Fist of Fury: The Legend of Chen Zhen (2010)

[AlbertV]

Teaser poster for Donnie Yen's next film and according to the poster, Shu Qi will be in the film as well as is Anthony Wong. Andrew Lau is directing with Gordon Chan producing. Yen will also be the film's action director.

http://www.wu-jing.org/News/images/2009/2009_10_12_01_Legend_of_Chen_Zhen.jpg

Plot:
Fist of Fury: The Legend of Chen Zhen is set 7 years after the reported death of Chen Zhen. He was showered with bullets following his vengeance on the Japanese at a dojo who are behind his mentor's death.

A mysterious, wealthy entrepreneur returns from abroad and makes a grand entrance on the Shanghai social scene by befriending a notorious mafia boss. This man is none other than Chen Zhen in disguise who dwells in a world of nefarious means in order to infiltrate the criminal empire. He soon discovers a clandestine collusion between the mafia and the Japanese.

Under the guise as a caped crusader at night, Chen Zhen sets out to dismantle with his martial arts skill the evil collusion that is plaguing the country. One of his foremost missions is to ferret out the assassination list prepared by the Japanese...

Courtesy of wu-jing.org (http://www.wu-jing.org/happenings/archives/723-Donnie-Yen-Continues-The-Legend-of-Chen-Zhen.html)

[DeathFuMaster]

This movie actually sounds kinda weird(mostly just the caped crusader part). But Donnie has played the character enough so Im sure he will do a great job and im looking forward to it.

[One Armed Boxer]

Agreed....considering the subject matter that's a pretty bizarre plot description.

Sounds more like Iron Monkey 3...

[fiol]

so no more street fighting (i mean sth like "flash point") from Donnie,uh? :(

[DiP]

so no more street fighting (i mean sth like "flash point") from Donnie,uh? :(

Don't worry, there will be more. He said he will rep contemporary action movies so I take his word.

As for this movie, I think this could be the one raising the bar as far as traditional HK choreography goes. Should be interesting to see what Donnie will come up with.

[fiol]

Don't worry, there will be more. He said he will rep contemporary action movies so I take his word.
I hope so :xd:

[kaleyboy]

What happened to him retiring in 2013?

[DiP]

http://twitchfilm.net/news/2009/10/donnie-yen-is-not-retiring.php

http://www.monkeypeaches.com/

[blue_skies]

it all sounds a little too superhero for my tastes

[shapes]

Sondz like a bunch of suits sat round a big Media Asia table and came up with that rubbish

[Charuto]

I guess I can take solace in that they're not rehashing the same story for the nth time.

[DiP]

TF1 buys Media Asia’s Chen Zhen for France

Hong Kong’s Media Asia Distribution has sold The Legend Of Chen Zhen, directed by Andrew Lau and starring Donnie Yen, to France’s TF1.

Dream Movies also took all rights for Australia and New Zealand to the period action film, which recently started shooting in China. TF1 took rights for French-speaking Europe.

Leading Hong Kong action star Yen plays Chen Zhen in the film, a folk hero who fights the Shanghai mafia and occupying Japanese. Shu Qi and Anthony Wong also star.

Media Asia is producing through its joint venture with Shanghai Film Group and Beijing-based Guoli Changsheng. China’s Enlight Pictures is co-producing the film.

Meanwhile, Dream Movies also took rights for Australia and New Zealand to Pang Ho-chueng’s Love In A Puff, a comedy starring Miriam Yeung and Shawn Yue, and Johnnie To’s new project, Death Of A Hostage, starring Lau Ching Wan.

Media Asia is also handling Asian sales on Su Chao-pin’s Jianyu Jianghu, a martial arts thriller starring Michelle Yeoh and produced by John Woo and Terence Chang, which Fortissimo Films is selling in the rest of the world.

http://www.screendaily.com/festivals/afm/tf1-buys-media-asias-chen-zhen-for-france/5007809.article

[Maz]

Press conference in Shanghai for Legend of Chen. The Chinese title has been changed to 'Jing Wu Feng Yun'

