Carol Cheng Denies "War of the Genders" Having Sequel

Carol Cheng and Dayo Wong collaborated in the TV series "War of the Genders", which achieved a high ratings record. There have been rumours saying that a sequel would soon start production. Female lead Carol has denied such a thing: "Will not film series again. Have filmed for many years...have played all kinds of roles. Rather, enjoy having a disciplined lifestyle now". (Allegedly, Dayo wants to film?) Won't film! TVB has so many fa dans...find one in the bunch". She also said that it was a legend back then, so difficult to break again.

Wayne Lai Hopes to Collaborate with Dayo Wong to Create New Sparks

Last night, TV King Wayne Lai did location filming for the new series "Will Power". As for reports saying that Dayo Wong, Steven Ma, etc. would be returning to film series, he expressed welcome, really hoping to collaborate with Dayo: "Then it would be much more refreshing...would have many more changes and a sense of freshness with different cast combinations".

Fala Chen Admires Samantha Ko's Devotion

Last night, artiste Fala Chen did location filming at a Thai boxing club for the new series "Will Power". Fala, who was wearing a tank top and shorts, showed off her thin frame. Fala revealed that her character has a tomboy personality, which is similar to herself: "However, sometimes girls have to be gentle in order to be likable". As for Samantha Ko's rape scene being constantly reported recently, Fala expressed her admiration for her devotion.

Wong Cho Nam cannot get close to a wet Tong Fei

Wong Cho Nam yesterday worked on his new film BLACK COMEDY (HAK SIK HEI KET) and was paired with the wet and pushed up Tong Fei. In the story in order to kiss up to the police officer Cho Nam dressed provocatively and snuck into the police station to wash a police car. During the shoot she was hosed down, Fei Fei was wet from head to toe. Director Wilson Chin Kwok Wai had no mercy as Fei Fei tried at least 20 takes before he accepted one. Every time Director Chin yelled cut, her teeth would be chattering as she sat on the hood. However she had no complaint, wiped her face and tried again. Her professionalism was worth commending. After "abusing" Chapman To Man Jat with street bathing and a "repeat performance" this time with Fei Fei, Director Chin was jokingly called the "inhuman director". He arrogantly answered, "What can I do, stuff like this normally wouldn't happen to me. I can only tell the actors to perform it." 

Fei Fei after completing the scene wrapped herself in a towel and said that she never thought about how sexy she could get. "Actually being sexy can be very elegant, as long as it's not crass I should be able to accept it. (Have you done something silly like this for your boyfriend before?) I have been to Hong Kong for work for two years, I know what I want. Love can wait until 40s and 50s, but movies can't." Her goals are indeed clear, no wonder she has won Wong Jing over. 

Cho Nam was called lucky. He said, "Yet every time I can't get close, maybe no one wants to see me in a love scene. (How do you feel about Fei Fei?) This girl is very professional, she picks stuff up very quickly. After this film she has to prepare for her Master's thesis. Her fluent English is amazing." 

Cho Nam earlier at work celebrated his birthday tomorrow in advanced with co-stars Jerry Koo Ming Wa, Alvina Kong Yan Yin, pseudo model Connie Man Hoi Ling and others with a simple pajamas party. Cho Nam was found with lipstick marks all over his face. Director Chin posted the photos from that night and conceivably Cho Nam could not be happier on this birthday.

Tony Leung Chiu Wai's heart aches over "Missing" Scenes

Tony Leung Chiu Wai, Zhang Ziyi, Chang Chen and Max Zhang Jun yesterday continued to promote the film THE GRANDMASTERS (YUT DOI JUNG SI) in Beijing. Today the team will return to Hong Kong for the premiere. Zhang Yimou who was in Beijing also showed his support for THE GRANDMASTERS and met with Wong Kar Wai, Zhang Ziyi, and Chen Daoming after the premiere for a brief chat and photos. Wai Jai yesterday revealed after the premiere that his heart ached the most over many "missing" scenes. 

Yesterday Wai Jai, Zhang Ziyi, Chang Chen and Zhang Jun all wore sunglasses for their interview. They said that they wanted to salute the director. Wong Kar Wai revealed that the film's complete version was 4 hours, finally he cut it down to a 130 minute version. For the completeness of the story he had to make choices and cut many actors' scenes. 

