HONG KONG -- Johnnie To-helmed crimer "Exiled" has been selected to represent Hong Kong in the foreign language Oscar category.

Selection was announced Monday by the Motion Picture Industry Association.

Pic preemed in Venice 2006 and was widely sold in int'l territories by Media Asia. Magnolia Pictures released it in North America.

MPIA chairman, Crucindo Hung, who said selection was made on a strong majority, said committee felt "Exiled" to be the Hong Kong film with the strongest chances with Academy voters and that it is classic To material.        

 

Although much of the action shifts to neighboring Macau, pic is typical of To, whose movies typify Hong Kong staple of tautly-made underworld actioners.

 

(Written by Patrick Frater, 24 September 2007, www.varietyasiaonline.com)