Movie Box Review

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Andy Lau Tak Wa is working on a movie in Beijing.  Two days ago after work, Wa Jai was very happy to learn that A SIMPLE LIFE (TOH JEH) was nominated for the Hong Kong Film Award Best Actor.  He said, "Having the voters' liking, having so much already, I really don't know what more I can say aside from knowing that I should say several more thank you, thank you, thank you......I don't dare to have expectation, but I would look forward to the film professional event of Hong Kong Film Award.  Hail to Hong Kong Film!  Hail!  Hail!  Long Live Hong Kong Film!"

Roger who in real life spent his life with Sister Tao was a film producer who industry insiders were familiar with.  A SIMPLE LIFE due to Roger's profession and story requirements arranged for a scene in which Roger brought his beloved Sister tao to attend his film premiere.  On the day of the shoot, Andrew Lau Wai Keung, Stanley Kwan Kam Peng, Joe Cheung Tung Cho, Lam Ka Tung, Angelababy, Mainland director Ning Hao and others participated for free and played themselves.  Even the retired Raymond Chow Man Wai came to participate, which touched Ann Hui On Wa and Wa Jai very much.  This time was also the only time Sister Tao attended a premiere with her young master Roger, which opened her eyes.  Playing Sister Tao Sister Deanie that day went to an old fashioned beauty salon for an old fashioned hairstyle and manicure.  Wa Jai praised, "You are very pretty!"  Sister Deanie could not be more pleased.

That day Ip Tak Han was also very happy to reunite with her ENJOY YOURSELF TONIGHT friend Helena Law Lan.  In the film Sister Law Lan played Sister Tao's idol.  On the set they often talked about the joy of their previous collaborations.  Wa Jai gave a special thanks to Chow Man Wai.  He said, "All along Mr. Chow has taken great care of me.  When a company co-worker asked whether he was interested in guest starring, he not only agreed right away but also brought his wife and daughter along.  He was also the earliest on the set."  Wa Jai pointed out that Mr. Chow usually went to bed very early, but he would rather sleep a few hours later so he would be able to work at night with everyone.

During the official shoot, Lau Wai Keung even added lines himself.  He introduced his female companion Baby as his girlfriend to Wa Jai.  Baby pointed out that this performance was like a cheerful party, being able to have a chance to work with a group of elders and directors was very rare.  She never thought about her role or her lines, even if she just passed by she did not mind.  The most important was the chance to support Hong Kong film like everyone else.

Tiffany Hsu and Ethan Juan two days ago courtesy of singtao.com

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Due to military service, Ethan Juan (Yuen King Tin) has become the media target.  However Siu Tin actually has never thought about avoiding it.  Instead he looked forward to it very much.  Yesterday Siu Tin finally reported and again clarified the alternative service issue.  He stressed that he did not have any special privilege.  Now finally he was able to complete what he should do and he was very happy.  Siu Tin's girlfriend Tiffany Hsu due to work could not see him off.

Siu Tin left around 9PM and reported with friends in tow.  Media waited outside Siu Tin's home.  Siu Tin was dressed casually and looked energized.  When he saw the media he could not help but scream, "This truly is too brilliant!"  How did he feel about joining the military?  Siu Tin said, "Finally I can complete what I should do so I don't have any special feeling.  I feel just like all men who have to serve."  Two nights ago Siu Tin's friends went to his home to bid him farewell.  He slept very well so yesterday he did not have any dark circles around his eyes.  He will first have lunch at his grandfather's home in Taichung, then report in the afternoon.

Siu Tin's military service has always been controversial.  Siu Tin again clarified, "Anyone who have served should know that alternative service was determined when I graduated from high school.  I went for repeated examination twice.  At the time I wasn't an artist so I don't have any so-called special privilege problem."  Was his girlfriend Tiffany Hsu reluctant to let him go or ask him for anything?  Siu Tin joked, "You make her sounds like she's my Ma!  I will be back!  It's not like I won't.  It's not bitterly guarding a chilly cave for 18 years either."  However, his girlfriend due to work would not see him off.  Why did he report alone and not meet up with others reporting?  He said, "I was informed to do so, I don't know, I am just following orders."

