Andy Lau and Deanie Ip in film A Simple Life

Director Ann Hui’s (许鞍华) A Simple Life starring Andy Lau (刘德华) and Deanie Ip (叶德娴), centers around a master-servant relationship between a son and a mother. A Simple Life premiered at the 68th Annual Venice Film Festival on September 5th. Director Ann Hui, the film’s producer, Andy Lau, Deanie Ip, Qin Hailu (秦海璐), and other veterans walked the red carpet at the Venice Film Festival earlier this week.

A Simple Life was one of the four short-listed Chinese language films competing for the coveted Golden Lion Award and the second Chinese language film to make its appearance at the Venice Film Festival, following the lukewarm media reception of Seedig Bale "赛德克-巴莱". Based on the published score thus far, Seedig Bale came in the last place among the screened films.

Based on the media and audience reaction at the premiere, A Simple Life was more successful. When the film ended, the entire audience rose to a standing ovation. The reporter reflected on some of the film’s transitions, coupled with the slow pace of the subject matter, which led to the early departure of certain members of the media. However, it was understood that the domestic release of the mainland China version of A Simple Life will run at 117 minutes in length, which was slightly shorter than the version shown at the Venice Film Festival.

Deanie Ip’s performance in the film won the appreciation of many media outlets. Deanie was considered to be the strongest contender for the Best Actress Award to-date.

Source: Sohu.com
Translated by: Ah K @ JayneStars

Andy Lau and Jackie Chan in Shaolin 2010

Yesterday Andy Lau and film director Benny Chan attended the premiere for the new film 'Shaolin 2010' in Taiwan. At the venue, guests were welcomed by 18 copper men and over 300 screaming fans also turned up. One little girl had come dressed in a bunny outfit and was welcomed on stage. Andy was happy to pose for photographs with the little girl in his arms but after a few minutes, he commented: “Can I put her down now? My arms are so tired!”

Andy revealed that from first day of filming, he treated Fan Bing Bing like his wife and even called her, “My wife”. When reporters asked if his wife would be jealous of this, Andy quickly replied: “Hey, don’t ask me this question!”

Andy talked about his first time experience working with Nicolas Tse and commented that Nicolas is hard worker. Andy expressed: “Nicolas insisted doing his flight scenes wearing little protective padding.” Finally Andy asked everyone when they see Nicolas again, to tell him to take care of himself.

Source: Oriental Daily
Translated By: Elvina Chang @ TVB News World

Andy Lau and Leon Lai in ANDY LAU UNFORGETTABLE CONCERT 2010

In the past, the two big Pop Kings Andy Lau and Leon Lai would fight bitterly 'You Die, I Live' in the music scene. At the RTHK awards presentation held in HK Coliseum, Leon fans threw glow sticks at Andy when he was on stage. However, the night before, Andy held his concert in HK Coliseum and invited Leon to sing Star together. There were no 'boos' heard in the venue at all, jsut applause and whistles shook the whole HK Coliseum. The two did their embrace of the century on stage as well. When Andy sang the last line "Please remember me in your heart", Leon deeply answered: "I will", leading to the highest point of the concert.

The first 20 shows "ANDY LAU UNFORGETTABLE CONCERT 2010" kicked off the night before at HK Coliseum. Andy appeared in his classic styles over the 30 years he's been in the industry, among them were Lau Kin Ming from Infernal Affairs, Wah Dee from A Moment of Romance and there were also many other gentlemen appearances. Then he performed the Tic Tac dance that he's best at. Andy also played with fire, fireworks and lasers to accompany his dances. Throughout the entire night, Andy did not do any safety precautions, looks like audience were very frightened for him. Within HK Coliseum, there was an approximately 40 feet tall Andy Lau figure on the side of the stage.

Feeling very high, Andy had a full house at his concert. When he allowed fans to hug and shake his hand, fans entered the crazy mood screaming and shouting loudly, even Andy really had put in a lot of effort to make his speech, Andy laughed: "I just wanted to thank you all for letting me go through a 30 year Fairytale. It's that hard, I can't even speak? Audience were very obedient and controlled their emotions, then quiet down.

