Movie Box Review

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The Andy Lau Tak Wa, Zhang Jingchu, Lin Chiling, Tong Dawei starred treasure hunt film DWELLING IN THE FUCHUN MOUNTAINS yesterday shot its final indoor scene at the China National Museum.  At 4PM as director Sun Jianjun yelled cut, the film completed its last shot -- the exhibit of DWELLING IN THE FUCHUN MOUNTAINS bi-coastal combination that at the same time signaled the production's perfect completion.  12 of the most influential sculptors in China worked together on the film sculpture NEW DWELLING IN THE FUCHUN MOUNTAINS, which also appeared for the first time.

After finishing its final shot, the team immediately held a wrap press conference.  At the ceremony director Sun Jianjun, American director Bob, Actors Lau Tak wa, Tong Dawei, Zhang Jingchu, Lin Ching and the release company representatives and other cultural celebrities unveiled the film sculpture NEW DWELLING IN THE FUNCHUN MOUNTAINS.  Wa Jai was asked about his relationships with the actresses in the film.  He joked, "One is my lover, the other is my mistress.  I am a couple with Tong Dawei as well."  Lin Chiling said, "Overall character relationships are all complicated and complex, hard to describe in a few words.  Being able to work with Brother Wa is our honor.  From Brother Wa we saw what we should learn from him.  He has everyone's respect for being very serious at every shot."

Zhang Jingchu praised everyone's professionalism.  From Brother Wa she learned a lot about action scenes.  Lin Chiling was so ill while shooting in Dubai that she could not speak, but she still had no complaint.  Tong Dawei felt that Wa Jai's high emotional quotient was the most amazing.  "We were very tired from the shoot and worked very long hours, but Brother Wa was able to remain serious for every shot.  Like last night the fight scenes were shot first, then when we shot the dramatic scenes everyone was very tired, but he during the shoot still put his best condition in front of the camera.  Everyone has moods and would be somewhat frustrated, but not Brother Wa."

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The Andy Lau Tak Wa, Zhang Jingchu, Lin Chiling, Tong Dawei starred DWELLING IN THE FUCHUN MOUNTAINS has already completed its Dubai shoot.  This time the Dubai production team had several hundred people, 120 foreigners from over 27 nations and regions around the world.  Thus their flights alone cost over 1 million RMB.  The seven star class Burj Al Arab that declined over 40 film production requests from around the world opened up completely for the Chinese production.

Turning down even MISSION IMPOSSIBLE 4, why did Burj Al Arab accept a Chinese production this time?  "Burj Al Arab and Burj Dubai both turned us down.  We edited a trailer for them with the scenes that were shot in China, then they were convinced and permitted us to shoot there."  The producer said.

Shooting at the Burj Al Arba required passing three check points.  3 kilometers away from the hotel was the first check point with strict inspections of personnel numbers and identifications.  Under such conditions, the team had to race against time for a record six location changes inside the hotel in one day.  The production was already broken down into ten minute intervals and thus received the foreign team's high praises.

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The Andy Lau Tak Wa, Zhang Jingchu, Lin Chiling, Tong Dawei starred treasure hunt film DWELLING IN THE FUCHUN MOUNTAINS is still in production.  Earlier Zhang Jingchu celebrates her birthday and the team held a special birthday party for her.  On a giant cake was the painting DWELLING IN THE FUCHUN MOUNTAINS, which was an enormous pleasant surprise for Zhang Jingchu as she broke into tears of joy.

This was also the first time Zhang Jingchu worked after the Lunar new Year.  That day, after an entire day of intense production, the team that has been "plotting in secret" for a long time suddenly brought red roses to Zhang Jingchu and sang the birthday song.  Zhang Jingchu was beyond surprised.  She laughed and cried as she carried the roses.  Jingchu said, "Today through text messages, microblogs I receive many well wishes.  Thank you everyone very much for caring about me.  I never celebrate birthdays, but today I receive so many pleasant surprises!  I truly appreciate the team for giving the warmest and the most touching birthday, for this warm and harmonious big family.  I will work even harder on the shoot, let's go!"  Zhang Jingchu even personally cut cakes for everyone on the team.

During the shoot, in order to achieve the best result Zhang Jingchu soaked in the 4 to 5 degree Celsius lake water for almost half a hour.  The team complimented Zhang Jingchu's professionalism.  The film after completing the Hanghzou and Dubai shoots will head to Beijing.

