The Seven Swords Press Conference

Compiled from The Beijing News, Beijing Morning Post, Qi Lu Evening, Morning Nanjing, Zhaoyan Evening News, Guangzhou Daily, Quanzhou Evening News
Dated 29 to 30 August 2004
 

A press conference for The Seven Swords 《七剑》, the first of the movie hexalogy, held on Aug 29, 2004 in Beijing, was attended by the producers, the director Tsui Hark, the martial arts choreographer Liu Chia Liang (Lau Kar Leung), the actors and actresses Lu Yi, Sun Hong Lei, Leon Lai, Charlie Yeung and Kim So Yeon, etc. The Seven Swords will begin production on September 1 and both the movie and the TV series, Seven Swords of Mt Tian 《七剑下天山》, are expected to get worldwide releases in summer/autumn 2005.

The Seven Swords movie franchise is comprised of six instalments, as one single movie is not sufficient to cover to the entire scope of the novels, spanning two generations of Seven Swords. Each instalment supposedly has a complete story in itself, and if the first is successful, Tsui Hark will continue filming the subsequent five sequels. The first instalment depicts the growth of the seven swordmasters. Other projects of the franchise include a massively multiplayer online game, 40-volume comics, cellphone game and brand name products.

The Directors' Goals and Visions

At the press conference, Tsui Hark, whose mood was not affected by a recent injury resulting in him having to rely on crutches, declared, "Mr Liang Yu Sheng's original novel has already determined the style of this movie, if I wish to shoot a successful work, then it's fated to become a 'Reality Wuxia'!.

"I wish to develop something different, to present it in a different manner, come up with a different method. So I invited Master Liu Chia Liang, for he is a veteran in wushu, we hope to make a reality wuxia movie. I designed the fourteen swords personally, and also consulted Liu Chia Liang on the practical aspects of the swords. The techniques used to present the story, the drama will be different. I hope to head to a different direction. As I grew up reading Seven Swords of Mt Tien novel, I have deep affection for it, so I wish to adapt it to the screen.

"This movie cannot be viewed based on the audience's past experiences with other movies. For example, you couldn't imagine what a piece of fine music would be like based on past experiences, only after having listened to it will you be able to perceive its quality. This movie is also the same, you will understand only after watching it. We are returning to the roots, there won't be exaggerated stunts or special effects, in order to show everyone the beauty and exhileration of unadulterated kungfu. Master Liu says that this is the most challenging assignment he has ever faced in his 53 years of filmmaking. What I am going to do, at the time when the world is beginning to grow weary of wuxia films, is to dig a new well, to let everyone have water to drink."

"Sword is not only a very important weapon in wuxia novels, but is also a form of culture per se. Sword is the focus of The Seven Swords, sword and swordplay not only exemplify a (wo)man's character and innermost qualities, and but also portray the essence of Chinese wuxia culture. I hope to make a wuxia movie that carries the mood of the new century."

"The length and curvature of each of the swords are different, and different swords produce different injurious effects, such as one which is of delayed, insidious effect - upon being hit, the opponent won't feel any pain until after a few hours." added Liu Chia Liang. "We are introducing practical, ethereal, breaking, gliding moves; each sword requires application of different amount of strength. They are all very special. Moreover, the martial arts sequences will be very realistic, no flying about."

The Cast Speaks Out

Sun Hong Lei plays a major villain, Feng Huo Lian Cheng (Wind and Fire Connecting A City) one who kills without batting an eyelid, one who is callous on the outside but not without complex, intricate feelings. Sun Hong Lei describes this role as the leader of murderers and butchers who seldom fights personally, "He is merciless yet brave, is resourceful yet also has weaknesses. He shows the other side of chivalry."

