== TLF HALFCD TEAM ==
"The army is here. C'mon, hide in the house."
Have some porridge, dear
No
Don't make him eat it
We all want steamed rice, not porridge
He's a difficult child
It’s beautiful. Grandpa, come and see
Is it Hong Kong?
Grandpa, are you okay?
I’m fine
Have some medicine
Give me some water
"Water."
"I don't want it."
Listen, we've reached Hong Kong
Line up to go on shore
Be quiet and come out when I call your name
Can you see it?
Yes, the boat is here
One after another, don't push
Next. Hurry
"Photo?"
"My mom told me to give you the photo on shore."
"I’ll throw you into the water if you don't."
"Give him the photo, kid."
"Your son has arrived in Hong Kong."
"Is he alright?"
What? You don't even have HK$100-
Okay, I’ll have US$ 40 only
"My mom said she had everything paid
Do you want to get on the bus or not?
What is it?
He refuses to pay
You said all expenses were included
Mind your own business or get off the bus now
Get off, kid
"She's your guide. Go with her."
Yes, hurry up, kid
Get off
50 people of us stowed away on ship
Only we are Vietnamese Chinese
The others are all Vietnamese
Can you tell us what you've gone through?
We stowed away on ship
We all worked in Nha Trang City
We waited for a chance to escape from Vietnam
We worked as usual in daytime
It took us 9 days to get here
We haven't slept for days and were short of rice
so we had one meal every two days
I know you left Vietnam…
…because of political reasons
What do you think about Vietnam's situation?
Get the key at the reception desk
Would we be repatriated?
No, you can stay in Hong Kong for 3 months
If no foreign countries receive you…
within this period
you can apply for immigration once
And your expenses in Hong Kong…
…will be covered by the United Nations
What can I do for you, kid?
Where are your families?
Can you help me to find my cousin?
You don't speak Cantonese?
What's the problem?
Boss
I don't know what he wants
I’ll take care of this. Go to work
Did you arrive in Hong Kong tonight?
A woman told me to come here
You stay here for tonight
I’ll help you to find your cousin
Have some rest
"Brother…"
"Heung, hold my hand."
"Wait, Chiu, Wait for me."
"Okay, stop getting on the boat. Next round."
Please wait for my wife
Next round
Don't worry. They'll come back for you
Hurry…
Hurry, get on the ship. Hurry
Hurry
Policemen, set sail
"No, please wait for my wife."
"Brother, how about Heung?"
"Brother, I can't go with you."
"Brother…"
Johnny
Chan Zhong, is that you?
Looking for someone?
No, just post an ad. for Charles
He's looking for a copywriter
Why are you here?
Looking for my cousin
So? Still painting for the living?
Please, they're only daubs
When did your cousin arrive?
I think he just arrived last night
People from this hotel called me this morning…
…and said he's here. I came immediately
They said he stays on this floor
Okay
I got to go
Come to see me some time, bye
Bye
"Where are your brother and sister-in-law?"
"I don't have much money."
"I promised your mom to take care of you."
"Are things expensive in Hong Kong?"
"You know the exchange rate…
…of Hong Kong Dollar to Vietnamese Dong?"
70 VND 1 HKD
Here you are
Thank you, aunt Mui, you cook them yourself
This is aunt Mui
Aunt Mui
This is my cousin Ah Man. He just arrived
He seldom spoke Cantonese in the refugee camp
so he isn't very well conversant with the language
I see
"When someone helps you
you say 'thank you'."
"When someone gives you something
you say 'much obliged'."
"When you offend someone, you say 'sorry'."
"The thing we want to make a lot is 'money"'
Okay
Thank you
I think…we ought to put off our wedding
Mom, I received your letter today
Are you still suffering from headaches?
How are my brother and sister-in-law?
Johnny takes very good care of me
He's bought me a lot of things
I haven't found a job yet
Johnny said I should learn Cantonese first…
…and take it step by step
You know how I learn Cantonese?
Johnny has a telly at home
I watch telly everyday…
…and repeat after the actors
I can speak quite well now
I think I’ll look for a job soon…
…and save up enough money…
…to bring you all here
Hong Kong has many people
There are some streets where…
…people do business at night. It’s all pretty crowded
Mom, I’ll look after myself
Don't worry about me. Wish you good health
Hello?
Speaking
Which room?
1204. Okay, I’ll be right there
Looking for a seat?
Try table number 6
Excuse me
is the seat taken?
Ah Kei, bring me the bill…
I saw you at the hotel before
What hotel?
I saw you in the corridor
Is it Mei Hua Hotel?
I don't remember
You live with your family?
I came to Hong Kong alone
You don't know anyone in Hong Kong?
I stay with my cousin
YOU Hing Nin is your cousin?
You know him?
I met him that day
So he was there for you
Ah Man, may I take your order?
I would like some fried beef noodles, please
You're here alone. Aren't you bored?
I paint
You're welcome to my studio anytime…
…if you’re interested
Really?
You should go to bed
I saw you’re back, so I came to see you
It’s late. Go to bed
Johnny, I want to find a job
What kind of job?
When I had dinner at aunt Mui's restaurant
I met a painter. He said he knows you
What's his name?
Chan Zhong
Did he say anything about me?
No, his studio needs a trainee
I want to work for them
Hey, would you like to go overseas?
Where?
The States
My friend will help me with the application
I will bring you with me
I won't go
"I won't go…"
How come?
