China Showbiz 2012/11/23

Tang Wei Covers “Marie Claire”

Chinese actress Tang Wei covers “Marie Claire” Hong Kong for their November 2012 issue.
Yin Tao Covers “GQ”

Yin Tao Covers “GQ” (Source: Xinhua)
Glamorous Li Xiaoran poses on beach

Glamorous Li Xiaoran poses on beach (Source: Xinhua)
Ang Lee turns unfilmable ‘Life of Pi’ into spectacle

Academy Award-winning director Ang Lee’s new visual feast “Life of Pi” hits Chinese cinemas today, but its IMAX version is only set to run for a week.

“Life of Pi,” the critically-acclaimed 3D film based on the 2001 brain-twisting novel of the same title by Yann Martel, tells the story of Pi, a 16-year-old Indian boy and the sole survivor of a sinking freighter, who finds himself on a lifeboat for an 227-day epic adventure with a Bengal tiger named Richard Parker.
Armed with “Avatar” director James Cameron’s 3D camera, the Taiwan-born American director, who can boast “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” and “Brokeback Mountain” on his resume, entered a new era for his own career, and presented a film that was once deemed “unfilmable” as it involves water, animals, children, hope, belief and philosophy — all elements said to be the hardest parts to do in filmmaking history.
“If you put everything together, it was simply too expensive to make,” the Oscar winner explained during his Beijing press conference earlier this month. “It was just like the number pi, irrational. This is by far the most difficult movie I’ve ever shot.”
“‘Life of Pi’ breaks through the paradigm that a 3D flick has to be some big, action-packed fantasy spectacle or superhero movie. The movie is visually amazing, inventive, and it gets to you in ways you are not really aware of,” James Cameron said in praise of the 3D film in a video released by 20th Century Fox Film Corporation.
“It takes you on a journey, and unless you have read the book prior to watching it, which I had not, you have no idea where that journey is going. It does what any good 3D is supposed to do, which is basically allowing you to forget you are watching a 3D movie,” Cameron added.
Ang Lee opens the film slowly, telling the background story of Pi Patel before the perfect storm enters his life, as this China.org.cn reporter observed at a special screening held for the media on Thursday. But when the storm hits, the film goes into full gear and reaches a climax like a condensed version of “Titanic.”
After the storm, Pi regains consciousness and finds himself in a small lifeboat accompanied by a Bengal tiger, a hyena, a zebra and an orangutan. During the aftermath, when hunger strikes all victims, killings happen and Pi and tiger become the last two standing.
The tiger still cannot be tamed. Pi tries to find a way to co-exist with the beast on the vast ocean. They fight with each other, they encounter flying fishes and another storm, and then land on a magical carnivorous island where they meet countless meerkats. In the end they decide to leave and eventually reach the shores of Mexico.
The time they spent drifting around on the ocean certainly makes for the most interesting and inspiring part of this cast-away story. Some of the most beautiful, dreamy scenes ever created on screen, such as the illuminant jellyfishes and whale, the starry sky and its reflection on the endless peaceful ocean, paired with 3D and IMAX technology ensure the movie’s beauty and excitement.
But “Life of Pi” is more than merely a visual spectacle.
Suraj Sharma, who plays Pi in the film after Lee picked him from 3,000 auditioners, is a newbie without much acting experience. But he gives a very strong performance in the film that can easily stand alongside the most famous acting veterans.
“He is such a rare talent. He was like a little living Buddha, who needed awakening,” Lee said.
The core of story is about belief. When the journey ends, two Japanese officials from the Maritime Department try to investigate the truth behind the ship wreck, but don’t believe the story of Pi and the animals. Pi then gives them another, crueler, version that seems more real. This is the point where audiences have to rethink the whole story and find the deeper spiritual meaning that hides within.
“I would love to see audiences viewing this film as a mind game, and as a universal film with thoughts which can spark discussion within families,” Lee said earlier this month. “I was the one to share the story and I feel fulfilled, I hope people will be enlightened by its ending and I wish to convey more thoughts and emotions to all of you.”
“Life of Pi” is set for release on Nov. 21, 2012, across North America, and Nov. 22 on the Chinese mainland. However, its compelling IMAX version will only have a short 7-day run in China, due to the theater arrangements for Feng Xiaogang’s historical epic “Back to 1942,” which will also have an IMAX version available and is expected to dominate the Chinese film market from Nov. 29 onwards.
Source: china.org.cn
Singer Jam Hsiao to hold concert in London

Singer Jam Hsiao at a press conference to publicize his World Tour London stop concert in London, November 21, 2012. The concert will be held on Nov. 23. (Xinhua/Tang Shi)
Trivial Matters - Por see yee (2007)

Edmond Pang Ho-Cheung (破事兒)

Po shi er Hong Kong (Mandarin title)

Trivial Matters Hong Kong (English title)
Yan Yidan – Without fruit

A postcard-perfect MV for the composer of popular songs like Happy Family’s “Happiness You understand” and Meteor Shower OST’s “Left half of wings.”
Mostly known for composing many of Hunan TV’s most popular theme songs, composer Yan Yidan recently released her MV for her debut album, “Without Fruit.” I love how beautifully-shot the MV is. It’s like the single lens version of most other MV’s. Also a big fan of the use of the calligraphy and seal for the opening credits.

