HK Films-Memories of Infernal Affairs

On 12th December 2002, Infernal Affairs was released in Hong Kong. 

It was said on this day onwards, Hong Kong Cinema reached to a classical level and all other films never surpassed it. 

Martin Scorsese later turned it into The Departed, which is as good as the classic. 

I had to admit it was the most tensed Hong Kong film I ever watch. How about A Simple Life? It is good but it is a Hong Kong-China production. How about Cold War? Well, it will never reach Infernal Affairs. 

10 years later, we will talk about this film on the 12th December, 2012 (12122012). 

The trailer. 

The main theme from Infernal Affairs III. Self Inflicted Hardship sung by Hacken Lee. 

港•影-对于《无间道》系列的印象

十年前的十二月十二日，香港出了一部《无间道》。

这部电影是香港历史上，继邵氏在1965年拍摄的《梁山伯与祝英台》之后，卖的满堂红的经典电影。

 《无间道》算是我在二十岁的时候，看得最紧张的一部电影。也是唯一一部我看得很“肉紧”的电影。

十年后，没有港产片能像它那样，一枝独秀。《寒战》未达到巅峰，而《桃姐》虽叫好，但是它背负了合拍片的包袱。

香港再不出一部旷世电影，那港片就要消失在漫漫的历史长河里。

我们回首这部辉煌电影吧，看预告去。

十二月十二日，我们戏说《无间道》。

恭喜《夺命金》/Congratulations to Jonnie To's "Life Without Principle"

在今年的金马奖当中，《夺命金》拿下了“最佳导演”，“最佳原著剧本”和“最佳男主角”。

希望这一次的胜利，能够为不景气的香港影业，注入生气与活力。

恭喜杜琪峰和刘青云得到本届两大奖项殊荣。

In the just concluded 49th Golden Horse Awards, Life Without Principle clinched the "Best Director", "Best Original Screenplay" and "Best Leading Male Actor". 

I do hope the current winning streak for Hong Kong films, will inject vitality to the depressed Hong Kong films industry. 

Congratulations to Jonnie To and Lau Ching Wan. Tonight win is the first for Lau in Taiwanese film event.

HK Affairs-Cat Plea

Photo: Hong Kong Apple Daily. 

In the light of the "Sau Mau Ping Cat Abuse" that caused the death of one cat, Disappearing Hong Kong supports the cause launched by Hong Kong Apple Daily. 

The photo reads, "Please protect us as well as stay true to conscience."

Prevent animal abuse now. 

Thank you.

News Link: http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?we_cat=11&art_id=128443&sid=38261195&con_type=1&d_str=20121119&fc=10

HK Affairs- Chai Wan Accident Afterthoughts

Latest Chai Wan Accident

Hong Kong just had an serious traffic accident  in Chai Wan, which left 3 dead and 54 injured. If not for the 2 Michelin starred The Fat Ducks chef died in this accident, international media will not picked up this news.

And that reminded me of the October trip which I encountered my share of fast driving by bus drivers.

I do remember it was the day I went to Hong Kong University to trace the footsteps of Chinese female author, Zhang Ailing. She was in Hong Kong to study during the World War II and her presence left footprints in the local literary scene. Hence, to get to the HKU campus in Po Fu Lam, bus is one of the affordable public transportation.

Hong Kong Double Decker Buses

Hong Kong double decker buses is famous for its engine power. Be it at whenever terrain, its poweress will left many tourists whom not taken double decker bus before, either feel awed or scared. I do hear about this and my trips so far have not witnessed any Initial D style driving. What do I mean by Initial D style? It refers to the Japanese manga involving Japanese adults racing illegally in their modified cars. Infernal Affairs directors, Andrew Lau and Alan Mak, directed the Hong Kong version years back.

