November 2005 Chow Yun-Fat begins filming The Aunt's Postmodern Life

November 21st Chow Yun-Fat arrived in Shanghai to begin filming The Aunt's Postmodern Life. First staying away from the press, but later when filming in a park he, and Siqin Gaowa were photographed and talked freely to the press. The weather was unusually cold and rain was provided artificially for the filming which didn't help the actors stay warm. For CYF the filming ended and concluded with a press conference on December 21st as he was leaving to return to Hong Kong for the holidays.

November 17 2005 CYF attends Jr. College Student Short Film Competition

November 17, 2005 Hong Kong Film top 10 Chow Yun Fat, Johnnie To Kei Fung and Law Sau Yiu yesterday attended the 30th annual Hong Kong International Film Festival's new wave university student short film competition press conference. Fat Gor and chair To Kei Fung personally encouraged university students who were interested in the film industry. Fat Gor expressed that as an actor he looks forward to the appearance of creative directors. "An actor is just a tool. Film is the factory. A good character can make an actor better. An actor is water, whatever color you add he would turn into. In the 80s we have made many films in one year, which actually wasn't too healthy. At the time the environment was the driving power and without government participation it still developed very well. Now with government participation university students' opportunities have increased as they can work with masters from around the world. Current university students are more mature in their thinking than we were. I really look forward to see their work. "Fat Gor next week will head to Shanghai for Ann Hui On Wa's new film YI MA DIK HAU YIN DOI SUN WOOT (AUNT'S POST MODERN LIFE). He said, "I am not the lead, I am just support! If I don't guest star what would I do? I will soon have to compete with (Anthony) Wong Chau Sun. I am jealous that he won the Best Supporting Actor award three times. After winning one I will retire." Fat Soh immediately clarified that Fat Gor will be the lead. The production would finish his shoot in a month. After the Lunar New Year, Fat Gor will begin work on Zhang Yimou's REMEMBRANCE OF AUTUMN. In the summer he will work on John Woo (Ng Yu Sum)'s BATTLE OF RED CLIFF (CHET BIK JI JIN). All the films have been negotiated a long time ago and the schedule was not deliberately arranged. Yesterday Fat Gor has slimmed down. He expressed that he weighed 168 pounds because he would have to ride horses. He joked that he has been fat for three years and now he has taken three years to lose it. Fat Gor has worked with Johnny Depp on PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN 3. Fat Gor said, "He and I only have one scene. I hope that my character can comeback so I can be in the 4th and 5th installment. I really admire his acting." As for Aaron Kwok Fu Sing being the fresh out of the oven Golden Horse Best Actor, Fat Gor felt that he deserved the award. Tony Leung Ka Fai has won many awards and it should be someone new's turn; like Wong Chau Sun after three Best Supporting Actor award should move on! Their acting has already been recognized and they should give someone new a chance to win. As the TVB anniversary approaches, Fat Gor had his pick for the awards. HE felt that Liza Wong Ming Chuen and Myolie Wu Hung Yi performed well in WAR OF IN LAWS (NGOR DIK YEH MAN LAI LAI), Ah Jeh should win the Female Lead award. As for the Male Lead, Fat Gor immediately impersonated Ah Wong's speech manner and said, "Ah Wong, THE CHARM BENEATH (YIN JI SHUI FUN)'s (Moses) Chan Ho only has 1:9 odds, Miu Kiu Wai's is only 1:8. They are too much of underdogs. I of course bet on the favorite, I bet ten bucks, 1:1 odds." As for the female leaping improvement award he favored Angela Tong Ying Ying's ugly girl Ah Ho. As for male leaping improvement award Fat Gor joked, "Lee Ka Sing, it's time for him to move up." Fat Gor suggested the addition of several more awards as Chan Ho and Lee Kwok Lun should win "Character Actor Award", Supporting Actor should go to Hui Siu Hung and Supporting Actress to Lo Yuen Yun. He also pointed out that REAL KUNG FU (FUT SAN JANG SIN SUN) should win Best Action award and even suggested for Yuen Bo to win! Fat Gor remained humorous as he claimed that Peter Lai should receive the Best Foreign Language Award. Fat Gor seemed to be a TVB fan as he knew all of its series and actors and even the gossips like the back of his hand! He said that he has enjoyed the TVB anniversary every year. This weekend he could even enjoy it in the comfort of his home. Chow Yun Fat's appearance has attracted many fans. A passionate male fan applauded loudly and wished big money for Fat Gor. The always friendly Fat Gor said, "Applaud stronger, don't be so cheap!" Soon, several passionate fans attempted to bow at Fat Gor, Fat Gor humorously said, "Rise, rise, don't bow to me, I would get light headed." - Video Pictures in Picture Galleries Special Events

