November 2003

-- Drunken Monkey Review --

Below is an excerpt from Kungfu Cinema's Drunken Monkey review:

"Wu Jing is definitely the best and only choice to lead this film. Putting Jet Li aside, Wu is the go to guy for martial arts leads in film and television programming in China thanks to his tremendous skills. He appears to easily adapt his Northern Wushu training to Lau's Southern Shaolin forms. Unfortunately with a poor script and a weak character, Wu's physical prowess is diminished by a snotty demeanor and Lau's failure to fully give him the spotlight."

See also Kungfu Cinema's reviews of Taichi 2 and Legend of Zu

-- Seven Swords of Mt Tian --

Wenlian Studio's president Ma Zhong Jun said that the movie and TV versions of the Liang Yusheng adaptation Seven Swords of Mt Tian will not be shot concurrently as a single package. Rather, the movie will be shot first. Ma Zhong Jun explained that the movie has been part of their plan all along and serves as a prelude and stepping stone to the TV series. Tsui Hark will direct the project himself, and learning a lesson from Legend of Zu, except when absolutely necessary, he will not use special effects. Apparently, they have been in talks with celebrities like Andy Lau and Jang Suh Hee concerning Seven Swords of Mt Tian movie roles.  Hangzhou City Express

-- Anna in Kungfu Land --

Photo: Beijing Global Film

Anna in Kungfu Land (Anna and Wulin) is opening in theatres this Christmas. Anna in Kung Fu Land is a kungfu comedy about Anna and pugilists from around the globe coming together for the Supremacy Martial Arts Meet spearheaded by a salesman as a sales gimmick for the health tonic he's promoting. The cast for the movie directed by Raymond Yip includes Miriam Yeung, Ekin Cheng, Yusuaki Kurata and Lo Meng. The action was choreographed by Tung Wei.

More Photos at Beijing Global Film

-- Seven Swords of Mt Tian --

Andy Lau and Korean actress Jang Suh Hee are expected to join Seven Swords of Mt Tian, which is slated to begin filming in middle of next year. Tsui Hark flew to Korea in early November to meet Jang Suh Hee. He decided to sign up Jang Suh Hee, who is trained in dancing and believed to be able to handle demanding action scenes, on their first meeting. Jang Suh Hee is being paid at least 5 hundred million won (3.4 million renminbi) for her role in Seven Swords of Mt Tian.  Sina

Update: However, on being contacted, Wenlian Studio's Ma Zhong Jun dismissed the rumour, saying they have not been not confirmed. Chengdu Commercial News

-- Star-studded Wedding --

Photo: Oriental Daily

-- Black Rose on Internship --

Photo: TYFO

Black Rose On Internship (Protégé de la Rose Noire) began production on 20 Nov. The cast for this action comedy directed by Barbara Wong and Donnie Yen includes Ekin Cheng, The Twins Charlene Choi and Gillian Chung, Teresa Mo. Teresa Mo is dressed in brooding black, looking like an extraordinary Black Rose, while Ekin Cheng, in a dark trenchcoat, looks like a hitman. Ekin Cheng plays a driver (who is actually a detective), and also a member of Superman Club, and has a scene where he fights a robot. The robot had been giving Ekin Cheng a hard time, for it's constantly breaking down, resulting in outtakes and delays in the shoot. The Twins play Teresa Mo's students, Budding Black Roses, who are modern day Robin Hoods. They appeared to be very exhausted, due to their tightly packed work schedule in the recent days. Charlene Choi's character is very trendy and comical, while Gillian Chung is called Mary Potter, for her resemblance to Harry Potter. Director Barbara Wong said that though Black Rose is an action comedy, it's is full of depth. It describes the differences between the older and younger generations - the former believes in everlasting love, righteousness, while expediency, speed and fashion are all that matters to the latter. Director Donnie Yen applauded the Twins for their excellent attitude to work. They do not complain, even when they're fatigued. They'd give their best once the camera rolls.  Shanghai Morning Post

-- Super Powerful Man --

Photo: Sina

Dint King, Inside King (or Super Powerful Man) is a low budget, futuristic martial arts movie starring Fan Siu Wong, Leung Kar Yan, Jin Song, He Hong-Jun and Wu Rui-Ting which opens in December in China. Somewhat similar to Heroic Trio, Dint King, Inside King is set in the distant future, when the people live in hardships after the earth faced a great catastrophe. Clean water and power supply which are running scarce are being monopolised by Black Palace Clan's Black Eyes. Professor He, who doesn't yield under coercion, covertly researches alternate means of generating power and purifying water. On learning of the professor's research, Black Eyes orders his henchmen to track him down. While Professor He manages to escape, one of his two sons is caught and taken away, and raised by Black Eyes to be a ruthless killing machine. Professor He's other son, He Shen, under his arduous training scheme, grows up to become a Super Powerful Man with unstoppable powers.  Cnave

Trailer: Cnave

-- Star Runner Review --

In a review by The Straits Times, Star Runner is given thumbs down, for its cliched plot and unconvincing performance in action by the singer Wu Meng Jiang: "Thing is, Wu is no Tony Ja, the stuntman-turned-actor from the effervescent Thai film Ong Bak: Muay Thai Warrior. Wu cannot even muster a menacing boxer's stare to save his life."

