Thursday, January 31, 2008
Bought the 4th CD of the year…
Wow, Kay Tse’s 3/8 compilation album is already the fourth album I bought this year! While I’m always complaining that the music industry is in the state of death with mostly talentless singers however, there is still a minority worth supporting. The first song that I heard from Kay was 姿色份子 in 2005 and I’ve always liked her songs but never bought any of her albums, therefore this compilation is great deal for me.
Friday, January 18, 2008
Man, this week sucks so bad…!
Don’t worry, I’m still alive but I’ve been through an emotional rollercoaster this week because of work and my computer. For the first time, I’m stressed about work by having to make some decisions and my computer crashed twice this week…grrr! Is my Chinese zodiac or my astrological sign under bad luck lately?!
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Lust, Caution
Lust, Caution Synopsis (from Yesasia)
When an ordinary girl is given an extraordinary mission, patriotism will not only test her aptitude for murder but the will to break her own heart. Academy award winning director Ang Lee embroils us in the deceptive and unsavory world of Japanese occupied Shanghai in 1942. A young, shy Wang Jia Zi is recruited by a student group and their charismatic leader dead set on countering the puppet government. Her first mission; to seduce the head of the regime's secret police, enrapture herself in the affair, and then end his life. Adapted from Eileen Chang's novella.
My comments:
I know that there are lot of in-depth reviews of Lust, Caution so I’m not going to embrass myself for writing one (ha!)…So I’ll just make it short and sweet. It’s a 158 minutes movie but it didn’t feel long and I wasn’t bothered by the overplayed mahjong scenes. Very good acting from the cast and I didn’t think that Lee Hom did that bad. I especially like the last scene/shot of Tony Leung, it’s so beautifully done! A highly watchable movie.
When an ordinary girl is given an extraordinary mission, patriotism will not only test her aptitude for murder but the will to break her own heart. Academy award winning director Ang Lee embroils us in the deceptive and unsavory world of Japanese occupied Shanghai in 1942. A young, shy Wang Jia Zi is recruited by a student group and their charismatic leader dead set on countering the puppet government. Her first mission; to seduce the head of the regime's secret police, enrapture herself in the affair, and then end his life. Adapted from Eileen Chang's novella.
My comments:
I know that there are lot of in-depth reviews of Lust, Caution so I’m not going to embrass myself for writing one (ha!)…So I’ll just make it short and sweet. It’s a 158 minutes movie but it didn’t feel long and I wasn’t bothered by the overplayed mahjong scenes. Very good acting from the cast and I didn’t think that Lee Hom did that bad. I especially like the last scene/shot of Tony Leung, it’s so beautifully done! A highly watchable movie.
Monday, January 7, 2008
Khalil Fong - Wonderland
About the album cover: I was questioning about what’s with those two blue rock thingy on the side because it didn’t look nice at all. Never judge too quickly because it’s actually a creative design…the blue spots are actually from the CD inside and the booklet has holes to make it see through!
My first impression without looking at the lyrics yet: all songs seem similar to each other and it’s a more “Westernized” album. I couldn’t find any Chinese flavor, where did his trademark er-hu arrangement go? This album reminds of his first album Soulboy in terms of style.
However, after listening to the album for 2 days on constant repeat and reading the lyrics attentively, I love it more and more. Like his previous album, Wonderland still has ‘love’ as a main concept but Khalil’s stuffs are never cheesy, it always come out as very natural, soothing and elegant. It’s still a very smooth and groovy album. My favorite tracks:
Love Song => A simple love song with a lot of hidden meanings in the lyrics. In the lyrics, there are a lot of references of other famous love songs. It has a very warm feeling.
暖 => A song about how global warming is affecting people and romance. Winter is getting shorter, the fear of no more snowflakes to watch and with hot temperature, people don’t want to embrace, etc…
愛在 => I giggled when I heard the first 2 lines but then when I continue listening while reading the lyrics carefully at the same time, I cried. The lyrics are beautifully-written: “Love is here and everywhere”, but not everybody owns it. This is like a sister song to 愛愛愛.
公園 => A more upbeat song with a more “naughty” feel. I have the feeling that it’s the sequel song to 認識你.