October 2005 Louis Vuitton gala is attended by CYF and Korean star Lee Young-Ae

Seated near the Chows was the Korean actress Lee Young-ae. Still sporting his Pirates of the Caribbean 3 look, during an interview CYF said he admired Lee's work and would like to work with her in a film:" Louis Vuitton recently re-opened their Champs-Elysees store in Paris with a party for more than 1,000 guests. The newly remodeled store was jointly designed by architects Eric Carlson and Peter Marino is a promenade of terraces in an Art Deco style. The store also features contemporary art by James Turrell, Tim White-Sobieski and Danish conceptual artist Olafur Eliasson. The party was attended by a wide variety of celebs from Uma Thurman, Sharon Stone and Winona Ryder to Bob Geldof, Takashi, Muakami and Chow Yun-Fat and later moved to the Petit Palais where Dita Von Teese and Pharrell Williams performed. The store is the largest Vuitton store and officially opens on October 12. Who is this palace of luxury aimed at attracting? According to Bloomberg the store is designed to lure Chinese visitors who spend lavishly while they are traveling in Paris." (Quoted article by Deidre Woollard and photos from Sina) - Pictures in Picture Galleries Special Events

Article: October 10, 2005
Chow Yun Fat attended the Louis Vuitton Petit Palais 06 fashion show. He was sitting in the first row with Lee Young Ae from Korea, and his wife, Shu Qi from Taiwan and Yonekura Ryoko from Japan. During the show, Lee Young Ae chatted with him often and apart from the initial hello, Shu Qi was quite left out. Asked what he had so much to talk about with Lee Young Ae, Chow said that Lee is very gentle and kind looking and outstanding Asian actress and , "I like to watch her Dae Jang Geun (Jewel in the Palace) TV series very much. I enjoy her very much. Just saying hello takes 15 mins. (Why do you have so much to talk about?) I told her, 'Your acting skills are very good.' and she said, " Since a very young age, I already watched your movies already." This time was the first time Chow Yun Fat watched a fashion show and he praised that it was a good show. He said, "I am totally overwhelmed. The models are all so youthful!" After the show, his wife was escorted away first while the press surrounded them for interviews and photos. They were all very cooperative. Lee Young Ae was very friendly. When her assistant tried to stop the press from taking photos, she signaled them to go ahead. She also did not forget to say a few words. "I have been to Paris many times but this is the first time that I watched a show. I don't like too complicated a design. Simple clothes could reflect the personality better.

"Permission to repost this article is granted only if this article is accompanied with this message, the text is not altered, and credit is given to this site as follows:Credit: http://s2.invisionfree.com/la_creme_d_asie (Thanks to kimurafan)

October 2005 Chow Yun-Fat takes pictures on beach and visits graves on Lamma Island

Earlier this year CYF was driving to do some photography when the traffic was stopped because of an accident. While waiting he experienced the beach and fans asked him for autographs. In May of this year he with many relatives visited family graves on Lamma Island where the Chows have been for generations. Needed repairs are being made by Chow Yun-Fat and his family. (BaiDun) Note: This article was in lamma.com.hk October of 2004: "Fri, Oct 22: Today is the official Chung Yeung festival holiday in HK, the grave-sweeping festival. Our most famous native son, Chow Yun Fat, has been spotted last Sunday on our fair isle. As a good filial son he's visiting his ancestors' graves every year on this festival, having been born and bred on Lamma. His extended family still lives here, while he's residing in his Sai Kung villa these days." The May date this year for visiting the graves may or may not be correct.

August 2005 China has honored movie stars Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan, and CYF on stamps

Hong Kong (AP) China has honored movie stars Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan, Chow Yun-fat and classic films such as "Fists of Fury" and "A Better Tomorrow" in a commemorative stamp collection marking 100 years of Chinese cinema, media reports said Tuesday. Hong Kong actor Chow, who has been focusing on his Hollywood career, was quoted as saying he is pleased by his selection because he hasn't made any Chinese films recently. "It's been a long time since I had a Chinese-language movie show in the mainland, but everyone still remembers me. Thanks for giving face," Chow said, according to the Apple Daily. Chow is slated to appear in director Ann Hui's upcoming Chinese film "My Aunt's Postmodern Life." Among the other 128 honored stars were Andy Lau, Tony Leung, Maggie Cheung, Brigitte Lin, Cecilia Cheung, and the late Anita Mui and Leslie Cheung, the newspaper said. Oscar-nominated "Farewell My Concubine," "Hero," "Happy Together" and "Infernal Affairs" were among the films saluted. The stamp collection was officially launched by the Chinese postal service at a ceremony in Beijing Monday attended by Chinese actor Yu Xiang and actress Ning Jing, the official Xinhua News Agency said on its Web site. The stamps bear production shots of the stars and come with their biographies, the report said. (Sina)

