Saturday, March 28, 2009

Hands (This week's Photo Hunt theme)



Once upon a time, the only examples of my writing that could be seen on cyberspace were Hong Kong movie reviews (over at Hong Kong Cinema: View from the Brooklyn Bridge) and contributions to Asian film-related discussion (Mobius Home Video Forum). And although I started this blog in part because I wanted to share other interests and passions with my friends and friendly others, I remain very much a Hong Kong film fan(atic) along with world cinema follower.

What with the Hong Kong International Film Festival currently in full swing (and my having a planned agenda of 24 films to view over a period of approximately three weeks), I almost decided to not take part in this week's Photo Hunt before I realized that I have Hong Kong movie-themed photos that would be perfect to show off this week: i.e., I hereby present a couple of sets of prints of the hands of my very favorite actress of all time, the great Brigitte Lin Ching-Hsia, along with Tsui Hark, the director-producer of many of her best films -- and for whom she looked to have served as an inspirational muse.

More than incidentally, Tsui Hark and his Film Workshop (whose 25th anniversary is being celebrated this year) is the subject of a special commemorative programme at the 2009 Hong Kong International Film Festival. Also, earlier this week, Mr. Tsui received a special award "for outstanding contribution to Asian cinema" at the Asian Film Awards -- presented to him by Ms. Lin. :)

Oh, and if you haven't seen any of their films but now have some interest in doing so, here's hoping that the following reviews of Peking Opera Blues, Swordsman II and Dragon Inn will get at least a few of you interested in viewing the movies for yourself!

50 comments:

RJ Flamingo said...

These are neat -- The Miami International Film Festival just ended last week, so I understand...:-)

Trying to reverse a personal trend, I'm "celebrating" over at my place - hope you'll stop by...

Anonymous said...

That's one director's that made me addicted to the TV! :)

PowersTwinB said...

Oh my, you are seriously going to be bug-eyed after reviewing all those films! What a cool job you have! Thanks for visiting my hunt early, even though you are going to be pressed for time! Thanks so much

Leslie said...

Very clever for this week! :)

Annie said...

I love the look of those hand-prints, very cool designs. Nice photos of them. Enjoy the film festival!

Carver said...

What a cool shot. That is perfect for the theme and interesting background. Very original take on the theme.

YTSL said...

Hi RJ Flamingo --

Ooo, a fellow film buff as well as Photo Hunter! Cool! :)

Hi napaboaniya --

You mean you watch a lot of Tsui Hark's films on TV? If you can, watch his films on a big screen -- wonder whether he'll be honored at this year's Singapore International Film Festival...

Hi PowerTwinB --

No, no -- the movie viewing is for FUN (not a job anymore -- which is nice since it means I get to pick what I want to see!). :)

Hi Leslie --

Thanks! :)

Hi Annie --

Thanks and I plan to try to enjoy the film festival (and already have liked much of what I've experienced thus far). :)

Hi Carver --

Hong Kong's Avenue of the Stars is actually not as nice as Hollywood's Walk of Fame thingy. But have to say I idolise the stars who are honored in Hong Kong more... :)

SASSY MOM said...

That's really cool! Good luck on all the film reviews.

eastcoastlife said...

Oh wow! You write movie reviews!! I envy you lor. Can watch so many movies... for free. :)

Bengbeng said...

I was in love with Lin Ching Hsia in my growing up years. :) She could do no wrong. She only had to smile on the cinema screen and I would melt.

Randi said...

Very creative and cool!
Love it!

MaR said...

Love your take on the theme, very interesting post!

candi said...

Very neat. Great choice for the theme.

YTSL said...

Hi "Sassy Mom" --

Thanks but no luck needed, methinks! ;)

Hi "EastCoastLife" --

Actually, I used to write movie reviews. Not any more though. Now I view movies for plain pleasure! ;)

Hi Bengbeng --

Aaah, hail fellow Lin Ching-Hsia fan. Though, reading your comments, get the feeling that -- unlike me -- you prefer her Taiwanese movies to her Hong Kong ones! :b

Hi Randi --

Thanks! :)

Hi Mar --

Thanks to you too! :)

Hi Candi --

Glad you approve -- just felt it was very appropriate for this week, you know? :)

Sarge Charlie said...

very interesting

♥♥ Willa ♥♥ said...

what an awesome entry!!
thanks for visiting mine!
PH:Hands

Unknown said...

A very informative post -- and so nice.
Have a super weekend.

Anonymous said...

Puts the Graumann in the shade - genuine Chinese Theatre.

Anonymous said...

I love the design of the star that offsets the hand prints. Great photos.

If you have time stop by and see my photo hunt this week.

JyLnC's Photo Hunt

CRIZ LAI said...

Hmm... another walk of fame :) Cool idea for the theme. :)

http://crizcats.blogspot.com/

Colin Campbell said...

Every kids dream. Hand print or foot print in concrete.

gengen said...

Those are the remembrance of the people right? Nice choice for the theme. Happy weekend.

Hootin Anni said...

Oh this is a marvelous concept for this week...

I'll give you a hand [applause] for posting such a great photo grouping for the theme this week.

I have added four different hands for my entry. If you have time today, stop by and say 'howdy'!!! Happy Saturday to you.

jams o donnell said...

Wow that's a lot of films to see. Enjoy! I love the handprints.. great shots

SnoopyTheGoon said...

I am not a film buff of any value, but my son is into Hong-Kong movies in a big way, I shall send this post to him.

Have a great weekend!

