The Happenings

-- Moss --

Fan Siu Wong is currently filming an action film《青苔》 Moss (tentative) in Hong Kong. Shedding his past heroic image, he plays someone from Mainland who's tricked into coming to Hong Kong to be a vagrant killer and scavenger. He has to make big sacrifice as he's dressed in dirty and stinking rags, with a really grimy makeup to boot. On the account of his slimy and shaggy looks, passers-by keep him at arm's length. As one who grows up in the mountains, he cannot fight using traditional martial arts, and can only use more primal, beastly assaults. Because of his beggarly outfit and having to stay around refuse dump, Fan Siu Wong had fallen ill previously. Moreover, he has to roar constantly when fighting, resulting in getting sore-throat. On the other hand, the director has been singing his praises, saying how great he is at action sequences. It's quite different from Fan Siu Wong's other recent role as an Interpol agent in Benny Chan's Connected. Moss is directed by Kwok Chi Kin and also stars Shawn Yue, Shaun Tam, Gill Mohindepaul Singh, Siu Yam Yam.  TOM | Video: Sina

-- 8 Min Tai Chi Trailer --

Here's a longer trailer of Zhao Wen Zhuo's Tai Chi at Youtube.

The series is going to be released early next year.

-- Painted Skin / Skin Lover --

A little bit on the plot of Painted Skin has been revealed concerning the complicated relationships between the major characters. Owing to Chen Kun being besotted with another girl Zhou Xun, his wife Vicky Zhao Wei feels very hurt. Donnie Yen, who is secretly in love with his brother's wife, often comforts her, lending her a shoulder to cry on whenever she needs it. Donnie Yen feels sorry for his sister-in-law who's so gentle and kind, yet neglected by his brother. However, being a Taoist, he can only contain his feelings and restrain himself rather than openly declaring his love. Thus, he is very vexed by it. And the only one who is fully aware of the four-way eternal triangle and the real identity of Zhou Xun is a heroine Sun Li.

Zhao Wei says that Painted Skin is a big departure from the original, "This is actually a romance, while there are ghosts, it's not that important, I'll be a virtuous wife." She says that the relationships are more complicated, with more people being involved too. The director approaches the film from a unique angle, and there'll be plenty of suspense.  Xiao Xiang News, Shanghai Youth Daily

-- Wu Jing's Upcoming Project in 2008 --

During a chat with his fans on Dec 23rd, Wu Jing says that he's very busy working on his next project right now. He reveals that it should begin production in Hong Kong in around March 2008 or so. The martial arts sequences are expected to be extremely "rigorous". However, he says it is not for certain that he'd be directing. He'd be working with Nicky Li. The cast has not been confirmed yet. But, basically, those coming into contact with him must be able to fight, as they'd be doing very demanding action scenes.

However, it's not all plain-sailing as the script is not up to their expectations. They often hold meetings, collect information, watch matches, and might possibly incorporate some Mixed Martial Arts elements. So, sometimes, they'd feel mentally exhausted. They intend to do something big, and hope it'd be able to be released in Mainland and Hong Kong at the same time. As such, they'd have to make the film not too violent as to be rejected by Mainland censors. They're occupied with all these. Let's hope they iron out all wrinkles on the script by end of February so that production may begin on schedule.

-- Legend of Yip Man --

《叶问传》 Legend of Yip Man, produced by Mandarin Films, will begin production in late February 2008. Wilson Yip is directing, with the main production behind SPL being involved as well. Apart from Donnie Yen, Sammo Hung will also be joining the cast. And for maximum impact, they'll be performing their own stunts in this action oriented feature. Ngai Sing and a few martial artists are also being considered. Raymond Wong says that they are gathering information on the life of Yip Man, and have even been to Hall of Yip Man in Foshan as part of the research. The movie has full support from Yip Man's son, who's agreed to be the consultant. Raymond Wong says that the film will take on a similar look and feel as SPL.  Shanghai News Times

-- Three Kingdoms: Resurrection of the Dragon --

It appears that when opulent period action films from China fail to gain traction with international audiences, the solution from local filmmakers is to just crank out more of the same and hope for the best. One of these is from BLACK MASK director Daniel Lee who is treading into the past for the first time, outside of television work. Three Kingdoms: Resurrection of the Dragon is engineered from its very core to be an impressive action and adventure movie. Aside from having a ludicrous title better suited to a Playstation video game, the production has a lot going for it… on paper. Coincidently, source material for the film actually did inspire the Dynasty Warriors video game series, along with John Woo’s upcoming war epic Red Cliff.  Kung Fu Cinema >>More<<

Peter Chan: Man of War

The Straits Times, December 12, 2007
by Boon Chan    

Peter Chan's battle strategy to steer his new film from conventional period epics is to portray the gritty reality of 1850 China amid civil war.

