News ... or mere Rumours?

January 2002

-- Voting for Protagonists of Ping Zong Xia Ying Lu --

Sina is conducting an on-line poll (In Chinese) from 21 Jan to 22 Feb 2002 to decide the male and female protagonists for Ping Zong Xia Ying Lu, a series based on Liang Yu Sheng's novel. Membership registration is required in order to vote.

... (Zhao Wen Zhuo - 55 )

--Hero Interview with Zhang Ziyi --

Yesterday afternoon, this reporter kept the appointment in a certain guest-room in Beijing International Club. The person who opened the door for this reporter was Zhang Ziyi's mother. She made an introduction zealously, "Our current house is forty square-metres, when Ziyi returned, it didn't have enough room to swing a cat. So, she and I have no choice but to spend money staying in the hotel. It's also more convenient to talk about certain things. She is also very filial, and has just bought a big house. When she is back in Beijing this time, she busies herself with renovation and buying new furniture." Zhang Ziyi, of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon fame, was busy serving a drink to this reporter, "My mother did not know that you were giving her free Jing Hua Time. On the seeing them in the letterbox during the first few days, out of her own will, she sent them to the resident committee." Her mother explained, "What if someone put the wrong address when they subscribed it, wouldn't it be causing them inconvenience?" Thus, began our interview amidst laughter.           >> More <<

-- Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon Prequel --

On 18 Jan, Wu Jing met with Producer Xu Li Gong (Hsu Li Kong) and Ye Ru Feng, who was impressed by his wittiness, humour and vivacity. Xu Li Gong said that Wu Jing fits the role of Luo Xiao Hu aptly and that his horse-riding skill and agility make him a perfect choice. He especially admires Wu Jing for having solid martial arts background. However, the script is not yet completed, so his role in the CTHD prequel is not yet confirmed. Meanwhile, Wu Jian Meng, a member of F4(???), has also expressed his interest in getting the same role too. When Wu Jing visited Yuen Wo Ping during production of CTHD, he helped hoisting the wires for Chow Yun Fatt. He particularly liked the scene where the people fly about and run on the walls.

Minsheng Daily, 19-01-2002
 

-- The Sword of Third Young Master --

The Sword of Third Young Master, which is produced by Derek Yee and directed by Tsui Hark, is to begin production in May. On the other hand, Romance of the Book and Sword, which had been in preparation for quite a considerable time, has been put on hold till to the middle of this year. Derek Yee pointed out that he is confident of Tsui Hark's capability in doing justice the the movie and that he is not worried about criticisms and doubts of Tsui Hark's achievements over the past years, even though the latter's more recent movies may not be of big hit they are still groundbreaking in certain ways. He believes that The Sword of Third Young Master, an adaptation from Gu Long novel, would herald a new trend towards wuxia films. Besides Leslie Cheung who is acting as Yan Shi Shan, he hopes to get Zhang Ziyi to join the cast.

-- Zhang Ziyi enrols for English class --

SHE WANTS TO READ FAN MAIL. BEIJING - Chinese actress Zhang Ziyi, who starred in the blockbuster movie Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, has joined millions of Chinese in the rush to learn English. Attention was drawn to her poor English when Zhang Ziyi acted as a dangerous femme fatale in last year's Hollywood action flick Rush Hour Two with Hongkong gongfu star Jackie Chan. However, Zhang Ziyi said that her learning English had nothing to do with advancing her career in Hollywood. There is a simpler reason for it. Zhang Ziyi wants to read her English-language fan mail herself. Ms Zhang, who turns 23 next month, told the local media recently: 'Somebody wrote me a love letter in English when I was starring in a movie in the States. I had to look for a translator to read what was a private letter to me.'

The Straits Times, 16 Jan

-- Hero --

Because Zhang Yimou particularly dotes on Zhang Ziyi, he added more parts for her in Hero, making her role one of more consequence. She is playing Ruyue (Like Moon), one of the four assassins. She's in eye-catching red, which represents extreme passion. The production will be completed 10 days later. (Beijing Entertainment News, 16 Jan)

Time Asia has written an extensive report on Hero, including interviews with Zhang Yimou, Jet Li and Donnie Yen. Check out the articles.

-- Shaolin Soccer --

Shaolin Soccer's going to be released in US theatres in April, Japan and Korea in May, to coincide with World Cup 2002. Due to its overwhelming success in Asia, Steven Chow has plans of making the sequel. In the meantime, Wong Jing is making Shaolin Special Police Force.