Wai Jai had the most screen time but also had the most scenes removed. Suffering the most "wounds" from editing, he said that every time after watching Wong Kar Wai's movies he felt the same way as he questioned where did his scenes go? Every time he had to watch the film two or three more times before he was able to get into it. Then he would think where did Zhang Ziyi and Xiao Shenyang's scenes went? Why would scenes that had finished voice work were go missing? Wai Jai admitted that he would remember these few years for a lifetime, aside from learning something new he also created a new character. In addition he has been a kung fu fans since childhood, he never imagined that he would study kung fu in his 40s. However he still enjoyed it and thought it was a lot of fun. He said that he has never been so positive and optimistic in a Wong Kar Wai movie, as he was full of positive energy. 

In the same manner, Zhang Ziyi said that she thought a scene in which she expressed her inner loneliness was very sad but very powerful would be kept. Her hope finally died when the end credit came out, as it was truly removed; however, she understood that with only 2 hours and 10 minutes, Wong Kar Wai indeed had a hard time with the decision. As an actor she like the audience had no idea how Wong Kar Wai's ending would be until the end. 

Zhang Ziyi also appeared on a Mainland television program. She demonstrated her well practiced Eight Diagram palm and won thunderous applause from the audience. She recalled that she had no complaint despite the trainer's hellish training. Everyone was concerned with her marriage, Zhang Ziyi admitted that she will definitely wed and even revealed that her best dish was egg and tomato.

Andy Lau accepts gifts for his baby with a Smile

Andy Lau Tak Wa two days ago continued to work on the FUNG BO (STORM) shoot. The team shot near the Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens; Wa Jai was the only visible actor as they mainly shot a dramatic scene. He wore a bulletproof vast in acted alone inside a vehicle. Wa Jai's fans caught wind early and a dozen or so visited the set. Perhaps because the shoot was more relaxed, when Wa Jai was not working he would put on his down jacket, get out of the car and chat with fans. 

In 2013, Wa Jai got a new hair cut and looked very cool. Wa Jai after becoming a father often showed his fatherly love. A fan brought a child to visit the idol and Wa Jai happily played with the child. He even lightly patted the child's hair. The child did not recognize Heavenly King Lau and pouted cutely. 

Wa Jai's vehicle scene took over a hour before wrapping up. When he left almost 20 fans accompanied him. Someone delivered a bag of gifts to Wa Jai and he personally accepted it. Actually the gifts were not for Wa Jai, but for his baby girl. Wa Jai caught reporters taking photos from afar and smiled toward the cameras.

Charmaine Sheh Careless About Her 'Flirting With 4 Men' Headline

Last Friday, Michael Miu threw a birthday and 22nd wedding anniversary party for his wife, Jamie Chik, on the special "Love You Forever" day (201314). The party was held at the Happy Valley Racecourse. Many of their good showbiz friends were invited to the party. Yesterday a tabloid magazine (Oriental Sunday) published photos from the party and the cover story was on Charmaine Sheh "releasing electricity" on four men including the married Hu Jun, Michael Tse, Joe Ma and TVB Siu Sang Raymond Lam. Charmaine was chatting and laughing closely with the four of them. She appeared closest with Hu Jun, hugging and kissing the cheeks; The "Chok King" Raymond released his "electricity" back at her, while Charmaine grabbed his hand and wouldn't let go; Joe Ma and Michael were just chatting with Charmaine, but got her laughing so hard without restraint.

Yesterday Michael Miu denounced on Weibo that the magazine for twisting the truth, turning a happy party into a story about Charmaine pursuing the guys, "I'm too angry! This was suppose to be a private party to leave beautiful memories for my wife, but the shameless magazine and paparazzi did not consider other people's feelings at all. They randomly took pictures and report a bunch of nonsense. It is simply ridiculous!" Jamie also fought justice for Charmaine on Weibo,"I've known Charmaine for so many years, she is a confidant and optimistic person. She's honest and loyal to her friends. She constantly moves upward in her acting career until where she is at today; it is through all the hard work effort that brought her the accomplishments today. In between, there has been many cases like this one, fabricated reports and stories. Nonsense, can only live up to unlimited support!"

