What's New is a recurring column that looks at the new films, music, books and DVD releases in and/or about Chinese mainland
New Film: The Monkey King 2
You can’t stop Journey to the West, you can only re-make it, and there are four highly anticipated adaptations on the way. This sequel to the 2014 hit is expected to crack the coveted RMB1 billion mark like its predecessor. While Donnie Yen is absent this time around, Aaron Kwok and Gong Li will provide this requisite star power. Plot details may be scarce, but audiences can expect a 3D effects-laden extravaganza capably handled by director Cheang Pou-soi (SPL II, The Monkey King). Released nationwide on February 8.
New Film: The Mermaid
The biggest threat to The Monkey King 2’s dominance is the latest film from Hong Kong comedy legend Stephen Chow (Shaolin Soccer, Kung Fu Hustle). While the funny man is keeping himself to directorial duties, acclaimed actor Deng Chao will once again show off the comedic chops he displayed in 2014 hit The Breakup Guru. Set in modern times, Deng stars as a biology professor who is saved by a mermaid (Lin Yun), whom he inevitably falls in love with. Released nationwide on February 8.
New Film: The Man From Macau III
Another Spring Festival, another edition of the come dic gambling saga. Once again, Chow Yun-fat returns as the impossibly charismatic Ko Chun, while megastars Jacky Cheung and Carina Lau make cameos. Even more exciting is the addition of Andy Lau, who reprises his iconic character of Michael “Dagger” Chan, aka the Knight of Gamblers. Lau’s appearance cements this franchise’s connection to the classic 1990s God of Gamblers series that spawned five films, while The Man From Macau films have grossed over USD234 million. Released nationwide on February 8.
New Film: The New Year’s Eve of Old Lee
The New Year’s Eve of Old Lee features national comedian gem Zhao Benshan as the titular character and My Own Swordsman star Yan Ni, who is known for her signature natural comedic style. The story unfolds with a festive New Year dinner, inviting viewers into some riotous family moments. Released nationwide on February 8.
New Music: The Fuzz - The Root of Innocence
Perennial favorites on the music festival circuit, Xi'an quartet The Fuzz take a major leap on their third album and first on Beijing indie instiution Maybe Mars. Produced by P.K. 14's Yang Haisong, The Root of Innocence captures the group at their most confident with plenty of early 80s new wave flourishes that will make New Order and The Cure fans smile. Tracks range from the anthemic ('Control', '0909 11') to the noisy ('Young Lovers', 'Psychedelic') with a couple of guitar-driven indie-pop gems thrown in ('Xiamen', 'Paper Tiger'). The band will be supporting the record with an ambitious 41-city tour that takes them as south as Kaoshiung and as northwest as Lhasa. Stay tuned for more details. Available to buy/stream at Maybe Mars' Bandcamp.
New Books: Bill Porter - Finding Them Gone
Under the nom du plume of Red Pine, Bill Porter is widely regarded as one of the world’s finest translators of Chinese poetry. A gifted travel writer, he pays tribute to China’s greatest poets by traveling the country to visit their grave sites in Finding them Gone. Available on Amazon.
> For past What's New columns, click here.
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