As mentioned in yesterday’s post, East Weekly reported that a comeback was in the cards for retired actress Cherie Chung Chor-Hung because of some “financial difficulty”.  Here are some more details:

In 2004, Chung’s late husband Mike Chu Ka-Ding made an investment in a resort project located on Bali’s Lebih Beach.   Construction started that year but is still not complete because of various issues like bureaucratic delays (allegedly “payoffs”).   According to East Weekly, Chung and her husband sold their home on Shouson Hill Road in 2005 to get an extra HK$30 million to invest in the project.  Apparently, Chung is in danger of losing the entire investment if the project is not completed soon.  An East Weekly reporter dispatched to Bali noted that the resort was partly-finished and that no construction activity has taken place since 2008.

Reportedly, Chung is working to find additional investors for the project.   One other potential source of revenue is the entertainment circle.   East Weekly reports that Willie Chan Chi-Keung, Chung’s old manager, has repeatedly encouraged her to make a comeback.  According to friends close to Chung, she has not ruled out the idea and is strongly considering it now that she is in need of funds for her Bali investment.

Xinhua News Link

Happy April Fool’s Day!  Alas, there won’t be an April Fool’s Day joke from me today.  I was thinking of doing a fake story on EEG and Sexy Photos Gate.  Something like this …

EEG announces co-operation with Japanese porn studio.  First releases to be:

EEG-001: Former Teen Idol’s Scandalous AV Debut starring Gillian Chung

EEG-002: Sexy Accidental Public Exposure Tsimshatsui Edition starring Yumiko Cheng

… but you’re probably all tired of Sexy Photos Gate so I figured that I should devote my time and energy elsewhere.

Speaking of time and energy …

From the comments on News Links: March 27th, 2009

Sara Lee writes: You said that you didn’t have the time or inclination to chase down other sources for confirmation about the Gigi Leung story. I’m curious, what would you have done if you had the time and the inclination? Do you have connections of some sort?

First, I would have asked to speak to the fired flight attendant directly to ascertain the facts (date, names, flight number, etc.).  I would also ask for a copy of the photo.  Then, I would have put together a story then contacted Cathay Pacific and Gigi Leung’s management for a reaction.  After that, I would write a final version of the story and publish it.

MANI SPEAKS:

Xinhua ran an interview today with EEG’s Mani Fok Man-Hei. Known as the “Mother of Emperor”, she has managed the likes of Nic Tse, Joey Yung, Isabella Leong, Twins and Yumiko Cheng over the course of her 16 years with EEG. Excerpts from the interview:

On the inspiration for Twins:

“I have a twin sister. Our company signed Ah Gil first then we signed Ah Sa. I thought to myself: ‘why don’t we pair the two young girls together?’

In the beginning, we dressed them the same then we slowly began to dress them differently. The only thing that didn’t quite work was that their personalities were completely different. Ah Sa is a lively extrovert while Ah Gil in an introvert.”

On Gillian Chung:

“I treat my artistes like they were my own family. When they have problems, I treat them like my own. At the beginning, I told her that ‘he (Edison Chen) is not a person you should be involved with’. However, when a young person is in love, they don’t listen to anyone.”

“Ah Gil’s mistake was that she didn’t think of her bottom line. She should have remembered that she was a public figure. In the end, though, the person who made the biggest mistake was Edison Chen.”

On Gillian Chung’s comeback:

“In the past year, I’ve had Ah Gil study dancing, acting and gymnastics to prepare her for her comeback. The only thing we didn’t plan on was that Cecilia Cheung Pak-Chi would do her interview first. But, it doesn’t matter who was first and who was second.”

“Work is very hard for Ah Gil now because she’s been out for so long. She didn’t sleep much in the days before her comeback. I’ve been with her the whole time. It was very gratifying to see all the support she received at her events in the Mainland. Her attitude is to come back slowly. Besides, restoring her confidence she’s winning back her respect.”

On Isabella Leong:

“I’ve worked with more than 30 artistes and the only who’s walked away is Isabella Leong. Although she left, I feel that I’ve done right by her. When I was working as her manager, I feel that I did the job to the best of my ability.”

