From Now On

September 12, 2009

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO LESLIE!

Since I can't be in Hong Kong this year... here my celebration for our beloved angel Leslie!

See more pictures here!

After 6 years nobody has forgotten Leslie Cheung. In HK, in China and many other places in the world, fans celebrated his 53th birthday, gathering together, sending flowers, cutting cakes, presenting gifts, visiting the places where he lived, dining together. In Hong Kong Kadoorie Avenue, as usual, his close friends gathered together with Mr Tong to remember him dearly, having a lunch together and playing mahjong like he liked to do. Like every year, Florence Chan, Kenneth and others attended. Eliza Chan arrived after lunch. Florence brought red roses, while Kenneth carried a wonderful bouquet of white casablanca lilies. To me, seeing him year after year is, for many reasons, the most meaningful thing. Fans donated to Leslie tons of flowers and gifts, even a giant teddy bear!

Red Mission held an event in Hong Kong called 'Summer Romance' and there was the usual countdown at the Avenue of Stars in the night of September 11th. Flowers and gifts surrounded his beloved star.

Source from September 12th-13th newspapers: Ming Pao Weekly 1 - 2, Oriental Daily, The Sun, WenWei Po, Apple Daily, Orisun, Sing Tao, Takung Pao, Ent.Mop. A full coverage with news in Chinese and many pictures on Red Forum and LeslieTong.com.

Fans also sent tons of flowers at Madame Tussaud's Museum in Hong Kong. See the video on Cable TV. Picture posted by a fan on Leslie Cheung Cyberworld guestbook. I do hope it's OK with her if I post it here, because in this picture I can see our flowers! Unfortunately I don't know her personally, so I can't ask for her permission.

And these are our flowers, from me and Keiko! Can you see them in the picture above? I'm so happy to see them there!!!

A group of fans from Mainland China and friends from Leslie Legacy Association celebrated Leslie's birthday following his footsteps in Hong Kong. Read the report and enjoy pictures on Red Forum.

Today also Taiwanese director Tsai Ming Liang remembers Leslie and pays homage to him in his last movie "Face". Source: NewsYahoo. Raymond Wong reminished Leslie as well. Source: LeslieTong.com.

September 28, 2009

Leslie Legacy Association supports The Joyous Karaoke Marathon For Charity conducted by Hon Yeung at the Whampoa Shopping Mall in Hunghom, Hong Kong. Beneficiary organizations include The Joyous Foundation Limited who provides professional care, education and support to children and teenagers in China, The Asbury Methodist Social Service and part of donation will be given for Taiwan's Post Typhoon Reconstruction (the beneficiary organization will be confirmed before the karaoke marathon). This event will also attempt to break the Guiness World Records of Longest Karaoke Marathon, singing consecutively for 50 hours (existing record is 43 hours). Originally scheduled on September 28th, 2009 at 2.00 pm, the event has been postponed to November 6th. If you want to donate and need the donation leaflet, please send me an e-mail and I will send it to you. Any donation more than HK$100, an official receipt (tax deductible) will be given. For more info: (852) 6762 1898 - joyousfoundation@yahoo.com.hk

October 9, 2009

According to media reports, the master recordings of the late Leslie Cheung (from May 1999 to April 2003) such as 'Countdown With You', 'Big Heat', Passion Tour CD/Karaoke, 'Who's The Woman, Who's The Man' Original Soundtrack etc,  previously owned by Apex Music Production are open to public tender in a media announcement released by the liquidator yesterday (October 8).  Apex went into forced liquidation in 2003.  Bidding for the tender closes on October 22, 2009.  This newspaper approached Florence Chan, ex-manager for the late Leslie Cheung, for confirmation.  She said, "I do not know, you have to ask the shareholder, Alvin Leong."  However up till the time of this article being written, there was no response from Alvin Leong. Senior Vice-President of the Universal Music Group (UMG), Wong Gim Tou has expressed interest and would consider a reasonable price for them. Source: The Sun kindly translated by Simie.

