July 31, 2004

July 31, 2004

The poster (left) is actually a variation of one of the original Chinese poster designs.

(Thanks to Eric Lavallee).

July 31, 2004

Click here for 6 movies released in July.

Fearful 24 Hours, House Of Flying Daggers, Love Of May, Master Of Everything, Three Of A Kind, Throwdown.

Is Gong Li In MEMOIRS OF A GEISHA Too? (MonkeyPeaches Exclusive)

July 30, 2004

It appeared on Tuesday's Oriental Daily and Apple Daily, two newspapers in Hong Kong. It was nothing than a speculation but international news agency AFP took it very seriously and filed a story on the same day.

(Thanks to bunny@*.*)

Related stories:

Bond-girl Yeoh and China's Li win roles in Spielberg geisha film (AFP via Yahoo! News) July 28, 2004

(Note: her last name is "Gong" not "Li".)

SMMF News 107 - SHI MIAN MAI FU / HOUSE OF FLYING DAGGERS Japanese Première (Various)

July 29, 2004

Left: the premiere (L to R): action director Ching Siu-Tung, Andy Lau, director Zhang Yimou, Zhang Ziyi, Takeshi Kaneshiro, costume designer Emi Wada and composer Shigeru Umebayashi.

Right: the press conference (L to R): Andy Lau, Zhang Ziyi and Takeshi Kaneshiro.

More photos: A  B  C

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July 28, 2004

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Jia Zhangke Wrapped Up His WORLD (MonkeyPeaches Exclusive)

July 28, 2004

Director Jia Zhangke (Big Star)	Zhao Tao (Information Times)	Zhao Tao (Big Star)

Jia Zhangke, one of the front runners of China's Six Generation Directors and for years known for making  underground cinema, has finished his first above-ground film, World. It tells a story of a young couple who left their small county town to search for better life in a big city. They both find jobs at a theme park, where architects and natural sceneries around the world were recreated in miniature. The woman (Zhao Tao) works as a dancer and everyday she is asked repeat the same moves again and again. Her boyfriend (Cheng Taisheng), however, is promoted as the security chief, a position he has never dream of.

Of cause, there are prices to pay for coming above the ground - Jia Zhangke was forced to tune down his personal style by the studios and Chinese Film Bureau asked him to alter a few dialogues. The release day for China has been aimed at October and it has been sold to over a dozen countries.

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Michelle Yeoh Joins MEMOIRS OF A GEISHA Too? (MonkeyPeaches Exclusive)

July 27, 2004

Michelle Yoeh also landed a role in Memoirs Of A Geisha? According to Hong Kong newspaper Oriental Daily, the answer is yes.

Related story:

Photos From WU JI / THE PROMISE's Inner Mongolian Location (Sina.com)

July 26, 2004

More coverage on Wu Ji / The Promise

Japanese Vet Actor Takakura Ken Joins Zhang Yimou's Upcoming Feature? (MonkeyPeaches Exclusive)

July 25, 2004

After two pieces of martial art actions, director Zhang Yimou will return to his art film roots. His upcoming project, still untitled, will feature 73 year old Japanese veteran actor Takakura Ken, according to Sichuan Daily. This relatively small production will tell a story set in the southwestern region of China during the 1920's. To fulfill the last wish of his dying son, a Japanese old man (Takakura Ken) accompanied him to learn the local opera in China, where they met a local girl. Shooting will begin in Yunnan Province this September.

Michelle Yeoh Tempts Zhang Ziyi With Hua Mulan? (MonkeyPeaches Exclusive)

July 24, 2004

The original plan was: Michelle Yeoh to play Hu Mulan and Chow Yun-Fat to play General Li.

