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media context

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English-based Hollywood films shifts the audience based of Hong Kong people from lower classes to middle classes

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star persona: he lives a humble life like a normal person, and he is very thrifty in his personal life

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Himself

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He will take public transports everywhere, using a Nokia flip-phone for 17 years until it is not working anymore, eat street foods, shop cheap clothes , and spend only about HK$1000 a month

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Chow Yun-Fat Wants To Donate His Fortune But He's Always Been Humble

We've all heard about big Hollywood stars doing hospital visits or starting charities as their way of giving back to society.

But how many of them are willing to part with earnings from their entire life's work?

Famous Hong Kong actor Chow Yun-Fat has revealed that he'll be donating his entire fortune to charity after he dies.

And it's not the first time he has displayed his selflessness. We look at the 10 things that make Chow Yun-Fat the most down-to-earth celebrity.

1. Held multiple menial jobs before becoming an actor

He left school at 17 to to help his family by doing odd jobs like bellboy, postman, camera salesman and taxi driver.

A few years later, he responded to a newspaper ad for an actor-trainee application.

Television Broadcasts Limited (TVB) in Hong Kong accepted his application and the rest, as they say, is history.

2. Donated proceeds from sale of photography book to charity

Chow took photos at the sets of the movies he was filming and put them in a photography book entitled Moving Pictures. Louis Vuitton published 1,000 copies of the book.

Sold at HK$1,288 (S$226) each, proceeds from the sale of the books were donated to Hong Kong Red Cross in aid of the Sichuan earthquake victims.
Source
3. Cleaned up streets of Hong Kong after Typhoon Hato

In Aug 2017, Typhoon Hato brought severe damage to Hong Kong, flooding the streets and uprooting trees.

A resident who was walking down a road in Kowloon on 23 Aug 2017 spotted someone removing a fallen tree that was blocking the road.
Source
It was none other than Chow Yun-Fat, who had gotten out of his car to clear the road so other motorists could get home safely.

Everyone loves a celebrity who goes out of his way to help others and makes time for a selfie with a fan while he's at it.

4. Takes public transportation everywhere
Source
The movie star often explains that it's faster to travel between two points by train since the roads in Hong Kong are always congested.

Taking public transportation to him is more practical, relaxing and comfortable than driving.

Since his wife Mdm Jasmine Tan is a Singaporean, he often makes trips here. We do not know if he takes public transportation here too.

But if he does, don't be too surprised to see Chow Yun-Fat in your MRT carriage, the next time you look up from your devices.

5. Prefers street food over atas restaurants

Forget the atas restaurants like Din Tai Fung or Crystal Jade. Chow Yun-Fat prefers his regular street fare like most of us.

During his visit to Singapore in Dec 2015, Chow dropped by a Far East Square's Ya Kun Kaya Toast outlet.

We just had to share this: Mr Chow Yun-fat in the house on Christmas Eve! Happy holidays 😀

Posted by Ya Kun Kaya Toast on Thursday, December 24, 2015

Just a week later, he was spotted at Maxwell Food Centre on a few separate occasions.

He patronised Tian Tian Chicken Rice for three days in a row and some other stalls at the food centre.

So don't be too quick to dismiss the random uncle at the hawker centre.

Try taking a closer look and you might be rubbing shoulders with the man himself!

6. Shops at discount clothing stores

Ask any famous celebrity who they're wearing, and they'll probably name-drop a designer brand us regular folks can't afford.
Source
But not Mr Chow Yun-Fat.

He was once seen wearing a ¥98 (S$19.80) T-shirt and a ¥15 (S$3) pair of slippers.

At $3 for a pair of shoes - now that's a man who knows how to thrift shop.

7. Used his Nokia phone for 17 years

When asked on a talk show about what phone model he used, Chow proudly exclaimed that his was a first generation Nokia.

His wife later revealed that he used the Nokia phone for 17 years and only switched to a smartphone recently because the Nokia phone ran out of juice.

Meanwhile, many of us Singaporeans are always scrambling to get the latest phone the moment it's released.

8. Lives on only S$140 a month

Chow is also reportedly able to live on only S$140 a month.

Taking public transportation, eating affordable food and buying long-lasting but affordable clothes could explain how he spends so little every month.
Source
Perhaps we can all learn about spending wisely from Chow Yun-Fat.

