Watanabe cast in Batman

Manga - to - film projects

Ultimate Fighter Tito Ortiz (Cradle 2 the Grave) and Marcus Chong (The Matrix) to costar in "The Crow: Wicked Prayer"

Interview with Fighting Fish's Bao Xian Fei

Jet Li - Rise To Honor to Release Feb 17, 2004

Michelle Yeoh talks about new superhero actioner "Siverhawk"

The Village Voice: Film: Anita Mui, 1963-2003 The Village Voice states Mui will take her final bow in Yimou's "House of Flying Daggers" but does not substantiate that statement. Perhaps they mean that was last thing she was 'involved' with.

According to Wu-jing.org, principal photography has been completed in Donnie Yen helmed "Black Rose 3" (working title) and is sopposedly set for a Lunar New Year release, alongside a graphic novel by comic book artis Li Chi tak which is expected Jan 21. "Black Rose 3" stars pop duo Twins (Gillian Chung and Charlene Choi) as Robin Hood-esque heroines, alongside Ekin Cheng and Teresa Mo.

DVD details for 'Matrix Revolutions" set to release April 6

Buy Jet Li costumes from "The One"

Ecclectic Martial Artsfilms screening in Australia

Complete first seasonof Kung Fu on DVD

Silver Hawk, Anna in Kung Fu Land among coming attractions this month

Optimistic forcast, coproductions in store for Chinese directors

Variety confirms Miramaax April 16 release date for Kill Bill 2

Kill Bill, Last Samurai could be Oscar Best Picture contendors

Filmstew hails Kill Bill: Best, Charlie's Angels: Worst

Uma Thurman announces April 16 release for Kill Bill Vol2

Middle Earth or Middle Kingdom?

Eastday.com profiles the films of Tsui Hark including the release of his new film, "Xanda".

Kill Bill, Last Samurai up for Sound Editing Oscar nod

Last Samurai nominated for Producers Guild of America Award

Rumors that Jackie Chan may be leaving Hollywood

Interview with Andy Kuhn, graphic artist for Young Ancient One

News Bit: Singer Jay Chou has beed recruited for a part in Tsui Hark's "Initial D", an adaption of the popular manga, in which he will play Takumi Fujiware opposite Edison Chen's Ryosuke Takahashi.

Welcome to The Nation: "In fact next year, Chou will make his big-screen debut in “Initial D”, adapted from the Japanese manga of the same name, which is highly popular in Hong Kong and Japan.
He will play the male lead, Takumi Fujiwara. Edison Chen takes the part of his opponent, Ryosuke Takahashi. The film will be directed by Tsui Hark. And Chou will be getting a cool HK$4 million (Bt20.4 million) as a fee."

A Tribute to Bruce Lee

Friends mourn Anita Mui's passing Many sources have speculated whether director Zhang Yimou, who was to direct Mui in his upcoming film "Shi Mian Mai Fu", will recast the part or simply cut it out of the movie. Mui was cast as the older sister to Zhang Ziyi's character in 'Shi Mian' which also stars Andy Lau and Takeshi Kaneshiro. The cast and crew have commenced filming in the Ukraine and are expected to resume filming in Youngchuan, China this month.

Kill Bill Vol. 2 Pictures (Uma Thurman) Empire Movies

Sumo East and West documentary about several athletes road to the title of Yokozuna in Japanese sumo wrestling. This film premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival May 2003 and is expected to have limited release in 2004.

Chuck Norris DVD The Warrior Within Hits Major Retailers.

Ekin Cheng of "Anna in Kung fu Land" talks about girls kicking butt in movies

The dangerous business of action stunt men

Interview with Miriam Yeung of "Anna in Kung Fu Land"

Ars Technica: Everybody was Kung-Fu fighting

Coming Soon! - Latest NewsNatalie Portman told People Magazine that she is considering doing a reprise of her role in "Leon" or "The Professional", now rumored to have Jet Li standing in rather than French actor Jean Reno who starred in the original. Li has not been confirmed for the role, however if Portman is reprising her role, the film is likely to be more of a sequel than a remake.

MonkeyPeaches MonkeyPeaches reports that Guang Dong Face is releasing the extended version of "Hero", available in Mainland China to customers who purchase a specific brand of DVD players.

Tibetan Mandala Pendant JL2H has posted a link to a vendor who makes pendants similar to those worn by Jet Li in "The One". The pendant seperates into two and is engraved with symbolic designs originating in Tibetan buddhism.

DMX in Talks to Co-star in Stanley Tong Hong Kong cop actioner'Past Tense'

Tsui Hark Press Conference for Xanda Tsui Hark was in Guangzhou this week promoting his film Xanda, set to release in China Jan 1, and also disclosed that his next project "Initial D" will begin filming in March of next year, while his six-film series "Seven Swords of Mt Tian" will begin shortly thereafter.

Pictures, Tsui Hark at press conference

12:21 AM


   Thursday, December 18, 2003  

Teaser Up for New Police Story on Official Website Set to release Summer 2004, "New Police Story" stars Jackie Chan, Nicholas Tse, Charlie Young, Charlene Choi, Daniel Wu, and Wang Chieh.

   posted by zi_long at 12:23 PM  

Jet Li, Luc Besson to Remake "Leon"? (unconfirmed rumor)

   posted by zi_long at 12:08 PM  

Amazon.com taking preorders for Jet Li: Rise to Honor, releasing Feb 17

   posted by zi_long at 12:03 PM  

Slashdot | Miramax C&Ds Kung Fu Movie Reviewer

(support is growing :)

   posted by zi_long at 3:13 AM  

ScreenDaily Review of "Warriors of Heavan and Earth"

   posted by zi_long at 3:03 AM  

Miramax - 'Shame on you!'

   posted by zi_long at 3:00 AM  

PC Games: Blade & Sword Goes Gold Interactive RPG blending ancient Chinese magic and kung fu combat. (Im assuming RPG stands for Role Playing Game, but there werent very many details)

   posted by zi_long at 2:42 AM


   Sunday, December 14, 2003  

Poster for "Fighting Fish" said to be the Netherlands first martial arts film is posted on the movie's office website. The film is set to release in the Netherlands Jan 22, 2004.

   posted by zi_long at 10:03 PM  

Miramax Hates Asian Films CHUD.com puts in their two cents about Miramaxes seasons greetings in the forms of cease and desist orders to popular websites linking to DVD vendors selling their "Hero" and "Shaolin Soccer".

   posted by zi_long at 9:12 PM  

Anna In Kungfu-land Two trailers are up on the official website for this kung fu comedy starring Ekin Cheng and Miriam Yeung. The film from Universe Entertainment is expected to release for Christmas in Hong Kong.

   posted by zi_long at 10:38 AM  

MonkeyPeaches: Director Chen Kaige will be casting Liu Ye and pop idol Nicholas Tse in his upcoming historical epic "The Promise." Hiroyuki Sanada, recently scene in "The Last Samurai", will be cast as well, with Yuji Oda, Tadanobu, and Korean actor Jang Dong-Kun. As previously reported, Dion Lam is also attached as action choreographer and filming is expected to begin in February.

   posted by zi_long at 10:13 AM  

Golden Horse Awards The 50th Golden Horse Awards were held in Taipai on Saturday, with "Twins Effect" taking home the awards for Best Visual Effect (Eddy Wong) and Best Action Choreography (Donnie Yen).

   posted by zi_long at 9:59 AM  

Photo- Jackie Chan on the Set of New Police Story

   posted by zi_long at 9:43 AM


   Thursday, December 11, 2003  

A Tribute to Bruce Lee

   posted by zi_long at 12:08 PM


   Wednesday, December 10, 2003  

Zatoichi to be Screened at 2004 Sundance Film Festival

Last Samurai #2 Movie of the Year

   posted by zi_long at 9:11 PM


   Tuesday, December 09, 2003  

Kill Bill's Sofie Fatale - Julie Dreyfus Interview

   posted by zi_long at 1:13 PM  

Mullets and Martial Arts? I believe the title speaks for itself. "Road House: The Stage Version Of The Cinema Classic That Starred Patrick Swayze, Except This One Stars Taimak From The 80's Cult Classic 'The Last Dragon' Wearing a Blonde Mullet Wig"

(Mark, this might be a good "Wah!" Item)

   posted by zi_long at 12:50 PM


   Monday, December 08, 2003  

According to JL2H French Magazine "Studio" has Film Clip of "danny the dog"

   posted by zi_long at 8:21 PM  

Last Samurai has Adequate Opening Weekend

   posted by zi_long at 8:19 PM


   Sunday, December 07, 2003  

Jet Li among Hollywood Leaders Influincing Video Games

   posted by zi_long at 1:51 AM  

Star Runner Special Edition
Cinemasie Reviews Star Runner

   posted by zi_long at 1:25 AM  

Spike Magazine
Spike Magazine article on Sir Run Run Shaw )Acrobat Required

   posted by zi_long at 1:21 AM  

AsianWeek.com: Asian Week Deems "Last Samurai" a Wannabe

   posted by zi_long at 12:16 AM


   Saturday, December 06, 2003  

Hollywood Following Sword Trend

   posted by zi_long at 10:56 PM  

The Seattle Times: Arts & Entertainment: Despite rich lore, martial-arts possibilities, few China-themed videogames are engaging

   posted by zi_long at 10:50 PM


   Friday, October 31, 2003  

http://www1.chinadaily.com.cn/en/doc/2003-10/28/content_276057.htm
chinese film trends


http://straitstimes.asia1.com.sg/life/story/0,4386,217576,00.html
ong bak


Highlander: The Source: Brit screenwriter Peter Briggs ("Alien vs Predator", "Hellboy") has recently completed 2 drafts of "Highlander 5: The Source" for Miramax and producers Peter Davis and Bill Panzer. Briggs replaced "Highlander: Endgame" writer Joel Soisson
darkhorizons.com

http://www.lightsoutentertainment.com/news/news.php?id=1958
teaser posters of Kill Bill 2

http://www.bauermartinezstudios.com/current_projects/wake_of_death.html
new van damme

Matrix Opens Nov 5 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
clips of Matrix revoluitons
http://movies.yahoo.com/shop?d=hv&id=1808402448&cf=trailer

http://www.aintitcool.com/display.cgi?id=16253
prequel to kill bill?

