The titular term refers to the strong winds that visit the coastal city and county of Hsinchu between September and November. Tom Lin, in his multi-awarded, semi-autobiographical debut, focuses on the period, both literally and metaphorically, while presenting a coming-of-age story that takes place in 1996, during the time of a tragic baseball game-fixing scandal in Taiwan.The movie was produced by Eric Tsang, who also has a small role in it.
Follow our tribute to Taiwanese cinema by clicking on the image below
A ‘gang' of a number of teenage boys led by pretty boy Yen, good student Tang and ‘righteous' Hsing, are experiencing all the regular “blights” of their age, in the midst of the aforementioned scandal. Yen is dating Yun, but is a true womanizer who always hangs out with other women, leaving his friends to take care of his mess, to their annoyance, particularly of Xiao, who...
Follow our tribute to Taiwanese cinema by clicking on the image below
A ‘gang' of a number of teenage boys led by pretty boy Yen, good student Tang and ‘righteous' Hsing, are experiencing all the regular “blights” of their age, in the midst of the aforementioned scandal. Yen is dating Yun, but is a true womanizer who always hangs out with other women, leaving his friends to take care of his mess, to their annoyance, particularly of Xiao, who...
- 3/2/2024
- by Panos Kotzathanasis
- AsianMoviePulse
February has been a busy month for Big Brother alums.
Weddings, engagements, and babies have highlighted the lives of former houseguests.
And that’s in addition to three Big Brother legends appearing on a new season of The Traitors.
It’s also worth noting that Jessica Graf and Cody Nickson had another baby in January. The Big Brother 19 showmance has four kids together now.
Christmas Abbott and Memphis Garrett from BB22 are also still going strong.
Bayleigh Dayton from BB20 and BB21 also gave birth in January. She is still married to Chris “Swaggy C” Williams.
Big Brother houseguests making news in February
February has already begun strongly for former Big Brother houseguests.
Big Brother 22 winner Cody Calafiore just got married. After a lavish ceremony, Cody is married to his longtime girlfriend, Cristie Laratta.
Many reality TV folks shared their support, and some shared wedding videos online.
That’s not...
Weddings, engagements, and babies have highlighted the lives of former houseguests.
And that’s in addition to three Big Brother legends appearing on a new season of The Traitors.
It’s also worth noting that Jessica Graf and Cody Nickson had another baby in January. The Big Brother 19 showmance has four kids together now.
Christmas Abbott and Memphis Garrett from BB22 are also still going strong.
Bayleigh Dayton from BB20 and BB21 also gave birth in January. She is still married to Chris “Swaggy C” Williams.
Big Brother houseguests making news in February
February has already begun strongly for former Big Brother houseguests.
Big Brother 22 winner Cody Calafiore just got married. After a lavish ceremony, Cody is married to his longtime girlfriend, Cristie Laratta.
Many reality TV folks shared their support, and some shared wedding videos online.
That’s not...
- 2/21/2024
- by Ryan DeVault
- Monsters and Critics
1998, one year into the handover of Hong Kong to China and action cinema was beginning to shift. “The Storm Riders” was the first to really demonstrate CGI enhanced action. Jackie Chan was balancing Hollywood and Hong Kong and Jet Li was about to launch himself onto a wider audience as the villain in “Lethal Weapon 4”. With that in mind, he had one more vehicle for his local fanbase that year in “Hitman”. As Eureka Entertainment re-release it as part of their “Heroes and Villains” box set, it provides an opportunity to go back to revisit a work that has gotten a bit lost in the mix over the years.
on Terracotta by clicking on the image below
The” King of Killers” has just slain Tsukamoto, a former Yakuza boss. In the event of his assassination, he had in place a $100 Million Dollar revenge fund which is now triggered.
on Terracotta by clicking on the image below
The” King of Killers” has just slain Tsukamoto, a former Yakuza boss. In the event of his assassination, he had in place a $100 Million Dollar revenge fund which is now triggered.
- 11/20/2023
- by Ben Stykuc
- AsianMoviePulse
The 6th Malaysia International Film Festival (MIFFest) held a press conference today to unveil the complete lineup of programmes for its upcoming edition, featuring 42 films from 15 countries. The festival also announced the distinguished presence of acclaimed filmmaker Johnnie To as the Jury President of the competition section. In addition, MIFFest bestowed the Lifetime Achievement Award on renowned actress Sylvia Chang for her exceptional contributions to the world of cinema. The event also revealed the top 10 finalists and nominations for the BMW Shorties 2023.
Over 300 record-breaking submissions were received for the 6th MIFFest
With over 300 record-breaking submissions received for the 6th MIFFest, the festival continues to attract talented filmmakers from around the world. The high number of submissions is a testament to MIFFest's growing prominence and its commitment to recognising outstanding talents in the film industry.
“This year, we had the pleasure of receiving and watching over 300 films. This is an impressive...
Over 300 record-breaking submissions were received for the 6th MIFFest
With over 300 record-breaking submissions received for the 6th MIFFest, the festival continues to attract talented filmmakers from around the world. The high number of submissions is a testament to MIFFest's growing prominence and its commitment to recognising outstanding talents in the film industry.
“This year, we had the pleasure of receiving and watching over 300 films. This is an impressive...
- 6/16/2023
- by Adam Symchuk
- AsianMoviePulse
The progress of director Eric Tsang Hing-weng has been gradual but steady. Hailing from a journalism and communications background at University, he has participated in Johnnie To's Fresh Wave Short Film Competition a number of times, working first as a Dop on the award winning “Liu Yang He” and then as a director himself with the Best Film winning “The Umbrella” followed by “A Thousand Sails”, which premiered at Sundance. In 2022, he finally progressed from the constraints of the short form to make his feature-length debut with “Hong Kong Family”, which debuted at the Busan International Film Festival.
The Sunny Side of the Street is screening at Osaka Asian Film Festival
Middle-aged couple Ling and Chun head to their ancestral home for the winter solstice dinner with their children Yeung and Ki. All through the journey, the two continue arguing over petty matters, an argument that continues when they reach their destination.
The Sunny Side of the Street is screening at Osaka Asian Film Festival
Middle-aged couple Ling and Chun head to their ancestral home for the winter solstice dinner with their children Yeung and Ki. All through the journey, the two continue arguing over petty matters, an argument that continues when they reach their destination.
- 3/17/2023
- by Rhythm Zaveri
- AsianMoviePulse
Some 16 titles were showcased at a packed launch in Hong Kong.
Hong Kong-based Emperor Motion Pictures (Emp) presented a massive line-up of 16 titles at Filmart, including actor Nicholas Tse’s directorial debut New Police Story 2 and a further two action films also led by Tse.
This year marks the 20th anniversary of the first New Police Story, which was directed by the late filmmaker Benny Chan. The new feature reunites the original cast, including Tse, Jackie Chan and Charlene Choi, from the original film. Chan will produce for Tse who will direct for the first time.
The film is set to enter production this year,...
Hong Kong-based Emperor Motion Pictures (Emp) presented a massive line-up of 16 titles at Filmart, including actor Nicholas Tse’s directorial debut New Police Story 2 and a further two action films also led by Tse.
