-- All's Well Ends Exceptionally Well 2011 --
Donnie Yen, who has been wanting to act in a comical role and missed the chance last year due to his tight schedule, might be doing one this year if he could squeeze in a bit of time in between Wu Xia and The Monkey King.
Raymond Wong intends to cast Donnie Yen in 《至强喜事2011》 All's Well Ends Exceptionally Well 2011 (tentative), his Lunar New Year comedy for next year. In the film, Donnie Yen would play a makeup artist, who instead of fighting 10 people at one go, could apply makeup on 10 persons at once. Reportedly, all it takes are 10 days, and he gets a 15m yuan pay cheque. Possibly, Carina Lau might play Donnie Yen's girlfriend, Louis Koo would play a cosmetic salesman, while Raymond Wong would be pairing up with Yan Ni. Information Times
In Legend of the Fist: Return of Chen Zhen, Donnie Yen takes on the role of Chen Zhen who returns to Shanghai under the guise of an entrepreneur in order to ferret out and prevent the assassination plan of the Japanese who are invading China.
-- Wuxia --
The crew, including director Peter Chan, and cast, Donnie Yen, Takeshi Kaneshiro and Tang Wei, for Wu Xia have been arriving on the set in Tengchong, Yunnan in the past few days to get ready for production of the film, which has been held up due to extreme weather conditions, such as storm that causes mudslide, flood, brought about by climate change, further fuelled by El Nino effects. Director Peter Chan says they are beginning production soon so as not to eat into the schedule of Donnie Yen's next film Monkey King.
Peter Chan indicates that Wuxia is an original script which marries action, physics, medical science with special effects to look at martial arts, such as how powerful a blow could be, and how different the impact would be when a fist lands on a martial arts exponent versus on a regular person. While Wu Xia is set in Manchu dynasty, Donnie Yen, who is also serving as the action director, and Takeshi Kaneshiro need not shave their head.
In Wuxia, Donnie Yen, who hides a dark past, lives in a small village. When an unthinkable homicide was committed, Takeshi Kaneshiro comes to investigate, only to discover a more sinister conspiracy, with Donnie Yen being the prime suspect. It's speculated that Tang Wei would play Donnie Yen or Takeshi Kaneshiro's wife. Chuncheng Evening News, Chongqing Times, MTimes
Ngai Sing (or Collin Chou) says that he admires director Benny Chan for his enterprising spirit, "Director Benny Chan is very bold, he dares experiment something he has never done before, I take my hats off to him for that. I also admire his talents, no matter what subject he's filming, it's as if he's telling the ups and downs of one's life.
-- Reign of Assassins --
Here are some character posters from Sina and a trailer for Reign of Assassins on Youtube. The film is opening on September 28, 2010 in China.
-- Don Quixote --
China's first fully 3D live action wuxia film, Don Quixote, directed by Ah Gan, action choreographed by Xiong Xin Xin, starring Guo Tao, Wang Gang, Miao Pu, Hai Yi Tian, Karena Lam, will be released in mid October 2010. Here are some posters from Baidu and a HD trailer uploaded on Youtube by Filmsmash.
In The Legend is Born: Ip Man, directed by Herman Yau, the legendary Sammo Hung returns along with action star Fan Siu Wong and To Yu Hang, the youngest martial arts world champion Hong Kong has ever produced. Playing minor parts in the original films, To Yu Hang is asked to take over as the young Ip Man here. Yuen Biao, Huang Yi, Bernice Liu, Rose Chan, Xu Jiao, and Lam Suet are among the new cast members, but the film's most surprising performance probably belongs to the 86-year-old screen novice Yip Chun, the real-life Yip Man's son who curiously plays the master of his father.
In his childhood, Yip Man was initiated into Wing Chun under the tutelage of Master Chan Wah Shun (Sammo Hung). After Chan's death, Yip Man follows senior schoolmate Ng Chung So (Yuen Biao) as his new mentor alongside his brother Ip Tin Chi (Fan Siu Wong) and good friend Lee Mei Wai (Rose Chan). Later, the teenage Ip Man (To Yu Hang) opts to leave Foshan to pursue education in Hong Kong, where he meets his third teacher Leung Bik (Yip Chun), a master of an unorthodox school of Wing Chun. When he comes back to Foshan, Ip Man falls in love with the mayor's daughter, his future wife Cheung Wing Shing (Huang Yi). Meanwhile, Ip Man is confronted by Ng Chung So and faced with the dilemma of whether to follow through with his training under Leung Bik. And, unbeknownst to everyone, Tin Chi seems to harbor a secret that threatens to put the whole nation in jeopardy...