十九八七.... => The most interesting song of the album as the song has 2 parts with 2 different feels; it’s like you’re listening to 2 songs. The first 3 minutes is soft, slow and gentler and then the remaining 2 minutes are more “explosive” and angry (?)…
未來 => Heavy beat in this song and I like the arrangement. Interesting enough, Fama wrote the lyrics.
愛愛愛 (Acoustic Version) => I had doubts about an acoustic version of this song. I didn’t like the re-arranged intro but the song gets better and better later.
Hmmm…now I guess that I have to wait another year for Khalil to release his next album lah…
Sunday, January 6, 2008
Brothers
Brothers Synopsis (from Official Website)
An intense drama on the portrayal of brotherhood. BROTHERS depicts the mistrust and feud between two brothers through the eyes of an investigating police officer. Despite their close relationship, Yiu and Shun were separated at a young age due to a decision made by their father. Years later they meet again when the family runs into crisis where Yiu, inspired by his father's last words, manipulates a series of setups which endangers Shun's life, so as to achieve his goal.
In fighting against the triad illegal activities, police officer Foon (Andy Lau) witnesses numerous brothers turn against one another due to mistrust and suspicion. The old value of ‘righteousness and brotherhood’ in the gangland has long been replaced by profit and money.
Separated since a young age at their father’s (Wang Zhi-Wen) arrangement, Yiu (Michael Miu) and Shun (Eason Chan) grew up in different places. Years later, Yiu succeeds his father to become the triad boss. His desire to legitimize the illegal dealings within the gang is met with opposition from Kui (Tong Chun-yip) who carries on with the illegal activities secretly. The crisis brings the two brothers back together again. However, a series of setups arranged by Yiu causes Shun to flee to Thailand, accompanied by confidantes Ching (Crystal Huang) and Ghostie (Wong Yat-wah). As Shun is caught between life and death, the trust between the brothers is put to a serious test. When Shun finally realizes the true intention of his brother, things are already beyond repair.
My comments:
I thought that it was a standard movie, nothing exceptional but it’s not too bad as well. I watched Brothers for the reunion of the 4 Tigers on the big screen after more than a decade but it’s disappointing to find out that they didn’t have scenes all together. There is only one scene with the 4 together but because of camera angles only three of them are in the shot with the other one out of the picture. Was it on purpose? The guys are still very charismatic and charming after all these years but I found them over aged to play the characters.
I actually knew Michael Miu’s motives to do all the things he did to Eason, so no surprise. The tiny love relationship between Michael Miu and Huang Yi was odd and didn’t seem to fit this movie. The ending was abrupt, which makes you go “Huh? That’s it?” but it’s also interesting that *spoiler warning* the first minute of the opening is a little extra of the ending, but it's still an unclear ending…
An intense drama on the portrayal of brotherhood. BROTHERS depicts the mistrust and feud between two brothers through the eyes of an investigating police officer. Despite their close relationship, Yiu and Shun were separated at a young age due to a decision made by their father. Years later they meet again when the family runs into crisis where Yiu, inspired by his father's last words, manipulates a series of setups which endangers Shun's life, so as to achieve his goal.
In fighting against the triad illegal activities, police officer Foon (Andy Lau) witnesses numerous brothers turn against one another due to mistrust and suspicion. The old value of ‘righteousness and brotherhood’ in the gangland has long been replaced by profit and money.
Separated since a young age at their father’s (Wang Zhi-Wen) arrangement, Yiu (Michael Miu) and Shun (Eason Chan) grew up in different places. Years later, Yiu succeeds his father to become the triad boss. His desire to legitimize the illegal dealings within the gang is met with opposition from Kui (Tong Chun-yip) who carries on with the illegal activities secretly. The crisis brings the two brothers back together again. However, a series of setups arranged by Yiu causes Shun to flee to Thailand, accompanied by confidantes Ching (Crystal Huang) and Ghostie (Wong Yat-wah). As Shun is caught between life and death, the trust between the brothers is put to a serious test. When Shun finally realizes the true intention of his brother, things are already beyond repair.
My comments:
I thought that it was a standard movie, nothing exceptional but it’s not too bad as well. I watched Brothers for the reunion of the 4 Tigers on the big screen after more than a decade but it’s disappointing to find out that they didn’t have scenes all together. There is only one scene with the 4 together but because of camera angles only three of them are in the shot with the other one out of the picture. Was it on purpose? The guys are still very charismatic and charming after all these years but I found them over aged to play the characters.
