Connie chan Po-chu: her movies

[duriandave]

I just ordered the Sentimental Journey DVD box. I'm so glad it has English subs. I'll let you know how it is once it arrives.

Also of interest to Connie Chan fans, I saw on YesAsia yesterday that the Connie Chan pictorial book is available again and also the Pathe 100 compilation volume featuring Connie, Josephine Siao, Nancy Sit, Sum Sum, and Fung Bo Bo.

[dleedlee]

I just ordered the Sentimental Journey DVD box. I'm so glad it has English subs. I'll let you know how it is once it arrives.

Also of interest to Connie Chan fans, I saw on YesAsia yesterday that the Connie Chan pictorial book is available again and also the Pathe 100 compilation volume featuring Connie, Josephine Siao, Nancy Sit, Sum Sum, and Fung Bo Bo.

Hi David,

Yes, please do. I figured you'd get to it before I did.

I hadn't seen either the book or the CD before. Have you already picked up the book previously?

[duriandave]

Hi Dennis!

I never owned the book. It's been out of print for a long time, and I've been trying unsuccessfully to track it down. The price is a little steep, but it counts as 5 shipping units, so I'm expecting a really nice coffee-table book chock full of pictures I just placed my order last night.

I picked up the CD in SF Chinatown yesterday (as well as the Pathe 100 Bai Guang volume). It's quite good. The Lady Bond song on this CD is a different version from the one on my other Connie Chan CDs, so that was a nice surprise.

[dleedlee]

I'm the sure the book is very nice but yesasia really marks up their book prices, so I'm a little leery. Remember those photo-bios for Maggie Cheung, Teresa Teng, et al? I think they've doubled their original prices now. That's why I've been holding off and resisting the Faye Wong book.

Nice job on the reviews, too. Keep writing!

[duriandave]

I did hesitate for a second when I saw the price. But when I checked Layoyo and didn't find it there, I became afraid that I wouldn't have another chance to pick it up.

[dleedlee]

I pulled the trigger on the Sentimental Journey LE this morning with yesasia after seeing it OOS at layoyo and panicking.

I'll probably end up regretting being slow on the draw for the photo book. Especially, after you tell me how nice it is. (I still haven't got Silver Light! Eastwind Books never located it for me. )

[bkasten]

(I still haven't got Silver Light! Eastwind Books never located it for me. )

Me either...

[jenb]

Hi everyone,

I have been reading the posting on Chanpochu.net telling people that prices for sentimental journey varies anything from 25 to 29 where yesasia charges the most. So most people say not to go buy from yesasia. However most of the people posting are either in HK or in Chinatown that they can find this dvd set cheaper. More power to them. So layoyo is out of stock on this? What is this Pathe 100 cd about - are they just compilation of songs of the Seven Princesses? Will there be a part 2 and 3...???

So Sentimental Journey has English subs - oh cool! Does anyone know what the dvd set contains...just the Princess Cheung Ping songs , how about Purple Hairpin, that was famous song of Yam and Bak...if Chan is pay tribute to her sifus, should that song not be in there?

Anyone who got this dvd set, can you post a description and what you think

thanks,

Sue

[dleedlee]

re: the Pathe 100 CDs

Last year, a CD called Pathe 100: The Original Shanghai Divas Collection was released. I happened to read a review of it by Danny Tse (Chor Yuen's nephew, by the way!) over at HKVP Radio. It's a modern remix of old Shanghai songs by DJ Ian Widgery.
http://www.hkvpradio.com/rhythm/music/a ... _divas.php

Anyway, this happened, coincidentally or not, to be a prelude to a reissue of 100 of Pathe (now EMI) Record's old songs from Shanghai's finest singer's from the 30's and 40's, Zhou Hsuan, Bai Guang, etc. Layoyo still carries it: Pathe 100: The Originals, if anyone is interested.
http://www.layoyo.com.hk/cgi-bin/ncomme ... 1&curr=USD

EMI has now expanded that 5 disc collection to individual CDs featuring a specific singer or collection of singers. The one that David pointed out contains songs by Connie, Josephine, Fung Bo Bo, Wong Ai Ming and Nancy Sit Ga Ying. Yesasia carries the series, search for 'Pathe' under Music. There's a similar EMI series that come out last year that had collections of songs by Grace Chang, Mona Fong, Tsing Ting, etc. Not sure if they're still available or not, it was called Legend of EMI Pop Songs.

And, originally, in Singapore and HK, there was a book and CD version of the original Pathe 100 issue.

Hope this makes sense.