Order from YesAsia: Ip Man - The Legend is Born Blu-ray | DVD
Director Benny Chan didn't thought of doing a science-fiction initially (This was also echoed by Wu Jing on another occasion, who mentioned that it was a crime film when the director first approached him.), but as he doesn't want to repeat what he has done before, such as the typical cops vs crooks, car chase or gun combats.
Here is the final City Under Siege trailer that showcases the various cast members Aaron Kwok, Ngai Sing, Wu Jing, Zhang Jing Chu, Tie Nan, Zhang Bao Wen in action, plus the de rigueur Benny Chan massive amount of glass shattering effects, and telltale signs of CGIs such as those carelessly tossed turbo-charged darting daggers.
Trailer: View / Download (MTime)
In Tsui Hark's latest lavish epic wuxia/mystery choreographed by Sammo Hung, starring Andy Lau, Carina Lau, Tony Leung Kar Fai, Li Bing Bing, etc, Di Renjie, who is in exile, is summoned back to the court to investigate a series of mysterious murders that threatens the coronation of Empress Wu Zetian. Detective Dee and the Mystery of Phantom Flame is competing at Venice Film Festival, held from September 1 to 11, and will be released on Sept 29, 2010.
Reportedly, Chen Kuo Fu, the producer and scriptwriter for the film, has already finished the screenplay for Detective Dee 2, and expect another trailer in the near future.
Trailer: Youtube
As a Mainland cop who is after the malevolent mutants in City Under Siege, life is full of risks and fears for Zhang Jing Chu, who is constantly facing grotesque and gruesome mutants, and she has to keep looking out for her boyfriend Wu Jing, who often neglects or ignores her. She has shattering fights, and a melancholic, heartrending, ponderous relationship. -- City Under Siege --
In this sci-fi actioner directed by Benny Chan, action directed by Ma Yuk Sing and Nicky Li, and starring Aaron Kwok, Ngai Sing, Wu Jing, Zhang Jing Chu, Tie Nan, Zhang Bao Wen, Shu Qi, Benny Chan is upping the ante by lavishly spending around 70m yuan on big explosive action scenes, one of which involves 30 cars crashing.
Having a hand in the choreography, Wu Jing is incorporating some elements of Tai Chi in his martial arts sequences, such as his climatic battle against Ngai Sing, that the latter describes as so intense and frenzied that sparks were flying all over the place.
City Under Siege opens in China on August 8, in Hong Kong on the following week, and in Singapore and Malaysia 2 weeks later.
Trailer 1: View / Download (Youtube)
Trailer 2: View / Download (Youtube)
Trailer 3: View (Imgo)
-- 2012 --
Full trailer for Roland Emmerich's 2012 is has just been released and may be viewed either on Yahoo or 2012 movie official site. The film's release date has been pushed back from July 10 to November 13, 2009.
The eco-disaster film starring John Cusack, Thandie Newton, Woody Harrelson, Amanda Peet, Morgan Lily, Chiwetel Ejiofor is about an academic researcher leading a group of people in a fight to counteract the apocalyptic events, as a result of climate change, that were predicted by the ancient Mayan calendar.
-- Dragon Gate, Flying Shell --
To build a full-fledged 3D team and studio, Tsui Hark spent two years learning from foreign crew, trying to overcome whatever challenges 3D filming may pose. So, Tsui Hark and the 3D crew, comprising top talents from US, that includes Avatar's visual effects supervisor Chuck Comisky, Singapore, Korea and China, are doing trial shoot for 3 months before commencing actual filming of 《龙门飞甲》 Dragon Gate, Flying Shell/Armour (tentative).
-- Reign of Assassins --
Images of Michelle Yeoh, Jung Woo Sung, Barbie Hsu, Li Zong Han, Kelly Lin, etc. in Reign of Assassins, from Sohu.
-- Zhao Shi Gu Er --
Here are some images of Zhao Wen Zhuo, Fan Bing Bing, Bao Guo An, Zhang Feng Yi, Huang Xiao Ming, Ge You, Wang Xue Qi, etc. from Orphan of Zhao Family, courtesy of Sohu
-- A Chinese Ghost Story --
With Yan Chi Xia being more romantically inclined in Wilson Yip's A Chinese Ghost Story, the onus of demon hunting now falls upon his senior Xiaxue Fenglei, a brand new character introduced in this film, and played by Fan Siu Wong.
