News ... or mere Rumours?

February 2003

-- Tsui Hark to Shoot Both Movie and TV versions of Seven Swords of Mt Tian --
When China Wenlian Studio acquired the filming rights to the novel from author Liang Yusheng, the author indicated that he hoped Tsui Hark would be directing. As Tsui Hark has never done any TV series apart from Wong Fei Wong, he was very cautious. To convince Tsui Hark, China Wenlian Studio's President Ma Zhong Jun personally went to Hong Kong thrice, eventually moving Tsui Hark, who agreed to give it a shot. Ma Zhong Jun indicated that two versions of Seven Swords of Tianshan - the movie and TV series - will be shot concurrently. The first two episodes of the TV series, which is planned to be around 35 episodes, can stand as an independent movie. This fresh approach may be part of reason for drawing Tsui Hark's attention. Tsui Hark is known to be a lavish director who spends extravagantly on his productions and Ma Zhong Jun said that the investments for this TV series, which exceed the amount spent on their 42 part Legend of Condor Heroes, which is now airing in China, are sufficient to meet Tsui Hark's needs. Shooting will be carried out mainly in Xinjiang and Mt Tian itself. In addition, they will also be doing the filming of some scenes in Tibet and Zhejiang. Production of Seven Swords of Mt Tian is expected to start this July. Meanwhile, Wenlian Studio is planning to shoot another Jin Yong novel adaptation, Return of Condor Heroes, which is in early pre-production stages, next year.  Beijing Entertainment

-- Seven Swords of Mt Tian Recruitment Drive --
Oriental View, Wenlian's subsidiary company, is one of the strongest production companies in China, having produced 100 to 150 hours worth of drama serials. Their projects constantly secure top viewership rating annually. In 2002, Shaolin King of Martial Arts was the most watched TV series of the year. In the same year, they had successfully produced Legend of Condor Heroes, Police Officer of Snake Year, Bidding Farewell with Utmost Sincerity, etc. They have also made such movies as Love is Blue, Lover in Heaven, the latter of which was awarded Best Arts Contribution in 15th Tokyo Film Festival in 2002. In this year, 2003, Oriental View is producing a 20 part series, Home, based on Ba Jin's Jia Chun Qiu, and a 35 parter, Seven Swords of Tian Shan. Both are now in process of recruiting actors and actresses nationwide. The shortlisted candidates will not only have a chance to appear in the series, but also become Wenlian's contract artistes, acting in their future productions.
 

Seven Swords of Mt Tian is an adaptation from the namesake Liang Yusheng novel depicting the chivalrous deeds of the seven pugilists - three male, four female - of Mt Tian. Hoping to scale greater heights with this project, surpassing their own production Legend of Condor Heroes, Tsui Hark and Cheung Sing Yim were invited to be be this project's overall directors and executive producers. Actors and actresses with martial background who are interested may visit Oriental View Website for more information regarding the character descriptions and enrollment criteria.   NetEase
 

Note: So far, only Wu Jing and He Zhong Hua (Photo 1, 2 Source: Sina) are on board the project - though no formal contracts have been signed yet. He Zhong Hua is a martial arts star who has appeared in the following TV series: Sword of Third Young Master, Shi Xialong's Young Wong Fei Hong, and Knife Song - Short Blade. He Zhong Hua is playing one of the Seven Swords. Wu Jing is likely to be playing Gui Zhong Ming, a deadly swordsman who suffered from amnesia initially. Gui Zhong Ming's part will be given more weight in the series unlike the novel, where though he makes a grand entrance in the beginning and gets to learn some of the most powerful skills, Bodhidharma Boxing and Swordplay, towards the end, rarely gets a chance to use them and is constantly overshadowed by Lin Mo Feng, the most respected and senior member among the Seven Swords. Gui Zhong Ming is somewhat of a simpleton and is worldly un-wise, naive, growing up in remote regions. However, his singe-tracked mind and intelligence allow him to master martial arts quickly. He only devotion is Mao Wanlian, the bright and erudite girl who helps cure him of amnesia.

-- Tsui Hark Calling Forth Pugilists Nationwide for Seven Swords of Mt Tian --

China Wenlian Studio and Tsui Hark are set to conquer pugilists nationwide by inviting martial arts stars to fill up the essential roles of such swordsmen and swordswomen as Yang Yun Cong, Flying Red Shawl, Nalan Ming Hui, Yi Lan Zhu, Lin Mo Feng, Liu You Fang, Mao Wan Lian, Fu Qing Zhu, Chu Zhao Nan, Han Zhi Bang, Nalan Rong Ku, Third Princess. With such a major recruitment campaign, Wenlian Studio does not mind how time consuming it could be. Wenlian Studio's President Ma Zhong Jun said, "The actors and actresses each have their own fortes, but there aren't many who are interested in wuxia, who are creative, let alone those trained in martial arts. Presently, only Wu Jing is going to be in this project though we haven't sign a contract yet. The other cast is being auditioned."