July 17 2005 Ann Hui movie to be the first Hong Kong film in10 years for CYF

HONG KONG -- Hollywood star Chow Yun-Fat is making his first film in native Hong Kong in a decade, saying he would forgo a higher pay check in the U.S. because he liked the part and wanted to work with the director. The "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" star agreed to appear in Ann Hui's The Aunt's Postmodern Life, playing a swindler (NOTE: CYF is not playing a swindler, but an opera singer) who falls in love with a potential victim played by Siqin Gaowa. "I agreed to this movie because I haven't worked with Ann in a long time. I admire her and Siqin Gaowa a lot. Plus the role I was offered in this movie is something new. I've never played a swindler before, so I want to try," Chow told the Apple Daily newspaper for Sunday's editions. The newspaper said Chow is also due to film a movie on an ancient Chinese war with fellow Hong Konger John Woo and another production on an ancient Chinese empress with famed Chinese art-house director Zhang Yimou. UP (Apple Daily)

June 11 2005 ROCH still tops of classical dramas and Chow Yun-Fat tops as male actor on TV

HK sina.com held an online poll for viewers in HK & mainland to pick a hit chart of classical soap operas in all the years, including the most popular female lead, male lead, the role the theme song, & others. In the last 2 weeks, 95,000 over votes were received. The results show Chow Yin Fat ascends the throne as King of male lead while Lisa Wang the Queen. Chow with 3000 over votes beat Adam Cheng & Andy Lau, gathering 2 1/2 fold of voters. Adam lost by a mere 10 votes. Andy is at No 3 spot. Lisa Wang leads far ahead of 11 others, gathering 4 fold of the votes. Though the late Yung Mei Ling had left fans 20 years, in many of the categories she won votes far ahead of others, in The Classical TV Drama Role, as Huang Rong in The Condor Heroes, beat Chow Yin Fat as Xu Wen Qiang in The Shanghai Bund & Adam Cheng as Ting Xue in Great Era, to become the winner.Voted by 17,870 people, Return of the Condor Heroes by Andy Lau & Idy Chan became the top Classical Drama Series in the 80s, beating The Condor Heroes by Felix Wong & Yung Mei Ling with only 13 votes.

May 28 2005 Chow Yun-Fat represents the Hong Kong Red Cross

CYF urged people to be generous in contributing. (Commenting on preparing to film The Wretched) "CYF said that he has always been afraid of horses, but recently has to make a film and he has to learn how to ride a horse. Since it was required, he had to learn it, and after three lessons he was still afraid. His legs felt sore and weak after the lessons and even his buttocks were depressed. Chow laughed and said he had never been so excited before. Because the movie would start in June, he has more time to prepare, including riding a horse and practicing English. He said, "And now I also have to learn English. My wife speaks English with a Singapore accent and so I couldn't learn from her. I have to find a teacher who sends me tapes to follow in reading." As for Mother's Day, Chow said that he has already celebrated with his mother ahead of time with dinner. But he hasn't prepared a present and he said laughing, "I don't know her too well. Just going out for dinner was sufficient. Just go easy." - Pictures in Picture Galleries Special Events Video

May 18 2005 Chow Yun-fat to boost Hong Kong tourism

Hollywood star Chow Yun-fat has returned to his native island in Hong Kong to promote tourism."Lamma island has many scenic spots, such as the Cheung Po-tsai cave, the reopened Tin Hau temple, the seafood is delicious," Chow was quoted as saying in Ming Pao Daily News at a banquet hosted by the Hong Kong Tourism Board. Cheung Po-tsai is a famous Chinese pirate. Chow plays Cheung in the upcoming Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest - the sequel to the 2003 hit, Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl. Chow also celebrated his 50th birthday early, which falls on Wednesday, with banquet guests singing Happy Birthday in Japanese, English and Chinese, Apple Daily reported. Chow also said he struggled with learning how to ride a horse for an upcoming movie, Ming Pao reported. "I learned horse riding with 7 or 8-year-olds. They're very brave, they learn more quickly than I do. When I first started it was like riding on a boat, swaying. Now I can manage to command the horse to make a few steps," Chow said. ( AAP) Fat Gor honestly said that he was happy and touched (after they sang for him). As for birthday wish, he said, "Good health and chemistry with horses. Right now I am learning to ride for a movie. I have to find a good horse that I can communicate well with. Right now I can ride a little." HK Film Top 10

April 21 2005 Hong Kong University educational forum speaker is Chow Yun-Fat

Fat Gor started with his childhood on Lamma Island and talked about becoming a Hollywood star, his own views on life, love, society, and native language education. He quoted from CROUCHING TIGER HIDDEN DRAGON to encourage students from being too uptight. A closed palm has nothing at all, an open palm holds everything. He also quoted from Law Lit's line in THE STORY OF WOO VIET (WU YUET DIK GOO SI) to teach everyone his view on life. Wherever the Chinatown is, it's still Chinatown! Fat Gor pointed out that during his years of acting, often he would fall in love for real, and sometimes would get in too deep; he felt that life could also have real love in fake scenes. Just like watching a movie, the visuals are fake. In life true love is the most important. He felt that people today lack true love, questions others whether they are very empty, and thinks to find a companion in moments. Fat Gor also talked about learning English at the age of 50, which he felt was a little difficult and sometimes his wife would correct him, but he did not mind learning for work. "No one held a gun to my head and told me to be a star. No one told me to be greedy and vain. I chose the road. Life is involvement." He pointed out that he admired Jackie Chan's English which started from nothing and he still spoke very well. He praised his talent for language. Now he felt working in Hollywood, Hong Kong and China have no difference, only the location and the languages are different. Many have forgotten that Fat Gor has attempted suicide. He was asked how he faced life after suicide. What was he doing before suicide? Fat Gor said, "What was I doing? Love?" Then Fat Gor said that he has been lost in life Students also asked Fat Gor to sing, but he said, "I will sing one song for US$250,000!" Fat Soh expressed that Fat Gor is scheduled to go abroad in May to work on the film COWBOY (The Wretched). (Article and pictures from HK Film Top 10)