Fan Siu Wong says, "Xiaxue Feng Lei is a family man who cares very much for his sister. While he couldn't understand why his junior Yan Chi Xia would be so besotted with demoness Nie Xiao Qian, he is not completely unsympathetic. He may appear aloof and cold but is actually warm-hearted. Our action choreographer is Ma Yuk Sing, his choreography tends towards the aesthetics and mood, so my moves are more ethereal, not as ferocious as in the past."
In this week's release, Flirting Scholar 2 by director Lee Lik Chi, Fan Siu Wong plays a bandit who poses himself as abbot Wuliang. He will be engaging in a battle of wits against Tang Bo Hu and co. But rather than squaring off against Huang Xiao Ming, he has most fights with Zhang Jing Chu's Qiu Xiang, "Initially, it was very hard for me to imagine fighting Zhang Jing Chu. She is usually portrayed as a weak woman in those arthouse films. But she would train whenever she has spare time, and would consult me and the action director on how to do the action better. Our fight is definitely a major showcase in the film." Sina
-- City Under Siege --
Director Benny Chan says that he has just made a 126 minutes cut of City Under Siege, "Every actor has done a very good job, their performances are terrific. And Aaron Kwok's acting is very moving. It's already a big headache edit the film from 3hrs down to 126 minutes, I can't bear to cut it any further, every shot is very thrilling."
Benny Chan says that this is his most challenging work in the recent years, as it involves superhuman characters and the use of copious CGIs.
City Under Siege, costing around 100m yuan to produce, will combine Chinese kungfu with Hollywood special effects. The mutants in the film - Aaaron Kwok, Collin Chou, Tie Nan, Zhang Wen Bao - will all be executing Chinese Kungfu. So do the mutant-busters Wu Jing and Zhang Jing Chu. Netease
-- A Chinese Ghost Story --
Press conference was held on June 1 to mark the production commencement of director's Wilson Yip's version of A Chinese Ghost Story, starring Louis Koo, Liu Yifei, Yu Shao Qun, Fan Siu Wong, Kara Hui, Gong Xin Liang, etc.
After three months of filming, The Lost Bladesman, directed by Alan Mak and Felix Chong, starring Donnie Yen, Sun Li, Jiang Wen, Alex Fong Chung Sun, Andy On, Chin Siu Ho, Wang Xue Bing, Shao Bing, etc, has wrapped up on June 30, 2010. 
Ip Man 2, the highest grossing Chinese film so far in China this year at slightly over 200m yuan, will be available on home video on June 25, 2010. Directed by Wilson Yip, action choreographed by Sammo Hung, and starring Donnie Yen, Sammo Hung, Shi Xiao Long, Fan Siu Wong, Huang Xiao Ming, Darren Shahlavi, Lunn Hung, Kent Cheng, etc., the sequel, which is more martial arts oriented, sees Donnie Yen against with Sammo Hung in some of the most exciting martial arts sequences in the recent years.
After defending himself against the Japanese army in the first film, Ip Man (Donnie Yen) goes with his family to start anew in Hong Kong. He starts a small martial arts school, recruiting the young and brash Wong Leung (Huang Xiao Ming) as his student. However, Ip finds out the hard way that the Hong Kong martial arts world is controlled by a group of martial arts masters, led by the powerful Master Hung (Sammo Hung). To survive in Hong Kong, Ip not only needs to gain acceptance from the masters, but also from the corrupted British-run police force and an arrogant British boxer (Darren Shahlavi).
Blu-ray and 2-disc DVD Editions come with:
● Making Of
● Cast and Crew Interviews
● Deleted Scenes
● Featurette on Four Major Scenes
● Shooting Diary
● Gala Premiere
● Photo Gallery
● Trailers
Order from YesAsia: Ip Man 2 Blu-ray | DVD - Standard Edition / Special Edition
Press conference for City Under Siege was held on June 1, 2010 afternoon in Beijing, during which a 5 minutes making-of featurette was shown. The event was attended by the producers/investors, director Benny Chan, the cast Aaron Kwok, Ngai Sing, Wu Jing, Shu Qi.
-- New Age Vampire Warriors --
Director Dennis Law's supernatural action comedy, New Age Vampire Warriors, starring Jiang Lu Xia, Yuen Wah, Chrissie Chau, Chin Siu Ho, Pinky Cheung, Xiong Xin Xin, Dada, A. Lin, has just begun production on June 11, 2010.
As the Vampire Lord, Yuen Wah will be fighting almost everyone throughout the film, in particular, Jiang Lu Xia. To avenge her sister's death, Jiang Lu Xia has been trying to take Yuen Wah's life from the outset. As a veteran martial arts star, Yuen Wah heaps praises on Jiang Lu Xia, as it's rare to see an actress capable of fighting, and Jiang Lu Xia's moves are especially lethal and outstanding. Their exchange ended in both having bruises.
