ANDY NEWS JULY 2000
Date: 31 July 00
Diary from andylau.cc
29/7---I succeed! Work finish early today, after dinner, all the people return to their rooms to have an early rest, I have only my notebook to keep me company, I go to chat room for a while, see the messages & other stuff, then start to play 'conquering landmind' game, play stepping on landmind. Finally, I succeed in avoiding all the landmines, completely opening up all the 99 empty spaces, I smile at the computer for a solid 5 minutes, enjyoing the excitement & happiness! Andy
News from andylau.cc
30/7---
The weather in Thailand is much hotter than in HK, daily higher temp is 35 degrees & above, really killing hot. Andy was filming at a bar lately, togwetehr with Tokiwa & crew of 30 over, trapped in the ...bar the whole day, the tepm inside got hotter & hotter, evryone was sweating profusely, but the workers prepare small mobile fans , so that Andy & Tokiwa can enjpy the cool breeze a bit, this is how they got off the heat!
Date: 30 July 00
Diary from andylau.cc
28/7---Have been shooting for a few days, feel very special, different from filming Running Out Of Time & Needing You, working with a new director & acting with different partners, have new inspirations.
The more difficult thing here is the language barrier, but....I will surmount all difficulties, hope to film a good movie for all to see. Andy
News form andylau.cc
29/7---Andy is now fully involved in the filming of the new movie in Thailand. This movie is fresh, this is the first time he coact with the Japanese superstar Tokiwa Takako, everyone hopes there will be new sparks. During filming, they always discuss the script together, to make sure a good movie is filmed. Andy is always very wholehearted, after every shot, he will review the tape with the director & the crew, to see the effect, he is really serious.
Date: 29 July 00
Headline/Source: Andy Lau 'Meng Dan Dan' (China Times)
Andy new album out in August, over to fans (United News Taiwan)
Andy who has no Mandarin album for the last 1 1/2 years, will become a 'Meng Dan Dan' next month in the music circle!
In this new album, other than the old partner Li An Siu, 3 famous music producers were roped in. They are Li Quan form Shanghai, renowned HK producer Chen De Qian & Taiwanse Liu Tian Qian.
Andy wrote 2 songs (?3) for this album, Men Cry Is No Sin & Sure One Day Can. The album will be out in mid Aug.
Liu Tain Qian had produced many good albums for singers before including those of Power Station, this is the first time he colloborated with Andy. He laughed he has now experienced an Impossible
talented Andy! Andy has amazing super stamina, he could record till mid-night, after a full-day work & activities the next day, turned up with a newly written lyric for a song, Man Cry Is No Sin, Liu Tain Qian was so impressed, he called Andy by the name Meng Dan Dan.
Andy did not know what Meng Dan Dan is, but he was embarassed to ask. Later he could hold no longer as Liu kept calling him with that name, he asked, "What is Meng Dan Dan ? Good egg or bad egg?" (Dan = egg in Mandarin) Liu laughed & said,"It means you are very terrific, my respect, my respect!"...
This song is vetted to be the song that will sell & is the main song of the album.
Diary from andylau.cc
27/7---Early this morning, my assistant came to inform me there was a power failure at 1am last night in the hotel, & asked if I was awared?!
Returning to hotel after work, the hotel staff told us because of lightening, there was an hour of a power failure in the hotel. Just when a crew member had taken off the clothers & abt to bath, all of a sudden all turned black in front of him, the power was cut.......he had no choice but to take the shower in the dark, & sighed with his bad luck!
Actually.....last night I saw the light bulb in my room flicker, I took down the bulb, there was a spark, the whole floor power was thus cut.
Haha.....haha...Actually the real culprit is..., me, haha...haha...Andy
News form andyalu.cc
28/7---In his 99 Hk concert & China Concert Tour Andy had appeared tattooed, he has tattooed his arm by drawing or pasting patterns, this time in Thailand he adopts the ame tactics, to suit the requirements of the movie. But this time the tattoo is much more complicated, the time taken to tatto is longer, though the pattern is v beautiful, but certain part of Andy skin has become sensitive to it.