This year marks the 20th anniversary of the first New Police Story, which was directed by the late filmmaker Benny Chan. The new feature reunites the original cast, including Tse, Jackie Chan and Charlene Choi, from the original film. Chan will produce for Tse who will direct for the first time.
The film is set to enter production this year,...
- 3/15/2023
- by Silvia Wong
- ScreenDaily
The Osaka Asian Film Festival will return in March for its 18th edition with a lineup of current Asian feature and short films and a spotlight on works from Hong Kong.
The competition section, which selects from films that are currently unreleased in Japan, numbers 13 titles. These include: Kai Ko’s “Bad Education,” “December” from Japan-based Indian director Anshul Chauhan, and two Indian-made films Rima Das’ “Tora’s Husband” and Padmakumar Narasimhamurthy’s “Max, Min and Meowzaki.”
The indie section comprises a mix of Japanese feature and short films from challenging or emerging talents, with a winner set to receive the separate Japan Cuts prize.
A Spotlight section of other independent films by up-and-coming directors includes: Martika Ramirez Escobar’s “Leonor Will Never Die,” Mejbaur Rahman Sumon’s Bangladesh-France production “Hawa,” Thitipong Kerdtongtawee’s “Omg! Oh My Girl” and documentary “Jiseok.”
The Hong Kong spotlight, consisting of five titles, cuts...
The competition section, which selects from films that are currently unreleased in Japan, numbers 13 titles. These include: Kai Ko’s “Bad Education,” “December” from Japan-based Indian director Anshul Chauhan, and two Indian-made films Rima Das’ “Tora’s Husband” and Padmakumar Narasimhamurthy’s “Max, Min and Meowzaki.”
The indie section comprises a mix of Japanese feature and short films from challenging or emerging talents, with a winner set to receive the separate Japan Cuts prize.
A Spotlight section of other independent films by up-and-coming directors includes: Martika Ramirez Escobar’s “Leonor Will Never Die,” Mejbaur Rahman Sumon’s Bangladesh-France production “Hawa,” Thitipong Kerdtongtawee’s “Omg! Oh My Girl” and documentary “Jiseok.”
The Hong Kong spotlight, consisting of five titles, cuts...
- 1/31/2023
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
Prince Edward To Present New Production Guild of Great Britain Talent Prize
Prince Edward, who is the royal Patron of the Production Guild of Great Britain (Pggb), will present the body’s new film and TV industry award that has been created in his name as part of its inaugural Talent Showcase, presented in association with Disney Studios Content and supported by Entertainment Partners. Four industry organizations have been shortlisted for The Earl of Wessex Award, created to recognise professionals working in the UK film and TV industry who have created “a successful way of inspiring local talent or skills, widening access or being more inclusive.” The nominees are youth-led production company Fully Focused; media charity Mama Youth Project; social change enablers Resource Productions and mental health and wellbeing nonprofit 6ft From the Spotlight. He will present the prize at the first Pggb Talent Showcase on January 24. The Earl of...
Prince Edward, who is the royal Patron of the Production Guild of Great Britain (Pggb), will present the body’s new film and TV industry award that has been created in his name as part of its inaugural Talent Showcase, presented in association with Disney Studios Content and supported by Entertainment Partners. Four industry organizations have been shortlisted for The Earl of Wessex Award, created to recognise professionals working in the UK film and TV industry who have created “a successful way of inspiring local talent or skills, widening access or being more inclusive.” The nominees are youth-led production company Fully Focused; media charity Mama Youth Project; social change enablers Resource Productions and mental health and wellbeing nonprofit 6ft From the Spotlight. He will present the prize at the first Pggb Talent Showcase on January 24. The Earl of...
- 1/19/2023
- by Melanie Goodfellow
- Deadline Film + TV
When a female college student falls from a building under suspicious circumstances, Cheng Rui (Zhou Yiwei), the deputy captain of the criminal investigation detachment who has only just been transferred to his post, is assigned to the case. He soon discovers that the tragedy is tied to a number of shady dealings, such as loans and solicitation, and the city’s entrepreneur, An Yiming (Eric Tsang) becomes a prime suspect. As Cheng digs deeper into the investigation, he finds that several other parties are involved and uncovering the truth may be harder than he expected.
- 11/14/2022
- by Don Anelli
- AsianMoviePulse
Chinese-made crime thriller “The Tipping Point” leaped to the top of the mainland China box office over the weekend with an 8.8 million three-day haul.
The film, directed by Hong Kong’s David Lam (“Z Storm”), is adapted from real events and sees a newly-appointed detective called on to investigate the death of a female school student who had fallen from a building. The policeman discovers a ring of corruption involving the city’s major businessman. The film stars Zhou Yiwei, Qin Hailu, Julian Cheung and Eric Tsang.
New releases into Chinese theaters have been scarce for several weeks as distributors remain cautious about the weakness of the market outside holiday peak periods and nearly all foreign titles are excluded.
“The Tipping Point” claimed a 69 share of the overall box office market over the weekend, according to data from consultancy and research firm Artisan Gateway. Last week’s new release “Serendipity...
The film, directed by Hong Kong’s David Lam (“Z Storm”), is adapted from real events and sees a newly-appointed detective called on to investigate the death of a female school student who had fallen from a building. The policeman discovers a ring of corruption involving the city’s major businessman. The film stars Zhou Yiwei, Qin Hailu, Julian Cheung and Eric Tsang.
New releases into Chinese theaters have been scarce for several weeks as distributors remain cautious about the weakness of the market outside holiday peak periods and nearly all foreign titles are excluded.
“The Tipping Point” claimed a 69 share of the overall box office market over the weekend, according to data from consultancy and research firm Artisan Gateway. Last week’s new release “Serendipity...
- 11/14/2022
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
Hong Kong’s government is introducing two new funding schemes under the Hong Kong Film Development Council (Hkfdc) aimed at boosting co-productions with other Asian countries and to support the production of streaming content in Hong Kong.
The ‘Hong Kong-Asian Film Collaboration Funding Scheme’ will hand out grants of up to HK9M (US1.15M) to a maximum of eight films that are co-produced by Hong Kong filmmakers and their counterparts in Asian countries. Applicants will be able to seek other investors in cases where the production budget exceeds the grant.
The ‘Content Development Scheme for Streaming Platforms’ will be conducted through a competition to select eight production teams to develop series for streaming platforms. Together with a script development fee, each winning team will be awarded a total of up to HK5.7M and will be free to strike deals with streamers or other parties for additional investment.
The ‘Hong Kong-Asian Film Collaboration Funding Scheme’ will hand out grants of up to HK9M (US1.15M) to a maximum of eight films that are co-produced by Hong Kong filmmakers and their counterparts in Asian countries. Applicants will be able to seek other investors in cases where the production budget exceeds the grant.
The ‘Content Development Scheme for Streaming Platforms’ will be conducted through a competition to select eight production teams to develop series for streaming platforms. Together with a script development fee, each winning team will be awarded a total of up to HK5.7M and will be free to strike deals with streamers or other parties for additional investment.
- 11/4/2022
- by Liz Shackleton
- Deadline Film + TV
Tony Leung Chiu-wai, the Hong Kong star of “In The Mood For Love” and Marvel’s “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” has been named Asian Filmmaker of the Year by the Busan International Film Festival. Leung will collect his award at the festival’s opening ceremony on Oct. 5. 2022.
