Saturday, February 28, 2015

[2015.03.01] JACKIE CHAN CANNOT ASK FOR ANYTHING MORE

courtesy of singtao.com
With his son out of prison and his wife smiling again, Jackie Chan is all happy again!
Jackie Chan is making gestures as big as his emotions
Jackie Chan wants Jaycee Chan to start anew from behind the scene
courtesy of mingpao.com
Jackie Chan sees how well Jaycee Chan has turned out after prison and jokingly tells him to go back every year
The super giant screening room can only several hundred viewers
The cinema has merchandise like the Jackie Chan Maotai liquor
The cinema's "dragon" character logo
DRAGON BLADE posters can be seen everywhere
The VIP cinema has recliner chairs
Jackie Chan earlier attended an audience appreciation event for DRAGON BLADE
courtesy of on.cc

Jackie Chan earlier attended an appreciation event in Beijing for his new film DRAGON BLADE. Although the media asked about Jaycee Chan (Fong Cho Ming), he would rather bow several times than to respond. However Jackie Chan finally opened up in an interview as he talked about Cho Ming's changes and their father and son relationships.

Jackie Chan recalled the day when Cho Ming regained his freedom when father and son reunited for the first time. "That day I was still very busy. I heard from colleagues at my company that my son was very nervous. When I went upstairs, they even dropped him a hint over the walkie talkie and told him 'Old Man is coming'. As soon as the door opened, I gave him a big hug. We didn't say anything, I saw that he was more afraid than me! Ah Giu (Joan Lin) smiled and said, 'Dinner time!' We didn't really talk at dinner, but the feeling was very warm. We haven't been like this in a very long time! Yet after awhile it got awkward, it's very hard to describe. So I told him to talk about the detention center conditions. He said that he was there with many people. It was very cold inside. He was in there for half a year but never complained once. He even said, 'Dad, now I have more experience than you. From now on if something happens you can ask me!' I noticed that Ah Giu kept looking at our expressions, serving us tea and dessert, and letting us father and son chat. She only smiled. That night we talked and talked, before we knew it the sun was rising."

After half a year in prison Cho Ming changed a lot. Jackie Chan praised him. "I feel that he has become more orderly, he used to be very lazy and not focused enough. Now I see him putting his shoes away very neat, and eating everything that his Ma cooks for him. He is even willing to clear the table and fold his clothes. Seeing him like this, I told him, 'Why don't you go back for half a year every year!' He said that how could he if he won't do anything? He jokingly told him to ask, since it was quiet in there and he could write songs! (Is the father and son relationship closer?) When we spoke before we very quickly got into a conflict, we could get into a conflict over television. Now we don't. I feel that he had a lot that he wanted to tell me, he also played songs for me, and said that he wanted to write scripts. (You didn't yell at him at all?) No! It's already a fact, all the yelling won't change that. He has already been punished, but he didn't dare to raise his head to look at me. He looked very guilty, but I instead am not used to Cho Ming like this."

Jackie Chan was already less "critical" than before. He was never willing to work with Cho Ming before. Now he thought it would not be a big deal. "Will Smith can stop working for half a year to help his son, I haven't cancelled my own persistence. He said that he wanted to participate in the CZ 12 sequel script, if it's right then he would! He isn't the Little Fong anymore, he has grown up and put me at ease. He is Big Fong now! I want to train him to be a director and behind the scene. Earlier he wrote a song called 'KILL'. He wrote the music and we wrote the lyrics together. He has quite a knack for composing, which shouldn't be wasted! I now can't ask for anything more, my son is good, my wife is happy, my life is smooth. If I ask for more I would get struck by lightning!"

To Jackie Chan, Cho Ming "gained something out of his loss". He said, "That day I really didn't know (about Cho Ming's arrest). I even thought that he was kidnapped or was already killed. Later when I found out instead I was more relaxed. A week after it happened, I kept thinking why would something like this happen to me? I couldn't contact him and I didn't ask anyone for help, because I didn't know what to say! (Did lawyer friends help you?) They only tried to cheer me up. I have always believed in the justice system, I didn't do anything for my son. Now my name has been cleared."

