source: sina
translated by: Sarah @ http://asianfanatics.net
Yesterday, mainland China released a ‘Chinese Artists Commercial Value Report’. This report is based on public reputation, trust and expectations. The total statistical data contained 379,879 samples. The results were released and ‘old King’ Andy Lau was 92.47%, beating ‘new King’ Jay Chou and ‘big brother’ Jackie Chan, taking first place.
Among the artists, who is the ‘most valuable star’ in the eyes of the public? Surprisingly, survey results revealed that ‘old King’ Andy Lau took first place with 92.47%, and has become the artist with the highest commerical value, in a total survey of 700 artists. As for Jay Chou, who attracted $150,000,000yuan this year, took second place with 91.19%. Following on, ‘big brother’ Jackie Chan took third place with 89.76%.
4th = Jet Li (89.21%)
5th = Zhang Zi Yi (88.65%)
6th = Vicki Zhao (88.65%)
7th = Chen Dao Ming (88.30%)
8th = Li Ming (87.94%)
9th = Sun Hong Lei (87.80%)
10th = Maggie Cheung
In the top 10, male stars’ commercial value are evidently higher than female stars, as males occupied 7 places, furthermore top 5 are all male. Comparatively, Edison Chen, Deng Jie, Zang Tian Shuo etc have been bogged down due to too much negative news, and their placings are far behind. Comparatively, the ‘mass destruction’ brought on Deng Jie from the poisonous milk scandal*, seems to be more than Edison’s nude photo scandal.
*Deng Jie endorsed the San Lu milk powder for infants
Showing posts with label zhang Ziyi. Show all posts
Showing posts with label zhang Ziyi. Show all posts
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Film Review: Mei Langfeng in full rose-tinted Technicolor
FILM REVIEW: Mei Langfeng in full rose-tinted Technicolor
Chen Kaige’s biopic of the Beijing opera legend Mei Langfang is a refined production but reveals nothing more than what is already known
By Ho Yi / Taipei Times
After 2005’s disastrous fantasy epic The Promise (無極), Chinese director Chen Kaige (陳凱歌) seeks to re-establish his name with a return to Beijing Opera, the subject matter that brought him international acclaim more than a decade ago when his 1993 Farewell My Concubine (霸王別姬) won the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival and earned two Oscar nominations.
A biographical film about the life of Beijing opera legend Mei Langfang (梅蘭芳), Forever Enthralled (梅蘭芳) feels and looks like a mirror image of its iconic protagonist — polished, elegant, but fettered and lacking a real sense of flesh and blood.
Composed of three acts, the film begins with the young Mei (Yu Shaoqun, 余少群) coming to the fore as an emerging talent who isn’t afraid to innovate and modernize the ancient performing art form. The climactic Beijing opera match between Mei and his mentor Shi Shanyan, played by veteran Chinese actor Wang Xueqi (王學圻), ends with the passing of the aged maestro and thus the end of an era.
The following two acts pale in comparison to the opening chapter, which recalls director Chen’s artistry and is worth a visit to the theater alone. The second part centers on the love affair between noted Beijing opera performer Meng Xiaodong (Zhang Ziyi, 章子怡) and the married Mei (Leon Lai, 黎明). Despite the cast members’ competent performances, the story suffers from a lack of dramatic intensity and a sometimes labored narrative.
In the final act, the film takes up a tone of patriotism rather abruptly when Mei is painted as a flag-waving artist who refuses to ply his art in the service of the Japanese invaders during the Second Sino-Japanese War. Mei’s legend concludes with China’s greatest Beijing opera performer returning to the stage under the Communist regime.
Wang dazzles with his superb portrait of Shi, a tragic figure who clings to the ideas and virtues of imperial China, valuing dignity and honor over life.
Wang fills each of his gestures with drama and nuanced emotion. His opera performance exudes equal amounts of charm and delicacy, making it hard to believe that the actor spent a mere four months picking up the basics of Beijing opera before shooting the movie.
Surprisingly, novice actor Yu is not overcome by Wang’s remarkable presence and turns in a commendable performance as the young Mei. Cast in the role of Qi Rubai, Mei’s mentor, agent and friend, seasoned thespian Sun Honglei (孫紅雷) steals the show for the rest of the film with his slightly overstated but potent performance.
Though it is opined that Lai’s gentle and feminine disposition makes him the ideal candidate for the role of the adult Mei, the actor is fated to fail since he plays not a living person, but an immortalized legend, revered and extolled but deprived of weaknesses, secrets, emotions and even humanity.
The same failing applies to the film itself. Adhering to the orthodox historical perspective on Mei, Chen’s work avoids the scandalous, the political and the human lying beneath the character’s veneer.