The film is produced by Gordon Chan, directed by Andrew Lau and stars Donnie Yen, Shu Qi, Huang Bo, Zhou Yang, Huo Siyan, Anthony Wong

http://i0.sinaimg.cn/ent/m/p/2009-11-15/U2520P28T3D2770272F346DT20091115154801.JPG

http://i2.sinaimg.cn/ent/m/p/2009-11-15/U2520P28T3D2770274F346DT20091115154809.JPG

http://i1.sinaimg.cn/ent/m/p/2009-11-15/U2520P28T3D2770275F346DT20091115154812.JPG

http://i2.sinaimg.cn/ent/m/p/2009-11-15/U2520P28T3D2770276F346DT20091115154816.JPG

http://i2.sinaimg.cn/ent/m/p/2009-11-15/U2520P28T3D2770268F346DT20091115154747.JPG

http://i2.sinaimg.cn/ent/m/p/2009-11-15/U2520P28T3D2770270F346DT20091115154755.JPG

http://i1.sinaimg.cn/ent/m/p/2009-11-15/U2520P28T3D2770273F346DT20091115154805.JPG

http://i2.sinaimg.cn/ent/m/p/2009-11-15/U2520P28T3D2770269F346DT20091115154751.JPG

http://ent.sina.com.cn/m/c/2009-11-15/15372770266.shtml

[DiP]

The Legend of Chen Zhen Resumes

-- The Legend of Chen Zhen --

Production on 《精武风云》 Legend of Chen Zhen has begun in Shanghai on November 15, amidst a press conference attended by Beijing Enlight's Wang Chang Tian, Zhang Zhao, Media Asia's Peter Lam, producer Gordon Chan, director Andrew Lau and the cast Donnie Yen, Huang Bo, Huo Si Yan, Shu Qi, Zhou Yang.

Donnie Yen, who is especially ardent about the project, plays the folk superhero Chen Zhen who returns to Shanghai and soon discovers a conspiracy between the local mafia and Japanese, "I have played Chen Zhen on Fist of Fury TV series 15 years ago, so I'm particularly ambitious about this role. In terms of action, I have confidence of presenting a whole new Chen Zhen. I hope this will engender another wave of wushu trend, and hope for this to become a classic."

Zhou Yang and Shu Qi will vie against each other for Donnie Yen's affection. They are both willing to brave any dangers for Donnie Yen. Huang Bo will play an underdog, while Anthony Wong a mafia boss.

Andrew Lau describes the main character as a superhero, one who is not only a master of martial arts, but will transform himself, taking up the onus of saving the entire city. And it will combine Donnie Yen style kungfu with special effects to create a superhero film. Gordon Chan says that this is not a remake, but a reinvention of the fictitious character.

Filming wraps up by early March 2009 for a release on around China National Day on October 1.

http://www.wu-jing.org/happenings/archives/738-The-Legend-of-Chen-Zhen-Resumes.html

[LoBo]

Superhero film with special effects? I don`t think that sounds promising.
________
MERCEDES-BENZ M102 ENGINE (http://www.mercedes-wiki.com/wiki/Mercedes-Benz_M102_engine)

[AbeRudder]

Andrew Lau describes the main character as a superhero, one who is not only a master of martial arts, but will transform himself, taking up the onus of saving the entire city. And it will combine Donnie Yen style kungfu with special effects to create a superhero film. Gordon Chan says that this is not a remake, but a reinvention of the fictitious character.


And it will combine Donnie Yen style kungfu with special effects to create a superhero film. Gordon Chan says that this is not a remake, but a reinvention of the fictitious character.

And it will combine Donnie Yen style kungfu with special effects to create a superhero film.

kungfu with special effects to create a superhero film

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y263/Sergio_2005/Black_kid_wrestling_shock.gif

[DiP]

I think the meaning is that they will have a combination of action and CG in the movie, not action with CG. Probably in the spirit of The Batman movies or The Matrix. As Donnie is going to be the action director, it's highly unlikely that he will use CG for the action as he's all about realism.

[Mark of the Dragon]

More Donnie!? SCHWEET!

[bengs]

i have not actively followed Donnie's career - of course i appreciate his talent, but this is probably one of his films i'm already interested to see

[DiP]

'Chen Zhen' starts shooting near Shanghai
Martial arts actioner directed by 'Affairs' Andrew Lau

HONG KONG -- Production got underway Monday on "Chen Zhen", a martial arts actioner being directed by "Infernal Affairs" co-director Andrew Lau Wai-keung.