-- The Promise --

Chinese director Chen Kaige is in preparation of an action movie The Promise, which sees investments pouring in from a few countries, totalling around US$20 million. Dion Lam (The Matrix, Spiderman 2) has agreed to be the martial arts choreographer for the period actioner, penned by Chen Kaige himself. Dion Lam described The Promise as a blend of romance, fantasy and action rather than a wuxia movie. He said the movie will have as much drama as martial arts. The Promise is set to be shot next February, with casting still underway.  Chengdu Evening News

-- Ong Bak: Muay Thai Warrior - Selling a Thai style --

Make no mistake, high-octane Thai action-thriller Ong Bak is certainly making waves with audiences worldwide, even attracting the attention and praise of renowned French director Luc Besson. StarTwo met up with the cast and director of the hit movie while they were in Singapore recently to talk about making action movies, the emergence of Thai cinema and the growing phenomenon that is Muay Thai. FOR former stuntman and martial arts expert Tony Jaa, emulating his heroes Bruce Lee and Jet Li kicking bad guy’s butt on the silver screen is the happy culmination of a gruelling seven years training. Jaa, whose real name is Phanom Yeeram, follows in the footsteps of his heroes in the ultra hip Muay Thai boxing action flick Ong Bak, to be released in Malaysia on Dec 4. But here lies the difference. Instead of kung fu, the 27-year old stuntman-turned-actor is banking on audiences falling in love with the traditional Thai martial art of Muay Thai. While many young actors hope to trade on their good looks in order to break into the world of movie- making, Jaa spent close to a decade training in Muay Thai, in the hopes of landing himself a role in a martial arts movie. The Star Online >>More<<

-- On Yuen Wo Ping --
I get a Kick out of you

New Zealand Herald, by By Nick Edwards

Kill Bill, the new Quentin Tarantino film, is the culmination of a popularity wave for martial arts in movies not seen since the demise of Bruce Lee. After an absence of seven years, one of the most celebrated directors of the past decade is billing his new work as a "kung fu epic". This follows a year of high-kick flicks ranging from mainstream products such as Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle to the arthouse Hero - a film hailed as this year's Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and waiting a release date - not to mention the double-bill Matrix sequels. What you might not know is that behind all the fight action in these films is one man: the unassuming 58-year-old Chinese film director and martial arts choreographer Yuen Woo Ping. A legend in his home in Hong Kong, Yeun's work first came to mainstream attention in 1999 when the Wachowski brothers employed him to design the blend of kung fu and science fiction that their new script, The Matrix, demanded.  >>More<<

-- Donnie Yen - Wu Jing Movie --

Wu Jing is currently shooting 32-episode 36th Chamber of Southern Shaolin, which will mostly be filmed in Hengdian and Xinchang. Close to half of the outdoor scenes have been completed. While he still plays Fang Shiyu (Fong Sai Yuk) in the sequel to Southern Shaolin, the character is no longer the foolhardy and mischievous chap in the original. He has become more mature, reliable, confident, and less wilful and mercurial. Wu Jing revealed that he'd be working with Donnie Yen on a period wuxia movie early next year. He looks forward to his first collaboration with Donnie Yen whom he holds in high regards. He said he couldn't reveal the plot (which is reportedly along the line of Sword of Third Young Master) and the historical settings, but it will be shot in Xinjiang and even possibly Kazakhstan. It's possible that maestro Yuen Wo Ping may be involved in the project too. The movie is commissioned by Wu Jing's new firm Gold Label Management.  Qianjiang Evening News

-- 36th Chamber of Southern Shaolin --

36th Chamber of Southern Shaolin has been in production in Hengdian for over a month. 36th Chamber of Southern Shaolin is about Lu Siniang's attempt to avenge for her father Lu Liu Liang, as well as on how Southern Shaolin monks help ward off marauding Japanese pirates. Apart from the original cast Wu Jing, Theresa Lee, Zhang Tie Lin and Li Nan, Julian Cheung, who was offered a role in the series, backed out at the last moment due to some reasons, leaving only Anita Yuen's Lu Siniang with the onus of assassinating Emperor Yonghzheng (Zhang Tie Lin). Yuen Cheung Yan of the famous Yuen Clan not only directs the series and choreographs the martial arts scenes which he said will be elegant and realistic, but also plays the role of Imperial Physician Cao who is assigned by Emperor Yong Zheng to research medicines. However, being greatly indebted to Lu Liu Liang, he accompanies and protects Anita Yuen, and is in essence her mentor and friend. Yuen Cheng Yan said doing action scenes are of no problems to him as he has been training in martial arts since young. However, as far as emotional scenes are concerned, he is utterly bowled over by Anita Yuen. Zhang Tie Lin, who only appears in the series for two episodes, with his scenes requiring merely two days to shoot, is paid a princely sum of 200 thousand renminbi, while Anita Yuen and Wu Jing receive only around 60 to 80 thousand per episode. 36th Chamber of Southern Shaolin is expected to move location to Fuzhou at a later date.  Haixia City Daily

-- Star Runner --

Star Runner is a romance action movie directed by Daniel Lee, with Chin Ka Lok as the action director and stars Wu Mengjian, Kim Hyun Joo, Andy On, Shaun Tam, Gordon Liu, Chin Kar Lok, Max Mok. The movie, which opens in Asia mostly on 28 November (18 November for some areas in China), is about a teacher-student relationship between Ah Kim (Kim Hyun-joo) and Zheng Jianbang (Wu Mengjian), and the latter's passion for boxing. Ah Kim is a Korean Chinese, who is running away from failed romance by going to Hong Kong. She gets invited by her friend to be the Korean language teacher for a university's vacation classes. A student who dozes off in her class not only causes interruption to her teaching, but also disturbance to her life. The student Zheng Jianbang is morose and reticent, and doesn't express himself well except in the boxing ring. It's his dream to fight with top-notch boxer Tank, who is participating in an oncoming Asian boxing meet. As such, Zheng Jianbang hopes to qualify for the match and after encountering various hurdles, he finally meets a coach who thinks well of him. Unfortunately, the latter is but a con artist who is down with his luck...  Sina

Star Runner Trailer (Windows Media Video, 3min, 350kb/s) - Dream Movie | Pictures - Sina | Star Runner Official Site

-- Silver Hawk Trailer --

Michelle Yeoh's Silver Hawk Trailer is now available at Arclight Films

-- The Matrix Revolutions --
The End of the Wachowski Brothers But Not Yuen Woo-Ping
by Dr. Craig Reid, Kungfu Magazine

It's a funny thing about fame and fortune in Hollywood. In the beginning when you have nothing, you beg, grovel, scrape and do just about anything to get money, publicity or a gig; then when you've "made" it (accomplishing something that becomes almost bigger than life), you become evasive, avoiding the public, refusing comment, wrapping your new project in a shroud of secrecy and mystery (actually, it's not so much mysterious as just plain annoying). When the mighty Wizard of Oz (or, for the MATRIX films, producer Joel "Oz" Silver) said, "Ignore that man behind the curtain," he wasn't joking, because as Morpheus once said, "Things never really are what they seem to be."

