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-- Dragon Tiger Gate --

At a test screening held in Changchun on June 5, the cinema operators favoured Dragon Tiger Gate over all other films shown, including such major Hollywood movies as Mission Impossible 3 and Superman Returns. They were bowled over by heart-stopping action scenes and lavish sets, saying that this movie is at the peak of martial arts films, believing that it will be a big hit this year. Believed to inject brand new elements to the genre, the fight scenes, choreographed by Donnie Yen, are said to tax the limits of the actors and express high level of  realism yet never lacking in imagination. Dragon Tiger Gate, which is about the three highly skilled fellow disciples who fight bravely against evil in order to uphold justice, is directed by Wilson Yip, and stars Donnie Yen, Li Xiao Ran, Dong Jie, Shi Xing Yu, Yuen Wah, Chen Kuan Tai, Nicholas Tse and Shawn Yue. Dragon Tiger Clan opens in Asia on July 28.  Sina

-- Dragon Tiger Gate --

Post-production for Dragon Tiger Clan has just been completed. Dragon Tiger Gate, directed by Wilson Yip, starring Donnie Yen, Shawn Yue, Nicholas Tse, Li Xiao Ran, Dong Jie, Yuen wah will be taking part in Shanghai International Film Festival on June 18, with a new trailer to be shown. Production stills, props, and original comics will also be on display in this movie's biggest marketing campaign that will be attended by major cast-members. The movie is set for release across Asian countries on July 28.  TOM

-- Seven Swordsmen TV Series DVD with English Subtitles --

Taiseng is releasing the epic wuxia adaptation Seven Swordsmen TV series on DVD that includes English subtitles. Those finding the movie version disjointed or felt too rushed in some parts will appreciate the details in the TV version, which has a more coherent feel. It also features a more dynamic, ethnic soundtrack, and great audio and visuals. While boasting a cast of top martial artists from Mainland, save for a rare few scenes, the fights aren't especially worth lauding thanks to the quirky-editings. 

In Seven Swordsmen, Tsui Hark sets forth to to provide a logical explanation to the events before the original Liang Yu Sheng novel Seven Swords of Mt Tian, telling how The Seven Swords are formed, introducing new characters and fresh plotlines of scintillating intrigues and twists. He also explores the complex inner world of Chu Zhao Nan, whose ideals, beliefs and pride get shattered time and again once he sets foot onto the mundane world, which results in his change.

 In this wuxia saga set in 17th century China, the Manchurians have taken over the country from the Ming dynasty rulers. As the new Ching government begins a crackdown on martial arts practitioners, seven kung fu masters, each of whom carry a sword that represents one of the seven states of being, must struggle to keep their art and themselves alive. Based on the classic martial arts novel by renowned novelist Liang yusheng, Seven Swords is an epic story of love betrayal, friendship, heroism and masterful swordplay.

Directed by Jacob Cheung Chi Leung, Clarence Fok Yiu Leung. Cast includes Zhao Wen Zhuo, Yu Cheng-Hui, Xu Xiang Dong, Ji Chun-Hua, Qiao Zhen Yu, Sang Wei-Lin, Sun Jian Kui, Ada Choi, Li Xiao Ran, Wang Li Kun, Edell Ai Dai, Ray Lui, Wang Xue Bing, Leung Kar Yan...

Seven Swordsmen DVD ships on May 19 and maybe ordered from YesAsia.

-- Dragon Tiger Gate --

According to Wilson Yip, Dragon Tiger Gate is not strictly faithful to the original comics, "I don't wish make a movie that only those who have read the comics would understand. So, I merely borrowed the main characters from the comics and retained their natures, but rewrote the story. While Wang Xiao Hu is the foremost protagonist in the comics, Wang Xiao Long, played by Donnie Yen, becomes the leading role in the movie in order to enrich the characterisation and strengthen the pace, as well as creating a bigger impact. He will have a beautiful and tragic tale of love with Luocha Girl, played by Li Xiao Ran. Nicholas Tse's character will be romantically linked to Dong Jie, while Shawn Yue's Shi Hei Hu's life is full of shimmering legends." Dragon Tiger Gate is scheduled for release on July 28, 2005.  Sina

