November 2001

HERO News 27 - More Spy Photos (MonkeyPeaches Exclusive)

November 27, 2001

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Zhang Ziyi's double.

A giant Bianzhong, kind of bronze music instrument.

 Photo courtesy: SINA.COM

Casting News From John Woo / Chow Yun-fat's MEN OF IRON (MonkeyPeaches Exclusive)

November 26, 2001

CROUCHING TIGER, HIDDEN DRAGON, The TV Series (MonkeyPeaches Exclusive)

The 1890s' China, it was the decade of corruption, foreign invasion and social unrest. General Yu Rui was called back to Beijing for his action of supporting the Boxers against the West. Came with him, was his daughter Jen followed by her lover Lo. Yu Shu-lien came to Beijing to look for her fiancé Meng Si Zhao and the one killed her father, He Jian E and her husband Zhang Yu Jin. Young swordsman Li Mu Bai following Yu Shu Lien, came to Beijing as well. Jen had an arranged marriage but she could not forget her true love. She encouraged Lo to join The Boxer, hoping he could make some achievement to impress her father. He Jian E and Zhang Yu Jin had received endorsement from the government to crack down the secret society, which attempted to overthrow the Qin Dynasty and restore the Ming Dynasty. As the leader of the secret society, Meng Si Zhao was secretly planning a rebellion and had asked Li Mu Bai and Lo to join. Li Mu Bai thought the priority should be defeating the foreign invasion. He persuaded Lo not to join the rebellion and angered Meng Si Zhao. Meng's ill-planned rebellion was crashed along with his relationship with Yu Shu Lien. Li Mu Bai helped Meng Si Zhao and Yu Shu Lien wiped out He Jian E and her husband. With his assistance, General Yu Rui successfully persuaded the government to turn against the Western invasion. In the end, all our heroes and heroines marched to frontline to face the enemies.

If the film made by Ang Lee is a severely shrunken version of the novel, the TV series shall be called something almost no where near the original. Time was around 1900, rather than the 18th century; All four main characters are around 20; plot of rebellion and movement against foreign invasion was added; Meng Si Zhao who was killed long before this part of the pentalogy, lived through; and last but certainly not the least; Sir Te became a valiant.

The series was a huge successes in Taiwan and has won the best series catagory of Taiwan's Golden Bell Awards.  

 Photo courtesy: SINA.COM

HERO News 26 - On Location Pix Of Three Stars (MonkeyPeaches Exclusive)

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HERO News 25 - Ending ? (MonkeyPeaches Exclusive)

Warning: if you do not want to know to much about it before you can see it yourself, disregard the following. Otherwise, highlight it to read.

Jet Li's character, Silencer (No Name ?) will die under a hail of arrows and this is probably the ending of the film. Jet Li has just completed this scene in Hengdian Studio (aka. Orient Hollywood).

According to one report, Jin Cheng Wu (Akini Jin / Takeshi Kaneshiro) has just been added to cast list. His role is unknown but he has already  joined others in Hengdian.

 Photo courtesy: Nanfang Daily

Chow Yun-fat and Jet Li Fighting In WHITE DRAGON ? (MonkeyPeaches Exclusive)

HERO News 24 - Shooting In Hengdian Begins (MonkeyPeaches Exclusive)

Director Zhang Yimou was a cinematographer before turned to directing. He is well-known for mastering colors, especially red, in his films. There is no exception in this one - soldiers are all wearing red scarves. Four warriors are in three different colors. Jet Li is in full black - black hat, black helmet, black armor, black robe and black sword shell. Leung Chiu-wai and Maggie Cheung are in full light green. Zhang Ziyi is in full red with some curves on her collar and waist belt. Red represents passion, green represents life and black represents death.

Two inertial sets have been built in two separate sound stages - the king's palace and Wei Qi Room. Many scenes, assassination, playing wei qi (aka. go, baduk) and sward match, will be shot in these two sets. Wei Qi Room was built In the bigger sound stage, with 81 pavilions and no roof. Entire set is designed to show a kind of grey color and the king's palace is in red.   

