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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Andy Lau Tak Wa and Deanie Ip Tak Han yesterday promoted the multiple film award winner A SIMPLE LIFE (TOH JEH) and celebrated the Women's Day on March 8 in advance.  Wa Jai in the film played the young master Roger and had a master maid relationship with Sister Peach Ip Tak Han.  The venue was made to look like Wa Jai's on screen home and displayed A SIMPLE LIFE's past awards as well as items that Roger used, like Sister Peach's handmade cotton clothing, carrying strap and diapers.

Wa Jai and Ip Tak Han shared the production experience and played games with the audience.  When the host asked which one of the awards that A SIMPLE LIFE won was their favorite and was Sister Deanie's favorite the Venice Best Actress, Wa Jai joked that no one should worship the West too much because the other awards were very strong too.  he said that they were waiting for the one in Hong Kong.  Sister Deanie said that she had feelings for every award, especially the Venice one because it was her first Venice Film Festival.  Wa Jai heard and said, "Like a country bumpkin."  Sister Deanie joked, "Right, I really am a big country bumpkin.  So this time I wanted to learn."  She said that this trip to Venice was very surprising and said that this award was truly very heavy.

Earlier announcing that his wife was carrying a daughter, Wa Jai in June will become a father.  Although Wa Jai avoided talking about his wife and child every time, yesterday when he played games with children he was very involved, especially with little girls.  Later Wa Jai also held Roger's diaper display and said that the longer the diaper was used the better quality it was.  The host praised Wa Jai on his knowledge, which
scared Wa Jai into immediately dropping the diaper and changed the subject.  Ip Tak Han two days ago received the Hong Kong Film Critic Society Best Actress award.  How will she celebrate?  Sister Deanie said that she went to see Yoyo Ma.

Wa Jai was asked about fatherhood.  Reporters said that Wa Jai was particularly interested in diapers.  Wa Jai said that he would not talk about this subject.  Speaking of taking special care of children, he explained that he has always taken special care of children and seniors.  Will he use cloth or disposable diaper later with his daughter?  Sister Deanie defended him and said, "You are still asking?"  Reporters explained that because they did not have anything to talk about.  Sister Deanie immediately said that reporters could ask about Wa Jai's latest book.  Wa Jai revealed that the new book was titled MY 30 WORK DAYS, a highlight of 30 days when he made A SIMPLE LIFE.  He said, "The film was shot inside a senior residence.  I documented the shoot.  The workers saw it and thought it was interesting so they published it into the book for me."

Wa Jai and Sister Deanie's awards will be on display until the end of the month.  Because viewers could appreciate them in close distance, were they worried about someone would steal them?  Wa Jai said, "No one would.  Like during the 100th anniversary of film, many filmmakers donated their awards for display."  Sister Deanie two days ago said that the award would go to Wa Jai, who pointed out that Sister Deanie already had many awards at his company.  Earlier Wa Jai said that he was worried A SIMPLE LIFE would lose over 1 million.  Wa Jai said that the film has already been sold in Europe so it would not.  He did not dare to say how much the Hong Kong box office will be and the film should receive Hong Kong viewer support.

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The 18th Hong Kong Film Critic Society Award took place yesterday at the Film Archive.  Deanie Ip Tak Han and Lau Ching Wan won the Best Actor and Actress, Jiang Wen also received the Best Director Award and Best Picture went to the Ann Hui On Wa directed A SIMPLE LIFE (TOH JEH); Best Screenplay went to LIFE WITHOUT PRINCIPLE (DUET MING GUM)'s Au Kin Yi, Wong King Fai and Milky Way Creative Team.  Also seven recommended films were presented, including OVERHEARD 2 (SIT TING FUNG WON 2), DON'T GO BREAKING MY HEART (DAN SUN NAM NUI), LIFE WITHOUT PRINCIPLE, LET THE BULLETS FLY, WHITE VENGEANCE (HUNG MOON YIN), FLYING SWORDS OF DRAGON GATE (LUNG MOON FEI GAP) and BIG BLUE LAKE (DAI LAN WU).

Ching Wan, Sister Deanie, Jiang Wen, Hui On Wa were present to accept the awards.  Ching Wan won with LIFE WITHOUT PRINCIPLE.  He thanked the Film Critic Society.  He was particularly happy that he was able to win for the first time with a Johnnie To Kei Fung directed film.  He also had to thank Lo Hoi Peng for his suggestions about the character; Jiang Wen joked that the film obviously was good due to the actors performance, but it still won the Director award.  However he was still very happy because usually when he was the actor the director won, when he directed the actors won.  This time was an exception (directed and starred).  Jiang Wen continued, "This time I came to Hong Kong for three days, I have been on the stage three times and won three awards.  Hong Kong truly is paying respect to me.  I hope to be able to stay a little longer, in a year I may be able to win over 300 awards!"