Tsui Hark feels that wuxia productions has sunken into a quagmire and aims at setting new standards with Seven Swords of Mt Tian. He hopes the adaptation and characterisation will achieve a breakthrough in wuxia culture. In most Liang Yusheng's novels, the opening chapters are usually very gripping but they lose momentum half-way through. As such, the adaptation will improve on these areas based on the needs of a TV series. The script writer is the the person behind Shaolin King of Martial Arts. He feels that the characters' individual personalities and their developments are the basis of the script. As to the martial arts choreography, Tsui Hark said that it will not rely solely on technology. Legend of Zu's over-emphasis on CGIs led to neglect of the plot development and actors' and actresses' performances. The series will highlight the actor's/actress' own martial abilities, such as the novel's Pursuit of Wind Swordplay, Major Vajra Palm, Asura Skill of Malignant Yin Deity, all of which require meticulous choreographing. Liang Yusheng usually depicts combat scenes in a down-to-earth manner in the beginning while gradually romanticises them, giving a graphic account of each move and style and Tsui Hark seeks to bring such epic Liang depictions onto the screen.

Perhaps owing to the fact that Liang Yusheng himself is a poet, his novels carry a strong sense of classicism, and he is very particular about incorporating ancient poems within the novels. His swordsman or swordswoman tends to be gentle and scholarly. As such, his novels create a distant world filled with ancient melodies. Tsui Hark will shoot the series mainly in Xinjiang. Recently, Tsui Hark and Cheung Sing Yim went to Japan to acquire new shooting equipment, such as high resolution cameras. As this project is set out to be movie-style TV series, many essential equipment will be imported. Ma Zhong Jun said, "The funds for this TV series are significantly higher than that of our earlier productions. To make a brand new wuxia production necessitates taking some major risks."  Beijing Youth Daily

-- Drunken Monkey Press Conference  --
While there is no official word on Drunken Monkey's release yet, a major press conference will be held in Dali's Yunnan on 3 March. It will be attended by reporters from Mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan. Wu Jing, together with his manager Ye Ke Tang from Jet Star Entertainment, will be present at the press conference.  Jet Star Entertainment
 

-- Wu Jing's Mother Recovering --
Wu Jing's mother was successfully operated on 20 Feb and is now out of danger. However, she is still under observation. It's been a relief to Wu Jing who is busy at work. The whole production of A Chinese Ghost Story, which could not proceed without him, would be held up should he apply for leave and his mother refused to let him to take his time off. The last time he went to visit her, she told him off and made him returned to work immediately.   Jet Star Entertainment

-- Drunken Monkey --

Sina, one of China's biggest news portal, has just put up Drunken Monkey page (Chinese). There are three new photographs there. It's the movie's exclusive partner on the web (following the disappearance of Colourchina.).

Jackie Chan, Andy Lau and Stephen Chow are big-time stars in the Chinese entertainment circle. While they have different plans for the Year of Goat, all of them understand the de facto of the industry - having new blood to replace the veteran ones. As such nurturing newcomers to succeed them is very important. In the first half of this year, Jackie Chan is shooting Around the World in Eighty Days and Titanium Rain. He will be introducing Daniel Wu into Hollywood through them. Andy Lau wishes to be the disciplinary master in the Year of Goat. He explained, "The young artistes nowadays are too superficial. If I were to run a school, I won't be its principal. Rather, I would be the disciplinary master, teaching them the basic rules of being an artiste." Andy Lau's record company has set up an artiste school recently, and is planning to take in new talents, in order to form the main crew/cast of new films to be produced. Stephen Chow has already begun his crusade of grooming new blood two years ago. In the Year of Goat, all the various groups are already in place and he has set up film making, TV making, commercial making and star management companies. Stephen Chow indicated that this year, all his individual companies will make an all out attack: the film making company will make a a kungfu comedy set in 1940s while the TV company will produce a series similar in story to God of Cookery.   Yangcheng Evening News

-- Flying Eagle, the Heroine: Battle of Wits --

Michelle Yeoh came to Shanghai this time to scout for new talents with the help of a Shanghai film company. She is looking for 60 little co-stars, including 10 stout-looking police, four flight stewardess, and an 8 to 10 years old little Michelle Yeoh who can fight. A few has already been short listed by the company and Michelle Yeoh expressed keen interest in some of them.  Xinwen Chenbao, Eastern Sports Daily

-- Azumi --

Set in the 16th century, Azumi is about a girl whose parents were killed during the turbulent wartimes. An old man finds her and brings her up. He teaches her the art of fencing. Trailer and information (in Japanese) to this Samurai movie, which is to be released in Japan on 10 May, is available at the official Azumi movie site.

-- Twin Effects Trailer --

Plot (from EMG): Ace vampire slayer Reeve (Ekin Cheng) tracks his arch-enemy, the Duke Dekotes (Mickey Hardt) to Hong Kong. The Duke is hunting for Kazaf (Edison Chen), the fifth prince of the vampire nation. With Kazaf's blood and the ancient vampire bible, the Duke will bring a new age of darkness. On arrival, Reeve learns that he has a new partner, a feisty but inexperienced young beauty named Gypsy (Gillian Chung). Matters are further complicated when Reeve's innocent younger sister, Helen (Charlene Choi), develops a romantic relationship with Kazaf. With all the odds against them, our heroes get some unexpected help in the form of high-kicking paramedic Jackie Fong (Jackie Chan). In a high impact final reel, Reeve, Gypsy and Helen join forces to fight the Duke and his minions.
 

Horror, comedy and high impact martial arts action choreographed by Donnie Yen collide in The Twins Effect!

Two new trailers is now available at Emperor Multimedia's Twin Effects page.

