News ... or mere Rumours?

May 2003

-- Shaolin Soccer, Miramax, and the Questions of Subtitles --

Stephen Chow is a comic genius whose films have never seen mainstream release in the U.S. That may change with the impending arrival in theaters of Shaolin Soccer (2001). A sort of Bad News Bears meets The Matrix, the film is one of the biggest box office hits of all time in Asia and should rightfully be regarded as a comic gem on the cultish scale of Duck Soup (1933) and Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975). As it stands now, however, Shaolin Soccer is known in the West only by fans of Hong Kong cinema who can track down the imported DVD with its atrocious (but often hilarious) subtitles. Its theatrical fate remains uncertain, as the U.S. rights have been bought by Miramax, a company notorious for re-editing and dubbing classic Asian action films, and for losing faith at the last minute and dumping them (in mutilated form) direct to video. Miramax was originally supposed to release Shaolin Soccer last fall, then it was pushed to April, and now it's scheduled for 8 August 2003. During this time, its title was changed to Kung-Fu Soccer, then back again, and a rap soundtrack, replete with Carl Douglas' "Kung Fu Fighting," was added, then (allegedly) removed. The decision to restore the film's original title and score was taken, apparently, in response to online petitions from fans. But no change -- announced or rumored - is certain.  Pop Matters >>More <<

-- Wu Jing Interviews and Drunken Monkey Premiere Videos --

Entertainment Live Interviews (Mandarin), captured by Meng Qing Yuan, Sunny Wu Jing Club

-- Kungfu Hustle --

Stephen Chow said that production of Kungfu Hustle is likely to begin in July, if all goes well. He added that Kungfu is only a working title for the movie and that the script has been completed though he would not give details of the plot of movie concerning a kungfu aspirant who seeks to become a martial arts master. Right now, the female lead has not been decided and the production is auditioning more actresses. It's possible that Director Feng Xiaogang may have a cameo role in the movie. The film will be shot mostly in Shanghai and partially in Hong Kong.  Shanghai Afternoon News

-- Drunken Monkey Hong Kong Gala Pemiere --

Apart from the main production crew and cast Lau Kar Leung, Lau Kar Wing, Gordon Liu, Lau Wing Kin and Wu Jing etc, such famous personalities in the industry as Hung Tin Ming, Chin Ka Lok, Ti Lung and his wife, Amy Fan, Law Kar Ying, etc also attended Drunken Monkey Gala Premiere in Hong Kong on 20 May. Lau Kar Leung explained that he was at this event as he wished to let people know that he is still shooting kungfu films. Lau Kar Leung said that Shannon Yao Yao fought pretty well and was very attentive, but whether he would formally accept her as a disciple depends on fate. He said Wu Jing practiced different school of martial arts and was a little not accustomed to Hung Gar, but gradually got used to it. He also praised Wu Jing for his excellent acting skills. Drunken Monkey, which expounds the theories of martial arts, faces strong competition from Hollywood blockbuster The Matrix Reloaded which opens on the same day, 22 May. When asked if Lau Kar Leung was worried about box office takings and whether he would employ special effects, he replied, "The two belong to different genres, it is difficult to say. I would not mind shooting a moving with special effects if the focus is on kungfu. But if it is an entirely CGI-based movie, I wouldn't."

Wu Jing was glad to come to Hong Kong to take part in the publicity, being cooped up in Beijing for days. On seeing Shaw Brothers legend Ti Lung, Wu Jing immediately greeted him respectfully. Ti Lung thinks well of Wu Jing, believing that he has great potential. Having worked with major action directors Yuen Wo Ping Tsui Hark and Lau Kar Leung, Wu Jing finds that they have their unique flairs and methods of shooting and he could learn many things from them. Wu Jing indicated that he was not worried about Drunken Monkey not doing well in Hong Kong for it is inexorable. He was glad that it did better than Lord of the Rings 2: The Two Towers in Shanghai.  United News Daily, Sing Pao Daily

-- Donnie Yen's Passion for Wushu --

Donnie Yen grew up in US and had also stayed in Hong Kong for part of his life. He thinks that the boundaries between the world are getting closer, cultures are not bound by anything, especially action movies, for now is the era of action reunion. "It is possible that US kungfu fans are more enthusiastic about Chinese wushu than the Chinese. For example, Quentin Tarantino, who was in Beijing last year to shoot Kill Bill, is the epitome of Chinese martial arts fan. He might have watched more martial arts movies than me. He could recite the lines and describe the plots of all the movies he have seen. So I feel that action movies have a major impact on the world." An action star's career can be rather short-lived, but Donnie yen has never considered switching his showbiz path, "The life of a gold medalist is also very short-lived. However, they have their glorious moments. Currently, action stars get the highest pays. To me, wushu is not a tool for making money, it's part of my life."

Donnie Yen's passion for wushu can be seen from his body language, for on the mention of this subject, he would uncontrollably become active and gesticulate profusely. His mother taught him kungfu while Yuen Wo Ping paved the way for his career in the entertainment industry. Donnie Yen was very emotional on talking about Yuen Wo Ping, "I am very grateful to him, without him looking me up to shoot movies, there wouldn't be today's Donnie Yen. Even after going to Hollywood, I would still consult Yuen Wo Ping regularly. He would share with me his experiences. Perhaps, because of my training in wushu with my mother since young, I pay close attention to the virtues of the Chinese people, I am eternally indebted to Yuen Wo Ping."  Shenyang News

-- Staggering Central Plains in Eight Directions on Hold --

Staggering Central Plains in Eight Directions has been put on hold on the account of SARS and to avoid clashing with Seven Swords of Mt Tian, Wu Jing has opted out of the project. Wu Jing has gone to Hong Kong on 19 to attend Hong Kong gala premiere of Drunken Monkey on the evening of May 20 and will be staying there for a few days for its publicity events. Drunken Monkey opens in Hong Kong on May 22 . In the meantime, Wu Jing has been approached with a few movie offers in Hong Kong.   Jet Star Entertainment