After the ceremony, Ching Wan expressed that he was very happy because he won an award for the first time with a To Kei Fung film.  In the past he blamed himself for not performing good enough.  Ching Wan continued, "I was really sorry, I thank Ah To for always giving me good characters.  This time I can answer to him, finally I have grown into an adult!"  As for the later Hong Kong Film Award, Ching Wan said that the
two awards were different.  In his experience, after winning the Film Critic Society Award three times he has lost at the other one three times.  yet now he was very happy to have one.

Sister Deanie for the fourth time with A SIMPLE LIFE (TOH JEH) won Best Actress.  Was she confident about winning six?  Deanie pretended her head itch and said, "The chances are even."  Sister Deanie said that she would still give this award to Andy Lau Tak Wa, as she joked that he had plenty of space for awards.  Has she picked out what to wear yet?  Sister Deanie said that she was more casual, if she had to dress up she truly had difficulty.  Thus every time Wa Jai's company arranged what she wore.  Would she like to win Best Actress with Wa Jai as the Best Actor?  Sister Deanie said, "Of course!"  As for meeting Jiang Wen for the first time, Sister Deanie praised him as a good actor and a good director.  If in the future they will have a chance to work together she will welcome it very much, but she will not take the initiative and ask because she felt actors were more passive.

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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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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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Daniel Wu, Shu Qi, Doze Niu, Stephen Fung, Mark Chao courtesy of mingpao.com

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Shu Qi, Mark Chao (Chiu Yau Ting) and director Doze Niu Chen-Zer last night attended their new film LOVE's Hong Kong premiere.  The film's other actor Ethan Juan (Yuen King Tin) was absent due to military service.

Shu Qi and Wang Leehom (Wong Lik Won) have been linked in rumors for years.  At the end of last year they were caught visiting Indonesia.  Last night reporters congratulated Shu Qi.  She immediately changed the subject.  "Are you congratulating me on my Hong Kong Film Award Best Actress nomination?  (Congratulation on you dating!)  When?  The news was written a week ago, I don't need to promote like this.  It has been rumored for ten years!"  Who would she spend Valentine's Day with?  She said that she would see Niu Chen-Zer and Chiu Yau Ting because today she will head to the Mainland to promote the new film in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and other locations.  Was she not going to rest for half a year?  She said that she would not make a movie for half a year, she would still promote.  Who would she spend Valentine's Day with?  She said, "Check out my micro blog and you would know!  I have a date with the LOVE team.  (Do you long for love?)  OK, I am always working on romantic films with actors so I don't feel like I am not dating.  Like this movie, I have to kiss Chiu Yau Ting, Niu Chen-Zer takes care of me and have an innocent romance with Siu Tin.  I feel I have all the fun in life, I am pretty satisfied."

As for Shu Qi praising Niu Chen-Zer as handsome, she said that everyone had different flavor.  However Siu Tin was the most attractive to her because they played a couple that reminded her of simpler love during her school days.  Now would she pursue simple love?  She admitted that she truly wanted simple love.  Because she had many memorable and passionate love in movies, she felt very tired and ordinary was beautiful.  Stephen Fung Tak Lun who was also linked to rumor with Shu Qi last night came with good friend Daniel Wu (Ng Yin Cho).  He also chatted with Shu Qi.

Shu Qi was nominated for the Hong Kong Film Award Best Actress with A BEAUTIFUL LIFE.  Facing a strong opponent in Deanie Ip Tak Han, she admitted that she almost knew the result.  She was already very happy about the nomination because A BEAUTIFUL LIFE production was very tough.  Now with the Hong Kong Film Award recognition she had something to answer with.  Who was her biggest competition?  She said, "Everyone is great, I am great too.  I will attend the award ceremony, I won't be absent because I know I would lose.  (Maybe it will be a surprise?)  The surprise wouldn't be me, how tragic you guys are."

As for Best Actor, Shu Qi picked Lau Ching Wan but she did not know whether his two nominations would split his votes.  Among the nominated films she has only seen LIFE WITHOUT PRINCIPLE (DUET MING GUM), so she did not dare to comment.

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Eric Tsang Chi Wai last year brought a dozen or so artists to Japan for a travel special to help revive Japan's tourism.  A year later, Chi Wai two nights ago again as a goodwill ambassador went to Fukushima Prefecture for a special in hopes of bringing positive messages back.  The special will air in March on TVB.

The Hong Kong Film Award nominations were announced earlier.  Chi Wai picked Lau Ching Wan as the favorite as he praised his outstanding performance in OVERHEARD 2 (SIT TING FUNG WON 2) and LIFE WITHOUT PRINCIPLE (DUET MING GUM).  However he was worried that his two nominations would split his votes.  As for Best Actress, he said of course Deanie Ip Tak Han had the highest chances.  Chi Wai also praised the SHAOLIN (SUN SIU LUM JI) Best Supporting Actor nominee Nicholas Tse Ting Fung for his acting improvement.

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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.

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courtesy of singtao.com

Gordon Chan states that broadcast contracts require full version

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courtesy of takungpao.com

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.