Date: 28 July 00
Headline/Source: Koji Tamaki appreciates Andy the most (Show 8 & Ming Pao)
Koji Tamaki, the famous musician who composed the song Hurt for Andy, is holding 2 concerts in HK this weekend.
A few HK singers have the honour to sing songs composed by him, including Alan Tam, Andy Lau & Chen Huixian. Koji was asked what he thinks abt their singing, he replied that they sang well, but he appreciates one the most, he then hummed a tune,...it is Andy Lau!...
Diary from andylau.cc
26/7---My filming today is near a seaside, when it is not my turn, I will look out to the deep sea, enjoy the sea breeze, really relaxing!
The only drawback is the heat, not sure if it is due to too much sweating, the tattoos make my skin itchy, it is itchy & hot, okay after applying some medication.
Luckily everyone doesnt mind, because other than being an idol, I am also one with substance..........Agree?! Andy
(Dear Andy, ask if they have hypoallergic tattoing dye...)
News from andylau.cc
27/7---Andy's 100th movie The Fighter's Blue, had a very solemn opening ceremony, it was solemnised by a Thai priest.The one who can do this grand job is obviously one with title, he had solemnised Wamg Jia Wei 2046 & Shine.
Every film sells well, under his chanting, Andy's 100th movie believed can be successful. In the process, the priest chanted blessings for boss cum actor, the method was by putting a veil on Andy's head, Andy smiled & said he feltl like having a wedding!
All along, those who stand beside Andy will be downplayed by Andy's demeanour, luckily this time the female leads are of substance, can be on par with Andy, the 2 female leads plus Andy will sure be an attraction. The female leads also take the movie seriously, they are v sincere at the ceremony, & accepted the prist bleesings by having gold dust dabbed on the forhead.
Date: 27 July 00
Headline/Source: Shooting of Andy's new boxer film begins in Thailand, prist chanted prayer & showered holy water alike wedding (Show 8)
Tokiwa Takako memorising her lines by herself (Show 8)
Andy praised Tokiwa Takako hardworking (Wen Wei Po)
Andy prayed for good movie collections (Ming Pao)
The movie, A Fighter's Blue, starring Andy Lau, Tokiwa Takako & Indhira Jaroeupura (the ghost-wife in the successful horror Thai movie Shine), had a prayer opening session at 6am 2 days ago. All crew members attended.
A famous priest was called to solemnize the occasion. Accordingly this priest is not easy to call, he will only come for those who are fated to meet, & he was the one solominising Wang Jie Wei successful movie '2046' & Shine. Those movies solomise by him always become blockbusters.
The ceremony lasted an hour. It was very special. The priest chanted sutra for the boss cum lead actor Andy Lau, garlanded him, sprinkled holy water on him & placed a white veil on his head, it was a v solemn event. The priest also chanted for the 2 female leads & dabbed golden powder on the forhead.
Andy said he felt like going thro' wedding ceremony. Though Tokiwa was new to the local customs, she sincerely complied & prayed.
The photographer prayed too, his camera was 'opened' by the priest.
As Tokiwa will be acting as one who is fluent in 3 languages, Mandarin, Japanese & Thai, she was seen memorising her lines diligently at a corner. Andy told her to relax & not to be too anxious. Tokiwa was still reading, Andy praised that she is real hardworking.
Lately CCT Multimedia shares has soared & from calculation, Andy has earned 38 mil, when asked abt this, Andy said this is on paper, he is not sure how much, he is ahppy as long as his dotcom is doing well.
News translated from andylau.cc
[2nd from right is our friend Thapanee! :)]
26/7---Andy has set off to Thailand to film his 100th movie, he will be away for 1 over month, as his fans will miss him a lot, andylau.com who is always working right to the dot, has sent 'Wah' reporter to report on Andy's daily schedule, so take note at News everyday!
On the first day of arrival, the local fans were waiting punctually at the aipport, they escorted Andy all the way from the airport to Pattaya hotel where Andy is staying, the tropical fans are v warm indeed. AS this is the first time Andy got Best Actor award, they had prepareed a cake which is made from Andy's movie character, match it up as Liu De Hua name, (Not sure can be eaten?) They celebrated with Andy, though it has been 3 months after the awards, but it is never too late, everyone is still very absorded, Andy is popular all the way to Thailand!