[duriandave]

Well, I just received the Sentimental Journey set. I haven't watched it yet, but it's quite nice. It includes a program booklet with bios of the actors and 52-page booklet with lots of pictures (b&w) of Connie as a kid. Both books are in Chinese only. Also included from YesAsia are two photographs of Connie. The DVD includes a 2nd disk that has interviews with Connie and others, many clips from Yam Kim Fai's movies, and clips from a stage show from 1999 (was this the first run of Sentimental Journey?).

BTW, I recently purchased in SF Chinatown the recent Connie Chan compilation CD (the one with her wearing the jeweled mask). I was surprised to find that it was 2 disks, since Yesasia lists it as having just one. On closer inspection, I noticed that the CD I bought was a Taiwan release. The 2nd disk contains only recent recordings. Does anyone know when these recordings were originally made?

[dleedlee]

Thanks for the preview. I should be getting my copy this weekend.

Did you check to see if the second disk was subbed or not? Hope so.

Perhaps the new songs on the CD are from the Concert CDs? It looks like a couple of the 2003 listed songs on the single disc are the same but I don't know if they're the exact same version. Nice deal on getting the Taiwan version, David.

Thinking about filmed plays, I wonder if any of Anthony Wong's stage performances will ever get a video release? I've also been eyeing the stage version of Ruan Lingyu's story performed by Perry Chiu for awhile. Now at 4.99, I won't be able to resist for long.

[duriandave]

No subs on the 2nd disc

[dleedlee]

Nah, didn't expect so. Just wishful thinking.

[jenb]

Hi everyone,

Ok, someone said they got the DVD box of Sentimental Journey, and said there is a pic book. Is this the pic book that Yesasia is selling or different?

Has anyone actually listen to the Sentimental Journey dvd if the music and singing is good or not.

The Pathe music, someone said there is a volume set?

Ok, the only one I remember with Chan with the jewel mask was one CD- cool to the one who got 2 cds.

I ordered mine and dying to get it...

Sue

[dleedlee]

This is the photo book David referred to, not the same as comes with the DVD (I wish):
http://us.yesasia.com/en/PrdDept.aspx/p ... ion-books/

Pathe 100: The Originals:
The 5 CD set:
http://us.yesasia.com/en/PrdDept.aspx/p ... ion-books/

#1 of 18 in the new Pathe 100 series:
http://us.yesasia.com/en/PrdDept.aspx/p ... ion-music/

Layoyo also carries the Pathe CDs.

[duriandave]

Well, I just received the Connie Chan photo book

144 glossy color pages chock full of photos, movie posters, and album covers.

The text is in Chinese, but the book is at least 95% photos.

This is truly a must-have for Connie fans.

Dennis, don't let this one pass you by!

Seriously!

[dleedlee]

I was hoping to hold of on any more purchases until I returned from my up coming 'vacation'. Already have a couple orders in the pipeline, but this sounds too good to wait for, huh? Like it or lump it, Mr. Visa! Thanks, David.

[duriandave]

Let me know when you get it if you think it was worth the debt!

[dleedlee]

Oh, I trust you implicitly on this. I'm just trying to manage my addictions. Also, some recent home issues surfaced to distract me. Basically resolved now, so all is better.

And I'm still waiting for Sentimental Journey to appear at my doorstep. I was hoping to at least get a peek at it this weekend.

[duriandave]

I'm just trying to manage my addictions.

Tell me about! Is there a support group for Connie Chan junkies? If there were, we would probably just encourage each other...to buy more stuff, that is!

Also, some recent home issues surfaced to distract me. Basically resolved now, so all is better.

Glad to hear things are better now.

[Rawle Austin aka Growler]

Hi all.

I write film reviews for Chinatownthemagazine.com based in the U.K. Can anyone recommend any Connie Chan movies for the first timer?

Thanks for your help

Growler

[dleedlee]

Gee, that's a good question. I'll throw a few out but it's hard to pick just a few.

Most Accessible (subbed), but it's Mandarin Connie:

The Lizard - Connie's last, for Shaw Brothers, subbed
This is Connie in her action mode.
For Better, For Worse - atypical, early film with Connie as a child, Connie's parents are breaking up, a Cathay reissue also subbed

Action Connie:
The Black Rose (box set) w/Spy With My Face, a quasi sequel
Both co-starring Nam Hung and Patrick Tse (Nic's father)
It's a classic and still spawning spinoffs.