Set in 1920s Shanghai, the film features Donnie Yen ("Ip Man", "Highlander: Endgame") as a local resistance fighter who had been taken for dead after a bloody skirmish. After an absence of seven years he returns in disguise to uncover a plot linking the triads and the Japanese.

The film stars Anthony Wong ("Infernal Affairs", "The Mummy 3: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor") and Shu Qi ("If You Are The One", "Transporter"). Yen also doubles as action director.

Script and production are by Gordon Chan ("Painted Skin") for Hong Kong's Media Asia and China's Shanghai Film Group through their joint venture alongside Beijing-based Guoli Changsheng and Enlight Pictures as co-producer. Media Asia is also handling international sales and recently scored deals with TF1 for French-speaking Europe and Dream Pictures for Australia and New Zealand.

Filming is near Shanghai and is expected to continue until February.

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/asia/hong-kong/e3ie26373dd9e4342611c3b5fc9363a6649

[DiP]

￥100m Epic "The Legend of Chen Zhen" Held Press Conference

Presented by Media Asia Films and Enlight Pictures, the ￥100m action epic "The Legend of Chen Zhen" held its first press conference in Shanghai, on November 15. To commence its principal photography, the stellar cast and crew gathered at the event, including producer Gordon Chan, director and producer Andrew Lau, actor and action director Donnie Yen, together with Shu Qi, Huang Bo, Zhou Yang and Huo Siyan. Also present were the film's investors, such as Enlight Media's president Wang Changtian, Media Asia Group's chairman Peter Lam, and Enlight Pictures' president Zhang Zhao and Media Asia Film's CEO John Chong.

The ￥100m Directing Trio

At the event, John Chong of Media Asia revealed that "The Legend of Chen Zhen" was budgeted at ￥100m (USD15m), and marked the collaboration of Gordon Chan, Andrew Lau and Donnie Yen, the three directors who previously had achieved ￥100m box office incomes respectively. This winning trio would be setting a new milestone for the action genre. "Gordon Chan became a household name with last year's "Painted Skin", which makes him the fifth Chinese director in history to achieve ￥200m box office record. Andrew Lau raised the bar with "Look For A Star", which also garnered ￥100m box office in Mainland China alone. Donnie Yen will both star and choreograph the action in "Chen Zhen". His recent works "Painted Skin" and "Ip Man" both reached ￥100m at the box-office. He's now one of the most sought after action stars in in the world."

The ￥100m Acting Trio

The stellar cast also features three actors in the "￥100m dollar" club. With "If You Are The One" and "Look For A Star" accumulating ￥500m at the box-office, Shu Qi has easily won over the audience. Donnie Yen has peaked ￥400m box office with "Painted Skin" and "Ip Man". Last but not least, Huang Bo has also joined the club with "Crazy Racer". With all three stars collaborating with each other the first time, it will surely spark enough chemistry on screen.

Gordon Chan predicts box office of ￥300m

Gordon Chan created an unprecedented milestone in action films with "Fist of Legend" more than 15 years ago. Jet Li's pragmatic action style was revolutionary.

When asked if "The Legend of Chen Zhen" was a remake, Gordon Chan stated: "Chen Zhen is a Chinese Superhero, we hope to re-imagine him for this generation of moviegoers. This film will bring you an all-new Chen Zhen." Regarding the box-office result, Chan believes with all these top-grossing directors and cast on board: "￥300m shouldn’t be a problem."

Screen Romance with Donnie Yen and Shu Qi

Gordon Chan revealed that Donnie Yen and Shu Qi's characters would have an intriguing romance on screen, and all three leads would be leading double lives. This complicated love triangle will be one of the film's highlights. "This will be a new challenge for Andrew Lau and me", said Gordon Chan.

The All-new Hero

When asked about the detailed plot, Andrew Lau remained mum. "One thing is certain, that our Chen Zhen would be a "superhero". He'll save the city single-handedly." The film will also adopt the latest visual effects to recreate the historic era.

To conclude the press conference, the cast and crew of "The Legend of Chen Zhen" were on stage to bang the massive drum, signaling the making of a blockbuster.

http://www.mediaasia.com/news.php?s_year=2009&news_id=304

[The Dragon]

Iron Monkey 2.

[Mark of the Dragon]

Iron Monkey 2.

Speak not of that film. It does not exist!

