The crew gives Donnie Yen a massage

courtesy of on.cc

courtesy of singtao.com

The "Strongest in the Universe" Donnie Yen Chi Tan and Mainland actor Wang Baoqiang in the Emperor new film YUT GOR YUN DIK MO LUM played modern martial art masters. Earlier they appeared in Tai O for a chase scene. Known for his fighting, Yen Chi Tan despite old wounds still put a lot of effort into his fight scene. Wang Baoqiang for his river jumping scene ignored the dirty water and just jumped in. His professionalism should be commended.

The Teddy Chan Tak Sum directed Emperor new film YUT GOR YUN DIK MO LUM had Yen Chi Tan as its star and action director. Chi Tan and Mainland actor Wang Baoqiang in the film both played modern martial art experts. They earlier worked on location in Tai O. That day the Yen Chi Tan and Deep Ng Ho Hong who played a cop chased Wang Baoqiang. On the set, before the shoot Chi Tan not only did his warm up exercises but also had a massage on his waist from the crew. Then the fighting scenes officially began.

Was he injured? Chi Tan said, "I have some old injuries and some new injuries on my waist, with reporters here of course I have to tough it out! However I performed most of the action scenes myself. One person for two jobs, I am quite a value. Thus how can anyone possibly say that I charged so much!" H admitted that despite his old wounds he still would try to personally perform fight scenes in hopes of making them the most realistic.

Also playing a modern martial art expert Wang Baoqiang appeared hobbling with a few scars on his face to add to his weathered impression. As for the scars on his hand, Wang Baoqiang lightly said that they were from the shoot but were no big deal. When he jumped into the sewage water under the Tai O row houses, he had no stage fright at all and gave quite an effort. When he returned to the boat he immediately cleaned his face with clean water. Even when the director asked him to jump again, he still performed as asked and was very professional.

How did he feel about jumping into the dirty water, Wang Baoqiang said, "The water is very salty, the flavor is not bad." Yen Chi Tan joked, "I just peed into the stream, all of us did that." Everyone cracked.

Wang Baoqiang did not forget to praise Tai O's beautiful scenery. He admitted that for this shoot he will stay in Hong Kong for two months, naturally he missed his family. He said, "I missed my children at home." Why did he not bring his wife to work in Hong Kong with him? He said, "She has been here before, but because the children had school they already went back." Did he exchange any parenthood tips with Yen Chi Tan? Wang Baoqiang said, "Chi Tan is a good father and is very responsible, but I too many a responsible person."

Bai Bing has to hold back laughter when working with Wang Baoqiang
courtesy of on.cc

courtesy of singtao.com

Donnie Yen and boss Albert Yeung

Alex Fong Chung Shun jokes that adding a bed scene with his goddess Charlie Yeung would be the best
courtesy of mingpao.com

The Emperor Motion Picture YUT GOR YUN DIK MO LUM (THE MARTIAL ART WORLD OF ONE PERSON) earlier held its production start ceremony. Boss Albert Yeung Sau Sing led director Teddy Chan Tak Sum, actors Donnie Yen Chi Tan, Wang Baoqiang, Charlie Yeung Choi Nei, Alex Fong Chung Shun, Bai Bing and Deep Ng Ho Hong to the worship ceremony. Yeung Sau Sing celebrated Yen Chi Tan's 50th birthday Saturday in advance. Chan Tak Sum also presented the film's 12 inch figure to him as a present, which made Yen Chi Tan rather happy.

Yen Chi Tan said, "Every year I have a few days that I don't work on, my wife's birthday, Valentine's Day and Mother's Day. I definitely would stop working on my birthday. People can't work everyday." Reportedly this film will salute the elders of action, Yen Chi Tan admitted that he would not have a lot of pressure because of that. Mainly he wanted to pay tribute to them from his heart. In comparison self breakthrough would have the most pressure, in addition the idea of the salute came from the director. As a Hong Kong action actor I of course couldn't agree more."

In action scenes with Yeung Choi Nei, did he have to accommodate? Yen Chi Tan said, "Whether she has any martial art experience or not, as long as she is an actress I would accommodate. This is the consideration and demeanor that a man should have; earlier when I worked with Wai Ying Hung on WUXIA I didn't treat her like a man either."

