They Kiss Again: Ending tomorrow night, online friends petition to not cut scenes

CTV and GTV's idol drama 'They Kiss Again' <惡作劇2吻> will broadcast the last episode this Sunday (tomorrow). Because CTV has had the history of cutting out scenes two times before, which also initiated the director Chu You Ning to go online and protest, audiences, who are worried that they will not see the original full version of the last episode, have recently set up a petition online on PTT (N@H:a kind of forum thingy) saying: 'One Person One Message, want CTV to not cut scenes anymore'. Regarding this, CTV has said that they have heard the audience's aspiration and have guaranteed: 'The last episode will certainly not be cut and we will broadcast the two hour version this week.'

The last episode's plot will involve Ariel Lin (Shiang Ching) becoming doubtful of pregnancy, followed by going missing for no reason and having Joe Cheng (Zhi Shu) to search for her anxiously. Because in the original manga, even though the female character becomes pregnant, the mangaka passes away and fails to give an ending to the story. So how will the drama version tell the ending, CTV wants audiences to anticipate it diligently. In addition, Chu You Ning will also give the supportive viewers of 'prank' drama a big present and wants to give everyone a big surprise.

source: http://asianfanatics.net/forum/They-Kiss-Again-Ending-tomorrow-night-online-friends-petition-to-not-cut-scenes-talk531983.html

Joe Cheng aims to act well as a jerk

Still remember filming an interview session that we had with Zheng Yuan Chang which was aired during the eve of Chinese New Year, that time he wished to have some changes about himself. Especially hoping to have some breakthrough in his acting and he's not just the genius Jiang Zhi Shu (his role in [They Kiss Again]) which everyone sees in their eyes.

This time as we invited him for another interview session, Zheng Yuan Chang has just finished filming the idol series [Honey and Clover], his role is a guy who couldn't make firm decisions, [The guy is very irritating, everyone would sure be grinning their teeth when they sees him, tend to love and hate him at the same time. Hope (people) would not only praise about my good looks; I also want people to use the sentence "good acting" on me].

[Best partner], the series that both Zheng Yuan Chang and Lin Yi Chen have collaborated together [They Kiss Again] is still airing in Taiwan, from a bickering couple to a bickering husband and wife, they have remind the viewers about the sweet scene which a lot of lovers had been through; but the series' rating was overtaken by Chen Qian En and Ethan Ruan's [Fated To Love You], Did [Xiao Zhong] Zheng Yuan Chang feels unease about it?

Short goodbye to Lin Yi Chen
Zheng Yuan Chang said: [Rating is something that can't be controlled by the actors, during the filming; I always thought that this is a good script, the most important thing will be the whole casts are willing to work hard together. Just like after they had finished filming all their own scenes, they would stay back and watched the filming of the other casts and leave when everyone is done, this type of determination is really, really rare; but, maybe the viewers still prefer to see the couple wondering about each other feelings than bickering from a young husband and wife; never mind, the series hasn't finished airing yet! The later part of the story will be even more exciting, I believe the viewers will continue to watch it, and myself as an actor, I'm very happy with the result.] This can only said that [They Kiss Again] didn't get to break the curse about sequels' rating can never match up to their predecessor.

Doesn't matter if the rating for the sequels is better than the predecessor or not, Xiao Zhong have long decided that he won't take part in the third installment, [Unless I'm really touched by the script! Actually I have a high anticipation to work with Lin Yi Chen again as different characters, not just working together again as Zhi Shu and Xiang Qin; when we work together again as another character, then we will know, after (our) the short separation, whether there's any improvement with our acting skills or not.] Lately, (the reporter) heard that there's a new idol series [Skip Beat], and are hoping to get the both of them to have an [reunion], but the earliest confirmation will have to wait until October. Question about him accepting the role or not, the initial step will be reading the script first. Because he didn't want to jeopardize their title as [The best on screen couple], so have to consider about the script first before accepting it; and during this time, Xiao Zhong will be searching for a new partner, and wants to discover more sparks.

Denied falling for Janine Chang
Previously, Xiao Zhong's rumor leading lady is no longer Lin Yi Chen, heard that it has changed into another person, and that will be the one who the Taiwanese Media has been describing her as the [Popularity Beauty], Janine Chang. The both of them work together in [Honey and Clover] and rumor has it that they have sparks out some sparks for each other. There's even some hard core [Zheng Yuan Chang + Lin Yi Chen Fans] accusing Xiao Zhong of betraying Lin Yi Chen, a betrayal, in words, it is obvious that they refused to accept Janine Chang. After Xiao Zhong heard about it, he didn't get upset but on the contrary he was very happy about it and said: [This will only means that Yi Chen and I have left a deep impression in the viewers' heart, the fans have even taken in the story more than us and really hope that we are on-screen and off-screen couple in life. At least now we are very good friends, but also wants to ask the Fans to please leave some room for us to improve our acting skills, I don't want Yi Chen to get bored with me! About the rumor with Janine Chang...still ok! Only a partner in the series, until this point, we are not dating each other.]