Andy continued: "But, afterall fairytale is just a fairytale, if one day I changed to a family man, you all will still love me like this? If one day you encounter me on the streets, hope you'll give me an excited embrace. However, if you happen to take photos of something that shouldn't be taken, please don't pull it online. Like if I'm eating fish balls, having a feast with two big thighs, etc!" Followed by his speech, Andy performed Mama I Love You with Deanie Ip, who he always viewed as a mother. Then Andy suddenly turned emotional, letting out a man's tear.

After Andy performed Star with his guest Leon Lai, he expressed he's very happy to see fans welcoming Leon. Appearing nervous, Leon laughed: "Hello everyone. Sometimes I know how to speak, sometimes I don't really know how to. First off, I am very happy that Andy invited me this evening to share his joy with me. Below the stage, I relied on headphones to listen, and this is luck that I normally don't enounter. The experience this time is very heartwarming, I am happy." Then Leon performed Forget Emotions for Andy fans to enjoy.

During the encore, Andy was dressed in a fresh yellow coloured suit with shades to do an MJ dance. Soon after, he revealed his 6 pack, giving a fest to fans' eyes. To end, Andy appeared in pajamas, and said: "I'm taking my 30 year most precious time and handing it over to you. Youthfulness, who accompanied you to grow? Senior, who help you teach your sons and daughters? I become old, you try leaving me, I take your life!"

Source: Mingpao
Translator: aZnangel@AEU

Andy Lau in movie Detective Dee and The Mystery of the Phantom Flame

The new movie “Detective Dee and the Mystery of the Phantom Flame” is already a huge hit in the mainland and Hong Kong. It is finally making its way to Taiwan starting with an all-star premiere on the 6th. Unfortunately its biggest star Andy Lau couldn’t attend so his fans will have to admire him on the big screen instead. His costars Carina Lau (劉嘉玲), Li Bing Bing (李冰冰), Deng Chao (鄧超), director Tsui Hark (徐克) and producer Chen Kuo Fu (陳國富) were present at the event. Things went along as usual before they were joined by a very special guest, the one and only “Detective Dee”!

This “Detective Dee” didn’t quite look the same as the one in the movie. It was actually played by comedian Kuo Tzu Chien (郭子乾) of “Big Party”. The stars watched on as he investigated a burnt corpse at the scene of the premiere. “Dee” examined and even taste-tested the victim to ensure its deadliness. He didn’t let a good opportunity go to waste; Kuo asked the director and producer to cast him in their next movie, to which they said yes…that is if they are to make a comedy.

Detective Dee” concluded his appearance with a rendition of the Andy Lau classic “忘情水 (Forget Love Portion)”. Much to everyone’s surprise, he was totally owned by Deng Chao. The mainland actor did a perfect Andy Lau impersonation when he was asked to sing the same song. We now know which show he should go on next time when he visits Taiwan– Entertainment 100%, in a head-to-head battle with its resident Andy Lau impersonator, Show Luo.

"Detective Dee" Makes A Surprise Appearance At His Own Movie Premiere
Credit to PA @ Cpopaccess

Andy Lau invested in film "Fight to Win"

Andy Lau's new invested film held its premiere last night, Andy expressed that he hopes the film can make 5-6 million in the box office. Producer Gordon Lam interrupted: "If its less than 5-6 million then I will never act again." Andy was very concerned and told Gordon to take back what he said. Later, Gordon asked why Andy's so modest to set a goal of just 5-6 million? Andy said: "5-6 million is already pretty high, more than 10 million is impossible. In a situation, a person knows how high they can go, have to know their place. This movie is not a grand production produced by a known producer, director or classy actors. It is just a movie with junior level actors and a new director. Receiving 2-3 million is already very good." What's the payback then? This movie will play in Mainland where an estimate revenue of 20 million yuan, earn some profits there.

This film will play in both Beijing and Shanghai, some cinemas also will play the movie in the original Cantonese version. Before some HK produced movies playing in Cantonese, some audience complained that they couldn't understand, Andy is not worried that audience might not understand because there are only a small number of cinemas playing the Cantonese version. Audience afraid that they won't understand the Cantonese version can choose not to watch that version, also there is always
subtitles if the language cannot be understood.