... Woo-ping initially refused to do MATRIX, asking for an exorbitant fee that he thought would turn off the Wachowskis. It didn't. He next formulated what he considered an impossible request, again hoping to deter the Wachowskis. "I said that I'd agree only if I had complete control of the fights and that I train the actors for four months before we shoot," Woo-ping says. "I figured they'd never go for that. They said okay, so I did it. So we ended up spending about eight hours a day for four months training Keanu (Reeves) and Lawrence (Fishburne). Which took great dedication because, when you think about it, they could have spent that time doing a whole other film."  >>More<<

-- 36th Chamber of Southern Shaolin --

Wu Jing, who is shooting 36th Chamber of Southern Shaolin in Hengdian, said that he has had almost hundred stitches, his solar plexus was in danger of being pierced when filming. He was once paralysed when he was in the wushu school but he eventually recovered through indomitable will and physical conditioning based on his wushu foundation. Even then, he's sparing no effort in the kungfu scenes. Wu Jing has gained confidence in acting and believes that kungfu is also a form of performance, just as dialogues, and expressions on the eyes. As he age increases, he hopes to change his image, and conquer the audience's hearts with inner expressions. Anita Yuen, who is dressed mostly as a guy in 36th Chamber of Southern Shaolin, exclaimed, "I enjoy cross dressing." And she showed it through her manly gait, with a fan in her hand. However, her fighting skills are below par and she often requires a stunt double to take her place. And the director Yuen Cheung Yan would try to accommodate her, letting her do simpler moves. She said that she likes doing period dramas for they offers her vast room for imagination. She used the word terror her to describe her co-star Wu Jing, for he always has inexhaustible energy when shooting and can talk endlessly. She added excitedly that Wu Jing would teach her some martial arts moves every day and often gang up with her to play tricks on the director.  Shanghai Youth Daily

October 2003

-- Seven Swords of Mt Tian --

Production of Seven Swords of Mt Tian has been set (tentatively) at next June. Presently, Tsui Hark is working busily on the script and casting. One of the prerequisites for the swordswoman roles is that they must at least have certain level of dancing skills. Wenlian Studio's Ma Zhong Jun lamented, "This is how it's like working with big-time directors. You can't be impatient. They have their ideas, and we can only start filming once everything is in place." The rights to the TV version in China is being planned to be sold to CCTV. According to Cheung Chi Leung, the cast will comprise of newcomers and big shots, with a third of possibly from Hong Kong and Taiwan. He also said that Tsui Hark is planning the design of the costumes according to a certain doyen Mainland artist's traditional Chinese ink paintings. On 8 September 2003, Jonathan Lee signed a formal agreement with Wenlian Studio as the composer for Seven Swords of Mt Tian. He will be writing the background music and main themes for both the 60 episode TV series and the movie. Jonathan Lee, who was very excited about Seven Swords of Mt Tian, indicated that this is the only Mainland wuxia project he wishes to see, for he is not only a fan of Liang Yusheng novels, but also of Tsui Hark movies.  Chengdu Business Daily, Beijing Star Daily, Beijing Morning Express, Chongqing Morning News

-- Ong Bak: Muay Thai Warrior --

Ong Bak: Muay Thai Warrior, about a village boy's quest to retrieve a stolen Buddha statue, opens in Singapore on 30 October. Features incredible action and acrobatics from Thai stuntman-turned-actor Tony Ja (aka Panom Yeerum), a medal-winning exponent of krabi krabong, a Thai martial art involving swords and long wooden sticks.

Rising action star Tony Ja is being compared to the likes of Jackie Chan and Jet Li Channel News Asia

He'll be Bak Straits Times

Who needs a stunt man? Straits Times

-- House of Flying Daggers --
House of Flying Daggers (Ten-Pronged Ambush) is still filming in Ukraine and will remain there for quite a while. There were several days of delay initially, due to heavy rainfalls. It has begun snowing recently, providing a backdrop for the movie's snowy scenes. Zhang Wei-Ping said that Anita Mui will still appear in the movie, with no change to her role, but it's not certain if she'll be able to perform demanding actions. She is expected to join the production when it moves location back to China.  Beijing Youth Times

-- Tsui Hark on Xanda: I Live for Pursuit of Trends --

From Peking Opera Blues, New Dragon Inn to Swordsman, Legend of Zu, Tsui Hark used his own movies to build a wuxia kingdom that is warped, yet full of human touch. Recently, Tsui Hark has become obsessed with Sanda (a form of  sparring similar to kickboxing, Muay Thai). This sport with straightforward moves has yet been acknowledged by the world, yet Tsui Hark believes that compared to performing wushu, it has better chance of spreading far and wide, inter alia other Chinese martial arts. As such, he has no qualms about hiring a cast comprising professional Sanda fighters for his latest mega-production, Xanda, which opens soon in China theatres. This reporter took the opportunity during Tsui Hark's arrival in Beijing for promotion this kungfu movie to have an interview with him.   Wen Wei Paper >>Full Story<<

-- Danny the Dog --

Danny the Dog, shot from January to May 2004, is scheduled for US release by the middle of 2004. The movie revolves around, Jet Li, an unfeeling fighter who gets saved by a blind pianist Morgan Freeman during a car accident. Through Morgan Freeman, Jet Li begins to find new meaning in life and he gradually breaks away from his boss. The film's producer Luc Besson commended Jet as an outstanding actor. One of the cast, Silvio Silmac, a French martial arts actor, praised Jet for his professional work ethics. Jet Li has lots of dramatic scenes and more dialogues, compared to his previous Hollywood movies. Danny the Dog's director, Louis Leterrier, explained to a French magazine, that the movie is very different from Jet's other works, for his character is very shallow initially, but as the film progresses, there would be gradual changes in his mentality, and hence, it presents a major challenge to the actor's acting abilities. "This is the movie where Jet Li tried to make a breakthrough, on the whole, his performance is excellent. And I am not the least bit worried about the martial arts scenes, for we have the internationally acclaimed Yuen Wo Ping."   Eastday

