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The October Conversation
Author :
Noray,
in Chinese
Date :
30 October 2001
Translation :
Martial Arts Movies and TV Series - Wu Jing
Original
Compilation : Jing Wu
Men
To Do Classics Next Year
Next, Wu Jing talked about his plan for next year. He said he would be "laying
down his life." I was wondering hasn't he been struggling very hard already
this year, having shot six shows. Wu Jing protested about the number and we
began counting:
Metamorphosis of Heavenly Silkworm, Empyreal Eagle of Imperial City, Emperor
Qianlong, Martial Arts King of Shaolin and The Empire is of More Importance. I
counted one more - probably Whipped Horse Roaring Amid the West Wind. It should be five then. But Wu Jing
protested yet again, "Empyreal Eagle of Imperial City cannot be included; Was
only there for ten days."
So, how's Wu Jing's film schedule for next year? Wu Jing said he would fight for
the chance to do a modern-day drama. Next was about the movie by Cheung Sing Yim.
The company has already found an American firm to finance it but due to the 911
events and that the movie concerns the minority race and Islam, the US firm
may withdraw its funds. Everything about this movie was still in negotiations.
Wu Jing said that he is going for epic productions next year, hoping to make
some classics. All of sudden, Wu Jing said happily that Zhao Wen Zhuo was his
neighbour.
"Huh? Is he doing Drunken Hero?"
"I was approached by the production crew of Drunken Hero to team up with Zhao
Wen Zhuo. However, the role didn't suit me, so I didn't accept it. It was later
given to Max Mok. However, there is a producer wishing to work with Zhao Wen
Zhuo next year and wants me to be his younger brother. Fortuitously, Director
Cheung's company has another script, also intending to get Zhao Wen Zhuo to be
Wu Jing's elder brother."
I was exceptionally happy, "That means the two of you would get to work with
each other next year? This is simply wonderful!"
"Why are you so excited?"
"I am delighted to see you working with another outstanding martial arts actor.
The sparring scenes between Zhao Wen Zhuo and you would be particularly great.
Your talent in martial arts wouldn't go down the drain fighting against stunt
doubles or non-martial artists. You haven't worked with each other before, I
believe it would be beneficial to both of you to team up with each other."
Wu Jing smiled, "Wishing to see the glory of two great martial artists exchange
blows with each other than Jet Li and Jackie Chan?"
Wu Jing said in the past that he never had a chance to communicate with Zhao Wen
Zhuo, so I added, "You could also take this opportunity to communicate with
him."
"We have lots of chances to talk with each other!" (Since when have
they become friends already?)
Among the major productions to be made next year, China Wenlian Production
intended to get him to act with Huang Yi (who took on Michelle Yeoh's role in
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon series) in Heroes
of Yongle Era. The
production company of Drunken Fist is also looking for Wu Jing to be in the
series. A third is The Four Great Constables. Anyhow, next years projects are of
big budget, grand scale and with good script. There are plenty of choices and
Wu Jing looks brightly toward next year's lineup, intending to give his best
play.
The Empire is of More Importance
I brought up about Net-and-TV's
report where he was working behind the scenes as martial arts
choreographer, looking very composed. Modestly, Wu Jing said with great
enthusiasm, "Merely helping out only, carrying some devices and shooting a few
scenes."
The workload is particularly demanding since Wu Jing is playing two roles at the
same time. He has never had a day's rest since the production began. On the other
hand, he was particularly happy that his acting ability was recognised by the
senior artistes. Besides, he is extremely pleased with the script, feeling that
it's more outstanding than that Imperial Court of Yongzheng.
"Wasn't the Empire is of More Importance written by Zhao Rui-Yong and Zhou Su?"
"Yes," replied Wu Jing with a tone of surprise that I knew so much and he
continued that Zhao Rui-Yong is also the boss who funded the project.
Then I asked him if it's tough to act as two different persons.
"Yes. I am also choreographing a few scenes where I fight against myself. I have
just finished shooting one fight scene today. But it still needs to be touched
up with computer generated images. I have made clear to the team about how my
designs and ideas should work out, hoping that when the shots are well-pieced
together, they can achieve my desired results. Fighting against myself? No one
must have done it before?"
"Says who? There's Jet Li"
"What?"
"In the ultimate showdown in Jet's US movie, The One, the good Jet fights
against the bad Jet."
Obviously, Wu Jing had not heard about this and was particularly attentive. I
told him I didn't know much about martial arts and might not be able to describe
accurately.
"Jet and Corey Yuen designed two different sets of martial arts for the two
Jets. The good Jet uses a rounded style, Eight Trigram Palm, while the bad Jet uses the
always advancing, never retreating, full of aggression style..."
Wu Jing interrupted, "Oh, my God! Same as what I came up with!"
I was shocked, "The same? Little wonder you're fellow disciples, having
such great rapport."
"What I am using is not Eight Trigram Palm. However, I have also designed two
distinctive sets of fist styles: One is overbearing, delirious while the other
is graceful and tolerant. (Sighing) I am still slower than him."
"Great minds think alike."
"I am still lagging behind him. The movie's going to be shown in November while
this series is still in production. I am always slower than him."
"You're indeed slower than him. He's your fellow senior brother; you're his
fellow junior brother." Wu Jing laughed, on hearing what this.
Wu Jing's Guarantee
Wu Jing asked about our recent actives and our well-being. I straightforwardly
told him that it's not easy maintaining our activities. Most fansites are such
that when the show ends, the people disperse. But we must be the rare type.
Although his shows has not been screened in Taiwan for over a year, we still
keep our sites alive. Wu Jing said he admired our tenacity and promised us that
we won't wait in vain. He also added that it would be different next year and
that he would never fade away and would appear once, twice, thrice... Wu Jing
always set very high standard for his career and I believe that he will continue
to work hard.
|
The October Conversation
-
Wu Jing's
Forthcoming Visit to Taiwan
-
Current and Future Projects
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