Saturday, May 15, 2010
Thursday, May 13, 2010
CROSSING HENNESSY 月滿軒尼詩 Movie Review. A case of overcoming “mental frontiers”.
PRESS PREVIEW
Director IVY HO will always be fondly remembered for penning her award winning screenplay, the 1996′s COMRADES, ALMOST A LOVE STORY starring Maggie Cheung and Leon Lai.
But then, that feature was directed by PETER CHAN who went on to helm bigger stuff, directing and producing a slew of notable successes.
In reality, every film director may agree creatively on a same platform, but when it comes to celluloid treatment, not all great minds think alike.
This is evident as in the case of IVY HO, the writer when she assumed another folio by directing CROSSING HENNESSY.
With due respect to IVY, we feel that she should have stuck to screen writing, and leave the directorial effort to a more meticulous feature director.
Here’s fine tale with an admirable cast, but lacking in a thorough execution.
CROSSING HENNESSY?
Nope, HENNESSY is not a bridge, boat or whatever.
It is a major street in Hong Kong’s bustling business district.
You’ll be treated with the infamous alleys, the trams, the residential blocks, the neons, the old fashioned coffee shops selling cheap teas and cakes, and the myriad of electronic shops cajoling you to buy their wares.
Oh, come on!
We know there’s zero glamor here, only obtrusive reality, just ordinary characters going about mindlessly in their daily grind with this shackled existence called LIFE.
CROSSING HENNESSY tries hard to be one warm story to charm us about simple people leading simpler lives.
But are they, really?
In CROSSING HENNESSY, IVY HO beckons us to delve into the colorful heart of Hong Kong’s WANCHAI, creating an authentic portrait of what it is like to live and love in this ordinary district. Yet the cinematography is bland.
Was the director trying to coin a metaphor by calling this film CROSSING HENNESSY?
Isn’t it right to say that, in each and everyone of us, at some low point in our lives, we seek to “cross mental frontiers”?
That’d be the time that we’ll do some serious soul searching, probing for a deeper meaning about this thing called life, looking for a questionable identity that we’d probably won’t comprehend.
Life can be simple, yet complicated.
Many of us seek re-inventions, to enjoy happier lifestyles.
Naturally there are those who are self-satiated with life’s lot and still prefer it that way.
In CROSSING HENNESSY, JACKY CHEUNG plays a lack-luster electrical appliance store owner. He is already in his 40s and still very much a dreamer. He’s always dreaming about this absurd Indian guy he often sees in his sleep and has corny “spiritual” conversations with his dead father.
TANG WEI is the pretty yet aloof girl-next-door, who looks after a sanitaryware shop for her uncle. She’s probably in her late 20s.
The relatives of Cheung and Tang set the two up for a date, seeing that they are both still single and available.
Yet the truth is, both Cheung and Tang both have “that special someone” in their hearts.
Cheung is holding a torch for ex-flame Maggie Cheung Ho-Yee, now a divorcee. He is also bedding her.
Tang, on the other hand, is eagerly awaiting the release of her boy friend Andy On from prison to resume the relationship.
The first arranged date for Cheung and Tang bombed, but as days go by, an affable chemistry developed between the two. Love can sometimes “grow” on you when you least expect it, telling you that in this life, feelings should not be taken for granted.
Flaws? Some.
Clearly, this romantic story lacks a consistency in cohesive direction, trying to stay afloat of the occasional mundane scenes. A story-telling Director-of-Photography would have helped to uplift the boring environment.
And the choppy editing isn’t any better.
We are always hurriedly taken through some key scenes and even before we can “hey presto!”, a new scene emerges abruptly.
Character development could have been a lot better and easier on the mind.
Leading man Jackie Cheung appears old, acting goofishly young and lacks onscreen chemistry with Tang Wei.
The supporting cast comprising of Paw Hee-Ching, Maggie Cheung, Mimi Chu, Andy On and Danny Lee render comfortable performances.
It’s a welcome respite to catch Tang Wei again after her controversial role as a spy in Lust Caution (2007).
CROSSING HENNESSY is a watchable movie if you like the idea of indulging in a fairy tale comedy….
plus eye candy TANG WEI would be a delicious treat.
For more information, please visit
www.gscmovies.com.my
Saturday, May 8, 2010
THOMAS PRICE, Hong Kong actor from AMPHETAMINE. INTERVIEW:- “DILIGENCE pays off because I believe that, as in EVERYTHING, there’s a PRICE TAG.”
