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Back in 1960, South Korea was one of the world’s poorest countries. In the wake of the Korean War, the northeast Asian nation was so poverty-stricken that its GDP per capita clocked in at a meagre US$79. Fast forward six decades, and the country is on an incredible high. Having transitioned from a largely agricultural economy to a high-tech producer of semiconductors, phones and cars, it boasts the fourth largest economy on the continent (in terms of nominal GDP), lagging behind only China, Japan and India.
Home to such plugged-in conglomerates as Samsung, LG and Hyundai, South Korea has also spawned a whole new hit of global exports: Hallyu. If the term is new to you, chances are the phenomenon it represents is not. For the uninitiated, Hallyu is the romanised form of hanryu, the term for what has come to be known as the Korean Wave – the immense growth and export of the country’s pop culture to the world.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-64449" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Hallyu-the-rise-of-Korean-Wave-gafencu-4.png" alt="Hallyu the rise of Korean Wave gafencu (4)" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Hallyu-the-rise-of-Korean-Wave-gafencu-4.png 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Hallyu-the-rise-of-Korean-Wave-gafencu-4-450x300.png 450w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Hallyu-the-rise-of-Korean-Wave-gafencu-4-600x399.png 600w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Hallyu-the-rise-of-Korean-Wave-gafencu-4-421x280.png 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Hallyu-the-rise-of-Korean-Wave-gafencu-4-120x80.png 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Hallyu-the-rise-of-Korean-Wave-gafencu-4-500x333.png 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Hallyu-the-rise-of-Korean-Wave-gafencu-4-200x133.png 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Hallyu-the-rise-of-Korean-Wave-gafencu-4-400x266.png 400w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" />
When this movement first began some 20 years ago, it was quickly adopted by neighbours China and Japan, but today Western nations are equally enamoured with all things Korean, be it movies like the 2019 Academy Award-winning film Parasite, TV shows such as 2020’s Crash Landing on You and last year’s record-breaking Squid Game; music (think wildly successful bands such as BTS and girl squads Girls Generation and Blackpink); food, and even cosmetics.
The current global love for all things South Korean can be traced back to the turbulent times of the 1997 Asian financial crisis, when the nation took active measures to restrict cultural imports from Japan. To fill the resulting void, a new mission to foster and strengthen local culture and talent was initiated, including pouring funds into creative industries such as film and TV studios. High-quality Korean dramas were produced very cheaply, and these new media offerings rapidly gathered a fan base in China before reaching further afield. Thus, Hallyu spread to the West, piquing the curiosity and capturing the imagination of the ’90s generation.
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<h3>K-wave</h3>
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-64454" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Hallyu-the-rise-of-Korean-Wave-gafencu.png" alt="Hallyu the rise of Korean Wave gafencu" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Hallyu-the-rise-of-Korean-Wave-gafencu.png 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Hallyu-the-rise-of-Korean-Wave-gafencu-450x300.png 450w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Hallyu-the-rise-of-Korean-Wave-gafencu-600x399.png 600w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Hallyu-the-rise-of-Korean-Wave-gafencu-421x280.png 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Hallyu-the-rise-of-Korean-Wave-gafencu-120x80.png 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Hallyu-the-rise-of-Korean-Wave-gafencu-500x333.png 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Hallyu-the-rise-of-Korean-Wave-gafencu-200x133.png 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Hallyu-the-rise-of-Korean-Wave-gafencu-400x266.png 400w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /> 
Many liken the beginning of the Korean Wave to the popularity that Japan itself experienced around that time, when anime, manga, J-pop music and such heavy hitters as Pokemon and Studio Ghibli gained cult status beyond its shores. However, the critical difference between them is that Hallyu managed to capitalise on the emerging trend of digital globalisation, and thus became accessible to a wider international audience.
As Margot Peppers, Consumer Trends Editor at Foresight Factory, explains: “[Japanese culture is] still seen as offbeat, quirky and cool to like, but it is not necessarily mainstream. [Whereas] there has been such a push for K-dramas and stories that are rooted in Korean settings but still have universal themes and archetypes that everyone across the globe can relate to. They are built on this accessible universality that has really resonated with people.”
<h3>K-beauty</h3>
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-64447" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Hallyu-the-rise-of-Korean-Wave-gafencu-2.png" alt="Hallyu the rise of Korean Wave gafencu (2)" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Hallyu-the-rise-of-Korean-Wave-gafencu-2.png 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Hallyu-the-rise-of-Korean-Wave-gafencu-2-450x300.png 450w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Hallyu-the-rise-of-Korean-Wave-gafencu-2-600x399.png 600w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Hallyu-the-rise-of-Korean-Wave-gafencu-2-421x280.png 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Hallyu-the-rise-of-Korean-Wave-gafencu-2-120x80.png 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Hallyu-the-rise-of-Korean-Wave-gafencu-2-500x333.png 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Hallyu-the-rise-of-Korean-Wave-gafencu-2-200x133.png 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Hallyu-the-rise-of-Korean-Wave-gafencu-2-400x266.png 400w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /> 
It’s no secret that standards of beauty are often set by what society sees in the media, and given the widespread dissemination of Hallyu, it’s not surprising that many young people want to mimic the pristine, pale skin of Korean celebrities, paving the way for the rise of K-beauty. The country’s cosmetics industry responded deftly, introducing a constant flow of new, innovative and sometimes unusual ingredients – snail slime, starfish extract, pig collagen and bee venom, to name a few – to serve up the Next Big Thing to consumers.
As a result, the South Korean beauty and cosmetics market now ranks among the top 10 worldwide. According to a study published by Portland-based research company Allied Market Research, the business was valued at US$10.2 billion in 2019 and is projected to grow to US$13.9 billion by 2027 – representing a staggering 36-percent increase.
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<h3>K-dramas</h3>
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-64452" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Hallyu-the-rise-of-Korean-Wave-gafencu-7.png" alt="Hallyu the rise of Korean Wave gafencu (7)" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Hallyu-the-rise-of-Korean-Wave-gafencu-7.png 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Hallyu-the-rise-of-Korean-Wave-gafencu-7-450x300.png 450w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Hallyu-the-rise-of-Korean-Wave-gafencu-7-600x399.png 600w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Hallyu-the-rise-of-Korean-Wave-gafencu-7-421x280.png 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Hallyu-the-rise-of-Korean-Wave-gafencu-7-120x80.png 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Hallyu-the-rise-of-Korean-Wave-gafencu-7-500x333.png 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Hallyu-the-rise-of-Korean-Wave-gafencu-7-200x133.png 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Hallyu-the-rise-of-Korean-Wave-gafencu-7-400x266.png 400w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /> 
South Korean dramas always had an avid fanbase across Asia and its diaspora population, but they have now hit their stride on a global scale. It began when streaming service Netflix decided to break into K-dramas – as the country’s TV series are affectionately dubbed – and debuted its zombie drama series Kingdom in 2019. Since each episode cost a whopping KRW 2.2 billion (about HK$14.4 million) to make, the investment into Hallyu’s popularity was a gamble, to say the least, but the show was received with great acclaim.
Next to break records was Crash Landing on You, which stayed on Netflix Japan’s Top 10 list for 229 consecutive days; it even became the sixth most-watched series in the US. But that all pales in comparison to the enormous cultural impact of nail-biting survival series Squid Game. Having been streamed for a whopping 1.65 billion hours in the first four weeks of airing, it is Netflix’s biggest series launch ever, outstripping nearest competition Bridgerton almost two-fold.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-64446" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Hallyu-the-rise-of-Korean-Wave-gafencu-9.png" alt="Hallyu the rise of Korean Wave gafencu (9)" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Hallyu-the-rise-of-Korean-Wave-gafencu-9.png 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Hallyu-the-rise-of-Korean-Wave-gafencu-9-450x300.png 450w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Hallyu-the-rise-of-Korean-Wave-gafencu-9-600x399.png 600w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Hallyu-the-rise-of-Korean-Wave-gafencu-9-421x280.png 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Hallyu-the-rise-of-Korean-Wave-gafencu-9-120x80.png 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Hallyu-the-rise-of-Korean-Wave-gafencu-9-500x333.png 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Hallyu-the-rise-of-Korean-Wave-gafencu-9-200x133.png 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Hallyu-the-rise-of-Korean-Wave-gafencu-9-400x266.png 400w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" />
Korean movies were no less in the spotlight, with comedy-thriller Parasite becoming the first non-English-language film to clinch Best Picture at the Academy Awards. Director Bong Joon-ho nabbed the Best Director prize as well. Then, last year, Minari – which follows the travails of a family of South Korean immigrants in rural ’80s USA – also garnered an Oscar (for supporting actress Youn Yuh-jung), prompting a new generation of Western cinephiles to explore other works by the creative talents in these films.
<h3>K-pop</h3>
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-64451" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Hallyu-the-rise-of-Korean-Wave-gafencu-6.png" alt="Hallyu the rise of Korean Wave gafencu (6)" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Hallyu-the-rise-of-Korean-Wave-gafencu-6.png 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Hallyu-the-rise-of-Korean-Wave-gafencu-6-450x300.png 450w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Hallyu-the-rise-of-Korean-Wave-gafencu-6-600x399.png 600w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Hallyu-the-rise-of-Korean-Wave-gafencu-6-421x280.png 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Hallyu-the-rise-of-Korean-Wave-gafencu-6-120x80.png 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Hallyu-the-rise-of-Korean-Wave-gafencu-6-500x333.png 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Hallyu-the-rise-of-Korean-Wave-gafencu-6-200x133.png 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Hallyu-the-rise-of-Korean-Wave-gafencu-6-400x266.png 400w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" />
While Korean food, cosmetics and films have undoubtedly permeated throughout Asia and the West, there is one aspect of Hallyu that outstrips them all – K-pop. Thanks to its distinctive blend of addictive melodies, slick choreography and production values, and an endless parade of attractive performers who spend years in gruelling studio systems learning to sing and dance in synchronised perfection, K-pop has become a global phenomenon.
No band exemplifies the rise of this sensation than BTS; the country’s leading musical act raked in a massive US$4.65 billion for its economy in 2019. To put that sum into perspective, it equates to 0.3 percent of South Korea’s entire GDP, and more than what many small African nations earned within the same timeframe.
While naysayers may scoff that Hallyu is but a passing phase, the mercenary truth of the matter is that the staying power of the movement is reflected by the financial gains involved. What’s more, it’s not just the bands and the nation that are basking in reflected glory – it’s multinational brands as well, with everyone from McDonald’s and Nike to Louis Vuitton cashing in on collaborations with BTS and their ilk. As long as the attractiveness of the Korean Wave continues to enchant fans, the world will remain at their dancing feet.
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<h6>(Text: Tenzing Thondup)</h6>