[DiP]

http://news.xinhuanet.com/ent/2009-12/22/xin_2121206220759562940414.jpg

http://news.xinhuanet.com/ent/2009-12/22/xin_21212062207598431437516.jpg

http://news.xinhuanet.com/ent/2009-12/22/xin_21212062207596872489915.jpg

http://news.xinhuanet.com/ent/2009-12/22/xin_2221206220759250486519.jpg

http://news.xinhuanet.com/ent/2009-12/22/content_12684874.htm

[DiP]

More pics.

http://slide.ent.sina.com.cn/slide_4_168_2822.html

[LoBo]

Donnie looks like a porn star with that pencil mustache.:smile:
________
Infant prilosec (http://www.classactionsettlements.org/lawsuit/prilosec/)

[DiP]

The Legend of Westernised Chen Zhen, The Piano Virtuoso

-- Legend of Chen Zhen --

On December 21, the press got to visit the set of Legend of Chen Zhen, and witnessed the filming of a scene where Donnie Yen, having just returned from abroad, is playing the piano with aplomb at Hundred Joys, sweeping girls off their feet.

Donnie Yen, who, in a way, came from a family of musicians in which his mother is a soprano and father a violinist, picked up the piano while very young. He was last seen on the piano in Love on The Rocks, and gets to flaunt his piano virtuosity again in Legend of Chen Zhen.

For the better or worse, in this complete overhaul and new twist on Chen Zhen, who just returns from Europe and speaks French, is dressed in Western suit rather than Zhongshan Zhuang, and sports a moustache and hairdo that look like William Clark Gable, "I hope everyone would change their opinions of action stars, their thinking in the past was all wrong, I'd be performing Chopin in Legend of Chen Zhen."

Donnie Yen, who's choreographing the action himself, says that he'd be fighting throughout the film, right from beginning to the very end. Recently, he got ill after shooting a fight scene in the rain amidst such a cold winter. Donnie Yen says that he's going after something new with the action, crafting a unique kungfu for Chen Zhen, hoping to bring about another kungfu trend, create yet another classic that is very different, "I'm coming up with many new forms of martial arts, there are some very lethal moves, very exciting. But I would spend more time on acting, hoping to have breakthrough in this area, I have confidence in becoming a true-blue actor."

Yet the film might not be hiring professional fighters like in Bodyguards and Assassins to be his opponents (but it remains to be seen if there are other martial arts film stars onboard this film), "It's not real fight, so it's not that important to have martial arts exponents. I hope to advance with each film I do, if I have to rely on martial arts sequences to leave an impression, I would feel rueful."

With his rise in popularity, Donnie Yen is receiving countless offers, with lineup up to 2011, most of which are big productions. Donnie Yen intends to do a comedy next year or the year after, he reveals that Raymond Wong had thought of casting him in All's Well, Ends Well Too 2010, but due to his tight schedule, with only two weeks to spare, he had to give up the role.

Apart from a Westernised background, Chen Zhen doubles as an agent, engaging spies from various countries in battles of brains and brawn. Andrew Lau says, "Donnie Yen has been fighting so much in his previous films, the audience might be bored already. And Chen Zhen story has been done to death, insofar as the audience could memorise it already.

"So, Gordon Chan and I were discussing how to change. We noticed that the period after Chen Zhen left Jing Wu Men gives plenty of room for story development. And against the backdrop of 1925 Shanghai, we thought that Chen Zhen should be like this. It would shock everyone initially, yet after watching the whole film, you would feel that this Chen Zhen is very real, very compelling. Chen Zhen has little ties left with Jing Wu Men, he appears like this by day, and like that by night, very mysterious."

http://www.wu-jing.org/happenings/archives/754-The-Legend-of-Westernised-Chen-Zhen,-The-Piano-Virtuoso.html

[DiP]

Donnie Yen Portrays a Different Chen Zhen

Unlike Bruce Lee or Jet Li who both portrayed Chen Zhen as a tough martial artist, Donnie Yen is set to add a new identity to the fictitious character - special agent.

Yen plays the title character in "The Legend of Chen Zhen", a star-studded film being shot in Shanghai by "Infernal Affairs" co-director Andrew Lau.

Chen Zhen, a frequent character on China's big and small screens, is usually portrayed as a student of martial-arts legend Huo Yuanjia (1867-1910). On the screen, Chen Zhen lives in 1920s Shanghai.