Shooting in two sound stages and the outdoor are taking place simultaneously. There are five deputy directors, including one from Hong Kong who are in charge of outdoor scenes. One scene of attacking a city was shot with five cameras, more than 2000 extras, including 800 local students.

LOOKING FOR MY GUN (MonkeyPeaches Exclusive)

Our hero is called Ma Shan, a police officer in an a small and remote town. After attended a wedding ceremony, his gun mysteriously disappeared. One missing gun was a serious threat the peaceful town and he started to feel confused and hopeless. While he started to suspect people he knew, Ma was kept troubled by the relationship with his wife and his first love. The story became more twisted when his gun got involved in a murder case. He found the killer's next target and prepared to entrap the him. The killer finally showed up along with the missing gun. Ma Shan finally retrieved his gun but he himself was fatally wounded during the showdown. In the end, Ma slowly climbed up and saw people rushing to his body ...

The film is young director Lu Chuan's directing debut with a very low budget of 2 million yuans (US$ 242,000). Jiang Wen, who played Ma Shan, only got 100 thousand yuans (US$ 12,000). However, SONY has brought the film's overseas release right for US$ 1.5 and planned to released in March next year globally. It will be subtitled even in China because all actors are speaking in local dialect of southwestern province of Guizhou. It may be premiere in next year's Cannes Film Festival.

Crew
Director - Lu Chuan
Producer - Jiang Wen
Cinematographer - Xie Zhengyu
Art Director - Zhang Zhenyan
Screenwriter - Lϋ Dong
Sound - Wu Jiang
Based on same name short novel
Music - NO

Cast
Ma Shan - Jiang Wen
Li Xiaomeng - Ning Jing
Han Xiaoyun (Ma Shan 's wife) - Wu YujuanZhou Xiaogang - Shi Liang
The killer - Wei Xiaoping
Chen Jun - Liu Xiaoning
Produced by Huayi Brothers and Beijing Film Studio

HAPPY TIME - Zhang Yimou's Latest Completed Film (MonkeyPeaches Exclusive)

Retired factory worker Zhao is in his 50s and is still single. After dozens of failed relationships, he gets a date with a fat lady. Desperately to leave his bachelor life behind, Zhao promise to meet the fat lady's condition of marrying her, fifty thousands yuans which he cannot afford. Zhao's old collogues help him to refurnish a rusty train car into a dating bar, called Happy Time House. But to please his girlfriend, Zhao tells her he is the manager of Happy Time Hotel. Fat Lady wants him to hire her blind stepdaughter Wu Ying in order to kick her out. Wu Ying's father has moved to another city and promised her to earn some money to cure her eyes. When Zhao brings Wu Ying to his "hotel", the old train car has been hung in the midair by the property owner. When he sends Wu Ying back, the fat lady refuses to let her in. Zhao let the homeless girl stays in his small home and he himself moves to the factory. Once again his old collogues come to help and build a small massage room inside an abandoned factory house. One by one, Zhao's old colleagues come to the massage room as "customers" and Zhao is paying all the expenses. Zhao's saving is quickly running out but he is unwilling to tell her the truth. The fat lady marries to a rich man and leave Wu Ying to Zhao. Although being dumped, Zhao has found happiness from taking care of his "adopted daughter". ...

There are two endings exist. In the original, Zhao is reading a letter from Wu Ying's father forged by Zhao to keep fabricating the lie. But this ending has received overwhelming negative response from the audiences when the film was released in some cities. People thought the ending is confusing, dumb and chocking.  Zhang Yimou loves this ending and he decided to make the film just because of it. But to salvage the box-office, he called back everyone and reshot the ending. In the new version, Zhao was killed in a traffic accident and this dark comedy has become darker. Zhang Yimou was also criticized for letting the film being carried way by the style of Zhao Benshan, a well-known comedian played Zhao, and losing his own style.

Controversy existed even before shooting has begun. Zhang Yimou used the Internet to find the the girl who can play Wu Ying. After months of searching, Dong Jie was chosen among 40,000 candidates with no acting experience. Dong Jie is very much looks like Gong Li and Zhang Zi, two actresses Zhang Yimou has worked with previously. But the online casting call was criticized as an unnecessary attempt of generating buzz for the film. Some other report has suggested that the role is originally designed for Zhang Ziyi and with the absence of Zhang Ziyi, the script has to be altered.

