An animated film based on a private, hidden manuscript by renowned British author Charles Dickens, titled The King of Kings, is set to premiere in Hong Kong and Macau on December 20. The release features a star-studded Cantonese-language voice cast, including Hugo Ng, Sammi Cheng, and Jayden Cheng, transforming Dickens’ personal narrative into a warming exploration of the true origins of Christmas and the power of faith.

The film draws its unique inspiration from Dickens’ self-penned book, The Life of Our Lord, a secret collection of stories he wrote exclusively for his children. Set against the backdrop of 19th-century England, the story follows Dickens, voiced by Hugo Ng, as he attempts to connect with his mischievous son, Walter (Jayden Cheng), through bedtime stories. Encouraged by his wife, Catherine (Sammi Cheng), Dickens uses his imaginative storytelling skills to transport Walter on a fantastical journey 2,000 years into the past, witnessing the birth and life of Jesus Christ.

A Narrative of Forgiveness and Reconciliation

At its core, The King of Kings explores themes of forgiveness, faith, and familial reconciliation. The narrative uses the story of Christ to guide Walter from boyhood naughtiness towards an understanding of humility and service. The journey aims to mend the fractured relationship between father and son, using the power of storytelling as a bridge.

Hugo Ng emphasized that the film’s most resonant theme is “mending relationships.” “Why would Dickens recount the story of Jesus to his son? Precisely to repair their bond,” Ng stated, adding that the film seeks not to impose religious belief but to plant “the seeds of the Gospel” through moments of profound emotional connection.

Pop icon Sammi Cheng, who voices Catherine, noted that drawing from her own life experiences allowed her to fully grasp the importance of humility and forgiveness. A particularly moving scene for Cheng was when Catherine gently encouraged her husband to share the tales with their son. “In that moment, faith became a warm opportunity for the family to sit down, share, and slowly resolve their hidden conflicts,” Cheng shared. Her emotional response upon voicing the final scenes prompted her to take on the project, marking her first time providing voice work for an animated character.

International and Local Talent Converge

The production boasts significant international pedigree, featuring acclaimed actors in its English-language version, including Kenneth Branagh, Forest Whitaker, Sir Ben Kingsley, and Oscar Isaac.

The Cantonese cast brings local high-profile talent to the screen. In addition to Ng and Cheng, the voices include Joey Wong as Peter, Eliza Sam as Mary, Sung Yuet-hei as Joseph, and Johnny Chiang as King Herod. Elva Lee takes on the challenging dual roles of Mary of Bethany and an Angel.

Young voice actor Jayden Cheng, only 11 years old, perfectly captures Walter’s transformation from a playful child to one touched by faith. He acknowledged that voice acting presented a unique challenge compared to traditional performance, requiring precise synchronization with the animation’s rhythm. Despite his age, Cheng expressed a profound sense of purpose: “I hope every audience member meets the King of Kings who gave everything for them in this film.”

The King of Kings promises audiences a warm holiday viewing experience, blending historical literary inspiration with a timeless message of love and reconciliation. Families, particularly those who cherish pet companionship—reflected in the film’s inclusion of the family’s adorable cat, Wei Wei—will undoubtedly connect with the portrayal of deep, affectionate bonds. The film offers a compelling starting point for discussions about faith, grace, and strengthening family connections during the festive season.

The cast of the original wildly popular Hong Kong television drama, A Kindred Spirit (Love, Home), which aired from 2012 to 2015, recently gathered for a nostalgic reunion dinner, demonstrating the enduring friendships forged during the show’s run. Key actors, including Yeung Cheuk-na, Max Cheung Tat-lun, Lisa Ch’ng Sze-ming, and Chris Lai Lok-yi, celebrated their continued camaraderie, with social media posts quickly shared by Yeung and Cheung, delighting fans who fondly remember the characters from the fictional Charles & Co. Solicitors law firm.

The highly anticipated gathering captured the lighthearted spirit of the ensemble drama, which starred Liu Dan, Lau Kong, Lai Lok-yi, and Evergreen Mak Cheung-ching in its initial iteration. Actress Yeung Cheuk-na posted a video compilation highlighting the evening’s jovial atmosphere. In the clips, she playfully inquired about the fitness progress of actor Edwin Siu and teasingly pressured Lisa Ch’ng Sze-ming and actress Mimi Lo (who was also in attendance) about their impending weddings, eliciting laughter and good-natured reactions from her former colleagues.

