Raymond Lam to Star in Jet Li Movie?
To boost Raymond Lam Fung’s popularity in television, film, and music, TVB allowed him to star in two consecutive movies, The Emerald and the Pearl <翡翠明珠> and Perfect Wedding <抱抱俏佳人>. Recently, TVB secured a heavy-weight role in the upcoming $200 million (HKD) Jet Li film, The Legend of White Snake <白蛇傳>.
Funded by Eva Huang Sheng Yi’s boyfriend, Yang Tze’s entertainment company, The Legend of White Snake started filming in early September. Eva will be playing the role of White Snake, Charlene Choi will play Green Snake, and Jet Liwill portray the monk, Fat Hoi. Allegedly, Raymond Lam will play the lead role of Hui Sin and share a romantic relationship with Eva.
The role of Hui Sin will have equal screen time as White Snake. As a result, many young actors such as Ethan Ruan Jing Tian, Peter Ho Jun Tung, and Mark Zhao Wen Ting were interested in the role. The film company decided to cast Raymond since he was the most popular in China among the young actors,
When Appledaily contacted The Legend of White Snake’s director, Ching Siu Tung, he said, “We signed a confidentiality agreement; it is best to contact the film company with any questions.” Mr. Ching denied that the film will be filmed in 3D. Regarding Raymond Lam joining the cast, Mr. Ching said, “It has not been finalized yet. Raymond Lam is currently busy with other projects. We have to see if the schedule works out.”
Due to Raymond’s neck injury earlier, he was hospitalized for two days. After leaving the hospital, he immersed in the filming of TVB series, The Colorful World of Sister Fa <花花世界花家姐> with Charmaine Sheh Si Man. “This week, I will be filming inside the TVB studio, so it will not be very strenuous. I have to film a movie in China afterwards. It may be necessary for me to engage in some action sequences. I will have to be careful.”
Did Raymond ask for adequate rest? “Each year, I will submit a vacation request. However, each time, the vacation is cancelled due to additional work. Right now, my schedule is busy until next year.”
Excerpt from Appledaily
Jayne: Although it has not been officially confirmed, there is a high chance that Raymond Lam will appear in The Legend of White Snake if his health and schedule allow for it. TVB’s Virigina Lok will probably move mountains to make sure this happens, as Raymond is one of her favorite artists! It’s a great opportunity for Raymond’s resume!
Does anyone remember Tsui Hark’s 1993 version of the story, Green Snake? This version featured Joey Wong as White Snake, Maggie Cheung as Green Snake, and Vincent Zhao as the monk. Joey and Maggie were perfectly cast as the beautiful, seductive serpents. This film was quite sensual and probably truer to the spirit of the original classic story.
2010’s The Legend of White Snake seems to strive to be a crowd pleaser, with Jet Li in the monk role. I find the decision to cast Eva Huang and Charlene Choi in the respective roles lacking. I see Charlene as a cuter version of Miriam Yeung and best in comedies. Eva Huang is a little young for the seductress role.
I’m not sure, Ray can make the transition to movies. His previous works speak against it. Of course, his previous works haven’t been anything serious so maybe it’ll be different this time.
Joey and Maggie were perfect.
Oh well, maybe Tony could settle for Zhou Xun and Li Bing Bing. They have already shown pretty strong chemistry. And other qualities.
Not to nag but wouldn’t (Tony) Ching Siu-Tung be “Mr. Ching” ?
I hope Ray will get plenty of rest before he takes on a project like this. He needs it and is being overworked. I know he is super popular now, but if he keeps working like this, his injury will get worst! I also don’t know if the two actresses are the right fit for the roles. Comparing them to Joey and Maggie, they are miscasts. But maybe the movie producers want to give the movie a new spin to it.
Charlene Choi and Jet Li are obviously cast to support the 2 leads. Charline and Jet are bigger stars than Eva Huang (male lead not confirmed yet).
Timothy, yes you’re right it should be Mr. Ching…changes have been made.
“I’m not sure, Ray can make the transition to movies. His previous works speak against it. Of course, his previous works haven’t been anything serious so maybe it’ll be different this time.”