Siu Tin will be away from show business for a year.  He was not worried that his show business job will be hindered due to his military service, because the service had to be done.  As an actor he should properly experience life.  Siu Tin before reporting did not forget to promote his new film LOVE.  In addition, Siu Tin's film THE GUILLOTINES (HUET DIK JI) will also be released this year.  Siu Tin spent two and a half months on THE GUILLOTINES, which was as difficult as "advanced military service".  however he thanked the "spicy instructor" Andrew Lau Wai Keung for advancing his "tough experience".  This film will be released in the summer.  Siu Tin will be absent from the premiere and the promotion.  However the team guaranteed a very special way for him to appear.

Siu Tin pointed out that Lau Wai Keung gave him countless "first times", like the first time he did 50 push ups, the first time he lost eight jin in four days, the first time he felt nauseous from all the wire work.  However in Siu Tin's eyes, Lau Wai Keung was still a very loving father.  When he turned 29, Lau Wai keung arranged for a secret celebration.  When he returned to his hotel room, the team emerged from the closet, behind the curtains and under the bed.  Seeing how pleased Lau Wai Keung was, Siu Tin could not help but break down.  Siu Tin also said that brothers who he "stayed up all night with, got hurt with and even got yelled at by the director with" Shawn Yue Man Lok, Huang Xiaoming and others were hard to forget.  He looked forward to their reunion after the end of his service.

Emperor boss Albert Yeung hosts the ceremony

Lin Peng

Elaine Kam

Patrick Tse, Andy On, Deborah Li

Eric Kwok, Grace Ip

Young Emperor stars come in support

4 Must See Parts: Earth Shattering Explosion

Seventh Floor Straight Down

Tearful Reunion

Genius child star

Ankie Bielke

Michelle Wai (Si Nga)'s clothing catches fire at the premiere.  Luckily Carlo Chan puts it out.

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courtesy of singtao.com

Nicholas Tse, Deborah Li, Patrick Tse, Andy On

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Nicholas Tse Ting Fung, Jay Chou (Chow Kit Lun), Lin Peng, Liu Kai Chi, Elaine Kam Yin Ling, Andy On Chi Kit along with director Dante Lam Chiu Yi two nights ago attended THE VIRAL FACTOR (YIK JIN) premiere at Sky 100.  Also on hand were Deborah Li and her husband Moustache Kong, Patrick Tse Yin and others.

The host talked about the venue.  Ting Fung joked that he could consider making an action film here, but Chairman Chou joked that he absolutely would not make a sequel because it was too tough.  The 18th would be Chairman Chou's birthday and the event arranged for a cake to celebrate with him in advance.

Later Ting Fung stated that with the government's permit he would be willing to jump from here for a movie; would he not have to watch himself more as a father?  He said, "I trust the safety of Hong Kong film, we are crazy but not stupid."  The director said that the boss would like the box office to reach 400 million.  Ting Fung admitted that he neither dared nor knew how to estimate, he had confidence though.  When asked about his former wife Cecilia Cheung Pak Chi's poor box office performance after her comeback and becoming the box office poison, Ting Fung was very helpless and said, "Oh don't say that, (people made her sound horrible?)  You made up this name, I didn't say it.  (How do you think she should be described?)  Don't ask me, I don't know how to answer.  If you ask me again I would giving you a beating, or maybe jumping from here and pulling you down too."

Ting Fung said that he will fly back to Shanghai to work for a few days then return to Hong Kong for the Lunar New year.  When asked whether he would reunite with Pak Chi?  Ting Fung kept saying no and said questions like no chance have already been answered before.

Lai Goo said that she has not asked her son.

Has she paid attention to any hint?  Lai Goo joked, "No, I too am waiting for the notice to coordinate.  (Have you contacted Pak Chi?)  No, she is hardly ever in Hong Kong.  (Are you scared?)  Why did you say that?  (Because you don't want them to!)  Are you answering for me?  I can tell everyone, don't put me between them.  Heaven's will is hard to go against, if they reunite I wish them well, don't say whether I approve or not."

Lai Goo said, she would prepare big laisee for her grandsons.  Quintus already knew how to say Grandma and Grandpa.  Would she urge her daughter Jennifer Tse Ting Ting to wed?  Lai Goo said that she did not want to but could not help but say that the Year of the Dragon will have a lot of joyous events.

Chairman Chou was very confident that the box office will reach 400 million; would he truly not make a sequel?  He said, "Absolutely not, I have to properly rest.  When I directed and starred myself it was both comfortable and award winning, how great was that!"  Would he ask rumored girlfriend Hannah Quinlivan (Kwun Ling) as the female lead?  Chairman Chou said that he did not want to find someone in the business as he hoped for freshness.  Otherwise he would ask Kwai Lun-Mei because they have not worked together for awhile.  Did he have a script yet?  Chairman Chou would like to shoot at the end of March.  Originally he thought about a magic film but THE GREAT MAGICIAN (DAI MOR SHOOK SI) has already used the subject first.

