Movie Box Review

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Winning multiple international awards, the film A SIMPLE LIFE (TOH JEH) since its March 8 release has performed ideally at the box office.  Its opening box office was 3.1 million.  As for noon yesterday it accumulated 6.2 million.  Wa Jai and Deanie Ip Tak Han were still busy with the film promotion.  Lau Tak Wa even turned the film's production process into a new book titled MY 30 WORK DAYS: A SIMPLE LIFE PRODUCTION DIARY.  Two days ago Wa Jai attended a book signing in Taiwan.  When the news of Wa Jai's Taiwan visit went out, Wa Jai fans immediately rushed to buy the new book and the publisher had to print another edition in an emergency.  Since last Tuesday's advanced sales to its official release, another edition was needed in ten short days.  The book signing was originally slated for 300 fans, but due to the overwhelming advanced sales the number increased in the last minute to 500 fans.

Lau Tak Wa said that he has always had a dream to direct, he has already prepared a script.  Wa Jai pointed out that when he joined the television actor training class he originally wanted to study screen writing and directing, but under the instructor's encouragement he stumbled his way into becoming an actor.  However his dream to direct remained in his heart.  He pointed out that a year ago he originally wanted to make his film but he ran into Ann Hui On Wa, so he made A SIMPLE LIFE.  He also said that Taiwan film development was thriving.  After seeing Doze Niu Chen-Zer and Jay Chou (Chow Kit Lun)'s work as directors he thought they were amazing.  He too had to work hard on catching up.

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A SIMPLE LIFE (TOH JEN) opened in the Mainland on March 8 and made a mad 16 million yuan at the box office.  The film followed tightly with openings in Taiwan and Hong Kong two days ago.  Hong Kong's box office two days ago already approached 1.9 million, the best performer among films of the same week; as for Taiwan, after half a day it already made NT$3.5 million.

Leads Deanie Ip Tak Han and Andy Lau Tak Wa two days ago went their separate ways, as Ip Tak Han and director Ann Hui On Wa attended the Hong Kong Film Festival in Malaysia.  "Malaysia Son in Law" Lau Tak Wa perhaps in order to avoid being asked about his family chose to promote in Taipei on the same day and held an autograph session for his new book MY 30 WORKING DAYS: A SIMPLE LIFE PRODUCTION DIARY.

Lau Tak Wa's A SIMPLE LIFE Taiwan promotion worked, as on the first half of its opening day it made NT$3.5 million.  Yesterday he attended a book autograph session, over 500 fans came in support.  He said, "When I turn 80 I want to make an idol series, to be an idol who never ages!"  Fans responded enthusiastically.  When asked whether he was willing to marry his female fans as wives?  Lau Tak Wa joked, "Would that violate laws against polygamy?"  He also joked, "I am too old, physically I can't."

Promoting in Malaysia, Ip Tak Han was reluctant to talk much about Lau Tak Wa's impending fatherhood.  "Wa Jai doesn't want to promote the film with good news".  However, Ip Tak Han was willing to reveal something from her life with Lau Tak Wa.  "We talk about everything, we especially like to study renovation.  We would enthusiastically discuss what kind of paint and material to use, then we would discuss what to eat."  In the film Sister Peach due to a stroke had to reside in a senior home.  Ip Tak Han felt that back then too many seniors resigned to their fate, unlike current seniors who knew how to plan for themselves.  "In the future when I get old I will insist against living in a senior home, because I absolutely can't accept sharing a room with someone.  I love to control my own time, I hope to be able to do what I want to do.  If one day I
can't take care of my own hygiene, I would choose euthanasia.  Someone without dignity doesn't work!  I may not be able to choose when I was born, but I can choose when I die!  Haha, aren't I scary?"

A SIMPLE LIFE is another summit in Ip Tak Han's career.  She felt that in the future she will not have another peak because few can daringly invest in drama like Lau Tak Wa.  At her age, she will not be able to attract film companies either.  Reportedly director Hui On Wa was interested in a prequel.  Ip Tak ha joked, "I worry that due to wrinkles I can't make it!"

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The film A SIMPLE LIFE (TOH JEH) two nights ago held a charity premiere.  Aside from director Ann Hui On Wa, leads Andy Lau Tak Wa, Deanie Ip Tak Han, Anthony Wong Chau Sun, Felix Wong Yat Wa, Chik Mei Chun, Kent Cheng Juk Si and others appeared.  During the period, Wa Jai received three local banks' commemorative currency from the sponsor with the number 00927 -- Wa Jai's September 17th birthday date.

Two nights ago was the March 8 Women's Day, Sister Deanie revealed that before the premiere she had marzipan to celebrate.  As for Wa Jai, he said that since he was not a woman he did not need to celebrate.  What about his wife?  He said that she did not either.  His pregnant wife has been caught on camera frequently.  She also had two bodyguards with her.  Wa Jai only said, "Thank you everything, our lives are great.  (Are you
angry?)  No problem.  (Will the bodyguards protect you?)  Our lives are great.  thank you thank you."  Speaking of his wife switching doctors, Wa Jai immediately said that he did not want to discuss this subject.

Since the film has officially been released, would he arrange for his wife to watch it?  Wa Jai did not know how to answer and later joked that he has not thought so in depth.  Would his wife support him?  He awkwardly laughed and nodded.  Should his wife watch comedy to remain cheerful?  Wa Jai said, "You guys are great.  (Are you afraid that it's too touching?)  That isn't convenient yet!"

