13/5---Tian Ma Xin Kong dropped to #2. Dear S’pore fans, please continue to support the song! Help to hold it...Do not let it drop so fast, okay.....Call 1900-912-0933.

6/5---Tian Ma Xin Kong #1.

Takako Tokiwa has turned down offers to write books many times before, but now she is launching a new book tomorrow, titled 'The Real Diary'.

The book is a diary on her filming of AFB in Thailand from 22 July to 2 Sept. It narrates details of the interesting events & dialogue between her & Andy, her daily life, & the pressure during filming of AFB.

Takako has 2 conditions with this publication: 1) 4 original photos to be pasted inside, 2) The contents are not to be edited. The photos are to be pasted by hand, this incurs more work in production & is also a characteristic of this book. In addition, there are some 40 over printed pictures inside.

Source: Apple Daily

Andy's Chang-face teacher Peng Teng Hui is now in HK for the promo of a popular TV series acted by him. He was asked if he had seen Andy. Peng said he had not seen Andy as he has gone to France, Andy has not learned the art from him yet as he cannot find time to learn. It is difficulty to find a time that suits both.

[note that the change-face gure performed in Cannes is not Andy's teacher]

Source: Ta Kung Pao

Ekin Cheng has been strongly promoted by TeamWork in Cannes. To this, Ekin said he is thankful to Andy & the director Andrew Liu. The reporter asked if it is because his price is cheaper, he denied & said he is very expensive.

Diary from al.com

13/5---Stealing half a day of relaxation......Hardly have chance for a holiday, went with the assistants to the nearby 'Morocco' for a tour & sightseeing. The scenery there is v beautiful, I & the assistants took a lot of beautiful photos, believe can share with all when I am back.
Returned to Cannes before dinner, as we will go back to HK tomorrow early am, went back to hotel early to pack up.
Due to time difference, 14/5 I will be on the plane, I will see all in HK on the 15/5.

Date: 14 May 01
Headline/Source: Andy Lau sang Chinese, proud & triumphantly in Cannes at 8-million-dollars HK Night (Apple Daily)
Chinese & foreign guests bursting HK Night (Oriental Daily)
HK Night programme welcomed by all (Sing Tao)
HK Night in Cannes very Chinese (Ming Pao)
Over a thousand thronged HK Night (Show 8)
Jacky Chan & Michelle Reis hid in the room to avoid chaotic situation (The Sun)

HK movies could be said to be leading the crowd in Cannes Film Festival this year. HK govt splurged a hefty sum of 8 million to hold a HK Night, which was opened yesterday at Majestic Hotel. HK famous artistes, directors, famous stars from around the world, & film- makers etc were invited to attend. It was a glittering night of stars.

Famous director from China, Chen Kai Ke & the States, Quentin Tarantino were on the list invited. The organizer had invited abt 650 guests, but the response was overwhelming, many filmmakers & dealers without invitation rushed to get in. The situation at one stage became chaotic. The organizer had to stop everybody from going in. Some guests such as Tsui Hark & Chen Jia Shan had to wait outside for 45 mins before they were allowed in. The scene was unprecedented & it was packed to the brim with 1,600 guests when the hotel ballroom could only accommodate 800.

Despite the initial chaotic situation, the guests were much entertained by the many programmes put up by the artistes. The host was Christy Cheung & Paul Fang. Jacky Chan opened the show with a lion dance. Progamme put up included Chinese orchestra, Wushu, fashion show & singing.

The appearance of Jacky Chan & Sammo Hung on the stage caused a stir as they were internationally known, the guests shouted their name 'Jack-Kie, Jack-Kie! Sam-Mo, Sam-Mo..!"

Andy Lau who followed next was not pared down. Donning Chinese chong-sum, he sang Chinese. It invited continuous loud applause from the house. Many foreign girls were swooned over by his singing, they screamed & danced along. Liang Zhen & Li Shou Huang's sword display was another climax of the night. Change-face guru put up a show too. He amazed the audience with the speed in changing of face masks, one of them used was Andy's face. It was v humorous & creative.

