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| Home >> News >> May 2002 to Jul 2002 | ||||||||||
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News ... or mere Rumours? |
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July 2002
-- Xie Xiao Reminiscing First Interview with
Zhang Ziyi -- Zhang Ziyi: I believe my performance did not disappoint Lee Ang. Definitely, there was tremendous pressure, for Lee Ang had chosen Chow Yun Fatt and Michelle Yeoh - trusted them a lot. On the other hand, they were also under stress having to speak Mandarin in the movie. That his choice of me was a gamble was due to the fact that he did not know me well, not having seen my films. I heard that they wanted to cast Shu Qi initially, but for whatever reasons that eluded me, they signed me up instead. The other actresses vying for the same role and I underwent 10 days of training. He became more familiar with me and eventually selected me. (Why wasn't Shu Qi employed?) No idea, perhaps due to schedule problems. (Why were you chosen?) He wished to use someone new. (Was he satisfied with your performance?) I worked very hard in this movie. He had also praised me and was happy with me. He was aware of my tension, and there were times when I cried. But he found that I was getting better, and could act well. >> Full Story <<
-- Hero -- An undisclosed test screening of Hero, of which post production has been completed, was held in US, with their US distributor, Miramax's attendance. It received fairly positive comments on the whole. However, the production decided to spend one more month on further editing to tighten up the pacing and enhance the portrayal of the characters, so that it will be able to compete favourably for Oscar Awards.
-- Wu Jing's Signs Up with Taiwan's Jet Star Entertainment --
Recently, Wu Jing signed up with Jet Star Entertainment to be his
publicist. His agent has just posted a message in
Jing Wu Men saying that any
future correspondence with Wu Jing may be sent to the following address
(English address provided by Funnycat):
Jet Star Entertainment -- Martial Arts Child Star Sik Siu Lung -- Shi Xiao Long (Sik Siu Lung), aged 14, who has starred in Shaolin Popeye, China Dragon, Ten Brothers, Saint of Gamblers, Chinese Heroes, etc, will be heading to US to further his studies next year. His agent said that due to his busy filming schedule over the years, his studies are aversely affected. As the most popular Mainland martial arts child actor, he is unable to attend lessons regularly like his peers. To ensure that his education level won't lag behind his peers, when Xiao Long is shooting, they arrange for both a martial arts coach and an academic teacher to be by his side at all times to guide him. He would also revise his studies during school vacations to catch up with his classmates. That he is going to study overseas in US serves to pave the way for his future foray into Hollywood. His agent will also be making arrangements for him to meet Hollywood personalities.
Shi Xiao Long was born in Chen Village (The village of Chen Style Taichi), which is within close proximity to Mt Song's Shaolin Temple. His original name was Chen Xiao Long. His family has been martial arts practitioners for generations. His father, Chen Tong Shan, is the dean of Shaolin Wushu School. When Xiao Long was two years old, on seeing his father imparting skills to his disciples, Xiao Long, unexpectedly, began doing the moves. So, Chen Tong Shan might as well let his son become the disciple of Shaolin Abbot Shi Yong Xing, and was bestowed the Buddhist name, Shi Xiao Long. He became Shaolin secular disciple at the mere age of 3. He became famous after acting in Whirlwind Kid at the age of 4. When Shi Xiao Long was in preparation for Juvenile Wong Fei Hung TV series last year, he took the effort to watch Jet Li's and Zhao Wen Zhuo's versions of Wong Fei Hung. He feels that they are the paradigm of martial arts. However, he likes Jackie Chan best, saying that his action is very beautiful and he is very acrobatic and agile. He started admiring Jackie Chan greatly since the Hong Kong Film Awards 1995 when both of them received some awards. Shooting of his latest movie, Undiscovered Tomb, produced by My Way Film Co, has been completed and will be released at the end of the year. His next work, Miracle Kid of Shaolin, will begin production soon. Guangzhou Daily
-- Hero: A Breakthrough in Wuxia Genre -- Hero is scheduled to be released in China on 20 December. Currently, part of Hero's production stays in Australia to work on its post-production, while Zhang Yimou remains in Beijing, remotely supervising them. Their works that are being submitted to him daily through sophisticated computer system and from there, he issues his instructions to them. He has turned down all social activities, striving his best to produce a wuxia classic. The post-production of the two-hour movie is estimated to be complete by end of October. Someone from New Picture Company says that based on the script and sample movie, Hero has achieved two major breakthroughs in the wuxia genre: Firstly, it's not simply a movie of doing of chivalrous deeds or seeking of revenge; rather, it explains the meaning of gallantry through the standpoints of the historical development and fate of a nation. It's grander, more epic than the standard wuxia movies. Secondly, this movie is an achievement in the aesthetics. Not only were the sceneries beautifully captured, but also the fights elegantly done. Zhang Yimou is eyeing for Oscar Awards too, and those who had seen the initial crude cut spoke very positively of the movie, saying that it may yet be another new height in Zhang Yimou's career. Zhang Yimou has intentions to make a Hero sequel, which will not be related in story to the original. Rather, it will be the legend of yet another ancient hero. Meri Paper & Nanfang City Daily