--Zhao Wen Zhuo No Longer in Sui and Tang Dynasties --

Zhao Wen Zhuo, who was to play a general who helps Li Shimin build his empire, has opted out of 40-part series Heroes of Sui and Tang Dynasties, which has just begun production in Guangzhou. Huang Hai Bing, who just completed Wenlian Studio's Liang Yusheng adaptation Ping Zong Xia Ying, will replace take up Zhao Wen Zhuo's role instead. Zhao Wen Zhuo turned down the offer as he has another commitment - he is teaming up with Corey Yuen on a Hollywood project.   Yang Cheng Evening News

-- Drunken Monkey at 56th Cannes Film Festival --

Celestial Pictures, which distributes Drunken Monkey worldwide except China, is participating in 56th Cannes Film Festival (14 to 25 May 2003) in France and Drunken Monkey is going to be shown at the festival on May 19 at 9.00am. Drunken Monkey is likely to be released in Hong Kong on May 22. Besides Drunken Monkey, Jackie Chan's Around the World in Eighty Days, Michelle Yeoh's Silver Hawk (Masked Crusader) and Zhang Ziyi's Purple Butterfly are also taking part in the event.    DVDrama, Celestial Pictures

-- Seven Swords of Mt Tian --
Producer Wang Yong said that as Seven Swords of Mt Tian will be divided into a few small filming units, there will be a few directors in charge shooting and Jacob Cheung Chi Leung is one of them. Wong Yong explains, "In Cheung Chi Leung's movies like The Kid, Cageman, etc, you will find that he has a strong forte - he shows extraordinary insights and outlook on human life that most directors have overlooked. We have confirmed two actors and on observing the way Cheung Chi Leung explain about acting to them, you would be able to understand why would Leslie Cheung would rather forgo his pay than not shoot The Kid. Nowadays, the audience tends to complain about the characters' lack of life in wuxia series, and Cheung Chi Leung can help us understand what the audience wants, and elevate the the human traits of the characters in Seven Swords of Tien Shan to a higher level. Apart from Cheng Chi Leung,  another Hong Kong's famous director Mai Zi Shan (Swordsman 2, Shanghai Grand) has, under Tsui Hark's proposition, also joined the Seven Swords of Mt Tian as the supervising director."

Wang Yong said that Cheung Sing Yim will be Seven Swords of Mt Tian's executive producer and Tsui Hark joined the production owing to Cheung Sing Yim's invitation, "Their collaboration is not merely to produce TV series but to fulfill a longstanding wish between them who have 20 years of friendship. What the big-time directors want are not hefty payments, for based on what they get usually, it would not be possible for Seven Swords of Mt Tian to form a such a production team. Cheung Sing Yim, Tsui Hark and Cheung Chi Leung, etc tend to keep a low-profile. They often say that it's fine even if they weren't credited; it's most essential that they get everything done correctly."

Ever since receiving the project, Tsui Hark has put all his heart and soul into Seven Swords of Mt Tian, and as part of the recruitment drive, he personally painted Seven Swords concept arts, defining the appearances, the characteristics of the Seven Swordmasters of Tianshan, and even the sword that each of them carries. Tsui Harks is especially exigent in the Seven Swords: he choreographs, together with his martial arts team, each person's swordplay, style, concealed darts. The viewers are in for a a major surprise from the standpoint of martial arts choreography. President Ma Zhong Jun said that the funding is around 35 million renminbis, and they would try their best not to exceed it, but this would not hamper or affect Tsui Hark's selection of the cast. Currently, quite a few actors and actresses have been chosen - not all are newcomers, some are famous stars - they were chosen based on their suitability to the roles.   Beijing Morning Post, Beijing Entertainment News

-- Drunken Monkey --

Thanks to SARS, many entertainment activities were cancelled and China's citizens elect to bring home video discs to spend their spare time. This reporter, after visiting over twenty video stores on 12 May, found that there was a rare explosive demand on the home video market. Drunken Monkey and Andy Lau's Given Them a Chance were selling like hot cakes while Bullet Proof Monk and Lord of the Rings 2 were left on the shelf. Chongqing Youth Paper

-- Seven Swords of Mt Tian --

On hearing about Tsui Hark stepped down as the overall director and switched to being an executive producer, Wenlian Studio's President Ma Zhong Jun immediately came out to dispel the rumours, "Tsui Hark is still the overall director. Cheung Chi Leung is only the supervising director." Ma Zhong Jun explained to the press, "Tsui Hark has been involved in every aspect of the production from costume design, set building, selecting locations for shooting to the soundtrack, supervising everything himself, he hates not being able to do all the work... Who else could be the overall director but him?" Ma Zhong Jun indicated that Tsui Hark is doing the final preparation works before shooting commences. As he regards this Mainland collaboration with utmost importance, he attends to every single matter himself, "I have never seen a more responsible and diligent overall director, I feel that the name overall director doesn't aptly describe what Tsui Hark does. I wanted to come up with a new buzzword job title for him. Before the buzzword was decided, Tsui Hark had already given himself one - Pugilist Tsui, The Pillar of Seven Swords." Tsui Hark and Cheung Sing Yim define Seven Swords of Mt Tian as a wuxia production with a philosophical touch. Tsui Hark believes that what set Seven Swords of Mt Tian apart from other wuxia pian is that besides chivalry and tenderness, it transcends the mundane nationalistic and cultural concepts, with deep revelations on humanity. As such, Tsui Hark especially requests the script to lean towards values of human culture and philosophies.   Chengdu Daily

-- Wu Jing Acquires a Bungalow for His Parents --

Mainland kungfu star fears nothing but his mother falling sick. Last month, right after finish shooting A Chinese Ghost Story, Wu Jing, being worried about her mother who underwent an operation following a heart attack relapse earlier, headed back to Beijing immediately, without paying heed to its soaring SARS cases. How would he spend Mother's Day? He has prepared a big gift for her. He has quietly bought a three-room, two-hall bungalow at Beijing countryside for her mother. The place, being near verdant greeneries, has beautiful sceneries and clean, fresh air, and is thus best suited for his mother to recuperate. He is moving in to the new house with his father and mother in August when renovation is completed. On Mother's  Day itself, Wu Jing will prepare his best dishes for her. Though nearing 30, Wu Jing doesn't wish to indulge in romance at the moment. He only wishes to spend more time with his mother.   United News Daily

