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Michelle Yeoh Web Theatre
News January - June, 2005
Current News
Jun. 30th
- Added in Memoirs of a Geisha --> "About Memoirs": more book covers.
Jun. 28th
- Michelle in Jet Li's upcoming Huo Yuanjia? Several Japanese news agencies, including "Goo," "Sponichi" and "Nikkan," while reporting casting news about Japanese actor Shidou Nakamura who just joined the project, reported Michelle will star in the film. With Ronny Yu (The Bride with White Hair) as the director and Yuen Wo-Ping (Wing Chun, Tai Chi Master, CTHD) as the action director, this new Jet Li martial arts film has already been shooting for a while and reportedly will be wrapping in July. The reports on Michelle's involvement are possibly only a mistake, but I would certainly be very excited if it turned out to be true.
Jun. 27th
- The 3rd Paris Cinema Foundation Festival (Paris Cinema), to be held from June 29 to July 13, will have a special tribute to Jackie Chan. Police Story III: Supercop will be presented as one of the films in the series. Show time:
Monday July 4, 20:00
Tuesday July 5, 22:30
Reportedly both Michelle and Jackie Chan will attend the public opening of the festival on the 28th.
- Mission: Impossible III update: Hong Kong actress Maggie Q has signed up to co-star in the film. Her agent confirmed that she went to a screen test and got the offer after seeing a new casting call that came out a week ago. There are various versions of reports. Some said this is the role Michelle gave up due to a schedule conflict, and some said Maggie Q's role is not the ex-wife role and Michelle is still under negotiation with them. I don't have any confirmed information and I'm not sure if the budget cut of the film has anything to do with the deal, if any.
Jun. 23rd
- A teaser trailer of Memoirs of a Geisha is ready to show? See Memoirs of a Geisha section for more details.
- Hong Kong "Ming Pao" said they heard from Michelle's assistant that Michelle will go to London in July to shoot a film on space mission. Must be Sunshine then.
Jun. 22nd
- Memoirs of a Geisha: the first cut is near complete. And a teaser poster.
Jun. 21st
- Many of you might be expecting this, yes, it's the time again! Like what we have done for the past few years, we are going to collect birthday wishes for Michelle and send them to her. To write your birthday messages to Michelle, please enter
Michelle Yeoh Birthday Special 2005
All messages will be forwarded to Michelle on her birthday (August 6). Use English only, please. Entries must be made by August 1. Thank you all.
- During an exclusive interview with "Sina", Brendan Fraser gave more details on the story of the upcoming film Children of Guangxi. Asked about Michelle and Chow Yun-Fat's participation in the film, he said the production company told him that they have contacted Michelle and Chow Yun-Fat and both of them expressed interests in the project. Michelle has already read the script. Fraser didn't mention what roles Michelle or Chow Yun-Fat might play. He said there is another important role in the film and the producer is looking for an actor in Australia. The script is penned by Paul Haggis (Oscar-nominee for his work on Million Dollar Baby).
Jun. 20th
- Thanks for the help from Dean, we've got access to a video clip of one of Brendan Fraser's press meetings in Shanghai. Talking about the upcoming film (see earlier report on June 18th), which will be entitled Children of Guangxi, he said: "I believe we will have Michelle Yeoh and Chow Yun-Fat who will round out the cast and I'm looking forward to starting that soon." He also said the director of the film will be Roger Spotsiwoode (Tomorrow Never Dies) and it will be produced by Aurthur Coen. The film is scheduled to start shooting in Shanghai at the end of this year or early next year.
During another press conference in Shanghai, Fraser said that to be able to work with Michelle and Chow Yun-Fat is a big happy surprise that came dropping out of the sky. Although he hasn't met them in person, Fraser said he is a big admirer of Asian films and loves Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. He's going with director Spotsiwoode for location scouting in China from the 20 to 25th, and meanwhile they are looking for another Chinese actress to costar in the film.
Jun. 19th
- Michelle attended the U.S. Grand Prix and the practicing/qualifying sessions in Indianapolis, June 17 - 19.
Michelle cheering with Ferrari team at the US Grand Prix, June 19
Michelle attending a practice session on June 17
(click to enlarge. photos from "F1 Racing" and "Formula 1")
- Memoirs of a Geisha update.
Jun. 18th
- Actor Brendan Fraser (The Mummy series) said to media in Shanghai on June 18th that he's going to make a film with Michelle and Chow Yun-Fat.
Fraser was in Shanghai attending a film festival. He said he's going to be in China at the end of the year and beginning of the next year to shoot a new film. It will be based on a true story during the World War II about a British journalist who helped to rescue war orphans. He said he's really looking forward to working with Michelle and Chow Yun-Fat.
It is not clear to me whether they have already invited Michelle and Chow Yun-Fat and if yes, whether the two have agreed. There are different versions of reports/translations and I'm not sure what Fraser said exactly.
Jun. 14th
- The photos below were taken during Michelle's trip to Singapore and Malaysia at the end of May and beginning of June. The left one is published at Malaysia's "Sin Chew" (June 13. in traditional Chinese. thanks Ladyfirst and Dean for the article alert!) According to the article, at the upcoming "Walk with Pride" gala fashion show, Michelle is going to appear as a fashion model, joined by a group of breast cancer patients. The charity event, which will be held on July 31st in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, is to raise funds to help breast cancer patients.
The two photos at right are from Singapore's "The Straits Times", URBAN, June 9th. Thanks Yishi for the scans! You may read the text by clicking on and enlarging the photos.
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| "Sin Chew" | "The Straits Times" (larger text) |
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Jun. 13th
- Memoirs of a Geisha updates.