At this time Sister Deanie changed the subject to save Wa Jai and said that yesterday she and Wa Jai promoted separately.  Wa Jai went to Taiwan while she went to Malaysia.  As for their future jobs, Sister Deanie said that she was waiting for Wong Jing.  Wa Jai joked, "She has to work on SWEET SISTER PEACH MATURES 33D, I read it in the newspaper!"  After laughing together, Sister Deanie said that she had to read the script first before considering.  However she still has not received Wong Jing's call.  How sexy will she be?  Wa Jai joked that if it was artistic she could consider it.  Sister Deanie mischievously said, "I feel I am
very sexy!  (Do you have 33D?)  I don't know, maybe even more!"

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Director Ann Hui On Wa earlier accepted that TVB Entertainment News station interview.  Aside from sharing A SIMPLE LIFE (TOH JEH) production highlight, she also talked about her life outside film.

When Hui On Wa started to make A SIMPLE LIFE, Andy Lau Tak Wa and Deanie Ip Tak Han were already her first choices for leads.  Yet Ip Tak Han has not made a movie in a long time, thus when Ann talked with Ip Tak Han she was afraid of being rejected.  In addition, she also worried that Wa Jai's salary would be too high and make the film production lack funding.  Luckily, both agreed and Wa Jai even became the film's investor to resolve the funding shortage issue.

As for Wa Jai's Golden Horse Best Actor, Ann was very excited because Wa Jai gave both money and effort to the film and made many contributions.  Now he finally sees the return.  Speaking of the production, Ann revealed that most of the film was shot in a senior home.  At first she was worried that Wa Jai would be too popular and make the set out of control, but because most of the senior home residents' age they did not recognize Wa Jai.  Instead other actors like Tam Bing Man and Helena Law Lan were more popular than Wa Jai.

Ann admitted that she would be happier about a high box office than awards because only the box office was related to investors and film company productions.  However she would insist on making her expertise of realistic films and small budget life films.  she would not due to the box office switch to make commercial films.  Aside from film work, Hui On Wa revealed that in recent years she liked to exercise, swim and shop.
Speaking of shopping, Ann's response was greater than when she talked about films.  If she was able to buy something she liked at a super low price, she would feel infinitely satisfied.

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Although his wife is already seven months pregnant and recently even caught grocery shopping in Hong Kong, Andy Lau Tak Wa recently has been busy with Mainland promotion of A SIMPLE LIFE (TOH JEH) and could not protect his wife.  Two nights ago Wa Jai, Ip Tak Han and director Hui On Wa attended a Shanghai premiere.

Due to the extremely great A SIMPLE LIFE and numerous awards, the premiere tickets were sold out long ago.  The Shanghai stop premiere press conference attracted many reporters.  Later everyone attended the premiere.  Lau Tak Wa was both A SIMPLE LIFE executive producer and star.  In recent years Wa Jai's film releases were mostly dramatic.  A SIMPLE LIFE star Qin Hailu joked that Wa Jai was a "literary youth".  Wa Jai said, "Maybe others feel I have this type of aura.  If they say I am then I am."

Wa Jai pointed out that he invested in A SIMPLE LIFE mainly because of his promise 10 years ago to Hui On Wa.  30 years ago his first film BOAT PEOPLE (TAU BUN NO HOI)'s director was Hui On Wa.  In 2001 he said to Hui On Wa no matter when as long as she liked he would support her at whatever the cost.  Yet Hui On Wa's earlier drama would rather work with Wong Jing than Wa Jai.  Wa Jai said, "Maybe she thought I was kidding, or maybe she was afraid that I would lose money."  Wa Jai pointed out that now film and television companies are some publicly traded companies.  Projects that might lose money would be hard to approve.  This time he lowered his salary and told the bosses the investment risk at most would be 10% of the production cost.  Finally the bosses invested.  Thus Wa Jai would not be paid until A SIMPLE LIFE performed ideally at the box office.

In addition, two nights ago at A SIMPLE LIFE premiere, the 100 yuan premiere tickets were sold out in a short time and were scalped for 200 yuan.  Nicky Wu (Ng Kei Lung) said after watching A SIMPLE LIFE he was very sentimental and hoped that his fans would be able to experience this sentiment.  However he did not want everyone to spend their money so he would treat them to a screening.  Hopefully everyone would have some understanding about life after watching.

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The Andy Lau Tak Wa, Deanie Ip Tak Han starred, Ann Hui On Wa directed film A SIMPLE LIFE (TOH JEH) two nights ago held a premiere at Central and everyone appeared in black.  The cast including a granny, Queenie Chu Wai Man, Jim Chim Shui Man, Kung Shuet Fa, Hiromi Wada attended in support.  During the group photo, Granny saw Wa Jai and the others and immediately went to hug them.  Due to the sheer number of people many had to kneel on the ground, when Granny volunteered Wa Jai immediately bent his legs so Granny could sit on his lap.

A SIMPLE LIFE received many film award nominations, Deanie and Wa Jai said that they will be in Hong Kong and will attend together.  Were they fully confident?  Deanie said that everyone's chances were equal.  Speaking of when Wa Jai would rest, he revealed after he finished his new film MAN HUP (BLIND HERO).  However he didn't knew when the official shoot will be.  Was he worried that it will clash with his wife's due date?  Wa Jai immediately became uncomfortable and said, "I don't know!  I don't care for now!  (Shouldn't you choose family first?)  I am under contract, if I have to go, I have to go to avoid getting sued!"  When Deanie said that she already bought a gift, Wa Jai awkwardly joked that whether she bought it to celebrate the award.  Deanie clarified that she already bought a gift for Wa Jai's baby.  As for Wa Jai's reported purchase of a mansion in Malaysia, Wa Jai said that you have to ask whoever wrote that as he gradually walked behind Deanie.  "There are many traps out there, I have no comment about that.  (They even caught your wife buying Chinese herbal medicine?)  Let's not talk about that, be nice.  (Would your wife be upset?)  No!  It's fine!  They are doing what they have to do!"

