Ngor yiu sing ming (2006)

Director:

Lawrence Ah Mon

Writers:

Ching 'Jessica' Fong (writer)
Yiu Fai Lo (writer)

Release Date:

1 September 2006 (Hong Kong)

Genre:

Comedy | Drama

Plot:

Fai, a talented actor who has won the Best New Artist of the Hong Kong Film Awards and always plays leading roles in television...

Plot Keywords:

Award | Hong Kong | Stuntman | Movie Fan | Movie Set

Awards:

2 wins & 3 nominations

Cast

Ching Wan Lau	...	Fai
Siyan Huo	...	Fei (as Huo Si-Yan)
rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Fruit Chan
Gordon Chan	...	Himself
Ekin Cheng	...	Himself
Leung Chun 'Samson' Chiu
Calvin Choi
Remus Choi
Niki Chow
Vincent Chui
Henry Fong
Ann Hui	...	Film Director
Han Jiang
Elena Kong
Feng Ku
Jo Kuk
Yiu-Cheung Lai
Tan Lau
Tony Leung Ka Fai	...	Himself
Shan Liang
Jamie Luk
Fiona Sit	...	Herself
Edmond So
Kwok Cheung Tsang
Wei Tung	...	Action Choreographer
On-on Yu

Also Known As:

My Name Is Fame (International: English title)

Runtime:

Hong Kong:94 min

Country:

Hong Kong

Language:

Cantonese

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Certification:

Hong Kong:IIA | Malaysia:U | Singapore:PG

Filming Locations:

Hong Kong, China

Company:

BMA

Trivia:

Inside joke: While watching seasoned actor Fai (played by Lau Ching-wan) appears in a film award ceremony as a nominee of Best Supporting Actor, a friend of him quips, "He should be the next one in the queue who wins an award." In real life, Lau Ching-wan has been widely hailed as a character actor and yet he failed to win any film award prior to this film albeit being nominated for Hong Kong Film Awards for six times. He has finally won one for his performance in this film.

Movie Connections:

References Juet sai ho bun (2004)

A Nutshell Review: My Name is Fame

My friend Richard has lent me the VCD in the last week of 2006, has constantly raved about it, but it took me this long to finally pop it into the player. Not that I'm not heeding his recommendation, but a whole slew of events and bad time management prevented me from watching it in 2006. Nonetheless I just did, and boy, I've got no regrets watching it!

Of late, there have been many movies which hit the VCD/DVD shelves without having a whiff at the theatres. My Name is Fame is one of them, starring HK veteran actor Lau Ching Wan in a role all too familiar with the has-beens of the industry. He plays Fai, an actor who doesn't compromise his acting beliefs, and doesn't mince his words when it comes to criticizing the industry - be it fellow actors, directors, the scripts, and even the crew. His ideal morals on the state of the industry are subtle digs at the real deal, in an industry where looks are championed over true abilities. It is no wonder that, without being blessed with idol looks, and given his attitude, he soon finds himself in the doldrums of the industry despite being an award winning actor. Yes, both the industry and the public are fickle creatures.

While helping his ex-wife, he chances upon an ingénue Faye (played by Chinese actress Huo Si-Yan), who impresses him with her raw talent and energy, coupled with a gung ho spirit. Without a doubt, he unwittingly takes her under his wing, becoming her manager, honing her craft, as well as seeking out true, genuine opportunities for his protégé, nevermind if they happen to be bit roles, in a field where sleaze is part and parcel of the game plan. Highly protective of his charge, he finds it increasing dangerous as his emotions get the better of him, and he starts to develop feelings for her.

Sounds familiar? Yes actually, the basic plot followed similarly to Innocent Steps, where a has-been wallowing in self pity looks to a rising star, grooming her for greater heights, at the same time rediscovering oneself and one's passion, while at the same time falling in love. However, for movie buffs, this one would tickle your funny bone at the same time as Fai unleashes his barbs against those in the industry. Some concerns highlighted were familiar grounds, especially those on sleaze, while others are reflective pieces about the current state of things.

Making plenty of appearances here in the movie are has-beens themselves, or rather, those that have taken a backseat and faded slowly from the limelight, like Ekin Cheng and the Grasshoppers. See if you can spot many more actors and premise of movies adapted and put on screen here. But the gig belonged to Lau Ching Wan in his earnest portrayal, and the chemistry with co-star Huo Si-Yan is fabulous. Oh yes, having a pretty face helped loads too.

The film industry isn't all glamour. There are plenty of hard work put into making a movie, and for someone looking for that big break, a certain amount of luck, plenty of contacts, the willingness to start from the bottom and plough in lots of hard work, seem like a recipe for a chance at success. Then again, which career doesn't start off in a similar fashion?

Recommended stuff! The VCD comes with 2 audio tracks, one in Cantonese and the other in Mandarin, though I suspect that in the Cantonese track, Huo had her lines voiced over by someone else. It sure didn't sound natural.