- Yesterday's "Variety" said Michelle is still in negotiations with Sunshine. Between "Variety" and "Empire" I think I'll take the former more seriously.
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From "Variety", June 12:
"Boyle is in the midst of casting his sci-fi project 'Sunshine,' with Michelle Yeoh, Cillian Murphy and Chris Evan in negotiations to head the crew of a spaceship transporting a nuclear bomb to reignite the dying sun. The original screenplay is by Alex Garland. Filming at London's 3 Mills Studios is set for late August."
Jun. 11th
(click to enlarge. photos from "Sina", "QQ" and "Getty Images")
Jun. 9th
- UK "Empire" claimed that "it's been confirmed" that three actors, "to be precise, after Michelle Yeoh, Cillian Murphy and Chris Evans have all signed onto the project (Sunshine), which will start filming later this year at Shepperton Studios."
Trio Of Actors Walking On Sunshine
In that case, if the information is accurate, we expect to see Michelle in Boyle's big adventure - going to the sun! Okay, either she will kick some outer space creatures or make some alien friends, as long as she doesn't end up like Pierce Brosnan in Mars Attacks! I think I would be perfectly happy. ;-) (thanks Yvonne for the article link)
Jun. 8th
- The British film Michelle has been under negotiation is a space travel sci-fi adventure, Sunshine, which will be directed by Danny Boyle (Trainspotting), according to "Variety". The film will start shooting in U.K. this summer and aim for a 2006 release.
The story is about a team of astronauts sent to discover what became of a space mission crew gone missing. It will be produced by Andrew Macdonald through DNA Films. Fox Searchlight (Twentieth Century Fox) will distribute in the U.S.
- Mission: Impossible III news: according to "Variety", the budget of the film has now been cut by at least 10%, eliminating plans to shoot in Shanghai and several other exotic locations.
Jun. 7th
- Mission: Impossible III: director J.J. Abrams said yesterday that they are inches away from new signings and they are planning to start shooting in July. Also today's New York Times reported that after a week of negotiations over the budget, Paramount Pictures has decided to push ahead with plans to shoot the film. Shooting is to begin in Italy on July 18 before moving on to several other foreign locations, an executive said.
[update] Paramount just issued an Official Press Release. The film, to be directed by J. J. Abrams and filmed on locations across Europe, the U.S. and Asia, is scheduled to be released May 5 2006, stated in the release.
Apparently Michelle hasn't officially signed on yet. Keep your fingers crossed.
Jun. 5th
- Updated Michelle's charity patronship list at Biography. Michelle has been a board member of LoveFaithHope Charitable Foundation (Hong Kong) since it's initial funding in 2003. We have reported two LFH charity events Michelle attended on May 7, 2005 and December 13, 2003. More photos of the December 2003 event can be seen at the LFH website (under "Events").
- Michelle attended an opening gala party of Four Seasons Resort Langkawi, Malaysia. (related link).
Jun. 2nd
- Malaysian
"The Star"
interviewed Michelle in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on June 2nd. She and Jackie Chan
will attend the "Walk with Pride" gala fashion show cum dinner
on July 31st in Kuala Lumpur to raise funds to help breast cancer patients.
(photo from "The Star")
- Since several people have questioned this, thought I would make a clarification here. Regarding whether there is a competition between Gong Li and Michelle in Young Hannibal, you may have seen some movie sites claimed that "Yeoh said the producers would decide whom to cast after they did their test shots". I would like to point out that none of the original sources from Hong Kong or Taiwan's Chinese reports said Michelle herself said anything about her role in Young Hannibal. It is apparently an error happened during translation.
- Mission: Impossible III: there have been rumors suggesting the production may be shut down as the budget has climbed well over US$150 million. On the other hand, new casting news on the project has continued to pop out. [updated] Today's "New York Times" is reporting that Paramount is indeed considering putting M:I-3 on hold. Read article.
- Xinhua news: "Mission: Impossible 3" to shoot partly in Shanghai
Jun. 1st
- Mission: Impossible III news: Mainland Chinese media reported that M:I-3 has chosen Shanghai as one of the shooting locations and filming in Shanghai is expected to take place in the summer or fall.
Reportedly the Chinese collaborator of the film will be "Warner China Film HG Corporation", a new company formed last fall by the China Film Group, Hengdian Group and Warner Bros. Pictures. News also said the film script has been given to the Chinese side and there will be a male and a female Chinese characters in the film. A rumor (not confirmed but appeared on many Chinese newspapers) says Michelle will play Tom Cruise's character's ex-wife.
Earlier last month, news said that a M:I-3 production team did location scouting in Shanghai and Beijing in April and May.
May 31st
- Video (Windows Media, 4:01, 10.3MB): an interview of Michelle on "Chinese Film Night" at Cannes, May 18th. The interview was done with a group of reporters and Michelle spoke Mandarin and Cantonese depending on the language the question was addressed in. Michelle's Mandarin has improved so much since Crouching Tiger and she doesn't need help to do an interview in Mandarin anymore. She mentioned that she was in talks with one British and two American films. She talked about working with Gong Li and Zhang Ziyi in Memoirs. Asked about her opinion of some media saying "Zhang Ziyi is a gift to Hollywood from China", Michelle commented that China has given many gifts to Hollywood and Zhang Ziyi is not the first one. The first one is probably Joan Chen. Then there have been Vivian Wu (who played Soong May-ling in The Soong Sisters), Jackie Chan, Jet Li, and Chow Yun-Fat. She said Zhang Ziyi is the new lucky one and she believes there will be more and more newcomers in the future. The video clip is from "Sina" (thanks BAM for the help in downloading).
