HKMDB Daily News

October 26, 2011

October 26, 2011 [HKMDB Daily News]

Filed under: News — Tags: , , , , , — dleedlee @ 8:42 pm

Aung San Suu Kyi: Not Interested in ‘The Lady’ (WSJ)

A1: Michelle Yeoh to join Malaysian politics?

But when contacted, her parents - Datuk Yeoh Kian Geik and Datin Janet Yeoh deny having any knowledge of their famous daughter’s political ambition.

FBA: Kora review

Engrossing two-wheel road/survival movie set in the wilds of Yunnan and Tibet.

Kora - Li Tao

Li Tao, director Du Jiayi

Li Tao (Sina)

ChinaPost Abba review No, not that Abba

“Abba” is a musical documentary about the life and legacy of Hong Yi-feng (1927-2010), one of the most iconic popular musicians in post-World War II Taiwan. The film, produced by Hong’s three sons, offers great music, nostalgic discoveries, a glimpse into creative minds, a complex and tender family story and some food for thought on the possible healing power of religion.

China orders cutback on TV entertainment

China’s State Administration of Radio, Film and Television starting next year will restrict shows that “record the dark and gloomy side of society,” the Southern Metropolis Daily said.

CF: ”The Tale of Two Cities” to be Released

Directed by the young Chinese director Pan Anzi, and starring Richie Ren, Teng Ge’er, Yvonne Yung and Xiong Naijing, the film “The Tale of Two Cities” is set to hit cinema screens during the Spring Festival of 2012…Set in the turbulent days of the Republic of China, the film tells the tale of grassroots outlaws and rivals.

The film is set in the thirties, in old Shanghai, and documents the filming of a horror movie in an old mansion. As part of the storyline, the lead actress of the movie being filmed, which is set in the ancient times, dies uncannily. A policewoman, played by Han Yifei, is sent to apply for the role of lead actress, lurking among the cast to investigate the case. However, actors and actresses start to die one after another, plunging everyone into a terrible dilemma.

Ning Hao’s “No Man’s Land” to get a November release? Frozen for two years, reporters last night spotted an entry on China Film Digital Development’s web site a table of distribution dates, including one for an entry for Nov.29 listed only as ‘WRQ’, i.e., Wuren Qu/No Man’s Land. The entry was later deleted. When reporters questioned the company, a spokesman denied it. But reporters claimed to have a screen capture showing it. The spokesman said he would investigate and see if it was a staff member’s entry error. (Sina)

“Lost in Panic Cruise” is the usual array of detectives, high suspense and murder. The movie is expected to thrill audiences during the week of Halloween and is due to start screening tomorrow.

“Sleepwalker in 3D” posters. Put your glasses on now!

Angelica Lee

Calvin Li Zong-han

Charlie Young

Huo Siyan

Charlie Young at the Beijing premiere this afternoon

Huo Siyan, Charlie Young, Angelica Lee

Charlie Young, Angelica Lee

Calvin Li, Huo Siyan, Charlie Young, Angelica Lee

(Sina), 2, (Sina-gallery)

Aaron Kwok celebrated his 46th birthday today at an event for “Cold War” in Hong Kong

Aaron Kwok, Tony Leung Ka-Fai

Aarif Lee, Eddie Peng (Sina)

The Hong Kong singer denies that she is in a relationship with fellow singer Denise Ho

The photo was said to be taken by the Hong Kong singer’s assistant

March 8, 2011

March 8, 2011

Filed under: News — Tags: , , , , , — dleedlee @ 11:58 pm

Happy International Women’s Day! But don’t be a 3-8 po, okay?

Today is also the 76th anniversary of the suicide death of Ruan Lingyu at the young age of 24.

R.I.P.

