12.8.2011 - News [Roast Pork Sliced From A Rusty Cleaver] (飲水思源)

This post was produced by Roast Pork Sliced From A Rusty Cleaver: http://yellowcranestower.blogspot.com

Damn you, China Lion! It looks like D.C. has been dropped from the list of cities that is getting a release of "Magic to Win" this Friday. Presumably, no future films either. New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Toronto and Vancouver remain on the island.

CF: Comedy Film "No Liar, No Cry" Premieres in Beijing
The film is set in the desert, and tells a tale between a mine owner and several money-mad people who want to buy his mine. The mine owner spends 10 years trying to find gold in the mine, while fending off people's attempts to take it over. In the end, the forces of nature and human triumph over greed.

CF: Row over Zhang Yimou's Blockbuster "Flowers of War"


Movie review: East Meets West 2011 (A1)
The new version often seems to be trying too hard - lacking the unaffected, carefree attitude that helped make the original so entertaining to watch

CF: Mainland Box Office Chart in Week 49

White Vengeance" took $12.58 million at the Mainland box office over six days, catching number one spot easily. Chinese New Year hit "East Meets West 2011" dropped to second place with gross $3.24 million...

Even taking advantage from the "Happy Ghost" movie franchise, "Magic to Win" just debuted to poor performance of $1.53 million in its four day run. Same day released film "Cold Steel" and "A Big Deal" earned $0.69 million and $0.64 million in box office respectively in their first week.

Joining the 3D fray is "Speed Pioneer", made for domestic audiences. Featuring parkour action, the film's cast includes Wang Zi (aka Prince) of Lollipop.

Parkour team

Wang Zi (Sina)

Stills from "Don't Follow", a micro film featuring Fan Bingbing dressed in men's clothing. Sponsored by Nokia. (Sina)

Posters for "Black & White Episode 1: The Dawn of Assault" based on the popular Taiwanese TV series, "Black & White", about triads.

Huang Bo, Terri Kwan

Alex To

Angelababy

Jack Kao

A Ken (Ken Lin)

Mark Chao

Soler - Dino and Julio Acconci 

(Sina), (Sina-slideshow)

MSN: Andy Lau rumoured to have taken a secret remedy to improve his baby chances
The Hong Kong actor had hoped to improve his health and conceive a baby boy
Edison Chen: "I was too straight, too stupid and believed people." (CNA)

(Sina)

11.8.2011 - News [Roast Pork Sliced From A Rusty Cleaver] (飲水思源)

This post was produced by Roast Pork Sliced From A Rusty Cleaver: http://yellowcranestower.blogspot.com

Ricky Hui passed away tonight

Sam, Ricky Hui in concert

Hong Kong media is reporting that Ricky Hui died of a heart attack Tuesday night. He was found by an assistant at home lying in bed and not breathing. Ricky Hui was 65 years old. He joined the Shaw Brothers actors training course in 1971 along with his brothers. (Sina), 2

TimeOutHK: Warriors of the Rainbow: Seediq Bale I review

CRI: Zhang Yimou's 'Flowers of War' to Open in US

CF:  Final Posters of "East Meets West 2011"

CF: "Dear Enemy" to Compete with "The Flowers of War"

Set against the backdrop of a business environment, "Dear Enemies" tells the story of a separated couple who become bitter enemies as they enter into war over the issue of company acquisition. A promotional trailer for the movie was released at the press conference.

Xu Jinglei at the press conference (Sina), 2

CF: Stills for "Cold Steel" Out

Director David Wu's latest sniper-themed film "Cold Steel" has had its new still photos released recently. The stills feature actor Peter Ho and actress Song Jia. In the film, they portray a couple of love birds.

CF: Still Shots of "One Flew over the Retirement Home" Released

Directed by Zhang Yang and starring Xu Huanshan, Wu Tianming and Li Bin, the film "One Flew over the Retirement Home" ("Fei Yue Lao Ren Yuan") is currently being filmed in Tianjin. On Saturday, the film's production team released a collection of still shots featuring mainland actor Chen Kun who makes a guest appearance as a doctor in the film.

CRI: Gao Xiaosong Released after 6 Months in Jail

Whilst serving time in the jail, Gao also wrote the theme song "Like a Dream" for his film "My Kingdom" which was released in September.

