Chen Kun sells out Carina Lau in the film, but privately they are good friends

Carina Lau wants to be more selective with her scripts

Flora Lau
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Carina Lau captures Andy Lau and Tony Leung Chiu Wai in an intense chat
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Carina Lau Ka Ling two nights ago posted online a photo of her husband Tony Leung Chiu Wai and Andy Lau Tak Wa in a sit down chat. She personally took the photo and they looked friendly and relaxed. Online curiosity was piqued and the response was overwhelming. Last night it had over 1,500 comments and over 3,000 retransmits. Some online described this as a "meeting of hunks" and looked forward to them working together again; A message asked, "What are they discussing? When will they work on another film together? Both are excellent men."

Hong Kong Best Actress Lau Ka Ling and Mainland star Chen Kun starred in the film BENDS (GOR GAI), which was selected for the Cannes Film Festival Un Certain Regard segment. After the premiere the film received many praises. Ka Ling even might have a chance at Best Actress. They earlier in an interview with director Flora Lau Wan Man said that they were willing to work with younger generations for almost no salary. Ka Ling admired Lau Wan Man's persistence. "If the film has us, more or less it would add sexy and bed scenes. Yet she didn't compromise for commercial elements. I admire her character."

Ka Ling played a character whose husband, family and friends abandoned. Even her driver Chen Kun used her. She said that her personal experience put her in character even more. "I really have to thank my past, but right now nothing can affect me. I really appreciate the words that Lam Ching Ha (Brigitte Lin) gave me back then, 'face it, accept it, resolve it, let it go'."

As for Cannes Best Actress chances, Ka Ling laughed and said, "Ha ha! At this stage I already have a reputation, I will worry about the award when it happens! Right now whether I win or now no longer matters, I really enjoy every moment at work." She admitted that she might not stay until the announcement on the final day. In recent years Ka Ling had few performance opportunities. She admitted that she would like to choose more challenging scripts. Will she rest for a year like her husband Tony Leung Chiu Wai? She said, "We have been together for over a decade and have a way of life. I won't hinder his movie productions. We have a great degree of freedom."

Chen Kun revealed that this time he took 25 days off to support Lau Wan Man. They got along like siblings. He revealed that now mainly he is establishing a charity organization to help the poor. he said, "Now I feel very relaxed, but my manager are rushing me to return to work, haha!" For her first feature Lau Wan Man stated that she was nervous. "It was the first time that I had to communicate with so many people, which was very refreshing and very enjoyable. I hope to see the audience's response when the film will be released in Hong Kong in August."

Anke Beilke

Producer Hsu Feng grabs shy guy Tony Leung Chiu Wai for a photo, much to the joy of Chen Kun

Praised for her crying scene, Carina Lau says they were "gratifying"

Tony Leung Chiu Wai and Carina Lau exchange sweet glances during the toast
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Carina Lau Ka Ling and Chen Kun spoke to the media in Cannes about their film BENDS. In the film they played a Hong Kong upper class socialite and a Mainlander driver. Their character struggled through many emotional scenes. Ka Ling could not help but shed real tears as true emotions flowed.

They at the press conference exchanged compliments. Ka Ling said, "I am older than him, he is my junior. I am very lucky to run into an excellent actor like Chen Kun. I would make different attempts with every one of my movie, emotional scenes in particular. He was able to receive them." Chen Kun said that when he first met Ka Ling he already sensed her charm. On and off camera she was very happy to take care of others.

Their characters had class and cultural differences. Ka Ling joked that in real life she only belonged to the upper middle class. "Happiness is not measured with money, happiness is for you to find in life, to see how you face life and your so-called happiness. At home (Tony) Leung Chiu Wai concentrates on his model building and Wing Chun, while I am busy with bills and chores. Yet I am very happy too, I don't want to keep an eye on my husband. I only want to help him achieve."

Speaking of the growing conflict between China and Hong Kong, Ka Ling felt that being on the same earth everyone should coexist peacefully. "We shouldn't create hypothetical or deliberate conflict. We would have conflict, which is understandable. Originally Hong Kong and the Mainland have completely different backgrounds, now the relationship is closer. We should think about the premise first and shouldn't blow up the matter too much." She praised new director Flora Lau Wan Man for not adding bed scenes or controversial scenes for commercial elements and persisting on her original idea. She has won her respect.