Charmaine responded to both Michael and Jamie, telling them not to be upset. She said to Michael: "3 Gor, don't let these silly reports affect your mood! That night, you made it a memorable night for each and everyone of your guests." Then she said to Jamie: "Thank you 3 So! Relax! I will continue working hard on my jobs, treating my friends sincerely and living my life happily because I am I."

Yesterday Raymond Lam attended the Hong Kong premiere ceremony for his short film Love In the Charm One Minute (愛在魅來1分鐘). When speaking of he and Charmaine on the magazine headlines again, spotted being very close and holding hands at Jamie's party? Raymond said he didn't see the report, but that night he was just having a good time with his friends. He collaborated with Charmaine several times over the years and she's a close friend of his. He thought the report was funny.

Fala Chen Doing a Rape Scene, Depends on Co-Star

Yesterday Wayne Lai and Fala Chen were shooting a boxing scene for TVB new series Will Power. Although they didn't have time to learn boxing, they still acted like pro boxers. Fala had on a blue tank top, showing off her body figure. When asked if she asked her boyfriend Sit Sai Hang to be her human sandbag? She laughed: "Not necessary. Then what happens if I portray a murderer next time? I'm very tomboy, its difficult for him to bully me!" Regarding Samantha Ko's rape scene in Friendly Fire, Fala said based on the TV-scale in western countries, it's considered a normal scene. As for herself, she will have to see who the director and her co-star would be if she had to do a rape scene. "I can accept Samantha Ko's kind of back-revealing scene because the makeup artist are more nervous than the actress, she will tape you up tightly for protection." She laughed and said the actor playing the rapist has greater pressure then the actress. 

Wayne was influenced by Bruce Lee when he was in high school, and initially wanted to go in to martial arts, but because he wanted to save money, he just took a karate class. Wayne admitted after becoming the three time TV King, his appearance money in Mainland increased."It's been a few years since I got a raise, got about 20-30% raise, but the figures reported by the magazine are not true. That would frighten people." Wayne feels Dayo Wong's TVB comeback is a good thing. He hopes to collaborate with him, "We collaborated in the film F***/Off before. At the time I was still playing extra roles. Just as long as Dayo comes back, I can be as funny as wanted."It was also rumored Steven Ma is coming back because TVB wants to use their former artists to compete in the television war with HKTV. Wayne said: "It won't be strange if he comes back for a series! IT is necessary for artists to have different combinations, so audience can feel refreshed."

TVB Series & Sitcom (11 Jan 2013 & 14 Jan 2013)

Do take note of the following changes for This Friday & Next Monday (TVB Series & Sitcom timeslot):

11 January 2013 (Friday)

Jacky Cheung gives up on opportunity to appear on CCTV’s Chinese New Year Gala

Every year, CCTV’s CNY Spring Festival Gala show is an event that many artists from across Asia hope to get the chance to attend, since ‘appearing’ on the show usually means an ‘increase’ in an artist’s worth. Well, for many artists this might be the case, but not for HK’s ‘God of Songs’ Jacky Cheung.

Earlier, CCTV had ‘jumped the gun’ and announced that Jacky was ‘confirmed’ to perform in the station’s upcoming Spring Festival Gala, however not long after the announcement came out, Jacky’s manager Florence Chan denied the ‘confirmation’ – she clarified that Jacky was indeed invited to attend the gala, however both sides were still in discussions and no agreement had been reached yet.

Yesterday, Florence Chan and the Spring Festival Gala’s organizers officially issued a joint statement expressing that Jacky regrettably won’t be performing at this year’s gala.

[TN: Instead of translating the paraphrased contents of the statement from news reports (which are often ‘spun’ a certain way), I decided to translate the official statement released by CCTV & Florence Chan.]

Below is the official statement in its entirety:

From the moment that this year’s Spring Festival gala committee was established, an invitation to perform at the 2013 gala event was extended to Jacky and throughout that time, the gala committee has actively been in communication with Jacky’s side on the matter. Throughout the [discussion] process, both the gala committee as well as Jacky have treated this opportunity to perform with utmost enthusiasm and sincerity: in its preparations for the event, the gala committee had reserved a spot in the rundown as well as a time slot for Jacky; meanwhile, Jacky himself also allotted time in his schedule for the event.

