News ... or mere Rumours?

August 2003

A Chinese Ghost Story (Eternal Love) TV series debuts on Singapore's Channel U on 21 August 2003, at 10:45 pm.

-- Wu Jing Video Releases --

A Chinese Ghost Story TV series (Mandarin): Order from YesAsia: DVD version | VCD version: Part 1, Part 2

Drunken Monkey (English subtitles) Order from YesAsia / HKFlix.

Southern Shaolin VCD Boxset has been released in Singapore.

-- The Medallion Review --

Turning Gold Into Lead
Most of the time, critics don’t have that much impact on anything in Hollywood. There are occasions, however: like back in the ’90s, when a bunch of us yelled and screamed and banged gongs and basically held our breath ’til we turned blue, in order to convince people to put aside their ’70s preconceptions about “chop-socky” films and at least give a fair look at Hong Kong action cinema. I’m not saying we sold H.K. cinema in the U.S.; the films handily sold themselves. We just got the customers onto the showroom floor. As a result, opportunities opened up for artists like Jackie Chan, Jet Li, Chow Yun-fat, and John Woo to make movies (and a much better living) in Hollywood – something they richly deserved. But did we deserve the results? That is, films like The Medallion, the latest Jackie Chan vehicle, suggest that world cinema might have been better off in the long run if Hollywood hadn’t welcomed this infusion of talent. Chow Yun-fat has been in the U.S. for roughly eight years, during which time he’s made five films, of which only Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon – not so ironically, a Chinese movie – is in a league with most of the more than 28 movies he made in his last eight years in Hong Kong.   LA City Beat >>More<<

-- Donnie's Next Movie --

Dragon Loaded 2003, produced by Abba Chan Tak-Chi (Uncle Ba) and Paco Wong, saw good box-office results in Hong Kong during its opening week on 21 August. Chan Tak-Chi said on a TV programme on 28 August that he may plan for a sequel. He is flying to Toronto to attend Donnie Yen's wedding. He said that he has an action movie with a production budget of HK$30 million to be made next February. This movie has a story similar to Sword of Third Young Master and is going to be directed by Daniel Lee, with Sammo Hung or Donnie Yen as the martial arts choreographer and stars both Donnie Yen and Wu Jing. The female lead has not been fixed.  Takung Daily, Apple Daily

-- Warriors of Heaven and Earth --

Photo Gallery (Sina)

Official Site

-- Beauty Kicks Her Way to Fame, Riches --

Michelle Yeoh, the former beauty queen-turned-movie actress and producer has proven time and again what Malaysians can do in the international arena if given the opportunity. Her beauty and "killer high kick" have made her one of the most popular martial arts stars in Asia. Although widely known in the West for her role as Wai Lin in Tomorrow Never Dies, she is not your ordinary Bond girl. Born on Aug 6, 1962, in the then tin mining town of Ipoh, Yeoh's parents taught her Malay and English well before she learnt Cantonese. She started ballet classes at four and later enrolled in the Royal Academy of Dance in London where she graduated. She aspired to start her own school in Malaysia but a back injury ended her career in ballet. She returned home and was crowned Miss Malaysia in 1983. According to a webmaster's profile, her mother secretly entered her in the contest. The win led to a TV commercial appearance with Jackie Chan, which caught the attention of film production company D&B Films of Hong Kong.  New Straits Times >>More<<

-- Action Heroes on the Ropes --
Will Jackie Chan be the first casualty in the genre?
Claire Forlani and Jackie Chan form a romantic duo in The Medallion. In the movie, Chan returns to the big screen to save the world from harm. Bruce Lee may have given birth to the modern martial arts action hero in the early '70s, but Jackie Chan is the one who brought him into puberty, adulthood, and now -- it seems -- to the very edge of the grave. In The Medallion, Chan returns to the big screen to save the world from harm, make romance with the likes of Claire Forlani, and kick a few bad-asses real good. Its release this week means Chan is just a handful of titles shy of having 100 acting credits to his name. It's an amazing accomplishment for any actor, and even more incredible when you take into account the physical beating Chan takes in every movie as he performs and helps coordinate most of the stunt work himself.  Vancouver Sun >>More<<

-- Rise to Honour --

Rise to Honor (or Rise to Honour, as the UK version will be known) is the result of Sony’s efforts at making a PS2 game that closely resembles a Jet Li movie. The game aims to play just like a real Hong Kong action flick, and so far, it looks to be on the right track. Jet Li has had quite a bit of influence on the game, other than being motion captured. He has suggested many changes and refinements along the way, in cooperation with seasoned martial arts choreographer Cori Yuen. But the motion capturing itself presented a number of problems. For one thing, Li actually moved too fast for the 120 fps system, which had never failed to capture any movements before, according to producer Jim Wallace. The team also used a number of very durable polymer sticks in some of the fighting sequences. Li managed to break several of these during the sessions, a feat nobody else could duplicate.  Boomtown >>More<<

-- Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon Prequel --

Producer Xu Li Gong has jettisoned rumours concerning Jet Li's possible involvement in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon Prequel: Precious Sword, Golden Hairpin. "Scriptwriter Wang Hui Ling has just begun on the script for Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon prequel, having just finished Legend of Zhang Ai-Ling. As changes will be made to many areas, the prequel with be different from Wang Dulu's original novel. Lee Ang chooses his cast according the script and not because an actor's fame and popularity. I have never heard that he is looking for Jet Li to play the younger Li Mu Bai. We would consider the cast only after the script is done." Xu Li Gong explained. However, he added that Jet Li was indeed the best choice when they wanted to shoot the original movie Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon due to his martial arts background and erudite disposition. Xu Li Gong has confirmed that Columbia will be financing Precious Sword, Golden Hairpin. "As they were the investors for the first movie, a movie that has made money would naturally be of interest to them. However, the production budget for the prequel would be higher. Firstly, Lee Ang is a demanding person who expects his next film to be even better. As such, more effort would be spent on the production. Most of original crew and cast-members are returning on the account of Lee Ang, and it's necessary to give them higher fees."   Tianjing Daily

-- Miramax Kicks Shaolin Soccer Around --

American studio bosses have got old feet about releasing the Stephen Chow comedy, Shaolin Soccer, across the United States. Two years and five rescheduled release dates later, Miramax's much-hyped deal to take the Hong Kong star to Hollywood might not be kicking off after all, says Apple Daily. Sources say the studio might now release the movie only on video, or show it in just a handful of theatres to appease Stephen Chow. If the rumours are right, his efforts in doing the English dubbing himself will be wasted. In response to the rumours, he says: "This movie has been sold to Miramax, so we should trust each other. Till today, I believe they are working on the release of the movie in US."