Would SECRET 2 be made?  Chairman Chou said, "It should be the end of the year, but I can't tell what the secret would be."  Reporters joked that his girlfriend was something that could not be told, Chairman Chou smiled without answering.  Would he like to work with Brigitte Lin (Lam Ching Ha)?  He admitted that he asked Andrew Lau Wai Keung to introduce them, but he did not know whether she would be willing.  However he still was very happy that she has seen SECRET (BUT NUNG SHUET DIK BEI MUK).  Would he truly not work with Hannah Quinlivan?  Chairman Chou said, "The best would be asking friends of opposite sex who won't lead to rumors.  (But she really is a girlfriend?)  We are just friends.  (Are you dating?)  Dating in the movies."

courtesy mingpao.com

Director Andrew Lau Wai Keung was interviewd on now.  Lau Wai Keung said that when he was little the greatest entertainment was meeting with friends to go to the movies.  He never expected to become a director today.  At Shaw he was a photographer, later became a director and established an unbreakable bond with film.  When Lau Wai Keung made his first film he met his wife.  His son was proud of his father as a director and now is studying film himself at the university.  Lau Wai Keung hoped to pass the torch to his son in the film industry.

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The Andrew Lau Wai Keung directed THE GUILLOTINES (HUET DIK JI) was near the end of its production as the entire film will wrap in mid November.  Fellow "Scorpios" Huang Xiaoming, Ethan Juan (Yuen King Tin) and Shawn Yue Man Lok had birthdays that were close to each other's.  November 11 2011 was the "six one" "bachelor festival of the century".  The team held a secret birthday celebration for the trio: "the real bachelors" would leave "bachelorhood" soon and the fake bachelors would wed soon.  They even planned to have a joint wedding ceremony.

The team chose the "bachelor festival" to celebrate their birthdays in hopes of two fake bachelors Huang Xiaoming and Yuen King Tin spur Yue Man Lok to leave bachelorhood soon.  The team made guillotine birthday cakes for them.  Lau Wai Keung asked them to make a wish and cut the cake.  Suddenly Huang Xiaoming said look out and with a back hand he put a pile of cream on Lau Wai Keung's face.  Huang Xiaoming sent 100,000 yuan ham and a variety of wine to the shoot to share with the brothers.  He also paid for most of the team dinners.

Huang Xiaoming and Yue Man Lok called Yuen King Tin who loved doing chores "maid".  Mother Yuen was a super Huang Xiaoming fan.  Using set visit as an excuse she actually came to stargaze.  When she saw her idol she even forgot her son.  Surprised, Huang Xiaoming signed autographs and posed for pictures with her.  He even brought out his personal red wine collection to present it to her as a gift.  Ignored, Yuen King Tin joked, "My mother mainly came to see Brother Xiaoming, I just happened to be on the way."

Andrew Lau says that THE GUILLOTINES is like Qing Dynasty YOUNG AND DANGEROUS in training courtesy of mingpao.com

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The Andrew Lau Wai Keung directed, Peter Chan Ho Sun produced THE GUILLOTINES (HUET DIK JI) is in production in Xian.  Yesterday the director led actors including Ethan Juan (Yuen King Tin), Shawn Yue Man Lok, Jing Boran, Chris Lee Yuchun, Huang Xiaoming to attend the Taiyuan press conference.  A blood sworn sibling ceremony took place.  Although they used prop blood, they still acted like it was real.

At the event everyone first gave a drop of blood with prop blood.  The director led and pretended it hurt.  Then Yuen King Tin and Yue Man Lok helped each other "prick" the other's finger and both made a painful expression.  The reporters could not help but laugh.  The event also arranged for everyone to drink the blood to represent their unity.

Lau Wai Keung joked that the film has already been in production for 52 days, over a half; this time the actors were very young.  The total age of the eight were 100.  Everyday he watched them, he truly felt troublesome.  He felt nauseous just from looking at them, like he became their father.  Playing the captain Yuen King Tin admitted that he was very excited to be a part of the film.  He has never played such a character before.  In the film he had many friends with different personalities.  Lee Yuchun was the only woman.  She pointed out that this was her third film and everyone took great care of her.