Does not oppose for falling for older women
Xiao Zhong was being reveal that he has the hearts for another female lead in the series, and that will be Tarcy Su, with a suspicious tone I (the reporter) said: [Tarcy Su is 10 years more mature that you isn't it?] Feelings, is not just about aiming for a relationship, can also be just a kind of fondness, Xiao Zhong describes that Tarcy Su's qualities will subconsciously attracting the guys. Looks like Xiao Zhong is too into his character because in the series Tarcy Su and him will have the older woman - younger guy relationship. In real life, will he able to accept that? Xiao Zhong gave it a thought and said: [Hard to say, but I am a matured thinking person, even if it did happen, base on maturity (we) won't have communication barrier, but really have to interact together to know more about the feeling.]

[Honey and Clover] will be portraying a jerk
In [Honey and Clover], Xiao Zhong will be [Zhen Shan], he describes that, the guy is quite irritating, making the ladies love and hate him at the same time, [This character is totally different from the roles that I've ever been in, he will fall for his employer (Tarcy Su) who is older than him, always hoping that he could start out a relationship with her and at the same time he also knows that his school mate Ah Gong (Janine Chang) has been secretly crushing on him. But he never down right rejected her love and her cares for him; still his heart only belongs to his employer. When I read the script earlier on, I was a bit detested by it, how could he handle his matters like this! But then when I looked around me and actually there are a lot of my guy friends who acted like this as well, they love someone in their heart but never reject other love that was given by the others. I asked them why and their answer is [Don't break the good girl's heart, who didn't wish to have their own love? Should always leave a thread for hope right?] Then only I realized that the modern days love story is not the same anymore. Everyone wants to leave their spot in someone else love life, could always [short live] in other people's heart]. Xiao Zhong describes the character as an easy going person, because a person's personality is very difficult to decipher, is hard to find a perfect person. [When everyone has reached the grinning teeth point while watching the series, I just hope that at the same time they won't hate this character.]

Having a breakthrough in his acting; doesn't need to rely on physical appearance
[Honey and Clover] is an adaptation from a bestseller manga in Japan. The story is about 5 young students in an art school and how they deal with their love, friendship and future. And who will be able to find the lucky four clover leaves in the end and tasted the love that is as sweet as the honey? It is because of the story plot and a manga adaptation, so the scene will be a bit exaggerating; like when every lead comes across a certain special incident, they will started to have a certain reaction to it, for example Janine Chang will kick people while Zheng Yuan Chang will make some ridiculous facial expression. The director call this as [millisecond changes], means that within a certain time frame they will have to change their facial expression. And having to do this exaggerating expression is actually quite hard for Xiao Zhong who has always been playing the role as a cool guy; but since he is aiming for a breakthrough, he is willing to give it a try. [I really hope the comment that I will receive from everyone will be, not really good-looking but (he) has improved his acting skills, that will be my happiest moment], Xiao Zhong wants to remain on his top status in the idol series and having to compete with all the new stars, so how can he just rely on his physical appearance?

Marrying BoBo? Philip Kam: Give an Explanation Later; Edison Chen’s Commercial Re-Appears in Chengdu

Marrying BoBo? Philip Kam: Give an Explanation Later; Edison Chen’s Commercial Re-Appears in Chengdu

There is a persistent rumour that the source of the Hong Kong nude picture scandal, Kira, would come out of hiding for tomorrow’s prelim hearing of 史可雋. He would upload new pictures but he has not been seen in Hong Kong sites. It was reported that there were 67 new pictures in mainland Chinese sites. It appears to feature BoBo Chan but the authenticity is not known. It is not known if Kira has “resurrected” but the male lead, Edison Chen, has come back to life in Chengdu. Due to the incident last year, all of his new sunglasses advertisements/commercials were not shown. The incident has settle down so Edison is “coming back to life” to test the market reaction. Last night, BoBo Chan’s current boyfriend Philip Kam has appeared at a function. He was hounded by several dozen reporters and asked if he would be marrying BoBo. Philip kept a smile on his face and announced that he would give an explanation about the situation soon.