According to Beijing based paper Youth Times, filming of Kung Fu / Kung Fu Hustle has officially ended tonight in Shanghai. There was nothing special about it, except a dinner and a bottle of champagne. Written and directed by Stephen Chow, Kung Fu is co-produced by Beijing Based HTF and Columbia Pictures' Asian branch. Stephen Chow's manager has promised a news conference for the film in the future though no specific date has been given. The production has been following a no-contact policy against the media ever since the shooting started this summer.

monkeypeaches

   posted by zi_long at 5:10 PM


   Saturday, October 25, 2003  

http://www.bucyrustelegraphforum.com/news/stories/20031010/localnews/429056.html
Hollywood films influenced by Chinese style

http://www.empireonline.co.uk/reviews/review.asp?id=9451
Kung Phooey, limited release in America San Francisco International Asian American Film Festival, WorldFest Houston)
UK oct 24
http://www.news.scotsman.com/features.cfm?id=1167492003
A young Kung Fu disciple searches San Francisco for an ancient peach

Starring: Michael Chow Man-Kin, Joyce Thi Brew, Colman Domingo, Darryl Fong

Director: Darryl Fong

Screen Writer: Darryl Fong

Details: 87 mins Cert 12A



Sometimes you can guess the quality of a spoof simply from its character names. That Kung Phooey! features Sue Shee, Lo Fat and priests from the Shur-Li Temple does not bode well. But there is merit in this low-budget comedy, especially when the young Chinese-American cast and crew ridicule the stereotypes that are clearly close to home when they’re working on other movies.

One clever gag has various bad guys line up at a ticket dispenser to get a number before attacking the lead, as villains in a martial arts flick always fight one after the other.

Elsewhere, however, the rice paper-thin story of a young disciple searching San Francisco for an ancient peach is undermined by excruciating puns, sad sight gags and Xeroxed copies of original scenes, as if recognition alone were a form of humour.




http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/entertainment/view/53486/1/.html

Tony Ja of Ong Bak, opened last week in Asia


http://www1.chinadaily.com.cn/en/doc/2003-10/24/content_275051.htm

He Ping's Warrioris of Heavan and Earth


Directed by Stanley Tong, Jackie Chan’s movie Time Breaker will soon start shooting. Investing around 40 million US$, this movie will be the largest invested movie in China, breaking Hero’s record.
The script of this love action movie is made especially for Jackie Chan and in the movie he will play two characters that are in two periods of history. Also, because the other main character will be a Korean, they plan to look for a Korean actress to fill the role.
kfccinema.com


http://www.hkflix.com/coupons/hkflix_03-10-10/
kill bill study guide


Hawaii International Film Festival will feature more than 164 films from 34 countries.

Featuring the latest works of high profile Asian filmmakers such as Tsai Ming Liang's latest, GOODBYE DRAGON INN; Yoji Yamada's TWILIGHT SAMURAI; Takashi Miike's yakuza horror show GOZU; and Jang Jung-hwan's award-winning SAVE THE GREEN PLANET. HIFF will screen over 100 film programs, including a special screening of THE ROAD WARRIOR with cinematographer Dean Semler, recipient of this year's Kodak Excellence in Cinematography Award!

Join us as LOUIS VUITTON HAWAII presents the 23rd Hawaii
International Film Festival, from October 30 through November 9, 2003!

Official Web Site: http://www.hiff.org/

Traces of the Dragon
Hong Kong, 2003, 35mm, 96 min., Mandarin/Cantonese w/Eng. subtitles
Director: Mabel Cheung
This fascinating documentary recounts superstar Jackie Chan’s rise from chef's son to international celebrity. But the real surprise is the unknown story of Jackie’s parents who make their way through the tumultuous history of China.

DC9 -- Dole Cannery 9, Sun, Nov 2 3:30 PM
DC7 -- Dole Cannery 7, Fri, Nov 7 3:30 PM



Thai Boxing: A Fighting Chance
United States, 2002, Beta SP, 50 min., English w/Eng. subtitles/Thai
Director: Susanne Cornwall Carvin
THAI BOXING: A FIGHTING CHANCE examines this intriguing sport, derived from the training methods of ancient Thai warriors, through three up and coming Muay Thai boxers: a Thai housewife, a 13 year old Thai boxer and a Harvard graduate from America.

DC1 -- Dole Cannery 1, Sun, Nov 2 12:00 PM

-kkfcinema.

Chinese director Huang Jiangzhong said he would do Wu Seng (literal title: Martial Monk) fall next year, according to Beijing Times. He said it would be "China's The Lord Of The Rings". The story is "several American and Chinese young men from the 21st Century searching for the 'Sacred Bull" left by master Damo and the 'Sacred Bull' is related to a Chinese martial monk in the 18th Century." Damo was a 6th Century Buddhist monk, who traveled from India to China and spent his final years at the Shaolin Monetary. According the legend, Damo is the creator of Shaolin martial-art. Huang said an "American friend" watched watched a clip of Xiao Ao Jiang Hu, a martial-art TV series he directed, and said he liked the way it was made and asked Huang to do Wu Seng. Xiao Ao Jiang Hu is the only martial-art piece Huang made and has harshly criticized by fans of the original novel it was based on but reviews from non-fans of the novel are more positive.
monkeyepeaches

Hong Kong paper Sing Pao just posted a photo of Andy Lau practicing blade skill under direction from a real martial art master. He has been training for his role for several months. The everyday training usually started with the master stretching his waist and legs until he cried out. At Hong Kong Internal Airport, Andy Lau told local reporters he would only be involved in one fight scene this time, but would be a very tough battle. Andy Lau has already arrived in Ukraine to join Zhang ZIyi and Jin Chengwu / Takeshi Kaneshiro. For the trip, he brought along night pieces of luggage, two cases of foods and herbal medicines, lots of clothes, plus barbecue pork and goose give by the fans.

andy lau in shi mian mai fu

   posted by zi_long at 9:58 PM


   Friday, October 17, 2003  

http://www.darkhorizons.com/news03/parishel.jpg
troy

trailers matrix
http://movies.yahoo.com/shop?d=hp&cf=prev&id=1808405088


release dates
http://www.variety.com/index.asp?layout=story&articleid=VR1117894141&categoryid=1082&query=hero&display=hero&cs=1

Shaolin Soccer March 26 4th qtr.
I'm Not Scared April 9
Hero April 16
Valentin May 7 2nd qtr.
Zatoichi June 4
Best of Youth July 2
Internal Affairs Aug. 20



Arclight acquires 'Police' story
World Brief

By DON GROVES


World News Around This Date

Sportsfive takes over Kirch's ISPR
10/13/03 3:57pm

EMI's Van Hoff adds Teuton duties
10/13/03 3:56pm

'Lily' wins grand prize at Warsaw
10/13/03 3:52pm

Kari's 'Albino' sweeps Edda nods
10/13/03 3:44pm

Scribes support Oz trade proposal
10/13/03 2:41pm

RAI Cinema inks WB, Par pacts
10/13/03 2:38pm

Mipcom discovers a new energy
10/13/03 2:31pm

Televisa pact ups writers' royalities
10/13/03 1:53pm

Ramsden ankles as Sky One topper
10/13/03 1:51pm

MGM in VOD Teuton deal
10/13/03 1:48pm

'Elling' prequel tops Norway
10/13/03 1:44pm

Even more content
10/13/03 1:40pm

Current news....



Arclight Films has nabbed worldwide sales rights excluding Asia to a cop thriller tentatively titled "New Police Story," the maiden production from Jackie Chan and Hong Kong entrepreneur Albert Yeung's JCE banner.
Targeted for release next summer, Hong Kong-lensed pic will reunite Chan with director Benny Chan for the first time since they collaborated on "Who Am I?" in 1998.

Yeung's Emperor Multimedia Group will handle sales in Asia, including Japan. Pic will be produced by JCE's Willie Chan and Solon So. Cast includes Nicholas Tse, Daniel Wu, Charlene Choi and Charlie Yeung.

http://www.variety.com/index.asp?layout=story&articleid=VR1117893904&categoryid=19&query=chan&display=chan&cs=1

   posted by zi_long at 6:58 PM


   Thursday, October 02, 2003  

to Chengdu Daily, the crew has started building the set on location in Youngchuan, near Chongqing city of southwestern China. The set will be built at the Tea Mountain and Bamboo Sea Scenery Park and construction of the huge set will last about one month. After wrapping up in Ukraine, production will be moved to Beijing and then Yongchuan in November. Also according to the paper, Zhang Yimou has scraped the plan of shooting at Hengdian Film and TV City, where Hero was shot.
tour.cqcnc.com,
monkeyepeaches.com
According to Hong Kong paper Oriental Daily, Quentin Tarantino is thinking about doing a remake of The 36th Chamber of Shaolin, one of his favorite Shaw Brothers' classics. He even hired its leading man Liu Chia-Hui to play two characters in Kill Bill Vol.1/2 - Chinese kung-fu Master Pai Mei (White Eyebrows) and the head of Japanese yakuza "Crazy 88" fighter. According to the paper, Shaw Brothers has asked Quentin to do the remake and he has agreed. But it would not be possible until 2006 according to his schedule. In an interview Quentin did over a year ago in Beijing, he said he would like to do a Chinese kung-fu film. He said, "I have that thought all the time, but not this one (Kill Bill). I think I will make one in the future. Certainly will be shot in China but in American way and with Chinese American as the leads. That’s because it’s impossible to blend Hong Kong actors and (mainland) Chinese actors into the whole movie. Chinese Americans are still Americans. By this way, all characters will speak the same language with the same accent. I want to shoot something of my own."

   posted by zi_long at 4:37 PM


   Wednesday, October 01, 2003  

Official site for the Returner
http://www.sonypictures.com/movies/returner/index.html

newphotos posted @ europacorp of danny the dog



According to various reports, production of Shen Bing (Divine Weapons / English title: The Sword Searchers), halted due to the SARS outbreak, will start next April. Based on comic series Shen Bing Qi Xuan, by Hong Kong comic artist Wong Yuk-Long and his King Comics, it follows a story of a young man searching for the sword which can stop the power unleashed by an evil weapon. Nicolas Tse will play the young man and veteran Chinese actress Liu Xiaoqing will take a cameo role of the young man's mother. According to the film's producer Wong Pak-Ming, actors including Jackie Chan, from many countries, are interested in joining the project. Director Ching Siu-Tung has been scouting locations in Qinhai Province of northern part of Tibetan Plateau.

   posted by zi_long at 5:08 PM


   Friday, September 26, 2003  

http://www.time.com/time/asia/magazine/printout/0,13675,501030915-483348,00.html
zatohic


Behind the scenes clips of Revolutions
http://filmforce.ign.com/matrix/articles/451/451850p1.html


According to Sina.com, action direct Ching Siu-Tung has suffered from a stabbing wound on location in Ukraine. The accident happened when Ching was directing an action sequence and his left cheek was accidentally stabbing by a sword held by Takeshi Kaneshiro, who is less experienced on handling actions. Ching was sent to a clinic in Lviv and was treated with six stitches. During an earlier accident, Zhang Ziyi's eyebrows got swollen.



http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1101030929-488846-1,00.html

trailer matrix
http://whatisthematrix.warnerbros.com/rv_cmp/revolutions_trailers.html


monkeypeaches
According to China's Tianjin Daily, Zhang Yimou's second martial-art film Shi Mian Mai Fu is currently under production in Lviv of western Ukraine. The mountains outside the town are used to double China. The same location has been featured in Jackie Chan's First Strike during the snowy mountain chasing scene. According to the paper, Zhang Yimou chose to shoot there because "the scenery is beautiful, (the location) is closer to China (closer than the US, New Zealand, Australia, etc.), and the production cost is low (lower than filming in China). However, the tradeoff is the living condition. The mountain hotel they are staying at is constantly running out of power and hot water. Taking cold shower is something everyone has to accept. Feeding an army of over a hundred is quite challenging and quality of everyday meals are just minimum. Everyone, including the big name stars, have to eat whatever available. Takeshi Kaneshiro has stopped calling for delivery because there is no delivery. His notebook computer is the only thing he can use to log onto the net, but the connection is frequently down. Even though, the crew are in good spirit. Action director Ching Siu-Tung had positive words on Zhang Ziyi's handling of wire and other action sequences. Jin Chengwu (Takeshi Kaneshiro) has also received a full month sword training prior the shooting. Andy Lau and Anita Mui will join the the production in Beijing following the wrapping up in Ukraine by the end of the year.