-- Dragon Tiger Gate --

《龙虎门》 Dragon Tiger Clan has begun production in Hengdian on September 29. Produced by Raymond Wong, and directed by Wilson Yip and action directed by Donnie Yen, the US$10 million comics adaptation stars Nicholas Tse, Donnie Yen, Shawn Yu, Xing Yu, Dong Jie and Li Xiao Ran. Dragon Tiger Gate will take three months to shoot. Nicholas Tse, a self-proclaimed fanatic of martial arts films who is thrilled to be on a pure martial arts movie, promises to put in double the effort on martial arts scenes. Shawn Yu, who takes on a kungfu role for the first time, has been training intensively with Nicholas Tse in the past two months. He hopes to meet the strict demands of Donnie Yen, whom he considers a very professional martial arts director. Donnie Yen, who is after realistic action scenes that do not feature extraneous use of wires like flying, would use his own means to shape them up, believing that he would be able to dig out their potential, especially Nicholas Tse, who has some basic foundation. He insists on bringing out his own look and feel for the action scenes, hoping to capture that certain mood of the comics, but without making the fights as exaggerated as in the comics.

Nicholas Tse will play Wang Xiao Hu, who is a zany kicker, Shawn Yu plays Shi Hei Long, one who specialises in nanchuka, and Donnie Yen plays Wang Xiao Long, Wang Xiao Hu's brother, best known for his shattering palms. Dong Jie plays Ma Xiao Ling, Nicholas Tse's love interest. The movie revolves around Dragon Tiger Clan, founded by Wang Xiao Hu, Wang Xiao Long, and Shi Hei Long. They will face challenges from many foreign fighters and even fight against a criminal organisation.  QQ, Yangcheng Evening | Photos: SouthChina, Sina

-- Dragon Tiger Clan --
Donnie Yen, who turned down a leading role in Storm Breaker so that he could promote Seven Swords (He's returning to the set of Storm Breaker on Aug 10 to continue action directing the movie), says that he'll be teaming up with Nicholas Tse and Shawn Yue on Dragon Tiger Clan. He'll also be the action director, and might even sacrifice his screentime to help nurture the other two. Apparently, Mainland actresses Eva Huang Shengyi and Li Xiao Ran are in talks to join this movie, which will be filmed in Shanghai, Hengdian and Hong Kong.  Shanghai Youth Daily

-- Seven Swords of Mt Tian: Additional Filming--

Currently, some actors from Seven Swords of Mt Tian 《七剑下天山》 TV series have been called back to do additional filming. When this reporter went to set, they were working busily late into the night, until it was nearly dawn on the next day. Director Clarence Fok explains that they have already finished editing, with a total of 38 episodes being put together in the final cut.

However, after going through it, Tsui Hark thought that the villain characters were neglected, so he hold a meeting with Clarence Fok, martial arts director Yuen Bun, producer Wang Yong, etc, through which they agreed on doing additional shoot. On the set were Yu Cheng Hui, Sun Jian Kui, Sang Wei Lin, Luo Er Yang, etc.

-- New TV Releases (YesAsia) --

My Date with a Vampire III 《我和疆尸有个约会三》 - Genius writer Thirteen Chan of the TV version of A Chinese Ghost Story returns again to lead a team of capable scriptwriters in the third instalment of ATV's highly successful tales of heartrending forbidden love between mortals and vampires. Never seeming to run out of fresh ideas, the series traverses between the present day and Song Dynasty as the female ghost-busting protagonist Ma Xiao Ling traipses 800 years back through time to bring back Kuang Tian You's previous reincarnation to help fight against Fairy Yaochi, only to be trapped at Zhuxian Town that becomes overrun with vampires when a powerful voodoo is unleashed.

-- Seven Swords of Mt Tian TV Series --

Being in Xinjiang for more than a month has turned Sang Wei Lin's skin swarthy. Sang Wei Lin, now 27, made his debut in Tsui Hark's Xanda. Being happy with his performance, Tsui Hark recommended him to play Wu Yuan Ying in Seven Swords of Mt Tian TV series.

Sang Weilin grew up in a farm village and like most kids there, joined the military police force. His diligence in martial arts led him to becoming a Sanda champion. That was how Tsui Hark began to take notice of him and brought him into the entertainment field, lifting him out of poverty. 

-- Seven Swords of Mt Tian TV Series --

On 13 August, 4 pm, Xinjiang City Daily's reporters accompanied Producer Wang Yong to the set of Seven Sword of Mt Tian series at Tiechanggou. On the set were Sang Wei Lin, Qiao Zhen Yu, Wang Li Kun and child actors Liu Xiang Yu and Tang Kai Cheng, etc. On that day, they were shooting at a sunflower meadow.

