Wu-Jing.org

-- 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

-- Bodyguards & Assassins --

After an hour of drama, the major battle finally commences following a speech by Tony Leung Ka Fai as he addresses the patriots Donnie Yen, Nicholas Tse, Bate'er, Li Yu Chun, Leon Lai, etc who are protecting Dr Sun Yat Sen from assassins led by Hu Jun, "Come what may, no matter how many lives are lost, you must hold out for 1 hr. This 1 hr is the hopes of millions of our comrades."

More images on Sina

Trailer: Sina

Bodyguards and Assassins trailer: Sina

The trailer promises 60 minutes of non-stop action in the film as several patriots from all walks of life band together to protect Dr Sun Yat Sen from assassinations. Opens on Dec 18, 2009.  

In an interview with Rama's Screen, Cung Le describes Donnie Yen as a very kind, generous but intense person while Cung Le himself was a very focused and intense person, and brought just as many ideas to the set.  

He reveals that he told Donnie Yen that he was not satisfied with their fight scene which they spent around 16 days on. While Donnie Yen echoed the same sentiments, he kept quiet initially out of respect for the action director.

However, two months later, the production recalled Cung Le, and he and Donnie Yen worked together to re-shoot their fight scene. While they only had 4 days as Cung Le had other commitments, they raced against the clock, worked 24 hours, and managed to get things done, in a much better way. 

-- New Shaolin Temple --  
Rumours have been floating around for some time regarding who is set to star in Hong Kong veteran director Benny Chan’s upcoming - all star cast laden - martial arts epic Shaolin. Well now it seems most of the talent has signed on the dotted line and it’s quite the who's who of A-list Action stars. Andy Lau, Nicholas Tse and Wu Jing!! are confirmed, with that added plus of a cameo appearance by none other than Jackie Chan. Soooold!
 
 This movie is not be a remake or sequel to Jet Li’s 80s classic Shaolin Temple. Rather, it is an entirely new story, written by Alan Yuen, that is set in early 1900s Republican period. Shot in a real Shaolin Temple it will also feature real life Shaolin monks in the supporting cast using exotic Shaolin kung-fu. Filming is due to start this December, and is expected to be completed by April 2010.
 
 Synopsis: China is plunged into strife as feuding warlords try to expand their power by warring over neighboring lands. Fuelled by his success on the battlefield, young and arrogant Hao Jie sneers at Shaolin's masters when he beats one of them in a duel. But the pride comes before a fall. When his own family is wiped out by a rival warlord, Hao Jie is forced to take refuge with the monks. As the civil unrest spreads and the people suffer, Hao Jie and the Shaolin masters are forced to take a fiery stand against the evil warlords. They launch a daring plan or rescue and escape. 24FramesPerSecond, via Maz

-- Bodyguards and Assassins --

Two teaser trailers, one of which is Cannes promotional footage, and a detailed brochure may be found on Cinema Popular's film listing page.

 Bodyguards and Assassins, directed by Teddy Chan, stars Donnie Yen, Hu Jun, Fan Bing Bing, Nicolas Tse, Tong Leung Kar Fai, Xing Yu, Philip Ng, Cung Le, Wang Wen Jie, etc., is about a group of volunteers from all walks of life coming together to protect Sun Yat Sen from assassination when he was in Hong Kong.

According to a publicist, Michelle Reis would be making a brief appearance in the film, as someone who plays a pivotal role in the life of the Beggar.

Bodyguards and Assassins, which began production in late April, is wrapping up soon and is due for release on December 18, 2009.

-- Bodyguards and Assassins --
At today's press conference for Bodyguards and Assassins (formerly Dark October), a movie on a group of people protecting Sun Yat Sen against assassination when he was in Hong Kong to raise funds on October 15, 1905, the cast was formally announced.

-- Wing Chun --
Emperor Motion Pictures is planning to produce a Wing Chun film, with Benny Chan directing. Nicholas Tse and Gillian Chung are set to play the leading roles. The female lead was originally intended for Isabella Leong but owing to her dispute with the company, Gillian Chung was chosen to fill the role instead.

Charlene Choi says, "Gillian Chung is feeling better now, and as it has always been her dreams to do kung fu films, she has bought some Wing Chun manuals. I often tease her for studying martial arts manuals. She's also training under some martial arts coaches."  Zhejiang Entertainment, 67

Follow-up: However, further enquiries made with Emperor Pictures reveals that nothing is set in the stone, including the script, the director and the cast.  Sina

-- Invisible Target --
Radwynn has kindly transcribed Philip Ng's Interview on Dragon Dynasty's version of Invisible Target. Philip Ng talked about many things that go on behind-the-scenes in the movie and working with the director Benny Chan, martial arts director Nicky Li, various co-stars Nicholas Tse, Andy On, Wu Jing, Jaycee Chan.

Below are some excerpts regarding Philip Ng's background and his thoughts on working with Wu Jing:
 

I started doing martial arts since I was very young. Traditional martial arts. I did Choy Li Fut with my father, who teaches in Chicago. And then in the summer, sometimes he would send me to Hong Kong to train Wing Chun with Wong Shun Leung. And... Which I really enjoyed, you know, I learned a lot from him. And when I was in America, actually it was funny, because I got my master's degree in art education.

In the wake of Sichuan earthquake, leaving thousands dead, buried, buildings destroyed, roads blocked, with shortage of food and water supply, various Chinese celebrities have made donations and expressed their concerns for victims of the disaster.

Wu Jing, currently filming in Hong Kong, is also worried about the safety of everyone, including his fans in the affected areas, hoping that they are fine, and tide over the calamity soon.

Jackie Chan and Emperor Entertainment's chairman Albert Yeung jointly donated 10m yuan. Jet Li's One Foundation sent 1m yuan immediately, and also started fund-raising activities for further relief efforts, collecting around 18.6m yuan so far. Jet Li is heading to the disaster areas on May 16 to render his help. Various other celebrities, including Donnie Yen, Gillian Chung, Zhao Wen Zhuo, Charlene Choi, Nicholas Tse, Zhang Guo Li, Zhang Ting, Eva Huang Sheng Yi, Andy Lau, Vicky Zhao Wei, Ruby Lin, and many more have also chipped in 100 thousand to 300 thousand yuan each. 
 

Less than 2 weeks ago, Myanmar was devastated by cyclone. With one catastrophe following another, could these be early warnings of Earth being devoured?

Donations can be made via One Foundation. You may also find some links at Celina Jade's Blog, who is  observing a 3-day vegetarian diet for the cause of dedicating the good karma, the positive energy brought about by not killing, to the victims.  Sina, Ningbo News

-- Yip Man --

-- The Disciple --

Come June, the much anticipated successor to Jackie Chan will be announced in Beijing. Yesterday, Jackie Chan showed up at Wendu Water City, Beijing to officiate the launching of the finals of The Disciple, a worldwide talent show produced by Beijing TV Station in conjunction with Jackie Chan, which will be airing on Beijing TV every weekend from April 5 to June 7.

The 16 finalists, who have been undergoing gruelling trainings under the guidance of JC Stunt Team's Alan Wu and He Jun at the well equipped Water City Training Facility, will compete against each other in various fields, including explosion scenes, high-altitude wire-suspension, gunplay, car stunts, diving, obstacles course, etc.