But he adds: "There is one thing I don't get. This movie was popular everywhere it was shown and made big bucks for distributors. But they changed the opening day five times in America. It might be the company's strategy." Apple Daily says Miramax might be keeping back the movie as Stephen Chow is making a new one, Kung Fu hustle, with rival studio Columbia Asia. Miramax, the newspaper adds, might not wish to over-promote Stephen Chow, who is new to the US, and end up helping Columbia. Meanwhile, actor and action choreographer Sammo Hung has returned from the Shanghai set of Kungfu Hustle amid talk that he fell out with Chow and resigned. Stephen Chow says Sammo Hung left because of health problems. The latter has declined to comment. Gongfu master Yuen Wo Ping will stand in for Sammo Hunng as choreographer.  Straits Times

-- Heroes of Yongle Era --

Production of 36 episode Heroes of Yongle Era (Yong Le Ying Xiong Zhuan) is kicking off on 5 September in Beijing and expects to last for four months. Heroes of Yongle Era is produced by Wenlian Studio, coupled with main crew behind Legend of Condor Heroes producer Zhang Zi-Jong, director Yu Min, martial arts choreographer Zhao Jiao. Zhang Ji- Zhong says that this TV series serves as a precursor and warm-up to Jin Yong adaptation Return of Condor Heroes. It will be shot partially in Beijing and Xinchang and primarily in Hengdian. Heroes of Yongle Era, penned by Wu Yu-Zhong, is a satirical teleplay set during Yongle's reign, Ming Dynasty. It's about the power struggle between Emperor Jianwen and Emperor Yongle, as well as the fables of a group of pugilists. According to unofficial historical records, Emperor Jianwen, in order to avoid being hounded by Emperor Yongle after he was ousted, disguised himself as a monk to conceal his identity and lived among the commoners. During this time, he got acquainted with various pugilists, leaving behind numerous folklores. Being invited to star in the series are Tang Guo-Qing (Imperial Court of Emperor Yongzheng) and Ning Jing, with Emperor Yongle's heroic subjects being played by Wu Jing, Huang Yi (Crouching Tiger TV series), Zhou Jie, Wu Yue and Zhang Yan. However, Tang Guo Qian says that he has had enough of being the emperor and would instead be making a cameo appearance as Emperor Jianwen rather than Emperor Yongle. Ning Jing hasn't decided if she would sign up for this series for she has just received a movie offer that clashes with production schedule. Wu Jing unequivocally indicates that he would only wait for Tsui Hark's Seven Swords of Mt Tian.   Chengdu Evening News, Shenyang Today, Nanfang City Daily

-- Gordon Liu on Kill Bill --

Quentin Tarantino was dead set on one Hong Kong actor when he began casting for his new movie Kill Bill a couple of years ago. Not Jackie Chan, not Jet Li, but Gordon Liu. The American director of cult hits such as Reservoir Dogs and Pulp Fiction had his reasons. Kill Bill is his tribute to1970s Hong Kong martial arts flicks, and Gordon Liu just happens to be one of the biggest gongfu stars from the era. Gordon Liu made his mark as a lethal fighting monk in scores of movies produced by Shaw Brothers in the 1970s and 1980s. Many, such as 36th Chamber of Shaolin (1978), Legendary Weapons of China (1978) and The 8-Diagram Pole Fighter (1983), have become cult kungfu classics.   Straits Times >>Full Story<<

-- Yuen Wo Ping Salvages Kungfu Hustle --
It wasn't easy for Stephen Chow to get Sammo Hung to be Kung Fu Hustle's martial arts director. Stephen Chow tends to have strong opinions on how to shoot his movies and often have arguments with his partners. Recently, word has it that there was a spate of disputes between Stephen Chow and Sammo Hung, leading to Sammo Hung leaving the set and returning to Hong Kong. As shooting still had to continue, Stephen Chow was urgently in need of a replacement. Eventually, Stephen Chow flew overseas and managed to enlist help from the world's foremost martial arts choreographer Yuen Wo Ping, who had gathered his team on 18 August and headed for Shanghai. Regarding the split, Sammo Hung refused to elaborate. He said that they had their own stances, and owing to schedule problems and he was not in good health, and the conditions were not conducive, he decided to not stop helping Stephen Chow.   Guangdong News

-- Seven Swords of Mt Tian: The Cast Thus Far -

Wenlian Studio has confirmed the casting of mainland martial arts stars Yu Cheng Hui, Ji Chun Hua and Wu Jing, as well as a newcomer from a dance school who is playing Yi Lan-Zhu, for Seven Swords of Mt Tian. Script writer Cheung Chi Sing said that Charlie Yeung Choi-Nei and Tony Leung Ka-Fai have agreed to join the project. Liu Ye, of Purple Butterfly, said in an interview that his next project is Seven Swords of Mt Tian.   Nanfang City Daily, Meri Paper, Huashang Daily

-- Wu Jing Joins Tsui Hark on New Wuxia Concepts --
The audience's impression of Wu Jing, whose smile is so particularly infectious, is usually a rare martial arts exponent, who transforms into a messenger of righteousness through each move and style. Wu Jing, who's starring in Seven Swords of Mt Tian, is busying himself with martial arts practice and reading Sun Tzu Art of War and Lao Tzu's Tao Te Ching (The Book of Taoism). He explained that to do well in a kung fu movie requires deep understanding of literature and culture. Only by thoroughly comprehending the meaning and values of life, and the world, and applying the concepts to the roles would wuxia series reach a new peak.   Shenyang Today >>Full Story<<

-- Initial D, Seven Swords of Mt Tian --

Tsui Hark readies Chinese pair

Screen Daily, 14 August 2003

Silvia Wong in Hong Kong

Film Workshop’s Tsui Hark is lining up two US$3.9m (HK$ 30m) Chinese-language movies to be directed by Tsui himself later this year and early next year. The first is titled Initial D, adapted from a hit Japanese comic book of the same name, which tells the story of a delivery boy with a prowess for street racing. Tsui is working on the script with Cheung Chi Sing (Fighter's Blues). Location scouting is underway, but Tsui says that the film will probably be set in China as well as in Japan because of some snow scenes. Produced by Media Asia, the Cantonese film is scheduled to shoot in late October. All parts are in the final stages of casting with Edison Chen attached to play one of the lead roles.

Also in the running to shoot is the Mandarin language Seven Swords Of Mount Tian, adapted from the martial arts novel by Liang Yusheng and also a successful TV series in China. Set in the early Qing dynasty, the film traces the seven swordsmen’s mission to rescue pro-Ming dynasty rebels who are being exterminated by Qing forces.Tony Leung Ka-Fai is attached to play one of the swordsmen with Charlie Yeung Choi-Nei is playing a female lead. Unlike his previous work Legend Of Zu which relies heavily on CG effects, he says that the martial arts sequences in Mount Tian will be very real. ‘It will be better if the actors for the leading swordsmen’s roles have martial arts background,’ he adds.

Mount Tian is planned for a February shoot in China’s scenic Hangzhou and aims for a summer opening. Both Cheung (Cheung Chi Leung?) and Tsui are now scripting the film. This may be just the first of a series of the film version of Mount Tian. ‘The novel’s materials are enough for four to five feature films,’ says Tsui. If everything goes according to plan, Tsui will continue with the series. But he has not ruled out the possibility of letting someone else direct the future series.
 

-- Seven Swords: Tsui Hark at Seoul International Cartoon and Animation Festival 2003 --

Chinese Filmmaker Riding 'Korea Wave'

Digital Chousunilbo, 12 Aug 2003
by Kim Tae-hun

Photo: Yangtze Daily

The Chinese film director Tsui Hark came to Seoul on Tuesday to promote business links with South Koreans for developing various cultural contents, including a joint South Korea-China production of an animated film. Tsui is currently in the process of shooting a martial/chivalry genre mini-series (Seven Swords of Mt Tian) to be televised all over China in 2005. Tsui, who was invited to Seoul by the Seoul International Cartoon and Animation Festival committee, will be developing various cartoons, animation, movies, online games and character products based on the mini-series he is producing. Festival officials said that Tsui was particularly interested in the recent "Korean wave" in China and chose the South Korean cultural businesses as partners for his entertainment success.

"The last time I visited Seoul, I met with people from the film industry, but I came to meet people from the South Korean cartoon, game, publishing and animation industries this time," Tsui said. He added that he expects that he and his Korean counterparts could do a lot of productive work together. If the mini-series he is shooting is developed into a game, he said, it would be impossible to expect success without the help of South Korea's technology and marketing abilities for online and Internet games.