The festival will open with a screening of “Scent of Wind” by Hagi Mohaghegh. The Iranian director previously won the 2015 New Currents competition in Busan with his second feature “Immortal.”
The festival will close with “A Man,” from Japan’s Ishikawa Kei. The title premiered this week at the Venice film festival in the Orrizonti section.
Busan organizers said that the festival will play a total of 243 films (features and shorts) from 71 countries and territories. These include 89 world premieres and 13 international premieres.
After two years of disruptions the festival will operate largely normally. This includes a red carpet opening ceremony,...
The festival will open with a screening of “Scent of Wind” by Hagi Mohaghegh. The Iranian director previously won the 2015 New Currents competition in Busan with his second feature “Immortal.”
The festival will close with “A Man,” from Japan’s Ishikawa Kei. The title premiered this week at the Venice film festival in the Orrizonti section.
Busan organizers said that the festival will play a total of 243 films (features and shorts) from 71 countries and territories. These include 89 world premieres and 13 international premieres.
After two years of disruptions the festival will operate largely normally. This includes a red carpet opening ceremony,...
- 9/7/2022
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
"I suspect Sam has a mole in the department." Janus Films has revealed a new 4K restoration trailer for an iconic Hong King crime trilogy titled Infernal Affairs, best known as the film series that was remade into Martin Scorsese's Oscar winning film The Departed. Many cinephiles are already familiar with these films, but if you haven't watched them yet, Criterion Collection is re-releasing them as a Blu-ray box set later this year after they re-open in theaters first. A blockbuster in Asia, Andrew Lau and Alan Mak’s groundbreaking policier saga traded the high-octane ballistics of earlier Hong Kong films for a cooler, crisper style and a head-spinning plot full of twists that forever changed the genre. A must see set of films!! New 4K restoration from the original camera negatives was carried out by L'Immagine Ritrovata Asia. Presented in its original aspect ratio of 2.35:1. The original...
- 8/29/2022
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
Herman Yau tackles political and social issues, re-proposing the classic atmospheres and themes of Hong Kong Triade cinema in “The Mobfathers,” a gritty and satirical tale of power struggle and a nod to Hong Kong’s troubles with the China-manoeuvred elections.
on Amazon
The film begins immediately in full swing, with a violent brawl in which Chat (Chapman To), the head of the Metal gang, is arrested and locked up in Stanley prison, just as his beautiful wife discovers she is expecting a baby; an event that for wrong timing fails to divert the course of fate. In fact Chat, with a 5-year sentence, is going to miss the birth and early years of his son and has no other options than to leave his trusty lieutenant Luke (Philip Keung) in charge of the boys of the gang, and also to take care of his wife and child.
on Amazon
The film begins immediately in full swing, with a violent brawl in which Chat (Chapman To), the head of the Metal gang, is arrested and locked up in Stanley prison, just as his beautiful wife discovers she is expecting a baby; an event that for wrong timing fails to divert the course of fate. In fact Chat, with a 5-year sentence, is going to miss the birth and early years of his son and has no other options than to leave his trusty lieutenant Luke (Philip Keung) in charge of the boys of the gang, and also to take care of his wife and child.
- 8/9/2022
- by Adriana Rosati
- AsianMoviePulse
Big Brother 24‘s Paloma Aguilar was removed from the house Wednesday, just one day before the show’s first scheduled live eviction. The shocking news was revealed during Thursday’s episode.
Twenty-five minutes in, Aguilar’s lack of sleep took center stage, as she reported getting only 2-4 hours of sleep per night as a result of anxiety. “I physically cannot sleep in this house,” she told Matt Turner. “I really want to leave.” She told other houseguests that she was unable to eat or sleep, causing them to worry for her wellbeing. Then, she disappeared into the Diary Room,...
Twenty-five minutes in, Aguilar’s lack of sleep took center stage, as she reported getting only 2-4 hours of sleep per night as a result of anxiety. “I physically cannot sleep in this house,” she told Matt Turner. “I really want to leave.” She told other houseguests that she was unable to eat or sleep, causing them to worry for her wellbeing. Then, she disappeared into the Diary Room,...
- 7/15/2022
- by Nick Caruso
- TVLine.com
After only three episodes of “Big Brother 24,” the drama is at an all time high. Because of an unfortunate rendition of telephone — a childhood game in which a story gets misconstrued as more people tell it — Taylor Hale ended up being seen as a huge target, resulting in Head of Household Daniel Durston nominating her as a replacement nominee after Michael Bruner won the Power of Veto. During Daniel’s speech at the Veto meeting, he publicly called out Taylor for things he had heard about her and then suggested she needed to apologize to the house.
“Generally I don’t have a problem with you,” the Elvin impersonator flatly said after putting the beauty queen on the block. “It has come to my attention though that you’ve been rubbing the house the wrong way a little bit. And what’s good for the house is good for my long-term game.
“Generally I don’t have a problem with you,” the Elvin impersonator flatly said after putting the beauty queen on the block. “It has come to my attention though that you’ve been rubbing the house the wrong way a little bit. And what’s good for the house is good for my long-term game.
- 7/14/2022
- by Marcus James Dixon
- Gold Derby
Over the last 20 years, lots of reality TV shows have come and gone. However, through it all, Big Brother has remained one of the most popular staples. There’s something about the intense competition that comes with each season that people just can’t seem to get enough of. As a House Guest on the show’s 24th season, Matt Turner is excited to be part of the Big Brother family, but he’s even more excited by the possibility of winning 750,000. Even though some people may underestimate him based on his looks, Matt is a tough competitor and he knows exactly
10 Things You Didn’t Know about Matt Turner...
10 Things You Didn’t Know about Matt Turner...
- 7/13/2022
- by Camille Moore
- TVovermind.com
Get in touch to send in cinephile news and discoveries. For daily updates follow us @NotebookMUBI.NEWSEl Conde (Pablo Larraín).Natalie Portman will star opposite Julianne Moore in Todd Haynes's next film, May December, which begins filming later this year. In the film, an actress (Portman) meets with the woman she is due to portray (Moore) in a film that dramatizes her tabloid scandal.After Spencer, Pablo Larraín's next project with Netflix will be El Conde, a pitch-black comedy that will portray Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet as a 250-year-old vampire.Pedro Almodóvar has announced a new 30-minute Western, Strange Way of Life, which he will shoot in August. The short stars Ethan Hawke and Pedro Pascal as two gunslingers, long separated, who must cross the Spanish desert to reunite. Almodóvar's next feature—an adaptation of Lucia Berlin's A Manual for Cleaning Women led by Cate Blanchett—begins filming early next year.
- 6/30/2022
- MUBI
Our Ben Stykuc reviews the epic “Bodyguards and Assassins”, a 2009 Hong Kong historical action film, directed by Teddy Chan, with a stellar cast including Donnie Yen, Wang Xueqi, Tony Leung Ka-fai, Nicholas Tse, Hu Jun, Eric Tsang, Simon Yam, Fan Bingbing, Zhou Yun and Leon Lai.
