[TAKE OVER] HKSAR Film Top 10 Box Office (January 5, 1999)
Top Ten Central
some readers. Parental guidance and reader discretion are advised.
[FLUFF OF THE WEEK] Courtesy of Ming Pao, Sing Tao Daily, Apple Daily,
Oriental Daily, and Ta Kung Pao
1. This week's Top 10 is dedicated to
A. Anita Mui Yim Fong, who won the the Golden Needle Award at
Radio Hong Kong's 21st annual Top Ten Chinese Gold Song award.
B. Tsang Wa Sin, who gave birth to her first child.
C. Alex Fong Chung Shui, who finally won a division B formula 3
auto race in Zhuhai. Producer Chan Chi Shun, who is planning a movie
about racing in Zhuhai, came in fifth at the same race and blamed his
position for not making the top three.
2. JET LI HAS AN OPPORTUNITY TO PLAY A VILLIAN IN STAR WARS
(Thanks Sanney) Apple -- Attacking Hollywood, Jet Li, in LETHAL
WEAPON 4, showed his abilites and won over the audience. It even led
producers of the STAR WARS series to take notice. They have asked Li
to play a role in one of the films.
According to a Hollywood webpage, Jet Li is currently in
negotiations for EPISODE 2 in the STAR WARS prequel series. This
would mean that Li would have a chance to work with George Lucas. In
the film, Li would play Boba Fett.
Boba Fett is a villian who is encased in armor, even his visage
is covered. Actually, the character has appeared in EMPRIE STRIKES BACK
and RETURN OF THE JEDI -- working for Darth Vader. As a result, he is
considered a villian. In EPISODE 2, Jeremy Bulloch would be
responsible for Boba Fett's voice while Jet Li would be responsible
for his movements.
If Jet Li negotiates succesfully for the role, he will be taking on a
very important character in EPISODE 2 as Boba Fett will be a main
character as his past will be fleshed out. Although, he will be
encased in body armour and his face will not be seen, Jet Li's first
priority is to show his atheltic skills. Moreover, there will be
scenes in which he will not be wearing armour as part of the story
involves telling how Boba Fett got his armour. This will allow Jet Li
to show his visage to all.
3. LOUIS KOO TIN LOK WILL STAR AND DIRECT A EXPERIMENTAL ROMANTIC SHORT
(APPLE DAILY, 12/31/1998) With his popularity on the rise in both
Hong Kong and Taiwan, Louis Koo Tin Lok might go even further in 99
because he is planning to produce a experimental romantic short film.
He will star as well as direct.
Koo Tin Lok said at the beginning of next year he would still be
busy with the TVB series production DETECTIVE INVESTIGATION FILES 4
(YING SI JING CHUP 4). However, he actually has planned from early
on to work with friends next year and star and direct in a romantic
experimental short film. When it is released it will be shown for
free at Hong Kong's Cultural Center.
When asked for the secret of his success, Koo Tin Lok said
success required opportunity and luck, not just by fulfilling
qualifications. However his own secret is hard work.
Also, TVB has limited each of its male artist to 80 episodes of
television shows a year. However he has starred in a total of 120
episodes and 3 films this year and 6 movies within the last 2 years.
Thus his biggest wish right now is to get a little more sleep.
Although his star is on the rise, Koo Tin Lok's salary has not
increased since the first TROUBLESOME NIGHT (YUM YEUNG LO). For
TROUBLESOME NIGHT 5 (YUM YEUNG LO 5 YUT GEIN FAT CHOI), he insisted
that his salary would remain the same because the film's producer Nam
Yin is his benefactor. However, while the entire crew was working in
the Phillipines, Koo Tin Lok had to go to the Philippines for one
day a week.
4. DIRECTOR DEREK CHIU SUNG KEI IS AWAITING TRIAL FOR THEFT
(APPLE DAILY, 12/31/1998) Derek Chiu Sung Kei has always enjoyed being
in contact with different social levels and events for movie making
inspirations. Since last year's AH FAI THE DUMB (SUN TIN CHOI YU BAT
CHI), however, he has not made a film. Reportedly he has been spending
time in Shenzhen making television series.
The 37 year old Chiu Sung Kei while shopping at a department
store on Monday (December 28) allegedly put on a HK$442 gray sweater
and on the way out of the store he was stopped by store security.
On 30th Chiu, accompanied by his girlfriend headed to Kuoon
Tong Court and pleaded innocent to the charge. He was allowed to
post bail for HK$1,000 and the trial has been delayed until the 20th.
Chiu Sung Kei was an assistant screen writer for ATV. In 91
he directed his first movie PINK BOMB (YUN SUN DUT YI SUI JUN FOON)
and has directed a total of 6 movies, including 94's MR. SARDINE
(SA DIN YU SAT YUN SI GEIN), 95's OH! MY THREE GUYS (SAM GOR SEUNG
OI DIK SIU NIN), 96's THE LOG (SAM GOR SAU SEUNG DIK GAING CHAT),
97's FINAL JUSTICE (JUI HAU POON KUET) and AH FAI THE DUMB (SUN
TIN CHOI YU BAT CHI).
Among them THE LOG was his best known work. The movie won a
Hong Kong Film Award and a Golden Bauhinia Award for Best Actor (Kent
Cheng Juk Si). The script even came from the hands of the late police
officer Wong Wing Kei. Eric Kot Man Fai also won a Hong Kong Film
Award for Best New Artist for another Chiu Sung Kei film, OH! MY
THREE GUYS.
Almen Wong Pui Ha also won the Best Supporting Actress award
at the First Annual East Asia Film and Television Festival for
FINAL JUSTICE.
5. JIMMY HEUNG WA SING SUGGESTS A MARKET SAVING FORMULA
(JANUARY 1, 1999) Jimmy Heung Wa Sing, Lee Kwok Hing, Raymond Wong Pak
Ming and Joe Ma Wai Ho's Mandarin BIG theater circuit officially
opened today. Its first shot will be JOBLESS KING (SUT YIP WONG DAI)
starring the ever popular Gallen Law Ka Leung the new girl next door
of the music industry Gigi Leung Wing Kei.
Days ago Wong Pak Ming expressed that the circuit has 15
theaters under its belt, but at the premiere of JOBLESS KING on the
30th, Heung Wa Sing expressed that 3 more theaters have joined.
With such a weak film market and rampant piracy, why would Mr.
Heung still jump into the theater business? Mr. Heung jokingly
said, "If no one makes movies, where will counterfeits come from?"
After some discussion with Lee Kwok Hing, he has decided that
for certain films the circuit might even lower admission to HK$20 to
attract an audience. He again joked that if JOBLESS' box office
would be only around 1 million, he would close the circuit.
Mr. Heung sighed that 15 years ago when he made DOUBLE TROUBLE
(DAI SIU BUT LEUNG), the film ended up with a HK$11 million at the box
office; and after that 15 of his movies broke the 30 million market.
He never would have guessed that today the box office figures would be
so weak! Now a film could only sell for 500,000 to 800,000 in the
Taiwan market. He saw piracy as one of the most pressing problem of
the industry and has already thought of a way to resolve the problem.
However he would not resort to force.
He said, "Fat Jai (Chow Yun Fat) thought that the Hong Kong
market was too small and went to Hollywood. Jackie Chan did the
same. Box office guarantees like Wa Jai (Andy Lau Tak Wa) and Sing
Jai (Stephen Chiau Sing Chi) in order to maintain their price tag
are only making one movie a year. I have already asked these
attractive actors to make more movies. Maybe with 8 movies a year,
4 will be popular and can gradually bring the Hong Kong market back."
Having already broken into Hollywood, Fat Jai and Jackie Chan
will be expensive. Can he afford their pay? Mr. Heung said, "If
they are willing, I am able. I have talked to Fat Jai about that
and he agreed, but Fat Jai said that he would no longer make HK$10
million production and would only consider big scale productions."
He has also talked with Jackie Chan about SEMI-GOD AND SEMI-DEVIL
(TIN LUNG BAT BO) but nothing has been set yet.
Leung Wing Kei also attended the premiere. Gigi fell ill
while promoting in Taiwan and was hospitalized for a high fever.
When she returned to Hong Kong she rushed through the production of
TEMPTING HEART (SUM DUNG) and caught the flu after working night and
day. However, she revealed plans to marry 5 years later. Right now
She hoped to further her study in music and design and is busy with
the musical JUNG HA YE KONG SEUNG KUK (MAD SUMMER NIGHT MADNESS).
6. TVB PLANS A 100 EPISODE SERIES STARRING GALLEN LAW KA LEUNG AND
FLORA CHAN WAI SAN
(APPLE DAILY, 1/1/1999) TVB is planning an 100 episdoe series that
will cross the millenium with the produer of SECRET OF THE HEART (TIN
DEI HO CHING) Chik Kei Yi. Reportedly the series will begin production
in April and use the year 2000 as one of its gimmicks.