May 28th- Photo from "Zao Bao": Michelle attending the opening ceremony of a new TOD'S store in Singapore, May 26th. She said she hadn't been in the country for two years and she's very happy to be here again. Michelle returned to Malaysia on May 27th. (click the photo to enlarge)
May 27th
- "UDN" (Taiwan) reported that two big budget Hollywood projects, Tom Cruise's Mission: Impossible III and the prequel to The Silence of the Lambs series, Young Hannibal (previously also titled as Behind the Mask and The Lecter Variation), are interested in Michelle to be female leads. Producers of both films met Michelle at Cannes last week. Michelle has been in talks with Mission Impossible 3 for a while. The filmmakers of Young Hannibal contacted her at Cannes when she was about to fix the deal with Mission. She's interested in both but the filming schedules are somewhat in conflict. The producers of the two films are talking to each other since neither of them wants to give up on Michelle.
Earlier this year, there was news that said Gong Li had been cast in Young Hannibal. Her role was said to be a woman who "teaches cultural sophistication to a young Hannibal Lecter." Apparently it's not the same role Michelle has been offered.
While attending the "Chinese Film Night" on May 18th at Cannes, Michelle told reporters that she was in talks with one British and two American film projects (I'm not sure if Young Hannibal is one of them - it depends on when they contacted her, before or after she talked to the reporters).
- New in Magazines: photo and article scans from the "BAZAAR" magazine, February 2004 issue. (thanks Dean for the magazine)
- A new photo is added in May 20's news.
May 23rd
- Memoirs of a Geisha: Michelle and her co-star Zhang Ziyi talk to "V-Life" magazine about working together on the film. See Memoirs of a Geisha News for their (short) interviews. For pictures of Michelle from the magazine, please see Magazines. (thanks Frenda, Chris, and Dean for the scans and information)
- No prequel to Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon?
Several English media have quoted this rumor originated from mainland China, that Bill Kang, one of the producers (Hong Kong side), has given up the idea of making the prequel after spending the past few months talking to several Hollywood studios but failed to bring any one of them into the prequel project.
Having been following the development of this project for years (see CTHD Prequel page), I personally highly doubt the source of this piece of "news". Hsu Li-Kong, the producer of the original film from Taiwanese side (note that CTHD is officially a Taiwanese film), who has been closely involved with Ang Lee on the prequel script writing, said last month that the key point to make the prequel is the director Ang Lee. When or whether to do it, it's all up to him. Money can't be the problem. If Ang Lee decided to make the prequel, I don't believe he would have problem getting funding. It doesn't seem that Ang Lee has abandoned the project although nobody knows when he will feel it is ready to roll.
May 22nd
- Photos from the Monaco Formula One Grand Prix, Sunday, May 22.
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| L to R: Ferrari German driver Michael Schumacher, team manager Jean Todt, and Michelle stand at the Ferrari pits | Michelle and Ferrari team manager Jean Todt | |
May 21st
- Photos: Michelle at the first qualifying session of the Monaco Formula one Grand Prix, Saturday May 21st.
(click the photo w/borders to enlarge. photos from "Sina" and "Getty Images")
- The current issue (June/July) of "V-Life" has two new photos of Michelle (Page 77). (thanks Frenda and Dean)
May 20th
- Memoirs of a Geisha: a film photo. Yes it has Michelle - in kimono! (thanks the sender who prefers to stay anonymous)
- Michelle was a guest at May 19's "Taiwan Film Night" party at Martinez Beach , hosted by Taiwan Government Information Office. Directors John Woo, Edward Yang, Hou Hsiao-Hsien, actor Chang Chen and actress Hsu Chi were also in attendance. A day ago, both Michelle and Director Edward Yang (A One and a Two) expressed wish to work with each other in the future.
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| Michelle at Martinez Beach | Michelle with Jean Todt in Cannes | |
May 19th
Michelle holding hands with Jean Todt and Chang Chen, her co-star in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon
(click the photos w/borders to enlarge.
photos from "TOM", "Apple Daily", "Xin Hua", "UDN", "BJT" and "CQCB")
- On May 18th, Michelle, Jackie Chan, John Woo, Edward Yang, Tony Leung Kar Fai, Zhang Ziyi, Chang Chen, and more than 400 other guests attended a party held at the Carlton Hotel in Cannes to celebrate 100 years of Chinese cinema. In her speech, Michelle said she's very happy there are three Chinese language films at Cannes competition this year and she hopes more success for Chinese cinema in the future.
This time at Cannes, besides attending the Chinese Film Night (May 18) and the Taiwan Film Night party on May 19, Michelle is also discussing new film plans with other producers. Michelle has three western films in talks and may also be the producer for a Chinese language film. She said she may start shooting a film as early as August if things go smoothly.
Michelle came to Cannes together with Mr. Jean Todt. When Michelle is being interviewed, Mr. Todt always stayed to one side waiting for her patiently. Whenever asked by reporters if they could take a picture of him and Michelle together, he would smile and say: "You need to ask Michelle. She's the boss." And to all of you who used to be concerned about the subject - Michelle has quit smoking (Hooray!)! She had been a smoker for about 12 years. Guess we should give three cheers to Mr. Todt, the gentleman who has the power to make Michelle quit smoking. :-) Michelle will be going to the Monaco Grand Prix soon after Cannes.
Also see Memoirs of a Geisha for related interviews.
Links:
Chinese cinema fetes 100 years with all-star party in Cannes
Cannes Diary IX: Famine and Feast (seach for "yeoh". Ha ha, that drinking game! Review here if you don't remember. It was four years ago not five, by the way...)