Lady Black Cat Strikes Again - Lau Kar Leung and Tong Gai choreograph the action as they did for a number of Connie's films
Black Killer - excellent fight scenes, Connie goes undercover and infiltrates Sek Kin's gang, Connie plays two roles here

Marital Arts Connie:
Dragon Fortress - w/Kenneth Tsang, Suet Nei, Sek Kin, subbed
Remake of The Professionals, revenge, with a twist
Aftermath of a Fire I,II - w/Josephine Siao Fong Fong, Sek Kin
15 years ago, you killed my sifu, now I must get revenge
The pagoda of death, precursor to Game of Death?
Supreme Sword - Lau Kar Leung and Tong Gai actioned this one also
Connie seeks revenge for the death of her parents
Walter Tso Tat-Wah searches for his father
Includes a not so famous "Eat the Rice" scene.
Monkey King Storms the Sea Palace - Connie as Sun Wu Kong/Monkey

Musical / Romance Connie:
Teenage Love - paired with Lui Kei, Lydia Shum is always welcome in my book, here she poses as Connie's boyfriend. Connie pretends to be a Lui Kei's girlfriend to satsify his dying father's wish.

Her Tender Love - also directed by Lui Kei, terrific musical numbers, includes the Long Live Factory Girls song.

Glorious Christmas Night - Connie is discovered at a church musical, but learns the seamy side of the business

Teen Drama:
I Will Remember You Always - Connie and Nancy Sit are students by day, bar girls by night. The version sold as Girls Wander Around is subbed.

Hope this helps. Other fans here no doubt have other favorites that I've forgotten or omitted. I've skipped a whole other category, Connie's opera films, too.

[duriandave]

Hi Growler,

I've got reviews on this site for the following movies, all of which I recommend.

Black Rose
Spy With My Face
Lizard
I'll Get You One Day
Movie-Fan Princess
Girls Are Flowers
Dutiful Daughter

I will strongly second Dennis's recommendation for Black Killer, my favorite action film with Connie Chan. I also liked Dragon Fortress, not so much for Connie but for her co-star Suet Nei.

I hope you enjoy Connie's films as much as we do!

[duriandave]

I watched C'est La Vie, Mon Cheri last night. What a great movie! It's been a long time since I first saw it.

Anyway, I think I spotted Connie in a brief cameo. Around the 25 minute mark after Lau Ching Wan and Anita Yuen go to Carina Lau's apartment and leave the keys, the next scene shows the opera troupe practicing. Can someone confirm whether or not the woman with glasses who is practicing the male role is Connie Chan. The voice sure sounds like hers!

[jenb]

Hi everyone,

There is a website http://www.chanpochu.net - it has lots of information and a discussion group however some of the discussions are in chinese. Some people do write in English though. THere was a huge discussion about the cost of Sentimental Journey but from what I read it is a good stage play.

Chan's strength is her opera singing so I would recommend:

1. Eternal Love - with Siao Fong Fong. Chan is Man Ping San. Wife is forced to leave the house and Chan comes back from war to find out she dies...excellent singing and acting

2. Return of Plum Blossoms - with Nam Hung, Nam is Lee We Liang who gets killed and Chan sees and talks to her ghost. Excellent singing

I agree Black Killer is awesome, really good fight scenes

Infernal Fire - the swordplay is really good. I watch that over and over again.

So she has seen the Sentimental Journey and what do you think?

Sue

[dleedlee]

So she has seen the Sentimental Journey and what do you think?

Just finished watching it tonight. I watched it over two sittings. A few brief and disjointed impressions:

It takes a few minutes to adjust to the structure of the play. It was a little disorienting until I acclimated myself to it.

The play itself might be a bit confusing depending on one's familiarity with Yam/Pak and with Cantonese opera in general. I'm certainly no expert but it certainly helped to have seen a few Yam/Pak films. Of course, most people wouldn't be watching if one didn't have an interest in Yam/Pak in the first place. I don't think it will preclude others from enjoying it but the play presumes a good deal of prior knowledge. It's a pity that the HKFA publication on Yam Kim Fai is not available in an English edition, so this certainly helped me learn a bit more about Yam/Pak.

Overall, I thought Connie was pretty good as Yam. I had some fears, recalling a recent Rebecca Pan concert I watched. Tang Di Shang, the librettist, is covered extensively in another HKFA publication on Cantonese opera. He frequently teamed with a partner (name escapes me) who wrote the songs. (Was his [edit:] sister really the wonderful actress Tang Pik-Wan?) I didn't care for the actor that played Pak, though I suppose she sort of looked like her. But I thought her singing was poor and did not match Connie's when they sang together. Most disconcerting of all, dramatically, it felt odd to see the roles of Yam/Pak performed by older actors when for the most part Yam/Pak are depicted in their prime. Because it was Connie and she was Yam's student (did she also produce or was otherwise involved in the production?), it's hard to fault her casting. At times her voice did remind me of Pak, but at other times not.
Generally, I was not disappointed by her voicing as I had secretly feared. My impression of Pak changed as a result of her depiction here. I was surprised to see her cast as the 'bad cop' towards the end of the play and Yam the softie 'good cop'. I guess, I had assumed the reverse.