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Hallyu to the World: The rise and rise of Korean Culture

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The tide is rising in the Marvel multiverse, and there’s never been a more appropriate time to be a socially progressive fan of the superhero world.
Simu Liu, the 32-year-old Chinese-Canadian newbie actor of Kim’s Convenience fame, is shaking things at the white boys’ club. As the first Asian lead of a Marvel superhero film, he’s on the cusp of becoming the face of diversity, representing a population which isn’t all white, whilst carving out a permanent place for himself amongst Hollywood A-listers. 
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, due for release on 3 September, showcases a predominantly Asian cast, and pits superhero Shang-Chi (Simu Liu) against the terrorist group, Ten Rings, that was introduced in Iron Man. Social media sensation and Crazy Rich Asians’ actor Awkwafina also stars. 
We take a look at Liu’s rocky path to stardom, which mirrors the progress of the times.
<a href="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/celebrity-simu-liu-shang-chi-marvel-film-marvel-universe-superhero-hollywood-gafencu-4.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-60184" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/celebrity-simu-liu-shang-chi-marvel-film-marvel-universe-superhero-hollywood-gafencu-4.jpg" alt="celebrity simu liu shang chi marvel film marvel universe superhero hollywood gafencu-4" width="466" height="700" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/celebrity-simu-liu-shang-chi-marvel-film-marvel-universe-superhero-hollywood-gafencu-4.jpg 466w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/celebrity-simu-liu-shang-chi-marvel-film-marvel-universe-superhero-hollywood-gafencu-4-186x280.jpg 186w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/celebrity-simu-liu-shang-chi-marvel-film-marvel-universe-superhero-hollywood-gafencu-4-120x180.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/celebrity-simu-liu-shang-chi-marvel-film-marvel-universe-superhero-hollywood-gafencu-4-200x300.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/celebrity-simu-liu-shang-chi-marvel-film-marvel-universe-superhero-hollywood-gafencu-4-400x601.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 466px) 100vw, 466px" /></a>
Canada Bound 
Born in Harbin in 1989, Liu was raised by his grandparents until the age of five. His parents had migrated to Ontario to complete their education at Queen’s University and “start a better life”. By 1995, they were financially secured for their son to join them, but the two generations of the family were complete strangers. In an open letter to his parents, Liu states, “I was excited to finally meet my real parents and start my life in Canada, but I had no recollection of you.” It was a period of resentment, tough adjustment and culture shock for the youngster. “We fought often… If I tripped on my laces, I was clumsy. If I scored below an A, I was stupid. If I wanted to hang out with my friends, I was wasting my time. I spoke dismissively about you, told you I hated you, and that I couldn’t wait to leave the house. But privately, I yearned for your love and affection.”
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From Accounting to Acting 
Like most Asian families, Liu’s highly qualified, aerospace-engineer parents raised him to pursue a career in the sciences. Little did they know destiny had other plans. After graduating from Western Ontario’s Ivey Business School by the skin of his teeth, he got an accounting job with Deloitte in its downtown Toronto office. It was crash and burn from the word go. Liu hated crunching numbers, Deloitte was not a fan, and after nine months, he was laid off. “The first round of cuts, and I was right out,” he recalls.
Ashamed and embarrassed, he considered leaping from the balcony to avoid facing his high-achieving parents. But the thing about hitting rock bottom is that you can only go up. A pink slip motivated him to try something new – performing arts – and he was instantly drawn to the world of acting.
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More than a Stunt 
Liu’s leading man status has been hard-earned. He started out as a stunt artist; Hollywood expected an Asian man in the industry to know martial arts. As a side gig, he performed stunts at birthday parties for extra cash. Serendipitously, it was a Craigslist ad directed him to his first acting role – an extra “deep, deep in the background” in the 2013 sci-fi film, Pacific Rim.
The aspiring star has always showed drive. Not one to sit back and wait for the ideal role or the perfect opportunity, he grabbed whatever came his way and gave it his all – and that tactic has paid off, big time!
<a href="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/celebrity-simu-liu-shang-chi-marvel-film-marvel-universe-superhero-hollywood-gafencu-3.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-60183" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/celebrity-simu-liu-shang-chi-marvel-film-marvel-universe-superhero-hollywood-gafencu-3.jpg" alt="celebrity simu liu shang chi marvel film marvel universe superhero hollywood gafencu-3" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/celebrity-simu-liu-shang-chi-marvel-film-marvel-universe-superhero-hollywood-gafencu-3.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/celebrity-simu-liu-shang-chi-marvel-film-marvel-universe-superhero-hollywood-gafencu-3-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/celebrity-simu-liu-shang-chi-marvel-film-marvel-universe-superhero-hollywood-gafencu-3-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/celebrity-simu-liu-shang-chi-marvel-film-marvel-universe-superhero-hollywood-gafencu-3-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/celebrity-simu-liu-shang-chi-marvel-film-marvel-universe-superhero-hollywood-gafencu-3-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/celebrity-simu-liu-shang-chi-marvel-film-marvel-universe-superhero-hollywood-gafencu-3-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/celebrity-simu-liu-shang-chi-marvel-film-marvel-universe-superhero-hollywood-gafencu-3-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /></a>
Plea to Marvel 
The struggling actor was “handing out dog-food samples on the side of the road in Toronto” when he put out this 2014 tweet, “Hey @Marvel, great job with Cpt America and Thor. Now how about an Asian-American hero?” Seven years later, he has just become one. 
Unbeknownst to him, the Marvel Cinematic Universe, often criticised for its affinity with conventionally handsome white males, was internally rebooting to stay socially and politically relevant in the #MeToo age. It was gearing up to unveil a swathe of diverse superheroes. Shang Chi, with its momentous Asian casting, promises to be one of this year’s marquee blockbuster releases. Simu Liu as a Chinese superhero has not only deepened the conversation around race and representation – the step up is also being seen as a huge leap for Hollywood – one that marks progress over profits and doesn’t reduce diversity to an act of tokenism, a stunt or a sidekick.
<a href="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/celebrity-simu-liu-shang-chi-marvel-film-marvel-universe-superhero-hollywood-gafencu-6-2.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-60186" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/celebrity-simu-liu-shang-chi-marvel-film-marvel-universe-superhero-hollywood-gafencu-6-2.jpg" alt="celebrity simu liu shang chi marvel film marvel universe superhero hollywood gafencu-6 (2)" width="466" height="700" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/celebrity-simu-liu-shang-chi-marvel-film-marvel-universe-superhero-hollywood-gafencu-6-2.jpg 466w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/celebrity-simu-liu-shang-chi-marvel-film-marvel-universe-superhero-hollywood-gafencu-6-2-186x280.jpg 186w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/celebrity-simu-liu-shang-chi-marvel-film-marvel-universe-superhero-hollywood-gafencu-6-2-120x180.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/celebrity-simu-liu-shang-chi-marvel-film-marvel-universe-superhero-hollywood-gafencu-6-2-200x300.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/celebrity-simu-liu-shang-chi-marvel-film-marvel-universe-superhero-hollywood-gafencu-6-2-400x601.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 466px) 100vw, 466px" /></a>
Happy Convenience 
Years of toil on the acting fringes paid off in 2016 with a role in critically acclaimed Canadian sitcom Kim’s Convenience, the show about the day-to-day happenings of a Korean immigrant family. Liu plays one of the central characters, Jung Kim, in this smash hit; it quickly drew an avid following and was one of the most watched comedies on Netflix in 2018. Ironically, the show runs parallel to his own life and immigrant story.
Umma (Jean Yoon) and Appa (Paul Sun-Hyung Lee) are mellow, easy-going folk, who gradually begin to see the world beyond the prejudices that surface with each new customer. Much like Liu’s own experiences, the children in the show – Janet and Jung – learn to appreciate their parents’ struggle, live through their idiosyncrasies and find love, care and support in their largely affectionless home. In the end, despite all the ups and downs, everyone pretty much gets along. Similarly, as Liu matured, he came to see the world through his parents’ eyes. His open letter is a tribute to them: “In hindsight, I know that you were doing the best. Money was always tight. And so you worked hard and often. You pushed me as hard as you could so that I would never have to know the struggle of not knowing where my next meal would come from.”
<a href="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/celebrity-simu-liu-shang-chi-marvel-film-marvel-universe-superhero-hollywood-gafencu-10.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-60188" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/celebrity-simu-liu-shang-chi-marvel-film-marvel-universe-superhero-hollywood-gafencu-10.jpg" alt="celebrity simu liu shang chi marvel film marvel universe superhero hollywood gafencu-10" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/celebrity-simu-liu-shang-chi-marvel-film-marvel-universe-superhero-hollywood-gafencu-10.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/celebrity-simu-liu-shang-chi-marvel-film-marvel-universe-superhero-hollywood-gafencu-10-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/celebrity-simu-liu-shang-chi-marvel-film-marvel-universe-superhero-hollywood-gafencu-10-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/celebrity-simu-liu-shang-chi-marvel-film-marvel-universe-superhero-hollywood-gafencu-10-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/celebrity-simu-liu-shang-chi-marvel-film-marvel-universe-superhero-hollywood-gafencu-10-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/celebrity-simu-liu-shang-chi-marvel-film-marvel-universe-superhero-hollywood-gafencu-10-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/celebrity-simu-liu-shang-chi-marvel-film-marvel-universe-superhero-hollywood-gafencu-10-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /></a>
Familiar Face 
With more than 30 film, TV and ad credits to his name, including Fresh Off The Boat, Orphan Black, Slasher and Bad Blood, the actor is increasingly popular on both the big and small screen. But you might recognise him from somewhere else. In 2014, during his dog-food promoting days, Liu did a photoshoot for iStock images for US$120 – a quick cash solution that he, at the time, didn’t realise would be splashed all over the internet – for countless job advertisements, bus posters and even as the cover of accounting books. “That stock photo shoot always finds a way to come back and haunt me. LOL”, he shares with his fans on Instagram.
<a href="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/celebrity-simu-liu-shang-chi-marvel-film-marvel-universe-superhero-hollywood-gafencu-1.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-60181" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/celebrity-simu-liu-shang-chi-marvel-film-marvel-universe-superhero-hollywood-gafencu-1.jpg" alt="celebrity simu liu shang chi marvel film marvel universe superhero hollywood gafencu-1" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/celebrity-simu-liu-shang-chi-marvel-film-marvel-universe-superhero-hollywood-gafencu-1.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/celebrity-simu-liu-shang-chi-marvel-film-marvel-universe-superhero-hollywood-gafencu-1-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/celebrity-simu-liu-shang-chi-marvel-film-marvel-universe-superhero-hollywood-gafencu-1-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/celebrity-simu-liu-shang-chi-marvel-film-marvel-universe-superhero-hollywood-gafencu-1-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/celebrity-simu-liu-shang-chi-marvel-film-marvel-universe-superhero-hollywood-gafencu-1-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/celebrity-simu-liu-shang-chi-marvel-film-marvel-universe-superhero-hollywood-gafencu-1-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/celebrity-simu-liu-shang-chi-marvel-film-marvel-universe-superhero-hollywood-gafencu-1-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /></a>
Turning Point? 
The world in which we grew up could not imagine an Asian as the face of a Marvel movie. Representation matters when you have millions of eyeballs forming an image of what heroes look like. Simu Liu’s starring role sends a powerful message – that in 2021, race, gender and sexual orientation should not come in the way of being a hero. Hopefully, the tide will continue to rise from one studio to another until the day issues of diversity will no longer be magazine stories.
(Text: Nikita Mishra)
Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="//www.gafencushop.com/celebrity-colin-firth/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Think you know all about Colin Firth? It could be you&#8217;ve got him all wrong&#8230;</a>