Jacky has always been a performing artist who possesses extremely high standards for himself. Due to the special importance placed on the Spring Festival event by both parties, active discussions continued to take place these past few months in the hopes of creating a different and worthwhile show to spend the Lunar holiday with Chinese audiences all around the world. This has also been the key focus of the discussions in the past few months.

However, with extreme regret, after months of strong mutual effort, both sides have not been able to reach an agreement on the contents and format of the Spring Festival performance. Therefore, after much careful thought and consideration, Jacky has regrettably decided to give up the chance to appear at this year’s Spring Festival Gala event. Towards the sincerity of the gala committee throughout the discussion process, Jacky is extremely grateful and will forever remember it in his heart! Jacky “sincerely wishes that one day he will be able to fully prepare himself to give a great performance at the gala.”

Towards this decision, the gala committee expresses extreme regret, however we completely understand the reason for the decision and respect it. We believe that all audiences and fans will understand as well.

Jacky Cheung’s manager Florence Chan AND
2013 CCTV Spring Festival Gala committee
(2013-1-6) 

Wayne Lai finds own acting lacklustre

Despite having won the TVB King title for 2012 for his portrayal of Lei Lin-ying, an intelligent eunuch who initially serves Concubine Yuen, Wayne Lai is not satisfied with himself.

According to Jayne Stars, the 48-year-old actor strives to improve his own acting skills in producer Lee Tim Shing's "Rosy Business 3" and walk away with the TV King title for the fourth time in 2013.

"Do you think I'm good in "The Confidant"? I know myself. That was not my best performance yet."

The workaholic star explained that he felt his acting was lacklustre due to his lack of time for self-reflection. Normally, he prepared for his roles by doing research through reading books and watching DVDs, but could not find the time during "The Confidant" to do so due to his busy work schedule last year.

Aside from filming "Rosy Business 3", Wayne Lai also revealed that he wants to go on a summer vacation with his family after filming completes in July.

"Every character is different. By not reflecting on the past roles I play, I will be doing the same thing for the next role and that is a trap. I don't want to be stuck in that trap. That's why I am now thinking how I can break through in "Rosy Business 3"," explained Wayne.

Wayne also hopes that despite the major overhaul of TVB personnel, which sees the exit of famed scriptwriter, Cheung Wah Biu and female lead, Sheren Teng, "Rosy Business 3" will be able to enjoy equally good ratings as its predecessors.

Koo Ming Wah Receives Special Treatment from Producer to Keep 'So Kei' Hair

Koo Ming Wah, who made the character 'So Kei' come to life, attended a radio interview. He revealed that he will be filming the sequel of "The Hippocratic Crush' in mid-February, collaborating with Lawrence Ng. The producer treats him very well...understands that the 'So Kei' look can help him accept money-making shows, so doesn't need him to cut his hair for his new series look. In the series, he will play a leisurely and carefree wealthy person. Koo Ming Wah expressed that, apart from the company's work, there are a few outside jobs looking for him. This year will be his first time taking part in the company's Chinese New Year programme. He is already prepared to hand out red pockets on that day.

Oscar Leung Sues Kenny Wee Back For Damaging Reputation

December 2012, TVB actor Oscar Leung voiced his views at former Miss HK Karmen Cheng's wedding, where Eric Tsang and Kenny Wee's "slapping incident" occurred. Because Oscar did not comply with Kenny Wee's demand for a public apology on the rude comments Oscar said about him, Kenny sued him for defamation. Not only does Oscar have to deal with a lawsuit, he also lost a 7 figure movie contract. Since his reputation is damaged and the issued created a negative impact on his jobs, Oscar consulted with his lawyer and yesterday, he strikes back. Oscar's lawyer appealed the suit to the court and the details were exposed yesterday. 