-- Michelle Yeoh and Thomas Chung on Silver Hawk's Seven Extremities --
Silver Hawk is Tianjing Films' second collaboration with Hong Kong's Han Entertainment. While the plot of Silverhawk is the stock heroine's fight against villains, being set in the future and coupled with a dash of the vibrancy of science fiction, it should still carry some degree of freshness. This US$20 million production is currently in post-production and is expected to be completed by January 2004 and targeted for Lunar New Year release. Michelle Yeoh and Thomas Chung, the CEO of Han Entertainment, enthused over this project and the difficulties they encountered during the production.  Nanfang City Daily >>More<<

-- Kung Fu Hustle --

Kungfu Hustle will conclude its production at the end of October and is may be released on Lunar New Year. While Stephen Chow has encountered some minor setbacks, they did not have any major impact on the overall progress of the movie. So far, Columbia Studio is not having any dispute with Stephen Chow for having literally overshot the budget despite the rumours. They are still on good terms. There was a scene shot earlier about a kid strolling the streets, with a lollipop in his mouth. Though it's a simple scene, Stephen Chow was still very exigent. He patiently explained the details to the rather disobedient kid, demonstrated how the lollipop should be eaten. While Stephen Chow had a tough time handling the kid, he didn't flare up during the three hours.  Today Morning Express, Shanghai Afternoon News

Photos: Sina

-- 36th Chamber of Southern Shaolin --

Shooting of 36th Chamber of Southern Shaolin has begun in early October in Hengdian. The 32 episode TV series is being produced by Wenzhou TV Station and Beijing Hanyu Studio at a cost of around 20 million renminbi. Yuen Cheung Yan is directing the series which stars Wu Jing, Anita Yuen, Zhang Tie Lin, etc. Shooting expects to last for 3 to 4 months and the kungfu series is slated for March or April distribution.  Hengdian World Studios (Hengdian Orient Hollywood)

Video: On-set Report

Photos: TOM.com

-- Kungfu Hustle Photos --

Tom.com has put up a few photos showing Kungfu Hustle in production and a lucky draw contest graced by Kungfu's stars Stephen Chow and Huang Shengyi.

-- The Matrix Revolutions: Behind the Scenes Videos --

The Matrix Revolutions is going to be released worldwide on 5 November 2003. Below are some scenes from IGN Entertainment showing the making of the movie.

Part 1

Part 2
 

-- Mass Taichi Workout on Great Wall of China --
Beijing Sports Association held a mass Taichi workout at the Great Wall of China's Juyong Pass on 28 September. It was one of the series of cultural activities planned by Beijing Olympics Committee. The 11 thousand participants are made up of 21 contingents from 5 provinces, including students, wushu stars, military police, etc. as well as guests from over 10 countries. The event was led by Wu Jing, world Taichi champion Qiu Hui-Fang, and wushu master Wen Hui-Feng.  Dayoo Daily

Video: Jin Hua Yan Yun (Wu Jing is one of the three persons kicking off the event on the red-coloured stage. He is on the left (and pretty much out of sight), with Wen Hui-Feng in the middle, and Qiu Hui-Fang on the right.)
Photos: Dayoo Daily

-- Silver Hawk and Hua Mulan --

Ever since shooting of Silver Hawk ended, apart from intermittently attending charity events or some important functions, Michelle Yeoh has been actively supervising its post production. The trailer has already been done and post-production is expected to be completed in December. Silver Hawk is set for Lunar New Year release. Another work that Michelle Yeoh is concurrently busying herself with is Hua Mulan, which is being financed by an American studio, and won't start shooting until next year. The first draft of the script, penned by Wang Hui Ling (Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and its prequel) has already been done. Michelle Yeoh was pretty satisfied with the script but indicated that some minor areas needed to be amended. Michelle Yeoh has been communicating with Wang Hui Ling, giving her some suggestions. Chow Yun Fatt still remains to be her prime choice for the male lead, contingent on his schedule, though no formal invitation has not been sent out, for Hua Mulan is still in early stages of pre-production, with no date fixed for principal photography yet. Thus, Michelle Yeoh does not wish to bother him yet.  Shenyang Today

September 2003

-- I Have Eyes Only for You --

Photo: Sohu Ent

I Have Eyes Only for You, a 20-part contemporary romance drama, is currently being shot at Tianjin's Yang Village Film Studio. Taiwan actress Siao Qiang (Swordsman of Flying Dagger), Wu Jing and Mainland singer Jing Gang Shan play the leading roles in the series. When this reporter arrived, the three of them were at the set. Despite this being a contemporary show, Xiao Qiang and Wu Jing were dressed in ancient costumes, while Jing Gang Shan sat on the director's chair, issuing commands to them. It turned out in this drama serial, Siao Qiang plays a famous actress, Wu Jing a stunt performer in the production. Misunderstandings often develop between the two. They frequently face all kinds of setbacks. Eventually, love blossoms between the two. Jing Gang Shan plays a director in I Have Eyes Only for You, he smiled, "My father is a director, I have always admired him since young. In reality, I don't have the aptitude for being a director, at least, now I get to become one." Siao Qiang was pretty ebullient and often jumped about on the set. When asked if there is any difference between shooting in Taiwan and Mainland, she replied, "Not much difference, except I couldn't surf the internet right now. Sometimes, I would feel very bored." This is the first time Wu Jing is in a modern drama (Strictly speaking, Drunken Monkey can't be counted since it was set in 1920s.) However, as Wu Jing plays a stunt performer in this project, he still has to be dressed in period costume most of the time, and often has to do fight sequences. Wu Jing said, "There are many similarities between period and contemporary works, and I have been experimenting with taking a natural, relaxed approach to acting, so I don't face much stress." Wu Jing declared that he would like to play a non-combative role next time. However, his upcoming projects are still kungfu-based, "I'll be working with Donnie Yen and Sammo Hung soon. This martial arts movie will be my first venture into Hollywood."   Sohu Entertainment, Jinghua Times

