The Chinese comedy Lost in Thailand, which ends its run in mainland cinemas today, has overtaken Avatar as the film seen by the most people on the mainland. More than 38 million Chinese have seen the movie, directed by Xu Zheng, since its release on December 12. The success of the 30-million-yuan film, which began showing on mainland screens on December 12, has been a surprise for the domestic movie industry, which is normally dominated by big-budget historical epics with large casts.
Lei Yuen, a popular, 40-year-old noodle and congee shop in the centre of Causeway Bay, closes, a victim of the tourist hot spot's soaring rents. Hongkongers formed long queues over the past week at the small shop, behind the Sogo department store, for a last taste of its fare. The shop's vintage decoration stands in contrast to the neighbouring cosmetics, electronics and fashion shops.