-- Zhang Yimou's Next Movie -- Zhang Yimou's next film, after Hero, is also a wuxia movie, which is proposed to be shot next spring. Hero's post-production editing was completed last month in Australia and the sound effects and soundtrack will be mixed within these two months. Zhang Yimou has returned to Beijing to discuss with the production about more concrete plans for his next movie. The production brought along several artistic consultants to Xinjiang to look for suitable shooting locations 10 days ago. The production are taking snapshots of the sceneries and sending the photos and information to Beijing's production manager, who will vet them and submit to Zhang Yimou. Should Zhang Yimou find the places to be apposite, he will personally go to the specified locations to judge if the places would be their eventual shooting locations. Zhang Yimou's decision to shoot another wuxia film was on the account of the investor, Hong Kong's An Le Company's suggestion, as well as his passion for wuxia. When Hero was in production, Europe, America and Japan film distributors had been negotiating with An Le regarding its distribution rights. The Japan distributor was willing to bid as high as US$25 million, while US Miramax got hold of the distribution rights in the Europe and US for no less than $15 million. Accordingly, the US$30 million Hero had already won the battle even before its theatrical release. Jinhua Time
-- The Touch -- Trailer to Michelle Yeoh's The Touch, which is about the search for Sharira, is now available. The Touch Official Site also contains the plot, cast and gallery of the movie. Release date - August 1.
-- Southern Shaolin -- Huang Ju Long is playing the role of Hero Jing, who is Fang Shiyu's (Wu Jing) rival, in Southern Shaolin. He has been training in martial arts since childhood and is a graduate of Beijing Drama Academy, and was Shui Ling's classmate. He is an All-Around Champion of Guangxi Wushu Competition and Champion of Southern Fist, Staff and Sabre in National Wushu Completion. He had stayed in Hong Kong for 5 years to develop his career, out of which he stayed by Jet Li's side as his understudy for four years. At the same time, he learned martial arts from Jet Li, and performed stunts in place of Jet. Jet Li doesn't accept disciples easily, but Huang Ju Long, being in his good books, was granted an exception. Jet Li was especially painstaking when teaching him martial arts.
Le Jia Tong, of Qiong Yao's Romance in the Rain fame, who has background in dancing and developed a penchant for martial arts while shooting Amazing Detective Ke Lan in Hengdian recently, is playing a magistrate's daughter, Zhang Xiao Bao, in Southern Shaolin. Zhang Xiao Bao is a well-bred, understanding person though she has been pampered by her father since young. She loses her soul to Fang Shiyu on running into him and courts him for twenty episodes. And the outcome? Find out yourselves by watching the series, quipped Le Jia Tong.
Le Jia Tong, who took up Tae Kwan Do lessons a few months prior to Southern Shaolin's active production, said she was drawn by the character in Southern Shaolin for she had been itching to do an action role. Moreover, this is the first time she chases after a guy. The character also witnesses a drastic change in her family, faces betrayal from her kin. In other words, twists abound in the series. She gets to go through multitudes of emotional scenes. She was very excited about acting as someone with depth, whose emotions spring forth from within. She also said the director told her that she is someone who is highly skilled, though due to her background, conceals her martial arts ability. She won't fight very often, but once she does, she astounds her opponents with very deadly moves. And as the series' martial arts directors are none other than the Yuen Clan, as helmed by Yuen Wo Ping, she hopes that, under the guidance of the Yuen Clan, her first martial arts role would surprise the audience. Hengdian Orient Hollywood & Sina
-- New Zhao Wen Zhuo Movie -- Faced with Jackie Chan's and Jet Li's successful ventures into Hollywood, Zhao Wen Zhuo disclosed, during a publicity event for Wind and Cloud series, which China's Liao Ning TV Station will be airing from 30 July onwards, that he is going to do a movie funded by America. Nothing else was said about the movie, whose title, cast and plot remain a mystery. Zhao Wen Zhuo also said that Bruce Lee is his idol, for he was responsible for bringing authentic fights onto the screen. He indicated that Jackie Chan makes the fights less brutal, blending in comic touches. He also noted that Jet Li is most faithful to the essence of Chinese Wushu. Romance of the Book and Sword is currently in post production and is slated to be shown on Channel U in August or September. Zhao Wen Zhuo, who is currently having a respite from work, is likely to grace Mediaworks' promotion event for Romance of the Book and Sword. Sina
June 2002
Wu Jing's Shaolin King of Martial Arts, Emperor Qianlong, Fang-De and Miao Cui-Hua, Yuen Bun's Vengeance Ending Ravine, and Zhao Wen Zhuo's Drunken Hero have been released in Singapore.