The series will star many of TVB's top talents, but the main
storyline will lie with Gallen Law Ka Keung and Flora Chan Wai San;
originally TVB has made offers to Adam Cheng Siu Chau and Nadia Chan
Chung Ling, but due to pricing issues they could not participate.
7. ATV derails Kristy Yeung Kung Yu's money train
(ORIENTAL DAILY, 1/2/1999) Known as "The Most Beautiful Miss Asia",
Kristy Yeung Kung Yu caught the world's attention with the film THE
STORMRIDERS (FUNG WON). Many film and ad producers had her in mind
for their projects, including the Hollywood Film THE KING AND I
starring Chow Yun Fat and Jodie Foster which had approached her for
a screen test. Even Japanese film producers are interested in her.
Originally these are all great opportunities for Yeung Kung Yu to
break out of the Hong Kong market, unfortunately they were all
destroyed by ATV, the company made her the star she is today. ATV
without her knowledge turned down all of the offers on her behalf,
claiming that she "would like to concentrate on television series".
Upon finding out, Yeung Kung Yu was both sad and disappointed.
Days ago on an activity for the Performing Artist Guild Yeung
Kung Yu ran into a crew member who was involved with casting. When
the crew member expressed regret that she was not able to participate
in a screen test, she had no idea what he was talking about. Finally
she found that ATV has turned down the offer on her behalf.
She said angrily, "Evne though it was just a screen test, it
was still a good opportunity. ATV during the last contract
extension agreed to let me go for sure when there is work outside.
I thought ATV would want the best for its artists, but they say one
thing and do another. It was really hurtful for me." Yeung Kung Yu's
contract will end in September and ATV has talked to her about another
extension. At first due to ATV being her benefactor she would
consider a contract renewal first, but now she has to reconsider.
8. LEO KOO KUI KEI HAS A CHANCE TO STAR IN A JAPANESE FILM
[THANKS SANNEY] (1/2/1999) In order to be at the premiere of WHEN I
LOOK UPON THE STARS (TIN SHU DEI LUEN) Hsu Chi flew back from Toronto.
Due to jet lag, she spent New Year's Eve in bed asleep.
Hsu was in Toronto to take part in Leon Lai's concert there.
She said, "Once I got on the stage, the crowd started clapping. The
reaction was very big, I liked having that direct connection with the
audience."
That may be so but she has not even thought about become a music
star. She says, "Because they say the way I sing isn't that good."
When asked who "they" were and if Leon was part of "them," Hsu
Chi replied, "No. Just people on the crew said that."
Hsu Chi is Leon Lai's rumoured girlfriend. Luckily, Leon's fans
weren't jealous. "I didn't feel that Lai Ming's fan didn't like me.
Fans nowadays can identify for themselves." Hsu Chi said, "We aren't
dating." She feels that rumours are very annoying forcing her to waste
time and energy explaining and clarifying things. A true waste of time.
"Write whatever you want. After so many times I am bored even if
you are. On top of that this isn't the first rumor about me and
so and so!" Has she considered starring in a musical? Hsu Chi said,
"Let's wait until my Cantonese gets better."
In 1998, Hsu Chi had the best box office of any female star. As
1999 dawns, she hopes that she can continue to act in good movies and
that the industry will improve and everyone can work. She says with
some disdain, "Pirated VCDs are sold all over the place. It really is
out of hand."
Hsu Chi and Jackie Chan are currently working on GLASS BOTTLE.
Chan has complimented Hsu on being very intelligent and willing to
learn. Hsu thanks Big Brother Jackie for his kind words, she says,
"Actually, the whole group treats me very well. They all adore me.
They spare me from having to be in the very complicated action scenes."
In other news, Hsu's co-star in TIN SHU DEI LUEN, Leo Koo Gui-Gei
has an opportunity to star in a Japanese film. Koo reports that
Japanese people think that he is cartoonish. People have also said
that he looks like KINDAICHI from the cartoons.
Hong Kong recently is hit with a Japanese storm as artists rushed
out of Hong Kong and headed to Japan one after another. After Takeshi
Kaneshiro and Kelly Chan Wai Lam, Leo Koo Kui Kei has a chance to work
on a Japanese film. The film will star either Nakayama Miho (Jung San
Mei Wai), Yamaguchi Tomoko (San Hau Ji Ji) or Matsu Takako (Lung Chung
Ji).
Koo Kui Kei, Hsu Chi, Sam Lee Chan Sam and others attended the
premiere of their film WHEN I LOOK UPON THE STARS (TIN SHUET DEI LUEN).
Koo Kui Kei revealed that he was in negotiation with a Japanese
producer. If all went well, Gei Jai would get a chance to work a top
Japanese star.
Reportedly the lead would either be Jung San Mei Wai, San Hau
Ji Ji or Lung Chung Ji; but in terms of compatibility, Lung Chung Ji
was higher chances. If all is successful, the film would begin
production in Hong Kong and Japan around April or May.
When asked if he would be competition for Takeshi Kaneshiro
(Gum Sing Mo), Gei Jai laughed, "I am no competition for Gum Sing Mo,
on top of that my Japanese right now is very limited. Luckily for
the film in question I won't be playing a Japanese. The movie is
still in negotiations, so it's too early to talk about these
questions. If I have a chance however I won't let it go."
9. PETER CHAN HO SUN RETURNS TO HONG KONG FILM NEXT YEAR
(SING SING, MING PAO DAILY, 1/2/1999) Peter Chan Ho Sun attended a
premiere on the 31st. When asked if he would spend New Year's Eve
with Sandra Ng Kwan Yu, Chan Ho Sun said, "I came to see a movie
tonight and to spend New Year's Even with a bunch of friends like
(Joe) Cheung Tung Cho and (Gordon) Chan Ka Seung." He still avoided
the name "Ng Kwan Yu".
Chan Ho Sun just finished Dreamworks SKG's LOVE LETTER. The
film will be sent to Italy for music at the end of February.
Even though he is doing well in America, Chan Ho Sun never
thought about abandoning Hong Kong film. He planned to direct one
or two more movies in America in 99 and then return to Hong Kong in
2000 to either direct or produce a movie.
After LOVE LETTER, Chan Ho Sun will direct a youth romance for
Columbia. No one has been cast yet.
10. LEO KOO KUI KEI IS A KILLER IN JAPAN?
(APPLE DAILY, 1/4/1999) Leo Koo Kui Kei days ago revealed that he has
been in negotiation for a Japanese film and a chance to work with a
popular Japanese star. Apple reporters yesterday has taken its
investigation further with Japan's TUNG BO film company which expressed
that it has already landed Nakayama Miho (Jung San Mei Wai). As for
the lead actor, they are working hard to land Takeshi Kaneshiro (Gum
Sing Mo). Koo Kui Kei's part will not be too large in the film since
it is a supporting role as a killer. The company plans to shoot the
entire film in Hong Kong.
Apple reporter yesterday contacted Gum Sing Mo's manager Yiu Yi
Kwan who said, "There are a lot of companies in Japan making offers
to Ah Mo, none of them has been confirmed yet. I am not at liberty
to comment."
Koo Kui Kei's manager Chin Siu Wai revealed, "We have an
agreement with the Japanese film company to not any detail of the
project. I can only say that this Japanese star has already been
signed . Recently her Japanese series is very popular (The Takuya
Kimura (Muk Chuen Tok Joi) and Nakayama Miho starred Sleeping Forest
has high ratings), however Gei Jai's part won't be a lot. He tried
for the role purely to make a name for himself in Japan."
Recently a group of Japanese film and television producers
were treated to a screening of the Koo Kui Kei and Hsu Chi starred
WHEN I LOOK UPON THE STARS (TIN SHUEN DEI LUEN). After the show they
expressed that they really liked the film and one of the television
stations was even interested in adapting it into a television series.
Chin Siu Wai said, "TIN's producer Cheng Chun Bong said to me,
that the television company really wants Gei Jai and Hsu Chi to
reprise their roles, but since neither of them knows Japanese, the
company can only find a Japanese cast. With such a bright future in
Japan for Gei Jai, I have decided to have him learn Japanese as soon
as possible."
12. LOUIS KOO TIN LOK AND CARMAN LEE YEUK TUNG TO STAR IN A REMAKE OF
AS TEARS GO BY
(CHUNG YAT HUNG, APPLE DAILY, 1/5/1999) Wong Kar Wai's AS TEARS GO BY
(WONG GOK KA MOON) was one of the classic films of the 80s and turned
Andy Lau Tak Wa and Maggie Cheung Man Yuk into an classic onscreen
couple and pushed to their careers to a new level. Now Wong Jing is
planning to remake this classic with Louis Koo Tin Lok and Carman Lee
Yeuk Tung. How will it turn out?
