Chinese movies go 3-D
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A poster of "The King of Jesters" |
With the 3-D wave sweeping through the global movie industry, China cannot escape. In 2010, Chinese filmmakers will give their movies additional dimension.
Hong Kong-based Filmko Entertainment has announced its 3-D Monkey King project. This live action fantasy, adapted from classic novel Journey to the West relates the Monkey King's rebellion against the Gods. With a budget of 250 million yuan (US$37 million), the movie will have its special effects rendered by New Zealand's Weta Digital which contributed to the success of The Lord of the Rings Trilogy, King Kong (2005) and Avatar.
"I hope that a pretty well-known star will play the role of the Monkey King. Jet Li and Donnie Yen are now under our consideration. As for other roles, I hope we can cast famous stars," said Alex Wong, Filmko's boss speaking in Hong Kong on March 24.
The movie is to be produced by mainland director Liu Xiaoguang, also known as A Gan. Liu has directed the yet-to-be-released Don Quixote which, also financed by Filmko, claimed to be China's first 3-D movie.
Another Hong Kong director Wong Jing does not want to be left behind. He has revealed his 3-D comedy project Xiao Wang Zhi Wang (The King of Jesters). Starring Jim Chim Sui-man, Wong Cho Lam and Xu Jiao (CJ7), the movie will tell how a kung fu monk to be played by Jim Chim Sui-man reacquires his ability to laugh.
In addition, Stanley Tong, director of Rumble in Bronx (Hung fan kui) said that he is developing a 3-D project set in the modern Middle East with casting still underway. He also said that the movie will cost more than usual because of the format.
Director Hark Tsui will remake Dragon Inn in 3-D format. This will be the second time for the director to remake King Hu's 1967 classic kung fu movie. He acted as the producer for the 1992 remake which gathered Hong Kong's many big stars like Brigitte Lin, Tony Leung Ka Fai, Maggie Cheung and Donnie Yen. As for the 3-D version, the director expects Brigitte Lin and Tony Leung Ka Fai to return. Now, he has already cast Taiwan actress Kwai Lun-Mei and mainland actor Chen Kun.
