3/20/2001, Tony went to Australia for ITMFL open screening. If he's hoping to get a break from the press, guess again, the Australian press is as relentless as the HK reporters. Again Tony declined to comment on his own personal life, he's friendly with fans and answered all aspects of questions regarding the film and his future plans.
More stuffs to report - the result of HK Golden Bauhinia Awards is out. Andy Lau edged Tony out for the Best Actor Award. ITMFL picked up an award for the Best Photography and Editing. Nothing much else is going on except ongoing gossips and rumor mills - a few days ago Tony made a stand he won't talk about his personal life, so there is no use of chasing him around. Unfortunately, as long as the public is interested in the story, he will be followed by massive dog teams, the usual price tag that comes with fame and fortune.
3/12/2001, a quiet and somber Tony came back from his trip from Japan. He's hounded by HK press. Again, zipped lips on all accounts of the breakup rumor. Incidentally, a more revealing drama was played out prior Tony's arrival. Carina was spotted returning HK from Shanghai with Henry(her ex-boyfriend who's recently divorced) only minutes before Tony's arrival. Like Tony, they too brushed off the press, and took off.
And if this is not enough of indication of things to come, Tony gave an angry look when the reporter told him about Carina & Henry's appearance. But he didn't say anything, kept walking long stride toward the parking lot. He's picked up by his mother, and as the dog teams have it, they followed the car until it came to a full stop in front of his mother's house. (a clear indication that he's definitely out of May Tower.)
So there you have it. If one's to believe action speaks louder than the words, then the breakup is eminently clear. Whether this is only a temporary breakup or more of a permanent thing, it's hard to say since there are more strings attached between these two than anyone could account for. Besides 11 years of living together, they shared many properties, ie. house, car, accounts, investments, and god knows what else. But not being married probably simplified the breakup process, essentially Tony only has to make a decision to give up a few shared possessions and gifts he gave in past years. And if anybody out here is hoping for a quick reunion, Carina & Henry's appearance in Airport together effectively killed that wishful thinking. Even if Tony doesn't have any male ego to cater for, I would just hate to see him crawling back to Carina after all had happened. It might be a premature statement for me to make(like, who's going to care), but I am in a talkative mood today, so bear with me.
I find it a fitting day to discover everything in disarray. Nasdaq in a two year low and still going down, and everybody is in a frantic mood. Now Tony's been hit with a breakup. Hey, looking from a brighter side, he's now one of the most desirable bachelors out there, and fear not, he's in good financial stand as new movie contracts are pouring in. The latest news - he's going to pair up with Sammi Cheng in an up-coming new film. Then there is WKW's 2046, and Zhang Yimou's Hero, all star-studded cast. Keep in mind, fellow fans, nothing makes or breaks you. Life goes on as usual no matter what happens. If something doesn't work out, it probably wasn't meant to be. So pick up yourself and move on. There are plenty things to feel good about. Best wishes to Tony, and party on.
3/8/2001, many news to report. On the official record, In the Mood for Love is nominated for 12 awards in this year's Hong Kong Film Award. It's competiting against the wildly popular Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, which has a record-setting 16 nominations. Besides running for Best Picture, ITMFL has Tony, Maggie, WKW nominated for Best Actor, Best Actress, and Best Director, respectively. HKFA is set for April 29th.
Now, the latest rampage rumors of the Tony & Carina Breakup. The news is now spreading like wild fire, a frontpage liner on all major newspapers. It's right after "Next Magazine" spotted Tony has moved out of May Tower, and into a house he bought for his mother. (May Tower is where Carina and him lived in for 11 years). According to the report, there are many evidence backing up the breakup theory.
After Carina had finished her play in Feburary she said she wanted to vacation offshore. Yet she's been seen partying all nights in HK. While it's Tony who quietly took his vacation alone, first he took his mother to Thailand, then went skiing with friends in Japan. Carina did not accompany him to both trips. Tony could not be reached for comment, his assistant said he's vacationing in Japan at the moment, again without Carina's company. It speculates Tony already broke up with Carina but he's holding back the news in protection of Carina. For the sake of "save her face" and "adjust to life away from each other."
(I have no idea whether this is another flaky rumor, or the real deal. I am sure we will find out soon enough after Tony returns from his vacation. He will be bombarded by the reporters. Come to think about it... If a couple's been together for 11 years, yet every few months rumors of cheating, cover-up scenes, outrageous photos and stories popping out of shelves, it would be hard for anyone to cope. I really don't care for celebrity's private life, but since we are on the topic, I just wish Tony a better luck from now on. I don't think this is the center of attention he wanted to be in. Whoever he chooses to be with or be without, let's have some peace and harmony, please. Don't know about any of you, I read enough of it.)
2/9/2001, Director Zhang Yimou is working on a deal to cast Tony and Maggie Cheung in his next film "Jin Ke chi Qin Wang" (literally, The attempt of Jin Ke's patriotic assassination of Emperor Qin. Quite a few movies are made of this famous ancient tale, the latest in "The Emperor and the Assassin").
In other news: Tony was spotted returning to HK from Thailand. He's accompanied by his mother. They visit Thailand regularly to seek service of a Mahanikai - Thailand monk for meditation and religious questions and answers.
Also, Tony was voted the 2nd most popular performer of the CCTV Chinese New Year program, one of the most prestige entertainment program in China. It's reported more than millions of Chinese casted their votes via letter, phone and online votings.
1/17/2001, Tony is invited as a juror for the Berlin Film Festival that's coming up in Feburary. But he hasn't made up his mind if he's going or not. The nagging cold from last month flared up a sinus infection. He might have to sit it out for a while.
1/3/2001, Tony spent his New Year Eve at a private party in Hong Kong. He was seen walking out of the party holding hands with Carina. Tony has gone extreme measures to keep his silence. When Carina tried to walk over to talk to press, he got hold of her, and dragged her out of it while walking straight to the car. Hence there is no word to report for this time, only pictures.