Liu You Fang (Wang Li Kun) has just mastered the arts and descended the mountain, and Mu Lang (Qiao Zhen Yu), in order to test her skills, asks her to pierce at him, "just like piercing the sunflowers." Liu You Fang is hesitant, for the fear of hurting her lover. Under Mu Lang's encouragement, Liu You Fang eventually attacks with her sword... and the two begin an exciting duel.

This scene which lasts for two minutes were shot repeatedly for countless times. Newcomer Wang Li Kun was rather nervous and had difficulty entering her role, and her lines were not delivered without errors. The director Clarence Fok was especially patient.

-- Seven Swords of Mt Tian --

According to Beijing Ciwen Oriental Digital Film and TV Production, Seven Swords of Mt Tian 《七剑下天山》 series will begin production in Xinjiang on the seventh day of next month. Cheung Chi Leung will be the series' chief director. The series, which has been in pre-production for over two years, will be divided into two segments.

The first segment, which is about Seven Swordmasters of the first generation, is comprised of 30 episodes and will purportedly be shot first. The cast includes Zhao Wen Zhuo, Li Xiao Ran, Wu Jing, Ji Chun Hua, etc. Presently, producer Wang Yong, the production crew, as well as some of the cast-members, have already arrived or are gradually arriving in Xinjiang for experimentation filming or auditioning, getting ready for the official camera rolling inauguration. Li Xiao Ran will play Hangzhou Commander Nalan Xiu Ku's daughter, Nalan Ming Hui.  Nanfang City Daily

Among the candidates who responded to the recruitment drive in Xinjiang, 24 Xinjiang locals were chosen to act in Seven Swords of Mt Tian series, having met the criteria of the production during the auditions, including playing opposite Sang Wei Lin on actual locales. They were also the readers' top choices based on Xinjiang City Daily's polls.   Xinjiang City Daily

According to Shi Nan Sun, Leon Lai and Song Seung Hun are currently receiving training in sword and horse-riding in preparation for the movie. They will be going to Xinjiang for more intensive training in the middle of August, to acclimatised themselves to the sweltering weather of Xinjiang, which reaches as high as over 40 degrees Celsius in temperature, as well as the conditions of Mt Tian and Fiery Mountain. Martial arts director Liu Chia Liang, along with the Lau Clan, is teaching the main cast members new moves, hoping to produce a new era wuxia movie.  Kunpeng World

-- Seven Swords of Mt Tian --

According to her manager, Li Xiao Ran (Wu Jing's sister Dugu Feng in Metamorphosis of Heavenly Silkworm) will not be playing Li Mo Chou in Return of Condor Heroes as she has already signed up for a leading role in Seven Swords of Mt Tian TV series.  Beijing Morning News

Wang Xue Bing will be playing Yang Yun Cong, the second senior among the first generation Seven Swords, in the TV series (Yang Yun Cong's the eldest disciple in the novel, while Chu Zhao Nan the second).  Business Times

Zhao Wen Zhuo, who is currently filming Four Rarities of the Royal Palace, will join Seven Swords of Mt Tian once the former wraps up production. He plays an "ordinary person" in Four Rarities of Royal Palace. Zhao Wen Zhuo quipped about his role, "In the past, I was often the first to fight when someone is in trouble. But now, my skills cannot be put to use in this series. It's kind of awkward to require protection when faced with danger."  Jinwan News | More Photos: Kunpeng World, NetEase

Singer Edell Ai Dai is playing Lu Zhu (a completely "fictitious" character not in the original novel), a beautiful songstress from the west who has a convoluted, touching relationship with Chu Zhao Nan.  Netease

As to Seven Swords movie, Korean actor, Song Seung Hun, was one of those Tsui Hark had set his sights upon for Seven Swords of Mt Tian. However, Song Seung Hun had been hesitant as the production schedule conflicts with a Korean project he's doing. On July 25, Tsui Hark went to Korea to meet him again, bringing along the script translated in Korea. They spent four hours in discussions.

Eventually moved by Tsui Hark's sincerity, he agreed. Song Seung Hun felt it an honour to be invited by the internationally renown director Tsui Hark. Tsui Hark's wife See Nan Sun praised Song Seung Hun for his physical built, saying that he bears the hallmarks of a Joseon warrior from Mt Changbai. Reportedly, he is being paid KRW$600 million (HK$4 million / US$0.5 million) to star in the movie.  Jin Qian Times