In 1905, revolutionist Sun Yat-Sen visits Hong Kong to discuss plans with Tongmenghui members to overthrow the Qing dynasty. But when they find out that assassins have been sent to kill him, they assemble a group of protectors to prevent any attacks. (IMDb)...
In 1905, revolutionist Sun Yat-Sen visits Hong Kong to discuss plans with Tongmenghui members to overthrow the Qing dynasty. But when they find out that assassins have been sent to kill him, they assemble a group of protectors to prevent any attacks. (IMDb)...
- 6/29/2022
- by Adriana Rosati
- AsianMoviePulse
If Wing Chun had a sponsor in cinema before the endless Ip Man movies, then it would be Sammo Hung. With “The Prodigal Son” he made what many would consider the definitive Wing Chun movie. Yet three years before, he also helmed another fictional version of the real-life exponent Leung Jan, only this time at the latter stages of his life. “Warriors Two” whist the lesser of the two, remains an interesting part of the Sammo Hung filmography, as it’s the transition from the more traditional form of martial arts movies, to his increasingly varied work that was to follow
on Amazon
Change Giver Wah (Casanova Wong) finds himself the fall guy in a plot by Boss Mok (Fong Hark-on) to become Mayor of the region. Boss Mok has ingrained himself into the community as part of a plot to fleece them of their wealth and...
on Amazon
Change Giver Wah (Casanova Wong) finds himself the fall guy in a plot by Boss Mok (Fong Hark-on) to become Mayor of the region. Boss Mok has ingrained himself into the community as part of a plot to fleece them of their wealth and...
- 2/5/2022
- by Ben Stykuc
- AsianMoviePulse
The title “Carry on Hotel” to an Englishman like myself brings back memories of the classic film series of the same name. These “Carry On” films were full of toilet humour and sexual innuendos and were considered icons of the British Film Industry. Hong Kong cinema equally has a frequent confrontation with the idea of taste; again toilet humour and obsession with sex are frequent features. Having experienced both of these styles over the years it would be inevitable that my interest would be piqued. So with curiosity (and a certain amount of trepidation) I decided to sit down and watch this and see if it lived up (or down) to my expectations.
Two adulterers attempt to make out only to find that their room is full of security cameras. As a pop group finds their television connected to the security feed they watch with interest as...
Two adulterers attempt to make out only to find that their room is full of security cameras. As a pop group finds their television connected to the security feed they watch with interest as...
- 9/1/2021
- by Ben Stykuc
- AsianMoviePulse
The Fighting Spirit Film Festival is a unique festival dedicated to Martial Arts films. Through martial arts cinema the organisers aim to entertain and inspire people, promote martial arts culture, and support those who have chosen it as a career. Now in its sixth year, the London edition returns with a full action-packed weekend at Stratford East Picturehouse! The 2021 edition and its poster are dedicated to martial artist Max Repossi and filmmaker/musician Steven Santa Cruz, who prematurely died this past year.
In addition to screening five feature films, it will also be showcasing 32 short films by independent film makers and artists from all over the world. On top of that, there will be live Martial Art demonstrations from various clubs throughout the two days. Attendees will be able to meet and mingle with all the performers, and also with actors and production staff from the films who will be at the event.
In addition to screening five feature films, it will also be showcasing 32 short films by independent film makers and artists from all over the world. On top of that, there will be live Martial Art demonstrations from various clubs throughout the two days. Attendees will be able to meet and mingle with all the performers, and also with actors and production staff from the films who will be at the event.
- 9/1/2021
- by Adriana Rosati
- AsianMoviePulse
Our cultural observations can prove to be quite fascinating, especially when it comes to reviewing films. What one might see, another sees something entirely different. “The Reincarnation of Golden Lotus” is a classic example. Reincarnation is more deeply rooted in Chinese culture than it is in the West. The past and present tend to walk alongside each other with traditions merging with modern day life whilst we in the West, tend to look more rationally and are not as ready to accept things. Watching a film such as this then gives an insight to this theme and to watch is to understand.
Lotus (Joey Wang) declines to accept forgetfulness before being reincarnated and only wants revenge on those that caused her death. Reborn as Shan in the midst of the cultural revolution, she is first raped by her teacher (Ku Feng) and betrayed by the object of...
Lotus (Joey Wang) declines to accept forgetfulness before being reincarnated and only wants revenge on those that caused her death. Reborn as Shan in the midst of the cultural revolution, she is first raped by her teacher (Ku Feng) and betrayed by the object of...
- 7/23/2021
- by Ben Stykuc
- AsianMoviePulse
Do you remember sitting down in the holidays and watching on television one of those all start cast epics such as “Around the World in 80 Days” that frequented Hollywood in the 1960’s. Well now imagine that with a cast of Hong Kong’s finest from the 1980’s and throw in a lot of martial arts amidst the comedy. Now imagine it in the style of a western-only set in the Orient. Sammo Hung certainly liked variety in his directorial career and at his creative peak in the late 1980’s, came up with this polar opposite to the more vicious war epic “Eastern Condors”. A more family friendly, action filled entertainer that throws everything into the mix and finds most of it sticking.
Ching Fong Tin (Sammo Hung) returns to his hometown after attempting to steal goods from Russian soldiers and nearly being captured by bounty hunter...
Ching Fong Tin (Sammo Hung) returns to his hometown after attempting to steal goods from Russian soldiers and nearly being captured by bounty hunter...
- 7/22/2021
- by Ben Stykuc
- AsianMoviePulse
[…] Cinema City’s comedies were dominant soon after they first appeared and made fat profits back in ’79. Thus, the company over-expanded, recruiting a large number of directors, including New Wave directors. More than ten directors joined forces with the company all at once. They worked either in a collaboration, such as Tsui Hark [Aces Go Places 3 (83), All the wrong spies (83), Working Class(85)], Kirk Wong or in a satellite alliance, like Dennis Yu [Comedy (84), Musical Singer (85)] and Yuen Woo-ping. The box office reception of these films was only average; some others, for example, Life After Life and Once Upon a Rainbow, even flopped. 1984 could be said to be the heyday of Cinema City, when comedies such as Happy Ghost, Kung Hei Fat Choy and Merry Christmas were produced. It was precisely because of the dominance of Cinema City that the New Wave migrated to the mainstream cinema at an accelerated pace. (source: “Hong Kong New Wave Cinema” by Pak Tong Cheuk). One of...
- 7/18/2021
- by Panos Kotzathanasis
- AsianMoviePulse
This is an authentic Hong Kong cinema experience from maverick filmmaker Pang Ho Cheung set in the old port city of Aberdeen in Hong Kong’s southwest district. “Aberdeen” the movie is a story about an extended Hong Kong family tormented by secrets and insecurities with an all-star Hong Kong cast. The area of Aberdeen is also known indigenously as “Heung Gong Zai” or “Little Hong Kong” and this is also the movie’s Chinese title.
Widowed grandpa Cheng Dong (Ng Man Tat) is a Taoist Priest who performs rituals at funerals to help the dead to reincarnate. However, he was a fisherman before until the government relocated all fishermen to live on land which he considers a curse. Hence, he becomes a Taoist instead, thereby hoping to seek peace spiritually. Nonetheless, he’s now happily living with Ta (Carrie Ng) who’s a much younger nightclub hostess.