According to Hong Kong media, actress Yeung Choi-Nei (Charlie) has been cast to play Jackie Chan's girlfriend in New Police Story. Director Benny Chan said final list the cast would be revealed during a news conference in Hong Kong September 25. This will be Yeung's first big screen performance since 1997. Maggie Cheung, who played Jackie Chan's girlfriend in the first three episodes of the series, has declined showing up for the fourth time. New Police Story would be the first production by JCE (Jackie Chan Emperor), a joint-venture between Jackie Chan and Hong Kong's Emperor Multimedia Group. Shooting will start soon in Hong Kong and "other places".

http://slate.msn.com/id/2088322
quentin tarantino articla

   posted by zi_long at 4:44 PM


   Saturday, September 20, 2003  

http://filmforce.ign.com/killbill/articles/437/437724p1.html
photos, preview of kill bill

http://filmforce.ign.com/killbill/articles/450/450181p1.html
kill bill


KILL BILL is the only movie (make that two movies) you need to see this year. In a candid interview, the PULP FICTION director tells you why

Thursday, September 18, 2003


It’s the most expensive exploitation movie ever made. The script took a year and a half to write. Lensing the movie extended for 50 weeks. And there are only a handful of digital effects shots in it.

The movie is KILL BILL and it’s writer-director Quentin Tarantino’s long-awaited return to the big screen. Whereas audiences knew what to expect with the summer’s big guns – HULK, TERMINATOR 3: RISE OF THE MACHINES, MATRIX RELOADED and so on – KILL BILL is likely to slay moviegoers by sheer virtue of underexposure.

“I have to tell you, a lot of people know about KILL BILL and know it’s coming out,” Tarantino says. “The only thing they’ve seen is that trailer, but we put that trailer together while we were shooting the movie. There’s nothing from the second half. It’s mostly from the first half because that’s all we had done. I’m not trying to get high on my own vapors, but people don’t know what they’re going to get into.”

cinescape.com


http://actionadventure.about.com/cs/weeklystories/a/aa082303.htm
what jacki chan is up to

http://www.variety.com/index.asp?layout=story&articleid=VR1117892450&categoryid=1625&query=martial&display=martial+&cs=1
warriors of heaven and earth


wu ming action figure
http://store.yahoo.com/artoftoy/zhanyimherje.html

best fight scene
http://www.jetli.com/gfn/countries/uk/

dacascos.com

Mark Dacascos is currently in Kazakhstan, working on the new motion picture, "The Nomad." He is co-starring alongside Jay Hernandez and Jason Scott Lee. The film is directed by Ivan Passer, written and produced by Rustam Ibragimbekov, and also produced by Milos Forman, Ram Bergman, and Pavel Douvidzon. Filming starts this month and is expected to finish up in December. Check back for further details.

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr/film/brief_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1962168
Aug. 25, 2003

Pair lead charge into 'Nomad'

Jason Scott Lee and Jay Hernandez are set to topline the indie historical epic "The Nomad," which is being executive produced by Milos Forman and Ram Bergman. Ivan Passer (HBO's "Stalin") will direct the film from a script by Rustam Ibragimbekov. "Nomad" is set in 18th-century Kazakhstan and tells the story of a boy who is destined to one day unite the three warring tribes of the country. Lee will star as a veteran soldier and master of martial arts who spends his life raising and teaching the destined leader Mansur to lead the Kazakhs to victory and independence. (Chris Gardner)
Jason Scott Lee and Jay Hernandez will star in the historical epic “The Nomad”, an 18th century-set story of a boy who is destined to one day unite the three warring tribes of the country.

http://kzrumors.rampancy.net/
Hollywood Comes To The Kazakh Steppe
truenewstranger than fiction
Myrkhymbay30/08/2003 - 03:25 Having been rebuffed in their attempt to place a center for Kazakh culture next to the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C, the powers that be got busy trying to find a new way to interject awareness of Kazakhstan into world popular culture. The latest brainstorm? Why, a Hollywood film, of course.

The film, to be titled The Nomad, is eschewing actors of regional or Russian descent, giving roles to actors of Latin or Chinese descent, including Jay Hernandez and Kuno Becker, as well as American-born Ron Yuan and Jason Scott Lee, perhaps best known for his turn as (no relation) Bruce Lee in Bruce Lee: The Dragon Story. Recently Lee's taken to doing a passel of sequels, working on Dracula 2, TimeCop 2, and Dracula 3; but he did voice David in Disney's Lilo and Stitch, and played Mowgli in the live-action version of The Jungle Book, so by the time The Nomad comes out maybe the kids will have remembered him.

The film focuses on a boy, Mansur, in 18th century Kazakhstan who is destined to unite three warring tribes. Lee portrays the martial arts instructor who teaches the boy. Hernandez will play a warrior who is intent on proving himself as the best fighter and the one to lead the Kazakhs.

The government of Kazakhstan is said to be contributing about a million and a half dollars to the production, the cost of which is estimated at between 15 and 30 million in total, depending on where you read it.

The source material was written by Rustam Ibragimbekov, best known (in the West anyway) as the writer for East-West, Barber of Siberia and Burnt by the Sun. Ibragimbekov will also produce.

Ivan Passer (Stalin) will direct and heavy hitter Milos Forman (Valmont, Amadeus) will executive produce along with Ram Bergman.

The project hasn't always sailed smoothly, however. In the summer of 2002, when the estimated cost of the project was 15 million, the Kazakhstani parliament, unhappy with the script, asked if a new one could be found. It's not known if the current shooting script is the original by Ibragimbekov or a rewrite.

Former Prime Minister Imangali Tasmagambetov met with the writers and producers last November, saying that the film "must open the essence of a nomad image, make him bright and familiar, and show how our legendary forefathers-nomads lived." It's not difficult to see the entire production as a PR move to burnish Kazakhstan's image at a time when some who figure prominently in the country's post-independence history are under investigation for bribery.

But in any case, principal photography should have begun already or will soon; various sources cited August or September of 2003 as a start date, and the crew has already been spotted at the usual watering holes in Almaty.

   posted by zi_long at 11:07 AM  

Kung fu News 9/20

monkeypeaches
According to Hong Kong paper Oriental Daily, Diane Lane will join Chow Yun-Fat in Sophie And The Rising Sun, based on the same name novel by Augusta Trobaugh. The tale focuses on the romance between a small town spinster Sophie and her Japanese gardener Oto before and after Pearl Harbor attack. The project, tailored as a vehicle for Chow Yun-Fat, has been in development for at least two years. According to an article by Variety from 2001, the film would be made by Pandora Films. It was developed and penned by Robert Harling, and produced by Wendy Finerman. Also according to Oriental Daily, Chow Yun-Fat has turned down the offer of playing General Li in Michelle Yoeh's Hua Mulan.

Shi mian mai fu
monkey peaches
First of all, the title - Shi means "ten", Mian means "direction(s)" and Mai Fu means "ambush". Together, it means "ambush from ten directions." There is a story behind the phrase. In 206 A.D., the mighty Qin Dynasty created by the First Emperor (the king in Hero) fell. Two warlords, Liu Bang and Xiang Yu were set to settle who would be the new ruler of China. After four years' bloodshed, Xiang Yu and his troops were encircled by Liu Bang at Gaixia. Facing enemies from ten directions, Xiang Yu lost hope of escaping and committed suicide. Liu Bang later became the first emperor of Han Dynasty. A music piece titled Shi Mian Mai Fu and with the subject of the battle, was composed by an anonymous musician during 16th Century or earlier. It is usually performed by pipa, a traditional Chinese stringed instrument. In the movie, Zhang Ziyi plays a blind entertainer. Her character might be a pipaist or a dancer. The title may also imply the film has a suspense story.

An emergency meeting among director Zhang Yimou, producer Zhang Weiping and producer William (Bill) Kong was held and the agreement reached during the meeting is that Anita Mui will not be replaced and her scenes will remain unchanged, Zhang Weiping told Beijing Youth yesterday. He has also confirmed Anita Mui had never been part of the filming now under way in Ukraine. She will only go to locations in Beijing and Sichuan Province in November. Zhang Weiping and Willim Kong produced Zhang Yimou's first martial-art film Hero. William Kong is also one of the producers of Ang Lee's Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.

Wujing
-- The Return of Charlie Yeung --

Charlie Yeung is returning to movie industry and has agreed to appear in Tsui Hark's Initial D as well as Seven Swords of Mt Tian for no more than HK$ 1.2 million for both works. She used to command HK$ 0.8 to 0.9 million per film at the heights of her career. Initial D will be shot first and location scouting in China and Japan is already underway. When contacted, a representative from Film Workshop declined comment, saying that everything would be announced at the appropriate time. Jiangan City Daily



Various movie-makers have has expressed keen interest in working with Charlie Yeung as she prepares to make her comeback. Charlie Yeung hopes that she will not serve as a mere decorative ornament in her new movies. She would like have the chance to develop and demonstrate her acting skills. Jackie Chan is collaborating with Emperor Multimedia Group on New Police Story, to be shot with a budget of HK$ 80 million. As Maggie Cheung is in the midst of shooting Wong Kar Wai's 2046, she won't star in the movie. Thus, director Benny Chan has the script amended from Jackie Chan's wife to girlfriend. Charlie Yeung has been offered New Police Story's leading female role as Jackie Chan's girlfriend for HK$ 1.6 million. In addition, there would scenes in the movie showing the actress' inner feelings. Charlie Yeung's manager explained that they were in talks about the role but nothing was settled yet. Jackie Chan's company said that the outcome would be announced on 25 September. Takung Po, Nanfang City Daily

36th Chamber of Southern Shaolin --
Shooting of 36th Chamber of Southern Shaolin has been pushed back to October (tentatively on 4 October). The crew has already arrived at Hengdian to do preparation works. Currently, Wu Jing is quietly in production of an unannounced project and is expected to join 36th Chamber of Southern Shaolin in October. Hengdian Orient Hollywood


photos
anna and shaolin, comedy
http://dailynews.dayoo.com/content/2003-09/07/content_1212923.htm

A press conference for action comedy Anna and Shaolin (tentative English title) was held on 5 September at Shenzhen's Bao-an Sports Stadium. Miriam Yeung plays a fighter from Japan who has bags of tricks and warped thinking up her sleeve, and represents her father in Pugilistic Supremacy Meet, an event sponsored by a fast-talking, unscrupulous salesman Ekin Cheng to boost sales of the health drink he is selling. This is the first time Miriam Yeung is involved in a heavyweight action movie, and she followed a very strict regimen under action director Tung Wai to prepare herself for the role. Miriam Yeung, pointing at the three words Divine Dragon Fist emblazoned on her warrior uniform, said, "This is the name of the style I use to fight with the various kungfu experts. I have never learned Tae Kwan Do. This is the first time I am playing a fighter, and also the first time I bash men. I have never hit any man before." She has been very careful and has never been injured so far. But her body has been aching all over. The cast includes Japanese martial arts master Yasuaki Kurata and ex-Shaw Brothers film star Lo Meng. Anna and Shaolin is tentatively set for this Christmas/New Year release.



