a still from ‘A Better Tomorrow’
John Woo’s 1986 Classic ‘A Better Tomorrow’ to Hit Chinese Cinema Screens on November 17
‘A Better Tomorrow,’ a classic Hong Kong crime film made by John Woo in 1986, will hit Chinese cinema screens for the first time on November 17. Mainland audiences will see the newly restored version of the film. Starring Yun-Fat Chow, Lung Ti, and Leslie Cheung, ‘A Better Tomorrow’ tells a story between a reforming ex-gangster and his estranged policeman brother. When the film was first released in Hong Kong in 1986, it became the highest grossing movie of the year in Hong Kong and brought instant fame to the featured stars in the Greater China region. The film had a profound influence on film industry both in Hong Kong and abroad. Read more on Mtime
Documentary Producer Left China’s CCTV for Tencent?
Recently, acclaimed Chinese documentary producer Chen Xiaoqing, who became well-known for his hit documentary series ‘A Bite of China,’ left his position at China’s predominant state broadcaster CCTV. While Chen didn’t explain why he left CCTV, many speculated that Chen was approached by investors who were interested in collaborating with him on documentary initiatives. According to National Business Daily’s investigation, Chen is most likely to join Chinese tech giant Tencent, as some of Chen’s former colleagues already joined companies that are under Tencent. In addition, Tencent has revealed its interest in documentaries before. Last year, Tencent formed a partnership with BBC to stream 1000 hours of BBC documentaries on Tencent Video. Read more on National Business Daily
Joan Chen Wraps Shooting Feature Film ‘English’
After three months’ hard work in China’s Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, Chinese American filmmaker Joan Chen finally wrapped the filming of her latest feature film ‘English (‘Ying Ge Li Shi’) on October 24. Adapted from a novel of the same name by Chinese writer Wang Gang, ‘English’ tells moving stories between sent-down teachers and local children in Xinjiang during China’s Cultural Revolution. The film is expected to be released in 2018. Read more on Mtime
Chinese Actress Zhao Wei Along with Other Asian Stars Kicks off the 30th Tokyo International Film Festival
The 30th Tokyo International Film Festival opened on October 25 (Local Time) in Japan’s capital. Chinese actress Zhao Wei appeared on the opening red carpet as a juror for the festival’s main competition section. This year, Chinese suspense drama ‘The Looming Storm’ was nominated to compete for the Tokyo Sakura Grand Prix, the festival’s highest prize. In addition, the festival presented a sneak preview of renowned Chinese filmmaker Chen Kaige’s latest Chinese-Japanese co-production ‘Legend of the Demon Cat’ as a special opening screening. Read more on Xinhua
Chinese Film ‘To Kill a Watermelon’ Wins Grand Prix at Warsaw Film Festival
The Warsaw Film Festival closed its 33rd edition on November 21 in the Polish capital. At the festival’s closing ceremony, Chinese director Gao Zehao’s feature film ‘To Kill a Watermelon’ (‘Sha Gua’) was awarded the Grand Prix. As the only nominated Chinese film, ‘To Kill a Watermelon’ stood out among 15 nominated films in the main competition section. Before being selected into the Warsaw Film Festival, the film was selected and awarded by FIRST International Film Festival, a major Chinese festival with a mission of discovering emerging and innovative Chinese filmmakers. Read more on Jiemian
