THOMAS PODVIN’S FREELANCE WORK
Freelance writer - translator - Editor

In 2005, the Hong Kong international Film Festival paid tribute to actor/producer/singer Andy Lau Tak-wah (A World without Thieves) for his quantitative and qualitative participation in the film industry. This book, published in English and traditional Chinese covers Lau’s thirty years in the business. For those of you not familiar with Lau, he’s known as the Chinese James Dean – although he claims Marlon Brando as an early inspiration. Of course, Lau is alive and Dean and Brando are not, so Lau aged 44, has quite a few more film credits, 120, to be exact. This book includes an excellent in-depth interview with Lau, as well as film reviews and interesting, quirky essays on topics ranging from Lau’s ‘eagle eye’ acting style, to his hair-style and his position (he’s an idol) in the industry. Strangely, there’s not one word on the man’s long and successful musical career, or the film companies he formed to produce his own movies and promote the independent filmmaking scene, or his influence on cinema, or even his personal life. In short, the editor has narrowed his focus strictly to Lau’s acting.
HKIFF Society/available at http://www.hkiff.org.hk

(c) that's Shanghai Magazine
Chief editor: Steven Crane
March 2006 issue

You’ll likely read Bangkok 8 from cover to cover in one night. Set in an imaginary Bangkok, and written as a thriller, the novel concerns the twin pillars of Thai society: Buddhism and its material counterpart, the four G’s, guns, girls, gambling and ganja. Thai cops Sonchai and his soul brother Pichai are devout Buddhists following the path to enlightenment. They’re not on the take, which is to say they are a rare breed. Sonchai is investigating the murder of a US marine sergeant; in the process he encounters drug and gem dealers, killer snakes high on yaa baa, a charming FBI agent and katooeys galore. As the case proceeds, Pichai is killed and Sonchai sets out to avenge his death using modern policing techniques and his own profound understanding of the spirit world. At this stage, the novel delves deep into the world of Buddhist beliefs and karmic principles. In short, the book combines entertainment with thought-provoking perspectives on prostitution, corruption, religion and the value of life. A compelling read.
Corgi/available at http://www.booksattransworld.co.uk

(c) that's Shanghai Magazine
Chief editor: Steven Crane
March 2006 issue