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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 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.

Have Perseverance, Will Succeed

李渊 Li Yuan was born on August 7, 1982 in Shangdong to an impecunious peasant family of over 10 members, at the time when Jet Li's Shaolin Temple took the nation by storm. Growing up being a fan of martial arts films, Li Yuan started formal training in martial arts at the age of 12. When he was in primary 4, he made a bold decision to quit school in order to learn wushu. He was subsequently punished by his parents. But on considering that he wasn't doing very well in his academic studies, Li Yuan's parents finally relented.

Li Yuan was raised mostly by his wushu champion brother 李炳雷 Li Bing Lei, who also teaches him martial arts. Li Bing Lei is 8 years his senior. Li Yuan was brought up under very strict upbringing, and he matured earlier than most people. In his youth, he got only one rest day on Lunar New Year; on other days, he would train for four to five hours daily. There were times when thoughts of skiving did occur to Li Yuan, but on thinking of how hard his parents were toiling in the fields in his hometown, even in bitter winters, Li Yuan cast aside all weariness.

-- A Legend of Shaolin Kung Fu II: Thirteen Warrior Monks --

Production has begun quietly on January 4 for second part of 《少林寺传奇》 A Legend of Shaolin Kungfu Trilogy. Du Xiao continues to helm this martial arts series revolving around Shaolin Temple. The majority of the martial arts cast members are also back, including Xie Miao, Li Yuan, Ye Jian Wei, Pan Yuan Jia, Li Chong, Wang Xiao Long and actress Sun Hui Ning. This time around Yuen Biao will play Tan Zong, leading thirteen warrior monks in aiding Prince Li Shimin. Yuen Bun will handle the martial arts choreography. The story, similar to Jet Li's Shaolin Temple, is as follows:

In the twilight years of Sui Dynasty, the emperor is tyrannical, fatuous and debauched, and the commoners lead a very hard life. People begin to rise in revolt. To fulfil his ambitions, General Wang Shi Chong, who views Shaolin Temple as his biggest threat, outlaws martial arts.

In order to defend Shaolin Temple as well as protect the commoners, Tan Zong, the head monk of martial arts, formed the Arhat Enigmatic Cudgel Formation. Tan Zhong takes in eight different people into the order, and together with 5 original Shaolin warrior monks including himself, they risk their lives to rescue to sagacious Prince Li Shi Min, and wage a final battle against Wang Shi Chong.  Shangdu News