RETIRED ACTRESSES NEWS:

The latest edition of East Weekly suggests that retired actress Cherie Chung Chor-Hung is experiencing some financial difficulty and that a comeback to the entertainment circle is imminent.

Yammie Nam seen panhandling

Former TVB leading lady Yammie Nam Kit-Ying was spotted outside of a Shau Kei Wan Circle K convenience store on Monday morning. She was smoking and asking passersby for money. Nam, a popular actress for TVB in the 1980s and early-1990s, has a history of mental illness. 

SHINJUKU INCIDENT:

Derek Yee Tung-Sing: In the yakuza’s grip

Saving the world is still on Jackie Chan’s agenda

Not just any Hollywood role for Daniel Wu & Jackie Chan

Jackie Chan pitches his ‘different’ side in new movie

REPRINT: The Mirror’s (UK) review of SHINJUKU INCIDENT

IN PRODUCTION:

Hong Kong-Mainland producers announce “5510 Big Movie Plan”

Related Photo Gallery: Lee Lik-Chi, Li Bingbing, Zhou Xun among those who attended event

Photos from the IP MAN 2 press conference in Shanghai

A press conference was held yesterday in Shanghai formally announcing the production of IP MAN 2. Wilson Yip Wai-Shun returns as director while Sammo Hung Kam-Bo will, once again, handle the action. Donnie Yen, Xiong Dai-Lin, Fan Siu-Wong and Gordon Lam Ka-Tong will all reprise their characters. The sequel is set in late-1940s Hong Kong so the Bruce Lee character will not be appearing. 

John Woo’s Titanic runs aground

Production Stills: TREASURE HUNTER

Taiwanese stars Jay Chou and Lin Chi-Ling began work last week on their new film TREASURE HUNTER.  The time travel romantic/action/comedy is being directed by Chu Yen-Peng (KUNG FU DUNK) and co-stars Eric Tsang Chi-Wai.  Producers hope to have the film ready for the Christmas 2009 holiday movie season.

Confirmed: Chow Yun-fat plays Confucius

Related Photos: Chow Yun-Fat, Zhou Xun attend opening lens ceremony for their Confucius biopic at a Confucian temple in Beijing

Stranglehold Movie Apparently Won’t Star Chow Yun-Fat

‘Karate Kid’ redo retitled ‘Kung Fu Kid’

GENERAL NEWS:

Fans Pay Tribute to Leslie Cheung on Sixth Death Anniversary

Jackie Chan, Stephen Chow named Asia’s best selling actors & directors

Jackie Chan to sing in bird nest

Jet Li, Zhang Yimou Named “Chinese of World Influence”

Daniel Wu willing to sacrifice privacy for movies

Miriam Yeung: Miriam’s girl-next-door charm

Tang Wei: “Lust Caution” is history

ASHES OF TIME REDUX: Lovers and Fighters

HK pop star Kelvin Kwan released from police custody

Stefanie Sun’s new boyfriend exposed!

Rain confident of winning appeal 

SEXY PHOTOS GATE:

Eason Chan: Edison Chen missing Hong Kong badly

HKIFF: Edison Chen sex scandal sure to make Sniper a hit

Edison Chen ‘tests water’ with role as sex pervert

MOVIE REVIEWS:

Variety reviews Ann Hui’s latest NIGHT AND FOG (Simon Yam, Zhang Jingchu)

Variety review of Feng Xiaogang’s IF YOU ARE THE ONE (Ge You, Shu Qi)

California Chronicle reviews Oxide Pang’s BASIC LOVE

FEATURES:

Chow Yun-Fat Talks Dragonball Evolution

Chow Yun-Fat: DRAGONBALL’s Dirty Old Sifu

Jolin Tsai: Jolin talks about scandal and Mr Right

Super Band: ‘It’s really not about money’

PHOTO GALLERYS:

ASHES OF TIME REDUX event in Hong Kong

Director Alan Mak Siu-Fai marries

This past weekend, director Alan Mak Siu-Fai (INFERNAL AFFAIRS, LADY COP AND PAPA CROOK) married his longtime girlfriend Chung Wai-Tak. Reportedly, Mak met Chung, eleven years his junior, at an event five years ago. To celebrate the nuptials, a 20-table banquet was held at the Aberdeen Marina Club. Among the attendees were Andrew Lau Wai-Keung, Shawn Yue Man-Lok, Michelle Ye and Jade Kwan Sum-Yin. 