Jackie Chan has always given tough love to his family, both with his son Fong Cho Ming and his wife Lam Fung Giu. Since Cho Ming's trouble, he was busy at work while worrying about Cho Ming. He could not be more attentive to Ah Giu. He said, "After that happened Ah Giu stayed at home everyday, I was afraid that she would be depressed so I sent her messages everyday. I didn't expect that as soon as her son came back she was all well again. Now I am sending her the 8th photo and finally she replies, 'Oh!' That doesn't matter though, now she is willing to see her old friends. As soon as she is happy that's fine! I am very happy too."

Aside from film productions and performance, Big Brother even invested larger on his "Jackie Chan Cinemas". The group for now has opened 25 branches in many major Mainland cities and its growth has been rapid.

The Beijing flagship cinema since its 2010 opening has been on top for four years. In 2014 it reached the 100 million RMB revenue record. The cinema had 17 cinemas and 2 VIP cinemas. The biggest one had a 24 meter wide, 17 meter tall giant screen with several hundred seats, the best place to enjoy IMAX 3D film. As Big Brother's film base, the cinema used the Chinese character "Dragon" as its design. The cinema even used Big Brother's classic film posters for decoration. The recently released new film DRAGON BLADE's poster could be seen everywhere. The cinema even had merchandise with Big Brother's names like the "Jackie Chan Moutai wine" for many "Jackie fans" to collect.

The Jackie Chan, Adrien Brody, Choi Si-Won starred Lunar New Year 3D film DRAGON BLADE opened on the Lunar New Year's Day (February 19th) and already made over 100 million yuan RMB at the top of the Mainland box office. As of February 27, the new film has already accumulated 580 million RMB (around HK$ 718 million).

Aside from the strong cast, DRAGON also had many 3D and IMAX 3D versions. It was also the only IMAX 3D film during the Beijing Lunar New Year slot, which became a huge draw at the box office. No wonder it was able to attract many viewers.

[2015.03.01] AARON KWOK HAS REACTION TO MONKEY KING 2 MAKE UP

Lingshan Giant Buddha Statue in Wuxi
Law Chung Him, Xiao Shenyang, Feng Shaofeng, Gong Li, Aaron Kwok, Sammo Hung
courtesy of mingpao.com
Gong Li and Aaron Kwok prays for smooth production and box office success in Lingshan, Wuxi
Sing Sing enthusiastically shakes Gong Li's hand as soon as she sees her
Action director Sammo Hung is very strict with every shot
Feng Shaofeng arrives in a wheel chair
Feng Shaofeng is less than mobile but still prays faithfully
courtesy of on.cc

THE MONKEY KING 2 (SAI YAU GEI ji SUEN NG HUNG SAM DA BAK GWUT JING) starred many stars including Gong Li, Aaron Kwok Fu Sing, Feng Shaofeng, Xiao Shenyang and Law Chung Him and will open on the Lunar New Year of the Monkey 2016. To guarantee production progress, during the Year of the Sheep the entire team remained on the set in Wuxi. This month they will complete the Mainland production and the team will fly to New Zealand for production.

Earlier to celebrate the arrival of the Year of the Sheep, the team went to the giant Lingshan Buddha statue to pray for blessing. Feng Shaofeng who was injured earlier insisted on attending in a wheel chair. Kwok Fu Sing and Gong Li greeted each other with a handshake. Everyone prayed for the film in front of the Lingshan Giant Buddha and wished everyone doubling their fortune and wisdom, luck and for all their wishes come true. Kwok Fu Sing and Gong Li prayed faithfully. Feng Shaofeng was injured and needed help from Xiao Shenyang and the crew to kneel and pray. He was very faithful as well. Actually he was injured twice, once he was even in a coma. Last year when he worked on a riding scene in Wuxi he fell off the horse and was crushed, he was unconscious immediately. Sing Sing was scared out of his wits. Rushed to the hospital, Feng Shaofeng regained consciousness when boss Alex Wong Hoi Fung visited and was released a week later.