-- Wu Jing's Ambitions --

Since Taichi 2, Wu Jing has become inseparable from martial arts productions. However, he also wishes to broaden his horizon in acting career and The Empire is of More Importance offers him such an experience. This production has a serious storyline and Wu Jing is playing two roles in the movie, the emperor and a bandit chief. They are twins but have vastly different personalities. The emperor is numinous, earnest and particularly scheming while the bandit chief is wild and unbridled. What's most interesting are the fight scenes between Wu Jing and himself.

On the other hand, regarding the popular martial arts shows, Wu Jing has his own views. He says that they can be categorised as kungfu productions and wuxia dramas. The former requires the actor or actress to be trained martial arts skills while the latter doesn't. Usually, the actor or actress would strike a pose in front of the camera and their stunt double would help them do the rest of the action. However, actors and actresses doing martial arts productions should still learn some basic skills. Otherwise, they can't even do such simple moves as holding a sword properly.

Wu Jing is very demanding in every single aspect of filming, from which he learned this from many seniors: Back then, when filming TV series with Yuen Wo Ping, they did only eight scenes per day. But the current TV series would want to shoot eighty scenes in one single day. As he is not from drama school, not trained in acting, he has to be extra strict on himself.

Presently, there are already some foreign film studios which are contacting Wu Jing. He says that everything is still in negotiations and that when the time is ripe, he would give it a try overseas. Wu Jing's attitude towards work can be described as madly passionate, not even affording him time to be in love. Wu Jing pins very high hopes on his acting career. He straightforwardly admits, I couldn't tell you of any concrete plan, but I am a very ambitious person. After shooting of the Empire is of More Importance is complete, I shall be resting for some time, to re-charge myself. Read some English, return to Beijing Wushu Team to train...
 

Shijia Zhuang Daily, By Yao Wen Jing

* Filming of the Empire is of More Importance has been concluded on 28 December 2001.

-- Wenlian Obtains Rights to Return of Condor Heroes --

Wenlian Studio, the company responsible for the production of How Affectionate the Empire's Sons and Daughters Could Be, Martial Arts King of Shaolin and the Mainland version of Legend of Condor Heroes (Eagle Shooting Heroes), are in the initial stages of obtaining the production rights to Jin Yong's Return of Condor Heroes. Jin Yong said that the contract would be signed (if everything goes well) after Spring Festive. While Zhang Ji Zhong, the producer of Eagle Shooting Heroes, did not intend to disclose the fee for copyright transfer, the reporter overheard the figure as 700 000 Remminbis (US$ 85 000) when a phone call came in regarding the issue.

Regarding Mainland version of Eagle Shooting Heroes, Yuen Bun said he does not want to talk about it. Actually, he was the martial arts director of TVB's Eagle Sooting Heroes starring Felix Wong and Weng Mei Ling and that of Shaw's movie adaptation of the novel in the 70s. On the other hand, he still gave the Mainland wuxia productions some warnings: Do not rush madly into shooting, you must have real skills. In addition, there should be some kind of novelty when doing re-makes as the viewers are too familiar with such productions, particularly those based on Jin Yong.

Sichuan News

--  Wu Jing's Induction into Entertainment Circle --

Currently, Beijing Broadcast Station is airing the popular Ordinary Bigheaded Yang (The Bigwig) and we yet again get to view the bright and handsome face of this kungfu youngster, Wu Jing. We could see him in practically every major martial arts epics that were broadcast in the recent years: Ah Fei of Swordsman Lee of Flying Dagger, Bei Yuan Qing of Love in Turbulent Times, Ximen Jin-Ge of The Aftermath Of Water Margin, Yang Lu Chan of Master of Taichi. His bewitching smile, air of wandering hero, agile and graceful moves of martial arts leave very deep impressions on the viewers. However, we hardly see any of his shadows in media reports.              >> More <<
 

-- TCS / Mediaworks Programme Highlight(s) of the Month --

[U Channel] Zhao Wen Zhuo's Hawthorn Blossom Heroes ( Yi Jian Mei )- 4.30 pm, Every Sunday, 27 Jan

[TCS 8] Lau Kar Leung's Drunken Master 3 starring Michelle Reis, Willie Chan, Andy Lau and Adam Cheng - 8 pm, 27 Jan