Source: Mingpao
Translated by: aZnangel @ AsianEU

Andy Lau reveals himself: Carol Chu is pregnant

Andy Lau & Carol Chu’s 24-year relationship was exposed after they were seen holding hands in public. Now, there are further rumours suggesting that they had already registered for marriage last year on the 23rd of June. Yesterday, Andy posted on his ‘Andy’s World’ blog site, first posting up an entry titled ‘I’m sorry’, expressing his apologies. Later, he indirectly confirmed the marriage rumour; at 9:27pm, he posted another entry titled ‘A belated confession’, and threw another bombshell: Carol Chu is pregnant.

Yesterday noon, while Andy was in Zhe Jiang, he took some time out to post on his ‘Andy’s World’ blog site. He expressed: “I am ashamed that I did not keep my promise in telling everyone first, embarrassing my family, friends, and media friends who trusted me, I’m sorry.. I’m currently busy with work, and can’t make a statement, but I will explain everything soon - Andy.”

A belated confession; confirming marriage & pregnancy rumours

Later that night, Andy posted another entry titled ‘A belated confession’, and he revealed: “… I thought that I could wait until everything goes smoothly, and the fetal is stable, before telling everyone, but now I have made things even more complicated…” It seems he is hinting at the truth, which is; in order to accommodate Carol’s old-age pregnancy, which was in accordance to the Fertility Act in Hong Kong, they decided to register for marriage in America.

Andy’s boss Peter Lam also confirmed the marriage rumours; Andy is currently working in China, the night before yesterday, he did a show recording in Hang Zhou, and he danced and sung on the stage. Yesterday, he filmed a MV outdoors, and was completely invested in the role of an artist, and did not affected by his private life being prominently reported.

Source: Liberty Times
Translation: Sarah @ AsianFanatics

Andy to star in CNY film – Good Luck Again and Again

Andy Lau is currently location shooting Detective Dee in Hengdian, however news from insider that a Chinese New Year film starring Andy is currently under preparation, the title is temporary fixed as Hao Yun Lian Lian (literally translated as Good Luck Again and Again), it will be screened in cinema in February 2010 during the festive holidays.

It’s no surprise Andy starring in a Chinese New Year film, but it got the attention of people in the movie industry even though the film is still under preparation. Because this film will be the first film of the new round of Focus First Cut, it will also be the first time that Andy starring in a Focus First Cut project.

Three years ago, Andy’s Focus Film initial the Focus First Cut which picked six young directors and finance them to shoot their films. Among these directors, everyone would be most familiar with Ning Hao whose Crazy Stone collected $23 million reminbi in the box office, this allowed Ning Hao to become Mainland China’s first line director.

The director of this film will be another Mainland China director Lu Xiao-pin whom everyone familiarize for his Xiao Wei role in the comedy drama Northeast family. Other than being an actor, the graduate from The Central Academy of Drama was the director of several drama serials. According to the in-charge of the film production company, Jin Yan expressed that they rated Lu Xiao-pin’s script and is full of confidence of his way of comedy.

Other than Andy, the other characters in the film are being decided at the moment, this will be the first film that Beijing Jun Wen Culture Development invested, all the production team for this film are from Mainland China, cast includes actors from Hong Kong and Taiwan, they will be investing heavily in order to create a “feast” for the audience. The company revealed that this film will be the same relaxing comedy like Crazy Stone, the audience will burst into laughter when watching this film.

Ning Hao gained fame with Crazy Stone, thus it would make one think if this film will be another Crazy Stone in the making?

news from: Sina.com, ent.163.com, ent.hunantv.com
Credits: http://andylausounds.com

Sammo Hung revealed how Andy and Li Bingbing shoot fighting scene

After the Detective Dee Asian press conference on 11 June 2009. For the first time, more than 60 media reporters from Mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan were invited for a site visit to Hengdian studio 8 and they were amazed of the grand and huge setting of the studio.

During the media’s site visit, Sammo Hung was shooting an exciting action scene.

After watching the short trailer at the press conference, the mystery around Detective Dee increases, after witnessing the grand studio, it further add on the magical colors of the film.

Although Andy Lau and Li Bingbing were not required for the shooting of the action scene, but Sammo still talked about and sing praise of them. He said: “No matter how tough it was, they would do their best to perfect every scene, of course experience counts, Andy is more experienced, know when to exert strength, it’s like a marathon athlete knowing when to exert strength, but Bingbing gave her best whenever she came on, thus she’s more tired.”

news from: ent.QQ.com, yule.sohu.com
Credits: http://andylausounds.com

Tsui Hark: Di Ren Jie is “internationally known”

Directed by Tsui Hark, Di Ren Jie which starred Andy Lau, Li Bingbing and Carina Lau is currently location shooting in Hengdian. The main character Di Ren Jie is the Oriental Sherlock Holmes, Tsui thinks that Di Ren Jie is the same as Bruce Lee as both is internationally known. It was alleged that Tsui refuse to direct the French edition of Di Ren Jie to direct the Hua Yi Brothers version.