-- Drunken Monkey Release Date --

Drunken Monkey will be released in China in March (or May/June) this year. Wu Jing is likely to grace the publicity events in Shanghai and Beijing on around 1 to 3 March. The publicity events will be a grand affair.  Jet Star Entertainment

Note: Shanghai Film Studio lists Drunken Monkey as a March release.  Monkeypeaches

-- Shenjiang Movie Marathon Night --
The 4th Shenjiang Movie Marathon Night, organised by Shanghai Times, was held from 31 December 2002 to 1 January 2003 midnight. 20 movies, some of which were yet to be released in China, were being screened continuously throughout this event. Among them were Green Tea (Jiang Wen, Vicky Zhao Wei), Sister Kong, Musa (Zhang Ziyi, Yu Rongguang), 100% Men, My Beautiful Village, Kate and Leopold, Mother, and Drunken Monkey (Lau Kar Leung, Gordon Liu, Wu Jing, Shannon Yao Yao, Lau Wing Kin). Shanghai Times

-- Wu Jing's Mother Had a Heart Attack --

On Feb 4, the fourth day of Lunar New Year, Wu Jing's mother suffered a heart attack relapse and was hospitalised. She was still under intensive care as of 7 Feb. While Wu Jing was very concerned and worried, he had to fly to Dali to resume shooting of A Chinese Ghost Story the next day. Not wanting the production to be disrupted, Wu Jing did not take any leave. While Wu Jing has an elder sister, she is already married. His parents and him are very close to each other. Last year, his father was sent to hospital due to artery clogging in the brain and is still convalescing. Wu Jing, a fillial son who gives all his income to his parents, is grief-stricken. He hopes to be able to pay his mother a visit when she undergoes an operation. China Times

-- Yuen Wo Ping Choreographs Danny the Dog --
Jet Li is working with Yuen Wo Ping for the first time since moving to Hollywood. Yuen Wo Ping is choreographing the martial arts sequences in Danny the Dog, which began production in Jan 2003. One of the notable martial arts sequences to look out for, was being shot on the third week. Jet's assistant, Beaver, said that it was "a very large fight sequence that will occur half way through the story...we've been shooting non stop the last few days and Master Woo Ping has staged some very hard core/long take/wide view fight beats for this sequence."   Jet Li Official Site

January 2003

-- A Chinese Ghost Story --

Shooting in Guangzhou is to be completed by end of the month, after which the cast is given 8 days off during Lunar New Year festive season. The production will then proceed to Yun-nan's Kun Ming, Rock Forest in Dali, etc on Feb 8. Wu Jing was glad to have a break during Lunar New Year. Recently, his shoulder was hurt while hanging on wire but he still insisted on resuming the shoot so as not to delay the production. He could barely lift his right arm then. The first thing he wanted to do on reaching home is to give his mother a big Hongbao (red packet containing money given by parents to children in Chinese New Year). Wu Jing, who is hardly home due to his film commitments, intends to dedicate all his time during the festivity to his parents. His only wish for the New Year is world peace, that there will be no more wars. Daniel Chan will be going to Singapore for promotion of his idol drama Feel 100%. Xu Xi Jiao, who was sick in December due to to cold weather and over-work, and only had a few hours of sleep each day, says she wants to have big rest on retuning to Taiwan. Jessica Hsuan is spending the Lunar New Year holidays in Hong Kong and is also taking the opportunity to pack her luggage for the next filming session in Yunnan. Yuen Wah shall fetch his child, who is in Canada, to Hong Kong. Tian Niu, who hurt her right leg, which became badly swollen, on 19 Jan when she accidentally stepped in between a branch and got her leg stuck while filming an action scene and was sent to the hospital, will be heading to New York to spend time with her daughter and handle some matters regarding her schooling. Photo   Dacheng Yingju Paper

-- Exploring the World of Wuxia --

Straits Times' Sunday Life! Wuxia Special

Wuxia Philosophies

The Origin, East vs West

Uncovering Wuxia Jargon

Influence on Hollywood

Wuxia Fiction

Familiar Situations

-- Seven Swords of Mt Tian --

Wu Jing, who starred in Legend of Zu, gave a highly positive appraisal of Tsui Hark, "That Tsui Hark's movies of the recent years did not do well in box-office is owing to his transcendental thinking - his movies were well ahead of the times. Director Cheung Sing Yim will be working alongside Tsui Hark in Seven Swords of Tianshan. To stress on realism of martial arts sequences, the main cast will comprise actors and actresses who are trained in martial arts. Apart from me, the other actors and actresses are still in the process of being selected. There may be some Hong Kong action stars joining this project." Ever since entering the showbiz, Wu Jing has starred in numerous martial arts productions. However, apart from Master of Taichi, the rest are found wanting in strengths. With Tsui Hark and Cheung Sing Yim directing, this series should propel Wu Jing to new peaks. (Apart from Wu Jing, China's sports star, Prince of Diving Tian Liang, whom Tsui Hark planned to cast in Romance of the Book and Sword, may join this production should he have available time slot. In addition, expect to see some familiar wushu faces who often appear in Chueng Sing Yim productions.)  Meiri Paper

