From: TOP TEN CENTRAL Newsgroups: alt.asian-movies,soc.culture.hongkong.entertainment Subject: [TAKE OVER] HKSAR Film Top 10 Box Office (August 11, 1999) Organization: (TM) The following publication contains material that might be objectionable to some readers. Parental guidance and reader discretion are advised. [FLUFF OF THE WEEK] Courtesy of Ming Pao, Sing Tao Daily, Apple Daily, Oriental Daily, and Ta Kung Pao 1. THIS TOP 10 IS DEDICATED TO A. Chai Chun, whose father Chai Jai passed away on the morning of the 13th at the age of 76. B. Regina Kent (Gan Wai Chun), stars of films like INSPECTOR WEARS SKIRT (BA WONG FA) and LEGACY OF RAGE with Brandon Lee Kwok Ho. She passed away due to brain cancer. 2. KATHY CHAU HOI MEI RETURNS (LAW YUEN LING, APPLE DAILY 8/12/1999) Kathy Chau Hoi Mei after rumored to have lupus went to Beijing for a television series production, but at the end of month she would officially return to Hong Kong for Leung Hung Wa's police suspense MO FAT MO TIN (NO LAW NO HEAVEN) with Michael Wong Man Tak. Leung Hung Wa said, "I was the one who approached Hoi Mei, the film is about Hoi Mei who witnessed her father's murder as a child and killed the murderer for revenge. After several years in prison she trusts no one. The story will also involve evil cult. Wong Man Tat would play a cop." 3. TSUI HARK DUMPS CECILIA CHEUNG PAK CHI FROM LATEST PROJECT (THE SUN 8/14/1999) Since appearing on the scene, everything has gone Cecilia Cheung Pak Chi's way. She also has been giving quite an effort. Besides not rejecting any offer, even music industry elders have to hand jobs over to her as her popularity has soared to its peak. However, because she has too much on her plate and could not make time for the production of SHUN LAU YIK LAU (WITH THE STREAM AGAINST THE STREAM), finally Tsui Hark has dumped her from the project! Tsui Hark's new film SHUN LAU YIK LAU has numerous cast changes since preproduction. After Aaron Kwok Fu Sing resigned and Nicholas Tse Ting Fung took over the lead, Cheung Pak Chi has been removed from the project due to scheduling conflict and Tsui Hark again has to seek another change to take her place. Tsui Hark said, "Her schedule is packed. My movie has to start production in September and shoot on location in Guangzhou. On top of that lead actor Tse Ting Fung is just as busy. After consideration, I can only remove Cheung Pak Chi's name from the project and find someone else." Tsui Hark already has someone else in mind for the role. "She is a girl with an unique yet strong personality. I will make the decision in the next few days, so it's not too convenient for me to make the announcement yet." (8/15/1999) Yesterday Cheung Pak Chi's assistance Derrick clarified, "SHUN LAU YIK LAU has not begun production, so there is no reason for us to not field job offers on behalf of Cheung Pak Chi. Thus for September she took roles in SUP YI YE (TWELVE NIGHTS) and GIK CHOOK CHUEN SHUET (EXTREME SPEED LEGEND). Who knew that they would really conflict? So we had to turn down Tsui Hark's offer. Cheung Pak Chi is sorry that she couldn't work with Director Tsui." Reportedly Tsui Hark is interested in Ting Fung's gossip girlfriend Candy Lo Hau Yum and Cathy Tsui Chi Kei for the role. She admitted that she has auditioned. "Actually I still don't know yet because the movie would begin production in September and that's when school starts for me. However I really hope I can work with Director Tsui!" 4. THE ORIGINAL CAST AND CREW OF THE GREED OF MAN STAB TVB IN THE BACK (ORIENTAL DAILY 8/14/1999) When it rains, it pours. As the rating of ATV's PRINCESS RETURNING PEARL (WAN JU GAT GAT) repeatedly breaks records, TVB's rating has shown no sign of recovery. This battle conceivably would continue until after 2000 because ATV later would invest in a television series by "Gold Label Screen writer" Wai Ka Fai, DAI SI DOI 2000 (BIG ERA 200). Besides Wai Ka Fai, another experienced film director would also join the fray. He is Wai Ka Fai's partner in film Johnnie To Kei Fung. The show also has enlisted the original cast of TVB's THE GREED OF MAN (DAI SI DOI) -- Adam Cheng Siu Chau, Lau Ching Wan, Yammie Nam Kit Ying and Damien Lau Chung Yun. Currently Ah To is busy with his film CHEUNG FOR (GUN FIRE). After production wraps, he would devote himself fully into the production of DAI SI DOI 2000. When asked, Ah To graciously admitted that he would direct and produce the show. "That's right, I will help Ka Fai with DAI SI DOI 2000 because he is a good friend of mine. As long as he asks, I definitely will help." (Are you afraid that TVB would give you problems?) "I don't think so, TVB already has a lot of talents within it." Wai Ka Fai revealed that the preparation for DAI is close to completion and believed that production could begin soon. He even expressed that this time almost all of the original cast would return because Lau Ching Wan, Nam Kit Ying, Lau Chung Yun, Cheng Siu Chau and others have confirmed their participation. Ka Fai also said that he has a few "big class" stars up his sleeves as secret weapons. Ka Fai expressed that the cast is only working with Jit Tung Entertainment so the actors need not worry about contract problems with TVB. Jit Tung's boss Seto Yuen Kit is a mystery man. Because Mr. Seto is used to doing things in a low key manner, there is virtually no information on him except that he has participated on film projects. Also, recently To Kei Fung himself has been receiving awards repeatedly. After the Best Director award earlier from the Hong Kong Film Critic Society, his earlier work A HERO NEVER DIE (JUNG SUM YING HUNG) recently was chosen as Best Picture from the Southeast Asian region in an Italian film festival, beating out more than 80 films from the area. (8/15/1999) Lau Ching Wan however had no idea. "I haven't seen the report yet. Wai Ka Fai has mentioned it once during a film production, but that wasn't officially. I will wait until he officially approaches me!" Is he interested? He scratched his head. "We didn't talk about it, how can I talk about any interest? Did To Kei Fung really say he would make that series? I haven't heard him mentioning it when we meet recently." Since he came from TVB and ATV sees the series as its defense against TVB's hundred episode series, would an identity crisis be one of the factors under consideration? Ching Wan shook his head. "Actually competition is good. It benefits television and the audience. Such things should have happened a long time ago. I wouldn't work for a company because I came from there. As long as the series is good, I will be interested." Ching Wan appeared to be concerned with whether the series would begin production. When he was told September and October, he reacted severely. "Even less likely. That's when my vacation is. However, To Kei Fung is the upper management, I am the lower class. How would I know about what they are doing. When they talk to me about it, I will let everyone know." (CHEUNG SIU MING, PETER TANG, THE SUN 5/16/1999) Yesterday at a charity exhibit for Louis Cha (Gum Yung)'s work, Damien Lau Chung Yun was asked about DAI SI DOI 2000. Lau Chung Yun knew nothing of the project because he has not have time to read the papers. On top of that he still has two series on his TVB contract. To Kei Fung expressed on the set of CHEUNG FOR, "Where would I find the time! After this one, I have to go to China to make CHUT CHOI JUNG MO YIM (7 COLOR CHUNG MO YIM) then check out locations (Malaysia, Korea, Singapore, Thailand, Japan and Macau) for CHUEN JIK SAT SAU (FULL TIME KILLER). Even CHUEN has to delay production under next year. Where would I find time to help with DAI SI DOI 2000!" 5. ZHANG YIMOU FALLS FOR ANOTHER STAR (APPLE DAILY 5/16/1999) Zhang Yimou (Cheung Nga Mau) has fallen in love with "Little Gong Li" Chiang Chi Yi and recommended her for a role in Ang Lee's new film CROUCHING TIGER HIDDEN DRAGON with international superstars Chow Yun Fat and Michelle Yeoh (Yeung Chi King). Since parting ways with Gong Li four years ago, Zhang Yimou has buried himself in work; that is, until recently when he is rumored to be dating his star Chiang Chi Yi. The two met last year during the production of NGOR DIK FU CHUN MO CHUN (MY FATHER MOTHER). Currently Chiang Chi Yi is in Xinjiang working on Ang Lee's new film CROUCHING TIGER HIDDEN DRAGON with Chow Yun Fat and Yeung Chi King. At first Hsu Chi was in the running for her role, but due to her category III background she was replaced by Mainland actress Wong Ning who bowed out after falling ill. Finally Zhang Yimou recommended Chiang Chi Yi to Ang Lee who cast her in the role of Yuk Gau Lung, starring opposite Chang Chen (Cheung Chun)'s Law Siu Fu. Known as "Little Gong Li" Chiang Chi Yi is now 20 and still studying at Beijing Art Academy. She looks a lot like Gong Li. Reportedly as soon as Zhang Yimous met her he has a strange feeling thus he cast her in the lead of his new film NGOR DIK FU CHUN MO CHUN. 6. ASAKA SETO CATCHES GORDON CHAN KA SEUNG'S EYES (ORIENTAL DAILY 8/16/1999) After Takako Takiwa (Seung Poon Gwai Ji) and Takuya Kimura (Muk Chuen Tok Joi), another Japanese actor would soon participate in Hong Kong film -- popular television actor Asaka Seto (Lai Wu Chiu Heung). Chiu Heung caught the eyes of director Gordon Chan Ka Seung who would cast her in a movie tentatively titled CHIN HEI SAT SAU (MILLENNIUM KILLER) with Leon Lai Ming and Tony Leung Ka Fai. Reportedly Chan Ka Seung would only be the film's producer because later he has to work on CHIN NIN CHUNG (THOUSAND YEAR BUG). Patrick Leung Pak Kin would direct this film. According to Chan Ka Seung, because CHIN HEI SAT SAU has Japanese funding, its Japanese release requires a Japanese actor. Chan Ka Seung accidentally ran into Lai Wu Chiu Heung and decided to make the offer to her. Due to her interest in the female killer role, she was willing to Hong Kong from the end of August to the beginning of September for the film. 7. CECILIA CHEUNG PAK CHI STARS IN TWELVE NIGHT (ORIENTAL DAILY 8/17/1999) Cecilia Cheung Pak Chi is the hottest thing in film today. Besides starring opposite Stephen Chiau Sing Chi in her first film, she also has become a favorite among big name directors. Under fierce competitions, sacrifices have to be made. Earlier due to a scheduling conflict, Tsui Hark dumped her from SHUN LAU YIK LAU (WITH THE STREAM AGAINST THE STREAM). Actually she has been Director Tsui's pick from the start, but the collaboration fell through because Pak Chi has accepted a role in Peter Chan Ho Sun's first production since his Hollywood trek, SUP YI YE (TWELVE NIGHTS) and had to turn down Tsui Hark's offer. After breaking into Hollywood with LOVE LETTER, Peter Chan Ho Sun would return to Hong Kong to produce SUP YI YE. Golden Harvest of course has placed a lot of importance on the project and hopes official production can begin in October. Chan Ho Sun's director would be his student Lam Oi Wa. Besides Cheung Pak Chi, Terence Yin (Wan Chi Wai) would hold his first lead role. Chi Wai is very happy that Golden Harvest has given him such an opportunity. 