Yeung Choi Nei pointed out that she played a police officer in the film and only needed to use a gun. She did not need ot fight. She said, "Before hand I went to classes to learn about guns, I hope they are helpful to the shoot. (Did you ask Yen Chi Tan to teach you kung fu?) Working together on the shoot is already a lot of fun. Watching him in fight scenes on the set, I was already wowed. I focused on gun practices, to the point that I wouldn't blink when I fire. (Would you have any kiss scene with Yen Chi Tan?) Our relationship isn't this type at all, with (Alex) Fong Chung Shum I have a little romance."

When Fong Chung Shun and Yeung Choi Nei posed for photos, he had a smug look and said that this time finally he was able to hug his childhood goddess.

He joked, "I am 30 something too, the shoot has quite a first love feel. Now all my self confidence is back. I remember when I first got into the business, I worked on a Yeung Choi Nei music video and I was the music video lead actor; now she is just as great. (Has you asked for kiss scene?) Adding a bed scene would be the best, but I am not the screen writing. It's very hard to add!"

Donnie Yen is all wet from the shoot

Charlie Yeung's make up melts from the heat

John Chiang (center) plays the stall owner
courtesy of on.cc

courtesy of singtao.com

Former Golden Harvest boss Raymond Chow Man Wai is already retired but occasionally would guest star in films. After A SIMPLE LIFE (TOH JEH), two nights ago he appeared on location with Donnie Yen Chi Tan and Charlie Yeung Choi Nei at Central.

The Teddy Chan Tak Sum directed, Donnie Yen Chi Tan, Charlie Yeung Choi Nei, Wang Baoqiang and Bai Bing starred Emperor Motion Picture YUT GOR YUN DIK MO LUM (THE MARTIAL ART WORLD OF ONE PERSON) was heating up in production. Yen Chi Tan and Yeung Choi Nei two nights ago appeared at Central for the location shoot.

Yeung Choi Nei earlier directed her first film CHRISTMAS ROSE (SING DAN MUI GWAI). At the time she already revealed that she will mainly be an actress. This time in YUT she played an inspector. In comparison to her high ranking police public relations official in COLD WAR (HONG JIN) the character had another flavor. Yeung Choi Nei who has always given people a fragile impression two nights ago appeared in an inspector look at Central. Even when she shot a dinner scene at a street stall with Chi Tan, Deep Ng Ho Hong and Bai Bing she still looked serious like a smart inspector.

As for the retired former Golden Harvest film company boss Chow Man Wai also appeared. Chow Man Wai after his ordering scene would rest in a nearby store. His daughter Chow Chung Hung kept him company and took care of him attentively. After several shots, Chow Man Wai and his daughter left first. Director Chan Tak Sum revealed that YUT was a salute to action films. Golden Harvest was always a cradle for action stars and films, which conceivably was the reason that the film company invited Chow Man Wai to perform.

Although the production team prevented any photo or interview, Chi Tan and Charlie still stood still for the reporters then returned to rest in the store.

In the story Yen Chi Tan played a police martial art coach. Once he accidentally killed someone over a personal matter and went to prison. In order to regain his freedom, he assisted inspector Yeung Choi Nei on her investigation to capture a vicious serial killer.

In addition, director Chan Tak Sum earlier said that Hong Kong action films for years have held an very important spot in the world film industry. Thus he hoped through YUT to salute a group of action film colleagues and elders and reminded everyone to pay attention to preserve the action film industry.

Donnie Yen, Eva Huang and Wang Baoqiang's trip to Cannes is fruitful
courtesy of on.cc

The 66th Cannes Film Festival has already closed. This year Chinese films' overseas sales performed very well. YOUNG DETECTIVE DEE: RISE OF THE SEA DRAGON (DIK YUN KIT ji SUN DOH LUNG WONG) even prepared an 8 minute 3D teaser and was successfully sold to over 30 countries.