9. 'King of Selfies' enjoys giving fan service

Using a Nokia phone definitely hasn't affected Chow's selfie skills.

He's described by his fans as a jovial character who's always ready to have his photo taken.

We kinda understand why his adoring fans are so obsessed with his down-to-earth nature now.

What's not to love about a celeb who dishes out great fan service?
Source
10. Wants to donate his entire fortune to charity

After reading through the list, you'd wonder what else Chow Yun-Fat could do to prove that he's humble despite his celebrity status.

He has told the world that he'll be donating his entire fortune worth HK$5.6 billion (S$984 million) to charity.
Featured image from Facebook.
Take your time to wrap your mind around how much money that is.

Chow and his wife don't have any children together, so it makes sense for him to give his fortune to those in need.

The richness of his soul

Whether you're a fan of Chow Yun-Fat or not, it's undeniable that he's a man of simple ways.

He may have acquired a vast fortune, but it's his generosity that has captured the hearts of people.

His ability to look past the temptations of a material life and to live as simply as possible, makes him a role model we can all strive towards.

Fayyadhah spends most of her free time wondering why there's nothing fun to do and wastes the rest of her time on Netflix.

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10 Reasons Why Chow Yun-Fat Is The Most Down-To-Earth Celebrity

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We've all heard about big Hollywood stars doing hospital visits or starting charities as their way of giving back to society. But how many of them are willing to part with earnings from their entire life's work? Famous Hong Kong actor Chow Yun-Fat has revealed that he'll be donating his entire fortune to charity after he dies.

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Fans and society

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Family

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Chow's career

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representative of Hong Kong people's lemma, supporting things that he think it is right, and not afraid of authority and power

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frugal and thrifty , kind-hearted, generous and humble

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Films

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Began his career in America after his films success in Hong Kong film industry

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Began his career in America after his films success in Hong Kong film industry

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He learned English for two years and started his first American film 'The Replacement Killers' in 1998, which had an average box office.
He later took the lead in US films 'Anna and the King' in 1999, and 'Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon' in 2000

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Chow Yun-Fat was named "The Coolest Actor in the World," by the Los Angeles Times in 1995. He starred in the Chinese action film Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.

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coolness heroic, loyalty, humble, justice and brotherhood

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Attitude

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The character Ko Chun in 'God of Gamblers' (1989) build Chow's image

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The character Ko Chun in 'God of Gamblers' (1989) build Chow's image

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Ko Chun is the god of gamblers, who helped Tanaka, his friends, Little Knife to take revenge of Chan kam-shing, Ko Yee, and Nam, and he never ask for pay back

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Chi Chuen Chan

Keis Ohtsuka

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the characterization of male gamblers in popular Hong Kong movies in the past 50 years. A total of nine Hong Kong films with gambling themes were selected for analysis. The criteria for selection of the films were as follows: the movies in which the protagonists are portrayed by well known Hong Kong actors that attracted a wide spectrum of the audience in the community. Out of such criteria, six male actors, each representing a legend at their times, were selected in the current analysis. Psychological analysis of the characters portrayed in the Hong Kong movies suggests a shift of the emphasis from the moral integrity and social responsibility to the individual pursuit of monetary gains as the dominant theme of the movie and a component of the characterization of the protagonists. Further, the particular cultural and social conditions of Hong Kong society in each decade may have significant bearings on cultural characterization of male heroes. We argue that the male characterization of gamblers in the Hong Kong movies might as well be a crystallization of public fantasies and wishes.

Keywords

Characterization of gamblers in movies Hong Kong movies Gambling Portrayal of gamblers in media

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Appendix

Movies reviewed

Chow, R. (Producer), Hui, M. (Director). (1974). Games Gamblers Play [Motion Picture]. Hong Kong: Golden Harvest Company.

Heung, J. (Producer), Wong, J. (Director). (1989). God of Gamblers. [Motion Picture]. Hong Kong: Win's Movie Production and I/E Company.

Heung, J. (Producer), Wong J. (Director). (1991). God of Gamblers II [Motion Picture]. Hong Kong: Win's Movie Production and I/E Company.

Heung, J. (Producer), Wong J. (Director). (1994). God of Gamblers Returns [Motion Picture]. Hong Kong: Win's Movie Production and I/E Company.

