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Time Out
5 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time Out
The 11 Classic Stephen Chow movies every Hongkonger has watched
Shaolin Soccer (少林足球) 2001 Kicking off this list (pun intended) is the household name of Shaolin Soccer. The sports comedy is widely regarded as one of the most successful Hong Kong films of all time, having propelled the Hong Kong comedy-flick industry to international fame. It's no surprise either – it's not every day you see a monk light a soccer ball on fire all whilst breaking every single one of Newton's laws. The story follows Sing (Stephen Chow), a martial artist-turned-street cleaner who is struggling to promote Shaolin Kung Fu's practical benefits to the general masses. However, this all changes when he meets an ex-pro soccer player, 'Golden Leg' Fung (Ng Man-Tat). Fung claims that he can help Sing achieve his goals through the medium of soccer, and motivates Sing to gather his estranged Shaolin brothers to form one of the wackiest soccer teams ever seen on the silver screen. Tricky Brains (整蠱專家) 1991 This comedic flick directed by Wong Jing is a riotous ride. We imagine this must be what it's like journeying into the mind of a mischievous 10-year-old boy, because some of the trickery, pranks, and puns pulled off in Tricky Brains is exactly what makes a young lad roll around with laughter. Stephen Chow stars as Koo Jing (whose English name is Jing Koo – a homonym for a Cantonese word that means to play a prank on someone), a self-crowned 'trick expert' for hire who uses his wide arsenal of childish to more sinister tricks on whomever he is paid to target. On one such mission, he pretends to be the long-lost brother of Che Man-kit (played by Andy Lau) in order to sabotage his romantic prospects. Chow's long-time screen partner Ng Man-tat also stars in Tricky Brains, as does Rosamund Kwan, Chingmy Yau, and a cameo by Wong Jing himself. Watch for the many jokes and wise-cracks, and the random song-and-dance number in the middle of the movie which mocks Hong Kong's incessant white-collar hustle. Fight Back to School (逃學威龍) 1991 Whether you are a boomer, a millennial, or a Gen X member, this 90s classic 'mo lei tau' (nonsensical) comedy is definitely one that we've all seen. Though the celebrated school/action-comedy had earned itself two more sequels following its highest-grossing Hong Kong film record for 1991, both follow-ups seem to pale in comparison to what many consider to be the original Hong Kong buddy-cop masterpiece. The movie itself tells the story of eccentric cop Chow Sing Sing (Stephen Chow), who finds himself on the verge of disqualification for recklessly putting his teammates in danger during a practice drill. Sing is given a second chance though when a senior officer assigns him to infiltrate a high school with a bumbling, aged partner (Ng Man-Tat). Together, the hilarious duo try their very limited best to recover a stolen revolver hidden amongst the students of Edinburgh College, and even end up in a high-stakes hostage situation towards the end of the movie! Kung Fu Hustle (功夫) 2004 With all its hidden wires, trick camera angles, trampolines, and special effects, Kung Fu Hustle is easily the most technically impressive film on the list. Action-packed, funny, and even poignant at times, the film's 11 prestigious awards are surely a testament to both its memorable quality and international success. Kung Fu Hustle 's plot revolves around Sing (Stephen Chow), a small-time crook who is convinced that 'good guys never win' due to the humiliation he experienced when standing up against bullies as a child. In order to survive, Sing tries (and fails) to extort the residents of Pig Sty Alley alongside his sidekick (Lam Chi-Chung) by masquerading as members of the violent Axe gang. However, this all ends up blowing up in his face when the real Axe Gang comes knocking after catching word of Sing's scuffle with both the locals and actual gang members. An epic sequence of flying kicks, betrayals, and 1,080 degree spins then ensues, with Sing finding himself locked in a standoff between his morality and his chances of survival. The God of Cookery (食神) 1996 It's no surprise that Stephen Chow is able to use a topic as serious as the cut-throat industry of the culinary world into a high-energy, hysterical film. The God of Cookery takes viewers on a whirlwind zero-to-hero story, giving us some of the most iconic moments in Hong Kong's cinematic history that is still remembered to this day, including a hilariously absurd nickname for char siu egg rice, a humble dish beloved by many. The film follows Chow, who plays a celebrity chef dubbed as the God of Cookery. He is feared by many for his harsh critiques of other chefs in competitions that are secretly rigged to add credibility to his title. However, he loses his reputation after one of his business partners, Bull Tong, outshines him as a chef and exposes Chow as a con-man. Feeling defeated, Chow embarks on a journey to develop his culinary skills, which takes him from the bustling streets of Temple Street to the kitchen of a shaolin monastery. During an epic cookoff, Tong plants a bomb inside of Chow's elaborate dish, leaving him with few ingredients to use. Despite the setback, Chow uses his skills to prepare