KEELUNG, Taiwan (AP):
THE HONG KONG-FINANCED Kung Fu Hustle was the big winner at Taiwan's Golden Horse Awards, Sunday, copping five trophies, including Best Director and Best Film.
The awards, the Chinese-speaking world's equivalent of the Oscars, were a disappointment for local favourite Three Times, which had to settle for Best Actress, Shu Qi, and the consolation prizes of Best Taiwanese Film of the year, and Best Film by a Taiwanese Filmmaker.
POWERFUL NEW PRESENCE
Taiwanese pop idol Jay Chou, one of the most lionised singers in the Chinese-speaking world, won for best new performer, signalling the appearance of a powerful new presence on the Asian cinematic scene.
Kung Fu Hustle, a big winner at the Hong Kong film awards, tells the story of a landlord-landlady couple who appear aloof in the face of a gang invasion of their neighbourhood, but eventually save the day by using their kung fu skills.
Stephen Chow was cited for his direction of the film, which features sleek kung fu action scenes, but little of the artistic sensibility that has characterised recent Golden Horse winners.
OTHER AWARDS
Other Kung Fu Hustle trophies were awarded for Best Supporting Actress, Yuen Qiu, Best Visual Effects and Best Make-up and Costume Design.
Chou was cited for his performance in Initial D, in which he plays the introverted son of a car racer-turned-tofu shop owner. The son inherits his father's driving talent and makes a name for himself as a street-car racing hotshot.
In accepting the award, Chou said he was surprised by his Golden Horse victory.
"I'm not very confident about acting, unlike my music," he said. "But after winning this award, getting this recognition, I'm quite happy."
The award for best actor went to Hong Kong's Aaron Kwok, who was honoured for his performance in Divergence. In the film he plays an emotionally troubled police officer obsessed with his missing wife.
In accepting the award, Kwok made reference to his reputation as a good looking lightweight, better known for his singing and dancing skills than for his ability as a serious actor.