Ka Ling and Chen Kun said that this collaboration has been very pleasant. Ka Ling said, "People need exchanges, after understanding each other then we can get into characters. Chen Kun and I had great exchanges!" She even said that Chen Kun will be a great actor. Chen Kun said, "I was both excited and nervous about working with Sister Ka Ling!" He pointed out that he worked on a film in Hong Kong for an extended period of time for the first time. A stranger in a strange place, he appreciated Ka Ling for taking care of her.

Foreign media raved about Ka Ling's touching break down scene. Ka Ling said, "At the time the shoot was about to come to an end, so I was already in character, captured the feeling. After finishing it it feels very gratifying!" She even talked about her philosophy. "No one knows what will happen tomorrow. I am already at this age, I am more relaxed with a lot. Unless I don't want to live, if I do I have to keep going and look ahead!" Producer Shi Nansun pointed out that BENDS was an art film so it had no box office pressure.

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Andy Lau and Sammi Cheng have worked together for so long that they joke that they are like an old couple

Tony Leung Chiu Wai and Carina Lau never expect to run into Andy Lau and Sammi Cheng at the hotel lobby.  They cheer on each other's new films.

BLIND DETECTIVE receives good reviews at the premiere, only Andy Lau is called a jerk because of his character
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Andy Lau Tak Wa and Sammi Cheng Sau Man appeared on the Cannes Film Festival red carpet for their film BLIND DETECTIVE (MAN TAM). They who have been doing nonstop interviews actually ran into friends Tony Leung Chiu Wai and Carina Lau Ka Ling at the hotel for an impromptu INFERNAL AFFAIRS (MO GAN DOH) reunion. BLIND DETECTIVE received good reviews at the premiere, but Wa Jai revealed that viewers called him a "jerk"!

Wa Jai and Sammi went to Cannes to promote their film BLIND DETECTIVE. At the global premiere, many Chinese actors came to show their support. The leads dressed up for the occasion, Sammi in particular was nervous about her first time on the Cannes red carpet. This was Wa Jai and Sammi's seventh collaboration, they described their chemistry has already been elevated to resemble an "old couple". They were very excited to receive the audience's enthusiastic response at the premiere. Wa Jai joked that many viewers called him a "jerk". He said, "This time the director and the screen writers designed the character for me because I asked to play a blind person. However the character truly was quiet a jerk, so should I be happy or not when people yell at me?"

Sammi thanked Wa Jai for bringing her acting into another level. She said, "Working with Wa Jai on a movie is like playing ball. When he serves a quality ball to me, I have the confidence to return it. He can stimulate my potential. When he is mad, I am madder than him. Every time when I see him risking his life in his performance, I would force myself to catch up to his quality." Yet Wa Jai admitted that when he saw Sammi risking her life and sometimes did not know how to protect herself, he was very worried. He said, "Sometimes she didn't know about the dangerous. She loves others plenty, but she doesn't love herself enough."

Many Chinese people participate in this year's Cannes Film Festival. Sammi before the trip would like to run into Lau Ka Ling the most. She never expected to have such a coincidence. As she and Wa Jai were preparing to leave at the hotel, in the lobby they ran right into Ka Ling and Leung Chiu Wai. They exchanged congratulations and cheers and posed for photos for the media; a quick glimpse would mistake them for a INFERNAL AFFAIRS cast reunion.

Johnnie To Kei Fung yesterday spoke to the media in Cannes. He revealed that in 2015 he will make ELECTION 3 (HAK SEH WUI 3), just in time for the film's 10th anniversary. He admitted that among all his films, he put the most effort into making only five films: THE MISSION (CHEUNG FOR), EXILE (FONG JOOK), LIFE WITHOUT PRINCIPLE (DUET MING GUM), SPARROW (MAN JUEK) and PTU. His other work mainly focused on commercial elements to make money for the company. He also mentioned that he has never accepted or adapted to the Mainland "inspection culture" and "bureaucracy and face giving culture". He even revealed that he intended to retire at age 65. Currently 58 he admitted that it was time to find a successor.

Lau Ka Ling and Chen Kun spoke to the media in Cannes about their film BENDS. In the film they played a Hong Kong upper class socialite and a Mainlander driver. Their character struggled through many emotional scenes. Ka Ling could not help but shed real tears as true emotions flowed.

