11/28, Tony has spent the last two months in Japan shooting movie "Tokyo
Invasion Plan". A large number of press was on hand to witness Tony
performing stunts yesterday in Tokyo. Tony had to jump from a truck to a
fast-moving sportscar. He made the shot with only 3 takes. People were cheering
for him after the stunts, for Tony is not known to perform action movies. After
the take, he was asked if he had any doubt in mind before the shooting, Tony
replied, "This is nothing compared to the skate-boarding stunts I have been
doing. I got bruises everywhere for that." Geez, sounds like he is turning
into an action player all of the sudden. Asked how he is spending his free time
in Tokyo, Tony replied he bought one of those tourist guides, spending time
visiting Japanese Gardens. Maple trees are glorious in Autumn. Besides, Carina
had just paid a visit last week. He said he had enjoyed his stay in Tokyo. Back
to 2046, Tony expects to return to Thailand after "Tokyo Invasion
Plan" wraps up. He had made good friends with Kimura. Kimura had sent Tony
several Japanese shirts as gift. Tony is delighted by his touch, and he has
bought Kimura something in return. He said he will give it to Kimura once he
goes back to Thailand. Another quick note: Tony said he plans to go to Cannes
Next year if 2046 finishes in time.
10/15, Tony is in Japan right now, shooting the movie "Tokyo Invasion
Plan" (cantonese: Dung Gaing Gung Leuk) with Ekin Cheng and Kelly Chen. The
storyline goes something like this, CIA Tony and Police Ekin are on duty to
protect Kelly Chen. They got into a lot of troubles, were chased by the bad
guys. Tony Hasn't been in an action movie for almost 6 years(Gorgeous is the
only exception, though Tony never had any action part in Gorgeous.) On set, the
focal point is centered on Ekin Cheng's recent breakup with Maggie Siu. Ekin
Cheung and Gigi Leung's romantic rumor had brought along Hong Kong press to
Japan.
9/9, it's official. The latest news confirms 2046 had started shooting
in Thailand. Tony and Kimura were the only two actors present in the
opening ceremony. Besides the traditional pig-cutting (for good luck), they also
invited a Thailand monk to the opening scene. As all of you probably know,
Thailand is big on religion. The services of monks are requested for almost
every occasion. New houses or cars should be blessed to bring good luck. (A
not-so-well-known fact: Tony visit Thailand regularly to seek service of a
Mahanikai(nicknamed White Dragon King)). During the ceremony, the monk
sprayed some gold dusts on the actor's face as lucky charms. Faye,
Carina, and Zhan zhen will join them later in the production. Some
controversies stirred up after the opening day. Reports from HK pointed out that
Kimura was receiving special treatments --- he lives in a six-star hotel while
Tony and others live in three-star hotels. WkW production company quickly denied
such rumor, and stated no special treatment was giving to Kimura. He and
everyone else live in the same hotel. (Don't know how this rumor got started.
Hey, HK newspaperman got a living to do. But sometimes you wonder if their
imagination is kinda out of control. Or is it the truth they are telling? God
knows.)
9/1, Two nights ago Tony gave a radio interview. After the interview, Tony spent
some time chit-chat with the reporters. He confirmed the reports that he had
just bought a Mercede Benz for Carina. Carina's car was trashed in a late-night
accident a while ago. Carina has a lot of late night parties. To make sure she
returns home safe and sound, Tony sent the new Benz along with a new chauffeur
as a gift to Carina. He said money is not the most important issue, safety comes
in first. More gossips: Na-ying (a mainland singer who kinda looks like
Carina) told the press Carina refused to let her meet Tony. After hear that,
Carina changes her mind and agrees to schedule a date for Na-ying to meet Tony.
But so far Tony has been too busy shooting the movies, and he hadn't had the
time to meet with Na-ying. (funny, what is he, a prized possession? Either this
gossip is way blowed out of proportion or somebody is out of their mind.
Bizarre, to say the least...) Right now Tony is trying to finish up Flower like
years(it's taking forever to wrap up this movie!). 2046 should start in
September. He has a full schedule for the next few months. After 2046, he would
be working on a Golden Harvest production. As far as he knows, he will be teamed
up with Kelly Chan, and the movie is going to be shot in Japan.