Lee, C. N, Wu, L. M. & Chan, K. Y. (Producers), Ng, W. (Director). (1952). Everything Goes Wrong with the Poor Couple [ Motion Picture]. Hong Kong: Yonglian Film Company.

Ng, S. Y. (Producer), Lau, J. & Yuen, C. (Directors). (1990). All for the Winner [Motion Picture]. Hong Kong: Mei Ah Entertainment Company.

Wong, J. (Producer), Chang, A. (Director). (2000). My Name is Nobody [Motion Picture]. Hong Kong: Jing's Production Limited.

Wong, J. (Producer), Mak, C. S. (Director). (2001). A Gambler's Story [Motion Picture]. Hong Kong: Jing's Production Limited.

Wong, J. (Producer), Wong J. (Director). (1991). God of Gamblers III: Back to Shanghai [Motion Picture]. Hong Kong: Win's Movie Production and I/E Company.

Wong, J. (Producer), Wong, J. (Director). (1997). God of Gamblers 3: The Early Stage. [Motion Picture]. Hong Kong: Golden Harvest Co.; Bob & Partners Company.

Wong, J. (Producer), Wong, J. (Director). (1999). The Tricky Master [Motion Picture]. Hong Kong: Bob & Partners Company.

References

1. Griffiths, M. D. (2004). An empirical analysis of the film, The Gambler. International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction, 1, 39-43.

2. Ohtsuka, K., & Chan, C. C. (2009). Desperate housewives: an analysis of the characterisations of female gamblers portrayed in gambling movies in Hong Kong. International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction, 7, 229-238. doi: 10.1007/s11469-008-9180-2 .

3. Papineau, E. (2005). Pathological gambling in Montreal's Chinese community: an anthropological perspective. Journal of Gambling Studies, 21, 157-178. doi: 10.1007/s10899-005-3030-y .

4. Raylu, N., & Oei, T. P. (2004). Role of culture in gambling and problem gambling. Clinical Psychology Review, 23, 1087-1114.

5. Turner, N., Fritz, B., & Zangeneh, M. (2007). Image of gambling in film. Journal of Gambling Issues, 20, 117-143. Retrieved 10 October 2008 from http://www.camh.net/egambling/issue20/pdfs/02turner.pdf

© Springer Science+Business Media, LLC 2010

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All for the Winner: An Analysis of the Characterization of Male Gamblers in Hong Kong Movies with Gambling Theme

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Chi Chuen Chan Keis Ohtsuka This study aims to investigate the characterization of male gamblers in popular Hong Kong movies in the past 50 years. A total of nine Hong Kong films with gambling themes were selected for analysis.

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Chow being banned from making movies in China

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Chow being banned from making movies in China

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supported students to voice out in the movement, he did not care about losing opportunities in his filming

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Athletic, charismatic and with a sexy sneer, the Hong Kong actor Chow Yun-fat has long been wildly popular in Asia. His association with the film director John Woo in hard-boiled thrillers and with Ang Lee in " Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon " has brought him Hollywood fame, too.

Now another quality appears to have been added to Mr. Chow's repertoire: political courage.

Chow Yun Fat on China's alleged ban on pro-Occupy celebrities: "Then I'll just make less!" //t.co/4mSjrLfAYM //t.co/vFx9oRs4Vb

- Coconuts Hong Kong (@CoconutsHK) 28 Oct 14

With Hong Kong roiled by demonstrations calling for more open elections, which the government in Beijing opposes, local entertainment celebrities who have spoken out in support of the protesters have been criticized in the Communist Party-run media, and some have reportedly been blacklisted on the Chinese mainland. Some have received warning telephone calls of unclear origin expressing the views of Beijing, according to an entertainment industry source who asked not to be named because of the political sensitivity of the issue.

The aim: to get the entertainers, who have many fans on the Chinese mainland, to withdraw their support for Occupy Central With Love and Peace, as the group helping lead the democracy movement in Hong Kong is known.

Early targets of the Beijing government's ire were the singers Denise Ho and Anthony Wong, and the actor Chapman To. Other Hong Kong artists who support the movement, including prominent movie directors, are understood to be following events closely but keeping their heads down, the industry source said.

Mr. Chow, too, has been a target of criticism, but that apparently failed to intimidate "Fat goh," or "elder brother Fat," as he is affectionately known in the city of his birth, according to the Hong Kong-based Next Magazine.