December 13, 2009

The No-Good, the Bad, the Ugly and the Truly Putrid - written by John Villeneuve

Every year some painfully half-baked, ill-conceived or inept films get submitted by countries from around the world for consideration in the Best Foreign Film category. However, this year seems to have more than usual. Which begs the question, if you don’t have a respectable film to present, and if it is clear that it will never get nominated, then why submit? Generally, the answer is that somewhere, somehow, while on the festival circuit, these films were recognized in someway (hell, even being allowed in a festival these days is preposterously considered a nod towards quality). But with so many festivals, and more popping up everyday, pretty soon you, the reader, will be able to offer home movies of your cat pondering a ball of yarn, as long as you throw in an hour of Grandma snoozing on the sofa, while speaking in tongues, to achieve feature film status. A brief look at IMDB validates this notion, where it seems that there are more honored films than not. Unfortunately this festival over-kill evokes the mind-boggling illusion that almost everything has award winning status. And the following films fit comfortably into that over crowded jell-o mold.

From China we have 'Forever Enthralled', a thoroughly dull film from a once great director, Kaige Chen ('Farewell My Concubine'). It is a biographical rendering of the turn of the century opera star, Mei Langfang. Besides being ponderous and void of any dramatic tension, the marketing of this film has been shamefully deceptive. Slyly, it is being sold as a star vehicle for Ziyi Zhang ('Memoirs of a Geisha'), when in reality the songstress in this bore is a man who played on stage the part of women (common during this time period). However, the lead character being a man is in no way the problem (though Leon Lai has similar presence to that of a perfunctory mime). What is galling is that Ziyi barely has a supporting role, appearing in the second hour, and disappearing as swiftly as she materialized. For me, this omission is a tell-tale sign of non confidence. The hope, here, was to sell this lumbering trifle on the back of a famous Asian actress, with the double whammy of a past commodity, director Kaige Chen. When in reality, what we have here in this virtual remake, is a woeful, cheap echo of Leslie Cheung, whose performance in 'Farewell My Concubine' was akin to catching lightening in a bottle. This time out, Kaige Chen has given us more of a match-induced blue angel. The final insult is that China passed over a lesser known director, Chuan Lu, and his sorrowful epic, 'City of Life and Death'. (...)

Thankfully, I am done with my tirade, and no longer will I have to think of these dung skids masquerading as films any longer. Of course, all that I have said shall be moot should one of these blemishes get nominated. In that event, you can bring on the crow.

Source: http://www.awardsdaily.com/?p=15552 - Many thanks to hot summer who posted the link in the guestbook.

Reading this comment is someway one of the evidences of the existence of God.

December 24, 2009

December 31, 2009

Leslie Cheung is the no. 1 reason for Hong Kong to be loved - Radio Television Hong Kong is a Hong Kong government-subsidized broadcasting unit. One of its radio shows, 'Made In HK', recently held a polling activity among the general public for popular reasons that make Hong Kong a favourable place. On the shortlist of 100 prospective reasons available for selection (being the strengths of HK, including, among others, the food, the shopping, the stable living environment, the people, etc.) which were complied based on the entries of an open appeal procedure, there is Leslie Cheung. Leslie has been named, along with Anita Mui, Jacky Cheng and Andy Lau, as one of the reasons for making Hong Kong a favourable place. Everybody could cast his/her vote here: http://www.rthk.org.hk/special/countdown2010
The polling activity ended on 24 Dec 2009 and the result has been announced tonight during the outdoor countdown gala held in Causeway Bay on 31 Dec 2009. We are overjoyed to tell you that, according to the polling, Leslie Cheung is the no.1 reason for HK to be loved!!! Here for the amazing result: http://www.rthk.org.hk/special/countdown2010/polling.htm. Here for the video of the special coundown program: http://www.rthk.org.hk/special/countdown2010/. Many thanks to Kiva, wannafly, Simie and LeslieTong.com.