Now, according to producer Thomas Chung who is also the boyfriend of Michelle Yeoh, the role of Mulan may goes to Zhang Ziyi and let Michelle Yeoh play another role. He told Beijing based newspaper Big Star that they had talked to her and he thought Zhang Ziyi was perfect for the role. However, it was really up to whether she would be available for it or not because the shooting will start by the end of the year. According to Chung, the script was finally done but director Peter Pau had already exited the project. Now they were negotiating with two candidates to fill in. There are four major characters in the movie - Hua Mulan, General Li (Chow Yun-Fat may not play it), Hun general (?) Li and Hun princess Jicheng. The story starts with peace in the summer, war in the autumn, battlefield romance in the winter, and then peace in the spring. There are two other projects-in-planning based on the same folklore made famous by Disney several years ago. One is by Hong Kong director Stanley Tong and the other one is pushed by Korean studios.

SMMF News 106 - SHI MIAN MAI FU / HOUSE OF FLYING DAGGERS Japanese Trailer (Apple.co.jp)

July 23, 2004

KUNG FU / KUNG FU HUSTLE Poster (Information Times)

July 23, 2004

According to Chinese paper Information Times, this is a teaser poster of Stephen Chow's Kung Fu (English title: Kung Fu Hustle) and the guy in it is Stephen Chow himself.

July 22, 2004

Golden House of Cherry-Apple, according to Sina.com.	A corner of the house.	Cast and crew greeted by local girls.                             (Sina.com)

More coverage on Wu Ji / The Promise

July 22, 2004

(?)

According to The Beijing News, these are two posters designed for the Japanese market. The first one features Faye Wong inside a futuristic train car and the second one features Faye Wong and Kimura Takuya.

More on 2046

July 21, 2004

According to Chinese paper Xinjiang City, Hong Kong star Leon Lai (photos) and Charlie Yeung (photos) have been picked for two leading roles of Seven Swordsmen Leave Mt. Heaven, which will be directed by Tsui Hark. However, Tsui will first produce a same name TV series starting next month.

July 20, 2004

Zhang Ziyi won the title role in Steven Spielberg produced and Rob Marshall directed Memoirs Of A Geisha – this news is quickly spreading around the globe. Before say anything, I would like to recall the story of the story. It all started with an interview posted by a Chinese newspaper last week. During the interview, Zhang Ziyi said she only got a few days of rest until a Hollywood production caught up to her and she would have to speak English in it. “It will be the most important film in my life. I think the pressure will cause me to lose a few kilograms, but I am so excited.” – quoted from the article. Then some reporter got a little bit creative and linked her to Memoirs of A Geisha, which will start filming in September. The story was quickly reposted by many other Chinese media, and appeared on several Hong Kong newspapers yesterday. On the same day, international news agency AFP brought it to the English speaking world by running a story based on a report by Hong Kong paper Apple Daily and since then it has been reposted by many other English media. 

HK heroines lose lead role in Spielberg film to Chinese star (AFP) Jul 19, 2004

Geisha' audition draws nearly 200 (Pasadena Star) by Gema Duarte, July 10, 2004

SMMF News 105 - SHI MIAN MAI FU / HOUSE OF FLYING DAGGERS Japanese Posters (ZiyiFan.com)

July 19, 2004

July 19, 2004

Click here for 16 stills.

(Thanks to Marie M).

July 18, 2004

Trailer: Danny The Dog (avi / 2:17 / 9.4MB)

Required: DivX Codec)

(Thanks to "Merej" and "Wei").

Official site

July 18, 2004

(Animal Logic)

The site of Australian effect house Animal Logic has a special section showcasing a few effects it did for Zhang Yimou's Hero. Animal Logic was also involved in the making of Zhang Yimou's second martial-art film Shi Mian Mai Fu / House Of Flying Daggers.

Click here for the showcase. (Spoiler Alert!)

Related story: HERO News 222 - Behind The Effects (MonkeyPeaches Exclusive) January 13, 2003

July 17, 2004

(Sina.com / Beijing Times)

According to Sina.com, the production of Wu Ji / The Promise has been moved to Keshiketeng National Geologic Park of The Inner Mongolia (not Mongolia), after finishing several indoor scenes at Beijing Film Studios. 

