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-- Painted Skin --

 As Painted Skin, directed by Gordan Chan, opens in theatres today, Donnie Yen gets interviewed by The Star, telling those looking to see him in action to wait for his next film (Ip Man):
 
 “I’ve never had a chance to really show that I can be funny as well [except for Mismatched Couple, Drunken Tai Chi]. No director in Hong Kong has ever dared to give me a role like this, one that allows the audience the chance to see another side of Donnie Yen - the playful and happy side of me,” he said. “This time around, the director, whom I’ve known for a long time now, decided that we should try and show audiences my playful side.” 
 
 “Frankly speaking, this (Painted Skin) was more of an experiment for me. I wanted to test whether the audience could accept me in a role like that. I’ve already established myself as a martial arts actor after all these years, so I will still continue to do those kinds of movies.”
 
 “As an actor, I must be able to respect my character first, before talking about how much money I’ll get. Of course, if you gave me a lot of money to do something, then I might consider it but I will always try to keep to my principles, and choose characters that mean a lot to me. I don’t think it’s worth doing a role that means nothing to me or one that does not have a positive message on society in general.”

-- Painted Skin --

Spoilers...

-- Fist of Legend --

I think the most eagerly awaited upcoming Dragon Dynasty release is probably the long-awaited re-issue of Jet Li’s kung fu classic ‘Fist Of Legend’. An earlier DVD edition of the film featured only the English dubbed American edit. Now we get the chance to give the DD treatment to the last truly great kung fu film of the 90s wu shu wave. It was a great pleasure to sit down with an old friend, director Gordon Chan, to shoot an exclusive video interview in which he discusses the genesis, development and filming of Fist Of Legend.

For those new to the genre, Fist Of Legend is a palimpset of Bruce Lee’s Fist Of Fury, a rich embellishment of an established text. It brought together a unique synthesis of Gordon Chan’s story-telling, Yuen Woo-ping’s choreography and the charisma of action icon Jet Li.  Bey Logan Blog >>More<<

-- Painted Skin --

After 2 1/2 months of filming, Painted Skin has wrapped up production on February 3. Post-production will start with making a rough edit before dubbing is done, while special effects will take 4 months to create. The scenes involving Zhao Wei, Zhou Xun and Chen Kun are primarily drama while those involving Donnie Yen, Sun Li, and Qi Yi Wu, who's playing a villainous reptile spirit, contain a fair bit of action.

As an award-winning action director, Donnie Yen, being fully aware that having come thus far in martial arts choreography, it'll be very hard to make further breakthrough within a short period, hopes to portray a character that is different, to develop himself as an actor. However, he has not been given much chance in this area. Thus, Donnie Yen is very grateful to director Gordon Chan for giving him such an opportunity, frequently communicating with him, digging out his potential in acting. Donnie Yen also has a wonderful time working with his costars, saying that he has learned many things from them. He's full of praise for Zhou Xun's acting and has forged a close bond with Chen Kun.  Sina

-- Painted Skin --

Press conference marking the commencement of Painted Skin production was held on Dec 4 in Beijing, with the six major cast members Donnie Yen, Vicky Zhao, Chen Kun, Sun Li, Qi Yi Wu and Zhou Xun in attendance. However, director Gordan Chan was absent. Chen Kun will play scholar Chong Wen, while Donnie Yen plays his priest brother Chong Wu, Zhou Xun plays the ghost vixen Shui Mei Ling. While the roles of the other three were not revealed at the press conference, other reports suggest that Sun Li would be playing Shui Mei Ling's ruthless sister, Vicky Zhao the sickly but virtuous wife of Chong Wen and Qi Yuwu some villainous character.  Sina | Photos: Sina