celebrity simu liu shang chi marvel film marvel universe superhero hollywood gafencu

First Asian superhero in a Marvel movie: Simu Liu as ‘Shang-Chi’

As the city faces another interruption to routine and productivity, many of us have become home-bound to our screens and itching for some mental stimulation. Since sifting through new shows can be overwhelming, we’ve compiled a list of 5 binge-worthy Netflix series that will make you smarter while still providing hours of entertainment.&nbsp;
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-51762" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/5-binge-worthy-netflix-shows-that-will-make-you-smarter_suits.png" alt="5 binge worthy netflix shows that will make you smarter_suits" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/5-binge-worthy-netflix-shows-that-will-make-you-smarter_suits.png 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/5-binge-worthy-netflix-shows-that-will-make-you-smarter_suits-421x280.png 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/5-binge-worthy-netflix-shows-that-will-make-you-smarter_suits-120x80.png 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/5-binge-worthy-netflix-shows-that-will-make-you-smarter_suits-500x333.png 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/5-binge-worthy-netflix-shows-that-will-make-you-smarter_suits-200x133.png 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/5-binge-worthy-netflix-shows-that-will-make-you-smarter_suits-400x266.png 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/5-binge-worthy-netflix-shows-that-will-make-you-smarter_suits-600x399.png 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" />Suits
Genre: Legal Drama
Witty and sophisticated, Suits follows college dropout, Mike Ross who accidentally lands himself a position at a New York law firm under charming and reputable corporate attorney, Harvey Specter.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-51765" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/5-binge-worthy-netflix-shows-that-will-make-you-smarter_100-humans.png" alt="5 binge worthy netflix shows that will make you smarter_100 humans" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/5-binge-worthy-netflix-shows-that-will-make-you-smarter_100-humans.png 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/5-binge-worthy-netflix-shows-that-will-make-you-smarter_100-humans-421x280.png 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/5-binge-worthy-netflix-shows-that-will-make-you-smarter_100-humans-120x80.png 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/5-binge-worthy-netflix-shows-that-will-make-you-smarter_100-humans-500x333.png 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/5-binge-worthy-netflix-shows-that-will-make-you-smarter_100-humans-200x133.png 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/5-binge-worthy-netflix-shows-that-will-make-you-smarter_100-humans-400x266.png 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/5-binge-worthy-netflix-shows-that-will-make-you-smarter_100-humans-600x399.png 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" />100 Humans
Genre: Reality, Psychology, Comedy
100 Humans is a social experiment with snarky commentaries and scientific explanations that will make you laugh-out-loud and pick up new information on fascinating topics like happiness, motivation and sex.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-51767" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/5-binge-worthy-netflix-shows-that-will-make-you-smarter_blacksails.png" alt="5 binge worthy netflix shows that will make you smarter_blacksails" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/5-binge-worthy-netflix-shows-that-will-make-you-smarter_blacksails.png 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/5-binge-worthy-netflix-shows-that-will-make-you-smarter_blacksails-421x280.png 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/5-binge-worthy-netflix-shows-that-will-make-you-smarter_blacksails-120x80.png 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/5-binge-worthy-netflix-shows-that-will-make-you-smarter_blacksails-500x333.png 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/5-binge-worthy-netflix-shows-that-will-make-you-smarter_blacksails-200x133.png 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/5-binge-worthy-netflix-shows-that-will-make-you-smarter_blacksails-400x266.png 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/5-binge-worthy-netflix-shows-that-will-make-you-smarter_blacksails-600x399.png 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" />Black Sails
Genre: Historical-Fiction, Adventure, Pirate
The show dives into pirate lore and the adventures of notorious and feared Captain Flint and his crew during The Golden Age of Piracy on an island of lawlessness.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-51766" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/5-binge-worthy-netflix-shows-that-will-make-you-smarter_atypical.png" alt="5 binge worthy netflix shows that will make you smarter_atypical" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/5-binge-worthy-netflix-shows-that-will-make-you-smarter_atypical.png 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/5-binge-worthy-netflix-shows-that-will-make-you-smarter_atypical-421x280.png 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/5-binge-worthy-netflix-shows-that-will-make-you-smarter_atypical-120x80.png 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/5-binge-worthy-netflix-shows-that-will-make-you-smarter_atypical-500x333.png 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/5-binge-worthy-netflix-shows-that-will-make-you-smarter_atypical-200x133.png 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/5-binge-worthy-netflix-shows-that-will-make-you-smarter_atypical-400x266.png 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/5-binge-worthy-netflix-shows-that-will-make-you-smarter_atypical-600x399.png 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" />Atypical
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Family&nbsp;
Inspiring lessons on empathy, the story revolves around 18-year-old Sam Gardner as he navigates through high school, college applications and dating as a teenager with high functioning autism.&nbsp;
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-51764" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/5-binge-worthy-netflix-shows-that-will-make-you-smarter_money-heist.png" alt="5 binge worthy netflix shows that will make you smarter_money heist" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/5-binge-worthy-netflix-shows-that-will-make-you-smarter_money-heist.png 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/5-binge-worthy-netflix-shows-that-will-make-you-smarter_money-heist-421x280.png 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/5-binge-worthy-netflix-shows-that-will-make-you-smarter_money-heist-120x80.png 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/5-binge-worthy-netflix-shows-that-will-make-you-smarter_money-heist-500x333.png 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/5-binge-worthy-netflix-shows-that-will-make-you-smarter_money-heist-200x133.png 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/5-binge-worthy-netflix-shows-that-will-make-you-smarter_money-heist-400x266.png 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/5-binge-worthy-netflix-shows-that-will-make-you-smarter_money-heist-600x399.png 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" />Money Heist (La Casa de Papel)
Genre: Foreign, Crime-Drama, Suspense
This Spanish crime drama will keep you on your feet crying out, &#8220;Dios Mio!&#8221; as you follow plots of The Professor and his band of misfits in an attempt to rob £2.4 billion from the Royal Mint of Spain.&nbsp;
&nbsp;

