Father Geek here with our regular Thursday edition of The Asia-AICN report from Darius25's coverage of Bollywood to AccSpy's look at HongKong/China to pigmon's trip thru this week's Japanese Cinema AICN was there for you this week. Before we get to our international reporters Father Geek's got this for you that appeared this morning on my old rolltop desk's monitor...
New York, NY –July 11, 2002-- Asian CineVision, in association with the Asia Society, is proud to announce the complete feature film line up for the 25th ASIAN AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL (AAIFF), Friday, July 19 - Saturday, July 27 at the Asia Society & Museum, 725 Park Ave (at 70th St). The 25th AAIFF will showcase over 20 feature length films, and over 100 short films, from all over the world that include the World, U.S. or New York Premieres of the latest blockbusters from Hong Kong, Korea and Japan; acclaimed arthouse films; directorial debuts and a retrospective series. For complete program and ticket info, visit www.asiancinevision.org or call (212) 989-1422.
The AAIFF is also proud to announce that legendary director Martin Scorsese
("Taxi Driver", "Goodfellas") will make a personal appearance at the Festival
to introduce Cecil B. DeMille's 1915 silent classic THE CHEAT, which Mr.
Scorsese personally selected for this year's AAIFF, on Saturday, July 20th,
2002 at 12:00 Noon at the Asia Society & Museum in New York City.
FILMS AT THE 25th AAIFF:
U.S. Premieres
World Premieres
New York Premieres
Retrospective Films
Other Feature Highlights
That's all for now...
Princess Ling Moy, the Daughter of the Dragon
Father Geek back, just long enough to introduce our far east editor... Here's Darius25 and the...
Asia-AICN Report
Hey all, I hope you’ve enjoyed last week’s festivities and are getting used to the daily routines of a work-oriented life. We have some great new scoops in this column, including news on “Devdas”, “Chor Machaye Shor (Thief Makes Noise)”, “"My Wife is Underage”, “Journey to the West”, “Mastle Heat”, “13 Kwaidan” and the results from the “Z-Gold Bollywood Awards 2002”. We also have some pics from “Mujhse Dosti Karoge (Want to be Friends?)”, “Humraaz (The Confidante)”, “Naked Weapon”, and “Ghost in the Office”. Enjoy!
INDIA
- This is a heads up to all of you that the Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s “Devdas” is finally hitting the big screens tomorrow. The highly anticipated film is reportedly India’s costliest production to date, and trust me, it WILL be worth seeing on the big-screen. If you have any interest in Bollywood (or foreign film in general), don’t miss an opportunity to see a lavish musical spectacle like this on the largest screen possible. The film is playing in all of the usual Indian theatres around the world, but is also playing in many mainstream theatres in North America (even some IMAX theatres). It is playing in roughly 250 theatres overseas, and since the demand is REALLY high for this film, expect it to make a big splash at the North American Box Office charts this weekend. Don’t forget to send in your reviews on the film!
- David Dhawan has quietly finished principal photography for his next comedy “Chor Machaye Shor (Thief Makes Noise)”. The film will star Bobby Deol as a master thief after an extremely valuable diamond, while romancing both Bipasha Basu and Shilpa Shetty at the same time. It is being rushed for a late August release, making it the third Dhawan film released this summer.
- Sanjay Gupta’s highly-anticipated “Kaante (Thorns)” is finally complete and is now awaiting release. Principal photography was completed last fall and the film was in post-production until very recently. Backed with an aggressive marketing campaign, the producers of the film have decided to hold 9 international premieres in August to celebrate its release. The main premiere will be held in Los Angeles, which will have many Hollywood and Bollywood celebrities, including the entire starcast – Amitabh Bachchan, Sanjay Dutt, Sunil Shetty, Kumar Gaurav, Lucky Ali, and Mahesh Manjrekar. The other cities in which the premieres will be held include Delhi, Mumbai (Bombay), New York, London, Dubai, Johannesberg, Chicago, and San Francisco. The film will itself release on August 22. I urge many of you to attend the premieres (if possible) and then the scoops in for the rest of us to enjoy!
- Some new pictures were released from Yashraj Films’ next production, “Mujhse Dosti Karoge (Want to be Friends?)”. The film, directed by newcomer Kunal Kohli, stars Hrithik Roshan, Kareena Kapoor, Rani Mukherjee, and Uday Chopra. It is slated for release on August 9. Here’s the pics.
Kareena Kapoor yummy shot #1: What a Babe!
