7.15.2012 - News [Roast Pork Sliced From A Rusty Cleaver] (飲水思源)

FBA: The Allure of Tears review
Embarrassingly arch collection of love stories that slightly improves later on.

FBA: On My Way review

Generic but excellently packaged kid's movie is smoothly entertaining.
ChinaPost: Painted Skin: The Resurrection review

CF: Jackie Chan Takes "CZ 12" to San Deigo Comic-Con

ChinaDaily: The pig that dares to dream
The best-loved pig in Hong Kong is called McDull. His mom makes a wish that he will look likeChow Yun-fat or Tony Leung, two movie heartthrobs, but he is distinguished only by abirthmark around his right eye.
CF: "Good-for-Nothing Heros" Releases New Poster
CF: Peter Chan Takes Inspiration from New Oriental
Director Peter Chan is taking to the big screen with the story behind the New Oriental company, the first Chinese educational institution to enter the New York Stock Exchange.

CRI: Chow Yun-fat to End the Year with 'The Last Tycoon'

A selling point for the film has largely been the cooperation between Chow Yun-fat and Huang Xiaoming. Chow made his name in 1980 for his role in the hit TV series "The Bund", and Huang took over the role in a 2007 remake.

MSN: Andy Lau wants the best for his daughter
Andy has also decided on an English name for Xing Hui, choosing 'Hanna' as it means "elegant and joyful goddess" in old English.
MSN: Gillian Chung spotted having dinner with Kenji Wu
The Hong Kong singer denied dating rumours and speculations of her venturing into the Taiwanese music scene

MSN: Are Shu Qi and Stephen Fung dating?

MSN: Gigi Lai hints that she’s pregnant with only one child

The mother of two hints on her micro-blog that she may not be expecting twins after all

MSN: Stephen Chow under fire for keeping mum over Jacqueline Law’s passing
The actor, who had reportedly dated the late actress, has maintained his silence ever since she died of cancer

MSN: Stars pay tribute to Jacqueline Law

Liu Chee Ming, her husband, has shared that Jacqueline's final resting place has not been finalised. He has expressed that he is considering converting her ashes into a diamond pendant so as to be able to keep her by his side.

MSN: Nicky Wu’s drama extras rumoured to have been brutally murdered
Heng Dian World Studios in China is a hotspot for the production of period dramas, with Nicky Wu currently working on Legend of the White-Haired Maiden at the location. In recent days, shocking rumours about alleged murders near the vicinity have surfaced.
SGYahoo: "You Are the Apple of My Eye" star criticised for praising Japan
Taiwanese star Ko Chen-Tung has outraged Chinese Netizens for posting what the Netizens claim to be a supportive post towards Japan.

12.15.2011 - 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

FBA: Universal boards Reeves' Man of Tai Chi
The contemporary, Beijing-set story is the "spiritual journey of a young martial artist (Tiger Chen), whose fighting skills brings him to a realm opportunities and painful choices."

CRI: Zhang Yimou's Latest Epic Lauds Humanity in Wartime

A review of Beijing-based Jinghua Times described the film as "having both strong sound and visual effects as well as humanistic power," calling it "very Oscarish."

However, renowned critic Zhu Dake didn't approve filmmakers to take advantage of a serious historical event to fulfil box office ambitions.

CF: Film Adds Depth to Wuxia

Although "Flying Swords of Dragon Gate" is based on the iconic "New Dragon Gate Inn", Tsui wanted to ensure originality in the new story while presenting the same characteristic morality and code of honor of those chivalrous men and women from the world of jianghu.

Although Monday's premiere has drawn generous approval, the critics are not unanimous. Some have pointed out flaws in the movie's 3D effects. In answer to this, Tsui Hark said the new movie is merely a knock on the door of innovation, a door that will lead China to new arenas in the film industry. 

CF: Chen Kaige Surprises His Wife on set of his New Movie

Based on the popular online novel, "Please Forgive Me," his new movie "Search" revolves around the problems caused by searching for human flesh on the Internet. It will finish its shooting schedule within three months in Ningbo and is slated for release in 2012.
CF: "The Allure of Tears" Premieres in Hangzhou
Zhou Dongyu will likely skip most promotional activities due to year end college academic requirements. She had previously missed classes for her other recent film events already. (Sina-gallery), 2

FBA: China seeks BO controls, limit on cinema ads

CF: China to Enact Law to Promote Film Industry

The draft contains 13 articles on forbidden content in movies made in China. [13 Noes]

CF: First Promotional Trailer of "Romancing in Thin Air" out

Horror film "Harpoon"'s release has been delayed even though post-production is completed and it has finally received the necessary state approvals. A Spring Festival release is now expected. The setting for the film is a desert island survival tale and has drawn much attention and expectations. (Sina)

"Harpoon"

Mo Xiaoqi, Hu Bing (Sina)

Return of the zombie movie? In "Crescent Moon Phantom"(lit.), a town is plagued by murders, rumors of zombie killings spread like wildfire. A female detective does not believe in zombies and tries to crack the mystery. Directed by Johnny Chen (Chen Long) and features young Mainland actors. 

