Movie Box Review

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New singer Mabel Ye Xiqi earlier promoted her horror film BLOOD STAINED SHOES in the Mainland.  She recalled that during the shoot she rehearsed with Ruby Lin (Lam Sum Yu) who played the "Ghost Mama" under a terrifying environment.  She was so stressed that she was always suspicious.  During the crying scene she was so stressed that she could not stop crying, scaring Lam Sum Yu and Wai Ying Hung.

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Wai Ying Hung yesterday appeared at the Hong Kong Film Archive to be a guest presenter of the East Side City short film contest.  She revealed that short films and micro film creations are popular now in Hong Kong, the Mainland and Taiwan.  She realized that the productions from the post 80 and the post 90 generations were great, earlier she worked on a ten minute short film in the Mainland and became interested.  She would like to make a short film about her own life.  However, about earlier online pranks about Chief Executive candidate Henry Tang Ying Yen Wai Ying Hung said, "You can't call it a prank, it's creative, depending on whether you accept it or not."

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The Elanne Kong Yeuk Lam, Aniu (Chen Hing Cheung), Wai Ying Hung starred Singapore Malaysia film THE WEDDING DIARY earlier began a four day three night promotion in Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Singapore.  At every stop they attracted over 100 viewers.  The local passion affected Elanne who had a female lead in an overseas film for the first time.

During this promotion, Elanne felt like she was truly getting married as she and her on screen husband Aniu changed into multiple wedding costumes and even arrived in an antique car.  Speaking of their bed scene in the film, they were very embarrassed.  Elanne said, "The film had three bed scenes, during the shoot everyone was very nervous, very embarrassed.  At the premiere, Aniu and I didn't dare to watch the scene again.  We had to cover up with our hands, we didn't dare to watch again until it passed."  Aniu revealed Elanne during the bed scene shoot in order for him to get into his character more easily spray an entire bottle of perfume on him.  During the promotion, Elanne and Aniu both called each other baby and appeared to be as sweet as a couple.  Even the director could not help but say they were disgusting.

In addition, Elanne's on screen mother Wai Ying Hung even announced on behalf of Elanne that if the box office would exceed HK$5 million Elanne would walk naked on the streets.  Elanne did not know how to respond as she answered, "Thank you very much, Ma!"  The crowd laughed.

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Michael Tse Tin Wa and Francis Ng Chun Yu yesterday worked on TURNING POINT 2 (LAUGHING GOR ji CHIM JUI FAN).  In his prison uniform Tse Tin Wa opened fire in the stairway.  Wai Ying Hung and a group of actors worked on a struggle scene.  The film's actors Ng Chun Yu, Tse Tin Wa, Wai Ying Hung, Liu Kai Chi, Lau Siu Ming and director Herman Yau To Lai shot at a factory.  The always direct Chun Yu took the chance to poke fun at Tse Tin Wa and revealed that he was asked to present the award to Tin Wa on December 5.  Chun Yu said, "There really is an inside story and a fix, he asked me to present the award to him!"  Tin Wa looked helpless as Chun Yu said to him, "The entire world knows you will win!"

Chun Yu stated that this film will wrap in a few days.  Reportedly TVB asked Chun Yu to sign a long contract and could not come to an understanding to make TRIUMPH IN THE SKY 2 (CHUNG SEUNG WON SIU II).  Chun Yu said, "I never said I won't make it.  My manager is currently negotiating the price with TVB.  Let's wait until after TVB celebrates its birthday!"  Speaking of him acting up and might not take the role, Chun Yu was puzzled and urged the media to ask the person who wrote it.  Speaking of TVB's long hours, it was no different from his past Mainland television productions.  Chun Yu said that a series production taking a long time was expected and thought the standard would be hard to change.  He said, "I want to finish TURNING POINT 2 to keep it from dragging on."  He said that his wife saw Fat Gor (Chow Yun Fat) on the street.  Many asked Fat Gor for pictures and he would do so without fail.  Thus an actor deeply understood a series required both studio and location shoots.  Chun Yu said, "I was trained with the standard!  However even I do I would only make one or two series!"