Reportedly the best selling film was ICEMAN 3D (3D BING FUNG HUP). Stars Donnie Yen Chi Tan, Eva Huang Shengyi and Wang Baoqaing went to promote the film and motivated the film's sales. Its North American sale even broke the highest overseas sales price for all Chi Tan films, doubling that was FLYING SWORDS OF DRAGON GATE (LUNG MOON FEI GAP). It made over US$5 million from the rights to over ten countries.

Simon Yam entertains himself outside in the snow

Wang Baoqiang, Simon Yam, Yu Kang
courtesy of on.cc

Simon Yam Tat Wa earlier went to the Changbai Mountain to work on ICEMAN 3D (3D BING FUNG HUP), as soon as he arrived he ran into a snow storm. When the team headed to the location, the storm closed the road. The film company immediately called for a snow plow to clear it. Trapped in the mountain, Yam Tat Wa went outside the vehicle to entertain himself with snowballs. After half a day the road was finally cleared. When they arrived on the set, the actors rushed into their costumes, but when they were about to start shooting the sun was already set. The director could only reschedule the shoot. Luckily Yam Tat Wa immediately turned into a tour guide and joked that since everyone was in costume the opportunity should not be wasted. He and other actors Wang Baoqiang, Yu Kang and others took photos in the snow and brought cheer to the set.

Playing an Imperial soldier, Yam Tat Wa looked mighty in the armor but actually only he knew the pain . Yam Tat Wa said that the armor weighed over 40 pounds. Every time he needed two strong men's assistance to put it on. Every time he had to spend half a hour to complete the task. Yam Tat Wa said that performing in the armor was particularly tough. Every move required a lot of strength. In addition he had many action scenes, he would not be able to handle them with a little less strength.

As long as he makes a good movie, Donnie Yen does not care about how much he makes

Zhang Ziyi
courtesy of on.cc

Donnie Yen Chi Tan has endless film offers, but in order to support the film industry he only added a suitable amount salary for ICEMAN 3D (3D BING FUNG HUP). After ten years of marriage with his wife Cissy Wang, he said that everyday has been very romantic. He even called himself "the strongest and the most romantic in the universe".

"The Strongest in the Universe" Yen Chi Tan promoted his films at the Cannes Film Festival. Speaking of all the troubles with his film ICEMAN 3D like the snowstorm in the Changbai Mountain and the film needed to be split into two parts for release, Chi Tan only added a little salary to support the film industry.

Chi Tan did not deny that. "Sometimes you can't be so tight with every cent. I only hope the audience will like it and I can answer to them. If the film will be a big hit, the film company will be able to give me a big lai see then." In addition, due to the snowstorm delaying the Changbai Mountain location shoot, Chi Tan personally called Emperor boss Albert Yeung Sau Sing and asked for a two month delay on the Emperor Motion Picture YUT GOR YUN DIK MO LUM so he would be able to focus on ICEMAN 3D. As for rumors that Wang Baoqiang's role in YUT was originally Aaron Kwok Fu Sing's, Chi Tan said, "I am not sure, Wang Baoqiang and I have known each other for years. I admire him very much. He is not only outstanding in a comedy. I look forward to working with him and (Charlie) Yeung Choi Nei very much."

This year is the tenth wedding anniversary of Chi Tan and his wife Cissy Wang. Earlier Cissy stated that she will shoot a sexy wedding photo series with his husband. Chi Tan admitted that although he was busy with work, he still will take time off to be with his wife. As for sexy wedding photos, he had reservation. "What is there to shoot! At most we can just shoot each other with our photos and not save them on the computer. Actually if two people are good together, everyday can be very romantic. I am a very romantic person, not only am I the strongest in the universe, I am also the strongest and the most romantic in the universe!"

Reportedly a Hollywood film company is interested in investing HK$800 million to remake Akira Kurosawa's SEVEN SAMURAI with Chi Tan, Zhang Ziyi and George Clooney. Chi Tan admitted that he has been in negotiations for the film that wanted him to work with Ziyi and George Clooney, but he was uncertain about the details. He only knew that it would be an Akira Kurosawa film remake. He said, "If it really is a SEVEN remake I would look forward to it very much, because Kurosawa was a director who I admired."