The mini-series, which will also be made into a movie directed by Tsui, is based on a novel written in the 1960s by a famous Chinese writer (Liang Yusheng) of the martial/chivalry genre. The action-packed drama portrays the lives of seven swordsmen from the Han tribe during the Ching Dynasty. A South Korean cartoon company will be publishing the cartoon version of the mini-series into a total of 80 volumes. The first 10 volumes will be published simultaneously in South Korea and China by the end of the year. Tsui expressed high hopes for South Korean cartoonists, adding, "The cartoons will be the vanguard for this project."

-- Fashion Statement of A Chinese Ghost Story --

Handier Mobile Communication
There are quite a few new conceptual handphones being introduced recently, showing people how innovative technology can be. Handphones that play MP3s, water-droplet style handphones that are light and small, chic and innovative. However, all these handphones pale in comparison to A Chinese Ghost Story TV series (Eternal Love). For Xuan-Xin Zhen-Zhong Sect's communication device, Heart Illumination Talisman, is much lighter and practical than those concept handphones. Having doubts? Look, Zhu-ge Liu-yun (Wu Jing) and Ning Cai-Chen (Daniel Chan) merely have to hang a triangular talisman on their fingers and they can communicate instantly. No need for dialling, or antenna, and it even comes with video conferencing capabilities. While this type of gadget is utterly convenient, video display depends much on the level of Taoist achievements of the Xuan Xin disciple. One who has reached the level of Si-Ma Hong-Ye (Jessica Hsuan) could display video the size of a well's opening.

Most Powerful Mass Exercises
The second invention is the alteration of mass exercises. This invention not only aids in toning oneself, but also possesses demon slaying functions. Of course, this alteration is limited to stretching and kicking. The primary user is Si-Ma Hong-Ye; whenever she executes, Xuan Xin Enigma Stance, one can see her reciting, "Engima of profound heart, all returns to one source", with both hands fully outstretched. As for kicking, its even more suited to mass exercise. In the opening scene, you can see a major battle between Xuan-Xin Sect and Moon Kingdom where a group of Xuan-Xin disciples would do synchronous, rhythmic low booting, just like what we did in school, the difference being the rhythm of "1, 2, 3, 4" now becomes "Man governs Heart, Heart governs Law, Law governs Land".

Teensy-weensy Airplane
In period shows, the characters would fly when they're in a rush for time. However, such scenes lack novelty anymore. In A Chinese Ghost Story, apart the scene where Zhu-Ge Liu-Yun, Ning Cai Cheng and Nie Xiao Qian (Xu Xi Yuan) fly over the moon, the most dazzling flight is in the form of the small flight carrier. This flight carrier is Kongming Lantern, an ancient discovery of China, similar in theories to hot-air balloon. A Chinese Ghost Story expanded the usage and size of Kongming Lantern to being capable of transporting people through the Love-Abandoning Forest to the Cavern of Netherworld Springs. This invention resolves the issue of tight landing space.

Lie Detector
A Chinese Ghost Story also has another invention with high-technological feel: Lie Detector. This is the gadget commonly used by James bond, convenient and concealable. The gizmo in question here is called Teardrop of Blue Demon. Legend has it that it was formed by a drop of tear of the most gorgeous lady of Demon Realm, Blue Demon (Chen Xiu Wen). Less than 5 cm in diameter, this gadget is capable of detecting lies, albeit limited only to testing of genuineness of love.   Dayoo Daily

-- Seven Swords of Mt Tian Comics and Video Game --
Tsui Hark, Wang Yong and Ma Zhong Jun are attending 7th Seoul International Cartoon and Animation Festival (SICAF, held from August 12th to 17th 2003) on 12 August to ink a deal with Korea Comics Centre to produce Seven Swords of Mountain Tian comics and video game. The comics and video game, a joint venture between China, Korea and Japan, will pay extra attention to the producer's understanding of the meaning of life and humanity. The game puts emphasis on game design, lending a bizarre feel to the drama, characters and weapons. The comics will be drawn by Korean comics artist "Huang Cheng", and will be no less than 12 volumes. Total investments for the TV series, soundtrack (by Jonathan Lee), comics and video game amount to nearly 100 million renminbis.  Henan Newspaper

-- Zhao Wen Zhuo: Waiting for Hollywood to Come Knocking at the Door --

Since Jackie Chan and Jet Li moved to Hollywood, Zhao Wen Zhuo gains a firmer ground in Mainland. Everyday, he would spend two hours training in martial arts. He would not use stunt doubles unless absolutely necessary, such as those stunts like car chase, car crash, which are not his specialty. As an action star, it's inevitable for him to be hurt when shooting, the most serious case being in Once Upon a Time in China sequel. Not only did he suffer a broken leg, his head was also severely injured thrice. However, Zhao Wen Zhuo was not bothered by injuries, "It's more thrilling to fight myself, I would still be happy even if I was injured."

Does Zhao Wen Zho have any intention of going to Hollywood? "Let nature takes its course. If you're selling awesome products, naturally, the customers would flock to your shop. So, I would not think too much, and concentrate on my present projects. Chinese action movies look to be in their infancies compared to Western movies, so there are lots of things that we can learn from them. For example, the classic Titanic employed lots of CGIs, yet many people failed to detect them. However, the CGIs in Mainland shows are very fake and noticeable. It's better to use no special effects and choose real locations to shoot, which suits the movie-making standards here."

Of late, Zhao Wen Zhuo has taken to TV series and seldom appears in movies. He said that he wishes to do movies too, but the current condition in the movie market is very gloomy, with only one or two good movies being produced every year, "I would rather do a good quality TV series, and gain more audiences, than waste my talents on insignificant, unknown movies." Zhao Wen Zhuo said that he would love to have the opportunity to work with Lee Ang and Zhang Yimou. Among the two's wuxia movies, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and Hero, Zhao Wen Zhuo prefers the former. Zhao Wen Zhuo said that the lightness kungfu in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon was executed and shot with utmost realism and the the martial arts scenes were handled very admirably. While Zhao Wen Zhuo has never worked with Zhang Ziyi, the actress for both movies, they are friends. He said, "Zhang Ziyi fits this line perfectly. She is an excellent actress for wuxia movies, one who is hard to come by."

Zhao Wen Zhuo will next be teaming up with Jia Jing Wen (Alyssa Chia) and Zhang Tie Lin in Miracle Healer Couple. At the end of the year, he will move on to Stormriders 2 TV series, produced by Yang Pei Pei.  Shenyang Today, Liao Sheng Evening News

-- Kungfu Hustle --

For two days in early August, Kungfu Hustle production moved away from Chedun Studio, to a deserted,  old housing estate, factory area. Stephen Chow chose this area for its aged beauty and it is well-concealed. However, despite efforts to keep everything under wraps, this group of reporters managed to observe and capture some snapshots of the filming progress from a distant house. They were doing night shoots on the two days and were still working as dawn approached. Stephen Chow was very serious in his work and spent more than 2 hours on a simple action scene, often changing the angles of the shot. He would instruct the guy how to fight and often personally demonstrate how he wanted the moves to be done. In another scene, Stephen Chow appeared to be badly beaten, being imprisoned and tortured. Photos    Sina, Shanghai Afternoon Post