-- Stephen Chow's Kungfu --

Shooting of Kungfu, Stephen Chow's kungfu comedy produced by Columbia Pictures, will begin sometime this month or the next in China. Sammo Hung will be the action director. Kungfu is about a martial arts zealot who seeks out all martial arts schools in order to learn various skills.   Meiri Paper

-- Seven Swords of Mt Tian --
Due to conflicts in schedule, Tsui Hark is unable to afford several months of shooting commitment in Mainland and he relinquished his position as the director to Cheung Chi Leung. Over the past two months, when Wenlian Studio's President Ma Zhong Jun and Cheung Chi Leung scoured for shooting locations in Xinjiang, Tsui Hark was not around. However, as Tsui Hark takes a keen interest in this production, he just formally signed the contract with Wenlian Studio as the overall producer for Seven Swords of Mt Tian, continuing to lend his support for this major Liang Yusheng adaptation. Production is expected to begin at the end of August in Xinjiang.   Nanfang City Daily

-- Matrix Reloaded: Virtual Cinematography --

Hardcore fans of The Matrix are probably familiar with terms like Bullet Time, a computer-generated special effect on time compression or time speeded-up, used in the original movie in 1999. But come next Friday [May 16] when the long-awaited sequel, Matrix Reloaded, opens at local cinemas, fans can learn another special effects term: Virtual Cinematography. The Bullet Time effect was used in memorable scenes in The Matrix, such as when butt-kicking Trinity (portrayed by Carrie-Anne Moss) freezes in mid-air or when Neo (Keanu Reeves) dodged a flying bullet in the rooftop scene.  Computer Times   >>Full Story<<

-- Hubei Province Box Office Chart between 1 May to 5 May --

Box office takings of Ying Xing Cinema's 45 theatres last year during the May Day period was 450 thousand renminbi while this year saw a sharp 60% drop to 210 thousand reminbi. While Drunken Monkey is noted for exemplary action, its clichéd script and nondescript acting did not draw in too much crowd.   Changjiang Daily

-- Staggering Central Plains in Eight Directions --
Due to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) outbreak, Wu Jing had a longer break, for the originally planned series of Drunken Monkey publicity events in China for was cancelled. With Beijing having steep rise in number of SARS cases (1960 cases as of 6 May), Wu Jing's manager from Taiwan's Jet Star Entertainment hopes that he will stay away from Beijing until the epidemic subsides. However, the filial Wu Jing indicates that he doesn't wish to leave Beijing so that he may spend time with his parents. However, he promised that he will avoid going to public places and would wear a mask when going out. Shooting of Staggering Central Plains in Eight Directions, a TV series on Eight Trigram Palm, is expected to begin on 8 May. Staggering Central Plains in Eight Directions will be shot in Fee Tang Beijing Film Studio (where Metamorphosis of Heaven Silkworm was shot). Wu Jing's co-star, Taiwanese Annie Wu, is flying to Beijing on 7 May. Owing to towering SARS cases in Beijing, she has been dejected, apprehensive and has insomnia over the recent days, and no assistants want to accompany her to Beijing. She consoled herself by saying that Fee Tang's Beijing Film Studio is now closed to outsiders and the hotel she is staying is relatively new and has an attending doctor. Moreover, temperatures are taken daily at the film studio, so everything should be fine.  Zhonghua Daily, Mingsheng Daily

-- Matrix Reloaded: Action Man Yuen Wo Ping is Lost for Words --
Words fail Hongkong gongfu choreographer Yuen Wo Ping when he is asked to describe one of the hardest scenes he helped stage in The Matrix Reloaded. Strong and Silent: Hong Kong kung fu choreographer Yuen Wo Ping, of the sci-fi sequel The Matrix Reloaded, lets his actions, and those of his actors, do the talking. The shooting of the scene in the upcoming sci-fi sequel, where Keanu Reeves' hacker hero Neo goes head-to-head with 100 evil agents, was, well, 'difficult'. After more prompting, Yuen reveals that it took more than a month to shoot the five-minute scene. Then, silence reigns. Maybe the 58-year-old Guangzhou-born Yuen - on the line from Hong Kong to a group of reporters in Singapore - is not used to speaking in Mandarin. Or maybe he is just used to letting his actions, and those of his actors, do the talking. Once upon a time in Hong Kong, he directed and choreographed a bareknuckle kungfu comedy called Snake In The Eagle's Shadow (1978) and helped turn around the fortunes of former box-office failure Jackie Chan. These days, he is synonymous in Hollywood with the gravity-defying, effects-enhanced fights in The Matrix (1999) and Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000). Has working with special effects experts changed his job? 'I feel there's no big difference,' he replies laconically. What about working with martial-arts novices? 'In Asia, you need not train the stars. If you train them, it's half a month or one month. In Hollywood, you've got to train them for three or four months. Their groundwork in kungfu is poorer.' But he has kind words for the abilities of Reeves, who received physical training for four to five months before the filming of The Matrix Reloaded. 'He's fighting better than he used to. He's working harder. He has got more action scenes. He has made the grade, he has made the grade.'   Straits Times

-- Wu Jing on Drunken Monkey --

When shooting Drunken Monkey, it was too easy for a senior actor to often strike at full force all the way without holding back at the crucial moment and Wu Jing, knowing that he would be hit hard, still allowed the blows to land on him... He ended up with bruises all over, with nose-bridge being broken twice. Wu Jing thought that those challenges were more thrilling than dating and romances, "It was very demanding during the production, I often got beaten, some actors couldn't hold back on doing the action and I wouldn't want to have outtakes; though I was aware that I would get badly pounded, I still didn't dodge, on the consolation that this would have good result on the screen." Once, he saw on CCTV 5 a documentary feature on animals where slow-motion was used to show how a monkey passed through the forest. Suddenly, it dawned on him that the production could use a few such monkey moves. On returning to the set, he explained his views to the director, and he imitated a monkey leaping across three canes in the bamboo grove. It delighted the director who was looking at the monitor, "Much like a monkey, except a tail is missing." Wu Jing was mightily impressed with Liu Chia Liang, who has been in the field for 40 over years, "I have the greatest respect for him. He is already 67 yet still so agile, he was able to wear a monkey expression when fighting. Moreover, I heard he suffered from cancer 10 years ago, and had already recovered. Taichi and Long Fist were the mainstays of my previous works, while Drunken Monkey focuses on Hung Gar Fist and short-range fist-work. I learned a lot from him, such as the portraying the right kind of feeling when shooting action scenes; to accommodate the camera, when Liu Chia Liang altered his moves, I naturally followed suit, improvised and adapted to his changes, and it turned out that we fought for real. The outcome was fantastic, with further enhanced realism."   Dayoo Daily, Sina