I actually knew Michael Miu’s motives to do all the things he did to Eason, so no surprise. The tiny love relationship between Michael Miu and Huang Yi was odd and didn’t seem to fit this movie. The ending was abrupt, which makes you go “Huh? That’s it?” but it’s also interesting that *spoiler warning* the first minute of the opening is a little extra of the ending, but it's still an unclear ending…
Saturday, January 5, 2008
Me, big spender?
I don't think I ever spent that much in buying CDs in one shot:
Khalil Fong - This Love Live 2007 => $22
Khalil Fong - Wonderland => $19
Hins Cheung - My 1st Collection => $20
Khalil Fong - This Love Live 2007 => $22
Khalil Fong - Wonderland => $19
Hins Cheung - My 1st Collection => $20
Total: 61 bucks...
I also ordered Gary Chaw's new album Super Sunshine as well...hehe...
I also ordered Gary Chaw's new album Super Sunshine as well...hehe...
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
Robbers vs. Hong Gil Dong tonight...
Today, Jan 2 is the premiere of two Korean dramas that I’m looking forward to: Robbers (SBS) and Hong Gil Dong (KBS). Both new dramas are competing with New Heart (MBC), which already passed 20% in rating in Korea. Hmmm...
Robbers (MBC)
Cast: Jang Hyuk and Lee Dae Hae
My pros: Jang Hyuk (I’ll prepare towels to wipe my drools…haha) and semi-looking forward to Lee Da Hae, hoping that her cutesy acting will be reduced this time.
My cons: I read that it’s a melodrama somewhere…uh-oh…
Hong Gil Dong (KBS)
Cast: Kang Ji Hwan, Sung Yu Ri and Jang Geun Suk
My pros: Kang Ji Hwan (look at his costume!) and it’s the Hong sisters who are responsible for the script.
My cons: Sung Yu Ri (although, I’m beginning to be more neutral towards her) and yikes, it’s 24 episodes!
Robbers (MBC)
Cast: Jang Hyuk and Lee Dae Hae
My pros: Jang Hyuk (I’ll prepare towels to wipe my drools…haha) and semi-looking forward to Lee Da Hae, hoping that her cutesy acting will be reduced this time.
My cons: I read that it’s a melodrama somewhere…uh-oh…
Hong Gil Dong (KBS)
Cast: Kang Ji Hwan, Sung Yu Ri and Jang Geun Suk
My pros: Kang Ji Hwan (look at his costume!) and it’s the Hong sisters who are responsible for the script.
My cons: Sung Yu Ri (although, I’m beginning to be more neutral towards her) and yikes, it’s 24 episodes!
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
Chik Chak 903 Awards 2007
Happy New Year! Today, it’s the annual 叱吒樂壇流行榜頒獎典禮 as well…
Hehe…it’s proven that I’m a maniac…I really woke up at 7am on New Year Day to listen the award show live from the radio station. I’m that motivated just because I think Chik Chak is always a jaw-dropping award ceremony with surprising and unexpected winner list and it’s the most high and emotional when it comes to atmosphere. Now, I'll have to wait for the TVB edit version of the award show...hope that they won't cut a lot...