THR: Zhang Yimou, Feng Xiaogang Push Beijing for Piracy Crackdown

Tang Wei portrayed Mao’s girlfriend

There are unconfirmed reports that Tang Wei’s scenes in The Founding of a Party have been all deleted. The film has been edited down from 2 hours 50 minutes to 2 hours 20 minutes currently.(Xinhua) (Sina)

Poster for The Detective 2 (B+ Detective) starring Aaron Kwok, directed by Oxide Pang. (Sina)

Ning Hao’s No Man’s Land is reportedly going to be released April 20 according to anonymous sources. Distributor China Film Group could not give a definitive answer. (Xinhua), (Sina)

Jordan Chan demonstrates his Pushing Hands technique (Sina), (Sina-gallery)

Beijing premiere press conference for Dragon Pearl costarring Jordan Chan and Wang Ji. (Mar.7) (Xinhua-gallery)

Chen Kun and Zhang Yuqi reproduce a photo of Tsien Hsue-Shen and wife for the upcoming biography Qian Xuesen

Tsien Hsue-Shen (Qian Xuesen) became the father of the Chinese missile program after being deported from the US under suspicion of being a spy. (Sina)

The Butcher, The Chef and The Swordsman will be without the promotional services of Kitty Zhang Yuqi.

Multiple explanations were cited, it was either due to a work schedule conflict with Qian Xuesen or the issue of her breakup with former boyfriend Barbie Hsu’s fiance, according to sources.

Liu Ye He-Man (Underdog Knight 2)

Liu Ye said that he hoped to emulate the Japanese Tora-san film series and create a long-lived Chinese film series. He-Man opens April 1. (Sina)

Poster for Chase Our Love (lit. Otaku Story)

The film opens April 1 and features a cast that includes Kenny Bee, Stephy Tang, and Alex Fong Lik-Sun. (Sina)

79 year-old Lee Heung Kam is suffering from Parkinson’s Disease according to HK media reports. She does not want to disclose it but was spotted going to the doctor’s with Susanna Kwan. Still working tirelessly on various TV series, Lee suffered a fainting spell on set last year.  (Xinhua)

Poster for upcoming Joey Yung concert in London (Sina)

Additional photos of Yao Chen in Paris

(Xinhua-gallery)

Backstage at the showroom for the Chanel show (Sina-slide show)

A few more of Fan Bingbing in Paris at the Dior fashion show (Sina-slide show)

Nicholas Tse

Jordan Chan, Jan Lamb

Jeff Lau, Andrew Lau

Ekin Cheng, Pakho Chau

(Sina) Backstage celebration (Sina-slide show)

MSN; Michelle Reis shares photo of son on microblog

MSN: Isabella Leong initiated split from Richard Li

Craving for her previous glamourous lifestyle, the actress chose to split with the Hong Kong tycoon

MSN: Andy Hui admits to relationship with Sammi Cheng

CNA: Sammi Cheng wants “a normal relationship” with Andy Hui

“This news fits the will of the people better than any Government policy or budget plan. I was very happy when I heard about it,” said Hui’s Big 4 band mate William So.

Police may reopen probe into suicide of Korean actress

THR: China Roughs up Journalists over ‘Strolling’ Protests

Three Sundays running, online calls for organized “strolls” and a “Jasmine Revolution,” inspired by the recent popular overthrow of Tunisia’s government, were posted to Chinese social networking sites.

February 21, 2011

February 21, 2011

Filed under: News — Tags: , , , , , , , , , — dleedlee @ 4:09 pm

Director of new China’s first film with kissing scene dies at 90

Huang Zumo, director of the classic Chinese movie, Romance on Lushan Mountain, died Saturday night in Shanghai.

