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On Leslie's 54th Birthday, many parties have been organized by fans in Hong Kong and everywhere. Red Mission held a party called "Chic". Since I can't be in Hong Kong, I also celebrated at home with flowers and Ladurée macarons and gifts. Flowers have been sent to the Madame Tussaud's museum in Hong Kong. Wang Leehom and Shu Qi remembered Leslie on this special day on their Facebook profiles. Other friends of Hong Kong showbusiness, like Karen Mok, remembered him on MingPao (on LeslieTong.com).

In Hong Kong Tons of flowers have been sent to his house in Kadoorie Avenue under a heavy rain and to Madame Tussaud's museum at the Peak. Fans paid respect visiting Po Fook Hill. Fans also celebrated Leslie on the Avenue of Stars.

Fans remember Leslie Cheung - September 12 was the late superstar Leslie Cheung Kwok Wing's 54th birthday. Every year his birthday or the anniversary of his death, fans would pay their respects and hold memorial events without fail in remembrance of this superstar. Gor Gor's manager Chan Suk Fun every year would pay her respect as usual. Yesterday morning Mrs. Chan brought her son Ka Ho and around 20 loyal Japanese fans to pay their respect. The Japanese fan folded 2588 cranes, because 25 sounded like smile and 88 meant forever. They represented Gor Gor's smile would forever be in his fans' hearts. Fans also wrote letters to Gor Gor. Then Japanese fans followed Chinese tradition and burnt offering to Gor Gor.

Mrs. Chan yesterday brought 9 types of fruit that Gor Gor loved, his favorite birthday cake and roses. Mrs. Chan brought these items along with Lydia Shum Din H and Roman Law Man's favorite appetizers and desserts and placed them on the table. She said, in recent years Gor Gor's fans went from Gor Gor's former home at Central to Po Fook Hill to pay their respects. The most touching part for her was the Japanese fans still met once a month to share Gor Gor's music and movies. In addition, yesterday fans went to Gor Gor's former home and placed fresh flowers there. At night, Hong Kong fans also held a memorial event. Source: HKTopTen (with pictures from MingPao, Orisun, TakungPao and SingTao. See more pictures and news from TungStar, Tom.com, Ent.Sina, MingPao, Oriental Daily, The Sun on LeslieTong.com, AppleDaily. The picture of flowers at Madame Tussaud's museum in HK has been taken from Leslie Cheung Forever.

Hong Kong Movie Critics Society selected '10 Best Hong Kong Movie' and '10 Best Chinese Movie' (Mainland China and Taiwan) and four of Leslie's movies ranked in the top ten. 'Days of Being Wild' is the best HK movie, while 'A better tomorrow' and 'Ashes of Time' ranked respectively no. 2 and no. 3 in the top ten of Best Hong Kong Movies. Source: LeslieTong.com. Many thanks to wannafly for the news.

Celestial Launches Remake Competition with Beijing Film Academy and Youth Film Studio - Hong Kong-based Celestial Pictures, the Beijing Film Academy and the Youth Film Studio in Beijing announced a competition to see what young graduate can best remake selected classic Chinese films from the Shaw Brothers library that Celestial controls. Part of a New Directors Workshop seeking to discover and nurture the next generation of Chinese filmmakers, the competition is open to the 2011 graduating class as well as past graduates of BFA's directors program, Celestial said in a statement. Five story treatments selected from all entrants will be short-listed by a panel of judges to be further developed into full-length screenplays and the five filmmakers each will get 20,000 yuan ($3,037). It's the aim of the program to see the top three screenplays produced. "We possess a vast pool of iconic stories and characters which have inspired countless filmmakers," Ross Pollack, Celestial CEO said in a statement. "We are privileged to bring this significant resource to China and have participants create screenplays and, ultimately, films which will entertain a whole new generation of fans." Included among the ten Shaw Brothers classics selected for this competition are: the martial arts film 'Brothers Five', starring Cheng Pei-pei; the 1984 romantic drama 'Behind the Yellow Line' starring Maggie Cheung with Hong Kong legends Leslie Cheung and Anita Mui; the gangland action drama 'The Bloody Escape' starring Chen Kuan-tai; and the Wong Jing comedy hit 'Girl with the Diamond Slipper'. "This is the best training for our students to become well-rounded filmmakers," Xie Xiaojing, vice president, Ph.D supervisor and professor of Beijing Film Academy and manager of Youth Film Studio, said. Joining the panel of five judges is award-winning actress and filmmaker, Sylvia Chang ('20/30/40', 'Tempting Heart'). The remaining judges will comprise of two executives from Celestial Pictures and two executives from BFA and YFS, respectively. Chang also will mentor one of the winners and in cooperation with Celestial Pictures, help produce his or her script. Concurrently, Celestial Pictures, BFA and YFS plan to select two additional winners and jointly produce their screenplays. "I hope that with this opportunity, I can offer my experience and help them realize their dreams a little sooner," Chang said. Headquartered in Hong Kong, Celestial Pictures is a subsidiary of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia based ASTRO ALL ASIA NETWORKS plc. Source: Hollywood Reporter.

