Movie Box Review

courtesy of on.cc

courtesy of singtao.com

courtesy of takungpao.com

THE VIRAL FACTOR (YIK JIN) performed well as it already passed 20 million at the Hong Kong and Macau box office.  Director Dante Lam Chiu Yin led Jay Chou (Chow Kit Lun), producer Leung Fung Ying, screen writer Ng Wai Lun to the cinema for audience appreciation.  Tickets quickly sold out in a few hours.  When Chow Kit Lun arrived in Hong Kong many fans welcomed him at the airport.  Then they rushed to the cinema to enjoy the film.  Their schedule was tighter than their idol Chairman Chou.

The cinema had over 500 people and no empty seat.  Viewers became very excited to see the creators.  In particular Chow Kit Lun's fans kept screaming.  Everyone knew that Chairman Chou always wanted to look good.  The host arranged for fans to impersonate Chairman Chou's chok look.  Chairman Chou personally selected the winner who would receive an autographed poster.  Chairman Chou flew from Taipei for audience appreciation, the first event of this type that he participated in.  "For my first Hong Kong audience appreciation event, it feels very fresh.  Viewers and fans are enthusiastic and spread the joy throughout the venue, which I enjoyed.  I rarely have a chance to interact with Hong Kong fans, this time I am able to chok with them, everyone have had a lot of fun."  After the chok game came the lucky drawing that gave away director Lam Ciu Yin and Chow Kit Lun's personally autographed film memorabilia like novels, photo books and action figures.  The process was very exciting and so were the winners.  Some fans even revealed that they saw the movies ten  times.

courtesy of on.cc

courtesy of singtao.com

courtesy of mingpao.com

courtesy of takungpao.com

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."

Samantha Ko and Christine Kuo attend an I LOVE HONG KONG 2012 audience appreciation event courtesy of on.cc

This year's Lunar New Year film competition has been fierce.  Originally the Jay Chou (Chow Kit Lun) and Nicholas Tse Ting Fung starred Emperor Motion Picture THE VIRAL FACTOR (YIK JIN) remained in second place among Chinese films at the box office, but two nights ago it finally landed on top with 1.73 million.  Director Dante Lam Chiu Yin had a hard time with hiding his excitement as he posted the good news online yesterday morning.  Tonight the leads will celebration at an audience appreciation event and even give mystery gifts to fans!

Eric Tsang Chi Wai's new film I LOVE HONG KONG 2012 (2012 NGOR OI HK HEI SEUNG GA HEI) has always led this year's Lunar New Year film box office with an over 200,000 lead on THE VIRAL FACTOR.  As for the 3rd, VIRAL after 14 days in release made 1.73 million and successfully knocked off the 15 days in release, 1.7 million I LOVE HONG KONG 2012.  From the current box office trend, VIRAL has a chance to take the domestic Lunar New Year Chinese film box office

courtesy of on.cc

courtesy of singtao.com

The Dante Lam Chiu Yin directed, Nicholas Tse Ting Fung and Jay Chou (Chow Kit Lun) starred THE VIRAL FACTOR (YIK JIN) opened on January 17 in the Mainland, Hong Kong, Southeast Asia and North America.  As of January 28, its total box office broke HK$130 million.  According to Variety, THE VIRAL FACTOR came in fourth among 20 new releases in the U.S. and was the first Chinese film to land in the top five.  THE VIRAL FACTOR exceeded HK$100 million in the Mainland to become the Lunar New Year Spring Festival Chinese film that broke the 100 million mark the fastest.  In Hong Kong its opening box office already passed 2 million.

courtesy of on.cc

courtesy of singtao.com

courtesy of mingpao.com

THE VIRAL FACTOR (YIK JIN) after 7 days in release in the Mainland broke the 60 million RMB mark.  The film company estimated that in a few day it will be able to pass the 100 million mark to become the Spring Festival Chinese film champion, as Dante Lam Chiu Yin will join the "100 million yuan director" club.  Despite the numerous negative news about Jay Chou (Chow Kit Lun) before the release, his performance in the film was a pleasant surprise for the audience.  Lam Chiu Yin said, "At the time I told Chow Kit Lun not to mind and be confident that his performance will open viewers' eyes.  Chow Kit Lun during the shoot practiced the stunts with a lot of effort on the set, as he wanted to prove that he had a masculine side too."

courtesy of on.cc

Best Actor Nicholas Tse Ting Fung, popular Taiwan superstar Jay Chou (Chow Kit Lun), Hong Kong star Andy On Chi Kit, Mainland star Lin Peng worked together on the Dante Lam Chiu Yin directed HK$200 million Emperor Motion Picture THE VIRAL FACTOR (YIK JIN).  The cast's life risking performance in the film and its massive amount of thrilling scenes in the air and at sea finally won the film box office success.  VIRAL after five days in release already broke the HK$8 million mark at the Hong Kong box office.

The film's Southeast Asian region release also brought extremely good word of mouth and box office.  The film company intends on arranging for Tse Ting Fung and Chow Kit Lun to gather in Hong Kong for a celebration.

courtesy of on.cc

Nicholas Tse Ting Fung and Jay Chou (Chow Kit Lun) gave their all in the Emperor Motion Picture THE VIRAL FACTOR (YIK JIN) and their hard work paid off!  Yesterday it opened and already made 400,000 at the box office before noon as its admission rate was over 90%.  With the three day advanced screening it made 1.2 million, a conservative estimate of the cumulative box office so far it might already have broken the 2 million mark.  It even was on top of the Malaysia box office and the top Chinese film in Singapore.  Since other Lunar New Year films I LOVE HONG KONG 2012 (2012 NGOR OI HK HEI SEUNG GA HEI) made 440,000 and ALL'S WELL ENDS WELL 2012 (BAK SING PO HEI) made 400,000, the victory was overwhelming.