-- Chin Kar Lok on Laughing Taichi and Initial D --

Photo: Sina

Laughing Taichi* (tentative title), produced by Guangdong Greatstar Film, held a press conference on 26 September. Chin Kar Lok, the leading star in the movie, explained that Laughing Taichi is directed by Hong Kong's Lee Chau, and its cast includes Billy Chow, Jason Pai Piao, Ng Doi Yung, and Mainland actress Li Ting. The movie has equal dosage of comedic and serious moments, and lots of grand fight scenes. "The movie is set in the early 1900s when the Manchu empire was being overthrown and the most powerful warlord Yuan Shi Kai crowned himself as the emperor. I am playing a kungfu fanatic who comes from a wealthy family. I inadvertently become part of the revolution faction." Chin Kar Lok has always been fond of doing comedies and he agreed to do this movie readily. "I'll be staying in Guangzhou for 10 days. Then, I will be going to Japan and spend some time there to help Tsui Hark make preparations for Initial D."

Chin Kar Lok said, "Nowadays, movie productions have dropped considerably, unlike in the 1980s, or 1990s, where 300 hundred movies were made annually. However, I am very happy, for now, Hong Kong film industry is learning to be self-sufficient, and is starting to understand the importance of pre-production works, and is beginning to show signs of recovery. For example, Tsui Hark's Initial D will only begin shooting next January, however, he will be laying the groundwork from this October onwards. In this way, every aspect could be well thought out, and with good foundations, the results could be achieved with half the effort."

Chin Kar Lok believes that it's essential to raise the production values and standards of Chinese movies. He quoted an example Star Runner (Young Fighter's Blues) which stars Wu Meng Jian, Kim Hyun Joo and Andy On. The script was being prepared a year before it went into production in June 2003. And to ready Wu Meng Jian for the action role, he was trained for two months by Chin Kar Lok, the movie's action director. "I am very satisfied with this production and believe that it's worth the time I spent on it." Chin Kar Lok said that seeing newcomers is like seeing himself of the past, and newcomers have plenty of opportunities in the showbiz, it just depends on how they grab and treasure them. He indicated that he enjoys shooting movies in Mainland China, for talents are aplenty in Mainland, and when the top talents from both Mainland and Hong Kong pool in their resources together, Chinese movies will gain an immense edge on the international market.  Guangdong Xingxi Times

* Donnie Yen has a movie of the same Chinese title called Drunken Tai Chi.

-- Wu Jing's Encounter with Uncle Ba --
Wu Jing, under Liu Chia Liang's invitation, attended Heart to Heart, Hong Kong Taks Off Again on 7 June. His sterling wushu performance stunned the audience, and many believed that he had lots of potential. Back then, Uncle Ba, had already set his sights on him, hoping that he would become an artiste under his label - Gold Label Management. On that fateful night, Uncle Ba went to the backstage to meet him, they behaved like old friends, and also took pictures together. Their relationships were very close and it was believed that there would be good chance of them working together. Actually, Wu Jing is already enjoying a certain level of repute in Hong Kong, for actors with martial arts capability are becoming a rarity nowadays. He's expected to have good prospects in Hong Kong.  Ming Pao Weekly, 14 June 2003

-- New Police Story --

Shooting of New Police Story, the first venture of JCE, a company founded by Jackie Chan and Emperor Multimedia Group, began on 22 September. The movie, directed by Benny Chan, is being shot with a budget of HK$80 million. As opposed to Jackie Chan's recent movies, New Police Story will pay more attention to realistic action, with minimal use of special effects. A press conference was held on 25 September, at Jackie Chan's new Hong Kong office, with the presence of the cast-members Charlie Yeung, Carl Ng, Mandy and Maggie, Ng Ho Hong, Timmy Hung (Sammo Hung's son), etc. In addition, Eric Tsang has agreed to make a cameo appearance in the movie as a lawyer who vies with Jackie Chan over Charlie Yeung.

Charlie Yeung, who stopped making movies 6 years ago, admitted that she was rather apprehensive about acting. Fortunately, she got used to it very quickly. She elaborated that perhaps it was due to a recent commercial shoot with Chen Kaige that helped serve as a prelude to her return to the movie industry. She doesn't have any movie plans for the future and said she has no formal movie agreement with Tsui Hark. They became well acquainted with each other since The Lovers, and have hoped to work with each other again, but so far, nothing is finalised.

Jackie Chan said that he would have plenty of emotional scenes with Charlie Yeung. His character is very chauvinistic in New Police Story, and would often squabble with Charlie Yeung. When asked why he chose Charlie Yeung to be the leading female role, he explained that he wasn't involved in the casting. However, as Charlie Yeung is playing her girlfriend in the movie, she has to be dressed up with more mature look. He also said that Sammo Hung and him have arranged for an exchange programme for their sons. Timmy Hung is now placed under Jackie Chan's tutelage while Chan Cho Ming under Sammo Hung.  Nanfang City Daily, Ta Kung Paper

Photos: Sina

More updates on New Police Story at JC-News

-- New The Matrix Revolutions Trailer --

Theatrical Trailer

Official Site

-- Soccer Flick Has Legs Online --
Among the top 10 movies downloaded on the Internet in August were the usual blockbusters: Pirates of the Caribbean, The Hulk, Matrix Reloaded ... and Shaolin Soccer. A comedy about a group of Shaolin monks who blend their kung fu skills with soccer is a smash hit with file sharers. The movie has landed on file traders' top 10 list for the past four months, according to BayTSP, a company that sniffs around peer-to-peer sites for illegal copies of movies and music. Studios use BayTSP's services to track those Internet users who are violating copyright by passing around unauthorized copies of films. But some say the underground success of Shaolin Soccer shows that BayTSP's data could also be useful to studios in determining what flicks the public wants.