-- Fan Siu Wong: My Strength Lies in Authentic Kungfu --
In late 2001, Fan Siu Wong, together with his father, returned to work with Shaw Brothers and TVB after striking out on his own for two years. The biggest problem he faced then was finance, where quite a handful of his movies had to be cancelled due to insufficient funds. His most recent work with TVB, In the Realm of Fancy series, was released recently. Since two, three years old, Fan Siu Wong had been brought along by his actor father Fan Mui Sang to the film studio. When asked about his passion for being an action star, he said that he was rather playful when young, and often liked to play with swords and sabres. Later, he discovered that learning wushu is of great help to shooting period productions. He learned Tae Kwan Do and doing Peking Opera style somersaults when young and later studied wushu in Xuzhou for three years, learning Long Fist. While Jackie Chan took him as a disciple, Fan Siu Wong pointed out that he did not teach him any kungfu. Their fighting styles are different. Rather Jackie Chan taught him about various aspects of acting and film-making. Jackie Chan told him that many actors and actresses have done many years of shooting, yet make no significant progress. They merely follow orders from the directors, without thinking of anything, of why it should be shot in this way. The same moves, shot from different angles, edited differently, will present a vastly different experience. These are what actors and actresses should learn. He does not wish people to say he depended on Jackie Chan's fame to gain success. He revealed that behind an action star's glory are countless pains and injuries. Pointing to his eyes and nose, he said, he broke his nose bridge once when jumping and bled a lot. In another instance, he lost one of his contact lenses during a fight only to recover it from behind his eyeballs. Fan Siu Wong, who has been through lots of excruciations, has no intention of switching to dramatic roles, "There are many people doing dramatic roles who are much handsome than me, However, there is less competition in action roles, this is my asset."   Liaosheng Evening News, Yangzi Evening News

-- Hua Mu Lan --

Shooting of Michelle Yeoh's Hua Mulan is likely to begin this summer. The movie, about a filial cross-dressing lady who serves the army in place of her ailing father, is produced by Michelle Yeoh's company Mythical Films. Peter Pau will be directing it while Corey Yuen will be the action choreographer. Top choices for her male co-star go to  Tony Leung Chiu Wai and Chow Yun Fat. However, there is little possibility of either joining this project as their schedules are already tightly packed.  China News Web

-- Hero Articles --

Miramax, No Hero 14 Jan, Weekly Dig

Hero Breaks All Records For Chinese Films 14 Jan, Yahoo News
Must a hero always be subersive 12 Jan, Straits Times
Crouching Tiger' Worried Director Zhang 12 Jan, Associated Press Writer

-- Legend of Condor Heroes --

Sina has put up some CCTV's Jin Yong novel adaptation, Legend of Condor Heroes TV series preview clips. If you don't read Chinese, just navigate around those links with .zip or .wmv links.

-- Hero Worship: Hue and Cry --

Here's the news: Hero is tipped to be this year's Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. No wait. Everybody knew that, even before Ang Lee picked up the Best Foreign Film Oscar. Here's the news instead: while everyone is eagerly anticipating a second Oriental triumph, the man responsible for Hero is perplexingly blasé. Will Jet Li, Maggie Cheung, Tony Leung and Zhang Ziyi blaze a trail of glory for this year's Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon?  8 Days >>Full Story<<

-- Seven Swords of Mt Tian --
After completing his work in A Chinese Ghost Story at end of February, Wu Jing will be reporting to Tsui Hark in March or April for the production of Seven Swords of Mt Tian TV series, an adaptation of Liang Yusheng novel. As Tsui Hark views this project as his stepping stone in TV market, Wu Jing, who was singled out by Tsui Hark for an important role in the series, understands Tsui Hark's feelings and stress, has been training especially hard in Taichi, sabre, cudgel and other forms of boxing, so that he would be in prime conditions when filming of Seven Swords of Mt Tian begins. Apart from that, he is brushing up his equestrian skill though he was already proficient in it. He aims to perform stunts such as shooting arrows while standing on the horse. Wu Jing never slackens in his job. Once, he had a record of working 22 hours non-stop in A Chinese Ghost Story. While Wu Jing is envious of the endearing affections between Xu Xijiao and her boyfriend who visited her on the set, he indicated that he has no wished to be tied down by relationships at the moment. He finds his work fulfilling and is happy. Empire is of More Importance, which he co-invested in, is going to be shown on primetime slot of  8pm on Taiwan's GTV this year. He did not rule out the possibility of financing his other future works. He also wishes to work with great, capable directors, who could give full play to his abilities, pushing him to greater heights.  United News Daily
 

-- Southern Shaolin --

Two videos (encoded at only bitrate of 80 kps due to space constraint) at Wu Jing NetandTV Club -

 Opening Themesong

 Rescuing Master Hua (Prince Hongli) (Remember the older Yuen Wo Ping movies where anything can be used as a weapon and humour inundated fights?)

Screen captures and the box art may also be found at Wu Jing NetandTV Club Gallery.

-- A Chinese Ghost Story --
Hong Kong stars Jackie Lui Chung Yin and Amy Chan Saun Man joined the production of GTV's A Chinese Ghostless Story recently, making cameo appearances as lovers. They do not fear lack of chemistry, for both have a common point - cholesterol-free and cruelty-free vegetarian diet - Amy Chan Saun Man has been a vegetarian for nearly two decades, while Jackie Lui eight years. Amy Chan and her other half in the script, Jackie Lui, had both worked in ATV, but never collaborated before. Amy Chan Saun Man plays Blue Demon, a fairy who inadvertently gets involved in a relationship, which is a beautiful yet tragic tale of love. She eventually turns into a dragon. Amy Chan was rather moved and surprised on receiving the script, for she felt close resemblance to the character.

