Along with fireworks, gambling is also an important
component when celebrating the Chinese New Year . This year, we have two
gambling themed Lunar movies gracing the cinemas in Malaysia and Singapore.
First, the sequel to “From Macau to Vegas” and a Malaysia-Singapore joint
venture Canto movie directed by local director, Adrian Teh (best known for “The
Wedding Diary I & II” ) called “The Mahjong King”. Andrew managed to
rope-in Chapman Toh and Singapore comedian , Mark Lee as the lead. Chapman must have hit it off really well with
Adrian because he ended-up joining forces with the young director to set-up a
new film production company called “Dream Moon” in Malaysia. Judging from Penang born Adrian’s track
record, it should be a fruitful investment for Chapman.
Kingdom Yuen, Lo Hoi Pang, Susan Siu Yam Yam, Chu Mimi and
Eric Tsang also have cameo roles in “King
Of Mahjong” . To those who have followed the M-club gals in “Never Dance Alone”,
you should be familiar with Venus Wong (who played the younger Rachel Lee) and
Cheronna Ng (the teenage version of Fennie Yuen). They played the daughters of
Chapman and Mark in the movie. For noobs, Venus and Cheronna gave respectable
performances in “Never Dance Alone.” In-person, both seem to be very close
through their interactions and project a very likeable image. I hope to see
them in more TVB productions.
I am doubtful this movie would be shown in HK. I guess the
focus is mainly on the Malaysia and HK market. The stars were involved in a
series of promotions, from Singapore to various states in Malaysia. They gave
away special edition red packets, oranges and Sticky mahjong-like candies
(which I really like but failed to get) to the audience. This movie is joined
by Malaysia celebs , Adrian Tan (no idea who he is- probably from NTV7) and
former Miss Astro, Lenna Lim. This movie opens in the local cinema circuit on 26th
Feb. If you asked me who will be dominating the box office during the CNY, my
bet would be on “Triumph In the Skies”, “Dragon Blade” and “From Macau to
Vegas.” Happy and blessed Goat year to
everyone !
Here’s the synopsis to “King of Mahjong “ (from “cathaycineplexes”
website ):-
“King of Mahjong” centers
on the decade-long feud and eventual reunion of Huang Tian Ba (Mark Lee) and Ah
Fatt (Chapman To), two top disciples of legendary mahjong guru, Master Ru.
20 years later, Huang Tian Ba, who is now a world-acclaimed mahjong magnate shows up in Ipoh to challenge Fatt to a final showdown – The International Mahjong King Competition. Despite Huang’s insistence, Fatt declines to join the competition as he is determined and contented to lead the life of a commoner.
In a bid to force Fatt into the showdown, Huang abducts Fatt’s wife, Lei Meng Na (Michelle Ye). Fatt has no choice but to join the competition as Huang holds his wife as hostage. On the mahjong table, Fatt and Huang compete as the finalists; Ru Wu Chang’s secret mahjong technique and the truth comes to light as the winner emerges...
20 years later, Huang Tian Ba, who is now a world-acclaimed mahjong magnate shows up in Ipoh to challenge Fatt to a final showdown – The International Mahjong King Competition. Despite Huang’s insistence, Fatt declines to join the competition as he is determined and contented to lead the life of a commoner.
In a bid to force Fatt into the showdown, Huang abducts Fatt’s wife, Lei Meng Na (Michelle Ye). Fatt has no choice but to join the competition as Huang holds his wife as hostage. On the mahjong table, Fatt and Huang compete as the finalists; Ru Wu Chang’s secret mahjong technique and the truth comes to light as the winner emerges...