7/27, Tony attended Flower like years press conference with Maggie Cheung and
Wong Kar-wai. It was their only public appearance in custome since the beginning
of shooting. WKW has complete control over the set, and the press was off-limit
to the location. They weren't allowed to meet or take photos of the casts. The
entire film was shot in discrete secrecy. After having peaked everyone's
curiosity, WKW finally reveals some information during the press conference. The
plot goes like this: Tony and Maggie were next door neighbor. Tony's wife was
having an affair with Maggie's husband. Upon discovery, Tony and Maggie decided
to act in revenge---by committing adultery of their own. Sounds mighty
interesting? Wait, there is more to offer---Tony played a husband who couldn't
stand his wife's infidelity, but he never has the guts to get ride of her, so he
CRIED all day. (Oh, My!) A Korean Magazine named "Screen" has recently
released a whole set of custome pictures of "flowers like years". Take
a look at these photos on top. Flower like years is at the end of the shooting.
WKW is now preparing to start 2046. All talks of 2046 is still centered on
Kimura Takuya. In response to Kimura's complaints of lacking a script, WKW
says,"it's a good way of testing the actor's techniques. If he spends all
the time preparing, there is no way of knowning his true potential. Acting is a
mix of timing, adjustment, and reflexes." Another note: Because the casts
of 2046 involves several nationalities, to avoid future conflicts regarding
salary, WKW sets a standard rate for everyone. In another word, everyone gets
paid the same amount.
7/14,
Tony visited Taiwan on July 14th. He was there to promote the release of
two new books( limited collection items----WKW international poster collection,
and BeiJing's summer poster collection). Asked if he and Carina would ever
work in something like "eyes wide shut"(the new movie by Tom Cruise/
Nicole Kidman, lots of sexy scenes between the husband and wife), he replied it
would be extremely uncomfortable for him. Literally he said, "It
would be disgusting." Also, " I would vomit."
Everybody starts laughing after hearing it. Passing some notes about
Flowers like years. If a movie only had two actors throughout the entire
movie, how would it be? WKW's new movie Flower like years puts Tony
and Maggie on the pedestal. In the entire movie, there are just two of
them (sounds similiar to Happy Together, btw, most of the WKW movies are like
that. Makes you wonder if he is on a tight budget or something. Can't
spare another man? hehe...). This is a movie about
extramartial affairs, infidelity and adultery. Tony and Maggie would act
several roles. I guess before the film is finished, you never knew what it
is about.
6/24,
Kimura Takuya returned to Japan and told the press that he couldn't get used to
WKW's directing style, especially he is not used to act without a script.
In response to that, Tony said, " Nobody is pointing a gun at him to come
to HK." Asked if he is used to WKW's style, he said, " I feel more
comfortable this way, since there is no expectations." Kimura also
mentioned he felt pressured acting with Tony, in reply, Tony said, "it's
important to act your own part, acting is not a game of competition. There
is no need to feel pressured." Tony said Kimura seems to be a nice
boy, and he promised Kimura to take him out surfing next time he drops by.
Reports had Iceland Singer Bjork might join the production soon, asked if he
knew anything about it? Tony said he doesn't have any clue, WKW is
still trying to fill the other female lead. Maggie Cheung
is another possible candidate.
6/19, Kimura Takuya has finally arrived to HK to start fitting for his 2046
customes. Ever since his arrival, he was mobbed by fans and media alike. Tony,
Carina, Zhang Zhen(the other male lead...no Brad Pitt apparently) all showed up
early for the photo shoots. Zhang Zhen is also in Happy Together.. remember the
boy in the kitchen who had a crush on Tony(sort of). Faye will join the
production later. From what I am getting, the plot for 2046 is changing
everyday. Now WKW wants to make it like a Sci-fi, sort of the Star Wars of the
East... Tony is going to play a ROBOT!! Somehow, WKW will create this new
identity 2046-- mix parts of Kimura Takuya and Tony.
6/10, There is a huge celebrity used-cloth on sale right now in HK. Shown on
your right hand side, Tony's Gucci suit, originally priced at $13,000(hk), now
sales for $2,900. Definitely a bargain price for any collectors. The sale will
be held from 6/10 through 6/13. So if you live anywhere close to HK, it's still
not too late to shop right now. You can contact the place by phone--- 2367 8484
(1:00pm - 7:00pm). Good luck!
6/9, Tony and Carina received Platinum Gold Award yesterday. The award is hosted
by a hk local bank. Besides taking home the award, they also received a free
Platinum Gold Credit Card. Obviously, it's another promotional trick...