I hate foreigners. I hate them
Why?
I despise them. They killed my sister
"I won't go."
Can I help you, kid?
Ah Man, it's you. Come
You don't have to work?
This is our studio, a small room
Let's have a cup of coffee
I have money, let me treat you
Okay, I’ll talk to my boss
I thought you didn't mean it
I really want to find a job
I guess it's not a problem
We’ve just received a new order
The boss said we need more helpers
But…
I don't want to stay at home all day
But we don't pay trainees much money
It’s okay
The boss is a bit mean
But you can ignore him
I don't know anything
You'll learn how to paint daubs real quick
How long have you been working in the studio?
So, you like this place?
We come here a lot
Sometimes, we stay for a whole day
How long have you been in Hong Kong?
Almost 2 years
You came on ship?
No, I left the army…
…and went to Cambodia from Vietnam
Then from Cambodia to Macau…
…and from Macau to Hong Kong
I was caught and repatriated the first time
I only succeeded the second time
Have you been a soldier?
I was stationed in Tay Ninh
It seems absurd when we think about it now;
I mean, us Chinese helping Vietnamese to fight Vietnamese
Anyway, we managed to leave that place alive
So what?
I make a living by painting daubs
And your cousin Johnny…
What about Johnny?
Well, let's change the topic. Coffee?
There's the bus stop. See you
It’s late. What're you doing in the street?
What's your name?
Chan Keung
Your I.D. card?
I didn't bring it with me
No? What're you doing in the street?
Where do you live?
2, Fuk Lo Tsun Road, Kowloon City
Your profession?
A trainee
Thank you, sir
Thank you
Bye
Ah Man, where are my paintings? All of them?
My boss said the cheque should be dated today
Okay
Your boss is stingy
He is always afraid that I won't pay him
Ah Man, are you busy now?
Yes?
Can you help me deliver a painting…
…to a customer?
I’ll give you 2 dollars
Oh, it's the painting
I nearly forgot, come in…
Put it over there
I’ll go get you the money
Johnny
Yes
I have put your money in your pocket
Tonight let's have dinner together, okay?
Okay
How about…
I want to move out
Why?
I can't live with Johnny
I delivered a painting to a hotel yesterday…
…and saw him with a foreign woman
You all know what he does for a living
Every one has a skeleton in his closet
Can I stay with you?
I will pay you the rent
I’ve spoken to aunt Mui
She said she'll pay me $200…
…for delivering takeaway over the weekends
I’ll save up enough money and get mom here
Do you know, kid
the war will be over soon
I overheard it a few days ago
The Northern Vietnam army will arrive soon
Peace will be resumed soon
You don't know what I am saying
Peace
"Do you know what peace is?"
After years of war, people long for peace
Thought I’d never see that day
You know why I am a vegetarian?
I do it for my grand children
How old are you?
My grandson is about your age
He was sent to station at the riverbank
The war lasts for more than 20 years
Life will be better when the war is over
I travelled to Hong Kong with my mom as a kid
I never thought I would stay for good
At first, she sent me money
Outward Remittance was banned since 1975…
…and my dad died soon after the liberation
My mom re-married
I had no money and got poor grades at school
I didn't know what to do
They came to me when they're free…
…and asked me if I would do it
Well, good money and easy to make
So I said yes
How is it going with the immigration application?
I don't know
Are you sure about this?
I want a brand new start
Mom, don't hurry brother
We're late
Hurry, we're late
Thank you
You should be more careful
I’m sorry. I’ll compensate for it
I just went to the U.S. Consulate
They said I couldn't apply for immigration…
…as a Vietnamese refugee…
…because I have a Hong Kong I.D. card
So I would like to change my I.D. card
Please
Why did you declare you came from the mainland?
We can sue you for…
…perjury in respect of your sworn testimony
But I can prove I went to school in Vietnam
If you want to change it
You need to provide a lot more documents…
…to prove you are Vietnamese
And don't forget, we can sue you
The court may take back your I.D. card
It could cost you
Thank you
Ah Mo, are you sure you want to go there?
Yes, I’ve thought about it carefully
It gets me nowhere if I keep painting daubs
Officer Hu sent you a letter
Have you received it?
Yes, he agrees with me
I go there to help him
We have many friends there
I think I can at least make a living
If I didn't have a family
I would go with you
I want to go there to get more experience…
…and broaden my horizon…
…while I am still young
Right
Ah Man, how long have you been in Hong Kong?
About 6 months
You're here alone?
Yes
You have relatives in Hong Kong?
No
Have you thought about your future?
I like painting
Painting? Painting these?
If you want to learn painting
I think you better leave this place
There's nothing to learn from these daubs
I don't think it's that terrible
We need to be realistic
Ah Man, you leaving now?
You, too, want to go to Paris?
Yes
With Mo?
Don't be silly
You think you can be a real painter in Paris?
You should be glad you have daubs to paint
Have you been there?
No, how would I?
I don't even have a Hong Kong I.D. card
You have no idea what drifted life is?
You killed anyone when stationed at Tay Ninh?
Do you know how I left Vietnam?
We, several other soldiers and l
were stationed at a mountain
A machine gun was firing at us
We knew we could not escape
so we lied down and pretended to be dead
We didn't know…
when we ran away
my friend next to me…
…was shot
He moaned because of the pain…
…and was shot in the head
His brains spurted on my face
I dared not make any noise…
…because I have no choice
Your cousin Johnny has no choice, too
We escaped from Vietnam
We all end up like this
You're drunk. Let's go home
We have to go to work tomorrow
Do you know where Taikoo Dockyard is?