Kareena Kapoor yummy shot #2: Simply Wonderful
The equally gorgeous Rani Mukherjee, along with Hrithik Roshan: Too Yummy
And a final pic of the leading trio: Just Click
- Here are the results of the “Z Gold-Bollywood Awards 2002” held at the Nassau Coliseum in New York a couple of weeks last week. This was the second last major awards show of the season (with just India’s National Awards remaining) and the results weren’t all too different from the other awards held this spring. The one major surprise was “Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (Happiness and Sorrow)” winning Best Film over “Lagaan” and I got to agree that the right film won. Otherwise, everything was usual – Aamir, Kajol won top honours in acting, while Ashutosh Gawariker won Best Director. Here is the complete list:
And the Wiinners are:
- Best Actor: AAMIR KHAN (Laagan)
- Best Actress: KAJOL (K3G)
- Best Film: KABHI KHUSHI KABHIE GHAM
- Best Director: ASHUTOSH GOWARIKER (Laagan)
- Best Music Director: A.R. RAHMAN (Laagan)
- Best Supporting Actor: HRITHIK ROSHAN (K3G)
- Best Supporting Actress: RAVEENA TANDON (Aks)
- Best Comedian: SAIF ALI KHAN (Dil Chahta Hai)
- Best Villain: AMRISH PURI (Gadar - Ek Prem Katha)
- Best Debut Male: TUSHAR KAPOOR (Mujhe Kuch Kehna Hai)
- Best Debut Female: DIYA MIRZA (Rehna Hai Terre Dil Mein)
- Best Sensational Role Male: SALMAN KHAN (Chori Chori Chupke Chupke)
- Best Sensational Role Female: URMILA MATONDKAR (Pyar Tune Kya Kiya)
- Best Male Singer: SHANKER MAHADEVAN (Dil Chahta Hai)
- Best Female Singer: ALKA YAGNIK (Sansanana - Asoka)
- Best Costume Designer: MANISH MALHOTRA (K3G)
- Critic's Award Best Male Performance: AAMIR KHAN (Laagan)
- Critic's Award Best Female Performance: RAVEENA TANDON (Aks)
- Best Choreography: FARAH KHAN (K3G)
- Best Costume Designer: MANISH MALHOTRA (K3G)
- Best Lyrics: ANAND BAKSHI (Gadar - Ek Prem Katha)
- Best Story: ASHUTOSH GOWARIKER (Laagan)
- Best Cinematography: SANTOSH SIVAN (Asoka)
- Best Editing: JAGMOHAN MUNDHRA (Bawandar)
- Best Screenplay: KARAN JOHAR & SHEENA PAREKH (K3G)
- Lifetime Achievement Award: JEETENDRA
- Special Award: FIRST LADY OF GUYANA- UMA JAGDEO
HUMRAAZ (The Confidante)
Last week’s new release was directors Abbas-Mustan’s follow-up to last fall’s average hit, “Ajnabee (The Stranger)”. Much like the previous film, this new release is also a very sophisticated modern thriller with a stellar cast, good suspense, awesome songs, and some stunning visuals. The similarities just don’t end there…
Again, like “Ajnabee”, this movie will only be fully enjoyed if you don’t know thing about the plot whatsoever. But since there has to be some plot outline, I will indulge in a little detail: Karan (Akshaye Khanna) and Priya (the ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS Amisha Patel) are lovers belonging to a fledgling musical troupe. The two have their sights set on obtaining a gig on a new Ocean cruise-line being started by famous industrialist Raj Singhania (Bobby Deol). After a few setbacks, the troupe finally getting the gig on the cruise which sets off a month-long trip to Malaysia. Raj is also onboard the ship and is instantly smitten by Priya’s beauty and charm. He uses his wealth to indulge her in super-expensive items and manages to win her affections (much to the apparent dismay of Karan). Raj proposes to Priya and she immediately accepts. What follows is a twisted game of deceit, blackmail, and murder that will shatter our three leads (much to our enjoyment).
Right away off the bat, I can say that Akshaye Khanna has turned in a brilliant performance as the main heavy (don’t worry it’s not a surprise). Much like Akshay Kumar’s negative turn in the “Ajnabee”, this other Akhshaye uses his innocent looks to charm, deceive, and con his way to the audiences’ hearts and then hit them when they least expect it. The guy is not known for his strong acting (and I don’t even like him as an actor!) but his character works here and easily chews the scenery whenever he’s on the screen. Bobby Deol also turns in a good performance in the standard hero role, but unlike other heroes (including his own character in “Ajnabee”), he starts to turn on everybody during his drastic transformation in the second half. This is where he starts to venture into the darker areas of morality, and I must admit, the actor is able to pull it off with ease. Amisha Patel, beauty aside, is also a great performer and gives another decent (and believable) performance here. She’s a looker and knows it, and plays the game perfectly for the first half, and in the second half is still quite believable as Bobby’s “unsuspecting” wife. One of the film’s major strengths is the characterizations of the three actors, and all three are able to come through and provide the goods.
The highlight of the film is of course the plot, which has more twists and turns that is usually expected in a routine thriller. While some elements may be copied from certain Hollywood films (including a recent thriller), the overall plot is fresh and suspenseful enough to keep you guessing till the final scene. The film is also unique in the fact that not one of these characters is likable enough to gain our sympathies – of course Bobby has our attention for the most part, but a key plot element throws everything down the drain. Akshaye is of course the most interesting of the leads, and while we want to know what he’s about to do next, he’s definitely not the one who we should be rooting for. This element of unusual heroes is very unique in Bollywood, and its good to see that Abbas-Mustan are trying to revitalize the industry in their own way.