Widowed grandpa Cheng Dong (Ng Man Tat) is a Taoist Priest who performs rituals at funerals to help the dead to reincarnate. However, he was a fisherman before until the government relocated all fishermen to live on land which he considers a curse. Hence, he becomes a Taoist instead, thereby hoping to seek peace spiritually. Nonetheless, he’s now happily living with Ta (Carrie Ng) who’s a much younger nightclub hostess.
- 6/19/2021
- by David Chew
- AsianMoviePulse
The fifth edition of EstAsia, a film festival in Reggio Emilia, Italy, dedicated to Asian culture, will begin on June 14, after a year of break due to the covid-19 epidemic.
The series of screenings aims to address, from a different angle, the current problems linked to interculturality and integration. Not a festival aimed only at the fanbase and the professionals therefore, but a moment of involvement and dialogue with the foreign communities present in the provincial and regional area.
The Golden Kaiju, a prize created by the artist Hu-Be, will be assigned this year by a jury composed of Nicola Cupperi (film critic), Lara Ferrari (journalist) and Xu Ying (communication professor at Renmin University in Beijing and Chinese director of the Confucius Institute of the University of Bologna). Then there will be the Audience Award and the Youth Award, allocated by a jury made up of students from the Ariosto Spallanzani High School.
The series of screenings aims to address, from a different angle, the current problems linked to interculturality and integration. Not a festival aimed only at the fanbase and the professionals therefore, but a moment of involvement and dialogue with the foreign communities present in the provincial and regional area.
The Golden Kaiju, a prize created by the artist Hu-Be, will be assigned this year by a jury composed of Nicola Cupperi (film critic), Lara Ferrari (journalist) and Xu Ying (communication professor at Renmin University in Beijing and Chinese director of the Confucius Institute of the University of Bologna). Then there will be the Audience Award and the Youth Award, allocated by a jury made up of students from the Ariosto Spallanzani High School.
- 6/3/2021
- by Adriana Rosati
- AsianMoviePulse
Building up on the success of the two previous installments, Sammo Hung and producer Eric Tsang really went overboard with this one, which this time, takes place mostly in Pattaya, Thailand and features even more explosive (literally and metaphorically) action scenes. The most impressive fact, however, about the film, is its uncanny cast, which seems to feature the majority of the creme de la creme of Hk action cinema, to say the least. Apart from the two aforementioned and the foreigners Richard Norton and Yasuaki Kurata, who form the main villain trio with Fat Chung, the movie also includes Jackie Chan, Yuen Biao, Richard Ng, Kiu Wai Mai, Stanley Fung, Sibelle Hu, John Sham, Rosamund Kwan, Andy Lau, Kara Hui, Michelle Yeoh and Charlie Chin, while in non-named credits as thugs, we stumble upon Dick Wei, Philip Ko and Lau Kar-win, to name the ones with the most significant roles.
- 4/8/2021
- by Panos Kotzathanasis
- AsianMoviePulse
Following the great success of “Winners and Sinners”, Sammo Hung could not but use the same recipe of comedy and action once more, with “My Lucky Stars” featuring an even more impressive cast than its predecessor, since John Shum gave his place to Eric Tsang, which allowed Sammo Hung to give him his former role as the bullied one. Furthermore, Yuen Biao and Jackie Chan had more significant roles, although they were not the protagonists once more, while the villains include Dick Wei, Bolo Yeung, Lam Ching-ying (who was also action coordinator along Sammo Hung once more), and the body builder/martial artist/stuntwoman Michiko Nishiwaki, in probably the most impressive presence in the film. Lastly, the main female role was held by Sibelle Hu instead of Cherie Chung, a substitution that also aimed to add to the action aspect of the movie, although comedy remained the main element of the narrative.
- 4/6/2021
- by Panos Kotzathanasis
- AsianMoviePulse
In the year that Hong Kong has achieved an Academy Awards nomination for “Better Days,” the territory’s leading free-to-air TV network Television Broadcasts (Tvb) will be dropping television coverage of the Oscars ceremony.
The network Monday confirmed that it did not have rights to broadcast the show this year. “It was purely a commercial decision,” said a company spokesman. Tvb has carried the show every year since 1969 on its Pearl English-language channel.
Other television stations in the territory, including Pccw’s pay-tv channel NowTV and its free-to-air channel ViuTV told Variety that they had not picked up the rights in Tvb’s place. Cable TV and Open TV are also reported to have chosen not to.
Earlier this month Chinese government authorities are understood to have issued instructions to all media in the mainland not to broadcast the Oscars ceremony live and to play down its significance. They object...
The network Monday confirmed that it did not have rights to broadcast the show this year. “It was purely a commercial decision,” said a company spokesman. Tvb has carried the show every year since 1969 on its Pearl English-language channel.
Other television stations in the territory, including Pccw’s pay-tv channel NowTV and its free-to-air channel ViuTV told Variety that they had not picked up the rights in Tvb’s place. Cable TV and Open TV are also reported to have chosen not to.
Earlier this month Chinese government authorities are understood to have issued instructions to all media in the mainland not to broadcast the Oscars ceremony live and to play down its significance. They object...
- 3/29/2021
- by Vivienne Chow and Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
Comedy is such a tricky thing to get right. Different languages and cultures mean that what plays well in one country may be incomprehensible to another. Slapstick is therefore more universal as visually it is easier to understand. With “They Came to Rob Hong Kong” we potentially have a classic example of what Hong Kong did so well in the golden era. That gelling together of fast paced action and knockabout humour that is unlike anything seen elsewhere. With a solid cast of both comedians and action stars, what could possibly go wrong?
Rick (Roy Cheung) barely escapes being captured by the police headed up by the Superintendent (Kara Hui). Plotting revenge, he hires a motley collection of misfits in China to use as a diversion from his actual intentions. Bringing them back to Hong Kong, he plans for them to rob a bank whilst he captures a politician and the superintendent.
Rick (Roy Cheung) barely escapes being captured by the police headed up by the Superintendent (Kara Hui). Plotting revenge, he hires a motley collection of misfits in China to use as a diversion from his actual intentions. Bringing them back to Hong Kong, he plans for them to rob a bank whilst he captures a politician and the superintendent.
- 3/17/2021
- by Ben Stykuc
- AsianMoviePulse
New projects include Au Cheuk Man’s Stand Up Story, co-produced with Emp, and Chui Tze Yiu’s Remember What I Forgot.
Hong Kong-based One Cool Film Production is making good on its promise to get the pandemic-hit local film industry back to work. The company’s sales arm, One Cool Pictures, is attending Filmart Online with a slate of several new productions from both new and established filmmakers, including the first project from its partnership with Emperor Motion Pictures (Emp).
One Cool and Emp announced last year that they would co-produce and co-distribute a slate of films to support...
Hong Kong-based One Cool Film Production is making good on its promise to get the pandemic-hit local film industry back to work. The company’s sales arm, One Cool Pictures, is attending Filmart Online with a slate of several new productions from both new and established filmmakers, including the first project from its partnership with Emperor Motion Pictures (Emp).
One Cool and Emp announced last year that they would co-produce and co-distribute a slate of films to support...