Kenny Wee sued Oscar, accusing him of slander and intentionally making false statements about him. According to Oscar's appeal, Kenny's accusations are basically false and is absolutely unjustified because Oscar's comment did not cause any damage to Kenny. The appeal said Kenny's lawsuit is pointless, abuses the judicial procedures and a hidden agenda. The actual motive is to damage Oscar's reputation, strangle his freedom of speech and preventing Oscar from publicly commenting on issues he finds interesting. Oscar asked the High Court to reject Kenny's lawsuit against Oscar. The appeal also stated because the lawsuit caused Oscar to lose several contracts and opportunities to earn money, he demands Kenny Wee to compensate for his losses, but it is unclear whether Oscar wants financial compensation. 

Reporters tried contacting Oscar and Kenny to comment on the lawsuit, both did not respond.

Dodo Cheng Denies "War of the Genders" Sequel

Dodo Cheng and Dayo Wong created high TV ratings in their 2000 TVB sitcom War of the Genders. It was rumored there will be a sequel, but the female lead, Dodo denied: "I'm not filming any more series. After so many years of acting, I've portrayed every kind of role already, I actually enjoy my current life of discipline." It was said Dayo wants the sequel? Dodo said:"Nope! There are so many FaDans in TVB, just pick one of them!" She said there was a myth back in the day, it's difficult to make another breakthrough.

Faye Wong's daughter Dou Jing Tong caught dating

The 16-year-old met up with a teenage boy when she flew to Hong Kong for her birthday celebration, without her mother knowing
Chinese singer Faye Wong's eldest daughter Dou Jing Tong was reportedly seen entering a teenage boy's home while in Hong Kong, raising suspicions of the two dating.

The pair met up secretly on several occasions after Jing Tong flew from Beijing to celebrate her birthday in Hong Kong. In order to hide the relationship from her mother, the 16-year-old apparently told Faye that she was merely throwing a birthday party with a big group of friends. Her friends were also unaware of the couple's secret dates.

They were spotted together at a quiet corner of a shopping arcade last Saturday, and subsequently entered a building believed to be the boy's house. Although Jing Tong and her male friend weren't behaving intimately, their seemingly shy yet loving looks were clear signs of a budding romance.

About two hours later, the boy sent Jing Tong back to the shopping arcade where shewaited for her friend's chauffeur to pick her up. She gave him a hug, and seemed unwilling to part. An insider revealed that Jing Tong met the boy when she was in Hong Kong during the summer holiday last year, and they kept in touch frequently through 'Whatsapp' and 'Facetime'.

Tony Leung Chiu Wai makes donation to Buddhist Construction

Wong Kar Wai last night led Tony Leung Chiu Wai, Zhang Ziyi, Chang Chen, Max Zhang Jun and others to THE GRNADMASTERS (YUT DOI JUNG SI) Hong Kong premiere. Wai Jai and Zhang Jun both had their wives Carina Lau Ka Ling and Ada Choi Siu Fun in tow. Wong Kar Wai who has always appeared with sunglasses during the drum ceremony rarely removed them perhaps due to confetti and revealed his eyes. 

THE GRANDMASTERS was accused of resembling IN THE MOOD FOR LOVE (FA YEUNG NIN WA). Wong Kar Wai explained that he already had the idea for the film as early as 1989, even earlier than MOOD. "The preparation took years because I had to visit seven or eight provinces for martial art masters." Zhang Ziyi did not conduct any interview. Song Hye-Kyo was in Korea but sent a video. 

Wai Jai broke his arm twice for this film. A magazine reported that he donated 400,000 yuan RMB to construct a 12 meter tall Goddess of Mercy statue in Jiangsu. He said, "Ka Ling has always donated to Buddhist statue constructions. Charity should follow the heart and not announced, but it has nothing to do with praying for his safety. I have been injured more from skiing than from movie shoots." Ka Ling reportedly donated a romance tree with their names on it in Suzhou. Wai Jai said, "That's interesting, I don't know too much about it." Wai Jai did not believe that Song Hye-Kyo was upset that her role was reduced. "Wong Kar Wai wouldn't be at odds with anyone, I too had my scenes cut." He described after three years in production the final half a month exhausted him thoroughly, as hard as the last 10 minutes of a marathon. As for Donnie Yen Chi Tan stating that he would watch THE GRANDMASTERS, Wai Jai said, "I am not afraid of comparison, I have my own interpretation angle." 