Another highlight for the film is its taut direction by the duo famous for their exciting thrillers. The two are almost masters in the genre, and they know how to keep the plot running just steps away from the audiences’ expectations. The camera work is just fantastic with great picturesque locales, crisp photography, lavish production values (it looks like your regular A-grade Hollywood film), and some well-handled camera angles. The music is also excellent with a great score by Himesh Reshammiya, who’s quickly climbing up the charts of Bollywood music. The songs have that quietly disturbing feeling to it, while being upbeat and foot-tapping at the same time. And the beats are just fantastic!!
All in all, “Humraaz” is an excellent thriller much like the directors’ “Ajnabee” and this year’s “Aankhen”. It’s got everything in it – great music, clever suspense, Amisha Patel, and good scenery-chewing from Akshaye Khanna and Bobby Deol. Hell, if nothing else, it provides you a good reason to stare at Amisha for 2 and a half hours!!
Akshaye, Amisha, and Bobby – the deadly trio: They're All Right Here
Tell me you don’t want this: Gimme... Gimme!
Amisha and Akshaye – love or greed? Decide Right Here
Check out Amisha in this pic!! Too Cool
And in this one! WOW!
Bobby Deol and Akshaye Khanna in a deal gone sour: See Them Here
Ok, ok, I’ll leave you with this one final pic: Click
HK / CHINA
For those living in Toronto, don't forget that this weekend, Royal Cinema is having a special screening of director Chang Cheh's "5 Masters of Death". This is a rare screening of the classic film so fans of tradition Kung Fu flicks won't want to miss a great opportunity of seeing this on the big screen.
For more details, Click Here Right Now
Here’s the latest report from AccSpy:
- Columbia Studios is considering financing $60 millions HKD to adopt another film version of the acclaimed novel "Journey to The West", due to the recent popularity of a yet another TV series adaptation in Asia. Dicky Cheung might star in the picture as Monkey King (for the third time in his career), while the director of the film is being considered upon in HK. Since this is only the preliminary stage, the film won’t start shooting till early next year.
- Ekin Cheng and Charlene Choi are now in London shooting a romantic comedy "My Wife is Underage".
- Here's an on set pic of "Naked Weapon", with Anya and Maggie Q: Check Them Out Right Here
- Stephen Fung and Shu Qi are shooting romantic horror "Ghost in the Office", here's the on set pics:
Pic #1: Click Here
Pic #2: Just Go Here
- Here are some pics from director Chang Cheh's funeral held on July 7th which, coincidentally, was also the date of death of Fu Sing - one of the Cheh's students and an up-and-rising star at Shaw Brothers. Sing died in a car crash in 1983.
John Woo and Wang Yu in the front as pallbearers: See Them Here
Danny Lee and David Yee with Mrs Chang Cheh: They're Right Here
A Shot of Director John Woo: Just Click Here
- "Minority Report" captured $8.7 mil in HK last weekend, becoming the latest chart-topper of the season. Jordan Chan and Kelly Lin's horror flick "Sleeping with the Dead" came second with $1.5 mil. The previous no.1 film "Windtalkers" fell to no.3. Singapore family film "I’m Not Stupid" generated strong buzz and continue to climb the charts to no.4 with a total grossing of $2.5 mil so far.
JAPAN
Here’s the latest report from Pigmon:
- Director Ten Shimoyama’s “Mastle Heat” has just wrapped shooting. Kayne Kosugi (son of famous actor Sho Kosugi) stars as a Japanese cop who has to team up with an American detective to stop distribution of a deadly new drug spreading in Hong Kong and Tokyo. The film is set to release in the fall.
- Famous rock stars Gack and Hyde will make their feature-film debut in director Atsuhisa Sese’s “Moon”. The futuristic gangster film has Gack playing a Yakuza boss going up against Hyde (who’s probably a cop in the film). The shooting is set to begin very soon and the film will release next spring.
- Takashi Sorimach, one of the top stars in Japan, will make his comeback after 3 years in “13 Kaidan”, directed by Nagasawa Masahiko. In the plot based on last year’s best selling novel of the same name, Sorimachi plays a man claiming innocence of a murder he didn’t commit. He goes on the lam, and teams up with a prison guard to catch the real murderer. Sure it sounds very familiar, but expect some wickedly cool action, and even some great FX. The film will be released by Toho next February.
- “Minority Report” has been chosen as the opening film for this year’s Tokyo International Film Festival (taking place at the end of October). Both Tom Cruise and Steven Spielberg are expected to attend. There are also rumours floating around that “Gangs of New York” would be this year’s closing film. Let’s see if it that comes through...