Donnie Yen again kisses up to his wife Cissy Wang

Donnie Yen praises Eva Huang for being right for the international action actress role

Wang Baoqiang and Eva Huang promote on a yacht without shoes

Eva Huang and manager Yang Zi
courtesy of on.cc

The 66th Cannes Film Festival is heating up. The Donnie Yen Chi Tan starred giant production ICEMAN 3D (3D BING FUNG HUP) held a party on the 17th. Chi Tan and wife Cissy Wang appeared. Lead actress Eva Huang Shengyi and investor representatives also attended. Many film buyers made the trip for a glimpse of the "Strongest in the Universe".

Chi Tan who have publicly expressed his love to his wife many times before repeated the deed at the party. He stated that thanks to Cissy taking great care of him behind the scene, he was able to focus on his career. He then leaned on his wife's shoulder. Speaking of working with Huang Shengyi, Chi Tan praised Shengyi's performance. "Although she was only responsible for the emotional scenes and didn't have many action scenes, I sensed that Shengyi had a lot of kung fu potential and very right for the international action actress route. Unfortunately this time I didn't arrange more action scenes for her!" Chi Tan felt that Shengyi was very professional, even with a high fever she still insisted of working. He was won over. As for co-star Wang Baoqiang, Chi Tan said that he knew he was a Shaolin disciple but during the shoot he did not deliberately test him. Instead they discussed martial act action more. Because Chi Tan's stay was short and had to rush to Monaco for a Dior fashion show, he was unable to meet with Carina Lau Ka Ling and Tony Leung Chiu Wai in Cannes.

Shengyi who was training for diving in the Mainland kept sneezing during the interview. She has been sick for over a month. After arriving in Cannes due to constantly walking she suffered from hip pains and needed physical therapy. Speaking of working with Chi Tan, Shengyi pointed out that Chi Tan often took care of her and had a gentle and attentive side. She even said that due to visa issues she almost did not make the tirp to Cannes. Luckily she finally was able to. Shengyi and her manage Yang Zi took time to take some photos in Cannes.

Wang Baoqiang who appeared for two movies in Cannes said that he was confident about A TOUCH OF SIN's award chances. "I hope it will be able to win the Palme d'Or grand prize. (Your kiss with your wife on the red carpet was accused of being a spotlight stealing move?) I don't care. I didn't do it for everyone's attention, I only wanted to give something to my wife. I regret nothing."

courtesy of on.cc

courtesy of singtao.com

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 

courtesy of mingpao.com

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."

courtesy of on.cc

Wang Baoqiang, Donnie Yen, Eva Huang
courtesy of mingpao.com

Eva Huang Shengyi, Donnie Yen Chi Tan and Wang Baoqiang promoted their film ICEMAN 3D (3D BING FUNG HUP) at the Cannes Film Festival. Yen Chi Tan praised Huang Shengyi's professionalism, citing that despite her illness from her diving program participation she still commuted between Beijing and Hong Kong for the shoot without any complaint at all. He hoped to have another chance to play a couple again with her, which surprised Huang Shengyi.

Huang Shengyi said that when she first rehearsed with Yen Chi Tan she was very nervous because his image was very tough. However he actually was very attentive and took great care of others. In one scene he picked her up and carried her into a room, he subconsciously blocked the door for her to keep it from hitting her. She was complimented for her action actress potential and immediately said action director Yen Chi Tan, "Please design more action for me!"

Eva Huang and Wang Baoqiang call Donnie Yen nice and willing to teach his juniors about acting

courtesy of singtao.com

Donnie Yen and Cissy Wang enjoy the Cannes beach before work
courtesy of mingpao.com

Arriving in Cannes two nights ago, Donnie Yen Chi Tan and his wife Cissy Wang will stay there for 3 days but will have too much time just for the two of them due to the tight schedule. As soon as they arrived they had dinner with investors. The next morning, Yen Chi Tan had bread during make up then rushed over to ICEMAN 3D (3D BING FUNG HUP) press conference. Luckily the press conference took place by the beach, he and his wife after arriving took the time for a walk on the beach.