April 2003

-- Three Intoxicating Effects of Drunken Monkey --
Cross-Generation Fights: The most enchanting moments of kungfu movies are indubitably the fight scenes, especially the final duel. Yet another major concern is who the lead is; one could barely wait any longer for the movies to be released on hearing such leads as Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan or Jet Li. These names are like Zhen Yuan Armed Escort Agency in Drunken Monkey, having spread far and wide. Chinese Mainlander Wu Jing has in the recent years made a name for himself; while not as celebrated as the former few, his martial abilities are not necessarily lesser than them. Before becoming an actor, he has clinched many gold medals at various national wushu events. From such works as Master of Taichi, it's easy to tell that his skills are indeed exemplary. The female lead Shannon Yao Yao, a former Singapore flight stewardess, has been trained by Liu Chia Liang in preparation for this and other Shaw Brothers movies. Liu Chia Liang and his brothers not only directed but also acted in the movie. With two generations of Drunken Monkeys fighting, it is bound to be invigorating.

Bizarre Drunken Monkey Style: However, a good kungfu star needs a good martial arts choreographer, without whom the former's talent would go down the drain. When it was the golden age of martial arts cinema, various clans specialising at choreographing martial arts sequences were born. Among them, Jackie Chan's Chan Clan, Yuen Wo Ping's Yuen Clan and Liu Chia Liang's Liu Clan were the most noted. With a potent combination of China's new generation of top martial arts talent and Hong Kong's foremost martial arts clan, the martial arts sequences in Drunken Monkey are certainly worth looking out for. Moreover, rarely do the audiences see Drunken Monkey Fist performed on the silver screen. It has been emphasised countless times that this movie doesn't employ any special effects and showcases nothing but authentic kungfu. If all their statement hold water, it would be neither far-fetched nor supercilious to call Drunken Monkey is a choice martial arts movie.

A Monkey that is Inebriated is the Most Funny: Jackie Chan's movies have no lack of humour and these comedic elements have become his trademark. Drunken Monkey also contains plenty of comic elements, greatly enhancing its entertainment value. In the late 1970s, Jackie Chan made the audience laugh as he practised Drunken Fist. This time, Wu Jing faces a greater challenge: Not only does he have to master the unusual Drunken Monkey Fist, but also tickle the audience with his own brand of humour, antics coupled with a monkey mien. A seemingly mission impossible, that, if properly done, would surely win the admiration of the audiences. A monkey that is drunk is the funniest.

Drunken Monkey opens on May 1 in China. Publicities were cancelled owing to severity of SARS cases in China, specifically Beijing and Guangdong.   Nanfang City Daily

-- Yuen Wo Ping Matrix Reloaded Interview --

In 1999, The Matrix ushered in a new dimension to science fiction movies by introducing Hong Kong style action. It became a landmark in Hollywood action movies. It brought the martial arts choreographer behind this movie, Yuen Wo Ping, to new career peaks. The Matrix and Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon established for Yuen Wo Ping a firm foothold in Hollywood and he became a grandmaster wushu choreographer of this era in the West. Even the old movie, Iron Monkey, did not fare badly at the US box office when it was introduced there in Oct 2001, grossing US$14.7 million.  Nanfang City Daily  >>Full Story<<

-- Hua Mulan --

Hua Mulam will be directed by Peter Pau, while Tim Yip (Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon) will design the costumes. Apart from Michelle Yeoh, who produces and stars in the movie, Chow Yun Fatt and Zhang Ziyi are also joining the cast while Corey Yuen is directing the action scenes. Press conferences will be held once at the inauguration in August and once after production is completed. News will be sealed in the interim. Hua Mulan is about the eponymous heroine, who had a severe illness when young and was sent to Mt Wudang Shrine to recuperate. There, she underwent trainings to build up a stronger health. Under the nourishment of Wudang's Taichi, her sickness eventually gets healed. Subsequently Hua Mulan helps her father out at the army, in turn laying groundwork for her substituting of her ailing father at a later time.   Wuhan Morning News

-- On the Horizon --

After shooting of A Chinese Ghost Story concluded on Apil 10, Wu Jing is now having a respite. He has also taken the opportunity to pay Director Cheung Sing Yim a visit at Zhejiang, and talked aout the pre-production of Seven Swords of Mt Tian. In May he will take up Ba Fang Wu Di Zhen Zhong Yuan (which shall, for now, be called Staggering Central Plains in Eight Directions), a 20 part martial arts series on Bagua Zhang (Eight Trigram Palm) that will be filmed till mid July. Wu Jing also asks everyone to take care, due to the prevalence of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome.  Jet Star Entertainment

-- Seven Swords of Mt Tian --

Seven Swords of Mt Tian (Qi Jian Xia Tian Shan) is slated to begin production in July 15. Recently, Producer Wang Yong told the press that renowned singer-composer Jonathan Lee (Li Zong Sheng) was invited to write music for Seven Swords of Mt Tian. He agreed on learning about the novel, bold approach to Seven Swords of Mt Tian, which is helmed by Tsui Hark and Cheung Sing Yim. Tsui Hark notes that by introducing new wuxia concepts and revolutionising the wuxia genre, Seven Swords will epitomise a major turning point in Chinese wuxia history. As such, he is doing this project from scratch. While shooting has not begun, the production is already bustling with lots of activities. Firstly, a documentary Unprecedented will be made. The documentary depicts the select production personnel's process making of Seven Swords of Mt Tian. The documentary's title signifies that nothing has ever been done before. Wenlian Studio's president Ma Zhong Jun said seven unique and exquisite swords, such as Gui Zhong Ming's translucent and extremely sharp Slithering Sword of Serpent, will be specially forged. Given its diaphanous nature and high malleability, the Slithering Sword of Serpent is a potential hazard to its opponents as it can be wrapped around the arm and goes unnoticed, fooling them into thinking that the owner is unarmed, until it slices their weapons into half. It can be conveniently twirled around the waist as a belt when not in use. The project will be a major step ahead of such Wenlian's previous mega-productions like Legend of Condor Heroes, Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils and Ping Zong Xia Ying. The production budget is estimated to far exceed the 50 million renminbi spent on Legend of Condor Heroes.   Beijing Morning Post, Chengdu Evening News

-- Drunken Monkey Release Dates in China --

Drunken Monkey will be released in two formats in China. Digital version opens on May 1 in limited theatres while traditional 35mm version opens 18 days later all across the nation.  Hangzhou Daily

Note: Oriental Sports Daily simply says that the movie premieres nationwide on May 1.