Pardon?
Taikoo Dockyard?
What?
Taikoo Dockyard
What?
Taikoo…
Taikoo Dockyard
Do you know what he is saying?
No
Let's go. We don't understand him anyway
Taikoo Dockyard
Don't move
Don't shout for help
Only 40 dollars and a watch
What are you looking at?
How dare you? Go to hell
Go
Johnny was beaten to death by his client
It was a male client
The next day Chan Zhong and l went to the morgue
Johnny looked quite peaceful
One couldn't tell he's beaten to death
Looking at him, I wanted to cry
but I didn't
Reporters flocked around and asked about Johnny…
…the next few days
I said nothing
They never catch the murderer
Two landlords reported to the authority…
…that Chan Zhong is an illegal immigrant
The police came to the studio to nab him
He was repatriated
I remembered he told me once…
…we have no choice most of the time
I don't know if it's true or not
Maybe it is
Please
Thank you
"Do you know if it's true?
"I live in Saigon."
"My father died before I was born."
"I have a brother and a sister-in-law."
"My brother works as a translator."
"I've heard, if those who had helped Americans…
…were caught, they would be slaughtered."
"Do you know if it's true?"
"One Country Two Systems" policy is about to be put into practise
== TLF HALFCD TEAM ==
we all must choose our directions ahead
Facing such a major dilemma
a legendary figure who were ahead of us
whose choices and experience
has brought some insight to us on certain levels
This person is Hou Dejian
"Where are you going?"
"1980 Refugee Camp at Thai Borders"
There's a dragon in the ancient East
its name is China
There're a bunch a people from the ancient East
they are all descendants of the Dragon
l grew up underneath the Dragon's feet
and l'd grow up to be the Dragon's descendant
Black eyes， black hair and yellow skin
we're forever the Dragon's descendants
l grew up underneath the Dragon's feet
and l'd grow up to be the Dragon's descendant
Black eyes…
"1983 Paying tribute to ancestors in Sichuan"
Returning home after a long time away
l find that the garden is full of weeds
How many years of lingering around?
Oh…how many years of being pale?
How many years of waiting?
Oh…how many years of shivering it has been?
"1989 June 2nd， Tiananmen"
The four in the hunger strike include Liu Xiaobo
Chinese professor of Beijing Normal University
Gao Xin， former Chief Editor of the University paper of BNU
and a Communist Party member
Zhou Duo， Beijing Stone Group's
executive
and Hou Dejian， singer and composer
Among them， Liu Xiaobo
was one of the main advocates of the students' democratic movement
They will go without food for 72 hours
because Hou Dejian is heading to Hong Kong
he will only be involved for 48 hours
On their declaration， it says：
The latest movement is the biggest ever democratic movement
in Chinese history
"1989 August 18th， Beijing"
Hou Dejian was interviewed by CCTV
he talked about the clearance on June 4th at Tiananmen Square
He said he didn't see anyone being beaten to death
(Reporter) During the process
did you see anyone die?
l didn't
l didn't see anyone who got beaten to death with my own eyes
no matter they were students， citizens or soldiers
Not beaten to death， l didn't see with my own eyes
"…the tanks， and the soldiers in the square
they were going against something?"
"Did you see anything
regarding this?"
No， l didn't see anything
Not in the square
Not that
According to Hou Dejian's mother
she's suspicious about the whole thing
lf he's really safe， at home
he would have called us
But we haven't heard from him
that's what l find strange
And that person on TV
doesn't seem like him
"1992 March， Beijing"
You should know that heart break is inevitable
why have you fallen so deep?
Because love is always hard to break up
why focus on the gentleness?
You should know that heart break is inevitable
The sun is the brightest， Chairman Mao is our dearest
Your great contributions are hard to count
Your love is deeper than the ocean
"Liu Shaobo"
At the time l was in Qincheng Prison
the prosecutors showed me the paper
l read that after Hou Dejian walked out of the Australian Embassy
he did an interview with People's Daily
Back then l thought
what Dejian did， under the circumstances
he was telling the truth
not one lie
And he could face his own conscience
Also he was responsible to history
At the time， Dejian stood forward
it had only bad influence on him
because back then lots of people
were saying that it was a massacre etc
There were many shocking news
many were far off the subject
At the time， Beijing fired for certain
and the whole world believed there was a massacre at Tiananmen Square
bloodshed in Beijing city
And Dejian stood forward and spoke
especially after he walked out of the Australian Embassy
and did the interview. Others would think
that he must have made a deal with the government
Zhou Duo
l don't think it makes sense
for all those misunderstandings on Dejian
l think the Chinese has many faults
in this area
They can't forgive
and it wasn't really a matter of forgiveness
l don't think Dejian has done anything wrong
And even if he did， it could possibly
be the government-controlled media
used him to speak up and made some stories of it
at the time， l thought
Dejian has made a mistake in strategy
He shouldn't first accepted the interview with People's Daily
he should have taken interviews with foreign TV news reporters first
The credibility of what he said
would be higher if it was being broadcasted by foreign press
and the damages wouldn't be as much as with the People's Daily interview
Where were people being beaten to death?
When were people being beaten to death?