-- 36th Chamber of Southern Shaolin --
Following the overwhelming success of Southern Shaolin when it was released in China in the second quarter of the year, its sequel 36th Chamber of Southern Shaolin, possibly starring Wu Jing, Anita Yuen and Zhang Tie Lin, is currently in pre-production. Yuen Cheung Yan will continue to helm the sequel, penned by Zhu Ke-Xin and Guo Jun-Li, which further heightens the heroic exploits of Fang Shi Yu, who has grown from a frolicsome brat to a chivalrous hero in the original series. 36 Chambers of Southern Shaolin is about Fang Shiyu being commissioned to investigate into the death of Emperor Yongzheng.  Oriental Hollywood

-- Cheung Chi Leung on Hero on the Silkroad --

Hero on the Silkroad is a twenty-part series based on Mainland writer Mai Tian's novel, and was in pre-production for three years. It began production on June 20, is shot mainly in Western China with half of the show happening in Dunhuang desert, and is wrapping up on 20 August. The project, produced by Xi-An Film Corp (Warriors of Heaven and Earth), depicts the tale of a swordsman in Han dynasty. Apart from a cast from Mainland and Hong Kong consisting of Nicky Wu Qi Long, Theresa Lee, Niu Zhen-Hua, Jing Gang-Shan, it also has an extraordinary production crew: Its directors are Jacob Cheung Chi Leung and Chin Siu Ho, art designer is Liu Lu Yi who has worked with Zhang Yimou and Chen Kaige, costume designer is Yao Xiao-Hong, the person behind Warriors of Heaven and Earth and Swordsman in Double Flag Town. Chin Siu Ho (Fist of Legend, Taichi Master, New Shaolin Temple), Hong Kong's action star, came on invitation of Cheung Chi Leung and is also responsible for directing the action scenes.  >>Full Story<<

-- Jet Li in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon Prequel --
Producer Xu Li Gong indicated that no one is more suited to be the younger Li Mu Bai than baby-faced Jet Li, and moreover, his solid kungfu skills would bring earth-shattering realism and presence to the prequel Precious Sword, Golden Hairpin. He noted that Lee Ang and Jet Li are on good terms and are constantly in touch with each other. It was hopeful that the script, written by Wang Hui Ling, would soon be seeing the light of day, after which they could seal the deal with Jet Li and discuss about schedule and other details -  Jet Li is represented by a Hollywood agency, and Hollywood rules require the script to be in place before a contract can be signed. Xu Li Gong said that the earliest possible time for the shoot would be next February or March. He would also have to extend adaptation rights to the movie which expires next year.   World Journal

-- Looking Inside Southern Shaolin --

Theresa Lee and Wu Jing worked with each other in Southern Shaolin and Wu Jing's perfectionist attitude earned him admiration and respect from Theresa Lee. She became good platonic friends with Wu Jing, feeling that he is young and forever on the sunny side, and is very serious with his work. Fearing that he might be too stressed, the hospitable Theresa Lee would recommend some music for Wu Jing to help soothe his nerves. Even when shooting had wrapped up, Wu Jing still requested the director to add another action scene, resulting in everyone having an additional day's of work. Theresa Lee said, "Wu Jing is too professional, unlike me, who thinks only of returning home to have a good sleep once production is completed." Theresa Lee felt that while the four-month shoot was tiring, she was happy to be with this production, "The director was very caring and open-minded. He would discuss the script with us before shooting, and should any of us have any better ideas concerning the script, he would have it amended immediately."

A scene in South Shaolin required Wu Jing slap Theresa Lee on her face to drive her away. When Wu Jing first read the script, he asked the director if he should really slap her? The director emphasised that he must really slap her. Wu Jing felt uneasy about it and apologised to Theresa Lee before the camera rolled, and gave her a slap. Unexpectedly, Theresa Lee, who was completely absorbed in her character's anger, retaliated with smack, all of sudden. It gave Wu Jing a shock.

They often had a very tight schedule to follow when shooting South Shaolin. What was most memorable to Wu Jing in the series was the raid on execution ground: In merely three hours, they had to shoot eighty action scenes. By the last take, Wu Jing was worn to a frazzle and he passed out. Wu Jing felt that it was as if he was challenging fate for he had insufficient rest and the weather was so hot that he had a stroke, but added with a smile that having a good meal would help him recover his strength.   Mingsheng Daily, Sing Pao

-- The Medallion Being Slimmed Down --
The Medallion, which hits the screens soon this month, has been been trimmed by 27 minutes. Director Gordon Chan feels helpless about it. Two versions were originally planned - one for China and one for the international market. But after Jackie Chan's negotiations with the investing company, only one version was decided, "The first cut for The Medallion was 116 minutes in length, with over 400 shots of CGIs, but now the current version is only 89 minutes, with over 300 shots of CGIs. It was the production's decision to shorten the length so that there could be more screenings. They want action movies to be simple, short and intense, and not too complex so that the audience will find them more thrilling." On the other hand, Gordon Chan said that the reduction in movie length did not have any adverse effects on the film's quality, and believed that the audience would still appreciate the movie.  Nanfang City Daily

-- Fattening Session for Seven Swords of Mt Tian --

Shooting of Seven Swords of Mount Tian, which was slated to commence at the end of August, has been put off till the end of 2003. Cheung Chi Leung said that the series is being expanded from 30 to 60 episodes. As such, part of the pre-production work has to be re-done, resulting in a few months' delay. Wenlian Studio's president, Ma Zhong Zhun, explained, "When we first discussed with Tsui Hark, Seven Swords of Mt Tian was conceived as a 30-episode project. However, after reading the script, Tsui Hark thought that the ending for the 30-episode series was too tragic and the audience would find it hard to accept. So he decided to change to a happy ending. Tsui Hark had wanted to shoot Seven Swords of Mt Tian as a two-part series. However, Tsui Hark found that the ending for the first part (based on Heroes beyond the Frontier) is too tragic, so he talked to us and decided to combine the two into a single 60-episode series. He said it would give to audience a more well-rounded feeling."   Huashang Daily

July 2003

-- Zhao Wen Zhuo's Motorcycle Commercial --

Zhao Wen Zhuo performs martial arts and rides against the waves in this 60 seconds Dajiang Motorcycle Commercial.

-- Warriors of Heaven and Earth Trailer  --

Official Site

Trailer

-- Miracle Healer Couple --

Zhao Wen Zhuo announced at a charity auction on 26 July that he is teaming up again with Jia Jing Wen (Alyssa Chia), whom he had worked with earlier this year in Fables of Wu Mei Niang, in mid August on a 40 part-series Miracle Healer Couple (Shen Yi Xia Lu, tentative title), produced by Century Films Workshop (Heavenly Sword and Dragon Sabre 2002). Zhao Wen Zhuo is playing a Han general who looks cold but is tender-hearted, while Jia Jing Wen plays his love interest - again - as a miraculous Healer.  Beijing Times

-- Ngai Sing, The Matrix Revolutions and Trailer --

Ngai Sing (Collin Chou), having rehearsed with Keanu Reeves for over 3 months on the teahouse scene, said that Keanu Reeves was way more charming that those semi-flower-vase of coolness Hong Kong, Taiwan idols, "I would rather teach Keanu Reeves kungfu than them. Keanu Reeves is different, he is not bitten by celebrity syndrome bug, dresses casually, and would stay contemplatively at one corner when he was free. But over the two weeks when we were shooting the tea-house scene, he always got mad, not with me, but with himself. He kept blaming himself, 'why couldn't I do it.' He's such a perfectionist, I could only console him, "It's because you weren't trained since young, what you've done is already reasonable."