Back to the trip. I was really amazed for the uphill trip from Central to HKU. Even though the road is a 2 lane tarmac, the driver can maneuvers the windy road with ease. The best part is that the vehicle is a 1990s Volvo OIympian Alexander 3 axles model, the regular maintenance has preserved the engine poweress. The more scary fact is the downhill route. From Po Fu Lam to Admiralty, there were at least 15 turns, some were sharp, some were gradual. My heart skipped whenever the driver executed sharp bend follow by a 10 degree descent and this happened thrice, with the last try was onto a viaduct. My position on the upper deck first row added the excitement on full view but fear prompted me to hold the safety belt tighter next!

Hong Kong seen the worst traffic accidents involving double decker buses. Some crashed at a speed of more than 140km/h, one ramped into bus stop in New Territory resulting in deaths. Is there any Laws governed bus driver's conducts? Yes, there is. But circumstances will normally lead to people run against the law. With Hong Kong being such a competitive society, plus drivers need to fulfill the Key Performance Index and meet commuters expectations, traffic accidents will be part of Hong Kong culture.

I do hope with the recent Chai Wan episode, the 3 Hong Kong bus companies will really look into the safety aspects for their operations. They can not be like Mainland Chinese companies, ignoring safety. If they do so, they are endangering Hong Kong's as a safer city as compared to other Chinese cities.

      

港 •电视-无线电视《万千星辉贺台庆2012》

很巧的是，禁忌数字出现在台庆上

一年一度的无线《万千星辉贺台庆》落幕了。

看了这回之后，觉得无线虽然铆足全力来办好45周年的大戏，但是觉得电视台的老气展现出来。2个半小时的节目呈现方式，和过往的台庆节目相同。我倒是为了几位无线艺人感到担心。

陈茵薇-陈豪的女友在参加一项推椅子游戏的时候，裙子太短有在观众面前走光的风险，还是被选出来玩，最后得劳驾穿着女装的男友，坐在她的前面完成游戏。

黄展兴和景荣-两位年三十多岁的男艺人，在台庆节目大跳跳耀舞，从摄影棚外到里头，有好几回差点失手跌下，还好最后平安无事。真的是，每看他们失手一回，观众也跟着心跳一回。

男扮女，女扮男-这单元是大玩《大太监》和《名媛望族》，找当红的艺人玩反串，女的就念数字台词，男的念点心台词，就找另外一批的艺人做现场配音。说实在的，只有男艺人的有笑点，配音的众艺人很尴尬地完成游戏。

而最令笔者心酸的是，看到三位资深的女演员，罗兰、韩马莉和程可为穿着猫女郎的服装，大跳性感舞。尤其是罗兰，贵为香港人尊敬的女演员，却跳着不适合她的舞蹈，这叫喜欢她的戏迷情何以堪？

还有，节目尾声的时候，大会主持汪明荃以华语请无线董事部上台来喝节庆酒。笔者认为，无线贵为香港本土电视台，虽然有台湾籍人士入主董事部，大会主持还是该以粤语请他们上台，以尊重当地的观众。毕竟，他们四十五年来都支持无线。

无线在香港过了四十五年春秋，经历了香港大小事情，也见证其竞争对手丽的电视，亚洲电视的式微。而这一年，恰逢新的对手大量挖走旗下的多名台前幕后的大将。昨晚的台庆大戏，不仅无法为香港观众带来新的惊喜，而且暴露了节目团队把以往的又旧又时而低级的娱乐，呈现给大家。这也证明了，无线电视的霸权令到它的节目出现老态的窘境。

笔者看了二十多年的无线节目和连续剧，为它在其辉煌时代的不朽娱乐向往，不希望这个竖立香江的老品牌，在后邵逸夫时代而结束。我祝愿无线电视能够在未来的日子，能够再造辉煌。

