April 1, 2011
As years go by, you're always in our heart, dear Leslie...
LESLIE'S PILLOW REMEMBERS LESLIE CHEUNG
In my home flowers for the most beautiful flower... I miss you so much...
April 2, 2011
News on April 2nd newspapers about the events of April 1st in Honk Kong: you can find pictures and news in Chinese on Ming Pao Daily, The Sun, Oriental Daily, SingPao 1 - 2, SingTao, Wenweipo, AppleDaily, Xinhuanet. More on LeslieTong 1 - 2 - 3 and HKCinemagic 1 - 2.
Another sea of flowers has been seen in Hong Kong to commemorate the 8th anniversary of Leslie's demise: at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, in front of his house in Kadoorie Hill and at the Madame Tussaud's Museum. Different events has been organized by Red Mission: the exhibition at the Harbour City and at the Avenue of Stars dedicated to "Days of Being Wild" and in the night of April 1st at the Cultural Centre "Leslie Cheung in Asia" and many others in the following days, as reported in the previous page.
Here a summary of news as reperted by HKtopten.blogspot.com: Yesterday was the 8th anniversary of Leslie Cheung
Kwok Wing's passing, but fans missed him no less despite the
passing of time. Fans from different areas as usual presented
flowers outside his former home and the hotel where he passed
away. At night a memorial event was held in Cultural Center.
Outside Gor Gor's former home were flowers, dolls and books. A
fan from Japan said that she has been a Gor Gor fan as early as
ten years ago. Since Gor Gor's passing, every year she would come
to Hong Kong to pay her respect. Now she still missed Gor Gor
very much and revealed that in Tokyo they met every month. Gor
Gor fans only grew in number.
The Mandarin Oriental Hotel was a sea of flowers from fans from
Korea, Singapore, Japan, and the Mainland, each one represented
how much they missed Gor Gor. A Hong Kong fan Ms. Chen came to
Mandarin Oriental Hotel to present flowers every year. "I
already liked Gor Gor in the 80s. His style and star power can't
be replaced. I wrote down my thoughts with the flowers."
Would she go to the Cultural Center to remember Gor Gor? She
said, "Mandarin Oriental was Gor Gor's favorite place so I
came here to present flowers." Every year in order to
present flowers, she had to leave her child with someone. After
leaving flowers she had to go home right away. At 8:30pm, his fan
club Red Mission at the Cultural Center held a "Leslie
Cheung in Asia" memorial event as 1,500 fans held glow
sticks and enjoyed Gor Gor on the screen. They even were amazed
with Gor Gor's unrivaled stage presence. Korean star Gianna Jun
Ji-Hyun's interview of Gor Gor was also shown. Finally different
versions of "Together Passing Over" in memory of Gor
Gor.
In addition, many industry insiders remembered Gor Gor online.
Carina Lau Ka Ling wrote, "In Heaven everything is good...
that one summer... you are unforgettable... Classic photo, miss u
Gor Gor!" Law Kar Ying wrote, "Today is April 1, the
day to remember Cheung Kwok Wing. Heaven envies talent and does
not permit glory to be seen. Although he left, he made us forever
miss him. Gor Gor's spirit is in Heaven." Gigi Leung Wing
Kei wrote, "Idol Forever!" Leo Ku Kui Ke wrote,
"Late at night, I saw my interview of Gor Gor when I just
started as an anchor. Seeing his smile when he spoke to me, my
heart was all over the place. Yet another April 1, yet another
April Fool's Day that I don't want to play a joke on. I only
remember Gor Gor Cheung Kwok Wing."
Newpapers also reported that Kenneth and Leslie's good friend Lian Yanhui don't forget to pay a visit to the Shatin Temple, where also Florence Chan's son paid homage and at Mr Tong's house at 1.00 pm (but I'm not sure about this last detail because of my poor translation).