Director Chen learns to adapt and compromise with those who are keen on preserving Mei as a national hero in Forever Enthralled and Lai’s Mei is destined to be dull and flat, whereas other characters shine with their defects.
FILM NOTES
Forever Enthralled (梅蘭芳)
DIRECTED BY: Chen Kaige (陳凱歌)
STARRING: Leon Lai (黎明) as adult Mei Lanfang, Yu Shaoqun (余少群) as young Mei Lanfang, Wang Xueqi (王學圻) as Shi Shanyan, Zhang Ziyi (章子怡) as Meng Xiaodong, Sun Honglei (孫紅雷) as Qi Rubai, Chen Hong (陳紅) as Fu Zhifang
LANGUAGE: In Mandarin with Chinese and English subtitles
RUNNING TIME: 145 MINUTES
TAIWAN RELEASE: Limited screenings from today through Sunday.
Official release on Dec. 19
Sunday, November 23, 2008
It's All about the Real Mei Lanfang: Director
It's All about the Real Mei Lanfang: Director
CRIENGLISH.com
The long-awaited biopic of late Peking Opera master Mei Lanfang will hit cinemas in China on December 12.
The film tells the untold stories of the legendary artist, said director Chen Kaige at the launch ceremony of the movie's official website.
Mei Lanfang has been highly worshiped both for his unparalleled artistic achievement in Peking Opera, and his patriotic deeds during times of unrest in the early 20th century.
"The life of Mei Lanfang is more than just an enigmatic legend, as an ordinary and conscientious person of his time, he’s no different than others in personality," director Chen Kaige said about the character.
"It's full of dilemma, agony and perseverance in life," he added. "Every character is vivid and real. And you can really connect with them in the movie."
CRIENGLISH.com
The long-awaited biopic of late Peking Opera master Mei Lanfang will hit cinemas in China on December 12.
The film tells the untold stories of the legendary artist, said director Chen Kaige at the launch ceremony of the movie's official website.
Mei Lanfang has been highly worshiped both for his unparalleled artistic achievement in Peking Opera, and his patriotic deeds during times of unrest in the early 20th century.
"The life of Mei Lanfang is more than just an enigmatic legend, as an ordinary and conscientious person of his time, he’s no different than others in personality," director Chen Kaige said about the character.
"It's full of dilemma, agony and perseverance in life," he added. "Every character is vivid and real. And you can really connect with them in the movie."
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Film version of "Mu Lan" in the works
Wu-Jing.org
Since a few years back, Stanley Tong and Michelle Yeoh had announced their intentions to film live action versions of Hua Mu Lan, but for whatever reasons, neither versions have come into being.
And now, Jingle Ma intends to shoot his version of Mulan in Hong Kong in February 2009, possibly starring Singapore singer Stefanie Sun Yan Zi and Louis Koo. The budget is around 50m yuan, and the film is being produced by Mainland film companies. Stefanie Sun's friend says that they are in negotiations, but nothing is finalised yet.
Disney, which made the hit animation Mulan in 1998, is also planning a live adaptation, budgeted at US$120m. Script was being written two years back. They hope to cast Zhang Ziyi and Donnie Yen in the leading roles, and hope to get Johnnie To to direct.
Johnnie To, having other commitments, would only be available towards the end of 2009. He says that he hasn't decided if he'd take up the offer.
Donnie Yen says that last year, he was indeed being approached to play General Li Guang alongside Zhang Ziyi , but hasn't heard any further word from them. He does not have any idea on when it'd begin production, but looks forward to it, nevertheless. Lianhe Wanbao
Since a few years back, Stanley Tong and Michelle Yeoh had announced their intentions to film live action versions of Hua Mu Lan, but for whatever reasons, neither versions have come into being.
And now, Jingle Ma intends to shoot his version of Mulan in Hong Kong in February 2009, possibly starring Singapore singer Stefanie Sun Yan Zi and Louis Koo. The budget is around 50m yuan, and the film is being produced by Mainland film companies. Stefanie Sun's friend says that they are in negotiations, but nothing is finalised yet.
Disney, which made the hit animation Mulan in 1998, is also planning a live adaptation, budgeted at US$120m. Script was being written two years back. They hope to cast Zhang Ziyi and Donnie Yen in the leading roles, and hope to get Johnnie To to direct.
Johnnie To, having other commitments, would only be available towards the end of 2009. He says that he hasn't decided if he'd take up the offer.