港• 乐-张学友的《你的名字，我的姓氏》（1996年）

朋友昨天结婚，婚宴上没有播这首歌曲，感到遗憾。

就把这首“你的名字，我的姓氏”放在这里吧。

以后，你们结婚，就播这首歌。

香港和粤语歌曲消失，就可惜咯。

祝天下有情人，百年好合。

你的名字，我的姓氏

就像天与地别离和重聚过程

而我跟你平静旅程

并没有惊心也没动魄的情景

只需要当天边海角竞赛追逐时

可跟你安躺于家里便觉最写意

只需要最回肠荡气之时

可用你的名字和我姓氏

成就这故事

从此以后无忧无求

故事平淡但当中有你

已经足够

如果要说何谓爱情

定是跟你动荡时闲话着世情

和你走过无尽旅程

就是到天昏发白亦爱得年青

不相信当天荒不再地老不合时

竞跟你多相拥一次便爱多一次

怎相信最回肠荡气之时

可用你的名字和我姓氏

成就这故事

快乐童话像你我一对已经足够

HK Affairs-MTR's Multi Language Announcements

What I like about Hong Kong's MTR is the multi languages announcement. They can do it in 3 languages, English, Cantonese and Mandarin. This reflects the city's society as a whole.  

Whereas my home country, Singapore, can not do it in 4 languages, English, Mandarin, Bahasa Melayu and Tamil. 

Hence, if you have the chance to visit the city, be amazed on their subway systems and the policy in running the trains. Even this minute detail, train announcements, reflect careful planning. 

Thank You Hungary and Peru

Thank you to my readers from Hungary and Peru. 

I hope you will like my blog. 

Hong Kong Affairs-"So Long My Hong Kong" by Gregory Kane

Video Screenshot

I loved old things of Hong Kong. Music, food, culture etc.

So, when hkmagazine  shared this video link by this Caucasian, Gregory Kane, whom posted a video as a parting letter to the city that he lived for the past six years, I was enthralled by it.

It does have the feel of Wong Kar Wai and Woody Allen. And that video makes Hong Kong so special and dear to me, if Hong Kong really lose its remaining identity and culture.

Looks threatening? Yes, to the pessimists.

To me, I am still optimistic.

Okay, I sidetracked a bit.

Enjoy this video and the remaining Saturday. As I will be attending a wedding, I will be touching on a wedding song sung during the 1990s. It is not Cantonese, but the feel will reminds people the heyday of Cantopop era.

Video Link

港•乐-李克勤的《红日》（1992年）

每当我碰到挫折的时候，便会想起这首歌。

而等一下的第三张试卷开始之前，我应该多听《红日》来提振士气。

果然，听了20年，还是这么好听。

当你人生不如意的时候，你会了解歌词里表达的意识。

红日

作曲: 立川俊之

編曲: 方樹樑

填詞: 李克勤

* 命運就算顛沛流離

命運就算曲折離奇

命運就算恐嚇著你做人沒趣味

別流淚　心酸　更不應捨棄

我願能　一生永遠陪伴你 *

Repeat *

# 一生之中兜兜轉轉　那會看清楚

徬徨時我也試過獨坐一角像是沒協助

在某年　那幼小的我

跌倒過幾多幾多落淚在雨夜滂沱

一生之中彎彎曲曲我也要走過

從何時有你有你伴我給我熱烈地拍和

像紅日之火　燃點真的我

結伴行　千山也定能踏過

讓晚風　輕輕吹過

伴送著清幽花香像是在祝福你我

讓晚星　輕輕閃過

閃出你每個希冀如浪花　快要沾濕我 #

Repeat * #

Repeat * five times

HK Films-Floating City (2012)

I believe that not many will take note of Aaron Kwok earlier film, Floating City. Many are looking at the Hong Kong societal thriller Cold War, which the superstar has participation in.

In brief, Floating City look at the life of rags to riches fisherman's son turned mogul, Bo Wah Chuen. It also depicted the Hong Kong society during the turbulent years of 1945-1970s. As recent Hong Kongers are looking at the good old British colony era years, the director's attempt to seek an answer at Hong Kong's past as her people struggled to find the identity. 

Here I present to you the Hong Kong trailer for this movie. Enjoy.