Ngai Sing , who plays Seraph in The Matrix Sequels, says that his performance in The Matrix Revolutions will give the audience a major surprise; however, he's not at liberty to divulge the plot. His talent is very much appreciated by John Woo whose biggest influence on him is, "never shoot a Hollywood movie that tarnishes the reputation of the Chinese. When John Woo directs movies in Hollywood, whenever he encounters anything in the script that describes about Chinese gangs, secret societies or any other ugly things, he will amend them. Actually, much care has been taken since Bruce Lee films to preserve the image of the Chinese. I won't, for the sake of any selfish, minor personal gains, upset the sacrosanct rules of the game laid down by so many people before me." Ngai Sing's criterion for accepting a role is "never act as a villain in foreigner's movies." However, should he have a chance to return to China, he "wouldn't mind playing an evildoer again."  Beijing Youth Daily

Video: New The Matrix Revolutions Trailer (Mpeg format, from Guangdong News)

-- Kungfu Hustle --

With strong finance backing from Columbia Pictures, Stephen Chow can afford to be lavish on the soundstages. Stephen Chow's good friend in the entertainment circle, Sammo Hung, helped supervised the construction of a soundstage comprising three 1930s buildings, costing everal million renminbis, at Shanghai Chedun Film Studio. One of the sets include a large four storey flat with an adjoining street. The buildings may be detonated or demolished before shooting ends. It's possible that there is an explosion scene.

Ever since Kungfu Hustle began shooting, the production has been bound by Columbia Pictures' contract to keep everything under wraps, and refuses any interviews. No one is allowed to enter or leave the set in movie costumes, including Stephen Chow. Anyone found revealing any information would be given the axe. Their soundstages are also cordoned off and patrolled by security guards to prevent unauthorised entry. This reporter was fortunate to witnessed a rehearsal of a battle scene on arriving at the boundary of the soundstage. The axe-gang members were doing the same moves repeatedly, with Stephen Chow sometime personally getting involved in the fight or sometimes letting his stunt double doing the fights, while he stayed at one side giving instructions. After half an hour, the axe-gang members dispersed and they quickly changed into black outfits, wore black hats, and entered into the decrepit building. Once inside, shooting began on the second-storey, with war-cries emanating from one of the room. Then, all of sudden, a crew member rushed out, entered a coach nearby and came out with over ten pairs of shoes and scurried back...

This reporter also noticed a workshop near the soundstage, and there were various wooden tables and carts. The workers told this reporter that these are the props used for shooting Kungfu Hustle, and they have to be constantly refurbished or rebuilt, for they get damaged very often. Then came a black car entering the cordoned-off area. One of the workers explained, "That's Sammo Hung's car. They are rehearsing right now. As the weather is blisteringly hot, he drives to buy drinks for everyone. But Stephen Chow needs not worry about heat, for Sammo Hung and him have their own trailers, where they can rest, eat, drink, and answer the nature's call." Sammo Hung is playing a senior member of Axe Gang. So far, he has not been spotted directing any action scenes. To avoid reporters and fans, Stephen Chow arrives and leaves by car and refuses to meet anyone else.

Lam Tze Chung, former TVB script writer, now works in Stephen Chow's company. He co-wrote the script for Shaolin Soccer (and played one of the lay Shaolin disciples in it) and Kungfu Hustle, and is also acting in Kungfu Hustle. He said that script writing is peanuts to him, but writing scripts for Stephen Chow is an uphill task. On Stephen Chow's suggestion, he acted in Romance of Sui and Tang Dynasties series as Chen Yao-Jin, to learn acting skills from Mainland artistes, before joining Kungfu Hustle. Stephen Chow wanted him to perceive from the views of an actor how a script could be better written, and return to amend Kung Fu Hustle. Lam Tze Chung said that Stephen Chow is a movie-making genius, and someone good at using his brain. Stephen Chow is a workaholic, and after finishing shooting for the day when it is very late, Stephen Chow would still say, "Don't sleep, get up and contemplate on the script with me..." When asked if Kungfu Hustle is about the development of a little rogue, Lam Tze Chung declined comment, saying he was bound by non-disclosure policy. Moreover, it's Stephen Chow's tendency to modify the script constantly during the active production, so the final production may be very different from the initial conception.   Today Morning Express Daily, Afternoon News, Haixia City Daily, Huashang Daily

Photos: Sina

-- Tsui Hark on Wuxia --

On July 11 evening, Tsui Hark flew to Beijing to attend the Anti-SARS Charity Screening of Xanda. On the following afternoon, under the arrangement by Xanda distributor, Tsui Hark granted an audience with a small number of presses. In the six hours of continuous drilling, he fielded all questions with ease. There were no signs of his fabled temper. On Jin Yong, Gu Long, Liang Yusheng: New Dragon Inn, The East is Red, Once Upon a Time in China... established Tsui Hark's status in the movie industry. Facing the reporters, Tsui Hark eloquently described his affinity with wuxia: "I am a fan of wuxia novels. Seems that I started reading wuxia novels at the age of 10. It was an odd feeling...   Changjiang Daily >>Full Story<<
 

-- Commemorating Brue Lee's 30th Death Anniversary --
Jackie Chan said: Bruce Lee was like a seed of greatness, given time, he would become as great as virtuoso Charlie Chaplin. Alas, he passed away at an early age, like a seedling that was plucked before it could fully mature. Great people will always be remembered, always living in the hearts of the younger people, and those with wisdom would draw inspiration and strength from them.   Shenyang Today >>Full Story<<

-- Tsui Hark on Xanda --

Tsui Hark was interviewed at Anti-Sars Charity Premiere of Xanda held in Beijing. Xanda is a kickboxing movie produced by Tsui Hark that features a cast comprising such China's real-life Sanda champions as Zhao Zi-Long, Zhang Hong-Jun, Sang Wei-Lin and Teng Jun.

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and Hero, as period wuxia films, are a big hit at the box-office. As the master of wuxia era of the previous century, why did you buck the trend and shoot a contemporary movie?

Tsui Hark: Most of my works spring from a feeling, it's not necessarily logical. I'm always motivated by the relationships and understanding of the characters in a conceived project - anyhow, it's passion driven. My works bear my idiosyncrasies and uniqueness, and I am not bothered by environmental factors.

Having watched Xanda, I felt that it was great, but without major stars, it seems to lack something. How you do feel about casting well-known stars in this action movie?

Tsui Hark: Xanda is more realistic, closer to the actual combative art, and doesn't suit big-time actors. I do not think that a movie would not have any appeal simply because of its lack of famous personalities. When Lin Qing Hsia came to Hong Kong from Taiwan, she wasn't well-known. When Jet Li just came to Hong Kong, he was a newcomer too. I believe in giving more chances to newcomers, this will help groom more new stars.

Your past works showcase traditional Chinese wushu, why did you choose to portray modern martial arts in Xanda?

Tsui Hark: Sanda originated from traditional wushu. The foreigners always think that Chinese wushu means people flying about in the air. This is a wrong concept. We shot Xanda to tell the world that Chinese traditions and culture are not only enigmatic, not only aesthetic, but also pragmatic. I believe it will have good prospects on the international market.   Beijing Youth Daily

-- A Chinese Ghost Story Interview --

Xu Xu Yuan: The Nie Xiao Qian I play is different from Joey Wong's version. She is a beautiful, elegant ghost while I am a playful, naive fox spirit. So, please don't compare us. Acting as Xiao Qian was really taxing. I had to hang on wires, and had to zoom around through the mists, had to cry often, and the weather was so cold yet the costumes I wore were so thin. Worst of all, I couldn't go home. It was filmed in Mainland for over four months, and the weather turned from cold to hot. Our feelings also changed from cold to warm. While it was arduous, I felt a sense of achievement, especially working with so many professional people, I have learned a lot.