5 binge worthy netflix shows that will make you smarter_gefencu_feature

5 Binge Worthy Netflix Shows That Will Make You Smarter

If you want to take a break from the current situation in Hong Kong, there’s no better way to while away a couple of hours and taking in the latest big-screen outings. Be it the much-awaited sequel to A Quiet Place or the live-adaptation release of Mulan, here are the must-watch movies hitting Hong Kong this March. &nbsp;
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-51085" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/march-movies-min.jpg" alt="March movies releasing" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/march-movies-min.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/march-movies-min-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/march-movies-min-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/march-movies-min-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/march-movies-min-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/march-movies-min-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/march-movies-min-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" />
Jexi – 5 March
The film Jexi revolves around the relationship between a socially awkward features writer Phil and an AI robot Jexi on his phone. Initially, the virtual robot acts as a life coach and helps him to overcome his smartphone addiction and make friends in real life. However, when he becomes independent, Jexi, not quite happy with the change, turns into a tech nightmare. Created by the directors who gave us comedic smashes like Hangover and Bad Moms, Jexi looks set to be a darkly humorous hit.
<iframe loading="lazy" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/EtpBbRsNr-M" width="789" height="444" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
The Call of the Wild – 5 March
Based on the 1903 novel by the same title, The Call of the Wild follows the journey a man takes with a dog named Buck. From a pet dog in a home in California to becoming a sled dog in the wilds of Alaska, Buck has his own background story that makes him unique and lovable. Described as ‘an adventure of a lifetime’, love and comraderie lie at the heart of this movie.
<iframe loading="lazy" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5P8R2zAhEwg" width="789" height="444" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
Like a Boss – 5 March
Two best friends and business partners – Mia and Mel – think they are living a successful life running their beauty company until they are hit with the hard reality – their debt. That is where the cosmetic industry expert Claire Luna (Selma Hayek) comes in to help. However, she ends up sabotaging their business by taking advantage of their ideas and hard work. Filled with laughter and a star-studded cast – Billy Porter, Tiffany Haddish, Rose Byrne and more, Like a Boss is pure&nbsp;entertainment.
<iframe loading="lazy" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9ESkyRFEso4" width="789" height="444" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
A Quiet Place Part II – 19 March
When A Quiet Place ended, the Abbott family finally found a solution to save themselves from the monsters that was traumatising their lives. With A Quiet Place Part II, it comes to light that those weren’t the only creatures they had to protect themselves from. If you loved the 2018 thriller movie, this upcoming sequel is sure to interest you, just get ready for a scary good time.
<iframe loading="lazy" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XEMwSdne6UE" width="789" height="444" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
Mulan – 26 March
It was a classic Chinese tale, then it was a smash animated hit, now Mulan has gotten a Disney live-adaptation makeover and, after much hype, is about to hit Hong Kong. Follow the titular character of Mulan as she disguises herself as a man to take her father’s place in the imperial army as they head towards a face-off with the invading Huns. Is it as good as the beloved 1998 original? We’ll just have to wait and see&#8230; 
<iframe loading="lazy" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KK8FHdFluOQ" width="789" height="328" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>

Reel Deal: Movies releasing in March in Hong Kong

When the late, great Heath Ledger breathed life into the Joker, Gotham City’s most sinister villain, just over a decade ago, his depiction of the “agent of chaos” earned him universal acclaim and a posthumous Oscar as Best Supporting Actor. It also set the benchmark by which every subsequent iteration of the comedian-turned-master criminal would be measured. With those very big clown shoes needing be filled, it fell upon Joaquin Phoenix to take on Ledger’s legacy, while also facing the challenge of humanising the homicidal, ever-smiling sociopath.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-50816 size-full" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/celeb-3-min.jpg" alt="Joaquin Phoenix" width="466" height="700" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/celeb-3-min.jpg 466w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/celeb-3-min-186x280.jpg 186w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/celeb-3-min-120x180.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/celeb-3-min-200x300.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/celeb-3-min-400x601.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 466px) 100vw, 466px" />
When Puerto Rico-born Phoenix was first sounded about the role, he was understandably reluctant to sport the rictus grin, largely on account of Ledger’s performance being widely regarded as definitive. He was also a little deterred by the character’s grotesque comic book back-story, worrying that it lacked any real-life resonance.
Despite such concerns, Joker director to be, Todd Phillips, convinced him to don the mantle, reassuring the actor that his take on the character had been created with him specifically in mind. Ultimately, Phoenix – a 30-year stage and screen veteran – became convinced it was the right thing to do as he immersed himself in the role, even to the point where he suggested the possibility of a second cinematic outing for the character in the second or third week of shooting.
Recalling this, he says: “Very early on, I was like: ‘Todd, can you start working on a sequel? There’s way too much to explore.’ While it was kind of largely in jest, it wasn’t wholly so.”
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-50815 size-full" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/celeb-2-min.jpg" alt="Joaquin Phoenix" width="466" height="700" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/celeb-2-min.jpg 466w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/celeb-2-min-186x280.jpg 186w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/celeb-2-min-120x180.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/celeb-2-min-200x300.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/celeb-2-min-400x601.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 466px) 100vw, 466px" />
Indeed, a sequel may now be just what <a href="https://www.warnerbros.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Warner Brothers</a> – the studio behind the movie – is now hoping for, given that the film took more than US$1.1 billion after opening to an eight-minute standing ovation at the Venice Film Festival. It’s only the 44th movie ever to achieve a nine figure gross, while also being the biggest hit of Phoenix’s career.
Beyond its box office success, Phoenix’s performance as the damaged clown also sparked wide debate about both mental health and the roots of societal violence. Assessing the wider impact of the movie, the actor says: “It’s not the box office receipts, but the reception that’s been truly vindicating. I now get emails from people telling me that it made them look at their schizophrenic sister in a different way. Ultimately, the movie is about the power of kindness and the lack of empathy in the world, and the audience seems to have picked up on that.”
It is also fair to say that audiences worldwide have also picked up on just how compelling Phoenix can be on screen. Though his career stretches back some three decades, he has never been viewed as high in the Hollywood pantheon of all-time greats. Despite never being a darling of the media, though, he has actually appeared in some of the most critically acclaimed <a href="//www.gafencushop.com/february-cinematic-releases/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">films</a> of recent years, with his contribution frequently being viewed as crucial.
Something of a child protégé in acting terms, he and his four siblings were ‘discovered’ by Iris Burton, one of Hollywood’s leading agents. With his talents soon apparent to casting directors, he swiftly graduated to supporting roles, most notably in To Die For (1995), a Nicole Kidman vehicle where his performance as a lustful teenager proved a true scene-stealer.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-50814 size-full" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/celeb-1-min.jpg" alt="Joaquin Phoenix" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/celeb-1-min.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/celeb-1-min-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/celeb-1-min-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/celeb-1-min-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/celeb-1-min-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/celeb-1-min-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/celeb-1-min-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" />
His big breakthrough, however, came in 2000 when he took on the role of Commodus in Gladiator, Ridley Scott’s Roman epic. His first outing as a Big Bad also earned him his first Oscar nomination (as Best Supporting Actor). Since then, he has been nominated for two further Oscars – one for playing musician Johnny Cash in Walk the Line (2005) and one for his role as war veteran Freddie Quell in The Master (2012). So far, none of his nominations have converted into actual wins, but this may well change with his bravado performance as the Joker seen as sure to secure him the Best Actor award later this year.
His unusual film choices to date, however, can be better understood through the filter of his equally unconventional life. Born Joaquin Rafael Bottom in Puerto Rica in October 1974, his parents – John Lee and Arlyn – were American citizens and members of the Children of God, a controversial California-based extremist Christian cult. Ultimately rejecting the cult’s teachings, the family relocated to Los Angeles, where they reinvented themselves under a new surname – Phoenix, the bird that, in classical Greek mythology, rose from its own ashes.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-50817 size-full" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/celeb-4-min.jpg" alt="Joaquin Phoenix" width="466" height="700" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/celeb-4-min.jpg 466w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/celeb-4-min-186x280.jpg 186w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/celeb-4-min-120x180.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/celeb-4-min-200x300.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/celeb-4-min-400x601.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 466px) 100vw, 466px" />
With his mother working as a secretary for NBC, one of the biggest TV networks in the US, it wasn’t long before the junior members of the Phoenix family found themselves competing in a series of televised talent contests. It was then that young Joaquin adopted the stage name Leaf Phoenix, which he continued to be credited under until he was 15 and reverted to his true name.
In addition to his penchant for alternative names, he has also been widely seen as favouring an alternative lifestyle. A vegan from the age of three, he has also been an almost lifelong supporter of PETA, the anti-animal cruelty charity. Well before such concerns went mainstream, he was at the very forefront of the movement, frequently using his fame to raise awareness of such evils as dog leather and the poor treatment of circus animals.
Announcing him as PETA Person of the Year for 2019, Ingrid Newkirk, the organisation’s president, paid tribute to the actor, saying: “Joaquin Phoenix never misses an opportunity to turn the spotlight away from himself and onto the plight of animals, while setting a great example by truly walking the vegan walk.”
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-50818 size-full" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/celeb-5-min.png" alt="Joaquin Phoenix" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/celeb-5-min.png 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/celeb-5-min-421x280.png 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/celeb-5-min-120x80.png 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/celeb-5-min-500x333.png 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/celeb-5-min-200x133.png 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/celeb-5-min-400x266.png 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/celeb-5-min-600x399.png 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" />
Clearly a performer bold enough to make unconventional career moves, he once went public with his determination to quit Tinseltown in favour of making it big in hip-hop. That, however, ultimately proved to be a role he was playing in I’m Still Here, a 2010 ‘mockumentary’ that purported to chronicle the actor’s spoof sabbatical, right from the announcement of his ‘retirement’ to his debut before a clearly bemused audience of hardcore hip-hop fans.
While the film got a decidedly mixed reactions, it also kept many guessing as to just which elements of it were heartfelt and which were merely scripted provocation. In many ways, it’s this very ambiguity that lies at the core of Phoenix’s best performances, with the will there / won’t there be a Joker 2 just the latest manifestation of his ability to ensure audiences never quite know what is coming next.