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Ann Hui On Wa at a Cable interview again thanked Andy Lau Tak Wa for providing his money and talent to A SIMPLE LIFE (TOH JEH).  His Golden Horse Best Actor award was "reward for his good deeds".  "Roger isn't an award winning character but a light one.  Only people who appreciate movies know Wa Jai's performance is great.  If he wins another Best Actor, I would admire the jury's vision very much."

Some said that Wa Jai invested to repay her for giving him his start.  Hui On Wa disagreed, "Back then I asked him to make the movie only because he was suitable for the character.  He brought to life the young James Dean."  She will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 6th Asian Film Awards, will she retire soon?  Hui On Wa joked that she was not good with money so she could not retire yet.  She also wanted to make a story about young people in school.

Jiang Wen, Ann Hui, Felix Chong all won awards

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The Hong Kong Directors' Guild last night held its spring banquet and annual award presentation.  The Ann Hui On Wa directed A SIMPLE LIFE (TOH JEH) brought her the Most Outstanding Director of the Year and the Most Recommended Film; she even received the "Honorary Grand Prize".  She thanked the Directors' Guild for this honor.  She said that recently she won many awards.  If she lost her head, she hoped everyone would remind her.

Jiang Wen with LET THE BULLETS FLY won the Most Outstanding Director and The Most Recommended Film.  He said that winning an award in Hong Kong was a little strange, he would never imagine that he would win two.

Stephen Fung Tak Lun revealed that he is working on the film TAI CHI trilogy.  The first two installments have already been completed.  Speaking of Keanu Reeves' MAN OF TAI CHI, he felt that with one being modern and the other costume they had no conflict.  He hoped for a summer release.  He also revealed that his company with Daniel Wu (Ng Yin Cho) is planning a racing film with Derek Yee Tung Sing as its director.    "Ng Yin Cho and I both will perform.  (Will you fight over the lead?)  Let him have it, I will help with the camera!"

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Ann Hui On Wa received in a television interview revealed that for awhile she and Wong Jing were at odds.  When Hui On Wa made SONG OF EXILE (HAT TOH CHAU HUNG), Wong Jing said, "Who would love to watch the story of a fat, old woman?" and made her very angry.  She said, "At the time the outside was fanning the flame, many hoped to see us fight.  When I was asked to respond I said, 'Wong Jing's filmmaking
attitude is improper'.  Then the headline was 'War Begins, Hui On Wa Announces She Wants To Beat Wong Jing'."

Hui On Wa later due to a Wong Jing interview in which he said the Hong Kong directors who he admired the most were Hui on Wa and John Woo (Ng Yu Sum), which made her feel sorry and she did not say anything more.  Over a year ago, Hui On Wa was looking for funding for her film THOSE ARE THE DAYS (TIN SHUI WAI DIK YUT YU YEH).  After Wong Jing read it he immediately responded, which surprised and pleased her.

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Andy Lau Tak Wa and Deanie Ip Tak Han earlier appeared on a Cable Entertainment News interview.  The host congratulated Lau Tak Wa on his impending fatherhood.  Wa Jai could not hide his excitement as he said, "I will try my best to welcome the new life and the new identity."  In the future Wa Jai will reduce his workload to make more time to take care of his family.  Sister Deanie said that she very much looked forward to "holding a grandchild".  She even bet Lau Tak Wa that he definitely will be a father who will spoil the child.  As for whether she would like a granddaughter or a grandson, Sister Deanie sai that the most important was for the child to be healthy.

Speaking of initially investing in A SIMPLE LIFE (TOH JEH)'s production, Wa Jai said that at first he purely planned to invest to support Ann Hui On wa.  Since BOAT PEOPLE (TAU BUN NO HOI) to now Hui On Wa singlehandedly created the current him.  After reading the script, he already thought that they should ask Sister Deanie to play the title character but he did not make the suggestion in order not to hinder the director's decision.  He never expected Hui On Wa to truly suggest Sister Deanie.  When she did he offered to play Roger.  He joked that at the time he pretended to be very "humble" and asked whether the director would mind if he played Roger.  Lau Tak Wa also praised Sister Deanie as very hard work, very eager to learn and very focused on her work.  For example when she wanted to learn to tap dance she just went and learned it.  Yet she thought that now she still was not good enough.  Earlier she enrolled in another class.  However Sister Deanie humbly said that she was "a jack of all trades but a master at none."

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Winning numerous awards before its official Hong Kong release, the film A SIMPLE LIFE (TOH JEH) is catapulted into fame.  Finally in early March A SIMPLE LIFE will be officially released in Hong Kong.  Investor and actor Andy Lau Tak Wa earlier with this film spoke with the media with this film's Venice Best Actress Deanie Ip Tak Han.  Wa Jai hoped that the film will perform well in Hong Kong, then he would not
have to lose his own salary.

On the day of the interview, Sister Deanie had the flu and sounded a little hoarse.  During the interview Sister Deanie sat far away and even covered her nose with her hand as she was afraid of infecting Wa Jai.  She pointed out that Wa Jai could not be sick now because he had a pregnant woman at home.  Speaking of film box office expectation, Sister Deanie said, "Hopefully it will be good, I hope Wa Jai won't lose too much.
Earlier Wa Jai has said that it would lose 2 million."  Wa Jai said that now it probably would not.  Deanie said, "Now it should lose 1 million."