They at the press conference exchanged compliments. Ka Ling said, "I am older than him, he is my junior. I am very lucky to run into an excellent actor like Chen Kun. I would make different attempts with every one of my movie, emotional scenes in particular. He was able to receive them." Chen Kun said that when he first met Ka Ling he already sensed her charm. On and off camera she was very happy to take care of others.

Their characters had class and cultural differences. Ka Ling joked that in real life she only belonged to the upper middle class. "Happiness is not measured with money, happiness is for you to find in life, to see how you face life and your so-called happiness. At home (Tony) Leung Chiu Wai concentrates on his model building and Wing Chun, while I am busy with bills and chores. Yet I am very happy too, I don't want to keep an eye on my husband. I only want to help him achieve."

Speaking of the growing conflict between China and Hong Kong, Ka Ling felt that being on the same earth everyone should coexist peacefully. "We shouldn't create hypothetical or deliberate conflict. We would have conflict, which is understandable. Originally Hong Kong and the Mainland have completely different backgrounds, now the relationship is closer. We should think about the premise first and shouldn't blow up the matter too much." She praised new director Flora Lau Wan Man for not adding bed scenes or controversial scenes for commercial elements and persisting on her original idea. She has won her respect.

courtesy of on.cc

courtesy of singtao.com

With her husband Tony Leung Chiu Wai by her side Carina Lau is even more confident

Carina Lau blows kisses to the media like a queen on a parade

After the premiere Carina Lau and Chen Kun embrace each other to the applause of many, including director Jia Zhangke (left)
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Carina Lau Ka Ling's BENDS (GOR GAI) two nights ago held its premiere at the Cannes Film Festival. Once Cannes Best Actor Tony Leung Chiu Wai played bodyguard to his wife all night, accompanying Ka Ling down the red carpet and giving his wife a queen's arrival. After the premiere, Wai Jai and viewers including director Jia Zhangke who deliberately came in support applauded. Many viewers stood up and applauded for 10 minutes. With both Chinese and foreign film critics alike praising Lau Ka Ling's performance, her Cannes Best Actress chances heated up.

Although rain has been falling for days in Cannes, it could not stop the guests' enthusiasm. Lau Ka Ling and Chen Kun were BENDS' leads, of course they dressed up for the occasion; Leung Chiu Wai who was used to being the lead this time would rather played support and bodyguard to his wife Lau Ka Ling. He stayed by her side and silently supported her. Yet on the red carpet how could anyone not see this superstar? Thus he and Lau Ka Ling all became the foci of the camera flash bulbs, making Ka Ling's red carpet appearance like a queen's arrival. The team naturally was very happy, at least she brought attention to the film.

The film's new director Flora Lau Wan Man, producers Shi Nansun and Winnie Yu Tseng and one of the investors Hsu Feng flew to Cannes for the event. Everyone placed a lot of importance on this film. After the global premiere two nights ago, everyone stood up and accepted the cheers of the audience. The applause even lasted 10 minutes. As everyone experienced the excitement, they embraced each other. The scene was both joyous and touching. Although Wai Jai remained in his seat to keep from stealing the spotlight, he applauded hard to provide endless support to his wife and the team.

After the screening many Chinese and foreign film reviews appeared, most praised Lau Ka Ling's performance in the film as the wife or a rich man to be very convincing and had depth. After the premiere, Lau Ka Ling's acting was recognized even more. Her chances at Best Actress heated up again. With her husband Leung Chiu Wai's lucky assistance, would she win Best Actress and receive international recognition for her acting? If she and Wai Jai both won at Cannes, then they would become an international Best Actor and Best Actress couple!

A French national television station reporter said that the film had a very meaningful story and reflected the difference between Hong Kong and the Mainland. Its display of Hong Kong was not exaggerated at all. Lau Ka Ling's performance was very detailed and had many emotional scenes. The feeling for Chen Kun as the driver was average. A German broadcast radio film critic praised the film to be very sentimental and had depth, from the film viewers could understand a lot about China and Hong Kong. The visuals were beautiful and very persuasive. A Mainland reporter agreed that the characters were more outstanding, the film was very smooth including the ending and was expected to win awards. Yet an Italian reporter said that the story of the rich and the poor has been seen before and could not completely win over people.