That's irrelevant
We said that within this limited area inside the square
from 4am onwards till the place was clear
we didn't see that anyone got beaten to death during the period
That's the truth
that's what we saw at the time
it didn't mean that no one's dead during the June 4th incident
That's two different things
The four of us were there
and we spoke to the TV audience
Though we didn't know within us
Dejian was the first to speak
and if you're saying that he should be responsible
and if this has done damages
of course l don't understand up to this date
what exactly the damages have been done
Even if there were
l feel l should be the one to take the blame
because l was the first to be locked up
it was in July
Because l was worried about Xiaobo's situation
l fear that he would be tortured
that's why l came up with this plan
and l suggested that we should
come forward to tell the truth
And in exchange
the four of us， especially Liu Xiaobo
would be free from investigation
l suggested it
and maybe my suggestion
had inspired certain departments
and hence the results
There wasn't anything we could have done
only this. ln the end we organised
a peaceful retreat from the square
And this， from all viewpoints
no matter what political standing you're on
one must admit that it was a good thing
Yes， it improved my situation then
Because on my judgment papers
the main reason stated for my release
and free from criminal sentencing
was that l had played a major role in the retreat
of the students in Tiananmen Square
"Taipei"
There's no need for memorial services， what l mean is
it's no necessary for too much probing into the good， the bad
merits， mistakes， rights and wrongs
lt was almost the anniversary of June 4th
Gao Xin， and later Zhou Duo were freed
Us three planned on writing a letter
on the eve of the anniversary
pleading for the release of Liu Xiaobo
and the others
The Chinese Government couldn't take it
that's why they arrested the three of us
the night before the press conference
Mr. Hou， sit， here
Mr. Hou， do you know
why we invite you here today?
Because of the press conference
Don't misunderstand， take a look at the documents
Notice the term "suspicious of
we're under orders to investigate
Please sign here， Mr. Hou
Your thumb
Alright
Mr. Hou， we know everything about what you've done
but we'd like to give you a chance
You know our party's policy
"be frank and you'll be treated leniently"
that's why l hope you
cherish this chance for you to be frank
Tell us！ What have you done lately?
Singing， dancing， soaking in public baths， practising qigong
and tai chi quan， eating， and…
What did you tell the foreign press?
What l said could be open to the public
l'm not afraid to let others find out
Last time when you looked for me
you told me that l have free speech
We've always had free speech
you can say whatever you want
you won't get into trouble
But there're laws stating that "no spreading of rumours"
especially those involve and hurt the party
and our leaders， those which attack socialism
l was only telling the truth
You lied
l didn't
You're lying with your eyes wide
Mr. Hou， let's try to solve the problem
Regarding the press conference
So it's about the pres conference
l was speaking in public for over half a year
and you're only arresting me today
No， no. Don't get us wrong， Mr. Hou
We invite you here today
not because of the press conference
But since you're here
you won't be able to attend the press conference later
so…what should we do?
What do you suggest?
Don't get us wrong， Mr. Hou
We've always enjoyed freedom of speech in China
everyone can speak publicly
But there're certain influences of public speaking
especially with a celebrity like you
Mr. Hou， that's why…
Cancel it if l can't attend
Fine！ You said it yourself
we didn't force you
The number is….
Contact person?
Chairman of foreign press society， Mr. Gimi
No English， speak in Chinese later
Hello， l'm Hou Dejian， Hou…De…Jian
press conference is cancelled
Right， my idea， cancel it
l'm fine， that's all， bye
Hey， time for food
l said…l am not going to drive
the mad dog (Government) more crazy
l didn't say that term， the reporter wrote it
l didn't say the Government is a mad dog
That's what he meant
lt's the usual rule in journalism
Hong Kong's Mingpao printed an article of Taiwan's China Times
it says， "According to Hou Dejian
he has seen with his own eyes
there were 1000 bodies in the hospital"
lt's a translation mistake
the original was from Canada's Globe and Mail
it said， Hou De Jian himself
believed no more than 1000
people had been killed
That's what it meant
less than a thousand
The Globe and Mail was really angry about this
they especially requested Mingpao to make an amendment
if you don't believe me， we can find the reporter
of the Globe and Mail
This is the proof， of you spreading rumours about the Government
The Government's figures is 300+
l said no more than 1000
Why didn't you say no more than 500?
Because l don't believe in Yuan Mu's statistics
And your statistics are based on what?
My estimation
Great！ lf everyone's making an estimation
the country would be out of order
Who should we listen to?
Unless there's a public investigation on the number of deaths
That's not our business as the police
And it's not your business， all l can say now is that
you openly discussed your own estimation
without any support to the data
Bad mouthing the government， that's fabrication
lt's not. Fabrication involves lying
You know better what the truth is
but you're making it up， that's called fabrication
Whatever l said l thought was the truth
what l believe in
He believes in
We don't want to believe that you would
intentionally hurt the party and our country， Mr. Hou
Maybe you didn't mean to
but you created trouble for our government
l don't think it's a very serious problem
the party and our country's policy has always been very forgiving
you're a smart man， Mr. Hou
Our country could really
use someone as talented as you are
Think about it， Mr. Hou
for example， the Asian Games is coming soon
Cui Jian (musician) has also answered to the government's call
he'll perform in a concert to raise funding for the games
the theme song hasn't been decided yet
Mr. Hou， you're a famous composer
why must you be so stubborn?
Think it over， take a step back and it will be fine
The key is that you must "raise your understanding"
do more in-depth self-criticism
We need to give an account
not explanations and details， think about it
l just couldn't agree that using tanks， machine guns
on the students and civilians as something great
glorious， smart， and right
Mr. Hou， have you thought seriously
how many years has the party and country supported you?