December 2001

-- Wu Jing's Finance Management --

On the day of interview, Wu Jing appeared in a pure white clothing in Henglong Square. On facing the passionate fans, Wu Jing answered every questions with great earnestness. Had he not put up a few beautiful martial arts poses, this reporter would have suspected if this cultured, gentlemanly Wu Jing was really the kungfu youngster of concealed talent. On bring up the topic of asset management, Wu Jing was hesitating, "I don't know how to manage my finances."  As such, this reporter beat around the bush when talking to Wu Jing and found out, unexpectedly, about Wu Jing's special method to investment and finance management!        >> More <<

-- Model Director: Lee Ang --

Lee Ang's Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon brought honour to the Chinese at Oscar Awards and also raised his fame to the next level. This writer has met this world renowned director twice: The first time was when he came to Hong Kong for The Wedding Banquet's publicity events. The second was not long ago, during Hong Kong Golden Elephant Movie Awards. It had been two years and this gentleman has not changed much, save for being fatter by two inches since The Wedding Banquet.            >> More <<

-- Wu Jing's Projects for Next Year --

Wu Jing's TV series offers for next year include Heroes of Yongle Era, Drunken Fist and The Four Great Constables. He may get to work with Zhao Wen Zhuo too. The movie Cheung Sing Yim is going to produce was in negotiations with an America firm about its funding.. Details in Oct Conversation with Wu Jing, in Look, Who's Talking?

-- Legend of Zu and Golden Horse Awards --

Legend of Zu won Best Make Up and Costume Design and Best Art Direction. Was also nominated for Best Effects (Won by Shaolin Soccer) and Best Action (It's strange but My School Mate the Barbarian won this category).

-- Guestroom - Zheng Pei Pei --

On receiving the task to interview Zheng Pei Pei of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, the first reaction was where to begin? She has been in the entertainment circle for more than thirty years. If this reporter were to ask about how she became an actress, it would appear to be too old-fashioned. Thinking over it for a long time, in order to let the younger audiences know her better, this reporter hard-headedly asked her. Zheng Pei Pei smiled, "How I got into the entertainment circle and my past experiences? It was so long ago. Almost more than thirty years. Let me say it briefly. I was trained in Nanguo Peking Opera School. Later, I joined Shaw Films and shot twenty, thirty films. Later, I also did movies with Jiazhu Company. I don't remember the exact numbers of films I have made. It was too many."        >> More <<

-- Singapore Actress May Join Jackie Chan in Shanghai Knights --

Fann may land Hollywood role

FANN WONG is well on her way to starring in her first Hollywood movie, in a role opposite Jackie Chan in the sequel to his comedy western, Shanghai Noon.The movie made US$95.5 million (S$176 million) worldwide last year. A spokesman for MediaCorp, which represents her, confirmed that the 30-year-old actress is in advanced contractual negotiations with the movie's producers. If she signs on the dotted line, Fann would be the first MediaCorp artiste to break into Hollywood. She was in London last month for talks on her role in the movie, her spokesman disclosed, following a Dec 6 report in The Hollywood Reporter, an American film-industry publication, which said that the actress had been cast in Shanghai Knights.

Fann has been lined up to play Chon Lin, the sister of Chan's character, in a madcap adventure set in 20th-century London. The actress is in Hualien, Taiwan, with her spokesman. Last night, she presented a prize at the Golden Horse awards in the city. The spokesman, who declined to be named, said Fann met the film's director, David Dobkin, who said she is 'a good actress', and found her to be very suitable for the role.

Spyglass Entertainment, the production company which is making the film with Walt Disney, had asked MediaCorp in October to nominate actresses in its stable who could be in the movie. From the tapes which the TV station submitted, Spyglass picked Fann. Asked if Fann was confirmed for the part, the spokesman said: 'Let's put it this way: Fann likes the role very much.'

She could not say when the deal would be inked. Fann has acted in two movies, the 1999 homegrown effort The Truth About Jane And Sam, and last year's When I Fall in Love... With Both. If cast, she is expected to high-kick her way through the thriller, just as Chinese actress Zhang Ziyi did in Chan's movie last year, Rush Hour 2. Shooting is scheduled to start in March and the film slated for release later next year. Owen Wilson, who played Chan's sidekick in Shanghai Noon, will reprise his role.

The Straits Times, 14 Dec 2001

by Janet Ho

-- 2002 --

In this hi-tech supernatural action movie costing HK$30 - 40 Million, the police force has a special division consisting of a man and a ghost team dealing with haunting spirits. Those ghosts who died a wrongful death or unwillingness carry a very strong vengeful air and the ways they died become their weapons. A person who has committed suicide by jumping off a tall building becomes Flying Ghost, one who was drowned becomes Water Ghost (Alex Fong), one who was burned to death becomes Fire Ghost (Anya). They use their willpower to change the mortal world, bringing with them the people they could not bear to leave or those they hated to the nether world.