BoBo’s boyfriend, Philip, has not appeared in public since her involvement in the scandal. There were rumours that their wedding plans were brushed aside. But he is a righteous and loving person who has been protecting BoBo. Last night, he appeared in public as the sponsor representative at the ABSOLUT Couture fashion party at Lan Kwai Fong. It attracted several dozen reporters who came when they caught wind about his appearance. Philip arrived early to the function so the reporters did not see him. After the function, the PR staff announced that he doesn’t want to accept any interviews and did want to be photographed.

Philip stayed at the party for approximately two hours until the fashion party ended. He originally wanted to leave through the restaurant doors but he returned inside when he found a large crowd of reporters wanting for him. He waited for 10 minutes for a driver to come. He was escorted by two security personnel thought the crowd. He was dressed in a black suit and was smiling. He appeared to be in a good mood. He rolled down the car window and told the reporters to be careful. He also instructed the security to watch out for the reporters and not to push them. Philip was asked if he was going to marry BoBo. He smiled and said: “I would give an explanation later.” Afterwards, the car window was rolled up.

During this time, TV station camera fell in through the car window. Luckily, Philip returned it to the reporter. The car left after the police escort lead the way. There were dozens of people who surrounded the scene to get a look at the situation. The scene attracted a lot of tourists who took pictures and looked around because they thought Philip was some sort of celebrity. Afterwards, they were asking who Philip was.

Edison came back to life when his sunglasses advertisement appeared on the buses in Chengdu. According to local media reports, the posters featured an extremely cool Edison who was wearing sunglasses. He still has a stylish guy look. Yesterday, reporters contacted his management company to confirm the news reports. Edison did do advertisements for a mainland Chinese sunglasses brand. The brand requested that he come to do promotional work in February but it was cancelled due to the scandal. Now the situation changed so they are bringing back Edison in the form of advertisement posters.

source: http://asianfanatics.net/forum/Marrying-BoBo-Philip-Kam-Give-an-Explanation-Later-Edison-Chens-Commercial-Re-Appears-in-Chengdu-talk531960.html

Five Music Album Sales Gold Chart Week 16 (18/04/2008 - 24/04/2008)

1 NEW From Now On-New Song + Best Selection (2CD＋1DVD) Nicholas Teo 18.43% of sales (EMI)
2 NEW Stuff which Those Girls Told Me - Victor Huang Pin Guan 9.74% of sales (Trust Music)
3 Writing Poems for You (Second Version) Kenji Wu 6.42% of sales (Seed Music)
4 Angel's Wings Dai Ai Ling 4.3% of sales (SONY BMG)
5 Afterwards?(1997-2007 Across the Century Mandarin Selections) Eason Chan 3.91% of sales (Universal)

source: http://asianfanatics.net/forum/Five-Music-Album-Sales-Gold-Chart-Week-16-18-04-2008-24-04-2008-talk531936.html

Danson Busy "Frying Rice" Forgets Midterm Exams

Danson Tang currently studying at Hsing Wu College's English department as a first year student, lately because of the new drama "Rolling Love (Go! Fried Rice)" and coming out with the new album at the same time, the work is completely full, and actually forgot about the midterm exams, and maybe subject to being dropped out. Yesterday he was surprised when the news of him missing his exams, how can we make it up? He low keyed expressed, at the moment the school wants him to do a rewrite report, because if he is to rewrite, this might not be fair to other students.

Danson frankly said the number of classes he's attended this semester is very few, even if he attended the midterms, "If I do well, the teacher may think I've cheated." But he really is so busy that he's forgotten, once he found out he missed the midterms, he was as shocked as "剉 to file".

Because this semester he has quite a few courses with Joe Cheng together, mainly set on Thursdays, he was a little embarrassed to says, "Xiao Zhong really is a good classmate, every Thursday he'll phone to say we have to go to class together, but I'm often too busy with work." And because of not going to school often, this caused him to get the date of the midterm exams; he originally had 6 classes, splitting it to 3 days, now all are big fat eggs.

Yesterday when his mother found out about this incident she was extremely mad, and has already requested the management company to schedule his school time as well. As for the school, they're will to give him a chance, letting him write a rewrite report, but the teacher again with warnings to him: "You have to come write the midterm exams, or there's no hope."

Danson in GTV's "Rolling Love" plays an international student studying in France with genius culinary skills, and are childhood friends with Genie Zhuo. This drama is expected to air on May 4th; lately the promotion schedule is full packed, yesterday when the TV station heard he didn't go write the exams, they were also very surprised too.

source: http://asianfanatics.net/forum/Danson-Busy-Frying-Rice-Forgets-Midterm-Exams-talk531922.html

First Group Still of Zhang Ziyi and Leon Lai in "Mei Lanfang" Released

The first group still of Chinese movie star Zhang Ziyi and Hong Kong actor Leon Lai's roles in Chen Kaige's biopic "Mei Lanfang" were released Friday, the Oriental Morning Post reported.