The Jade and The Pearl is a lousy movie by itself. It’s not Ray’s fault and shouldn’t be used to judge Ray’s transition to movies. I think Perfect Wedding will be much better because the director Barbara Wong has good reputation in romantic youth comedies.
This White Snake movie is really a huge thing to add to Ray’s resume. I think Ray will find this offer to star with Jet Li something very hard to refuse even with his health condition since this is too big of an opportunity to rise in movie world. I agree tho that Charlene is a miscast since she suits a more cute lovey dovey role. I don’t know about Eva Huang leading a big production since she’s not exactly well known.
Raymond previous movies also include ‘Stolen Love’.
“Raymond previous movies also include ‘Stolen Love’.”
‘Stolen Love’ was Ray’s first movie and he’s the lead but that was like in 2001 when Ray’s still a newbie just entering the acting world. As a newbie Ray wasn’t bad at all in the movie.
Jayne and everybody, its official. Ray is confirmed in this movie and already going to Shanghai for costume fitting.
http://asianuniverse.net/forums/Raymond_Lam_hurts_neck_again_still_no_break_fly_to_Shanghai_t244964.html
Ray is a very hardworking and highly professional to continue working even with his injured neck! TVB is to blame for not letting Ray rest. Screw TVB.
This is a big opportunity to star right beside Jet Li!! All the best for Ray.
Why Charlene Choi? Isn’t there any other COMPETENT film actresses in HK? She is beyond awful in acting. Can’t sing, can’t act and can’t dance and yet so darn famous for what?
White and Green snake is a great story but not sure if a good adaption can yield from a movie. Glad to hear that Raymond will be in it, but feel bad for him since he got injured and has had no rest. Ray is really professional and hardworking and I think he understands that competition in the circle is hard. Therefore, he is taking advantage of all of the opportunities while he can.However, I still think that he should put his health first…Fame and fortune cannot buy your health back…
Vivien, thanks for the great news! Starring opposite Jet Li is a great opportunity. Although some of Jet Li’s Hollywood movies have tanked in the USA, he still has enormous box office draw in China.
I don’t understand why TVB is trying so hard to promote Ray Lam. He is not all that good either. Only thing he’s pretty good at is singing.
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Funn Lim says:
September 15, 2010 at 7:04 am
Why Charlene Choi? Isn’t there any other COMPETENT film actresses in HK? She is beyond awful in acting. Can’t sing, can’t act and can’t dance and yet so darn famous for what?
to Funn Lim,
look at this post by Anomymous says:
September 16, 2010 at 1:33 pm
itu mesti kes dengki…he/she is jealous with raymond. memang PhD = Perasaan Hasad Dengki
to joshua,
Betul tentang kenyataan itu. Setuju.
Dengki apa. Tak suka perlakon itu maknanya dengki? Tak boleh ke dia benar-benar rasa raymond Lam tak pandai berlakon?
I don’t understand why TVB is trying so hard to promote Ray Lam. He is not all that good either. Only thing he’s pretty good at is singing
Raymond Lam has a great amount of fans who love him and will support him for respective reasons. From a business POV, just like any other corporate organization TVB must’ve find him worth investing for and thus promote him 🙂
It’s a good move for Virginia and Raymond to push for that role. HK filmbiz is shady really require on strong connections, this is a fact. It’s hard for TV actors to break into the silver screen no matter how established they are. The more high profile movies Raymond can get, the easier he can mold himself into the silver screen arena.
Kidd, pls dun be poyo over here!
Cannot debate properly, use insult. Very mature.
Very common argument by fans.
“He/she criticise/hate my idol. He/she must be jealous!!!
“I don’t understand why TVB is trying so hard to promote Ray Lam. He is not all that good either. Only thing he’s pretty good at is singing”
bcos Ray is the best of his generation. If u say Ray isn’t all that good then what do you call the other siu sangs Bosco etc is what? Crap? rofl
Other siu sangs including Bosco are way better than Ray. Ray’s acting needs improvement. He is not versatile enough. I have tried to watch his dramas but he bores me. However, I will say that Ray is a better singer than Bosco. Bosco should give that up and stick to one thing at a time.