Tide (Nicholas Tse), who is able to communicate with the ghosts, and Sam (Sam Lee) is one such team of one man, one ghost. However, Sam is going to be reincarnated soon and Wind (Stephen Fung), who possesses the Yin-Yang Eyes that enable him see the paranormals, is sent o replace the former.  However, Sam is extremely fearful of ghosts and is unable to to coordinate well with Tide during the battles against the ghosts. Since this is destined to be a man-ghost team mission, one of them will die and become a ghost and the battle against Water Ghost shall determine their fate.

U-Weekly, December

Related Sites: Mediacorp's Show Blitz : 2002 and Golden Village's 2002 Pages (with Trailers and more information).

The martial arts are in 2002 are nothing astounding but okay for non-martial artists. This curious movie explores the question of whether it's good to know the future without the ability to handle it. Tide (Nicholas Tse) has a clairvoyant uncle (Law Kar Ying) who tells him about his future and that he is a jinx who will cause the death of anyone close to him. As such, he becomes overcautious and tends to keep his distance to everyone, even when he falls for someone, he still pretends not to be interested, for he fears the omen might come true and cause harm to her. So, he is stressed with such burdens and doesn't lead a happy life, and this affects the girl who loves him too. Suppose he doesn't know anything about his future, about all these fortune telling or ignore them completely, will he be a happier person?

-- Hero Team and Car Accident --

In a car accident in Jiuzhaigou where a pedestrian was knocked down by a car, belonging to the Hero team, responsible for transporting Jet, it was purported that Jet was in the car but didn't get out to help the victim, who is recovering from the injury but suffers slightly from amnesia as his head was hurt. After the car accident happened, Jet had instructed the production department to try their best to give the victim some forms of help. However, when the matter was blown out of proportion, with him being blamed for remaining in the car which ferried him without getting out to help the victim, Jet felt that he had been wronged and wanted to clarify it but many people told him to that it would worsen the case. Thus, he remained silent about the incident and didn't grant the media any interviews.

When the case was getting out of hand, the production team came forth to debate for him. But Jet told them not to take it too seriously, as he believed that the mind of one who is innocent remains at ease, and he didn't care how other people misunderstand him.  He often told the team, "Don't speak ill of anyone. One must be upright and never harms anyone."

Zhang Yimou felt sorry about it and apologised to Jet many times. Jet said that it's not their fault, but Zhang Yimou felt more guilty. When Jet joined the team, on noticing the production's limited budget which was among the lowest of the action films of the recent years, he told them that they can further reduce his fee, and his deeds won the praises of everyone in the team. Everyone was impressed by Jet's manner after the accident happened and said that they would stand up for him as alibi when necessary.

Zhang Yimou especially gave Jet time off from work to let him to ease off and spend time with his family.

While Jet publicly proclaimed that he would not pursue the matter and take legal actions against a certain media from Chengdu for its allegation, his personal lawyer firm overseas refused to let the matter rest, for the matter has affected Jet's image.
 

Huashang Daily

* The victim was discharged on 11 January 2002.

-- Drunken Hero --
Mi Wen Tian (Zhao Wen Zhuo) and Chu Qing Yang (Max Mox, the role Wu Jing turned down) are sons of Emperor Ming Hui. However, they grew up in different families owing to a certain incident when they were young. Chu Qing Yang and Bai Yu Tong( Christy Yeung) fall for each other, but when they are about to be engaged, she falls for Mi Wen Tian.

Zhao Wen Zhuo said that he does not wish to speak only with the fists. He humbly told the reporters that he wishes to do equally well in action and dramatic parts. Under circumstances that suit that plot, I can attract the audience with my acting skills and later add in action scenes, adding more gusto to series."

On the set, Zhao Wen Zhuo didn't behave as actively as some actors and some said he was putting on airs. But according to a working member, he is a quiet, docile person.

-- No Problem --

In this Japanese movie directed by Zhang Jian Ting, a martial arts fanatic's (Takashi Okamura) girlfriend leaves Japan for Hong Kong to work as an assistant in Jackie Chan's company without informing him. He goes to HK in search of her. Not understanding Cantonese, he relies merely on the phrase, "No Problem" to get around. By accident, he becomes stunt double for a film studio. At the same time, he turns the whole country with the upside not up, downside not down. Sammo Hung appears to be the the choreographer, as shown in the trailer on the CH5 site.