Bruce Lee interpreted the role in the 1972 film "Fist of Fury", while Jet Li followed in a 1994 remake.

Lau told the media on Monday that Donnie Yen's Chen Zhen will not just be a martial-arts master, but also an agent who plays the piano and can speak several languages.

"This will be a brand-new Chen Zhen," Yen said.

"The Legend of Chen Zhen" features Shu Qi as a Japanese spy. Other cast members include Anthony Wong, Huo Siyan and Huang Bo.

The film's domestic release is set for next year, with possible international releases in Australia, New Zealand and Europe.

http://english.cri.cn/6666/2009/12/22/1261s537213.htm

[Drunken Monk]

All credit due to Donnie Yen but I wish he would make up his mind. With appetites well and truly salivating for his films, I'd really hoped he would give the martial arts genre something it needs. I really thought he would reinvent on screen action as we see it and even mentioned doing so, himself.

Now he is taming his fightwork and, instead, focusing on acting. Sure, he does need the acting skills under his belt in order to progress but I really hope he works on giving true kung fu fans what they want.

[DiP]

I'd really hoped he would give the martial arts genre something it needs. I really thought he would reinvent on screen action as we see it and even mentioned doing so, himself.

But that's what he has been doing. SPL, Dragon Tiger Gate, Flash Point. And people who have seen B&A have given nothing but high praise for his work on the fight scene with Cung Le. So I believe he's going to break the barrier once again with this one. But for now, I'm still waiting for confirmation of which people he's going to fight as it looks uncertain at this point (besides, I don't rely on that link too much as the sources are mainly translated from the Chinese media whom have the tendency to misinterpret or exaggerate on what's actually being stated).

I wouldn't mind seeing him expand his acting range as I think that would make his fighting all the better and interesting as opposed to fight and just improvising with less or no depth at all (we have seen this from him too many times now). But I do hope that he will still continue to take action choreography as serious (or more) as improving his acting. But I'm sure Donnie knows what he's doing (otherwise, we wouldn't have seen him starring in Ip Man and B&A) when it comes to choosing projects and deciding what kind of fighting styles to show to the audience so I trust him.

[AlbertV]

Something happened on the set of Chen Zhen:

Andrew Lau’s Legend of Chen Zhen has been quietly shooting in Shanghai. Recently, producers discovered a suspicious man in the studio. When detained and asked if he was an extra, the mysterious man was found to have a sophisticated pinhole pen camera on his possession. Producers found numerous scenes of high quality had been recorded. When questioned, the man did not reveal his motive and said he was a graduate and only fooling around. The pen and identity card were confiscated before allowing him the leave. The man later returned with police to retrieve his ID card and pen. But because of fear of leaks, security is high and all cast had signed confidentiality agreements, the producers were reluctant to release the pen camera.

This happened sometime last week I believe.

[doug maverick]

where is the source article for that?

[DiP]

Here's the source, in Chinese.

http://ent.sina.com.cn/m/c/2010-01-18/10452847551.shtml

[mark187]

http://hktopten.blogspot.com/2010/01/20100122-donnie-yens-time-has-not.html

here's some new set photos. starting to get more excited about this one, they got Donnie Yen wearing one of the vintage costumes finally. and still no signs of capes and masks.

[DiP]

Gordon Chan Going Boldly Where No Chen Zhen Has Gone Before

-- Legend of Chen Zhen --

After watching a sample reel and production stills from Legend of Chen Zhen, the producers, being very happy with the results, are increasing the budget by 20m yuan to 120m yuan, for use mainly in post-production, as they intend to hire Hollywood special effects team to give the film a more polished look.

When conceptualizing Legend of Chen Zhen, Gordon Chan hoped to do something that has never been done by Chinese directors, but he felt very pressurized after finishing the script, "After having the script written, I dared not direct by myself, so whom should I work with? Andrew Lau and Donnie Yen came to my mind. Even though during the initial meetings, we had very fierce debates over the script and the nature of the character, but it was precisely because of such a tense atmosphere that we quickly developed a great rapport, fast turning it into a very happy collaboration.

"When I first talked to Donnie Yen on this film, he asked me if there was such a need to take such a risk. For the story and the character are all new, and it's a very audacious move. I told him, if we were not enterprising enough, and simply go about shooting a Huo Yuan Jia or Chen Zhen story that everyone is familiar with, we would just be repeating ourselves, it's not creativity and challenge.