When asked recently what he would do if China banned his films, Mr. Chow replied: " Then I'll just make less! " the magazine reported on Sunday.

Mr. Chow, 59, also said he hoped that the government and the democracy movement, a group gathered under the rubric of student unions and Occupy Central, which is led by two university professors and a pastor, would get together and resolve their differences, Next reported. The Hong Kong government has so far refused to hold substantive negotiations with the demonstrators.

A response from China's political authorities was swift, according to China Digital Times, a website based in Berkeley, Calif., that regularly publishes censorship orders from the Beijing government.

On Tuesday, the website posted an order, dated Monday, that it said was aimed at the Chinese media: "All websites must find and delete the article 'Chow Yun-fat Responds to Potential Ban from Mainland: I'll Just Make Less, Then.'"

On Wednesday, Ivan Tan, Mr. Chow's agent and brother-in-law, said, "There is no comment at the moment."

In a telephone interview, Mr. Tan did not deny that Mr. Chow had made the comment, but said, "I really don't know where the interview was made. It was not an official interview." He added, "Perhaps it was just a casual talk."

Hong Kong's film industry, once independently thriving, has been increasingly drawn into China's business orbit and is by now heavily dependent on Chinese box office revenues and locations for shooting. Hollywood is trying to penetrate the Chinese film market, and nervousness about angering Beijing has spread to other overseas entertainment stars.

Last week, the American jazz saxophonist Kenny G deleted social media photos of himself at the Hong Kong protests and issued statements saying they had not been intended to show support for the demonstrators. His statements were seen as a bow to China, where he had an engagement at a golf club.

Mr. Chow is currently filming "The Man From Macau 2″ with the Hong Kong director Wong Jing, Next Magazine reported. Mr. Wong recently publicly severed social media contact with Ms. Ho, Mr. Wong and Mr. To because of their political stances, something Mr. Chow said he had the right to do as "everyone has freedom of speech."

"It's not a big deal," Next quoted Mr. Chow as saying.

"The Man From Macau" was released on the Chinese mainland this year, and the sequel is set to be released next year.

On Sunday, Mr. Wong said on his Sina Weibo microblog account that Mr. Chow was "a nice guy, and all Hong Kong knows it." He bemoaned the fact that "some media" were trying to "drag him" into politics, an apparent reference to the Next Magazine report.
Chen Jiehao contributed research.

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Backing Protests, Chow Yun-fat Shrugs Off Risk to Career

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Athletic, charismatic and with a sexy sneer, the Hong Kong actor Chow Yun-fat has long been wildly popular in Asia. His association with the film director John Woo in hard-boiled thrillers and with Ang Lee in " Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon " has brought him Hollywood fame, too.

# data[].attributes.headline
Chow provides great fan services and help with the society

# data[].attributes.subject
Chow provides great fan services and help with the society

# data[].attributes.body
He helped to clear obstructions on the street after typhoon, and he is willing take selfies with his fans and never reject

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Chow Yun-Fat Wants To Donate His Fortune But He's Always Been Humble

We've all heard about big Hollywood stars doing hospital visits or starting charities as their way of giving back to society.

But how many of them are willing to part with earnings from their entire life's work?

Famous Hong Kong actor Chow Yun-Fat has revealed that he'll be donating his entire fortune to charity after he dies.

And it's not the first time he has displayed his selflessness. We look at the 10 things that make Chow Yun-Fat the most down-to-earth celebrity.

1. Held multiple menial jobs before becoming an actor

He left school at 17 to to help his family by doing odd jobs like bellboy, postman, camera salesman and taxi driver.

A few years later, he responded to a newspaper ad for an actor-trainee application.

Television Broadcasts Limited (TVB) in Hong Kong accepted his application and the rest, as they say, is history.

2. Donated proceeds from sale of photography book to charity

Chow took photos at the sets of the movies he was filming and put them in a photography book entitled Moving Pictures. Louis Vuitton published 1,000 copies of the book.

Sold at HK$1,288 (S$226) each, proceeds from the sale of the books were donated to Hong Kong Red Cross in aid of the Sichuan earthquake victims.
Source
3. Cleaned up streets of Hong Kong after Typhoon Hato

In Aug 2017, Typhoon Hato brought severe damage to Hong Kong, flooding the streets and uprooting trees.