Other than prg, the guests were treated to Chinese delicacies such as 'whiskers candy', tea, moon-cake,…

The entourage from HK to Cannes is of 220 persons. Abt 70 of them have their air-ticket, lodging, food sponsored by HK govt. The expenditure amounts to 8 million. Many commented that the govt has spent too much on the event. Judging from the success, the effort put in & the money used is well spent.

Headline/Source: The fatty looks of 300 lb Andy & Sammi designed by Hollywood specialist costs 8 million (Apple Daily)
Sammi & Andy 300 lb fatty look exposed (Oriental Daily)
Thin Man & Lady is highly expected by all (Apple Daily)

Thin Man & lady starring Andy & Sammi will hit the screen this summer holidays! Andy acted as a 300lb-er & Sammi as a lady weighing 260lb. Both of them are v slim, to act in these roles is a real challenge for them. Their looks have now been exposed, both look v lovable!

In order to make them look like real, Johnnie To has invited a special-effect make-up specialist, Steve Johnson, from the States to do the make up for Andy & Sammi. Just the make up cost alone is a hefty sum of US$1 mil (HK$7.8 mil)

Johnnie To said though the fee is high but is has its value, as the fatty looks of the leads are astonishingly realistic. The expression & gestures by the two are equally convincing as fat persons. The crew was equally amazed by the change.

During each filming, they have to spend 3 to 4 hrs in the make-up. In addition, they have to wear a cast made of sponge, cotton, beans in different compositions. The cast weighs 30 over lbs. After the immaculate make up, Andy will have a 50, 56, 57 figure & Sammi has 48, 52.5, 57 figure!

But the make-up last only 5 hrs. As under a temp of 30 over degrees, the make-up will smudge, despite they special air-con put up by the company.

The story is abt a lady, Mini-Mo acted by Sammi, who was dumped by her first love. From a thin person she changed to a fat gal. 10 yrs later the bf who is now a famous movie star wants to woo her back. But Mini feels her look is too unsightly & refused to meet him.

When she gets to know another fat boy, acted by Andy, the latter promises to make her thin again within 45 days, many interesting events happen then,..

Andy in '82, during filming of Eagle Hunter, was a fat guy of 170 lbs! Now he is abt 140 lb!…

Diary from andylau.com

12/5---What the HK govt has done this year at Cannes Film Festival, putting in money & effort, is successfully organised. Feel that in order to promote HK movies it has really put in all the effort possible........
Of course I must put in my share, this time accepted the invitetion as performer guest of HK night. I am alreday at the hall to rehearse for the night performance. Just back to hotel to rest. When it is time for me to perform, I think all of u will be sleeping. The details......talk tomorrow

Date: 13 May 01
Headline/Source: Jacky Chan : very easy to critise (Show 8)
HK artiste pick-pocketted in France airport. Andy carried backpack himself to prevent theft (Apple Daily)
Jacky Chan advised to close-door first before violating the government (Oriental Daily)
Jacky Chan & Michelle Reis stay at the most luxurious hotel(Oriental Daily)
With enthusiastic response from overseas movie dealers , Andy’s booth collected tens of millions (The Sun)
3 categories to hotel accommodation (The Sun)
Andy’s TeamWork earns millions, new & old productions selling hot in Cannes (Ming Pao)
Andy to ‘die less’ under dmand of many (Sing Tao)
Andy has big harvest in Cannes (Sin Poa)
Good response to Andy sale of movies in Cannes (Ta Kung Pao)
European movie dealers eager response with TeamWork. Andy big harvest in Cannes (Wen Wei Po)

Andy is now in Cannes for the film festival. HK night held a big scale press conference yesterday. Artistes rendering help to the promotion of HK movies included Jacky Chan, Andy Lau, Michelle Reis, Stanley Tang, Sammo Hung, & others. It attracted close to a hundred from media all around. They seemed to be most interested with Jacky & Andy who have become movie producers from being actors before.