The 5 month pregnant Choi Siu Fun wore 4 inch high heels to support her husband. Earlier she also had a miscarriage. Zhang Jun said, "Now it's fine, she can jump. She is too energetic." In the film his fight scene with Zhang Ziyi was praised. Zhang Jun said that when he watched it he too was very pleasantly surprised.

Stephen Chow admits to liking money

Director, writer and producer Stephen Chow Sing Chi yesterday with Shu Qi and Show Luo (Law Chi Leung) attended the Lunar New Year film JOURNEY TO THE WEST (SAI YAU GONG MOR PIN) press conference. Sing Yeh's KUNG FU HUSTLE was once the Hong Kong box office champion but earlier Taiwan film YOU ARE THE APPLE OF MY EYE toppled it. Was he confident about regaining the title this time? Sing Yeh said, "Of course I would like to perform well, how much do I want to make in Hong Kong? We don't have to be so literal." Did he have any pressure from Eric Tsang Chi Wai and Raymond Wong Pak Ming's Lunar New Year films? He said, "No, I am already greeting the Lunar New Year, only less in recent years." 

Wong Jing publicly criticized him and said that now Sing Yeh liked money more than movies. Shu Qi cracked up and said that the media often asked about gossip instead of the matter at hand. Sing Yeh asked when Wong Jing said that then took a jab at Wong Jing. "I like money, but I feel movies have to be well made in order to make money. You can't randomly make a movie and make money." Wong Jing meant that he has lost his passion for film. Sing Yeh said, "I am not too familiar with him, it's not convenient for me to comment too much." Did he mean that Wong Jing was nosy and should not have said what he said? He said, "I am not commenting, he and I are not too familiar." Wong Jing even said that the chance of them working together again was very slim. Sing Yeh smiled at the reporter who asked the question and said, "since you are so interesting he knowing, let me answer for you, I am not interested." 

Did his former girlfriend Alice Yu Man Fung ask him for 70 million in commission only because they broke up? Shu Qi cracked up again, Sing Yeh kept shaking his head and said "No, no, no." Did Yu Man Fung ask for commission? Sing Yeh said, "I won't talk about this here." How was his relationship with Yu Man Fung now? He had no comment. Would they settle out of court? Did asking for money after the break up hurt? Sing Yeh said, "I won't talk about this here, I won't tell you." Would he leave it to the judge? He said yes. Was his mood to promote the film affected? He said, "No, (Would the lawsuit divert your attention?) This is very minor." Did he and Yu Man Fung break up over money? Shu Qi cracked up yet again. Sing Yeh said, "I already said don't ask, you still ask." As for his current love life, was he dating? He nodded. So he was dating? He looked at Shu Qi and wanted to use her as a shield. The media pointed out that Shu Qi already had someone with the same English name as his. Sing Yeh pretended that he did not know and asked Shu Qi, "Really? You are already with someone?" Shu Qi smiled but did not answer. 

Many of Sing Yeh's female co-stars ended up at odds with him, was Shu Qi worried? She did not understand and asked why? Sing Yeh said that they were not at odds. "No, we are great." Did she privately dine with Sing Yeh? Was Sing Yeh who was madly praising her after her? Shu Qi quoted Sing Yeh, "I won't talk about this here, I am not telling you." 

At the press conference the Shu Qi performed theme song music video was shown and video of Sing Yeh providing back up vocal for Shu Qi. They both covered their faces in embarrassment. Sing Yeh revealed that Shu Qi wanted to work with him and everyday kept encouraging him to perform. Shu Qi once brought back his self confidence, but later he saw Piggy's performance and was sunk to the bottom of the sea again. He also pointed out that his impression of Shu Qi was pretty and sexy with a lot of potential; Shu Qi smiled but did not speak. Sing Yeh again praised Shu Qi, "She is very cultured, she won't say such arrogant words. You are all witnesses!"

(Spoiler) Tony Leung Chiu Wai fights hard with assistance from editing

THE GRANDMASTERS (YUT DOI JUNG SI) after director Wong Kar Wai's 14 years of production finally was released yesterday in the Mainland. Ticket sales have been decent as many booked in advance, obviously Wong Kar Wai fans have been starving for a long time. Tony Leung Chiu Wai's martial art scenes have always been the focus. In the film he fought ferociously, completely relying on editing methods to assist and adjust. As for memorable scenes, they seemed to be Wong Kar Wai's salute to his own classic films IN THE MOOD FOR LOVE (FA YEUNG NIN WA) and FALLEN ANGELS (DOR LOK TIN SI). 