INTERVIEW with THOMAS PRICE, LEAD ACTOR from "AMPHETAMINE" MOVIE.
He has those sparkling eyes that speak volumes
as he edges close to you to listen intently, when you deliver your questions.
He stays focused, ponders and breaks into a megawatt smile
as he answers you zealously.
His name is THOMAS PRICE.
He is from HONG KONG.
He is ACTOR, DJ and MODEL in that order.
This interview is as up, close and personal as you can get.
No, I am not gay, he insists,
but he understands and respects the gay community and he has many gay buddies.
They are very creative, supportive and warm, he offers.
So what is it like now being the latest gay icon?
I am honored, he nods.
But more so he is grateful for the opportunity it has offered him.
THOMAS PRICE's name is on the rise,
specially after the screening of AMPHETAMINE.
AMPHETAMINE has launched his acting career.
TOM's starring stint as the love-lorn gay financial analyst in director SCUD's AMPHETAMINE is still creating waves in Hong Kong.
"I come from a mixed CHINESE and BRITISH parentage," he adds. "I always love a challenge and I am here for a higher purpose."
Interesting bloodline and bloody dashing looks.
Now, will the real THOMAS PRICE stand up?
Here's looking at THOMAS PRICE in full buff:
1. What is your ethnicity and how old are you?
I am half English and half Chinese. I am 24 right now.
2. Was AMPHETAMINE your first feature film?
No, I have been in other feature films. However Amphetamine was my first as the lead actor.
3. Did you audition for the role? Would you consider this a difficult role?
The director and I had spoke about this role for quite some time... around 3 years to be precise. During that time we discussed the movie and plot, and kind of worked around that. This was a very difficult role for me to play because not only were many scenes performed in the nude, I had to play a gay man which for me was completely new and different.
4. You played a gay financial analyst and there were full-frontal scenes required of you with your co- actor BYRON PANG. What were your feelings then, when you were doing these scenes?
There were feelings of slight unease because I had never done such scenes before. But I think we did a good job and there were no major hiccups in any of the shooting.
5. Was there a chemistry between you and BYRON PANG when you were "working" on those intimate scenes?
There was not really a chemistry. We just remained professional and shot our scenes.
6. What advice would you give to someone what wants to get into the acting industry?
Watch what you say and be nice to everyone. Also, show up on time!
7. What is your personality like?
I am an outgoing and open minded individual. I love the outdoors and enjoy playing sport immensely. I am a bit of a perfectionist and am always looking to improve my self in all areas of my life.I love learning and am constantly reading books, watching tutorials and also documentaries about science, music production, philosophy and anything else that I am interested in, which is a lot. I also enjoying teaching people and possess a Bachelor's degree in Education. I am currently coaching Football as well.
I think I am different to your average 20 something year old guy. I have a passion for so many different things. I am really into graffiti and street art and continue to paint to this day.I have been DJing across Asia for around five years now and am seriously into music, especially old jazz and blues records, and underground electronic music. I also have a love for science, especially astronomy and evolution. Not everyone is into these kind of things. I have never been a very mainstream kind of guy and cannot stand watching TV and listening to today's pop music for this reason. I like challenging myself and challenging others to think differently and to try new things.
It upsets me that Hong Kong is such a commercial and mainstream society. As an artist, I find it at times suffocating to live in such a stale and undynamic place artistically. Hong Kong is too conservative and this affects the lifestyle and thought processes of the people who live here, usually in a negative way. For me, Amphetamine is my contribution to hopefully changing the way we view art here in Hong Kong. Hopefully, this movie can open people's minds a bit more and challenge them to do things that are different and not neccessarily mainstream. Variety is a good, and for too long Hong Kong has not produced any variety.
8. What were your proudest moments in life?
Beating a rival school in basketball during high school in front of many of my classmates, best game of my life. Walking the red carpet of the berlin film festival this 2010. Performing (djing) alongside the likes of Jay Chou and Wyclef Jean on tour with Hennessy in 2008.
9. Name an incident that made you sad or upset?
People who are ignorant to the sheer size and beauty of the universe make me sad. People who are racist, sexist and homophobic make me upset. People who believe in things without evidence make me worried . People who treat animals cruelly and kill other living creatures for fun make me angry.
10. What are your interests or hobbies?
Science, history, philoshphy, basketball, watching people fight, graffiti and art, football, swimming, diving, rugby, cricket, fishing, DJing, producing music, acting, surfing, reading books, watching documentaries, pondering about the meaning of life and why we are here, watching movies, collecting vinyl, hiking, dogs, gazing up at the night sky on a clear night.