- 3/15/2021
- by Liz Shackleton
- ScreenDaily
Television Broadcasts, Hong Kong’s leading TV group, is set to boost its variety and music programs following a recent management reshuffle. It aims to bring back veteran entertainers who have experience and profile on the mainland Chinese market in order that the station can expand its foothold in the Greater Bay Area.
The new appointments come after a difficult year amid the Covid-19 pandemic. According to Tvb’s 2020 interim report, the broadcaster suffered a 69% year-on-year decline in advertising income for the broadcasting segment in the first half of the past year, resulting in a loss of Hk$515 million ($66.3 million).
Eric Tsang, the award-winning actor, filmmaker and show host, has re-joined Tvb as deputy Gm of the largest free-to-air TV station in Hong Kong. He leads the broadcaster’s non-drama, music program and production section. Comedian Wong Cho-nam, a Tvb veteran, was named chief creative officer.
Tsang’s first task...
The new appointments come after a difficult year amid the Covid-19 pandemic. According to Tvb’s 2020 interim report, the broadcaster suffered a 69% year-on-year decline in advertising income for the broadcasting segment in the first half of the past year, resulting in a loss of Hk$515 million ($66.3 million).
Eric Tsang, the award-winning actor, filmmaker and show host, has re-joined Tvb as deputy Gm of the largest free-to-air TV station in Hong Kong. He leads the broadcaster’s non-drama, music program and production section. Comedian Wong Cho-nam, a Tvb veteran, was named chief creative officer.
Tsang’s first task...
- 3/14/2021
- by Vivienne Chow
- Variety Film + TV
With a prodigious output during its peak, it isn’t hard for some Hong Kong features to fade into obscurity. It’s only with recent re-releases that we are getting the opportunity to revisit them. On researching “Fatal Vacation” for this review, I was surprised to read about the controversy that surrounded its production. With a relatively unusual subject matter for the industry, it veers into exploitation territory more in common a with “grindhouse” movie than regular Hong Kong fare.
Bob (Eric Tsang) runs tours of the Philippines for Hong Kong tourists, assisted by Candy (Irene Wan). In true Hong Kong fashion, he bribes the local airport staff and alters the itinerary to make quick money. At a nightspot, his party are captured by rebels and taken hostage to be used as negotiation for the release of one of their captured brethren. When the government refuses to...
Bob (Eric Tsang) runs tours of the Philippines for Hong Kong tourists, assisted by Candy (Irene Wan). In true Hong Kong fashion, he bribes the local airport staff and alters the itinerary to make quick money. At a nightspot, his party are captured by rebels and taken hostage to be used as negotiation for the release of one of their captured brethren. When the government refuses to...
- 1/30/2021
- by Ben Stykuc
- AsianMoviePulse
Sammo Hung possesses a little cinematic party trick. Every now and again, he throws in his Bruce Lee impression. Appearing in “Enter the Dragon” and “Game of Death” saw him in both the legitimate and exploitation sides of the little master canon. With “Enter the Fat Dragon”, we get a whole vehicle based on it. Not to be confused with the Donnie Yen version, this is very much in Bruceploitation territory.
Lung (Sammo Hung) is a pig farmer and a devoted Bruce Lee fan. He is sent to the city to earn a living working at his uncle’s (Fung Fung) restaurant, but when he arrives, he finds a gang of thugs causing trouble in the restaurant. He takes the chance to prove himself and attacks the thugs, defeating them and saving the restaurant. Soon, he becomes a waiter, and discovers a plot by the same thugs...
Lung (Sammo Hung) is a pig farmer and a devoted Bruce Lee fan. He is sent to the city to earn a living working at his uncle’s (Fung Fung) restaurant, but when he arrives, he finds a gang of thugs causing trouble in the restaurant. He takes the chance to prove himself and attacks the thugs, defeating them and saving the restaurant. Soon, he becomes a waiter, and discovers a plot by the same thugs...
- 1/13/2021
- by Ben Stykuc
- AsianMoviePulse
Hong Kong, as a place and symbol, has transformed over the last century. As first a British colony and then a Special Administrative Region in China, Hong Kong has retained its unique identity as a site where influences from the East and West intermingle to shape its iconic skyline. Nowhere is the indelible personality of Hong Kong architecture more evident than in its housing, itself the basis for countless classic Hong Kong films. While the topic may not be new, the question of what home looks like in Hong Kong, both for its citizens and its cinema, has gained newfound resonance in the 21st Century.
This question frames the presentation of Home in Hong Kong, a season highlighting various films from the last decade. Through different historical eras and wildly disparate genres, these films traverse from tenement housing to upscale penthouse apartments, to pose greater questions about how we define the word “home”. Above all,...
This question frames the presentation of Home in Hong Kong, a season highlighting various films from the last decade. Through different historical eras and wildly disparate genres, these films traverse from tenement housing to upscale penthouse apartments, to pose greater questions about how we define the word “home”. Above all,...
- 1/8/2021
- by Rhythm Zaveri
- AsianMoviePulse
by Nathaniel
Hong Kong has selected Better Days (available to rent on Amazon), to represent them at the 93rd Oscars. Its director Derek Tsang (also known as Tsang Kwok Cheung) first entered the movies as an actor. But for the last decade the now 41 year old talent has been moving behind the camera. (He's the son of the director Eric Tsang who followed a similar path working both sides of the camera). His film is a contemporary crime drama about a bullied teenage girl and a mysterious thug who protects her. It won 8 prizes at the annnual Hong Kong Film Awards.
The Academy Awards have been notoriously resistant to Asian cinema, apart from a 20th century fixation on Japan. Most Asian countries have somewhere between zero to two Oscar nominations, usually not a number that accurately reflects their status in global cinema. Only in the 1990s when Chinese cinema was...
Hong Kong has selected Better Days (available to rent on Amazon), to represent them at the 93rd Oscars. Its director Derek Tsang (also known as Tsang Kwok Cheung) first entered the movies as an actor. But for the last decade the now 41 year old talent has been moving behind the camera. (He's the son of the director Eric Tsang who followed a similar path working both sides of the camera). His film is a contemporary crime drama about a bullied teenage girl and a mysterious thug who protects her. It won 8 prizes at the annnual Hong Kong Film Awards.
The Academy Awards have been notoriously resistant to Asian cinema, apart from a 20th century fixation on Japan. Most Asian countries have somewhere between zero to two Oscar nominations, usually not a number that accurately reflects their status in global cinema. Only in the 1990s when Chinese cinema was...
- 11/28/2020
- by NATHANIEL R
- FilmExperience
Thirty two years old Lau Kin Ping is a “Fei Qing”, a term describing a youth with no job, no money and a total loser with no future. Still can’t afford to rent, he lives with his brother and parents who fight all the time over money, in a cramped apartment among the poor district of Hong Kong. One day on his way to work, a couple jumps off his building and splatter blood all over him. But his only concern is about his best clothes being ruined. Apart from that, he also gets himself fired from his job. However, he manages to get a job in a local 24-hour convenience shop that very night but with very little pay.
The store manager (Lam Suet) turns out to be a bastard who abuses and plays on his workers all the time. Nonetheless, Lau Kin Ping hits...
The store manager (Lam Suet) turns out to be a bastard who abuses and plays on his workers all the time. Nonetheless, Lau Kin Ping hits...