THE GRANDMASTERS since its preparation has flown the martial art action banner. The film is about the life of Wing Chun master Ip Man, but the story actually could not leave "love" as packaging. Wong Kar Wai continued his romantic classic as he depicted the Leung Chiu Wai and Zhang Ziyi's ambiguous relationship in particular detail. Their duel, spinning in the air and exchanging looks nose to nose was the most classic; then their through letter exchanges and clothes buttoning to express their feelings, which were already full of poetic artistry. 

The martial art fight scenes were the movie's focus. Wai Jai for the film studied Wing Chun. In the first half his six fight scenes were very convincing without any use of double. Of course he also relied on camera work and editing methods to assist and adjust, making the film even more intense and brilliant. 

Zhang Ziyi and Ada Choi Siu Fun's husband Max Zhang Jun's sibling fight at the train station looked the part and fought excitingly. Zhang Jun's action was also a pleasant surprise. Actually with a martial art background Chang Chen fought decently as well but his role was cut. he and Zhang Ziyi's emotional scene was also broken up, weakening his character and made him less attraction than Zhang Jun. 

Korean star Song Hye-Kyo as Mrs. Ip Man was pretty and sexy enough, but the role was too light. With only two lines she did not have much chance to perform, but she made up for it with her eyes and expressions; however she and Wai Jai had intimate scenes. She wiped the unbuttoned Wai Jai and showed off her legs as Wai Jai bathed her feet. 

The film also had many familiar scenes like reflections of Wong Kar Wai's past work and salutes to them. Wai Jai and Zhang Ziyi locking eyes was like FALLEN ANGELS' Leon Lai Ming and Michelle Reis (Lee Ka Yun)'s love at first sight; Zhang Ziyi's heart to heart with a hole in the wall reminded people of IN THE MOOD FOR LOVE's Wai Jai secret telling at a hole in a tree. Wai Jai washing Song Hye-Kyo's feet was just like his massage for Maggie Cheung Man Yuk in IN THE MOOD FOR LOVE. As for Ip Man changing into a suit and applying gel to his hair reminded people of IN THE MOOD FOR LOVE. 

Wong Kar Wai as usual invited different guest stars, this time was no exception with Julian Cheung Chi Lam, Berg Ng Ting Yip, Lo Hoi Pang, Xiao Shenyang, action director Yuen Woo-Ping, Zhao Benshan, Tsui Kam Kong, Lo Mang (Law Mong). Tsui Kam Kong only passed through in one shot and had no line; Cheung Chi Lam had no line but portrayed a Chinese Opera star. Appearing in Donnie Yen Chi Tan's IP MAN 2, Lo Mang was the only actor who was able to take part in THE GRANDMASTERS. Who knew if he confused the audience? The challenging master Lo Mang and thug Xiao Shenyang added humor to balance the film's tension. Veteran actor Lo Hoi Pang's role was not large but his every move was dramatic.

Aaron Kwok attends “father-in-law’s” funeral

Aaron Kwok was recently spotted at the funeral of Lynn Xiong's father after the latter lost his battle to liver cancer a few days ago. The Hong Kong actor-singer stayed by his model girlfriend's side for the past two days - a move that was seen as an acknowledgement of his seven-year relationship with Lynn.

At the funeral parlour on Monday, the 47-year-old oversaw necessary arrangements and left the venue only at 9.30 p.m.

The Hong Kong "heavenly king" even accompanied Lynn to the crematorium the next morning. He was believed to be regarded as part of the Xiong family after he was seen standing in the first row alongside Lynn and her siblings as he said his final goodbyes to his "father-in-law".

Previously it was reported that Aaron had offered to fork out over HKD$1 mil (S$166,770) for her father's medical bills when the latter was ill. He reportedly told Lynn to arrange for the best doctor and hospital to treat his future father-in-law.

Lynn's manager dismissed these claims and stressed the Chinese model-actress had "paid all bills with her own income".