8. RUBY LIN MIGHT STAR IN A LUNAR NEW YEAR COMEDY WITH LESLIE CHEUNG KWOK WING (THE SUN 6/17/1999) After the success of PRINCESS RETURNING PEARL (WAN JU GAT GAT) Ruby Lin (Lam Sum Yu) has become the latest television idol. Her popularity has also brought her chances in film as well, as Raymond Wong Pak Ming's Mandarin Film Company plans to sign her to a 2 year 5 movie deal. After completing her film with Nicholas Tse Ting Fung, MOR GAN (MAGIC MIRROR), Lam Sum Yu in October would work on a Lunar New Year film with Leslie Cheung Kwok Wing. Lam Sum Yu's Taiwan manager confirmed, "We indeed have signed the contract with Mandarin for 5 movies in 2 years. Sum Yu would even star in the 2000 Lunar New Year film with Cheung Kwok Wing. So far we don't know if Sum Yu would play a couple or sibling with Cheung Kwok Wing. The only thing we know is it will be a modern film that will start production around October. It might even shoot in Southeast Asia." "Cheung Kwok Wing is Sum Yu's idol. Her favorite movie is MOONLIGHT EXPRESS (SING YUET TUNG WA). Yet she has not meet Cheung Kwok Wing in person. Thus Sum Yu is very excited about the chance to work with him. When MOR GAN premieres in September, Wong Pak Ming might arrange for Sum Yu to meet with Cheung Kwok Wing." Currently Lam Sum Yu is working on television series SO HARK YI (BEGGAR SO) in Guangzhou. The show also stars Felix Wong Yat Wa and Law Kar Ying. Mandarin Films revealed, "We are in negotiation with Lam Sum Yu but nothing is set yet. If all goes well, we will cast Lam Sum Yu in the 2000 Lunar New Year film, but the lead actor has yet been cast." 9. NO RYOKO HIROSUE OR KYOKO FUKADA FOR JACKIE CHAN'S GIANT (LEE PO CHEUNG, THE SUN 8/18/1999) Golden Harvest's millennium Lunar New Year film GUI YUN (GIANT) has always planned to team a popular Japanese star with Jackie Chan. After months of negotiation, earlier they have narrowed the search down to new generation super idols Ryoko Hirosue (Guong Moot Leung Ji) and Kyoko Fukada (Sum Tin Gung Ji). Both were preparing to work with Big Brother. Unfortunately due to the production progress of SHANGHAI NOON (SEUNG HOI JING NG) the film has to be delayed which caused problems for the two Japanese super idol's schedule. Director Frankie Chan Fun Kei said, "Ask Mr. Chu and Big Brother about anything related to GUI YUN. I will head to Japan for casting in the next few days. Actually I have already gone to Japan several times for casting and met with many stars. On this trip I will meet with about six or seven stars. I will hold off on talking about them until Big Brother comes back in September." Golden Harvest executive Chu Siu Chun said, "We originally had Guong Moot Leung Ji and Sum Tin Gung Ji. They both really want to work with Jackie and gave us time on their schedule. However Jackie has to work on SHANGHAI NOON and the soonest he would have time to work on GUI YUN would be at the end of the year. Unfortunately their schedules couldn't adjust and in the end we can only give up on the idea. We are sorry, but there will always be a next time. Many Japanese stars want to work with Jackie. We have been going to Japan for casting, so soon we can confirm the final cast." (8/18/1999) At the premiere of THE SOCIAL WORKER (MAN GWAI NUI SE GUNG) Chan Hung Yin, daughter of Frankie Chan Fun Kei, appeared with her mother. Chan Hung Yin said, "Mama came to give me a few pointers. Papa is busy with editing." Chan earlier worked on her father's IQ DUDETTES (LAT JIU GAU SUT). Later he would begin work on Jackie Chan's GUI YUN (GIANT). Would she has a role in that film as well? She said, "Papa once mentioned a role that requires fluent Japanese. Actually I have already studied the language for more than a year and I feel I can handle it. Maybe I can land the role." 10. Miscellanous * Though Madonna has volunteered her service and director Steven Spielberg has personally auditioned Michelle Reis (Lee Ka Yun) and Maggie Cheung Man Yuk, none passed the test. According to a Hollywood entertainment web site, the lead role of Spielberg's MEMOIRS OF A GEISHA might fall into the hands of Lucy Liu. * (CHAN YUET MEI, APPLE DAILY 8/14/1999) Reportedly due to the lukewarm box office of Tom Cruise's new film EYES WIDE SHUT, he quickly took a role in Steven Spielberg's new film even though it conflicts with the sequel to MISSION IMPOSSIBLE. He even has allocated his entire weekday schedule for Spielberg, leaving on the weekend for the final scenes of John Woo's MISSION IMPOSSIBLE which greatly upset John. John Woo's manager Terence Chang (Cheung Ka Chun) felt, "A difference of opinion during a film production is very normal," he continued, "Tom is the producer, though he has a lot of power, there is nothing between him and John! Everyday I have been talking with John over the phone and the production has been pretty smooth." "Spielberg's film will be delayed, MISSION will wrap soon. Later the production will return to America. There really is nothing between Tom and John! After this movie, John will make a movie about World War starring Nicholas Cage." * Days ago a report claimed that Patrick Tam Yiu Man and Michael Tse Tin Wa were upset that their management agency Star Factory boss Clarence Hui Yuen, siting that when offers were made, the company opened with astronomical figures and scared off film producer and the company did not promote Ah Tam and William So Wing Hong's new duet. Hui Yuen clarified, "Actually it would be best if you ask them. Ah Tam has many films on his hands, like (Andrew) Lau Wai Keung's GIK CHOOK CHUEN SHUET). As for his song with So Wing Hong, it was Ah Tam who requested no promotion to be done because the song would be on Hong Jai's record and Ah Tam is only helping a friend. Also I have taken many jobs on Tse Tin Wa's behalf from TVB. These rumors are ridiculous." * Teddy Chan Tak Sum built a set in Tseung Kwan O for a scene in PURPLE STORM (JI YU FUNG BO). After production the set was not taken down. The set caught the eyes of Andrew Lau Wai Keung who changed it up for his movie NAM HUET YUN. Someone from Chan Tak Sum's camp heard about it. He himself could not care less, but someone with PURPLE is rather unhappy and wants someone to foot the bill. Lau Wai Keung's people found out and continued to shoot in "ignorance". * Jackie Chan after wrapping his foreign film will star in Golden Harvest's GUI YUN (GIANT). The film has two lead female roles. Jackie Chan wants to cast a Japanese and a Hong Kong star. Earlier Golden Harvest has made a big deal, saying that they were talking to Norika Fujiwara (Tung Yuen Gei Heung), Miho Nakayama (Jung San Mei Shui) or Ryoko Hirosue (Guong Moot Leung Ji), in the end of course none were landed! However Golden Harvest is negotiating with some new Japanese stars. As for the one in Hong Kong, Golden Harest approached Gigi Leung Wing Kei. [ BLAH OF THE WEEK ] Columns, Reviews, Interviews 1. Straits Times AUG 12 1999 Ice queen gets FIZZY Pepsi Ambassador The voice of a new generation is innocent yet world-weary. Try asking about her private life, and she turns from doe-eyed waif to diva By TAN SHZR EE IN HONGKONG SHE burst into the Hongkong Convention and Exhibition Centre from a hidden door, like the geyser of twisted hair that shot out of her frail skull which, in turn, would define the coolest hairstyle in Hongkong for the next week. She stayed fleetingly, bantering with the press and giving reporters quotes that were as flimsy as the diaphanous shawl draped about her thin spaghetti-strapped shoulders. Songstress Faye Wong was back in the limelight again on Tuesday, when she made her latest public appearance as the new face of soft-drink manufacturer Pepsi. She launched the drink's advertising campaign with a one-minute commercial featuring a single, Exciting, from her soon-to-be -released album, Love Strangers Only. The 30-year-old, who was reportedly paid US$1.7 million (S$2.8 million) to be the fizzy drink's new spokesman after big-name representatives like Aaron Kwok, Ricky Martin and Janet Jackson, turned out to be as light and frothy as the product she was endorsing. Would she be doing a promotional tour in Taiwan, when her album is released next month? "Yes," she answered gawkily, as reporters around her laughed. Would her own life be as exciting as the title of her new single seems to hint? "Not really ... I think my life as seen by the media is much more exciting than what it really is," she said, not before stumbling through her signature hmmms, errrhs and arrhhs. Better to watch her new music video, which at least shows her swimming and singing underwater, among more spectacular stunts such as throwing somersaults in a backyard. The video itself, part of which is incorporated into the Pepsi commercial, attempts to recreate the tender moments of Wong's own childhood in the early '70s. Apart from the singer, it also features a Wong-lookalike little girl who frolicks in old classrooms with the innocence of pre-adolescence and pre-stardom. "I don't think the little girl really looks like me; I don't think it was really like that during my childhood," the blunt Wong revealed, brushing close past another media faux pas. "I mean, those were artistic decisions. I guess it doesn't matter if she doesn't look like me; the main thing is that she feels like me," she added quickly. What is typically Wong -- or at least the media prototype of the singer-actress -- is the Ice Queen-meets-Baby Woman image as reinforced in the clip. There, she splays her feathery frame upon a battered blackboard, waves at the camera while slunk childishly across a desk, and does her trademark "trapped-in-my-own-world" look with her blameless, liquid eyes. "I did try to do my own thing there," she said. "I had been trying a couple of new angles in front of the camera, and some of these are very personal." Due to financial restraints on