK KA MOON) and the INFERNAL AFFAIRS (MO GAN DOH) trilogy and classic Cantonese Operas of Sabrina Lee (Lung Kim Sang) PRINCESS CHANG PING and THE PEONY PAVILION as their 4K restored editions were screened to meet the demands of different viewers.