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Over 10 million yuan and around 4 months were spent on building the 1:1 life-size replica of Shaolin Temple in Yanshi, Yongkang. Some structures or props of the new Shaolin Temple were actually built larger for ease of filming or to impart a more numinous feel, such as the towering giant Buddha statue.

-- Shaolin --
Here are some early mages of director Benny Chan and action director Corey Yuen, as well as cast members Andy Lau, Wu Jing, Xing Yu and Nicholas Tse rehearsing on the set of Shaolin in Hengdian, courtesy of Netease and Sina.

It appears that both Andy Lau and Nicholas Tse are warlords initially, while Wu Jing is originally a monk. Though this is likely to change drastically as the film progresses, with the former becoming monks while the latter turns into a treacherous warlord. Yu Hai, 68, is playing the Shaolin abbot, Wu Jing's mentor. Jackie Chan would soon be joining the production for his cameo as a Shaolin chef with concealed skills.

-- Shaolin --
As Shaolin is about to go into production later this month, the cast are receiving training in either Hong Kong or Mainland. Since two months back, Andy Lau has been training under martial arts directors Corey Yuen and Yuen Tak, as well as watching videos to learn the basics of Shaolin Fist.

Recently, Reverend Yongzhi and his disciple Xing Yu (aka 延能 Yan Neng) arrived in Hong Kong to give the cast specialised training. Andy Lau has been learning Seven-Star Fist under both of them, Reverend Yongzhi's fist is quick and powerful, and he is very fastidious about each movement and footwork, while Andy Lau is working very hard on it, practising each and every stance repeatedly and mindfully. Apart from martial arts training, Andy Lau, who meditates 45 minutes daily, also went to Shaolin Temple for a three-day retreat earlier on, hoping to understand the meaning of Zen and martial arts as one, in preparation for his role in Shaolin.

Andy Lau, whose earnest attitude influences his colleagues to train with him, says, "I have never tried meditating in the temple, studying scriptures and doing not doing, I didn't even have my handphone with me, thinking of nothing, purifying my thoughts. Actually, it's possible to talk nothing for three days, I felt more at ease and free. The true meaning of Shaolin kungfu is not limited to the kungfu per se, but also relates to the cultivation of one's mind, to reach the state of union of Zen and martial arts, gaining a deeper realisation of martial spirit."

Reverend Yongzhi, who rarely takes in any disciples, and has never taught anyone else outside the premises of Shaolin Temple, is making an exception for the film Shaolin, "I hope this new Shaolin film will propagate the real meaning of Shaolin martial arts. Shaolin kungfu is not simply about fighting, it also encompasses autogenous, infinity, understanding of Self, this is the meaning of Zen and martial arts as one. It's an affinity for Andy Lau to have the chance to pick up Shaolin kungfu."  

Aside from Andy Lau, director Benny Chan reveals that Wu Jing and Yu Shao Qun would be learning Joint-lock Techniques and Sticky Hands respectively, while Nicholas Tse gets a unique set of skills specially devised for the film. However, as the three of them are busy filming in Mainland, missing the chance to be coached personally by Reverend Yong Zhi, Corey Yuen and Yuen Tak will record his movements and pass the instructions to them later. Benny Chan has also gone to Shaolin Temple with the assistant director several months back to meditate, to experience firsthand the spiritual practice of Shaolin martial arts.  Netease

Video: Andy Lau Training in Seven Star Fist   Sina

-- Meet Ngai Sing at Pacific Media Expo on Nov 10 --
Los Angeles -- Actor Collin Chou (aka Ngai Sing), will appear at Pacific Media Expo, America's first major media trade show dedicated to Asian-Pacific popular culture and entertainment, on Nov. 10, 2007, 1 PM, with an hour-long panel and autograph session at Hilton Los Angeles Airport's Pacific Ballroom B. A martial arts expert for more than 30 years, Chou will field questions about his projects, including the much-anticipated The Forbidden Kingdom. Slated for release in early 2008, Chou appears alongside Jackie Chan and Jet Li in their first costarring film.

"We are honored that Collin Chou, a celebrated action star who has successfully crossed over to Hollywood, is coming to PMX," said Paula Angeles, director of marketing and community outreach. "We are also very excited to see the fusion of Asian culture and American pop culture come together in his latest film, The Forbidden Kingdom. It's a dream come true for fans of action films."

Chou, a veteran of Hong Kong action cinema who spent seven years as a member of Sammo Hung's acclaimed stunt team, will look back on his work with famed directors Hung, Yuen Woo Ping, Corey Yuen and Tsui Hark. In addition to the 15 films he appeared in before moving to the U.S., his prior and future American releases in THe Matrix franchise (2003-2005), Fearless (2006), DOA: Dead Or Alive (2006), The Signal (2007) and Batlle of Red Cliff (2008) will also be discussed.

In his latest film, featuring a screenplay by John Fusco, Chou plays the villainous Jade Emperor in The Forbidden Kingdom, a re-telling of the classic Chinese Monkey King's Journey to the West legend. In it, a modern-day American teenager (Michael Angarano) is transported to ancient China and with the aid of a kung fu master (Jackie Chan) and a silent monk (Jet Li), frees the Monkey King while eluding the Jade Emperor (Chou) and his soldiers, led by the White Haired Demoness (Li Bingbing).

Chou, his wife and two sons currently reside in Los Angeles, Calif.  Pacific Media Expo

-- Rogue: Interview with Director Phillip G. Atwell  --

Prior to taking on the task of directing Jet Li and Jason Statham in the upcoming actioner "Rogue," Phillip G. Atwell had immersed himself in another genre where he worked with big name, rough-and-tumble tough guys: hip-hop music videos.  Rotten Tomatoes >>More<<

Related links:

Rogue: Jet Li Jet Li on Fearless, Monk in New York, and Another Fight Breakdown  Rotten Tomatoes

Rogue: Corey Yuen on Action Directing   Rotten Tomatoes

Rogue Set Visit: Kicking Back With Jet Li, Jason Statham, and Devon Aoki   Rotten Tomatoes

Rogue: Interview with Devon Aoki   Rotten Tomatoes