Everyone has their own opinions and views so please try to respect each other. About Ray,I personally like him and think that he is really talented, but hey just like beauty,”talent is in the eye of the beholder” too. There is always room for improvement for anyone, even the veteran actors/singers that always try to improve after every performance. Regardless of how popular or talented anyone is, not everyone will like them. Popularity gives you a lot of admirers and fans, but also a lot of enemies as well.
^ Anomymous: Wear an username then talk.
Raymond Lam is highly promote because he is a gem in TVB. ^Masaharu I agree he has a great amount of fans and he is the one who has the largest amount of fans in TVB now. Nobody in TVB can compete fans with him. Mention of him on weibo and you will receive many replies. It’s the best answer for the reason.
Not only famous, he is also a hard working guy. Not many people in TVB can do many works as him now. He can do 2 movies and 1 series at the same time. Very hard working. He always makes his fans proud.
I enjoy everything he is in. Try to understand him, you will know why TVB thinks highly on him.
I wish him all the best in the movie but I worry for his injury. China stuffs are always crap, he deserves better than that. I’m wishing for the Generals of Yeung Family in March next year.
“^ Anomymous: Wear an username then talk.
Raymond Lam is highly promote because he is a gem in TVB. ^Masaharu I agree he has a great amount of fans and he is the one who has the largest amount of fans in TVB now. Nobody in TVB can compete fans with him. Mention of him on weibo and you will receive many replies. It’s the best answer for the reason.
Not only famous, he is also a hard working guy. Not many people in TVB can do many works as him now. He can do 2 movies and 1 series at the same time. Very hard working. He always makes his fans proud.
I enjoy everything he is in. Try to understand him, you will know why TVB thinks highly on him.”
Agree wif Macy. Anonymous please wear a name before you bash Ray. Ray is a very talented and hardworking artiste who still go to work with his vertebrae injury. Ray is a Gem in TVB and like Macy said has the largest fanbase in TVB now. He’s also popular in china which is why the director choose him over Ethan Ruan for this movie.
“I wish him all the best in the movie but I worry for his injury. China stuffs are always crap, he deserves better than that. I’m wishing for the Generals of Yeung Family in March next year.”
That’s another huge movie for Ray isn’t it? Great! Ray is climbing up in movies now! I wish him all the best too and hope the China stuffs don’t treat him badly since he’s injured.
Generals of Yeung Family is not a China crap stuff like Legend of White Snake. The investor of Generals of Yeung Family is Hongkonger.
Raymond Lam has his ups and he has his downs but generally he is a pretty consistent actor even if he has yet to reach the level of greatness. I remember him starting out, he overacts every time but he had potential. When he toned down his acting, he was able to take on the character and portray the character well. These days I feel he is too toned down so I guess he needs a bit of tuning up so to speak but he is TVB’s no. 1 guy for a very good reason. He is not the same level as Bosco and gang, I would say he is above that level. he can sing though I can hardly name more than 1 song. He can act, eventhough his best is yet to come. He seems like a decent intelligent fellow. I am not sure about movies, especially being casted against actors and actresses that will not be able to enhance him but will bring him down. If there is any doubt of his capabilities, forget Moonlight Resonance and all those crappy series. Just watch Golden Faith. I know you will say that is crappy series. But not one scene where he was confronted by I believe Deric Wan’s character. That series boasted the 2 great actors, Gallen Lo and Deric Wan and thought Ray’s role was not as huge, he definitely held his own in there which coincidentally was Myolie’s best role. The anomaly was Jess sorry to say.
Not that I enjoyed his every single performance or series (ahem! Mysteries of Love! Ahem!) but of all the so called younger actors, to me Raymond is stratosphere level. No young ones come close, although he ain’t Bobby or Bowie’s level so to speak.
Back to Charlene Choi. I am afraid she will be his acting poison. To compensate for her lack of acting skills and expressions, I am afraid Ray may, just may overact a bit like in his old days. I hope not.
