Movie Box Review

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THE LION ROARS 2 (HOR TUNG SI HAU 2) team earlier appeared on Hunan Satellite.  On the program, Cheung Pak Chi, Xiao Shenyang, Victor Huang, Jerry Wu Jianfei, Zhang Xinyu, Shen Fangxi shared production highlight.  Cheung Pak Chi, Xiao Shenyang and Victor Huang even performed three songs from the film for the first time.

Cheung Pak Chi this time with Victor Huang recorded the theme song FALLEN FOR YOU (OI SEUNG LIU NEI) for the film and performed it for the first time in front of a national audience for the first time on the program.

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Hong Kong director James Yuen Sai Sun a year ago in Beijing through Bruce Law Lai Yin met Taiwan film producer Allen Tan, who under the guise of planning a film production asked him about his projects.  Yuen proceeded to provide his original screenplay GA FUNG JUNG WONG (FAKE AND REAL PHOENIX) for him to browse.  Later Yuen left Beijing and returned to Hong Kong and Tan did not contact him further about this project.  In early June last year, Yuen Sai Sun from a third party and workers of the production learned that the just completed film, the Cecilia Cheung Pak Chi and Kang Sang-Woo starred film REPEAT, I LOVE YOU (YING JI OI YUN) was the story that Yuen Sai Sun participated in and wrote.  Pak Chi's character personality, encounters, story and name in the film were identical to GA FUNG JUNG WONG's, the main plot line was the same as well; the film's producer was Allen Tan.

Yuen Sai Sun said that Tan without his permission and authorization turned GA FUNG JUNG WONG into REPEAT, I LOVE YOU.  Yuen Sai Sun through his manager Ho Kam Wah made inquiries with REPEAT, I LOVE YOU producer Stanley Kwan Kam Peng, who admitted that in as early as December 2012, the story that Allen Tan showed Kwan Kam Peng was the Yuen Sai Sun signed and written GA FUNG JUNG WON original story.  Kwan Kam Peng asked Allen Tan to properly handle Yuen Sai Sun's copyright issues but Allen Tan did not.

In July last year, through Kwan Kam Peng's mediation, Ho Kam Wah met with Allen Tan in Beijing.  Tan admitted stealing GA FUNG JUNG WONG's ideas and characters to make REPEAT, I LOVE YOU.  Because the "rice was already cooked", both parties agreed to "after the fact reparation" to sell GA FUNG JUNG WONG's copyright to Allen Tan and his company for 200,000 yuan RMB.  Yuen Sai Sun said that he helplessly sold his effort and "son".  Yet until the end of last year, Tan has been dragged his feet and said that the REPEAT, I LOVE YOU release company and investor China Film Group and DMG Entertainment Media Group refused to buy the copyright.  Yuen Sai Sun pointed out that originally he wanted to cover up the crime of theft in a "peaceful" manner, but at this point he had to "announce it to the world".

Yuen Sai Sun said that Tan's behavior was "robbery" and "literature theft", such copyright violations invited contempt.  He also said that this incident sent chills to his heart as he sensed its lack of legality, morality and copyright protection.  Yuen Sai Sun now reserved all legal action rights against the film REPEAT, I LOVE YOU's original copyright violation.  He also believed that the Hong Kong Film Workers Union, Hong Kong Directors' Guild, Hong Kong Screenwriter Association would provide assistance in hopes of obtaining justice for him.

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The Nicholas Tse Ting Fung and Jay Chou (Chow Kit Lun) starred THE VIRAL FACTOR (YIK JIN) performed well during the Lunar New Year, its Hong Kong box office alone was already 18 million and its global box office was 150 million.  The film company last night held a celebration.  Aside from the leads, director Dante Lam Chiu Yin, Andy On Chi Kit and boss Albert Yeung Sau Sing were in attendance.  At the event Lam Chiu Yin received a "Lunar New Year film box office champion" plaque from the boss.  Everyone also participated in a toast and Lo Hei ceremony for better luck and box office.

Ting Fung admitted that he was very happy about the ideal box office but he did not know yet whether a sequel will be made.  His former wife Cecilia Cheung Pak Chi and their two sons lived near the venue.  Did he visit his sons on the way?  He said, "I just did this morning, (Why didn't you bring your sons?)  I don't do that."  However he admitted that during the Lunar New Year he brought his sons on visits for laisee.  Because he was rarely in Hong Kong, sometimes he did not want to go.  His older son Lucas also asked him to stay in Hong Kong more.  He explained that Papa has to work, luckily Lucas understood.  He even praised Lucas for taking care of his brother Quintus and would not fight over toys.  Once they hit their heads during play, Lucas ignored himself to take care of his brother right away.  He was very touched to see that, but he did not understand Quintus had very little hard and a receding hair line.