Leslie Cheung on theWIPlist - Leslie topped the list again in a US website named theWIPlist which does survey on the frequency of the information of the personalities in the world which is most searched by web users, including Chinese and non-Chinese. He came first in the list of Chinese singers: http://www.thewiplist.com/top-100/?lista=cat__Music-loc__China .
Leslie is also in the 8th place in the list of Chinese celebrities with a record of 1,917,657 web users searching for his information: http://www.thewiplist.com/top-100/?lista=loc__China . Some of the people who are ahead of him are political leaders, including Hu Jintao, the President of China. In actual fact, he came 1st in the list of Chinese actors, as Jackie Chan and Jet Li should be considered as Chinese kung-fu actors instead.
Not any of Leslie's fans knew about these lists. Without much support of his fans, Leslie won in the two lists. This means quite a number of non-Chinese web users are now searching for information about Leslie. Now, you can cast a 'thumbs up' vote for Leslie's good reputation here: http://www.thewiplist.com/celebrity/Leslie+Cheung_10886315/ .
1. After clicking at the 'thumbs up' button, you will be taken to a page named 'I want to nominate'. In the long white box, you may copy one of the existing nominations below the box and paste it in the box.
2. After this process, please press the 'Proceed' button.
3. You will then be taken to another page. Then, please leave your website name, explanation of why you choose the existing nomination for good reputation and enter the code into the three different boxes provided.
4. Press at the orange button of 'Insert Vote'.
The result on the survey on the frequency of the information about Leslie being searched by people all over the world is a significant proof of his influence as a remarkably successful Asian megastar. The vote for good reputation is merely a game. However, please take note that there is also a vote for bad reputation for each of the celebrities. Whenever anyone clicks at the 'thumbs down' button in http://www.thewiplist.com/celebrity/Leslie+Cheung_10886315/ , one vote for Leslie's good reputation will be deducted and the reason for nominating his bad reputation will appear in this column: http://www.thewiplist.com/ .
Recently, the fans of Alan Tam started different topics to write slanderous remarks or insult Leslie in a public website almost every other day. Fans noticed that many times when they have done this, the 'thumbs down' vote would go up. If we don't prevent this from continuing to happen, Leslie might receive thousands of 'thumbs down' votes in the near future. We don’t think any of us would like to see this situation to go on, because if any foreigner searches for Leslie's information in that website, he might form a wrong impression of him.
Please note there is a 'Report Abuse' button in http://www.thewiplist.com/celebrity/Leslie+Cheung_10886315/ which is located below the column of 'Leslie Cheung's famous facts and quotes'.
Since everybody is welcomed to lodge a complaint against any misuse of the website, you could also write a letter of complaint to abuse@lalistawip.com of WIPlist.com based on the following 2 suggested points: in the past, the fans of Mr. Cheung's opponent took similar actions like hitting at the 'thumbs down' button in the other polls. After receiving several complaints, the webmaster forbade them from casting further votes. Moreover there is a strong possibility that one or two persons with the same IP have repeatedly clicked at the 'thumbs down' button. Any web user has the right to express his negative view on an artist, but there is strong evidence that some people are abusing their right rather than merely expressing their opinion in this case.
Please try your best to vote for Leslie and to inform WIPlist.com about the continuous abuse of use in the website.
Many thanks to Maria from Hong Kong for her precious information!

New release! Helen Hok-Sze Leung's 'Farewell My Concubine', part of the 'Queer Film Classic' series by Arsenal Pulp Press has been recently released and can be ordered on Amazon.UK. The book is written in memory of Leslie Cheung.