Wong Jing expressed, "The company has signed Koo Tin Lok to
several movies, but which one of them will they be has not been set
yet!"
"Will there be a NEW AS TEARS GO BY?"
Wong Jing refused to answer directly. "I will only say that
Goo Jai's deal includes a major movie! I will tell you after a week!"
"Why did you consider to remake this movie?"
Wong Jing laughed. "I said I will talk about it next week when
everything is set!"
Koo Tin Lok said, "The company (TVB) and Wong Jing have already
reached an agreement. I don't know about it yet. I will mainly make
movies for his company, but I still don't know which one they will
be. If it will really be AS TEARS GO BY, of course I will be
interested because it is a classic. However the company did not
mention that movie! It only said the genre will be like A MOMENT OF
ROMANCE (TIN YEUK YAU CHING). I hope Brother Jing help my development
in the film industry!"
13. KAREN MOK'S HITWOMAN SEES LIGHT OF DAY
[THANKS SANNEY] (ORIENTAL DAILY, 1/6/1999) In Stephen Chow's new movie
KING OF COMEDY, Karen Mok plays a action-movie star. In one scene in
the movie, she holds two guns reminiscent of Chow Yun-Fat's famous two
-gun style making her the first female star to hold a gun in that style
on screen. Although the movie is a comedy, Karen's character has an
air of self-confidence seen mostly in action films.
Shooting a film involving gunplay is not an easy task. In fact,
Karen Mok has been preparing for months for these scenes. Everyday she
goes to the gun club to practise with real guns. A self-proclaimed
tomboy, Karen Mok says that besides the excitement, she also likes the
experience of being able to challenge herself at a type of skill. When
asked if she was an accurate shot, Karen Mok modestly replies, "I'm OK."
In other news, while shooting KING OF COMEDY, Karen Mok has come
to fully realize the travails of being a female action actor. This is
because she has many action scenes in the movies. While there are no
direct punching and kicking scenes, there are many flying scenes and
scenes where she must jump from a trampoline. Even though she wears
protective pads for ther hands and knees, it is hard to avoid bumps
and bruises. Wonder if Karen Mok's good friend Stephen Chow has helped
soothe those bumps and bruises by rubbing ointment on them?
As for Sing Ye, he also will show his action prowess in the movie.
Although he has yet to film his action scenes, being a devotee of the
late Bruce Lee, it is assured that Sing Ye's action scenes will not
disappoint the audience.
14. KELLY CHAN WAI LAM'S FIRST JAPANESE SERIES PREMIERES IN HONG KONG
ON THE 24TH
The Kelly Chan Wai Lam and newly crowned Japanese star Kyoko
Fukada (Sum Tin Gung Ji) starred Japanese television series DON'T BE
A CRYBABY (GWAI JI CHAI GA) will premiere on cable in Hong Kong on
January 24th. It will cost an expensive HK$25 per episode!
Since cable's announcement of the January 26th premiere of the
Takashi Sorimachi (FAN TING LUNG SI) and Esumi Makiko (GONG GOK JUNG
GEI JI)'s OVERTIME, this will be yet another fast premiere for
another Fuji TV show. CRYBABY will premiere in Japan on the 12th,
and a week later Hong Kong viewers will be able to see it fresh out
of the oven.
Cable's public relations department reveals that the reasons
Fuji sold the rights to cable for 7 figures were that Japan Fuji TV
has been fully behind cable's anti piracy campaign, cable has made a
name for them, Chan Wai Lam being a popular Hong Kong artist will
garner a lot of Hong Kong viewer's attention, and Kyoko Fukada's
popularity rise in Hong Kong. Fuji will provide 8 to 10 new series
a season as an experiment. If it is successful in fighting piracy
and received good results, next season Fuji can provide even more
new series for cable to broadcast at the same time.
Also, OVERTIME's first episdoe will be a free preview for the
viewers. It will be shown on January 16 at 7:30 PM and 8:45 PM on
Pay Per View Channel 84 to attract an audience. Will CRYBABY follow
suit? Cable said the chances are high.
15. MISCELLANOUS [Thanks Sanney]
* (CHUNG YAT HUNG, APPLE DAILY, 1/2/1999) -- Yolanda Yen
Chor-Sin has legally changed her name to Dita Ha Man-Kei. She
comments, "This past year there have been too many rumours about me.
Although Yen Chor-Sin is not a bad name, the name attracts too many
rumours. Also, it will run out of luck once I reach forty. However,
with my name changed to Ha Man-Kei, it will be lucky even after I'm
forty. Everything I do will go smoothly. Besides, I really like my
new name. Right now, Carina Lau Ka-Ling has accepted the change and
is calling me by my new name. Each time I hear it, I think that it
sounds better."
* (LEUNG YING YI, APPLE DAILY, 1/2/1999) -- Sherming
Yiu Lok-Yi has been signed to be in the fourth and supposedly final
installment of RAPED BY AN ANGEL. The film will begin shooting in a
few days and also stars Athena Chu Yan, Suki Kwan Sau-Mei. The male
lead will be Cheung Ka-Fai. Yiu will play a model in the film.
* (TA KUNG PAO, 1/4/1999) Gallen Law Ka Leung attended a charity
auction for UNICEF. When asked if the return of Michael To Dai Yu
to TVB will be a threat to him, Law Ka Leung felt that since their
styles differed he would not be threatened. He and Dai Yu are friends
off screen and have worked together on a series years ago, so Ka Leung
hoped to be able to work with him again in the future.
In March he will star in Wong Jing's romantic comedy and in
April he will work on TVB's 100 episode series. Now is his free time.
In the middle of the month he will head on a 20 day tour of North
America.
* (SING TAO DAILY, 1/5/1999) Faye Wong is offered 7 figures in US
dollars to sing the theme for Squaresoft's Sony Playstations game
Final Fantasy VIII, Eye on Me.
* (1/6/1999) Nicholas Tse Ting Fung revealed that he is still busy
with the production of DUT GAING SUN YUN LUI (SPECIAL POLICE NEW
HUMANKIND). In the film he and Grace Yip Pui Man have skydiving
scenes which will shoot on location in America. Fitto Records
revealed that the company is now considering to let Ting Fung
perform the stunt.
"Even if the company doesn't let me, I will do it myself
because I don't want to use a double to fool the audience." Tse
Ting has always suffered from asthma, will that be a problem? He
said, "Once in a lifetime. You can be killed by falling 3A batteries
when you are outside, why not try something new!"
"I have never bought any insurance. I don't have any money!
Instead of spending money on insurance, I am better off buying 8
parachutes to wear!"
Also, Tse Fung revealed that in mid March he will work with
Eric Tsang Chi Wai on a drama for UFO. They will play Wise Guys of
two different generations.
* ANN HUI ON WA'S NEW FILM COMPETES IN THE BERLIN FILM FESTIVAL
(APPLE DAILY, 1/6/1999) Hong Kong director Ann Hui On Wa's latest
film CHIN YIN MAN YU (THOUSANDS AND THOUSANDS OF WORDS) will have its
worldwide premiere at the 49th Annual Berlin Film Festival and compete
for the Golden Bear Award.
* LAI MEI HAN VOLUNTEERS TO MAKE A FILM WITH A RELIGIOUS MESSAGE
(1/6/1999) The Lai Mei Han and Lau Shek Yin starred religious message
film DEI MAU CHU SUN (EARTHY KITCHEN GOD?) premiered on the 4th.
HOME OF THE ARTISTS (A Christian artist organization) members like
Athena Chu Yun, Ada Choi Siu Fun, Kenix Kwok Ho Ying, Wong Hei, Tang
Shui Man, and Joe Cheng King Kei appeared to show their support.
Lai Mei Han said, "This film is based on actual events. We
shot it in Singapore. Because it's a movie with a message, I didn't
accept any salary and had a lot of fun making it." She said that in
the past year besides this movie she didn't work on anything else.
Earlier she even followed Mr. and Mrs. Roy Chiao (Kiu Wang) and Lau
Mei Guen on a mission to Malaysia. In the film the male lead is a
wife abuser, but in the end changes his ways and receives the
forgiveness of his wife.
[ BLAH OF THE WEEK ] Columns, Reviews, Interviews
1. FROM STRAITS TIMES, JAN 1 1999
Kwok to get second-class pay
IT IS a harsh reality that Asian actors may have to face sooner
or later in a Hollywood-dominated film world.
But, the fact is Hollywood rules -- right down to pay cheques.
That will be the bitter pill Hongkong singer Aaron Kwok will have to
swallow if he decides to act in a new movie, opposite stars like Matt
Damon or Antonio Banderas.
The singer has been targeted by Hongkong director Stanley Tong to
play 11th-century Southern Song Chinese general Yue Fei in a movie
-- backed by Japanese, American and Taiwanese investors -- on the
legendary patriotic warrior.