Wong Jing and his latest “Jing Girl” Natalie Yao Meng

Following in a line that includes Chingmy Yau Suk-Ching and Kelly Lin, Natalie Yao Meng is Wong Jing’s latest “Jing Girl”.  Wong spotted Yao in Mainland director Huang Jianzhong’s SILVER ORNAMENTS and imported her to Hong Kong where she can now be admired in such films as THE VAMPIRE WHO ADMIRES ME and BEAUTY AND THE 7 BEASTS.  Yao can next be seen alongside Anthony Wong Chau-Sang, my other cousin Tony, Eason Chan, Alex Fong Lik-Sun, Kate Tsui and Wong Jing himself in I CORRUPT COPS.  The film opens in Hong Kong on April 23rd.

Shu Qi, Aloys Chen and Sylvia Chang shoot ad for Cartier

Related: Shu Qi, Syliva Chan promote Cartier

Cecilia Cheung shoots ad for a bedding company in Guangzhou

Michelle Reis Poses for Marie Claire

Tang Wei poses for Chinese edition of Vogue

Ada Choi Siu-Fan and hubby attend event promoting Moiselle

Promotional stills from the upcoming Mainland film WHEAT (Fan Bingbing, Wang Xueqi)

Jane Zhang debuts in Japan

A-Mei Chang performs in Taipei

FROM THE NOTEBOOK:

Before we get to today’s links, I want to clear a few items off of the little notebook I keep to remind me of things that I want to mention on this blog.

Item #1: About this article: Stephen Chow target of criticisms once again

In the words of MAN MEN’s Bert Cooper, “who cares?”  So Stephen Chow can be a bastard in the workplace … who cares?  Isn’t this par for the course for some successful people?  The notion that some successful people are high strung and very demanding shouldn’t be a shocking revelation.  It’s not like Stephen Chow puts out this image that he’s a great, easy-going guy who’s kind and benevolent to his workers. If he did that and then this talk came out then it’s a different story but this is just “well, he can be hard to work for”.

Moreover, it’s not like he goes out of his way to destroy the careers of those who have crossed him.  My memory may be faulty but didn’t he let Cecilia Cheung out of her contract early so she could make millions while the fire was hot after her debut in KING OF COMEDY?  If he was the vindictive type, Eva Huang Shengyi would have had her career crushed.  She wouldn’t be getting more face time in the new RACE TO WITCH MOUNTAIN (a reported 45 seconds) than ol’ EDC in THE DARK KNIGHT?

Besides, it’s impossible for anyone to be 100% nice, 100% of the time.  I’m sure that somewhere out there, someone has something bad to say about even the most pious of men like Pope Benedict or the Dalai Lama.  This reminds me of an e-mail that I got a few years back when I ran my old site.  I think it was around 2003 or 2004.  Someone claiming to be a Cathay Pacific flight attendant e-mailed me to complain about Gigi Leung Wing-Kei.

Apparently, she and one of her co-workers were working a flight on which Gigi Leung was a passenger.   Her co-worker was a Gigi Leung fan so she asked Leung for an autograph and a picture.   Gigi Leung happily posed for a photo then gave her address to the flight attendant because she wanted a copy of the photo.   About a month later, Cathay fired the flight attendant because, allegedly, Gigi Leung complained to the airline that she was bothered during the flight and offered the photo as evidence.   The e-mailer thought that this was a stone cold move by Gigi Leung so she wanted me to run the story on my site and expose Gigi Leung’s hard-hearted nature.   As I didn’t have the time or the inclination to chase down other sources for confirmation, I didn’t publish the story.

Manny Kok, my manager here at the Kozo Entertainment Group, is screaming at me right now.  He’s yelling: “DISCLAIMER! DISCLAIMER! YOU HAVE TO PUT IN A STRONG DISCLAIMER!” So, let me be perfectly clear, the above story is unsubstantiated hearsay.   I only told it to illustrate my point that every celebrity, every person of note probably has a negative story about them floating around somewhere.  I am, in no fashion, trying to impugn the character of Gigi Leung Wing-Kei.  She is, after all, a member of the Leung clan — a clan to which I myself belong.