Hold on， who's supporting whom?
l paid a total of RMB$232，800
for tax in 1986 alone
l supported the Communist Party
l think l've contributed to the salary
of your President Jiang Zemin
Our party， our President
Then who are you?
Tax payer
Fine！ You've got guts， you…
We'll wait and see
Let's wrap it up today
Why did you throw a tantrum?
We had a deal
as long as you cooperate
after the sensitive time around June 4th has passed
you could go home
and we could relax， but you insist…
Sorry， l just can't let myself
writing down what l don't believe in
And l don't believe that
your party， government need
those self-deceit bullshit
That's why…
That's why l wrote in the letter that
please bring me more clothes and medication
if l spend more time here
l might be able to "raise my understanding"
Mr. Hou， why are you doing this?
You're only hurting yourself by doing this
l understand your good intention
l wish there were more good cops like you
Good cop
Sometimes l think
that cops like myself wreck things up
What do you mean?
lt's not the first time l heard the compliment
At first l was quite proud
but then l gave it some thought
Are people like me， being mediators
trying to solve small problems
and in the end let the problem
gone out of hand?
Sometimes l am not
sure what l'm supposed to do
Me neither
don't know what l should do， and whether l've done right
Chief
They are too nice to you
you've been living too comfortably here
you don't want to get out?
Listen well， it's from
the highest authority， and there're no negotiations
You've got two choices
One， go to prison. Second， go back to Taiwan
And we don't want to choose the first one
To be frank， you're very special， Mr. Hou
lf you were just an ordinary citizen
we could lock you up for years
just by finding out he's spoken to the foreign press
l hope that you'd suggest the second choice
Think it over， the sentence for "counter-revolution"
could be up to fifteen years
Mr. Hou， freedom is priceless
you shouldn't give it up that easily
as long as you cooperate
l guarantee that your friends， family will all benefit
My friend? You mean…Liu Xiaobo?
You're a smart man， think it over
This is my choice， l won't blame anyone
When you told me to write last time
l've already said it， l won't hate anyone
for carrying out his duties
Thanks
Have you been away from home long?
Seven whole years
Then you should go back， reunite with your folks
You should
Stay safe on the road
So? Mr. Hou. lt's much better
to be out here rather than inside， right?
Yes， it's dead bored in the room
That's enough…
Great…
Mr. Hou， come…sit， make yourself at home
lt's not easy for you to be our guest
Come…sit
Thanks， l don't drink
Mr. Hou， help yourself
Let me
Thanks
Mr. Hou， eat more
Let me
Make yourself at home
So? What do you think?
lt's pretty good
He's the cook
His main work at home is cooking
Practise makes perfect
Shut up
What about his wife?
She's really something
How?
His wife is doing really well
she makes twice of his monthly salary in one day
She's in business
The most modern profession of all， private businessman
Makes good money
Oh， l didn't expect that
My wife is really busy
what choice do l have?
Someone has to cook
l can't let my four years-old daughter starves
l love my daughter too
Then we're mates！ Cheers
Cheers
You cook so well
because you love your daughter， very nice
Mr. Hou， let me cook a meal for you one day
Really? Great
Deal
lsn't that a match on tonight? West Germany vs. Holland?
How could we forget?
Great…
Good one
That was a good goal
West Germany?
That wasn't W. Germany's goal
Can't believe you…
Holland's
Right…
Jie Yupeng， from this day on
you're Hou Dejian's entrusted representative in Beijing
You can find us if you have any oppositions
Ask him if you have any questions
ls there anything you need to talk to him?
Where are the things?
l took everything that they would allow
Your things at home， such as the sound system
should l take care of those?
Just leave them
l still have some of your cash
Keep it， you'll need it
What about you?
You don't know， l have mine…
Listen， l have some US dollars…
You're still a nag
Don't worry. Everything's fine， l'll come out soon
Let's go， Mr. Hou
We are the Navy of the PLA
stop the boat now， or we'll fire
Freeze
l shall return
Listen up， boat man
Bring this man to Taiwan
ls this your plan， arrangement you talked about?
You told me to go back to Taiwan， how can l enter?
This is an order， go
l have one note for you
after you've gone back to Taiwan， make up a good explanation
Get up！ Those people who refuse to be slaves
Get up…
Go， go…
On the matter that
how they arranged my return to Taiwan
l had many questions
for example， does Taiwan welcome me?
Would Taiwan accept my return?
"Women Women"
"You say， l say"
lt's quite a trial we have here today
not only that we've the press
and a full jury
lt's human nature
to be a fickle lover
l guess you'd be the best
who has really lived up to be one
in our history
no one could even come close
You abandoned your wife and child
seven years ago
you left them irresponsibly
And seven years later
your second wife
has told everyone through the media
that you're a very irresponsible man
l wonder whether you think
that as a human being
one must take certain responsibilities?
lf the society sees you
as a selfish man
that you lead your life like a game
l want to ask
what are your reactions to those?
Do you agree by not saying anything
or will you appeal?