a bowl of char siu rice topped with a fried egg, which he hilariously names 'Sorrowful Rice'. To everyone's surprise, Chow ends up winning the competition and earns the title of God of Cookery for good. All's Well End's Well (家有囍事) 1992 All's Well End's Well is arguably one of the most classic Chinese New Year comedies. The film revolves around three brothers – Moon, Foon, and So – who each have their own problems with love and relationships. While all of the characters have hilarious storylines, Stephen Chow's cheeky on-screen moments definitely steal the show. Chow plays Foon, a radio jockey who's also a flirtatious playboy. He gets a call from Holli, one of his listeners, who asks him out on a date. Desperate to try and impress her, Foon taps into Holli's avid fascination with Hollywood movies by dressing like movie characters and recreating cinematic moments. Soon after becoming lovers, Holli catches Foon cheating on her, which led to a Mexican standoff between them. As Foon attempts to flee, he suffers a head injury that leaves him with a debilitating mental illness. Hilarity ensues as Holli becomes his caretaker and tries to wrap her head around Foon's endless antics, making her question her decision to punish him for his infidelity. All for the Winner (賭聖) 1990 When 'Blackie Tat (Ng Man-Tat) discovers his nephew Sing's (Stephen Chow) mysterious ability to see through objects, he naturally tries to exploit this talent for money by adapting Sing's skillset to the field of gambling. However, as Sing begins to make a name for himself through his abilities as the 'Saint of Gambling', he quickly finds himself in trouble with the 'God of Gambling' after falling in love with one of his henchwomen Yee-mung (Sharla Cheung). To prove his skill and win her hand, Sing must gamble his way to the top through Hong Kong's most prestigious gambling tournament. This spin-off to the God of Gambler series is easily one of Chow's funniest pieces, and this is largely thanks to its hilariously unpredictable 'mo lei tau' comedy. Chow's portrayal of the ditzy but lovable nephew is genuinely endearing, and his on-screen chemistry with Ng in this film is arguably the most iconic out of all his works. So, if you ever wanted to get a six pack from laughing too hard, watching this film will probably do it. King of Comedy (喜劇之王) 1999 A film with a name fitting of the lead actor, this unforgettable comedy-drama is largely regarded as an autobiographical piece for the early career of Stephen Chow. The film describes the story of Wan Tin-Sau (Chow), an acting teacher for his local community centre who moonlights on the side as a movie extra. Despite being ridiculed for taking his unimportant roles way too seriously, Wan persisted through his passion for acting and is eventually rewarded with a leading role alongside a famous actress. On top of this, Wan also finds love along the way, getting into a serious relationship with one of his students Piu Piu (Cecilia Cheung). However, this is probably where the autobiographical element of the film stops, as the plot then takes a turn for the ridiculous, with Wan ending up involved in a CIB undercover stunt, complete with its own shootout. Nevertheless, this classic still remains to be an enjoyable, off-beat cinematic experience with a soulful story that will have your heart crying tears of both joy and sadness after the 90 minutes is up. From Beijing with love (國產凌凌漆) 1994 Stephen Chow's hysterical take on the infamous 007 franchise. Filled to the brim with references to the beloved spy series, From Beijing with Love tells the story of Ling Ling Chat (Chow), a secret agent sent on a mission to recover a stolen dinosaur cranium. On the way, he meets a mysterious beauty in the form of Lee Ham-Heung (Anita Yuen), and enlists her help to take on the film's elusive villain, Golden Gun (Wong Kam Kong). Though we can't say that this was one of the more intricate plots Chow has come up with over the years, it's hard to argue with the barrel of laughs brought to us by the goofy gadgets and unending stream of topical puns. Flirting Scholar (唐伯虎與秋香) 1993 Set in the era of the Ming Dynasty, Flirting Scholar tells the story of Tong Pak Fu (Chow), a famous scholar known for his talent in art, poetry, and calligraphy – oh, and his eight wives who are all gambling addicts. Determined to find a woman who can truly appreciate all his artistic skills, Tong meets Chow Heung (Gong Li), a housemaid for the House of Wah. Naturally, Tong decided to go undercover as a lowly servant at the House of Wah in order to get closer to Chow Heung. The classic boy-meets-girl plotline of the film may not be the most original or exciting, but this film is loved by so many Hongkongers thanks to the iconic 'chicken wing song'. Ask any Hongkonger about it and they'll be able to recite the whole song word for word. A Chinese Odyssey Part One and Two (大話西遊) 1995 From the genius casting of Chow as the Monkey King to the masterstroke of letting Buddhist monk Tang Xuanzang (played by Law Kar-Ying, no less) burst into song with his own rendition of The Platters' Only You, this wildly imaginative Journey to the West adaptation is deservedly recognised for its sublime wackiness. Yet, beneath all the time-travelling and supernatural slapstick of this postmodern two-parter is, a traditional love story so cheesy it's actually romantic. There are countless Journey to the West