Leslie Legacy Association held a touching candlelight vigil as always at the Podium of the Jardine House, just opposite the Mandarin Oriental at 6.41 pm. Fans gathered there around 6 pm bringing candles and flowers for Leslie. But this year we also dedicated our thoughts to the victims of the disaster which hit Japan last March 11th. Singer Lin Hanyang said: "Today we mourn Gor Gor and also pay a silent tribute to pray for the disaster in Japan. We believe if Leslie knew about it he would be glad to join us in this tribute". Here some photos of the event. Source: Orisun and Ming Pao Daily.
I sent my flowers to Leslie together with my dear friend Keiko at the Madame Tussaud's Museum in Hong Kong.
April 16, 2011
Richie Ren remembers Leslie
Cheung on TV - "Rock Records arranged for me to attend Leslies
concert in HK. I saw him on stage, he was very different from the
rest of the Rock Record artists. His charisma on stage is more
than just his music. His mood & energy level was above other
Rock Record artists. When I saw that, I was like 'Wow!'
I was shooting a film in Thailand and Leslie happened to be on
vacation there. He saw us filming and he recognized one of the
crew members so he came over to say Hello. That was my first time
meeting Leslie. Wow! He was so affable! Leslie gave a little
present to a crew member and the crew member cried and said
'Gorgor still remember that I like this pen'. This pen is only
sold in Thailand. I thought to myself 'Wow! Gorgor is so
attentive'.
One time he invited me over to his house for dinner and we
discussed a movie script. He wanted to be a director. I thought
how great it would be if I could act in his film, its a
pity that not long afterward he left us." - Many thanks to
Devoted Fan for the translation.
April 20, 2011
Leslie Cheung Back on April 30 with "Ghost Story" - Leslie Cheung's romantic fantasy comedy, "A Chinese Ghost Story", will reopen in Chinese cinemas on April 30, xinhuanet.com reports today. The film was released in Hong Kong in 1987 and considered a classic. It revolves around the love story between a human and a non-human spirit. Cast members also include Joey Wong and Wu Ma. Lead actor Cheung killed himself in Hong Kong on April 1, 2003. The fundamental reason to screen the film again is to commemorate Cheung, according to the production company of the film. It is reported they have spent a lot of money on the film's renovations, mainly on visual and sound effects. The film's 2011 remake, which features Liu Yifei, Louis Koo and Yu Shaoqun, was released on Tuesday, April 19. Source: http://www.chinesefilms.cn/1/2011/04/20/101s2759.htm
Jacky Cheung urges bank food
donation - Jacky Cheung Hok Yau after
completing the fifth show of his concert series two nights ago
took a two day break before continuing on with the remaining 15
shows. During this break, Hok Yau after the show two nights ago
announced good news. He urged friends to give rice instead of
floral arrangements, through the St. James' Settlement People's
Food Bank for the needy in Hong Kong. Now over 7,000 kg of rice
was already raised. Friends who donated included Andy Lau Tak Wa,
Nicholas Tse Ting Fung and Cecilia Cheung Pak Chi, Kelly Chen Wai
Lam, Tong Hok Tak, Julian Cheung Chi Lam and Anita Yuen Wing Yi,
Joey Yung Cho Yi and others.
When Hok Yau appeared he tripped on the bags of rice on the
stage. Hok Yau sat on the bag and joked, "After the concert
my legs are inevitably wobbly, haha." Later, manager Chan
Suk Fun and Director Andrew Lau Wai Keung who produced the
concert music film and animation cut a cake to celebrate the
successful performance. Source: HKTopTen.
April 24, 2011
Leslie Cheung's "Four Seasons" CD ranked the no.1 in the top selling albums at Hong Kong HMV. Now, after few weeks the album is at no.4.
Vote for Leslie as one of the 'Top 10
Superstars of Chinese People' - A poll held in association with
Talent Contest
http://ent.sina.com.cn/f/v/wangzgl/
TianJin Cable TV in China is to stage Talent Contest (a direct
translation of the show name in Chinese), the largest ever TV
variety show in the national history. It will have contestants
emulate and salute some most prominent local and overseas
superstars such as Michael Jackson, Leslie Cheung, Andy Lau, Faye
Wong, and etc. It will surely be spurring a trend to emulate
these great personalities like a storm of an unprecedented scale.