Studio: Universe Entertainment Producer: Chan Hing-Ka

Screenplay: Chan Hing-Ka, Lam Shuk Yin Director: Raymond Yip Wai-Man
Martial Arts Director: Tung Wei
Cast: Miriam Yeung, Ekin Cheng, Yasuaki Kurata, Lo Meng, Denise Ho Wan-See, Wong You-Nam, Hui Siu-Hung



Plot:
Ah Jian is a sales executive who faces retrenchment during the economic downturn. His only chance of retaining his job is through a health drink Yibaojian. After racking his brains, he decides to promote this brand of health drink by sponsoring the Pugilistic Supremacy Meet. His client accepts the deal and agrees to fork out HK$200 million, out of which a cash reward of HK$50 million goes to the winner.



As Ah Jian starts to organise the meet, he is met with skepticism from various sects. As all kungfu originates from Shaolin Temple, Ah Jian believes that as long as Shaolin participates, the rest of the sects will follow suit. He goes to Shaolin Temple, but the abbot, Zhi Kong, is unwilling to attend. So Ah Jian persuades two little monks Shi Xuwei and Shi Xuhuai to go Hong Kong with him. With Shaolin's participation, all other sects immediately join in, and the response is overwhelming. A studio from Hollywood even sends its staff here to scout for new kungfu stars. Even the air, sea and land military forces from America hope the winner would be their coach. And now, the Pugilistic Supremacy Meet become the focal point of the world.



The ambitious Ah Jian, in order to heighten the drama of the meet, journeys to Japan to invite Arhat Kungfu Centre's founder. Arhat was a Shaolin Monk who left for Japan and got married and settled down there. He set up a martial arts centre in the name of Shaolin, but Shaolin refuses to acknowledge it. Ah Jian convinces Arhat to who send his daughter Anna to the meet to gain back his pride. Anna is a modern girl who cares nothing about glory, but on hearing the chance of becoming a Hollywood action star, she changes her tune. At the meet are representatives from various martial arts sect, including The Way of Tyrannical Fist from USA. The Way of Tyrannical Fist is a set of internal and external martial arts, invented by an an American university based on scientific formulae, that pushes one's physical abilities to the extremes... Yangcheng Evening News, Anhui News | Photos: Dayoo Daily


Bai Ling interview
http://romanticmovies.about.com/cs/theworldoftomorrow/a/bailingstarwar3_p.htm

New pics of kill bill
http://www.aintitcoolnews.com/display.cgi?id=16140

   posted by zi_long at 10:21 AM


   Friday, September 12, 2003  

http://www.indiewire.com/onthescene/onthescene_030908vff.html
zatoichi

http://straitstimes.asia1.com.sg/moviemania/news/0,3946,IndexMovieManiaNews,00.html?
Takeshi Kaneshiro

wu-jing

-- Kung Fu Girls --

Kung Fu Girls opens in Guangzhou on 11 September. It will be released in Hong Kong and Taiwan in November. Shot in Suzhou and Taiwan, it was directed by Wang Ming Ya and stars Anita Yuen, Chen Kun, Lin Yi Cheng, Huang Xiang-Yi, An Yi-Xuan, Sun Li-Ting. Kung Fu Girls is about four girls, who under their record company's arrangement, receive training in Karate, singing and dancing. However, mishaps happen at the press conference. So, off they go to Mt Wutai for stricter training. Unfortunately, the group is disbanded on returning and they return to their normal lives, and a series of events is sparked off among each of them. Anita Yuen plays the manager of the the four girls and Chen Kun their coach. Guangzhou Daily, Nangfang City Daily
http://www.g-film.com/hb/hqhbshow.asp?id=1650




Kungfu Hustle --

Yuen Wo Ping arrived in Shanghai to join the production of Kung Fu Hustle in late August, substituting Sammo Hung, who tendered his resignation in early August. Apart from that, Kungfu Hustle is also aided by two pugilists, Bruce Leung Siu Lung and Yuen Wah, who play important parts in the action comedy. Shooting of action scenes was shelved after Sammo Hung left and will be resumed this month. The first thing Yuen Wo Ping did on arriving at the set was to understand the situation, and make some amendments to the martial arts scenes. Yuen Wo Ping is reportedly even more demanding and the manner he works on the choreography is somewhat different from Sammo Hung. Shanghai Afternoon Post



Photos: Sohu






Hua Mulan & The Adventurer: French director Christophe Gans has spent the last few months developing the Bob Morane comic adaptation "The Adventurer" with Vincent Cassel in the lead. However last week it was confirmed that the project has been cancelled, and so many are now asking what's next. 'Grozilla' spoke to the man himself and asked the exact same question - "He answered that among the many projects he's slated to do, he's in close contact with Miramax to replace Peter Pau at the helm of 'Hua Mulan' - the live version of the story told in the 1998 Disney cartoon feature. He adds that if Chow Yun Fat is still on board, Michelle Yeoh will very probably be soon off this project". In regards to the 'Adventurer' project, it seems the film's canning "is collateral damage of the new rules edicted by Canal Plus. The company has withdrawn funding from many projects recently, including films under the 'Eskwad' label which separated and is now its own entity (and thus can't afford a major project like this)". Thanks also to 'Antoine'.
http://www.darkhorizons.com/news.htm


http://www.variety.com/index.asp?layout=story&articleid=VR1117892290&categoryid=19&query=zhang+and+yimou&display=zhang+yimou&cs=1
uShi Mian Mai Fi

http://www.vengeancemagazine.co.uk/

http://movies.yahoo.com/shop?d=hv&id=1808404742&cf=trailer
full trailer for kill bill

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/getarticle.pl5?fq20030912n1.htm
thai version of seven samurai

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/getarticle.pl5?ff20030903a1.htm
behind filming of the last samurai

Running on Karma
andy lau, Cecilia cheung. directed by Johny To and wai Ka-Fei
http://www.g-film.com/hb/dkdydzh.jpg
poster

Shenyang Today, updated on Shi Mian Mai Fu
Gan Lu, documenting filming

"The crew of Shi Mian Mai Fu is a large army with over a hundred members. We will stay there for three months. Most scenes will be shot at the "scenery zone". Everyone will reside in the mountain. Shooting will begin by noon tomorrow and all key figures have arrived." This is what producer Zhang Weiping told Shenyang Today yesterday from Ukraine over the phone. Besides director Zhang Yimou, action director Ching Siu-Tung and costume designer Emi Wada have also arrived in Ukraine. He confirmed Zhang Ziyi, Andy Lau, Jin Chengwu / Takeshi Kaneshiro and Anita Mui would all come. However, Anita Mui's cancer has added a certain degree of uncertainty to her appearance. Zhang Weiping said Ukraine was picked because sceneries in China had all been used by Zhang Yimou and the Ukrainian wilderness is perfect for exploring Zhang Yimou's imagination. According to Zhang Weiping, the flowers have been planted on the location are in three colors - red, gold and about the color of "Ukrainian autumn". The costumes designed and made by Emi Wada are the most expensive investment during the process of pre-production. Just like what she did to Hero, documentary maker Gan Lu has started recoding the making of the film.


nita Mui Stays With Zhang Yimou's SHI MIAN MAI FU Despite Cancer (MonkeyPeaches Exclusive)

September 9, 2003
Sina.com

Shanghai's Jiefang Daily reports Anita Mui wil keep her commitment to Zhang Yimou's second martial-art film Shi Mian Mai Fu. According to someone from her agent company, Anita Mui is eager to work with director Zhang Yimou and show her will to fight cancer. On Saturday, Anita Mui announced she had cervical cancer at a press conference in Hong Kong. Dozens entertainers, including Jackie Chan, Michelle Yeoh and Andy Lau, showed up for support. According to a cancer expert, reasonable amount of work could improve her condition but she would need blood transfusion at any moment. According to the paper, Anita Mui will join the crew later this week. Zhang Yimou, Zhang Ziyi and producer Zhang Weiping have already arrived in Ukraine. Shooting is planned to start next Wednesday in the Eastern European country, which will double for China.

Action director Yuen Wo-Ping has been working with KUNG FU crew for two weeks in Shanghai, according to Shanghai's Jiefang Daily. As the new AD to replace Sammo Hung, he has modified some fight sequences. Reportedly, Yuen's demand is much higher and tougher. His choreography is also different from his predecessor. The paper also revealed names of more cast members - 1970's kung-fu film veteran Leung Siu-Lung, one of the "Seven Fortune" Yuen Wa, three cast members from Shaolin Soccer - Tin Kai-man, Lam Ji-chung and Chan Gwok-kwan, director Lau Chun-Wai, who is also sharing some directing works with Stephen Chow, and the leading girl, newcomer Huang Shengyi.
http://www.jfdaily.com.cn/

According to various reports, Anita Mui's health problem would not allow her to handle long and exhausting work. Director Zhang Yimou has started making plan to reduce the weight of her role or even replace her with another actress and, possibly, offer her another role, a cameo. According to Hong Kong's Sing Pao, Anita Mui's manager said , Anita Mui has never been part of Ukrainian filming and she will only show up for filming in Beijing and Sichuan Province. According to the script, Anita Mui will play the big sister of Zhang Ziyi's character. Her role is relatively small but vital to the development of the story. According to Beijing Youth, shooting has started in Ukraine as scheduled. Zhang Ziyi, Andy Lau and Jin Chengwu / Takeshi Kaneshiro attended the ceremony marks the beginning of the production. However, Hong Kong media report yesterday Andy Lau returned to Hong Kong from Malaysia.

   posted by zi_long at 5:55 PM


   Wednesday, September 03, 2003  

News
http://directory.google.com/Top/Arts/Movies/Filmmaking/News_and_Media/
google film news

http://movies.yahoo.com/news/ap/20030906/106285962000p.html
anita mui fighting cancer

Cool slide show of new Kill bill photos
http://movies.yahoo.com/movies/feature/killbill.html

http://movies.yahoo.com/shop?d=hp&cf=prev&id=1808509531

Release Date: October 17th, 2003 (LA/NY); expands to other cities at later dates

Japanese Release Date: August 19th, 2002

MPAA Rating: R (for violence)

Language: Japanese with English subtitles

Distributor: Samuel Goldwyn Films and Destination Films

Distributor Note: (9/4/03) Samuel Goldwyn Films is codistributing this film in the U.S. with the Sony subsidiary, Destination Films, with Columbia TriStar Home Video handling the eventual video release.