Every other top movie listed is a blockbuster film backed by heavy advertising and marketing campaigns. Yet Shaolin Soccer, a film that debuted in Hong Kong in 2001, has not been released in the United States yet. Starring Stephen Chow, Shaolin Soccer was a huge hit in Hong Kong. And judging from those who are seeking it online, the wacky flick has sustained its popularity.

"It does have a cult following," said Mark Pollard, founder and webmaster of Kung Fu Cinema, a site that posts news and reviews of martial arts films. "There's been a lot of frustration with these cult fans about Miramax limiting the ability for this film to be widely released in the U.S."  Wired News >>More<<

-- The Return of Charlie Yeung --

Charlie Yeung is returning to movie industry and has agreed to appear in Tsui Hark's Initial D as well as Seven Swords of Mt Tian for no more than HK$ 1.2 million for both works. She used to command HK$ 0.8 to 0.9 million per film at the heights of her career. Initial D will be shot first and location scouting in China and Japan is already underway. When contacted, a representative from Film Workshop declined comment, saying that everything would be announced at the appropriate time. Jiangan City Daily

Various movie-makers have expressed keen interest in working with Charlie Yeung as she prepares to make her comeback. Charlie Yeung hopes that she will not serve as a mere decorative ornament in her new movies. She would like have the chance to develop and demonstrate her acting skills. Jackie Chan is collaborating with Emperor Multimedia Group on New Police Story, to be shot with a budget of HK$ 80 million. As Maggie Cheung is in the midst of shooting Wong Kar Wai's 2046, she won't star in the movie. Thus, director Benny Chan has the script amended from Jackie Chan's wife to girlfriend. Charlie Yeung has been offered New Police Story's leading female role as Jackie Chan's girlfriend for HK$ 1.6 million. In addition, there would scenes in the movie showing the actress' inner feelings. Charlie Yeung's manager explained that they were in talks about the role but nothing was settled yet. Jackie Chan's company said that the outcome would be announced on 25 September.  Takung Po, Nanfang City Daily

-- Wu Jing Joins Gold Label Management --

Gold Label Management was set up by Paco Wong and Uncle Ba (Abba Chan Tak-Chi) last year, when Paco Wong left his former company Go East Entertainment. Paco Wong is the mogul of the industry who has successfully groomed many artistes to exalted heights. He was behind the success of George Lam and Sally Yeh when he was in Warner Music (HK). Eight years ago, when he set up Go East Entertainment from the scratch, he triumphantly promoted Andy Hui and Kelly Chen to stardom. He was also the manager of Andy Lau and Aaron Kwok at one time. Presently, there over 20 artistes who are managed by Gold Label Management, including Rain Li, Miriam Yeung, Ronald Cheng, Cookies, Leo Ku, William So, Tian Zhen, Alex Fong, Cookies, etc. Nanfang City Daily

Photo: Wenwei Paper

Paco Wong and Uncle Ba have been taking an active role in the movie industry, financing and initiating movie projects starring their artistes. Miriam Yeung's My Lucky Star and Love Undercover 2, and Ronald Cheng's Dragon Loaded are examples of their involvements, which did pretty well at the box office. A few months ago, Wu Jing has signed up with Gold Label Management as his agent. It was probably at Drunken Monkey's premiere in Hong Kong when new avenues were opened up for Wu Jing. He was spotted taking a photograph with Uncle Ba and Liu Chia Liang at Heart to Heart, Hong Kong Takes Off charity concert in June. This may spell a turning point in Wu Jing's career, since he will be having more movie chances in the future, including the possible Sword of Third Young Master style film with Donnie Yen that Uncle Ba mentioned earlier.  

-- 36th Chamber of Southern Shaolin --
Shooting of 36th Chamber of Southern Shaolin has been pushed back to October (tentatively on 4 October). The crew has already arrived at Hengdian to do preparation works. Currently, Wu Jing is quietly in production of an unannounced project and is expected to join 36th Chamber of Southern Shaolin in October.  Hengdian Orient Hollywood

-- Anna and Shaolin --

Photos: Dayoo Daily

A press conference for action comedy Anna and Shaolin (tentative English title) was held on 5 September at Shenzhen's Bao-an Sports Stadium. Miriam Yeung plays a fighter from Japan who has bags of tricks and warped thinking up her sleeve, and represents her father in Pugilistic Supremacy Meet, an event sponsored by a fast-talking, unscrupulous salesman Ekin Cheng to boost sales of the health drink he is selling. This is the first time Miriam Yeung is involved in a heavyweight action movie, and she followed a very strict regimen under action director Tung Wai to prepare herself for the role. Miriam Yeung, pointing at the three words Divine Dragon Fist emblazoned on her warrior uniform, said, "This is the name of the style I use to fight with the various kungfu experts. I have never learned Tae Kwan Do. This is the first time I am playing a fighter, and also the first time I bash men. I have never hit any man before." She has been very careful and has never been injured so far. But her body has been aching all over. The cast includes Japanese martial arts master Yasuaki Kurata and ex-Shaw Brothers film star Lo Meng. Anna and Shaolin is tentatively set for this Christmas/New Year release.

Studio: Universe Entertainment   Producer: Chan Hing-Ka  

Screenplay: Chan Hing-Ka, Lam Shuk Yin   Director: Raymond Yip Wai-Man
Martial Arts Director: Tung Wei
Cast: Miriam Yeung, Ekin Cheng, Yasuaki Kurata, Lo Meng, Denise Ho Wan-See, Wong You-Nam, Hui Siu-Hung

Plot:
Ah Jian is a sales executive who faces retrenchment during the economic downturn. His only chance of retaining his job is through a health drink Yibaojian. After racking his brains, he decides to promote this brand of health drink by sponsoring the Pugilistic Supremacy Meet. His client accepts the deal and agrees to fork out HK$200 million, out of which a cash reward of HK$50 million goes to the winner.