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AH2DrtzUOFc

港•乐-浅谈黎明的《一夜倾情》（1992年）

“但愿不只是朋友”唱片封套

熟悉1980至1990年代香港粤语流行乐的朋友，知道那个黄金二十年是香港本土，和日本翻译曲的天下。

要说日本翻译曲，“安全地带”是众天王天后级歌手的首选。由于安全地带组合歌曲的编曲，和香港流行乐的编曲接近，旋律容易被消费者接受，很多经典翻译曲在今时今日，被许多人咏唱。

这回要简单谈的是黎明的《一夜倾情》。收录在他的1992年发行的《但愿不只是朋友》，这个版本和已故的陈百祥唱的《冷风中》比起来，算是比较好听的。主要原因是其弦乐的编排，和日语原版《恋爱预感》较为接近。然而，黎明的唱腔没有玉置浩二来得悲凉。但是，在1990年代初期贵为偶像的黎明，歌迷对他歌唱的要求没那么严格。无线电视拍的MV，找来了大美人李嘉欣来配对。

MV女主角-李嘉欣

好了，歌曲就谈到这里。

一夜倾情

作曲：玉置浩二

作词：向雪怀

编曲：卢东尼

紅日西斜　霓虹折射

懷著焦急　等這赴約者

期待的人　迷人的夜

明月一彎　從霧中照射

☆沈醉於甜蜜歌聲

抱擁所愛　令世間頓成仙境

願這刻時候會停

置身傾心瘋顛一夜情

人盡癡情　誰能安靜

期望此生　一醉莫再醒

來吧　激情　毋負生命

放聲高歌　長夜不要盡

REPEAT ☆

請唱出如夢的歌

給我知曉誰人愛我

讓我坐於你跟前和

照片：http://www.leonfansclub.com/thread-39215-1-1.html

MV来源：http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N2wYhi-iE1s

HK Affairs-Giddens Ko Vs Apple Company

Good Hong Kong Business Values is disappearing. I will talk more on this tonight.

News in Brief

Taiwan's author, Giddens Ko (You Are The Apple of My Eye), frustrated over Apple Company's rejected his official apps application over the last 2 years,while allowing pirated apps to thrive. On his recent trip to Hong Kong, Giddens went over to Apple's heaquarters in Causeway Bay to protest. He had to ask his assistant to take video recordings to prove his compliant is legal and in peaceful means.

However, things got tensed and Giddens Ko was called an "Idiot" by Apple Staff. And  local Police was called in to maintain the security. After watching the clips, Hong Kong Police determined that the recordings is legal and they escorted Giddens and his assistant out of the building.

Giddens expressed to the local media that if he as a popular author, was  rejected by Apple, the lesser known authors will not enjoy the rights that they deserved on Apple platform. He will not disclose the recordings as Apple is reviewing his case.

The original news link from Hong Kong.

http://hkm.appledaily.com/detail.php?guid=18065661&category_guid=4104&category=daily

Photos: Hong Kong Apple Daily (Next Media) and nbweekly.com

HK People, HK Affairs-Ching Cheong

As Singapore Writers Festival 2012 closed yesterday, I am glad to attend two of The Straits Times columnist, Ching Cheong's session at the event itself.

I read his articles on China since the year 2000. To me, he is the one that provides me the insight of what's happening in China for a period of five years. And then, one fine day, his writings was no longer to be seen.

Then, came the news of his arrest. But it was only one year after his actual imprisonment without trial .

Hong Kong society knew of his situation and amassed their resources to secure his release.

Listened to a man whom went to jail, talked about his tribulations, and eventually, he conquered his hatred and channeled his energy to do positive things. All these for his profound love for China.

Ching's articles provided me the insight of China as well as the relations between Hong Kong and China. My world view changed as I have been reading the information provided by Lianhe Zaobao. I can say, Ching's articles play a huge part of it.

If you are like me, whom like stories of patriots went to jail for the stuff that they wrote, later found Faith and came back as a reborn Man, this book, My 1,000 Days Ordeal-A Patriot's Torture is for you.

I do hope to meet the author in person, in the city that I love, Hong Kong.

Have a great week ahead.