Sony Picture Classics has arranged a limited release in North America starting May 24th, 2002 and MPAA has given it a PG rating for thematic elements and language.

Director: Zhang Yimou
Assistant Director: Xie Dongfang
Producer: Zhang Zhenyan
Screenwriter: Guizi
Partially based on Mo Yan's novel Master Getting Funnier
Cast: Zhao Benshang (Zhao), Dong Jie (Wu Ying), Fu Biao, Li Xuejian
Produced by New Image, Guangxin Film Studio and Weihai Zhenrong Co.

MY 1919 Uncovered The Dirty Secret Of Versailles Treaty (MonkeyPeaches Exclusive)

1919, Gu Weijun, Chinese Ambassador to the US, attended the Paris Peace Conference representing China. As a member of the Allied Force, China demanded the Chinese province of Shangdong (Shantung), partially occupied by Germany prior to the WWI, being returned to China and Japan was attempting to succeed Shangdong from the German. The western powers, especially the Great Britain, were strongly in favor of Japan and the final version of the Peace Treaty of Versailles had met all demands by Japan. News reached China and triggered massive protests, historically called The May Fourth Movement. Xiao Kejian, a Chinese patriot set himself on fire in front of Palace of Versailles. After all diplomatic attempts failed, Gu Weijun finally refused to sign the treaty.. 

Based on the true event, the film has unveiled one of many examples of the unjust nature of Versailles Treaty. Gu Weijun was played by Chen Daoming and you can see him as The First Emperor in the upcoming movie HERO.

Director: Huang Jianzhong
Cast: Chen Daoming, Xu Qing, He Zhengjun,
Produced by Beijing Huayi Brothers, Xi'an Film Studio, Beijing Film Studio, and Bureau of Radio, Film and TV.

Appendix: Peace Treaty of Versailles
Articles 118-158
German Rights and Interests Outside Germany
...
SHANTUNG.
ARTICLE 156.
Germany renounces, in favour of Japan, all her rights, title and privileges¯particularly those concerning the territory of Kiaochow, railways, mines and submarine cables­which she acquired in virtue of the Treaty concluded by her with China on March 6 1898, and of all other arrangements relative to the Province of Shantung.

Script of DRAGON WARRIOR was written by directors from Korea and Japan and the film's is aimed at American market. The project is still in its early stage of development and no schedule has been released. However, almost three decades after his death, fans will once again watch the kung-fu legend on screen.

Bruce Lee - The Master Collection Set (DVD)

A TOUCH OF ZEN is widely considered as one of the finest martial art films all time and a milestone of  kung-fu cinema history. Screened at the 1975 Cannes Film Festival and won a technical prize, it was the first Chinese language film ever to win a major Western film festival award. It is believed that this film has an acknowledged influence on Ang Lee's CROUCHING TIGER, HIDDEN DRAGON.

After starring in her last martial art movie in 1976, Hsu Feng retired and came back as a producer several years later. Since 1986, she has produced SOUL, RED DUST, FAREWELL, MY CONCUBINE and TEMPTRESS MOON.  

Chen Kaige and Hsu Feng have worked on FAREWELL, MY CONCUBINE and TEMPTRESS MOON in the 1990's.

November 16, 2001

Spielberg Making THE TUXEDO For Jackie Chan In Toronto (MonkeyPeaches Exclusive)

Co-stared by Jennifer Love Hewitt and Jason Issacs, Debi Mazar, Peter Stormare, Ritchie Coster, Mia Cottet, Romany Malco, the film is aimed to be released on June 7th, 2002. It is feature film directing debut of Kevin Donovan, a commercial director. It was penned by Phil Hay and Matt Manfredi (writing team of CRAZY/BEAUTIFUL) and was rewritten by Michael Wilson (co-writer of OCTOPUSSY, A LICENCE TO KILL and FOR YOUR EYES ONLY).