1981 - Huang Zumo, Zhang Yu, screenwriter Bi Bicheng (Xinhua)

A Woman, A Gun, and A Noodle Shop - Coen remake released on DVD

On Blu, the visuals and soundscapes are stunning. On DVD, they are good. Both formats share an exhaustive documentary that, at 119 minutes, runs 29 minutes longer than the brisk feature. You see Yimou’s exacting filmmaking techniques. His bravado is even more impressive because you see he was in pre-production while concurrently planning the opening ceremonies for the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

CRI: Theme Song MV of ‘Buddha Mountain’ Released

Chen Bo-Lin, Li Yu, Mavis Fan, Fan Bingbing, Fei Long

Mavis Fan, Fan Bingbing

(Xinhua-gallery) (Sina-gallery)

CRI: New Director Debuts with Two Films

Journalist-turned filmmaker Yan Ran will make his directorial debut with “Sweet Journey” and “Together”

ScreenDaily: Stool Pigeon review 2

A tasty Hong Kong cops and robbers movie marred by a cliched plot and over-melodramatic backstory

The Butcher, The Chef and The Swordsman poster, opening Mar.17

Ning Hao in guest appearance (Sina), 2

Ning Hao’s aptly-named and ill-fated No Man’s Land has seen its release delayed again. Rescheduled for a tentative April release, the film was once again postponed. The film began shooting in May 2009 and originally slated for a December 2009 release. After criticisms from the film review board for having no good characters and too many bad guys, the film has struggled to find approval for its release. Meanwhile, Ning Hao has begun work on a new film for 2011 audiences. (Sina), 2

Poster for the thriller Fatal Invitations (Deadly Invitations) based on a best-selling Japanese novel

The film stars Cheung Tat-Ming and opens Mar.4 (Sina)

Poster for Lock Destination, formerly J-10’s Sortie

Huang Yi

Huang Yi costars in the film, a tribute to the 60th anniversary of the mainland’s Air Force (Sina) [3.2.2010]

Dragon Pearl poster

Dragon Pearl is a Chinese-Australian co-production and will be released on Mar. 11

Jordan Chan costars in the archeological action film. Mario Adreacchio directs Sam Neill and Heidi Wang Ji in the leads.  (Sina), (Xinhua)

Cherie Chung appearing in Beijing for jewellry brand Chaumet (Feb.19) (Xinhua)

MSN: Selina Jen’s wedding put on hold indefinitely

MSN; Kristen Jen rumoured to replace Selina Jen in drama

MSN: Kevin Tsai to host Barbie Hsu’s wedding

MSN: Patty Hou confirms April wedding

Italian seeks kung-fu stardom in Shanghai (AFP)

“Shangdown: The Way of the Spur” is an independent kung-fu spaghetti western, and the cowboy is Christian Bachini, a 25-year-old Italian actor who came to Shanghai to become an action star.

October 15, 2010

October 15, 2010

Filed under: News — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , — dleedlee @ 5:59 pm

Variety: Addicted to Love (China) review

A Chinese senior citizen rediscovers the power of the heart in the beautifully observed and played “Addicted to Love.”

Reign of Assassins - Michelle Yeoh’s swordplay gem

CRI: ’If You Are the One’ Sequel in Theaters Dec. 22

CRI: ’The Butcher, The Chef and The Swordsman’ Releases Final Trailer

CRI: Latest Stills of ‘Wind Blast’

THR: Pang Brothers’ 3D horror films bows in HK

Pang went to the cinemas to observe the opening day crowd for “The Child’s Eye” on Thursday in Hong Kong, and saw firsthand the three main advantages that 3D brings to the film industry as a whole.

Also: Filming for “The Sleep Walker” is scheduled to start at the end of this month in Hong Kong and Thailand for a 2011 release.

Indomina Releasing has acquired domestic rights to Hong Kong martial arts thriller “Bodyguards and Assassins” from We Distribution.

Indomina also recently acquired “Griff the Invisible,” “Wasted on the Young,” “True Legend” and “Fire of Conscience.”