Daniel Chan: Some reporter asked me during the inauguration if I had watched Tsui Hark's A Chinese Ghost Story. I have seen it not only once. To me, the movie is not only a classic, but also full of philosophical wisdoms. Good versus evil, complexity of the truth and deception, sincerity or fakeness, previous and past lives, cross-dimensional love, eternal love...things that I'll never encounter in my entire life. Looking back, it was pretty tough. As I have allergic skin, wearing the wig for extended time caused irritations on my face. It was even worse for most of the actresses. I liked the weather in Yunnan, it was always so sunny. A pity I never had the chance to savour the beautiful scenery. I hope go there again.

Jessica Hester Hsuan: It was very different working in a non-TVB production, especially when we had to travel to several different locations. As such, we regarded each other like a big family. Even when off-screen, I would still call Tian Niu mother and Yuen Wah father. In the script, I had most scenes with Wu Jing. He is a very professional actor, but when it came to a kissing scene, he was very uptight, resulting in many outtakes. He was blushing and the crew teased him, so he behaved like a kid and pouted his lips in protest. It was very delightful to be in this production, and I hope the audience would appreciate our hard work.

Wu Jing: When I first arrived on the set, I was not at ease, facing all unfamiliar faces. I was gripped by a sense of loneliness. At that time director Li Hui Zhu and script writer Thirteen Chan Sap San (Chen Shi Shan) came to my side, and meticulously explained my role. I listened attentively... These few months, I became deeply submerged in my role, and Zhu-Ge Liu-Yun was me, I was Zhuge Liuyun. I was able to empathise with his sorrows, worries, happiness and bitterness. Everyone, especially director Li, Tian Niu, Jessica Hsuan and Yuan Wah were very nice to me - their concern, guidance. They are like my kin and the production even gave me a big surprise for my birthday.  Shenyang Today

A Chinese Ghost Story Coffee Table Book is now available at YesAsia

-- Seven Swords of Mt Tian --

Seven Swords of Mount Tian is based on two Liang Yusheng novels, Qi Jian Xia Tian Shan (literally Seven Swords Descend Mt Tian) and its prequel Sai Wai Qi Xia Zhuan (literally Legend of Miracle Heroes Beyond the Frontiers). (The two are loosely connected in story and many of the older characters in Seven Swords of Mount Tian first appear in Miracle Heroes Beyond the Frontier, sequel to The Bride with White Hair.) The TV adaptation will follow the basic premise of the novel but there will be major changes concerning the characters and development of the story. There two generations of Seven Chivalrous Swords of Mt Tian (In the novel, the first generation consists of Five Sword Masters ), and the relations between the two generations are more closely knitted in the teleplay. The first batch of Seven Swordmasters, whose name are long established,  will be played by veteran actors. They will portray complicated feelings, and shackled thoughts. The production is boldly grooming newcomers to take up the roles of the newer generation, the focus of the adaptation. They symbolise new hopes, and fresh outlooks. Comic version and online multiplayer game of Seven Swords of Mt Tian will also be released alongside the TV version, setting a precedence in China. Production is expected to start in September.   Beijing Youth Daily

-- Wu Jing Annuls Contract with Jet Star Entertainment --

After appointing Taiwan's Jet Star Entertainment as his agent in June last year, Wu Jing, through Jet Star's arrangement, accepted mega-production A Chinese Ghost Story, acting as Yuen Wah's disciple. Now that A Chinese Ghost Story is being shown in Taiwan, due to differences in ideals, Wu Jing decided to terminate the contract with Jet Star Entertainment before its expiry date. Jet Star Entertainment's manager Qui Xiu Zhu explained that it was mainly because what Jet Star Entertainment could do for Wu Jing as a martial arts star is very limited. It was an experiment to sign the deal with Jet Star Entertainment, but after working with them, Wu Jing found that their mindsets and approaches were different in some areas. While their contract has been terminated in June, they still remain on good terms. There were no hard feelings. Wu Jing has now joined a new star management company in July but the name of the company will not be announced yet, until everything is in place.   Mingsheng Daily, Sunny Wu Jing

-- Xanda Charity Screening --

Xanda, a martial arts movie on kickboxing produced by Tsui Hark and directed by Marco Mak Chi Sin, was released two months ahead of schedule on 11 July in Nextage Film Art Center in Beijing's Oriental Plaza as part of the campaign to fight SARS. The box-office earnings of 80 thousand renminbis were all donated to Beijing SARS-Free Fund. Xanda is a brand new concept in action films that uses China's popular sports Sanda (kickboxing) as its main theme and stars professional Sanda fighters. Tsui Hark said, "Xanda expresses Chinese kungfu that is atypical of tradition. It made a one-day debut to show our care and support for the hospital staff and make some contributions towards their noble cause." As Xanda only opens in Mainland provinces in September, security at the cinema was tight and no cameras were allowed.   Beijng Youth Daily

 -- Filmmakers Letting 'Danny the Dog' Out of the Bag --
The details of Jet Li’s much anticipated action-drama Danny the Dog have been few and far between since filming began, but now that the French produced film is in post-production members of cast and crew are shedding light on the guarded plot. Combat Magazine published an interview with "Danny" side-character Silvio Simac who helped to flesh out some of the vague details on this dark story. Simac says that the movie centers around Danny (Li), a simple yet mean fighting machine raised and enslaved (by Bob Hoskins’ character) to combat in illegal fight clubs and do his owner’s dirty work. When Danny and his owner get into a car accident, Hoskins’ character falls into a coma and Danny is subsequently found by Morgan Freeman, who sort of "civilizes" him and helps him to re-think his violent lifestyle. But when Hoskins comes back to reclaim Danny, he is reluctant to return to his former life.   Kungfu Cinema  >> More <<

-- Hong Kong Actors' Pays --

Presently, other than Jackie Chan and Chow Yun Fat who have migrated to Hollywood, Stephen Chow commands the highest pay in Hong Kong, and was once paid HK $17 million. And given the conditions of the current market, very few movies earn more than this sum. Now that Stephen Chow has started his own film company, his pay is now a mystery. Stephen Chow invests part of his pay in his movies, and also receives bonus from the box-office takings. With Shaolin Soccer paving the way for his entrance into the international market, his present status is beyond the traditional Hong Kong film industry. Other Hong Kong top wage earners include Andy Lau (HK $10 million per movie), Tony Leung (HK $8 million), Japanese star Takeshi Kaneshiro (HK $4 million). Most other more famous actors' wages fall in between the HK $2 to 3 million category, such as Aaron Kwok, Leon Lai, Jacky Cheung, Louis Koo.   Yangcheng Evening News

-- A Chinese Ghost Story --

The forty-part series A Chinese Ghost Story has finally been approved by the China Film Censorship Board on 10 July and will be premiering in China on Huayi Satellite Channel on 11 August, on weekdays at 9 pm, after which it will be aired on various stations in other provinces. Featuring a strong cast and a compelling plot, it retained its position as the Taiwan's third most viewed program at 8 pm, after the already popular soap operas Fiery Thunderbolt and Qing Long Hao Han, remaining unaffected by the introduction of My Fair Princess 3: Heaven on Earth on the second week of July.  Cang Bao, Shenyang Today

-- Kungfu Hustle --

While Stephen Chow may be a hilarious person on the screen, once he takes up the director's chair, he seldom smiles. He is very demanding and stern to his cast-members, and no one dares to laugh on the set, no matter how funny are the scenes they're shooting. A unique characteristic of Stephen Chow's brand of directing is that he doesn't provide the actors and actresses with any script. Rather, he would only tell them their lines on the spot.