Kwok's role is clearly the main one compared to the secondary part of
another general to be played either by Damon or Banderas.
But, according to Hongkong newspapers, Kwok will be paid just
HK$2.5 million (S$532,500), compared to Damon and Banderas
who are expected to pocket HK$39 million and HK$54 million,
respectively.
The vast pay difference is despite the fact that Tong is set on Kwok
playing the role of Yue who lived from 1127 to 1279, while he cannot
yet decide on whether Damon or Banderas is to play the Jin general,
Jin Wu Shu, who led the Jins in invasions against the Chinese.
Filming is expected to start in October in the United States and China,
and will be shot in English and Chinese.
2. >From the Ain't It Cool Website (thanks Jeff):
Stanley Tong is in negotiations to direct a film based on his series.
Arsenio will be in it for sure, and Jet Li is being courted to play
the villain.
The whole cast is expected to be in the film, and the budget will be
approximately 13 million.
The series is also supposed to have a big cliffhanger ending - and
next year's season finale will have Jackie Chan in it as
an immigrant being hunted by assasains.
3. MING PAO DAILY, JANUARY 1 1999, ENTERTAINMENT
WHO WILL RULE 1999?
During one of the new years past, the forcast of the film
industry chose Anita Yuen Wing Yi and Wu Chien Lien (Ng Sin Lin) to
rule the lead actress world. However those choices were personal
opinions or favorites. The trend did appear that way.
At the time, no one knew that Hsu Chi was about to come on the
scene. The fact was, Hsu Chi didn't rise that year, but the two
above stars didn't end up with the aforementioned titles. Strangely,
one (Yuen Wing Yi) gradually lost acceptance with the audience, the
other (Ng Sin Lin) focused her career out of Hong Kong. According to
past experiences, what appeared to be a guarantee on New Year's Day
already became something else by the middle of the year. That is
the Hong Kong film industry.
Today is January 1 again. In this weaken film industry there
are still those who are poised to rise. One of them is THE CONMAN
(DOE HUP 1999)'s Nick Cheung Ka Fai. Few would remember Cheung Ka
Fai has starred in Danny Lee Sau Yin's movies. Even a year ago no
one dared to predict that he would become a star in the film industry.
What happened after THE CONMAN? Everyone could see that Wong Jing
has placed the largest wager on him. Andy Lau Tak Wa is the
invincible trademark that attracts people into the theater, but his
real ace is Cheung Ka Fai; his lines and character is the soul of
the film's comedy. The director's calculation was correct.
Whether the movie is good or not, the arrangement is a success.
Wong Jing has placed great importance on Cheung Ka Fai.
Cheung Ka Fai's performance in the film has brought a strong
point: without the arrangement of a script, he could not have
accomplished this success. Actually not only Cheung Ka Fai had to
depend on the director and the script; from several year ago's Yuen
Wing Yi, Ng Sin Lin, to today's hot property Hsu Chi and even King
of Comedy Stephen Chiau Sing Chi, which one wasn't like that. If the
script was bad, their performance would lack luster. To be like an
obedient actor like Hsu Chi and not like the overglorified young Best
Actress should be Cheung Ka Fai's motto. - Tse Sun Yi
4. MING PAO DAILY, JANUARY 3, 1999, FILM AND TELEVISION SUPERVISION
THE GOVERNMENT WILL HAVE SOME EXPLANATION TO DO IF IT DOES NOT STEP
UP THE FIGHT AGAINST PIRACY
The Industrial and Business Department is studying a bill that
will prohibit pirates from entering the theaters with camcorders and
ownership of products pirated from the theater.
Everyone has witnessed piracy's effect on the film industry. If
no effective legislations are made, the effect would be even worse
than anyone can imagine.
Many people thought that piracy has only affected Hong Kong film,
and talked about it in the same breath with the bad quality of Hong
Kong film and some Hong Kong filmmaker' love of copying foreign films.
By defeating piracy, they do not know how serious the situation is.
Foreign films have suffered just as much as Hong Kong
films from piracy. Everyone thought that foreign films are not
affected due to the good box office result of several major Hollywood
productions. Those who has paid detailed attention to the box office
know that most foreign films, including some large productions, are
doing just as bad. In terms of investment, the loss has been even
greater.
If Hong Kong film is forced to extinction by piracy, the record
industry will not be far behind. Which decent foreign film, foreign
album, and computer software will not be pirated?
Any defense on behalf of piracy has no leg to stand on. Buying
counterfeit goods because Hong Kong films have been copying foreign
films is even funny. How do they not ask the pirates to pirate only
the Hong Kong films that they feel are unoriginal?
The best thing for those who do not like to watch Hong Kong
films that copy foreign films to do is by not supporting them. They
can even provide justice by writing to foreign film companies to
provide information. Whatever the case may be, the topic has no
reasonable ties to piracy.
The government continues to face difficulties in fighting
piracy, including from the legislative and judicial branches, but it
absolutely cannot allow the situation to worse because of that.
We know that customs is shorthanded. Last year sweeps for
pirated disks and production facilities have turned up HK$930 million
(until last November), a decent result. Why then counterfeit disks
are still available at every corner, as if it has never faced a
shortage? Obviously, the size and volume of the piracy business has
far surpassed our imagination. Hong Kong cannot be their only market.
No matter what hardships the government faced with the
legislative and judicial branches, it is no reason to allow piracy to
run rampant. Taipei used to also be a center for piracy, where
counterfeit disks and computer software are available everywhere.
Pirated Japanese television series also came from Taiwan. Now if you
take a look in Taipei, you will not be able to find counterfeit disks
as readily available as in Hong Kong, including when you check out
where the pirated Japanese series came from.
High officials who rule Hong Kong, can you see to the outside
world that because executing the legislations has certain difficulties
and thus cannot be accomplished?
Hong Kong is a place of law, aren't other place? They have
legislations to follow, how come this place has turned into this?
Just one legislation that prohibits piracy within the theaters is not
enough, but it is better than nothing.
It is strange that someone can pirate within a public place
like the theaters. It is like when someone steals something but cannot
be charged even after they have been caught. There is no problem in
the law books?
The writer is not a legal expert; he only knows that there are
resolutions for these technical problems. Do not forget that it is
not only Hong Kong people are hurt by piracy. The government still
has to answer to foreign copyright owners including each overseas film
company, computer software company, Japanese television station, and
television game manufacturers. - Kwok Hin Ching
5. MING PAO DAILY, JANUARY 3, 1999
A FIGHT WITH PIRACY MUST START WITH THE SOURCE
Hong Kong's pirated VCD and CD activities seemingly will never
end.
On one hand Customs works hard on sweeps, shutting down
production factories and retail stores, and confiscated a large
quality of counterfeit products, but soon after that the stores
again have newly released Chinese and foreign films on counterfeit
disks avaiable.
What is more tragic is that these retail stores are no longer
limited to the top ten Hong Kong counterfeit hotspot revealed on
cable television but have sept into every corner, from Causeway Bay
to Sai Wan Ho.
Piracy has also been quite a headache for the related
governmental departments which are seeking a plan to stop piracy.
Actually, the best way and the way to cure the source is a
double barrel method: on one hand the law should heavily punish those
involved in manufacturing, producing, distributing and retailing of
pirated goods so no one will dare to test its limits.
On the other hand, a large scale education should be conducted
to teach citizens to respect intellectual properties, not randomly
buy counterfeit products and not support piracy and destroy the
official version.
There are plans to prohibit citizens to bring video equipment into
the theater and ownership of film copies and pirated products of films
still in release. Both bills are great ideas, but the cure for the
source has too many gray areas.
If theaters are to set up special places to hold on to the video
equipment, it would be a waste of time and effort. If any harm comes
to the equipment, more dispute could arise; as for punishing owners
of pirated goods and copies, unless someone snitches, it will be hard
for the related department to know.
With such a move, the situation might become even more complex
and lead to negative effects. The government should consider with
caution.
6. MING PAO DAILY, JANUARY 4 1999
SELF SUFFICIENT FILMMAKERS SURVIVE UNDER EXTREME CONDITIONS
Stepping into 1999, Hong Kong film has an additional theater
circuit with the official establishment of the MANDARIN BIG chain.
Standing beside the GALA, EMPIRE, and NEWPORT circuits, the chain
appeared to be hinting to everyone that Hong Kong film still has
hopes.
In 98 Hong Kong film has gone through extreme difficulties.
With a total release of 94 films, although it was slightly higher
than 97, the amount still was unable to surpass the 100 film mark.
As for the total box office receipt of HK$340 million, it
dropped over 20% from 97. Compared to 92's historical peak (HK$1240
million) the figure fell 2/3. This also has been the sixth year of
decline in a row since 93, with a new low every year.
The phenomenon is indeed both sad and scary.