Apart from action, Jiang Lu Xia will have many dramatic and emotional scenes. She'll also be sporting long tresses for the first time, "This image is very feminine, allowing me to exhibit my kungfu as well as a tender side, I like this role very much, and hope to give everyone a brand new feel."
New Age Vampire Warriors is wrapping up at end of July. Dennis Law intends to make sequels if the reception is good. Netease, TOM
In this sci-fi action film directed by Wong Jing, Andy Lau leads the ensemble cast as Kidd, a cop in the year 2080 whose wife (Fan Bing Bing) is killed after a fierce attack by a group of terrorist led by Kalon (Fan Siu Wong). The terrorists are targeting Dr. Masterson (Ma Jing Wu), who has invented a new source of free energy, and they have decided to go back in time to kill Masterson when he was a child.
Determined to stop the future from being changed, Kidd goes back in time with his daughter (Xu Jiao) and becomes a policeman in the year 2020, alongside fellow cops Holly (Barbie Hsu) and Sergeant Ma (Mike He). However, Kidd cannot form any relationship or reveal his real identity, even as Kalon and his gang arrive from the future to wreak havoc. Who will reach the young Dr. Masterson in time?
Order from YesAsia: Future X-Cops Blu-ray | DVD (June 10, 2010)
Also on YesAsia: Beauty on Duty Blu-ray | DVD (June 18, 2010)
-- Choy Li Fut --
Contemporary martial arts comedy 《蔡李佛拳》 Choy Li Fut (tentative) has formally begun production in Guangzhou on June 2, 2010. The film is directed by Cheng Dong, and stars Wang Bao Quang, Michelle Ye Xuan, Ng Man Tat, Xie Miao, Sanda champion Liu Hai Long, Kara Hui, Xiong Nai Jin, Wong Yat Fei, Liu Han etc. The film has the support of Chen Zhong Jie, head of Xin Hui Choy Li Fut Association, who provides input on the script and assists in martial arts choreography.
As this is the first time the former Shaolin disciple Wang Bao Qiang gets to do a martial arts production, he is especially excited and elated. He says that in the past, he was under the impression that shooting an action film was easy, but only when he starts doing it does he realises that it's not as simple as he had thought, there's some challenge in accommodating the camera, he still needs to work hard on it. Wang Bao Qiang would be sparring against Xie Miao quite frequently, and his effort has been acknowledged by Xue Miao, who notes that he's very diligent and both of them fight till their hands are covered in bruises.
Michelle Ye is playing Wang Bao Qiang's love interest in Choy Li Fut. Michelle Ye says that Wang Bao Qiao is very cute and she had hoped to collaborate again with him again since doing Fire of Conscience last year. Ng Man Tat would play Wang Bao Qiao's father.
Wang Bao Qiang is taking on the leading role as an American born Chinese youth Hai Gui, who returns to China to succeed a Choy Li Fut School. He who was trained in Western Boxing, is to grow from a neophyte to a master of Choy Li Fut. He is dressed in avant-garde clothes and would often mix a line or two of English in his speech, and would be embroiled in multiple-angle relationship tussle, namely rivalling with sanda fighter Xie Miao for the affection of Michelle Ye.
Choy Li Fut is slated for release at end of 2010. Sina
-- Return of Chen Zhen --
Donnie Yen writes on his blog on Sina saying that it's no mean task achieving a breakthrough in the choreography in Legend of the Fist: Return of Chen Zhen, considering how many such productions were made. There wasn't a moment when his mind wasn't filled with thoughts on plotting out the action scenes and the moves, and he even suffered from insomnia during the shoot as a result.
Nunchaku, flying kick at the Japanese dojo are obligatory, and taking a bold move, he combines Jeet Kune Do with MMA, before infusing them into creative, yet practical combat elements, and hopes to pay tribute to Bruce Lee through this. There is no task that cannot be accomplished, as long as one has the determination and willpower. And he gained a major inspiration prior, during and after the shoot.
After slimming down in Ip Man, he had to gain back his weight in a short time, as well as toning his muscles for the Chen Zhen. To keep himself in tip-top condition, he would get up an hour earlier to do push up. Can a 46 years old be as fit as a 31 years old? Yes, Donnie Yen is glad to say that, he did it.
In terms of acting, Donnie Yen has to completely put down Ip Man's humble, scholarly, gentlemanly grandmaster, to play a complex character with multiple identities - a roguish, unrestrained nightclub boss by night day, a righteous Black Mask by night, while in reality, he is a hot-blooded revolutionary.