Cast: Takeshi Kaneshiro (Miyamoto), Ann Suzuki (Miri), Kirin Kiki (Xie), Goro Kishitani (Mizoguchi), Yukiko Okamoto (Dr. Yagi), Dean Harrington (Dr. Brown), Kisuke Iida (Karasawa), Chiharu Kawai (Liu's Interpreter), Mitsuru Murata, Kazuya Shimizu (Murakami), Masaya Takahashi (Liu Laoban), Xiaoqun Zhao (Slave Merchant)

Director: Takashi Yamazaki

Director Notes: (8/4/03) This movie has heavy ties to the Japanese horror/samurai videogame series, Onimusha, as Yamizaki is directing Onimusha 3, and star Takeshi Kaneshiro provides the voice and face model for the game's lead character.

Screenwriter: Takashi Yamazaki

Premise: Miyamoto (Kaneshiro) is a Japanese assassin trying to wreak vengeance against an underworld crime boss called Mizoguchi after he had Miyamoto's best friend disemboweled and his organs sold. Just as it looks like he will finally get his chance at payback, a mysterious girl, Miri (Suzuki), appears who claims to be a time traveler from the future who came back to the present day to stop an alien invasion as it happens. Miyamoto is faced with a difficult decision: does he get his revenge against the crime lord or does he save humanity from a future living under cruel alien rule? This movie reportedly pays open homage to E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, The Matrix, The Terminator and other Hollywood movies.

Genre: Action, Crime, Eye Candy, Foreign, Science Fiction, Thriller

Official Japanese Site: Returner.net

Monkeyepeaches
Shooting of the fifth of Police Story series, under the title New Police Story, will start this month, according to Nanfang Daily. Director Benny Chan said the story was not too complicated and it follows the good vs. the bad tradition of previous Police Stories. Nicholas Tse will play another cop and Charlene Choi play her girlfriend. The bad guys will be portrayed by Daniel Wu, Wang Chieh(?), Terence Yin and Andy On. Benny Chan also said there would be a lot more hand to hand fights and less CG effects (How about no CG effects?). Now the biggest unanswered question is who will play Jackie Chan's girlfriend, possibly wife?

http://www.merechina.com/editorscorner/essay.asp?PageID=633

zhang yimou new movie.

http://www.aintitcool.com/display.cgi?id=15975
ong bak photos

http://www.aintitcool.com/display.cgi?id=15974
japanese dragon head

Photos around the world
http://www.aintitcool.com/display.cgi?id=15976
Spy - Aroudn teh World
http://www.aintitcool.com/display.cgi?id=15981

http://www.aintitcool.com/display.cgi?id=15989
anime - Aint it Cool news
-- Kungfu Hustle --

Kungfu Hustle's female lead is Eva Huang Yisheng, 20. She is from Beijing Film Academy (where Vicky Zhao graduated from) and has some training in dancing. Stephen Chow says "There is not only one female lead, she is one of them. She does not know kungfu but is very professional"
wu-jing.org

http://enjoy.eastday.com/epublish/gb/paper190/8/class019000029/hwz1253873.htm
photos kung fu hustle


The Ten-Pronged Ambush --

New Picture's director, Zhang Wei Ping, who is the producer for Zhang Yimou's new sword-fighting movie, Shi Mian Mai Fu (The Ten-pronged Ambush), reveals that the movie begins production on 11 September in Ukraine, where two third of the movie will be shot. Learning from Hero's mistakes and strengths, Zhang Yimou is presenting a stronger story. Andy Lau and Takeshi Kaneshiro act as constables in The Ten-pronged Ambush, both of whom are interested in blind songstress Zhang Ziyi. Anita Mui plays an important supporting role as Ziyi's senior fellow disciple. (Anita Mui may withdraw from the movie due to her illness; her manager does not want her to over-exert herself.) The cast-members have been coached fencing over the past few months in preparation for the shoot. Most of Hero's original crew are back. Ching Siu Tung continues to be the action director while Emi Wada returns as the costume designer. Zhang Yimou is negotiating with Tan Dun to write the music. Production budget is at least US$30 million. A few hundred thousands have already spent on on buying flower seeds and hiring over 60 Ukrainian florists, taking three months to cultivate flowers in their wilderness shooting base. Nanfang City Daily
wu-jing.org

article on Corey Yuen
http://www.lacitybeat.com/article.php?id=215&IssueNum=13

http://movies.yahoo.com/shop?d=hp&cf=prev&id=1808405832
relaes date, Shaolin Soccer

http://movies.yahoo.com/shop?d=hp&cf=prev&id=1808509531
japanese scifie action "The returner" takeshi Kenoshiro

Monkey peaches
The top executives of Beijing New Picture have started talking to reporters in China. The working title of the second martial-art film by Zhang Yimou is Shi Mian Mai Fu (Ambush from Ten Directions). It is the title of a 16th Century music piece, usually performed with pipa, a traditional Chinese stringed instrument. The story is set in Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644). Zhang Ziyi will take the leading role, a blind entertainer. We have seen her fight in many movies, and this time we will see her dance on the big screen for the first time. Andy Lau and Jin Chengwu (Takeshi Kaneshiro) play two cops, both are in love with the blind girl. Anita Mui will play Zhang Ziyi's big sister. Compared to Hero, the new one will look more like a pure martial-art film, and the story will be richer and more intricate. Action director Ching Siu-Tung, costume designer Emi Wada and composer Tan Tun will return to take their old jobs in Hero. Two third of the film will be shot in Ukraine even though its a story happens in China. Ukraine was chosen after Zhang Yimou scouted various locations in China, Australia, New Zealand and some other countries. Over sixty local farmers have been caring for flowers planted on a large field for three months. It will be at least as expensive as Hero (US$ 30 million). An overseas partner is needed to share the cost and it will not be MiramAxe. Shooting will start on in Ukraine September 11, the Mid Autumn Festival of China. Zhang Yimou and Zhang Ziyi have already arrived in Ukraine yesterday and the rest will soon follow.

http://www.villagevoice.com/issues/0336/park.php
shaolin soccer

Jet Li denies involvement w/crouching tiger sequel?
Monkeyepeaches

zhang ziyi w/ take next zhang yiumous marti art film
monkeypeaches

   posted by zi_long at 5:21 PM


   Saturday, August 30, 2003  

News 8/30

Kill bill 2004
http://movies.yahoo.com/shop?d=hv&cf=info&id=1808504212&intl=us

http://www.canada.com/vancouver/vancouversun/story.asp?id=4F5026C9-8701-4BC3-B7D5-BC77FCB79077

http://www.emedia.com.my/Current_News/NST/Monday/National/20030825073020/Article/

wu-jing
Dragon Loaded 2003, produced by Chan Tak-Chi (Uncle Ba) and Paco Wong, saw good box-office results in Hong Kong during its opening week on 21 August. Chan Tak-Chi said on a TV programme on 28 August that he may plan for a sequel. He is flying to Toronto to attend Donnie Yen's wedding. He said that he has an action movie with a production budget of HK$30 million to be made next February. This movie has a story similar to Sword of Third Young Master and is going to be directed by Daniel Lee, with Sammo Hung or Donnie Yen as the martial arts choreographer and stars both Donnie Yen and Wu Jing. The female lead has not been fixed. Takung Daily, Apple Daily



http://www.e.bell.ca/filmfest/

http://www.variety.com/index.asp?layout=story&articleid=VR1117891586&categoryid=1237&query=hong+and+kong&display=hong+kong&cs=1
masters of the flying guilotine

http://www.variety.com/index.asp?layout=story&articleid=VR1117891711&categoryid=1043&query=jackie+and+chan&display=jackie+chan&cs=1
jackie chan ambassador

http://ent.sina.com.cn/m/c/2003-08-29/1110193150.html
warriors of heaven and earth stills

Danny the dog
http://www.filmrot.com/articles/filmrot/003984.php
http://www.cinelive.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=DB_Participation&file=index&cat=ACCUEIL

kill bill
http://www.variety.com/index.asp?layout=story&articleid=VR1117891683&categoryid=13&cs=1

Film festical guide
http://www.variety.com/index.asp?layout=filmfest2003

http://www.hisfilmfestival.org/

Remakes
http://www.variety.com/index.asp?layout=story&articleid=VR1117891594&categoryid=1238&query=martial+and+arts&display=martial+arts&cs=1

   posted by zi_long at 11:47 AM


   Saturday, August 23, 2003  

Kung Fu News - 8/23
Miramax Kicks Shaolin Soccer Around --

American studio bosses have got old feet about releasing the Stephen Chow comedy, Shaolin Soccer, across the United States. Two years and five rescheduled release dates later, Miramax's much-hyped deal to take the Hong Kong star to Hollywood might not be kicking off after all, says Apple Daily. Sources say the studio might now release the movie only on video, or show it in just a handful of theatres to appease Stephen Chow. If the rumours are right, his efforts in doing the English dubbing himself will be wasted. In response to the rumours, he says: "This movie has been sold to Miramax, so we should trust each other. Till today, I believe they are working on the release of the movie in US."



But he adds: "There is one thing I don't get. This movie was popular everywhere it was shown and made big bucks for distributors. But they changed the opening day five times in America. It might be the company's strategy." Apple Daily says Miramax might be keeping back the movie as Stephen Chow is making a new one, Kung Fu hustle, with rival studio Columbia Asia. Miramax, the newspaper adds, might not wish to over-promote Stephen Chow, who is new to the US, and end up helping Columbia. Meanwhile, actor and action choreographer Sammo Hung has returned from the Shanghai set of Kungfu Hustle amid talk that he fell out with Chow and resigned. Stephen Chow says Sammo Hung left because of health problems. The latter has declined to comment. Gongfu master Yuen Wo Ping will stand in for Sammo Hunng as choreographer. Straits Times



wu-jing.com
Yuen Wo Ping Salvages Kungfu Hustle --
It wasn't easy for Stephen Chow to get Sammo Hung to be Kung Fu Hustle's martial arts director. Stephen Chow tends to have strong opinions on how to shoot his movies and often have arguments with his partners. Recently, word has it that there was a spate of disputes between Stephen Chow and Sammo Hung, leading to Sammo Hung leaving the set and returning to Hong Kong. As shooting still had to continue, Stephen Chow was urgently in need of a replacement. Eventually, Stephen Chow flew overseas and managed to enlist help from the world's foremost martial arts choreographer Yuen Wo Ping, who had gathered his team on 18 August and headed for Shanghai. Regarding the split, Sammo Hung refused to elaborate. He said that they had their own stances, and owing to schedule problems and he was not in good health, and the conditions were not conducive, he decided to not stop helping Stephen Chow. Guangdong News


http://www.wu-jing.org/News/M03/2003-08-Gordon-Liu-Kill-Bill.php
Gordon Liu talks about kill bill.