Donnie Yen says that last year, he was indeed being approached to play General Li Guang alongside Zhang Ziyi , but hasn't heard any further word from them. He does not have any idea on when it'd begin production, but looks forward to it, nevertheless. Lianhe Wanbao
Saturday, November 1, 2008
China to see box office jam in December
Written by Clifford Coonan @ Variety Asia
Thursday, 30 October 2008
BEIJING – December is shaping up to be a busy month in China's movie theaters as some of the biggest names in the Chinese language biz bow major titles in the increasingly lucrative mainland market.
"Farewell, My Concubine" helmer Chen Kaige's latest exploration of the Peking opera world, the epic "Mei Lanfang," starring Leon Lai and Zhang Ziyi and featuring Gillian Chung, opens in December. One of China's greatest helmers, critics felt he dropped the ball with his martial arts epic "The Promise" two years ago and will be keen to see if the three-years-in-the-making biopic marks a return to form.
Tsui Hark's new comedy, "Not All Women are Bad", which will be called "All About Women" on the mainland after the Film Bureau reportedly disapproved of its English title, is due for release on December 4th. Pic features some of the biggest names in Greater China cinema -- Zhou Xun from the mainland, Kwai Lun-mei from Taiwan and Hong Kong's Kitty Zhang.
Beijing local hero Feng Xiaogang, invigorated by the success of his patriotic war pic "Assembly" is due to release his latest movie, "If You Are My Match" starring regular collaborator Ge You and Shu Qi, on December 22nd, for the Christmas season.
Even though Christmas is not traditionally a festival in the Chinese calendar, the Christmas market has become important in terms of B.O. as young people like to celebrate the Western holiday with a trip to the movies.
It's been a funny year at the B.O. in China, with figures skewed by the Beijing Olympics in August. In the run-up to, and during, the Games, was not a good time for bowing a movie, but a flurry of 10 pics was released in the Olympic aftermath in September, gaining 241 million yuan ($35 million) in B.O., a rise of 75% on the previous year according to China Film Group.
B.O. between June and August rose 14% to nearly one billion yuan ($150 million).
Much of the biz' focus has been on improving exhibition. The first six months of this year saw 62 new cinemas built, with 301 new screens, which means China now has 1,489 cinemas with 3,828 screens.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
'Mei Lanfang' Premieres Its MV Globally
CRIENGLISH.com
A press conference to promote the release of the music video for director Chen Kaige's biopic 'Mei Lanfang' kicked off in Mei Lanfang Grand Theatre in Beijing on Tuesday afternoon, the sohu.com reports.
The leading duo, popular Chinese mainland actress Zhang Ziyi and Hong Kong actor Leon Lai showed up for the event.
Zhang joined hands with Leon to record the title song 'You Feel My Love' in September.
Zhang expressed thanks to Leon for his help in shooting the video. She said, though not good at singing, she sang with heart and hoped to express her innermost feelings. The actress recalled that when she sang the song, memories of the movie ran through her mind.
Leon Lai, who, a pop singer himself, plays late master of Peking opera Mei Lanfang, directed and produced the video. It is his debut work as a director. He wished that the video would be as refined as the movie itself.
The promotional music video for movie "Mei Lanfang" premiered globally Tuesday afternoon, which also marks the official start of the promo activities for this year's much-anticipated blockbuster.
The film is scheduled to hit theaters in December.
A press conference to promote the release of the music video for director Chen Kaige's biopic 'Mei Lanfang' kicked off in Mei Lanfang Grand Theatre in Beijing on Tuesday afternoon, the sohu.com reports.
The leading duo, popular Chinese mainland actress Zhang Ziyi and Hong Kong actor Leon Lai showed up for the event.
Zhang joined hands with Leon to record the title song 'You Feel My Love' in September.
Zhang expressed thanks to Leon for his help in shooting the video. She said, though not good at singing, she sang with heart and hoped to express her innermost feelings. The actress recalled that when she sang the song, memories of the movie ran through her mind.
Leon Lai, who, a pop singer himself, plays late master of Peking opera Mei Lanfang, directed and produced the video. It is his debut work as a director. He wished that the video would be as refined as the movie itself.
The promotional music video for movie "Mei Lanfang" premiered globally Tuesday afternoon, which also marks the official start of the promo activities for this year's much-anticipated blockbuster.
The film is scheduled to hit theaters in December.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Zhang Ziyi, Leon Lai Sing for 'Mei Lanfang'
CRIENGLISH.com
For those who can't wait to see Zhang Ziyi and Leon Lai in "Mei Lanfang," check out this preview - a promotional music video for the film, starring both stars.
The song "You Feel My Love" and its music video were released Tuesday, roughly two months ahead of the release of the much-anticipated biopic of Peking opera legend Mei Lanfang, Sina.com.cn reports.
