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-- Legend of Shaolin Kungfu II: Thirteen Cudgel Monks --
Cheung Sing Yim, the director of the original Shaolin Temple which launched Jet Li's career and followed up with a remake New Shaolin Temple TV series in 1998 starring Wu Jing, recently paid a visit to the set of Legend of Shaolin Kungfu 2: Thirteen Cudgel Monks TV series and met an old acquaintance Ji Chun Hua, who continues to play a villainous role here, this time as Wang Ren Zhe. Both Shaolin Temple and Legend of Shaolin Kungfu 2 feature a similar setting based loosely on true historical accounts of thirteen Shaolin monks rescuing Tang prince Li Shimin.

While using different forms of expression, both are considered classics, portraying the essence of martial arts. Cheung Sing Yim is especially impressed by the filming technique and approach to the first Legend of Shaolin Kungfu and is equally hopeful for the sequel Thirteen Cudgel Monks. Both directors express disapprovals for too much flyings and special effects in today's wuxia films.

Hence, director Du Xiao sets certain goals when making Legend of Shaolin Kungfu, to show something new, to show some cultural aspects, and to show some entertainment, and above all else, to show the most authentic of martial arts and Shaolin culture, to let the audience witness the true values and meaning of Shaolin Kungfu.  People Daily

-- Legend of Shaolin Kungfu 2: Thirteen Cudgel Monks --

Filming of Legend of Shaolin Kungfu 2: Thirteen Cudgel Monks is nearing completion. Pan Yuan Jia has posted videos of his two fighting scenes on his blog. Also, there's a news report at Youtube. Finally, various photos, a few of which are high resolution, have been released by cast members Li Yuan, Sun Hui Ning, Leung Kar Yan, Li Chong.

-- Legend of Shaolin Kungfu II: Thirteen Cudgel Monks -- 

Yuen Biao is playing Tan Zong, one who is responsible for assembling 12 other monks to form Thirteen Cudgel Monks to deal with Wang Shi Chong. He is expert in 72 Peerless Arts of Shaolin, his skills unfathomable, having reached the state of union of Zen and Kungfu. He is pensive, collected, and doesn't exhibit his emotions. He has the bearings of a grandmaster of his times, caring for the affairs of the world.

Leung Kar Yan plays the antagonist Wang Shi Chong, a cunning, greedy, vicious, merciless general of Sui who later usurps the throne. He throws his weight about in the court and oppresses the populace. He bans martial arts practice in order to forestall any future threats.

Xie Miao and Yaqi Talk about Legend of Shaolin Kungfu

《少林寺传奇》 A Legend of Shaolin Kungfu TV series, a trilogy directed by 都晓 Du Xiao, consists of  《乱世英雄》 Heroes in Troubled Times, 《十三棍僧救唐王》 Thirteen Warrior Monks and Prince Li Shimin, and  《十八小铜人》 Eighteen Arhats. A Legend of Shaolin Kung Fu I: Heroes in Troubled in Times is currently being aired in China to great success and high viewership ratings while the second part Thirteen Warrior Monks has begun production since January 2008.

It features an impressive cast consisting of veteran actors like 鲍国安 Bao Guo An, 午马 Wu Ma, 郭达 Guo Da, 王刚 Wang Gang, 吴京安 Wu Jing An, etc. and most importantly, large number of martial artists such as 计春华 Ji Chun Hua, 于承惠Yu Cheng Hui, 李渊 Li Yuan, 叶剑卫 Ye Jian Wei, 谢苗Xie Miao, 陈佳佳 Chen Jia Jia, 王雪 Wang Xue, 郭辉Guo Hui, 袁新东 Yuan Xin Dong, 阴海龙 Yin Hai Long, 刘子威 Liu Zi Wei etc. for the main leads and their opponents to deliver martial arts sequences that are jaw-droppingly realistic, beautiful, yet without being too violent, as choreographed by  程小东 Tony Ching Siu Tung. To add more colour to the series, 孙卉凝 Sun Hui Ning, 法提麦·雅琦 Yaqi Fatima, 乔乔 Qiao Qiao are invited to play the leading ladies.