Infon on author
http://www.penguinputnam.com/Author/AuthorFrame/0,1020,,00.html?id=1000000366

http://www.onthemat.com/review_hardrain.html
info on Rain

http://www.enewszone.com/movies/news/1061421024.html
News On Triple H In Blade: Trinity, More On HHH's Acting
Written By Ben Johnson On 08.20.03

Word has it that Triple H is under consideration for a role in the latest Blade installment, "Blade: Trinity".

New Line has declined comment on HHH specifically, but did mention that casting is still going on - which means that HHH has not locked on a role for the film, but has not been passed up either.

Additionally, he and fiance Stephanie McMahon were said to have spent time in Hollywood recently trying to get the wrestler some movie roles. HHH has been downplaying this, however, as he doesn't want to look like another wrestler who resorts to movie roles, even though that is said to be where his heart lies.



Fark - BO
http://www.variety.com/index.asp?layout=story&articleid=VR1117891021&categoryid=1278&query=zhang+and+yimou&display=zhang+yimou&cs=1

fark - Froeigh BO?
http://www.variety.com/index.asp?layout=story&articleid=VR1117891062&categoryid=1278&query=zhang+and+yimou&display=zhang+yimou&cs=1

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/getarticle.pl5?ff20030813a4.htm
Maggie Cheung Hero

Jet Li Rain
http://www.japantoday.com/e/?content=newsmaker&id=127

Kill Bill posters
http://www.joblo.com/upcomingmovies/2003/posters/killbill.htm

two photos of kill bill and shaolin soccer.
http://www.joblo.com/index.php?id=2278


Monkeypeaches - Kung Fu
According to Shanghai paper Jiefang Daily, Sammo Hung has resigned from the post of action director yesterday and Yuen Wo-Ping has been called in to fill the blank. Reportedly, Sammo Hung and Stephen Chow have been clashing on the set. Interviewed by Hong Kong media, he talked about everything, from the high temperature to mosquito on the set. He said he would focus on the production of a new movie in the States. Stephen Chow has shown his regret for Sammo Hung's departure. He praised Sammo's work and said his health was a major concern. However, neither one of them admitted there was any clash on-set. Yuen Wo-Ping has returned from the States and is gathering his troops in Hong Kong for the Shanghai trip. Yuen Wo-Ping told Hong Kong's The Sun that Stephen Chow's Star Overseas would arrange everything and according to his assistant, Yuen must return to the States for a Hollywood production by the end of the year.

http://www.jfdaily.com.cn/

Kill Bill teaser poster
tarantino.info

Polioce story
According to Hong Kong media, Jackie Chan has promised the coming of the fifth POLICE STORY with a budget of HK$80 million (US$10.3 million). He recently pumped HK$18 million into Hong Kong studio EMG and opened a joint-venture with EMG. The new POLICE STORY will be the first production of the new company. Nicholas Tse and Charlene Choi (one of The Twins) have made their commitment to the project. There is no word whether Maggie Cheung, played Jackie Chan's girlfriend in the first three movies, will return or not, but Jackie Chan has said in January that he wanted his character Chan Ka Kui to marry his girl friend in the final installment of the series. The sequel will be helmed by Benny Chan (HEROIC DUO, GEN-Y COPS, GEN-X COPS, WHO AM I?



Jackie Chan appeared on "Total Request Live" on MTV last week. He was asked when the next RUSH HOUR would come and he replied "next year." I think he actually meant he would start working on the sequel next year, but the sequel itself would not come out next year.

   posted by zi_long at 2:23 PM


   Tuesday, August 12, 2003  

News 8/16/03

Rise to honor event
http://www.jetli.com/gfn/countries/uk/news.php
http://www.playstationexperience.com/noflash/
more infor

Photo - Volcano High
http://www.lovehkfilm.com/panasia/volcano_high.htm
More photos
http://www.nixflix.com/reviews/volcanohigh.htm

fark - http://www.10thnpc.org.cn/english/2003/Aug/72547.htm

http://www.10thnpc.org.cn/english/culture/72453.htm
Zhang Yimou movie



Korean Film
http://www.screendaily.com/story.asp?storyid=13531

Tsui Hark - Screen Daily
http://www.screendaily.com/story.asp?storyid=13522&st=Tsui+Hark&s=3

The Rundown
The Rock, Ernie Reyes, Natasha Yi (C2G)
Universal, www.therundown.com

Ernie Reyes gives The Rock a beatdown in THe Rundown. Trailer here
http://movies.yahoo.com/movies/feature/therundown.html
http://movies.yahoo.com/shop?d=hv&id=1808412549&cf=info

Synopsis
Attempting to settle a debt, a bounty hunter (The Rock) takes on an assignment that sends him deep into the Amazon jungle to a town called Helldorado to capture and bring back an "escaped convict" (Scott). What he discovers, however, is that his quarry is not the toughened criminal he had been warned about, but is instead a young guy from a prominent family looking for gold in the jungle, and together, they team up on a treasure hunt for a long-lost mine filled with riches, which brings them in conflict with the town's evil kingpin, Bloomocks (Walken). (Dawson plays a pilot; Gries plays Bloomocks' younger brother.)



kung fu
Wu-jing.org
http://ent.sina.com.cn/m/2003-08-11/0727183782.html
photos
For two days in early August, Kungfu Hustle production moved away from Chedun Studio, to a deserted, old housing estate, factory area. Stephen Chow chose this area for its aged beauty and it is well-concealed. However, despite efforts to keep everything under wraps, this group of reporters managed to observe and capture some snapshots of the filming progress from a distant house. They were doing night shoots on the two days and were still working as dawn approached. Stephen Chow was very serious in his work and spent more than 2 hours on a simple action scene, often changing the angles of the shot. He would instruct the guy how to fight and often personally demonstrate how he wanted the moves to be done. In another scene, Stephen Chow appeared to be badly beaten, being imprisoned and tortured.

monkeypeaches.

Photographer from Shanghai's Jiefang Daily has snapped more shots on the set of Stephen Chow's KUNG FU (KUNG FU HUSTLE). This time the shooting took place inside an old factory house at the northeast corner of the city and lasted two full nights. The scene is something like Stephen Chow's character and a big guy getting caught by the bad guys, probably the Axe Gang, and being rescued later.

Stephen Chow has been talking to Jiefang Daily. He said shooting of KUNG FU (KUNG FU HUSTLE) will last at least four month in Shanghai and all CG effects would be done overseas. Sony, financed the film, will decide when we will see it and according to Stephen Chow, this will not happen until the coming Chinese New Year, at least.



http://www.monkeypeaches.com/Highbinders.html
pictures from Medallion Premiere.

Monkeypeaches
During the press conference right before the Beijing première, Jackie Chan said he would make a pure drama next year. In his own word, he "won't do even one punch." Jackie Chan said he had always tried to keep improving himself and had talked to several art film directors, like Ang Lee and Zhang Yimou. He had reached an agreement with Zhang Yimou - they will do it once the script is ready (not the one he will do next year).

monkeypeachesc
According to Chinese paper Shenyang Daily, Anita Mui and Jin Chengwu (Takeshi Kaneshiro) have been added to the cast list of Zhang Yimou's next project. The reporter who wrote the article claimed she had discovered the outline of the plot: the time is Tang Dynasty (618 - 907) and the story is completely fictional. Zhang Ziyi plays a blind swordswoman, who has intricate relationship with two men played by Andy Lau and Jin Chengwu. Anita Mui will play Zhang Ziyi's big sister, a relative minor role in a key position.

   posted by zi_long at 4:47 PM


   Saturday, August 09, 2003  

news 8/9

Princess Blade Trailer
http://movies.yahoo.com/shop?d=hv&id=1808491580&cf=trailer

theprincessblade.com
release dates, locations.

cool link, Ronny Yu talks about action and Freddy vs. Jason
http://actionadventure.about.com/library/weekly/2002/aa101702b.htm


http://www.comingsoon.net/movies/s/soclose.php
so close, sept 12
wu-jing.rog
Jet Li in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon Prequel --
Producer Xu Li Gong indicated that no one is more suited to be the younger Li Mu Bai than baby-faced Jet Li, and moreover, his solid kungfu skills would bring earth-shattering realism and presence to the prequel Precious Sword, Golden Hairpin. He noted that Lee Ang and Jet Li are on good terms and are constantly in touch with each other. It was hopeful that the script, written by Wang Hui Ling, would soon be seeing the light of day, after which they could seal the deal with Jet Li and discuss about schedule and other details - Jet Li is represented by a Hollywood agency, and Hollywood rules require the script to be in place before a contract can be signed. Xu Li Gong said that the earliest possible time for the shoot would be next February or March. He would also have to extend adaptation rights to the movie which expires next year. World Journal
translation by AltaVista BabelFish
Li?jie Ang Lee makes "? tiger Tibet ? front ? "


Li?jie ? develops "? tiger Tibet ? ", ? becomes ? "? tiger Tibet once again ? front ? " head ? actor.
[ This ? Taibei ? ] ? ? was big ? develops Ang Lee ? Yu Yao and Li?jie the ? curtain ? ? , "? tiger Tibet ? front ? " young Li Mubai, did not make the second person besides Li?jie to think, ? piece Xu rendered meritorious service ? ? "Li?jie extremely ? to gather".

Xu renders meritorious service on 4th to indicate in Beijing that, ? the year "? tiger Tibet ? " this ? must ask Li?jie to develop Li Mubai, ? Li?jie does not answer ? wife to benefit the wisdom, she ? is pregnant lives ? ? certainly must accompany in ? , ? has develops, changes by Zhou?? on ? .

Ang Lee ? pats "? tiger Tibet ? front ? ", ? was young Li Mubai, Xu renders meritorious service ? ? some people to gather compared to baby ? Li?jie ? , moreover Li?jie had the real time, was allowed "? tiger Tibet ? front ? " the military ? world, ? ? clearly shocked ? ? .

Xu renders meritorious service the expression, Ang Lee and Li?jie the personal friendship is very good, continuously maintains ? ? , at present Wang Hui Ling ? ? this hopes ? , again makes a final decision with Li?jie ? ? ? the performance ? the time and so on ? ? ? ? , because ? Li?jie becomes reconciled ? ? ? has ? ? ? , according to ? ? ? decides, ? ? certainly must have ? this.

"? tiger Tibet ? front ? " He?? racket? Xu renders meritorious service disclosed that, "Will be quickest the next year February, in March." Xu renders meritorious service ? , "? tiger Tibet ? front ? " changes the version which ? shoots a movie ? , to the next year February, in March expired, if before due ? racket, version ? ? ? ? , but ? asks to guarantee ? , Xu renders meritorious service this time to arrive Beijing, ? and "? tiger Tibet ? " the original Wang Du? female ? is meeting, Qia?yan ? version ? deadline ? ? .