Leon Lai, who plays Mei Lanfang and has been a pop singer himself, directed and produced the video. "For a long time, I couldn't take the film off my mind," Lai said.
No stranger to singing, this however is Zhang Ziyi's first music video of her own music. The actress, who plays Mei Lanfang's fellow singer Meng Xiaodong, said the video took her back to the days of shooting the film. "The character is one of my favorite," Zhang said, calling the love between Meng and Mei her "most impressive on-screen romance."
Shooting of "Mei Lanfang," the latest work directed by the Golden Palm-winning Chen Kaige, was finished in February. It is currently in post-production.
For those who can't wait to see Zhang Ziyi and Leon Lai in "Mei Lanfang," check out this preview - a promotional music video for the film, starring both stars.
The song "You Feel My Love" and its music video were released Tuesday, roughly two months ahead of the release of the much-anticipated biopic of Peking opera legend Mei Lanfang, Sina.com.cn reports.
Leon Lai, who plays Mei Lanfang and has been a pop singer himself, directed and produced the video. "For a long time, I couldn't take the film off my mind," Lai said.
No stranger to singing, this however is Zhang Ziyi's first music video of her own music. The actress, who plays Mei Lanfang's fellow singer Meng Xiaodong, said the video took her back to the days of shooting the film. "The character is one of my favorite," Zhang said, calling the love between Meng and Mei her "most impressive on-screen romance."
Shooting of "Mei Lanfang," the latest work directed by the Golden Palm-winning Chen Kaige, was finished in February. It is currently in post-production.
Friday, September 19, 2008
Mei Lanfang" Could Face Trouble over Contract Issues
CRIENGLISH
Director Chen Kaige's new biopic of the late Peking opera master Mei Lanfang is expected to debut on December 12th. However this release date could be in question due to contract disputes between the film's co-investors, sohu.com reported on Thursday.
The would-be blockbuster staring Leon Lai and Zhang Ziyi has almost completed post-production. However, the film's maker, the China Film Group, has been taken to court by co-sponsor Milimeter over rights infringements. Milimeter is requesting that the China Film Group suspend all matters relating to the film, according to reports from the HK-based weekly "Next Magazine".
Milimeter Films, copyright holder of "Mei Lanfang", signed a contract with the China Film Group to co-fund and shoot the film in 2004. By 2007 the two sides reached another agreement, stating Milimeter is entitled to shoot the film and confirming that the China Film Group must first sign an official contract transferring rights before shooting could begin.
It turns out that the film production team started shooting in July 2004, without first signing the contract with Milimeter; therefore Milimeter has filed a lawsuit seeking a ban on further production.
The China Film Group has so far not responded to the issue, while sources within the production team claim they have been informed but do not take it too seriously.
Last week, the duo of Leon Lai and Zhang Ziyi met to record songs for the film and shot music videos.
Who will win the case? The answer remains to be seen.
Director Chen Kaige's new biopic of the late Peking opera master Mei Lanfang is expected to debut on December 12th. However this release date could be in question due to contract disputes between the film's co-investors, sohu.com reported on Thursday.
The would-be blockbuster staring Leon Lai and Zhang Ziyi has almost completed post-production. However, the film's maker, the China Film Group, has been taken to court by co-sponsor Milimeter over rights infringements. Milimeter is requesting that the China Film Group suspend all matters relating to the film, according to reports from the HK-based weekly "Next Magazine".
Milimeter Films, copyright holder of "Mei Lanfang", signed a contract with the China Film Group to co-fund and shoot the film in 2004. By 2007 the two sides reached another agreement, stating Milimeter is entitled to shoot the film and confirming that the China Film Group must first sign an official contract transferring rights before shooting could begin.
It turns out that the film production team started shooting in July 2004, without first signing the contract with Milimeter; therefore Milimeter has filed a lawsuit seeking a ban on further production.
The China Film Group has so far not responded to the issue, while sources within the production team claim they have been informed but do not take it too seriously.
Last week, the duo of Leon Lai and Zhang Ziyi met to record songs for the film and shot music videos.
Who will win the case? The answer remains to be seen.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Zhang Ziyi Magnifies Mercedes
Actress Zhang Ziyi attends an event to promote the Mercedes-Benz SLK series sedan at the 2008 Beijing International Automotive Exhibition “Auto China 2008″ on Sunday.
Zhang Ziyi will team up with Jackie Chan to sing “Stand Up,” the theme song for The One, a tribute film to the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.
The 29-year-old actress will also be branching out by hosting an English TV program titled The Story of Wildlife, which aims to draw attention to wild animals facing extinction.
The program’s premiere show time has not yet been determined.
justjared
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