Director Feng Xiao Gang, who makes a special appearance in Kungfu Hustle as a triad leader, has completed his parts after working four days and nights. As both Stephen Chow and Feng Xiaogang are perfectionists, it's common for them to do ten or more takes per scene. There was a scene in Kung Fu Hustle which had been over shot twenty times, but after viewing the initial cuts, Feng Xiaogang insisted on doing one more take. He explained, "I am a director, and understand how a director feels. There is always room to do even better."

Having worked with Stephen Chow, Feng Xiaogang feels that both of them share a common point - possessing the heart of a child and playfulness, something which the audience especially needs. Feng Xiaogang is full of praises for Stephen how, saying that he is a very accomplished actor. He noticed that the sharp contrasts between Stephen Chow in real life and in his movies, proving that his performance on the screen is made possible only through his exceptional acting skills. He also admires Stephen Chow's fertile mind and exceptionally diligent work attitude. Liao Sheng Evening News, Sina Entertainment | Photo: Sina

-- Danny the Dog Photos --

Quite a handful of pictures to Jet Li's upcoming movie Danny the Dog may be found at French site Hong Kong Action.

-- A Chinese Ghost Story --

To combat My Fair Princess 3 which is releasing in Taiwan on July 7, CTS decided to bring forward the release of A Chinese Ghost Story TV series from August to June 30. GTV, which produces the series, also helps run advertisements of the series on its station, of which CTS has agreed to foot half of its advertising cost if sufficiently high viewership rating is achieved. Guangdong Weikai Audio & Video, which acquired the Mainland China distribution rights for A Chinese Ghost Story with highest bid for TV series in the recent years, hopes that the series will get approval from China Film Censorship Committee soon enough to be able to release the VCDs and DVDs in early July to combat piracy. It's also arranging with Mainland stations to air A Chinese Ghost Story in August.   Chengshi Evening News, Youth Daily

Video: A Chinese Ghost Story - Wu Jing makes his entrance (18 MB, 5 min, Mandarin, Windows Media Video, captured by Jing-er, File at: Sunny Wu Jng)
 

June 2003

A Chinese Ghost Story (Eternal Love) TV series premieres on Taiwan CTS on 30 June 2003, at 8 pm.

-- Kungfu Hustle --

Production of Stephen Chow's Kung Fu Hustle has begun on 27 June and filming is expected to take four months. It has been Stephen Chow's wish to produce a quality martial arts movie since King of Comedy. Shaolin Soccer was but an experiment, yet it garnered plenty of positive critiques. Stephen Chow, gaining confidence, will be demonstrating more of his martial arts capability in Kungfu Hustle, and aims at pushing kungfu comedy to the next level. Director Feng Xiaogang is making a cameo as an underworld gang leader. Stephen Chow had wanted to give him a more important role but Feng Xiaogang, having to oversee the post-production of his movie, Handphone, could only afford to spend one week on the set. So, he settled for a lesser role instead. Feng Xiaogang also takes the opportunity to observe Stephen Chow on the set, to understand his visions and thinking. He hopes to interact more with Stephen Chow, and to learn from him, as it would be beneficial to both in their future collaborations, "Stephen Chow is very creative and his attitude towards shooting movie is highly commendable. He has the entire film in his head, and shoots according to his own rules. Others merely know the rough outlines. He defines his own rules for movies, but not the other way round." Stephen Chow came across as a rather reticent person when they fist met in 1999, Feng Xiaogang explains, "He gave me an initial impression of a quiet guy, one who didn't like to talk much, and was very stern. Later, it occur to me that it could be that he doesn't speak good Mandarin - it's very different from the eloquent, outspoken character portrayed in his movies."   Oriental Sport Daily

-- Tsui Hark Delivers Real Martial Arts in "Xanda" --

The next film to hit theaters in Hong Kong and China from producer Tsui Hark promises to be a film featuring "very realistic" martial arts entitled Xanda (Sanda / Kicking Boxing Champion), according to Hark's wife and Film Workshop co-founder, Nansun Shi. This $3 million film co-produced with Shenzhen Film Studio is expected to hit Chinese theaters sometime this summer. Set in the near future, Xanda is the name of a modern form of martial arts focusing on extreme speed and power that has arisen in China's heartland. A former fighter turned Xanda coach named Tieh (Zhang Hong-jun) relentlessly trains Lung, his son (Zhao Zi-long) to be the next champion. But after he suffers a defeat by the reigning Xanda champion (Teng Jun), Lung's friend Qiang (Sang Wei-lin) combines his traditional kung fu expertise with unorthodox Xanda training in order to become the next champion. Xanda stars Sang Wei-lin, Zhao Zi-long, Zhang Hong-jun, Ni Jing-yang, Li Tie, and Teng Jung. Two of these newcomers are touted as real-life champion fighters from China. The director is Marco Mak Chi-sin, a longtime collaborator with Tsui Hark who has edited many films including the Once Upon a Time in China series. Martial arts choreography is provided by Ma Zhong-xuan, a former wushu champion who trained Chow Yun-fat and Zhang Ziyi for their roles in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. Distributor Fortissimo Films has already sold the film to several foreign distributors including Lusomundo (Portugal), A-Films (Benelux), Mongkol (Thailand) and Prooptiki (Greece).   Kungfu Cinema

-- Seven Swords of Mt Tian --
Even before shooting of Seven Swords of Mountain Tian has commenced, Wenlian Studio has already received lots of enquiries concerning its distribution. One of the locations the movie plus 35 TV series combination will be shot is Hengdian and the set designers are currently staying at a resort there to carry out art designs and set building. Most of the production team now gathers at Shenzhen, researching on the wushu styles of the project. Production expects to begin in August at the foot of the snow-capped Mt Tian in Xinjiang. The team will proceed to Hengdian after finish shooting in Xinjiang. Tsui Hark, being responsible for the entire production's martial arts sequences, faces great stress, as Seven Swords of Tianshan is a familar and popular fiction, and the action is one of the major focus of it. Cheung Chi Leung will be behind the dramatic scenes, adding colour and vibrancy to the characters. Other than Wu Jing, Ji Chun Hua and Li Xue Qing, the cast has not yet been completely finalised. The production will employ a number of newcomers but they must be conversant with martial arts.   Hengdian Orient Hollywood

-- Staggering Central Plains in Eight Directions --
After two months of delay because of SARS, Staggering Central Plains in Eight Directions, a 20-part romance kungfu comedy, is set to begin production in early July in Beijing. Famous Taiwan director Ma Ming Yuan directs while Zhang Lai-Jing (Shaolin Temple, Martial Arts of Shaolin) choreographs the action scenes. The series is about Ao Xiang (Wu Jing),  whose entire family was massacred, roams around the pugilistic circle, seeking out various masters to learn kungfu. On the way, he encounters the lovely Jiang Qing (Yu Meng) and the calm and cool Gu Ya Xuan (Annie Wu). Ao Xiang makes up his mind to put aside romances for the time being and eventually becomes the founder of Eight Trigram Palm (Bagua Zhang) and also uncover treacherous plots within the imperial palace.   Chengdu News

-- Stephen Chow Interview on Shaolin Soccer --
Director, producer, writer, and international star Stephen Chow talks about his latest action-comedy Shaolin Soccer, which hits American theaters this summer.

How did you come up with the idea for this script—to combine soccer and Kung Fu?
Well to make an action Kung Fu film is always my dream and what's always in my mind is-how can you make it new and make it different from the many others. Using Kung Fu to combine with any other element is the one of the main topic we're always thinking abut. And I think soccer fit with the martial art because in a soccer game that—if you think of the soccer player—they use every part of the body. They use the head, and they use the hand, and the body, and they kick, so I think soccer is just perfect with Kung Fu.

