Wu-Jing.org

-- 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.

-- 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.

-- King of the Sanda --

Xanda 2: King of the Sanda 《散打王》(God of Fists), which has been shelved for months, is apparently going to be released in this month or the next in China. Star of Tsui Hark's Xanda Sang Wei Lin, Chinese Long Fist champion Lin Quan, Thai boxing champion Wit Ying, German wushu champion Stefan Moraweitz, et al join forces together to challenge the limits of onscreen fight scenes.

In King of the Sanda, Thailand's legendary God of Fist Luo Wei Cheng, known for his incredible speed in fists and kicks, sees boxing as a form of art. He comes to China in search of a retired invincible boxer Cheng Zhi, who quit his boxing life in Hong Kong when he accidentally killed his opponent, wishing to challenge him to a duel.  Qianjiang Evening

Trailer: Cnave

King of Sanda DVD may be ordered from YesAsia.

-- 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 --

As Seven Swords of Mt Tian TV series is about to begin production this Saturday at the foot of Mt Tian, Ciwen Digital's President Ma Zhong Jun shed some light on the project. He said the first 36 episodes of Seven would be filmed first. Each episode is budgeted at 1 million yuan.

Tsui Hark, Cheung Sing Yim, Cheung Chi Leung and Clarence Fok would work hand in hand on this work. Zhao Wen Zhuo, Sang Wei Lin, Ji Chun Hua, Wang Xue Bing, Qiao Zhen Yu, Wang Li Kun and Yu Cheng Hui will play the first Seven Swordmasters. Other cast members include Ada Choi, and Ray Lui. Liu Ye and Guo Jin An will play cameo roles.