A resident who was walking down a road in Kowloon on 23 Aug 2017 spotted someone removing a fallen tree that was blocking the road.
Source
It was none other than Chow Yun-Fat, who had gotten out of his car to clear the road so other motorists could get home safely.

Everyone loves a celebrity who goes out of his way to help others and makes time for a selfie with a fan while he's at it.

4. Takes public transportation everywhere
Source
The movie star often explains that it's faster to travel between two points by train since the roads in Hong Kong are always congested.

Taking public transportation to him is more practical, relaxing and comfortable than driving.

Since his wife Mdm Jasmine Tan is a Singaporean, he often makes trips here. We do not know if he takes public transportation here too.

But if he does, don't be too surprised to see Chow Yun-Fat in your MRT carriage, the next time you look up from your devices.

5. Prefers street food over atas restaurants

Forget the atas restaurants like Din Tai Fung or Crystal Jade. Chow Yun-Fat prefers his regular street fare like most of us.

During his visit to Singapore in Dec 2015, Chow dropped by a Far East Square's Ya Kun Kaya Toast outlet.

We just had to share this: Mr Chow Yun-fat in the house on Christmas Eve! Happy holidays 😀

Posted by Ya Kun Kaya Toast on Thursday, December 24, 2015

Just a week later, he was spotted at Maxwell Food Centre on a few separate occasions.

He patronised Tian Tian Chicken Rice for three days in a row and some other stalls at the food centre.

So don't be too quick to dismiss the random uncle at the hawker centre.

Try taking a closer look and you might be rubbing shoulders with the man himself!

6. Shops at discount clothing stores

Ask any famous celebrity who they're wearing, and they'll probably name-drop a designer brand us regular folks can't afford.
Source
But not Mr Chow Yun-Fat.

He was once seen wearing a ¥98 (S$19.80) T-shirt and a ¥15 (S$3) pair of slippers.

At $3 for a pair of shoes - now that's a man who knows how to thrift shop.

7. Used his Nokia phone for 17 years

When asked on a talk show about what phone model he used, Chow proudly exclaimed that his was a first generation Nokia.

His wife later revealed that he used the Nokia phone for 17 years and only switched to a smartphone recently because the Nokia phone ran out of juice.

Meanwhile, many of us Singaporeans are always scrambling to get the latest phone the moment it's released.

8. Lives on only S$140 a month

Chow is also reportedly able to live on only S$140 a month.

Taking public transportation, eating affordable food and buying long-lasting but affordable clothes could explain how he spends so little every month.
Source
Perhaps we can all learn about spending wisely from Chow Yun-Fat.

9. 'King of Selfies' enjoys giving fan service

Using a Nokia phone definitely hasn't affected Chow's selfie skills.

He's described by his fans as a jovial character who's always ready to have his photo taken.

We kinda understand why his adoring fans are so obsessed with his down-to-earth nature now.

What's not to love about a celeb who dishes out great fan service?
Source
10. Wants to donate his entire fortune to charity

After reading through the list, you'd wonder what else Chow Yun-Fat could do to prove that he's humble despite his celebrity status.

He has told the world that he'll be donating his entire fortune worth HK$5.6 billion (S$984 million) to charity.
Featured image from Facebook.
Take your time to wrap your mind around how much money that is.

Chow and his wife don't have any children together, so it makes sense for him to give his fortune to those in need.

The richness of his soul

Whether you're a fan of Chow Yun-Fat or not, it's undeniable that he's a man of simple ways.

He may have acquired a vast fortune, but it's his generosity that has captured the hearts of people.

His ability to look past the temptations of a material life and to live as simply as possible, makes him a role model we can all strive towards.

Fayyadhah spends most of her free time wondering why there's nothing fun to do and wastes the rest of her time on Netflix.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
10 Reasons Why Chow Yun-Fat Is The Most Down-To-Earth Celebrity

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
We've all heard about big Hollywood stars doing hospital visits or starting charities as their way of giving back to society. But how many of them are willing to part with earnings from their entire life's work? Famous Hong Kong actor Chow Yun-Fat has revealed that he'll be donating his entire fortune to charity after he dies.