Did he see Pak Chi when he visited his sons?  He said not every time.  As for their rumored reunion, he said that he and Pak Chi had New Year dinner.  He also dined with his parents and sister but not together.  He even joked, "With all the New Year meals I got much fatter, during the interview I had to suck in my gut.  (You were divorced but dined together, did your sons feel strange?)  Nowadays divorces are very common, my sons would understand."  He said that Lucas wants his parents to be together but mentions it only occasionally.  Ting Fung also said, "I heard from my former wife that Lucas would cry when he sees people beating me up on television, like when I was little I would cry when I saw Papa being executed."

Chow Kit Lun last night appeared in costume.  He said that after the celebration he would shave.  Speaking of he and rumored girlfriend Hannah Quinlivan (Kun Ling) being caught at dinner together, he said, "No, really?  During the New Year I dined with many friends."  As for Kun Ling's mother being caught helping out at his restaurant, he admitted that sometimes when the restaurant was busy many friends would help.  He stressed that Mother Ling only volunteered her help and did not work for her.  The restaurant was opened in commemoration of the film INITIAL D (TAU MAN JI D)'s eighth anniversary.  This time with THE VIRAL FACTOR he wanted to open a toy gun store, but his mother objected.  Did he need his mother's permission on everything including choosing a girlfriend?  He said, "Choosing a girlfriend also need mother's nod."

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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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."

Qi Qi

Kathy Chow

Alice B. is picking up a little Cantonese after working in Hong Kong courtesy of on.cc

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Janice Man courtesy of takungpao.com

Two nights ago Coach celebrated its all new Nathan Road flagship store opening.  Stars like Richie Jen (Yam Yin Chai), Wyman Wong Wai Man, Qi Qi, Kathy Chow Man Kei and Alice B. attended.  Yam Yin Chai revealed that recently he has been rather busy because he had to prepare for his concert.  Was he interested in signing Edmond Leung Hong Man?  He said, "We both have thought about it.  I think he is very talented, but I have to wait until he resolves his company contract problems first.  (Some said 3 million for his release?)  Huh!  I have to consider it, depending on the company's future development."  His film with Cecilia Cheung Pak Chi LEGENDARY AMAZONS (YEUNG MOON NUI JEUNG ji GWUN LING YU SAN) performed poorly at the box office.  He said, "Everyone worked very hard on this film.  Because the studio was too cold, the team adjustment had some problems.  The set was a little chaotic and the shoot was pretty tough.  However actually a movie being good or bad has many reasons, not just the artists!"  As for outside accusation that Pak Chi was a box office poison?  Siu Chai showed his support, "No one can make that kind of decision, Pak Chi works very hard!"

Jay Chou, Andy On, Bai Bing

Andy On, Nicholas Tse, Dante Lam, Lin Peng, Jay Chou

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Nicholas Tse Ting Fung yesterday attended THE VIRAL FACTOR (YIK JIN) premiere press conference in Beijing.  When asked about rumors of a reunion with Cecilia Cheung Pak Chi, he reiterated that he did.  He and Jay Chou (Chow Kit Lun) talked about the scene in which Ting Fung jumped into the sea.  Ting Fung said that when Director Dante Lam Chiu Yin told him to jump, he jumped without even thinking about it; looking at the playback, he only saw his shadow and immediately asked the director if he was sure it was him?  Chow Kit Lun cut in and said, "Relax, I caught your jump on my phone.  If someone doesn't believe you personally performed the stunt, I can be your witness."

Ting Fung was asked four questions, "what did he think about good reviews for the film", "what did he thik about the director giving the gun that he performed with", "what belief kept him going on THE VIRAL FACTOR shoot", and "his building jump performance".  Ting Fung responded to all of them with a thumbs up.

Chow Kit Lun's building jump scene took place at a hospital.  He joked that he was a little scared, but with fans there he had to jump.  He said that if only his shadow as in the film he definitely would be very angry.  He hoped that fans would upload their phone videos online as evidence.  Chairman Chou also jokingly complained that working with the director was very tough because the director was merciless.  "I very much look forward to tonight's premiere because I can see the result of my hard work.  Everything is worth it."