May 18th
- Just upon arriving at Cannes, Michelle rushed to a party for Jackie Chan's upcoming film The Myth (directed by Stanley Tong), in the evening of May 17th.
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| Michelle hugs with Jackie | L to R: Jackie Chan, Michelle, Jean Todt |
May 16th
- Michelle will depart Los Angeles tomorrow and attend the "Chinese Film Night" in Cannes on the evening of May 18th, Carlton Hotel, for celebrating 100 years of Chinese cinema. She has been in L.A. working on the post-production (voice dubbing) of Memoirs of a Geisha.
- Check out the upcoming issues of "V-Life" magazine - there will be a new interview of Michelle.
May 11th
- Michelle and Jackie Chan, who will be joined by the British Prime Minister's wife Cherie Blair, will attend the "Walk with Pride" gala fashion show cum dinner on July 31st in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The event is organized by the Pink Ribbon Deeds (PRIDE) to raise funds to help breast cancer patients. ( Related links: Malay Mail New Straits Times )
May 8th
- On May 7th, Michelle attended an activity hosted by the Love, Faith & Hope Foundation at Hong Kong Diocesan Home. It was focused on the study of the lives of local children from poor families in Hong Kong. Michelle and director Yim Ho joined discussions with the students on the topic and were the judges for the competition. The winning team will go to visit some poor regions in Yunnan and Shantou in China.
Michelle has been a board member of the foundation since it's initial funding 18 months ago. She hopes these activities will help children from poor regions and will also let students from Hong Kong who grew up in a better environment treasure more what they have. Michelle expressed a wish to go with them to Yunnan herself. She said she wishes to do some volunteer work and wouldn't mind doing even garbage pickup.
middle: Michelle giving an award to a student
right: michelle with director Yim Ho
(photos from "Oriental Daily", "Wen Wei" and "Sing Tao". click to enlarge)
May 6th
- On the evening of May 5th in Hong Kong, Michelle attended the charity premiere of a new film, West Lake Moment, directed by Yim Ho. Michelle told reporters that she just came back from London where she was invited to a charity fashion show. She said she was wearing an evening gown as a model. She laughed and said that she was not a professional model and only wished the catwalk was shorter. Michelle will be in Los Angeles next Monday and will stay for about ten days for the Memoirs of a Geisha voice dubbing.
(photos from "TungStar", "Tom", "Sun" "Oriental Daily" and "Ming Pao". click to enlarge)
Upper right photo: Michelle presenting a check of HK$403,000 to the Faith, Hope & Love Fundation. From left to right: Yim Ling (Yim Ho's son), director Yim Ho, Michelle, ?, and Sharon Kwok, excuting director of the fundation.
- This is from an interview with top British artist Sacha Jafri, who did handprint painting earlier this year to recreate the carnival scene from Octopussy around the handprints of all the Bond girls: "Michelle Yeoh was very cool," Jafrihe said with a smile. "Her imprint was so strong, her hand almost went through the canvas." :-D
May 5th
- The Touch: new video clips and screencaps of Michelle interview in Japan. (Thanks BAM)
May 3rd
- This is the last auction on the items autographed by Michelle during
her The Touch promotion trip in Japan in March.
To bid on the auction or to see more photos, please enter
The Touch news.
Photo at left: Michelle holding the autographed The Touch
booklet on which she drew five hearts in five different colors.
Benefit of the auctions will go to UNICEF (United Nations Children's Fund) Japan.
May 2nd
- Memoirs of a Geisha: Michelle, as well as Zhang Ziyi and Gong Li, are coming to L.A. for voice dubbing for the film. Taiwanese news reported on Michelle talking about her character in the film.
- To mark 100 years of Chinese cinema, there will be a celebration party on May 18th at this year's Cannes. Reportedly both Michelle and Jackie Chan will be attending.
Apr. 29th
- Memoirs of a Geisha updates.
Apr. 26th
- The Touch: the second auction item. More Michelle photos.
Apr. 21st- Photo: Michelle and Jean Todt, the Ferrari director, in Imola, Italy. The San Marino F1 Grand Prix will take place there on Sunday. (click to enlarge)
- In Memoirs of a Geisha: check out the pictures of the four main geisha!
Apr. 20th
- In The Touch: several items autographed by Michelle when she met with Japanese press last month are going on auction in Japan. Some photos.
- Photos: Michelle and Jean Todt attending the award ceremony honoring Mr. Jean Louis Souman, the director of Hotel Le Bristol, with the badge of the "Chevalier de l'Ordre National du Merite". April 16, Paris.
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Apr. 19th
- Video clip: a short interview of Jean Todt and Michelle from March 17's Malaysian Grand Prix Ice Gala.
Download: Realmedia 2.43MB, 0:43, in English with Chinese subtitles. (From Espnstar Sport program.)
- Photos from The Touch Japan promotion. Taken on March 22nd, the day of the press conference.
- Link: XXX Set To Get The Female Touch?
Apr. 18th
- In Magazines: photos from "TrendsMag", January issue, 2005. (thanks Lisa)
Apr. 15th
- New in The Touch: some promotion photos of Michelle in Japan, taken during her trip to Japan last month I believe. And a video clip from The Touch Japan press conference (thanks Sachiko from Japan, and BAM). The Touch is releasing in Japan today (April 16th).
- New drawings in Fan Arts. Thanks Ziduan and Lisa from China!
Apr. 13th
- Memoirs of a Geisha: more set photos from the fisherman hut set at Fitzgerald Marine Reserve, California, in January 2005. (thanks Chris)
Apr. 12th
- "Cashbox", one of the major Taiwanese entertainment magazines, published a list of fifteen "Classical Women of 2005", based on a survey they did throughout March. Michelle was voted as "No.1 Chinese Heroine".