- 10/10/2020
- by David Chew
- AsianMoviePulse
When you have a passion for movies, it can lead to all sorts of discoveries. Some are really horrendous and can make you wish for the invention of time travel so you can erase the apparent eternity spent watching it and yes “In Between Loves” am referring to you! Yet others are a complete delight that the minutes fly by and the sadness is that it has to end. “Final Victory” is one of those latter ones. An unexpected pleasure that surprises and entertains in equal measure.
Bo (Tsui Hark), a gang boss is due to go to jail. On his last night of freedom, he orders his childhood friend and follower Hung (Eric Tsang) to keep an eye on his two wives and under no circumstances to let them meet. Ping (Margaret Lee) he soon discovers is in trouble with a loanshark and so reluctantly comes...
Bo (Tsui Hark), a gang boss is due to go to jail. On his last night of freedom, he orders his childhood friend and follower Hung (Eric Tsang) to keep an eye on his two wives and under no circumstances to let them meet. Ping (Margaret Lee) he soon discovers is in trouble with a loanshark and so reluctantly comes...
- 8/31/2020
- by Ben Stykuc
- AsianMoviePulse
Contemporary Chinese Cinema is a column devoted to exploring contemporary Chinese-language cinema primarily as it is revealed to us at North American multiplexes.Earlier this year, Derek Tsang’s Better Days was abruptly pulled from its intended premiere at the Berlin International Film Festival. One of a number of such high profile cancellations, the withdrawal was supposedly for “technical reasons” but widely assumed to be a last-minute decision by the latest version of China’s film censorship regime, which last year adopted new layers of guidelines and processes to an already-opaque and unpredictable system. Still, the film was apparently approved for commercial release this past summer, when it was to debut both in China and in North America. And then it was cancelled again, three days before its opening. And again, no official reason was given. And then, out of nowhere, on October 22nd it was suddenly announced that the...
- 11/5/2019
- MUBI
Young directors Michelle Hung (“Little Shop of Horrors”) and Ashley Cheung (“Life on the Line”), cinematographer Eric Tsang (“Liu Yang River”) and their short movies are part of the Hong Kong 2017 Fresh Wave Short Film Competition. Now at its 11th edition, Fresh Wave is an independent organization founded by Johnnie To, to fund Hong Kong young talents in film-making, showcase their projects and give them a truly effective platform to start their career from. Fresh Wave Alumni includes Jevons Au of “Ten Years” and “Trivisa”, and Wong Chun of multi-awarded Mad World.
On the occasion of their films screening at Five Flavours Film Festival in Warsaw, we speak with them about their experience in Hong Kong as young, independent filmmakers, their inspirational directors and their short movies in the Fresh Wave competition.
Let’s start with some general questions for all of you. It looks like in Hong Kong at...
On the occasion of their films screening at Five Flavours Film Festival in Warsaw, we speak with them about their experience in Hong Kong as young, independent filmmakers, their inspirational directors and their short movies in the Fresh Wave competition.
Let’s start with some general questions for all of you. It looks like in Hong Kong at...
- 9/24/2019
- by Adriana Rosati
- AsianMoviePulse
Hong Kong cinema expands its borders once more and brings us a new fast paced action/adventure film, starring the one and only Andy Lau and international known French actor Jean Reno. “The Adventurers” is the latest film by Stephen Fung, and it was known for some time to be a emake of the classic John Woo’s flick “Once a Thief”. The plot is, in spirit, very similar, but it is not a remake in its whole, just an action flick with a similar plot that plays in the same league.
“The Adventurers” is about a thief who has just been released from prison. Then, he brings together a team of professionals to make a final big score which will make them millionaires. The job is simple: steal the important jewel “The Rope of Life”, the last of the three pieces that form the invaluable Gaia necklace.
“The Adventurers” is about a thief who has just been released from prison. Then, he brings together a team of professionals to make a final big score which will make them millionaires. The job is simple: steal the important jewel “The Rope of Life”, the last of the three pieces that form the invaluable Gaia necklace.
- 8/29/2019
- by Pedro Morata
- AsianMoviePulse
A versatile producer in her own right, Jojo Hui Yuet-chun began working as an assistant director in Samson Chiu’s Yesteryou, Yesterme, Yesterday (1993) and soon found herself in numerous film projects. She collaborated with Peter Ho-sun Chan on many of his earlier films, including the award-winning Allan and Eric: Between Hello and Goodbye (1991) and He’s a Woman, She’s a Man (1994). She also served as associate producer and assistant director on acclaimed films such as Chan’s Comrades, Almost a Love Story (1997), Teddy Chen’s Purple Storm (1999) (which she co-wrote) and The Accidental Spy (2000) starring Jackie Chan. Hui worked with international renowned filmmakers such as Wayne Wangon Chinese Box (1997) as assistant director, and Tsui Harkon Knock Off (1998) as a casting director.
Having joined Applause Picturesin 2002, Hui has since produced a series of smash hits such as Jan Dara (2001), The Eye (2001), Three: Going Home (2001), Golden Chicken series, The Eye 2 (2004) and...
Having joined Applause Picturesin 2002, Hui has since produced a series of smash hits such as Jan Dara (2001), The Eye (2001), Three: Going Home (2001), Golden Chicken series, The Eye 2 (2004) and...
- 6/8/2019
- by Adriana Rosati
- AsianMoviePulse
Wong Chun tackles a rather difficult theme in his debut, as he deals with bipolar disorder, in a low budget film that has already received a number of awards, both Chinese and international.
“Mad World” screened at Art Film Fest Kosice
The story revolves around Wong Sai-Tung, a man who suffers from bipolar disorder and has just been released from the mental hospital. Tung was committed there after an accident involving his mother, an abusive woman with mobility issues, whom everyone else in the family has abandoned, including his father. Furthermore, the frustration from his dealings with his mother had an impact to his relationship with his fiancée, Jenny, who had to deal with his violent outbursts and currently, with the debts he left her for the apartment they were living, when he was committed. Now, he finds himself having to live with his estranged father in a two-steps room...
“Mad World” screened at Art Film Fest Kosice
The story revolves around Wong Sai-Tung, a man who suffers from bipolar disorder and has just been released from the mental hospital. Tung was committed there after an accident involving his mother, an abusive woman with mobility issues, whom everyone else in the family has abandoned, including his father. Furthermore, the frustration from his dealings with his mother had an impact to his relationship with his fiancée, Jenny, who had to deal with his violent outbursts and currently, with the debts he left her for the apartment they were living, when he was committed. Now, he finds himself having to live with his estranged father in a two-steps room...
- 6/7/2019
- by Panos Kotzathanasis
- AsianMoviePulse
Yan Pak Wing studied film at the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts and the University of Melbourne. On the occasion of his debut film, Vampire Cleaning Department in Art Film Fest Kosice, we speak to him about his career, his choices in the movie, the current status of Hk cinema, and many more topics.
Tell us a bit about the path that led you to Vampire Cleanup Department. How did the cooperation with Chiu Sin-hang came to be?
As I remember when I was a little boy, I watched a Hong Kong movie called “Mr.Vampire” with my family. I was totally influenced by this film, and started asking how can this production contain a lot of entertaining elements, scary romance and comedy within 90mins? I think, at that point, I fell in love with Vampire movies. So, when I graduated from film school ( the Hong Kong Academy for...