"Everyone's doing a pretty good job on this film, but the biggest surprise to me comes from Donnie Yen. In this film, Donnie Yen has yet elevated himself to another level, whether it is drama or action. He is bound to become a superstar in 2010, and be crowned Best Actor at Hong Kong Film Awards the following year.

"This film is more drama oriented. We don't have minor brawls strewn all over the film. We are concentrating on a few more important fight scenes."

Producer Zhang Zhao says, "The action in this film is rather unusual, it's like Spider-man, going from top to bottom, or going up from below, something like that."

Andrew Lau says that they hare having a great time working together on the set, and both he and Donnie Yen are eager to shoot a sequel.

http://www.wu-jing.org/happenings/archives/770-Gordon-Chan-Going-Boldly-Where-No-Chen-Zhen-Has-Gone-Before.html

[One Armed Boxer]

"The action in this film is rather unusual, it's like Spider-man, going from top to bottom, or going up from below, something like that."

Possibly the most bizarre description I`ve ever read to describe the action in a kung-fu movie!!

[DiP]

Media Asia page of the movie. Featuring few small-scale stills!

http://www.mediaasia.com/movie.php?isFilm=1&sortOrder=filmOrder&film_id=258

[DiP]

While China is traumatized by military cliques during the Warlord Era in the 1920s, Shanghai is the cynosure of all eyes. People see it as both Hell’s Kitchen and Heaven’s Gate. One of the city’s most memorable heroes has to be Chen Zhen, who single-handedly avenges his mentor’s death by killing all the Japanese at a dojo in Hongkou, only to be showered with bullets while making his legendary flying kick. Vanished from the public eye ever since, he has been taken for dead though his body is never found.

Seven years later, a wealthy entrepreneur called Koo returns from abroad and makes a grand entrance on the Shanghai social scene by befriending the notorious mafia boss of the city. This mysterious man is none other than Chen Zhen in disguise who dwells in a world of nefarious means in order to infiltrate the criminal empire. He soon discovers a clandestine collusion between the mafia and the Japanese.

Disguised as a caped crusader at night, Chen sets out to dismantle with his martial arts skill the evil collusion that plaques the country. One of his foremost missions is to ferret out the assassination list prepared by the Japanese.

http://www.cinando.com/DefaultController.aspx?PageID=FicheFilm&IdC=1122&IdF=84983

[bengs]

Thanks for these, the stills look nice

[lillippa328]

i have a feeling theyre gonna be fighting in air kinda like in Mortal Kombat vs DC when you knock some1 off the level and ur falling and throwing punches...that type of thing lol

[Maz]

40 second short clip of Legend of Chen Zhen showing some action

http://www.tudou.com/programs/view/_50wGx_FUmk

[DiP]

The Green Hornet meets Blood Brothers meets Assembly. Now I'm looking forward to this!!!

[bengs]

Maz, thank you for posting it. The action looks great, I'm looking forward to this movie even more

[gorhama]

Very much looking forward to this. Again 2010 is going to be a great year for asian cinema and martial arts action!!

[Drunken Monk]

Is that Donnie Yen in the short clip? It looks a little too...well...acrobatic for him.

[DiP]

I'm pretty sure the spin was done by a double. It's no secret that Donnie can do acrobatic moves, only that it's something he doesn't rely on so we rarely get to see that in most of his movies.

[Gaijin84]

Looks pretty fun. Wish they didn't put the double knee to the chest move in this showcase clip. We've seen that in every single Tony Jaa movie already.

[bamboo spear]

Next to The Empire Strikes Back, Fist of Legend is probably my favorite film, but I don't have a lot of hope for this. To whoever mentioned Iron Monkey 2, yeah, I feel your pain. I remember getting that DVD from Amazon a few years ago, and wow, talk about probably the biggest letdown in the long, sad history of awful knock-off sequels! If anyone can pull this off it's Donnie Yen, but the character is entering "Black Mask" levels of superhuman skills, whereas Jet's Chen Zhen was just an angry and fueled young martial arts student.

Regardless, I'll probably pick it up.