Derek Yee feels pure Hong Kong films cannot find financing

John Chong feels Stephen Chow's NEW CHINESE ODYSSEY will be able to break the Chinese film Hong Kong box office record

Daneil Lam is less than optimistic about Stephen Chow's new film box office courtesy of mingpao.com

Co-Productions Drag Hong Kong Films Down

The Giddens Ko directed, Michelle Chen, Ko Chen-Tung starred Taiwan film YOU ARE THE APPLE OF MY EYE broke Stephen Chow Sing Chi's KUNG FU HUSTLE HK$61.27 million highest grossing Chinese film Hong Kong box office record with a total box office of 61,801,081 and left "Eastern Hollywood" Hong Kong film industry in shame.  Will Hong Kong film be able to fend off the competition and regain the box office championship?  Let's keep our eyes open and see.

John Chong Sees Sing Yeh As Favorite To Break YOU Record

In 2012 Hong Kong film market will have many giant production releases, including the Chow Yun Fat, Aaron Kwok Fu Sing and Donnie Yen Chi Tan starred THE MONKEY KING (DAI LAU TIN GUNG), Jackie Chan's CHINESE ZODIAC (SUP YI SUN CHIU), Andy Lau Tak Wa and Lin Chiling's DWELLING IN THE FUCHUN MOUNTAINS, and Stephen Chow Sing Chi's NEW CHINESE ODYSSEY (SAI YAU GEI ji CHUI MOR OI JUEN).  Sing fans have been starved for four years so his new film will have hope to regain the glory of Hong Kong.  Media Asia vice chair John Chong Ching favors the idea, but Derek Yee Tung Sing and Universe Entertainment company boss Daneil Lam Siu Ming disagree.  They deeply feel that Hong Kong film will have difficulty with creating another miracle locally.  Looking north to China gives Hong Kong film professionals a new direction, but when they accommodate Mainland viewer tastes Hong Kong audience's "co-production" resistance becomes a burden.  Hong Kong film is dying, you know?

Daneil Lam Is Less Optimistic About Stephen Chow

Many, including Giddens Ko, hope Chow Sing Chi's new film NEW CHINESE ODYSSEY will break YOU's record.  Chong Ching feels it will have a chance.  "Sing Yeh is so talented, with all the starving Sing fans the box office will have certain motivation."

Derek Yee: Non Co-Production Has Financing Difficulties

Lam Siu Ming does not feel that Chow Sing Chi's CHINESE ODYSSEY will be able to break YOU's record.  "Sing Yeh's last film CJ7 (CHEUNG GONG CHUT HO) struggled to pass 50 million at the box office.  Actually this isn't Chow Sing Chi's problem, but the overall market's problem.  This is the general trend, everyone have to 'co-productions'.  Hong Kong viewers want to see Hong Kong films, but don't want to see any 'co-production'.  Yet now basically everything is 'co-production'.  Without co-production movies don't have funding.  Film ultimately is a merchandise, if you make a Hong Kong film with a 10 million budget you can't even hire actors.  Now actors are used to making 'Yun Jai' (RMB), how can they be willing to accept 2 million in salary?  If you don't approach them, plenty of directors in the Mainland would; you can't make movies that cost more than 50 million either, with only the Hong Kong market it is impossible.  You can't go back.  Ultimately no one is willing to invest in a purely Hong Kong film, this is a problem of the chicken and the egg!  Even Chow Sing Chi has to make 'co-productions'.  CJ7 was a co-production, Universe this year will make a few movies, all of which will be 'co-productions'."

Yee Tung Sing agrees with Lam Siu Ming, "co-production" is at fault for Hong Kong film market's fall.  "'Co-productions' have subject restrictions, many subjects can't be made and movies can't speak freely.  The results often lack power and become terrible to watch.  Helplessly non 'co-productions' have difficulties with financing.  If you spend 10 million on a purely Hong Kong film, it will be very hard to make and won't be attractive.  I want to make PROTEGE (MOON TOH) sequel and ONE NITE IN MONGKOK (WONG GOK HAK YEH) continuation, but when the subjects get to the Mainland market I don't want to accommodate the Mainland market and change the concept and certain plots."  He feels that the world goes round and round, Taiwan film has fallen for 20 years and now finally has shaken itself off.  Hong Kong films look north and accommodating the Mainland market has become an inevitable fact.  Because the Mainland population the box office return is strong.  Last year the box office reached 13 billion yuan RMB, naturally it has more investors as funding floods in; he believes after a few battles the film industry will look completely different.