Mei Lanfang, (1894-1961) the most accomplished Peking Opera artist of the last century, was known for playing women's roles onstage. Ever since Leon Lai was selected to play Mei Lanfang, skeptics have debated whether the young star would be able to pull off the mature role.

Zhang Ziyi plays Meng Xiaodong, Mei Lanfang's fellow performer.

According to the producer, the film will be screened simultaneously around the world at the end of this year.

source: http://asianfanatics.net/forum/First-Group-Still-of-Zhang-Ziyi-and-Leon-Lai-in-Mei-Lanfang-Released-talk531881.html

Crouching donkey, hidden turtle

Beware when a new film insists on reminding you of its “first” onscreen pairing of star actors X and Y. Like Nigerian “investors” e-mailing strangers for their credit card number, it’s the kind of scam that can leave you in the cold.

It’s a clever way to divert your attention away from the other parts of the film that might fizzle and flop. Think of Danny DeVito and Arnie in the subpar comedy Twins, or the Bennifer tag team in the dud Gigli. This year’s edition couples fu fighters Jackie Chan (成龍) and Jet Li (李連杰) in Rob Minkoff’s The Forbidden Kingdom, a promising adventure movie whose potential is sweep-kicked to the curb.

Minkoff has the charming Lion King and Stuart Little series under his belt, but he applies those same quaint sensibilities to what might have been stronger as an all-out martial-arts genre flick. The hokey but whimsical story line (based loosely on a traditional Chinese legend) could’ve been a boon if it weren’t so mired in John Fusco’s unmemorable script.

Michael Angarano (24, Seabiscuit) is Jason, a wimpy South Bostonian who gets pushed around by the neighborhood gang. He’s an avid martial arts DVD collector and finds a hangout in a slummy Chinatown pawnshop. The teen discovers that the store’s aging proprietor, Old Hop (a heavily powdered Jackie Chan), has an ancient sword in the back room with powers untold. When the bullies decide one night to rob the shop, Jason defends himself with the magical instrument. Then at the brink of death, he finds himself transported back to ancient China.

His troubles have only begun. Instead of dopey hoods from South Boston, he’s confronted by the wicked Jade Warlord (Collin Chou, 鄒兆龍), who has turned the all-loving Monkey King (Jet Li, 李連杰) into solid stone. Jason’s mission is to set him free and restore order to civilization, but he first needs a lesson or two in kung fu vernacular.

Chan doubles as the wine-addled Lu Yan, who teaches young Jason those very skills he’s long admired on those bootlegged DVDs. Along the way, they meet the Silent Monk (Jet Li, again) who delivers excitement in his every frame. Unfortunately, the principal female lead (Liu Yifei, 劉亦菲) is subjected to every eye-rolling stereotype as the submissive, grief-stricken Golden Sparrow, who plays sorrowful melodies on her lute-like instrument. Of course she naturally falls for the clumsy American hero.

Kung fu just isn’t as fun to experience when it feels like a synthetic video game. Rather than letting the natural flow of the action take over, extended slow-motion sequences dice it all up. It’s one thing to remind us of the craft’s balletic qualities, but it’s another to impede its driving motion. Which is too bad, since action choreographer Yuen Wo-ping (袁和平) did wonders with The Matrix and Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (臥虎藏龍).

Kingdom falls even harder when it gets the urge to genre hop. In one rare comical scene, Chan tries to conjure up some raindrops in the desert, only to realize that Li is urinating on him. Then there are long, irritating stretches where characters want to wax contemplative and share phony, hoary truths. “Music is the bridge between Earth and heaven,” says the straight-faced Golden Sparrow to Jason. This patchwork mess of slapstick, computer-generated Buddhist fantasy, Eastern epic, etc, doesn’t ever quite allow the viewer to happily abandon to any of them.

Film Notes
The Forbidden Kingdom
DIRECTED BY: Rob Minkoff
STARRING: Jackie Chan (成龍) as Lu Yan/Old Hop, Jet Li (李連杰) as Silent Monk/Monkey King, Collin Chou (鄒兆龍)as Jade Warlord, Liu Yifei (劉亦菲) as Golden Sparrow, Li Bing Bing (李冰冰)as Ni Chang
LANGUAGE: ENGLISH AND MANDARIN
RUNNING TIME: 113 MINUTES

source: http://asianfanatics.net/forum/Crouching-donkey-hidden-turtle-talk531868.html

Sylvia Chang’s latest lighthearted drama gives a feminine twist to the Hong Kong gangster genre

An enduring staple of Hong Kong cinema, the testosterone-charged gangster flick has inspired distinctive styles and narrative forms. Under the guise of a triad movie, Run Papa Run (一個好爸爸) sees veteran Taiwanese actress and director Sylvia Chang’s (張艾嘉) take a womanly look at this male-dominated genre, revealing the tough guy’s rarely seen family side through lighthearted drama and comedy and stars the well-cast Louis Koo (古天樂) and Rene Liu (劉若英).

