“Declared Legally Dead” Tops Hong Kong Box Office
Directed by Yuen Kim-wai (袁劍偉), the suspense thriller Declared Legally Dead <死因無可疑> topped the Hong Kong box office on the day of its release and maintained its top position for four full days, grossing over 3 million Hong Kong dollars. Reigning over both local and international films, Declared Legally Dead is the most critically and commercial successful Hong Kong film since the reopening of cinemas in May.
The film stars Anthony Wong (黃秋生) and Karena Lam (林嘉欣) as a middle aged couple who are suspected of killing their son for life insurance. An insurance agent, portrayed by Carlos Chan (陳家樂), investigates their case. The film also stars Kathy Yuen (湯怡), Liu Kai-chi (廖啟智), Stephen Au (歐錦棠), Catherine Chau (周家怡), and Alice Fung (馮素波).
Director Yuen Wai-kim hosted a banquet to commemorate the film’s opening success, inviting the cast, crew, and the executives of EEG, producers of the film.
“This was a commercial film, so more investments were involved,” said Yuen. “For the film to break even it needed support from viewers.”
Fans of the film said they would all like to see Anthony Wong and Karena Lam reunite for a second film, and proposed Yuen to do a prequel. Yuen said, “I like this idea of a prequel, and I’m listening to your suggestions. Fans are very interested about what Shum Chi-ling (Karena Lam) and Chu Chung-tak (Anthony Wong) went through before all of this happened. I think it’s about time we start writing!”
The cast of Declared Legally Dead toured around Hong Kong the past week to promote the film. Karena said, “I love meeting the fans up close and hear what they think about the film.” She shared that a fan had brought her five-year-old son along with her to watch the film, but when asked if Karena’s own daughter had watched it, she said, “After watching the trailer, she insisted she didn’t want to see that side of her mother. On the other hand, my youngest was curious.”
Starting July 3, Hong Kong cinemas will expand their capacity rates to 80 percent. The cast are excited for the opportunity to have more people see the film.
“If the film grosses over HK$10 million, Carlos said he will promote the film wearing only his swimsuit,” said Yuen. “I said swim suit, not swim trunks!”
Carlos retorted, “I never said that! I just said I’ll treat everyone to dinner! Usually it’s the girls who would say that!” Kathy said, “But I’m not the one with the six pack!”
Source: stheadline
This article is written by Addy for JayneStars.com.
Anthony Wong Uses His Star Power to Boost Carlos Chan in “Declared Legally Dead”