For this performance, the actors put in a lot of effort. Xiao Shenyang even gained weight for his character. Feng Shaofeng even with his injury still insisted on performance. Gong Li earlier said that if this performance of White Bone Spirit had no breakthrough that she would consider it a failure. Playing Sun Wukong Kwok, Fu Sing admitted that this film was the most difficult in his career. The special effect make up alone already took several hours, and he had many action scenes in the film. During the shoot his skin also had an allergic reaction. He was not only peeling but also itching all over. The team in order to ease Sing Sing's condition arranged for people to give him facials. Each time Sing Sing's manager Siu Mei visited the set in the Mainland, she had to transport a big box of medication. Always willing to accept a challenge though, Sing Sing said that the film was worth all his effort. "As long as the audience likes it then it is worth it!" The crew even joked that even if Sing Sing suddenly had an itch during the shoot, he could scratch it because Sun Wukong loved to scratch himself!

Filmko has spent HK$ 5 million on the Hong Kong International Film and Television Market at the end of the month. Aside from buying three eye catching stalls, the company also created a White Bone Cave and bought a lot of advertising on the program including the cover and the back cover.

The film company also prepared teasers for the buyers to catch a first glimpse, but the official trailer will have to wait until June at the Shanghai Film Festival. To attract viewers, the cast will not attend the film promotion together. They will only appear in groups that will be kept confidential to draw attention.

Boss Wong Hoi Fung also said that the production has gone over its budget. "This time the make up took a lot of work. On average 4 hours had to be spent on make up. Some even needed 8 hours. The film also had over 800 costumes. Some areas have gone over budget, but I expected them to. Action director (Sammo) Hung Kam Bo was also very strict, the wire work had to be perfect and the marks had to be hit with precision."

[2015.03.01] NICK CHEUNG JOKES ABOUT CHOW YUN FAT SEDUCING HIS WIFE

courtesy of singtao.com
courtesy of mingpao.com
Chow Yun Fat and Nick Cheung bring laughter to everyone
Chow Yun Fat and his wife Jasmine Tan
Calvin Choy, Philip Keung and Remus Choy are all excited
Connie Man, Hazel Tong
courtesy of on.cc

The Lunar New Year film FROM VEGAS TO MACAU 2 (DOH SING FUNG WON II) became the Mainland, Hong Kong, and Taiwan Chinese film box office champion. In Hong Kong it made HK$ 23 million, in the Mainland it made over 650 million, and in Malaysia it is headed toward 1 billion RM. Last night a celebration was held. Boss Yu Dong, Director Wong Jing, Producer Andrew Lau Wai Keung, Chow Yun Fat and his wife, Nick Cheung Ka Fai, Nat Chan Pak Cheung, John Chiang Dai Wai, Connie Man Hoi Ling, Julio and the theme song performers the Grasshoppers attended.

Cheung Ka Fai and Fat Gor spoke to the media together. Speaking of the ideal box office performance, Fat Gor admitted that he was very happy and gave the credit to "Master" Ka Fai. Ka Fai immediately said, "Wow, earlier I was afraid of sinking the ship." Last night a lucky drawing was held. Fat Gor heard that each investor would put in HK$ 200,000 for HK$ 800,000. Fat Gor asked Cheung Ka Fai if he would put in a little for the drawing. He joked that his salary was low and he had no bonus. They both agreed that even if they won they would not put the prize back in.

At the celebration, Yu Dong pointed out that if the Mainland box office will exceed 800 million RMB he will make a third film. When asked about it, Wong Jing said, "after 1 billion." Lau Wai Keung said, "Probably!" Cheung Kai was asked if he will continue to work on Lunar New Year films. "It's in negotiation." If Fat Gor and Cheung Ka Fai would work together again what subject would they like to make? Cheung Ka Fai admitted that he wanted to make a gun fight mob film with Fat Gor. Fat Gor joked, "I haven't held a gun in a long time, I can't do it. My hands shake."