-- City Under Siege --
Here are some official stills from City Under Siege, courtesy of Sina.
In this sci-fi film by Benny Chan, a circus troupe, led by Ngai Sing, goes on a crime spree after inhaling some toxic gases by accident, causing mutation and granting them superhuman powers. However, one of them, Aaron Kwok, would not connive with the rest. Instead, he is to eventually team up with special agent Wu Jing and cop Zhang Jingchu, who push him to the peaks of his potent potential paranormal powers, to melee the malefactor mutants and save the subdued city.
-- Wind Blast --
While 《西风烈》 Wind Blast (Tempest of the Westerly Winds), which takes over 150 days to shoot, is tentatively scheduled for release in early September, director Gao Qun Shu, who has already begun post-production, says that there is still a set of aerial shots left, requiring coordination from the local army.
This is what he describes the four detectives: "Each of them have their own strengths, Wu Jing is the king of flying car, he could race on the most treacherous mountainous paths; Zhang Li is a Hercules, he has to consume 20 packs of instant noodles per meal; Ni Da Hong is a crack shot, who never misses his mark; Duan Yi Hong is a very brilliant strategist and commander, you may say that this film is about the duels of the masters."
In this Chinese Western actioner, four proficient detectives, Duan Yi Hong, Ni Da Hong, Wu Jing, Zhang Li, who are tracking a murder suspect Xia Yu, accompanied by his girlfriend Charlie Yeung Choi Nei, to a desert, land themselves in a far more critical and perilous situation than they could ever picture when they also have to face two top drawer professional assassins, Francis Ng and Yu Nan, who possess far deadly firearms and skills than them.
《西风烈》
Director: Gao Qun Shu
Screenplay: Gao Qun Shu
Cinematography: Du Jie
Art Direction: Xiao Hai Hang
Action & Car Stunts: Nicky Li
Composer: Han Jae Kwon
Principal Photography: Late Oct 2009 to May 2010 (with breaks in between)
Release: September 2010
Cast: Duan Yi Hong, Ni Da Hong, Wu Jing, Zhang Li, Francis Ng, Yu Nan, Charlie Yeung, Xia Yu, He Tie Hong, Ma Guo Wei
Cameos: Ma Su, Wang Shuang Bao, Luo Luo, Ma Zi Han, Biao Zi
Plot Synopsis:
On the vast and boundless desolate desert in the Western part of China, Zhang Ning (Xia Yu) and girlfriend Sun Jing (Charlie Yeung) are facing great difficulties staying afloat: on the one hand, four super sleuths are pursing them relentlessly; on the other hand, a pair of male and female assassins are mercilessly hot on their heels too...
Why did you opted for the era of warlords?-- The Monkey King --
With the box office success of Donnie Yen's films in the past 2 years, such as the most recent Ip Man 2 which has just passed the 200m yuan mark in China, not only Donnie Yen, who is currently filming The Lost Bladesman (Guan Yun Chang) and just finished a fight scene with Andy On, is highly sought after by filmmakers and investors alike, but he's also getting a big, fat pay cheque.
Filmko CEO Alex Wong announces that Donnie Yen would be playing the eponymous character Sun Wu Kong in The Monkey King, budgeted at 300m yuan and shot in 3D IMAX. Alex Wong, who would not reveal the actual pay Donnie Yen is getting, says, "Donnie Yen is certainly worthy of the salary of 20m yuan that he commands, he is such a huge box office draw."
This has been confirmed by Donnie Yen's manager, "The role of the Monkey King is a big challenge to Donnie Yen, and something worth trying out, and Donnie Yen is very confident in handling the role well."
Presently only Monkey King Sun Wu Kong is confirmed. 12 other main characters remain to be filled up, including Bull Demon King, Princess Iron Fan, Jade Emperor, Ancient Ancestor Bodhi, Erlang Shen, Nezha, etc. Apparently, Chow Yun Fatt and Louis Koo would also be onboard. 
Building the fantasy sets is a costly affair, with around 50m yuan being allocated. The Water Curtain Cave and Mountain of Fruits & Flowers will be shot on location in Zhang Jia Jie, Hunan. Production begins in November, with a proposed release in Feb 2012. Following that, Donnie Yen would be teaming up with Tony Jaa in a co-production with Thailand in 2011. Sina, HK Headline
-- Shaolin --
Since pre-production of Shaolin, the martial arts directors Corey Yuen and Yuen Tak planned for a top drawer martial arts exponent who doesn't belong to any particular sect to be Shaolin's nemesis, and with Sanda being the culmination of various forms of martial arts, Sang Wei Lin naturally became the most suitable person for the role, and was highly recommended by both the martial arts directors.