Diary from andylau.cc
Today is the first day of filming, wake up at 6 early in the morning, after the solemn opening praying ceremony, real filming starts.
Everyone get ready, Japanese female lead Tokiwa Takako, Thai female lead Shine, she is also the 'ghost wife ' in the horror movie, the director, producer & the crew, the first day already film 'fighting' scene & body tattooing, very smooth day, has a good beginning!
Date: 26 July 00
Read the touching story by Thapanee on her close encounter with Andy on Andy's first day in Thailand at the egroups, message 5298.
Headline/Source: Andy 5th episode of Ericsson commercial '1 holds 2' (Apple Daily)
Andy filmed another handphone commercial (Ta Kung Pao)
New ad 'One net love devotion' Andy '1 holds 2' (The Sun)
The new Ericsson handphone commercial by Andy Lau, 'One Net Love Devotion', will be released on the 2nd of Aug. Andy again becomes the spokesman for Ericsson.
The commercial was filmed in Shanghai for a week in June this year, the scenes were taken from the newly-opened Shanghai Interantional airport & the 3rd tallest building of the World, Jin Mou Building.
In this ad, Andy acted as an IT man, to make him looked more impressive, branded clothes were chosen for him, including Emporio Armani & Polo check-shirt, the attire is casual yet tasteful.
Andy '1 holds 2'in the ad. Wang Haini who is a newcomer from Shenyang acted as Andy's secretary, Yuan Min who is a local famous DJ acted as his lover.
The story goes as Andy who is a programmer plans to take a holiday with gf Wang Haini but because of work he couldn't make it. He instructed his secretary to present a gift to the gf who is waiting anxiously at the airport. The gf is very moved, at the same time Andy suddenly appeared, giving her a shock...
(...???I think the image appears on the handphone, to advertise WAP?)
Source: Oriental Daily
...Needing You box-office soars to near that of M:I2, said Sammi, "To break 30 mil is not easy, I have to thank Andy, Andy has really acted v well, his many movies have attracted viewers, all because he acted well."...
Source: Apple Daily
Headline: Usage of English by Andy not appropriate
...At his interview in NY, Andy had said, "I'm ready" . The author received a call from a nosy director who commented that Andy should have given the answer as "Well! I am well prepared already!" This answer will get more attention. 'I'm ready' is not wrong but it is usually used more on sexual matters...
(Andy Town:...ai!!! so nosy!!!)
Diary from andylau.cc
24/7---Touching solid ground not even 20 hours, have to go up the plane lah~~~This time is filming my 100 th movie, have to go there for 6 weeks, so brought along many daily essentials, thought sure exceeded weight allowed, sure enough......is because brought along 2 extra big boxes of suntan lotion. In Thailand, saw a rainbow & lightening. All the crew members is ready, the 2 female leads are also there, tomorrow can start filming the new movie. Andy
Date: 25 July 00
Headline/Source: Andy & Kelly to duet theme song (Ta Kung Pao)
Andy & Kelly sentimental entangle in bath-tub (Wen Wei Po)
Andy, Kelly dueted in bath of the Mandarin ducks (Apple Daily)
Andy Kelly has breakthrough in filming MTV (Oriental Daily)
Andy pretending to be mysterious, to cover up his sexy MTV bath with Kelly (Show 8)
Andy set off to Thailand for filming The Fighter's Blue yesterday, 100 over fans were at the airport to bid him goodbye. He will be in Thailand for 6 weeks, Andy is worried that he will become too dark, he has brought along 2 boxes of sun-screen lotion, & joked that he has lotions from SPF 3 to 130!
At Kelly's concert, Kelly announced that she will cooperate with Andy on some matter, & Andy will announce the details later. The secret has leaked out that Andy has filmed a MTV with Kelly for the song, I Do Not Love You Enough, which is also the theme song of the movie, The Fighter's Blue. The duet is a cross of 2 record companies & will be complied in both thier albums.