Heir to the Clown

Despite Hong Kong having more than its fair share of off-screen drama at present, there’s still some <a href="//www.gafencushop.com/hong-kong-cinematic-golden-age/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">movie</a> entertainment that’s well worth seeking out…
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-50740 size-full" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/feb-movies-poster-min.jpg" alt="February cinematic releases" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/feb-movies-poster-min.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/feb-movies-poster-min-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/feb-movies-poster-min-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/feb-movies-poster-min-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/feb-movies-poster-min-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/feb-movies-poster-min-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/feb-movies-poster-min-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" />
<a href="https://www.abeautifulday.movie/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A Beautiful Day in The Neighbourhood</a> &#8211; 6 February
When a magazine editor is asked to write a profile on a children’s TV personality &#8211; Fred Rogers -it’s assignment he takes on with little enthusiasm. However, during the course of the interview, the initially cynical journalist learns about kindness and affection. Based on the real-life friendship between Mr.Rogers and journalist Tom Junod,&nbsp;A Beautiful Day in The Neighbourhood&nbsp;provides a much-needed lesson in the current climate –&nbsp;&nbsp;the fact that trust sometimes trumps scepticism.
<iframe loading="lazy" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-VLEPhfEN2M" width="789" height="444" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
<a href="http://www.birdsofpreymovie.net/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Birds of Prey</a> &#8211; 6 February
Harley Quinn tells the twisted and complicated tale of three superheroes – Huntress, Black Canary and Renee Montoya &#8211;&nbsp;&nbsp;teaming up to protect a young girl from three villains – Roman Sionis and Zsasz. With Harley Quinn taking the lead role, the Joker – he long term beau &#8211; is nowhere to be seen. A definite entertainment for all the DC comic fans out there.
<iframe loading="lazy" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/x3HbbzHK5Mc" width="789" height="444" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
<a href="https://www.fantasyisland.movie/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Fantasy Island</a> &#8211; 13 February
More horror and more modern is one way to describe this film version of the television series&nbsp;Fantasy Island.&nbsp;Similar to the ABC series, Mr. Roarke, an amiable&nbsp;&nbsp;host, invites guests to live out their fantasies on an island where nothing turns out quite the way they expect…
<iframe loading="lazy" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AuDROG1g6bM" width="789" height="444" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
<a href="https://www.sonicthehedgehogmovie.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sonic The Hedgehog</a> &#8211; 20 February
Inspired by a video game of the same name,&nbsp;&nbsp;this action-packed comedy sees the world’s fastest hedgehog teaming up with sheriff&nbsp;Tom Wachowski to defeat Dr. Robotnik, an evil genius determined to take over the world. This movie is sure to entertain children and adults&nbsp;alike…
<iframe loading="lazy" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/szby7ZHLnkA" width="789" height="444" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
<a href="https://www.universalpictures.com/movies/the-turning" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Turning</a> &#8211; 27 February
Set in an eerie gothic estate, this contemporary adaptation of&nbsp;The Turning of the Screw&nbsp;details the sinister events that befall Kate once she is hired to work as a nanny for two-disturbed-children – Flora and Miles – who are the guardians of a number of dark secrets. Not for the faint hearted….
<iframe loading="lazy" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rl33gU2APIs" width="789" height="444" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>

Reel Deal: February’s cinematic releases

As 2020 opens, there are countless big screen outings to tempt any film aficionados into visiting theatres this January.. From the much critiqued Jojo Rabbit to the much awaited sequel to the Bad Boys film series or the new versions of movies that have already hit the big screens earlier, here is a line up of movies that you can look forward to for January 2020.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-50285 size-full" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/main-picture-min.jpg" alt="January" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/main-picture-min.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/main-picture-min-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/main-picture-min-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/main-picture-min-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/main-picture-min-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/main-picture-min-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/main-picture-min-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" />
Little Women &#8211; 9 January
Based on a novel by Louisa May Alcott, <a href="https://www.littlewomen.movie/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Little Women</a> is a bildungsroman that follows the lives of four sisters ‒ Amy, Jo, Beth and Meg. This period film shows the way the aftermath of the American Civil War impacts the March sisters and emphasises on their love and support for each other despite their contrasting opinions. Although, the drama is set in the past, each sister is very relatable, making it a timeless classic that will interest most audience.
<iframe loading="lazy" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AST2-4db4ic" width="789" height="444" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
Bad Boys for Life &#8211; 16 January
For fans of the Bad Boys film series, the franchise is back with its much anticipated <a href="https://www.badboysforlife.movie/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">new sequel</a> to the series. After Bad Boys II that came out in 2003, it has been a wait for more than a decade. Similar to the previous Bad Boys movies, Will Smith and Martin Lawrence are cops. They investigate a drug cartel in Miami. This action packed comedy definitely has all the fun you would expect in a movie.
<iframe loading="lazy" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/jKCj3XuPG8M" width="789" height="444" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
The Voyage of Doctor Dolittle &#8211; 23 January
This animated fantasy movie follows the life of Doctor Dolittle, a man with the unique ability to communicate with animals. Played by <a href="//www.gafencushop.com/robert-downey-jr/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Robert Downey Jr</a>, Doctor Dolittle lives a secluded life with just animals as his friends. When Queen Victoria falls ill, he and his friends have to embark on an adventure to find the medicine. Accompanied by a vibrant soundtrack, this latest version of Doctor Dolittle promises entertainment from beginning to end.&nbsp;
<iframe loading="lazy" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FEf412bSPLs" width="789" height="444" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
The Grudge &#8211; 23 January
For any horror film enthusiast, the upcoming movie, The Grudge may already be in their &#8216;must watch&#8217; list. When Detective Muldoon works on a murder case, she realises that the house where it took place is now haunted by a vengeful ghost. This spooky thriller unfolds the story of how she saves herself and others from the spirit after it follows her to her home. Get ready to scream and maybe even skip a heartbeat or two as you watch this psychological thriller.
<iframe loading="lazy" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/O2NKzO-fxwQ" width="789" height="444" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
Jojo Rabbit &#8211; 30 January
To say Hitler and comedy are oxymorons would be a statement that most people would agree to. However, that is not the case with Taiki Waititi&#8217;s Jojo Rabbit. Set in Nazi Germany, the movie follows the story of Jojo, a young boy in Hitler’s army who discovers that his mom is hiding a Jewish girl in their house. What makes the plot more interesting is that, Jojo&#8217;s imaginary friend is a comical version of Hitler. This “anti-hate satire” is a perfect mix of both comedy and tragedy.
<iframe loading="lazy" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tL4McUzXfFI" width="789" height="444" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>