July 17, 2004

Jackie is showing his new segway on the set of The Myth. Director Stanley Tong is standing on his right. The set, located in the city Wuxi, was originally built for TV series Romance Of The Three Kingdoms.

July 16, 2004

Left: Premium Edition (DVD-9), wooden box set, Hero extended version (118 minutes) with Simplified Chinese and English subtitles, bonus materials (62 minutes), plus a picture book.

Mid: Basic Edition (DVD-9), Hero extended version (118 minutes) with Simplified Chinese and English subtitles, bonus materials (32 minutes),  plus a picture book.

Right: Basic Edition (DVD-5), Hero extended version (118 minutes) with Simplified Chinese and English subtitles.

Note: products will be available for the market in approximately one week.

(Thanks to all of you who sent me reminders.)

SMMF News 104 - SHI MIAN MAI FU / HOUSE OF FLYING DAGGERS Premiered In Taipei (Various)

July 15, 2004

(Tungstar, Sina.com, JCE, posted by Oriental Daily)

For more photos: A B

THE MYTH On-Set Photos Show A Brand New Jackie Chan (Oriental Daily)

July 14, 2004

(JCE, posted by Oriental Daily)

On a set built in Wuxi, Jackie Chan played a Qin Dynasty general (he has been dreaming about the role for many years), having a match with an Indian warrior. According to Hong Kong's Oriental Daily, Jackie Chan almost passed out after working for a whole day. He blamed it to the contact lenses, he was wearing, which supposed to make his eyes look darker.

THE HUADU CHRONICLES: BLADE OF THE ROSE (aka. THE TWINS EFFECT 2) Stills (Various)

July 14, 2004

Jackie Chan vs. Donnie Yen	Socking wet.	Jackie Chan, The Volunteer Janitor.
Click here for more.  (EMP, posted by Tungstar, Sina.com and Oriental Daily)

In this scene, Jackie Chan is battling Donnie Yen. Large amount of petroleum gas was used to create flame effect, and subsequently, the set was quickly filled with toxic gas.

SMMF News 103 - Toronto Fest To Host SHI MIAN MAI FU / HOUSE OF FLYING DAGGERS' North American Première (Sina.com)

July 14, 2004

(Beijing New Pictures Films  / Elite Group (2003) Enterprises Inc.)

The Toronto International Film Festival just announced that Shi Mian Mai Fu / House Of Flying Daggers will have its North American première this September as a Gala Presentation of the festival.

The film will be released in China, including Hong Kong, this Friday, and the rest of East and Southeast Asia later this summer. Sony Pictures Classics has set to release it in North America on December 10.

Click here for the official article by The Toronto International Film Festival. (Spoiler Alert!)

SMMF News 102 - SHI MIAN MAI FU / HOUSE OF FLYING DAGGERS Premiered In Hong Kong (Sina.com)

July 13, 2004

More snapshots from the première: A B

SMMF News 101 - Sony Pictures Classics Set Date For SHI MIAN MAI FU / HOUSE OF FLYING DAGGERS

(Sony Pictures Classics)

July 12, 2004

December 10, 2004 is the date Sony Pictures Classics picked for Shi Mian Mai Fu / House Of Flying Daggers' release in North America and it will be the full length - 119 minutes.

Page by Sony Pictures Classics

SMMF News 100 - SHI MIAN MAI FU / HOUSE OF FLYING DAGGERS Beijing Preview (Sina.com)

July 11, 2004

L to R: Andy Lau, director Zhang Yimou, Takeshi Kaneshiro and Zhang Ziyi.	L to R: Zhang Ziyi, Andy Lau, director Zhang Yimou, Takeshi Kaneshiro and producer William Kong.
(Sina.com)

Shi Mian Mai Fu / House Of Flying Daggers has been previewed last night in Beijing's Worker's Gymnasium. (It is a preview, not a première, because the film itself was not screened).

Photos from the press conference and the grand preview.