"Painted Skin 2" poster released at the AFM features Zhou Xun

(Sina)

Sun Zhou's "Yes, I Do" held a film wrap press conference with cast members Sun Honglei, Li Bingbing and Duan Yihong. The film is due for a Lunar New Year release.

Sun Honglei, Li Bingbing, Duan Yihong

Sun Honglei, Li Bingbing, director Sun Zhou, Duan Yihong

Sun Honglei, Li Bingbing, Duan Yihong, Mi Qi (Sina-gallery)

THR: Michelle Yeoh Garners Praise at AFI Fest for 'The Lady' (Video)
The actress talks to THR about her life, career and dream opportunity to play and meet Aung San Suu Kyi, the Burmese winner of the 1991 Nobel Peace Prize.

CF: A Lack of 3D Technology in China's Film Industry
The fever for 3D movies spread quickly throughout the worlds' film industries. Production companies were keen to cash in on high returns, and China's growing film market was no different.

China's 'soft power' push stumbles at the movies
Mainstream Chinese films all need government approval for release, and there is a marked absence of movies that tell revealing, gritty tales set in the present day.

CF:Bai Baihe in Black and White

Bai Baihe, the star of the latest romance movie "Love is Not Blind", poses for a new photo shoot in black and white to promote the film.

CRI: Fan Bingbing's Another Fashionable Appearance

Fan Bingbing dons Versace for H&M collection at a fashion event in Beijing on Monday

Vicki Zhao to make directorial debut
Edison's ex-girlfriend speaks
Edison's rumored ex-girlfriend, Gloria Wong, scolded him bluntly for his fetish obsessions and revealed that Edison had asked her to wear a pink lingerie set to pose for some photographs while they were dating.

Cammie Tse: "It's not me!"

A1: Only 16, is she a smart cookie or smut rookie?

A1: Jay Chou's sincere lover or scheming Lolita?

She was discovered when she was just 14 years old.

Elaine Ng's show to be cancelled

"TVB was considering that she has many good friends, such as Veronica Yip and Chingmy Yau. These former sex goddess have left showbiz and it would have been a talking point to have them on the show but..."

MSN: Selina Jen has yet to register her marriage
MSN: Eason Chan collaborates with daughter on new album

William Hung has joined the Los Angeles Police Dept as a technical crime analyst after graduating from college. He became a sensation after appearing on American Idol and later appeared with Nancy Sit in "Where is Mama's Boy?"

Remember me?

(Sina)

10.10.2011 - News [Roast Pork Sliced From A Rusty Cleaver] (飲水思源)

This post was produced by Roast Pork Sliced From A Rusty Cleaver: http://yellowcranestower.blogspot.com

THR: China-Korea-Japan Ready 'Yang Gui Fei' for November Shoot
Yang Gui Fei tells the story of a Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD) imperial consort who was the favorite of the Emperor Xuanzong. Despite her legendary beauty and relationship with the emperor, she was ultimately killed by the emperor's guards after her family was blamed for a rebellion against the monarch.

THR: Asian Filmmaker of the Year: Tsui Hark
Filmmaker Tsui Hark expects bright future for 3D movies
CNA: Asia's movie makers embrace 3D revolution
A 3D horror movie set in a public toilet block is part of a revolution underway in the Asian film industry as low-budget 3D productions take on the big studios at their own game.
CF: "Starry Starry Night" Releases Six Hand Painted Posters by Jimmy
THR: Lin Pins Hopes on 'Starry Night'

CF: "Inseparable" Premieres at the Busan International Film Festival
"Inseparable" tells the tale of the things that happened between two men after their encounter, one is a mysterious American guy played by Kevin Spacey, and the other is a young engineer played by Daniel Wu, who has troubles both in his life and career. After experiencing constant accidents and intense danger, they both embark upon a totally unexpected journey which threatens to spiral out of their control.

WSJ: Spacey’s ‘Inseparable’ Opens at Busan

THR: Inseparable' Culture Clash Story Stars Kevin Spacey
Diverse background of director Dayyan Eng leads to a first in the Chinese film sector.

Eng has two upcoming projects set for 2012: a heist gone wrong film that will likely shoot in Hong Kong next spring, backed by China Film Group and a Hong Kong partner. The other is the birth of his first child, due in January.