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THE GREAT MAGICIAN (DAI MOR SHOOK SI) yesterday held a press conference in Beijing.  Director Derek Yee Tung Sing and the cast including Tony Leung Chiu Wai, Lau Ching Wan, Zhou Xun, Yan Ni and others attended.  Lau Ching Wan pointed out that in the film Leung Chiu Wai and Zhou Xun hit him and even forced him to recite a Putonghua tongue twister.  Yee Tung Sing denied that and said that in the film he already put Lau Ching Wan in a romance with Zhou Xun, which was already considered a joy for him.  He even arranged seven wives for him.  Yet he never would have guessed that he still had complaints.  Next time he would arrange seven men for him.

Leung Chiu Wai also said that his image in the film was too serious, thus he was extremely envious and Yan Ni and Wu Gang's comedic performances.  Yee Tung Sing joked that Wai Jai in the film was responsible for being handsome with infinite charm.  Yet Wai Jai was very glad to work with Yee Tung Sing and so many excellent actors.  In addition it was a very happy comedy that left many beautiful memories in his life.  In the future when he will recall this production he will laugh.  Wai Jai even asked the director to save a spot for him in the sequel.  Zhou Xun also stated that she was very honored to be able to work with two Best Actors and thanked the director for giving her the opportunity.

Wai Jai has been working on Wong Kar Wai's THE GRANDMASTERS (YUT DOI JUNG SI) for over two years.  For the character Wai Jai has given a lot and was even injured on the production.  His wife Carina Lau Ka Ling's heart could not have ached more as she blamed Wong Kar Wai.  Wai Jai yesterday admitted that he would not work with Wong Kar Wai again for awhile.  THE GREAT MAGICIAN director Yee Tung Sing revealed that Wai Jai once said that he would make five more movies then retire, but Wai Jai denied that.  "I hope that my entire life is in acting, to have work at every stage."  Wai Jai said that he would like more chances to make comedies.  As soon as he said that people were reminded that he did not want to work with Wong Kar Wai who rarely made comedy films.  He said, "I just finished Wong Kar Wai's movie, both of us are very tired and need a long time to recover.  Maybe it will be a long, long while before we work together again.  No one should be too concerned about me working with him, for now we wouldn't."

Cecilia Cheung Pak Chi who Yee Tung Sing made into a star recently has been poison at the box office.  Yee Tung Sing spoke on her behalf and hoped that the media would not treat this matter as a joke.  He thought that Pak Chi should have someone around her to tell her the truth.  "I don't know why she was in such a hurry to take so many roles, but I understand that she alone has to feed her entire family.  Her poor box office doesn't mean that she doesn't know how to act.  I don't dare to confirm that I will work with her again or not though."

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As the New Year starts, the site Sohu's TopTen Best and Worst Film Poll again surfaced.  Cecilia Cheung Pak Chi and Richie Jen (Yam Yin Chai) both became Rotten Film Actor and Actress.  Since her divorce, Pak Chi who has been away from film for years went from a divorced woman into a film industry hot property as different teams added to their offers for her help.  Unfortunately they all bombed at the box office and disappointed each one of their dream.  She too was elected the rotten film heavenly queen online.

Pak Chi came back to make THE LEGENDARY AMAZONS (YEUNG MOON NUI JEUNG) and TREASURE HUNT (MO GA JI BO).  Pak Chi who was treated time and time again to be the film gold label finally became "box office poison".  Cheung Pak Chi's return to the silver screen not only was accused of being the "expired" beauty that her heavy pancake make up could not make up for but also her discomfort in front of the camera.  No matter when she played an accessory assistant, Lara Croft, strong businesswoman or gentle housewife, all anyone saw was her haunted face with eyes opened as wide as bronze bells and a smile that seemed to be laughing but not on her lips.  Yam Yin Chai's performance was criticized as stiff as ever.  Yam Yin Chai and Cheung Pak Chi's performance in that film could rival each other in terms of rottenness and contributed to this year's ensemble performance that made many people collapse.