March 21 2005 Celebrities attend opening ceremony of Hong Kong Entertainment Expo

CYF and his wife attended the HK Film Expo last night. Many celebrities in Hong Kong movies attend to encourage the development of better and more successful movies. HK is also called the Hollywood of the East and should be promoted. This event has invited over 20 countries and their works for exhibition and Chow Yun Fat believe HK should promote more. He said, "In the future as long as I am in HK, if an organizer calls me, I will attend." He thinks this event is very meaningful. Tony Leung and Maggie Cheung were awarded best couple in movies. - Pictures in Picture Galleries Special Events Video

March 21 2005 Internet users voted Mark in A Better Tomorrow the most unforgettable character

At the Hong Kong Entertainment Expo Chow Yun Fat accepted the award for playing Mark in A Better Tomorrow for the most unforgettable character in a movie. He thanked Tsui Hark and John Woo, and all the personnel behind the movie.

February 16 2005 Chow Yun-Fat visits Johnnie To on movie set

CYF just made a surprise visit to a small Hong Kong street where director Johnnie To was shooting Hei She HuiI / Election, a crime drama about the Hong Kong gangs electing their new boss. Chow Yun Fat has rarely appeared in Hong Kong films since going to Hollywood. Fat Gor walked around the set as if he was reminiscing. Aside from the pedestrians and the crew who fought for pictures with him, Fat Gor even asked Nick Cheung Ka Fai to be his model. He even prepared chemicals for on the set developing. No wonder Ka Fai happily said that he wanted to get a frame for the picture. Fat Gor asked Ka Fai to "work hard on a baby". Ka Fai said, "Of course! I will make time. During the Lunar New Year I went to China to visit her. In the new year we won't always be apart! Fat Gor is a superstar yet he is so friendly. I haven't seen him with facial hair. I couldn't recognize him." Louis Koo Tin Lok was working on the film and could not ask Fat Gor for advice. "If Fat Gor is willing to start a class I think many will participate. He gets along with people so well. I have too little to say. I should learn from him. Two nights ago Johnnie To Kei Fung's new film shot in Kwun Tong and Fat Gor made an appearance with a new appearance, possibly for his role as Cheung Po Jai in THE PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN. "I brought a camera to take pictures. I am just messing around. Mr. To says he has an antique camera that he has no idea how to work. I am here to study it. Mr. To is quite a avid fan of this! (Do you want to work on Hong Kong films again?) I will when I get a good script. (To Kei Fung has good scripts!) He has no script! (When will Cheung Po Jai start work?) Not for awhile, next year!" Picture from Apple Daily as shown on templeofchow.com Article from HK Film Top 10 Thanks to Shoto Pictures Thank to templeofchow.com

January 17 2005 CYF donates one of his photos and clothes from movie for tsunami relief

01/17/05 Hong Kong celebrity auction raises US$36,000 for tsunami relief A celebrity auction featuring "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" star Chow Yun-fat's photography as well as personal items from other Hong Kong stars raised 282,000 Hong Kong dollars (US$36,200; €27,600) for tsunami relief, the auction organizer said Monday. Chow's black-and-white photo of what appears to be a tomato-laden branch fetched 31,500 Hong Kong dollars (US$4,000; €3,100), auction organizer Apple Daily newspaper reported in its Monday edition. Other items sold included clothing donated by popstars Andy Lau, Joey Yung and Gigi Leung, a guitar used by Wong Ka-keung the late lead singer of Hong Kong rock band Beyond and a handbag belonging to singer Sammi Cheng. The Dec. 26 Indian Ocean tsunami killed more than 162,000 people in southern Asia

01/09/05 Hong Kong stars make donations: A group of Hong Kong stars, including Chow Yun-Fat, Jackie Chan, and Andy Lau pledged l.5 million Hong Kong dollars to help victims of the tsunami that struck Asia. CYF is quoted as saying: "It's very difficult to predict natural disasters. So we have to treasure what we have." He also asked them to give any help they could. Like many otherHong Kong stars he is donating some clothes from his last Hong Kong movie Peace Hotel (1995) to be auctioned along with a photograph he took. It will start at $3600. The photo appears to be a stem of tomatoes in black and white. CYF was not at a benefit because he was not suppose to show his new hair-style until Pirates of the Caribbean is made.