Yue Man Lok has worked with Lau Wai Keung many times.  He kept quiet about the story and said that he still did not dare to ask.  He joked, "On the set when I saw him I wanted to vomit.  However the director in the past ten years put me in many good films and made my film journey even more successful."  Lau Wai Keung joked, actors only had to be taller than him to be famous.  Yue Man Lok did not used to be so tall.  When Dior Cheng Yi Kin made YOUNG AND DANGEROUS (GOO WAT JAI) he was not either.

In addition, the Huang Xiaoming played character costume recently has been unveiled.  He said that this production has been the most difficult in his career.  The character was the most complicated as well, a hard to grasp, ever changing person.  Xiaoming continued, originally the director wanted him to grow a beard, but finally they still decided on using a fake one.

As for how to explore the character, Xiaoming joked that he had to ask the director because the director on the set was a crazed wolf.  He too was just following his lead.

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The Peter Chan Ho Sun produced, Andrew Lau Wai Keung directed THE GUILLOTINES (HUET DIK JI) recently unveiled each actor in costume.  Huang Xiaoming in the film played a "wanderer".  This time Xiaoming had messy hair, with a white robe covering his body he looked like a Greek scripture with teary eyes.  Lau Wai Keung said, "He was dressed like a mad man and a crazed criminal, which hid the most gentle heart inside."

Speaking of his long hair, Xiaoming joked, "When I look at the mirror, isn't this Jesus?"  On the day of costume fitting, Xiaoming pointed at his face and face and made a guarantee to Lau Wai Keung, "As long as I don't shave in three days, it will be here and here."  The director gladly agreed for real facial hair support and gave up the fake beard that would affect facial performance.  Huang Xiaoming tried three different long beards, due to differences in legnth he joked they were Jesus, Marx and bin Laden's beards.  Finally the "Jesus beard" had raves from both Chan Ho Sun and Lau Wai Keung.  Xiaoming also lost eight pounds for the role.  During the period he only had yogurt and cucumber.  He joked that this time he did not need to display his chest but he guaranteed that he was so slim that he had "cleavage".

In order to play the character well, Xiaoming before the shoot thought to drink to release himself.  Yet Chan Ho Sun joked that he had to see how he was after drinking.  If he went mad after drinking a little then he would be in trouble.  However, finally Chan Ho Sun accepted Xiaoming's suggestion.  Xiaoming and Lau Wai Keung often drank together on the set.  After the transformation, Xiaoming was almost in quarantine as often before the shoot he secretly got into the character.  His rage filled eyes even scared the assistant director who showed him his marks.  On several occasions when Lau Wai Keung accepted the take, he was still standing alone in the original spot.

courtesy of singtao.com

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The Peter Chan Ho Sun produced, Andrew Lau Wai Keung directed film THE GUILLOTINES (HUET DIK JI) has already begun production.  Each actor's costume look appeared for the first time.  Captain Ethan Juan (Yuen King Tin) was responsible for "cold", the only "female Guillotine" Chris Lee Yuchun was responsible for "real", Jing Boran was responsible was "handsome", Purba Rgyal (Pubajia) was responsible for "vicious", Zhou Yiwei "grinned like a cat with a canary" and was responsible for "shady" but the weapon Flying Guillotine was nowhere to be seen.

The Guillotine uniform was in classic red and black, the left arm was made with steel, wrapped up from the shoulder to the fist and leather underneath it resembled a cannon.  With 230 steel rings and 168 steel plates, it weighted 10 catties.  Yuen King Tin posed in the uniform.  After putting on the metal arm he even joked that he was Iron Man.  The uniform was designed with the right arm for the weapon and the left hand for the metal arm, but Siu Tin was left armed so he had to train his right arm strength.  Lau Wai Keung after finding out thought the lefty would be very cool and designed a "lefty" metal arm for him.

Lee Yuchun after BOYDGUARDS AND ASSASSINS (SUP YUET WAI SING) worked with Chan Ho Sun again.  The first thing Chan Ho Sun said when he saw Lee Yuchun was, "How can you grow younger and younger?  You look like you are only 16."  This time Lee Yuchun had to cut her hair short.  In order to ensure that her hair would be comfortable and steady, she spent three hours on hair the first time.  Aside from shaving their heads, male Guillotines also had to grow facial hair.  Yuen King Tin, Zhou Yiwei, Purba Rgyal were happy about saving shaving time.  Only Jing Boran due to his red lips and white teeth did not have to grow facial hair.