CF: Trailer out for 'White Vengeance''

CF: 'Let the Bullets Fly 3' Postponed for Jiang Wen's New Project

Actress Fan Bingbing glitters in Busan
"My Way" centers around two men set in the Battle of Normandy during World War II. Even though it's a war film, the movie mainly portrays a drama of true humanity that transcends border and nationality.
Fan plays a Chinese woman with astonishing sniper skills, who seeks revenge for the Japanese army's murder of her family.

THR: Korean WWII Film Promises Big Action, Bigger Drama
“We aimed to provide visual effects that haven’t been seen before in a war movie, but My Way is essentially a dramaa bout humanist values,” said director Kang Je-kyu, who ends a seven-year hiatus since helming Taegukgi, a Korean War flick that became one of the highest-grossing films in local box office history.

The new film has been making headlines for bringing together three of Asia’s hottest superstars, including Jang, Odagiri and Chinese actress Fan Bingbing.

The film is slated to open in Korea in December and in Japan on Jan. 14, 2012. Discussions are underway for distribution dates in China and the United States, which are expected to fall sometime around mid-January next year.

Fan Bingbing at the Busan press conference for My Way

Jang Dong-gun, Fan Bingbing, Joe Odagiri and, presumably, their translators

(Sina-slideshow)

CF: Actress Fan Joins Li Yu's "Double Exposure"

The film tells a story about a couple of childhood sweethearts who are involved in two uninvestigated yet questionable murders.

Fan Bingbing, Li Yu

Kong Wei

(Sina), 2, 3

Laughing Gor - I'm back

Francis Ng - I'm bad

Turning Point Extreme, a new Laughing Gor film based on the TVB series Lives of Omission,  is set to begin shooting on October 20. The cast includes Michael Tse, Bosco Wong, Kate Tsui, Francis Ng and MC Jin. Francis Ng will play the villain. Fala Chen will not return, the female lead will be Rebecca Zhu, Miss Hong Kong 2011.(Sina)

Lost in Panic Cruise poster

The film is the follow up to Lost in Panic Room, also starring Alec Su. 

Based on positive response to a preview in Hong Kong, Barbara Wong's The Allure of Tears, besides a Mainland release, now will also open in Taiwan, Hong Kong, UK, Thailand, Malaysia and Australia on December 24. (Sina)

Tentative Lunar Holiday schedule (Mainland) released, a partial listing: White Vengeance (Nov.24), Happy Magic (Dec.1), The Flowers of War (Dec.16), The Flying Swords of Dragon Gate (Dec.18), The Grandmasters (Dec.22), The Allure of Tears (Dec.24).

(Sina)

Gigi Leung's other wedding day dress, a traditional cheongsam in Spanish colors

MSN: Photos from Karen Mok’s bachelorette party revealed

Karen Mok married Woody Harrelson?

4.25.2011 - News

FBA: The Warring States review (8/10)
Seamless technique and some fine performances help turn a rich mix into an entertaining whole.
Variety: The Warring States review
A well-armored, blood-spewing and often furious addition to the Chinese feudal epic genre.
ScreenDaily: The Warring States review, 2
A grand historical epic that evinces some impressive costume design and much natural scenic beauty, but never locates a particularly persuasive or enrapturing tone

Despite criticisms from some Chinese netizens, the mainland box office has been growing steadily since its release. (Sina)

FBA: Guillotines suspended in mid-air
Hong Kong and Chinese production group We Pictures has halted its period martial arts action film The Guillotines, (formerly known as The Flying Guillotines), which was to have begun shooting this month.
FBA: Feng to return to disaster genre
Speaking on a live webcast, Feng [Xiaogang] said that he will shoot an adaptation of Remembering 1942, a 1993 novel by Liu Zhenyun. It details the human crisis and famine that evolved as a result of the drought and the government's distraction with the war against Japan's occupying armies.

LATimes: Let the Bullets Fly at Tribeca

Audiences in this country were more divided on "Bullets." At least a few people on Sunday were spotted walking out of the theater, but several of those who stayed welcomed the director to the stage with a standing ovation. Judging by the questioners, many of the most enthused were native Mandarin speakers.