Wa Jai said that it would mainly depend on the Hong Kong box office, even if he had to lose he would lose his own salary.  He joked, "It's very little, 1 or 2 million."  Yet he felt that this was a movie that could benefit him for a lifetime.  Like MADE IN HONG KONG and THE LONGEST SUMMER (HUI NIN YIN FA DUT BIT DOR), they are making 80,000 to 100,00 back annually.  Every film after being sold for eight years would have new royalty.  A good movie would have different royalties.

Speaking of A SIMPLE LIFE's earlier international success but was not released until so much later, was he afraid of the box office effect?  Wa Jai explained that he wanted to find a good release date, but because this was an art film cinemas generally did not want to screen it during major slots.  Now its early March release with the film awards he thought it was good timing.  Would this film participate in other film festivals?  Wa Jai said that it will participate in the Hong Kong Film Awards, but some film festivals had to choose it too.  Will he work with Ann Hui On Wa again?  He pointed out that she is now working on another script but will work with other companies.  As for making another art film, he said that he will if someone asks him.  He was passive but did not have too much abilities.  He could only make one or two years. Will Sister Deanie make Wa Jai's movies first?  She said no, the character and the script had to be right for her first.  Did she receive more script offers after winning an award?  She said, "One or two more!  (Did you get a raise?)  1 or 2 bucks more!"

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Director Tsui Hark led the FLYING SWORDS OF DRAGON GATE (LUNG MOON FEI GAP) team to this year's Berlin Film Festival.  Speaking of the film's 13 Hong Kong Film Award nominations including Best Director, he admitted that he has always admired Ann Hui On Wa and thought that she deserved the award the most.  In addition, Gua Ah Lei and the new film JOYFUL REUNION team was six hour late due to the snow closing the Munich airport.  Another lead actress Huo Siyan who arrived earlier welcomed everyone to the venue as the sun returned.

Tsui Hark earlier celebrated his 61st birthday in Berlin.  Two days ago he continued to promote FLYING SWORDS OF DRAGON GATE there.  Speaking of no interest in a sequel, he said that this film was already different from his creative habit.  He felt that if it was good enough then he did not need to do more, unless he had a story that was worth shooting then he would consider.

As for FLYING SWORDS OF DRAGON GATE's numerous Hong Kong Film Award, would he look forward to it winning more awards than DETECTIVE DEE AND THE MYSTERY OF THE PHANTOM FLAME (DIK YUN KIT JI TUNG TIN DAI GOK)?  Tsui Hark felt that everyone should enjoy the atmosphere and share the joy at award shows.  Because colleagues were considered friends, he should share the joy no matter who won.  In addition he liked the nominations very much.  He mentioned that when his good friend Teddy Robin Kwan won last year he felt very happy.  As for this year, Tsui Hark felt that Hui On Wa should be able to win with A SIMPLE LIFE (TOH JEH) and praised her for daring to make subjects that no one would dare to touch.  Tsui Hark also felt that the Hong Kong Film Award's nature was gradually blurring, but the Greater Chinese concept was a good thing.

Gua Ah Lei, Huo Siyan and Lan Cheng-Long starred JOYFUL REUNION two nights ago held its global premiere in Berlin.  Huo Siyan earlier arrived at the film festival for the opening ceremony.  The director Tsao Jui-Yuan, producer Hsu Li-Kong and other leads originally were to arrive in Berlin three days ago but due to the snow at the Munich airport their flight was delayed for six hours.  Finally they took 26 hours to arrive in Berlin.  Luckily after they arrived the sun came out.  Huo Siyan learned of their arrived and went to welcome them and visit the film festival venue together.  At night they dressed up for the premiere.  Huo Siyan saw her parting scene with Lan Cheng-Long and broke down.  Kitty Zhang Yuqi in the new film WHITE DEER PLAIN press conference wore a tight evening gown, her belly led to speculation that she was pregnant.

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Soon to be father Andy Lau Tak Wa really liked children originally.  While shooting a family reunion scene for A SIMPLE LIFE (TOH JEH), an one year old kept on crying.  The crew did not know what to do.  Even the child's mother and director Ann Hui On Wa could not calm her down.  Finally Wa Jai gave it a try and immediately tamed the child.

Playing the child's parents in film, Jason Chan Chi Sun and "Young Cecilia Cheung Pak Chi" tried to hold the child to become familiar.  Yet every time they took their marks the child pouted then began to cry.  His mother had to pick him up immediately to calm him down.  Wa Jai then gave it a try as he mischievously had a Lin Chiling photo book in one hand and a bottle of milk in the other for the child to choose.  The child saw Wa Jai doing so, immediately shut up, stared at Wa Jai and began to baby talk.  Wa Jai gently said to the child, "When you cry we can't get off work."  The child seemed to understand and laughed.  Hui On Wa immediately started shooting and in the shortest time completed this joyful scene that they waited over three hours for.

As the director accepted the take, Wa Jai immediately praised the child and said, "You're very good, next year I will apply for a Best Supporting Actor nomination for you!"  The child clapped happily and the entire team applauded in response.  Wa Jai honestly said that he really liked children, but he thought that parents now would only spoil their children and did not know how to teach them.  Although he was not a father yet, he truly could not overlook how his friends spoil their children.  He felt that when a child was tired they would automatically shut up.  Yet when the child cry and you tried everything to get it to stop, then you spoil it.