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How the character Mark gor in 'A Better Tomorrow' (1986) build Chow's image

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How the character Mark gor in 'A Better Tomorrow' (1986) build Chow's image

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As a gangster, Mark is loyal to his brother not only to help him to take revenge, but also to sacrifice himself by getting injured and die at the end of the movie.
The styling of Mark in the movie also became Hong Kong's fashion culture.
Chow became famous from an underdog character in the film

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offers movie recommendations inspired by new releases or premieres, or occasionally our own inscrutable whims. This week, as the galaxy's most popular smuggler returns to the big screen in Solo: A Star Wars Story, we're taking a look at some of our favorite movies about charismatic crooks and cons.

A Better Tomorrow (1986)

John Woo didn't invent the concepts of manly camaraderie or honor among thieves, but he brought them to new, operatic heights in his breakthrough 1986 action film A Better Tomorrow. A surprise mega-hit across Asia, the film made Woo's reputation as an action director and set the template for what would become known as the "heroic bloodshed" action subgenre. (It also serves as a template for Woo's developing visual style, using emotionally resonant lighting and billowing curtains in ways that would become dramatically heightened in 1989's The Killer.) In heroic bloodshed films-a specialty of Woo and his countryman Ringo Lam that influenced American auteurs like Quentin Tarantino in the '90s-criminals aren't just sympathetic; they can be the most ethical guys in the room, bound by a sense of loyalty and personal honor that transcends the law. It's an individualistic ethos, pitting a moral protagonist against a corrupt system, whether that individual is an upstanding cop or an honest thief.

A Better Tomorrow has both, and in the same family. Ti Lung stars as Sung Tse-Ho, a middle-management type in the Hong Kong Triad who specializes in counterfeiting American money. In the film's extended opening sequence, a botched deal lands Ho in a Taiwanese prison; this comes as a shock to his brother, Kit (Leslie Cheung), a newbie cop from whom Ho had previously hid his true occupation. Three years later, Ho is released from jail and returns home to Hong Kong, determined to start over as a law-abiding citizen. Shing (Waise Lee), the new leader of Ho's old gang, won't let him go so easily, though. And his embittered little brother, who's now leading a police investigation into Shing's illegal activities, is similarly reluctant to take him back.

Amid the changing loyalties in the film, the one bond that is never so much as tested is the one between Ho and his best friend, Mark (Chow Yun-fat). Chow turns in one of the great scene-stealing performances in cinema history in A Better Tomorrow, a breakout role that inspired Hong Kong's disaffected youth to chew on matchsticks and don Mark's signature long trench coat-a style colloquially referred to in Cantonese as a "Mark gor lau," or a "brother Mark coat"-by the thousands. We first meet Mark hanging out on a corner, chowing down on street food as he waits for a ride to work; within five minutes of his introduction, he's lighting a cigarette with a fake $100 bill. Chow is pure charisma in the role, playing a career criminal whose irreverent bad-boy attitude serves as cover for a certain moral uprightness, not unlike Harrison Ford's Han Solo in the Star Wars movies.

Mark's ambush of the Taiwanese gang that screwed over his friend at the end of the prologue is one of the film's most stylish sequences, playing up the emotion of his reckless selflessness with dramatic slow-motion over a melodramatic Cantonese pop song. As the gang drinks and carouses over dinner, the door of its private dining room slides open ever so slowly, revealing Chow standing there with a pistol in each hand, like a gunfighter from the mythical Old West. That's when the film speeds back up, the spell broken under Woo's signature deluge of bullets until transitioning back to slow-motion as Mark takes a bullet in the leg for his friend. Even the camera seems to know who the real star of this movie is.

Availability: The out-of-print DVD of A Better Tomorrow can be bought used for a reasonable price or obtained from your local video store/library. Itcan also be rented on Amazon Prime, albeit in a dubbed version.

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Chow Yun-fat rose to stardom as a scene-stealing rogue in an early John Woo classic

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Watch This offers movie recommendations inspired by new releases or premieres, or occasionally our own inscrutable whims. This week, as the galaxy's most popular smuggler returns to the big screen in Solo: A Star Wars Story, we're taking a look at some of our favorite movies about charismatic crooks and cons.

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Chow claims that he would donate his assets to charity after his death

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Chow claims that he would donate his assets to charity after his death

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Chow says he would give away his fortune for HK$ 5.6 billion to charity.
He thinks that it is more blessed to give than to receive and to help each other.