11. What is that you wanted to do in life, but never gotten around to do it?
Go back to University and continue my education. Train in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) and attempt to fight professionally or at least in competition. Travel the world and visit ancient sites and landmarks.
12. Where have you traveled that impressed you a lot?
Japan impressed me a lot. I went to Okinawa and people there were lovely and very friendly. The Japanese culture is really cool. I would love to visit Tokyo sometime.
13. What are your types of food?
I love eating all sorts of different foods, especially Asian food. But having learned about nutrition and the human body in University, I am very conscious about what I eat.
14. What would be your type of girl ...cute, pretty or sexy?
I would prefer a pretty girl. For me, intelligence makes a girl sexy.
15. Have you decided that acting would be what you would really like to do for the rest of your life?
Yes. and DJing.
16. Who in the entertainment industry do you look up to and who is closest to you in your family?
I don't really look up to anyone in the entertainment industry. It's funny, I have many heroes and idols, but none are in the entertainment industry. There are many brilliant actors who I look up to in terms of their acting ability. Al Pacino and Johnny Depp for example.
In my family I am closest to my mum. I think she is an incredible woman who has been through so much and who worked so hard to raise me when I was young. She has had to go through quite a lot over the years and I thank and love her deeply for everything she has done for me.
17. What is your personal motto?
Life is what you make it.
18. Is there anything else you want to leave to your readers out there?
Unfortunately, Life is very short. Don't waste your time and try to make the most of every opportunity. Do what you want to do and enjoy life!
That's THOMAS PRICE for you.
Straightforward, confident - he knows what he wants out of life.
You gotta respect that.
But at the same time, he values humility, courtesy and integrity.
"We live amongst others, so that whatever we think and say or do will necessarily affect a great many people," he stipulates.
That's certainly one quality that is absent in today's youth.
A young man grounded in reality, willing to live hard, play hard and fight hard - this is one young man who's going places.
And this is ME, he beams.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
MOTHER AND CHILD Press Review. IF you must, there are always SUNSETS to WARM your HEART.
“You’ve spent your whole life running, trying to catch up with something that has never been there for you.
And all you’ve done is go farther and farther away from the precious LOVE that’s been waiting for you all the time.”
Take a woman’s story.
Then throw in this thing called LIFE.
Yeah, we know that LIFE is a journey fraught with love, happiness, hope, pain, despair, loneliness and eventual death.
Each and everyone of us takes the same route,
We all have to embark on the same roller coaster journey together,
Yet we alight at different destinations.
Now do remember to say kiss and hug and whisper ‘I love you’ to those you love and mean it.
And to always cherish the moment,
Because someday, when you least expect it, that person will not be around for you any more.
MOTHER AND CHILD is brilliantly written and earnestly directed by RODRIGO GARCIA.
Sometimes the editing can be choppy, but no matter.
It’s the substance that counts.
Essentially as the woman’s story unfolds,
we are treated to a film of undeniable warmth and charm,
rich in the humanity and compassion that seems at a premium during these uncertain times.
MOTHER AND CHILD dissects the intricate difficulties of human relationships
and explores the imperfections of life and loving.
Human beings stem from a convoluted race.
Our lives don’t have to be perfect in order to be what is needed.
Didn’t the 1970 film Love Story teach us:
“LOVE MEANS NEVER HAVING TO SAY YOU ARE SORRY”?
Name it and you get all kinds of LOVE -
Love for your friends, neighbors, siblings
and love between a mother and child.
LOVE has always been a journey-of-sorts, layered with horrible trials and tribulations, to make you see and accept sense, to add purpose to your dwindling relationships.
Take not love for granted,
If you do not nurture it,
It will expire and die,
MOTHER AND CHILD spins a yarn of 3 women whose lives had been profoundly affected by ADOPTION.
Karen (ANNETTE BENING) had a baby at 14 and being so young, she gave up the baby girl for adoption on the day of her birth. Since then she was plagued by guilt and was remorseful for the act she should never have committed.
Elizabeth (NAOMI WATTS) grew up as an adopted child – a tough loner. She was an ambitious lawyer albeit very much a distrustful woman. True love was probably not in her vocabulary.
Lucy (KERRY WASHINGTON) was barren and desperately wanted a child. She embarked endlessly, on an adoption odyssey with her husband, seeking hopelessly, to adopt a baby to complete her family life.