-- Legend of Shaolin Temple --

《少林寺传奇》 Legend of Shaolin Temple TV series, based partially on novel 《断臂方丈》 Broken-Arm Abbot and shot over four months in summer 2006, tells of the daring exploits of 6 disciples of one-armed abbot in the turbulent times of North and South Dynasty. Produced and directed by Du Xiao, with action by Ching Siu Tung and consultation from present day Shaolin Temple abbot Shi Yong Xin, it features a cast comprising predominantly of martial artists including Yu Cheng Hui, Ji Chun Hua, Xiao Miao, Li Yuan, Pan Yuan Jia, Ye Jian Wei, Wang Xiao Long, Chen Jia Jia, etc. Apart from them are veteran actors like Bao Guo An, Anthony Wong, Wang Gang, Guo Da, etc.

The name Ching Siu Tung is synonymous with wuxia productions where style and gracefulness of action take precedence over continuity or authenticity. But how well would he be able hold up on the kungfu epic Legend of Shaolin Temple TV series? Check out the 12 min long trailer on Sina and be amazed at the startling martial arts sequences with long, uninterrupted shots.

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Trailer: Part 1, 2, 3

-- Legend of Twin Dragons and Wing Chun DVDs --

Based on the trailer as well as plot, cast, costumes, etc, Legend of Twin Dragons appears to be same work as the 40-part TV series Wing Chun that's scheduled for airing on Mainland TV later this month. It seems that the two are different versions in terms of length, with Legend of Twin Dragons, being called a "movie" and reportedly containing more violent scenes such that it was barred from theatrical screening (though this could possibly be publicity stunt since the "movie", possibly being carved out of the same mould as the TV version, would not likely get wide release anyway even if it made it to the theatres), having a shorter running time of around 1 and 1/2 hrs. Legend of Twin Dragon has just been released on DVD in China and is available from such Chinese online video store as Cnave.

Wing Chun, starring Yuen Biao, Nicholas Tse, Sammo Hung, Rain Li, Ji Chun Hua, Xu Xiang Dong, Sammy Hung, Hu Ke, Elanne Kwong, is due for DVD release on July 24. 

Pre-ordered DVD from YesAsia.

-- Wing Chun --

Wing Chun TV Series, produced by Hong Kong's Universe Entertainment Ltd, will begin production soon. The martial arts comedy, which emphasises authentic martial arts sequences, stars Sammo Hung, Yuen Biao, Nicholas Tse, Rain Li, Hu Ke, Zhao Xue Fei, Philip Ng, Xu Xiang Dong, Ji Chun Hua, Gordon Liu. Wing Chun is based on 1981's kungfu film The Prodigal Son, which starred Yuen Biao, Sammo Hung, Lam Ching Ying, and Billy Chan.

Sammo Hung hopes that the audience will be able to re-experience the thrills of authentic martial arts, since the films and TV series these days employ too much special effects, and martial arts scenes are but empty poses. And he also looks forward to working with Yuen Biao again.

Billy Chan, producer for the TV series, hopes to blend elements of martial arts comedies of yore with the rebelliousness of the younger generation into the drama serial. Stephen Tung Wei will be the martial arts director. To prepare for his role in the TV series, Nicholas Tse has been training in Wing Chun under the tutelage of Lai Ying Chau, Yip Man's disciple, since last November.

At the turn of 20th century, Leung Jan (Yuen Viao), will his kindness and superb medical skills, is well-loved by the the people of Foshan. His eldest son Leung Bik (Nicholas Tse), is a gifted but arrogant brat who loafs around. Owing to the founder's rules that the successor of Wing Chun must possess wisdom, compassion and valour, Leung Jaan has forbidden Leung Bik to learn the martial arts.

Leung Bik runs away from home in a fit of anger. He arrives in Hong Kong and meets the mischievous Uncle Wah (Sammo Hung), a martial descendant of Wing Chun, by chance, and inadvertently picks up Wing Chun. Ko Ming (Sammy Hung), whose love for Little Bun is spurned by the latter who in turn carries a torch for Leung Bik, seeks to fight a death match against him. Ko Ming is skilled in Iron Thread Fist, taught by Master Hung Fu.  Chang Jiang Daily