Lead actor Chen Kun said that before walking the red carpet he was very nervous because he has not seen the entire film. Yet after watching it he was very moved! The director also said before the premiere that from planning to production BENDS to her was a long journey. She hoped that viewers would enjoy and liked her film as much as she did.

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Carina Lau and Tony Leung Chiu Wai

Did Tony Leung Chiu Wai take this photo of Carina Lau on the beach?

Kitty Zhang

Li Meng, Jiang Wu, Zhao Tao and director Jia Zhangke walk the red carpret for A TOUCH OF SIN

Wang Baoqiang expresses his love to his wife and kisses her 

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The Carina Lau Ka Ling starred film BENDS (GOR GAI) was selected for the Cannes Film Festival Un Regard Certain segment, and her husband Tony Leung Chiu Wai tag along to cheer her on. Ka Ling appeared at the A TOUCH OF SIN premiere and on the Cannes Film Festival red carpet for the first time this year. Later she along with Chen Kun and director Flora Lau Wan Man attended the BENDS press conference. However she still took time to enjoy the Cannes sunshine and beach. In a cartoon character tee shirt she sat on the beach and looked relaxed. She wrote online, "The sunshine after the rain!" Some asked if Wai Jai personally took the photo for her.

Ka Ling and Chen Kun in BENDS played the wife of a rich man and a driver. Chen Kun even gained weight for the role. Ka Ling said that years ago in DAYS OF BEING WILD (AH FEI JING JUEN) she played a 60s dance escort and director Wong Kar Wai asked her to gain weight. She however turned him down. She said, "Thinking back I don't know why I said no. Now I have the will power to become thin again, I just look at my performance." She has exercised for 18 years, both physically and mentally she was at the best shape of her life. She said, "I used to have two guardians, persistence and tolerance. They are now retired and in their place are compassion and forgiveness, I used these attitudes with work and friends."

Earlier she dined with ang Lee. She said that Wai Jai and Ang Lee worked together on LUST, CAUTION (SIK, GAI) to create another milestone in their performance careers. She lamented that Ang Lee actually was able to make Wai Jai as "street crossing rat" and enabled Wai Jai who longed for a breakthrough at the time to finally create a classic. Although they have not worked together again, Ka Ling felt that it depended on fate. She did not feel Wai Jai was tortured when he performed Ang Lee's film. "I felt he rather enjoyed it, I would be able to too, I have a lot of endurance."

She performed BENDS' end credit song. Who sang better between her and Wai Jai? She analyzed, "Technically I am good, but emotionally he would be better. You see his Putonghua isn't fluent either and would be off key, but when he sang he had a lot of flavor."

A TOUCH OF SIN lead actor Wang Baoqiang made a strong showing. He not only appeared with his wife but also expressed his love to her on one knee from multiple angles as the media's demanded. They also kissed many times. Finally under the urging of security he finally reluctantly dragged his wife and left. Some said that his performance in comparison to the film was the real "China style explosion".

A TOUCH OF SIN director Jia Zhangke at the press conference responded to the film inspection question that everyone was concerned about. He said, "The film has already passed inspection and received a release permit, hopefully it will be released in the Mainland in the fall this year." Would inspection standards affect creative freedom? He said, "The inspection passed very smoothly. I didn't study why it was so smooth, but one of the motivation was that I had no fear inside." Since it involved social violence, would it truly be released? "I hope through this film even to have more viewers in China, because what I am talking about is the violence that all Chinese experience in public space. If our society wants to avoid violence and escape from personal tragedy, first we have to learn to understand evil and violence in art and not avoid it."

Kitty Zhang is mistaken for Fan Bingbing

A TOUCH OF SIN's Jiang Wu

Kitty Zhang's facial features are more prominent than before

ALL ABOUT WOMEN

2006 

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Poor Kitty Zhang is mistaken for Zhang Ziyi
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Kitty Zhang

Fan Bingbing

Zhang Ziyi

Chen Kun and his Un Certain Regard selection film BENDS director  Flora Lau

Zhao Tao and Wang Baoqiang, stars of the only Chinese film in the Palme d'Or competition, A TOUCH OF SIN

Zhang Ziyi
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