Reel Deal: January movies hitting silver screens in Hong Kong

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When the Cannes Film Festival, the behemoth movie-screening competition held annually in Cannes, France, announced that it would be joining forces with Hong Kong’s K11 Group to present six of this year’s film selections for a very special Festival de Cannes Film Week, the city’s cinephiles knew they were in for something of a treat. To say the selection of the Fragrant Harbour as the location for the festival’s first-ever international iteration came as a surprise is putting things mildly. After all, the days of Hong Kong’s cinematic Golden Age seemed all but behind it, shattered by the Asian Financial Crisis of 1997 and the subsequent rise of China’s own film entertainment industry, causing what was once dubbed the “Hollywood of the Far East” to sink into a sharp decline.
For three decades from the ’70s to the ’90s, however, Hong Kong was the world’s largest film exporter after Tinseltown and the darling of theatre-going audiences the world over. Not only did it produce some 400 movies each year, it spawned critically-acclaimed box-office hits – Wong Kar Wai’s Chungking Express and Jackie Chan’s Drunken Master to name but two – that remain beloved to this day. It could be precisely this illustrious history that prompted the people at Cannes to select the city for its upcoming film week. In a nostalgic tribute to this storied legacy, we revisit some of the most memorable Hong Kong movies ever made.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-49724" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Hong-Kongs-Cinematic-Golden-Age-Way-of-the-Dragon.jpg" alt="Hong Kong's Cinematic Golden Age - Way of the Dragon" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Hong-Kongs-Cinematic-Golden-Age-Way-of-the-Dragon.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Hong-Kongs-Cinematic-Golden-Age-Way-of-the-Dragon-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Hong-Kongs-Cinematic-Golden-Age-Way-of-the-Dragon-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Hong-Kongs-Cinematic-Golden-Age-Way-of-the-Dragon-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Hong-Kongs-Cinematic-Golden-Age-Way-of-the-Dragon-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Hong-Kongs-Cinematic-Golden-Age-Way-of-the-Dragon-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Hong-Kongs-Cinematic-Golden-Age-Way-of-the-Dragon-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" />
Way of the Dragon (1972) / Enter the Dragon (1973)
The history of Hong Kong’s filmmaking industry and the inexorable rise of kung fu movies are inextricably linked. After all, it was this very segment that catapulted the city to worldwide fame, enchanting theatre-goers in both the East and West with its blink-and- you’ll-miss-it action sequences and slapstick humour. Perhaps the most iconic of these is 1972’s Way of the Dragon, the only film to both star and be directed by legendary martial arts actor Bruce Lee. Produced by Raymond Chow, the movie was a box-office triumph, grossing HK$211 million worldwide, compared to a production budget of just HK$130,000. Its 1973 sequel, Enter the Dragon, performed even more admirably, netting a profit of US$90 million (or roughly US$508 million today).
Not only did these Lee-Chow collaborations spark an international interest in Chinese martial arts, it also engendered great pride for the ethnic Chinese globally, who had long been denied leading and heroic roles in Western cinema. Meanwhile, Lee’s portrayal revolutionised how American audiences would perceive Chinese up until the present day, redefining what it meant to be a hero who fights for justice.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-49721" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Hong-Kongs-Cinematic-Golden-Age-A-Better-Tomorrow.jpg" alt="Hong Kong's Cinematic Golden Age - A Better Tomorrow" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Hong-Kongs-Cinematic-Golden-Age-A-Better-Tomorrow.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Hong-Kongs-Cinematic-Golden-Age-A-Better-Tomorrow-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Hong-Kongs-Cinematic-Golden-Age-A-Better-Tomorrow-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Hong-Kongs-Cinematic-Golden-Age-A-Better-Tomorrow-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Hong-Kongs-Cinematic-Golden-Age-A-Better-Tomorrow-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Hong-Kongs-Cinematic-Golden-Age-A-Better-Tomorrow-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Hong-Kongs-Cinematic-Golden-Age-A-Better-Tomorrow-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" />
A Better Tomorrow (1986)
The genre of heroic bloodshed, typified by stylised action scenes and dramatic themes of honour, duty, violence and redemption, was actually a Hong Kong cinematic invention. Perhaps the benchmark film of this category is the 1986 John Woo-directed A Better Tomorrow, which follows the harrowing journey of its Triad-member protagonist as he struggles to leave his life of crime behind in order to reconcile with his younger brother, an aspiring police officer. Showcasing a violence-ruled Hong Kong and complex characters on both sides of the law, this Triad-related feature was the breakthrough film that propelled its actors, Chow Yun-fat and Leslie Cheung, to superstardom.
The otherworldly portrayals of violence and intensified emotional power of the picture struck a chord with international audiences, even leading it to be remade for Indian and Korean audiences. Meanwhile, the style of Chow Yun-fat in the film saw teenagers across the city stocking up on Ray-Ban sunglasses and trench coats to replicate the now iconic look of his character, “Mark Gor”.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-49725" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Hong-Kongs-Cinematic-Golden-Age.jpg" alt="Hong Kong's Cinematic Golden Age" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Hong-Kongs-Cinematic-Golden-Age.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Hong-Kongs-Cinematic-Golden-Age-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Hong-Kongs-Cinematic-Golden-Age-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Hong-Kongs-Cinematic-Golden-Age-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Hong-Kongs-Cinematic-Golden-Age-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Hong-Kongs-Cinematic-Golden-Age-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Hong-Kongs-Cinematic-Golden-Age-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" />
In the Mood for Love (2000)
Internationally acclaimed auteur Wong Kar Wai has built a storied career in creating films where Hong Kong is just as much a story’s central character as its protagonists. His art-house films enact stories of tragedy, alienation and angst-ridden individuals otherwise hidden within the metropolis. Known for his emotionally intense style, it’s Wong’s seventh film, In the Mood For Love (2000), however, that is arguably the most significant contribution to the genre of wenyi pai (romantic melodrama).
In the Mood for Love is a profoundly lush romantic drama set in Hong Kong that follows the tale of two neighbours seeking solace in one another as they discover their respective spouses are having an affair. Thanks to Wong’s long-established approach of mixing Eastern ‘practicality’ with Western motifs, the film resonated with Western audiences and critics alike, taking home the coveted Grand Prix de la Commission Supérieure Technique award, as well as the Best Actor accolade for Tony Leung. at the 2000 Cannes Film Festival. It remains one of Hong Kong’s most celebrated cinematic achievements, having earned over 49 nominations and 44 wins to date.
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Kung Fu Hustle (2004)
It’s no secret that comedies are often overlooked by critics for more dramatic fare, despite being arguably the most beloved by audiences. On rare occasions, however, comic effect is recognised and lauded in its own right, as demonstrated by Stephen Chow’s wildly successful martial arts comedy, Kung Fu Hustle (2004). Centring on two hapless martial artists who inadvertently become entangled with the notorious “Axe Gang” in the slums of ’30s Shanghai, it has been universally praised for its unique blend of cartoon special effects and CGI, a traditional Chinese soundtrack and high-quality wuxia fight sequences.
With this formula for success, the universally-appealing film yielded lucrative results, leading it to gross HK$61 million within the city and a total of US$102 million worldwide. It even went on to be nominated for Best Foreign Language Film at that year’s BAFTAs and Golden Globes, while also sweeping up six Hong Kong Film Awards and five Golden Horse Awards at the same time. Today, it still remains the third highest-grossing Chinese-language film in Hong Kong’s history.
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No.7 Cherry Lane (2019)
Perhaps just when Hong Kong needs more love than ever before, Wuhan-born, Hong Kong-based director Yonfan emerged from the shadows of his 10-year filmmaking hiatus to release his first-ever animated feature this year, a self-proclaimed love letter to Hong Kong titled No.7 Cherry Lane. Putting paid to the notion that the city’s best cinematic days are behind it, the movie premiered to much acclaim at the prestigious 76th Venice Film Festival, where it went on to win the Best Screenplay accolade, before making its North America debut at the Toronto International Film Festival.
Utilising an animation style traditionally attributed to countries like Japan, No.7 Cherry Lane transports viewers back to the turbulent year of 1967 in Hong Kong. Amid the clashes between the government and pro-Communists, the story follows a young Hong Kong University graduate, Ziming, who finds himself trapped within a love triangle between a wealthy divorcee and her teenage daughter. Exploring such themes as nostalgia, social mobility and heartache, this dreamy animation film stands not only as a tribute to Hong Kong cinema but also as a beacon of artistic creativity to reinvigorate local directors and push them to new heights.
Text: Bailey Atkinson 
Photos: AFP, Jet Tone Films, Yon Fan Studio