Midnight Heartbeat/Midnight Pulse new poster

The Simon Yam, Francis Ng hospital horror film has finally received an official release date after passing a final cut and review following another round of edits. The release date is set for December 24th. Ho, Ho, Ho! (Sina)

Ning Hao’s film No Man’s Land has finally been freed from limbo. Originally scheduled for a December 8, 2009 release, the film had been held up by authorities and now finally granted a December 18, 2010 release. Reportedly too dark for censors, the film has been reedited many times. Though Ning Hao had previously said the changes were minor, netizens were expressing doubts. (Sina)

Zhou Dongyu, Shawn Dou Xiao

Zhang Yimou brought Under the Hawthorn Tree to the Hawaii International Film Festival. As Dou Xiao is fluent in English, he acted as Zhou Dongyu’s translator.

(Sina), 2, 3

Alec Su, Pace Wu

Pace Wu

Hidden Chamber of Secrets unveiled the film’s poster and officially launched its website yesterday. The film opens October 29. (Sina), 2


The cast of Jingle Ma’s Dynamic Angel (Race Car) celebrate Jimmy Lin’s 36th birthday.

Cecilia Cheung, Jimmy Lin, Tang Wei, Chie Tanaka, Han Jae-Seok

Jimmy Lin, Rene Liu, Jingle Ma (Sina)

On the set of Love Island

Simon Yam, Francis Ng

Francis Ng

The cast also includes Song Jia, Janice Man, Chang Chen and Joan Chen

(Sina) (Thanks, to Valerie)

Stanley Fung

Stanley Fung appeared on a Beijing TV program recently (Sina)

May 14, 2010

May 14, 2010

Filed under: News — Tags: , , , , , , , , — dleedlee @ 3:47 pm

Variety: Chongqing Blues

An irreparable father-son bond triggers a study in bleak cityscapes and pervasive intergenerational malaise in “Chongqing Blues.” Initially as glum as its title would suggest, Wang Xiaoshuai’s poignant if plodding ninth feature — which follows an absentee father trying to glean information about the dead son he never knew — eventually opens up with a handful of quietly affecting moments, but elsewhere bogs down in psychodramatic flashbacks that ultimately sentimentalize as much as they clarify. http://hkmdb.com/news/?p=5453

Screen Daily: Chongqing Blues

A strong performance by Wang Xueqi as the father provides emotional ballast but fails to make up for the glacial pacing of the drama; and although there are some effective emotional tugs and an evocative use of the film’s dirty industrial city setting, the audience’s investment in the slowbuild structure is never paid back in full. http://hkmdb.com/news/?p=5456

THR: Wang Xiaoshuai returns to Cannes

CRI: “Chongqing Blues” Screened at Cannes Film Festival

Fan Bingbing

Li Lingyu, Zi Yi Cannes red carpet (Xinhua)

Fan Bingbing in dress from Elie Saab for film’s premiere (Sina), 2

He Yumeng

Be sure to check out ewaffle’s take on the premiere’s red carpet.

CNNGo: Josie Ho in Dream Home: Incredibly gruesome must-see slasher film

Jeon Do-Yeon - Cannes (Sina)

Tasty, full of black humour, but finally upended by the mannerist games it plays so ably, erotic thrillerThe Housemaid is a smart but shallow remake of Kim Ki-young’s cult 1960 Korean movie of the same name.

THR: The Housemaid

Bottom Line: An operatic, sensuous social satire that dares to be different from the original classic.

Screen Daily: Sandcastle (Singapore)

Sandcastle marks a quietly assured debut feature from writer/director Boo Junfeng. The blending of guilty family secrets and the ghosts of Singapore’s recent past create an involving narrative that is related with tenderhearted understatement.

Variety: Bedevilled (South Korea)

A young mother understandably wants to get off a remote island filled with violent and misogynistic miscreants and slave-driving old hags in “Bedevilled,” a confused genre hodgepodge that marks the feature debut of Kim Ki-duk’s former assistant director Jang Cheol-soo. Part limpid study of city-country contrasts, part one-sickle-kills-all revenge fantasy, Jang’s film drifts from one genre to another without ever fully coming into its own.