The film begins with a flashback to triad boss Lee’s (played by Koo) childhood in a crime-ridden neighborhood. Raised by a single mother, Lee was always on the wrong side of the law and rose from street punk to gang leader.

This bad boy meets an angelic lawyer named Mabel (played by Liu). Sparks fly, and Mabel shows up on Lee’s doorstep one day, pregnant, luggage in tow.

Lee’s life is turned upside down after their baby girl is born. Determined to be a good father, Lee keeps his underworld identity a secret to his daughter, while attempting to make his business legit and retire from the gang.

But things don’t go as smoothly as the Lee family had expected as the father is tapped to become the next kingpin. Lee’s first assignment as the leader is to oversee a drug deal, one that goes unexpectedly wrong.

Entertaining and well-realized, Run Papa Run shows director Chang’s competence in storytelling, with seamless editing punctuated by manga-informed graphics and special effects. As the protagonist passes from one chapter of his life to another, the film undergoes a shift of tone, from whimsical musical scenes in the beginning to a latter half that plays out like a soap opera. The final scene, where a gray-haired Koo prays in a church, however, brings the film’s uneven tone to the fore and leaves audiences hanging.

Most of the film’s humor comes from Lee’s attempt to maintain his double life as a father and a triad boss and hide his criminal affiliations from his daughter. Cute moments abound both in Lee and Mabel’s romance and between the dad and his baby girl. The stylish cinematography uses a palette of bright and saturated colors, and the story is engaging. Unfortunately, however, it remains true to the stereotypical gender roles of the gangster genre, where men are wild and untamed while the women are virtuous.

Known for his onscreen gangster image, Koo makes a smooth foray into the father role and shows off his comedic talent. One of Chang’s principal actresses, Liu effortlessly tackles the role of devoted wife with fairytale-like innocence.

The rare return of veteran actors to the silver screen further boosts the film’s watchability. The performances by seasoned actress Nora Miao (苗可秀) and accomplished thespians Mok Siu-chung (莫少聰) and Kent Cheng (鄭則仕) delight and conjure up memories of the good old days of Hong Kong cinema.

Film Notes
Run Papa Run (一個好爸爸)
DIRECTED BY: Sylvia Chang (張艾嘉)
STARRING: Louis Koo (古天樂) as Lee; Rene Liu (劉若英) as Mabel; Nora Miao (苗可秀) as Lee’s mother
LANGUAGE: In Cantonese with Chinese and English subtitles
RUNNING TIME: 115 MINUTES
TAIWAN RELEASE: TODAY

source: http://asianfanatics.net/forum/Sylvia-Changs-latest-lighthearted-drama-gives-a-feminine-twist-to-the-Hong-Kong-gangster-genre-talk531863.html

Jay Chou's small eyes shock Jody Chiang

Yesterday night Jody Chiang finished her concert in the Taipei Arena, her 4 day performance let 42,000 audience members see the fascinating charm of the "invincible golden throat". Yesterday night at the celebration party Jody Chiang admitted "becoming addicted to singing", not only did she promise to do another one in 2 years time, but she's also working hard planning a performance in Gao Xiong where she grew up. Towards the feeling of singing with Jay Chou, she smiled saying: "His small eyes will entice people, I was really shocked by it as well!"


Yesterday night at the end of Jody Chiang's concert, when Jay Chou appeared to sing "A Kind Of Feeling" with her he didn't play his cards straight, he changed the lyrics and sang about the heavenly queen having her sights set too high, that even Zhang Fei couldn't catch her, he couldn't have thought that Jody would reverse the checkmate, not only did she laughed saying that she shortened her skirt because he likes to look at women's legs, she even asked back: "Do my legs look as beautiful as Patty Hou's?", this made the usually quick mouthed Jay Chou short on words, a big cheer and applause came from the audience. At the celebration party, Jody Chiang laughed saying: "Jay is really cute, when I was singing with him for the first time I saw his little eyes, his eyes are so small, but they can entice people, I was really shocked by them!"

source: http://asianfanatics.net/forum/Jay-Chou-s-small-eyes-shock-Jody-Chiang-talk531823.html