the advertising contract, the commercial itself -- and a few billion Pepsi cans bearing Wong's image -- will be seen in Hongkong, China and Taiwan only. The actual Exciting music video clip, however, started broadcast worldwide yesterday, while her album itself will only be released next month. "The song Exciting is about living life to the fullest," she said. "It is not about running after your dreams and finding the perfect fulfilment of them, but savouring all the excitement that comes in the process of doing so. Life is not just about love and emotions; it is also about so many other things." A pointed statement indeed, cryptic but well-phrased enough to be a reference to her failed three-year-old marriage with China rocker Dou Wei, who admitted to adultery with his long-time photographer-mistress Gao Yuan five months ago. A sparkling flint of a quote not unlike the shot of caffeine present in the drink of which she is the ambassador, you think. And there is fizz too -- evident in a flash of hot temper. When a perky reporter finally asked the dreaded question about her divorce proceedings against Dou, which started in April, Wong reared her chimera head and hissed: "What has that got to do with you? What has that got to do with readers? "I'm a public figure, so all the more I don't have to tell the whole world about my private life. You're just trying to sell more copies of your newspaper." Quite a far cry from the innocent doe-eyed waif who had earlier declared that "I have always been an open and happy person". "My emotional state now is the same as that of a year ago -- it hasn't changed. You don't believe me? I'm telling the truth." Back to dreary soundbites for now. Wong was unable to shed new light on how her new album is different stylistically from her previous one, short of saying that "there ought to be changes but I'm not sure what they are". She stood up, staring unblinkingly at the descending avalanche of press photographers. She strutted, none-too graceful in her awkward, childish pose, yet fully-conscious of her strange, Kid Queen aura. And then, she left, slacking off indifferently in her brown strappy loafers, leaving reporters just that little bit more enlightened about her slippery persona. Copyright (c) 1999 Singapore Press Holdings Ltd. All rights reserved. 2. MING PAO DAILY, AUGUST 13 1999, COUNTING STARS JACKIE CHAN HAS WON THE HEARTS OF AMERICANS Jackie Chan has succeeded in show business with his kung fu image. Days ago, with RUSH HOUR he has won a Best Actor award at this year's Hollywood Film Festival. The award resulted from an internet and more than 1000 video store elections. Jackie Chan himself was working on his new film SHANGHAI NOON (SEUNG HOI JING NG) in Canada. According to his manager Willie Chan Chi Keung, Jackie Chan upon learning that he has won this award felt rather happy and honored because the award came from a survey of Americans, which proved that he has truly broken into the American market. Chan Chi Keung also said, Jackie Chan really misses Hong Kong. SHANGHAI NOON would shoot in Canada until the end of the month. Jackie would return to Hong Kong and then head to China for a week of location work. The audience has only noticed Jackie Chan's action performance. Though he has received two Golden Horse Best Actress award, the audience overseas has ignored his acting. This victory has proven that Jackie Chan excels both in kung fu and acting. Jackie Chan's award is not just his personal honor, but an honor to the Hong Kong film industry because Jackie Chan is the first Hong Kong actor to receive a Best Actor award at the Hollywood Film Festival. As a part of Hong Kong film industry, we naturally are happy for Jackie Chan's victory. As an audience, we are even happier for Jackie Chan. - WU DIP 3. South China Morning Post Internet Edition Friday, August 13, 1999 FILMS Criminal shots of humour PAUL FONOROFF Sometimes a movie's subplot somehow takes over entirely. In the case of Bullets Over Summer, the film is richer for the takeover. The bare bones of the cops-and-robbers story is a conventional tale of undercover police treading the thin line between both sides of the law. The most interesting aspect of Matt Chow Hoi-kwong's script, as brought to the screen by director Wilson Yip Wai-sun, is the extended family which the cops help form while underground. The crime case itself is standard Cantonese film fare. A group of bloodthirsty villains wreak typical movie murder and mayhem. The body count in the opening scenes, including massacres in a convenience store, office, elevator and wedding, is particularly high. Policemen Mike (Francis Ng Chun-yu) and Leng-yan (Louis Koo Tin-lok) investigate, commandeering an apartment across the street from suspect Joe (Law Mong). From that moment on, the case becomes secondary to the cops' living arrangements. The flat belongs to Granny (Law Lan), a lonely and senile lady who mistakes the new boarders for her own sons. The cops' female acquaintances are quickly accepted as daughters-in -law. Jennifer (Miss Malaysia Lam Mei-ching, in an effectively unglamorous film debut) manages the dry-cleaning store downstairs. Unmarried and pregnant, she is befriended by Mike, the kind of bizarre policeman who one hopes exists only on celluloid. Flashbacks to a miserable youth, along with a debilitating illness, provide some hackneyed insights into his eccentric comportment. While Mike is complex, his partner is barely one-dimensional. Leng -yan is a handsome womaniser with no sense of responsibility to his job or the girls in his life. His hormones rage overtime for Yen (model Michelle in her film debut), a far-from-innocent waif who also moves into Granny's flat. While Leng-yan is arguably the most attractive member of the cast, his role is the flattest. But then again, Granny's new family is colourful enough as it is. Between her doddering memories and Mike's bursts of rage Granny, rather than the police or villains, is the real centre of Bullets Over Summer. The way she takes everything in stride is diverting. When the old lady sees Mike atop the roof of the suspect's flat across the street, she is not in the least surprised and gives him a big wave and smile. Unfortunately for Mike, the suspect is in the flat below and sees Granny's gesture. Rather than think anything is amiss, the stern-faced Joe assumes she is merely a friendly neighbour and waves back at her, providing the movie with one of its bigger laughs. Mike then accidentally drops a one-dollar coin, a move that abruptly shifts the comedy into suspense, making this one of the best-choreographed scenes in a recent Hong Kong film. As in director Yip's earlier films, like Midnight Zone (1997) and Bio-Zombies (1998), the plot conventionality is enlivened by little touches, like Joe's flat which is plastered with posters of violent classics, a Central Escalator shot of the tough guy shopping at Fetish Fashions, and some topical dialogue which lends a lively touch. Bullets Over Summer (Oriental circuit) Published in the South China Morning Post. Copyright (c) 1999. All rights reserved. 4. South China Morning Post Internet Edition Friday, August 13, 1999 PEOPLE Jinx plagues set of Foster's royal epic LIZ HODGSON There was so much bad luck on the Malaysian film set of Anna, starring Jodie Foster and Chow Yun-fat, that Hollywood film industry executives joked it should be renamed The Jinx and I. People suffered broken bones, animals fell off cliffs and one man was nearly killed by a snake during the remake of the 1956 musical, The King and I. The producers became so desperate to stop the mishaps they hired two local priests to rid the set of evil spirits. "There were way too many mishaps to be labelled a fluke," a movie executive said. Trouble started early for the film, in which Foster plays British teacher Anna Leonowens and Chow the King of Siam. It also stars Red Corner actress Bai Ling. Twentieth Century Fox was forced to switch filming to Malaysia after the Thai Government refused to play host. A few days into filming Foster, 36, fell and bruised her ribs and a week later twisted her ankle. A young boy on the set was almost crushed by an elephant. Director Andy Tennant broke his hand when a metal clamp fell on it and Bai Ling broke her nose during a boat ride. A worker plunged off a hotel balcony, splitting his head, and an assistant was nearly strangled to death by a boa constrictor. After the producers called in a priest to perform a cleansing ritual, two horses fell off a cliff. A second priest arrived later to perform the same blessing. Unfortunately, while one blessing is a charm, two are considered bad luck - and a third horse fell off the cliff. Published in the South China Morning Post. Copyright (c) 1999. All rights reserved. 5. MING PAO DAILY, AUGUST 16 1999, FILM AND TELEVISION SUPERVISION FILM GOLDEN RULE : BOX OFFICE SUCCESS EQUALS POWER Rumors of disputes have repeatedly plagued Tom Cruise and John Woo (Ng Yu Sum)'s MISSION : IMPOSSIBLE 2. Reportedly there were even rumors that Ng Yu Sum might be replaced. Woo's manager Terence Chang (Cheung Ka Chun) has clarified those rumors and only said that a difference of opinion between the producer and the director is very common. Film is a group effort. From producer to any other position, there are always many various opinions on the film's production. That is not surprising. Similar rumors have appeared many times only because Hollywood superstar Tom Cruise is also the producer, one person wearing two hats. The most difficult part of Hollywood filmmaking is not the production itself, but the political games. Ng Yu Sum has already talked about that point when he returned to Hong Kong after finishing his first Hollywood film HARD TARGET. Among the Hong Kong directors who have gone to America, Woo so far is the most successful one. His performance on handling the Hollywood office political games has been better than other Hong Kong directors. He is tolerant. One could see this advantage from his first Hollywood film. Woo waited a full two years in America before making his first foreign film. From HARD TARGET to BROKEN ARROW to FACE/OFF, everyone could see that he is building his position in Hollywood step by step. His manager Cheung Ka Chun has been a tremendous help on this end. It is not easy for a Hong Kong director to be listed as one of the 50 most influential people in Hollywood. Hollywood leads the world's film market. Hong Kong films cannot compare