In this MTV, there was a scene whereby both of them were soaked in a bath-tub, they wetted themselves & had intimate entanglements. Kelly said she had taken full precautions, there is no sexy exposure of her.
Andy was asked at the airport, he replied, "The record co said this is a trade secret, cannot tell for the time being."
It is hope the cooperation will arouse some chemistry as it is the first time they worked together. Both will have a series of promotional activities later.
Andy was also asked on the news of Liu Yong who had beaten up the wife, who is seeking divorce. Appeared shocked, replied Andy," Really? I dont know abt this news, maybe lately too involved in work," (Is it right or wrong to beat woman?) "Of course it is wrong! Haha, but after beating woman & let other people know abt it is even more wrong!! Haha." The reply made all the fans laughed.
Diary from andylau.com
22/7---Fly the whole day, finally can touch the ground, just step out of the airport, wah! So many come to receive me, so busy!
But on the way back from airport, saw a fan almost had an accident, she knocked into a pillar, so dangerous!
I like people coming to see me, but most important is safty, tomorrow setting off again, this time going to Thailand filming, hope everything is smooth, can produce a good movie for evrybody! Andy
Date: 24 July 00
Source: Show 8 dated 22/7
Headline: Andy Lau Chao Wei Na Yin vying for the title 'Sunny Star'
'Sunny Star' nominated by entertainment personnels is an annual big assessment event in the entertainment circle in China. The so-called 'Sunny Star' is one who is good in character, cultured in art & has a healthy image. Those who are nominated other than having star appeal, must be enthusiastic in public affairs & in life, has no bad habits, do not put on airs & is whole-heartedly devoted to seving the public.
The chairman of the selection committee disclosed that Sunny Star 2000 nominees include those who are presently famous in singing & acting. He hopes that voting can be transparent & become one of the most popular voting activity for the public.
Up till today, there are 100 nominees including Chow Wei, Na Yin, Andy Lau, Emil Chow, Coco Li, Jeff Chang etc. Voting activity ends on 15th Sept, in mid Oct, there will be a big scale award presentation ceremonies in Guangzhou & Beijing.
Source: Ming Pao
Headline: Andy Lau must seek position in Hollywood
...At the interview, Andy words 'I'm ready' indicated his intention to venture into Hollywood, but can also be viewed as self-selling.
To go Hollywood is the hope of not-so-few artistes locally, but maybe they have not make clear if Hollywood needs them.
Take the example of directors, the one who is most successful is John Woo, he is currently an A rated director.
The reason for Hollywood wanting John is very simple, he has his unique way of filming action movies, he romanatices the action scences, he has influence on the other American directors, his unique style is the reason for roping in by Hollywood.
....What Hollywood needs most is HK movie action scenes, so action movie directors & stars are its targets.
Jacky Chan & Jet Li success is because Hollywood itself is unable to film such action movies.
The author ever said Chow Yin Fat was invited because of his style in holding guns, but Americans viewers are too used to guns, not many Hollywood love story movie needs a Chinese actor.
Stephen Chow until today is unable to enter Hollywood because his comic style may not be accepted by American viewers, if he is an action actor, maybe he has long filmed a movie there.
Andy Lau said Chow Yin Fat & Jet Li were not able to express fully as in HK movies was due to language barrier. This is a problem, requirements of the directors is another factor.
Hollywood directors know better than us what the American viewers want, success of HK movies in Asia may not be the same there.
For an example, rhythm in HK movie is too fast, story too complicated, the characters not clearly portrayed, this is different from Hollywood movies.
Some American directors commented HK stars are too exaggerated in the acting, this has marred the expression of the inner feelings of a role. This shows difference in requirements.
....Other than mentally prepared to go Hollywood, Andy Lau needs preparations in other fields.
Other than language, he has to position himself in Hollywood.
Andy Lau wants to film Hollywood movies, but why should Hollywood want him?
The intention to venture is good, but before making any move, must be clear what the other person's reason for wanting you.
Be able to do what others cant, is the only way to occupy a seat in other people's market.