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Edko's heavily invested police epic COLD WAR (HONG JIN) has already confirmed three Best Actors Andy Lau Tak Wa, Aaron Kwok Fu Sing and Tony Leung Ka Fai and scheduled for a Hong Kong production start in October and simultaneous release next year in the Mainland, Taiwan and Hong Kong.  The film company is determined to turn the film into the most luxurious Best Actor "city collapsing" acting battle in the past ten years of Hong Kong police film.

Lau Tak Wa said that INFERNAL AFFAIRS (MO GAN DOH) was already a battle of wit suspense classic ten years ago.  Hopefully after COLD WAR's release it will become the new symbol of Hong Kong police battle of wits films of the next ten years.  His participation this time would be a joy for him.  Kwok Fu Sing originally stopped making movies to prepare for his concert but because the COLD WAR script was too attractive he was willing to take time from his rehearsal schedule and sleep less to make it.  After completing the film he will return to the rehearsal.  The script also motivated Leung Ka Fai as he took time from his current film production to participate.  Aside from the three film big shots, new actors Aarif Rahman (Lee Chi Ting) and Eddie Peng Yu-yen will also perform.  They have already worked with several big stars.  As for the film's directors Leung Lok Man and Lok Kim Ching would joint direct for
the first time but have worked behind the scene in the film industry for years.

Edko said that the script was the film's nucleus.  Although this big production's two new directors had no director experience, they have been in the Hong Kong film industry for years.  Investor Bill Kong Chi Keung said, "Hong Kong film is about the spirit of passing the torch.  Ten years ago, (Andrew) Lau Wai Keung and Mak Chong (Alan Mak Siu Fai, Felix Chong Man Keung) were only known in the industry but INFERNAL
AFFAIRS provided them an opportunity.  Now they have already become pillars of the Hong Kong film industry. Conceivably after COLD WAR, which will not only provide viewers with a class A good film but also transmit new blood to the film industry."

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Currently working on the Peter Chan Ho Sun produced, Andrew Lau Wai Keung directed latest kung fu film FLYING GUILLOTINES (HUET DIK JI) in Yangqu, Xian, Huang Xiaoming two nights ago suddenly suffered pain in both his eyes as they kept tearing up and he could not see any light.  He was rushed to the Taiyuan hospital for treatment.  Huang Xiaoming put bandaged on his eyes and rested half a day before rushing back to Hubei to participate Chen Kaige's new film SHAMEN KONGHAI set construction ceremony on the 28th as scheduled.

On the morning of the 27th, Huang Xiaoming's assistant posted a photo of Huang Xiaoming with his eyes bandaged and appeared to be in a lot of pain.  He said that after 2AM he received his boss' call and said that his eyes hurt a lot and could not be opened.  With the help of the film production they immediately went to the hospital for treatment.  Later, Huang Xiaoming's manager also issued official information on line, "Thank you everyone for your concern for Huang Xiaoming, Xiaoming's eyes started to hurt in the middle of the night yesterday and could not see any light.  Due to how sudden it happened, he immediately went to Taiyuan hospital for treatment.  Now he is already stable, please relax.  The cause is
still under investigation.  Because his eyes still could not open, today's FLYING GUILLOTINES shoot wa postponed and Xiaoming was in a panic.  All the darkness would only be temporary.  With everyone's encouragement, he definitely will be able to open his eyes.  Go!"

Last year Huang Xiaoming's eyes were splashed with artificial blood while making SACRIFICE.  The chemical in the artificial blood burnt his cornea.  The promotion department said that Huang Xiaoming's eyes due to work under strong lights for a long time at work and fatigue became very sensitive, which led to the inability to be opened.  Then he was sent to the hospital.  Huang Xiaoming has already been released from the hospital and was resting with the team.  The FLYING GUILLOTINES team was very understanding of the actor's health and for now has suspended Huang Xiaoming's work for the day.

Despite the sudden illness, Huang Xiaoming still insisted to participate in Chen Kaige's new film SHAMEN KONGHAI's set construction ceremony today.  On the 27th with bandages and sunglasses Huang Xiaoming rushed to Wuhan overnight then spent two hours on a car ride to Xiangfan.  He immediately checked into the local hospital for a follow up visit and dressing change.  His manager updated his status online.  Luckily he did not suffer any infection.

courtesy of singtao.com

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Richie Jen, Johnnie To, Denise Ho, Sammi Cheng, Peter Lam, Ivana Wong, Wilfred Lau, Andrew Lau