As for long term contract, Chun Yu stressed that he left everything for his manager to discuss.  He said, "Series production has always been tough, TVB wouldn't release artists.  Film productions feel more complete and comfortable.  Situation series would be better, and I have made many."  Chun Yu pointed out that even if he would make TRIUMPH IN THE SKY II it will be next year.  If confirmed he will work with TVB Best Actress favorite Myolie Wu Hung Yi.  He explained that it still will depend on TVB's arrangement.  Chun Yu said, "Who knows how the world will turn out then, maybe I don't know who will work with her!"

After Chun Yu's revelation, Tin Wa came prepared.  He said that because Leung Ka Shu's daughter (Tobey Leung Ching Kei) was getting married he knew Chun Yu would stay in Hong Kong.  Thus he asked whether he could attend the ceremony.  He said, "Chun Yu won't necessarily present the award to me."  Would he like to win TVB Best Actor with Chun Yu as the presenter?  Tin Wa said, "Who knows what award he will present then, the Best Actress award probably won't go to me!"  Tin Wa said that his wife would be responsible for what he wore to the awards.  He would focus on making the movie.  He will not be able to attend the TVB anniversary show until after work.  Chun Yu did not hold back with Tin Wa.  "I received the notice, the whole world knows you will win.  Even the guests are fixed!"

Yesterday Wai Ying Hung had coconut tarts on the set.  She revealed that she had low blood sugar and lack of strength in her arms and legs.  Thus she had to constantly have sweets.  The director heard that there were cakes and desserts and he immediately grabbed some.  Siu Hung also said that lately she has been busy with guest starring roles in movies.  Later she will attend the Taiwan Golden Horse Awards on the 6th.
She said, "I will leave on the 25th.  That day I will attend several dinners with Taiwan friends."

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Carol Cheng courtesy of takungpao.com

Carol Cheng Yui Ling, Wai Ying Hung, Eileen Tung Oi Ling, Anke Bui On Kei and Rosemary two nights ago supported famous fashion designer Dorian Ho's fall and winter line.  Wai Ying Hung recently has been busy with the film TURNING POINT 2 (LAUGHING GOR ji CHIM JUI FAN).  Later she will return to the Mainland for the film YUT BO JI SING (CITY OF ONE STEP) and played a representative mother role like "Ah Shun".  She not only had to work at a ranch but also could not wear make up to play a shepherd.  She also had to learn to milk a cow.  In the past year she has worked on movies in the Mainland.  Reporters suggested for her to look for a Mainland wealthy businessman to date.  She said, "You don't have to worry about me there, since for years I have been single.  In addition finding one wouldn't be easy.  Right now I want to buy a home the most, feeling that buying 'brick' is more stable than all investments."

Tung Oi Ling recently made a 25 minute long film in Hong Kong.  After years away from film she said that returning to her old job felt good.  Actually she would like to participate in more films, but her 8 year old son did not appear to be happy when she constantly returned home late or not at all.  Thus she decided that children came first.

Janice Man, Kate Tsui

Michael Tse, Rebecca Zhu

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The Michael Tse Tin Wa, Kate Tsui Tsz Shan, Bosco Wong Chung Chak starred television series LIVES OF OMISSION (CHIM HUNG JUI GIK) had both good word of mouth and rating.  The production team decided to make a film version TURNING POINT EXTREME (LAUGHING GOR ji CHIM JUI FAN).  The story would be about Laughing Gor in prison and add new actors like Francis Ng Chun Yu, Chapman To Man Jat, Wai Ying Hung and Janice Man Wing Shan.  Hopefully it will be a box office hit like TURNING POINT (LAUGHING GOR ji Bin Jit) two years ago.

Tse Tin Wa who had to play the character Laughing every year was the favorite to win this year's television Best Actor.  He admitted that his confidence rose.  He said, "This year's performance indeed has been better than previous years, my confidence has been risen as well.  Finally I have a respectable report card to show everyone, but I don't know how to calculate my chances.  As long as the response to the character and the series is great then it's fine."  Tin Wa said that the film story will begin when the television series ended.  Laughing after going to prison met Ng Chun Yu, To Man Jat and others.  He said, "Ultimately the story is complicated.  Chun Yu will play a highly intelligent criminal, I will have many scenes with him."  As for co-star Fala Chen not taking part, Tin Wa admitted it was regrettable.  He said, "Fala's character has already ended, Madame Jo is a character who everyone likes.  Unfortunately she has no way to develop with the story."