Date: 23 July 00
Headline/Source: Andy to enter Hollywood anytime (Wen Wei Po)
Andy to fight into Hollywood (Ming Pao)
Running Out Of Time by Andy Lau received applause ovation by American viewers (Show 8)
Andy disclosed ever rejected by John Woo (Show 8)
At interview in NY, Andy said 'I'm ready' to Hollywood (Apple Daily)
Andy: I am ready for Hollywood, as guest in NY Asian American Film Festival (Oriental Daily)
Andy flew to NY the other day to attend 23rd Asia American Film Festival. As he has only 1 day in NY, his schedule was very packed. The organiser arranged for him to meet the media in the afternoon.
Andy with 'a white-horse prince' look, & wispy moustache & goatee, was stunningly good-looking oozing with maturity.
Other than Film Festival, he was interviewed by CNN & a popular local radio station WNCY. He went online to have a live chat with fans at a local web for an hour.
Andy said he has never expected to have so many foreign fans in America, he said, "At first I thought I would see mainly Chinese fans, but it becomes like an united nation! Many different races, ages & sex, after the show even have elderly man asking for autograph, haha, they have seen me growing up,... I have fans who are the local experienced reporters, they are very well versed with what I have done before."
The foreign fans appreciated his movie Running Out Of Time, which was screened on the opening night a lot, at the end of the show, the audience gave him a standing ovation, Andy was very touched.
At this NY trip, the most unforgettable thing for Andy is the interview at WNCY, the station director is his music & movie fan. Usually in their programme, they have only 15 min to interviewe an artiste, this time at special request to the station, they spend 1/2 an hour interviewing Andy.
Andy 15 years in showbiz has filmed 100 movies & 50 over serials, album sale at a total of 35 million, the interviewer was very shocked, Andy said, "They were very shocked as I appeared to be very plain when I said it, this is not a record! In HK this is very common, many artistes are like that too."
Andy self-disclosed that in '91, he was rejected by John Woo to film movie by Hollywood, Chow Yin Fat was chosen instead. But Andy never gives up, he keeps waiting for opportunity, now the time is ripe, when there is an opportunity, he will set off for Hollywood any time. The actor he wishes to coact with most is Brad Pitt. Andy joking said in English," I'm ready, any director in America wants me can call me."
Andy hopes first movie is an action flick, as there is less language barrier & easier to express acting skill.
At all interviews, Andy answered in fluent English, it was commented his English is better than Chow Yin Fat & Sammo Hung, Andy humbly shook his head & answered that he appreciates Chow Yin Fat & Jet Li Hollywood's movies, but he feels that both of them cannot express themselves fully as in HK
movies, he thinks other than language, maybe it was the difference in culture among the director & coactors, he thinks he has to be soaked for a period of time to film good Hollywood movies.
Diary from andylau.com
21/7---A very full-filling day today, work from morning till night 11pm still haven't had a rest, did an interview for a very famous radio station in NY, did a press con, went to a magazine publishing office, did an online chatroom to chat with netters, night time went to a Film Festival as guest.
Did many things, met many people, in evrything everyone did very well, everyone is very friendly too, but this visit to NY time is really very little, because tomorrow must go to Thailand to start filming, hope next time when I come I can stay longer, to have gathering with the music fans, movie fans & those who like me.
This trip has a small incidence, but I still must tell, is when I went to the stsation, as I got down, 3 AWC fan club members, of course staying in NY, bought me presents, & some drinks, because there is no Dao Di green tea, they wrere so thoughtful, they used green paper to wrap up the drink & wrote Dao Di green tea, then pass it to me to drink.
I am so happy, this proves they have read my diary with attention, worry that I will be filmed by the reporters, so careful yah! Andy
(Andy Town:...so touching, hsiu & Flavia Then, were you there???...)
Date: 22 July 00
Diary from andylau.com
20/7---Have to take a plane early in the morning to go to America, really dont wish to leave this bed! How is the day passed? The whole day 10 over hours on the plane 'lor'. Andy
Date: 21 July 00
Source: Oriental Daily
Headline: Andy to polish up English before venturing to Hollywood, praised as 'Tom Cruise of the East' by New York Post
(...hehee... same article from English to Chinese by Oriental, flip back to English by Andy Town...)(...Pics on the right: who is the fairer of the two???....Andy??..)