Of course we would hope Hong Kong film will return, even if it
could not return to 80% of 92's total film box office, to at least
50 or 60%.
However, with a new year and a new circuit, does that mean
that film in the future year will see a vibrant development?
I think the situation might not be as optimistic as the opinions
of the streets because so far I still have not see any hint or sign
that makes me feel the film industry is showing signs of life.
Undoubtedly, counterfeit VCD has cost heavy damage to Hong Kong
film, but the viewers would rather buy counterfeit instead of going
to the theater because they feel such quality is not worth supporting.
Do filmmakers know the symptoms of the problem? Can they
effectively eliminate the problme and lead the film industry out of
the hole?
Veteran film critic Shek Kei has some very unkind things to
say about MANDARIN BIG circuit's first film THE JOBLESS KING (SUT YIP
WONG DAI), calling it childish, lack society realism and its satire
of the times unconvincing.
When Hong Kong film was at its peak, films both of good and bad
quality succeeded easily and quickly passed the 10 million mark at
the box office. However because no one thought it was luck, now
everyone suffered the consequences. In today's Hong Kong film trap,
the 7 day fresh films have reappeared. Film people apparently have
not awaken yet. If this continues, how can the film industry return
to life? How can anyone survive in this extreme condition?
7. MING PAO DAILY, JANUARY 4 1999
HONG KONG VIEWERS DO NOT CARE ABOUT QUALITY?
The authorities has never had any luck with it comes to the
fight against piracy. Now it is even considering charing owners of
counterfeit goods that are still in theatrical release, but actually,
the quality of the theater counterfeits is horrid, why are the
viewers willingly buying them? (Even though counterfeits are cheap,
it is still money.)
Director Gordon Chan Ka Seung said, even though he did not have
too much in the production budget, but the new film he produced still
spent money for the Dolby Stereo effect as if it was a reaction to
certain people's criticism of the lack of quality in Hong Kong film.
Ironically, high quality has never been one of the main thing the
Hong Kong film audience was after. He mentioned an example.
"Wong Kar Wai is known internationally right? (He even won the
Best Director award at the Cannes Film Festial) However his movies
take in less than 10 million in Hong Kong. No one can deny that Wong
Jing has the biggest share of the local market, but I believe that
even he would not agree that every one of his movies is high quality.
It is just that he has a hold on the audience's taste, especially in
attracting a certain type of audience."
If Chan Ka Seung's example is valid, then it can explain why
Hong Kong has become the haven for piracy. Stores that sell
counterfeit disks are no longer underground and repeatedly "return
from the dead". Because there will always be consumers, an "industry"
has received its support and survives. During the weaken market,
everyone has lowered their expectation for product quality, they
should also adjust their expectation for personal quality according?
- Leung Foon
8. From South China Morning Post, Internet Edition,
Tuesday January 5 1999
Cinema video ban 'difficult'
JIMMY CHEUNG
Proposed prosecution of people videotaping in cinemas would be
hard to police, according to Secretary for Trade and Industry Chau Tak
-hay.
Mr Chau said yesterday that criminalisation of bootlegging was
being explored to combat pirated video compact discs. But he admitted
policing would be difficult.
"Unless he or she confesses voluntarily, it would be very
difficult for us to provide sufficient evidence," he told a Legco panel.
Under the proposal, unauthorised recording of movies currently
on show or possession of such recordings would constitute an offence.
Unauthorised possession of video recording equipment in a cinema
may also be outlawed. But the Democrats warned that criminalising the
possession of recordings would be going too far.
"We find it too stringent and difficult to accept," said
legislator Sin Chung-kai.
9. MING PAO DAILY, JANUARY 5 1999, FILM AND TELEVISION SUPERVISION
TELEVISION IS NOT A SHELTER FOR FILM STARS
Chu Hiu yesterday said that 98 was the most difficult year for
Hong Kong film so far. 94 movies were released with a total box
office of around HK$430 million.
94 movies more than 97's 76 movies, but quantity did not equal
quality. The box office figures showed that there were many Hong
Kong films that quickly entered and exited the theaters.
HK$430 million is a surface figure. A film insider said the
actual figures are much lower than the announced figures. If what he
said was true, that would be tragic.
HONG KONG FILM CONDITION HAS BECOME CRITICAL
This surface figure of 430 million has already dropped 2/3 from
its 92 counterpart. The fall to 1/3 within 6 years would be enough
to scare everyone. If the situation gets worse, Hong Kong film's
condition has become critical.
To reborn and to survive in extreme situations is easy to talk
about. With investments falling lower and lower, "inventive housewives
can cook with rice". Change will not be done within a day. Will the
audience have the patience to accept the gradual changes of the
filmmakers?
Film people who can tough it out can still wait for the winter
to pass, but those without savings have to consider career changes.
In reality, when film cannot make movie, financial, creative,
and time investments of bosses and producers will not receive a
return. Insisting on investing during this period and knowing fully
that it will be an obvious loss is unintelligent.
If the situation does not improve, even more film people will
have to switch jobs.
MANY FILM PEOPLE CHANGE JOBS
Film directors and actors' moves to television have been
frequent. Reportedly there is a director who became a taxi driver
and a prop person went into home renovation.
Making television show actually is already pretty good.
The demand for television series is large and there is no box
office pressure. Because the market has grown, production is choosier
than before. Although it cannot compare to film, being able to
maintain fame and certain income means it is not a bad shelter for
stars.
The more famous stars naturally can ask for more for their
first television series.
Making television is tougher than making movies. If they are
willing to work, top stars can make several million for a several
episodes. Nowaday that is pretty good.
However, if the series isn't popular, it will be difficult to
ask for the same price again.
In comparison, mid range salary actors can keep on working.
Their salaries are less expensive, and their names will not be the
draw. If the show gets bad ratings, no one will blame them.
Working on a production company's television series pays better
than a television station's, but the show has to face the fate of
not being broadcast on Hong Kong television. Even if it has a chance,
it will most likely end up on ATV.
TYING UP ACTORS WITH A FEW THOUSAND
If a star works for TVB he or she might not even get several
million because TVB has no need to use film stars on its shows.
With its own artists the shows already have 30 to 40 rating points.
Even the most popular popstars do not get high offers because past
ratings have proven that their draw on shows were not necessarily
greater than the station's top actor or actress.
Reportedly TVB has recently signed a few outside film actors
to only a few shows a year, some to even as low as one. It is
rather economical for TVB to use a few thousand and tie up the actors
with a contract. It is up to you whether you sign or not.
It would appear that television is not a shelter for film stars.
- Kwok Hin Ching
10. South China Morning Post, Wednesday January 6 1999
People
Never say diet, says Bond girl Yeoh
Fitness secrets: Michelle Yeoh
LIZ HODGSON
Michelle Yeoh has revealed the secrets of her super-fit,
super-trim figure - non-stop exercise and non-stop eating every day.
Action star Yeoh, 35, who gained worldwide exposure when she co
-starred in the James Bond film Tomorrow Never Dies, told the Los
Angeles Times she stays on the go from the moment she wakes up in the
morning, and even exercises while brushing her teeth.
She takes care to have a balanced diet and no longer eats meat,
but also confesses to enjoying treats like cheesecake, a glass of good
wine and the occasional cigar.
"What I do is from the minute I wake up, before I get out of bed,
I'm stretching," she said.
"Throughout the day, if I'm reading I do my sit-ups. If I'm on
a plane, I do sit-ups. If I'm waiting for a meeting, if someone else
is not there, I would be doing push-ups.
"I play a lot of squash. I swim, I've started to do rock
climbing. It's how hard you want to push yourself, how high you want
to go."
Yeoh, a dancer in her native Malaysia before breaking into
acting in a commercial with Jackie Chan, says she has cut down on the
eight hours a day she used to spend working out in Hong Kong.
To keep up her energy, the actress starts the day with cereal or
a muffin, followed by a mid-morning peanut-butter sandwich and pasta
or a salad for lunch.
Then she has afternoon tea, followed by dinner - preferably with
friends.
"I find I eat a lot of meals a day," she said. "I can't sit down
and have a big meal.
"People think, 'Oh, God, you eat like a bird', but if they look
at me they'll see I eat slowly because I really love savouring my food."
10. SON OF SAMMO
By DON KAPLAN
TV's most unlikely new star, "Martial Law" cop Sammo Hung, is
laying plans to make a movie this summer based on his hit TV show.
On the show, Hung plays Sammo Law, an overweight but good
-natured Hong Kong cop on assignment with the LAPD, who regularly uses
his impressive martial arts skills on criminals.
"We are definitely going to be doing a movie with Sammo during
his spring hiatus," said Andre Morgan, one of the show's three
executive producers. "It just hasn't been resolved what the movie is
going to be."