@Macy,
Please don’t say that China stuff are crap since they make a lot of really good series(not sure about movies though). Also, White and Green Snake is a great story but am not sure if a movie can give it a good adaption. Have you even seen anything produced by China to say that CHina stuff are crap?? I used to like a lot of stuff produced by TVB HK in the 80s but now, not as much since TVB just isn’t as good as it used to be anymore. China and other companies have surpassed them now.
Are they going to remake Generals of the Yang Family again?? China made a good remake in 2006 already. I guess they are really out of ideas. Please don’t think that just because someone from Hk is investing in it that it will be a good movie/series…
@Funn.
Since Ray is going to play Hui Sin. He will act opposite Eva Huang more than Charlene. Charlene will be playing green snake while Eva Huang will be playing white snake.
So, it’s 2 established movie stars supporting 2 not-so-established movie actors.
@ HeTieShou.
‘Yang Family Warrior’ will be produced by Raymond Wong Pak Ming who produced Ip Man. I don’t know whether it will be a good movie or not since Raymond Wong said he want to choose handsome actors to play the 7 Yang brothers. At least, we will be guaranteed some good eye candies. 😀
@Kidd,
Thanks so much for the info! Oh so the Yang Family Warrior will be a movie and not a series. I think it may be good movie since that story is pretty easy to simplify. At least it will be good for drawing in fans and others who watch a movie/series just for the cast.:)
Ray is playing Xu Xian?? I can imagine Ray in that character since he has played other characters whom were somewhat similar to that character. Eva is playing white snake?? It will be nice to see Eva and Ray together. If Charlene is playing green snake then it will not affect Ray’s performance much because they are not paired up and will probably not have many scenes together.
just cast Ray in a big-budget movie in a kungfu genre. remember how he “wiped out” everyone in the drama with sterling performance as Kau Zhong in TOB? He was really good there and Tavia was good too
^ Ray will shine a lot in Kung Fu movies. I agree with Funn I’m also afraid that Charlene’s immature and childish acting will drag Ray’s acting but since Ray will act opposite Eva Huang more it sounds better. Ray will act with Jet Li too so makes it even better.
Funn is right Ray is completely on another higher level than the likes of Bosco and the others. He’s the most talented and msot popular.
Raymond Wong have produced good movies before and always cast Louis Koo. Wow Yang Family Warrior sounds like a huge production of eye candies including Ray doing Kung Fu. It sounds good now.
^ HeTieShou: Painted Skin is crap. Shanghai is crap. Mulan is crap. For the series, Meteors Rain is crap. The Legend of 3 Kingdom (new) is double crap with the combination of an idol love and a countryside love. You must see the costume in The Journey to the West. Jin Yong’s wuxia novels are bad adapted.
Ip Man, 14 Blades, The Beast Stalker, Bodyguards and Assassins are highly recommended for you.
For the Generals of Yeung Family, Wong Pak Ming wants to make a dream team of handsome and good acting actors. In this list, I love Raymond Lam, Louis Koo and Mark Zhao. They are handsome and good acting. I don’t like Huang Xiao Ming. If they can change him by Vic Chou it’ll be better.
@Macy,
Thanks for your recommendations, but you really should not stereotype that all Chinese movies/series are bad. There are good and bad movies/series for every country/company. I have seen good and bad from every country.
It also depends on your taste as well. I like Huang Xiao Ming, but you don’t… I personally think if you based it on looks, he looks better than Vic Chou. Acting, I think he is better too, but that is just my opinion.
About Jin Yong adaptions, if you are just talking about movies then I agree that I have not seen any good ones at all. However, it is not because it was made by China or whatever, it is because Jin Yong stories are way too long and have to be adapted into a series. I have seen some really good Jin Yong TV series adaptions from China. I enjoyed a lot of them. But then again, if you already think that everything from China is bad then I think once you know it is made by China, you refuse to even give it a chance even if it is good…I urge you to be more open to everything… You will be surprised at what you will discover.
^ HeTieShou: Chinese stuffs are crap to me. I can’t like them and I think I can’t change my taste. Every countries have good and bad stuffs but in China, they have more bad stuffs than good. I can’t digest Korean stuffs, too. I only like Cantonese and Western.