In order to attract talents from the world over, overseas
recruitment procedures will be open for candidates in North
America and Europe through three online platforms. Candidates are
to be subject to no qualification restriction. Each candidate
will have to go through auditions by judge panels made up from
special guests, media authorities, TV audience and net users. The
finalists will have the opportunity to tour around the world.
Talent Contest is scheduled to be aired during TV peak viewing
hours in June 2011.
To take part in the relevant polling activity, simply go to the
website as stated above, find the photo of Leslie among those of
other artists and click the box underneath it. To submit your
vote, please then click on the left button a few rows of photos
down the page. Thank you for your support of Leslie! Many thank
to Yigin for the news.
May 19, 2011
Florence Chan recently said that she's considering to commemorate Leslie Cheung again in the 10th anniversary of his passing. Source: Tainjin.net
May 23, 2011
Newspaper heard from credible sources that
Bingo passed away last month and Mr Tong moved out of the house
in Kadoorie Hill at the beginning of May. Mr Tong doesn't want to
live all alone in that big house anymore, he felt too lonely now
in such an empty house and also had to pay exorbitant rent. So he
started a new life in Hong Kong.
It is reported that Leslie and Mr Tong moved to their house in
Kadoorie Hill on 1997. Later on they moved once, but because of
Leslie's belief in geomancy they finally moved back to the
original house. After Leslie passing, Mr Tong has lived alone,
usually he had two Filipino maids to take care of the daily life.
A neighbour disclosed that occasionally he came out to walk with
Bingo.
Journalists who visited the former residence found the heavy door
locked and closed windows. It is reported that Mr Tong didn't
dislike the visits of Leslie's fans twice a year, since Leslie's
passing. Instead he's always felt moved and comforted by fans.
Last week, home cleaners have been there to clean up the house:
it is said that he left behind only a large grey couch and
several large paintings. It is reported that many Leslie's fans
would like to rent the house to be connected with Gor Gor's
spirit. Source: HKHeadline - Yahoo!News
June 11, 2011
The 9th Asian Film Festival in Reggio Emilia, Italy from June 11th to June 18th 2011. A retrospective is dedicated to Peter Chan and his movies. We will have the chance to watch "He's a woman she's a man" and "Who's the woman who's the man" with Leslie Cheung. Peter Chan will attend the festival and will be awarded with a Special Career Award. See photo gallery on Facebook - Visit the official website.
June 15, 2011
Hong Kong film industry
honoured at Italian film festival - The
Hong Kong film industry received another mark of international
recognition on June 11 (Italian time) when director and producer
Mr Peter Chan received a Special Career Award at the 9th Asian
Film Festival in Reggio Emilia, Italy. The international
festival, which is being held from June11 to 18 in Reggio Emilia,
in northern Italy, is organised by non-profit making cultural
association Robert Bresson Cineforum.
Of the 35 Asian films on the programme, 14 are from Hong
Kong.They include a retrospective of eleven films by Mr Peter
Chan, namely: Alan and Eric between Hello and Goodbye (1991); He
ain't Heavy, he's my Brother (1993); Tom, Dick and Hairy (1993);
He's a Woman, She's a Man (1994); Comrades, Almost a Love Story
(1996); The Age of Miracles (1996); Who's the Woman, Who's the
Man (1996); Three: Going Home (2002); Perhaps Love (2005),
Warlords (2010); and Wu Xia (2011).
Other films by Hong Kong directors are Ms Clara Law's Like a
Dream (2009); Ms Ivy Ho's Crossing Hennessy (2010); and Ms Ann
Hui's All About Love (2010).
Last year the festival paid a tribute to the work of Hong Kong
director Mr Stanley Kwan.
This year the festival bestowed a Special Career Award for the
first time.The ceremony was held in the prestigious surroundings
of the 16th century Palazzo Magnani, in the presence of the
President of the Province of Reggio Emilia, the President of the
Palazzo Magnani Foundation and other dignitaries.
Speaking at the ceremony and before a cocktail reception hosted
by the HKETO, Brussels, Special Representative for Hong Kong
Economic and Trade Affairs to the European Union, Miss Mary Chow,
said that films are very close to the hearts of Hong Kong people
and it was a particular pleasure when the talents of our
home-grown filmmakers receive recognition abroad.