Wu Jing (Photo Source:United News Daily) plays demi-human Zhuge Liuyun, the descendant of human father Jackie Lui and dragon mother Amy Chan. He falls for Sima Hongye (Jessica Hsuan) on first sight but she carries a torch for his friend, scholar Ning Cai Cheng (Daniel Chan) who's in love with fox spirit Nie Xiao Qian (Xu Xijiao). This is where Zhuge Liuyun's benevolence and innocence start to shine - while Ning Cai Cheng is his love rival, Zhuge Liuyun still comes to his rescue whenever he runs into dangers, moving Sima Hongye a great deal in the long run.
 

With over 20 years of martial arts training, Wu Jing possesses top-notch kungfu skills. On mention of this, Wu Jing remained level-headed, "Wushu only aids me in performing my roles better - I won't be fazed by complex actions, so I can be more at ease and focused when acting."
 

When off camera, Wu Jing takes good care of actresses Jessica Hsuan and Xu Xijiao, playing a good host to the  Hongkonger and Taiwanese, respectively. Jessica Hsuan, who was initially apprehensive of working him for she doesn't speak Mandarin very well, gets along very well with Wu Jing. Both have a soft spot for scuba diving. Xu Xijiao misses her homeland and couldn't get use to the the harsher conditions in the Guangzhou. Whenever Wu Jing is free, he would 'counsel' her, accompanies her during night shoots, and volunteers be her martial instructor. It touched Xu Xijiao immensely. The resilient Wu Jing, who adapts easily to different environment and empathising the feelings of one away from home, became the choice consultant of the production. Zhong Yang She News, Yangcheng Evening News, United News Daily
 

-- Kill Bill Trailer --
Kill Bill was directed by Quentin Tarantino with Yuen Wo Ping behind the solid action sequences. Uma Thurman stars as an assassin who is shot at her wedding and awakens from a coma five years later hungry for revenge. Other cast members include Gordon Liu, Darryl Hannah, Lucy Liu and Michael Madsen. Opens in Oct 2003. Kill Bill trailer is now online in Quicktime format.

-- The Matrix Makers --
Jan. 6 issue — The Warner Brothers studio lot in Burbank, Calif., is frenetic on most days, but on a Thursday in early November it was really humming. The company’s box-office Bigfoot for 2002, “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets,” was set to open in eight days, and nearly every division of the studio was working furiously to get it ready. Until 2:30 p.m. That’s when everything stopped. For the next half hour, the boy wizard had to make way for “The Matrix.”  All morning, buzz had rippled through the lot that producer Joel Silver would be screening, for the first time, 20 minutes from the sci-fi smash hit’s two feverishly anticipated sequels, “The Matrix Reloaded” and “The Matrix Revolutions,” both of which will hit theaters in 2003. In Hollywood, showing up late is standard practice. The theater that Silver reserved for his grand unveiling was juiced with 35 Warners executives—and one NEWSWEEK journalist—by 2:25. By 2:50, people were peeling their jaws off the floor. Newsweek, Devin Gordon  >>More<<

December 2002

Southern Shaolin has been released and may be ordered from Dianshiju.

-- A Chinese Ghost Story Video Clips --

Shooting inauguration video  and some behind the scenes footage may be found at Jessicahsuan.com. The site is in Chinese, so just click on the links with .wmv extension if you don't read Chinese.

-- A Chinese Ghost Story: Shooting Begins --
Production of 36 part A Chinese Ghost Story TV series began on 17 Dec. Producer Yang Deng Kui presided over the inauguration and all leading cast members were present except Daniel Chan, who arrived one day later, being held back by another project. This series is an adaptation from Liao Zhai Zhi Yi (Dark Tales). Producer Yang Deng Kui explained that the series will have no ghosts or deities so as to enable it to break into Mainland market without glitches. The distribution rights in Hong Kong has already been snapped up by TVB, which will air it during winter holidays next year. Shooting will end in April. The action in the series is directed by Ma Yuk Sing, choreographer for Bichunmoo. Script was written by Hong Kong's Chen Shishan, who wrote the script for ATV's I Have a Date With Vampire. Up to 2 million remninbis will be spent on computer generated special effects, which will be handled by Hong Kong's Menfond, the company behind special effects for Legend of Zu and Zhang Yimou's Hero. This is also the first time Menfond is doing special effects for a TV production.

Rather than a ghost, Nie Xiao Qian (Xu Xijiao) is now a lovely fox spirit in the drama. Priest Yan Chi Xi (Yuen Wah), his wife Sima Sanniang (Tian Niu), daughter Sima Hong Ye (Jessica Hsuan) and disciple Zhuge Liuyun (Wu Jing) have all become top-notch demon subduing pugilists rather than ghost-busters.

Plot: Tang Dynasty. The Kingdom of Tang is thriving very well when a stone tablet suddenly appears in Sacred Land of Taoist Sect Xuan Xin Zheng Zong. Not only does it contains records of every minor and major events since Tang was built, but also foretells a grim future: When the omen of Celestial Devil Meets Seven Malignant Stars surfaces, Couple of Seven Lifetimes will be reborn. The demons will make use of the powers of the couple to gain control of the world. Xuan Xin Sect's Reverend Jinguang joins forces with his elder Yan Chi Xia and his wife Sima Sanniang to find the Couple of Seven Lifetimes before the heretics. After a battle between good and evil, the baby girl lands in the hands of Liujun from the demon world. Due to severe injury, Liujun dies and the world is temporarily at peace. 18 years later, the baby boy grows up to be a poor scholar Ning Cai Cheng (Daniel Chan), who makes his livelihood through selling his paintings. The baby girl becomes a fox spirit in search of true love. The two run into each other at Ruolan Temple, and from there, begins a tragic, predestined fate. South China Daily