to that. Tom Cruise's position is even higher. He is one of the top few most influential figures in Hollywood. One would know how much power he holds from the fact that he is both the producer and star of MISSION IMPOSSIBLE 2. Hollywood producers have a lot of power. They can change directors. Besides systems, the world's film markets have one golden rule -- box office success equals power. In terms of success, Tom Cruise far exceeded John Woo. Ng Yu Sum has considered a long time before taking the job. Such difficulties must be calculated. Every producer of every movie has pressure. This time it is different because the producer is also the star. Working with a superstar, whether he is the producer or not, can be greatly influential. Hollywood superstars can change the script on the set, such things do not just happen in Hong Kong. The system is not absolutely right, power is. A production might have a lot of hardship but no problem. Film declares its hero from success. If it is a box office success, everyone is a winner. With Ng Yu Sum's position today, even if he does not work with Tom Cruise, he does not have to worry about not having a movie to make; but people should continue to challenge themselves. A story in the business has a certain Hong Kong director approaching a local superstar with an offer. He is very interested and even treats him to a banquet. The director asks the star, "If on the set we have different opinions and either of us is willing to give in, which side should be heard?" The star laughed, "The successful side." The director feels a chill and follows, "What if both of us are box office draws?" He answered, "Then we will have to see who draws more." After this meeting, the collaboration plan ended. - KWOK HIN CHING 6. Straits Times AUG 16 1999 SHORT TAKES By SUZANNE SNG Jackie floors the folks ACTION star Jackie Chan has beaten five other Hollywood actors -- Cuba Gooding Jr, Ian McKellen, Nick Nolte, Edward Norton and Billy Bob Thornton -- but not literally, of course. Chan, the only Asian face among the nominees, was awarded Actor Of The Year at the Hollywood Film Awards last Monday. Actress Of The Year went to Drew Barrymore. The two actors were selected by the American public at large. Votes were taken at over 1,400 Holly- wood video outlets, as well as on-line at ETOnline.com, Reel.com and HollywoodVideo.com. Other nominees for Actress Of The Year included Angela Bassett, Halle Berry, Angelina Jolie, Jennifer Lopez and Gwyneth Paltrow. Veteran actor Jack Lemmon was honoured with a Lifetime Achieve- ment prize. It's a purrfect match THE things people do for love. Hongkong movie actor Simon Yam, who is married to model Qi Qi, recently appeared in public looking like Hello Kitty's boyfriend. He had combed his hair back to look like the feline character, to make his wife of 18 months happy. She is a great fan of the cat. The couple, who started dating eight years ago, are often apart due to their busy schedules. But absence does make the heart grow fonder and Yam and Qi are known to be lovey-dovey at every opportunity. Appearing together as judges at a modelling contest recently, the two could not keep their hands off each other. She would wipe his brow, and he kept touching her nose. Yam told reporters that he had ordered a custom-made life-sized Hel - lo Kitty doll as a surprise for her. "I hope that when she is working overseas, she can hug the doll and think of me," he said. Well, he must think of his gorgeous wife every time he drives the Porsche. She bought it for him. He's too small to satisfy Shu Qi ARE you man enough for sultry actress Shu Qi? Shu has stated her preference for someone "stronger" than her. Age is not a limitation, but the man she is looking to marry must have some talents that will attract her. The former soft-porn actress also revealed that because of her domi - neering personality and quick reflexes, men who are too weak might unfortunately end up being beaten by her. Frightening words indeed, especially for her co-star, Tommy Su You Peng, who is due to steam up the big screen with her in a new movie set in China during the Cultural Revolution. Titled Bai Mian Hua (translated literally as White Cotton) and directed by Li Youqiao, the movie will see the two Taiwanese actors in love scenes. When the boyish-looking Su saw her for the first time, he blurted: "You look so much smaller in real life, and not as mature as on the silver screen." Shu's riposte: "You look very small-sized. How can you be my pas- sionate lover?" NICKY WOOED BY HK SERIAL TAIWANESE heart- throb Nicky Wu, currently filming a 100-episode serial for Hongkong's TVB station, has revealed that he was offered roles in five movies, but he rejected them in order to appear in the blockbuster serial. The monetary value of the roles he passed over comes up to at least a few million Hongkong dollars. But the actor-singer told a Shin Min Daily reporter that he did not choose his role in the serial based on money alone. "Just staying in Taiwan to act in drama serials will earn me more money than appearing in Hongkong movies or TVB drama serials," he said. He revealed that his salary for one year's work in Taiwan is equivalent to two year's in Hongkong. "I feel that acting in a drama serial is a new experience. And I can use the chance to master Cantonese." A former member of the Little Tigers singing trio, Wu has embarked on a successful singing and acting career since the pop group split. He can be seen currently on the big screen in My Heart Will Go On, playing opposite real-life girlfriend, Hongkong TV actress Ada Choi Siu Fun. Wu said that the two of them did not fall in love on the movie set, but later. The couple are playing lovers in the as-yet-untitled TVB serial. "Siu Fun has been acting for seven or eight years, and I've been in show business for more than 10 years," said Wu when asked if he felt awkward acting opposite Choi. "We can definitely handle working together in a professional manner." JUST PLAY, DON'T TALK ALL the rage in Hongkong in the '70s, pop group The Wynners, received boos from the crowd when they performed at a concert in Fanyu, China, recently. Formed over 25 years ago, The Wynners, featuring Alan Tam, Danny Yip, Bennett Pang, Anthony Chan and Kenny Bee, had played to appreciative audiences in a series of sell-out concerts in Hongkong be- fore venturing into China. The concert began smoothly enough, with the group belting out over 30 of their oldies and the crowd cheering them along. But when Chan got nostalgic and started reminiscing about the past, the crowd got nasty and started booing. A voice was heard shouting: "Shut up! So long-winded, you should stick to singing." The embarrassing and tense situation was only relieved when veteran stage performer Tam quickly started the music playing again to soothe the crowd. Copyright (c) 1999 Singapore Press Holdings Ltd. All rights reserved. 7. Yahoo! News Entertainment Headlines Monday August 16 3:29 AM ET 'Chucky' Director Lands Samuel L. Jackson Picture By Benedict Carver HOLLYWOOD (Variety) - Chucky has proven lucky for Ronny Yu, who will direct Samuel L. Jackson in the action-comedy "The 51st State." The Hong Kong director came to Hollywood attention with last year's horror hit "Bride of Chucky" for Universal. He has directed more than 30 pictures in Hong Kong, including the MGM action fantasy "Warriors of Virtue." In "State," Jackson plays an American master chemist and streetwise entrepreneur who heads to England with the aim of setting up one last drug deal. But what he thought would be straightforward becomes complicated as he gets caught in a web of double-crossing and inept swindlers while an anti-American local hitman escorts him around Liverpool. The independently financed ``State'' was written by first-time scribe Stel Pavlou while he was working in an liquor store in the north of England. Pavlou always envisaged Jackson in the lead role, and, taking a chance, he sent the actor a draft of the script. Surprisingly, Jackson committed to star, and even pledged to produce the film himself to get it made. Shooting is slated to begin early next year in Los Angeles and Liverpool. 8. Straits Times AUG 17 1999 So mad about Singapore food Album Launch Hongkong crooner William So has two loves in Singapore: His girlfriend and what's on almost every Singaporean's lips: Curry chicken, braised pork... By TEE HUN CHING HONGKONG crooner William So feels perfectly at home each time he makes a trip to Singapore. Not only does he get to catch up with his Singaporean girlfriend, her mother also makes it a point to whip up his favourite dishes. It is no wonder then that he jests: "My waist expands each time I come here." His girlfriend of more than two years is a 32-year-old businesswoman based here, but So appears reluctant to dwell on his private life. The topic of food, however, steers him into a higher gear. Rattling off his favourite dishes, the singer, who has been fielding questions in fluent Mandarin till then, lapses into rapid Cantonese. Curry chicken, braised pork and anything else with a spicy touch titillates his palate, he says with a grin. So, 32, met the press here yesterday in a snazzy black suit and his trademark tinted glasses to promote his latest Mandarin album, Hard To Love Someone. But questions hovered so much around his personal life that an executive from Universal Music, his recording company, interjected smilingly at one point: "That's enough about his personal life ... it defeats the purpose of this press conference, right?" So, though, managed a few brief answers without giving much away. Marriage, he reveals, is not on the cards yet. "We will do so once we feel the time is right. For now, career is the top priority." He adds, however, that he will not dodge the press on the big day itself. "This is nothing to be ashamed of. I will definitely let the media know if the plans are confirmed," he says. On the career front, things are more clear-cut. Two of his recent releases have won over legions of fans here. Too Nice, which was launched here late last year, chalked up 15,000 in sales while 7,500 copies of Hard To Love Someone have been snapped up since its release here two months ago. For the encouraging showing, So was also presented with the Platinum and Gold plaques for the two albums respectively yesterday. His next work, which is due out at the end of this month, is also expected to create a stir. Partnering a host of regional singers