2046 is scheduled to start shooting around July. Tony told Carina she looks
better with a full figure. Since Tony was not known for saying flattering
things, Carina suspects there might be a conspiracy going on between Tony and
WKW, (Wong Kar Wai wants her to put on some weight for 2046). If you guys
haven't heard this already... for 2046, Carina will be paired with Brad Pitt!!!
Tony Leung with a European actress (dunno who yet) & Faye with Takuya.
6/7, this is a piece of old news, but I just found it on the web, and thought
you guys would want to know where Tony hangs out, so here we go. A few days ago,
to be exact, on the night of 6/2, Tony, Carina, Faye, and Maggie Cheung among
others went out party. They went to this place called BCC Tower in Tsimshatsui,
Hong Kong. On your right hand side, Tony was photographed walking into the
building with Carina. They were the first ones to arrive. Later on, Faye,
Maggie, Makeup artist Zing and Model Perry also showed up. There were lots of
fun places inside of BCC Tower, including Karate OKs, Bars, Clubs, Korean BBQ,
other restaurants, plus a travel agency. Tony and Carina were among the last
ones to leave. Around 5AM, they hopped on Tony's Land Rover and drove home.
5/7,
Tony is still working on Flower like Years(aka Fa Yeung Nin Fa). A Look at some
scenes from this movie, Tony is eating a Wonton Noodle while Maggie looks on.
Wong Kar Wai had ordered strick rules on the set. He had tighten the security
measure, so no movie stills could be leaked out. Some scoops of the movie was
published in this article. Apparently, this movie is not a modern-day movie. It
has a similar background as in Days of Being Wild, another Wong Kar Wai
masterpiece. In this scene, Tony is about to break up with Maggie. It
takes them 15 takes before Wong Kar Wai finally ok the scene. Tony is wearing a
gray suit ~~ 60's style. He is terminally ill and about to die.(don't ask me
why, what, and how, cuz I don't have a clue, I am merely translating this
article.) It's said that Flower like Years will be released in 2000. So they
will have plenty time to wrap up the post production once the shooting is done
in June. Wong War Wei hopes to start 2046 in July since Kimura Takuya would be
coming in by then.
4/24, As expected, Tony didn't win the Best Actor in HKFA. Instead Anthony Wong
Chau Sun (Beast Cops) beat him for his second HKFA award. Other winners
include-- Best Actress: Sandra Ng Kwan Yu (Portland Street Blues), Best
Supporting Actress: Hsu CHi (Portland Street Blues), Best Supporting Actor :
Patrick Tam Yiu Man (Beast Cops), Best Director : Gordon Chan Ka Seung (Beast
Cops), Best Film : Beast Cops (Ye Sau Ying Gaing). It's obvious that Beast Cops
pretty much swept through all the major awards. As for Tony, he attended the
event, and gave out the best supporting actress award to Hsu Chi(see the picture
on your right). Thanks to Candy who left a message on the board. she described, "Tony's not disappointed at all because he was
smiling and clapping for Wang when the Maggie Cheung announced the winner."
4/22, Kimura Takuya, the popular Japanese star agreed to film in Wong Kai Wei's
Next film "2046". 2046 also includes both Tony and Carina. Kimura
Takuya is looking forward to meet Tony. Since both are big surfing fans, Kimura
hopes to surf with Tony in their off days. Passing along some other notes, Tony
is going to attend HKFA on April 24th.
4/6, another Carina rumor has hit the town. According to this latest rumor, she
is dating a tvb news anchorman. Photos of them holding hands had been taken by
the paparazzi. When the reporters confronted Tony about this potential problem,
Tony laughed the rumor off by saying this anchorman is a good friend of his.
Carina was probably very drunk at the time, so his friend was simply holding her
hand and helping her to get back home. He said about three years ago, the same
thing happened to him. He attended a birthday party, and a female friend of his
got quite drunk, so he had to hold onto her and get her back home, only that
time with no paparazzi around. Tony joked about the never ending
gossips,"If I am seen with a girl, the very next day people will start
saying I am dating new girlfriend. If I just go out with a guy, then I am a
homosexual. If I am with a mature lady, the paper will say I like older ladies.
I rather be seen going out with a girl than with a guy, so no gay jokes would be
played on me." Another side note, Tony had just done a kissing scene with
Maggie Cheung in Flowers like years. He said Maggie looked much happier after
married. Tony hopes to finish up Flower like Years by the end of May.