A top drawer cast, a big-name director, a period epic with pulse-racing action sequences. The description applies equally to any number of films including Hero, Curse of the Golden Flower, and the upcoming Red Cliff and Three Kingdoms: Resurrection of the Dragon. But this is filmmaker Peter Chan's The Warlords, a tale of three sworn brothers set against the tumultuous backdrop of epic battles and political intrigue.

-- Igniting Flashpoint: No Holds Barred with Donnie Yen --

We recorded an in-depth interview today with Donnie Yen, action director and star of the groundbreaking contemporary Asian actioner Flashpoint. The film will be getting a limited US theatrical release before its Dragon Dynasty DVD release. With Kill Zone (AKA SPL), our very first DD title!, Donnie established a new style of on-screen action, one that reflected his new passion for mix martial arts. Flashpoint takes this to a new level, with explosive results. The film just won Best Action at the prestigious Taiwanese Golden Horse awards, and has re-set the bar for contemporary martial arts movies.  Bey Logan's Blog >>More<<

-- Legend of Shaolin Temple --

《少林寺传奇》 Legend of Shaolin Temple TV series, based partially on novel 《断臂方丈》 Broken-Arm Abbot and shot over four months in summer 2006, tells of the daring exploits of 6 disciples of one-armed abbot in the turbulent times of North and South Dynasty. Produced and directed by Du Xiao, with action by Ching Siu Tung and consultation from present day Shaolin Temple abbot Shi Yong Xin, it features a cast comprising predominantly of martial artists including Yu Cheng Hui, Ji Chun Hua, Xiao Miao, Li Yuan, Pan Yuan Jia, Ye Jian Wei, Wang Xiao Long, Chen Jia Jia, etc. Apart from them are veteran actors like Bao Guo An, Anthony Wong, Wang Gang, Guo Da, etc.

The name Ching Siu Tung is synonymous with wuxia productions where style and gracefulness of action take precedence over continuity or authenticity. But how well would he be able hold up on the kungfu epic Legend of Shaolin Temple TV series? Check out the 12 min long trailer on Sina and be amazed at the startling martial arts sequences with long, uninterrupted shots.

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Trailer: Part 1, 2, 3

-- Wu Jing to Attend 44th Golden Horse Awards --

When Wu Jing learned that he was nominated for Golden Horse Best Supporting Actor Award for his role as the antagonist in Invisible Target in October, he was taken by surprise for it's not often that an action star receives any nominations or awards. As veteran actors like Tony Leung Ka Fai and Louis Koo are also named in the same category, Wu Jing says that he's already very happy to be nominated and does not expect to win the award.

Wu Jing's manager Syllina says that it is the first time Wu Jing got nominated and it came somewhat unexpected. It shows that apart from his martial arts ability, his acting is given recognition too. Syllina adds that Wu Jing, who often dresses casually, would be in formal attire on that day.

Wu Jing says that the most memorable moments when filming Invisible were jumping off the the rooftop with Nicholas Tse and Philip Ng without doubles and the scene in which Nicholas Tse, Jaycee Chan and Shawn Yue personally letting him beat them up for real. He was really impressed by their work ethics.

Wu Jing mentions that getting a cameo role in The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor is like a dream come true for it has always been his wish to work with his senior Jet Li and spar against him even though their exchange was pretty brief. He describes their fight as "natural, with good flow as the river".

As to his future projects, Wu Jing says that his management Gold Label is currently in pre-production of a film, and they plan to produce a saga out of it. Even if there are lesser investors in martial arts films, they would press on. Wu Jing, who would be attending the Golden Horse Awards on Dec 8, is arriving in Taiwan on Dec 7 afternoon and leaves on Dec 9, and would also be taking the opportunity to meet his Taiwanese fans.  300Hu, Sina | More photos: 300Hu