such as Kelly Chen from Hongkong, Valen Hsu from Taiwan, Tian Zhen from China and Yuko Yamaguchi from Japan, So can be heard showcasing his silky vocals in Cantonese, Mandarin and Japanese numbers of varied styles, including acid jazz, rap and ballads. Not only does the multi-lingual work mark a milestone in his career, it has also provided him with an enriching experience, he says. "I learnt how various people from different countries work. In Japan, for instance, they will never allow a chance for emergencies. Everything is planned properly beforehand." Better planning is perhaps what So is hoping for his three-day stay here this time. Asked if he would drop in on his girlfriend, he smiles and thumbs at representatives from the recording company: "They did not arrange time-out for me." Copyright (c) 1999 Singapore Press Holdings Ltd. All rights reserved. [ In Production Now/Soon ] Can : Chat Gung Ji Lit : Thief Prince p. Chan Chi Shun Michael Wong Man Tak, Louis Koo Tin Lok, Simon Lui Yu Yeung, Roy Cheung Yiu Yeung Can : Cheung For Lit : Gun Fire d. Johnnie To Kei Fung Francis Ng Chun Yu, Anthony Wong Chau Sun, Simon Yam Tat Wa Roy Cheung Yiu Yeung, Jackie Lui Chung Yin Can : San Chuen Lo Si Lit : Hill Village Old Corpse Francis Ng Chun Yu, Gigi Lai Chi, Mok Ka Hiu, Hoi Chun Kit Can : Hor Chu Si Ng Ga Lit : Where is My Home d. Chu Yen Ping Eric Tsang Chi Wai, Kristy Yang Kung Yu DIAL D FOR DEMON Can : Tan Siu Hung Ling Lit : Coal Burnt Murderous Spirit d. Billy Tang Hin Sing Jordan Chan Siu Chun, Terence Yin (Wan Chi Wai), Man Yi Man, Alice Chan Wai, Lee Ann d'Alexandry d'Orengiani, Winnie Leung Man Yi Can : Wong Gok Lan Mui Jai Lit : Mongkok Young Girls d. Lau Hau Wai Diana Pang Tan, Tsui Kam Kong, Simon Lui Yu Yeung, DiDi Chan Fung Yi, Chan Si Wing, Kwok Nga Kit Can : Si Ga Bo Biu Lit : Corpse Family Bodyguard Sherming Yiu Lok Yi, Timmy Hung Tin Ming Can : Yim Gwai Gwai Tam Lit : Erotic Ghost Strange Talk d. Ma Tin Yiu Chow Ka Yu, Chiang Wai Kwong, Hung Yi Can : Gwai Chan Nei Tai Hei Lit : Ghost Takes You To the Movies d. Chung Siu Hung Amanda Lee Wai Man, Sherming Yiu Lok Yi, Cheung Tat Ming, Simon Lui Yu Yeung, Benny Chan Ho Man Can : Fa Yeung Nin Wa Lit : Flower Like Years d. Wong Kar Wai Tony Leung Chiu Wai, Maggie Cheung Man Yuk Can : Gwai Tam ji Mor Gan Lit : Strange Talk : Magic Mirror Nicholas Tse Ting Fung, Lillian Ho Ka Lei, Ruby Lin (Lam Sum Yu), Karen Tong Bo Yu, Leung Chi Keung Can : Sun Tam Leung Gor Boon ji Hok Hau Yau Gwai Lit : Godly Detective Two and a Half : School Has Ghost d. Ng Chung Hin Jordan Chan Siu Chun Can : Mo Tang Lit : Dance Hall d. Law Shun Chuen Simon Yam Tat Wa, Astrid Chan Chi Ching, Ruby Wong Cheuk Ling, Annie Man Chung Han, Lai Yiu Cheung, Chow Siu Lung, Kwai Tak Fai, Rose Cheung Tung Lam, Pinky Cheung Man Chi Can : I C Kill Liz Kong Hei Man, Michael Tse Tin Wa, Jason Chu Wing Tong, Vincent Wan Yeung Ming Can : Cheung For Lit : Gun Fire d. Johnnie To Kei Fung Francis Ng Chun Yu, Anthony Wong Chau Sun, Simon Yam Tat Wa Can : Mo Yun Ga Sai Lit : Humanless Driving d. Lawrence Ah Mon (Lau Kwok Cheung) Can : Tim Yin Mut Yu Lit : Honey Sweet Words d. Derek Chiu Sung Kei Louis Koo Tin Lok, Yoyo Mung Ka Wai, Wong Ho Yin, Sue Au Suk Ching Can : Sun Ming Ja Fit Yun Lit : Life Controller p. Yuen Man Fai d. Henry Athena Chu Yu, Paul Wong Koon Chung, Wong Hei, Rev. Lam Yi Lok Length : 90 mins. [ THE SUN ] Several youths who grew up in the midst of blood and violence and came from broken homes do drugs and fight for fun. Upon finding God they change as they realize how valuable life is and start their lives anew. Can : Gui Sing Lit : Giant Star d. Frankie Chan Fun Kei Jackie Chan C3 FIGHTERS Can : Dei Seug Jui Keung Lit : The Strongest on the Ground d. Stephen Tung Wai Daniel Wu (Ng Yin Cho), Ken Wong Hap Hei, Cheung Chi Hiu Can : Man Lan Jit Gwai Tam Lit : Halloween Strange Talk p. Lau Siu Kwan Chu Yin Chun, Tsang Siu Yin, Lai Yiu Cheung, Kwok Fung Can : Fan Gwut Jai Lit : Traitorous Guy d. Nam Chi Wai Anthony Wong Chau Sun, Michael To Dai Yu, Stephenie Lam Mei Jing, Celia See Chi Lim, Nelson Cheung Hok Yun, Mok Ka Hiu [ THE SUN ] Cop Wong Chau Sun and gangster To Dai Yu grew up together and are like brothers, but the environment has forced them to stand off. After Chau Sun's death, Dai Yu takes in his widow Lam Mei Jing, who for revenge...... Can : Nui Nam Jeuk Lit : Woman Man Duke d. Wong Lung Wai Patrick Tam Yiu Man, Anthony Wong Chau Sun, Anthony Lau Wing, Pinky Cheung Man Chi Can : Hark Se Wui Dong Ong ji Lim Chu Sun Yun Lui Lit : Black Society Files : ICAC New Humankind AKA : Hark Se Wui Dong Ong ji Hark Gum Dai Gok Lit : Black Society Files: Black Gold Empire p. Cheung Yiu Wing d. Lai Gai Ming Anthony Wong Chau Sun, Diana Peng Tan, Chan Si Wing, Lee Lo, Chan Wai Man, Cheung Shui Jit Rating : III [ THE SUN ] A gangster (Chan Wai Man) first murders a woman, makes her daughter (Diana Peng Tan) his god daughter and proceeds to rape her. Her former boyfriend (Anthony Wong Chau Sun) is a police officer and the two team up in a battle between good and evil..... IQ DUDETTES Can : Lat Jiu Gau Sut Lit : Hot Pepper Classroom d. Frankie Chan Fun Kei Kristy Yeung Kung Yu, Cheung Tat Ming, Mark Lui Chung Tak, Monica Chan Fat Yung, Frankie Chan Fun Kei, Eric Tsang Chi Wai, Spencer Lam Seung Yi, Fu Siu Ming Colleen Chan Hung Yin, Alice Peng Wai Kwan, Kam Hoi Yun, Irene ?Santiago, Fong Chi Suen, Isabel SUNSHINE COPS Can : Yeung Guong Gaing Chat Lit : Sunshine Police d. Lo Kim Wa Stephen Fung Tak Lun, Eileen Tung Oi Ling, Ken Wong Hap Hei, Angelice Lee Sum Kit, Cheung Chi Hiu, Au Yi Ha Tong Law Man, Chow Chi Kui, Chan Man Na Can : Jui Gai Nam Ju Gok Lit : Best Actor p. Wong Jing Simon Yam Tat Wa, Kristy Yeung Kung Yu Can : Sun Ming Ji Sing Yut Siu Si Lit : Only One Hour Left in Life Cheung Tat Ming, Angela Tong Ying Ying, Hung Chiu Fung, Hoi Chun Kit, Cheng Seung Ting, Tung Ching Chiu Can : Chut Yuet Yau Sup Sei ji Shun But Shun Yau Nei Lit : July Again 14 : Believe it or Not d. Chin Sing Wai Francis Ng Chun Yu, Sam Lee Chan Sam, Yoyo Mung Ka Wai, Anita Chan Wing Yin, Ching Tung, Cheung Ho Lung Can : Lung Joi Bin Yuen Lit : Dragon on the Edge Andy Lau Tak Wa, Louis Koo Tin Lok, Patrick Tam Yiu Man, Anthony Wong Chau Sun, Eric Wan Tin Chiu, Suki Kwan Sau Mei, Man Yi Man. Can : Yun Gan Jing Fat Lit : Humanity Evaporation Pinky Cheung Man Chi, Ken Wong Hap Hei, Yung Kam Cheung, Farini Cheung Yui Ling Can : Sun Ga Fat Lit : New Family Law p. Nam Yin d. Cheng Wai Man Louis Koo Tin Lok, Kristy Yeung Kung Yu, Alex Fong Chung Shun, Sam Lee Chan Sam, Edmond So Chi Wai, Simon Lui Yu Yeung, Lai Yiu Cheung, Kelly Chan Pak Yu, Ng Chi Hung [ APPLE DAILY ] Scoundrel Shong (Lui Yu Yeung) is caught cheating at a mahjong parlor and his boss Concrete (Ng Chi Hung) lays down the family law by breaking his right hand. David Chow (Koo Tin Lok) is a raising Wise Guy who sells out mob boss Gentleman Sing (Fong Chung Shun) and takes over his place. Finally Scoundrel Shong lays down the family law and kills him. Can : Muk Lo Hung Guong Lit : Eyes Show Murderous Light AKA : Hung Bin Lit : Murder Change d. Ringo Lam Lan Tung Tony Leung Ka Fai, Lau Ching Wan, Amy Kwok Oi Ming, Chow Siu Lung (Ngai Sing), Lai Yiu Cheung, Kwan Bo Wai, Hui Siu Hung, Lee Seung Man, Lam Siu Jam Can : Lung ji Bo ji Chim Lung Duet Bo Lit : Treasure of Dragon : Diving Dragons Hunt Treasure d. Cheung Ng Long Chin Siu Ho, Monica Chan Fat Yung, Pinky Cheung Man Chi, Simon Lui Yu Yeung, Sherming Yiu Lok Yi, Lai Chun, David Lee Din On Na, Lung Juen Can : Sun Sei Kuen Chook Lit : Life Death Punch Speed Zhao Wen Zhou (Chiu Man Cheuk), Gigi Lai Chi, Anthony Wong Chau Sun, Sam Lee Chan Sam, Li Fei Can : Oi Ji Chor Tai Yim Lit : AIDS Initial Experience AKA : Oi Ji Sum Lit : AIDS Heart p. Lau Siu Kwan Yammie Nam Kit Ying, Law Kar Ying, Carmen Cheung Ka Man, Lam Jing Astrid Chan Chi Ching, Lau Siu Kwan Can : Chun Mut Ching Yun Lit : Close Lovers p. Chan Chi Shun d. Chu Gai Sun Yuk Fong, Michael Chow Man Kin, Chow Siu Lung (Ngai Sing) Can : Yau Si Tiu Mo Lit : Sometimes Dancce d. Stanley Kwan Kam Peng Hsu Chi, Michelle Reis (Lee Ka Yun), Julian Cheung Chi Lam, Lau Ka Fai, Takao Osawa (Dai Jat Gwai Hung), ?Momoi Haruko (To Jan Doi) [ THE SUN ] Lee Ka Yun is raised in America and has a great friend in To Jan Doi. On a business trip back to Hong Kong, she coincidentally visits the Lamma Island and runs into Hsu Chi, Dai Jat Gwai Hung and Cheung Chi Lam. "The entire story occurs within 24 hours. It is about how people adjust and adapt to changes due to the year 2000, including science, family value and politics!" Can : Sei Yun Bong ji Chin Ng Gau Sai Lit : Four People Gang : Not Enough Money to Spend Danny Lee Sau Yin, Mok Ka Hiu, Ken Lo Wai Kwong, Sam Lee Chan Sam, Monica Chan Fat Yung Can : Mo Mun Tai, Ngor Si Dai Jeung Fu Lit : No Problem, I am a Big Man d. Alfred Cheung Kin Tin (Gong Cheung Lung Si), Yasue Sato (Jor Tung Hong Wai), Sung Wan Kei, Ken Lo Wai Kwong, Francis Ng Chun Yu DOWN IN SMOKE Can : Hing Yin Boon Nung Ching Lit : Light Smoke Accompanies Strong Love d. Yip Kam Hung Nicholas Tse Ting Fung, Eric Tsang Chi Wai, Jo Kuk Cho Lam, Sandra Ng Kwan Yu, Stephen Fung Tak Lun, Sam Lee Chan Sam, Terence Yin (Wan Chi Wai) Guest starring : Hsu Chi, Kelly Chan Wai Lam Can : Hung Ji Lit : Red Letter Jimmy Lin (Lam Chi Wing), Annie Wu (Ng Sun Kwan) [ SING TAO DAILY ] Jimmy Lin plays a young man who seeks revenge for her grandmother. He falls for his friend's girlfriend (Annie Wu) but leaves the love triangle when he feels he cannot give her a future. Can : Ngor Tiu Nui Hai Ling Ling Chut Lit : My Girl is 007 p. Wong Jing Tony Leung Ka Fai, Hsu Chi, Tin Sum RED RAIN Can : Gaing Tin Dung Dei Lit : Shocking Heaven Trembling Earth p. Fong Ping d. James Yuen Sai Sun Alex Fong Chung Shun, Chan Chi Chung, Chan Yiu Fu, Miki Lee Ting Yi, Stephenie Lam Mei Jing, Sit Chi Ching, Mark Cheng Ho Nam, Jack Kao (Ko Jit), Nau Sing Jat Can : Wai Si Lei ji Nam Huet Yun Lit : Wesley : Blue Blood Person d., p. Wong Jing Andy Lau Tak Wa, Rosamund Kwan Chi Lam, Hsu Chi, Zhao Wen Zhou (Chiu Man Cheuk), Roy Cheung Yiu Yeung, Almen Wong Pui Ha Can : Sam Gan Boon Ye ji Mai Won Sat Sau Lit : 3:00 AM Middle of the Night : Mysterious Spirit Killer Ken Wong Hap Hei, Chan Hung Yin, Sherming Yiu Lok Yi Can : Lau Sing Yu Lit : Comet Words AKA : Chi Tau Mong Lit : Sticky Head Mango d. Jacob Cheung Chi Leung Leslie Cheung Kwok Wing, Kei Kei, Ti Lung, Carrie Ng Ka Lai, Lam Ka Tung, Amanda Lee Wai Man Jimmy Wong Ka Lok Can : Ji Woo Dip Lit : Paper Butterfly d. Lau Wa Michelle Reis (Lee Ka Yun), Andrew Lin Hoi, Nicky Wu (Ng Kei Lung) Can : Chet Ngai Ching Lit : Crimson Dangerous Love Max Mok Siu Chung, Shum Yu, Ben Ng Ngai Cheung, Ma Tak Chung --- [New Films] Info from Next Magazine (http://www.nextmedia.com.hk), Ryan's Hong Kong Movie DataBase (http://www.hkmdb.com), Netvigator (http://www.netvigator.com), Starzine Interactive (http://www.hkstar.com), and Webhkcorner (www.corner.com) BAYSIDE SHAKEDOWN Can : Tiu Yeuk Dai Sau Cha Sin Lit : Leaping Big Search Follow Leads d. Katsuyuki Motohiro (Boon Guong Hark Hung) Oda Yuji (Jik Tin Yu Yi), Yanagiba Toshiro (Lau Yip Man Long), Fukatsu Eri (Sum Jung Wui Lei) Rating : IIA Length : 120 mins. A floating corpse has intensified the mood of the ordinarily quiet Bayside Police Station. At the same time, a police chief is suddenly kidnapped and serious crime unit inspector Sut Jan is ordered to handle the case. Internal thefts also occur within the Bayside police station. All of the cases together have given everyone headaches. Ching Doe, a passionate officer with a detective mind, refuses to yield and challenges crime...... [ NETVIGATOR ] In this Japanese box office miracle (10 billion yen) which has been compared with Seven, Hiroshi Oda stars as Inspector Aoshima, stationed in the Tokyo Bay area. He has three days to solve four tenuously connected cases, the most bizarre of which involves the discovery of a corpse with embroidery on the belly. Someone has cut him open, shuffed a white teddy bear inside, and sewn him up again... [ CITY LINE ] A corpse is found floating in the river beside Bayside Police Station. An autopsy uncovers a white Tony bear in the stormach of the corpse. A high official of the police force is kidnapped at the same time. Traffic policeman Aoshima (Yuji Oda) is appointed to investigate the two cases. GIVE IT ALL Can : Gik Long Ching Chun Lit : Striking Wave Youth p. (Jau Fong Jing Hung) d. Itsumichi Isomura (Gei Chuen Yut Lo) Rena Tanaka (Tin Jung Lai Noi), (Ching Shui Jung Sut), (San Yeuk Choi) Rating : I Length : 121 mins. 15 year old Yu Ji, when compared to her elder sister with better grades, appears to be silly, dumb, and stupid. She gathers 4 classmates and creates the school's first female rowing team. However, they do not have any sport experience. Coach Jing also appears does not seem to care. Luckily, Yu Ji has a strong competitive will. Not only does she encourage her team members, she also reawakens Jing Ji's ambitiousness...... [ NETVIGATOR ] Etsuko - a typical Japanese high school student, who's unlucky in love, an academic failure, and plain bored with life. That's until one day, the view of a boat gliding gracefully in the sea inspires her take up the oar. Since she's rejected by her school's all-male rowing team, she decides to form her own all-women team. Nothing will ever be the same again. A LAMB IN DESPAIR Can : Yun Yuk Woon Gui Lit : Flesh Toy p. Leung Hung Wa d. WONG Ka-fei Anthony Wong Chau Sun, Sherming Yiu Lok Yi, Cheung Tat Ming, Mok Ka Hiu, Simon Lui Yu Yeung, Karen Tong Bo Yu, Pinky Cheung Man Chi Rating : III Length : 89 min. Immigrant Ng Tak Chi with his friend Paul has murdered 25 people and manages to place the blame on Paul who committed suicide in prison. Ng is released due to a lack of evidence, but is permanently exiled by the American government. He could only return to Hong Kong. Ambitious reporter Wong in order to benefit from the news of Ng Tak Chi's monstrous side uses the woman Macy...... [ NETVIGATOR ] Wu Chi Tat is an American Chinese allegedly responsible for a series of grisly serial murders. Released on inadequate evidence after his accomplice died in jail, Wu is expelled from the US. After returning to his native Hong Kong, Wu wishes to seek out his former friend Miss Yip, but fears he can't control his killer instinct. His high school classmate, now a reporter for the tabloid press, senses a good story, and sets about arranging a date for the two... paving the way for a bloodbath. A TALE OF RASCAL Can : Lau Man Hok Sun Lit : Rogue Student AKA : Nam Sun Nui Sun Pui Lit : Male Student Female Student Match d. Chu Yen Ping, Cheung Kwok Lap Nicky Wu (Ng Kei Lung), Vivian Hsu (Tsui Yeuk Suen) Siu Wing, Kwok Siu Man, Cheung Ka Suen Rating : IIB Length : 90 mins. Homeless bum Ah Mo and his little sidekick Little Ghost run into star Kei Kei. Under the request of Little Ghost, Kei Kei gets Ah Mo into a school and agrees that if Ah Mo ends up among the top five of the class she would accompany him to a buffet. The principal's daughter Lan Bing Jun falls for Ah Mo and helps him to get good grades. She even throws a party for him, but Ah Mo leaves without saying goodbye which greatly angers Bing. She even gathers a gang to beat Ah Mo up. From then on Ah Mo suffers the same repeating fate daily, unfortunately both Kei Kei and Little Ghost think he is lying...... [ NETVIGATOR ] Homeless bum Ah Mo and Little Ghost depend on each other. One day, the two casually meet film star Kei Kei. Mo is deeply attracted to her beauty and begins courting her. With Kei Kei's help, Mo becomes a stunt person on the set. Unfortunately due to his personality, not only does he not know how to get along with the crew, but also does not know how to express his feeling to Kei Kei. That is until Christmas...... [ THE SUN ] Ah Mo is homeless. While stealing food from a restaurant he runs into Kei Kei who is being chased by crooks. As Ah Mo is about to save her, he discovers that Kei Kei is actually making a movie. Ah Mo stays on the set and becomes a stunt double. Kei Kei even helps him to enroll in a school. The principal's daughter Lan Bing Bing falls for Ah Mo, helps him get good grades and throws a party for him. Unfortunately Ah Mo leaves without saying goodbye. He returns to the set to make money in order to treat Kei Kei to a Christmas feast. Lan Bing Bing finds a gang to beat Ah Mo up in return... YOU ALONE CAN'T SEE Can : Ji Yau Nei But Ji Doe Lit : Only You Did Not Know d. Akaishi Tomoyuki (Ming Shek Ji Hung) Sugimoto Tetta (Chuen Boon Jit Tai), Katsumura Masanobu (Sing Chuen Jing Shun), Kobayashi ? (Siu Lam Chung Mei), Riju Go (Lei Chung Gong) Rating : IIB Length : 105 mins. Years ago, Chuen Shek is sent to prison for sales fault (selling fake fire extinguishers). After his release, he loses his wife but gains a supernatural power -- he can see through the inside of everything. Cheun Shek decides to turn his life around, as he deliberately heads to the faraway Hokkaido to find his wife. Unfortunately she not only does not believe Cheun Shek's extraordinary power, but also finds a more reliable man...... AWAY WITH WORDS Can : Sam Tiu Yun Lit : Three Sticks of People d., w., c. Christopher Doyle (To Ho Fung) Tadanobu Asano (Chin Ye Jung Shun), Mavis Hee (Hui Mei Jing), Kevin Sherlock Rating : 90 mins. Asano is from Okinawa. He has super memory that normal people can only dream of. He comes from Hong Kong, the place with the fragrant name, sinks into Sa Mei, a bar "as sea and quiet as the sea", and meets a flirtatious, kind, passionate bar manager who like to bs, Kevin. Susie is a friend of Kevin. She spends most of her time bailing Kevin out of police stations. Three people from different places meet, communicate, and create an extraordinary people and atmosphere...... [ NETVIGATOR ] Asano leaves Okinawa, where he spent his entire childhood, and jumps ship in Hong Kong, looking for solace from the gridlock of memories filling his mind. He settles into the lush blue couch of the Dive Bar, owned by Kevin, a permanently sloshed drag queen. You could write a book about what Kevin doesn't remember. This is a filmed record of what Asano couldn't forget - a lyrical and haunting directorial debut by renowned cinematographer Chris Doyle. THE LEGENDARY HEROES -- THE FIST OF FURY Can : Lung Fu Lit Juen Lit : Dragon Tiger Legend p. Cheung Yiu Wing d. Lam Wa Fun Wu Wai Hong, Kwan Tak Fai, Tsui Siu Keung, Leung Shuet Mei Rating : IIB Length : 76 mins. Opened on August 6 at Kwun Chung Theater MYSTERIOUS STORY II : NO VACANCY Can : Gwai Yi Jap ji Fai Lei Oi Ba Lit : Strange Collection : Quickly Leave d. Wong Yat Ping Allen Ting Chi Chun, Lam Yi Tung, Kenneth Lau Hau Wai, Choi Wai Man Rating : IIA Length : 77 mins. Opened on August 6 at New Imperial Theater [ COMING SOON ] TROUBLESOME NIGHT 6 Can : Yum Yeung Lo 6 ji Hung Jau Hong Lit : Yin Yang Road 6 : Murderous Weekly Louis Koo Tin Lok, Gigi Lai Chi, Simon Lui Yu Yeung, Lai Yiu Cheung, Hong Kwan Ting, Ng Chi Hung, Nadia Chan Chung Ling, Oh Chi Kwan, Pinky Cheung Man Chi, Law Lan, Keung Wai Chung, Lam Yi Tung Rating : IIB Opening in August at Newport/Empire Circuit DEJA VU Can : Yuen Miu But Hor Yin Lit : Fate's Delicacy Cannot be Spoken of p. Ng See Yuen Nicky Wu (Ng Kei Lung), Peter Ho Yun Tung, Theresa Lee Yi Hung, Chiu Mei Opening in August at Golden Harvest Circuit SHIKOKU Can : Sei Gok Lit : Death Nation d. Nagasaki Shunichi Kuriyama Chiaki (Shook San Chin Ming), Natsukawa Yui (Ha Chuen Git Yi), Tsutsui Michitaka (Tung Jan Doe Lung) RUNNING OUT OF TIME Can : Um Jin Lit : Secret War d. Johnnie To Kei Fung Andy Lau Tak Wa, Lau Ching Wan, Yo Yo Mung Ka Wai Opening in August at the New Imperial Theater [ MING PAO WEEKLY ] Andy Lau Tak Wa plays a psychologically imbalance criminal who has always thought the world has crossed him. Though he appears no different than everyone else, he only thinks of how to harm people and continuously searches for a target and break his self confidence. Lau Ching Wan plays an expert negotiator who would try anything in order to save people. His expertise is psychology, which is what draws Lau Tak Wa to him for his psychological battle. FLY ME TO POLARIS Can : Sing Yuen Lit : Star Wish AKA : Lau Sing Yu Lit : Meteor Shower d. Jingle Ma Cho Sing Richie Ren (Yam Yin Chai), Cecilia Cheung Pak Chi, William So Wing Hong Guest stars : Eric Tsang Chi Wai, Eric Kot Man Fai, Sharon Tang Shui Man, Sandy Lamb San San Rating : IIA Opening in August at the Golden Harvest Circuit PURPLE STORM Can : JI YU FUNG BO Lit : PURPLE BLOOD RAIN STORM d. Teddy Chan Tak Sum Joan Chen, Kam Kwok Leung, Emil Chau Wa Kin, Daniel Wu (Ng Yin Cho), Josie Ho Chiu Yi, Michael Tong Man Lung, Mose Chan Ho, Allen Moo (Mo Kei) Opening Christmas at the Golden Harvest Circuit THE FATERDNGERS Can : Tung Dong ji Gum Pai Siu Nin Fan Lit : Child Gang : Gold Brand Juvenile Delinquent d. Kenneth Lau Hau Wai Simon Lui Yu Yeung, Sherming Yiu Lok Yi Opening in