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Gordon Chan states that broadcast contracts require full version

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The 31st Hong Kong Film Award will take place on April 15 at the Tsim Sha Tsui Cultural Center.  Yesterday a press conference was held to announce the nominations.  Every year Best Actor and Best Actress have been definite foci.  Lau Ching Wan this year with LIFE WITHOUT PRINCIPLE (DUET MING GUM) and OVERHEARD 2 (SIT TING FUNG WON 2) received Best Actor nominations, competing with A SIMPLE LIFE (TOH JEH)'s Andy Lau Tak Wa and LET THE BULLETS FLY's Ge You and Jiang Wen.  Best Actress favorite of course was A SIMPLE LIFE's multiple Best Actress award winner Deanie Ip Tak Han.  A BEAUTIFUL LIFE's Shu Qi is considered the dark horse.  WU XIA's Tang Wei, DON'T GO BREAKING MY HEART (DAN SUN NAM NUI)'s Gao Yuanyuan and FLYING SWORDS OF DRAGON GATE (LUNG MOON FEI GAP)'s Zhou Xun were also nominated.  This year FLYING SWORDS OF DRAGON GATE and LET THE BULLETS FLY received the most nominations with 13 each.

Yesterday Lau Ching Wan, Nicholas Tse Ting Fung and the Hong Kong Film Award Association members attended the press conference.  They announced the nominations.  When Ting Fung announced Best Supporting Actor nominees, he realized that he was nominated with SHAOLIN (SUN SIU LUM JI) and was embarrassed.  Later, Ting Fung said that he never thought that he would be nominated.  Because SHAOLIN was made awhile ago, even he forgot about it.  Speaking of the competition, he pointed out that his fellow nominees were all elders who he admired.  He did not want to participate for three years in a row.  This year he would already be very satisfied in the audience.  Was it because he has already won both Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor he did not care?  Ting Fung denied that as he would be very happy that others recognized his hard work.  Among the nominees, he said that all were his elders.  When he saw Uncle Kenneth Tsang Kong's OVERHEARD 2 performance he truly was stunned.  Speaking of Lucas being hospitalized for illness, some said for four days, he said, "That's crazy, just one day.  He's fine.  During the New Year I had a stuffy nose too."

Lau Ching Wan this year had two Best Actor nominations.  He thanked everyone for their support as he hoped to do his best for Hong Kong film.  Which film was he more confident about?  He said that the news was very sudden and he liked both characters.  Was he worried that his votes would be divided up?  He said that he would worry about that later, he was already very pleased to be nominated.  He also said that every year the competition was very strong, he only hoped that the award show would be entertaining.  Earlier he received the Film Critic Society Best Actor, was his confidence increased?  He said that this situation has already happened many times, but each time he would be excited.  Ultimately two organizations had different judging standards.

Jiang Wen and Ge You were both nominated for Best Actor.  Ge You was truly very happy to be nominated again with LET THE BULLETS FLY.  He was happier that he was nominated with director Jiang Wen.  He thanked the voters for their support and recognition.  Jiang Wen was working on a film in France.  His office responded, "LET THE BULLETS FLY received 13 Hong Kong Film Award nominations, which is the best recognition for Hong Kong film professionals who participated in this film on and off screen.  Thank you (Carina Lau) Ka Ling, Uncle (William Chang Suk Ping) and all the on and off camera workers.  The happiest was the Best Action Choreography nomination as we remember director Sit Chun Wai."  Nominated for Best Supporting Actress with LET, Lau Ka Ling was very grateful for everyone's recognition of her work.  She thanked director Jiang Wen and Ge You, Chang Suk Ping for the exceptionally wonderful costumes, she also thanked all viewers who liked her character.

Ip Tak Han was again nominated with A SIMPLE LIFE for Best Actress.  She only responded with "extremely honored".  Shu Qi was very happy and thanked director Andrew Lau Wai Keung and co-star Liu Ye.  Without those two handsome men A BEAUTIFUL LIFE's Shu Qi would not exist.  She would definitely attend if she would be in Hong Kong.  Gao Yuanyuan was both surprised and excited about her nomination, as she thanked everyone for recognizing her.

Tsui Hark said that he was very happy about FLYING SWORDS OF DRAGON GATE's 13 nominations, which was a honor for the entire creative team.  The film also was the result of the workers' hard work, the joy of nominations had to be shared with everyone.  Johnnie To Kei Fung with LIFE WITHOUT PRINCIPLE was nominated for Best Director and Best Picture.  he said that this was a film that he liked very much.  He thanked the cast for their patience and giving him three years to make the film.  Ann Hui On Wa with A SIMPLE LIFE was nominated for Best Director.  She is in Taiwan and was very happy to be nominated, the happiest about the Best Supporting Actor, Best Supporting Actress and Best Cinematography nominations.  In addition, this year the Hong Kong Film Award received HK$5,668,400 from the film development council to assist in the production.  This year the award show will air live on TVB and Now.

31ST HONG KONG FILM AWARD NOMINATIONS

BEST PICTURE
A SIMPLE LIFE (TOH JEH)
LIFE WITHOUT PRINCIPLE (DUET MING GUM)
FLYING SWORDS OF DRAGON GATE (LUNG MOON FEI GAP)
OVERHEARD 2 (SIT TING FUNG WON 2)
LET THE BULLETS FLY

BEST DIRECTOR 
Ann Hui On Wa (A SIMPLE LIFE)
Johnnie To Kei Fung (LIFE WITHOUT PRINCIPLE)
Tsui Hark (FLYING SWORDS OF DRAGON GATE)
Alan Mak Siu Fai, Felix Chong Man Keung (OVERHEARD 2)
Jiang Wen (LET THE BULLETS FLY)

