A Big Dream For The Big Screen
Every time I meet a filmmaker, I form an initial impression that lasts. Is this filmmaker more of a heart follower or more of a market follower? I know intuitively if I will have much to say to this filmmaker, if we can be friends. …
When Hollywood Pays Homage
Steven Spielberg once said, “I like ideas, especially movie ideas, that you can hold in your hand. If a person can tell me the idea in twenty-five words or less, it’s going to make a pretty good movie.” Spielberg’s comment embodies the essence of the …
Maggie Cheung’s Next Act
She is an iconic actress. Most young artists when asked, would cite her as a role model, that she had a career any serious talent would emulate and use as important reference. She appeared in countless Hong Kong commercial movies in the 80s before her …
The Shaw Brothers Movies
When Sir Run Run Shaw passed away on the 7th of this month at the ripe age of 106, there was a collective reflection of the passing of an era. The golden age of classic Chinese cinema. Those of us of a certain age grew …
Rediscovering Jack Neo The Actor
Past midnight two weeks ago, out of the blue, I received a message from Jack Neo. ‘I won best actor. Just want to say thank you for believe in me at that critical moment. I have proven to u… I really done my best. cheers!’ …
Peter Chan’s Second Act
I just watched ‘American Dreams In China’. Peter Chan’s latest film which took the China box office by storm in June this year. Peter has been a prominent cinematic voice in Asia. With ‘American Dreams In China’, he has made the definitive movie about the …
On This One Day
Recently when I wished someone a Happy Birthday, that my wish was for him to enjoy his special day, he thanked me and said something special. He wished me a special day, every day. I parked that thought in my head. We know every day …
Waiting To Exhale
You know the saying? ‘All good things come to those who wait.’ It opposes another saying. ‘Time waits for no man.’ While the wise sees the value of patience, waiting can be a trap. In some movies, there is a Big Moment that is life-changing …
Looking Fear In The Eye
I have not had the courage to write about fear. Do I know enough? What is the thing I most fear in life? I am aware of some of my fears. I think my awareness has heightened in recent years when some security blankets were …
The Dark Knight Rises Above All Expectations
When I was growing up, I would never expect an action hero movie to have complex and real characters, played by an ensemble cast of A-list actors. Watching ‘The Dark Knight Rises’ last evening, I had a distinct feeling that times have changed. That this …