A Terra-Cotta Warrior - Qin yong (1989)

Courtesy of Zenn Pond

Ősi harcos	Hungary
A Terra-Cotta Warrior	Hong Kong (English title)
Der Krieger des Kaisers	West Germany
Dynasty Warrior - Der Krieger des Kaisers	Germany (DVD title)
Gu jin da zhan qin yon qing	China (video CD title) (Mandarin title)
Terracota Warrior	France
Terracottasoturi	Finland
Terrakottakrigeren	Norway (imdb display title)

Fight and Love with a Terracotta Warrior Mainland VCD Title

10-YEAR-OLD WISE BEYOND HIS YEARS
A 10-year-old boy in Zhuhai, Guangdong province, has become the focus of public attention after he published online his application form to drop out of school.
Feng Shaoyi (冯邵一) has skipped three grades due to his excellent academic performance and presently studies in the first grade of junior high school, the equivalent of seventh grade in the US.
In the application form addressed to his parents and teachers, he wrote: “I apply to drop out of school because I don’t want to bury my ideals in meaningless exams.”
“My ideal is to live with the girl I love — even if we have to chop firewood or scavenge for a living,” he wrote with neat handwriting.
In the three-page long letter, dated October 19, 2012, he thoroughly demonstrates his mature thinking, apparently developed through extensive reading.
He said wasting his “beautiful” youth studying was meaningless as it would only lead to a better-paid job.
Even to become president, he wrote, would mean saying things he doesn’t mean, putting on a hypocritical mask and spending the public’s money, still leaving a lot of people jobless.
So what if he becomes a scientist? Alfred Nobel invented the bomb that has shrouded the entire world in fear.
(May Daily Says: Nobel invented dynamite.)
How about the globally recognized Albert Einstein? The atomic bomb he invented could destroy the entire world soon.
Karl Benz and his brother invented cars. But it led to endless exploitation of steel and gas, pollution, and wars over energy.
“What destruction was not caused by those who had great ideals?” Shaoyi rhetorically asks.
He continued to write, then how about being a teacher?
Is it meaningful to teach students everyday? Giving them exams? Correcting their homework? Or opening after-class sessions?
“Maybe I would turn students into Adolf Hitler or Einstein, who would then create wars or invent some more bombs. Then I would be killing human beings.”
He then explained that he is unhappy because he does not know what is worth his happiness.
“I might as well find a girlfriend now, take her to roam the world and stand aloof from the world.”
“I have seriously thought about it. It’s very terrible for a person like me with a high IQ to have great ideals. If I become Hitler, Nobel or Einstein in the future, it would definitely be a disaster for human beings!!!” he ended his letter, with three exclamation marks.

Source: Sina Weibo

Zhuhai, Guangdong province November 22, 2012
李丹妮
EDISON CHEN DENIES HE’S GETTING HITCHED
Playboy Edison Chen‘s (陈冠希) assistant has strongly denied that his boss is getting married.
“We won’t respond to (the reports he’s marrying his gf) because it’s not true at all,” said Zheng Guangzhi (郑光智).
Hong Kong media disclosed that after drinking with friends at a party at the end of last month, the tipsy Edison told his friends that he will tie the knot soon.
According to this “close friend,” Edison admitted that he has proposed to Ann Hong, his Taiwan girlfriend, whom he has dated for six months.
He will start organizing the wedding after he has finished his work commitments, the friend claimed.
The wedding date and location were not revealed, but the wedding banquet will be in Hong Kong, the report said.
Ann is said to thought to be an employee at his fashion store in Taiwan and became the store’s designated model after they became an item.
But loyal readers will recall that previous media reports refer to his 22-year-old girlfriend as Angela Meng, a Taiwanese-Korean who works at his Taipei JUICE store.
Time will tell, I guess.