Cheung Ka Fai praised Fat Gor for his infinite charm. When he watched this film with his wife Esther Kwan Wing Ho, she only had eyes for Fat Gor. Fat Gor asked Cheung Ka Fai to bring his wife next time to test it out, and asked if his wife would go on a hike. "Relax and go to make a movie, I used to be babysitting. (Tony) Leung Chiu Wai asked me. Do you know what Second Brother Guan does the most?" Cheung Ka Fai cut in, "Seducing a friend's wife?" The crowd cracked up. Fat Gor pointed out that Cheung Ka Fai was called him dishonorable. Cheung Ka Fai joked, "Who told you to set me up in the film? You asked me to hit 'Chow Yun Fat'!"

"Jing Girl" Man Hoi Ling and Hazel Tong Chi Yui yesterday attended as well as artist Dominic Ho Ho Man. Last year Hazel won HK$ 500 cash prize at the lucky drawing, this year she was dressed in red in hopes of winning the sponsors' HK$ 800,000. Connie was dressed in gold. Speaking of Cheung Ka Fai hoping to work on a gun fight film with Fat Gor, Ho Ho Man jumped in, "I like guns too! I collect air guns as a hobby."

[2015.03.01] JUST FOR FUN: AIMEE CHAN THINKS THEIR SECOND SON RESEMBLES MOSES CHAN

courtesy of singtao.com



courtesy of mingpao.com
Moses Chan picks up wife Aimee Chan at the hospital and shares a kiss
Aimee Chan posts a photo of her second son Nathan Lucas online
Moses Chan sees reporters, grabs the bag and opens a path, while Aimee Chan carefully holds their baby
courtesy of on.cc

Friday, February 27, 2015

[2015.02.28] JACKIE CHAN THANKS HIMSELF IN THE MIRROR

courtesy of singtao.com
Jackie Chan nowcares more about word of mouth than box office
courtesy of mingpao.com

Jackie Chan two nights ago appeared in his film DRAGON BLADE's celebration in Beijing. Since its February 29th release the film has made over 500 million nationwide. Jackie Chan and director Daniel Lee Yan Kong attended a celebration with the cast. Famous CCTV host Bai Yansong talked with Jackie Chan, who lamented that he was already 60 and his thinking has drastically changed. Now he would no longer care about the box office. He admitted that in the past he would always make comparison with Sammo Hung Kam Bo and Jet Li (Lee Nin Kit) and would be very anxious about the box office. Yet after several decades he no longer had the pressure, as long as he did his best then he was fine. He too had confidence in himself. He said, "I have been through too many storms. Since I can answer to Heaven, Earth and conscience, I can sleep well everyday. I wouldn't swindle anyone as I am responsible to fans.

Jackie Chan admitted that as he got older his action was not as agile as before. At his peak he could perform five straight kicks, now he has trouble with one. He would focus more on the story, and coordinate the action with some tricks and cameras. Jackie Chan said that his films in recent years all promoted patriotism and peace. As early as 30 years ago his films were already patriotic. He hoped that every film would be able to deliver the message of patriotism. DRAGON was a story about protecting the Silk Road. Bai Yansong asked if it had to do with the national policy of "building the Silk Road Economic Belt". Jackie Chan pointed out that he already wanted to make this film seven years ago. He said, "Although I am not too educated, I still love my nation today. Shouldn't people love their country. Is loving my country a crime? If I get yelled at for loving my country, then let them!"

When the host mentioned that Jackie Chan should thank himself in the mirror for DRAGON BLADE becoming a hit, he suddenly revealed his "secret" and said, "Lately every morning I get up I would face the mirror and say, 'Jackie Chan how lucky are you'." Then he truly said to the mirror, "Jackie Chan thank you, you are truly lucky."

In addition, the location where Jackie Chan was was the same as where his son Jaycee Chan (Fong Cho Ming) earlier held his apology press conference. Jackie Chan yesterday bowed to the media several time to apologize and thanked everyone for their acceptance of his family.