From a report by New York Post yesterday, Andy Lau will be in New York today at 7pm, to officiate the opening ceremony of 23rd annual Asian American International Film Festival, his movie that won him Best Actor award Running Out Of Time will be the opening-night film. The report described him as Tom Cruise of the East, & said he will be the next HK superstar after Jacky Chan, Jet Li & Chow Yin Fat to enter Hollywood.
At the interview by NY Post Entertainment Page 6, Andy did not denied that he hopes with this Film Festival he will be better known by overseas fans, he accepted the invitation readily. He too hopes his 'Suave Action Actor' image can have an impact on American viewers.
The article said that though Andy is Tom Cruise of the East, his name is still not too familiar to all outside Asia.
It was mentioned that when Chow Yin fat first entered Hollywood, his had very few dialogue in his first movie as his English was no good, in the 2nd movie no improvement was noted, to prevent similiar happenings, Andy said he will polish up his English to a standard before he venture to Hollywood.
Andy feels that the director John Woo can be his partner in Hollywood, to help him with the development, as what Tom Cruise has done!
Source: Ming Pao dated 19 July
Headline: Andy Lau has done well, his role harder & more complicated than Sammi
Yesterday (18/7) the author said Sammi Chen acted well in Needing You , but if not for the commanding power of Andy Lau, the movie will not sell or be successful. Because other than the star appeal of Andy Lau, his role was well coordianted, he too had acted very well. In actual fact, Sammi is interesting & depits her role well, but the character in Andy's role is more complicated & harder to portray.
In it, Andy represents middle-class white-collar man's wit & charisma, he is capable & yet is a playboy, he is the object of admiration & jealousy, he has the headache of controlling an office filled with gossipy staff who loaf on their jobs, he has to handle strifes in office politics.
His rush act to rescue Sammi in Shenzhen is a show of his passionte devotion to her, & displays the working attitude of officer in charge. Andy is meek & subservient, Shenzhen boss stomping in & out, even tells him, "You are very cheap!" Shocked but still smiling, Andy says, " Yes, cheap." Script laudable, acting first class.
The Shenzhen show is flawless, luckily does not paint an ugly picture of Shenzhen boss. That night Andy continuously helping Sammi to drink & finish the exotic delicacies, finally he vomits & mumbles his disgrunted feelings. His acting is not exaggerating but suitably endearing, definitely not crude.
This movie has rich details in its content for Andy to express himself, just like Running last year he was able to depit the character excellently. Andy in business & in love both met with strong rivals, he self deprecates & starts to learn motor-riding, unknowingly he imitated Sammi to be obsessive with cleanniness, it is comical & pitiful.
Andy is a star, not the acting-style of Anthony Wong, but he is a very professional actor, in all genres of movies, he can bend & strtch, he is flexible, yet he maintains his self-respect & character. So he is willing to admit cheap in the movie, but the moviegoers will not take him as cheap or lowly. His acting in 'Mongkok ka Man' & A time Of Romance though as gangster, was very romantic.
He has acted in many Wong Jing's crude & nonsensical movies, but because of his character, he acted just as usual, not too lowly. Actually few years ago at the time when movie industry was very down, it was the combination of Wong Jing & Andy Lau that added some entertinment to the movie industry. These few years Andy is more confident & varied in the acting, he is willing to act old & ugly, he is no longer just acting romantic & young, this shows progress in him.
HK entertainment cannot remain stagnant at Wong Jing style, Andy Lau & Johnny To collaboration from Runnung to Needing reverts to middle income urban life humour, this is the main stream in entertainment movies.
Andy clinched Best Actor for the first time with Running, looking at acting skill, his role in the movie may not win the others. But looking at him again in Needing, he is really the main pillar of HK movie male actors.
Diary from andylau.com
19/7---On the bed~~~~the pillow not even warm yet, have to get up to work. So tired! Film MTV for the new song today, from 10 am to 10 pm, have to return to office to discuss on the new movie, because tomorrow leaving HK, really very busy! So tired!
Back to NEWS/HOME.
since 21.7.00