December 2004 Chow Yun-Fat to be in Pirates of the Caribbean 3

Entertainment - AFP HONG KONG (AFP) - Hong Kong action hero Chow Yun-fat is set to star in the upcoming sequels of box office smash "Pirates of the Caribbean", a press report said. Citing Chow's wife, Jasmine Chan Wui-Lin, Chinese-language newspaper Apple Daily said Chow will play the famous 15th century Chinese pirate Cheung Po Tsai for the second and third installments of the film. Note: Later the character was changed to Sao Feng

October 2004 Chow Yun-Fat appears at the Baptist University in Hong Kong

Chow Yun Fat was at the Baptist discussion "Chow Yun Fat talks to you" and attendees were from the department of media and film/TV. The talk started with Q&A at once and did not have an opening speech from Chow Yun Fat himself. The venue was too small and many students were not admitted to the small hall where the event was held. Chow said, "You guys look down on me. Next time please book the hall next door." After the talk, instead of leaving as expected, he went out of the venue to console the students who were not admitted and they were ecstatic.The organizers said that they didn't want to make it like a show and so only restrcited it to media and film/TV departments. Chow said, "Hong Kong investment are small so everything has to be fast. Hollywood has great investment and everything has strict standards. It entails lots of rehearsals like a musical and is not on impulse. Hong Kong movies are really too fast and not serious. If everyone could be like Wong Kar Wai and make a movie in five years, it would be more serious than those in Hollywood. But many HK people need to work to survive. So it's not possible. Perhaps making a movie like HERO and attract foreign investment. This way, HK movies would be better. "News translation from Jewels of Asia, translated by Sandra and some pictures as seen on templeofchow.com Also Sina - Pictures in Picture Galleries Special Events

September 2004 The Hong Kong of Academy for Performing Arts has Chow Yun-Fat in a TV program presentation

To commemorate the 20th Anniversary of the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, a special TV program produced by Radio Television Hong Kong was broadcasted last Sept. 11 on TVB Jade.

August 2004 Hong Kong movie star urges students to learn from American Idol

HONG KONG (AP) - Hong Kong movie star Chow Yun-fat borrowed a phrase from "American Idol'' reject William Hung to comfort and encourage local high school students who will get their examination results this week, newspapers reported Monday. "Like what William Hung says, 'I already gave my best and I have no regrets at all.'' Chinese newspaper Apple Daily quoted Chow as telling 1,000 students, parents and teachers gathered on Sunday in the Polytechnic University. Still, Chow, who shot to fame in Hong Kong with gangster movies before going to Hollywood, extolled the virtue of hard work." You have to make an effort for what you want,'' said Chow, who received only several years of secondary education. -Mercury News. Pictures

March 2004 STAVA commercial and promotion with Chow Yun-Fat in Beijing, China

On March 27th a commercial was shown at a promotion for STAVA Men's apparel. CYF was in it and spoke during his appearance. This was not the first time he has modeled for the company. Sina and templeofchow.com - Video Pictures in Picture Galleries Special Events

January 2004 While CYF was in Paris Anita Mui's funeral was held in Hong Kong

Chow Yun-Fat did not attend the funeral, but sent a wreath from he and his wife bearing the message "your spirit will never die, it will live on for one-hundred lifetimes" It was delivered to the Hong Kong Funeral Home. CYF was reported not to be in Hong Kong at that time. John Woo was in town at the same time for the premier of his movie Paycheck. Shown here together at the HK Film Awards 2001

WHILE IN PARIS:

Every summer, some of the finest motorcars ever made converge in Paris, France, for the Louis Vuitton Classic. MATTHEW MARSH (Yahoo News) steers through a parade of the bold and beautiful that's enough to make even Hong Kong star Chow Yun-Fat reassess his priorities. It's surprising to hear Chow Yun-Fat confess that he hates travelling. Recently, the Hong Kong movie star flew to Paris to present a prize at the Louis Vuitton Classic - an annual event that celebrates automotive design and highlights the luggage maker's historical connection with travel."You can hang me from a wire, 100 feet in the air, swinging around with my sword," confided Chow, in reference to his action films like the 2000 hit Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, "but I get really scared when a plane hits turbulence." Surely this can't be true? "Yes, yes, yes," he assures me with a tap on the arm, "flying east-west across the Pacific, it can sometimes last for an hour. "Chow's disarming honesty is an effective tool and contrasts with his onscreen two-guns-blazing style. He's a good actor then? "If people think you are a good actor, then you are, I suppose," he says simply. "I don't make movies to win awards - it's my job, it's how I make a living. "Despite it being his third language, after Cantonese and Putonghua, the 48-year-old seems almost relieved to speak English. He gives the impression of thinking about the subjects being discussed but not "creating" the answers. Displaying honesty once again as we discuss which of the more than 70 cars on display might be his favourite, Chow says, "I'm not a g-force man. You need to be physically strong to drive a sports car and I prefer a relaxing ride." He talks about the beauty of line that characterised cars designed in the 1950s and 60s and remembers the old Alfa Romeos he owned as a youngster. Now the most important things in choosing a car are "comfort and " (with a pause for humorous effect), "price!" His Singaporean wife Jasmine smiles at this: it's clear that they are a team, that she plays an important almost managerial role for him. He grins. "If I owned a classic car, my wife would look after it most of the time". Later, at lunch, Chow walks over to my table, pinstriped jacket over black turtle-neck top, and ruffles my hair with his hand. "How's the food?" We get to talking about cars again. The Lamma Island-born Taurean admits to hankering after the famous 1954 Gullwing Mercedes and displays an impressive knowledge of its attributes. He remembers resisting the temptation to buy one that was on sale in Hong Kong once."They brought it over from Europe, but it was left-hand drive of course, so you would have to apply for a special permit each week to drive it. And it cost HK$4.5 million (RM!2.2 million). "Surely a man of his wealth could keep a classic car secretly? Chow laughs. Jasmine is out of earshot now and he leans forward conspiratorially: "I could own something in Shenzhen perhaps, but not a car". His reference to the habit of Hong Kong businessmen keeping their mistresses just over the border might seem reckless. In fact it just reinforces the point that Chow is a man content with who he is and what he has to say. He's not worried that his joke will be misunderstood. His confidence is charming. "People in Hong Kong don't trouble me," he says. Perhaps this explains why he is so relaxed. "I take the bus and train a lot, sometimes the ferry. I've been popular for 30 years now and I'm treated like a big brother, I suppose. There's a lot of waiting in the movie business and I'd rather do that at home than in the United States." His honest and logical answer continues with the Chow trademark suffix: "and if you spend too many days in the US, they tax you! "This year's Louis Vuitton Classic moved from its regular Parc de Bagatelle venue to the Domaine National de Saint-Cloud which overlooks the city of Paris. There's a historical connection with Louis Vuitton here too: the estate was the 19th century home of Napoleon III and his wife Empress Eugenie, who was one of luggage-maker's first customers. "I knew it was the perfect place," says Vuitton's Francois Delage, now Asia-Pacific executive director. "When I worked in Paris, I owned an E-type Jaguar and often drove here for lunch. "It was another Jaguar - a rare XKSS model owned for more than 20 years by screen legend Steve McQueen which caught Chow's attention when he was welcomed to the impressively manicured gardens by Vuitton's CEO Yves Carcelle. The car's present owner, Richard Messer, did not immediately recognise Chow and was slightly alarmed when he hopped in, to a chorus of camera shutters. Was he just creating a photo opportunity, being a professional? "Steve McQueen is in my soul," protests Chow. "The Great Escape was the most fantastic movie - I was moved and stunned by his performance."

November 2003 CYF in Japan at the Tokyo Fantastic Film Festival

First, he expressed his thanks to many people. In a very friendly atmosphere, Chow Yun-Fat said to reporters:

CYF: I want to go out to the town and to eat Ramen and sushi but I was busy with interviews and work. I can go when this press conference ends. I think that I'm allowed to get a little fat because there aren't interviews after this.
Q: "Bulletproof Monk" was an action movie but you appeared in movies showing drama like in "Anna and the king" before. How do you want to work in Hollywood in the future? Would you tell me about the differences between you andother Chinese action stars for example, Jackie Chan and Jet Li?
CYF: The Asian actor can't avoid action movies. For the Asian actor, there are few good scripts like "Anna and the King" in Hollywood. However, I think there are also few good scripts showing drama even if I return to Hong Kong now. I will wait for a while before appearing in action movies again. I want to do a lot of studying in Hollywood. Therefore, I want to concentrate in Hollywood for a while. (No one raised hands to ask questions.)
CYF: Please don't hesitate. You can ask me not only about the movie but also aboutmy private life. (He made reporters laugh.)
Q: I was impressed by your sense of comedy in "Bulletproof Monk". What do you think the sense of comedy in yourself?
CYF: An actor often must perform as a gloomy person in movies. So I like comedy, it's refreshing and sometimes I play like a fool when I'm with my wife.
Q: Are there differences in making movies between Hong Kong and Hollywood? Do you want to make the movie like made in Hong Kong with John Woo again?
CYF: I think that the most important thing is to make good movies though there are some differences such as the working hours. I have appeared only in four movies in Hollywood. I must study English more though I felt I made little progress. It will be along distance if I work in Hollywood. I will shoot my next movie which is called "Men ofDestiny" with John Woo. It is a story about the construction of the railroad and a Chinese (man) by being sold as a slave. I expect the shooting will start in the winter next year.

templeofchow.com Pictures

October 2003 Chow Yun-Fat is presented a Silver Bauhinia Star award from the Hong Kong government