Source: Sina, Xinhuanet

Hong Kong/Taiwan November 22, 2012

Jasmine Women - Mo li hua kai (2004)

Hou Yong (茉莉花開)

Jasmine Women	International (English title) / Japan (English title)
Anthismena giasemia	Greece (festival title)
Blossoming Jasmine	(undefined) (literal English title)
Jázmin hölgyek	Hungary
Jasmine Flower	International (English title)

The Invincible Fist - Tie shou wu qing (1969)

Chang Cheh (鐵手無情)

อัศวินจอมยุทธจักร (Thai Title)
Kate Tsui "Double Shoulder Attack" for TV Queen by Tavia Yeung & Niki Chow

Yesterday TVB announced the official nomination list of TVB Anniversary Awards 2012. At the press conference, most of the attention was centered around the all-citizen public voting system for the three awards Best Actor, Actress and Series. Yesterday Wayne Lai, Moses Chan, Kate Tsui, Tavia Yeung, Niki Chow, Ben Wong, Christine Kuo, Eliza Sam, etc. attended the press con. Lately Kate has been one of the hot favorites for the TV Queen title, but yesterday she was sandwiched between Tavia and Niki's "double slanting shoulders" (referring to their dresses). The TV Queen battle seems fierce. If Charmaine Sheh, Myolie Wu and Michelle Yim were at the event too, Kate most likely would suffer even greater pressure. As for the TV Kings, Moses and Wayne appeared quite relaxed, after all they have already gotten a taste of the TV King title before. Also since Raymond Lam, Bosco Wong and Kevin Cheng weren't around, Wayne and Moses were just chatting cheerfully and joked around. However, the most interesting was Joe Ma, who was surprisingly nominated for Tiger Cubs despite having already left TVB, but Bowie Lam didn't get nominated for When Heaven Burns.
Kate is depending on her role "Chan Ka Bik" from Highs and Lows to compete for the "Best Actress" and "My Favorite TV Female Character" awards. She admitted she was quite surprised and currently feels distracted, but she does have confidence on this role, after all it did get very good response. She will be working hard in promoting and pulling in more votes. When asked if she's relying on the 'one second gang rape' scene to stand out from the other nominees? Kate expressed: "I hope people aren't just watching that one scene, they must watch the whole series. If its because audience feels sympathy or pity for Chan Ka Bik, I don't mind either."
The media teased that Tavia and Niki are using "slanted shoulders" to attack Kate, but Tavia laughed: "We cannot just depend on this to set the standard. My confidence is 50/50 and I'm not going to stress over the awards, but I cannot say I don't have a chance. (It was rumored she was absent from the TVB Anniversary Gala show because she already lost to Kate?) How can it be that predictable, but I was watching the show at home."
Aimee Chan Should Be Nominated For Supporting Role
Moses Chan's girlfriend Aimee Chan made it in on the nominations for Best Actress. However, Moses' partner from that same series, Maggie Cheung, already left TVB and was not part of the nominations. The public calls this into question, it would be more appropriate for Aimee to be nominated for "Best Supporting Actress". Moses expressed: "It is all involuntary for her too, TVB makes all the arrangements, artists are very passive. She wouldn't say that she must be nominated for lead actress. (Heartbroken?) No problem. In the entertainment circle, there will be people that like you and others that won't like you. Just as long as you do your best on your own part." As for the Best Actor nominations, Moses expressed he's just facing it calmly. He expressed Wayne and Damian Lau are the group with talents. As for Wayne, he joked and said he's part of the Idols group. He said: "Raymond Lam has so many fans, but there are different types of TV audience. We all have different selling points. Perhaps Kenneth Ma will have more professionals voting for him. It's a 50/50 surge!
Ben Wong: Just Doing My Best
Last year's Best Supporting Actor winner Ben Wong was not nominated this year for his outstanding role in Highs and Lows. Not only has Netizens been madly criticizing TVB, but even Felix Wong, Bobby Au-Yeung and Evergreen Mak has shown their support for Ben on Weibo. Yesterday Ben helplessly tried to "withstand" his disappointment at the press conference. He frankly expressed he was very shocked when he learned of the news: "You have to ask TVB, I am just doing my best. (Will you think of leaving?) I still have a contract with TVB." Last year's Best Supporting Actress winner Sharon Chan was not nominated either. She said: "I won't cry. Although I am a little disappointed, but I will continue working hard."
Raymond Lam Acting Like a Big Shot?
TVB executive Virgina Lok is part of the panel of judges, she strongly praised Ben Wong, his achievements is obvious to all and she did vote for him. Hopefully he'll make it on the nominations for Best Actor next year. Virgina expressed she will suggest to add a few more nominees to each category next year. It was rumored Raymond was acting like a bit shot and didn't take the large group picture at the anniversary night? Virgina said: "He was at the restroom. When they finished taking the pictures, he even stomped and asked why couldn't they take it again. (Because he's favored?) How could he dare? It's a public voting this time!"
Eliza Sam 3 Nominations
This year Eliza Sam is nominated for "My Favorite TV Female Character", "Best Supporting Actress" and "Most Improved Actress". Compared to last year's "goddess" Christine Kuo, who's only nominated for "Best Supporting Actress", Eliza has much higher chances. Could it be that this year is dominated by "goddesses"? Eliza laughed, "If I get the Most Improved Actress, I'll be satisfied enough. I do have confidence, but I'm not fighting for the award with Christine. It's just coincidentally, we were both nominated."
Rebecca Zhu's Pelvic Bone Shifting, May Affect Fertility