BEST SCREENPLAY
Susan Chan Suk Yin (A SIMPLE LIFE)
Wai Ka Fai, Yau Nai Hoi,
  Ray Chan Wai Bun, Jevons Au Man Kit (DON'T GO BREAKING MY HEART)
Milky Way Creative Team, Au Kin Yee,
  Wong King Fai (LIFE WITHOUT PRINCIPLE)
Alan Mak Siu Fai, Chong Man Dor (OVERHEARD 2)
Zhu Sjjin, Shu Ping, Jiang Wen,
  Guo Junli, Wei Xiao, Li Bukong (LET THE BULLETS FLY)

BEST ACTOR
Andy Lau Tak Wa (A SIMPLE LIFE)
Lau Ching Wan (LIFE WITHOUT PRINCIPLES)
Lau Ching Wan (OVERHEARD 2)
Jiang Wen (LET THE BULLETS FLY)
Ge You (LET THE BULLETS FLY)

BEST ACTRESS 
Shu Qi (A BEAUTIFUL LIFE)
Tang Wei (WU XIA)
Deanie Ip Tak Han (A SIMPLE LIFE)
Gao Yuanyuan (DON'T GO BREAKING MY HEART)
Zhou Xun (FLYING DRAGONS OF DRAGON GATE)

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR
Jimmn Wang Yu (WU XIA)
Paul Chun Pui (A SIMPLE LIFE)
Nicholas Tse Ting Fung (SHAOLIN)
Lo Hoi Peng (LIFE WITHOUT PRINCIPLE)
Kenneth Tsang Kong (OVERHEARD 2)

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS
Wai Ying Hung (WU XIA)
Qin Hailu (A SIMPLE LIFE)
So Hung Suen (LIFE WITHOUT PRINCIPLE)
Kwai Lun-Mei (FLYING SWORDS OF DRAGON GATE)
Carina Lau Ka Ling (LET THE BULLETS FLY)

BEST NEW PERFORMER
Jam Hsiao (THE KILLER WHO NEVER KILLS)
Shiga Lin (LAN KWAI FONG)
Zheng Shuang (MURAL)
Karena Ng Chin yu (MAGIC TO WIN)
Sheng Chien (FLYING SWORDS OF DRAGON GATE)

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
Jake Pollack, Lai Yiu Fai (WU XIA)
Nelson Yu Lik Wai (A SIMPLE LIFE)
Johnny Choi (FLYING SWORDS OF DRAGON GATE)
Anthony Pun Yiu Ming (OVERHEARD 2)
Zhao Fei (LET THE BULLETS FLY)

BEST FILM EDITING
Derek Hui Won Yu (WU XIA)
David Richardson (LIFE WITHOUT PRINCIPLE)
Yau Chi Wai (FLYING SWORDS OF DFRAGON GATE)
Curran Pang Jing Hei (OVERHEARD 2)
Jiang Wen, Cao Weijie (LET THE BULLETS FLY)

BEST ART DIRECTION
Yee Chung Man, Sun Li (WU XIA)
Yee Chung Man, Ben Lau Man Hung (SHAOLIN)
Yee Chung Man, Ben Lau Man Hung (FLYING SWORDS OF DRAGON GATE)
Daniel Lee Yan Kong (WHITE VENGEANCE)
Wong Kar Lang, Gao Yiguang, Yu QInghua (LET THE BULLETS FLY)

BEST COSTUME DESIGN AND MAKE UP
Dora Ng Lei Lo (WU XIA)
Bobo Ng Bo Ling (MURAL)
Lai Hsuan-Wu (FLYING SWORDS OF DRAGON GATE)
Eddie Mok Kwan Kit, Debby Wong Ming Ha (WHITE VENGEANCE)
William Chang Suk Ping (LET THE BULLETS FLY)

BEST ACTION DESIGN
Ching Siu Tung (THE SORCERER AND THE WHITE SNAKE)
Donnie Yen Chi Tan (WU XIA)
Corey Yuen Kwai, Yuen Tak, Li Chung Chi (SHAOLIN)
Yuen Bun, Nam Hoi Hong, Sun Kin Kwai (FLYING SWORDS OF DRAGON GATE)
Ailen Sit Chun Wai, Li Chun Chi (LET THE BULLETS FLY)

BEST ORIGINAL FILM SCORE
Chan Kwong Wing (A BEAUTIFUL LIFE)
Chan Kwong Wing, Peter Kam Pui Tat, Chatchai Pongprapaphan (WU XIA)
William Hu, Li Hanjiang, Gu Xin (FLYING SWORDS OF DRAGON GATE)
Henry Lai Won Man (WHITE VENGEANCE)
Chan Kwong Wing (OVERHEARD 2)

BEST ORIGINAL SONG
MISSED ADDRESS (A BEAUTIFUL LIFE) Ivana Wong Yuen Chi
TWO HEARTED FLOWER (HI, FIDELITY) Sandy Lam Yik Lin
WANDERING LOST IN THE WORLD (WU XIA) Dou Wei
COMPREHEND (SHAOLIN) Andy Lau Tak Wa
FLOODED GOLDEN MOUNTAIN (LIFE WITHOUT PRINCIPLE) Ngok Mei

BEST SOUND DESIGN
Nopawat Likitwong, Traithep Wongpaiboon (WU XIA)
Kim Seok-Won (FLYING SWORDS OF DRAGON GATE)
Phyllis Cheng Wing Yuen, Lam Siu Yu (WHITE VENGEANCE)
Kinson Tsang King Cheung (OVERHEARD 2)
Wen Bo, Wang Gang (LET THE BULLETS FLYING)