Hong Kong tepid on remake of John Woo classic - The South Korean remake of the John Woo gangster classic "A Better Tomorrow" has received a tepid response in its spiritual home Hong Kong, with the new version receiving lackluster reviews and box office results.Woo's 1986 classic wowed audiences in Hong Kong and overseas critics by combining smooth action sequences and a passionate story of brotherhood in a picture starring Chow Yun-fat, veteran actor Ti Lung and late heartthrob singer Leslie Cheung. Chow became an instant icon with his swashbuckling, match stick-chewing gangster character who mowed down enemies stylishly one gun in each hand. The standout work helped pave the way for both Woo and Chow to launch their Hollywood careers. The remake, which was authorized by Woo, changes the setting to the southern South Korean port city Busan but largely preserves the story of two brothers on opposite sides of the law, recreates many of the classic scenes, as well as retaining the English title of the original. Director Song Hae-sung, however, adds a Korean twist, making the two brothers defectors from North Korea who were separated during their escape. The South Korean take, which stars Song Seung-heon, Joo Jin-mo, Kim Gang-woo and Jo Han-sun, was greeted with a decent reception at home when it was released in September, bringing in just over 1 million viewers in nine days. Hong Kong viewers, however, were less charitable, despite the movie's association with a local classic. Actor Song, who plays Chow's character in the remake, "may look and act the part but doesn't have a chance of attaining the iconic status of Chow's 'Mark Gor,' or transform this competently executed thriller into a work likely to be recalled after a quarter-century of tomorrows," veteran Hong Kong film critic Paul Fonoroff wrote in the territory's South China Morning Post newspaper on opening day on Thursday. "This slick retelling of Woo's romantic take on codes of honor has captured none of the Sam Peckinpah-esque excess that made the earlier film so damn satisfying," Time Out Hong Kong's Edmund Lee wrote, referring to, referring to the late American director known for his violent movies. Source: AP.

A CANDLELIGHT VIGIL FOR LESLIE

BY LESLIE LEGACY ASSOCIATION

Venue: Connaught Garden, i.e. Podium of the Jardine House,

1 Connaught Place, Central, Hong Kong

Date: April 1st, 2011

Time: 6.15 pm (in time to be there at 6.41 pm)

Anyone with a heart for Leslie, bring your candle and be there

to remember him... same time, same place.

If you're not in Hong Kong, please, light up a candle for him

wherever you are.

April 1st is coming soon again and many activities have been organized in Hong Kong and other places in Asia. Here, thanks to Thomas of HKCinemagic, a list of events organized by Red Mission to remember Leslie Cheung in Hong Kong.

Remembering the Unforgettable – "Days of Being Wild" In Retrospect - "Days of Being Wild" became the talk of the town when it was first screened 20 years ago. As a pivotal figure of the movie, Leslie won Best Actor Award at the 10th Hong Kong Film Awards. His superb acting brought to life the character of Yuddy and created some unforgettable scenes in the film. This film has withstood the test of time and is now regarded as a cinematic classic. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the movie and we will take this opportunity to appreciate this classic film once again. In conjunction with the screening, a thematic seminar and exhibition will also be held.

20th Anniversary of <Days of Being Wild> - Memorabilia Exhibition
Date: 28 March 2011 Time: 6pm - 8:30pm
Opening Ceremony Time: 7pm - Guest of honour: Ms Rebecca Pan
29 March – 3 April 2011 Time: 11am – 8:30pm
Venue: Sport X Lobby, 2nd Floor, Harbour City, Ocean Terminal, Tsim Sha Tsui
Contents: The Exhibition is to showcase various memorabilia relating to "Days of Being Wild" like movie stills, behind-the-scene photos, video-audio products, posters and newspaper clippings. Movie trailers, advertisements and other special footages will also be shown. There will also be a charity sale counter at the venue. All net proceeds from the sale will be donated for charitable purposes. Free admission to the public

Screening of "Days of Being Wild"
Date: 2 April 2011, Saturday (Re-mastered Version)
3 April 2011, Sunday (Original Film Version)
Time: 4pm – 5:35pm
Venue: Golden Harvest Cinema at Harbour City, Tsim Sha Tsui
Content: Screening of the digitally re-mastered version of "Days of Being Wild"
Ticket price: HK$60
Ticket Booking: Tickets available for sale at http://www.goldenharvest.com
All proceeds net of expenses will be donated Red Cross Japan to support the victims who suffered by Earthquake and Tsunami.
Ticket holders are entitled to a "Days of Being Wild" commemorative movie ticket.

20th Anniversary of "Days of Being Wild" - Sharing Session
Date: 2 April 2011
Time: 5:45pm – 7:00 pm
Venue: Golden Harvest Cinema at Harbour City, Tsim Sha Tsui
Contents: Special guest(s) to review Leslie's performance in the movie.
Free admission. Admission priority reserved for holders of movie tickets.