Andy’s TeamWork has put up exhibition booth. It is the most popular among all the booths put up by HK. It is also the company receiving the most attention from the European movie delaers. Not only its latest movie AFB & Full Time Killers are popular, even the upcoming movie Storm Riders II, Black Panther, invited buyers. Andy has never expected his old production, ’91 Return of Condor Heroes also have buyers. As the business is good, it has collected an 8 digit figure within 4 days. TeamWork had invested a 7 digit figure for the exhibition.

Other than this, many film makers have shown interest to cooperate with TeamWork in movie production. During the deal, they asked Andy a funny question, they cannot understand why the lead in Andy’s movie always die? They have made a survey & found out that movie buff get upset with the ending. On learning this, Andy said it was the development in the storyline, but he will think about this & consider ‘dying less’ next time.

It was said that many companies wanted to film SRII. How did TW get he filming right? Andy clarified that the author of SR, Ma Yong Chen, feels that among HK actors, Andy fits the role of Nameless the best, & he has confidence with the director Andrew Liu. The The role of Nie Feng will still be played by Ekin, whereas Bu Qing Ying role has not been decided, though rumoured to be Louis Ku.

Many people felt that HK govt is wasting money with this participation. Andy does not think so, he feels it is a contribution to the industry. He likens it to his initial investment in movie production, which was a loss too.

Other than the press con, Andy & Stanley Tang has been invited by a TV station for an interview, called ‘Tonight Live’. It will be aired in many European countries.

The organizer has arranged 3 categories of hotel accommodation for the participants. Jacky Chan stays in 5* Martinez Hotel which is a 5 min drive to the site, Andy, Stanley, Fruit Chan, etc stay in 4* Radisson SAS hotel, which is located at a sloppy hillside with beautiful scenery. Christy Cheung was housed in a 3 * Cannes Beach Residence. She was furious with the arrangement & requested to be in the same 4 * hotel as Andy. The organizer relented but it took 5 hr to make the arrangement, She was angry & did not turn up for the press con.

While in Cannes, Andy carried his haversack all the time. He was asked why he is so anxious with his bag? Appeared to be mysterious, he said, “Cannot leave down, dangerous…may not see it again….someone lost his bag..”

Asked who the person was, he refused to answer & said to ask Raymond Chow.

The reporter asked Golden Harvest, actually An-ya who had taken down the bag to let the media took her photo, the bag carried by her containing her passpoer, cards, money was lost....

HK Nite at Cannes Film Festival will open tonight in France. A group of persons involved in the promo of HK films & artistes arrived in France by the same plane at abt 12:noon local time. The entourage included Andy Lau, Michelle Reis, Tsui Hark & wife, Peter Pao, Raymond Chow & wife, etc.

On arrival, Michelle Reis was escorted by a bodyguard & whisked off in a limousine. She was the spokesman for a French cosmetics. On contrast, Andy was in casual outfit & carried a big backpack. He was as usual, friendly & unassuming, looking relax as if on a holiday!

He followed everybody, boarded the coach arranged by the organizer & went to the hotel.

In the interview at the airport, he was asked abt the truth in the recent report that TeamWork will promote Ekin Chneg intensely. Andy said he has always wanted to work with Ekin. At the moment the contract with Ekin is to film 2 movies a year. This is not too much for an actor. How long is the contract? Andy smiled & said have to ask the director Andrew Liu. Andrew in turn joked that their relationship is v good, so there is no limit to the duration of contract.

Andy was told TeamWork booth at the exhibition is drawing crowds & has received good comments, will he go there personally? Andy said the organizer has no such arrangement for him, further more he is not a live exhibit!

Asked if he will act in Storm Riders II, Andy confrmed he will act the role of Nameless, he joked that the posters had all been snapped up!

Diary from al.com

11/5---Sat 10 over hrs of plane, waited for 3 over hrs for change of flight, finally reached Cannes.
Here be it the environment or atmosphere is bustling, in addition............
here meet quite a lot of friends in the movie circle. Maybe back in HK, everyone busy with own work, it is here that we can gather together.
As it is the first day of arriva, there was no work arrangement. Though I dont have discomfort due to jetlag, still need to give some rest to the aasistasnts & admires the baeutiful scenery in Cannes!