You know, I wish the story was different. I wish I could have said: “This one time, I got an e-mail from a Cathay Pacific flight attendant and she said she was a fan of my site. She said she and one of her co-workers wanted to get together and take some colourful photos that I can store on my hard drive.”

Item #2: Edison Chen: Paragon of Filial Piety

Earlier this week, 52 year-old Chen Chak-Man (陳澤民)– the father of disgraced HK celebrity Edison Chen — filed for bankruptcy.  The economic downturn has left him with a rumoured HK$1 billion in debt.  Chen, however, insists that it is only HK$20 million.

What does this have to do with the entertainment circle?  Well, Ming Pao reported that Edison Chen has been helping his father out financially even though his income was greatly reduced due to Sexy Photos Gate.  Also, this quote from Chen the Elder appeared on Apple Action News.com: “If my son is able, he will be looking after my expenses in the future.”

Now, a cynical person would say that this is just another attempt to rehabilitate Edison Chen’s public image but … OK, I’m a cynical person, I think this belongs in the same file as the “Edison is now a Christian who prays every day” stories that were floating around last year.

More EDC foolishness:  A report surfaced on Tuesday night alleging that, upon hearing news of his father’s bankruptcy, Edison Chen committed suicide by flinging himself off a building in Beijing. Obviously, the report was false.

Still more Edison Chen news, SNIPER had its gala premiere in Hong Kong this week without EDC in attendance.  Also, the film is apparently going to be banned in Mainland China.

Item #3: Gillian Chung in W.

Oliver Stone was in Hong Kong this week for the Hong Kong International Film Festival.  During an event for his latest film W., he talked about how he financed it mostly through Hong Kong sources.  He also praised Gillian Chung as a “capable actress” but lamented that her scene (a belly dancing scene for Saddam Hussein) had to go because of time.

The regular DVD edition of W. does not have deleted scenes but the Blu-Ray DVD version contains six deleted scenes.  Fans of Ah Gil may want to check that out if they want to see her “Hollywood breakthrough”.  Previously on this blog, I shared some thoughts on the film.

Item #4: About this article: Joey Yung has no love for Edison Chen; only resentments

Thanks to my battle with the Big C, there’s an 18-month long gap in my entertainment circle database.  As a result, I missed Joey Yung’s ascension to the “Queen of Pop” title.  Is it my imagination or is Joey Yung feeling her oats?  She seems more assertive and opinionated these days.  I don’t recall her being this outspoken in the past.

On to the links:

TOP STORIES:

Variety reviews SHINJUKU INCIDENT

Q&A: Tsui Hark

IN PRODUCTION:

Sequels in the works for PAINTED SKIN and IP MAN

Raintree, Wayne Wang prepare Singapore historical thriller

Juliette Binoche plans film with Chinese director

Door opens for Tibet film from Dai Wei

GENERAL NEWS:

Faye Wong makes return with S$4million advertisement

China takes on Hollywood in box office battle

HAF lauds Charlie Yeung for financial acumen

Tony Blair and Jet Li sign cooperation plan on climate

Taipei Times Pop Stop: Zhang Ziyi, more

False pregnancy? Andy Lau cancels wedding

Sonija Kwok Sin-Lei: She saves maid’s life but ends up bitten

“China’s Oprah” signs for Hollywood representation

MC HotDog: No hard feelings between Jolin & me

MOVIE REVIEWS:

Variety review of DRAGONBALL EVOLUTION

Malaysia Star review of Oxide Pang’s LOVE TRIANGLE

FEATURES:

Leon Lai, Zhang Ziyi’s ‘Paper Handcuff Fame’

- RELATED: Zhang Ziyi and Leon Lai promote FOREVER ENTHRALLED in South Korea

Q&A with Lu Chuan the director of NANKING! NANKING!

Eileen Chang: A great 20th century writer, as depicted in movies spanning 60 years

PHOTO GALLERYS:

‘Ashes of Time Redux’ Premieres in Beijing

Hong Kong International Film Festival kicks off

Kelly Chen at the Hong Kong premiere of MONSTERS AND ALIENS

Gigi Leung celebrates her birthday by promoting her new album (Fans from HK, China and Korea gathered at an event where Leung celebrated her birthday and promoted her new album.  Asked what her birthday wish was, Leung replied: “Good health and strong record sales.”)