I've read that you usually cast your friends in your movies. Did you do the same for Shaolin Soccer? Did you use any real soccer players?
The Shaolin brothers in the film are mostly untrained newcomers; actually they are people from the office! So they are NOT soccer players. The fat guy is my scriptwriter, the stockbroker guy is my production manager and the goalkeeper was the dance instructor for the “Michael Jackson” dance number before I recruited him to play a Bruce Lee look-alike goalie. (It was perfect because we had to put him in the Game of Death costume and the goalie is the one who can wear a special uniform). In terms of finding talent, I try to bring out the funniest thing I notice about them during casting, if it made us laugh at the casting, it will also do on the big screen.  Premiere Magazine >> More <<
 

-- A Chinese Ghost Story --

CTS has launched  A Chinese Ghost Story TV series webpages (in Chinese) featuring the story, cast, photos, wallpapers and a forum. A Chinese Ghost Story will be aired in Taiwan in August and Wu Jing and other cast members shall be attending its publicity held at the end of the month (or in July).

-- Lee Ang on The Hulk --
Director Lee Ang talks about the high pressure expectations, exhaustion and psychodrama associated with his latest movie, The Hulk Director Ang sounds worn out. Then again, he has just spent the better part of two years masterminding the latest comic-to-film screen adaptation, The Hulk. After an arduous shoot and months of post-production to create an entirely computer-generated Hulk, the US$150-million (S$259-million) movie is poised to smash into the summer box office. The box office is not the only thing getting trampled by the Hulk, which opens in Singapore on Friday. Over the telephone from Los Angeles where he has been doing interviews non-stop for five days, the soft-spoken Lee says wryly in English: 'I am so exhausted, like I just walked through the Trojan war.' The 48-year-old declares himself happy with the movie, which he saw in its entirety a day before the avalanche of press interviews began. 'It reads like a personal movie, but it's also a big movie,' he says, his American accent tempered by occasionally odd phrasing as his tiredness gets in the way of fluency. But he confesses with charming candour: 'I'm not relieved yet, because it's not released yet.'   Straits Times, June 18, 2003 >> More <<

-- Drunken Monkey --
Drunken Monkey did not do very well at Hong Kong box office. It was at 7th spot on its opening week (22 May), dropped to 10th place on the second week and fell out of the top ten positions by third week. Meanwhile, Beijing audiences will finally get the chance to see Drunken Monkey in theatres. Beijing cinemas has re-opened in mid June as SARS cases abate. They were being shut down for over 50 days following astounding rise in SARS cases. Various major movies that have missed being screened will be released in Beijing cinemas over the next couple of days. Among them are Lord of the Rings 2, I Know Who You Are, Drunken Monkey, etc.   Beijing News

-- Heart to Heart, Hong Kong Takes Off Again --

As part of the activity in fighting against SARS, Hong Kong held an evening concert Heart to Heart, Hong Kong Takes Off Again at Hong Kong airport on June 7, with the aim to regain the confidence of her people as well as the world in Hong Kong. Apart from singing by Jacky Cheung, Andy Lau, etc, Latin Dance by Weng Ming Cha, it also included performances by such noted Mainland musicians as pianist Liu Shi Kun, violinist Yu Li and an orchestra. One major highlight of the event was martial arts performances from Liu Chia Liang, Gordon Liu and Wu Jing, who were specially invited to the show. Liu Chia Liang said, Hong Kong kung fu is powerful, Hong Kong is a clean and tidy city. Despite suffering from injury on the right leg when rehearsing a falling sequence, Wu Jing still carried out his wushu performance, without no thoughts of quitting, for he felt that it was his duty to do the very best. After Wu Jing finished his performance, the host Wu Xiao Li asked about how the spirit of wushu could be applied to today's Hong Kong. To Liu Chia Liang's approval and delights, Wu Jing explained that one needs to understand the ethics of martial arts before training, and that Chinese wushu signifies an unyielding determination, and that all the Chinese people possess this quality and would be able to undergo and survive any harsh conditions. Wu Jing, who shared a close relation with Liu Chia Liang in the manner of master and student, received a call from from the latter inviting him to perform at this charity event two days earlier. He put down his work and flew to Hong Kong. Wu Jing headed back to Beijing after the show, without delay, to resume his work.   Sina, Wenwei News, Singpao | Photo: Sina

Video: Wu Jing Performs Drunken Sword at Heart to Heart, Hong Kong Takes Off Again (captured by Meng Qing Yuan of Sunny Wu Jing Club)

-- The Hulk: A Superhero with Bigger Byte --
The Hulk is the lead actor in a live-action movie -- and he's completely computer-generated. From Gollum in Lord of the Rings to Jar Jar Binks in Star Wars: The Phantom Menace, computer-generated (CG) characters interacting with human actors have been the rage recently. But raising the bar for CG characters is the Hulk -- a leading "actor" made of bits, bytes and pixels. Mr Wilson Tang, the visual effects art director from Industrial Light and Magic (ILM) working on the Hulk movie, spoke to Computer Times about bringing the CG actor to life. He was responsible for coming up with the visual concepts and designs early in the production process. Said Mr Tang: "It was the start to the long process of generating CG imagery." Computer Times , June 11, 2003 >> More << 
 

-- Kungfu Hustle --
Production of Kungfu (which may be possibly be known as Expert, Yet Another Expert), which is written, produced, directed by Stephen Chow, who also stars in the movie, has been fixed at 27 June. It will follow Stephen Chow's usual theme of a lowly person who climbs up the social ladder. The film combines comedy with traditional martial arts, choreographed by Sammo Hung, enhanced with special effects. Stephen Chow who takes a keen interest in Chinese wushu, has been practising martial arts for many years. He is the next Asian star who commands huge box-office takings next to Jackie Chan. Columbia's Gareth Wigan was very excited about working with Stephen Chow, "His movies are not only original but also draw all audiences from around the world, including non-Asian countries. He is the ideal partner we wanted to work with." Stephen Chow indicated that the collaboration on Kungfu started two years ago and he was grateful to Gareth Wigan, Barbara Robinson and Columbia (Asia) for their hard work and helping him fulfill this dream. He has strong faith that Kungfu will set new records.

Kungfu takes place in Guangdong in China in 1940s. Stephen Chow plays a hopeless hooligan Ah Sing. Ah Sing has a truly sharp tongue and often twists facts and overwhelms people with his gift of the gab. However, he lacks a strong will and doesn't have a career. It's his ideal to join the merciless and notorious Axe Gang and become a notable figure in the gang. At this time, Axe Gang is sparing no effort in capturing a district not yet under its influence. However, this place has many hidden talents such as a tyrannical fat landlady and her husband, whom by contrast, looks like a weakling, who lead a group of martial arts experts who has been concealing their abilities, against the Axe Gang using their miraculous skills.  Chengshi Evening News
 

-- Yuen Wo Ping Returns to Hong Kong --
Yuen Wo Ping has returned to Hong Kong recently and is planning on making a new wuxia movie. He hopes that this movie will show stronger wuxia qualities than Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and Hero. Right now Andy Lau and Sammi Cheng are being considered for the male and female leads. He said that once the script is completed, he may negotiate with Andy Lau. Andy Lau's agent denied about it but according to Andy Lau's close friend, Andy Lau said that he had heard of this matter but no one had contacted him, "I would talk to Eight Master (Yuen Wo Ping) when I have a chance, to see if there is anything fresh to present to the audience."  Nanfang City Daily

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