Jiang Wen said that he would shoot Let the Bullets Fly 3 tentatively set in 30's era Shanghai where his character, Zhang Muzhi, and his brothers traveled after the original story.  The plan was for him to direct films 1, 3, and 5 and others would directed films 2, 4 and 6. He has talked to Hollywood writers including Jeffrey Krueger to collaborate on Fly 3. Robert DeNiro who offered to produced the sequel promised that Fly 2 would also premiere in New York. Jiang Wen said the sequel would contain elements of New York. (Sina)

Jiang Wen and wife, Zhou Yun

Tribeca Film Festival (Apr.24)

(Sina-gallery)

Happy ticketholder

(Sina)

Andrew Lau's A Beautiful Life with Shu Qi, Liu Ye and Tian Liang will be released in Beijing one week earlier, on May 13, ahead of the original May 20 date. This is to avoid competition with Kung Fu Panda 2 which also opens on May 20. (Sina)

Former diving champion Tian Liang's performance has received praise from critics as well as from Andrew Lau.

(Sina), 2

FBA: Beijing festival opening is signal of intent
The lavish scale and precision of the opening ceremony may have outpaced the festival organisers' abilities on other fronts.

And bafflingly, the much-touted forum of international festival bosses is now to be held behind closed doors with the press invited to follow proceedings via a webcast.THR: Jackie Chan, Zhang Ziyi Kick Off Inaugural Beijing Film Festival
Director John Woo is also on hand Saturday to help launch the six-day event.
CF: 1st Beijing International Film Festival Kicks off
FBA: Festival heads offer lessons for Beijing
Whether the newly-minted Beijing festival is yet ready for that remains a matter of conjecture. City leaders and culture sector administrators appear keen to first establish the festival as an event that is as mainstream and weighty as possible.

THR: Chinese, International Producers Beat Path to Co-Productions

“Things are pleasant and easy here. While SAG actors are asking for private dressing rooms, Chinese actors like to hang out with each other,” said Yang, who’s been coming to China to work on films since the early 1980s. “In some ways it’s easier to shoot here. People here tend to be friends with one another. There’s not as much back-biting here and sense that everyone’s trying to make things better for each other. We know what the hot button issues are, such as a movie about Tibet, then we avoid them, but then the space you can work within is actually very large.”

Zhang Ziyi

Zhang Ziyi attended the press conference for the Gu Changwei-produced documentary Together

(Sina)

Li Chen, Zhang Jingchu

Li Chen and the cast of Aftershock on the red carpet at the BIFF (Sina)

CF: Director John Woo Takes the Interview during BJIFF
CF: Top Directors Gather for "Director's Dialogue"
Feng Xiaogang: "Audiences don't want lousy movies. They don't want a crappy story that has nothing but a bunch of stars in it. They want something that can truly touch them. Han Sanping and I talked about this, and I realized I needed to change my focus. From then on, I shot films like 'A World Without Thieves', 'Assembly', 'Aftershock' and so on. Even 'If You are the One'. It may strike you as a romantic comedy, but it also discusses serious topics like the meaning of life and death."

CF: Peter Chan and Tang Wei Talk about "Wu Xia"

CF: "Crisis of Great Tang Dynasty" Kicks Off in Beijing, (Sina)
Kwak is one the most famous contemporary Asian directors. His work "My Sassy Girl" in 2001 caused a sensation in the region. He told media at the kick-off of his newest film that he was very confident about satisfying audiences in the three countries that are co-producing the film.

The Devil Inside Me opens in June.

Kelly Lin, Tony Leung Ka-Fai

(Sina), 2

Classic Hong Kong ghost film remade 24 years later with new cast, computer effects

Oxide Pang on the cover of New Youth magazine

(Sina)

The Wedding Diary: "Sorry, Elanne!"
Aniu coyly apologised to his co-star Elanne Kwong, for being picked by producers to play her leading man in upcoming rom-com "The Wedding Diary".

A1: Kung fu parmagiana

Christian Bachini and Shangdown

Bachini shot his first full-length feature, Shangdown, which is scheduled for release in September, in time to compete at the next Venice Film Festival. As he describes it, the film pays homage to the old "spaghetti Western": a mixture of western, action movie and Italian-style drama.

 [2.21.2011]

SG: More 3D sex to come
There will be 3D sex scenes in what is being touted as Southeast Asia's first 3D movie - "The Hunter" - according to the film's director Bjarne Wong/Other cast include Carmen Soo, Sharifah Amani, Cindy Chen, Smythe Wong, Koe Yeet and Lou Qi.


Chinese parents worry about children's time-traveling fantasies

Coma girl wakes, asks to watch favorite soap opera