BEST VISUAL EFFECTS
Ryu Hee-Jung, Eddy Wong Won Hin,
  Ken Law Wai Ho (THE SORCERER AND THE WHITE SNAKE)
Yung Kwok Yin, Andy Kang Chung Cheung (WU XIA)
Christopher Bremble (MURAL)
Wook Kim, Josh Cole, Frankie Chung Chi Hung (FLYING SWORDS OF DRAGON GATE)
Victor Wong Won Tat, Eman Tse Yi Man (LET THE BULLETS FLY)

BEST TWO COASTS CHINESE FILMS
YOU ARE THE APPLE OF MY EYE
THE FLOWERS OF WAR
IF YOU ARE THE ONE 2
STARRY STARRY NIGHT
WARRIORS OF THE RAINBOW: SEEDIQ BALE

BEST NEW DIRECTOR
Jessey Tsang Tsui Shan (BIG BLUE LAKE)
Calvin Poon Yuen Leung (HI, FIDELITY)
Bill Yip Kim Fung (CURE)

courtesy of singtao.com

courtesy of mingpao.com

courtesy of takungpao.com

After success at several overseas film festivals, the Ann Hui On Wa directed, Andy Lau Tak Wa and Deanie Ip Tak Han starred A SIMPLE LIFE (TOH JEH) has been scheduled for a March 9 release.  Last year on Wa Jai's first day on the set, they shot on location at a Sham Shui Po senior home.  Seniors there might be up there in age but were very smart.  As soon as Wai Jai appeared, they asked with suspicion whether he was Lau Tak Wa.  Wa Jai responded with a smile, 'I am Lau Tak Wa!"  When they learned that Wa Jai came to make a movie, the seniors refused to nap as they wanted to watch the shoot.  The entire senior home became cheerful, Wa Jai even hummed Cantonese Opera for this group of smart fans.

At the senior home Wa Jai could not help but joked, "Having an elder at home is like having a treasure.  In front of me then are many treasures.  Actually before shooting at the senior home, I worried whether I would disturb their lives.  I was afraid that I would affect their rest.  However now I can relax, actually most of them are very active."  In the film the senior home boss Anthony Wong Chau Sun and supervisor Kung Shuet Fa also brought the seniors a lot of joy.  With an eye patch over his left eye and a long coat that resembled Mark Gor, Chau Sun joked with Wa Jai, "My costume is truly inspired.  Earlier when I went to the costume fitting, for fun I put on black nail polish.  Ann thought the look could have a little fun and finally put black nail polish on all my fingers.  When I went home I picked out a long coat to match and added to the boss' might.  Then today I come to work I realize my left eye is infected.  I was inspired and put on a eye patch to cover the red eye.  Thus this cyclops boss look is born, pretty yet easy on the eye?  Ha!"  Wa Jai also joked that only Chau Sun would be able to pull the look off, as he made an interesting pair with his employee Kung Shuet Fa.

When Kung Shuet Fa worked with Wa Jai, she often mispronounced her lines due to her less than fluent accent.  She made "undocumented South Asian Person" sound like "straw shaking blue tear pervert" and cracked up the entire set.  Aunt Fa said that she knew her acting was no match for Best Actors Wa Jai and Chau Sun, but she was fortunate enough to have the rare chance to work with them and Hui On Wa.  She was used to getting up early to watch the stock market open so the early call was not hard for her.  She even attentively asked her maid to make red bean dessert for the team.

courtesy of takungpao.com

The 6th Asian Film Award will take place on March 19th.  Yesterday the nominations were announced.  The Tsui Hark directed FLYING SWORDS OF DRAGON GATE (LUNG MOON FEI GAP) received the most nominations with seven.  As for Best Actor and Best Actress, A SIMPLE LIFE (TOH JEH)'s multiple Best Actress award winner Deanie Ip Tak Han was the favorite.  After her Golden Horse Award, she and YOU ARE THE APPLE OF MY EYES' new generation goddess Michelle Chen will battle for the crown.  Andy Lau Tak Wa also with A SIMPLE LIFE will face FLYING SWORDS OF DRAGON GATE's Chen Kun and Japan's Koji Yakusho for Best Actress.  Ko Chen-Tung only received a Best new Actor nomination.

The award ceremony press conference took place yesterday.  Attending guests included the Hong Kong International Film Festival Society chair Wong Ying Wai, Hong Kong Film Development Council chair Jack So Zak Kwong, vice chair Peter Lam Kin Ngok and jury chair Eric Khoo (Yau Kam Hoi).  FLYING SWORDS OF DRAGON GATE received seven nominations including Best Picture, Director, Actor, Supporting Actress, Art Direction, Visual Effects and Costume Designs.  Zhang Yimou's FLOWERS OF WAR and Wei Te-Sheng's WARRIORS OF THE RAINBOW: SEEDIQ BALE each received six nominations.  The Golden Globe Best Foreign Film Award winner A SEPARATION received five nominations.

As for Best Picture, the Golden Globe winner A SEPARATION naturally is the favorite, but competition FLOWERS OF WAR and SEEDIQ BALE both have substance.  Best Actress conceivably has to go to A SIMPLE LIFE Ip Tak Han, Michelle Chen could only play along.  Instead A SEPARATION's Leila Hatami was seen as the dark horse.  The Best Actor competition could be said as strong, FLYING SWORDS OF DRAGON GATE's Chen Kun and A SIMPLE LIFE's Lau Tak Wa both had substance.  Ko Chen-Tung blew up with YOU ARE THE APPLE OF MY EYE but did not receive a Best Actor nomination.  He only received the Best New Actor nomination and competed with FLOWERS OF WAR's Ni Ni.