August at New Imperial Theater WHO'S DATING MY SISTER Can : Tai Doe Yam Mo Lit : Razor Pervert d. CHAN Siu-hung, HO Kam-chan AU YEUNG Yiu-lun, CHOW Yan-yan, CHEUNG Ka-chi, CHEUNG Chung-wai, AU Ka-ming, TSANG Yin, WONG Siu-ling, WONG Kam-tong Rating : III Opening 17 July 1999 in Kam Sing Tong Circuit VIAGRA MADNESS Can : Wai Gor Ya Fung Kong Lit : Viagra Must Be Crazy Too d. LAW Man-dick Simon LUI Yue-yeung, HONG Wing-lin, CHEUNG Yuen-ching Rating : III Opening 21 July 1999 in Kam Sing Tong Circuit AROUSMENT Can : Gaing Ying Ngai Ching Lit : Thrilling Erotic Dangerous Love d. TO Pak-hon HO Ka-kui, CHEUNG Nga-lai, CHEUNG Mei-shui, LEUNG Shum-lung, CHIU Wing-yan, MAN Long, GAI Ming Rating : III Opening 24 July 1999 in Kam Sing Tong Circuit A SWORD OF DAMOCIES Can : Chin Nin Goo Gim Lit : Thousand Year Ancient Sword d. MIU Kin-tak Simon LUI Yue-yeung, WONG Tin-chat, LEE Hiu-tung, PAK Leung-kam (YIP King-sum) Rating : III Opening 28 July 1999 in Kam Sing Tong Circuit SCHIZOPHRENIC Can : Sut Yeuk Si Hung Lit : Miss Appointment Time Space d. Nga Chun Au Chi Yan, Man Ka Wing, Chow Yiu Ming Opening July 23 1999 at New Imperial Theatre PIZZA EXPRESS d. Phillip Kwok Wai Chung Law Wai Kuen, Yuen Wai Ho, Che Bo Law, Sze Ka Keung Opening July 30 1999 at Kam Sing Tong Circuit YOUR SWEETHEART IS MY CONCUBINE Can : Yi Lai Duet Wai Lit : Second Wife Robs Position d. Chan Siu Hung, Ho Kam Tsan Au Yeung Yiu Lun, Chow Yan Yan, Wong Siu Ling Chan Chung Wai, Tsang Yin, Lau Man Chun Rating : III Opening August 1 1999 at Kam Sing Tong Circuit INTERNET MIRAGE Can : Din Lo Ngai Ching Lit : Computer Dangerous Love d. Ko Fei Charlie Cho Cha Lei, Cheung Yuen Ching, Nik Kei, Kam Cheung Yat, Lui Choi Fung, Mary Manna Rating : III Opening August 5 1999 at Kam Sing Tong Circuit YOUR CALL OR MINE Can : Gip Sat Oi Mei Sun Lit : Robbery Murder Love Beauty Goddess d. To Pak Hong Cheung Hung, Ho Ka Kui, Cheung Nga Lai Rating : III Opening August 9 1999 at Kam Sing Tong Circuit SHRIKE Can : Ji Bau Mung Gaing Won Lit : Paper Bag Nightmare d. Chan Siu Hung, Ho Kam Tsan Au Yeung Yiu Lun, Chow Yan Yan, Lau Man Chun, Tsang Yin, Lau Ka Wing, Leung Kam Sun Rating : III Opening August 13 1999 at Kam Sing Tong Circuit SOUL HUNTER Can : Se Chun Lit : Dead Stupid d. Mak Din Bong Chan Kwok Bong, Lam Yi Tung, Yuen Wai Ho, Sze Kai Keung Opening August 13 at New Imperial Theater THE SOCIAL WORKER Can : Man Gwai Nui Se Gung Lit : Fierce Ghost Female Social Worker d. Mak Din Bong Colleen Chan Hung Yin, Chan San Chung, Opening August 20 at New Imperial Theater HAUNTED RESORT Can : Dung Tai Do Ga Gwai Oak Lit : Tung Tai Vacation Haunted House d. Mak Wing Lun Cheung Hung On, Ching Wai San, Lok Tat Wa, Bo Pui Yue, Paul Carr (Che Bo Law), Leung Cheuk Moon Opening August 27 at New Imperial Theater PHANTOM PURSUER Can : Wan Ying Jui Hung Lit : Phantom Pursue Malice d. Miu Kin Tak Simon Lui Yu Yeung, Lam Wai Yin, Wu Wai Hong, Wong Kit Ying, Chung Wing, Annabelle Lee Hiu Tung VICIOUS TAXI DRIVER Can : Taxi Kong Mor Lit : Taxi Maniac d. Chan Siu Hung, Ho Kam Chan Au Yeung Yiu Lun, Chow Yan Yan, Wong Siu Ling, Hung Chi Sing, Leung Kam Sun, Lau Ka Wing, Chan Chung Hung Rating : III Opening in August at Kam Sing Tong Circuit BEWARE OF THE STRIPTEASE Can : Yim Mo Hum Jan Lit : Striptease Trap d. Miu Kin Tak Simon Lui Yu Yeung, Lam Wai Kin, Chan Yi Ming, Annabelle Lee Hiu Tung, Chung Wing, Wong Kit Ying Rating : III Opening in August at Kam Sing Tong Circuit LSD BEAUTIES Can : Mai Wan Mei Siu Nui Lit : Fantasy Beautiful Young Girls d. Chan Siu Hung, Ho Kam Chan Au Yeung Yiu Lun, Chow Yan Yan, Tin Bo, Tsang Yin, Leung Kam Sun, Lau Man Chun Rating : III Opening in August at Kam Sing Tong Circuit TEMPTATION Can : Ji Ming Yau Wat Lit : Fatal Temptation d. Lee Chiu Roy Cheung Yiu Yeung, Lin Luen, Suen Suet Mui, Lau Ling, Suen Kwok Ming, Lee Chiu Rating : III Opening in August at Kam Sing Tong Circuit SNOOPER Can : Do Ga Oak Tau Sit Si Gein Lit : Vacation House Theft Incident d. Chan Siu Hung, Ho Kam Chan Au Yeung Yiu Lun, Chow Yan Yan, Wong Siu Ling, Chan Chung Wai, Tsang Yin, Lau Man Chun Rating : III Opening in August at Kam Sing Tong Circuit BLOODY LIE Can : Huet Sing Fong Yin d. Miu Kin Tak Simon Lui Yu Yeung, Cho Wing Lin, Sze Yi Lin, Lee Hiu Tung, Chung Wing, Wong Kit Ying Rating : III Opening in August at Kam Sing Tong Circuit MASSEUSE Can : Yut Chai Chung On Mor Hoi Chi Lit : Everything Starts From Massage d. Chan Siu Hung, Ho Kam Chan Au Yeung Yiu Lun, Chow Yan Yan, Wong Chi Yung, Chan Chung Wai, Chan Chiu Hung, Leung Kam Sun Rating : III Opening in August at Kam Sing Tong Circuit ETERNAL LOVE Can : Shui Si Jui Oi Lit : Who is the Most Beloved d. Chan Shu Kai Kwok Chi Yin, Wong Wo Hing, Chow Mak, Yuen Hing Chit, Lee Wai Tin, King Fong Rating : III Opening in August at Kam Sing Tong Circuit CRAZY Can : Sei Cup Sat Yun Wong Yi Ji Nam Fung Lit : Category 4 Murdering Maniac 2 : Man Madness d. Joe HAU Wing-choi LAM Wai, HUI Yin-kwan, CHAN Yee-ming, KEI Chun, NG Koon-yick, KIT Mei Rating : II B Length : 90 minutes Will open in June 1999 TEMPTING HEART Can : Sum Dung Lit : Heart Move d. Sylvia Chang (Cheung Nga Ga) Takeshi Kaneshiro (Gum Sing Mo), Karen Joy Morris (Mok Man Wai), Gigi Leung Wing Kei, Elaine Kam Yin Ling, Sylvia Chang (Cheung Nga Ga) William So Wing Hong, Jo Kuk Cho Lam Opening around Mid Autumn Festival 1999 at Golden Harvest Circuit. [ MING PAO WEEKLY ] Not the usual run of the mill love triangle between Takeshi Kaneshiro, Karen Joy Morris, and Gigi Leung Wing Kei. SLOW FADE Can : Mo Mun Lui Ching Lit : Hopeless Journey d. Daniel Chan Fai Ken Wong Hap Hei, Jimmy Wong Ka Lok, Josie Ho Chiu Yi, Roy Cheung Yiu Yeung, Akira Koieyama, Sara Au Chi Yun Length : 90 mins. [ BERLIN FILM FESTIVAL ] Slow Fade is the story of one man's journey to the edge of his troubled life and back again. Fin Tait's wife is killed in a car accident and because he blames himself, his world begins to crumble. Unable to deal with his emotions, Fin disappears from his old life and seeks out a path of reckless self-destruction. Fins journey down the spiral of drugs and life on the streets almost brings him to an end but while shooting what would be his final fix, Fin's life miraculously finds a new direction. Under the heavy blanket of a heroin overdose in an abandoned building, Fin's epiphany manifests itself in the form of a religious vision. In his delusional and hallucinogenic state, Fin misinterprets two men mugging him as a vision of God. This divine intervention, as Fin believes, is what ultimately spares his life and sends him back into society. Fin finds himself recovering in a public hospital. It is here that he meets and finds solace in Kim, a young, street-wise prostitute. Brought together by circumstance, Kim and Fin form a close friendship... Slow Fade is a new breed of film-making that transcends international boundaries. The film's strong visual and audio dynamics explode into a film that an international audience can identify with. It is the first film in Asia ever to employ the most modern in visual and audio effects, such as the so-called 'cross-processing' technique in which positive film is developed as negative. --- [ Entertainment URL ] FLY ME TO POLARIS http://www.goldenharvest.com/polaris/index.html HUNG LO HUNG GUONG http://www.hongkongmovie.com/eyes IQ DUDETTES http://www.iq-dudettes.com RED RAIN http://www.red-rain.com THE TRUTH ABOUT JANE AND SAM http://www.jane-sam.com GOLDEN HARVEST http://www.goldenharvest.com A MAN CALLED HERO http://www.goldenharvest.com/amancalledhero/ BULLETS OVER SUMMER http://www.hongkongmovie.com/explose THE CONMEN IN VEGAS http://www.chinastar.com.hk/english/today/main.html GEN X COPS http://www.genx-cops.com.hk COOLALA.COM COOLATAINMENT http://www.coolala.com/enter/e005.1e.html (trailers) CINEGARDEN http://www.cinegarden.com/ Commercial Radio http://www.crhk.com.hk Television Broadcast Limited http://www.tvb.com.hk --- [New York Area Concerts] * GEORGE LAM CHI CHEUNG, SALLY YEH (YIP SIN MAN) IN CONCERT 99 August 22 1999 (SUN) 2:00AM 2:00PM Mark G Etess Arena Trump Taj Mahal Casino Resort Atlantic City NJ $110, 80, 50, 35 (ALL TAXES INCLUDED) Tickets available at : Raymond Miu Productions Inc. 195 Canal Street Suite 201 New York NY 10013 (212)966-0800 Star CD 40-09 Prince Street Flushing NY 11354 (718) 460-0808 --- [ TRIVIA OF THE WEEK/TOP TEN MAIL BAG] [ Trivia Question ] During this past Lunar New Year, Hong Kong's big two Jackie Chan and Stephen Chiau Sing Chi made cameo appearances in each other's films. In Chow Sing Chi's KING OF COMEDY, Jackie Chan plays an extra (an extremely well dressed one at that). What does the director ask him to do? [ Last Week's Answer ] During this past Lunar New Year, Hong Kong's big two Jackie Chan and Stephen Chiau Sing Chi made cameo appearances in each other's films. In Jackie Chan's GORGEOUS, Chow Sing Chi plays a police officer. What is his partner's name and what kind of officer is he? His partner is Sonny and he is a canine officer. ------------------------------------------------------------ Box office info : VARIETY, AUGUST 15 - 21 1999 The usual suspects : Internet Movie Database Erors : Ryan, ye olde chaffing editor, Uncle Prawn For the week ending Wednesday, August 11, 1999 Title Gross Scrns Wks Cumulative ($US) ($US) US$1 = HK$7.73 1 The Tricky Master (Newport) 1,339,655 37 1 1,339,655 Can : Chin Wong ji Wong 2000 Lit : Cheating King of Kings 2000 d. Wong Jing Stephen Chiau Sing Chi, Sandra Ng Kwan Yu, Nick Cheung Ka Fai, Suki Kwan Sau Mei, Kelly Lin (Lam Hei Lui), Wong Jing, Bat Leung Kam (Bobby Yip King San), Ng Chi Hung, Lee Siu Kei 2 Runaway Bride (Intercontinental) 884,641 32 1 884,641 d. Garry Marshall Julia Roberts, Richard Gere, Joan Cusack 3 The Mummy (PanasiaUIP) 508,371 25 3 3,155,470 d. Stephen Sommers Brendan Fraser, Rachel Weisz, John Hannah 4 Austin Powers 2 (Edko) 168,482 18 2 652,470 d. M. Jay Roach Mike Myers, Heather Graham, Michael York, Robert Wagner, Rob Lowe, Seth Green, Mindy Sterling, Verne Troyer 5 Bullets Over Summer (Newport) 142,012 16 1 142,012 Can : Bau Lit Ying Gaing Lit : Explosive Police d. Wilson Yip Wai Shun Francis Ng Chun Yu, Louis Koo Tin Lok, Stephenie Lam Mei Jing, Michelle Saram, Cheung Tat Ming, Law Lan, Ben Ng Ngai Cheung 6 Tarzan (Intercontinental) 94,651 12 5 1,596,455 d. Chris Buck, Kevin Lima Voices : Tony Goldwyn, Minnie Driver, Rosie O'Donnell Voices (Cantonese) : Takeshi Kaneshiro (Gum Sing Mo), Charlie Yeung Choi Nei, Sandra Ng Kwan Yu 7 A Man Called Hero (Golden Harvest) 80,523 14 4 2,991,670 Can : Jun Wa Ying Hung Lit : Chinese Hero d. Andrew Lau Wai Keung Dior Cheng Yi Kin, Hsu Chi, Kristy Yeung Kung Yu, Nicholas Tse Ting Fung, Mark Cheng Ho Nam, Jerry Lomb Hiu Fung, Sam Lee Chan Sam, Dion Lam Dik On, Ken Lo Wai Kwong, Yuen Biao, Francis Ng Chun Yun, Grace Yip Pui Man, Anthony Wong Chau Sun [ Summary below ] 8 Chibi Maruko Chan (Jade Animation) 40,010 5 1 40,010 Can : Ying To Siu Yuen Ji -- Yau Ching Shui Yuet d. (Ji San Lo), (Shui Tin Yu Mei Ji) JAPANESE ANIMATION 9 Star Wars: Episode 1 25,924 3 6 2,873,957 - The Search For The Blair Witch d. George Lucas Liam Neeson, Ewan McGregor Natalie Portman, Jake Lloyd Jar Jar Binks, Jar Jar Binks, Jar Jar Binks... 