NEWS ACHIEVES
2001  April May June
Heros - Jet Li Still Not Out (MonkeyPeaches Exclusive)
June 22, 2001
According to director Zhang Yimou's assistant Hu Xiaofeng, Jet Li is not replaced by Chan Jackie. He said, they will not give up on Jet Li no matter how remote the chance is and Jackie Chan's age will prevent him from fitting into the role. Meanwhile, Leung Chiu-Wai (Tony), Maggie Cheung and Zhang Ziyi have already signed on although their roles are yet to be determined. Apparently, there are more than one heroes, Leung Chiu-Wai will play one of them and he will go to Beijing to meet Zhang Yimou by the end of June. Because Zhang Yimou is currently tied up with the final promo film for Beijing's Olympic bid, shooting will start by the end of July instead of the end of June. Two weeks ago, Zhang Yimou has visited the first candidate locations for the film, Jiu Zhai Gou (1) (2), a scenery park located in Sichuan province in the east end of the Tibetan Plateau.
Jackie Chan Replaced Jet Li As Hero (MonkeyPeaches Exclusive)
June 18, 2001
Some new report suggests that Jet Li has turned down Zhang Yimou's offer of playing an assassin in Hero because of low pay. However, this has laid the ground for Jackie Chan's entrance.
Tan Dun Joins Hero (MonkeyPeaches Exclusive)
May 14, 2001
After winning the Oscar for Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, composer Tan Dun has turned down many offers of composing film scores, except for one - Zhang Yimou's upcoming film Hero. Tan said, "film score is only a dessert and music is the main dish. I am on diet recently and dare not to touch dessert. But I will keep doing it."

About Ang Lee's Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, he said, "for this film, he (Ang Lee) mortgaged his own house and even lost six credit cards. I remember when he came to see me, the first a couple of words he said is, 'buddy, no money'. And he only gave me ten days, but I didn't disappoint him." Tan Dun wanted to turn him down, but changed his mind after seeing tears in Ang Lee's eyes. "The background music for the scene of "Zhang Ziyi jumping off the cliff" was done on an airplane. On the recording, Ang Lee asked about the music. I said I hadn't heard it either ? Just like this, I finished the music for the last ninety minutes in two and half days.

Zhang Ziyi Interview: Hero and 2046 (MonkeyPeaches Exclusive)
April 11, 2001
By Shi Yu and Duan Yi Gang

Reporter: First time in a Hollywood Movie, how do you feel?

Zhang Ziyi: The production in Hollywood is very restrict, regulated and has a comprehensive operating system. Hollywood filmmakers work very hard and have professional knowledge and rich experience.

Reporter: Will you be in Zhang Yimou's wuxia (Kung Fu) movie?

Zhang Ziyi: Approximately in July. The leading man has been chosen. It's Jet Li. I really want to work with director Zhang again.

Reporter: When will you play in Wong Kar-Wai's 2046?

Zhang Ziyi: Maybe in September. I will have lots of scenes with Chang Chen from Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.

Reporter: You have played several action movies. Will you ever consider to have a change?

Zhang Ziyi: I plan to make more dramatic and artistic films in the future. Wong Kar-Wai is the director I really want to work with. This time my wish comes true.

The wuxia film being referred is called Hero (previously translated as The Qin Assasination). It has more than $12 million US budget and more than 2,000 extras will be involved. Shooting location will include Xi'an, the old capital during the Qin dynasty, Xinjiang, Tibet and Southern China. Shooting will start in June.

Leung Chiu-Wai has officially confirmed his involvement in the project. Leung said what he is really afraid of is not playing sword but speaking Chinese in Mandarin.