Taipei Times: Taipei Exchanges

‘Taipei Exchanges’ juxtaposes capitalism against a more idealistic way of life in the form of two sisters, one practical, the other utopian.

Eight films and two TV dramas in the works

First up for Chan himself is the martial arts film “Drunken Master 1945.” Though neither a remake nor sequel to Chan’s 1978 hit “Drunken Master,” the new film is intended to capture the martial arts spirit that the earlier film also celebrated.

Beginning in August, Steve Woo will direct “The Break-Up Artist,” a Chinese Mandarin-language romantic comedy about a young woman who runs an agency that helps couples break up.

Jackie Chan a ruthless boss?

Ken Lo, William Duen Wai-Lun sacked with little compensation; Xinhua, 2

Zhao Benshan as a river pirate in “Laughter of the Water Margins”

Director is Chu Yen-Ping (TreasureHunter)

(Sina)

Ning Hao’s No Man’s Land too dark? (Xinhua)

Former Olympic diver Tian Liang has joined the cast of Andrew Lau’s love story Beautiful Life

Beautiful Life stars Shu Qi, Liu Ye (file photo) (HunanTV)

CRI: Tsui Hark’s 3-D Animation “Animen” to Hit Cinemas on Children’s Day, (Sina)

Opening in China, Europe and US simultaneously

Rumor Mill:  Previously, Edko announced that Tsui Hark would remake a 3D version of New Dragon Inn. No cast has been announced yet. Earlier rumors has Gui Lun-Mei and Ethan Ruan as Tsui Hark’s favorite candidates. A current rumor from an ‘insider’ on the micro-blogosphere has Jet Li, Li Yuchun and Zhou Xun in the new love triangle with filming to begin in September. (HunanTV)

Taipei Times: Pop Stop - Mother’s Day

Huang Yi and her cat

Practicing her piano (Photos from micro-blog)

CRI: Gigi Leung Breaks up with French Boyfriend, Channel NewsAsia

Gigi Leung breaks up with French boyfriend of four years

May 13, 2010

May 13, 2010

Filed under: News — Tags: , , , , — dleedlee @ 5:36 pm

Behind Chongqing Blues

In Wang’s opinion, the potential success of Chongqing Blues proves the exceptional efforts of his film crew, but it is not representative of China’s film industry, especially not the artistic film scene that has been “gradually dying,” according to Wang, since 2003 when the market opened up to high budget, profit-geared blockbusters.

China Daily: Wang film up for Palme d’Or

Lin Peng was mistakenly introduced on the red carpet as Fan Bingbing by the red carpet host. Later, the publicity director explained that the confusion and embarrassment was due to a delay in Fan Bingbing’s car arriving.  (Xinhua)

Screen Daily: Bill Kong’s Edko sells Life Is A Miracle

Bill Kong’s Edko Films is launching international sales on award-winning Chinese director Gu Changwei’s Life Is A Miracle, starring Zhang Ziyi and Aaron Kwok, here at Cannes.

Set in a small Chinese village, where an illicit trade in human blood has resulted in the spread of HIV, the film follows two fellow AIDS sufferers, played by Zhang and Kwok, who fall in love with each other.

Meanwhile Edko has also picked up international rights to Jacob Cheung’s Rest On Your Shoulder, a fantasy romance that combines live action with CGI animation.

The story follows a young woman who makes a pact with a mythical being to become a butterfly in exchange for the recovery of her sick fiancé. The cast is headed by Aloys Chen, Gigi Leung, Kwai Lun-mei and Jiang Yi-yan, while the crew includes award-winning Japanese composer Jo Hisashi (Departures, Spirited Away).

Fox Searchlight has taken North American rights from IDG China Media to Wayne Wang’s sweeping epic Snow Flower And The Secret Fan.