-- The Sword Searchers--

Can you imagine Jackie Chan playing Dad on Screen. Apparently, the action hero has given his nod to one of his next films in which he plays a father to Nicholas Tse. The US$10 million adventure film, called The Sword Searchers, will be directed by Tony Ching Siu Tung. He won a prize at Hong Kong Film Awards for his action choreography on Zhang Yimou's epic Hero. The Hong Kong-China production is based on the popular Hong Kong weekly comics, Magic Weapons. The comics merge historical accounts of China's warlords with legendary tales.   Straits Times

-- Seven Swords of Mt Tian --

So far the production is facing major difficulties in determining the leading actresses for Seven Swords of Mt Tian. Apart from martial actors Yu Cheng Hui (Shaolin King of Martial Arts, Yellow River Fighter) and Wu Jing who have been confirmed by Tsui Hark, the actresses have so far not been decided. In order to find suitable female cast members, they have extended the search to beyond the entertainment field. According to Tsui Hark's criteria, the main actresses must have foundations in martial arts and dancing, with ability to express persuasively through the body language. Right now, Tsui Hark is eyeing female newcomers from Beijing Film Academy and Central Drama Academy. At the same time, the recruitment is also held through Oriental View website. Except for the lucky few whose photos were sent to Tsui Hark, most were rejected on the initial screening.  Nanfang City Daily 

Oriental View Shortlist/Voting Page (in Chinese, for both Seven Swordmasters of Tianshan and Home)

 -- Cheng Pei Pei: Hong Kong's First Queen of Kung Fu Film --
Tucked away in an obscure Chinese restaurant in West LA with a name that sounds like an English question, I'm eating vegetarian with unquestionably Hong Kong's foremost cinematic kung fu queen, silver screen legend and devout Buddhist, Cheng Pei-pei. Dressed in blue jeans, a shirt with college initials and a smile as big as her heart, she is the lady that Angela Mao Ying, Kara Hui Ying-hong and Michelle Yeoh try to emulate. Of course other female martial arts stars were big at the same time, like Josephine Ciao (Jet Li's mother in FONG SAI YUK) and Xu Fung (lead swordswoman in A TOUCH OF ZEN), but none have done more for the genre than Cheng.  Kungfu Magazine >> More <<

-- The A to Z of The Matrix Reloaded --

It seemed like a straightforward question. What is The Matrix Reloaded all about? For the answer we figured it best to ask the film's star, Keanu Reeves, who plays hacker-turned-superhero, Neo. "I guess it's all about Neo trying to save the world," he begins cautiously. "In the first one he wanted to find out where he was. Now he knows. Or he thinks he does. And that's when he doesn't." Er, right, Keanu. Can you please be more specific? "It's all about the development of the hero's journey and new challenges and choices."   8 Days >> Full Story <<

-- Odds and Ends --

Wu Jing only realised that he has turned a year older on being informed there were lots of birthday gifts at the company addressed to him. Wu Jing was touched on knowing that there were many friends who sent him birthday greetings on the internet and that some even went to Dali to celebrate his birthday. He was glad to be accompanied by his friends.

A Chinese Ghost Story is wrapping up on 10 April. Wu Jing is having half a month break before tackling another project. It could be a contemporary or period production - he is still contemplating over it. In early May, promotions for Drunken Monkey will be held in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Chengdu provinces in China. He shall be going to Taiwan in late June for publicity of A Chinese Ghost Story. Come July or August, it's time to shoot mega production Seven Swords of Mt Tian.

Wu Jing said artistes lead a very tough life. On hearing Leslie Cheung's suicide, he said that everyone encounters some difficult moments, facing stress that ordinary people won't be able to imagine. So, everyone should find a way to relieve stress and live their days to the fullest and happily.  Jet Star Entertainment

-- A Chinese Ghost Story: The Other Stories  --

Ever since shifting location to the high altitude Yunnan, the production has been beset with countless misfortunes. Main stars Jessica Hsuan and Xu Xi Jiao were warded due to illness. In early March, the scaffolding collapsed and the signboard dropped. When some crew was installing equipment on the scaffolding which was over 10 metre tall, there was a strong wind and the whole structure collapsed. The crew was injured and sent to hospital. Fortunately, they weren't badly hurt. A stunt double for Xu Xi Jiao was suspended in the air doing flying scenes when the cable snapped. X-ray was taken and thankfully, the injuries were not severe. On Wednesday, when Jessica Hsuan was shooting, a big signage above her came falling due to a gust. Thankfully, Mainland actor Wu Jing quickly deflected it, saving Jessica Hsuan. When asked how she would repay Wu Jing, Jessica Hsuan replied, "Subsequently, on that night, when shooting with Wu Jing, a window fell off and I helped parry it. We have helped each other once. We're now even."  Oriental Daily

Apart from suspending himself on the air when acting, Wu Jing also volunteers to be the aerial cinematographer in order to capture the best shots. A few days ago, he suspended in the air for a whole day, without even getting off to relieve himself, leading to minor bladder problem. Only then did he felt the pain of falling sick and would not dare hang on for more than a second when his bladder is full and would immediately see a man about a dog.

 

In the script, Wu Jing never quite succeeds in winning the heart of Jessica Hsuan. When off camera, the two are very close friends. Once, they made a little piggy face, and called forth everyone on the set to take a picture with the pig face. The two of them did a demonstration and wanted everyone to follow suit, making them not know whether to cry or laugh.