It is said that in Thirties of the last century, Dutch writer Robert H van Gulik’s novel Celebrated Cases of Judge Dee got the foreigners’ attention of Di Ren Jie as in the eyes of the foreigners, he is the real statesman and detective in the the Tang Dynasty. The French and Hollywood wanted to shoot a film based on Di Ren Jie and a certain movie company bought the copyright with $500,000 in March as they went to look for suitable shooting sight in China in May. It was alleged that Tsui Hark was their first choice to direct the film, in the end Tsui chose to direct the Di Ren Jie funded by China’s Huayi Brothers. With regards to the allegation did not give any direct answers as Huayi Brothers expressed: “We are the main funding company!” Thus, whether this film is the French version of Di Ren Jie is still to be seen.

Tsui Hark is always interested with Di Ren Jie and Bruce Lee, during his successful Wong Fei Hung movies, he did considered shooting a movie about Bruce Lee, but the plan came to no conclusion because he could not find a suitable actor, he expressed: “When I was young, I love fighting and wuxia, but now I’m more interested with suspense.” Tsui will gathered wits, charisma and kungful into one for Di Ren Jie.

When asked about Sumo Hung being the art director, did he coordinate some fighting similar to Bruce Lee? Tsui did not deny but say the film will focus on the magical effect, the fighting will be like Ip Man verus Bruce Lee. When asked about Andy and Li Bingbing being not fighters, Tsui said that he hope that both of them could overcome it as getting injuries will make them good fighters thus they would have to “get beaten” first.

Andy whom had spent Dragon Boat Festival in Hong Kong had returned to Hengdian. When seeing the refreshed Andy, Tsui Hark immediately gave orders that he would start work at night, looked like another overnight shooting is on the cards. Li Bingbing, Carina Lau and Tony Leung Kar Fai will join the shooting within these few days.

On 11 June, the film will be holding a press conference in Hengdian. Andy, Li bingbing, Carina Lau, Tsui Hark and Sumo Hung will be attending. The film is scheduled to hit the silver screen during the National Day holidays in 2010.

Meanwhile, a netizen recently uploaded a photoshopped poster of Di Ren Jie which showed off the “images” of Andy, Li Bingbing and Carina Lau, it made one wonder if these are the actual images of them in the film?

News from: Wei Wen Po, Ta Kung Po, Apple Daily News, yule.sohu.com, ent.people.com.cn
Credits: http://andylausounds.com

Three crew members attended to Andy

Three crew members attended to Andy

47-years-old Andy Lau is currently busy shooting Tsui Hark new movie Di Ren Jie, it was said that Andy would have many fighting scenes in the movie as he said: “This is a huge production, shooting will take up to 4 months!” Andy will be location shooting in Hengdian for 4 months, it will be tough for him.

The movie - Di Ren Jie’s content will be similar to Kindaichi Case Files, Andy will be the Tang dynasty detective Di Ren Jie as he helped Empress Wu Zhetian solve cases.

Carina Lau whom will be Empress Wu had not joined the cast, currently only Andy and Li Bingbing joined the shooting. According to crew member, he reveals: “The shooting has been on-going for 2 weeks, we always started shooting at 7:00pm till the next morning, Andy would not come if it is not shooting his scenes, during rest time he would go to his car to enjoy the air-con.”

Andy who is already 47 years old is no longer young, thus when it comes to high difficulties action scenes, Tsui Hark would ask the pirated Andy Lau Du Yi-heng to replace Andy, even Du revealed in his blog that it’s not easy being the body double of Andy.

Last Saturday (16 May), Andy wore his costume and prepared for shooting at Hengdian, as it’s an important scene, thus Andy need to be present, three crew members immediately went to attend to him. Upon seeing Andy having difficulties to climb up the props platform, one of the crew member immediately used his head to give Andy’s support.

news from: Face Magazine issue #104, bbs.ent.163.com
Credits: http://andylausounds.com