Studio sources say there is a strong possibility that a "Martial
Law" movie starring Hung, and his TV co-star Arsenio Hall, could go
into production as early as April. The source also said the film would
be directed by famed kung-fu movie director Stanley Tong, who also is
an executive producer on "Martial Law."
Tong, an accomplished Hong Kong director, has directed several
cult martial arts movies including "Jackie Chan's First Strike,"
"Rumble In The Bronx," "Super Cop," and "Super Cop 2."
"It's still not been decided if Stanley is going to direct the
new Sammo film," Morgan said.
The studio source said getting a green light for a "Martial
Law" movie will be complicated because the series is produced by three
different companies - including CBS Productions and Twentieth Century
Fox Television.
"The network has not been formally approached about the film
idea, but is open to the concept," a CBS spokesman said. "We think
the entertainment value of 'Martial Law' would translate very well."
"The idea for a 'Martial Law' movie has been kicked around,
but it just gets a little complicated over who owns what," the
source said.
Hung may also be a candidate to direct the film.
The smooth-moving kung-fu expert has starred in more than 85
films since the late 1960s and has directed 34 - several of which
starred Hung's friend Jackie Chan.
Meanwhile, Chan has been visiting the "Martial Law" set and has
expressed interest in guest starring in one or more upcoming episodes,
studio sources said.
"Jackie has told Sammo that he would like to guest star, but
they don't know when he would be able to. It's all a matter of timing
and people's schedules," said a studio source.
Chan's most recent movie, "Rush Hour" was a smash hit, grossing
more than $130 million. The film, which also starred comic-actor Chris
Tucker, had a similar premise to "Martial Law," when it paired Chan as
a Hong Kong cop with Tucker, a detective on the LAPD.
Soon after the movie's blockbuster box-office performance, Hall
was added to the cast of "Martial Law" as an LAPD public relations
spin-doctor.
[ In Production Now/Soon ]
Can : Jun Sum Dik Goo Si
Lit : Story of Jane Sam
d. Derek Yee Tung Sing?
Peter Ho Yun Tung, Fann Wong (Fan Man Fong)
Chin Kar Lok, Simon Lui Yu Yeung, Cheng Pei Pei
Can : Wong Gum Ngok Mung
Lit : Gold Nightmare
Max Mok Siu Chung, Michael Chow Man Kin,
Annie Wu (Ng Sun Kwan), Andrew Lin Hoi
Can : Seung Dai ji Sau
Lit : Hand of the Lord
Carrie Ng Ka Lai, Sam Lee Chan Sam,
DiDi Chan Fun Yi, Kif Chan Chun Ho, Ching Yun
Can : Gok Jai Fan Dim
Lit : International Hotel
p. Johnnie To Kei Fung
d. Patrick Yau Tak Chi
Lau Ching Wan, Lai Yiu Cheung, Ruby Wong Cheuk Ling
TEMPTING HEART
Can : Sum Dung
Lit : Heart Move
d. Sylvia Chang (Cheung Nga Ga)
Takeshi Kaneshiro (Gum Sing Mo),
Karen Joy Morris (Mok Man Wai),
Gigi Leung Wing Kei, William So Wing Hong,
Sylvia Chang (Cheung Nga Ga)
KING OF COMEDY
Can : Hei Ket ji Wong
Lit : King of Comedy
d. Lee Lik Chi
Stephen Chiau Sing Chi, Karen Joy Morris (Mok Man Wai),
Cecilia Cheung Pak Chi, Alex Man Chi Leung,
Tin Kai Man, Cheng Man Fai, Ng Man Tat,
Lee Siu Kei, Lam Chi Sin, Clarence Hui Yuen,
Dai Lung, Simon Yip Sai King (Bat Leung Gum)
FASCINATION AMOUR
Can : Mung Wan Ho
Lit : The Fantasy
Formerly known as: Oi Ching Ming Won Ho
Lit : The Love Destiny
p. Raymond Wong Pak Ming
d. Herman Yau To Lai
Andy Lau Tak Wa, Ishida Hikari (Shek Tin Guong),
Lillian Ho Ka Kei, Astrid Chan Chi Ching,
Wong Lui, Kui Wing, Raymond Wong Pak Ming
Can : Jun Wa Ying Hung
Lit : Chinese Hero
d. Andrew Lau Wai Keung
Dior Cheng Yi Kin, Kristy Yeung Kung Yu,
Nicholas Tse Ting Fung, Grace Yip Pui Man,
Yuen Biao, Francis Ng Chun Yun, Hsu Chi,
Jerry Lamb Hiu Fung, Lam Dik On
GORGEOUS
Can : Bor Lei Jung
Lit : Glass Bottle
d. Vincent Kuk Tak Siu
Jackie Chan, Hsu Chi,
Tony Leung Chiu Wai, Richie Yam Yin Chai,
Maggie Cheung Ho Yi, Eileen Tung Oi Ling
NEW DR. LAMB
Can : Sun Go Yeung Yi Sun
d. Chung Siu Hung
Simon Yam Tat Wa, Sam Lee Chan Sam,
Chan Ying Lai
Can : Chi Tau Mong
Lit : Sticky Head Mango
d. Jacob Cheung Chi Leung
Leslie Cheung Kwok Wing, Kei Kei,
Ti Lung, Carrie Ng Ka Lai,
Lam Ka Tung, Amanda Lee Wai Man
Wong Ka Lok
Can : Hark Ma Wong Ji
Lit : Black Horse Prince
Producer: China Star
d. Wong Jing
Andy Lau Tak Wa, Michelle Reis (Lee Ka Yun)
Deannie Yip Tak Han, Nick Cheung Ka Fai, Suki Kwan Sau Mei
TROUBLESOME NIGHT 5
Can : Yum Yeung Lo 5 ji Yut Gein Fat Choi
Lit : Yin Yang Road 5: A Look will Make you Rich
d. Herman Yau Lai To
Louis Koo Tin Lok, Wong Gei Ying,
Simon Lui Yu Yeung, Lai Yiu Cheung, Kwan Bo Wai, Ng Chi Hung
BIG SPENDER
Can : Gwun Tin Bong Ga Dai Fu Ho
Lit : Shocking Kidnap Billionaire
Ray Lui Leung Wai, Cecilia Yip Tung,
Yu Rong Guong, Roy Cheung Yiu Yeung,
Simon Lui Yu Yeung, Cheung Tung Lam
MOONLIGHT EXPRESS
Can : Sing Yuet Tung Wa
Lit : Star Moon Fairy Tale
d. Lee Kong Yun
Leslie Cheung Kwok Wing, Tokako Tokiwa (Seung Poon Gwai Ji),
Ko Jit, Yuka Hoshino (Sing Ye Yau Heung),
Austin Wai Tin Chi, Liu Kai Chi
Can : Ji Woo Dip
Lit : Paper Butterfly
d. Lau Wa
Michelle Reis (Lee Ka Yun), Andrew Lin Hoi, Nicky Wu (Ng Kei Lung)
Can : Chet Ngai Ching
Lit : Crimson Dangerous Love
Max Mok Siu Chung, Shum Yu,
Ben Ng Ngai Cheung, Ma Tak Chung
Can : Dut Gung Sun Yun Lui
Lit : Special Agent New Humankind
d. Benny Chan Muk Sing
Stephen Fung Tak Lun, Nicholas Tse Ting Fung,
Sam Lee Chan Sam, Grace Yip Pui Man,
Daniel Wu (Ng Yin Cho), Terence Yin (Wan Chi Wai),
Toru Nakamura (Jung Chuen Hung),
Francis Ng Chun Yu
THE LONGEST SUMMER
Can : Hui Nin Yin Fa Dut Bit Dor
Lit : Last Year There Were Especially Many Fireworks
d. Fruit Chan Gor
Ho Wa Chiu, Jo Kuk Cho Lam, Sam Lee Chan Sam
Can : Da Je Oi Ya
Lit : Hitter Hits out of Love
d. Lau Kwok Fai
Ada Choi Siu Fun, Christine Ng Wing Mei,
Max Mok Siu Chung, Gigi Fu Ming Hin,
Simon Lui Yu Yeung, Lai Yiu Cheung,
Cheung Tat Ming, Leung Wing Chung, Ko Lam Sun
---
[New Films]
Info from Next Magazine (http://www.nextmedia.com.hk), Ryan's Hong
Kong Movie DataBase (http://www.hkmdb.com), Netvigator
(http://www.netvigator.com), Starzine Interactive
(http://www.hkstar.com), and Webhkcorner (www.corner.com)
Special thanks to Sanney Leung for the Hong Kong Movie DataBase
translation.
CURE
Can : X Sing Ji
Lit : X Saintly Cure
d. Kurosawa Kiyoshi (Hark Jat Ching)
Yakusho Koji (Yik Sor Guong Si),
Hagiwara Basato (Chau Chuen Sing Yun)
Rating : IIB
Length : 115 mins.