Apr. 10th
- Dutch version DVD of Wing Chun was released in the Netherlands on March 22nd by Hong Kong Legends. Thanks to Willem for the information and scans.
Watch or download the DVD trailer (1:58, 10MB MPG )
(click to enlarge)
Apr. 6th
- Michelle flew to Geneva on April 6th and attended the 2005 SIHH (Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie exhibition, i.e., Salon International Luxury Watch Exhibition, April 4th - 10th) as a global spokesperson for Audemars Piguet (AP). Back in early February, she was invited to the AP's production sites in Le Locle and la Vallee de Joux. President & CEO of AP George-Henri Meylan gave Michelle (accompanied by Mr. Jean Todt) a personal tour. "It is truly a pleasure for Audemars Piguet to lend its name and its most precious models to a 'femme du monde' radiating such peerless charm and elegance," says on AP's official site. Michelle has now committed to working with the manufacture on a certain number of new launches. She also joined the design of the new "Oak Leaves" watch series.
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| Michelle at SIHH, April 6th (click to enlarge) | with George-Henri Meylan February 4th |
visiting Audemars Piguet February 4th |
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Apr. 5th- Photo: a two story high poster of Michelle and Pierce Brosnan in Tomorrow Never Dies adorned one side of the building of Arizona Science Center where "Bond. James Bond. The Exhibition." is being held. The exhibition on 40 years of Bond films runs from October 23, 2004 through April 24, 2005 in Phoenix, Arizona. (photo from "CommanderBond.net". click to enlarge.)
- More photos are added for the news of April 2nd and 3rd, Bahrain.
Apr. 3rd
Photos from Bahrain, April 3rd 2005 (click to enlarge):
1 - Michelle with French Ferrari sporting director Jean Todt ("Getty Images").
2 - Michelle with Jean Todt (L) and Italian Renault sporting director Flavio Briatore (R) on the grid of the Sakhir racetrack before the Bahrain Grand Prix in Manama ("Getty Images").
3 & 4 - Michelle chatting with Formula One ringmaster Bernie Ecclestone ("Sina").
Apr. 2nd
- Photos taken during the first qualifying session for the desert F1 Grand Prix at the Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir, south of the capital Manama, April 2nd. The temperature was 54 Celsius (129 Fahrenheit) degrees there.
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| looking at the monitors | Michelle and Ferrari team principal Jean Todt | with Ferrari's Gino Rosato | with Jean Todt (L) and Michael Schumacher(R) | |
Mar. 31st
- In a survey taken at the Hong Kong FILMART (Hong Kong International Film & TV Market, March 22 - 24), Michelle, together with Maggie Cheung, Sammi Cheng, Cecilia Cheung and Miriam Yeung are voted by more than 330 buyers and exhibitors as Hong Kong's top five "Most Desirable Actresses". The top five "Most desirable actors" are Jackie Chan, Stephen Chow, Andy Lau, Tony Leung Chiu Wai and Jet Li.
Mar. 25th
- The release date of Memoirs of a Geisha in Malaysia is set to December 8. More details...
Mar. 24th
- More photos from the Japan press conference are added in The Touch.
- The Hong Kong CABLE TV executive Tsui Siuming announced yesterday the launch of CABLE TV's new film production company and some film plans for the next two years. One of the projects in development is Cao Cao, a historical story from the period of Three Kingdoms (AD 220-280). Mr. Tsui said he hopes to invite Michelle to play one of the important Three Kingdoms figures, Zhou Yu, a (MALE) chief military commander. (note that it's not something unheard of in Hong Kong films to have a female playing a male character. i.e., Anita Mui's Emperor Qi in Wu Yen). Mr Tsui said the cast is not fixed yet but he's very grateful Peter Pau, the Oscar-winning cinematographer, has opted this film over a Hollywood offer. Pau will be the cinematographer. Hai Chung Man (the art director for Silver Hawk) will be the art director. Director Jacob Cheung Chi Leung will direct the US$15 million film.
Mar. 22nd- Michelle attended the Japan press conference for The Touch on March 22nd in Tokyo. See The Touch section for more photos.
The Touch will be released in Japan on April 16th, under the Japanese title "Sanzohoushi No Hihou" ("Secret Treasure of Master Sanzang").
The Touch Japanese official site
Mar. 21st- "Sin Chew" photo: Michelle attending the Malaysian F1 Grand Prix on March 20th (click to enlarge).
- Michelle's name is listed on the 100 Greatest Actors in the 100 Years of Chinese Cinema, announced by the 5th Chinese Film Media Awards as a part of celebration to the 100th Anniversary of Chinese language film.
Mar. 20th
- Michelle at the qualifying session of the Malaysian F1 Grand Prix, held at Malaysia's Sepang International Circuit, outside Kuala Lumpur, March 19, 2005:
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- Memoirs of a Geisha: Eugenia Yuan, daughter of Cheng Peipei (who played Jade Fox in CTHD), talks about her experience on the filming.
Mar. 19th
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| the appearance of Michelle and Jackie Chan on the stage is a highlight of the concert | |||
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| Michelle waves to the crowd | Michelle arrives with her mother | with actress Bai Ling on red carpet | |
- The Force of Nature tsunami relief benefits concert was held at Kuala Lumpur's Stadium Putra on Friday, March 18. It is supported by celebrities from all over the world. More than 13,000 people attended the biggest concert ever in Malaysian history.