-- The Matrix Reloaded and The Matrix Revolutions -- The Matrix Online has posted up a five-page scan of Matrix Reloaded and Revolutions article from Entertainment Weekly, which come with some photographs of the set. The $300 million-plus, two movie shoot, began in March 2001 and wraps this summer. Not much has been revealed about the plot but Matrix Reloaded is taking place mostly in the CGI universe, as Morpheus, Neo and the rest continue their revolt against Agent Smith and the machines (while the scorched real world will play a larger part in Matrix Revolutions.) They will also offer the audience a peak at the human city of Zion. Niobe, Morpheus' former lover, and Zee, a female freedom fighter played by Nona Gaye, will also be introduced. It will have more sophisticated and demanding action sequences, with some weaponry employed.
-- The Tuxedo -- The Tuxedo site is now up, together with a teaser trailer.
-- Daredevil -- Official site to Daredevil, a much anticipated marvel comics adaptation whose action choreographer is Yuen Cheung Yan (who is now directing Southern Shaolin series which boast 3-D photography and special effects), is up. Daredevil Trailer| IGN Press reports and photographs
-- Drunken Monkey -- Shooting of Drunken Monkey has been completed in the second week of June. To stress on authenticity, Lau Kar Leung (Liu Chia Liang) strictly demanded true full-contact fights from every cast member. When this reporter visited their last shooting base, which was in Shanghai, he witnessed the filming of a ten-second fight scene between Wu Jing and Hung Gar Fist expert, Chi Kuan Chun, Wong Fei Hong's fourth generation disciple. Over two and a half hours were spent on the scene. Because of the real fights, the fists and staff hit each other's head, chest and legs. Under the direction of Lau Kar Leung, the set was boiling with ominous atmosphere. Wu Jing was bruised all over his body, his nose and legs were hit by the staff just before the reporter spoke to him. He said, "It's alright, I am covered by insurance. Let's fight again!" which brought about applause from the crew. The other cast member, Chi Kuan Chun, is also not someone to be trifled with. While he is already 54, he has built a muscular body through years of hard work. For the sake of Drunken Monkey, he often wore 20 - 30 heavy silver rings on his arms, while, at the same time, wielded a sabre or staff. He intended to set up a wushu training centre overseas after the movie was done, to restore the glory and awe of Hung Gar. United Daily, 17 June 2002. By Liu Zi Feng
-- Warriors of Heaven and Earth -- Preliminary editing of Heroes of Heaven and Earth, directed by He Ping, who is most noted for his Swordsman in Double Flag Town, has just been completed in Beijing. Those who have seen the test screening version were particularly struck by Jiang Wen's and Kiichi Nakai's performance, saying that they captured the mood of chivalry in the show very beautifully. As for the leading actress, Vicky Zhao Wei, her screen time is lesser and her handling of the mood was slightly not as good as the two lead actors mentioned. On the other hand, her makeup and costume design were particularly beautiful, making her a striking character. Heroes of Heaven and Earth, distributed by Columbia Pictures worldwide, will continue to be in post production stages in August or September and will be released early next year, as a Lunar New Year well wishing movie. Netease Report
-- Shanghai Knights -- In Shanghai Knights, the sequel to Shanghai Noon, Jackie Chan's father was killed by a Chinese rebel who escaped to England. Jackie Chan and Owen Wilson go to England to avenge for his father's death. Jackie Chan's sister (Fann Wong) uncovers a worldwide conspiracy to kill the royal family, but no one believes her. With the help of a native inspector and a 10-year-old street urchin, Jackie Chan turns the city upside down in his hunt for the murderer. At the same time, he has to keep the romance-minded Owen Wilson from his sister. Shanghai Knights Official Site (contains Jackie Chan's set diaries.)
-- Drunken Monkey Trailer and Plot Unveiled -- Drunken Monkey Trailer (consisting of stage play) - From Colour China's Drunken Monkey Page (Major spoilers on its synopsis page)
Plot - In Chen Village Mansion, there lives a young lord, Chen Jiaye (Lau Wing Kin). Owing to the immense wealth of his family, he idles away his time. Growing up together with him is Ah De (Wu Jing). While Ah De is younger than Chen Jiaye, he is in fact of grand-uncle seniority to the latter. Despite their generation gap, the two are close as brothers.