"Peter Chan, who is being honoured tonight, is one of our
most outstanding directors.In addition to the critical acclaim he
has received, he also enjoys huge box office hits in Hong Kong
and Mainland China, both as a director and as a producer."
Miss Chow noted that only two days earlier, she had attended an
awards ceremony at the Casa Asia Film Week in Barcelona, Spain,
at which another of Hong Kong's most accomplished directors, Ms
Ann Hui, was presented with the Casa Asia Film Week Honorary
Award. "In fact over the past decade, Hong Kong movies and
film talent have won over 300 international awards." Miss
Chow added that creative industries, including the film industry,
were one of the six new growth economic sectors the Hong Kong SAR
Government has been promoting.The Government also nurtures
creativity by supporting small-to-medium budget films through the
Film Development Fund. "Beyond sponsorship, the Government
also ensures that the right environment is in place for creative
industries to flourish.Free speech and free flow of information,
ideas and talent represent key elements of our cherished values
and are guaranteed by our constitutional document, the Basic
Law." - Source: 7th Space Interactive Website.
September 12, 2011
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO LESLIE!
Japanese fans
fold origami cranes for Leslie Cheung -
Today would have been Leslie Cheung Kwok Wing's
55th birthday. Fans still miss him no less.
Japanese fans even folded 2655 silver origami cranes
in memory of Gor Gor. Silver was in memory of Gor
Gor's 1997 costume, five in Japanese sounds like Gor, so two
fives represented Gor Gor.
Despite the recent troubles in Japan, several dozen fans as
usual came to Hong Kong this year and would pay their
respect in Po Fook Hill and attend Gor Gor's fan organized
memorial events. Gor Gor's good friend Chan Suk Fun went to Inner
Mongolia and would not return until dusk. Then she
already asked her son to prepare cakes, offering and fresh
flowers, after meeting up with the Japanese fans they would
pay their respect to this superstar together. Source: HK Film Top Ten and LeslieTong.com.
September 13, 2011
Fans celebrate Leslie's
Cheung's Birthday - September 12 would have been late superstar
Leslie Cheung Kwok Wing's 55th birthday.With the Mid Autumn
Festival yesterday, many fans paid their respect at Gor
Gor's memorial tablet in Po Fook Hill. 20 Japanese fans came
to pay their respect. They not only brought Gor Gor's
favorite food but also moon cake and birthday cake. Some
fans folded 2655 origami cranes that appeared like wind
chimes in front of Gor Gor's tablet in memory of Gor Gor.
Gor Gor's manager Chan Suk Fun was in the Mainland and her
son Chan Ka Ho paid respect on her behalf. Ka Ho also
revealed that Gor Gor's love Tong Hok Tak has already moved
from their former home. He also said that last week he
accompanied Mr Tong to Pat Suet Sin's house for a dinner; since
she recently has problem with eyes they didn't play mahjong but
she invited friends to play cards and the athmosphere was lively
there. Last night Gor Gor's fans also held a memorial event
at a hotel.
Gor Gor's good friend Carina Lau also posted online.
She said, "Gor Gor: I want to tell you, every Lunar New
Year I still go to the florist you recommended to order
peach blossom, those peach blossoms bloomed
beautifully. Miss u" Anita Yuen who worked with Gor
Gor on many films also posted online, "Gor Gor! Happy
Birthday!" Source: HK Film Top Ten and LeslieTong.com. Photos from Ming
Pao.
Many fans in Asia celebrated Leslie's birthday with birthday parties, gathering together. In Hong Kong Red Mission organised the "Moonlight Express Leslie Cheung Birthday Party" at the grand ballroom of the Imperial Hotel in Hong Kong. Since this year the Mid Autumn festival occurred on September 12, special cute mini mooncakes dedicated to Leslie were given to the fans who attended the event. On LeslieTong.com more news in Chinese from the Hong Kong main newspapers and more pictures (sse the provided links).