I also didn't know that Pak Suet Sin's sifu/teacher was Sit Kok Sin. I've seen a couple of his films from the late '40s. He's quite dashing in that William Powell as Thin Man style. The Fat Bo character, I'm assuming was the great Leung Sing Bo?

The ending was quite touching and I found myself getting a little teary-eyed. At 170 minutes, it's hard to watch in a single viewing, but I plan to go back and watch the DVD in segments and look at it with a more critical and, hopefully, discerning eye. I'm sure I missed a lot of references and nuances, so I hope someone will fill me in on any details.

Three lives and their stories are just too much to cover in less than three hours ! Tang's life itself seems to deserve it's own telling. My interest is just whetted.

Hope to hear your thoughts.

(I lurked briefly at chanpochu.net last year, but I think I picked up a virus on my computer from the site...so)
Yam and Pak

Yam Kim Fai

Sit Kok-Sin

[jenb]

I don't have the DVD yet but I heard this is the newer version of the play and that it started way back in 1999 and there were more than 100 performances done, very popular. I assumed it is new since Chan Bo Chu's son plays a part in it. I guess that one way he can get in...I wonder how he will be in the future as an actor or singer. He sang when his mother returned to do 2003 concert. It was ok, nothing great!

Well, Yam/Bak was the most famous duo ever to hit the Cantonese opera screen which spanned for over 5 decades. The most famous of the plays was
Princess Cheung Ping, Purple Hair Pin, and Return of the Plum Blossoms. Tong Dik San wrote the scripts for their plays -and I think he dies very early on. Some people wondered about them if they were a couple since I do not think either of them got married but they did not have time to do so.

From reading the reviews on the Chan site, they said she did really well but the one who played Bak was so-so that she was out of tune,but then people on that site can be pretty biased and also some of them could not understand why people cannot write in Chinese...I go on it just to see what they got to say...kinda like passive listener. You can get some good info there. Sorry that you got a virus on there.

Did you watch the program with the English subs on? I was just wondering how good the translation is.

I am still wondering why Chan came out of retirement to do a concert and go into stage play and why she even want to do a play to pay tribute to her teacher. I am actually wondering why she left films when she was only 24...

But thanks for the review, when i get mine i will watch it and give a review as well

Sue

[dleedlee]

Glad to hear that I'm not the only one that didn't care for Pak's singing voice (in the play).

Yes, there was a hint that Tang had feelings for Pak and vice versa. It was understated but made me wonder, too, whether such was the case in real life.

The subs were fine for me. There was an occasional glitch like the early Shaw DVDs with the "!k" marks, but very few. The conversations seemed pretty accurate from what I could tell, I'm not too good with the songs, so I can't say. The subs did seem a touch too fast to read though, especially in the beginning when I was settling in to the performance.

Which one was Connie's son do you know? I saw the mention in the yesasia description but not sure which he was. edit: (I'm guessing he was the eunuch/university research student?)

I gave my parents a copy of Princess Cheung Ping a few years ago but I still have a copy of Tong's Affair (i.e. Flirting Scholar and Three Smiles, I think) on hand and a version of The Purple Hairpin by Yam/Pak's students because it was subbed. I also picked up some other Yam operas for my dad, Snow in June and Nymph of River Lo because they were in color.

Anyway, I was pretty pleased with the show for the most part, the exception being the singing of actor playing Pak. edit: Her acting was not bad, so perhaps that was the compromise the producers had to make.

I have to say, too, that I really enjoy Yam's romance, comedies, even though they aren't her what she's notable for. They're simply entertaining. Can't remember which one it is but I ordered one recently where she actually plays a woman!

[dleedlee]

Anyway, I think I spotted Connie in a brief cameo. Around the 25 minute mark after Lau Ching Wan and Anita Yuen go to Carina Lau's apartment and leave the keys, the next scene shows the opera troupe practicing. Can someone confirm whether or not the woman with glasses who is practicing the male role is Connie Chan. The voice sure sounds like hers!

Hmm, I'm a bit confused.I watched that scene this afternoon but do you mean the couple in white? They both looked awful young, or the woman in the close up? I can't tell (that big hair...looked like Tootsie). Not that sure I could blindly recognize a middle age Connie. When I look at current photos of Nancy Sit, I don't see that teenage girl I'm familiar with either. Hey, we all look different after 25-30 years The voice in the background sounded somewhat like hers but I didn't get the feeling that the woman was the singer in the scene. I thought it was supposed to be coming from a record or something. You certainly might be right about the voice but I don't think the woman in white is Connie, too young.

[duriandave]

Yes, the couple in white, woman on the left. That's the one. I had just been looking at the photobook which had pictures of Connie post-retirement wearing glasses and socializing with Bobo Fung...so I think that fueled my hunch that it might have been her. Unfortunately, it is a quick backward tracking shot, so it's hard to get a good long look at the woman's face.