Reference: UpComingMovies.com

November 15, 2001

50 M Project In China (MonkeyPeaches Exclusive)

The first one is a $50 million US Hollywood production, which is set in the 1930's China and will feature well-known figures from that time. The script is penned by Peter Loehr himself after being moved by the story of one of the characters. After reading the script, Oliver Stone encouraged him to work on the second draft, which has been completed by now. Peter Loehr said he will recruit top directors and actors from America and top actors from China for the film. The shooting will start next fall.

The second film is about a killer from the 70's, based on a well-known Japanese comic book and co-produced by US and Japanese studios. The third project will be the third cooperation with director Zhang Yang. Script has yet completed and shooting may start early next year.

HERO News 22 - Production Relocated (MonkeyPeaches Exclusive)

In Dunhuang, Leung Chiu-wai twisted one of his feet while jumped from high ground. His foot was trapped in between two card boxes, which were suppose to protect him.

Production will resume in Hengdian for urban and indoor scenes.

Birth of China NATIONAL ANTHEM (MonkeyPeaches Exclusive)

NATIONAL ANTHEM tells the true story of the birth of China's national anthem, during the war against Japanese invasion nearly seven decades ago.

September 18th, 1931, Japan invaded the northeast China (so called Manchuria) as one of the key steps of its way to total war. Many college students from that region exiled to Shanghai. Tian Han and Nieh Erh was working on the stage production of Luan Zhong, a play about the war against the Japanese. But the premier was disrupted by Japan's attack on Shanghai on January 28th, 1932. Tian Han used a film camera documented the bloody battle in Shanghai and wrote a film script along with other writers, called  FENG YUN ER NÜ, a fictional story of two exiled students volunteering in the army to fight the Japanese. After finished shooting in the frontline, the Great Wall in Gubeikou, north of Beijing, Tian Han wrote the lyric of a song for the film, March of the Volunteers, and Nieh Erh composed the score. Short after, Nieh Erh was drowned on his way to Moscow. In 1937, Japan launched the full scale invasion against China and Shanghai was once again under attack. In 1949, March of the Volunteers was officially adopted as the national anthem.

Director: Wu Ziniu
Cast: He Zhengjun, Chen Kun, Kong Wei, Fu Heng, Yi Chunde
Produced by Xiangxiao Film Studio

March of the Volunteers (translation)

Arise, ye who refuse to be slaves!

With our flesh and blood, let us build our new Great Wall!

The Chinese nation faces its greatest danger.

From each one the urgent call for action comes forth.

Arise! Arise! Arise!

Millions with but one heart,

Braving the enemy's fire.

March on!

Braving the enemy's fire.

March on! March on! March on!

HERO News 21 - Shooting In Nuorilang Falls (MonkeyPeaches Exclusive)

Two days ago, heavy wind has broken the still surface of Cold Arrow Lake and shooting in there was suspended. While the crew was away, six camera platforms were discovered, two were under water, protected by "fish tanks". According to a park maintainer, fighting between Jet Li and Leung Chiu-wai have been fighting over the lake for eight days.

The production has moved to Nuorilang Falls, more than 30 meters high (about 98 feet). Nine o'clock in the morning, six truck loads of mattresses, trampolines, cases and other stuffs were delivered to Nuorilang Falls by EMS, an express service, and the crew started to build the set. A wall of plastic sheets was built to block bystanders' view but you can still see what is inside from higher grounds.

By ten, Maggie Cheung and Leung Chiu-wai had arrived. Cheung wrapped herself in an army surplus heavy green coat and Leung was wearing a light green silk coat. After receiving instruction from a fight director, Cheung removed her coat and unveiled what is inside - the same kind of light green silk coat. Then they started to practice sword skill with each other. A small piece of the edge of Leung Chiu-wai's sword was missing. That is why his the name of his character is called Broken Sword. Leung was wearing big moustache, like what he was in ASHES OF TIME. By 12:30 Maggie Cheung finished her shooting and was escorted away.

Two days ago, snow started to fall. If they ever want to finish the shooting, time is quickly running out, unless they want to make some snowy scenes.

This film seams to be sponsored by GM and several brand new Chevies with word "Exploring Hero" are used by  the crew all the time.