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Despite being a superstar and multi-millionaire, Chow Yun-fat, 63, remains a modest man. The actor, who has earned international acclaim for his role in the Chinese action film "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon," has revealed that he's planning to donate his entire fortune, reportedly US$714 million, to various charities, after he dies.

When asked why he made this decision, Chow explained to South Korea's Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation, "This money isn't something you possess forever. When you're gone one day, you have to leave it to others to use it."

"You can't bring the money in your bank account with you after you die," Chow added. "The money's not mine. I'm only keeping it safe for the time being."

Chow was born to a humble family in Lamma Island, where his mother worked as a vegetable farmer and cleaning lady, while his father earned a livelihood on a Shell Oil Company tanker. The now-famed actor grew up in a house without electricity.

So what is Chow's definition of happiness?

"My dream is to be a happy and normal person. The hardest thing in life is not about how much money you earn, but how to keep a peaceful mindset and live the rest of your life in a simple and carefree manner," he once said in an interview with the website Jayne Stars.

And yes, Chow has lived a simple existence, even before his acting debut.

Growing up in a rural farming community, hardworking Chow would help his mother sell herbal jelly and Hakka tea-pudding on the streets every morning. And in the afternoons, he would work in the fields.

But life did seem to change a lot when Chow moved with his family to Kowloon. When he was 17, Chow left school and worked on various odd jobs to support his family, such as a bellboy, postman, camera salesman, and a taxi driver.

In early 1973, as his fate turned around, Chow was picked to act in TVB, a local television station, after he was called in for a casting call, according to his IMDB profile.

The handsome Chow soon gained renown for his work in dramas and films, notably for his role in the popular drama TV series Shang Hai Tan (1983).

"No growth without assistance. No action without reaction. No desire without restraint. Now give yourself up and find yourself again." -Li Mu Bai (Chow Yun-Fat) #crouchingtiger http://sonypictures.us/UD2hoR

Posted by Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon on Tuesday, October 25, 2016

Chow then went on to clinch the prestigious Golden Horse Award for best actor in Love in a Fallen City (1984) and An Autumn's Tale (1987). He took the lead in U.S. film Anna and the King in 1999 and the epic Chinese action film Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon in 2000.

The popular actor also joined Forbes's list of highest-paid actors for the first time in 2015.

Staying true to his dream-to be a happy and normal person, and to keep a peaceful mindset-Chow lives a simple life, spending only $800 HKD (around US$102) per month.

Chow is also frequently spotted shopping at discount stores, patronizing street stalls, and taking public transport.

The kind and friendly actor, who loves hiking and jogging, doesn't mind posing with passersby whenever they ask for a picture.

The humble actor owned the first-generation Nokia phone for 17 years before switching it to a smartphone.

Chow's wife, Jasmine Tan, is also a supporter of his philanthropic activities and is in favor of his decision to donate all his fortune to charity.

It's hard to remain grounded and humble after obtaining so much wealth and success in life; thus, it's highly commendable that Chow is able to be so generous.

As the adage goes, "It is more blessed to give than to receive," we do not live for ourselves, but we're all here to help each other.

Hats off, Chow, for your incredible generosity!

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Here's Why 'Crouching Tiger' Actor Chow Yun-fat Vows to Donate $714m Wealth to Charity

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Despite being a superstar and multi-millionaire, Chow Yun-fat, 63, remains a modest man. The actor, who has earned international acclaim for his role in the Chinese action film "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon," has revealed that he's planning to donate his entire fortune, reportedly US$714 million, to various charities, after he dies.

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manages to finish the scene even though he got injured

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( ASIAONE) - Veteran Hong Kong actor Chow Yun Fat had to receive five stitches on his forehead after a shoot on set went awry.

Hong Kong media Apple Daily reported on Thursday (March 7) that the actor was filming a scene with Hong Kong actor Kenny Wong for the movie Sunny Days when he accidentally suffered injuries to the left side of his forehead.

Although injured, the God of Gamblers star continued to finish the scene, before excusing himself from the set to nurse his wound.

It was only then that production crew realised he was bleeding profusely from a cut.

The atmosphere turned tense as production staff tried to examine the injury. Chow's Singaporean wife, Jasmine Tan, was also called to take a look at the wound.