Director Dante Lam Chiu Yin honestly said that he was satisfied with the performance so far but he remained nervous.  Yesterday he even stayed by his computer to "check numbers".  "Although the Mainland box office is very important, Hong Kong ultimately is my home.  Losing would be unreasonable."  Ting Fung earlier even boasted that he wanted to challenge the Sky100 outer wall.  Lam Chiu Yin said that after the film's box office exceeded 10 million, he would begin to plan the sequel.

In addition, a self proclaimed Chow Kit Lun fan posted on Lam Chiu Yin's microblog.  The fan bought a ticket to THE VIRAL FACTOR in the Mainland, but the ticket that came out was for THE FLOWERS OF WAR.  The worker even changed the title with a pen, which upset her very much.  Lam Chiu Yin responded, "Actually such situations are often heard of.  I really don't know where the box office would go.  If you ask me of course I am worried about its effects.  Hopefully the authority will focus some attention to this."

courtesy of on.cc

courtesy of singtao.com

courtesy of mingpao.com

courtesy of takungpao.com

Jay Chou (Chow Kit Lun)'s birthday was two days ago, which coincided with his new film THE VIRAL FACTOR (YIK JIN)'s Taipei premiere.  He not only had the support of fans and friends like Vanness Wu (Ng Kin Ho) and Jaycee Chan (Fong Cho Ming) but also drove his NT$28 million Lamborghini birthday present to the venue.  Cho Ming presented a gold yuanbao shaped cake to wish him a happy birthday.

Chairman Chou earlier said that this film was the most toughest in his career.  The host asked what kind of movie he definitely would not make?  He said, "No running nose, this is important.  Even if I cry I can't look too ugly.  So the most tragic scene in the film is left for Ting Fung.  (Did you compete with Ting Fung?)  Absolutely not.  I feel that he isn't a musician, but a professional actor.  I am still a musician.  (Do you admit acting in terms of acting?)  Of course, he's a Best Actor."  The event arranged for a girl of mixed heritage to present flowers to Chairman Chou, seemingly hinting at his rumored girlfriend Hannah Quinlivan (Kwun Ling).  Chairman Chou also humorously responded, "Someone has bad intention.  (Why isn't Kwun Ling here, has the relationship soured?)  Too many people are here today, if not for the paparazzi, many friends would be able to come and see my movie."


Hong Kong Film Award winning director Dante Lam Chiu Yin praised Nicholas Tse Ting Fung who during the shoot ran into marital problems.  He said, "I remember at the time I wanted to take Ting Fung to dinner and see if I could help him relieve some stress.  I didn't expect him to take the initiative and took me to dinner.  He even talked a lot.  I asked Ting Fung if he wanted to rest, he said if he was asked to stop he might think even more.  He even asked for more scenes.  He said that he wanted to be focus on work all the time so he would not have any time to think about anything else."

courtesy of on.cc

The Nicholas Tse Ting Fung, Jay Chou (Chow Kit Lun) and Lin Peng starred film THE VIRAL FACTOR (YIK JIN) received Malay police department's flight team support as they shot at the Police flight team headquarter and borrowed several helicopters and pilots.  They even had 7 police officers who personally performed.  Ting Fung and Chairman Chou had to perform a series of stunts on the helicopter.  Chairman Chou was frightened when the helicopter suddenly flew on its side.  Because at the time he did not put on his seat belt and the cockpit door was not closed, if he did not tightly hold on he definitely would have been flying.  Ting Fung pointed out that when he helped Lin Peng to the helicopter he almost had an accident and flew out of the helicopter.  Lin Peng said, "The three of us were in the helicopter and had to mind our safety while delivery our lines and act.  At the time the helicopter rolled on its side, something fell and was about to fly out, I quickly fixed it.  When the helicopter went sideways, I was careless and was tossed up.  Luckily Chairman Chou and Ting Fung grabbed me fast!"


In addition, director Dante Lam Chiu Yin revealed that Tse Ting Fung in a crying scene could not stop crying, perhaps he had too much suppressed that had to be released.  Chow Kit Lun said that he was 33, people could call him brother but not uncle.

courtesy of on.cc

courtesy of takungpao.com

THE VIRAL FACTOR (YIK JIN) will soon open in Hong Kong.  Director Dante Lam Chiu Yin and Jay Chou (Chow Kit Lun) earlier went to promote in Malaysia and Singapore.  They first went to Malay and met with fans in the afternoon.  Fans were very excited to be in close contact with their idol Chow Kit Lun.  Then they attended a shopping center promotion.  Fans even played games with Chairman Chou.  Later fans
presented a car shaped cake to Chairman Chou for his birthday on the 18th.  The car lover kept walking up to it and said, "This cake is very pretty, I am reluctant to cut it.  Let me just sniff it!"  Of course he did not forget to make the wish for THE VIRAL FACTOR to be a big hit.

Later, Lam Chiu Yin and Chairman Chou flew to Singapore to promote.  With the Lunar New Year on the way, they were arranged to be with some seniors and low income people for the tradition of Prosperity Toss.  They had a full meal for good luck.  Then at the premiere Lam Chiu Yin praised Chairman Chou's courage.  "Before he made my movie, he already knew that I was someone who often forced actors but he still took the role.  I admire him for that."  Chairman Chou said that the hardest to play was the headache, which when performed poorly would become a belly ache.  The fans cracked up.

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.

courtesy of on.cc

courtesy of singtao.com

Nicholas Tse, Deborah Li, Patrick Tse, Andy On

courtesy of mingpao.com

courtesy of takungpao.com

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."