Tell us a bit about the path that led you to Vampire Cleanup Department. How did the cooperation with Chiu Sin-hang came to be?
As I remember when I was a little boy, I watched a Hong Kong movie called “Mr.Vampire” with my family. I was totally influenced by this film, and started asking how can this production contain a lot of entertaining elements, scary romance and comedy within 90mins? I think, at that point, I fell in love with Vampire movies. So, when I graduated from film school ( the Hong Kong Academy for...
- 6/6/2019
- by Panos Kotzathanasis
- AsianMoviePulse
Instead of a prologue, I would like to say this: Rarely does a title of a film correspond so eloquently to its actual context. Whatever one would expect from a movie named “Vampire Cleanup Department” is here in abundance. So, in that fashion…
“Vampire Cleanup Department” screened at Art Film Fest Kosice
Tim Cheung is a “typical” Hong Kong teenager, who lives with his half-crazy grandmother since his parents died, and spends most of his time on his smart phone. However, after an accident involving him being beaten by a vampire, he realizes that he is immune to their bite. Furthermore, he learns that his parents were vampire hunters, working for an underground organization called Vampire Cleanup Department, who pose as garbage men but actually are experts in battling vampires. Because, obviously, Hong Kong is soaring with them.
Soon after his experience, his uncle Chau introduces him to the service...
“Vampire Cleanup Department” screened at Art Film Fest Kosice
Tim Cheung is a “typical” Hong Kong teenager, who lives with his half-crazy grandmother since his parents died, and spends most of his time on his smart phone. However, after an accident involving him being beaten by a vampire, he realizes that he is immune to their bite. Furthermore, he learns that his parents were vampire hunters, working for an underground organization called Vampire Cleanup Department, who pose as garbage men but actually are experts in battling vampires. Because, obviously, Hong Kong is soaring with them.
Soon after his experience, his uncle Chau introduces him to the service...
- 6/5/2019
- by Panos Kotzathanasis
- AsianMoviePulse
The Hong Kong film industry will be given greater access to the $9 billion mainland Chinese movie market following a relaxation of rules that had kept Hong Kong films and film makers on a separate footing.
The territory which returned to China in 1997 after 150 years of British colonial rule, saw its film industry flourish in the 1970s-1990s when China largely closed itself off from the world. Since 2003, the Hong Kong film industry has had privileged access to China as part of the wider Closer Economic Partnership Agreement. But there were still restrictions and requirements — such as one that said mainland Chinese performers must account for at least a third of the cast in co-productions.
The Hong Kong government announced on Tuesday that mainland authorities had agreed to five changes.
They include: the removal of a restriction on the number of Hong Kong people participating in mainland film productions; and the...
The territory which returned to China in 1997 after 150 years of British colonial rule, saw its film industry flourish in the 1970s-1990s when China largely closed itself off from the world. Since 2003, the Hong Kong film industry has had privileged access to China as part of the wider Closer Economic Partnership Agreement. But there were still restrictions and requirements — such as one that said mainland Chinese performers must account for at least a third of the cast in co-productions.
The Hong Kong government announced on Tuesday that mainland authorities had agreed to five changes.
They include: the removal of a restriction on the number of Hong Kong people participating in mainland film productions; and the...
- 4/16/2019
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
Hong Kong actor-director Derek Kwok-cheung Tsang has recently found himself in the spotlight of the world of cinema, but for the wrong reason.
Tsang will be joining a Hong Kong filmmakers panel at FilMart on Thursday with Sunny Chan (“Man on the Dragon”) and Pang Ho-cheung (“Love in a Puff”).
The 39-year-old filmmaker was expecting a world premiere of his second full-length drama feature as a director, Hong Kong-Chinese co-production “Better Days,” at the recent Berlin Film Festival, but it was pulled just days before its scheduled bow. Later in the festival, Zhang Yimou’s “One Second” was withdrawn from its Berlin bow. The events sparked speculation on how China is tightening its grip on censorship and creativity.
“Better Days” was reportedly pulled because it did not obtain permits from the mainland Chinese authorities required to travel to international film festivals.
The son of star Eric Tsang, Derek once told...
Tsang will be joining a Hong Kong filmmakers panel at FilMart on Thursday with Sunny Chan (“Man on the Dragon”) and Pang Ho-cheung (“Love in a Puff”).
The 39-year-old filmmaker was expecting a world premiere of his second full-length drama feature as a director, Hong Kong-Chinese co-production “Better Days,” at the recent Berlin Film Festival, but it was pulled just days before its scheduled bow. Later in the festival, Zhang Yimou’s “One Second” was withdrawn from its Berlin bow. The events sparked speculation on how China is tightening its grip on censorship and creativity.
“Better Days” was reportedly pulled because it did not obtain permits from the mainland Chinese authorities required to travel to international film festivals.
The son of star Eric Tsang, Derek once told...
- 3/20/2019
- by Vivienne Chow
- Variety Film + TV
Chinese film “Better Days,” about disaffected youth and a mysterious death, has been yanked from the Berlin Film Festival. Sources say that the movie failed to receive the necessary permits from authorities in China, where censorship and cultural control has tightened considerably in recent months.
The picture, by director by Derek Kwok-cheung Tsang, was due to receive its world premiere in Berlin’s youth strand, the Generation 14Plus section. But on Monday, the festival announced without explanation that all four screenings of “Better Days” had been canceled.
Sources with knowledge of the situation told Variety that the film had not obtained the official permits needed from mainland Chinese authorities. While Tsang hails from Hong Kong, which is under separate jurisdiction from the mainland on many matters, the film was made as a China-Hong Kong co-production, which means that mainland Chinese rules apply. Tsang is the son of well-known Hong Kong actor Eric Tsang,...
The picture, by director by Derek Kwok-cheung Tsang, was due to receive its world premiere in Berlin’s youth strand, the Generation 14Plus section. But on Monday, the festival announced without explanation that all four screenings of “Better Days” had been canceled.
Sources with knowledge of the situation told Variety that the film had not obtained the official permits needed from mainland Chinese authorities. While Tsang hails from Hong Kong, which is under separate jurisdiction from the mainland on many matters, the film was made as a China-Hong Kong co-production, which means that mainland Chinese rules apply. Tsang is the son of well-known Hong Kong actor Eric Tsang,...
- 2/4/2019
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
Ringo Lam’s death this past December 29 at the age of 63 sparked outpourings of appreciation from across the world, with attention in America focused mostly on his two most famous films, City on Fire (1987) and Full Contact (1992), each of which were elevated to the canon in the days when Hong Kong movies could be found here for the most part only on cheap, imported, usually dubbed VHS tapes in the country’s more adventurous video stores. City on Fire was famous more as the inspiration for Quentin Tarantino’s Reservoir Dogs (1992) than on its own merits, while Full Contact delivered all the gory nihilistic charms of a grindhouse cinema that was vastly more alive than anything Hollywood ever bothered to produce. But there’s much more to Lam’s work than cheap thrills and story material for directorial magpies. Ringo Lam was part of a remarkable generation of filmmakers, working...
- 1/10/2019
- MUBI
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