As Ah Jian starts to organise the meet, he is met with skepticism from various sects. As all kungfu originates from Shaolin Temple, Ah Jian believes that as long as Shaolin participates, the rest of the sects will follow suit. He goes to Shaolin Temple, but the abbot, Zhi Kong, is unwilling to attend. So Ah Jian persuades two little monks Shi Xuwei and Shi Xuhuai to go Hong Kong with him. With Shaolin's participation, all other sects immediately join in, and the response is overwhelming. A studio from Hollywood even sends its staff here to scout for new kungfu stars. Even the air, sea and land military forces from America hope the winner would be their coach. And now, the Pugilistic Supremacy Meet become the focal point of the world.

The ambitious Ah Jian, in order to heighten the drama of the meet, journeys to Japan to invite Arhat Kungfu Centre's founder. Arhat was a Shaolin Monk who left for Japan and got married and settled down there. He set up a martial arts centre in the name of Shaolin, but Shaolin refuses to acknowledge it. Ah Jian convinces Arhat to who send his daughter Anna to the meet to gain back his pride. Anna is a modern girl who cares nothing about glory, but on hearing the chance of becoming a Hollywood action star, she changes her tune. At the meet are representatives from various martial arts sect, including The Way of Tyrannical Fist from USA. The Way of Tyrannical Fist is a set of internal and external martial arts, invented by an an American university based on scientific formulae, that pushes one's physical abilities to the extremes...  Yangcheng Evening News, Anhui News |

-- Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils --

Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils is yet another Jin Yong adaptation of epic proportion produced by Mainland's Wenlian Studio. It was shot in widescreen format, with Yuen Bun behind the action scenes. The 40-episode TV series is about Dali prince Duan Yu, an advocate of non-violence who is against learning any form of combat, runs away from home when his father keeps insisting that he should learn martial arts, yet he inadvertently picks up the most lethal skills while roaming the pugilistic world; a stoic, fearsome fighter Qiao Feng, the Beggar Sect leader who gets ousted due to dubious background surrounding his birth; and Xu Zhu, an ordinary, inept, monk who by accident solves an impossible chess formation and is shoved into a secret room where he comes face to face with a martial arts doyen long thought to be dead. Fate brings the three together and they swear to brotherhood. Expected release: November/December 2003.

Trailer A, B | Gallery (Source: Sina)

-- The Flying Dagger --

The Flying Dagger traces the life of Li Huai (Julian Cheung Chi-Lam), the grandson of Swordsman of Flying Dagger, Li Xun-Huan, and his romance with an assassin Xue Cai-Yue (Ruby Lin Xin-Ru). Action choreographer Ching Siu Tung replicated some of his poetic, stylised fight sequences from Hero in this 40-part TV series.

Trailer | Gallery (Source: Sina)

-- Initial D --

Since Black Mask 2, Tsui Hark is bringing another comics Initial D onto the screen. Initial D is a popular manga on car-racing. Tsui Hark is putting in quite a bit of finance resources into the adaptation that is full of speed and power, which hopefully lands him back on his feet. Initial D depicts the competition in real-life between high school students Fujiwara Takumi and Keisuko Takahashi that stems from from car-racing. The script has been completed recently and the movie is slated for October production. As Initial D calls for huge racecourses, it is unlikely to be a small-budget production, as having real cars and real people competing on the tracks requires much effort. To achieve the coolest outcome, CGIs will be used. Edison Chen plays Fujiwara Takumi. The female leads could be played by Gigi Leung and The Twins. Oriental Sports Daily

-- Kungfu Hustle --

Yuen Wo Ping arrived in Shanghai to join the production of Kung Fu Hustle in late August, substituting Sammo Hung, who tendered his resignation in early August. Apart from that, Kungfu Hustle is also aided by two pugilists, Bruce Leung Siu Lung and Yuen Wah, who play important parts in the action comedy. Shooting of action scenes was shelved after Sammo Hung left and will be resumed this month. The first thing Yuen Wo Ping did on arriving at the set was to understand the situation, and make some amendments to the martial arts scenes. Yuen Wo Ping is reportedly even more demanding and the manner he works on the choreography is somewhat different from Sammo Hung.  Shanghai Afternoon Post

Photos: Sohu

-- Kung Fu Girls --

Kung Fu Girls opens in Guangzhou on 11 September. It will be released in Hong Kong and Taiwan in November. Shot in Suzhou and Taiwan, it was directed by Wang Ming Ya and stars Anita Yuen, Chen Kun, Lin Yi Cheng, Huang Xiang-Yi, An Yi-Xuan, Sun Li-Ting. Kung Fu Girls is about four girls, who under their record company's arrangement, receive training in Karate, singing and dancing. However, mishaps happen at the press conference. So, off they go to Mt Wutai for stricter training. Unfortunately, the group is disbanded on returning and they return to their normal lives, and a series of events is sparked off among each of them. Anita Yuen plays the manager of the the four girls and Chen Kun their coach.  Guangzhou Daily, Nangfang City Daily

Photos: Beijing Global Film

-- Heroes of Yongle Era --

Heroes of Yongle Era began production on 3 September. The 36-part series will be shot in Zhejiang's Hengdian, in Xinchang and Inner Mongolia and is expected to be completed by the end of the year. The actual cast, which is significantly different from the intended cast, comprises Kou Shi-Xun, Christy Chung, Bao Jian-Feng and Liu Tao. The plot: Emperor Yongle (Kou Shi-Xun), having built Gu Palace and Yongle Hall, brings his daughter Man-er (Liu Tao) to Jiangnan (Southern Regions) on an inspection tour. Man-er develops feelings for a commoner Tian Ci (Bao Jian Feng), while Yongle falls for Jin-niang (Christy Chung), but she turns out to be an imperial guard. The contradiction between romance and politics brings about loads of jokes. Eventually, Tian Ci heads for Shaolin Temple to learn martial arts, and after becoming the consort, helps Yongle defeat Wala tribe which is invading the country.  Nangfang City Daily