Yen Chi Tan said, "The weather is great, unfortunately I don't have time to enjoy the sun and the beach with my wife. My wife and I were prepared to spend these 3 days at work, after that I have to rush back to Hong Kong for ICEMAN 3D and can't stay for a day or two more. What a shame!" He was very happy to learn that ICEMAN 3D has successfully been sold to India, Singapore, the Middle East, Malaysia, Indonesia and other places, exceeding CZ12 (12 SUN CHIU)'s overseas distribution. Chi Tan in the two film teasers displayed his skills, climbing a light post with his bare hands and dangerously standing on top of a high speed bus. Their Changbai Mountain snow scenes were also beautiful and touching. The film will shoot in two parts.

Yen Chi Tan, Mainland actors Eva Huang Shengyi and Wang Baoqiang yesterday attended the ICEMAN 3D press conference. They were very excited as many posters and teasers were displayed.

Chi Tan said, "This time I am staying in Cannes for 3 days, it's the shortest time. Cissy later will take her parents to England, I want to go so bad! However I have to go back and finish the movie. I didn't even tell the kids that I was going to Cannes. I only called them after we arrived and they complained. Earlier on the flight I ran into Leung Chiu Wai and Lau Ka Ling and I treated it like we caught up. In Cannes I am promoting four movies. I am very happy that ICEMAN 3D had time travel and shot on location in the Changbai Mountain, which made it very different from my movies before. Yen Chi Tan doesn't repeat his old paths, he would make breakthroughs and something fresh."

Huang Shengyi said, "I play a bartender who would swindle for money but is a good person inside. In the film I have to ride a motorcycle, but I don't have a license. I thank Chi Tan for his guidance. This is my first time in Cannes, it's very cold but I am very happy."

Wang Baoqiang also praised Chi Tan, "I am a Yen Chi Tan fan. When he makes a movie, then I do too. He has helped me with a lot. After my first fight scene I was already hooked." After the press conference, Wang Baoqiang rushed to promote his new Jia Zhangke film A TOUCH OF SIN.

Luo Lanshan, Zhao Tao, Jia Zhangke, Jiang Wu, Wang Baoqiang, Li Meng

The Wenzhou train collision reappears in the film

With the film's sensitive subjects even foreign viewers are reminded of the Foxconn incident

Jia Zhangke and his wife and star Zhao Tao
courtesy of mingpao.com

The Jia Zhangke directed A TOUCH OF SIN was selected for the 66th Cannes Film Festival as the Mainland's only film in competition. Two days ago it premiered in Cannes, the audience and the media's opinions of the film were polarized. Some said that modern China under the cameras of Jia Zhangke was shocking and praised his courage; some said that the film was too long and too bloody and violent to watch.

A TOUCH OF SIN's story connected four Mainland news items, its massive amount of violent and bloody scenes was rare among Mainland films. Jia Zhangkei's earlier film STILL LIFE was "China in transition". Some described his new film A TOUCH OF SIN as "China style explosion", the murder and suicide scenes made an impact as a direct depiction of social reality.

In the film were bloody news stories that happened to civilians. Jiang Wu blew away an account's head with a shotgun, Wang Baoqiang robs and kills, and the female lead Zhao Tao's blood murder scene left deep impression with the audience. A TOUCH OF SIN even touched on sensitive subjects like the Foxconn sweatshop and Wenzhou train crash. Even when foreign viewers saw the worker suicide they could easily make the connection to the Foxconn incident.

After A TOUCH OF SIN's Cannes media screening, some reporters questioned whether the film would be able to pass Mainland inspection due to its massive amount of violence and sensitive subjects; in addition the film did not have a "dragon seal" (Chinese films in overseas film festival competitions all have "dragon seal" to indicate passing inspection and in competition without any violation). They were suspicious that A TOUCH OF SIN has not passed inspection and worried that Jia Zhangke competed in violation of Mainland rules. However, the authorities have said that the film has already passed inspection and received a permit. Because Jia Zhangke was still editing a day or two before the film festival, the "dragon seal" was not placed in time.