Irene Wan Bik-Ha at a promotional event for a spa

Lin Chi-Ling promotes Armani in Shanghai

Tang Wei promotes Armani in Changsha

* * * * *

Rest in peace, Dan Seals.  It’d been more than twenty years since I heard “Bop” but, upon the news of Dan Seals’ passing yesterday, I heard the song on the radio twice.  It immediately made me flashback to the ol’ school gym and boppin’ like mad to the song with Tracy Vogel.  For a moment, it was a night like it used to be, when our hearts were young and our souls were free.

Image credits: AMC (Bert Cooper), Sina.com (Gigi Leung)

Many, many links to get to so no nonsense from me today …

HONG KONG CINEMA:

Hollywood Reporter Feature: 100 years of Hong Kong cinema

Raymond Wong Bak-Ming: Golden age of HK cinema may show again, says producer

Hong Kong film market thrives

HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL:

Jackie Chan on why he’s given up kung-fu films + review of his new film Shinjuku Incident

New York Times: Jackie Chan Movie Kicks Off Hong Kong Film Festival

Jackie Chan lends star power to hometown festival

Red Carpet: HK Film Festival Open Night

Xinhua photos from opening night

Wall Street Journal: Scenes from Hong Kong’s Filmart

Hong Kong Filmart: Forum bids looser China pic policy

Filmart focus on China

Q&A: HKIFF executive director Soo-wei Shaw

IN PRODUCTION:

DARK OCTOBER renamed BODYGUARDS & ASSASSINS: Cinema Popular unveils $23m historical epic Bodyguards & Assassins, Light Shed on ‘Bodyguards’

Edmond Pang Ho-Cheung’s new project: Hong Kong’s 852 Films begins production on first feature Dream Home

Jeff Lau’s latest: In ‘Cyborg,’ Robots Fight Right

IP MAN 2 News: Jay Chou loses role as Bruce Lee

3-D shock and awe from Pang brothers

Zhang Yimou lines up black comedy with Zhao Bensan

EAT DRINK MAN WOMAN sequel in the works (I hate to say it but this feels like a stinker already.  Vegetarian chef?  Earthquakes?  Yeesh.  Call the movie something else and forget about trying to glom on to the legacy of EAT DRINK MAN WOMAN.)

Dayyan Eng enlists Daniel Wu, Gong Beibi for Inseparable

ASIAN FILM AWARDS:

CRIEnglish.com: Zhou Xun Crowned at Asian Film Awards

Hollywood Reporter: Japanese films dominate Asian Film Awards

Screen Daily: Japanese cinema triumphs at Asian Film Awards in Hong Kong

AFP: Japan shines at Asian Film Awards

Associated Press: ‘Tokyo Sonata’ best film at Asian Film Awards

Photos: Xinhua Photo Gallery, Sina.com Photo Gallery, Fan Bing Bing, Michelle Yeoh, Brigitte Lin (Lin, still gettin’ it done in her 50s, was on hand to present a lifetime achievement/contribution award to Tsui Hark and his wife Nansun Shi.)

Korean Western top contender at Asian Film Awards (Always fun to see what people thought before the awards.)

GENERAL NEWS:

Stephen Chow target of criticisms once again

Jackie Chan in Taiwan to promote Shinjuku Incident

Jackie Chan reveals past relationship with Teresa Tang

Andy Lau marrying Carol Chu in April?

Maggie Cheung left Hong Kong to avoid old flame?

Zhang Ziyi on cover of sex disc

Stage Set for “Big Four” of Chinese Pop

NANKING! NANKING!: China OKs Rape of Nanking pics, Stills from NANKING! NANKING!