Yeung emphasized the unique bond the cast shares, stating online, “We finally got to meet! Why is it that every time we meet, we are so happy? Every time, we laugh almost enough to call an ambulance! After all these years in the industry, the happiest thing is harvesting this group of brothers and sisters. #ForeverAHomecoming #CharlesCoSolicitors.”

The sentiment was echoed by Max Cheung Tat-lun, who shared his own thoughts and media from the event. Cheung reflected on the decade since their run concluded, noting that while the show wrapped nearly ten years ago, the connections remain strong.

“A A Kindred Spirit gathering! Everyone is always full of love, laughter, care, greetings, and support,” Cheung posted. “Although our A Kindred Spirit was a decade ago, our love is eternal. So, we can proudly say that we are the real ‘A Kindred Spirit.’” He concluded with a hopeful note about potential future collaborations and the desire for even wider attendance at the next event.

The original production, known locally as Oi Yuut Jau Gaa, not only achieved high ratings but also successfully integrated relatable family issues and workplace dynamics into Hong Kong media landscape, solidifying its place in pop culture history. The show’s characters are still deeply ingrained in the public consciousness, making these reunions particularly meaningful for loyal viewers.

The public display of solidarity reinforces the notion that prolonged shared professional experiences can translate into genuine, lasting friendships. These social media posts serve as a candid look behind the scenes, reminding audiences that the chemistry they saw on screen was rooted in true affection. For fans who followed the often tumultuous yet heartwarming lives of the Charles & Co. team, these occasional reunions provide a comforting echo of the show’s core message: the invaluable importance of support and familial ties, whether biological or chosen. As the cast members continue their individual careers, the hope remains that their enduring bond may one day lead to an on-screen revival or collaboration, fulfilling Cheung’s wish for future joint projects.

Kwun Tong, Hong Kong — Acclaimed singer Fiona Sit, known widely by her nickname “Siu Ming,” is set to usher in the new year with a special performance at the Kwun Tong Promenade. The artist announced she will headline the “Fiona Sit New Year’s Eve Rendezvous at Kwun Tong Waterfront Concert” on December 31st, celebrating the transition from 2025 to 2026. The unique event will take place at AQUABEAT 03, an active outdoor space situated along the waterfront.

Sit expressed her intention to connect deeply with her audience by bringing her signature emotive sound to this distinct urban coastal setting. The beachfront venue is expected to enhance the ambiance, combining the natural energy of the seaside breeze with the electric atmosphere of live music and collective celebration. Organizers aim to create an intimate yet spirited environment where fans can bid a heartfelt farewell to the departing year and welcome the incoming one with optimism. The concert is positioned as a culmination of genuine musical expression designed to accompany fans into the future.

The preliminary promotional materials for the concert utilized bold, unconventional imagery, reflecting the dynamic and energetic spirit associated with the Kwun Tong waterfront area. This aesthetic choice mirrors the artist’s desire to capture the vibrant atmosphere of the performance location.

Ticket Information and Venue Experience

Two tiers of tickets have been made available for the highly anticipated year-end event. Reserved seating is priced at HK$980, offering attendees a comfortable vantage point for the performance. Alternatively, standing room tickets are available for HK$580.

In a move designed to enhance the festive experience, patrons who purchase standing tickets will receive a complimentary alcoholic beverage, specifically a cup of beer. This inclusion encourages a relaxed and casual “chill” atmosphere, allowing concertgoers to enjoy the night air and music in a convivial setting as they await the midnight countdown. The convergence of live music, a waterfront location, and shared celebratory drinks aims to provide a memorable start to 2026.

The choice of the Kwun Tong Promenade underscores a broader trend in Hong Kong of utilizing publicly accessible coastal locations for large-scale cultural events, transforming these spaces into temporary hubs of entertainment and community gathering. The concert is expected to draw a significant crowd, underscoring Sit’s sustained popularity and her connection with local audiences seeking a distinctive way to commemorate New Year’s Eve outside traditional indoor venues. Details regarding sales dates and specific entry times are expected to be released soon.