Rebecca Mecomber said...

Nice photo for this week! My Photo Hunt is up! I hope you get a chance to visit me, too.

http://ilovenewyorktravel.net/photo-hunters-hands/

Happy weekend!

SabineM said...

Wow very interesting post!
Great photos!!

YTSL said...

Hi Sarge Charlie --

Thanks -- to be honest, didn't think it'd be your cup of tea but... ;)

Hi Willa --

Thanks and you're welcome. :)

Hi Sherry --

Thanks for reading as well as looking! :)

Hi Aileni --

Well noted and said! :D

Hi JyLnC --

To be honest, had paid the design of the star scant attention until you mentioned it -- looking some more, it looks somewhat Star Trekky to me! ;D

Hi Criz Lai --

Yes, another walk of fame... and pretty touristy along with the other one. And yet, there is a certain allure to it that I myself can't entirely escape!

Hi Colin --

Never realized that such was every kid's dream! But gather it was definitely yours when you were a kid! ;b

Hi gengen --

Things to remember them by, yes -- but just to make things clear: Brigitte Lin and Tsui Hark are very much alive!

Hi Hootin' Anni --

Thanks for the hand! ;b

Hi jams o donnell --

Would it be scarier when I point out that Brigitte Lin has appeared in 100 films -- many of them as the star?? ;b

Hi "Snoopy The Goon" --

Oooh, I do hope you send your son (a link to) this post and that he'll come over and visit! :)

Hi Mrs Mecomber --

You mean photoS, right? Hope so! ;S

Hi SabineM --

Thanks for reading and looking! :)

Marites said...

oh wow! i have those pictures too. We recently went to HK and took some pictures :) that's really cool.

Unknown said...

Very nice. So cool ... at least those hands are immortalized.

rdl said...

good one!

LifeRamblings said...

love your post, nice take for the theme. hope u can visit my PH.

happy weekend!

Gattina said...

That's an interesting walk of fame ! Of course I don't know these actors but they are both very handsome !

srp said...

I love the handprints... I believe most moms have a set of their childs prints in plaster. When my daughter was little I took a piece of black knit material and we put her little hand prints in a lot of different neon colors all over it with special fabric paint. After it dried and I set it, I cut out and sewed up a sporty sweat suit for her. She loved it!

My hands are here.

Mirage said...

Neat! I wonder when would I get my hands like that! lol...

Happy weekend!

annalarssonphotography said...

Nice take on this weeks theme :)

Enjoy the filmfestival and have a great weekend!

Liz Hinds said...

Only hand-prints I've seen so far! Enjoy the festival.

By the way, you asked how Younger Son feels about being my baby at 24. He rolls his eyes and shrugs!

PastormacsAnn said...

wow! glad you decided that you did have something for "hands! "

stan said...

I must check out the boulevard of stars the next time I'm in HK.

JC said...

Yes, those are perfect! I love the design!

YTSL said...

Hi Marites --

Cool and I wonder whose handprints you decided to take -- if Brigitte Lin and Tsui Hark too, then you have very good taste! :D

Hi Kay --

Immortalized -- nice way of looking at it! :)

Hi rdl --

Thanks!

Hi Life Ramblings --

Thanks, did visit your blog and yes, am having a happy weekend thus far! :)

Hi Gattina --

You clicked on the links? Good on you for doing so! :)

Hi srp --

Thanks for sharing the story re your daughter and her handprints! :)

Hi mirage --

Unless you're a big Hong Kong movie star... ;b

Hi Vita Stunder --

Thanks, thanks and I'll try! :)

Hi Liz --

Thanks -- and teehee some more re your comment re "younger son"! :)

Hi PastorMac's Ann --

And glad you appreciate my efforts amidst all the film festivalling. ;b

Hi Stan --

If nothing else, go -- on a clear day -- for the view as it's a harbourside promenade. :)

Hi JC --

I'm glad you do! :)

Carolina said...

What a clever approach to the HANDS assignment. Interesting.

Dragonstar said...

Very clever! Lovely photos, great idea, fitting beautifully with your great passion. Enjoy yourself!

YTSL said...

Hi Carolina --

Thanks -- and your effort isn't too shabby either (Yes, I've checked it out)! :)

Hi Dragonstar --

Thanks -- and yes, as someone who checks out more than just my Photo Hunt entries, you do know that (Hong Kong) movies are indeed my passion. :)

Mirage said...

Hi! re: comments on my blog, wordpress sometimes filter comments so some needs to be approved yet and that I dont get much comment because I post late :) thanks btw.

YTSL said...

Hi again Mirage --

Thanks for coming back here to respond to my comments over on your blog. Okay, then, you seem to have things under control there! :)

Tokenhippygirl said...

Now that's a lot of film watching in a three week period!

YTSL said...

Hi Tokenhippygirl --

Yes, many people agree with you. And one of my friends has asked me to take care my eyes don't turn square with all the movie viewing I'll be doing over the course of the HKIFF! ;D

*lynne* said...

That's a great take on this week's theme. Can't say I know the actress or the director/producer, tho. Then again, it's only yesterday that I finally watched Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon, LoL! Yes, I am just a *little* bit behind the times :)

This week, I entered twice: two similar settings yet two totally different takes. Do check them out here and here.

cheers,
*lynne*

YTSL said...

Hi Lynne --

Well, I hoped that you liked "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" and feel encouraged by the viewing to check out more Chinese-language films! As for visiting your blog: hey, I was the first visitor for one of your "Hands" entries... ;b