Movie acted by Andy & Takako, Fighter's Blue, is popular in Japan. It is no wonder that Smap, the 5-member band group, also hopes to have an opportunity to film movies with Andy.

2 days ago Andy went to Fuji TV station to record a prg which will be aired on the 28 May. The recording was uneventful.

Andy congratulated Kimura who has just become a father. When they talked abt movie, Kimura who is filming a movie, 2046, directed by Wong Kar Wei, said he is going to Thailand for the shooting too. Kimura complained that filming of 2046 is v slow, as if never ends. As such, he is not sure when to accept the next movie. At the end of the recording, the leader of the band, representing the other members asked Andy if there is any opportunity for them to work with him in movies. Andy gave the answer promptly, "You're most welcome!"

In his 4-day visit to Japan, Andy had a v tightly packed schedule. The movie co arranged a dinner for him on the 8th. Andy toasted with Takako for the success of the movie. Despite the tight schedule, Andy took time off to taste some local dishes & palyed games in the arcade. One Japanese owner of a noodle stall spotted Andy by the first look & asked if he was Ah Hu. He even asked autograph from Andy. In a game whereby toys were gripped by a handle, the first item hoisted by Andy was a tiger. He joked that he had never expected to see so many tigers in Japan. Most of the gifts given to him by fans have something to do with tiger!

The movie will be screened on the 19 May. Both Andy & Takako are anxious but the movie co assured them that they have enough confidence that the movie will do well.

In his trip, Andy had tasted many Japanese dishes. Takako treated him with seaweed biscuits.

After returning to HK 2 nights ago, Andy headed straight to Fu Yau Seafood restaurant. This restaurant is located at Tsim Sha Tsui & opens from 6pm to 4am. Andy invited some friends to discuss on matters related to work.

Though it was already near dawn, his appetite was v good. He ordered the famous dishes of the restaurant, such as spring onion abalone stew, chicken balls, etc & congee. The bill was over a thousand dollars. After feasting, Andy drove his farmer's car home himself.

Diary from andylau.com

9/5---The main thing today was recording of SmapXSmap prg. Recorded from morningt till noon, never thought the cooking skill of the few hosts is better than it appears to be, the food they cook really has look & is impressive, & taste not bad..........

54th Cannes Film Festival kicked off in France on Wednesday night French time, with the movie Moulin Rouge by Nicole Kidman as the opening film.

HK House set up by HK Trade Development Council started business yesterday. 12 movie companies set up booths to display latest posters, booklets, movie clips, ornaments etc to attract movie-makers & distributors from around the world.

The booth drawing the most attention is the one set up by TeamWork. It attracted many overseas film dealers. The booth, costing million to set up, displays 4 posters that have never been exposed before. They are, Storm Riders II---No-name Again, Black Panther Series, You & I & Ah Pi's Sword. Storm Rideers II & Black Panther Series will star Ekin Cheng. Ekin picture is on Ah Pi's Sword poster though he is not the confirmed actor. It is obvious that Ekin Cheng will be the next target promoted by Andy in the next half-of the year. Andy himself will act in Storm Riders II as No-name.

In addition, movie clips of You & I is being played continuously at the booth. It shows a cool look of Andy & many dangerous scenes. This has won hearts of many film-dealers & invited many querries on the movie.

Source: Ming Pao
Andy is a rare successful 'terminally-ill male actor'

Movies with leads acting as the terminally-ill in the storyline is strange. They can set a record in box-office or a total flop. This type of story is abundant, but every few years there will be one with good box-office.

Females acting as the terminally-ill is commoner than males. But Andy had acted in both 'A Strange Journey' & ROOT. He even clinched Best Actor Award with the latter movie. He is really a rare successful 'terminally-ill' male actor.