10 The Truth About About Jane & Sam (Newport) 13,112 1 4 620,676 Can : Jun Sum Wa Lit : True Heart Words AKA : Can : Jun Sum Dik Goo Si Lit : Story of Jane Sam d. Derek Yee Tung Sing Peter Ho Yun Tung, Fann Wong (Fan Man Fong) Chin Kar Lok, Cheng Pei Pei, Joe Cheung Tung Cho, Joe Cheng King Kei, Jason Chu Wing Tong, Yuen Siu Cheung, Simon Lui Yu Yeung [ Summary below ] Summaries for some of the films above. Some contain SPOILERS From Next Magazine http://www.nextmedia.com.hk/nm unless otherwise noted THE TRICKY MASTER Rating : IIB Length : 91 mins. Major swindler Ferrari (Wong Jing) specializes in swindling the rich. Serious Crime Unit inspector Chan Foon (Cheung Ka Fai) is ordered to infiltrate Ferrari's organization but is uncovered by him. Chan decides to con a conman and becomes a student of Wong Fu Si (Chow Sing Chi). Thus begins the swindle of the century. [ NETVIGATOR ] Inspector Chan has been ordered to incarcerate a wealthy businessman - Ferrari. However, the whole plot has fallen apart. Chan's girlfriend advises him to enlist the help of Wong, a notorious swindler. After going undercover in prison to learns all of Wong's tricks, he disguises himself as a Malaysian tycoon to ensnare Ferrari in an ingenious hoax. [ CITY LINE ] Tricky guy Ferrari (Wong Jing) pretends to be a businessman to befriend HK billionaires and get money from them. To counter him, Sergeant Chan Fun (Cheung Ka Fai) visits gambling Master Wong (Stephen Chiau) in jail to learn some tricks from him. When released, Master Wong claims to be a Malaysian businessman and wages war on
the gambling table! BULLETS OVER SUMMER Rating : IIB Length : 93 mins. Lai Sun Cheung (Ng Chun Yu) and Leung Lun Yun (Koo Tin Lok) in order to capture Drug Dragon rents Sei Por (Law Lan)'s residence for a stakeout. During their stay Lai has a delicate relationship with a laundromat boss, while Yun and Yen fall in love. As their relationships await further development, the target Drug Dragon appears...... [ NETVIGATOR ] Two police officers with different characters are partners in an action. They both are in charge of capture 'The Most Wanted' villain in town. In deed, they both found out those ordinary people - the landlady and the tenants - are much more difficult to deal with than those scoundrels are. [ CITY LINE ] Lonesome Mike and outgoing Yan are overlooked by their boss though they are excellent policemen. They rent a flat for surveillance over a wanted drug trafficker Dragon. The problem is that they have to befriend their stubborn landlady. Will they be able to eventually arrest Dragon? A MAN CALLED HERO Rating : II B Length : 117 mins. In 1913, Wa Ying Hung became martial art master Gum Ngo's student. When he returned home he discovered that his entire village has been slaughtered. Full of sorrow and hatred, Ying Hung killed all of the guilty foreigners. In order to escape capture he could only sell himself to America as hard labor. Yet his girlfriend Kit Yu is already with child and after much hardship the couple are finally reunited. Unfortunately, Kit Yu cannot escape the fate of death. Ying Hung is a jinx, destined to be alone for his entire life. Even after 16 years when he is reunited with his son, Ying Hung does not dare to keep him by his side...... [ NETVIGATOR ] This blockbuster movie adaptation of comic artist Ma Wing-Shing's most famous work "Chinese Hero" is an extravaganza of martial arts and special effects. The protagonist, Hero, is a righteous swordsman destined for solitude. His family and his whole village are massacred by foreign troops. His wife is killed by his enemies after giving birth to twins. His mentor, the invincible martial artist Pride, dies in a duel. Convinced that anyone who gets close to him will suffer calamity, he refuses to reunite with his son. But unknown to him, Mu, a Japanese girl who loves him truly, secretly follows him wherever he roams... [ CITY LINE ] One morning in 1913 a group of foreigners kills all of the inhabitants of a southern Chinese village. Snow falls heavily, symbolizing the grief. Hero urges a Kungfu master, Jin-ao, to let him become his apprentice so he can take revenge for his dead mother and the inhabitants of the village with Red Sword. [ MING PAO WEEKLY ] In China 1913, Tsui Kam Kong's character murdered Wa Ying Hung's parents. Ying Hung seeking revenge was able to only kill a group of foreigners who were involved, hence led to endless trouble. Forced into a corner, he could only sell himself to work as a laborer in America and left his girlfriend (Kristy Yeung Kung Yu) behind. Living an inhuman existence overseas, Ying Hung is luckily saved by a master (Anthony Wong Chau Sun). Later he even reunites with his pregnant girlfriend and friend Sun Lo (Jerry Lamb Hiu Fung). Unfortunately, on the eve of the birth of Ying Hung's child, a man (Mark Cheng Ho Nam) who is jealous of a colleague (Hsu Chi)'s admiration for Ying Hung comes to kill him and accidentally kills his girlfriend instead. His girlfriend gave birth to a boy and a girl. Yun Lo takes the boy with him, but the girl disappears. With Ying Hung's mentor suffering fatal injuries after a duel with Mo Dik (Francis Ng Chun Yu), Ying Hung firmly believes that he is "jinxed" and thus decides to cut all ties! 16 years later Yun Lo brings Ying Hung's son Gim Hung (Nicholas Tse Ting Fung) to America to find his father, unfortunately Ying Hung firmly Believes that by being by his side his son would suffer the same ill Fate and insists on disowning him...... CHIBI MARUKO CHAN Rating : I Length : 93.4 mins Siu Yuen Ji, the rude and mean Dai Ye and ?Jam San are teamed in a sporting event. Because Dai Ye and Jam San turning against each other over a minor issue, no matter how hard Siu Yuen Ji tries she cannot bring them together again. In the end Dai Ye has to switch schools due to his father's career change. At his farewell party, Dai Ye and Jam San have the same sailor bag...... [ CITY LINE ] Chibi Maruko is teamed up with two new classmates to participate in a few events on Sports Day. Though they lose the competitions, they get to know each other. This movie is about their enduring friendship even when one of them leaves the school. THE TRUTH ABOUT JANE AND SAM Rating : IIA Length : 100 mins. Reporter Sam holds a passion for news. At a theater he runs into Jane, a bad girl from Tai O and hopes to interview her for an article of the lost youth. Later Jane moves in with Sam and the two begins a relationship, but Sam actually hides Jane's true identity from his parents. The cracks between the two suddenly become obvious. To love or to mistrust? Both of their hearts are confused...... [ NETVIGATOR ] 20 year old Sam comes from a healthy family and currently is a magazine reporter; 17 year old Jane left home at the age of 14. She currently lives in a trashy apartment, hates the sun, always wears sunglasses, and does not get up until sunset. Sam wants to know more about her mysterious world. Jane for HK$3,000 agrees to be interviewed. She brings him to Tai O where she grew up, he takes her home to live temporarily. Unintentionally she discovers photos he took of her and sees her true self. She no longer wants to run away from life...... Jane is rebellious teenage junkie whose life is a long series of tripping and all-night raves. Her perennial shades and gold finger -sheath hides some dark childhood secret - after witnessing her mother jump off a building, the traumatised nine-year-old chewed off her own finger... Sam couldn't be more different from Jane. An idealistic reporter from a loving, middle-class family, his initial interest in her is purely professional. Can the moon and the sun meet on the plane? Can these two polar opposites ever find common ground? [ CITY LINE ] 20-year-old Sam comes from a healthy family and believes in true passion and love in the world. He becomes a local reporter after graduation. Having met a 17-year-old bad girl, Jane, Sam decides to write an editorial about the behaviour of this girl gone astray. Yet the more time he spends with Jane, the more he sees the good side of her. [ STRAITS TIMES ] A drug-taking delinquent with crimped, coloured hair that made "old couples move away from me in lifts" whose tough-as-nails exterior is cracked by the earnest sincerity of a Singaporean journalist, Sam, is a breakthrough for her. --- [ Yakety Yak ] The views and opinions expressed here are purely those of the writer and in no way reflect those of Hong Kong Film Top 10 Box Office, its contributors and affiliated web sites. Jer Jer Stinks Your Chaffing Editor --- [ Saving Private Ryan ] translated by Your Chaffing Editor Dying Small Potato (14) (To Be Continued) Ryan ryan@glink.net.hk --- [ What is playing at Your Chaffing Editor's office? ] "Love is tragic Love is bold You will always do what you are told Love is hard Love is strong You will never say that you were wrong I don't know when I got bitter But love is surely better when it's gone You wanted more More than I could give More than I could handle In a life that I can't live You wanted more More than I could bear More than I could offer For a love that isn't there Love is colour Love is loud Love is never saying you're too proud Love is trusting Love is honest Love is not a hand to hold you down I gotta pick me up when I am down I gotta get my feet back on the ground I gotta pick me up when I am down You wanted more More than I could love More than I could offer The harder you would shove You wanted more More than I could give More than I could handle In a life that I can't live" "You Wanted More" - TONIC ---- HK Fluff Of The Week and Box Office | Past reports available at HK Cinema : hktopten@yahoo.com | http://egret0.stanford.edu/hk/reports http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Towers/2038