(Sina), 2

All of Ivy Chen's scenes have been reportedly cut from Tsai Yueh-Hsun's "Black & White, Episode 1: The Dawn of Assault". In addition, Angelababy's scenes have been resurrected. Her role as heroine was downgraded to supporting actress and practically invisible.. In a dramatic turnaround, Angelababy was revived but that meant Ivy Chen's scenes had to go due to excessive length. Director Tsai said that it was not personal and had nothing to do with her terminating an agency contract with him. Other actors' scenes, such as Paul Chun, Matt Wu and Ken Lin, were also trimmed to reduce the running time.

Ivy Chen, scenes deleted

A few days ago while doing publicity for Doze Niu's "Love", Chen sighed and said, "this is life, the director said the film is too long." When she first heard the news, she broke down in tears but then distracted herself by throwing herself into her work on "Love" and accepted the reality. However, the cuts left a mark on Chen as she became worried about her scenes in "Love" being cut out and she often asked Doze Niu to see the editing.

Angelababy, scenes restored

Director Tsai Yueh-Hsun, the Decider

(Sina), 2

More on Black & White:
In movie news, the film Black and White, scheduled for release next month, is having woman trouble. The flick, based on the hugely successful police drama of the same name that hit TV screens in 2005, is clearly intended as the big release for the Lunar New Year season, and the production company has been pulling out all the stops in marketing the film.

Unfortunately for the film’s producers, two of its leading female stars are being uncooperative. Taiwanese actress Ivy Chen was incensed to discover that all the scenes in which she appeared had been left on the cutting-room floor, though she was given an acting credit. In response, she refused to participate in any of the marketing activities.

Meanwhile, Chinese actress Angelababy made exorbitant demands as a condition of coming to Taiwan to promote the film, including five-star accommodation and expensive spa treatments, but ultimately attended only a single press conference. TaipeiTimes: Pop Stop

Stills from trailer for Jingle Ma's "Speed Angels", opening Jan. 5

Cecilia Cheung, Rene Liu

Han Jae-suk, Tang Wei 

Rene Liu and Cecilia Cheung come to blows

(Sina), 2, 3

Racing edition of trailer

Lam Chi-Chung (as poet Li Bai), Wallace Huo

Lam Chi-Chung directs and acts in the upcoming time-travelling comedy "Super Reinforcement" (lit.) which opens January 13. Dylan Kuo, Lam Suet, Jing Tian and Cheung Tat-Ming co-star.(Sina)

Louis Koo and Sun Honglei will star in Johnnie To-Wai Ka-Fai "Drug War". Filming will mainly take place in Tianjin. This is Sun's first time working with Johnnie To. Specific roles have not been revealed but netizens polled said that expected Sun Honglei to play a villain.

Louis Koo, Sun Honglei

Sun Honglei

Sun Honglei (Lurk, TV series)  (Sina), 2

A1: Karen Mok is in love with married life

A1: Outlaw who turned to acting gets caught

He has as appeared in a supporting role in a slew of TV dramas, with the most famous being the Lurk (Qian Fu) in 2008 where he played a secret service official.

SGYahoo: Koni Lui and Dickson Wong are married

MSN: Jolin Tsai to make silver screen debut?

MSN:  Photo of Selina Jen in a pressure head gear leaked

Yahoo: China's abandoned "Wonderland"

Once billed as the largest amusement park in Asia, the unfinished "Wonderland" park now stands derelict, a worrying sign of China's property market.
CDT: The Fake Disneyland that Never Was [Updated]
he late 90s saw a lot of tourist projects in China. Many never made it to completion. Wonderland ended up in its ghost park state due to a lack of investors and some regulatory problems with the local government. Farmers in the surrounding area did not want this to be built and they were able to stop the project.

Allure of Tears - Faces Posters [Roast Pork Sliced From A Rusty Cleaver] (飲水思源)

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Barbara Wong's "The Allure of Tears" is slated for a December 22 release.