Source: Apple Daily Feng Shou Ren Diary

Many years ago Andy had said he will ask for acting fee of US$1 million. Now his price is HK$8.5 million. He has not increased his price these few years. Leon Lai & Aaron K have already asked for a price of 4 million. If according to market value, Andy is still under-priced. But the director said Ekin with the lowest asking price of HK$1.5 million is the most welcome.

Diary from andyalu.com

8/5---Today continue with the many interviews, one after another. Today has also come to the aim of my trip to Japan this time i.e, the promo of Ah Hu press interview & the premiere. It was v bustling!
Finally can take a breather. Night time, together with the assistants, we stole time to go to the arcade & played some games. Of course won some prices, such as 'furry toys' la...

Andy Lau & Takako Tokiwa were at the premiere of Fighter’s Blues in Japan Tokyo Xin-shu yesterday. The movie will be screened middle of the month country-wide.. Their appearance attracted many fans, among them more are Andy’s fans.

At the press conference, they praised highly of one another. Andy displayed full charisma of a gentleman. He pulled out the chair & helped Takako to it.

“How do you do, I’m Andy Lau.? In fluent Japanese, Andy greeted the media. Takako Tokiwa, not letting Andy had the day, said comically in Cantonese, “The Tiger should be in the jungle, not here.? The house gave her an applause, she was v happy.

Andy was asked why he chose Takako as the actress in his movie. He answered that Takako acting skill is v good. She is his idol. He has always watched her movies & likes The Ideal Marriage?the most. When asked which part of Takako is most beautiful, Andy replied her smile is v beautiful, but her ear is the most beautiful part of her body.

The reporters asked how did they communicate, Andy turned, gazed at Takako & said, "Use the eyes"

Takako in turned said she admires Andy a lot. He is handsome, good in acting, & hardworking. She likes the way he jokes the most, as he looks serious too.

Takako said HK filmmakers like to change the script during filming, she finds it tough at first but has got used to it.

The Japanese reporters asked Andy why he likes to cooperate with Japanese stars. Andy replied that it is actually not easy to get them to work with. They cannot be bought with money. There are 3 conditions to be met before they gave their nod: good script, good director, & sincerity.

Source: Ta Kung Pao
Headline: HK taking part in Cannes Festival draws attention

Organised by HK Trade Development Council & Tourist Promotion Board, ‘HK Film Parade' will showcase HK movie industry in Cannes Festival

Filmmakers from around the world will gather on the 9th in Cannes. HK movie stars, directors, movie industry representatives, & other hundreds of participants will walk into HK Gala Nite on the 12th of May..

Diary from andylau.com

6/5---Slept for not even 6 hours had to get on the plane to Japan, for the promo of Ah Hu. Many interviews have been arranged, hope in between works I can have some time to take a good sleep to make up for the loss in sleep last few days.

7/5---The schedule was v tight the whole day. Attended a live telecast prg in the morning in Japan. After that immediately went back to hotel for a slew of media interviews, a solid 10 hours at least, really throat became dry.
After 2 days of continuous training, a few simple lines in Japanese, can now understand, also can speak out, sometimes when I say out a few complicated lines, there were claps from all the people. Now actually the training I had in filming of U & I really had not gone to waste.

A new series of green tea commercial endorsed by Andy will be released in HK today.

Andy had gone to Wang Shan in China to film the commercial. Other than climbing hundreds of steps & had a close view of the exquisite beauty, Andy has an additional benefit of overcoming a phobia for height.

In this commercial, Andy acted as an inventor. He trudged hundreds of miles across mountains in search of a pure top grade tea leaves & natural water. They were finally found in Wang Shan & he created the green tea successfully.

In order to film the search for tea in mountainous area, the director wanted a scene whereby Andy had to stand near to a cliff & jumped from a height of 7 feet. Andy was weak at the knees at first , he would not dare to look down. But still he said, “okay, no problem!?A rock of 5 ft high was used as a practice. However, the wind was v strong, there was no safty measures such as landing pad or wire, it was v dangerous.. The crew member had cold sweats, the director had to call of the scene finally. But Andy had overcome his fear for height, he had a good time happily jumping around.