-- Seven Swords of Mt Tian --
Tsui Hark had maintained a low profile during his stay in Beijing since half a month ago. It wasn't until very recently when he went to an institution to meet the actors and actresses did his whereabouts be discovered. On that day, Tsui Hark went to the institution which was holding an activity attended by some celebrities and reporters. The reporters immediately swarmed round him when he appeared. Tsui Hark indicated that he was in Beijing to do preparation works for Seven Swords of Mt Tian drama serial. He has been in discussions with various top drawer wushu experts. Tsui Hark, who is considered by Hong Kong cinema as Grand Master of Kungfu Silver Screen, believes that since its inception to Zhang Yimou's Hero, traditional wuxia genre has reached to end of its tether. To proceed any further would lead to a dead end. He came to Beijing to do research with various wushu masters on kungfu moves and explore new methods of shooting, hoping to re-invent the genre. Tsui Hark stressed that the production will only be employing actors with martial arts background. Mainland kungfu stars might be invited to join the project. The script of this Liang Yusheng adaptation is in developmental stages and if things go smoothly, shooting will begin in later half of next year. Beijing Morning News

--News Relating to Zhang Yimou's Hero --

New martial-arts epic out to put China on the film-making map The Sydney Morning Herald, 18 Dec  2002

A Hero's Welcome The Age Company, 18 Dec 2002
Heroic hopes for Chinese blockbuster BBC News,  17 December 2002
Beijing goes Hollywood at 'Hero' premiere CNN, 16 Dec 2002
Long-awaited 'Hero' by Zhang Yimou Premieres in Beijing People's Daily Online, 16 Dec 16 2002
Hero's Welcome in China Straits Times, 16 Dec 2002

Ancient China Martial-Arts Movie Debuts Backstage, 16 Dec 2002

-- Shaw Brothers Magic Lives On --

Shaw Brothers film studio ceased production 15 years ago, but the well-known movies it produced live on - on DVDs and VCDs. In 1966, a Hong Kong martial-arts movie involving one cross-dressing female heroine and a drunken beggar changed the face of the genre. Using camera angles and editing to make you believe real blood was being spilt, Come Drink With Me broke with conventional filming methods that made swordfighting scenes look static and stagey. In director King Hu's first stab at a wuxia pian, the film anointed its lithe, graceful star, Cheng Pei Pei, as the consummate heroine of the genre. Produced by the legendary Shaw Brothers studio in its heyday, Come Drink With Me is now digitally restored on DVD and VCD, one of a sumptuous buffet of 760 titles from the Shaw library.  Straits Times >>Full Story<<

-- Time Reviews Zhang Yimou's Epic Hero --
Zhang Yimou sounds defensive when he speaks of Hero as "a genre piece." The implication is: just a genre piece, a diversion, a long sword fight played by grownups. Perhaps the director is thinking of his last purely frivolous work, the 1989 Codename Cougar, a goofy skyjack thriller that outfitted his severe star and muse at the time Gong Li in a tight stewardess uniform. If so, Zhang is underestimating both the power of the movie-epic form and his ability to inhabit and revive it. For Hero—Zhang's attempt to explode in the worldwide movie market as Ang Lee did with Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon—is a lucid and cunning drama: ancient history (3rd century B.C.) refracted through a modern skeptic's sensibility. It views the birth of a nation through the murky motives of some of the first Emperor's potential assassins. For they are as duplicitous in their emotional lives as in their fatal politics. Time Asia >>More<<

-- Jet Li's Next Project: Danny the Dog --

Morgan Freeman is set to buddy with martial arts action star Jet Li for the $42 million action thriller Danny the Dog for producer Luc Besson, which will be shot in France and England next January and will be in English. This project, an original script by Besson and Robert Mark Kamen, appears not to have no relations to children's literature called Danny The Dog.

-- Cradle to Grave Trailer --

Trailer to Cradle to Grave, starring Jet Li and Mark Dacasco, is now available online.

-- Zhao Wen Zhuo - Spokesperson for Hero (not related to the Zhang Yimou movie) --

On a warm invitation from Mediaworks' Channel U, this reporter went to China's Hangzhou in April to attend a press conference of major period production Romance of the Book and Sword, and interviewed some of the main stars of the series. One of them was Zhao Wen Zhuo, who acted as Chen Jia Luo, the chief of rebel group Red Flower Society. >>Full Story<<

-- The Twins Effect Trailer and Photos --

The Twins Effect teaser showing some action sequences from the movie may be found on Arclight Films. Some photos from the movie may be found on Donnie Yen Official Site.