Straits Times
3 days ago
- Politics
- Straits Times
Singaporeans travelling to US advised to check latest entry requirements and comply: MFA
MFA said students are advised to stay in touch with International Student Services offices regularly for updated information on entry requirements. PHOTO: REUTERS Singaporeans travelling to US advised to check latest entry requirements and comply: MFA SINGAPORE – Singaporeans travelling to the US should contact the US Embassy in Singapore to keep up with the latest developments and comply with the official visa entry requirements. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), in response to queries, said on May 30 that Singaporean students can also keep abreast of the latest updates on the documents needed to enter the United States. MFA said: 'Students are also advised to stay in touch with their International Student Services offices regularly for updated information on entry requirements for international students.' In recent days, there has been a flurry of changes involving visa requirements for international students, as part of efforts by the Trump administration to implement a hardline immigration agenda. Earlier this week, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio sent out a cable to the country's overseas missions directing them to stop scheduling new appointments for student and exchange visa applicants. The US government also has plans to issue guidelines on 'expanded social media vetting'. On May 28, Mr Rubio said the US will start 'aggressively' revoking visas of Chinese students, although he did not specify when the revocations would begin. Singaporeans in the US can contact an overseas mission if they require consular assistance during their travels, MFA said. The overseas missions are as follows: Singapore Embassy in Washington, DC +1-202-537-3100 +1-202- 537-3100 extension 140 (for after-hours assistance) +1-202-436-4777 (for after-hours assistance) +1-202-412-0074 (for after-hours assistance) singemb_was@ Singapore Consulate-General in San Francisco Singapore Consulate in New York Singapore Honorary Consulate in Miami Sing aporeans can also contact MFA's 24-hour hotline, on either 6379-8800 or 6379-8855. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
Mint
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Mint
Not just Priyanka Chopra, here are 5 other, very successful actresses you probably forgot released their own music
While Priyanka Chopra's foray into music - complete with an international record deal and collaborations with the likes of Pitbull and - made plenty of headlines, she's far from being the only actress who has dabbled in the world of pop, soul or rock. Here are six other actresses you probably forgot once tried (or are still trying) their hand at music. Before or between starring in Marvel blockbusters and winning critical acclaim for her acting chops, Scarlett Johansson made a bold move into music. In 2008, she released Anywhere I Lay My Head, an album of Tom Waits covers that surprised critics with its dreamy, atmospheric tone. While not universally praised, the record stood out for its artistic ambition. She later formed a girl group called The Singles and even collaborated with Pete Yorn for a more indie-pop sound. Her voice - husky, distinctive and layered - offered a totally different side of the star many knew only from the screen. In recent times, you must have heard her rendition of some absolute classics from the animated films 'Sing' and 'Sing 2'. You may know her best as Blair Waldorf from Gossip Girl, but Leighton Meester was once making waves in the music scene too. She released singles like 'Somebody to Love' with Robin Thicke and 'Your Love's a Drug,' both of which showcased her pop sensibilities. In 2014, she pivoted to a more introspective, acoustic sound with her debut album 'Heartstrings'. The record, full of soft melodies and reflective lyrics, revealed a surprisingly sincere and singer-songwriter side of Meester. Long before she became Captain Marvel or won an Academy Award, Brie Larson was just another teenager chasing a pop career. In the early 2000s, she released an album called 'Finally Out of P.E.', full of Avril Lavigne-esque pop rock anthems. Though it wasn't a chart-topper, Larson's youthful angst and catchy hooks earned her a small but loyal following. Fun fact: she even toured with Jesse McCartney at one point. While her music career didn't skyrocket, it was a memorable chapter in her evolution as a performer. Kate Hudson's musical pursuits have flown largely under the radar - at least compared to her Golden Globe-nominated acting work - but they're no less interesting. In 2021, she surprised fans by announcing her debut single 'Talk About Love,' revealing a soulful, raspy voice that lent itself well to bluesy pop. Though not a full-time singer, Hudson has expressed a deep love for music, and her occasional performances (including on-screen musical numbers) reflect a passion that runs deeper than many realise. Before she was Rue in Euphoria or swinging across buildings in Spider-Man, Zendaya was building a career in music alongside her Disney Channel fame. Her self-titled debut album dropped in 2013 and included the hit single 'Replay,' which became a sleeper success and solidified her place as a promising pop-R&B act. While she's since focused primarily on acting, Zendaya has teased fans with musical collaborations and occasional performances that remind everyone she's still got those vocal chops. From smoky covers to teen pop to soul-infused ballads, these actresses prove that their talents extend far beyond the screen. And while not all of their musical ventures became chart-topping hits, they certainly make for an entertaining trivia trail of unexpected career moves.