"On December 26, a terrible disaster struck the area that we call home." Michelle, the Force of Nature ambassador, took to the stage, "This has moved many of us to act, that is why we are all here tonight. Because we cannot forget and we cannot let those faces in the headlines just fade away." She gave an emotional speech of her experience in Aceh. She later became a translator (from Chinese to English) for Jackie Chan who sang a tender Chinese love ballad for the audience.
Related links:
AP: International musicians rock Malaysia
New Straits Times: Class Act
Malay Mail: Tsunami Aid fever sweeps Bukit Jalil stadium
Official site: Force of Nature
Mar. 18th
- Photos from the Petronas Malaysian Grand Prix Ice Gala, March 17th.
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| (photos from "F1-online Shanghai", "Reuters" and "GettyImages". click to enlarge) | |||
middle: Michelle with Jean Todt
right: (L to R) Japanese actor Ken Watanabe, Malaysian actress Michelle Yeoh, Ferrari Formula One driver Michael Schumacher of Germany, Brazilian Ferrari driver Rubens Barrichello, Ferrari Formula One team principal Jean Todt of France and Hong Kong actor Jackie Chan.
- White Mountain Film Festival presents Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon this Saturday, March 19th, 9:00PM at North Conway Twin Theatre, North Conway Village, New Hampshire.
- To celebrate one hundred years of Chinese cinema, RTHK (Radio Television Hong Kong)'s "Month of Hong Kong Film" opened on March 17th. At the opening ceremony, the voting result from "100 Year Dream Factory's Most Touching Films and Actors" was announced. Michelle was chosen as "Best Action Actress". Other awarded names include Bruce Lee (Best Action Actor), Leslie Cheung (Favorite Actor After 80's), Maggie Cheung (Favorite Actress After 80's), Stephen Chow (Best Comedic Actor), and Sandra Ng (Best Comedic Actress). (Official site: Month of Hong Kong Film (in Chinese) ) Also, the 24th Hong Kong Film Awards has released a list of the Best 100 Chinese films. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon is listed no. 10. (Complete list)
- Ang Lee shooting Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon Prequel this summer? See Crouching Tiger Novels & Prequel section. [update] Ang Lee himself said it's not true.
Mar. 17th
- A Force of Nature Aid Foundation news conference was held in the afternoon of March 17th, Kuala Lumpur. The Force of Nature benifit concert, to be held on Friday, has already exceeded their target of raising RM10 million (about USD2.6 million) for tsunami victims.
At the press conference, Michelle and Will.I.Am (a.k.a. Will Adams) shared their experience on the recent visit to Indonesian province of Aceh, the worst tsunami-hit region. Michelle said it is unforgettable and it's difficult to put into words what they saw in Banda Aceh. She said she had been thinking if she could do more to help the victims, so she immediately said yes when she was invited to be the ambassador for the Foundation. Asked if she's going to perform in the concert, Michelle laughed: "Let's leave that to the professional singers. I will be on the red carpet and I'll be calling for donations. I won't sing, but it doesn't mean there is no opportunity for me to make contributions."
In the evening, Michelle attended the Petronas Malaysian Grand Prix Ice Gala 2005 benefit dinner at the Mandarin Oriental ballroom, joined by Malaysia's prime minister, Formula One drivers, and the international celebrities who will perform at the Force of Nature Concert. The auction held during the Gala raised a grand total of RM432,500 which will go to the Force of Nature Foundation.
Photos from the Force of Nature Aid Foundation news conference:
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(1) and (2): Michelle at the press conference.
(3): back row (R to L): Razali Ismail, special envoy to Malaysia's tsunami aid, Michelle, Will.I.Am of the Black Eyed Peas, Shawn Stockman, Wanya Morris, Nathan Morris of Boyz II Men, A.J. McLean of The Backstreet Boys. front row (R to L): Brian Littrell, Kevin Scott Richardson, Howie Dorough, and Nick Carter of The Backstreet Boys.
(4): flash the Force of Nature Aid Foundation sign.
(5): (R to L) Razali Ismail, Michelle, Will.I.Am, Shawn Stockman, Wanya Morris, Nathan Morris, A.J. McLean, Nick Carter, Howie Dorough, Kevin Richardson and Brian Littrell.
(6): Michelle with Will.I.Am of the Black Eyed Peas at the press conference.
(7) and (8): Michelle and Ferrari team principal Jean Todt flash the sign after the Force of Nature Aid Foundation celebrity news conference.
New Straits Times: Touched by the plight of Tsunami victims
The Star: Kids of Aceh move the stars
New Straits Times: Tsunami aid show exceeds RM10m target
AFP: International stars unite at Malaysian concert to raise tsunami aid
The Star: Cool way to kick off world's hottest race
Mar. 15th
- On March 15th, Michelle, a Force of Nature foundation representative, visited tsunami-hit Indonesian province of Aceh as a guest of the United Nations's World Food Programme.
"Today we are specifically here to know the needs of the people of Aceh, to assess the situation here," Michelle told journalists during a visit to an elementary school in the Tanjung Selamat area of Banda Aceh. She said the Force of Nature, formed to help tsunami victims, would focus on education and the building of schools and homes for survivors.
Although the media attention has been dieing down, a lot more help is still needed. The local governor of Aceh said that 100,000 houses are needed there.
Michelle said she admired the resilience of the Acehnese in rebuilding their lives, and their strong sense of survival. She considered it a privilege to be chosen to go to Aceh. She said: "We should realise how lucky we are. I am glad to have done my part for a worthy cause. If we do something for others, we actually help ourselves."