October 3, 2011
100 Must-See Hong Kong Movies at Hong Kong Film Archive - Recently the Hong Kong Film Archive has printed a booklet and started to show the 100 Hong Kong films that cannot be missed. Based on the selection/voting of 100 must-see Hong Kong movies, Leslie has 6 movies, even Chow Yun Fat only has 5. Leslie's movies are "Nomad", "A Better Tomorrow", "Rouge", "A Chinese Ghost Story", "Days Of Being Wild" and "Ashes Of Time". Visit Hong Kong Film Archive website for news and booklet. News on Chinese newspapers on LeslieTong.com. Many thanks to Angelina.
October 6, 2011
Takako Tokiwa, the Japanese actress who co-starred with Leslie in "Moonlight Express" was in Hong Kong yesterday and paid homage to Leslie at Poo Fook Hill in Sha Tin. Takako wrote on her official website as follows: "October 5th, in Hong Kong is the big day you go to the grave. Since then, I couldn't go to Hong Kong at all. But I had chance to go to Hong Kong for shooting of commercial on October 5th!! By this chance, I went to my first move's co-star, a big star in Asia, my respectable actor Leslie's grave. It took long time to come, but when I stood in front of his grave, I found this place feel fit to my feeling finally. I didn't feel like crying, I felt warm and beautiful aura. The grave is on the mountain and the scenery is nice, Leslie is there with two his good friends and talents, he looks very lively and happy there, so I am glad and it was so fun. The interpreter Jessica and the manager Bachi were helped the Hong Kong film experience for me. So I really appreciate I went to there with them. My memories of Leslie were always with them. I cherish the memory of spent time with them. So. The photo above, I think it helps me in the future". Visit Takako Tokiwa's website. Many thanks to Franny for her translation on Facebook. See news in Chinese newspapers and photos on LeslieTong.com.
October 18, 2011
MOMA Film Series will pay homage to the Asian auteurs of Fortissimo Films. Wong Kar Wai's "Happy Together" starring Leslie Cheung will be screened as part of MOMA series celebrating the 20th anniversary of Fortissimo Film from November 10 to November 21th this year. More news here.
December 4, 2011
Few months ago Rosaryhill School website published an interview with a former director of the school Father Lionel Xavier. In this interview Father Xavier talked about Leslie: "Leslie Cheung used to be called Bobby in the past and he was always a very supportive Rosarian. He came back for various school activities and fundraising events whenever the School needed him to. I remember he left Rosaryhill after he finished Form Three and he was still called Bobby at that time. I used to play badminton with him very often before he left Rosaryhill. I remember Leslie and I had gone to Repulse Bay for afternoon tea many many years ago; there was just no peace during the whole time since he was always surrounded by his fans. Leslie complained to me that he could hardly enjoy any private moments anymore. Actually I ran into him on the Peak just one month before he committed suicide. I never knew he had depression problems. Had I known about it, I would have tried to contact him to see if there was anything I could do to help." Posted on the Leslie's Pillow Guestbook by Yara - Source: http://www.b2bchinadirect.com/fatherxavier.htm - http://www.rhsosa.org/e-news/rosarians.php?i=13388408
December 12, 2011
Manhattan Master Card presents ReImaging Leslie Cheung's Concert on March 1st, 2012 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. More info on www.manhattancard.com - see news in Chinese and photos on LeslieTong.com.
March 2, 2012
ReImaging Leslie Cheung's Concert organized by Universal was held yesterday night at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in Hong Kong. Among the singers who paid homage to Leslie: the great Anthony Wong Yiu Ming, Karen Mok, Eason Chan, George Lam. News in Chinese and photos on Leslie.Tong.com and LeslieTong.com.
March 11, 2012
Director Peter Chan is the filmaker in focus of 36th Hong Kong International Film Festival to be held in Hong Kong from March 21th to April 5th. If you are in Hong Kong you will get the chance to watch "He's a woman she's a man" on April 1st 2012 at 10:30 am or at 3:00 pm at the Hong Kong Ciry Hall Theatre. A book about Peter Chan has also been released and it's available at the HKIFF shop. Visit the official website of the HKIFF.
March 18, 2012
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