 

Despite having a hectic shooting schedule, Wu Jing still takes time off to meditate (What is meditation?) and regulate the chi. This time, he has chosen a place with good geomancy. Smiling, Wu Jing says finding time in between work to cultivate himself helps him forget about the arduousness of acting.  United News Daily

-- Metamorphosis of Heavenly Silkworm Interview Media --

A dated RealVideo interview  (12MB, 3 min, with English subtitles) of Wu Jing put up by a forumer at Sunny Wu Jing. Wu Jing talks about his first project Taichi 2 and future plans.

-- Seven Swords of Mt Tian Shortlists --

Oriental View site has been updated with shortlists, inclusive of photos, for the roles of:

Third Princess - Understanding, optimistic, magnanimous. Lives without any hatred; spends her life bounded by the palace walls; yearns to be free. Curious about the world outside. (Supporting role.)

Chu Zhao Nan - Deserted his master, Dhyana Master Hui Ming, who leads a reclusive life in Mt Tian, and defected to the Manchu government. Extremely covetous of fame and position. (Public enemy number 1.)

Shortlist Page 1, 2.

March 2003

-- Drunken Monkey Trailer --

Sina has put up 6 Drunken Monkey clips in RealVideo format in Chinese on their Drunken Monkey page. Follow either the .rm or .zip links to watch or save the videos. Air your views after watching the trailers here.

Brief descriptions of aforementioned videos:
.1. Drunken Monkey Trailer - Introducing Monkey Fist
Film excerpts:
2. Ambush at the opening scene - Chi Kuan Chun tries to silence Lau Kar Leung
3. Painting monkey poses to create Peerless Rhesus Fist - Wu Jing's monkeying around while Lau Wing Kin paints his movements
4. Marketplace - Shannon Yao Yao's monkey behaviour arrests the attention of Lau Kar Wing and Wu Jing
5. Training Monkeys
6. Mass battle scene (Warning - Major Spoilers - Do not watch)

-- A Chinese Ghost Story  --

Wu Jing got hurt while shooting A Chinese Ghost Story. He was doing a scene where he got pushed out of the door by Jessica Hsuan. His face and backside got injured in the process. He was experimenting with a different way of acting, to be as natural as an ordinary person. Perhaps the audience might not be able to notice such minute details, but it has some bearing in Wu Jing performance. Apart from that, owing the harsh weather and living conditions in Yunnan, Wu Jing suffered from cold for three days. As the place they are staying is powered by solar energy, if it's cloudy or late at night when the production finished the day's work, Wu Jing could only bathe with freezing water on returning to his room. Production of A Chinese Ghost Story, which is expected to be aired in Singapore by Mediaworks at the end of the year, should be wrapping up in mid April. Subsequently, Wu Jing would be doing a commercial. At the end of April, he is travelling to Guangzhou, Shanghai and Beijing to promote Drunken Monkey. As filming of Seven Swords of Mt Tian does not commence very soon, the agent is arranging for Wu Jing to take up another project first.   Jet Star Entertainment

Jing Wu Men has put up a 10 minute set report of A Chinese Ghost Story - RM , 35 kb/s, in Mandarin.

-- Masked Crusader Official Site --

The official site to Michelle Yeoh's Masked Crusader (Flying Eagle, the Heroine: Battle of Wits) is up.

-- Drunken Monkey Photos --

Sina has just added 5 new photos to their Drunken Monkey page.

-- Undiscovered Tomb --
Guangdong Weikai Audio & Video, which acquired the home video rights to Hero in China, collaborated with China Film Group to make Undiscovered Tomb, a treasure hunting movie à la Tomb Raider. Undiscovered Tomb was produced by Hong Kong female action star Sharon Yeung Pan Pan (Info, Movies). Undiscovered Tomb (Duo Bao Ying Xiong) is Marsha Yuan Zi-Sui's first wuxia movie since being taken under the wing of Sharon Yueng Pan Pan as as her disciple. Undiscovered Tomb was shot last year on location in Guangxi, Nanning, Detian Falls, Guangzhong, Shenzhen, Hong Kong, etc. Marsha Yuan, Cheng Pei Pei's daughter, underwent six months of rigorous training, which made her body ached terribly, in preparation for her role as a deft thief. Sharon Yeung Pan Pan believes that Marsha Yuan Zisui has the making of an action star. The other leading actor is child martial artist Shi Xiao Long (Sik Siu Lung), who has plenty of experiences in fighting scenes. He remained calm and stoic in every fight scene. Undiscovered Tomb is going to be released soon in China.

Plot: To verify existence of immortality pills in the era of first emperor of China Qinshi Huang, Professor Chen sends two female disciples, Zhuang Jian (Marsha Yuan Zi Hui) and Xiao Min to Xi-An, Guang Xi and the border of Vietnam. Zhuang Jian and Xiao Min eventually discover the whereabouts of the Terracotta Warriors and immortality pills, leading to the revival of General Flying Dragon (Ken Wong Hap Hei aka Wang Haxi).  

Weikai Site: Undiscovered Tomb Webpage (Chinese), Trailer, Poster   Yangcheng Evening News, Weikai

-- Wu Jing's Birthday --

In conjunction with Wu Jing's upcoming birthday in April, Jing Wu Men is inviting anyone interested to write a birthday article, which may contain birthday congratulatory words, what you wish to tell Wu Jing, how you become his admirer, and so forth, in no less than 500 words. Articles may be sent to this email before 21 March. They will then be complied for Wu Jing's perusal.