After June 4th
many people step
on the blood and flesh of others
to make themselves look impressive
Of course， you wouldn't admit that you're a chameleon
a rattlesnake
You think that mainland China is like a refugee camp
but you once said that
you couldn't get a taste of China when you were in Taiwan
That's why you left for China seven years ago
But when you were there， from our research
you bought a villa， and you spent RMB$60，000
just on the decoration alone
l often doubt that whether
you haven't read the wuxia novels
by Mr. Jin Yong
East Wicked， West Poison， South Emperor， North Beggar
l've read almost every one of those
Then do you learn from Ouyang Feng? (evil)
Mr. Hou， l feel sorry for you
l wonder
whether you would feel the same
For the Chinese
it happened a major incident
here (in Taiwan)
For the first time in 2000 years
the Chinese don't have absolute power on a piece of her own land
And for the first time
for the Chinese
with their own power， they can live relaxingly， without pressure
And now， they don't know
what to do with the freedom. But it's great
So， Taiwan is not only a "nouveau riche" in economics
it's the same in politics
and in freedom
Too much money， too much freedom
When you have the money
but not enough culture to catch up
how to spend the money
You should know that heart break is inevitable
at every time you wake up from a dream
You shouldn't ask about some things
and you shouldn't wait for some people…
This way in， when l was a kid
it's the biggest temple here
The railway track， during the time for transporting sugar cane
We'd run after the trains
and as we caught up
we'd jump up and pick up the sugar cane
l lived inside the same house
when l was born until l was a teenager
The one at front
lt's no longer our house
l thought this wall was tall when l was little
l had to stand on my toes to look at the inside
l took a picture right here when l was this tall
These swings， they are antiques
Looking back， everyone left home for fulfilling their dreams and vision
Who would want to move up and down willingly
Looking back， people with different standings
were looking in the same direction
Talking about the past， who really wanted to do it
just to be different
Fighting to be different
Looking back
one would be angry at incomplete questions
but now there're only a few
that needs answers
About where l'm from， and where l'm off to
On 16th April， 1992
Hou Dejian left Taiwan once again
heading to New Zealand
But he said that he'd return to Taiwan
after he's finished the immigration process
About what you have & what you don't have， about enough & not enough
About you love or you don't， about what you should or shouldn't
About the stars， moon and the sun
and the time of the four seasons
About the Opium War and the Alliance of the Eight Countries
About 1840 and 1997
And about…
== TLF HALFCD TEAM ==
How are you Ann?
We have know each other for so long
but never have the opportunity to sit down and chat
While working in TVB during the 60's
You were always kept aloof
sits on the top floor
we as artists, mostly sit on the lower floors
If I have not gone up to look for the director
there would be very few opportunities to meet you
Yes, I recalled once
probably in 1975
I just started working in TVB
and you were already famous at that time
At that time a few of the new director told me
Gigi Wong was here
therefore we pretend to go to the washroom
saw you conversed with others
You had long hair, parted from the centre
no makeup, don't looked like a movie star at all
Your appearance was very natural
and gave everybody a very deep impression
That was the first time I saw you with my own eyes
before that, I only watch your programs
Although you said the impression was deep
but in TVB period
we never had the opportunity to work together
There aren't many female role in the police movie
even if there were, they were either killed or raped
Finally when filming "Below the Lion Rock" at RTHK
then we have the opportunity to work together
That was probably 1978
I wanted to film a series but have no title to it
probably the story was about drug rehabilitation
the story was very interesting, not telling you now
Let's talk about how we cooperate first
I wanted to ask Kam Kwok Leung to write the script
but because he had other commitment
No, I looked for Chan Wai Man first
Chan Wai Man was getting married, thus looked for Kam
We have already done some research
having the story outline, involving two cases
but Kam Kwok Leung was tied up
we finally approached Lau Tak Lung
The story involved three women
all three are lead actresses
I wanted to finish filming "Below the Lion Rock"
before starting to work on movies
so I wanted to look for a few artist to work together
I worked with Dodo Cheng while filming "ICAC"
I was in TVB when working with Chan Yuk Lin
Seen many of her programs, I admire her
the same with you, I have seen many of your programs
but never had the opportunity to work with you
The role I wanted you to act was a social worker
a social worker that urge people not to take drugs
I feel that especially with your acting capabilities
one third of the script is too limited for you
A social worker depends on her individuality and image
she must look like a social worker but not too much
because if too much, it would be very typical
Remembered I told you about when moulding a character
that role was called Mrs. Something
should be different from your usual appearance
You are usually with long hair and long pant
resembles a lady from the 50's
I remembered you happily said that you could put on
a pair of pearl earrings and comb your hair up
But I have some complain about you
I don't understand why you didn't teach me acting
I always hoped that a director would direct me
As you said in 70's
at that time I was famous
those lesser qualified director dare not teach me
I thought with the opportunity to work with you
you would certainly point it out to me
but you did not
I depended on myself to act to whole script
I felt inferior because of this
Many people said the same thing to me
I don't know why as a director
I don't teach how to act
I have been this way ever since I became a director
Till now I still think that this is the way
Speaking of performance, during the casting
there're certain degree of pattern
for example, when you found an artist
you thought he knew how-to act that role
or he has his own idea
you let him act on his own first
then you treat yourself as the audience
then you decide where you need to modify
for example, the story aspect
I no longer feel inferior once I think of this
which mean when you found the artist
you would let him act on his own
Only for new comer, if he is a seasoned artist
I would give him some abstract
for example, this social worker
is quite a cautious woman
but also very capable
After listening you should know how-to act