Because the Fala Chen played Madame Jo has already passed, the film daringly cast the current Miss Hong Kong Rebecca Zhu who has no acting experience at all.  She admitted that she had to shoulder a lot of pressure and would give her all while hoping to learn from the elders.  Was she afraid that bad takes would affect the progress?  She said, "I would try to rehearse more and hope everyone would understand.  I too
want my first performance to be good."  Rebecca Zhu said that when she received the notice that she would participate in the film, she was particularly excited and pleased.  Would she have any intimate scene with Chun Yu or Tse Tin Wa?  She said that would depend on the script and asked everyone to keep their eyes peeled.  Ng Chun Yu said that he got a raise.  He joked, "Doesn't everyone see the five dollar coin that we are holding?  We really got a raise, Ms. Lok (Elaine Lok Yi Ling) is very generous.  The increase percentage is very high."  After two years ago leading new comer Fala Chen in TURNING POINT, this year Chun Yu also will lead Rebecca Zhu.  Was leading new comers more difficult for him on the set?  He said, "Passing it on from generation to generation, I help when I can.  Everyone has been a new comer one time or another, when I am free I would chat with her more."

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Wai Ying Hung two nights ago at an event still could not hide her excitement over her CHINESE GHOST STORY (SIN NUI YAU WON) Golden Horse Best Supporting Actress award.  "I am pretty nervous.  Every time I am nominated I would have hope.  I really want awards.  Actually this year has been very joyous because my film with Lam Sum Yu (Ruby Lin), BLOOD STAINED SHOES, qualified for the Golden Rooster Hundred Flower Film Festival."  Wai Ying Hung admitted that she has been very lucky with  recent years.  All the movies that she personally accepted were good.  She said, "I hope next year I will have a chance to compete for a Mainland award."  She already called Lam Sum Yu to attend.

Has she congratulated her WU XIA co-star Jimmy Wang Yu's Best Supporting Actor nomination?  Wai Ying Hung said, "I already called to congratulate him.  As soon as he returned he got an nomination, he indeed was amazing.  I am very confident that he will win, the chance is 99.9%!"

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May Fung Mei Kei and Margie Tsang Wa Sin's program taped yesterday in Happy Valley.  This episode's guests included Michael Tse Tin Wa.  Coincidentally Sister May was responsible for both Tsang Wa Sin and Laughing's first TVB contract.  They have known each other for years.  Laughing will work on the LIVES OF OMISSION (CHIM HUNG JUI GIK) film version TURNING POINT EXTREME (CHIM JUI FAN).  Earlier he posted a poster online, but yesterday he said that the poster was not real.  The film however indeed will have Lam Suet, Wai Ying Hung, Lau Siu Ming and Francis Ng Chun Yu.  Some claimed that "Counterfeit Fala Chen" Rebecca Zhu will play Laughing Soh in replace of Fala Chen.  He said that earlier during costume fitting he did not see her.  He believed that many characters have not been decided and were very mysterious.

Who would he like to be the lead actress?  He joked that how could he be in charge, the film team will decide.  He joked that he did not understand why the female lead had to die every time.  He hoped that this time she would not.  How did he see Laughing's death?  He admitted that he did not want the character to be too worn out, he should stop while he was ahead.  He also did not want the audience to get tired, ultimately he could not go on forever and it had to come to an end.