[DiP]

Donnie Yen Dedicates Legend of Chen Zhen to Bruce Lee

-- Legend of Chen Zhen --

In an interview with The Bund, Donnie Yen describes the rendition of his role in Legend of Chen Zhen as an enhanced version of Bruce Lee's Chen Zhen, "The Chen Zhen that I'm portraying will carry traces of Bruce Lee's shadows, his sentiments, his deportment. I hope to pay tribute to him. At the same time, I'd also incorporate my own ideals, and fighting styles, you can say that this is Bruce Lee's Chen Zhen completely re-imagined, and elevated.

"That I also served as the martial arts director for Legend of Chen Zhen was because I'm more familiar with how Bruce Lee fought. Moreover, personally, I'm partial to Bruce Lee. It's very trying being a martial arts director, I didn't want to do it, but when many producers look for me, all of them want me to action direct, apart from acting.

"In today's market, there are only 2, 3 martial arts choreographers with real abilities, but they're all very busy. And, I, having a predilection for innovations, am game to try out bold, new things, it's even harder to look for someone like this. It's double the workload when you also work as the martial arts director, and you don't get a very high pay for it, certainly much less than being an actor, but for the sake of the film's final result, I would still take up the job."

Legend of Chen Zhen, starring Donnie Yen, Anthony Wong, Ryu Kohata, Chen Jia Jia, Shi Feng, Shu Qi, Huo Si Yan, has wrapped up filming in early February. Recently, CCTV aired an early preview footage from the film that has been uploaded and posted on Baidu forum.

http://www.wu-jing.org/happenings/archives/785-Donnie-Yen-Dedicates-Legend-of-Chen-Zhen-to-Bruce-Lee.html

[bengs]

I know it's far away from the original character but I like that kind of over the top action, and anyway I like that Donnie Yen has given it his own interpretation, having returned from Europe, playing piano, being able to speak French.

Nothing compared to "Fist of Legend", of course, but for what it is I think it will be enjoyable.

[blue_skies]

Let's hope there's less of Donnie imitating Bruce as he did in the Fist of fury TV series.

Bengs I couldn't agree more that it's going to have to be something special to compare with Fist of Legend .

[bengs]

Let's hope there's less of Donnie imitating Bruce as he did in the Fist of fury TV series.

Bengs I couldn't agree more that it's going to have to be something special to compare with Fist of Legend .

No, I think it is unlikely.. if you mean imitation as in copying Bruce's mannerisms & fighting characteristics and so on.. the approach and background of the character in this film is too different.. with the superhero element they were talking about, it will probably be more acrobatic, exaggerated, more of the top

[Yi-Long]

The clip was too short for me to tell if I'll like it or not. It seems very over the top, but that doesn't have to be a bad thing.

I am a bit worried that it will be a bit too dark, so it will be hard to see what's going on and who's doing what, and probably with very quick editing to emphasize that this Chen Zhen strikes from the shadows lightning fast. I really hope they will stay away from that and just go for clean clear choreography and angles and cuts, but I just have a feeling they won't.

[WuxiaFan]

The clip was too short for me to tell if I'll like it or not. It seems very over the top, but that doesn't have to be a bad thing.

I am a bit worried that it will be a bit too dark, so it will be hard to see what's going on and who's doing what, and probably with very quick editing to emphasize that this Chen Zhen strikes from the shadows lightning fast. I really hope they will stay away from that and just go for clean clear choreography and angles and cuts, but I just have a feeling they won't.

2nd that!
:15_002:

[DiP]

Donnie Yen Returns as Chen Zhen, But... His Legendary Fist Hath Fury No More?

-- Legend of the Fist: The Return of Chen Zhen --

http://www.wu-jing.org/News/images/2010/2010_03_03_01_Legend_of_the_Fist_Return_of_Chen_Zh en_Poster.jpg

Recently, a brief preview clip of Legend of the Fist: The Return of Chen Zhen was shown at Hong Kong Filmart 2010, the visitors were all very impressed by the action scenes that they could never had enough, but noted Donnie Yen's resemblance to Kato from Green Hornet.

Donnie Yen explains that he had been discussing with director Andrew Lau at length, hoping to make a breakthrough in his appearance, and eventually, they decided to create this comicbook superhero outfit. In addition, the film will be a departure from Donnie Yen's previous action choreographies, presenting something completely new.