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left: Michelle, with Will Adams (left) from Black Eyed Peas, greet a child during their visit to Banda Aceh
middle & right: Michlle with Acehnese children who performed a dance in traditional dress |
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| Michelle gives out snacks to Acehnese children in Tanjung Selamat village (photos from "Reuters", "AP", "Sing Tao", "SinChew" and "Serambi". click to enlarge) |
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Related links:
WFP (World Food Programme) Press Release:
"Black Eyed Peas" and Michelle Yeoh support brighter future for children after the tsunami
Borneo: Ex-Bond girl Yeoh visits Aceh
The Star: Michelle Yeoh touched by visit to Aceh
New Straits Times: Impressed by grit of human spirit
Mar. 14th
- The Touch will be released in Japan on April 16th, under the Japanese title "Sanzohoushi No Hihou" ("Secret Treasure of Master Sanzang").
- Michelle will visit Indonesia's tsunami-hit province of Aceh on 15th with the American hip hop group Black Eyed Peas, the UN's World Food Program - which is sponsoring the visit. The tusnami, caused by a massive earthquake, killed more than 273,000 people in 11 Indian Ocean countries. Aceh was the worst hit, with more than 200,000 people believed dead or missing.
Michelle is a goodwill ambassador for the Force of Nature Aid Foundation, a Malaysia-based nonprofit organisation established to help victims of the tsunami disaster. The foundation is organising a tsunami benefit concert on Friday in Kuala Lumpur which will feature the Black Eyed Peas, boy band Backstreet Boys, R and B stars Boyz II Men, Lauryn Hill and rapper Wyclef Jean.
Related link: Former Bond girl Yeoh to visit Indonesia's tsunami-hit Aceh
Mar. 11th
- New in Silver Hawk: posters.
- Memoirs of a Geisha: exclusive Zhang Ziyi interview - another interview from the day when Akiko and some other Japanese journalists visited the Sony set on December 6, 2004. Many thanks to Akiko, not only for providing the interviews but also for her kindly answering many of my questions. Thanks also go to Dean who helped a lot with text editing.
Mar. 8th
- Memoirs of a Geisha update: release dates.
Mar. 7th
- Memoirs of a Geisha: a "LA Times" article on the issue under debate that no Japanese is cast for the three leading geisha roles. (thanks Laurie for the article and photos!)
Mar. 3rd
- According to "Sin Chew" (Malaysia), both Michelle and Jackie Chan will attend the Force of Nature Concert for tsunami aid, which will be held on March 18, 2005 at Stadium Putra in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Related links:
PR Newswire press release
MTV Headlines
Buy Force of Nature Concert ticket
Mar. 2nd
- Michelle will be attending the Petronas Malaysian Grand Prix Ice Gala, which will take place at the Kuala Lumpur Mandarin Oriental on March 17. A celebrity charity auction will be conducted to help raise funds for the Force of Nature Foundation Fund in aid of tsunami victims. ( Related links: F1 Live The Star
Feb. 28th
- Memoirs of a Geisha: video clips and transcripts of Michelle and director Rob Marshall's speeches at the Japan press conference.
- Michelle went back to Hong Kong and appeared at the Louis Vuitton (LV) charity auction as one of the hosts on February 26th. She attended the LV press conference in the afternoon and the LV Hong Kong Cancer Fund charity ball in the evening. Michelle has been a supporter of the fund for 20 years.
At the press conference, Michelle was asked about the Memoirs shooting (see Memoirs section) and her personal life. Michelle made it clear that she is not engaged. As for her film plans, she's under the negotiation for a Hollywood film and the details can be expected to be announced in April.
Michelle spent the Chinese New Year in Malaysia, Valentine's Day on an airplane to Switzerland, and she's returning to the U.S. today to continue working on the Memoirs of a Geisha post-production.
Photos above: LV charity ball
Photos below: LV press conference
(click to enlarge)
The unique pink diamond necklace from Fleur Medallion is an item later Michelle hosts for auction
The case Michelle sits on is another auction item, calligraphed by artist Fung Ming-chip
middle: Michelle and LV Asia Pacific executive vice president Francois Delage at the press
right: L to R: Fung Ming-chip, Michelle, Francois Delage, Ruan Wei Wen
(Photos from "Tom", "Sina", "sun" and "Sing Pao")
- AP report: Michelle Yeoh says Japan shouldn't be turned off by Chinese cast in "Memoirs of a Geisha"
Feb. 22nd
- Malaysian newspapers reported that Malaysia's Force of Nature Foundation, which was launched on 22nd, will be hosting in March a concert featuring international bands and local artistes. The foundation hopes to raise RM10 million through the concert and more money through donations globally for the tsunami victims and to victims of other natural disasters. A spokesman said at the press that Michelle is a member of the the foundation.
- MP3 format has been added for the two audio clips of Michelle's interview from the Memoirs set on December 6, 2004. (thanks BAM)
Feb. 21st
- Memoirs of a Geisha: Kenneth Tsang talks about his character in the film. (thanks Michelle - not Yeoh)
Feb. 16th- Dutch version DVD of The Touch has been released under the title "The Martial Touch". It has the original English soundtrack with Dutch subtitles. Picture shown is the cover (click to enlarge). (Thanks to Willem from the Netherlands.)
- Memoirs of a Geisha: Rob Marshall interview from Akiko. Done at the day when they visited the Sony set last December. (Thanks Dean for the help with the transcript.)
Feb. 14th- Video: this is from Japanese TV-asahi, in a program called "Smastation" by Shingo Katori, a member of SMAP (a very popular Japanese idol group). It was shown in a popular section, "Bera Bera Station", where Katori learns English. In the message Michelle greeted Katori for his birthday and it is used as a listening comprehension test of English. The video was recorded at the location of the Japanese "Memoirs" press conference (in English, 0:18 1.44MB, Windows Media).