-- Southern Shaolin Series -- Shooting of Drunken Monkey is to wrap up by second week of June and Wu Jing will be taking on the role of Fang Shiyu (Fong Sai Yuk) in Southern Shaolin drama serial, directed by Yuen Wo Ping's brother, Yuen Ying Ming. Theresa Lee is playing his sweetheart, Zhuo Ling, a magistrate's daughter. Southern Shaolin will boast 3-D shooting techniques, probably something in the fashion of Bullet Time Photography (Video) as used in Matrix. Since Fang Shiyu entered the Southern Shaolin Temple to train in martial arts, due to his chivalry and his frustration of the Manchurian government, he takes to risk to steal temple donations to fund Heaven and Earth Society in their crusade against the Manchus. When the Imperial Court learns of the matter, they classify him as a rebel and send soldiers to arrest him. The abbot has Fang Shiyu cuffed and expels him from Southern Shaolin Temple. Fang Shiyu roams about the pugilistic world, taking part in anti-Manchu activities and helping the people in times of trouble.
May 2002
-- Kungfu Master --
-- Southern Shaolin Series -- Wu Jing has turned down the offer to be in the Four Great Constables and will instead be joining the Yuen Clan in Southern Shaolin drama serial, which is featuring some new martial arts talents, after shooting of Drunken Monkey is completed in June.
-- The Empire is of More Importance -- The Empire is of More Importance has been released in China. May be purchased online from Dianshiju. Picture
-- Jade Leung: Modern Day Heroine -- In the entertainment circle, there aren't many actresses who do kungfu. The 60s and 70s were the most glorious moments of female action stars, seeing the appearances of Zheng Pei Pei, Shang-guang Ling-Feng, Kara Hui Ying Hong, etc. In the 80s were Moon Lee, Michelle Yeoh, Yukari Oshima and Cynthia Khan. In the 90s, this type of female action stars are fast disappearing from the movie industry. Besides Michelle Yeoh and, to a lesser extent, Cynthia Khan, only Jade Leung remains on the silver screen, continuing to portray the contemporary heroine who goes about ridding the world of evil and helping the weak. >> Full Story <<
-- Wu Jing Impresses Bichunmoo's Director -- A few years ago, Wu Jing turned down Yuen Wo Ping's offer to go with him to the Hollywood to assist him in martial arts choreographing for he thought the time was not yet ripe for him to go overseas - he wished to establish his presence in Mainland first and further honing his acting skills. Recently, Wu Jing showed two clips from Shaolin King of Martial Arts to the director of Bichunmoo, and he was utterly impressed with the fight scenes, which were infused with Wu Jing's ideas and were partly choreographed by him. This may spell a whole new partnership for Wu Jing and afford him a chance to break into the Korean market, after having missed the American market then..
-- Legend of Zu -- After a dismal test screening of the awfully edited and massively cut version (with 20 minutes of footage removed) of Zu Warriors, which was dubbed in English with weird accent, Miramax is said to be to not going to release the movie theatrically in US. It is going straight to home video instead.
-- Demi Gods and Semi Devils Voting -- NetandTV has put up an on line vote for the roles of the main characters in the series. Wu Jing is the third person on the third row, vying for the role of Monk Xu Zhu.
-- The Matrix Reloaded -- Latest Matrix Reloaded Photos | Teaser Trailer
-- Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils' Initial Casting --
In this Jin Yong adaptation, the Beggar Sect Leader, Qiao Feng,
is to be played by
Hu Jun,
if all goes well. Xu Qing and Li Ya Peng have also signed up with the
production. Zhang Ziyi is returning from America to negotiate with Jiuzhou Drama
about her twin roles of the two sisters - Ah Zhu and Ah Zi. Actually, Demi-Gods
and Semi-Devils only heralds the start of Zhang Ziyi working with Jiuzhou Drama,
which has a longer term plan for her. Christy Chung, of Tai Chi 2, shall also be
flying to Beijing to discuss about her role as Madam Ma, one of the lovers of
Dali's Elder Prince Duan Zheng Chun. Director Zhou Xiao Wen hopes to get Zhang
Tie Lin to act as Duan Zheng Chun.
-- New Fist of Fury aka Return of the
Dragon --
-- Drunken Monkey -- Drunken Monkey is Wu Jing's third movie and this is the first time Wu Jing works with Liu Chia Liang. Wu Jing is doing Drunken Fist and Monkey Fist in Drunken Monkey. These are something which he had never done before. Liu Chia Liang is someone who emphasises authentic fights in his movies. Wu Jing's forte is Taichi, a gentle style of martial arts, and Long Fist, which employs distant movements, while Liu Chia Liang specialises in Hung Gar Fist, a powerful style.
Beijing TV Weekly, 2002, Issue 17 / United Daily / Hengdian Orient Hollywood |
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