-- Precious Sword, Golden Hairpin --
Shooting of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon prequel Precious Sword, Golden Hairpin will commence in Summer, after Lee Ang completed post-production of The Hulk, which is slated for June release in US. As the script calls for younger Yu Xiu Lian and Li Mu Bai, Michelle Yeoh and Chow Yun Fatt will not act in the prequel. Precious Sword, Golden Hairpin revolves around Li Mubai in his younger days, his training in martial arts and escort of Yu Xiulian to her fiancé. Producer Xu Li Gong said that as the characters are much younger and the script is a big departure from the Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, there'll be major changes in the cast, which Lee Ang will be choosing. Right now, the script is being feverishly written. Xu Li Gong said that while there are many people involved in scriptwriting, the original movie's script writer Wang Hui Ling is still the prime choice.   Meiri Paper

-- Drunken Monkey Test Screening --

Shaw Brothers conducted a test screening for Drunken Monkey on 13 March, spending some ten thousand HK dollars to reserve a cinema. Western film distributors were invited to the test screening. Response from the audience was affirmative. After the test screening, Liu Chia Liang said that he shoots movie with utmost sincerity and emphasied that everything in the movie is true kungfu and no special effects were employed. However, he was not completely satisfied with the sound and picture quality of Drunken Monkey, saying that some areas needed to be improved. He said the movie needed another two months of post-production. He would pay attention to those areas when he is doing the post production. He hoped to present the very best of the movie to the audience. When asked if he felt that other movies' martial arts were not realistic enough, Liu Chia Liang retorted, "I dare not say this. Other movies showcase arts while mine exhibits genuine kungfu. It depends on whether the audiences prefer to see the real thing or fake stuff." Liu Chia Liang said that if Drunken Monkey proved to be successful, Shaw Brothers would resume its plan to make more new kungfu movies.   Wenwei Paper, Oriental Daily, Sing Pao Daily

-- A Chinese Ghost Story --

Below are some video clips in Mandarin on Sunny Wu Jing added by Meng Qing Yuan (Requires Windows Media Player, right-click to save.)

Fans' visit to Yunnan Rock Forest I (Commentary by Wind Seven) - WMV

Fans' visit to Yunnan Rock Forest II - WMV

Celebration of birthday party for a cast member turned out to be ... - WMV

Wu Jing interview on the characters' complicated relations and on recent scandals - WMV

-- Onimusha, Chinese Brothers --
Capcom's console game Onimusha 3 (PS2 and Xbox) will hit the stores in March next year. It held a press conference recently, graced by the lead actor Takeshi and its action choreographer Donnie Yen. Donnie was paid five times as much as Twin Effects as Onimusha 3's choreographer. He said that a Hollywood director, whose name he cannot reveal, has approached him earlier to work in Onimusha movie as its lead role and action director. If everything goes smoothly, production shall begin at the end of the year. Apart from Onimusha, Donnie Yen also said that he is in talks regarding several Hollywood movies, one of them being Joel Silver's Chinese Brothers, which is a story of four brothers. Donnie will be the second brother. Joel Silver is also inviting Chow Yun Fatt and Jet Li to be in this movie. However, he said the latter have yet to confirm if they will appear in the movie. Shooting expects to begin this July, if the conception is realised.  Sina Entertainment

-- Columbia Pictures Finances Next Stephen Chow's Kungfu Movie --

Comedian Stephen Chow is taking a second shot at Hollywood. His Shaolin Soccer was acquired by Miramax, but was not shown in the united States. Now, he is making a new gongfu film, with US$20 million backing from American distributor Columbia Pictures. He will begin filming in May, says Apple Daily. The film will be set in the 1940s and Stephen Chow is said to have asked Sammo Hung to join him as action choreographer. Sammo Hung confirmed that they met to talk about a movie, but added that nothing was finalised yet. Chow's assistant said it was to soon to comment. Stephen Chow is producing, directing and acting in the movie. Apart from cameo appearance from Vicky Zhao Wei, some of the original cast from Shaolin Soccer, such as Ng Man Tat, Fatty Cong, Tian Ji will appear in the movie. The female lead will be a newcomer. Stephen Chow hopes to promote Chinese martial arts through the movie, which is about a kungfu enthusiast, in a quest to learn martial arts,  constantly seeks famous teachers. Hence, the movie involves martial arts from various sects. To further understand Chinese wushu, Stephen Chow has been discussing martial philosophies with various wushu masters. Stephen Chow is paying special attention to the martial arts choreography and to increase the beauty and presentation of the action scenes, they will be handled by Hong Kong's Xian Tao Digital, with help from specialists from America, invited by Columbia Pictures.   Straits Times, Xinxi Time

-- Romance of Sui and Tang Dynasties --
Shenzhen Films is investing 20 million Renminbis to bring to screen a famous historical work Sui Tang Yan Yi ( Romance of Sui and Tang Dynasties). The 30 part series is to begin production in late April. This series takes references from the Chinese history concerning the downfall of Sui Dynasty and the rise of Tang Dynasty which supplanted the former's rule. The series focuses on Tang Dynasty's Pioneer General Qin Shu Bao, one of the Five Heroic Tigers, his growth, of him joining Wagang Stockade to fight against the decadent Sui empire, and how he helped Li Shi-Min gain control of the nation. The rest of the Five Heroic Tigers, Cheng Yao-Jin, Luo Cheng, Dan Xiong-Xing, Wei-Chi Gong will be of supporting roles. There are up to 136 characters with names in the script and a few new characters are also introduced, such as female lead Li Rong-Rong, daughter of a loyal official whose entire family was massacred by Emperor Yang Guang when she was a child. She was the only one to escape death. She shares moments of romance with Qin Shu Bao when she grows up, but to avenge for her father, she seduces Yang Guang. Zhao Wen Zhuo is playing Qin Shu Bao. Hu Ming Kai, of Wong Fei Hung series, is directing the series. Ma Yuk Sing, the action director for A Chinese Ghost Story TV series and Mainland's Legend of Condor Heroes, will choreograph the actions for Romance of Sui and Tang Dynasties. Art director will be Infernal Affairs' Zhao Chong Bang.   Nanfang City Daily
 

-- A Chinese Ghost Story --

A Chinese Ghost Story will be showing in Taiwan in July, in Hong Kong on TVB at the end of the year and Wu Jing will be going to Taiwan and Hong Kong to do publicities. MediaWorks' Channel U will broadcast it in Singapore but the telecast time has not been fixed. Recently, Wu Jing has bought a digital camera and video camera and he may be providing some pictures and perhaps videos of his on-going productions. Wu Jing treasures the support given by his fans, who have been accompanying him along the way. He said Zhuge Liuyun, his character in A Chinese Ghost Story, is different from his previous works, having major turning points, ups and downs, in his life. In the past, people focused on his action scenes, but in this series, he has more chance to display, interpret his drama performances.   Jet Star Entertainment