Where do all these lead to?
LOVE.
Three women, three narratives criss-crossed to arrive at one FINAL destinaton.
We laugh, we cry because at the end of it all, there’s redemption at the tip of the rainbow,
Heard of sunshine after the rains?
We must learn to forgive, to let go of the emotional baggage, to carry on with life's lot.
MOTHER AND CHILD will play well to female audiences.
ANNETTE BENING, NAOMI WATTS and KERRY WASHINGTON all gave stellar performances,
Hey, Mother’s Day is round the corner.
Treasure wonderful moments with your Mother.
Take her to watch MOTHER AND CHILD.
Hold her hands and tell her you love her very much,
There cannot be a much better idea than this one,
Check this out!
And to all mothers out there,
HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!
We love you!
For more information, visit
www.gscmovies.com.my
Saturday, May 1, 2010
AMPHETAMINE 安非他命 Hong Kong Movie Part 1. IF it’s CENSORSHIP, it’s MUCH ADO about EVERYTHING.
A CANDID INTERVIEW with FILM DIRECTOR SCUD.
From the onset, it’s apparent that AMPHETAMINE a Hong Kong production is sailing into an uncharted sea of controversies.
First, it is an ASIAN gay-genre movie, gloriously spiced with stark revelations of full frontal nudity.
And glory be, it’s a feast for your eyes as this artsy homo erotica leaves nothing to the imagination.
This is to say that the male leads gloriously and proudly strut their manhood unashamedly.
“And why not?” the film director quips,”Clothes are for putting on, they are not part of us. On the other hand, your body belongs to you and nobody can take that away from you.”
It is this charismatic mainland-born-and-Hong Kong-based director SCUD‘s third feature on a gay theme.
His earlier ventures were CITY WITHOUT BASEBALL (2007) and PERMANENT RESIDENCE (2008), a semi-biopic of the director himself.
AMPHETAMINE stars a handsome pair – poster boys BYRON PANG and THOMAS PRICE.
The plot weaves around a cute Chinese fitness trainerKAFKA (BYRON) who encounters a dashing financial consultant called DANIEL(THOMAS).
Of course we are led to believe that KAFKA is a straight guy with a lovelorn girl friend, whilst DANIEL is openly gay.
KAFKA and DANIEL fall madly in love with lust and assume that love can conquer almost everything, even with the drug addiction that KAFKA is prone to.
Can AMPHETAMINE, a psycho stimulant propel lovemaking to another uncharted realm of ecstasy?
Don’t even try – as the movie dictates, unless you looking for dire consequences!
Beware, don’t touch DRUGS as these can harm you, body and soul.
In all SCUD‘s films,it is always poetry-in-motion as we are treated to a brilliance of lush cinematography with classy lensing by creative Directors-of-Photography, as shown in the painstaking work of CHARLIE LAM in AMPHETAMINE.
There’s often, this lingering lilt in mood and tone,
one of intense loneliness, despair and gloom
when we learn that it’s a love affair that’s never meant to be, and that it’s doomed from the start.
Amie Olive pays homage to this film by with the stark poemONE OF THOSE NIGHTS:
“Washed over
with convulsions of heat and pain
Contorting moans
could be blindly mistaken as pleasure
If only
to be held in welcoming arms
A moment
of unexpected warmth and comfort
The reminder
of walking this path alone tonight
Chilling tremors
rake across my spine in realization
Another burst
takes hold of my breath and heart
Watery orbs
blur my vision as a stinging kaleidoscope.”
The HONG KONG TV and ENTERTAINMENT AUTHORITYrecently demanded snippings to be made to several key scenes depicting anal intercourse (where KAFKA is raped by a gang of 4) to be deleted before the commercial public viewing.
Paradoxically, this film was permitted to screen without cuts at the closing of the 34th Hong Kong International FilmFestival 2010.
Citing double standards, SCUD appealed to the Chief Executive DONALD TSANG.
The end results?
The censored shots were totally “blackened out”, but the accompanying sound and painful moans stayed untouched, much to the chagrin of the film director.
It is a case of much ado about everything in this fickle minded entertainment industry pertaining the rights and wrongs of competent censorship.
Every country has it own set of rules and how far can a film director stretch his creative freedom?
What price ART?
Follow up on PART 2 to uncover more candid revelations. The controversial albeit personable film director airs his opinions on the CENSORSHIP issue.
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