so I don't have to go into too detail
I agree with you
Generally speaking, RTHK and other TV station
production are very different
but my style of filming in RTHK
and in TV station does not differ much
except there are more time in RTHK
As an artist, I also feel that acting in RTHK
is more relax, but I still feel that
the selection for "Below the Lion Rock" was rigorous
There are certain criteria for the topic selection
moreover, sometime we are entrusted to do the filming
The series you were in, was for the drug rehab centre
Based on tradition, you'll need to interview people
and some real cases
Unlike the official propaganda
filming from the official standpoint
I can feel that the story is indeed real
I really went to the rehabilitation centre
spending time and talking to a group of women
who were drug abuser or rehabilitating from drugs
I remembered that Wong Man was one of the actress
she was there learning their facial expression
to understand how her role is going to be
The filming used real-life scenery and real cases
the artists were not the real-life persons
they were all paid temporary artists
The most convenient thing in RTHK's production is that
we are allowed to film in many official's locations
for example, filming in the Drug rehab Centre
Outside, it will be very difficult to find locations
I remembered when Gigi was working with us
her style in the movie and in the television series
has a great difference, you told me once
that she practiced shooting
Yes
that's why I said I can act in police show
She has a very refined image
but she told me she liked the feeling of aiming
at things and pulling the trigger
I remembered you said these before
I forgotten I told you these before
I remembered my brother used to take me hunting
he would place a can in front
then aimed and fired
he missed
fired again but still missed
I said is it like this
bang, I hit the can
I brother was very surprised
I think I have a very high accuracy at aiming
It make me feel that I’m good at it
that's why I fell in love with shooting
Till now I still remember
I forgotten to tell you
But I knew I have such ability
because the impression you gave us was very lady like
a very feminine kind
not one that love shooting and speeding
I do love speeding
In school, I was the champion in track and field
dashes, high jump, long jump and shot put
I didn't know at that time
that Lau Chung Yan quit after secondary school
because ours was a all girls school
He said I remembered you
the one that took the championship
I said how did you know?
He said I studied in Precious Blood school too
I also knew that you were good in cooking at that time
Yes, at that time I have to do lots of housework
including cooking in the kitchen
I am very different on the screen
Indeed, in realistic you are very modernised
more. vigour
I remembered after my divorce
I would put on some sexy spaghetti dress
people around me felt strange
and suspected that I was having a break down
but that was the real me
Director or the audience only see me on screen
Yes
I believe in getting in touch more
during filming, I seldom chat with the artists
maybe due to time constrain
That's why I only remember you practise gun shooting
If there is chance to film "Below the Lion Rock" again
please ask me to act in another role
I don't have to be a social work or someone's wife
maybe the ringleader of a drug syndicate
After today’s conversation
if you are to film again in future
what role would you put me in?
Well, let's hear it
It will be "Internal Affairs"
how about being a policewoman?
I really hope that we will work together again
How many years has it been? 1978 till now
in a few more years, it would be 30 years
Actually RTHK production of "Below the Lion Rock"
except for the difference in environment
the production was very serious
I really hope that my friends
movies or television workers and viewers
will have the chance to view these production
When it was re-run on the television
because I did not preserve a copy
I filmed 3 or 4 series for RTHK
When "Road" was re-run
I acted in "Road", should be "Bridge"
my mother goes to play mahjong every week
at that time, my mother's mahjong's friends
all watched the television
later they told my mother
your daughter's works was not as good as before
These words were so cruel
I was stunned without expression
I wanted to review these series at that time
but I don't have a copy
I also don't have
Although it was only an hour but it is very meaningful
The production was serious
I believed regardless of the research work
because RTHK is government owned
there are enough resources
thus regardless of looking for location or artists
everything are well coordinated
thus the production is better
Now, with the release of VCD
firstly, I certainly would like to watch it again
to understand why pervious works are better
Second, is history
Those series are able to portray the 70's
what the people wear and eat
These are very interesting, not just sentimental
because that is a real record
I feel the same way too
That was why many people wanted to participate in
the performance of "Below the Lion Rock"
Many artists wanted to participate
We have contracts with many organisation with artists
they are all able to participate in RTHK programs
but if it is other television station's programs
they may not be able to participate
But if it is RTHK production
they are more lenient
they are willing to participate even the pay is lower
This is because the production is earnest
the artist is willing to participate at low pay
Because the quality of the program is good
and now since they're releasing the video discs
I hope that there will be more opportunities
to introduce it to other people
Wow! The production standard used to be so high
I really feel ashamed
but I am proud of it
because I participated in the acting
== TLF HALFCD TEAM ==
I used to work in ICAC
later, I joined TVB
after which I joined RTHK
TV production at all three places are identical
except for a slight difference in pace
fact-finding is a must for all three places
Just like filming the Vietnamese refugees in RTHK
we have to go to the refugee camp
to talk to them to understand them
After almost one month
we have built a close relationship with them
then we start on the script
The script contains many real cases
major parts are real cases, then we added the story
Thus, later when I make film
basically is the same manner
unable to create a role out of imagination
Must have real incident
then add in a story
Later the story line may become more
but basically this is how it works
It has it's pros and cons
it is very laborious and frustrating
For example, when filming "July Rhapsody"
I would use whatever means
to observe students attending classes
With a bystander sitting in a corner
it is natural the students don't feel comfortable
Fortunately the teacher was very cooperative