-- 36th Chamber of Southern Shaolin --

Shooting of 36th Chamber of Southern Shaolin commences on 16 September in Hengdian. The cast includes new members Anita Yuen Wing Yee and Julian Cheung Chi Lam as well as original stars Zhang Tie Lin and Wu Jing, Theresa Lee, Li Nan, etc who will again reprise their roles. Yuen Cheung-Yan, whose Hollywood action credits include Daredevil and Charlie's Angels, again takes the helm as the director and is expected to bring novel, authentic feel to the action scenes. 36th Chamber of Southern Shaolin is about swordswoman Lu Siniang (Anita Yuen), in order to seek reprisal on Emperor Yongzheng for extermination of her entire clan due to Infernal Literature Inquisition, returns to her hometown Haining with a plan to kidnap Prince Hongli (Li Nan). Hongli runs into Southern Shaolin's lay disciple Fang Shiyu (Wu Jing), whose intervention unwittingly foils her plan. Yongzheng died mysteriously and Hongli ascends the throne as Emperor Qianlong. He orders Fang Shiyu to arrest Lu Siniang, who is suspected of the murder. However, the two turn from enemies to friends, to soul mates, to a pair who shares weal and woe, is bound by life and death...  Shanghai Afternoon Post

-- Shaolin Vampire --

My Way Film Co Ltd is spending HK$7 million to produce Shaolin Vampire (Shaolin vs Evil Dead), with Sharon Yang Pan Pan as the producer and Douglas Kung as the director. The cast includes Fan Siu Wong, Gordon Liu and Shannon Yao Yao (Drunken Monkey) and Wong Yat Fei. Shaolin Vampire is one of the first two films to secure a bank loan under Hong Kong's Movie Loan Guarantee Foundation scheme, which was set up by the Hong Kong government to help boost the declining movie industry. Under the loan scheme, the government serves as local movie-maker's guarantor for an approved sum. The loan has to be repaid within one year. My Way Film Co was granted HK$2.5 million for Shaolin Vampire.  Orient Daily

In the recent years, My Way Film Co has been dedicated to producing action movies such as Undiscovered Tomb, and solid old school kungfu delights Chinese Heroes and The King Boxer, all three of which were produced by Sharon Yang Pan Pan and directed by Douglas Kung. It is not afraid of hiring martial artists for its humble-budget projects rather than talentless decorative ornamental pop stars who cringe at doing action, are constantly being doubled and therefore shouldn't appear in martial arts movies in the first place.

Chinese Heroes - A country-bumpkin saves the daughter of a Japanese family which is being hounded by Japanese ninjas who are after a secret letter. Naturally, he becomes the ninjas' next target. Stars Wang Haxi (Ken Wong), Tang Ning, Chin Kar Lok, Shi Xiaolong (Sik Siu Lung), Lee Shan Shan. Trailer | Order DVD from YesAsia

Undiscovered Tomb - The quest for immortality pills. Stars Marsha Yuan Zi Hui, Shi Xiao Long, Ken Wong. Trailer | Order DVD from YesAsia

The King Boxer - Wudang Sect's disciple Eddie Ko and Ermei Sect's Billy Chow fight over a piece of land with good geomancy. Eddie Ko loses and since then he and his family live in shambles and frequently gets derided and oppressed. Chin Kar Lok, son of a wealthy family, falls for Eddie Ko's daughter, trains under Eddie Ko and eventually helps restore his sect's glory. Trailer | Order VCD from YesAsia

-- The Glory of Corey Yuen --
Nowadays nearly every- one in America knows who Jackie Chan, John Woo, Chow Yun-Fat, Jet Li, and Michelle Yeoh are (I hope). People with a passing interest in Hong Kong cinema are familiar with names like Sammo Hung, Tsui Hark, and Yuen Wo-Ping. And those with more than a passing interest know that there are dozens of other wonderful performers and filmmakers whose names haven’t yet penetrated the popular consciousness. Near the top of the list is Cory Yuen (also sometimes credited as Corey Yuen or by his Cantonese name, Yuen Kwai), whose work has been seen by millions of Americans who don’t know any of his names. That is, Yuen has choreographed the fight sequences for all of Jet Li’s English-language films to date – from Lethal Weapon 4 through Cradle 2 the Grave.  La City Beat >>More<<

-- House of Flying Daggers (The Ten-Pronged Ambush) --

New Picture's director, Zhang Wei Ping, who is the producer for Zhang Yimou's new sword-fighting movie, Shi Mian Mai Fu (The Ten-pronged Ambush), reveals that the movie begins production on 11 September in Ukraine, where two third of the movie will be shot. Learning from Hero's mistakes and strengths, Zhang Yimou is presenting a stronger story. Andy Lau and Takeshi Kaneshiro act as constables in The Ten-pronged Ambush, both of whom are interested in blind songstress Zhang Ziyi. Anita Mui plays an important supporting role as Ziyi's senior fellow disciple. (Anita Mui may withdraw from the movie due to cervix cancer illness; her manager advises her against over-exerting herself; and she needs regular treatments.) The cast-members have been coached fencing over the past few months in preparation for the shoot. Most of Hero's original crew are back. Ching Siu Tung continues to be the action director while Emi Wada returns as the costume designer. Zhang Yimou is negotiating with Tan Dun to write the music. Production budget is at least US$30 million. A few hundred thousands have already spent on on buying flower seeds and hiring over 60 Ukrainian florists, taking three months to cultivate flowers in their wilderness shooting base.  Nanfang City Daily

-- Kungfu Hustle: The Female Lead --

Kungfu Hustle's female lead is Eva Huang Sheng Yi, 20. She is from Beijing Film Academy (where Vicky Zhao graduated from) and has some training in dancing. Stephen Chow says "There is not only one female lead, she is one of them. She does not know kungfu but is very professional"    Shanghai Afternoon Post

Photos: Eastday

-- Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon Prequel --

Jet was in Guangzhou on 2 Aug to attend a fashion exhibition as a mascot for China's Seven man's wear. When interviewed, he denied being approached and handed the script to Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon prequel by Lee Ang. He said he wasn't even aware of it. He indicated he did not know if he would accept the project if he was offered the role of younger Li Mu Bai, he had not seen the script and did not even know when shooting would commence.    Nanfang City Daily

Photos: Sina