3/5, Tony attended a public promo yesterday. It's a celebrity campaign to raise
public awareness of pirated VCD. Pirated VCD has become a major threat to HK
movie industry. During the chinese new year when Gorgeous had just released,
numerous pirated copies were already available to public. Chatting with the
reporters, Tony told a story about his recent encounter with the paparazzi. A
few days ago, he stopped by a gas station (near Siu Chi's home) to fill up the
tank. Suddenly, he saw flashlights going off. Somebody had snatched his pictures
while he was attending gas. It came as a sort of shock to him. It has been a
while since Tony last appeared in public. He is fashioning a new mustache for
movie "Flowers like Years". See his picture on the left hand side.
Some people said he looked like Clark Gable with the mustache. CN:My GOD! Tony looks like Clark Gable?! It just so happens that he is
my FAVORITE Hollywood actor. Sorry I have to make a self-promo now. Wanna to
know more about Clark Gable? Go to my Clark
Gable-Gone with the wind page!
2/26, Tony fans, Great News... Tony is again nominated for the best actor in the
18th Hong Kong Film Awards. The film he is been nominated for is Longest Night.
He will be competing with five other nominees, among them, Jackie Chan(Who am
I?), Leon Lai(City of Glass), and Lau Ching Wan(Longest Night). CN: I
think HKFA should have a permanent place for him. It seems every year he is
running for the award. Not that he needs any more trophy back home, but it would
be nice to see him winning his third HKFA Best Actor Award. Then again, not to
discourage any of you, the odds are against him. Speaking of which, maybe it's
time for somebody else to win something.
2/12, Tony and Carina went to a LV party last night. After hearing it's an
all-night party, Tony left after midnight. Carina stayed and danced the whole
night. It's a wild night for Carina. Apparently she had too much drinks, she
threw herself around and danced with various men. The photographers followed her
and took many provocative pictures.
2/5, Tony, Maggie Cheung, and Wong Kar Wai attended the press conference
yesterday for the upcoming movie "Flower like Years". Maggie surprised
everyone by announcing her marriage to Olivier Assayas. They were married on
Dec. 26th, 98. Immediately, the reporter asked Tony if he has any wedding plans.
He said not right now. Asked if he knew about Maggie's marriage, he said he
learned it like everybody else today. Asked if he still plans to ski in Japan
during the New Year Holiday. Tony chuckled. Wong Kar Wai has banned him from
skiing. Wong is worried the shooting might be slowed down if Tony gets hurt
again(Tony had an accident last year). Wong plans to finish 3 films this year.
Flower like years will start on Next Monday. Then it's 2046. Right now the cast
for 2046 only includes Tony and Carina. He plans to sign more people to that
movie. As for Summer in Beijing, it's still unclear as when it will begin.
1/31, After GORGEOUS(formerly known as The Glass Bottle), Tony will tentatively
work with Maggie Cheung Man Yuk on Wong Kar Wai's new film next month. However
if he successfully lands a role in the French film he is currently in
negotiations for, he must report to France next month. (Then that means this
year he will not have time to wed?) Tony said, "When did I say I will get
married this year!" Tony actually forgot that last year he publicly
expressed that he would wed Carina on September 9, 1999. After the reporters
reminded him, he said, "I really don't have time. I am already troubled by
the question, not to mention getting through with banquet. Ka Ling and I have
been together for so long, whether I wed or not doesn't depend on me alone.
Don't always think that I am the one who is unwilling!" He suggested that
the press should address the question with Carina. On top of that they are very
satisfied with their current status and things will not change unless a child
enters the equation.
1/30, In "Glass Bottle", Tony again played a homosexual character. At
first, he was against playing this role, but as the director explained the
situation to him, he reluctantly agreed. If he doesn't play this gay role, there
is no way to explain why Siu Chi would fall for Jackie Chan, not Tony. Afterall,
Tony is more handsome and much more attractive. It's so obvious that this kind
of plot would not work as long as Tony is straight, therefore, he'd sacrifice
for the sake of the movie. It's understandable why he doesn't want a gay role.
It leaves very little fascination left for his female fans. If you are wondering
at what extent the gayman he played, well, nothing explicit. Tony said he only
appeared on bed with another man, but nothing graphic, it's just a touch of
humor along with a few punch lines.