allowing me to sit at one side
All that were trained in RTHK
not only myself
other directors or assist. director, at that time
use the same method of observation
thus became a indispensable part of creation
When it is time for filming
it is much easier to adapt
Ideas and playwriting all started in the same manner
While in TVB, it was the same
but schedule in TVB was much tighter
in RTHK, time was in abundance
At that time, the filming team only has one room
with a desk to two person
but everyone were willing to go to work
Every morning between 9 to 10 am
all would go to the canteen for breakfast
then back to the office to continue chatting
Those that have to work would leave
Everyone would come back for dinner
There was a great period of time in this way
in between discussing own production
own script or others' script
When Cheung Man Yee discovered BBC production
and she think it was interesting
she would asked us over for a look
Some of the award winning advertisement
that were broadcasts in the advertisement company
she would take us there for a look
It makes me feels like a movie institute
Because it is not compulsory
and it allowed for practise
during practise, it feels interesting and fun
very amusing
When your thought is able to come true
everybody will be very happy
moreover, there is no box office pressure
There's work, no financial pressure
young
with all these factor gathered together
it is the best environment to cultivate creativity
At that time, we were not aware how lucky we were
just thought that it is a natural matter
When I started working, then I know the real world
I joined RTHK in 1978
when I return to film again, it was 1992
It has been more than 10 years
and I always wanted to make
a documentary about Hou Dejian
but it was hard to find investor
At that moment a new series on "Below the Lion Rock"
was starting I said if they allowed me to film
Hou Dejian, I will film
Since I have no other theme
as a result, they allowed me
We have plenty of time to do the filming
It was originally planned as a documentary
but later I discovered there was a period of time
he was imprisoned for interrogation
This section has a rich theatrical nature
therefore I then attempt to fuse a
documentary and drama together
combining a real and fictions person together
I was told later that the response was good
but I did not pursue further
Everyone was able to accepted that
Hou Dejian wearing a wig to act as himself
is a laughable matter
I almost suspect if that was really him
This was indeed a very rare opportunity
because when you want to attempt something new
you cannot achieve it if time is not on your side
We spent a lot of time on editing
we also spent a lot of time on filming
We film the documentary part followed by the drama
Without the full support of RTHK
the pressure to have a realistic end product
Actually, everybody at that time were in doubts
because there were no outstanding production
it was just an experiment
Finally when we knew it will work
we were very happy
Actually I think it was 1991
that I started the preparatory work
Towards the end of 1990, while in Japan
I started researching about Hou Dejian
Later RTHK managed to get a assistant
to assist in the research work
included television segment and listening to records
Then when I return to Hong Kong in 1991
the first thing I did was
to make a phone call to Hou Dejian
I have met him once before
in 1983, during the eve of him going to China
Once a friend asked me out for a meal
on the day before he leave Hong Kong
I told him on the phone
I wanted to film a documentary about him
He was very supportive
Then I went to Taipei
I found that he is a very practical person
Maybe he was familiar with filming
he said he has two friends in China
one is Liu Xiaobo, the other is Xiao Xie
in regards to every aspect of the June 4 incident
that occurred to him, they are very familiar
Then I went to Beijing
to compile the script slowly
Actually I have done part of it before
I will not go into details here
He coordinate with my work very well
When I discuss the script with him
he even personally makes amendments to it
For instance Ming Pao or other newspapers reports
when we discuss it together
and if we miss out anything
he would later supplement it
Therefore every word in the content were just like
what others have asked him
Since he does not get off the bed in the morning
he requested to leave the residence
and move to the hotel we lived in
so as to allow us to do filming in the morning
He was very supportive of us
That time Cheung Man Yee wanted to do filming
but I was working in ICAC
Cheung Man Yee wanted to change "Below the Lion Rock"
from a series to a drama
lengthen the film from half hour to an hour
and thus need additional director, including me
The impression I got was a fast pace
very little idle talk, infrequently meetings
During the first meeting, she said that
there was one requirement for our filming work
to film seven play for the Immigration Dept
to publicises the Immigration Department's work
When we film the plain clothed police department
often we don't film the police directly
Instead we film how the crime were committed
I feel we can do it this way
I said we can film guest from different country
we then allocate our own respective play set
Someone wanted to film Thai guests and Thai brides
I said I wanted to film Vietnamese refugees
At that time there was a newspaper report on
a big refugee boat arrived in Hong Kong
by the name of “Sky Transport"
with it carried about 1000 refugees
The government set up an emergency refugee camp
thus I went to the refugee camp everyday
to get to know the refugees
Then Hong Kong started to have Vietnamese cuisine
it felt amusing
in this way, I found many themes to write the script
Because there were too many themes
for example, why they wanted to come to Hong Kong
how they board the ship and what happen on the ship
what were their plans on arrival
The more I asked the more materials I get
I even asked Cheung Man Yee
can we go to Chinatown to film?
She said the cost can't cover our trip to USA
Later I filmed the movie "Story of Woo Viet"
which may became "Below the Lion Rock"
"From Vietnam" part 2
When I started on movies, I looked for many people
told them I have this story
and would they be interested to invest?
They all said filming in Chinatown is too expensive
thus unwilling to invest
Until a boss told me that
there's a Chinatown in Philippines too
This would be nearer, would it be ok?
I asked in reply, there's a Chinatown in Philippines?
He said sure and I could go look for myself
Finally went to Philippines's Chinatown
We never had the least bit of sedulously
nor a big sense of mission
When we make movies
the more serious the topic, the more careless we are
we'll discuss where to go
for supper after the shooting
In a way we’d look like some 'thief'