-- Seven Swords of Mt Tian --

Shooting of A Chinese Ghost Story will go ahead on schedule in 18 December in Guangzhou. There is a good chance of Wu Jing appearing in Seven Swords of Mt Tian drama series directed by Tsui Hark. Wu Jing and his agent had been contacted by and were already in negotiations with the production before the media got wind of the matter. Jet Star Entertainment

-- Yuen Wo Ping May Do One-Armed Swordsman TV Version --
Hong Kong's classic movie, Chang Cheh's One Armed Swordsman is soon going to be made into a 30 part TV series. Chang Cheh passed away in June this year and his successor, director John Woo, had indicated of intention to do remakes of several of his classics as a tribute to him, among of which was One-Armed Swordman. Seeing the market worth of this movie, a production studio in Mainland China beat him to acquiring the TV rights. The script had been in preparation for nearly a year and shooting will begin once the cast is assembled. When approached by the production, Yuen Wo Ping expressed his interest in directing this drama series while Louis Koo and Athena Chu may play the lead should their schedules be available. Tianfu Morning News

-- Drunken Monkey Plot --

Below is a slightly different plot synopsis of Drunken Monkey, which is to be released early next year, as based on Dongfang Culture Weekly:

Zhen Yuan Armed Escort Agency discovers someone from within is involved in smuggling and to purge the sect of evildoers, sends Master Wen Biao to look into the matter. Master Wen Biao discovers that the perpetrator is his brother Wen Bao. When he is about to deal with him, his daughter dashes out. Taking pity on the kid, Wen Biao decides to give his brother a chance. Yu Haiyang, the chief of the escort agency, being jealous of Wen Biao's talents and fearing that he might take over his position one day, comes up with a plan to harm him.  He has Wen Biao maimed and thrown into the river...

In Chen Mansion, elder son Chen Jia Ye of the tycoon, idles away his time everyday, hoping to become a great kungfu master. Owing to his love for the agility of monkey, he paints the movements of the monkey, and call it Peerless Rhesus Fist, and it's still eight strokes shy of completion. Chen Jiaye's servant, Ah De, often poses as a model for his young master's martial manual. As he often poses the various martial moves, coupled with inborn talent, he builds up a firm foundation in martial arts over time. The two grew up together, forming a deep bond and close relationship.

One day, Chen Jia Ye, deceives his father that he's bringing Ah De to Shen Cheng's Lingnan Academy. Actually, he seeks to learn wushu. Chen Jia Ye and Ah De, on hearing of a Monkey Mountain nearby, decides to get a live monkey to draw. When Ah De(?) is painting, he unconsciously paints the face of a girl over the monkey painting. Intrigued by her movements, Ah De follows the ferry-girl Ah Min and runs into Master Wen Biao by chance. Having seen through life, he doesn't want to see anyone and suddenly climbs up a tree like a monkey and disappears...

-- The Making of Hero + Trailer --

This newer video from Sina shows some behind-the-scenes footage, on the first 5 minutes, coupled with the trailer shown earlier, except in better audio quality -  Windows Media Video format (11.8MB)

On novelist of Seven Swords(wo)men of Mt Tian, Liang Yu Sheng's recommendation, China's Wenlian Studio, after several talks since half a year ago and three visits to Hong Kong, eventually succeeded in persuading Tsui Hark to take up this teleplay about three swordsmen and four swordswomen as a director. They signed a contract in Beijing on 29 Nov. Owing to the dismal results of Legend of Zu, Tsui Hark brought up the point of not indulging in special effects. Rather, he wants the teleplay to rely on real martial skills and requires the main actors to have foundations in wushu. He might enlist some actors and actresses from Hong Kong and Taiwan to join the production. Tsui Hark is staying in Beijing for a while, mainly to determine the scope of the script, which shall remain faithful to the novel on the whole, while some minor details will be added. Tsui Hark is poised to bring out the poetic elegance of the Liang Yusheng novel, distinguishing it from Jin Yong's works which are of more believable, real world settings. Shooting is to begin in later half of 2003 while Tsui Hark will be scouting for locations in China early next year. Chang Jiang Daily

November 2002

-- Zhang Yimou's Hero Trailer --

Sina has put up a new Hero Trailer with vastly different footage (and rather poor in video and especially audio quality) from the one at Hero official site - Realvideo format (7.27MB).

-- Wu Jing Opts Out of In Contention for Top Pugilist --

Due to one month delay of In Contention for Top Pugilist production, Wu Jing relinquished his role in it, as well as the seven digit payment in Chinese Renminbi he was offered, for its delay means a conflict in schedule with A Chinese Ghost Story, which begins shooting in December. On the other hand, a few days soon after he declined the offer, he received a sports shoe commercial with pay as high as seven digits. Wu Jing is spending time studying the script of A Chinese Ghost Story, where he is playing the role of a highly skilled, playful little priest, Zuge Liuxing. Yuen Wah, one of the Seven Fortunes, acts as his master, Priest Yan Chi Xia. United News Daily

-- Black Mask 2: City of Mask --

Black Mask 2 is going to be released in China on 28 Dec, and will face strong competition from Zhang Yimou's Hero. (Hero will be released in Singapore on 23 January, to avoid clashing with such Hollywood blockbusters as Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets and Lord of the Rings 2.) When Tsui Hark wanted to shoot Black Mask 2, he invited Jet Li to be in the movie. However, he was not free and the role was given to a newcomer from America, Andy Onn, who is fit and agile. Tsui Hark said that the movie has more drama and little computer generated images. Chengdu Evening News

-- A Chinese Ghost Story Production Not Delayed--

Shooting of A Chinese Ghost Story will proceed in December as planned, as opposed to Shenhuo Xinbao's earlier report. Its mainland partner is Beijing Jiuzhou Studio rather than a Nanking studio and the idea of having Zhou Yu Min in the series has long been cast aside. On the other hand, In Contention for Top Pugilist, starring Wu Jing and Shi Xiao Long, has been delayed due to various reasons. As such, no production shots from this series are available yet. Jet Star Entertainment

-- Oriole, the Heroine --

The classic black and white movie of 1960, Oriole, The Heroine, is going to brought to the silver screen again. Ma Chu Cheng directs this movie produced by and starring Michelle Yeoh.  Shooting of this project with a production budget of HK$50 million begins next January. Unlike the original, the story takes place in 2009.  i-weekly

-- A Chinese Ghost Story Production Delayed--

Due to some unforeseeable circumstances, shooting of A Chinese Ghost Story TV series will be postponed to next year. The exact production date to has yet to be confirmed. Lu Ping from a certain studio in Nanking says that Zhou Yu Min may join the cast. One of the reasons for the delay is that leading actress Xu Xi Yuan and Zhou Yu Min are unable to make it this December, for they have lots of commercials to be filmed.  Shenhuo Xinbao

-- Black Mask 2: City of Masks Trailer --

Black Mask 2 trailer may be found at Internet Movie Database.