Speaking to Apple Daily, Jasmine shared: "I was very scared as he was bleeding so much. But, both of us had to keep calm as we did not want everyone on set to be worried, especially Kenny, who played his assailant in the scene."

Jasmine also tried to console Kenny by telling him nothing serious was going to happen to Chow.

The 63-year-old was sent to the hospital with the shoot's producer after the director insisted he should see a doctor due to the size of the wound.

Fearing a bacterial infection, the doctors initially suggested shaving the hair near the wound. However, Chow was concerned that doing so would affect the continuity of the role.

He later returned to the set after receiving five stitches on his forehead. Production staff were quick to praise the veteran actor for his professional attitude.

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Hong Kong actor Chow Yun Fat receives 5 stitches on forehead after accident on set

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( ASIAONE) - Veteran Hong Kong actor Chow Yun Fat had to receive five stitches on his forehead after a shoot on set went awry. Hong Kong media Apple Daily reported on Thursday (March 7) that the actor was filming a scene with Hong Kong actor Kenny Wong for the movie Sunny Days when he accidentally suffered injuries to the left side of his forehead.

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after their child loss, Chow retain positive to this issue to encourage his wife to stay positive, and also decided not to have a child with his wife because he did not want his wife to suffer from any complication

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When her unborn daughter died in her womb, Mrs Chow Yun Fat did not cry. Not because she wasn't devastated, but rather, she was too shell-shocked.

In an exclusive interview with Hong Kong's Apple Daily, superstar Chow Yun Fat's wife Jasmine Tan talks about her painful memories from 1991.

The Singaporean has been married to the iconic Hong Kong actor for 31 years and the couple are known to keep a low-key lifestyle outside of showbiz.

In the first part of a 15-episode interview with Apple Daily titled "My Husband is Chow Yun Fat", Tan talks about her pregnancy five years into their marriage in 1986.

She revealed that they were both elated when they found out that she was expecting and Chow had even announced the news to the media - but a twist of fate led them on a different path instead.

When Tan was nine months into her pregnancy, her unborn baby died due to strangulation from the umbilical cord. Her doctor advised her to remove the baby by caesarian, but Tan refused to and eventually chose to deliver the stillborn.

"I said no matter what, I still want to go through it [giving birth naturally]. After all, I've already carried my baby for nine months," Tan recalled.

Chow had instructed the nurses to carry the baby away immediately as he did not want his wife to have to go through another painful episode. However, Tan managed to catch a glimpse of the corpse before they took it away.
THAT FATEFUL DAY
In the tearful interview, Tan said: "I still think about her today. This experience is indeed... unimaginable."

A day before she found out her baby had died, Tan said she was telling Chow that their daughter was being good and did not kick or move around in her womb. She found this odd and consulted her gynaecologist the next morning.

Till today, she still remembers details from the fateful day: "It was raining so heavily the next morning when I went to see my doctor at Mongkok that the rainwater reached my knees."

At the clinic, the doctor did not reveal any details and told her to go to the hospital immediately.

"I looked at the doctor and realised that something was not right. But it never occurred to me that it would be this bad," said Tan, who added that Chow took her to the hospital immediately after the consultation.
"WHY ME?"
When she knew her baby girl had died prematurely, Tan said she was not able to cry.

"I didn't know what to do or think. I didn't cry. All I could think about was 'Why me? Why must this happen to me?'", revealed Tan.

Tan said Chow was also devastated and accompanied her every day. It took the couple seven years to try to overcome the trauma.

"My daughter has died. The love that I have [for her] is something I'm not able to give her anymore. But it is something that I can give to others," said Tan.

Ever since the incident, the couple have been helping out the needy. They have also committed 99 per cent of their assets and belongings to charity.

The two decided not to have any children after, as Chow did not want his wife to suffer from any complications. Though childless, the couple are known to have a loving marriage.

The Apple Daily interview can be found here.

klim@sph.com.sg

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Chow Yun Fat's wife recalls unborn child's death 26 years ago in exclusive interview

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When her unborn daughter died in her womb, Mrs Chow Yun Fat did not cry. Not because she wasn't devastated, but rather, she was too shell-shocked. In an exclusive interview with Hong Kong's Apple Daily, superstar Chow Yun Fat's wife Jasmine Tan talks about her painful memories from 1991.