Although Chow Sing Chi's NEW CHINESE ODYSSEY is a 'co-production', everyone still is waiting for Hong Kong film to return to glory.  The film costs over 100 million yuan and finally has completed production after more than three months.  Currently it is conducting massive post production special effect production in Korea.  It should be able to be released this year.

Media Asia Invades the Mainland

Chong Ching feels that YOU was a coincidence, only a movie that is suitable for young people.  He also believes that Giddens Ko will not deliberately make a movie to break a record.  "If he deliberately makes a movie to break YOU's box office, the movie may not be good.  Thus Media Asia's future big films first have to be good movies.  Future movies will still target the Mainland market, including the 100 million Johnnie To Kei Fung directed, Andy Lau Tak Wa and Sammi Cheng Sau Man starred BLIND DETECTIVE (MAN TAM), Lin Chiling and Lau Tak Wa starred DWELLING ON THE FUCHUN MOUNTAINS.  Both are 'co-productions' because minding only the Hong Kong market truly is very dangerous."

Film in order to accommodate the Mainland market, will Hong Kong film have difficulty recovering its lost ground?  Chong Ching says, "This is a return rate issue, Mainland return rate is high.  In 2011 top ten Hong Kong film box office, 3 movies THE LOST BLADESMAN (GUAN WON CHEUNG), MR. AND MRS. INCREDIBLE (SUN KEI HUP NUI) and LIFE WITHOUT PRINCIPLE (DUET MING GUM) only made 8 million.  With Hong Kong releases, anything less than 10 million at the box office is a failure."

2012 ANTICIPATED FILM RELEASES
FilM: ROMANCING IN THIN AIR (GO HOI BUT JI LUEN II)
Cast: Louis Koo Tin Lok, Sammi Cheng Sau Man
Release Date: Mid February

Film: LOVE IN THE BUFF (CHUN GIU YU JI MING)
Cast: Miriam Yeung Chin Wa, Shawn Yue Man Lok
Release Date: March

Film: A SIMPLE LIFE (TOH JEH)
Cast: Andy Lau Tak Wa, Deanie Ip Tak Han
Release Date: Mid March

Film: FIRST TIME
Cast: Angelababy, Mark Chao (Chiu Yau Ting)
Release Date: March

Film: NIGHTFALL (DAI JUI BO)
Cast: Nick Cheung Ka Fai, Simon Yam Tat Wa, Kay Tse On Kay
Release Date: Mid March

Film: MOTORWAY (CHEH SAU)
Cast: Anthony Wong Chau Sun, Shawn Yue Man Lok
Release Date: Tentatively May

Film: DIVA
Cast: Joey Yung Cho Yi, Mag Lam Yun Tung, Chapman To Man Jat
Release Date: June

Film: THE LAST SUPPER
Cast: Daniel Wu (Ng Yin Cho), Liu Ye, Chang Chen
Release Date: Mid June

Film: THE GUILLOTINES (HUET DIK JI)
Cast: Huang Xiaoming, Ethan Juan (Yuen King Tin), Shawn Yue Man Lok
Release Date: Tentatively July

Film: VANISHING BULLET (SIU SUT DIK JI DAN)
Cast: Nicholas Tse Ting Fung, Lau Ching Wan, Mini Yang Mi
Release Date: Mid July

Film: CHINESE ZODIAC (SUP YI SUN CHIU)
Cast: Jackie Chan
Release Date: December 12

Film: NEW CHINESE ODYSSEY (SAI YAU GEI ji CHUI MOR OI JUEN)
Cast: Stephen Chow Sing Chi, Shu Qi, Wen Zhang
Release Date: Tentatively Year End

Film: THE MONKEY KING (DAI LAU TIN GUNG)
Cast: Chow Yun Fat, Aaron Kwok Fu Sing, Donnie Yen Chi Tan
Release Date: Tenatively Year End

Film: WINDSEEKER (TING FUNG JEH)
Cast: Tony Leung Chiu Wai, Zhou Xun, Wang Xueqi
Release Date: To Be Determined