1/25, Tony and Siu Chi attended a charity event. This benefit goes to Jackie
Chan Foundation. Although Tony has won several best actor awards, but he has yet
to hit the big one. He hopes eventually he will win a big one, such as the best
actor in Berlin Film Festival. He said as long as he is not retiring, this dream
will never die. He hopes one day the dream will come true. One of the reasons he
doesn't want to go to Hollywood is because the good roles will never be given to
him, he rather stays in a smaller market making good movies. As for the French
movie he mentioned last time, this movie will be shot in Tibet, and it may last
as long as three months. He is still considering this movie at the moment. He
hopes this movie will make into Cannes and maybe winning the best actor for him.
CN: It's always good to dream big, and aim high. After
all, you have to want it to get it. Nothing comes easy though.
1/22, Tony makes a special appearance on Sandra Ng's show. Sandra is a very good
friend of his. They have known each other for years. Tony jokely says he has to
work hard now because he loves to spoil his mother and Carina with jewelries.
Whenever he goes out shopping, he always remembers to buy a pair of gifts, so
there won't be any problems at the end(ie jealousy). Tony mentioned he had so
much fun vacationing in Tokyo during Christmas. So much so, he plans to bring
both families, his and Carina's, to Japan for the Chinese New Year. Asked if he
ever considered venturing into Japanese cinema, Tony said he would rather stay
in HK. Another question was thrown at him, asked if he ever thought about posing
nude pictures (actor's nude pinup has become a popular item in HK), Tony replies
that he didn't have enough guts to do it. He had enough trouble just to convince
himself acting in those half-naked scenes (Chungking and Happy Together), never
mind the full nudity.
1/13, Tony told the reporters that he was no longer interested playing the
musical "A Chinese Ghost Story". There wouldn't be two "A Chinese
Ghost Story" productions. Some discussions had Leslie and Tony would take
turns starring as Ning. But Tony said it would take him at least a half year to
prepare for the musical, and since he doesn't have any stage experience, he
would need extra time to prepare. If he and Leslie are taking turns, their
performance would constantly be compared. Knowing Leslie has an advantage
because of his singing career, it's an obvious losing proposition.
After the Glass Bottle, Tony will be starting Wong War-Wai's new movie with
Maggie Cheung next month. He is also considering a French movie at the same
time. Asked if Tony knew that the Taiwan music company Golden Point has already
been shutdown, he said it doesn't matter much to him since he hasn't recorded
any album for years. CN: Tony is signed with Golden
Point, and he has released such albums as "a little love each day"..
1/5, Tony was interviewed by CNN about two days ago. (When did this happen?? I
had no idea. Have any of you watched it???) He was a special guest on CNN and
participated in a live call-in. Large numbers of fans from Taiwan, Korea, and
HongKong called in. Tony spoke in English, unlike Leon Lai who was a guest on
the previous show he spoke in Mandarin and required translation. During the
show, the host asked Tony if he was terrified having to appear on an
international channel with millions watching because his shyness was so
well-known. Tony replied that he didn't have any jitters. He was a show-off,
even as a kid. This is also why he loves acting because it satisfies his
showmanship. He has always wanted to become a director, when he asked good
friend Wong Kar-wai for help, Wong told him it's not the right time yet.
According to a report, Tony needs to pay $3.38 Million (HK dollar) in taxes for
1998. He has earned up to $22.5 Million (HK dollar) for the year of 1998. Asked
if these numbers are correct, Tony replied that the number is a little
exaggerated, but close enough. He also said he has being paying millions in
taxes every year. The report also mentioned his endorsement income is even
higher than his regular movie income. To which, he said it is true. Because
commericals target a broader base, therefore, he should get paid more. Asked if
he intended to get married in 1999, he said probably not. Since both he and
Carina are not planning to have children in the near future, it's pointless to
get married now that they are very happy together. If there is an urgency, ie
pregnancy, he will consider marriage then. Another report says Tony is
purchasing a house in Singapore, when asked him about it, he ducked the question
and said he didn't know much about it. You may not know this.
Tony makes $5 Million(HK) for endorsement, but he only makes $4 mil for a movie.
1/3, Happy New Years! This is just in. Tony is still trying to finish up
"The Glass Bottle" so he can get on with Wong War-Wai's "Flower
like Years". "The Glass Bottle" is trying to meet the deadline
for Chinese New Year. (Jackie Chan's movie always scores good during the
Holidays.) Meanwhile, Carina is heading to India as a guest of Childreach
programme. Based on a current statistics, there are 1.4 billion children living
in poverty today around the world. Carina hopes to raise more public awareness
for the deprived and poverty-ridden children with her trip.