January 27, 2010

Leslie Cheung ranked the 2nd and 6rd position at the HMV chart for best selling album of 2009 with "The Hottest" and "The Most Popular" CD/DVD. Source: LeslieTong.com.

January 28, 2010

Leslie’s movie 'A Chinese Ghost Story' will be showing in London, on February 11, 2010 at Prince Charles Cinema to celebrate the Chinese New Year. Here for more news. Many thanks to Lan.

Chinese New Year in London - Celebrate in Chinatown with Dazed & Confused - 'Dazed & Confused' celebrate the Chinese New Year with four special events across London's Chinatown. 'Dazed & Confused' are celebrating Chinese New Year in style. The magazine invites London to welcome in the Chinese year of the Tiger with a bang as they team up with Tiger Beer and some of the most inventive, cutting-edge London-based Chinese artists in a four-in-one event extravaganza.
On February 11th, artists, photographers, filmmakers and DJs will take up residency in a hand-picked selection of Chinatown's most famous eateries. The freedom to roam all four exclusive events is determined by wristbands only and 600 are up for grabs on the 'Dazed digital' website.
The line up looks set to be pretty impressive. New Loon Fung restaurant will play host to the artworks of Gordon Cheung, Gayle Chong Kwan and Suki Chan. Cheung's fascinating multimedia utopian hallucinations will sit side by side with Chong Kwan's video, sound and photographic installation and Chan's electronic exploration of physical and metaphorical space.
Meanwhile, over at Chuen Cheung Ku a triple assault of the visually stunning photographic works of Kai Z Feng, Madi Ju and Li Wei awaits. Completing the cultural mix, the evening will be bookended by two screenings at the Prince Charles Cinema. The first, a debut of award-winning feature, 'She, a Chinese' by director and novelist Xiaolu Guo, followed by an after-party midnight screening of the classic, 'A Chinese Ghost Story' starring Leslie Cheung.
Musical accompaniment to get our itchy feet a-tap tapping will be provided courtesy of super-producer Howie B at the New World Party, with a live performance from Beijing electronic duo White. Entry is strictly by wristband, so don't forget to apply now.

The Islington Chinese Association will held a memorial charity concert in London in order to remember Leslie Cheung on April 3, 2010 - In remembrance of a number of talented singers/artists who had tremendous contribution to the music industry, and had significant influence on music culture and even the daily lives of the people in Hong Kong and possibly all Chinese communities across South East Asia and the rest of the world for decades, we have decided to hold a series of charity concert/karaoke to celebrate the lives of: Danny Chan (died in 1993, aged 35), Theresa Teng (died in 1995, aged 42), Roman (died in 2002, aged 57), Leslie Cheung (died in 2003, aged 46), Anita Mui (died in 2003, aged 40), James Wong (died in 2004, aged 63). Concerts for Danny Chan, Roman, James Wong and Anita Mui have been held in the last three months of 2009, while Leslie's charity concert will be held on Saturday 3rd April 2010 and Theresa Teng's charity concert will be held on 8th May 2010, both hosted by tbc. Concerts will start from 12:00 noon - 5:00pm, with delicious lunch available between 12:00 to 1:30pm. Venue: Islington Chinese Association, 21 Hatchard Road, London N19 4NG. Everybody can attend and the ticket price is £5.00 (lunch included). Now practise your favourite songs from albums of your superstars, get yourselves (and your wallets) ready, come up on stage at ICA and sing for a good cause (£5.00 per song). All proceeds and donations will go to ICA Capital Appeal Fund. See you there! Source: Islington Chinese Association website - many thanks to Devoted Fan.

February 18, 2010

Recently Wing Shya was interviewed on his directorial debut. His new movie is to be released during the Chinese New Year period. In his interview he mentioned Leslie and Simie's translated the part where he talked about Leslie. Many thanks to Simie to her precious translation!