10/12/2003 The Special Administrative Region Government yesterday honored people who have made contributions to Hong Kong. Performing art world honorees included Chow Yun Fat, Fong Yim Fun, Leon Lai Ming and Fung Lam. Chow Yun Fat received a Silver Bauhinia Star, Cantonese Opera star Fong Yim Fun received a Bronze Bauhinia Star, Lai Ming and Fung Lam both received the honorary badge. Fong Yim Fung did not accept the honor in person. Fat Gor plans to place the honor at the Film Archive. Although the honor was personal, he felt as a film professional his fame and fortune are from the film industry and characters that writers and directors have created. So the honor belongs to the film industry. Fat Gor has also received an invitation to participate in the handprint ceremony for the Walk of Stars. - Video

September 2003 Kiehl's beauty products charity event

APPLE DAILY / MING PAO: Chow Yun-Fat and Jasmine attended the Kiehl's beauty products promotion yesterday. (In Hong Kong.) He donated the entire day's compensation to KELY Support Group, a charity to help children. There were news that the amount is HK$5,000,000. When Apple Daily asked Jasmine to confirm the amount, she said she cannot because of the contract. CYF hopes that everybody can donate some money to help children. - Video

April 2003 An interview on TVB with Carol DoDo Cheng former TV co-star of Chow Yun-Fat

Introduction: We always hear about how Chow Yun-Fat is such a nice person, how he talks to people, is close to them. Now we have proof! Look at how he arrives at the scene for this interview! How he greets everyone. [We see DoDo and CYF air kiss--SARS, of course.]
Do-Do: Thank you so much for choosing me to do this interview.(CYF sees all the technicians, camera people, assistants--all are treated like old friends and called by their nicknames)
CYF (addressing make up men): Do I look beautiful?
All: Yeah, wonderful!
CYF: Thank you. Of course without you I wouldn't look so good.
Do-Do: Hello!
CYF: Too bad I can't kiss you. [It is a special, critical time in Hong Kong because of SARS.] Too bad I can't even hold your hand. Let's do this in our hearts.
Do-Do: It has been five years since we last did a special interview with you.
CYF: Yes, but you look even more beautiful now.
Do-Do: You look good too! Especially since you lost some weight.
CYF: I've been working out and now know how to take care of myself.
Do-Do: I told you to do that before, a long time ago.
CYF: Yes you told me before and now I am finally listening.
Do-Do: You now have a new film coming up, Bulletproof Monk. According to what you said before, this is the toughest and most tiring film you have ever made?
CYF: It was the hardest because for thirty years I didn't keep the machine of my body in tune, didn't keep it in good shape. So suddenly I have to make a film with action, wire work and fighting. It feels hard.
Do-Do: Even more difficult than Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon?
CYF: Not really worse than Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. But in the way I had to consume energy, it was more intense. Especially with a partner like Seann William Scott, who is very young, energetic, never tires all day. I would film a few scenes and be very tired. There was a scene where I have to run a few blocks. I am supposed to run in front of Seann. After three takes though, Seann was ahead of me. (He laughs)

2003 Chow Yun-Fat appears at the Hong Kong Film Awards

A few days after the funeral of the pop star Leslie Cheung was the Hong Kong Film Awards. Leslie's death and the SARS epidemic left the entertainment circle depressed and stars like Chow Yun-Fat appeared to bring back some enjoyment for the event.

2003 The Chows and Cherie Chung attend the funeral of Leslie Cheung

Chow Yun-Fat, his wife Jasmine, and his former co-star Cherie Chung attended the funeral together for Leslie Cheung. CYF, Cherie and Leslie worked together in the popular Hong Kong movie Once a Thief. Fans were saddened by the suicide death of their idol.

2002 CYF receives an honorary chair of the Alumni Association from his school on Lamma Island

A native of Lamma Island, Chow Yun Fat returned to his elementary school and attended the first alumni association executive committee inauguration. He also received a certificate from the school that officially makes him a permanent honorary chair of the alumni association. Fat Gor returned to Lamma alone. On the way to school, neighbors passionately welcomed him and said with familiarity, "Sai Gau (Little Dog), you are back again!" Fat Gor's childhood nickname was Sai Gau and neighbors who were familiar with him all called him that. Fat Gor even served as a tour guide and introduced the tourist spots of Lamma to the reporters. Returning to his alma mater, how did Fat Gor feel? "It seems like it was just yesterday." He expressed that actually he has returned to the school several weeks ago. In addition every year he would return to Lamma Island to pay his respect to ancestors and to the school at least twice a year. What would the honorary chair do? He said that this is only a title, but he would try to attend all of the alumni association events. Fat Gor said that the government earlier allocated 15 million to the school. The school now is very different from before. It has children of many different nationalities and seems to have turned into an international school. Fat Gor yesterday chatted with the village chief. Has anyone approached him to take this position? He said no, being the village chief takes a lot of time and has a lot of work. However, he has thought about retiring in Lamma Island.