Sun Hong Lei exclaimed excitedly, "This is the best script and the most exciting character I have encountered ever since entering the showbiz. New Dragon Inn was the best wuxia move in the world. Now, this movie's director has looked me up with a new script. I just discovered that I have been waiting for so many years, and the person I'm waiting for is him." This was the first time this reporter has heard Sun Hong Lei singing such high accolades of a director, he revealed that he was touched by "Real", "Each of the characters in the script are really colourful, with real emotions, giving me plenty of room to showcase my talents. Each character is very real and has depths. "

He went on to emphasise that the eternal values of The Seven Swords, saying that after many years, what the audience would remember of the movie is not merely a single scene or shot, "The Seven Swords is an outstanding script, an alive and breathing wuxia. I have never done any wuxia movies in the past for though they were lavish and extravagant, they lacked inner qualities and authenticity, all you see were special effects but not the hearts of the people. Tsui Hark has the correct concept this time, no flowery stuff, all efforts are put into the characters' personalities and their souls. While I'd rather not criticise others' works, but the most important aspect of a movie is human, it's not about beautiful martial arts scenes, or picturesque sceneries or technology, it takes a human to move another human. If a period movie leaves the audience feeling detached, it has lost its values and worth."

In The Seven Swords, Charlie Yeung Choi Nei is playing Wu Yuan Ying, a tomboy who loves cross-dressing. She will be caught up in a relationship with Yang Yun Cong, played by Leon Lai. Charlie Yeung is glad to make a comeback, for "one's attitude is different at different times, one will lean much after seeing much, and the approach to acting will be different," so she greatly looks forward to this new experimentation, being greatly different from her previous work with Tsui Hark, The Lovers, "Years ago, when doing Tsui Hark's The Lovers, I did not believe that I possessed other characteristics besides being gentle and decorous. I'm quiet and introverted by nature, yet Tsui Hark purposely let me play an active and lively character and was able to dig out my latent talents. Now that I have grown up, I hope Tsui Hark would rescue me once more, to let me see a different me. Wu Yuan Ying is a boisterous and gamine character, I can't imagine what Tsui Hark is turning me into this time round."

On the other hand, Charlie Yeung lamented with resignation regarding her role Wu Yuan Ying, "This is originally a male character, but Tsui Hark forcibly changed it to a woman, it's more challenging for me. As she's highly skilled, the training I'm undergoing right now is very tough. Everyday, I have to do horse-riding stance for an hour."

"I encountered two problems when joining this movie. Firstly, how would I be able to merge with my role? And so, Tsui Hark brought me along to Xinjiang a few months ago, to take part in behind-the-scenes work to get a feel of the atmosphere of the movie. The second was the martial arts scenes, though I got injured very often, I do not mind. I spent a little more time learning from Master Liu, so that the audience will be happy with my performance." said Charlie Yeung, who was bruised all over her body thanks to the rigorous training she has been undertaking.

Lu Yi, who once said he no longer wished to act in wuxia productions anymore, is eating his words on the account of Tsui Hark. He said, "This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, to be able to act in Tsui Hark film and work with so many talented actors and actresses. It's a rare chance that mustn't be missed." Lu Yi, who plays Han Zhi Bang, one who is sentimental and loyal to friends, said, "Han Zhi Bang is not the most highly skilled, he is not especially charming either, and can only be a lonesome swordsman at the end. However, I like Han Zhi Bang very much, he grows from an ordinary guy to a swordsman, I can see his growth and changes. Character development is what that attracts me to this role. Han Zhi Bang is a stable boy, so he possesses great equestrian skills, moreover, he wields the heaviest sword, so the training is especially demanding. Everyday, I have to go beyond the my physical limits. But it is fun, as if I was returning to physical education classes in the school."

As Chu Zhao Nan, the most senior disciple of of Revered Hui Ming, is a Choryo people who lives at Mountain of Eternal White, Tsui Hark initially wanted Song Seung Hun to play this role, since being a Korean, he would be in a better position to portray the demeanour and hallmarks of Chu Zhao Nan, the Joseon swordsman. However, the role is given to Donnie Yen following Song Seung Hun's resignation. Being a martial artist, Donnie Yen would have an edge in martial arts and be more capable of displaying the superb skills of Chu Zhao Nan.

Kim So Yeon plays Lu Zhu (aka Green Pearl), and like Chu Zhao Nan, is also a Choryo people who gets embroiled into the affairs of the Han pugilistic world. She is given hopes by Feng Huo Lian Cheng and Chu Zhao Nan. The former loves her greatly while she is deeply in love with the other. However both also dash all her hopes by betraying her for their own interests.