Wing Shya's recollections of his time in China with Leslie - After the film 'Happy Together' Wing Shya and Leslie Cheung became very good friends. "He loved the stills I shot for the movie. Afterwards he often asked me to shoot his album covers and also photos of himself. We gradually became friends." In the year 2000, the pair travelled across 5 cities in the Mainland. On this journey, while Leslie travelled, Wing Shya kept busy with his camera. Later these images formed the basis of the acclaimed publication, 'Qing' or 'Celebration' ('Leslie in China' Photo Book).
"He was most relaxed by the West Lake. We chatted as we walked along; almost forgetting our purpose here was to shoot photos. We just carried on walking and chatting but once in while he would remember and say, "Please take a photo of me." On that occasion, many of the photos were shot with his back facing the camera." At first, Wing Shya did not understand this because all the celebrities/stars always want to show off their best features to the camera except for Leslie Cheung; he left behind many images of his back to us. "Later I thought to myself, perhaps he felt that silhouettes of his back could give people more room for imagination."
By the West Lake, both Leslie Cheung and Wing Shya were free and easy, just like ordinary tourists. "He was not afraid of being recognised by the public but anyway on that occasion, hardly anyone recognised him. Perhaps people never thought Leslie Cheung was simple enough to be strolling in the area so casually." An incident which left a deep impression on Wing Shya was when Leslie insisted on buying him a cup of coffee. "I said to him please don't go to get coffee; what happens if people recognize you! He replied with a smile, "It's not a problem because I am your friend, I am not a star. Buying coffee for a friend is very normal." In Wing Shya's eyes, Leslie Cheung had always been a true and sincere good friend. "I often think of him. If he was still here, my movie certainly would have him in it."

March 3, 2010

Leslie Cheung, Tony Leung Chiu-Wai and Josephine Siao were voted as three amongst the Asia's 25 greatest actors of all time!!! The list includes actors from China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Korea, Japan, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Malaysia and Cambodia.

Asia’s 25 greatest actors of all time - As the Oscars approach, CNNGo celebrates the top Asian legends of the silver screen.

In the history of the Academy Awards (airing on March 7th), only two Asians have ever taken home a Best Actor or Actress statue (we don’t count Ben Kingsley as true Asian). Yet Asia has produced incredibly talented thespians that have changed the course of their nation’s cinematic history. In anticipation of Oscar night, we’ve narrowed the list of greats to 25. Roll the credits… Hong Kong: Leslie Cheung - Leslie Cheung was the leading man of the mid-1980s to the mid-1990s, starring in a flush of hit movies that are now considered modern Hong Kong classics. He received international acclaim for his heartfelt turns in “Farewell My Concubine” and three Wong Kar-Wai films. In 2005, he was voted “Most Favorite Actor in 100 Years of Chinese Cinema.” Best Role: Cheung’s role as an idealistic young cop in John Woo’s “A Better Tomorrow” (1986) was widely considered his debut as a serious actor.

Many thanks to Susanna and Simie for this news! Source: CNNgo - Sina.com - NewsYahoo.

March 6, 2010

G.E.M thinks that Leslie is the best - G.E.M, a very young female singer, attended the presscon of "Election of outstanding youth in HK".  The organizor conducted a survey recently to see who is the most outstanding artist in the eyes of youngsters in HK.  The 1st is Jacky Chan, second is Stephen Chow, third is Andy Lau and G.E.M. is the 8th. G.E.M. said, for her, Leslie is the most outstanding artist because Leslie had the best performing skill and attitude, he could express precisely what the story is in every song that he sang. Source: AppleDaily - many thanks to Susanna.

March 9, 2010

Leslie Forever

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, 2010
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.

March 16, 2010

Events approaching April 1, 2010 in Hong Kong

A poetry reading session on "Poetry and Music" will be held on March 20, 10:00 am at the Chapel, HSH Campus, Hong Kong Baptist University. One of the programs is a short talk by Nathalia Chan, the lecturer at Hong Kong Baptist University who gave talks, had researches and wrote a book called Butterfly of Forbidden Colors: The Artistic Image of Leslie Cheung, and the title is "Life, Death, Love and Desire of Leslie Cheung and Lin Xi". More on Hong Kong Baptist University website. For enquiry and reservation:  Tel: 3411-7204 or 3411-5860, e-mail: artsoc@hkbu.edu.hk - many thanks to Susanna. Here some pictures of the event! See an article on Leslietong.com.