In a metropolis, a series of horrifying murders occur. Even
though all of the murderers are captured on the scene, they cannot
recall why they committed the murders. The more puzzling part is
that they committed the murders in the same fashion, by marking a
X on their victims' corpses. A high ranking police officer who is
in charge of the case believes that the mastermind behind the
murders uses hypnosis to control the murderers. On the other hand,
his wife suffers from mental illness and sleepwalking. The officer
uses warmth and gentleness to hide the hatred in his heart......
[ Netvigator ]
When Mamiya, a psychopath meets someone, he always asks the same
question: "Who are you ?" Since Cure is a horror thriller, the
question proves deadly. After studying the works of Mesmer, a
psychology student Mamiya discovered a way make people act on
previously repressed murderous instincts. Assigned to the case is
Takabe, detective who understands Mamiya better than anyone else...
Can : Yut San Yut Toi Hei
Lit : One Lifetime One Act
p. Ann Hui On Wa, Yiu Man Tai
d. Fong Yuk Ping
Yeung Kwai Mei, Winston Chao (Chiu Man Suen)
Rating : I
Length : 105 mins.
In Fujian Opera different performing artists have to face different
problems and make different decisions. They look to have life's
changes well in control, a perfect reflection of the role Fujian
Opera plays in Chinese Traditional Drama......
THE PERSONALS
Can : Jing Fun Kai Si
Lit : Marriage Wanted Ad
d. Chen Kuo Fu (Chan Kwok Fu)
Rene Lau Yeuk Ying, Jin Shi Jei (Kam Si Kit),
Wu Bai (Ng Bat), Nau Sing Jat
Rating : IIA
Length : 118 mins.
Eye doctor To Ka Chun posts three marriage ads in three newspapers.
Among those answer the ad, there were old and young, female cross
dresser, pimp, and someone who only come to sell self defense
device. All kinds of people appear, but none of them is the right
one. Actually To Ka Chun is involved in a bitter romance. She is
in love with a married man and is carrying his child, but he has
disappeared for more than 100 days. During this period, she
constantly leaves messages on his answer machine. Finally on one
day his wife's voice echoes through the line......
LOVE GO GO
Can : Oi Ching Loi Liu
Lit : Here Comes Love
d. Chen Yu Hsun (Chan Yuk Fun)
Tang Na (Tong Na),
Chen Ching Hsin (Chan Jun Hing),
Liao Hui Jen (Liu Wai Chun)
Rating : IIA
Length : 114 mins.
Ah Sing who likes to sing runs into the girls he likes in elementary
school Lai Wa. Ah Sing decides to express his love in a singing
contest on channel 4......Ah Sing's roommate Fat Girl picks up a
pager. The pager's owner constantly pages her and leaves a sexy
male voice. Fat Girl decides to meet him, only to discover that he
is an ugly guy......a woman suddenly runs into Lai Wa's hair salon
to catch her cheating husband in the act and begins fighting with
Lai Wa. Broken hearted, Lai Wa sees Ah Sing singing to her on
television......
[ City Guide ]
Beard maker Ah Sing loves to sing but isn't good at it. For his
first love Lai Wa from his elementary school days, he participates
in a singing contest to express his love. Ah Sing's roommate Fat
Girl accidentally picks up a pager. The pager owner constantly
pages her and Fat Girl begins to lose weight for this sexy male
voice.
TOKYO EYES
d. Jean-Pierre Limosin
Shinji Takeda (Mo Tin Jun Ji),
(Gut Chuen Yut Noi),
(Sam Boon Jit Tai),
Kaori Mizushima, , Hinano Yoshikawa
Beat Takeshi Kitano (But Ye Mo)
Rating : IIA
Length : 95 mins.
Suddenly a "four eyes" madman appears in Tokyo. He applies capital
punishment to those he considers the "ills of society". The police
cannot do anything about him. They only know his vision is
extremely bad and he has never successfully killed his target!
However, "four eyes" finally is captured, and the captor is actually
a woman named Yut Noi. Love has made "four eyes" disappeared, but
the original "K" returns......
[ Netvigator ]
Tokyo, end of the Century. The police are hunting for a killer
known as "Four Eyes". A teenaged girl, Hinano, discovers K. K has
taken on a justice-seeking alter ego. Behind his strange thick
glasses, he shoots at his victims, but misses every time. Or does
he really miss them. In Tokyo Eyes, as in life, nothing is what it
seems. We wear glasses to see less, and guns are not used to kill.
9413
Lit : Nine Four One Three (sounds like Nine Death One Live in Cantonese)
d. Francis Ng Chun Yu
Francis Ng Chun Yu, Christine Ng Wing Mei,
Amanda Lee Wai Man, Mo Chun Yin
Length : 90 mins.
Rating : III
Lan Tau is an insecure cop; Carmen is a child psychologist who
specializes in hypnosis. They meet during a wild chase.
Unfortunately, Lan Tau is under internal affair's investigation
after he accidentally kills a hostage and at the same time is
coerced by his superior office Mr. Wong to join a corruption
organization. Lan Tau heads to Carmen's in hopes that through
hypnosis he can really information that can turn his situation
around.......
[ Netvigator ]
Lan Tau is a CID officer. When Lan Tau kills a hostage he mistakes as a
kidnapper, he is put under internal investigation. And his superior tries
to drag him into a corrupt syndicate. With no way out, he turns to
pyschoanalyst Carmen. Under hypnosis, he remembers his long forgotten
past and the image he had of himself as a young and enthusiastic fighter
for justice. Holding on to this memory and the love of Carmen, he takes
his pistol, number 9413....
[ Coming Soon ]
WHEN I LOOK UPON THE STARS
Can : Tin Suen Dei Luen
Lit : Heaven Spin Earth Love
p. Gordon Chan Ka Seung
d. Dante Lam Chiu Yin
Leo Koo Kui Kei, Hsu Chi
Sam Lee Chan Sam, Chan Wing Yin
Rating : IIA
[ Ming Pao Daily ]
Koo Kui Kei plays a faithful and calculating young man. In order
to develop his career and plan for his future family, he first sends
his girlfriend Chan Wing Yin to study in Japan, then arranges his
elementary school mate and buddy Sam Lee Chan Sam to study art in
Japan and to take care of his girlfriend; however after all that
calculation, Gei Jai never figured in that his girlfriend would fall
for Sam. Amidst depression he runs into the optimistic, strange,
and romantically direct Hsu Chi and has an one day romance with her.
Then after his boss Eric Tsang Chi Wai hammered the nail right on
the head and further self evaluations, Gei Jai understands that love
is not a calculable, reasonable behavior. Thus he begins to woo Hsu
Chi back and starts a "Heaven Spin Earth Love".
Can : Gau Lung Sing Jai
Lit : Kowloon City Fortress
Aka : Heung Gong Wong Dai
Lit : Hong Kong Emperor
d. Clarence Ford (Fok Yiu Leung)
Simon Yeung Tat Wa, Kristy Yeung Kung Yu,
Can : Sam Hup Wui
Lit : Triad
Aka : Mo Fat Mo Tin
Lit : No Law No Heaven
Lau Ching Wan, Athena Chu Yun, Francis Ng Chun Yu,
Diana Peng Tan, Patrick Tam Yiu Man
[ Ming Pao Weekly ]
Francis Ng Chun Yu and Lau Ching Wa play two greasers who aren't
passionate about anything except girls. At a dance they encounter
a wild and free spirited girl (Athena Chu Yun). She falls for Lau Ching
Wan, but due to his immature ways the romance never comes to fruition.
Ching Wan goes from a greaser to becoming a gangster and by chance
he encounters the Big Sister of a gambling parlor (Diana Peng Tan). In
order to earn her support, Ching Wan marries her and his position in the
gang skyrocketed. Chu Yun after losing her beloved Ching Wan in a
moment of sorrow hurrily marries Chun Yu. The 4 way love affair remains
tangled for 2 decades. Finally Ching Wan due to his sentimental side
steps on a road of no return.