New Paper
23-05-2025
- Business
- New Paper
Two construction firms fined $4.6m for rigging tender bids to upgrade community clubs
Two construction firms have been fined a total of $4.6 million by the competition watchdog for rigging tender bids called by the People's Association (PA). The Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore (CCCS) said on May 23 that Trust-Build Engineering and Construction and Hunan Fengtian Construction Group Co had rigged bids for three tenders in 2022 for upgrading works in the Bukit Batok, Cheng San and Eunos community clubs. The tenders had a total value of around $56 million. They were for major upgrading works that included repair works, piling and scaffolding. CCCS' investigations, which began in July 2023, found that both companies colluded on their bid prices and tender submissions, giving one of them - Trust-Build - a better chance of winning the projects. Hunan Fengtian had prepared Trust-Build's tender submissions and proposed its bid prices for each of PA's tenders, CCCS said. Trust-Build's bid prices were lower than Hunan Fengtian's to make the former's bids appear more attractive. PA had noticed that similar words, diagrams and photos were used in the tender submissions from the two companies before the tenders were awarded, and reported the matter to CCCS. "CCCS found that the bid-rigging conduct eliminated the competitive pressure between the parties to submit their best offers to PA, even though none of the PA tenders were awarded to either of the parties," said the competition watchdog. "Such bid-rigging conduct has the potential to give the false impression that the bids received from the parties were genuine and competitive." At the time, the two firms were able to undertake high-value construction contracts - up to $50 million for Hunan Fengtian and $105 million for Trust-Build. On May 23, Trust-Build was fined $4.29 million, while Hunan Fengtian was fined $349,000. In a media briefing on May 23, Mr Caleb Tan, deputy director of legal and enforcement at CCCS, explained that the difference in fines for the two firms was because the penalties took into account the turnover of the company in the year the infringement took place as well as the year the infringement decision was issued. "The absolute figure doesn't indicate the relative seriousness or culpability of the parties," he said. An Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority search showed that Trust-Build is a local company, while Hunan Fengtian is a Chinese firm registered in Singapore. Mr Tan, who was the team lead for the investigation, said that representatives of the firms had met at a conference and remained in touch. Hunan Fengtian had intended to wind down its business in Singapore, and its general manager, Mr Xing Hongyun, agreed to help Trust-Build in this scheme as a means to get future business for his own company, Mr Tan said. The director of Trust-Build, Mr Wang Jian Jun, also wanted to learn from Hunan Fengtian's experience in bidding for public tenders, added Mr Tan. CCCS had obtained WhatsApp messages between Mr Xing and Mr Wang, who are both Singapore citizens, that showed them discussing the bid prices they would submit. In one instance in October 2022, Mr Wang asked what if they were awarded two tenders. In response, Mr Xing said: "PA can award three projects, what do you worry? You and me have two companies, can do two projects same time." In October 2024, both companies were issued legal notices, known as proposed infringement decisions, by the competition watchdog. They were able to make individual representations or provide other information in support of their case. CCCS said it had received written representations from each firm and took these into consideration in deciding to issue the infringement decision. Bukit Batok Community Club's tender was eventually awarded at $17.59 million, while Cheng San's was awarded at $21 million, CCCS had said in October. The tender for Eunos Community Club was discontinued for reasons unrelated to this case. The club, which had been closed since August 2022, is slated to open by the end of 2025. CCCS chief executive Alvin Koh said it will continue to take a more active enforcement stance, and take decisive and firm action against businesses that are found to have engaged in anti-competitive conduct. "In the context of public procurement where public funds are used, taxpayers are the ones who ultimately pay the price of such infringing conduct," he said. Mr Koh added that CCCS offers a leniency programme for businesses currently involved in anti-competitive agreements. If these businesses come forward with information about such agreements, they can receive a full waiver or substantial reduction in financial penalties.