SEEDIQ BALE

LET THE BULLETS FLY's Ge You

JUMP! ASHIN's Eddie Peng

A SIMPLE LIFE's Deanie Ip at the Venice Film Festival

Albert Yeung (right) earlier celebrated with LET THE BULLETS FLY cast courtesy of on.cc

LET THE BULLETS FLY's Carina Lau, Ge You

LET THE BULLETS FLY's Carina Lau

A CHINESE GHOST STORY's Wai Ying Hung

A SIMPLE LIFE's Deanie Ip and Andy Lau

JUMP! ASHIN's Eddie Peng

LET THE BULLETS FLY's Ge You

A BEAUTIFUL LIFE's Shu Qi

YOU ARE THE APPLE OF MY EYE's Ko Chen-Tung

SEEDIQ BALE

Wei Te-Sheng

THE PIANO IN A FACTORY receives seven nominations courtesy of mingpao.com

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The 48th Golden Horse Award announced its nominations yesterday.  CAPE NO. 7 director Wei Te-Sheng's Taiwan film SEEDIQ BALE received 13 nominations in 11 categories and was the most nominated film.  LET THE BULLETS FLY followed with 9 nominations.  With its earlier Venice Film Festival success A SIMPLE LIFE (TOH JEH) also received 6 nominations.

Andy Lau Tak Wa and Deanie Ip Tak Han both received Best Actor and Best Actress nomination.  Wa Jai will compete with JUMP! ASHIN's Eddie Peng Yu-Yan, LET THE BULLETS FLY's Ge You and THE PIANO IN A FACTORY's Wang Qianyuan; Sister Deanie's opponents will include A BEAUTIFUL LIFE's Shu Qi, YOU ARE THE APPLE OF MY EYE's Michelle Chen and THE PIANO IN A FACTORY's Qin Hailu.

Ip Tak Ha earlier won the Venice Best Actress award with A SIMPLE LIFE.  This time Sister Deanie again with this film received the Golden Horse Best Actress nomination and will even have a chance to win with Best Actor nominee Lau Tak Wa.  A SIMPLE LIFE also received six nominations including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Original Screenplay and Best Editing.  Sister Deanie very humbly said about her nomination, "I am very happy to receive the nomination, very fortunate to be able to participate in the Golden Horse Award."  Shu Qi with A BEAUTIFUL LIFE will compete with Sister Deanie.  Shu Qi said, "I am truly very happy!  Thank you Director (Andrew) Lau Wai Keung, without him, ther would be no Shu Qi in A BEAUTIFUL LIFE.  This time the competition is rather strong, the nomination itself is already the biggest reward.  Tonight I have to celebrate."  Other Best Actress nominees included Michelle Chen and Qin Hailu.

As for Best Actor, the competition will be between A SIMPLE LIFE's Lau Tak Wa and LET THE BULLETS FLY's Ge You.  The other two nominees will be JUMP! ASHIN's Eddie Peng and THE PIANO IN A FACTORY's Qang Qianyuan.  Wa Jai said, "Thank you everyone for your support, thank you to all the workers, thank you to all the actors, thank you to the seniors, thank you very much to the Golden Horse Award."  Returning to the film industry this year, Jimmy Wang Yu with WU XIA was nominated for Best Supporting Actor.  His competition will be REVENGE A LOVE STORY (FUK SAU JEH ji SEI)'s Anthony Lau Wing, JUMP! ASHIN's Lawrence Ko Yu Lun and SEEDIQ BALE's Bokeh Kosang (Hsu Yi-Fan).

Carina Lau Ka Ling who did not have much screen time in LET THE BULLETS FLY also will compete for Best Supporting Actress.  Ka Ling said, "I am very happy!  The credit all belongs to Jiang Wen.  I have to congratulate him!  As for whether I will attend the award ceremony, it will depend on my work schedule."  Ka Ling's competition will include A CHINESE GHOST STORY (SIN NUI YAU WON)'s Wai Ying Hung, LOVE FOR LIFE's Jiang Wenli and RETURN TICKET's Tang Qun.  Jiang Wen said, "Representing  Big Brother Nine Dot I thank the Golden Horse Awards nine times in nine ways for BULLETS' nine nominations."  Best Picture nominees will include SEEDIQ BALE, LET THE BULLETS FLY, A SIMPLE LIFE, RETURN TICKET and THE PIANO IN A FACTORY.

Linda Wong Hing Ping with her father Jimmy Wang and Wai Ying Hung