"? tiger Tibet ? " the whole world applauds attracts a large audience, ? "? tiger Tibet ? front ? " ? ? item, Ang Lee was once indicated: "Must pat is not ? the collection piece, but is a brand-new ? shade." ? Xu renders meritorious service ? has the jade again which the stamp joy develops ? ? ? Xu renders meritorious service ? , after one vitally looked ? this completes again ? .



Jet Li 2 Homepage


MORE ON JET AND 'CTHD' PREQUEL
(8/8/2003 11:33AM)
World Journal has an article on the possibility of Jet Li starring as the young Li Mubai in the prequel for Ang Lee's Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. Although the article is in Chinese, I tried to translate it using online translation sites, and was able to find some details (might not be accurate as translation was not very clear, in any case, if anyone can translate for us, please do so and email me.)

The article claims that acclaimed director Ang Lee will finally have Jet Li as the young Li Mubai in the Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon prequel. Ang Lee apparently had no other person in mind for the role except Jet Li. Producer Xu Li Kong, confirmed that Jet Li is "extremely suited" for the role.

According to Xu, Jet Li was originally approached to star as Li Mubai in CTHD. However, he declined because of a promise he made to his wife, which is to stand by her during her time of pregnancy. The role went to Chow Yun-Fat.

It is said that Ang Lee is currently preparing the prequel for Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. Xu thought that there is no one else more appropriate to play the young Li Mubai than child-face Jet Li. Moreover, Xu said that Jet Li has the time, and brings about imposing manners that shock.

Xu mentioned that Ang Lee and Jet Li are good friends, and they continuously keep in touch with one another. Wang Hui Ling (screenwriter of CTHD), is currently writing the script. (Editor's Note: I did not understand this paragraph very clearly, but from what I can gather...) Before Jet Li can sign a contract for the movie, the script has to be finished first, because that is how Hollywood works.

According to Xu, shooting of the prequel will start shooting very soon, probably before February or March. This is because the rights they hold for the movie will expire by March next year. Xu will be meeting Wang Du Lu's (writer of the CTHD book) daughter to discuss the extension of their rights for the movie.

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon is said to be applauded worldwide, and that it attracts a large audience. According to Ang Lee, the prequel is not just a sequel piece, but a brand new movie.

Well, there you have it. It seems that Jet Li might do the prequel for CTHD, but he has not signed any contract yet. Sound off your opinions below.

http://worldjournal.com/publish/030805/15_1400.4e/4et(030806)08_tb.htm
variety Sword in the Moon
http://www.variety.com/index.asp?layout=review&reviewid=VE1117921486&categoryid=31&cs=1

http://search.news.yahoo.com/search/news/?ei=UTF-8&p=jackie%20chan&c=news_photos
photos from Hong Kong premier of the Medallion.

Monkeypeaches,
Andy lau talks about new Zhang Yimou ma film
Andy Lau said the film is not based on the real history and his character will be a cop, in the ancient time. He said it will be an art film and he will get to do some emotional scenes. Several actress will be involved in the production and one of them is Zhang Ziyi. The production will start by the end of the year and will last about 6 months. Andy Lau has started practicing the skill of "knife" (sword with long and curved blade).



He told these to the press yesterday in Hong Kong at a news conference, in which INFERNAL AFFAIRS has been officially selected as the sole contender representing Hong Kong to compete for the Best Foreign Language Film category of the upcoming Academy Awards. It is also announced that three Hong Kong made crime drama, INFERNAL AFFAIRS, HEROIC DUO and PTU, will be shown during the Asian Film Festival in Iran starting October 20th.

   posted by zi_long at 10:46 AM


   Thursday, July 31, 2003  

New 8/2
so close
http://movies.yahoo.com/shop?d=hp&id=1808403563&cf=prev

http://www.countingdown.com/movies/301997/news?item_id=3155952
Medallion name changed because of fortune teller?

http://filmforce.ign.com/
Film Force


http://filmforce.ign.com/articles/429/429907p1.html?fromint=1

Roland Emmerich (Godzilla, The Patriot) is set to direct the live action version of DBZ for 20th Century Fox. It is now in Pre-production with a 2004 release date.
Nothing has been officially confirmed yet, but here’s a list of potential actor for the characters:
Sangoku: Hugh Jackman
Vegeta: Ray Park (Star Wars: Episode 1, X-Men)
Piccolo: Sam Wheeler
Radditz: Jason Bateman (The Sweetest Thing)
Nappa: Bill Goldberg (WWE wrestling)
kkcinema.com

http://www.variety.com/index.asp?layout=story&articleid=VR1117889910&categoryid=1061&cs=1
film festivals, kill bill 2046


http://movies.yahoo.com/news/iw/20030730/105958386000.html
martial arts movies, yahoo news

http://movie.kingnet.com.tw/que_movie.html?chinese_moviename=????&recno=1048855645
Kungfu kid

http://www.warriors-movie.com/
heroes of heaven and earth, director He Ping

Paycheck, John Woo with Uma Thurman Ben Affleck - Monkeypeaches
http://movies.yahoo.com/shop?d=hv&cf=trailer&id=1808466030&intl=us
trailer
John Woo is directing this futuristic thriller based on the 1953 same name short story, by Philip K. Dick, whose works are behind several other sci-fi movies, including BLADE RUNNER, TOTAL RECALL and MINORITY REPORT. Starring Ben Affleck and Uma Thurman, PAYCHECK is currently under production in Vancouver.

   posted by zi_long at 5:28 PM


   Saturday, July 26, 2003  

Kung fu news 7/26
http://www.screendaily.com/story.asp?storyid=12716&st=Stephen+Chow&s=3

http://www.screendaily.com/story.asp?storyid=13314
Sword in Moon

http://www.screendaily.com/story.asp?storyid=12580&st=martial+arts&s=3

Black Belt TV
http://www.masuccess.com/news/news_cable.htm

DAM asian superheroes
http://www.destroy-all-monsters.com/asian_superheroes.shtml

http://www.destroy-all-monsters.com/virtually_asian.shtml
kung fu video games

http://www.wn.com.au/vk6bgn/time_breaker.htm

Princess Blade
http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/ThePrincessBlade-10002935/preview.php
Yuki was raised in the House of Takemikazuchi as a solitary hunter, knowing neither love nor sadness. When she learns the shocking truth of her mother's death, however, Yuki flees the group and encounters Takashi, a member of an insurrectionist movement. The more time she spends with Takashi, the more Yuki feels the stirring of new emotions inside her.


http://www.theprincessblade.com/#

Shaolin Soccer
http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/ShaolinSoccer-1113507/cast_crew.php
The action comedy SHAOLIN SOCCER has become the all-time most successful Hong Kong production ever--in part due to its eye-popping action, crazy special effects and wicked humor. The film has shattered box office figures throughout Asia and has won many awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor and Best Visual Effects at the Hong Kong Film Awards.


Stephen Chow, who has appeared in over 50 films, is arguably, the most famous and loved comedian in Asia today. Often referred to as the "Jim Carrey of the East," Chow has made 5 of the top 10 highest grossing films in Hong Kong, with SHAOLIN SOCCER being #1. Chow is most known for his clever parodies and has used his razor-sharp wit to spoof James Bond ("From Beijing with Love"), Chow Yun Fat ("All for the Winner"), Bruce Lee ("Fist of Fury '91"), and even himself ("Forbidden City Cop"). This multi-talented comedian produced, directed, wrote, and edited SHAOLIN SOCCER as well as acted in the lead role, performing his own stunts.



Shaolin was an art practiced through the ages; a skill mastered in the heart. In SHAOLIN SOCCER, it is so much more than a philosophy for six young believers. It is a complete way of life. But as the world changed around them, and Honor and Discipline become forgotten virtues, they lose their way --except for one loyal follower, Sing (Chow). With the help of a former soccer star, he reunites his old, out of shape, misfit friends, and recruits a young woman with extraordinary Kung Fu skills. Together, they're out to combine the ancient power of Shaolin with the modern game of soccer and in the process, just might take the world's most popular sport to its most extreme. -- © Miramax

http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/TheMedallion-10000248/preview.php

   posted by zi_long at 11:42 AM


   Saturday, July 19, 2003  

Kung Fu 7/19

Jet Li - CHina Star profile


http://movies.yahoo.com/news/ap/20030718/105856440000.html
notable films of Bruce Lee

Cool link
http://www.shawstudios.com/
Shaw Brothers Studios unofficial fan site

http://www.time.com/time/asia/magazine/article/0,13673,501030616-457409,00.html
enter the Anamatrix

http://www.jetli.com/jetli/projects/projects_hero_news.php
Japanese publicity for Hero on Jet Li's site

http://vandammefan.bravepages.com/teaser/vandamme.html
After Death, directed by Ringo Lam, May 2004

http://uk.fc.yahoo.com/030518/46/e0a7r.html
Photo from Cannes in May

http://www.zdf.de/ZDFde/mediathek/0,1903,VI-2019395,00.html
German website posts interview with Jet Li from Hero.

   posted by zi_long at 11:01 AM


   Saturday, July 12, 2003  

KungFuNews 7/12/03

   posted by zi_long at 11:30 AM


   Saturday, July 05, 2003  

Mandarin Films has lined up actor-director Donnie Yen to helm "The Gate of the Dragon and Tiger," based on the long-running comicbook series. Yen was action director on Dante Lam's "The Twins Effect" and appeared in David Dobkin's "Shanghai Knights" and Zhang Yimou's "Hero."...
variety.com
http://www.variety.com/index.asp?layout=upsell_article&articleID=VR1117888749&cs=1

http://www.screendaily.com/story.asp?storyid=12331&st=Jet+Li&s=3
remake rights to two movies

http://www.screendaily.com/story.asp?storyid=11358
Twins Effect picked upimy Columbia triStar

http://mahdzan.com/fairy/papers/asian/index.htm
negative asian-american stereotypes

http://www.angrylittlegirls.com/
cool site

http://story.news.yahoo.com/fc?cid=34&tmpl=fc&in=US&cat=Asian_Americans
yahoo news site

   posted by zi_long at 9:56 AM


   Tuesday, July 01, 2003  

David Michôd 2:34 PM #

http://216.239.53.100/search?q=cache:eJgiY4pf5fsJ:www.if.com.au/websites/if/news/2003_02_23.html+%22Twins+Effect%22+american+release&hl=en&ie=UTF-8
Arclight's Twins Effect secures multiple berths
In Screen Daily: Columbia TriStar Home Entertainment has picked up North American and Latin American rights in all media on The Twins Effect, the made-in-Hong Kong martial arts vampire picture sold by fgary Hamilton's Sydney-based sales newcomer Arclight Films.The Twins Effect is directed by Dante Lam and features Hong Kong teen singing sensations Charlene Choi and Gillian Chung, with Ekin Cheng and an extended guest appearance by superstar Jackie Chan.