Film: BAUHINIA WOMAN (JI GAING HUP)
Cast: Chrissie Chau Sau Na
Release Date: To Be Determined

Film: 3D THE ICEMAN COMETH (3D GUP DUNG KEI HUP)
Cast: Donnie Yen Chi Tan
Release Date: To Be Determined

Film: SAVING GENERAL YANG (JUNG LIT YEUNG GA JEUNG)
Cast: Dior Cheng Yi Kin, Wu Chun, Raymond Lam Fung
Release Date: To Be Determined

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DWELLING IN THE FUCHUN MOUNTAINS earlier held a global press conference in Atlantis the Palm Dubai with over 50 media outlets in attendance.  Chinese consul general in Dubai Zhan Jingbao, film director Sun Jianjun, American director Bob Brown along with stars Andy Lau Tak Wa, Zhang Jingchu and Lin Chiling also attended.

Director of a Beijing Olympics promotional film Sun Jianjun said, "Dubai like China is often misunderstood as somewhere dirty and messy.  China film for the first time display modern methods, techniques and trendy quality to viewers of China and other nations."  Zhang Jingchu's fluent English received media compliments.  She said, "Actually it feels like a dream.  Yesterday I saw the beautiful Persian Gulf outside, I posted online that I could only arrive here on a magic carpet."  Due to the temperature difference between Beijing and Dubai, Lin Chiling was not well enough to speak, but her elegant appearance and sweet smile earned consolation from friends in the media.

Reporters asked Lau Tak Wa about change of pace at work and in life.  Wa Jai said, "My life hasn't changed much because my personal life and work are separate.  Work is a very important part of life, so I would put a lot of effort into this area."  When asked since this film was an Eastern spy film would it be compared to 007 or MISSION IMPOSSIBLE GHOST PROTOCOL, Wa Jai said, "This film is such a large production, the directors' efforts including our other director' bringing many many new things from the U.S.  I don't know whether it can compare to foreigners', but we would make a very, very special spy film with our own specialty."  Sun Jianjun added, "In the first 30 years, Mr. Lau was a mix of Tom Cruise and Michael Jackson.  Maybe in the last 30 years he will be Sean Connery."  Wa Jai said, "I hope even more that I am myself."

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Andy Lau Tak Wa after announcing to his fans "good news at home" on his official site over a month ago yesterday finally met the press in Hong Kong to promote A SIMPLE LIFE (TOH JEH).  As for his wife's pregnancy status, Wa Jai was reluctant to reveal much and only admitted that his wife is four months pregnant.  Yet his smile came from the heart, obviously Wa Jai as the soon to be father was both elated and excited.  He admitted that he has been waiting for this moment for a long time.

Reporters immediately congratulated Wa Jai as soon as he appeared.  He laughed in acceptance, "Thank you thank you!"  Yet he honestly said that he did not want to say too much because this interview was for work.  Later he again cited his golden phrase, "Be nice!"  Reporters responded with Leon Lai Ming's golden phrase, "Let us be bad one more time."  Wa Jai laughed and shook his head.  He said, "Earlier when I said it it was three month, now it is four months.  (The period is) over!"  When asked whether his wife was pregnant, he laughed and said, "OK, OK, thank you everyone.  (Are you excited?)  OK!  (Boy or Girl?)  Thank you."  Speaking of many friends' well wishes, he said that he received everyone's well wishes and thanked everyone.  Has he communicated with Miriam Yeung Chin Wa?  Wa Jai said no.  Has he booked a bed?  He said, "They know!  I too know I have to get past this process (questions)."

When would Wa Jai stop working?  He pointed out that later he will have to work on DWELLING IN THE FUCHUN MOUNTAIN until after the Lunar New Year.  After he completed all contracted work he would stop.  He would still work on Johnnie To Kei Fung's film because it would be shot in Hong Kong.  Has he told Ah To when he would stop working?  Wa Jai pointed out that this film would be shot in Hong Kong so it would be OK.  Has he attended any parenting class?  He said, "Thank you thank you, let's talk in private.  (Have you bought any baby product?)  Why are you so stubborn?"  Reporters pointed out that everyone have been waiting for a long time and were happy for him.  Wa Jai said, "Me too, thank you thank you."  Has he hired any childbirth assistant because some required appointments a year in advance.  Wa Jai said, "A year in advance?  Who knows when the baby will come?  Pregnancy only takes ten months."  Would his mother help with her grandchild?  He said, "I don't know, let me ask for you."