HK Video-Gallants MV

Watching the below video will always remind me of the special screening I attended for this film. 

It was a special moment for Singapore movie goers as the film Gallants was premiered locally in Cantonese language. Singapore government does not allow Hong Kong films to be aired in its native language. Hence, you can imagine the ecstatic me beaming with delight when the movie characters speak in Cantonese!

I will discuss this movie in later entries as I am working on the "Hong Kong Trilogy" now. 

The below MV was sung by MC Jin (歐陽靖)  and Johnny Ip（葉振棠).

Enjoy!

Credits: Yahoo! Hong Kong and Focus Films. 

HK Viral Video-Gangnam Hong Kong TVB Style Redux

Although I had mentioned the above video before at this link: http://disappearinghkg.blogspot.sg/2012/10/hk-people-hk-affairs-hong-kong-styleaka.html, the video quality is not to my standard. 

It was till I discovered this 720p video, I decided to feature it again. 

Some may find it not so creative as there are so many parodies around. But to see my favourite Hong Kong stars to do this video in the whole old fashioned way (fast, cheap and comedic), it is all in a pure good fun. 

Hence, I present to you "Gangnam Hong Kong Style aka TVB Style". 

Enjoy your remaining weekend. 

HK People, HK Affairs-Lung Mei Beach

Photo Source: Hong Kong Apple Daily

The above photo from Hong Kong Apple Daily shows 800 local students form a dolphin shape, to profess their love for the Long Mei Beach.

What happened now is that for the past week, Hong Kongers group together to have their voices known to the local authorities, to halt the reclamation of the beach. The Government of Hong Kong has approved a project in the year 2000, to turn the natural beach, home of the mangrove forest and species, to an artificial beach. It will be Hong Kong's second reclaimed beach. Works was scheduled for completion by the year 2015.

To me, it was a photo that moved me. The students, the backbone of Hong Kong future society, loved their city so much, decided to do something to make their home a better place. No one, other than them, seems legitimate to make their voice heard to the governing adults.

Even if they failed their bid, people will still remember what they have done.

There is still hope for Hong Kong's future. 

Link for "Save Lung Mei Beach Movement": http://www.hkwildlife.net/lungmei/

港人•港事-救救龙尾滩

图片来源：香港《苹果日报》

刚过的星期发生在香港的最受瞩目新闻事件，就是港人群起守护位于大埔区的龙尾海滩事件。

看了当地《苹果日报》所拍的800名学生排成海豚形状阵容，来捍卫龙尾滩的照片，不禁为他们的行动而感动。因为，香江是他们的家园，没有人比他们更有资格来保护他们的家园。即使香港政府保证以最环保的途径，来协助居住在龙尾滩的水里生物，不受迁徙的影响。但是，这不能消除很多人的余虑，因为生物是很脆弱的。

这个是香港人难能可贵之处。在现今讲求急功近利的社会，学生和环保人士想办法唤醒香港社会和政府，在这环保议题的深思，是令人感到敬佩的事情。因为在现有的生态地点，用幼沙来填成人工沙滩，那破坏的程度是难以想象的。

香港人在过去的几十年，为了家园而付出的努力和汗水，是很多回的。外界（连同中国）可能不会理解香港人的举动，但是对港人来说，香港是他们的家，没有什么比自己行动起来，来到更有意义。

下回去香港走走的话，龙尾滩可能不在，但是世人不会忘记，他们为了龙尾滩而付出的努力。

龙尾滩关注连接：http://www.hkwildlife.net/lungmei/

港•剧-（2012年预告）《大太监》/HK Drama-(First Look) The Confidant

清代的慈禧和李莲英的故事又被拍成连续剧。不知道，这部戏是否为了迎合中国的口味而拍。

先订了看再说。

First Look-The Confidant is TVB latest offering to celebrate 45th Anniversary. As China is still obsessed with Qing Dynasty shows, this drama seems to fit the taste of Mainland Chinese viewers. 

Is it nice? I will have to catch it and comment on it.

