Eight-minute promo for ‘Bodyguards and Assassins’

A mammoth eight-minute preview of director Teddy Chan’s upcoming period action epic BODYGUARDS AND ASSASSINS has been released. It features extensive footage of what looks very much like the movie event of the year for fans of martial arts and Hong Kong cinema. With one of the most impressive urban sets ever constructed for a motion picture, the promise of a full hour of non-stop action centered around a fascinating historical premise, and a stellar all-star ensemble cast headlined by Donnie Yen this movie is shaping up to be something truly special.

BODYGUARDS AND ASSASSINS takes place in Hong Kong at the turn of the 20th century and concerns efforts by a diverse group of patriots who have banded together to protect revolutionary Dr. Sun Yat Sen from an elaborate assassination attempt.

In addition to Yen, the cast includes an impressive array of current and emerging martial arts stars including world-champion kickboxer Cung Le, martial arts-trained actor Nicholas Tse, veteran martial artist Xing Yu (played Coolie in KUNG FU HUSTLE), wushu-trained actor Wang Wenjie, and traditional kung fu master Philip Ng.

The cast also includes some of Hong Kong and China’s top acting talents including Simon Yam, Tony Leung Ka-fai, Fan Bingbing, Hu Jun, Leon Lai, Eric Tsang, and Michelle Reis.

Veteran action director Stephen Tung Wei oversaw the film’s elaborate action sequences.

As the promo video declares, BODYGUARDS AND ASSASSINS is arrives in Hong Kong theaters on December 18th.