Video clips from the preview show:

Zhang Ziyi   Andy Lau   Andy Lau 2  

Zhang Ziyi and Andy Lau introduced outtakes

Making of the film plus a five minute trailer   Kathleen Battle perform the theme song - "Lovers"

Singers not related to the film: S.H.E   Angus Tung   Ah Du   Jeff Chang   Pu Shu   Dao Lang   Kelly Chen Jonathan Li   Han Hong   12 Girls Band

Clips from the news conference: 1 2 3 4 5

SMMF News 099 - SHI MIAN MAI FU / HOUSE OF FLYING DAGGERS' Beijing Preview Today (Various)

July 10, 2004

Première Ad: Shi Mian Mai Fu (WSX / Mandarin Chinese / 1:44) (Thanks to "illifool".)

The première, starting 19:30 Beijing Time, will be broadcasted live here (not free).

July 10, 2004

The real and original Jackie Chan who has been disapproved by the Hollywood.

Trailer: New Police Story

(ASX / Cantonese Chinese with subtitles in Traditional Chinese and English / 2:30)

Official site (preview)

(Thanks to Tlorenzi.)

SMMF News 098 - SHI MIAN MAI FU / HOUSE OF FLYING DAGGERS Stills (Various)

July 9, 2004

July 8, 2004

Click here.

Related Story:

Teaser Trailer To THROWDOWN, A New Film By Jonnie To (ThrowdownMovie.com) June 20, 2004

(Thanks to Shan from Milkyway Image.)

SMMF News 097 - SHI MIAN MAI FU / HOUSE OF FLYING DAGGERS Stills (Sina.com)

July 7, 2004

SMMF News 096 - SHI MIAN MAI FU / HOUSE OF FLYING DAGGERS Stills And Wallpapers (Now.com.hk)

July 6, 2004

(Beijing New Pictures Films  / Elite Group (2003) Enterprises INC. / Now.com.hk)

Character portraits

Wallpapers

(Thanks to Marie M).

July 5, 2004

Character portraits

Wallpapers

(Thanks to Marie M).

SMMF News 095 - SHI MIAN MAI FU / HOUSE OF FLYING DAGGERS Poster And Stills (Sina.com)

July 4, 2004

Click here

SMMF News 094 - SHI MIAN MAI FU / HOUSE OF FLYING DAGGERS Official Site (HouseOfFlyingDaggers.com)

July 3, 2004

More wallpapers are available from the official site. (HouseOfFlyingDaggers.com)

Click here

INITIAL D Initialized, Finally (MonkeyPeaches Exclusive)

July 2, 2004

Jay Chow	Anthony Wong	Anne Suzuki	Director Lau Wai-Keung and director Mak Siu-Fai.
(Huaren / Sina.com)

Production of Initial D, based on the same name Japanese manga series, has begun in Japan. It is a US$ 12 million Hong Kong production with many familiar names from Infernal Affairs trilogy.

More photos:

Jordan Chan (L) and Edison Chen (R)

Shawn Yue

Kenny Bee

Jay Chou, To Man-Chat and the legendary Toyota Trueno 86.

More: A B C D

July 1, 2004

According to Hong Kong paper, director Sam Raimi had asked Dion Lam, the fight choreographer and second unit director of Spider-Man 2, to handle the action of the third installment of the comic adaptation. Dion Lam said Sam Raimi told him the action in the sequel was ten times better than that of the first one. Dion Lam started his career of action director  in Hong Kong in early 1990's. After being involved in the production of over two dozen movies, he went to the States and worked for such projects as The Matrix trilogy, Martial Law, Romeo Must Die and Exit Wounds. After wrapping up Spider-Man 2, Dion Lam was hired as the action director of Chen Kaige's Wu Ji (The Promise) and was substituted by Tung Wai when filming of the project was only half-done. The official word about his departure is that his contract expired but according to a rumor, he and the film's cinematographer Peter Pau had some irresolvable disagreement on the set.

July 1, 2004

It's two minute long

Click here for trailer No. 1

The official site

(Thanks to Marie M).