HERO News 20 - Maggie Cheung Returns (MonkeyPeaches Exclusive)

Maggie Cheung will arrive Jiuzhaigou today where everyone is waiting for her to finish the shooting in there. She will only stay in Jiuzhaigou for two days and will only show up in two shots. Production in Jiuzhaigou is almost wrapped up and without Maggie Cheung, so far all her scenes were done by her double.

Yesterday, the crew has moved to the grassy marshland near Chang Hai (Long Sea), another lake in Jiuzhaigou. Jet Li and Leung Chiu-wai are still fighting and are still wired. This scene was added in the last minute, after Zhang Yimou saw the grassy marshland sharing the same color with many scenes he has shot - yellow.

BIG SHOT'S FUNERAL (DA WAN) (MonkeyPeaches Exclusive)

Internationally acclaimed director Don Tylor travels to China to film a historic epic about the last emperor of the Qing Dynasty and befriends You You, a photographer documenting Tyler's work. Under the producer's pressure, Taylor collapses and You You has to fulfill a Taylor's half-joking wish, preparing a lavish and enjoyable funeral, a happy funeral. Preparation of the funeral and the funeral itself has become a real comedy ...

Co-written and directed by Feng Xiaogang, China's most successful contemporary film director, this is a satire taking place in the modern day Beijing. Feng is well known for making black comedies about ordinary's people's daily life, including BE THERE OR BE SQUARE (BU JIAN BU SAN), FATHER (BABA), and SORRY, BABY (MEI WAN MEI LIAO). Donald Sutherland played Tylor, the role originally designed for Marlon Brando. One of China's most famous comedian Ge You (TO LIVE) played the down-on-his luck photographer and Hong Kong star Rosamund Kwan (ONCE UPON A TIME IN CHINA series) played Tylor's adopted daughter.

The idea of the film originated from a chat between Feng Xiaogang and Chen Kaige. Feng said if there was a funeral for Chen Kaige, many companies would eager to sponsor the funeral just for Chen's fame.

Feng Xiaogang just finished the post-production in Australia and the film will be released in China next month.

Crew:
Director - Feng Xiaogang
Screenwriters - Feng Xiaogang, Li Xiaoming and Shi Kang

Cast:
You You - Ge You
Don Tylor - Donald Sutherland
Ying Da
Taylor's adopted daughter - Rosamund Kwan
The producer - Paul Mazursky
Fu Biao

Produced by: Huayi Brothers Film Co., Columbia Pictures Film Production Asia, Beijing Film Studio

Related articles:
Keeping It Reel, TIME ASIA, July 23, 2001

LOTUS LANTERN (BAO LIAN DENG) (MonkeyPeaches Exclusive)

Heavenly Goddess San Sheng Mu fell in love with a human Liu Yanchang. Despite objection from her brother God Er Lang, she descended to earth and married her lover. Seven years later, God Er Lang found them by following the light from the Lotus his sister took from the heaven. God Er Lang kidnapped her son Chen Xiang and asked Goddess San Sheng Mu to surrender Louts Lantern. She brought Louts Lantern to God Er Lang in exchange for her son and was imprisoned under Mt. Hua. After knowing his mother's story from the God of Earth, Chen Xiang escaped from the heaven and started to look for his mother ...

Based on a Chinese folklore, it took hundreds of animators three years to produce at the cost of 12 million Yuan ($1.5 million US).   

Crew
Screenplay: Wang Dawei
Dialogue: Xiang Hua
Score: Jin Fuzai

Cast:
God Er Lang - Jiang Wen
Goddess San Sheng Mu - Xu Fan
Ga Mei - Ning Jing
Monkey King  - Chen Peisi
God of Earth - Cui Jie
Phony Taoist Monk - Liang Tian
Terre-cotta General - Zhu Xu
Old lady - Ding Jiali
Old witch - Ma Ling

Trailers and Clip: (Real)
Trailer 1
Trailer 2
Clip

Theme songs: (Real)
Miss You During 365 Days (Coco Lee)
Love Is Just One Word (Jeff Cheung)
The World In My Heart (Liu Huan)

Produced by Shanghai Animation Studio