Competing for Best Actress again, Ip Tak Han said, "To me being able to participate in a movie isn't easy, the movie receiving an invitation to compete is a bonus."  Fellow nominee Lau Tak Wa said, "I am very honored, I know the fellow nominees are very strong.  Chen Kun obviously is a good actor who I am more familiar with.  In addition, the Iranian actor has already won Best Actor at the Berlin Film Festival.  His film A SEPARATION also just won the Golden Globe Best Foreign Film.  His momentum is very strong.  I am already very happy about the nomination.  I have even more confidence in Best Actress nominee Sister Deanie winning, and Ann (Director Hui On Wa) will also receive the Lifetime Achievement Award.  A SIMPLE LIFE already has award winning representatives, hahaha....."

Nominated for Best Supporting Actress with FLYING SWORDS OF DRAGON GATE, Kwai Lun-Mei said that this was her first acting nomination so she would cherish it and be grateful for it.  She also thanked everyone.  Currently in Taiwan, SEEDIQ BALE director Wei Te-Sheng responded that he was very honored to receive the Asian Film Award jury recognition.  He has already shared this good news with all the nominees and will attend with them.

courtesy of takungpao.com

A SIMPLE LIFE (TOH JEH) director Ann Hui On Wa would receive the Hong Kong International Film Festival Society's 6th Asian Film Award Lifetime Achievement award.  She would be the first female filmmaker to receive the honor.  In the 70s and the 80s, Hui On Wa created many Hong Kong films of their time and received numerous awards.  Today she still keeps on creating, outside mainstream films she makes work that makes viewers think.

Film Festival Society chair Wong Ying Wai said, "Director Hui On Wa's influence on Hong Kong film is far reaching.  At the late 70s she was a strong force in the Hong Kong New Wave.  She innovated with existing film genres and created all new conventional film categories to express the gradually forming Hong Kong people identities.  Yet she has never been complacent and continued to create.  From 1979 she almost had a new film every year and every film's quality has been very outstanding.  No matter the genre, Hui On Wa has been handy with it -- thriller, drama, comedy, horror, historical wuxia, romance, Hui On Wa has done them all and injected even richer elements.  She represented a level that Hong Kong filmmakers dream of.  In addition, she actively promoted Hong Kong film culture and film development.  From 1993 to 2004 she served as the Hong Kong Film Director Guild executive committee member, from 2004 to 2006 she served as the chair.  Early in the founding of the Hong Kong International Film Festival Society, she served as vice chair and contributed greatly to promoting the society's development and activities.  We hereby thank her very much."

courtesy of takungpao.com

Deanie Ip Tak Han accepted a now HOME SWEET HOME interview with Lawrence Cheng Tan Shui.  When asked about working with Andy Lau Tak Wa, she said that Wa Jai was very demanding but would accommodate others.  While working on the film A SIMPLE LIFE (TOH JEH), she made suggestions to Wa Jai about the character.  He would first discuss with the director before handling it so the situation would not become difficult for anyone.  Sister Deanie said that she was not too commercial, but she ran into Ann Hui On Wa who was even more artistic than her.  Thus she became worried.  Although the script was great, but it probably would not have too high of a box office.  Sister Deanie asked who the investor was and only then did she find out Wa Jai was the boss.  She believed aside from him, another investor for this film would be hard to find.

courtesy of on.cc

courtesy of singtao.com

Ann Hui courtesy of mingpao.com

courtesy of takungpao.com

The Ann Hui On Wa directed, Deanie Ip Tak Han and Andy Lau Tak Wa starred film A SIMPLE LIFE (TOH JEH) has been honored repeatedly.  After awards in Venice and Taiwan, earlier on the 30th at the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival Official Competition EurAsia Jury Awards won Best Picture, Best Actress and the FICC (The International Federation of Film Clubs) Awards.

The jury agreed that A SIMPLE LIFE described in detail the master and servant relationship between Sister Peach and Roger and even praised Ip Tak Han's performance, which displayed both Sister Peach's introverted and enthusiastic personality.  She truly deserved the award.  Due to the fierce competition this year, the jury did not decide the results until 2AM the night before.  Thus it could not invite Hui On Wa and Ip Tak Han to attend the award presentation.  The event hoped that they would attend next year as jury members and then will be able to personally accept the awards.

Ip Tak Han in less than two days after winning the Golden Horse Award again received good news from as far as Russia.  She admitted that it was very sudden.  She was pleased as she said, "This good news truly came very suddenly, but the most touching was I was able to receive the award without having to attend their ceremony.  This is a truly meaningful film award presentation.  Once a New York Chinese award originally wanted to present an award to me, but because I couldn't attend it cancelled my award.  Such an award ceremony is meaningless.  I hope Hong Kong wouldn't have this type of awards!"

Sister Deanie once saw a solar eclipse while visiting Russia.  She also watched some Russian films at the cinema and thought that their film quality was decent.  She even stressed that she would never watch a movie online, which was a film supporting attitude.  She said, "I only watch movies at the cinema or on DVD; usually I watch movies that I like more than once, with a DVD I can watch it again anytime.  WEST SIDE STORY is an exciting musical film that I never get tired of.  I look forward to A SIMPLE LIFE to become a Hong Kong film classic that no one can get tired of in the future."

Hui On Wa's first response to the film winning award is, "Oh!  A SIMPLE LIFE went to Russia, I never imagine it would go to someplace so far and still have viewers who like our movie.  I am really too happy."  Lau Tak Wa was just as excited and again showed gratitude.  "Heaven truly is spoiling us.  Go Hong Kong film!"