In one scene, Sang Wei Lin joins hands with Xiong Xin Xin to destroy Shaolin Temple, cruising Shaolin Temple freely as if it is empty, easily trouncing any monks who get in their way. Sang Wei Lin's main opponent senior monk Wu Jing even vomits blood after receiving a powerful blow from his iron fist.
Sang Wei Lin was initially scheduled for one week's shoot, but director Benny Chan kept increasing his scenes, that he ended up shooting for three weeks. Sang Wei Lin's part has been completed and the production is wrapping up soon for a year-end release. Netease
-- Detective Dee and the Mystery of the Phantom Flame --
The trailer for Detective Dee and the Mystery of the Phantom Flame, directed by Tsui Hark, action directed by Sammo Hung, starring Andy Lau, Carina Lau, Li Bing Bing, Tony Leung Ka Fai, has just been posted on Sina.
Even before the film is released, Huayi Brothers is already in the process of planning the script for Detective Dee 2, which might possibly be a prequel instead, focusing on Di Ren Jie's salad days.
This is confirmed by Tsui Hark, "This year marks the 25th anniversary of Film Workshop and Detective Dee and the Mystery of Phantom Flame is Film Workshop's 50th production. I have not done any wuxia films in 5 years, and in this film, I'm fortifying my original wuxia heritage, and by combining suspenseful drama that is full of twists with perfect action, I hope my return to my roots would be approved by movie-goers. I have not thought of doing how many more Detective Dee sequels, but this will definitely become a franchise, so as to let this famous detective penetrate everyone's heart so deeply."
In the film, Empress Wu Zetian's coronation is threatened due to a spate of strange murders of the court officials. So, she summons Detective Dee, who is in exile, back to help solve the mysteries. Detective Dee and the Mystery of the Phantom Flame opens on September 23, 2010.
Update: An English subbed trailer, shown at Cannes Film Festival, has just appeared on Sina and Youtube.
-- Return of Chen Zhen --
A poster and a few new stills from Legend of the Fist: Return of Chen Zhen, produced by Gordon Chan, directed by Andrew Lau, have been unveiled recently at Cannes Film Festival. Apart from the main cast, Donnie Yen, Anthony Wong, Huang Bo, Shu Qi, Huo Si Yan, Kohata Ryu, Zhou Yang, there also appearances by Yusuaki Kurata, Shawn Yue, Akira and Ma Su.
-- Legend of Shaolin Kungfu 3 --
As the ultimate villain in Legend of Shaolin Kungfu 3: Heroes of the Great Desert, Sammo Hung is playing general Wan Shou Shan from the fallen Ming Dynasty who spends his entire life going against the Manchu empire. Sun Hui Ning describes that while their collaboration was rather short, everyone was able to feel the prowess of Sammo Hung, imparting such domineering presence worthy of a general of Xilu Society, he is indeed an actor with real strength.
Wan Shou Shan is extremely cunning, scheming, devious and ruthless, and would stop at nothing to achieve his goals, even at the expense of the lives of his children. He wields great military powers, and is responsible for the death of the Ming prince, thus becoming the only remnant Ming loyalist in power to reclaim the throne.
Time and again, he sends assassins after the present ruler Emperor Kangxi. Emperor Kangxi, who wishes for peace and prosperity of the nation, doesn't wish to take up arms, and intends to grant amnesty and recruit him instead, but Wan Shou Shan would rather perish than yield to the court, and the uprising continues... Sohu
-- Handsome Monkey King --
Producer Zhang Ji Zhong, who produces the TV version of Journey to the West, formally announces his plan to adapt the novel into a film trilogy 《美猴王》 Handsome/Pretty Monkey King (tentative) at a press conference on May 11, 2010. The film franchise, shot in IMAX 3D, made with the international audience in mind, will be written entirely in English. It is engaging the services of Hollywood writers, directors, and digital artists. On the other hand, the main cast would still be predominantly Chinese.
Each of the trilogy would have an independent story, and apparently, the first instalment would be on the origins of Monkey King and the troubles he causes in Dragon Palace and Heavenly Palace, the second on Tripitaka taking in the four disciples, and the third on their encounters with demons and spirits. Due to huge budget, with each instalment estimated to cost US$100m, Handsome Monkey King would have numerous investors, including Huayi Brothers.