2002 Chow Yun-Fat is speaker at City University

"Celebrated actor Mr. Chow Yun-Fat, recipient of the Honorary Doctor of Letters conferred by CityU in 2001, shared his life experiences with about 300 staff and students at the Wei Hing Theatre this summer. Mr Chow told stories of his life as a lad growing up on Lamma Island and as a young, budding artist in search of the right opportunity. "The most important thing is to know yourself and to persevere in whatever you choose to do. There is no short cut to success," he advised the audience." (City U Internet web site)

2001 Ambassador for the World Heart day

The caption reads: What kind of a man pushes a 74 year old woman into a swimming pool? It goes on to tell of how he made his mother learn to swim although it was something she did not want to do, but it was extremely important for her health that she did.

At the ceremony where he received a Honorary Doctor of Letters at City University: Citation written and delivered by Mr CHAN Che-shing "Apart from his film career, Mr Chow has also helped promote local industries and tourism in his role as Ambassador for Hong Kong. Earlier this year he was also appointed the first Hong Kong Philatelic Ambassador by Hongkong Post. And, in recognition of Mr Chow's success in the performing arts, the Mayor of Chicago in the United States designated 10th February 1990 and 12th January 1998 as "Chow Yun-fat Day". This is indeed an honour for a Hong Kong citizen, and reflects the international recognition of Mr Chow's acting accomplishments." In 1999 CYF was an Ambassador for the World Wildlife Fund."

2001 Awarding the Doctor of Letters these were part of the comments made about Chow Yun-Fat:

"Mr Chow's achievements offer a good example to our young people and he is a role model for all of us. What we can learn from Mr Chow is: first, the importance of his life-long learning, improvement and innovation; second, how he continues to work hard despite frustrations and failures; third, how he treats others with humility and kindness, and is never ashamed to ask for help; fourth, how he maintains an upright character while working in the complicated environment of the entertainment business; and fifth, how he always remembers his mother, never tries to hide his humble beginnings or forget his roots. These are good examples for all of us and are models for our young students as to how they should live and learn. Mr Chairman, in recognition of Mr Chow Yun-fat's diligence and lifelong learning, as well as his achievements in the performing arts and his significant contribution to Hong Kong, I now present to you Mr Chow for the degree of Doctor of Letters, honoris causa." - Video

2001 Announcement of the appointment of Chow Yun-Fat as the first Philatelic Ambassador of Hong Kong Post

At a press conference held in the afternoon today at the General Post Office, Mr. P.C. LUK, the Postmaster General, was pleased to announce that Mr. Chow Yun Fat has year 2001 to promote philately. Mr. Chow will officiate at the issuing ceremony of the Personal Greetings Stamps on 1 February 2001, the first day of the Hong Kong 2001 Stamp Exhibition held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. He will also be the first celebrity to take photo for the first-ever Personal Greetings Stamps issued in Hong Kong, said Mr. Luk. Mr. Luk also presented a framed Honk Kong 2001 Stamp Sheetlet to Mr. Chow as a memento of the occasion.

2000 Deaville Film Festival honors Chow Yun-Fat

At the 2000 Deauville Film Festival in France CYF was honored for his work along with some other American film actors. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon was one of the films shown at the festival:
"Tribute to Chow Yun-Fat" night at the 26th American Film Festival in Toulouse), France. As part of the tribute night, three of Chow's films were shown: THE KILLER, ANNA AND THE KING, and CROUCHING TIGER HIDDEN DRAGON. Chow, his wife, and director Ang Lee were on hand for the occasion as were many of Chow's French fans. When asked if he would like to try his hand in a French film, Chow replied that he would like to try it if presented with the opportunity.” (HK Entertainment News in Review)
Sept 9 “The unqualified treat of the day was the tribute to Asia’s biggest star Chow Yun-Fat, who came with director Ang Lee to present their Chinese-lanuage martial arts extravaganza Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon Zowie! What a movie, thanks in great part to fight choreographer Yuen Wo Ping, who also gave The Matrix its distinctive moves. Chow told the capacity crowd, “Thank you to the people of France for giving me a lot of support throughout my career.” (Quote from the official Deauville 2000 Festival website)

Deauville 2000's special tributes honored Clint Eastwood (Sept. 2), Susan Sarandon (Sept. 4), Dino De Laurentiis (Sept 5), Chow Yun Fat (Sept. 8) and Samuel L. Jackson (Sept. 9). - Pictures in Picture Galleries Special Events

1999 In Los Angeles Chinatown Chow Yun-Fat puts handprints

After making Anna and the King and wearing his new hair cut for CTHD Chow Yun-Fat places his handprints to be put in the Los Angeles Chinatown Central Plaza. (Editors note: Some people in Chinatown did not think the prints should be put at that location near the statue of their hero Dr. Sun Yat-Sen because the movie was not about him, but your editor called the Chamber of Commerce of Chinatown in May of 2004 and they were reassuring his prints were there. )

1998 Chow Yun-Fat is on stage in Chinese opera

One of the influences to becoming an actor was seeing the Chinese opera presentations when he was a boy. After Chow Yun-Fat made The Corruptor and returned to Hong Kong he was in such an opera. Loves Labour Won was the name of the show and the proceeds went to the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts.

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Audio of CYF getting ready to perform