Zhao Wen Zhuo Tells The True Legend of Beggar Su

How's the plot like?
Zhao Wen Zhuo: It's a tale set in twilight years of Manchurian dynasty, the protagonist is called Beggar Su, he's quite a legend in martial arts films. His fighting styles are more according to his whims, with some Drunken Fist techniques, he should be a Southerner.

This is a co-production, the story takes place in China, but some foreigners are involved.

The director Yuen Wo Ping's thoughts are that, the martial arts sequences will be a return to authenticity like in the past, but the production will be handled using modern technology.

Do you act out differently as a result?
Zhao Wen Zhuo: To actors, no difference. However, this film is very particular about drama. The script is very sentimental, I shed tears every time I go through it. This is the film that would capture the hearts of female and male audiences alike.

In the martial arts films of the past, the scripts tended to be more straightforward and simple, while this film has many emotional scenes: separation by death, father-son relations, many sentimental scenes.

I think that the director, the producer approached me is mainly due to my ability in handling drama. After all, I have more than ten years of drilling.

What's the film called?
Zhao Wen Zhuo: The English title is True Legend, the Chinese title Su Qi Er might be changed.

Any intention of heading for Hollywood?
Zhao Wen Zhuo: That would depend on how things turn out. It depends on this film's reception, before deciding my future. Right now, I'm focusing fully on this film. I'll see how filming progresses, if there can be a film that brings out my unique qualities.

I haven't done any films in years. This is a very good chance, to be able to collaborate with Yuen Wo Ping. Besides, there are very few kungfu films with such a big budget. It's very hard to come by.

The greatest advantage of this film is that the budget is spent on the production per se, rather than having a big chunk taken away by the director, by the actors.

So, there's assurance on quality, the audience will be able to feel your efforts.

However, whether the film will be a big success at the box office, no one can guarantee. Being committed is the first step.  L' Officiel Hommes, November 2008