Zhou Dongyu

Joe Chen Chiao-En

Gigi Leung

Aarif Lee

Shawn Dou Xiao

Richie Jen

Jung Hsiang (Rong Xiong)

Dennis Chan, Lawrence Cheng

(Sina)

12.7.2011 - 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

FBA: Shaw finally set to retire
Sir Run Run Shaw, the 104 year-old Hong Kong media mogul is to retire at the end of the month from Television Broadcasts.

CRI: Former TVB Actor Wang Wei Passes away at 70

The Story of a Discharged Prisoner (1967)

CRI: Zhang Yimou to Publish His First Autobiography

CF: "A Big Deal" Encourages Flash Marriages

As the introduction states, "A long courtship can't guarantee the lasting happiness of marriage. The point is to meet the right person at the right time."

CF: "White Vengeance" Tops Mainland's Box Office with a Cume of 100m RMB

CF: Promotional Posters of "Perfect Two" Out

Not to be outdone "The Flying Swords of Dragon Gate 3D" is also moving up its release to Dec. 15., 2pm, 4 hours before the 6pm release of Zhang Yimou's "The Flowers of Wars". Stay tuned!

(Sina), 2

The "third tear" in Barbara Wong's "The Allure of Tears" featuring Shawn Dou Xiao and Joe Chen

Shawn Dou 

Joe Chen Chiao-En (Sina)

Teng Ge'er and Richie Jen play antagonists in "Tales of Two Cities"

The comedy involves a contest for gold treasure in the deserts of Northwest China and opens in late December. [Sounds a little bit like the Ning Hao-Huang Bo film, "A Big Gold Robbery"]

(Sina)

CF: China Canada Co-Production Initiative Opens World's Largest Market
Chinese film star buys St Emilion property
Chinese film star Zhao Wei has bought a St Emilion chateau for an undisclosed price.
Although the price Zhao paid for the 7ha Château Monlot has not been revealed, local property agents put it at between €4 and €5m.
'She is huge in China - the equivalent of Drew Barrymore,' one Chinese observer told Decanter.com.


Wu Chun: Ekin Cheng is like a big brother
CNA: Aaron Kwok open to having children out of wedlock

A1: Pricked by a Rose thorn?
But as quickly as the sympathy came, it also vanished rapidly when more pictures emerged of Chan smiling during the supper high jinks.
MSN: Intimate photos of Joe Ma with a girl surface onlineTVB actor Joe Ma is caught in yet another scandal.
MSN: Faye Wong and Li Yapeng’s wedding photos surface

12.3.2011 - 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

Another "catch up" post, after a few eventful days at the local cardiothoracic unit. No, not for me, thankfully. 

THR: Ge You Signs Three-Picture Deal with Hong Kong's Emperor Motion Pictures, (CF)
Emperor Motion Pictures signed a five-year, three-picture deal with Chinese box office king Ge You to develop tailor-made vehicles for the actor-director-producer to star in, which he might also direct and produce if he chooses to. EMP has agreed to invest not less than $78 million into the three projects.

Ge You, Albert Yeung

Charlene Choi

Gillian Chung

Twins (Sina-gallery)

THR: Tang Wei to Pick Up Third Best Actress Award for 'Late Autumn'

CF: "Dear Enemies" Wandering on the Street

The romance movie "Dear Enemy", dedicated to this year's Christmas, is due to hit the national screens on December 23. A batch of new still photos was released today in the run up of its release. Lead actress and director of the movie Xu Jinglei and lead actor Stanley Huang were featured in the pictures wearing bathrobes and standing on the street.

WSJ: A Writer-Turned-Director Tastes Freedom

In “Strawberry Cliff,” a supernatural thriller about a young woman who can foresee people’s deaths, director Chris Chow was able to break from formulas and plot conventions that he typically sticks to in his screenwriting work.

It also stars Eason Chan, one of Hong Kong’s most popular actors, as a Hong Kong bartender who shares a soul with both an American man and a French woman. For Mr. Chan, best known for Cantopop ballads and comedic roles, it’s a both a weightier-than-usual part and his first in English.

Mr. Chow currently is working on screenplays for a few films, including one with director John Woo. “Flying Tigers,” which Mr. Woo says he plans to begin shooting next year, is about the group of American combat pilots who fought with the Chinese military against the Japanese during World War II.

CF: SARFT Intervenes on Box Office Percentage

SARFT released a document named "On Promoting the Coordinated Development of Movie Making, Publishing and Releasing."

"The Flowers of War" international poster 

Nie Yuan plays a Chinese Army soldier

(Sina-gallery)

CF: The Leading Actress of "The Flowers of War" Finally Removes Her Veil

The lead actress's name, Ni Ni, is listed on the poster alongside that of Hollywood star Christian Bale; indicating the girl's importance within the project.