Reliving Hong Kong's Cinematic Golden Age

Reel Deel: Reliving highlights from Hong Kong’s cinematic Golden Age

Imagine missing out on earning a cool US$250 million. That’s the nightmare that actor Matt Damon recently revealed to be his biggest career regret. The sizeable amount would have been his payout had he accepted the starring role in director James Cameron’s smash sci-fi hit, Avatar (2009), which held the record for being the highest-grossing film of all time for nearly a decade until it was dethroned by Marvel’s Avengers: Endgame earlier this year.
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Speaking on this missed opportunity, Damon said: “Jim Cameron offered me Avatar. And when he offered it to me, he goes, ‘Now, listen. I don’t need anybody. I don’t need a name for this, a named actor. If you don’t take this, I’m going to find an unknown actor and give it to him, because the movie doesn’t really need you. But if you take the part, I’ll give you 10 percent&#8230;’”
Given that Avatar would go on to rake in a staggering US$2.7 billion, that 10 percent would have equated to a quarter of a billion dollars in the actor’s pocket. As fate would have it, though, he ultimately turned down this golden goose opportunity due to scheduling conflicts. However, massive payday aside, he had a bigger regret: “In having to say no, I was probably passing on the chance to ever work with him. So that sucked and that’s still brutal.”
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While he may have missed out on this hugely-lucrative role, that’s not to say that Matt Damon is destitute by a long shot. In fact, as of 2019, his current wealth is valued at a respectable US$160 million, according to Forbes, which ranks him as one of Tinseltown’s highest-earning leading men. What’s more, the experienced 49-year-old thespian has enjoyed what few other of his ilk have managed – the perfect balancing act between Hollywood longevity and personal happiness.
But it seems big screen success was always in the cards for him. Matthew Paige Damon – as his birth certificate reads – was born on 8 October 1970 in Cambridge, Massachusetts, as the second son of Kent Telfer Damon, a stockbroker, and Nancy Carlsson-Paige, a professor of early childhood education. With his parents divorcing when he was just two and his subsequent inability to embrace his mother’s “by the book” child-rearing approach, the lonely youth saw acting as his sole reprieve. It was through his high school theatre productions that Damon finally found his true calling, while also meeting fellow thespian and life-long friend Ben Affleck in the process.
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Soon thereafter, his scholastic aptitude saw him enroll at the prestigious Harvard University where, during his freshman year, the aspiring actor made his big screen debut with a bit part in the 1988 rom-com Mystic Pizza. When he was subsequently cast as Lieutenant Britton Davis in the 1993 Western Geronimo: An American Legend, Damon chose to drop out of university to pursue the role, deeming it a career-maker. Sadly, the film flopped at the box office, and it wasn’t until 1997 that he finally caught the attention of the world’s cinemagoers.
That was the year that Good Will Hunting – penned by Matt Damon and his childhood pal Affleck – hit the silver screen. The tale, which follows the journey of an MIT janitor-cum-mathematics savant (Damon) as he finds his place in the world, was to be his first taste of cinematic success, with the then-27-year-old receiving his first nominations for Best Actor, while also winning the accolades for Best Original Screenplay at both the Academy Awards and Golden Globes that year.
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After that, his star was unquestionably on the rise, as he set about solidifying his reputation as a true Hollywood A-lister through a series of critically-acclaimed performances such as the eponymous protagonist in Saving Private Ryan (1998), a fallen angel in Dogma (1999) and the antihero in The Talented Mr Ripley (1999).
It was during the following decade, though, that he truly entered the big league, thanks largely to his participation in several big budget franchises. His first franchise role was in the heist movie, Ocean’s Eleven (2001), where he starred alongside such Hollywood luminaries as Brad Pitt, George Clooney, Julia Roberts and Andy Garcia. The movie’s blend of fast-paced action and charismatic dialogue was such a success that it spawned three more sequels.
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But it was another franchise-starter that transformed the actor into a bona fide action star – The Bourne Identity (2001), the spy action film that saw Damon take on the mantle of Jason Bourne, a superspy suffering from amnesia who has to avoid assassins on his journey to regaining his identity. Another box-office hit, it spawned four sequels that collectively grossed US$1.6 billion worldwide.
Soon thereafter, following a series of high-profile romances with actresses like Minnie Driver, Winona Ryder and Rhona Mitra, Matt Damon finally found true love away from the limelight with Luciana Barroso, a bartender he had met while filming Stuck on You in Miami in 2003. The couple wed in 2005, and are now the proud parents of four daughters, including Barroso’s child from a previous relationship.
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With the new insight gained from becoming a father, the actor discovered a passion for humanitarian work, particularly in the field of clean water initiatives. To combat this crisis, Damon co-founded H20 Africa Foundation, an NGO dedicated to providing clean water to the needy in Africa. The organisation eventually merged with another charitable body, WaterPartners, to form what is now known as Water.org in 2009, whose mission statement is to “pioneer market-driven financial solutions to end the global water crisis”. The big-hearted actor is also a keen supporter of other causes, including combating AIDS, poverty and war atrocities through a number of other organisations.
But that’s not to say that he’s allowed his onscreen career to languish. In the last decade alone, he’s garnered praise for such diverse roles as that of South African rugby team captain Francois Pienaar in 2009’s Invictus (which saw him nominated for Best Supporting Actor at both the Golden Globes and the Oscars), a Texas Ranger in the Coen Brothers’ 2010 Western True Grit, and a castaway astronaut in not one, but two sci-fi hits – Interstellar (2014) and The Martian (2015).
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Next up, though, Damon will have his feet back on terra firma, appearing in the historic biopic Ford v Ferrari in the role of Carroll Shelby, the famed US car designer who, together with Henry Ford II of Ford Motors, aims for an underdog victory against Italian motoring marque Scuderia Ferrari at the prestigious Le Mans race.
After that, the A-lister looks set to reunite with his old pal Affleck to co-write a script 22 years after their previous effort, the afore-mentioned Good Will Hunting, catapulted both actors to superstardom. Their upcoming collaboration with producer-director Ridley Scott and Oscar-nominated writer-director Nicole Holofcener, tentatively titled The Last Duel, will see Damon travel not to the stars, but to the distant past this time – the 14th century to be exact – in a story of a ‘duel to end all duels’ between a knight and a courtier.
While there’s little concrete information on that particular project, the all-star power behind it suggests that something truly special could be in the making – one that will allow audiences worldwide to remember just what makes Matt Damon such a Bourne star.
Text: Tenzing Thondup 
Photos: AFP

High Bourne: Matt Damon has taken his acting career to stellar heights

While the action-packed, blockbuster season of summer is well and truly behind us, November still affords the city’s cinephiles with plenty of big-screen adventures. From the chilling sequel to The Shining and the suspenseful drama of The Good Liar to the latest reboot of Charlie’s Angels and the eminently child-friendly Frozen II, here’s a round-up of the most anticipated November movies hitting Hong Kong’s big screens.
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Doctor Sleep – 9 November
While the chills and thrills of Halloween may be behind us, there’s still one more big-screen encore that looks set to up the scare factor – Doctor Sleep. This Ewan McGregor-starring sequel to Stephen King’s The Shining sees a now-adult Dan Terrance attempt to protect a young girl from The True Knot, a cult hell-bent on doing away with children who have the power of immortality. Perhaps best to give this a miss if the little ones are in tow.

 
The Good Liar – 14 November
The upcoming drama thriller The Good Liar, based on the novel by Nicholas Searle, follows the travails of a seasoned conman as he grapples with his newest underhanded scheme after growing infatuated with his latest mark, a recently-widowed millionairess. With seasoned big-screen veterans Ian McKellen and Helen Mirren leading the cast, this suspenseful drama will surely have you at the edge of your seats.&nbsp;

 
Charlie’s Angels – 14 November
While the original Charlie’s Angels TV show was a smash hit, its 2000 reboot met with less-than-stellar results. But perhaps the third time’s the charm, that is, if the franchise’s latest iteration &nbsp;– starring Kristen Steward, Naomi Scott, Ella Balinski and Elizabeth Banks as the beloved Bosley – can attain that perfect blend of jaw-dropping action, humour and character charisma that made the original such a cult classic.

 
Ford v Ferrari – 14 November
This period drama is truly ones for automobile aficionados, as Ford v Ferrari follows the trials and tribulations of US car designer Carroll Shelby (Matt Damon) and racing driver Ken Miles (Christian Bale) as they battle corporate interests and personal demons to develop a car worthy of toppling Ford Motors.

 
Frozen II – 26 November
If you’re among the legion of Frozen fans who still love to sing such classics as Let It Go and Love is an Open Door, you’re in for a treat as its long-awaited sequel, Frozen II hits the silver screen this month. Follow the adventures of Elsa, Anna, Kristoff, Olaf and Sven as they set out to discover the origin of Elsa’s power in order to save their snowy kingdom, while tapping your feet to the wonderful soundtrack along the way.

