In the Pipeline

-- Chasing Shadow --
Francis Ng is planning to direct what is said to be a tribute to King Hu and Tsui Hark's Dragon Inn as well as all Hong Kong wuxia filmmakers. While Francis Ng has been keeping a low profile on this project, the media still somehow managed to get wind of it. Tentatively titled 《追影》 Chasing Shadow, the film has been confirmed by Wang Zhong Lei to be one of Huayi Brothers' major projects in 2009. 
 
Calling it wuxia film version 2.0, Wang Zhong Lei says that while the storyline of Chasing Shadow is not modelled after Dragon Inn, it will feature various familiar wuxia elements as a form of homage, such as the characters, plot, makeup, action and lines. But, the film will carry these elements further, injecting its own novelties.  Beijing Times

On November 20, Nicky Li, Wu Jing and Celina Jade were invited for a chat hosted by Sina, sharing the joys and pains on the set of Legendary Assassin.

 

The subjects brought up include the frustrations of waiting passively for chances in Hong Kong, the reasons for opting for a simple story, their approach to action, preconceived notions on action stars' acting, one's respect to the profession, the tricks to crying, the difficulties of working with the giant wrestler, injuries and box office outlook.

 

Legendary Assassin opens in cinemas on December 10.

Continue reading "Legendary Assassin Sina Chat: Wu Jing Explains the Simplicity Behind The Film"

-- Ip Man --

While promoting the launch of Ip Man soundtrack CD at a press conference , Raymond Wong formally announces their plan to shoot Ip Man 2 next year. In the sequel, having migrated to Hong Kong, Yip Man's four major disciples will be introduced. Leading a group of disciples, Yip Man would promulgate Wing Chun, passing it on.

They're thinking of doing a worldwide talent scout for a suitable candidate to play Bruce Lee, Yip Man's most celebrated disciple. Donnie Yen says that both he and Wilson Yip have a separate candidate in mind, and they're debating over whether to look for one with solid martial arts foundation or looks, "In terms of looks, Danny Chan bears the closest resemblance. But we won't necessarily approach him. Perhaps, we would consider one with similar background and demeanour."  Baidu Entertainment

At a Legendary Assassin press conference in Beijing, Wu Jing reveals that he'd direct two to three more films: a period movie, a modern actioner, and a comedy, after which he'd step down as a director and just be an actor. And these plans are close to a state of being realised.

He won't be affected by Legendary Assassin's box office takings, which the distributor Mei Ah estimates to be around 60m yuan. If the film doesn't do well enough and no one is willing to finance his movies, he will invest himself.

Wu Jing says that being a director is an important step in his career, and is very grateful to his manager Paco Wong for giving him such a chance. Things went on very smoothly for his directorial debut with Nicky Li.

But Wu Jing next step would be "ditching" his partner, and directing independently. He is ready to move on, returning to that which launched his film career and in which he excels: directing a period martial arts film with Tai Chi as the main theme. The script is almost ready, and it may perhaps let everyone get to know martial arts in a different light. It involves not only Tai Chi handwork, but also weaponry such as Taichi Sword.

Should you haven't already seen this little gem, you're strongly encouraged to get Master of Tai Chi, a milestone in martial arts productions.

Legendary Assassin will hold its premiere, to be attended by Nicky Li, Wu Jing, Celina Jade, etc., in Beijing on November 28. Sina, MTime

Perhaps, feeling upstaged by Hollywood in kungfu genre in the recent years, Chinese directors are responding with their answers to X-Men and Transformers. One is Future Cop, directed by Wong Jing, while another is Robot, directed by Jeffrey Lau.

Continue reading "While Hollywood is Kungfu Fighting, China Turns to Sci-fi"