Jayme Ong: Laidback bride

Harlem Yu to announce divorce

SEXY PHOTOS GATE:

Gillian Chung provides youths with Food for Thought

Gillian Chung arrives in China with Edison Chen’s father

Photos: Gillian Chung hawks jeans in Beijing

TV host reveals inside story of Cecilia Cheung’s interview

Tse couple offer photos for charity

FEATURES:

Q&A: Jaycee Chan

APA Top Ten: Leslie Cheung’s Heartbreaker Roles

MOVIE REVIEWS:

Screen Daily review of DRAGONBALL EVOLUTION

Wen Wei Po review of CLAUSTROPHOBIA

PHOTO GALLERYS:

Zhang Ziyi poses for “Lohas” Magazine

Nic Tse performs in Beijing

Karen Mok photo shoot

Li Bing Bing promotes an eco-friendly lifestyle

CULTURAL NEWS:

Hollywood CATCHES Bollywood FEVER

I-Sis Trio: No mini skirts for them

Herman Li: Headbangers love this HK-born guitarist

Skynet/The Cylons one step closer to taking over humanity

GILLIAN CHUNG WATCH:

- Gillian Chung Yan-Tung continued her comeback this week with promotional events in Taiwan and Beijing.

- A report in today’s edition of Guangzhou Daily claimed that a Mainland car company has canceled a promotional event in Chengdu which was supposed to feature an appearance by Chung.   According to the article, reaction to Chung’s “Be Tough” ad campaign has not been favourable so she is no longer wanted as a pitchperson.  However, a spokesperson for the car company told Guangzhou Daily that the event was canceled because their new car line is not ready to be introduced.

- Reports also surfaced this week that Ah Gil is being offered a role in a Mainland television series based on the Jackie Chan movie THE MYTH.

- Finally, let the derisive jokes begin, there were reports that EEG is preparing a Hong Kong movie version of SEX AND THE CITY starring EEG properties Joey Yung Tso-Yi, Yumiko Cheng Hei-Yi, Charlene Choi Cheuk-Yin and … {drum roll} … Gillian Chung Yan-Tung.  As my SEX AND THE CITY viewing was limited to only the opening credits, I don’t know enough about it to make jokes but — based on discussion board reaction to this news — I know enough about the HK entertainment circle to know that this project may do more harm than good to Gillian Chung’s career.

IN PRODUCTION:

Peter Chan Ho-Sun: Star-Studded ‘Dark October’

GENERAL NEWS:

Taipei Times Pop Stop: Edison Chen, Taiwanese entertainment circle news

Rain ordered to pay concert promoter US$8m in damages

Yao Ming, Zhang Ziyi top Forbes Chinese celebs list: Channel News Asia article,  CRIENGLISH.com article #1,  CRIENGLISH.com article #2

Nine hottest Chinese women, courtesy of Complex magazine

“Red River” Takes Transnational Love Story to Screen

Mainland Actors to Be Allowed in in Taiwan TV Series

Zhang Yimou Launches Live Show on Tropical Island

MOVIE REVIEWS:

Variety reviews THE UNDERDOG KNIGHT (Liu Ye, Anthony Wong Chau-Sang, Ellen Chan)

DRAGONBALL EVOLUTION: Evolution is no solution, What happen, Chow?

FEATURES:

Joey Yung: ‘You’re not pretty enough’

Michelle Yeoh: Wall Street Journal Interview Excerpts

Zhang Yimou: Famous Chinese Film Director Says He’s an Artist, Not a Politician

PHOTO GALLERYS:

On the set with Yvonne Yung Hung: After giving birth to a child in 2007, Yvonne Yung Hung makes a comeback with a role in the Mainland television series 孫子大傳 (trans. THE GRAND LEGEND OF SUN TZU).  Although she believes that being a mother is still her primary job, Yung feels that the baby is old enough now for her to take some work outside of the home.  Zhang Fengyi (Cao Cao in RED CLIFF) stars in the series as Sun Tzu.

Charlene Choi Cheuk-Yin: Sunny Charlene

Shu Qi the Spokes-Beauty

KOREAN ENTERTAINMENT NEWS:

Jang Ja Yung suicide: Korean actress Jang Ja Yun found dead in home, Letter claims late actress was forced to have sex, Calls Growing for Overhaul of Showbiz ‘Slave Contracts

Korean entertainment falls outside of the purview of this blog but if this kind of thing happens in the South Korean entertainment circle — often considered more “pure and innocent” than other Asian entertainment industries — then you have to wonder what kind of shenanigans go on in Hong Kong.