-- TCS / Mediaworks Programme Highlight(s) of the Month --

[TCS 8] Stephen Chow's Fight Back to School. 1 Dec, 11 pm.

[TCS 8] Jet's Last Hero in China. 16 Dec, 8 pm.

[TV Works] Samurai X movie. 16 Dec, 7 pm.

[City TV] Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon series. Coming soon.

November 2001

-- Vengeance Ending Ravine --

Currently, Yuen Bun is silently filming Vengeance Ending Ravine in Yinchuan. During an interview, he revealed, "The story of Vengeance Ending Ravine is nothing new. It can be said to be a replica of Peace Hotel. I was attracted by the show's theme of loving-kindness. It's about anyone who goes to Vengeance Ending Ravine and stay there shall no longer harbour any hatred or entertain any thoughts of seeking revenge. All the events in the show are sprung forth from this theme. The stars I picked for the 30 episode series, Sammo Hung, Ji Chun Hua, Chen Bao, etc are real martial artists, and I tried my best to let them demonstrate their martial arts abilities to the fullest, to make up for the shortcomings of the unoriginal script."

Meri Newspaper, Reported by Feng Xing

See also Net and TV's Interview with Yuen Bun (In Chinese).

-- The Empire is of More Importance --
Wu Jing is currently in production of The Empire is of More Importance and the production team will be moving on to Hengdian later to shoot some parts of the show. (Will he meet Jet who is already in Hengdian with the Hero team?) As Wu Jing is playing two roles, Emperor Qianlong and his commoner brother, Chen Bang-Guo, in this series, his workload is especially heavy. There are some scenes where Emperor Qianlong fights against Chen Bang-Guo. Without knowing anything about Jet vs Jet in The One (which lacks news in China), Wu Jing has especially devised two distinctive sets of martial arts to for him to fight against himself - one is an aggressive, overbearing and delirious style while the other is calmer and more tolerant and suave. He has just completed one fight scene (as of end of October) and was surprised on learning that Corey and Jet did something similar for the One.

Wu Jing may get to work with Zhao Wen-Zhuo next year. He had missed a chance to work with Zhao Wen-Zhuo when he did not accept the offer to be in Drunken Hero for he found the proposed role (which was later given to Max Mok) was not suitable. Anyway, a producer is looking for Zhao Wen-Zhuo for a project and hopes that Wu Jing will act as his younger brother. Coincidentally, Cheung Sing Yim has another script where he wishes to get Zhao Wen-Zhuo to be Wu Jing's elder brother.

-- The One Feature --

Following the signboards, and passing through many big buildings, stepping into a warehouse like building, an air of freshness permeated the entire room. The filming base was built last year, and was used only once by another team. The working team was bustling about, making preparation works. Some were moving the props while others were patiently painting the tables.           >> More <<

-- Sun Tzu's Art of War --

British director, Roland Joffe, who prefers The Road Home to Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, has the intention of going to China to shoot an action film. He will be writing the script for the the movie, which will be shot in China and America. Set in 1911, it's about a highly skilled female martial artist who ventures forth into America. She uses various strategies and ruses from Sun Tzu's Art of War to overcome various challenges and difficulties. The film's name is titled Sun Tzu's Art of War and is going to be dedicated to his wife. As for the lead actress, he has already set his sights on Zhang Ziyi and is going to invite her to act in the movie. He has watched The Road Home and feels that she is a very decent actress.

Meri Newspaper

-- Virtual Twilight --

Put pouty Shu Qi, perky Vicki Zhao Wei and punchy Karen Mok together in an action movie and what do you get? An explosive mix of slick moves and feminine wiles. Three nubile nymphets who can kick butt as well as curl on mascara. Who can be blamed for thinking that Virtual Twilight is Hongkong's answer to Charlie's Angels? But veteran action director Corey Yuen is indignant.     >> More <<

-- Hero --

Some Hero pictures, shot at Bamboo Arrow Sea. It's also where Jet, Tony and Maggie settle their disputes. Jet, who is the king's most loyal knight in black - Without Speech - and Tony were hanging on wires and fighting on the water. Pic 1, Pic 2, Pic 3 and Pic 4.

-- TCS / Mediaworks Programme Highlight(s) of the Month --

[TCS 8] Drunken Angels - Yuen Wah does the Drunken Eight Immortals albeit not particularly convincingly. Daily, 7 pm.

[Channnel U] The New Shaolin Temple rerun - Daily, 2.30 pm.

[ Main ]