(Sina)

CF: "The Flowers of War" Pair Cover Hollywood Reporter Magazine

Also, the premiere of "The Flowers of War" was moved ahead one day to Dec. 15 to get a jump on Tsui Hark's "Flying Swords of Dragon Gate". (Sina)

CF: Cantonese Promotional Trailer of "The Allure of Tears" out

Reportedly, Zhou Dongyu, Joe Chan and Dou Xiao are all dubbed by professionals in the Cantonese edition.

New "first tear" poster for "Allure of Tears", now scheduled for Dec. 22 release

Aarif Lee, Zhou Dongyu

Barbara Wong coaxes tears from Zhou Dongyu

  (Sina), 2

CF: Chen Kun in "Flying Swords of the Dragon Gate"

Chen Kun will portray a nefarious eunuch with high level kung-fu skills, going up against Ming Dynasty general Chow Wai-On, played by Jet Li. Newly released still photos, showcasing Chen's unique make-up and luxurious costumes, give audiences a glimpse of the character that Chen is set to portray.

Chen Kun 

(Sina)

CF: "You are the Apple of My Eye" Gets Mainland Release

At the 24th Tokyo International Film Festival, which took place from October 20-30, the director revealed that the film would be released on the mainland, and beared this in mind during the filming process. "I've prepared backup materials for the sensitive content that may be disapproved by the Film Board," he said in an interview. So, there is no need for movie fans to worry about losing the original flavor when watching Ko's latest creation on mainland cinema screens.

CF: Mainland Box Office in Week 48

CF: Tsui Hark and Jet Li: Perfect Kung Fu Duo in "GQ"

The perfect kung fu duo—Tsui Hark and Jet Li—pose for a photo shoot for "GQ" magazine to promote their new wuxia martial arts flick "Flying Swords of the Dragon Gate 3D" slated for release on December 16.

CF: Leni Lan Yan Covers the For Him Magazine

Lan Yan poses for a sultry and seductive photo shoot to cover the For Him Magazine (FHM).

TaipeiTimes: Pop Stop

Many fans, however, were less than thrilled with a crude joke actor Eric Tsang made about the film You Are the Apple of My Eye. Tsang cohosted the ceremony with his daughter, Mando-pop singer and actress Bowie Tsang.
The Chinese title of the sweet-natured comedy, which is about a group of high school friends engaged in a romantic rivalry, literally translates as “Those years, we chased the same girl.” The film has set box office records in Taiwan, Singapore and Hong Kong and a single off its soundtrack, Those Years (那些年), has become a major hit.
The movie is so influential, Tsang declared during the ceremony, that Hong Kong director Wong Jing, a prolific director with infamously crass sensibilities, wants to make his own version. The title? “Those years, when we raped the same girl”.
“That sounds a little scary,” Bowie Tsang responded to her father as their celebrity audience giggled nervously.

Lin Chi-ling probably wishes the media had some boundaries, too. The supermodel celebrated her 37th birthday last week, which led to yet another round of tabloid speculation about when she will finally find a husband...Gossip reporters were horrified by the idea of Taiwan’s top model becoming a 40-year-old spinster. “I feel like everyone asks me the same question every year,” said Lin with a giant smile plastered across her face. “I never have a different answer. It makes me feel depressed.”

Baby, baby, baby...

MSN: Gaile Lok rumoured to be three months pregnant

CNA: Leon Lai is next "Heavenly King" to be dad?

Soon after Andy Lau's admission that he is going to be a father, fellow "Heavenly King" Leon Lai hinted that he may well be next, during the premiere of his new film "White Vengeance" on Tuesday, reported Hong Kong media.

MSN: Andy Lau’s wife believed to have miscarried in 2008

MSN: Andy Lau’s wife suffers from severe morning sickness

A1: Andy Lau buys RM10mil house before birth of child

MSN: Is Miriam Yeung two months pregnant?

MSN: Benny Chan welcomes baby girl

Benny Chan recently shared a piece of happy news amidst all the negativity he's been getting due to his improper behaviour towards 19-year-old actress Rose Chan.

Previously, a tabloid claimed that Benny paid Rose HK$1 million as a form of compensation. Commenting on the report, the actor said, "Today's my two queens' birthday. Let's not talk about that." (Sina)

CNA: Benny Chan becomes a father

Chan's wife, Lisa Jiang, a Chinese former-model, was due to give birth in mid-December but delivered her daughter earlier via Cesarean section because the baby's umbilical cord was coiled around its neck.
"Because this day is my wife Lisa Jiang's 26th birthday and is also the day my daughter is born, it is especially memorable," Chan told reporters.