While at the TVB Anniversary Gala 2012's "Goddesses Falls for the Net" performance, all the attention was on Kate Tsui doing the splits in the air, but her teammate Rebecca Zhu injured her waist during rehearsal earlier and had to take several pain killers before she was able to do the actual performance. It turns out she's been tortured by severe pain in the past few days. Yesterday she rushed to get her injury treated with a specialist.
Yesterday at 4pm, Rebecca took her X-rays to Central and had the word "worried" written all over her face. She limped one step at a time to the business building to see the chiropractor. When reporters went forward to comfort her, Rebecca expressed because she made an appointment with the doctor, she must make it to the clinic on time and will accept interviews after.
Rebecca spent half an hour with the doctor and she appeared even more haggard after the visit. She expressed the doctor did physical therapy on her and also diathermy. She said: "The doctor helped me do a bone shift, I was really in pain!" It turns out since she injured her waist, she was holding in the extreme pain all along, but for the performance, she took several pain killers, anti-inflammatory pills and put on several analgesic patches in order to reduce the pain. The other night, the pain was so severe, tears started coming out. After discussing with her family and manager, she decided to get it treated yesterday.
Rebecca said: "Last night, I was in so much pain, I started crying. I went to get X-rays, and the doctor just said a part of my lower back bone is protruding. Actually it's an old injury, but the new injury discovered that one of my legs is longer than the other. Turns out its because my pelvic bone is shifting, so one side is higher than the other." She deeply understands that shifting of the pelvic bone could be serious and if not treated well, her fertility could be affected! She's only 24, so she's very worried. She said: "I'm very worried because I really want to have children in the future, I hope I'll be fine!"
Profile
English Name: Rebecca (Chu San Lai)
Age: 24
Measurements: 34,23,34.5
Debut: Known as the "Pirated Fala Chen" during Miss Hong Kong 2011. This year Silver Spoon Sterling Shackles is her first series. She gained recognition playing Kenneth Ma's wife.
Samantha Ko Sobs Clarifying She's Not In a Relationship with TVB's Boss

Today Samantha Ko was accompanied by TVB Deputy Director of Foreign Affairs (Tsang Sing Ming) at TVB City for a press conference regarding the recent magazine cover story reporting Samantha Ko had successfully "kicked out" Kate Tsui because TVB's boss Chan Kwok Keung is "romantically interested" in Samantha. It was reported she is now known as the "female boss" to everyone within TVB. Samantha came out to clarify how wronged she felt. She expressed in tears that every artist within TVB takes it one step at a time to get to where they are today, and they don't rely on relationships or anything. She was also grateful for Kate Tsui comforting her.
Samantha expressed she felt very unhappy about the report and denounced the report is not true at all, therefore she must clarify. She did not depend on relationships or connections to get to where she is at today and she does not hope all her hard work and future goes to waste because of these negative news. She is also afraid this would affect how the public thinks of her and her reputation.
She continued and said this is not her first time having false news written about her, such as buying new cars and homes or dating wealthy businessmen. It is all not true. As for the rumor that she and TVB boss Chan Kwok Keung are in a relationship, Samantha said: "I know he is the boss, but I have never been in contact with him before. Also, the report has affected my parents, they are worried. Just by this single fabricated report, we are all unhappy." At one point, Samantha felt so wronged she teared up, and stressed nobody at TVB is calling her "Lo Ban Leung" ("female boss", wife of the boss). She said: "I just feel shocked and wronged. Time after time, there are these fake stories. Actually I don't know how to explain it, I just feel helpless."
Mr. Tsang Sing Ming expressed: "Today TVB is formally taking legal action against that magazine publication and will be sending out a lawyer's letter demanding for their responsibility towards this issue. Also, effect immediately, all reporters from this magazine company are prohibited to enter TVB City and prohibited to interview artists in all TVB-related events until further notice." Mr. Tsang expressed this action is requested by the boss Chan Kwok Keung, "We must protect our artists and safeguard TVB's reputation and rights because it is all false and fabricated. We will not handle these situations like how we did in the past, taking legal action is hoping to discontinue fabricated stories/news. If we do not take action to stop this, these things will just go on and on."