Kim So Yeon, whose whole family is Tsui Hark's fans, said, "I love watching wuxia movies since young and have watched all of Once Upon a Time in China series. Korean wuxia movies are lagging far behind Hong Kong's. Tsui Hark has always been my idol, he is very popular in Korea. I have never dreamt of acting in his movie, it's my great fortune and honour to be able to work with Tsui Hark. Just as Joey Wong's career was given a fresh new life through Tsui Hark's A Chinese Ghost Story, I hope Lu Zhu would give me similar luck."

All photos are from Sohu. More photos of the press conference are available at Sina, Sohu, Tom while video of the press conference is available at Netease and Sina.

Production Info

The Seven Swords I

Principal Photography: September to December 2004

Production Budget: US$18 million

Studios: Film Workshop (HK), Beijing Ciwen Digital Oriental Film & TV Production Co (China), Boram Entertainment (Korea), City Glory Pictures (HK)

Executive Producers: Hong Bong-Chul, Pan Zhi-Hong, Raymond Wong

Producers: Lee Joo-Ick, Ma Zhong-Jun, Zhang Yong

Director: Tsui Hark

Martial Arts Director: Liu Chia Liang, Xiong Xin Xin, Stephen Tung Wai

Cinematographer: Keung Kwok Man

Screenplay: Tsui Hark, Cheung Chi-Sing, Chun Tin-Nam

Costume: Shirley Chan Ku-Fang

Hairstylist: Kim Robinson

Composer: Kenji Kawai

Cast: Charlie Yeung Choi Nei, Zhang Jing Chu, Kim So Yeon, Donnie Yen, Lu Yi, Sun Hong Lei, Wang Xue Qi, Leon Lai, Zhou Qun Da, Dai Li Wu, Huang Peng...

Release: July 2005
International Sales/Contact: Virginia Leung, Mandarin Films Distribution (852) 2579 1718

Plot Synopsis:

AD 1600. After the Manchus have conquered the Central Plains, the Resistances still abound in the pugilistic circle. The Manchu Prince "Duo Ge Duo" (Wang Xue Qi) issues a Martial Arts Prohibition Order and sends a group of by bounty hunters led by Feng Huo Lian Cheng aka Wind Fire (Sun Hong Lei) to persecute the pugilists. Fenghuo Liancheng's next target is Wu Manor at the Northwest region. On the surface, Wu Manor is a granary, but, in reality, it is a branch of the rebel group Heaven and Earth Society. In order to save Wu Manor, the chivalrous Fu Qing Zhu (Liu Chia Liang), a miracle healer and swordsman, heads for Wu Manor and brings two youths Wu Yuan Ying (Charlie Yeung) and Han Zhi Bang (Lu Yi) to Mt Tian aka Mount Heaven to seek help.

Residing in Mt Tian, a mountain eternally capped in snow, is a recluse doyen of martial arts, Reverend Hui Ming aka Master Shadow Glow. Reverend Hui Ming, who is also an unparalleled swordsmith, has four disciples, two of them being first senior Chu Zhao Nan (Donnie Yen), who, having acquired a priceless sword recently, hopes to roam the pugilistic world doing chivalrous deeds; Second senior Yang Yun Cong (Leon Lai), who has no intention of getting involved with secular matters though he is an accomplished swordsman. However, once, when Yang Yun Cong risks his life to save Wu Yuan Ying during an avalanche, the peaceful days of Mt Tian are over. Despite Yang Yun Cong's reluctance, Reverend Hui Ming has given his word to have his four disciples, Chu Zhao Nan, Yang Yun Cong, Xin Long Zi and Mu Lang, accompany Fu Qing Zhu, Wu Yuan Ying and Han Zhi Bang to leave Tianshan. He also bestows them with seven exquisite, inimitable swords that he spent his entire lifetime forging. Thence, they begin a series of exploits that are recounted throughout the land as Seven Swords of Mt Tian.

Remarks:

In the original novel,  these two characters Lu Zhu and Feng Huo Lian Cheng do not exist. Reverend Hui Ming only has three disciples, eldest disciple Yang Yun Cong, second disciple Chu Zhao Nan and third disciple Ling Mo Feng (Mu Lang). And have we mentioned that the premise for The Seven Swords Part 1 is entirely Tsui Hark's imagination?

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