The Lunar New year will come soon, would this year be much more meaningful?  Wa Jai said, "Please let me go.  (We can get laisee!)  Thank you for your concern."  When asked again whether the baby will be a boy or a girl?  Wa Jai joked that privately he could tell everyone.  He himself liked both.  As god-grandmother Deanie Ip Tak Han was asked whether the baby will be a boy or a girl.  She joked, "I can't say, I can't talk about family stuff."

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The Media Asia invested and distributed, Andy Lau Tak Wa, Lin Chiling, Zhang Jingchu, Tong Dawei starred DWELLING IN THE FUCHUN MOUNTAINS is in production now.  Lin Chiling truly gave her all for the film.  Aside from revealing her back earlier, earlier when she worked with Tong Dawei she had to display her legs for Tong Dawei to touch.

In the story Lin Chiling and Tong Dawei's ambiguous relationship remained mysterious in a chamber.  Tong Dawei was submissive in the relationship and would not stop bothering Lin Chiling.  He even admitted that his murderous intention in the film was aimed at his nemesis Lau Tak Wa.  His white hair left chills in many.  Despite giving in to Lin Chiling's every whim, Lin Chiling admitted, "In the film he is creepy, having your feet washed isn't as enjoyable as the outside imagined."

As for Dong Dawei who bent over and washed the beauty's feet, Lin Chiling even held his head.  He joked that even Lau Tak Wa was not so lucky but he was.  Tong Dawei felt very lucky himself and was very gratified.  Would such a position give him an unstoppable fantasy?  He joked, "I don't dare!  I was already very nervous before touching her leg.  I was afraid that she would think I was taking advantage of her and I remained very tense.  Luckily Lin Chiling was very friendly and told me to relax.  Actually she was afraid that I would have many bad takes because her legs were lifted in the air, which actually was very tired."

However because in this film they had to feel ambiguous, cold yet full of tension, finally the scene was shot almost ten years.  The crew had to keep changing the water because they were afraid of freezing Chiling's legs.  Chiling said that after this scene her actually feet were a little wrinkly.  However the foot bathing scene still felt fun and she thought it was a decent experience.

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The film DWELLING IN THE FUCHUN MOUNTAINS yesterday held a production start ceremony at one of the ten spots in West Lake, Hengzhou, Pinhuqiu.  Attendees included Andy Lau Tak Wa, Lin Chiling, Zhang Jingchu, and Tong Dawei.  This film would be similar to a 007 treasure hunt story.  Later it will shoot in Hengzhou, Taipei, Tokyo, Milan, Dubai and other locations.

The actors yesterday rode dragon shaped boats on West Lake.  Fans filled the lakeside.  When Wa Jai, Lin Chiling and others arrived, cheers rose.  Wa Jai and other actors waved to everyone form the boat.  Phoenix Satellite boss Liu Changle, China Film Group boss Han Sanping, Media Asia Entertainment executive John Chong Ching and others yesterday also attended the ceremony.  Han Sanping pointed out that this film's male lead had to be Wa Jai.  Because of Wa Jai, the production waited until this year.

Speaking of playing the "Eastern 007" this time, Wa Jai joked that he too wanted to become 007 but would depend on how the director shot it.  Tong Dawei this time played a villain and he was very happy to be able to work with Wa Jai.  To him it was a dream.  Lin Chiling in the film would appear with various costumes.  Zhang Jingchu's right arm was bruised.  She said that this character was very different.  The director joked that after making this film, no one would dare to want her because her character was.  Did Wa Jai have to fight?  He joked that he was a substance actor so he did not have to fight.  People laughed and Wa Jai immediately joked, "Don't mock me."

Wa Jai pointed out that in the film he and his girlfriend broke up and got back together, just like the painting DWELLING IN THE FUCHUN MOUNTAINS.  Was Lin Chiling or Zhang Jingchu his girlfriend?  He joked htat of course she would not be so tall.  Chiling joked that she would be eliminated because of her height.  Wa Jai joked, "That's right, who told me to be so short."  Yet reportedly Lin Chiling was Wa Jai's wife, after breaking up he was with Zhang Jingchu.