Gianna Jun and Li Bing Bing star in the adaptation of Lisa See’s bestseller about female friendship in 19th century China. Hugh Jackman also appears.

However, producer An Xiaofen says the film could have earned much more. “Ip Man 2″ was leaked online on May 4, one week after its release. The pirated version has attracted more than 10 million clicks. That would amount to 300 million yuan (US$44 million) at the box office, the producer estimated.

No Man’s Land in limbo

Update on Ning Hao’s No Man’s Land. According to reliable sources, Ning Hao’s oft-delayed, highly anticipated film has been ’smothered’, i.e., cancelled, last week. Even after numerous changes, the film had failed to meet the approval of the film review board. If this is accurate,  film producer, China Film Group, stands to lose huge amounts of money that it has invested in it. However, a Sina Entertainment spokesman denied that the film had been killed. Aptly named, No Man’s Land, indeed. (Sina), 2

Lucas has a new little brother

Cecilia Cheung gave birth to a little boy weighing 7.7 pounds yesterday at 10pm (Sina)

Deborah Li, Patrick Tse Yin, happy grandparents (Xinhua)

Nicholas Tse, Cecilia Cheung welcome second son

Although Nicholas’ parents, 1950s heartthrob Patrick Tse and former actress Deborah Li, told the media that the child hasn’t been named, sources previously said the parents have decided on ‘Marcus’.

Charlene Choi, Ronald Cheng officially divorced

Sam Lee with Myolie Wu, Sharon Chan and Joyce Tang in TVB drama Fury Street Corner

(AnD)

Marsha Yuan guest performed at Michael Wong’s Legend Reborn Macau show while mom Cheng Pei Pei watched from the front row.

Josie Ho also guested (AnD)

CRI: Song Commemorates Rebuilt Sichuan

Lisa S made first move on Daniel Wu

Glamour girl comes down to earth

April 26, 2010

April 26, 2010

Filed under: News — Tags: , — dleedlee @ 2:08 pm

CRI: Wang Xiaoshuai’s Film Competes for Golden Palm

Wang Xiaoshuai has earned his second Golden Palm nomination for his latest film “Chongqing Blues” (aka Mosaic).

CRI: Release of ‘No Man’s Land’ Delayed Again

Release of Chinese director Ning Hao’s film, “No Man’s Land”, was delayed because of its controversial content.

The 2006 film “Crazy Stone” brought director Ning Hao great fame among movie-goers, but his latest film has been delayed several times since the end of last year. It has been criticized for having no sense of social responsibility because there are no heroic characters in it, only bad guys.

CRI: ‘The Double Life’ Premieres in Guangzhou

During the premiere, a full-on naked shot of lead actor Yuan Wenkang caused a sensation. At the press conference, when Yuan was asked whether he would do more nude scenes, director Ning said she believed Yuan is a good actor who realizes the value of nudity in art.

Karen Mok

Kay Tse, Kenny Bee and Karen Mok promote anti-drug awareness for Girl Scouts

Chrissie Chau is off to Monte Carlo to shoot her new photo album (Sina)

A-Mei whips the crowd into a rocking frenzy

Taiwanese pop diva A-Mei unleashed the raw power of her aboriginal rock-chick alter-ego, Amit, with her Amit First World Tour Live concert here yesterday night to thousands of screaming fans at the Putra Indoor Stadium in Bukit Jalil.

The three-hour concert, titled after her aboriginal name, Gulilai Amit, sees the singer-songwriter clad in leather outfits, leopard-print skirts, complete with heavy Goth make-up…

To the delight of her fans, A-Mei brought along renowned American guitarist Marty Friedman, the former lead guitarist of trash metal group, Megadeth.

CRI: Richard Li to Be a Father Again Soon

Li’s girlfriend, Isabella Leong, was confirmed pregnant with his second child and has flown to Vancouver to prepare for the delivery. Hong Kong media say Leong is expected to give birth in November.

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