20th Anniversary of "Days of Being Wild" - Exhibition at Avenue of Stars
Date: 28 March – 3 April 2011
Venue: Avenue of Stars, Hong Kong
Contents: Exhibition panels displaying movie stills, posters, classic movie quotes as well as memorable images of Leslie will be placed near Leslie’s plaque at the Avenue of Stars.
Free admission. General public is welcomed

Memorial Activity at Madame Tussauds
Date: 28 March – 3 April 2011
Time: 10am – 12 midnight
Venue: Madame Tussauds Hong Kong, The Peak
Program: A specific location by the wax figure of Leslie will be designated for flower presentation.

Flower Presentation outside Mandarin Oriental Hotel
Date: 2pm, 31 March - midnight, 2 April 2011 (12am, 3 April)
Place: Hong Kong Mandarin Oriental Hotel on Ice House Street, Central

"Salute to Leslie Tonight & Forever" Memorial Concert
Date: 4 April 2011
Time: 8:30pm
Venue: Fringe Gallery, Central, Hong Kong
Organizer: Yuen Man Kit and Andy Lau
Program: Local bands to perform the golden hits of Leslie
Performers: Hei Wong, Season Lee and Friend, Zone D, The Hurricane, Ever, Kolor
Price: HK$100 (advance booking) and HK$120 (at the entrance), including 1 drink
Enquiry: enquiry@hkfringclub.com / 2521 7251
All proceeds net of expenses will be donated to charity

Where Memories Linger – Leslie Cheung in Asia
Last year, Leslie was selected as the 3rd ‘Most Iconic Musicians in the World Over the Past 50 years’ in a poll taken by Cable News Networks (CNN). He is a brilliant talent widely recognized not only in Hong Kong and Southeast Asia, but also across different continents. In this year’s evening event, we will be tracking Leslie’s performances around Asia. The event will be held on April 1, 2011 from 8.30 pm to 10.30 pm at Hong Kong Cultural Centre Piazza, Tsim Sha Tsui

More details and beautiful pictures on HKCinemagic Forum - many many thanks to Thomas!

The "Days of being Wild" 20th Anniversary Film Collection Exhibition took place yesterday at Harbor City. The event invited singer Rebecca Pan (Poon Dik Wa) to be the opening ceremony guest. Rebecca Pan said that she had quite a connection with Leslie Cheung. When Gor Gor participated in a singing contest, she was one of the judges. She pointed out that at the time she picked Gor Gor to be the winner, but in the end he came in second. Pan pointed out that ten years ago a Taipei interview headline was "Master Performer Poon Dik Wa". At the time she thought whether she deserved that because she not only had to have the voice, the beauty and the art but also an unique aura, excellent and elegant style. At the time she thought of Gor Gor who absolutely deserved that title. She thought perfect artists were infrequent, in a hunred years a real artist would be hard to come by. Her era had Mei Lanfang, then came Gor Gor. She did not know when the next one would appear. Pan pointed out that Gor Gor's every move, songs and movies made people miss him. Would she like to extend Gor Gor's spirit? She said, "Gor Gor truly is worth remembering. I don't dare to say he was the only one, but my heart thinks that way." April 1st would be the 8th anniversary of Gor Gor's passing. She will perform a farewell concert in Shantou so she would not be able to attend Gor Gor's memorial events. Every year Gor Gor's memorial event would raise fund. Over seven years it raised mostly 3 million for charity. This time a charity auction would be held to fund raise for the Hong Kong Children Cancer Foundation and Japan Red Cross. April 1 "Leslie Cheung in Asia" memorial event will also take place at the Cultural Center. In addition, from March 31 to April 3, flower presentations would take place at Central Mandarin Oriental hotel. On April 4 at Central Fringe Club a Gor Gor memorial concert would take place. Source and pictures: HKtopten.blogspot.com, WenweiPo. Full coverage of HK newpapers on LeslieTong.com. More pictures on Sina.com.

Another sad news today: yesterday Mr Alan Tang Kwong Wing passed away due to heart disease in his Kadoorie Hill house. He was only 64 years old. The funeral will be held on April 14th. More info: HKCinemagic Forum

News about the event of today in Hong Kong on LeslieTong.com 1 - 2 - 3. A very sad article on Time Out Hong Kong. And the 'famous' heartbreaking interview with Alfred Mok about Leslie's last conversation by Ming Pao Weekly issue no. 2211 here. Moreover to commemorate Leslie director Ching Siu Tung uploaded some candid pictures of Leslie taken during "A Chinese Ghost Story" shooting: HKCinemagic Forum.

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