As for the top ten rotten films, they were MYSTERIOUS ISLAND (GOO DOH GAING WON), MURAL (WAT BEI), THE LEGENDARY AMAZONS (YEUNG MOON NUI JEUNG), TREASURE HUNT (MO GA JI BO), SHENZHOU 11, THE SORCERER AND THE WHITE SNAKE (BAK SEH CHUEN SHUET), EAST MEETS WEST 2011 (DONG SING SAI JAU 2011), MY KINGDOM (DAI MO SUN), THE DEVIL INSIDE ME (DUET MING SUM TIU) and LOVE IN SPACE (CHUEN KAU YIT LUEN).  The Top Ten Best Films are FLYING SWORDS OF DRAGON GATE (LUNG MOON FEI GAP), FLOWERS OF WAR (GUM LING SUP SAM CHAI), LOVE IS NOT BLIND, OVERHEARD 2 (SIT TING FUNG WON 2), REST ON YOUR SHOULDER (GEIN SEUNG DIP), WU XIA, THE PIANO IN A FACTORY, STARRY STARRY NIGHT, KORA and DEAR ENEMY.

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Tang Wei, Rene Liu (Lau Yeuk Ying), Cecilia Cheung Pak Chi and Jimmy Lin (Lam Chi Wing) starred racing film SPEED ANGELS (GIK CHOOK TIN SI) will be opened on December 28 in the Mainland.  The film two nights ago held its Beijing premiere, but three female leads did not appear.  Only Siu Chi and director Jingle Ma Chor Sing came in support.

Siu Chi this time was also the film's racing consultant.  He pointed out that all three lead actresses were interested in racing and praised that they had talent.

Siu Chi discovered that all three female leads had very manly side, as if gas ran into their blood.  During the shoot, Pak Chi's son Lucas often visited the set.  Siu Chi and Pak Chi would also exchange parenthood experience on the set.

Director Ma Chor Sing pointed out that Tang Wei in this film gave her first fight scene.  When she knew she had a fight scene, she was surprised because she has always played mostly dramatic scenes.  Ma Chor Sing continued, for this fight scene Tang Wei privately made a lot of preparation.  The result was also great.

Cheung Pak Chi worked with Ma Chor Sing earlier on FLY ME TO POLARIS (SING YU SUM YUEN).  Ma Chor Sing pointed out that Pak Chi at the time was like a blank slate.  He still clearly remembered at the time how he taught her how to act.  Now Pak Chi was already very mature and her eyes were different.  They seemed to contain a lot.

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The Cecilia Cheung Pak Chi and Rene Liu (Lau Yeuk Ying) in the new film SPEED ANGELS (GIK CHOOK TIN SI) not only competed in acting but also performed a love triangle with Japanese hunk Kazuki Kitamura.  Milk Tea who has always excelled in playing fragile characters this time picked up an ashtray and championship trophy to get rough with Kitamura.  No wonder he joked, "I completely couldn't tell she was gentle!"  He also praised both as Best Actresses and his favorite actresses.

Perhaps he was too intense and in character, Kitamura's strange habit was unveiled.  The crew said that he took two showers in the morning, he prayed everyday at the start of the workday and ate very slowly.  In one scene he was dissatisfied with his performance and asked for 25 more takes.  He was very demanding on himself.

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Jimmy Lin participated in the film SPEED ANGELS (GIK CHOOK TIN SI) as a star and racing consultant.  A month before the shoot Jimmy Lin trained Cecilia Cheung Pak Chi, Tang Wei and Rene Liu (Lau Yeuk Ying) one on one in racing.  He said that Pak Chi was a natural racer, Tang Wei picked it up very quickly and drove steadily, and Lau Yeuk Ying focused on practical technique and studied in detail; their driving style was very similar to their personalities.

Earlier when Jingle Ma Chor Sing prepared for SPEED ANGELS, he thought of working with Jimmy Lin.  The "Little Cyclone of Asia" is the first paid professional racer in Chinese show business and has won international racing awards.  Ma Chor Sing at first invited Jimmy Lin to be the racing coach for the three female leads as the racing technical consultant.  During the shoot he thought Jimmy Lin was wasted as just the behind the scene coach and consultant and suggested for him to play the team coach.  Because Jimmy Lin has been busy with racing he has not made a movie in six years.  Thus he gladly accepted the role and claimed that the director really knew how to do business, hitting two birds with one stone.

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The Cecilia Cheung Pak Chi, Tang Wei and Rene Liu (Lau Yeuk Ying) starred film SPEED ANGELS (GIK CHOOK TIN SI) unveiled its posters yesterday.  In one of the posters Tang Wei and Milk Tea wore purple racing gear.  Director Jingle Ma Chor Sing revealed that Tang Wei and Milk Tea privately were as close as sisters.  "For the drinking scene they truly chatted from the heart while they drank on the set."  He also pointed out that Pak Chi during the shoot had to keep visiting family and children company so she did not have much contact with her co-stars.  However she still was able to achieve the feeling as soon as she took her spot with Milk Tea.