'Broken Tooth' takes bite at fame

A controversial film based on the life of alleged Macau crime boss Wan 'Broken Tooth' Kuok-koi will premiere in Hong Kong early next month, but it is uncertain whether the man reputed to lead the enclave's 14K triad society will attend.

The producers of the film - called Casino in English and Storm in Macau in Cantonese - say they are also considering a premiere showing in the enclave, a move likely to provoke opposition from Portuguese authorities.

A showpiece launch would come as yet another blow to officials already reeling from a string of triad killings and acutely embarrassed by interviews Wan has given to international news magazines about the film.

Wan provided the $14 million funding for the film.

Executive producer Henry Fong, of the Hong Kong-based Ting Hung Film Company, confirmed the film would open in Hong Kong on May 8 or 9.

But he was unable to say whether Wan, nicknamed 'Broken Tooth', and played by Hong Kong film star Simon Yam Tat-wah, would hold court at the launch.