---
[ Entertainment URL ]
KING OF COMEDY
http://www.hongkongmovie.com/kingofcomedy/index.htm
AFRAID OF NOTHING, THE JOBLESS KING
http://www.hongkongmovie.com/joblessking/index.htm
THE CONMAN
http://www.chinastar.com.hk/english/today/main.html
SLEEPLESS TOWN
http://www2.netvigator.com/ente/cinemaview/Sleepless/index.html
Moonlight Express Press Conference
http://www.inno-web.net/star/
Ericsson Mobiles Phone with Andy Lau Tak Wa and Rosamund Kwan Chi Lam
http://mobile.ericsson.com.hk/
Commercial Radio
http://www.crhk.com.hk
Television Broadcast Limited
http://www.tvb.com.hk
City Entertainment Magazine
http://www.webhkcorner.com/cityent/
Tai Seng's Home Page (In Chinese)
http://www.taisengentertainment.com/
Oriental Daily
http://www.orientaldaily.com.hk/
---
[New York Area Concerts]
---
[ Trivia of the Week/Top Ten Mail Bag ]
Quick shout out to
[ Trivia Question ]
[ Last Week's Answer ]
------------------------------------------------------------
Box office info : Apple Daily, January 7, 1999
The usual suspects : Jerry Chan, Internet Movie Database
Erors : Ryan, ye olde chaffing editor, Uncle Prawn
For Tuesday, January 5, 1999
Title Gross Scrns Wks Cumulative
($HK) ($HK)
US$1 = HK$7.73
1 Meet Joe Black 569,815 26 1 5,551,255
d. Martin Brest
Brad Pitt, Anthony Hopkins, Claire Forlani
2 The Prince of Egypt 459,214 38 2 13,821,588
d. Brenda Chapman, Steve Hickner
Voices of :
Val Kilmer, Ralph Fiennes,
Michelle Pfeiffer, Sandra Bullock
3 A Bug's Life 332,275 21 3 16,444,410
d. John Lasseter, Andrew Stanton
Voices of :
(Cantonese Version)
Nicholas Tse Ting Fung, Grace Yip Pui Man,
Anthony Wong Chau Sun, Kent Cheng Juk Si,
Nat Chan Pak Cheung, John Shum Kin Fun
(English Version)
Dave Foley, Julia Louis-Dreyfus,
Kevin Spacey, Joe Ranft,
Richard Kind, John Ratzenberger
4 The Conman 297,945 20 3 16,719,635
Can : Doe Hup 1999
Lit : Gambling Hero 1999
d. Wong Jing
Andy Lau Tak Wa, Nick Cheung Ka Fai,
Athena Chu Yun, Ben Ng Ngai Cheung,
Angie Cheong Wei Yee, Emotion Cheung Kam Ching,
Ng Chi Hung, Waise Lee Chi Hung,
Jack Kao (Ko Jit), Wong Chi Yeung
[ Summary below ]
5 Hot War 224,840 22 2 8,217,450
Can : Wan Ying Dut Gung
Lit : Fantasy Shadow Special Agent
d. Jingle Ma Chor Sing
Dior Cheng Yi Kin, Jordan Chan Siu Chun,
Kelly Chan Wai Lam, Terence Yin (Wan Chi Wai),
Venessa Yeung Jung, Higuchi Asuka (Tung Hau Ming Yut Ga)
[ Summary below ]
6 Jobless King 185,420 13 1 1,729,945
Can : Sut Yip Wong Dai
Lit : Unemployed Emperor
p. Jimmy Heung Wa Sing
d. Joe Ma Wai Ho
Gallen Law Ka Leung, Gigi Leung Wing Kei,
Eric Kot Man Fai, Sam Lee Chan Sam,
David Lee Seung Man, Liz Kong Hei Man,
Lai Yiu Cheung, Fung So Bo, Chow Hoi Kwong,
Geung Ho Man, Chan Man Lui, Alice Peng Wai Kwan
Guest starring : Wu Fung, Spencer Lam Seung Yi, Lai Chi San
[ Summary below ]
7 Pleasantville 96,823 6 1 770,281
d. Gary Ross
Tobey Maguire, Jeff Daniels, Joan Allen,
William H. Macy, J.T. Walsh, Reese Witherspoon
8 The Siege 21,100 5 3 5,979,167
d. Edward Zwick
Denzel Washington, Annette Bening, Bruce Willis
9 Welcome Back, Mr. McDonald 17,538 1 2 ?
Can : Bau Toe Fung Won
Lit : Explosing Stomach (Ad Lib) Storm
d. Koichi Murakami (Sam Gok Hung Hei)
Toshiaki Karasawa (Tong Jat Sau Ming),
Kyoka Suzuki (Ling Muk Gaing Heung),
Masahiko Nishimura (Sai Chuen Nga Yin),
Jun Inoue
[ Summary below ]
10 Category III Adult Film 17,145 5 ? ?
Can : Siu Chun Mui Gor Jui
Lit : Flute Girl's Mouth
Summaries for some of the films above. Some contain SPOILERS
From Next Magazine http://www.nextmedia.com.hk/nm
THE CONMAN
Executive Producers: Charles Heung Wa Keung, Wong Jing
Rating : IIB
"Gambling Hero" King went to prison for accidentally killing
assassin Chimney. His wife Fun and partner Chung leave him behind.
5 years later, Fa Gwut Lone who sees Gambling Hero as his idol goes
to pick him up from his prison release. The two become good
friends. Lone's sister Ching also grows to have feelings for King.
Rocky invites King to a gambling ship to help him winning money,
but he runs into Macau Man, a major outside bookie and his
assistant San Gang......
[ Netvigator ]
King, nicknamed the Conman, is hailed as the successor to the God of
Gamblers. One day, while defending his brother from attack, he
accidentally kills a man and ends up in jail. When he is finally
released, his wife and partner have both deserted him. Befriending
Dragon, a little guy who hero worships him, King makes a comeback
at a casino aboard a cruise ship.
HOT WAR
Rating : IIA
Length : 95 mins.
Chun, Kin and Lam are CIA agents. The trio develops a "VR warrior"
project. At Chun's wedding, a terrorist nicknamed Alien suddenly
appears, kills Chun's bride Siu Yu and captures Lam. Chun for
vengeance for his wife and Kin in order to rescue Lam can only
join the VR project to fight Alien......
[ Netvigator ]
Three Chinese scientists working for the CIA devise a hi-tech
military training programme known as "VR Warrior", which uses drugs,
virtual reality technology and mind-control to turn its subjects
into powerful combatants. However, when a terrorist and a financial
tycoon try to hijack the project to formulate violence-inducing
subliminal messages on TV, the two heroes become VR Warriors to
fight them, unaware of the dangerous side effects.
AFRAID OF NOTHING, THE JOBLESS KING
Rating : IIA
Length : 107 mins.
The chair of Ang's Group passes away. His son Ang Seh takes over
the position and sets a trap to frame chief financial officer Ha
Gong in order to fire him. Ha Gong due to overqualification cannot
find a job and ends up temporarily panhandling with beggar Chu Got.
Surprisingly as a beggar Ha Gong earns the admiration of Ah Nam,
the heiress of the drug company Chut Bun Hong! Ha Gong decides to
pretend that he has not graduated from an elementary school and
works as an office assistant at Chut Bun Hong......
[ Netvigator ]
Ang's Group chair Ang Min is dangerously ill and only his loyal
chief financial officer Ha Gong remains by his side; unfilial son
Ang Seh sends his father to the grave and takes over the company.
Ha and Ang become opposing forces in the company. Ang sets a
trap by kidnapping Ha and firing him for truancy. Beaten half to
death, Ha is left in an alley and luckily is rescued by beggar Chu
Got. At the same time he runs into his dream girl Ah Nam......
WELCOME BACK MR. MCDONALD
Rating : I
Length : 103 mins.
[ Netvigator ]
A weepy melodrama written by housewife Miyako has won a radio play
competition. But just minutes before it is aired, Nokko Senbon, the
prima donna lead actress decides to change the name of her
character from Ritsuko to Mary Jane. Soon, the script is altered
beyond recognition, with the scene is transposed to New York, the
whole cast sporting Western names, and Miyako is crying "foul play"!
---
[ Yakety Yak ]
The views and opinions expressed here are purely those of the
writer and in no way reflect those of Hong Kong Film Top 10 Box
Office, its contributors and affiliated web sites.
Your Chaffing Editor
---
[ Saving Private Ryan ]
translated by Your Chaffing Editor
Dying Small Potato (13)
(To Be Continued)
Ryan
ry...@glink.net.hk
---
[ What is playing at Your Chaffing Editor's office? ]
"I met you, before the fall of Rome
and I bet you to let me take you home.
You were wrong, I was right.
You said good-bye, I said good night
It's all been done, It's all been done, It's all been done before.
I knew you before the west was won.
I heard you say, "the past was much more fun."
You go your way, I'll go mine but I'll see you next time.
It's all been done, It's all been done. It's all been done before.
If I put my fingers here and If I say I love you dear
and if I play the same the three chords will you just yawn
and say, " Ah, I hate it. "
It's all been done, It's all been done. It's all been done before.
Alone and bored on a thirtieth century night.
Will I see you on the Price is Right?
Will I cry, will I smile?
As you run, down the aisle.
It's all been done. It's all been done. It's all been done before.
It's all been done. It's all been done. It's all been done.
It's all been done. It's all been done. It's all been done before."
- Barenaked Ladies, "It's All Been Done"
----
HK Fluff Of The Week and Box Office | Past reports available at HK Cinema :
hkto...@ugcs.caltech.edu | http://egret0.stanford.edu/hk/reports
http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Towers/2038