The first instalment would go into production early next year, and be released the following year. They are currently writing the script, of which the first draft has been completed. Zhang Jizhong says, "We'll begin with the first instalment, so, we'd need US$100m rather than a total sum of US$300m, this will be an international co-production, part of the funds would come from bank loans, another from US, Japan and Korea. Based on current situation, we have no problems securing the funding." Sina
-- Legend of the Fist: Return of Chen Zhen --
A slightly longer trailer for Return of Chen Zhen, directed by Andrew Lau, starring Donnie Yen: Sina
Four character posters for the film are also on Sina.
In the film, Chen Zhen returns to Shanghai in disguise, attempting to uncover and stop the Japanese plan to assassinate key Chinese officials.
-- Legend of Shaolin Kungfu 3 --
After over 7 months of intensive and gruelling filming, Legend of Shaolin Kungfu 3: Heroes of the Great Desert, directed by Du Xiao, has successfully wrapped up in late April 2010. Following the tradition of Legend of Shaolin Kungfu series, the final instalment features various martial artists as Shaolin monks, including Li Yuan, Xu Peng Jun, Xie Miao, (who was simultaneously filming a kungfu comedy Fist Club 《拳馆》 with Kou Zhan Wen in April), Xu Ming Hu, Cao Jun, etc.
Veteran martial artists like Yuen Wah, Gordon Liu, Xu Xiang Dong, Sammo Hung, etc are specially hired to take on villainous roles, to ensure that both sides are evenly matched, rewarding the audiences with numerous authentic and intricate fights. Sammo Hung is playing the final villain Wan Shou Shan. In addition, veteran actor Bao Guo An, the wonderful abbot from the first instalment, is back, by popular demand. Rounding up the cast are Sun Hui Ning, Yuuki Moami, Ji Chun Hua and Wang Zhi Gang.
Here are some pics from the blogs of Xu Ming Hu, Xie Miao, Li Yuan and Xu Peng Jun:
-- Legend of Blademaster --
Production on kungfu comedy 《刀客外传》 Legend of Blademaster (tentative), directed by Yuan Hong Bing, starring Shi Xiao Long, He Jie and Law Kar Ying, Leung Kar Yan, Gao Jun, has just begun in Yinchuan, Ningxia. Shi Xiao Long (who is more commonly known as Ashton Chen these days) is taking on the leading role as a braggart blademaster with lame skills, but boasts of his top-notch martial arts skills and even call himself Beggar Su. Legend of Blademaster is slated for release this October.
Shi Xiao Long says the he's having some pressure playing a blademaster, "In the past, the pugilists I play either fight with swords or barehanded, this is the first time I'm using a sabre, it's quite a challenge. When wielding a sword, I would be after the more sublime feel. As for broadsword, the movements would be broader, just like the open desert. And I'm also taking the opportunity to slim down under such hot weather and harsh conditions here."
In the film Legend of Blademaster, a village is often troubled by a group of bandits on horseback, and the villagers send the teacher Fan Jian (Law Kar Ying) to the city to hire swordsmen to protect the village, but unfortunately, due to insufficient funds, he gets snubbed everywhere, failing to hire any professional swordsman. By chance, he runs into a braggart Beggar Su (Shi Xiao Long), who somehow becomes Fan Jian's lifeline by a twist of fate. Beside the braggart are two other unreliable blademasters who are hired as well...
More images on Sohu
Director Jeffrey Lau's hit comedy Just Another Pandora's Box, which made over 100m yuan at the box office in China, is arriving on Blu-ray and and DVD on May 15, 2010. A thoroughly absurd rollicking laugh-out-loud parody on Red Cliff featuring an impressive cast comprising Ronald Cheng, Sun Li, Gigi Leung, Guo De Gang, Eric Tsang, Athena Chu, Yuen Biao, Fan Siu Wong, Wu Jing, Xing Yu, Gillian Chung, Yuen Cheung Yan, Corey Yuen, Yuen Wah, Yuen Qiu, Bruce Liang, and many more. Through this film, Ronald Cheng, under Jeffrey Lau's coaching, learns to vary his shades of expression and exaggeration for more subtlety and comic impact as well as oodles of surprises.
Qing Ye Se (Ronald Cheng) only knows how to be a thief, but he runs into major trouble when he accidentally steals the heart of Rose (Sun Li), an immortal fairy. During a chaotic chase, Qing Yi Se gets a hold on the Pandora's Box, sending them both back in time to the Three Kingdoms era. Mistaken as a general, Qing is thrown right into the middle of the Battle of Red Cliff. Meanwhile, Rose continues to devise new ways to earn Qing's affection, even if it means having to be someone else.