Chik Chak Top 10 Songs (in order of accumulated airplay):
1. 酷愛 - 張敬軒
2. Crying In The Party - 陳奕迅
3. 花落誰家 - 李克勤
4. 愛回家 - 古巨基
5. 木紋 - 何韻詩
6. 前程錦繡 - 許志安
7. 愛一個上一課 - 容祖兒
8. 逼得太緊 - 吳雨霏
9. 男人KTV - 側田
10. 東京鐵塔下 GuLu GuLu - 有耳非文
4 Stations Album Award: In Control - 吳雨霏
Chik Chak Group Newcomer:
Gold: Hotcha
Silver: 朱凌凌
Bronze: Kolor
Chik Chak Female Newcomer:
Gold: 李卓庭
Silver: 鍾舒漫
Bronze: 梁雨恩
Chik Chak Male Newcomer:
Gold: 洪卓立
Silver: 周柏豪
Bronze: 小肥
Chik Chak Singer-Composer Award:
Gold: 王菀之
Silver: 張繼聰
Bronze: Eric Kwok
Chik Chak Lyricist Award: 林夕
Chik Chak Composer Award: 張繼聰
Chik Chak Arrangement Award: 雷頌德
Chik Chak Producer Award: 雷頌德
Chik Chak Album Award: Listen To Eason Chan - 陳奕迅
Chik Chak Group Award:
Gold: 農夫
Silver: Twins
Bronze: Zarahn
Chik Chak Female Singer:
Gold: 容祖兒
Silver: 何韻詩
Bronze: 謝安琪
Chik Chak Male Singer Award:
Gold: 陳奕迅
Silver: 古巨基
Bronze: 張敬軒
Chik Chak My favorite Group Award: 農夫
Chik Chak My favorite Male Singer: 陳奕迅
Chik Chak My favorite Female Singer: 楊千嬅
Chik Chak My Favorite Song Award: 酷愛 - 張敬軒
My comments: See, I told you that the results can be surprising and unexpected. Eason being the big winner is expected but Hins winning that many is a big surprise! I'm very delighted with Fama sweeping all the group awards...at least, it's not always Twins! Just hearing what Louis Cheung and Kay Tse said make me have teary eyes and I hope that TVB won't cut those parts...
*** Meanwhile, I want to recall a precious performance by 四強唱作人 from last year’s Chik Chak Awards. Long live the friendship!
Hehe…it’s proven that I’m a maniac…I really woke up at 7am on New Year Day to listen the award show live from the radio station. I’m that motivated just because I think Chik Chak is always a jaw-dropping award ceremony with surprising and unexpected winner list and it’s the most high and emotional when it comes to atmosphere. Now, I'll have to wait for the TVB edit version of the award show...hope that they won't cut a lot...
Chik Chak Top 10 Songs (in order of accumulated airplay):
1. 酷愛 - 張敬軒
2. Crying In The Party - 陳奕迅
3. 花落誰家 - 李克勤
4. 愛回家 - 古巨基
5. 木紋 - 何韻詩
6. 前程錦繡 - 許志安
7. 愛一個上一課 - 容祖兒
8. 逼得太緊 - 吳雨霏
9. 男人KTV - 側田
10. 東京鐵塔下 GuLu GuLu - 有耳非文
4 Stations Album Award: In Control - 吳雨霏
Chik Chak Group Newcomer:
Gold: Hotcha
Silver: 朱凌凌
Bronze: Kolor
Chik Chak Female Newcomer:
Gold: 李卓庭
Silver: 鍾舒漫
Bronze: 梁雨恩
Chik Chak Male Newcomer:
Gold: 洪卓立
Silver: 周柏豪
Bronze: 小肥
Chik Chak Singer-Composer Award:
Gold: 王菀之
Silver: 張繼聰
Bronze: Eric Kwok
Chik Chak Lyricist Award: 林夕
Chik Chak Composer Award: 張繼聰
Chik Chak Arrangement Award: 雷頌德
Chik Chak Producer Award: 雷頌德
Chik Chak Album Award: Listen To Eason Chan - 陳奕迅
Chik Chak Group Award:
Gold: 農夫
Silver: Twins
Bronze: Zarahn
Chik Chak Female Singer:
Gold: 容祖兒
Silver: 何韻詩
Bronze: 謝安琪
Chik Chak Male Singer Award:
Gold: 陳奕迅
Silver: 古巨基
Bronze: 張敬軒
Chik Chak My favorite Group Award: 農夫
Chik Chak My favorite Male Singer: 陳奕迅
Chik Chak My favorite Female Singer: 楊千嬅
Chik Chak My Favorite Song Award: 酷愛 - 張敬軒
My comments: See, I told you that the results can be surprising and unexpected. Eason being the big winner is expected but Hins winning that many is a big surprise! I'm very delighted with Fama sweeping all the group awards...at least, it's not always Twins! Just hearing what Louis Cheung and Kay Tse said make me have teary eyes and I hope that TVB won't cut those parts...
*** Meanwhile, I want to recall a precious performance by 四強唱作人 from last year’s Chik Chak Awards. Long live the friendship!
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