Thursday, February 26, 2015

[2015.02.27] (SPOILER) CHARLENE CHOI'S ACTING IMPROVES LEAPS AND BOUNDS IN SARA

Charlene Choi is a favorite among the Hong Kong actresses.  SARA is a challenge for her.
Ah Sa has been in the business for 15 years, turning from a girl to a woman
Ah Sa and Simon Yam's relationship in the film is complicated
Playing a school girl does not pose any challenge for Ah Sa
Ah Sa did not hesitate during the shoot
Ah Sa gives a very solid performance
Gillian Chung turns into a mermaid
Ah Gil has no fear for Ah Sa's close up photography
Charlene Choi
courtesy of mingpao.com
courtesy of singtao.com
Gillian Chung and Charlene Choi's Maldives vacation has come to an end but they are still savoring the sunny and happy trip!
Ah Sa takes this photo for Ah Gil and says, "I really like this quiet feeling...as soon as I see it I can't help but press the shutter."
Everyone says Ah Gil looks beautiful in the water
Ah Sa and Ah Gil snorkle
Twins reunite at sea!
courtesy of mingpao.com
courtesy of singtao.com
Charlene Choi chooses the Maldives for her vacation
Gillian Chung enjoys the sunshine in the Maldives
Simon Yam and Charlene Choi have an ambiguous relationship in SARA
courtesy of mingpao.com

Charlene Choi Cheuk Yin was nominated for the Hong Kong Film Award Best Actress with SARA (CHOR GEI) and challenged Best Actresses Vicki Zhao Wei, Tang Wei, Sandra Ng Kwan Yu and Zhou Xun. Her performance became her acting breakthrough; Ah Sa dropped her idol burden and in the film smoked and cursed, had very daring bed scenes with her step father (Tony Ho Wa Chiu) and Kam Ho Yin (Simon Yam Tat Wa) who put her through school. Ah Sa before the film release went to the Maldives with Gillian Chung Yun Tung to relax and even shared the rare swimsuit selfies.

Choi Cheuk Yin choose the sunshine and the beach of the Maldives to enjoy a quiet vacation with Ah Gil. After Ah Gil's god father Jeff Lau Chun Wai posted his god daughter's swimming photos and was envious of her vacation, Ah Sa's assistant also posted Ah Sa's swimsuit selfies and said that "Leader Choi's" new toy "selfie stick" took them and everything was shared with everyone. Ah Sa's selfies were very pretty, she almost has returned to her early Twins' days.

[SPOILER]



















As for Ah Sa's line in the SARA trailer, "I let you X me!", people are looking for her performance that broke through her idol baggage. In the film, two men, her step father and Kam Ho Yin who put her through 8 years of school, changed Sara's life. The step father rape scene was realistic and was very hard to take. Sara thus left home and ran into her "Daddy Long Legs" Kam Ho Yin, who again brought hope to Sara's life. They went from an abnormal buying and selling relationship at the beginning to an indecent romance that was difficult to end.

Two scenes contrasted each other. The first time Kam Ho Yin took Sara to a restaurant was very sweet. Years later after they broke up, with terminal liver cancer Kam Ho Yin saw Sara for the last time at the same sport, the sweetness turned into headache and created a strong contrast. Worthy of praise was Ah Sa's acting that has improved greatly. After rises and falls in real life like the secret marriage and divorce, her growth seemed to have sped up. Ah Sa's emotional scenes in the film were grasped accurately, she cried when she had to. The scene in which Kam Ho Yin argued with Sara for release even became the climax; in another scene Ah Sa tearfully yelled at Brother Wa, then let go a series of foul language, took off her underwear, tossed it at Brother Wa, lifted up her dress, spread her legs and screamed, "Do you want to X? XXX! Hurry up!" The result was shocking, completely different that the old Ah Sa.

In the film Ah Sa and Brother Wa had three love scenes that were very daring. In the "car battle" Ah Sa took the initiative and felt up Brother Wa, then put his hand on her chest. In another scene they were making out on a sofa. In white underwear Ah Sa let Brother Wa kissed her chest, finally even took off her underwear and bared her back on the screen. In the third scene they were in bed, Brother Wa removed Ah Sa's underwear. Although the camera stopped where it should, Ah Sa was convincing with her expressions. Ah Sa's wild performance had a lot to do with Brother Wa. His excellent acting drew in a lot of viewers and conceivably put Ah Sa in character more easily. Instead Ah Sa and her on screen boyfriend Ryan Lui Chun Kong's scenes were rather ordinary.