Reel Deal: November movies hitting Hong Kong’s silver screens

When Robert Downey Jr donned his now-iconic red-and-yellow armour in 2008’s Iron Man, few could have imagined that his successful portrayal of “genius, billionaire, playboy, philanthropist” Tony Stark would spawn a cinematic franchise the likes of which the world had never seen before. Indeed, since this opening instalment of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) – the massive movie franchise run by Marvel Studios, based off of characters from Marvel Comics – cinemagoers across the globe have fallen in love with Iron Man and his merry band of superhero friends, The Avengers.
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Much of this ‘Marvel-lous’ world’s success lies in its deft ability to blend jaw-dropping action scenes, poignant storylines and irreverent humour, which have pretty much become the calling card of the Marvel movie-going experience, infecting even the most cynical critics with Marvel Fever and causing them to root for such out-of-this-world protagonists as a gamma ray-infused rage monster (The Hulk), an interchangeably-sized ex-con (Ant-Man), a talking tree (Groot of Guardians of the Galaxy), and everything in between.
It is precisely this magic formula that has allowed Marvel to far outstrip any studio competitor, leading it to spin one collective story across 22 movies and three separate phases in what is colloquially known as The Infinity Saga. This superlative success has also translated into lucrative financial gains, with the Marvel Cinematic Universe having grossed over US$22 billion worldwide to date.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-49383" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Marvel-Cinematic-Universe-Iron-Man.jpg" alt="Marvel Cinematic Universe - Iron Man" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Marvel-Cinematic-Universe-Iron-Man.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Marvel-Cinematic-Universe-Iron-Man-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Marvel-Cinematic-Universe-Iron-Man-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Marvel-Cinematic-Universe-Iron-Man-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Marvel-Cinematic-Universe-Iron-Man-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Marvel-Cinematic-Universe-Iron-Man-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Marvel-Cinematic-Universe-Iron-Man-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" />
However, now, with Iron Man dead, Captain America seeking post-retirement bliss and Spider-Man caught in a web of disputes that may see him exiting the MCU forever, it’s safe to assume that the recently-announced Phase Four line-up will be a very different beast from the 22-instalment saga that preceded it. While the films are almost all still in preproduction, Marvel fans the world over are already abuzz about what to expect. Kevin Feige, the franchise’s executive producer, has also added to the anticipation by dropping a few spoilers as well. So what, exactly, can we expect?
First, as confirmed by Marvel, we can expect nine different instalments – a mix of feature films and TV series – which will run from 2020 to 2022. The studio has already promised to bring back some familiar faces, including Scarlett Johansson’s Black Widow, Benedict Cumberbatch’s Doctor Strange, Chris Hemsworth’s Thor and Tom Hiddleston’s Loki, in addition to introducing several brand new characters. There have also been less-than-subtle hints that this will be the most inclusive line-up in MCU history, with its first Asian superhero, first openly-queer character and first deaf superhero, all soon to finally get their fair share of the spotlight.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-49380" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Marvel-Cinematic-Universe-Black-Widow.jpg" alt="Marvel Cinematic Universe - Black Widow" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Marvel-Cinematic-Universe-Black-Widow.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Marvel-Cinematic-Universe-Black-Widow-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Marvel-Cinematic-Universe-Black-Widow-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Marvel-Cinematic-Universe-Black-Widow-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Marvel-Cinematic-Universe-Black-Widow-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Marvel-Cinematic-Universe-Black-Widow-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Marvel-Cinematic-Universe-Black-Widow-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" />
The most well-known of the next slate may well be Black Widow, set for release on 1 May 2020 as the debut Phase Four outing. Given that Natasha Romanov (aka the Black Widow) forfeited her life in the fight against supervillain Thanos, the upcoming prequel will undoubtedly indulge in Marvel’s penchant for time-travelling shenanigans, transporting audiences back to a time when she was hale and healthy. If rumours are to be believed, the movie will take place between the events of Captain America: Civil War and Avengers: Infinity War. A glimpse of the confirmed cast / character list, meanwhile, reveals that we will get a more in-depth look at the Red Room, the Russian superspy programme that spawned Romanov. Scarlett Johansson, reprising her role as the assassiness-turned-hero, will be joined by David Harbour (Stranger Things), and Academy Award, BAFTA and Laurence Olivier Award winner Rachel Weisz.
The God of Thunder also looks set to break with his traditional trope in Thor: Love and Thunder, the fourth instalment of the Thor series, which is slated for release on 5 November 2021. While the return of its star, Chris Hemsworth, and Ragnarok director Take Waititi were all but expected, the news that Natalie Portman (who acted as Jane Foster, Thor’s love interest, six years ago) would not only be reprising her role, but would take over the mantle of Thor from Hemsworth caused much uproar. Add to this the fact that Valkyrie, last seen becoming the new King of Asgard, will be looking for her Queen, and this is one movie that surely has everyone at the edge of their seats.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-49385" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Marvel-Cinematic-Universe-Thor.jpg" alt="Marvel Cinematic Universe - Thor" width="466" height="700" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Marvel-Cinematic-Universe-Thor.jpg 466w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Marvel-Cinematic-Universe-Thor-186x280.jpg 186w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Marvel-Cinematic-Universe-Thor-120x180.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Marvel-Cinematic-Universe-Thor-200x300.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Marvel-Cinematic-Universe-Thor-400x601.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 466px) 100vw, 466px" />
Meanwhile, the Sorcerer Supreme – ably portrayed by an American-accented Benedict Cumberbatch – is also set to return to theatres in Doctor Strange: Multiverse of Madness (7 May 2021). While its plot is yet to be revealed, the movie presents an exciting opportunity to introduce the MCU to the multiverse – where many universes coexist simultaneously. However, in a marked shift from the norm, Marvel has already announced that this will be the franchise’s first-ever horror film, so expect a higher-than-normal dose of spine-tingling thrills, all courtesy of the main villain, the chillingly-named Nightmare.
From here, the Marvel Cinematic Universe Phase Four line-up gets more murky, with little real information available as yet. What we do know, however, is that – come 12 February 2021 – Marvel’s first Asian superhero will be getting his very own feature film in the form of Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, starring Simu Liu of Kim’s Convenience fame as the titular character. The superhero, also known as The Master of Kung Fu, is pegged to come up against the real Mandarin (portrayed by Hong Kong’s very own Tony Leung), the villain falsely embodied in Iron Man 3 by Ben Kingsley and Guy Pierce.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-49382" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Marvel-Cinematic-Universe-Dr-Strange.jpg" alt="Marvel Cinematic Universe - Dr Strange" width="466" height="700" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Marvel-Cinematic-Universe-Dr-Strange.jpg 466w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Marvel-Cinematic-Universe-Dr-Strange-186x280.jpg 186w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Marvel-Cinematic-Universe-Dr-Strange-120x180.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Marvel-Cinematic-Universe-Dr-Strange-200x300.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Marvel-Cinematic-Universe-Dr-Strange-400x601.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 466px) 100vw, 466px" />
Another somewhat-new introduction is The Eternals, starring A-listers like Angelina Jolie, Selma Hayek and Kit Harrington. It also features the first deaf superhero, Makkari, to be portrayed by The Walking Dead’s Lauren Ridloff. While these mythical characters have been hinted at in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, they haven’t been explicitly name-checked until now. According to the comic books, though, the Eternals are a race of superpowered beings created by a group of space gods called the Celestials. Thanos, the supervillain at the heart of the franchise to date, was an Eternal, and the upcoming movie will introduce others still.
Interestingly, nearly half of Marvel’s Phase Four line-up consists of small-screen series. While the studio has had TV outings before, they’ve never been a part of its cinematic universe so far. Now, though, thanks to a partnership with the newly-announced Disney+ video on-demand service launched by Marvel’s parent company, Disney, fans can expect several of their MCU favourites to hit the small screen post-Endgame. The first of these series, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, is set to release in&nbsp; the autumn of 2020, and follows the adventures of the new Captain America, Sam Wilson, and Bucky Barnes. Loki (Tom Hiddleston), Thor’s brother and the God of Mischief, will also get his own spin-off&nbsp; show, which follows his adventures upon escaping with the Tesseract to an alternate dimension. Two other TV shows, one featuring Jeremy Renner’s Hawkeye and the other with Elizabeth Olsen’s Scarlet Witch and Paul Bettany’s The Vision, round out the list.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-49381" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Marvel-Cinematic-Universe-Civil-War.jpg" alt="Marvel Cinematic Universe - Civil War" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Marvel-Cinematic-Universe-Civil-War.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Marvel-Cinematic-Universe-Civil-War-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Marvel-Cinematic-Universe-Civil-War-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Marvel-Cinematic-Universe-Civil-War-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Marvel-Cinematic-Universe-Civil-War-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Marvel-Cinematic-Universe-Civil-War-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Marvel-Cinematic-Universe-Civil-War-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" />
In all, while Phase Four of the Marvel Cinematic Universe will likely retain many of the facets that have made its movies such box-office hits, it is refreshing to see it move away from the tried-and-tested style of its predecessors. Be it through a wider array of characters or the use of mixed-media channels, it could be that this experimental style could yield even bigger profits for the studio. While it will be seven months before we can begin to see the results of this gambol, we can, in the meanwhile, contemplate the many Marvel-lous possibilities&#8230;
Text: Tenzing Thondup 
Photos: AFP

Marvel Cinematic Universe Phase Four line-up

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