-- Stormriders 2 TV Series  --
Last year, Taiwanese producer Yang Pei Pei bought the rights to to produce Stormriders TV series sequel when the original series was aired in Taiwan. Shooting expects to begin this September. Recently, she contacted Zhao Wen Zhuo, who is currently in China's Wuxi working with Alyssia Chia in Fables of Wu Mei Niang, a romance series revolving around the life of Wu Ze Tian, the first Empress of China, agreed to appear in the project. It is possible that Zhao Wen Zhuo and He Rundong may swap roles in the sequel, for Zhao Wen Zhuo is not insisting on acting as Wind while Yang Pei Pei feels that he fits Cloud better.  Chinatimes

-- Seven Swords of Mt Tian --

Seven Swords of Mt Tian is right now at crucial moments of pre-production. With Tsui Hark at the helm, this production has been closely watched by the industry. As this reporter understands, that Tsui Hark signed up for this project was due not only to China Wenlian's CEO Ma Zhong Jun's personal visits to Hong Kong; contributions by Cheung Sing Yim of Shaolin Temple cannot be neglected. It was under the arrangement and co-ordination by Cheung Sing Yim, who brought along Mainland art director Cheung Chi Leung, who had worked with Tsui Hark for many years, that Tsui Hark relented and accepted the offer. Subsequently, Wenlian appointed Cheug Sing Yim as the executive producer and director, alongside Tsui Hark, for this project. Seven Swords of Mt Tian has also become Cheung Sing Yim's retirement work. On receiving the responsibility, Tsui Hark showed profuse ardour, coming to Beijing many times to discuss about the script. It was early last year when Wenlian Studio decided to produce Seven Swords of Tianshan and it is currently doing a nationwide recruitment drive for martial arts talents. As this reporter understands, when Tsui Hark signed the contract with Wenlian, the terms did not state his fees. Wenlian's Pan Zhi Zhong said, "Tsui Hark has yet to talk about his pay. He once said confidently in jest, 'I will not ask for any pay if I did not make it better than Legend of Condor Heroes. In Hong Kong, Tsui Hark receives a few million HK dollars for each film he directs. This is the first time he does a TV series (in China), and we don't know how to pay him. It's our honour to have Tsui Hark on board. The investments for Seven Swords of Mt Tian is much significantly larger than Legend of Condor Heroes and Tsui Hark's involvement has attracted not only all Mainland TV stations, but also overseas stations. The intangible benefits he brought to this project is immeasurable."   Beijng Morning News

-- Jet Li - Role Reversal: Danny the Dog (Excerpt) --
Jet Li: When I choose a movie, it depends on whether the theme interests me, whether I like the character, whether it is innovative. It's not easy to come across a movie with novel plotlines, one that is very challenging. For example, Danny the Dog is a "reversal" project. So far, I have done 31 films, and the roles I played were either a hero or a trusty sidekick; basically, those characters specialise in saving people, saving a family, a city or even a country. However, in Danny the Dog (working title), I am not a hero. I have to be rescued by Morgan Freeman. This is the first time I have encountered such a role. In the movie, I am someone with great fighting abilities, yet very childish at heart. My mental age never goes beyond 10, and I'm always getting into brawls, needing help from people, not knowing the meaning of life. Eventually, I learn to love, to understand the values of family, of kinship, of friends. I love the story, it's so rare to have such a chance to be in such a project. Sometimes, a movie is made to make money, made for the audience. However, I am not at liberty to divulge too much about the plot of Danny the Dog. All I can say is Morgan Freeman and I were brought together through music but we later encounter some dangers. I am happy to work with Morgan Freeman. He is very down-to-earth and passionate, like a father. His has martial arts training and is a great actor. I have high hopes for this movie.   Nanfang City Daily's Los Angeles Interview

-- Drunken Monkey --

The kungfu epic Drunken Monkey, directed by Hong Kong legend Lau Kar Leung, is slated for release this May (in China). This movie, being without special effects, has been watched with keen enthusiasms. Its France distribution rights have already been sold. Wu Jing's manager said, Wu Jing got along very well with director Lau Kar Leung and did not have any doubles in the movie. Under such condition, it was common to spend over a few hours to shoot a couple of tens of seconds of each martial arts scene. Wu Jing's nose, the legs and other parts of the body were hurt in the process but not once did he complain, "It's all right, I'm covered by insurance, let's get on." The production company is confident of Wu Jing and the movie and is using Drunken Monkey to introduce Wu Jing to the international audience.  Meiri Paper

-- Danny the Dog --

While Jet Li's recent movies suffer from badly edited action sequences, including even Hero, Danny the Dog looks set to be first Jet Li movie to bring the martial arts scenes back to full view since he moved to Hollywood. Jet Li's assistant, Beaver said: "Well, we are approaching the half way point of this shoot. March is what we are terming as the FIGHT MONTH. This month, Master Woo Ping is dealing with one fight sequence after another. Some of the more dramatic fighting beats are being shot right now...end sequences, mid story sequences, so on and so forth. The Fight Team is kept quite busy. The styles of the combat, from what I have observed, have been quite grounded and hard core. Very few, and I mean very few, cables had been used. When the cables were used, they were used to assist the movements and the impacts of the action. I saw some of the rough footage and they are quite invigorating. As per classic Woo Ping style, all shots are wide and steady. We SEE everything. Add to it, it's been a long time since Jet and Woo Ping have worked together, we find Jet involved with almost every single shot of combat. It's like a duet. Master is happy that he can create movements for an actor who is capable of doing the movements. And Jet is happy to be involved."  Jet Li Official Site

-- Drunken Monkey --

Chinastar, which distributes Drunken Monkey in China, is releasing it in May (or June). Press conference and a series of publicity events for the Drunken Monkey will be held at end of April (tentatively around 24 to 27). A couple of new Drunken Monkey photos have been added. The aforementioned press conference in Yunnan on 3 March is meant for A Chinese Ghost Story. Wu Jing took a few days off recently to went to Beijing to see his mother, and it's a relief to him who has been worried about her.  Jet Star Entertainment

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