-- Ocean Heaven --
Press conference for Ocean Heaven, was held on May 5, 2010 in Beijing. Ocean Heaven, a non-mainstream film directed by Xue Xiao Lu, starring Jet Li, Wen Zhang, Guey Lun Mei, shot on a budget of 7m yuan, explores the subject of parental love and autism in kids. It's expected to be released in summer.
Jet Li, who has no action scenes in the film, took almost no pay for the film, but he'll get a cut of the profits. Jet Li reveals that his nephew once suffered from autism, withdrawing himself for 9 months before stepping out of darkness after constant family support and encoragement. Most importantly, Jet Li, who has been dedicating most of his time to charity, says he'd still be doing action films, or the kids would not let him off. Sina
Trailer: People
True Legend marks Yuen Wo Ping's first film as a director in a decade and also puts Zhao Wen Zhuo back on the map of the film industry, even if the film is not completely a success at box office.
Tracing the ups and downs of the life of Beggar Su, from his heydays, through his downfall, to his return and creation of Drunken Fist, there are plentiful exquisitely choreographed martial arts sequences that don't stint on length, as we've come to expect from maestro Yuen Wo Ping, most notable of which is the showdown between Zhao Wen Zhuo and Andy On.
The film also stars Zhou Xun, Jiang Lu Xia, Guo Xiao Dong plus cameos by Michelle Yeoh, Leung Kar Yan, Gordon Liu, David Carradine, Yan Ni, Feng Xiao Gang, etc.
Order True Legend DVD from YesAsia | HK Flix
Heard that you hurt yourself when filming but still insisted on carrying on? Was it very serious?
Sammo Hung: Yes, I still kept on filming after being injured. You could say it was serious, you could also say it's not serious, did not matter. Darren Shahlavi dared not hit me initially. But I compelled him to strike, but he was still holding back, so the outcome wasn't very good and we kept doing retakes.
14 Blades is expected to be released on home video on April 15, 2010.
In the final years of Ming dynasty, the Imperial Guards have come under the control of power-hungry eunuch Jia Jingzhong. Secretly conspiring with an exiled prince to rebel against the emperor, the corrupt eunuch frames the Jinyiwei captain Qinglong for treason and orders his death. With his fellow Imperial Guards, and the deadly assassin Tuotuo after him, the beleaguered fugitive fights his way out and is joined on his run by Qiao Hua, the daughter of a security agency leader. Together, they set out to stop Jia's conspiracy with help from a powerful bandit king.
Directed by Daniel Lee; Starring Donnie Yen, Vicki Zhao, , Sammo Hung, Xu Xiang Dong, Kate Tsui, Chen Kuan Tai, Law Kar Ying, Chen Zhi Hui, Qi Yi Wu, Wu Chun
-- Orphan of Zhao Family --
Zhao Wen Zhuo has just joined Ge You, Wang Xue Qi, Fan Bing Bing, Huang Xiao Ming, Hai Ching, Zhang Feng Yi, etc in Chen Kaige's modern vegeance-driven historical epic 《赵氏孤儿》 Orphan of Zhao Family (tentative), which has been in production in Hebei for a month. He is playing the Zhao orphan's father, a military commander Zhao Shuo, husband of princess Fan Bing Bing and will have a number of fight scenes. Ku Huen Chiu, the action director for Orphan of Zhao Family, hopes to create realistic action scenes in the film, sans wires and CGIs.
Set in Spring and Autumn Period, the film is about the orphan Zhao Wu whose entire family is wiped out when the emperor is brainwashed by his favoured minister Tu An Gu concerning Zhao Shuo's loyalty. The newborn baby Zhao Wu is saved and raised by a physician Cheng Ying who sacrifices his own child to fool the minister. Several years later, when Zhao Wu grows up, the emperor has already passed away and was succeeded by his son, Cheng Ying tells the incident to Zhao Wu and helps him plot revenge against Tu An Gu.
Orphan of Zhao Family is set for release on December 18, 2010. Beijing Youth Daily, Sina
More press conference images on Sina.
-- Guan Yun Chang --
Here are some photos of Donnie Yen on the set of Guan Yun Chang, which has quietly been in production for a while, from Sina. Jiang Wen would be making an appearance opposite Donnie Yen as warlord Cao Cao.
-- Reign of Assassins --
Directed by Su Chao Bin, produced by John Woo, Reign of Assassins revolves around a retired assassin Michelle Yeoh, whose past soon catches up with her when she tries to settle down anonymously in a quiet village. Also stars Jung Woo Sung, Wang Xue Qi, Barbie Hsu, Shawn Yu, Paw Hee Ching, Kelly Lin, etc.
Below is the trailer on Youtube.