http://reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=filmNews&storyID=2953715
Rob Sneider joins cast of around the world in 80s days.

http://twinseffect.emg.com.hk/
official website twins effect

According to Hong Kong media, Donnie Yen will be the one bring the comic series, created by Hong Kong comic artist Tony Wong and his King Comics, to the big screen. Mandarin Films, owns the film rights, has a long list of wanted stars - Edison Chen, Shawn Yue, Daniel Wu, Sanada Hiroyuki, Jordan Chan, Anthony Wong...
http://www.kingcomics.com/handbook/

http://www.kingcomics.com/handbook/index_rl.html

twins effect #1 against charlies angels.
http://www.mhvf.net/forum/asian/posts/108223108242515.html
why cant your angels get down like that?

http://www.asianboxoffice.com/boxoffice.php?table_boxoffice=hongkong
box office results

new link
http://www.comingsoon.net

Dress like Jet
http://ctailor.store.yahoo.com/jetliinleatw.html
suits tailor made from Lethal Weapon 4

Land of Destiny, JOhn Woo, Chow Yun Fat, Monkey Peaches

http://twinseffect.emg.com.hk
Twins Effect official website

http://www.fotobank.ru/photo/image.html?startrow=1&KEYWORD=$danny%20the%20dog
danny the dog photos

http://www.netasia.net/users/sgc_wdi/previews/danny/danny.htm
Danny the dog plot info

http://www.creationent.com/cal/brucelee_frame.htm
Brcue Lee convention by Shannon and Linda Lee

http://www.iwanttomakeamovie.com/
seminar on making your own film

http://www.scifightermovie.com/
is this for real? ultimo sci-fi b-film with low budget action stars

http://www.starbash.com/
martial arts championship in Las Vegas

   posted by zi_long at 10:56 AM


   Monday, June 16, 2003  

Blow the Cobwebs Off this Baby

Sorry so long since the last update. Things have been busy, and dialup is hella-slow. So please be patient.

On the personal news front, I finally saw Hero! It rocked! I saw Jet Li's butt! Hahahaha! Sorry, I just had to put that. Anyhow, getting back to business, here are your well-deserved updates.

***
Around the World in 80 Days
A script review of "Around the World".

Video Games
Info on Jet Li and Donnie Yen's video game associations.

Danny the Dog
Kung Fu Cinema synopsis of "Danny the Dog", complete with cool photos.

And a photo to melt the dog lover in everyone, Jet Li in a full-metal collar.

Jet Li
New Jet Li info link.

Jet Li on for Disney's Labor Day. (Im getting senile, did I post this one already? Oh well.)

Hall of Shame : Streetfighter 2
Thats right, it's the rematch, baby! Dolph Lundgren and JCVD together again in Streetfighter 2.

   posted by zi_long at 5:31 PM


   Wednesday, May 14, 2003  

Jet Li
Video game expo features "Rise to Honor" using Jet Li's face and moves.

   posted by zi_long at 3:32 PM


   Monday, May 12, 2003  

Danny the Dog
JL2H has lots of cool pics of Jet from Danny the Dog. P.S. Jet looks pretty ka-ray-zay! They also have additional plot info about Danny's character.

New Link
Kung Fu Cult Cinema reports that there will be a delay in the release of the extended edition Hero DVDs.

The Matrices
Yuen Woo Ping talks about the Matrices.

In Joel Silver's infinite wisdom, he believes Keanu has absorbed so much martial arts know-how from faking it in the Matrices, he could actually take Jet. Look, if Joel is such a martial arts expert, why the hell does he need Yuen Woo Ping?

And finally, Time Magazine's feature this week, Unlocking the Matrix.

The Last Samurai
Production stills and info on Tom Cruise's The Last Samurai set to come out in December of this year.

Around the World in 80 Days
Kung Fu Cinema info and productions stills of Jackie Chan's Around the World.

Cool Stuff on TV
The best thing to hit The Much Music channel: Kung Faux

Wasn't Black Sash cancelled? It hasnt been on the last two weeks? But the WB website looks as though its geared for a new episode?! If anyone knows the skinny on Russell's show, please let me know. Thanks, yo.

   posted by zi_long at 1:12 PM


   Wednesday, April 30, 2003  

Donnie Yen
Donnie Yen talks with Kung Fu Cinema about what he's been up to and why he's not too bent out of shape with the cuts made to "Hero", or rather how Harvey Weinstein sweet-talked him into being OK with the cuts. Also, Donnie spills the release date for "Twins Effect". Coming out June in Hong Kong, woohoo!

Jet Li
Rumor has it that Jet is signed on to do a Disney movie, "Labor Day" after "Danny the Dog".

The Matrix: Reloaded
Interviews with Matrix stars about filming, action stunts and working with the Wachowski (sp?) Brothers, or The Boys as they call them.

MonkeyPeaches has a small interview with Yuen Woo Ping about the Matrix Sequels.

   posted by zi_long at 10:06 PM


   Wednesday, April 23, 2003  

Danny the Dog
Amiteur pictures from set of Danny the Dog

Jet Li
Vote for Jet at the MTV movie awards for Best Fight Scene.

Rage (Fureur)
New martial arts/French fusion movie Rage with "Brotherhood of the Wolf" star Samuel LeBihan and Yu Nan, featuring Muay Thai kickboxing.

Cool Links
ZoneAsia for Asian actor wallpapers.

Buddha Fist, martial arts information database.

The Hulk
Trailer to Ang Lee's The Hulk.

Andy Lau
According to MonkeyPeaches, Andy Lau may lead next Zhang Yimou martial arts film. It says:
"Zhang Yimou has contacted Andy Lau for his untitled upcoming martial-art film and yesterday Andy Lau confirmed that Zhang Yimou had promised to tailor a role for him and he was expecting the script from Zhang Yimou (in May). Based on the information we know so far, this project will not be the sequel of HERO but a brand new story and will most likely be set in another timeframe. Beijing New Picture and Hong Kong's Edko will once again work with Zhang Yimou on this film. Zhang Ziyi may also be cast because Zhang Yimou has said working with Zhang Ziyi again was out of question. Rumor suggests she will play a blind warrior. However, it is still too early to tell who will join the cast and what the story is really about."

   posted by zi_long at 5:40 PM


   Tuesday, April 15, 2003  

Misc. News
Jet Li and Fann Wang are up for MTV awards for their fight scenes in "Cradle 2 the Grave" and "Shanghai Knights", respectively. Um, what about Mark Dacascos and Donnie Yen? (arms crossed, foot tapping unapprovingly)

The Twins Effect
New teaser trailers on EMG website and photos at MonkeyPeaches.

Yuen Wo Ping
Master Yuen has been propositioned by Dreamworks to do action choreography for a new comic-to-movie project, "Master of Kung Fu". But Monkeypeaches is saying that it's going to be called "Hands of Shang Chi". Yuen just wrapped up work on "Kill Bill" and the "Matrix" sequels (or would it be Matrices? Nevermind).

Jean-Claude Van Damme
JCVD talks about sequels, new projects and why he still rocks hard. Or at least why he still thinks he does. Kung Fu Cinema semi-exclusive.

Kill Bill
New photos of David Carrodine. Yeah, he might be old and sage-like but he's still no Bruce Lee.

Joe Eigo
The newbie already has his own website, theme music and all.

Around the World in 80 Days
New photos at Jackie Chan's website.

Jet Li
If you're in Australia, good news! There will be a Jet Li movie marathon, April 26 in Melbourne, to celebrate Jet's 40th birthday.

   posted by zi_long at 11:10 AM


   Monday, April 07, 2003  

Jackie Chan Projects
Jackie's film "The Medallion", aka Highbinders, is going to be heavily cut, according to Monkey Peaches. The movie has been on the shelf for about a year and is apparantly still in editing. Read more here.

Also you can read entries in Jackie Chan's "Around the World in 80 Days" diary here.

Movie News
Hero and Infernal Affairs swept the Hong Kong film awards. Read the Reuters story here.

New Talent
Kung Fu Cinema has an exclusive interview with newcomer Joe Eigo. He is one of the most recent additions to Jackie Chan's much lauded stunt team.

Hall of Shame
They are trying to bring back Van Damme, with a very unnecessary sequel to "Streetfighter" this time with a Brit pop star to accompany. Read more here.

Steven Seagal is in talks in Beijing for new Ghengis Khan movie. First Hollywood is trying to do Atilla, then Alexander the Great, what's with all these larger than life historical figure reprisals?

And last but not least, we have Chow Yun Fat talking about Bulletproof Monk and why he prefers romantic roles to action. I'd say he should have decided that before taking this role.

   posted by zi_long at 12:37 PM


   Thursday, April 03, 2003  

THE SHOW MUST GO ON

Not too much news today. With the sad news of Hong Kong actor Leslie Cheung and "Hero" not winning the Oscar, the news outlets havent been buzzing as much as usual. However, the show must go on. Since "Hero" is out of the running and who nows when we'll ever get to see it released, perhaps Jet Li will finally have a chance at critical acclaim with his gritty, humanistic role in "Danny the Dog". Hopefully having Master Yuen on his team will increase his chances as well. Im crossing my fingers for him.

Also, you'll notice I added a new section, Hall of Shame. These are pictures that are in essense an embarassment to the arena of action features and/or more than likely going to blow big time. I could be wrong of course, and sometimes I end up liking movies that most of the critical world deems a flop. But, nonetheless, Ill believe it when I see it.

***

Danny the Dog
According to JL2H, Jet Li's fight scenes in "Danny the Dog", which will be choreographed by Yuen Woo Ping, will resemble his Hong Kong movie fights scenes rather than the ones he has done for American audiences. Thank goodness.

CHOPSAKI HALL OF SHAME
Bulletproof Monk
I had mentioned previously that I was skeptical of this new Chow Yun Fat vehicle, mostly because of the unforgivable presense of "Stifler" from the American Pie Movies. But now that I have seen the awful trailers, now Im pretty sure it's going to blow. And seeing how they have a Jennifer Garner-wannabe-kungfu chick in the movie, that only seals the dark outlook on this movie. However, Ive been surprised in the past, perhaps they can pull it off. Either way, you can see the official website here.

The Crow: Wicked Prayer
Now, this is what really pisses me off. No one could possibly live up to the performance Brandon Lee gave in the original "Crow". Vincent Perez couldn't do it in the "so-called" sequel, and Eric Mabius sure as hell couldn't do it either. And no matter how much I love Mark Dacascos, even he couldn't resurrect the role on TV. Now the powers that be are trying to breath life into the franchise once again, casting Edward Furlong as the lead. It was rumored that DMX was in talks to play the lead, of course this time with an urban spin on things, but seeing as how X has the Midas Touch when it comes to films and all, that never materialized. You can read more info on the movie here.

   posted by zi_long at 12:40 PM