Movie Box Review

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Director Peter Chan Ho Sun's WE PICTURES and Edko Films, Huayi Brothers announced a joint venture with now TV to co-fund a company and release the all new film channel now Popcorn channel in mid March.  Peter's film WU XIA will be the first film to air.  Actually this project was Peter and Edko Film boss Bill Kong Chi Keung's idea, hopefully to widen the film network from film professional angels.  Peter said, "Chinese film space is narrower and narrower, if we don't take the chance we will lose our say."  He cited HBO's collaboration with several companies has been very successful.

Peter pointed out that We Pictures had the responsibility to provide films to Popcorn channel, thus he could not be slow with his future film productions.  He hoped to maintain an annual rate of three to four films.  Speaking of WU XIA's 12 Hong Kong Film Award nominations, Peter did not want to talk about the lack of a Best Director nomination.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Edmond Leung courtesy of on.cc

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Maggie Cheung remains protective of her boyfriend despite break up rumors

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Lynn Xiong (Hung Doi Lam) two nights ago attended a fashion store opening ceremony with Miriam Yeung Chin Wa, Huang Xiaoming, Edmond Leung Hong Man and others.

Huang Xiaoming stated that he was busy with Peter Chan Ho Sun's new film THE GUILLOTINES (HUET DIK JI).  Speaking of he and rumored girlfriend Angelababy appearing at a Mainland airport, Huang Xiaoming changed the subject when asked whether Baby was visiting him on the set.  "Do you have another question?  This year I already made seven movies.  I work very hard and hope to focus on my movies."  When asked whether he was so busy that he had no time to date, Huang Xiaoming said that he did not have time to see even his parents.  "After THE GUILLOTINES I have to make another new film, a love story in the 60s.  The cast will have good actors from the Mainland, Hong Kong and Taiwan.  I look forward to it very much."

The Yeung Chin Wa, Eva Huang Shengyi and Donnie Yen Chi Tan starred new film PIK LIK SUN TAM (THUNDER COP) was rumored to be postponed due to Huang Shengyi's pregnancy.  Chin Wa admitted that the production date has been delayed to early next year, but she did not know whether it was due to Huang Shengyi.  She said, "I very much look forward to working with Yen Chi Tan, so I am a little sorry.  However next month I have my concert, now by change I can have more time to rest and recover."  As for whether the new film production schedule change would affect her parenthood plan, she joked that it would depend on whether she was destined to continue the production.

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

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

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

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The Peter Chan Ho Sun directed WU XIA two nights ago held a premiere in Busan, Korea.  The event invited the super popular leads Takeshi Kaneshiro (Gum Sing Mo), Tang Wei and director Chan Ho Sun to attend.

This was Gum Sing Mo's first Busan Film Festival.  This popular idol triggered a flock of local fans.  At a beach event over 2,000 viewers participated for a grasp of Gum Sing Mo and Tang Wei.  Korean fans were very attentive as they celebrated fellow Libras Tang Wei's October 7th birthday and Gum Sing Mo's birthday today.  They sent warm birthday wishes that made them both smiled and thanked their fans for their good will.

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WU XIA yesterday held an event in Busan.  Director Peter Chan Ho Sun led leads Tang Wei and Takeshi Kaneshiro (Gum Sing Mo) in attendance.  October 7 was Tang Wei's birthday, which she said that she spent in Busan for two years in a row.  She even said that Busan cake was delicious.  She also wished Hyun Bin who is serving his military duty good health.

Tang Wei and Hyun Bin worked together on LATE AUTUMN, which she appeared at last year's Busan Film Festival for.  A reporter asked about the difference between Hyun Bin and Gum Sing Mo.  Tang Wei responded, "The difference is I can speak Chinese with Gum Sing Mo, but with Hyun Bin I can only speak inferior English for daily exchange.  The similarity is when I went to Taiwan with Gum Sing Mo, his 'old ladies' (fans) were very crazy.  When I came to Korea, Hyun Bin's fans were also very crazy.  Everyone was very attentive as we all have witnessed."  Hyun Bin and Tang Wei were linked in rumors.  What did she want to say to Hyun Bin who is currently serving his marine duty?  Tang Wei wished him good health.

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

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

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

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

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The Peter Chan Ho Sun directed, Donnie Yen Chi Tan, Takeshi Kaneshiro (Gum Sing Mo) and Tang Wei starred WU XIA opened the 6th Chinese Film Festival in Paris.  Chan Ho Sun and Sandra Ng Kwan Yu at the invitation of the Mayor of Paris and legendary French director, Palme d'Or and two time Oscar winner Claude Lelouch attended a welcome party and seminar in Paris.

Participating in their first Chinese and French cultural exchange as a member of the Chinese film representative team, Chan Ho Sun and Ng Kwan Yu arrived in Paris on the 19th and received the enthusiastic welcome from their French film colleagues.  They participated in the Centre national de la cinematographie (CNC) organized Chinese French film discussion panel and its president Eric Garandeau invited them to take part in Chinese French co-productions; later they attended the 6th Paris Chinese Film Festival opening ceremony.  WU XIA opened the festival and received cheers from both Chinese and French viewers.  At the welcome party, Chan Ho Sun said that he was very fortunate to participate in a film event at the home of the New Wave and where film originated.  As a director he always had to walk in front of the audience.  Sometimes he was just right with one step ahead.  Sometimes he walked too fast and viewers might not be able to follow.  Paris has the audience that loves film the most in the world.  "We can even run here without worrying about losing viewers.  Today when the entire world follows Hollywood, we should cherish still having such a space where different expressions are fulfilled equally.  At the same time I also hope to have a chance to work hand in hand with France, try some Chinese French co-production subjects and fly together."

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Joey Yung, Zhang Ziyi

Gillian Chung, Feng Xiaogang, Charlene Choi

CROUCHING TIGER HIDDEN DRAGON's Chang Chen, Michelle Yeoh, Chow Yun Fat, Zhang Ziyi  reunite 11 years later

Andy Lau salutes artists on behalf of the film industry

Huang Xiaoming, Tang Wei, Sammi Cheng had good chemistry as guest presenters courteys of mingpao.com

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Sandra Ng Kwan Yu with ECHOES OF THE RAINBOW (SHUI YUET SUN TAU) two nights ago won the Excellent Overseas Chinese Actress award at the Beijing Huabiao Awards.  Yesterday she returned to Hong Kong.  Without any make up Kwan Yu stepped out of the airport and reporters rushed to interview her.  She instead asked reporters who they were waiting for?  Kwan Yu honestly said that she was very emotional at the moment of victory.  Although her boyfriend Peter Chan Ho Sun was not nominated, he
watched it on television with their daughter.  She said, "I was the happiest about my daughter toughing it out (bed time) until my appearance.  The daughter asked me why the one before me (Chow Yun Fat) talked so long and that she didn't know what I was saying because I was speaking Putonghua."

Two nights ago Kwan Yu celebrated with Mabel Cheung Yuen Ting, Alex Law Kai Yui and Aarif Rahman (Lee Chi Ting) but they will not celebrate again because Chan Ho Sun's mother just passed away and he was not in the greatest of mood.  As for defeating the favorite Michelle Yeoh (Yeung Chi King), she asked, "Really?  I didn't notice.  I just returned from Thailand to Hong Kong for a day before going to Beijing."  As for still taking time to attend despite her family issue, was she notified in advance about her victory?  She said that the event was fully confidential.  "Originally I didn't plan on going because I wasn't ready, but I of course asked the event whether I had any chance."

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Siu Hung shows the scar that is left from her knee injury

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