Thanks Janguruguru and Arnold!
Feb. 11th- Michelle was a surprise guest at the MCA Chinese New Year open house in Kuala Terengganu (Malaysia), Feb. 11th. The crowd couldn't believe their ears when they first heard the announcement that Datuk Michelle Yeoh was coming to the event. A few seconds later many people rushed to shake her hand or ask for her autograph.
Asked about her film plan, Michelle said she has not planned her next film yet.
"The Star": Star bonds with crowd at open house
Feb. 10th
- "Mercury News" report on Memoirs of a Geisha filming.
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| HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR |
Feb. 9th
- Memoirs of a Geisha: Millions of thanks to Akiko, who kindly agreed to share with us her exclusive interview of Michelle on the Memoirs set. Many thanks also goes to Dean and BAM, for their helps with the transcript and the audio clips.
Feb. 7th
- The Wai Lin figure from SideShow Collectibles is coming out soon. According to SideShow's website, the first limited edition of 500 figures have been all sold out and they have started pre-order for another round of limited edition. Wai Lin figure has over 30 points of articulation and comes with a MP-5 sub-machine gun with removable clip, small explosives, two ninja stars to match the ones implanted on the bottom of her shoes. It is only the second figure from Sideshow that uses real hair. The packaging box uses Michelle's real photos from Tomorrow Never Dies.
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Feb. 6th
- Memoirs of a Geisha: Presidio shooting set photos and more.
Feb. 3rd
- When Michelle met with director Rob Marshall for Memoirs of a Geisha, she was given the choice to portray either Mameha or Hatsumomo. Michelle opted for Mameha. I never had any doubt Michelle could bring Mameha's character to life. Anyway, I always thought, if they insist on using Chinese actresses, they should let Gong Li play an older version of Zhang Ziyi (note that they look strikingly similar), and let Michelle and Maggie Cheung play Mameha and Hatsumomo respectively, or even the other way around, maybe even more interesting ;-).
Thanks Akiko, a Japanese journalist and Michelle fan, for sharing more information with us. Details see Memoirs of a Geisha page.
Jan. 31st- Memoirs of a Geisha shooting officially wrapped in Japan. A press conference was held today in Tokyo to celebrate the completion of filming. See details and photos in Memoirs of a Geisha news.
Picture at left: Michelle and her Mameha character poster at the press (Photos from "Sohu" and "Epoch Times").
Jan. 30th
- Estimated budget for Memoirs of a Geisha is about $100 million.
Jan. 28th
- Memoirs of a Geisha: updates including additional casting information and two set photos. Kenneth Tsang, who co-starred with Michelle in The Touch, Supercop, and Yes Madam, will play the General in Memoirs.
Jan. 21st
- Memoirs of a Geisha: filming in the Bay Area has been completed.
Jan. 19th
- In order to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the Chinese film industry, China's "12th College Students Film Festival", which will open in April, has launched an online voting program. People can select their favorite 100 Chinese films, 100 filmmakers, actors or actresses and 30 film songs. You may vote in the following links (names and titles are in simplified Chinese):
People: here is a list of 130 filmmakers, actors and actresses in the alphabetic order by the sound of their names. Michelle's name (
)
is the 20th from the bottom. The "Send" button is the left one right
under the list.
Movies: Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon is listed the 7th from the bottom.
- A Memoirs of a Geisha pic is published at "Entertainment Weekly". Still no Michelle...
Jan. 16th
- Memoirs of a Geisha: filming updates and two set reports, including one from Dean.
Jan. 14th
- Memoirs of a Geisha: some set photos from GG Park and from earlier L.A. shooting (with Michelle!). Pictures were taken from DISTANCE but still interesting I believe.
Jan. 13th
- [04:25p.m. Pacific Time] Dean called from San Fransisco. He's at Golden Gate Park and just saw Michelle walk into the Tea Garden. She was dressed in a geisha costume with a jacket on top (it is chilly there). Dean said he waved to Michelle and she waved back. Let's wait to hear more from Dean tomorrow and hope his digital camera (without zoom) will not fail us. ;-)
- Memoirs of a Geisha: yesterday's shooting, some anecdotes from LA shooting, and materials from the "Premiere" magazine on the film.
Jan. 12th
- Updates on Memoirs of a Geisha.
Jan. 10th
- Michelle was nominated as Best Actress at the 7th Changchun Film Festival for her role in Silver Hawk. More details...
Jan. 9th
- More set photos from Memoirs of a Geisha.
Jan. 7th
- Fan arts: two new drawings of Michelle and two new wallpapers. Thanks Felix and Robert!
- Memoirs of a Geisha: more on the Bay Area filming.
Jan. 6th
- Memoirs of a Geisha: first teaser poster and more reports.
Jan. 5th
- Memoirs of a Geisha: set photos from Old Sacramento and more shooting information from the Bay Area.
Jan. 4th
- In order to help the tsunami victims, Hong Kong "Oriental Daily" created a special "Celebrity Compassion Charity Auction". Many Hong Kong stars donated their valuable collections. "Oriental Daily" reported Michelle donated double. She feels very sad for those who lost their loved ones or their homes due to the catastrophe and hopes more people will offer help.
- Filming of Memoirs of a Geisha has moved to the Bay Area. More details see Memoirs of a Geisha news.
Jan. 3rd
- Silver Hawk is listed by China's "Xin Hua" as one of the ten most powerful Chinese films in 2004.
- Memoirs of a Geisha: some trivial bits.
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