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Royal News Roundup: Kate Middleton's Wax Statue, Prince Archie's Sweet Pic & King Charles's Rare Health Update
King Charles and Prince William attended the Service for the Order of the Bath, a royal tradition dating back hundreds of years. Buckingham Palace shared a striking image of the father-son duo standing side-by-side in traditional military attire. King Charles happily embraced a royal fan during a visit to the David Hockney Gallery in Bradford, although this is generally considered to be against royal protocol. The monarch was joined by Queen Camilla when he visited Bradford Live. They spoke with local artists and watched a rehearsal by students of 'Sing, Dance, Leap.' King Charles gave a rare health update at the Impact Hub Yorkshire in Little Germany, Bradford. He told a local florist he's "on the better side" of his cancer journey. The queen welcomed a furry member to the royal family. The 77-year-old royal shared a pic with her newly adopted rescue dog, Moley, on Instagram. The king and queen announced a few more details regarding their visit to North America, including the State Opening of the Parliament of Canada and a community event in Ottawa. Their Majesties visited the Royal Horticultural Society's Chelsea Flower Show. The king was spotted with a traditional walking stick that bears a striking resemblance to the cane his late mother received as a gift from the British Army. Princess Catherine presented the Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design to Patrick McDowell. For the occasion, she rocked an olive power suit by Victoria Beckham. The royal also paid tribute to the late queen by wearing her famous Bahrain Pearl Drop Earrings. The Prince and Princess of Wales attended a Garden Party at Buckingham Palace, marking Middleton's official return after a two-year hiatus. She stunned in butter-yellow—the same color her cousin-in-law, Zara Tindall, wore three days before. Middleton's statement hat had a surprise connection to her brother-in-law, Prince Harry, and his wife, Meghan Markle. Seven days after Middleton stepped out for a concert in a belted blazer dress, her cousin-in-law, Princess Beatrice, donned the same outfit at the FEVO Sport Industry Awards 2025 in London. Madame Tussauds London debuted a brand-new Kate Middleton wax figure, which includes a touching tribute to Princess Diana. Prince William showed his sporty side during a surprise visit to the Leith Community Centre in Scotland, and his body language spoke volumes. In honor of their seventh wedding anniversary, Markle paid tribute to Harry with a heartwarming collage that details their love story. It features several PDA pics and a sweet image of Prince Archie kissing Lilibet. Princess Diana's brother, Charles Spencer, shared a vintage photo of their maternal grandfather, Maurice Fermoy, and his twin brother, Frank. Sarah Ferguson served as a guest speaker at the Foreign Sisters Lunch in support of Cancer Research UK. Duchess Sophie used Middleton's favorite parenting move while speaking with staff and students at the Royal School for the Blind Charity. Princess Eugenie shared a few highlights on Instagram after attending this year's Garden Party with her sister, Princess Beatrice. Princess Eugenie also visited Horatio's Garden at Salisbury District Hospital and met with people with spinal injuries. Want all the latest royal family news sent right to your inbox? Click here. Kate Middleton Wowed in Yellow at a Royal Garden Party—and It Instantly Reminded Me of 3 Days Earlier
