Lunar New Year Films ‘Competing Against Each Other’ – Louis Cheung and Kay Tse Boost Publicity

 

Hong Kong male star Louis Cheung has two Lunar New Year films in Malaysia this year, the Hong Kong-style 'Sure Win' and the second wave release 'Be A Rich Man,' creating a situation where he’s competing against himself. He jokes that he doesn’t mind, as participating in Lunar New Year films is an honor, proving that audiences want to see him during this festive season.

(Kuala Lumpur, 4th) This year’s Lunar New Year film release in Malaysia reached a historical high with up to 20 domestic and international films competing for audience attention. 'Be A Rich Man,' releasing on February 6th, held a press conference on Monday at Pavilion Cinema, attended by producer Leung Hung Wah and actors Louis Cheung, Joyce Cheng, Han Xiaoai, and internet star Aya from “SteadyGang.”

Regarding the “competing against each other” situation, both Aya and Joyce Cheng are also facing this dilemma. 'Be A Rich Man' is Aya’s first film work, and unexpectedly he later took on 'Half Weight, Full Measure.' He admits the pressure isn’t on him as he is there to experience acting and find out if it suits him, so he hopes everyone gives encouragement instead of pressure.

Joyce Cheng, who has been busy with promoting 'OMG! Mother is Happy' and thanking the audience during the new year, will now be promoting 'Be A Rich Man.' She reflects that she has never filmed a Lunar New Year movie before, as neither was initially intended for the Lunar New Year market, but both ended up being released then. She’s happy to see Malaysia’s box office potential but notes that nearly 20 films have diluted the market. “Currently, only the Lunar New Year period attracts families to go to the cinema in Malaysia, but I think this isn’t a healthy trend. Many great works in Malaysia deserve to be seen and shouldn’t all rush for the New Year spot. The film industry could consider releasing films during other festivals.”

Han Xiaoai: Worked Hard on Cantonese Dialogue

'Be A Rich Man' is Han Xiaoai’s third Lunar New Year film, and she declared she isn’t only suited for New Year films, welcoming directors to cast her in other genres. She felt the biggest challenge this time was the Cantonese dialogue, which required a lot of effort. She particularly thanked Louis Cheung for taking care of her during filming by communicating with her in Mandarin the entire time, which made her feel warm.

As for the box office target, the actors deferred to producer Leung Hung Wah. He laughed and said that if the rush is too tight, there’s no need to get on this train, they can always take another one during the Lantern Festival! The box office numbers are limitless, and the actors even joked that non-durian eater Louis Cheung should try it. Louis shrugged indifferently.

Additionally, during his last film shoot in Malaysia, Louis Cheung had to manage his figure and missed out on a lot of Malaysian delicacies. This time, he finally enjoyed his favorite bak kut teh, and his food list includes pandan cake and roast chicken wings. Having watched many Malaysian films, Louis hopes for the opportunity to collaborate with Malaysian directors. However, playing a Malaysian character would be challenging as it would require considerable time to practice and understand.

On another note, Kay Tse made a surprise appearance at the red carpet meet-and-greet, supporting her husband Louis Cheung. Wearing an elegant cream Chanel-style outfit, she happily accompanied and held hands with her husband on the red carpet, with their affectionate sweetness on full display. When asked by the host about his many romantic scenes with Han Xiaoai in the movie and if he shares the same romance in real life with his wife Kay Tse, Louis humorously replied: “Our romance is of another kind!” immediately offering up a taste of their loving life to the public.