Here's the promotion video for the drama.

港人•港事-如果刘德华做香港特首?/ HK People, HK Affairs-What if Andy Lau Becomes Hong Kong Chief Executive?

Andy Lau as Chief Executive for Hong Kong in Golden Chicken 2

在看美国总统奥巴马成功连任演讲的时候，我的脑海中忽然闪过一个画面。

那就是香港影坛大哥刘德华，在九年前客串赵良骏的《金鸡2》，演做了八届的香港特首。在电影里的2046年，香港因为资金雄厚，港币对美元的汇率为1港币对7.8美元，香港居民可以接下来的五十年（到2096年），享有免费的医疗，住屋等公共服务。

虽然看起来很荒谬，但是用在现在的香港，是很向往的。如果刘德华参选特首，必定能团结港人。

“刘特首”，香港人民等你呢。

图片连接：http://www.lifetv.com.my/node/42404

As I watched USA President-elect Obama's victory speech on TV, a certain image flashed my mind.

That is Andy Lau's cameo in Samson Chiu's Golden Chicken 2 (2003). In that film (year AD 2046) , Lau had served 8 terms as a Chief Executive. He mentioned that Hong Kong has a huge treasury, its funds can offer the exchange rate of 1HKD to 7.80USD, its citizens can enjoy free medical and living benefits, as the city has 0% unemployment rate.

It seems exaggerating but if we put it into today's context, many Hong Kongers will welcome Andy Lau to contest for the Chief Executive Office. Hong Kong needs someone like him to unite its people.

"Chief Executive Lau", Hong Kong wait for you.

HK(Canto) Pop-Leslie Cheung's Eventually Lucky (1984)

1984 TVB Drama The Duke of Mount Deer. Clockwise from front: Sandra Ng, Kiki Sheung, Carina Lau, Tony Leung, Teresa Mo in fore front

Pictures: http://ent.qq.com/a/20060804/000147.htm

Everytime, I hear this song, I will be filled with mixed memories.

Leslie Cheung's Eventually Lucky was the theme song of 1984 TVB drama The Duke of Mount Deer. Adapted from Louis Cha's same titled novel, the music was written by Joseph Koo, lyrics by James Wong and sung by the late Leslie Cheung.

In the 1980s, memories of my Hong Kong TV themes consisted of the dyamic duo, Joseph Koo+ James Wong. They are a highly productive duo, producing many catchy TV drama theme songs, which are classics by today standard.

With Cheung passed away in 2003, James departed in 2004, Chinese audiences could not get the same level of entertainment as if before.

If he is still around, it will be a memorable sight to see him on stage singing this song.

It is not possible anymore.

Sigh~

港•乐-张国荣的《始终会行运》（1984年）

1984年《鹿鼎记》

图片：http://ent.qq.com/a/20060804/000147.htm

每一回听张国荣（哥哥）的《始终会行运》都有感慨。

虽然是香港广播有限公司（接下来称无线）在1984年，为《鹿鼎记》填写的主题曲，但是已经有顾嘉辉作曲，黄沾填词，由那时已晋升为偶像的张国荣演唱。这首歌已成绝响。

“哥哥”在2003年的4月1日逝世，黄沾在2004年的11月24日离开人间。而戏里面的刘德华和梁朝伟已经是香港娱乐界的大哥。

我想，如果张国荣还健在，下个月在香港举行的“顾嘉辉大师经典演唱会”，他站在舞台上唱这首歌的画面，是很怀念的。

始终会行运

作曲：顾嘉辉

作词：黄沾

演唱：张国荣

在情在理 他心我心 不必爭論也懶問

為人為我 不必區分 一切事幹 開心要緊

順緣順意 嘻哈半生 歡欣自會接近

自然入世 自己有自信 終此生 始終都有鴻運

像風也像片雲 樂得笑面對人

任上天引導我行 隨緣覓夢歡笑真

合情合理 開心稱心 一心想做快活人

未愁未怨 實在有自信 終此生始終都會行運