-- Drunken Monkey on UK Magazine --

The third issue of British magazine Oriental Film Review offers some preview coverage on Drunken Monkey, along with production shots and stills from the movie. 19 (rather small) pictures of the movie may be found on its site at this location.  Monkeypeaches

-- The Touch Represents Hong Kong for Oscar Awards --

On hearing that The Touch is representing Hong Kong to compete for Oscar Awards, this reporter's heart sank, for it tolls the death knell for Hong Kong cinema. Being able to bring glory in an event watched by the world is an honour to the movie makers of the East. A work that is competing in the award should be of high good quality. A messy story, nondescript acting, mediocre action, some trivial special effects - on further contemplation, there is nothing worth redeeming about The Touch. The amazing sceneries captured by Peter Pau are like beautiful postcards. This reporter can only say, if she wishes to admire the scenery, she can just tune in to National Geographic Channel, which airs documentaries with unforgettable sceneries. Looking back, only three Hong Kong movies released this year, A Chinese Odyssey, My Left Eye Sees Ghost and Yi Lu Zhe, are commendable. On the other hand, these movies did not do well at the box office. The heydays of Hong Kong cinema brought about by Tsui Hark, Xu An Hua, John Woo, Du Qi Feng, etc, appear to have become a sought after reminisce. (The Touch may be ordered from HKFlix.)  i-weekly

-- State of Divinity --

The attempts by both orthodox and unthordox sects to gain possession of the greatly coveted martial arts manual of the ultimate skill, Kuihua Baodian, brings about endless bloodsheds among the pugilistic fraternity.  In TVB's State of Divinity, a TV adaptation of Jin Yong classic Xiao Ao Jiang Hu (Wandering Insouciantly in the Pugilistic World. Jet Li's Swordsman 2 was based loosely on the same novel.), Jackie Lui (Lu Song Xian) took on the lead as Linghu Chong, the most senior disciple of Mt Hua Sect, while Liang Pei Ling acted as the aloof, proud, yet intelligent and demure Ren Ying Ying, the Holy Maiden of Sun Moon Sect. Chen Shao Xia acted as Mt Hua Sect's junior female disciple, Yue Ling Shan, whose downfall is brought about by her love. State of Divinity paved the way for Jackie Lui's venture into Taiwan market. When it was aired in Taiwan in 1998, he became the new idol of many Taiwan female couch potatoes. A graduate of Hong Kong Drama Academy, Jackie Lui was originally an ATV actor. Personally, he insists on healthy diet, with a proclivity for animal-friendly, cruelty-free vegetarian diet. This is the exact opposite of Linghu Chong's personalities, who has a penchant for wine. "As the character is someone who loves drinking while I myself don't drink, it was rather difficult to express the passion for liquor."  Jackie Lui's most recent work is a Taiwan idol drama, Falling in Love with the Manager, where he acted as a manager who is very popular among his female colleagues. It was very well received and a sequel is being in preparation. The fourty-three episode State of Divinity is being shown on Mediacorp Channel 8 on Mondays to Wednesdays at 10.30pm from 11 Nov onwards. i-weekly

-- Xu Li Gong Extends Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon Prequel Rights --
Preparation works for Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon Prequel - Precious Sword, Golden Hairpin, which is to be shot next May, is currently going smoothly. At the behest of Lee Ang, Producer Xu Li Gong (Bill Kong) went to Beijing to talk to the wife and daughter Wang Ji of late author Wang Dulu, hoping to gain lifetime film copyrights to his works, which were initially limited to 5 years and presently left with only one year.

Madam Wang and Wang Ji were glad that Lee Ang would be shooting Precious Sword, Golden Hairpin and agreed to extending the time frame for the rights. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon was Wang Dulu's labour of love and it was a pity that it never gained much recognition when Wang Dulu was alive. It wasn't until when Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon was brought to the silver screen by Lee Ang did Wang Dulu's name became talk of the town around the world.

Precious Sword, Golden Hairpin, comes before Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and according to the original novel, the story centres on the time when Li Mu Bai was young, on his martial arts practice, and on him being entrusted by Yu Xiu Lian's father before he died to escort her safely to her fiancé. The eternal triangle between Li Mu Bai, Yu Xiu Lian and her fiancé is likely to be the mainstay of the movie. In addition, the relations between Jade Fox and Li Mu Bai is also another possible area to be explored. It has not been announced if the original cast would appear in the prequel but it is certain that Li Mu Bai would be younger.  Xing Xi Time

-- Wu Jing Video Interview on Travelling --
A video interview (in Chinese) of Wu Jing has been put up at Travelstarstation. In the interview, Wu Jing talks about his experiences in the recent September - October tour where he stopped by at Malaysia and Singapore and also gives some travelling tips.

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