Source: Apple Daily/ Oriental Daily
Headline: Andy tops in the price for second-hand clothes sale

‘Famous Persons?Second-hand Clothes Charity?sale will be held from 10th to 13th of May at Marco Polo Hotel. About 500 pieces had been collected so far.

Of all the 2nd-hand clothes, in Man’s section, it is Andy Lau’s shirts that were marked the highest. One of his tailored white flurry jacket is priced at $3,000+. The person i/c said, “Andy’s shirt is v new & nice. Just like a black silk oriental suit, it is just like new, so the price is marked higher.?#060;P> Source: Apple Daily Feng Ren Shou Diary

The director Liu Wei Chiang has always wanted to have the script on a comic story by the deceased popular Japanese comic writer titled ‘Weird Doctor Professor Qin?& to make into a movie. Actually 2 to 3 yrs ago Andy had shown interest on this story & had sent someone to Japan to discuss on the copyright. Now Liu works in TeamWork, it is most appropriate for him to film this movie.

Source: Show 8

Thin Man & Lady will be released in the summer holidays. Sammi has another movie to be shown at the same. She will be fighting with herself with release of 2 movies acted by her.

Diary from andylau.com

Not available yet.

Andy set off for Japan yesterday. He arrived at the airport at 8:15am. 30 over thoughtful fans were already there waiting for him. Andy said he will be in Japan for 3 to 4 days. He will attend the premiere of AFB & record a TV prg for SmapXSmap on the 9th.

At a temp of 20 over degrees, Andy was seen wearing padded jacket. He was actually prepared for the cooler weather there.

2 days ago was his assistant Kali’s bday. The fans who ‘love the house & thus love its bird? all wished Kali happy bday & presented her with gifts.

Asked if he has prepared present for Kimura’s baby, Andy said he didn’t. During shooting of You & I, there was a rumour of love affair between Takashi & Lin Xinlei. Asked if he was aware of it. Andy replied he did not even have time to sleep, how could he be bothered.

Source: Show 8/ Oriental Daily
Headline: Josephine Siow thanked Andy Lau for donations

The campaign, Protect The Young Foundation, led by Josephine Siow had another public activity yesterday. In it, Josephine specially thanked Andy Lau publicly through the media. She said since the start of activity last year, he has sponsored all the expenses involved in the activities, Andy Lau Charity Fund has so far donated HK$500,000. He has also generously lent all the sound equipments.

Source: Apple Daily Feng Shou Ren Diary

Sources said Andy & Li Xioa Lin partnership separation in nmg is almost settled. Other than giving his album to nmg to promote, Andy will have little to do with nmg[?]. Under amicable situation, they will further discuss how they can cooperate again in future.

Mail from our Japanese friend, MYRIAM NAGASHIMA
[Thank you very much, dear Myriam.]

Re: ANDY MEETING IN TOKYO
Dear Katherine, How are yiou? I am very happy today because I went to Andy meeting at Hayatt Hotel in Tokyo. It was very exciting.....He was very kind with all his fans and took pictures with each one of his fans.....All fans had attend that event was very happy.
He talked about his movie" Blue Fight" which we can see at Japanese movies this month.....
I could make new friends Terrie Lee amd Ms. Yumiko . I met them before at Andy Geocities circle and we exchamge e-mails and finally we met each other today.
Andy is great....... When I went up to the stage to take picture with him I showed my daughter picture. He smiled and getting my daughter picture we took a photo together,,,,,
By the awy I am with problem with my scanner so other time I will send my photo with Andy to you...
Let's keep in touch, Your friend in Japan, MYRIAM NAGASHIMA

Diary from andylau.com

5/5---Finally ended the 4-days of day & night non-stop filming this afternoon.
Tomorrow will have to leave HK for a period of time. As this period of absence is quite long. I am not able to spend Mother’s Day with my mother next weekend. So after finishing all the work today, we celebrated Mother’s Day earlier. No special prg was arranged, only my brother & sisters have all come back. We had a BBQ at the roof-top together happily, it was v heartwarming!