On March 20th, 2010 at 7.30 pm "A Better Tomorrow" will be screened at Hong Kong International Film Festival.

Red Mission informs that it will be possible to leave flowers at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel (Ice House Street) as usual starting from March 31th at 2 p.m. to April 2nd at midnight. Madame Tussauds Museum will be glad to accept flowers starting from March 30th at 12 p.m. to April 6th at 6 p.m..

More info about other events can be found in Chinese on www.leslietong.com.

March 21, 2010

Yesterday holding his DUO concert, Eason Chan remembered in tears when Leslie urged him to stop smoking. He said: "GorGor, how are you?", then he sang Leslie's "Lonely Night". Source: Ming Pao Daily on LeslieTong.com.

March 22, 2010

New releases about Leslie - Two books are going to be released in the next few days to remember Leslie: "The Legacy of Leslie Cheung - A Soul on Film" and "Leslie Movie Poster Collection". A 2 CD/DVD collection called "I am what I am" will be on sale very soon. All items can be preordered at YesAsia.

March 23, 2010

Passion. Forever - Commemorationg the Life of Leslie Cheung by Red Mission - The word '7th Year Itch' can generally refer to a point in a long-running relationship where interest is waning and inclination growing for one to look elsewhere for renewed sparkles and passion. Once through this critically unsettling stage, the relationship may take a more secure turn where love becomes nurtured and the bonding stronger for the persons involved. 1 April 2010 will mark the 7th anniversary of Leslie's passing, and the word '7th Year Itch' seems fit to shed some light on the current circumstance facing us. We have had on the record 6 years of persistent efforts to keep his legacy alive in the hearts of many. For the benefits of the forthcoming memorial events, we appeal for your continued support and determination to dispel the potentially negative denotation associated with the so-called '7th Year Itch' phenomenon. As in the lyrics of Leslie's song named ‘It’s All Because of You’, together we shall get over yet another hilltop ahead of us. The belief is, years after years, through supporting the events, we will find that our love for Leslie will only be strengthened and grow deeper in our hearts.

March 25, 2010

19 most beautiful men from Hong Kong cinema - CNNGo listed the most beautiful men as follows:

Our pick of the most talented, charismatic leading men of Hong Kong cinema whose gorgeous faces are worthy of plastering all over teenagers' bedrooms.

1. Leslie Cheung: The male diva of the late 20th century

They don't make 'em like Leslie Cheung anymore. The bisexual star burns up the screen with sex appeal in nearly every movie he's in, playing suave, charismatic characters with a dose of mystery and emotional torment. Cheung ended his own life by jumping off of the Mandarin Oriental when he was 46, and to this day, his fans fly in from around the world to gather at the iconic hotel to commemorate his death. 'Time' calls him "the most widely adored male diva of the late 20th century."

Leslie Cheung smolders in the opening scene of "Days of Being Wild."
Others in the list are: 2. Tony Leung Chiu Wai, 3. Tony Leung Kar Fai, 4. Daniel Wu, 5. Chow Yun Fat, 6. Lui Kei, 7. Nicholas Tse, 8. Patrick Tse, 9. Aaron Kwok, 10. Kenny Bee, 11. Danny Chan, 12. Ti Lung, 13. Daniel Chan, 14. Ekin Cheng, 15. Andy Lau, 16. Leon Lai, 17. Louis Koo, 18. Bruce Lee, 19. Donnie Yen.

Here the link! Many thanks to Devoted Fan and Simie!

March 29-30, 2010

News on newspapers about the events in Hong Kong dedicated to Leslie on the 7th anniversary of his death on Leslietong.com 1 - 2 - sources: Orisun and MingPao.

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