Producer Gordon Chan says that he and director Andrew Lau are close friends who grew up together. Having worked with Donnie Yen on Painted Skin, he has explicit confidence in him. This collaboration gives him immense happiness, far exceeding his initial expectations, "When I was thinking of making this film, they were the first to come to my mind, what kind of sparks would be generated when the three of us team up?"

Andrew Lau says that filming went on very smoothly, and the trio enjoyed working with each other, "Filming for The Return of Chen Zhen proceeded at great speed, much faster than I expected. It's now undergoing post-production."

Legend of the Fist: Return of Chen Zhen is scheduled for release on October 1, 2010 and flashbacks from some classic moments in Fist of Fury could be seen in the film.

http://www.wu-jing.org/happenings/archives/803-Donnie-Yen-Returns-as-Chen-Zhen,-But...-His-Legendary-Fist-Hath-Fury-No-More.html

[DiP]

Posters.

http://www.wu-jing.org/happenings/archives/804-Posters-for-Return-of-Chen-Zhen,-Reign-of-Assassins,-and-Fire-of-Conscience.html

[DiP]

Return of Chen Zhen: A Trend-setter or Follower?

Producer Gordon Chan explains the origin of the Chinese title for the film, "In the title 《精武风云》 Jing Wu Feng Yun, Jing Wu refers to my Fist of Legend, while Feng Yun denotes director Andrew Lau's Stormriders. My story, his look and feel, a la Stormriders. This is how the title came about."

Donnie Yen pondered over it for years before accepting this project. Same goes for Andrew Lau, "Gordon Chan has done it before!" Eventually, they came up with a new concept, to elevate Chen Zhen into a superhero, Chen Zhen would not only be fighting the Japanese, but he would also be a symbol of justice, a superhero, so Chen Zhen's image in the film would be more fantastic, like Green Hornet's Kato, or like Black Mask.

Andrew Lau recalls, "Donnie Yen turned down the project flatly at first, saying that there were so many other Chen Zhen films out there already, what could you have come up with that would be new? It wasn't until one day, when I told him we're shooting a superhero film, was he open to negotiations."

Gordon Chan elaborates, "My script has never been rejected before, this was the first time, Andrew Lau returned the script to me. Actually, during the production, Andrew Lau, Donnie Yen and I were challenging ourselves everyday, and constantly aiming even higher and higher. For instance, pertaining to me my script, Andrew Lau told me, 'This still won't do, write a little more!' So, I could only acquiesce. I rewrote the script eight times, and still had to keep changing it on the set. But I was very happy with the process, for through endless experiments and discussions, we've made many breakthroughs."

Andrew Lau remarks, "There is plenty of room for development in between the fictitious and reality, I tried my best to find a balance, trying to be creative, without being too over-the-top, I could take some criticisms, but I would not want my movie turn into something freakish."

Gordon Chan continues, "You can say that Legend of the Fist: The Return of Chen Zhen is a luxurious version of Fist of Fury. While both I and Donnie Yen have done Chen Zhen film and TV series respectively back then, and there was the Japanese dojo both in works, both of us were completely floored on arriving on the set of Return of Chen Zhen everyday: How could there be such a beautiful Japanese dojo! Really thought it was very good, very majestic.

"In this scene, Chen Zhen faces 150 karate experts, at that time, we recruited many, many real-life kyūdan black-belt karate experts to fight Donnie Yen. So, once, when director Benny Chan came visiting our set, his jaw dropped too: 'Didn't know you could do it so magnificently!' This scene was a very big challenge to Donnie Yen, so I believe that he is always able to give everyone surprises."

Andrew Lau adds, "We possessed a kind of creative policy when filming The Return of Chen Zhen, each action scene should not stop at the set, but it also shows the mood of scene, like what kind of fresh ideas could be added to the fighting, the elements that the audience could never imagine. For example, when I shoot a less complicated action scene, I would add many special touches, like a rainy night, or when the temperature drops to -3 °C, I would also have to shoot, so, we were always 'playing' with the audience."

http://www.wu-jing.org/happenings/archives/808-Return-of-Chen-Zhen-A-Trend-setter-or-Follower.html

[David Rees]

Hate to say it but this sounds awful, lets hope im wrong......


Shaw Brothers Official All Region DVDs Here (http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?ff3=4&pub=5574630925&toolid=10001&campid=5335817596&customid=&mpre=http%3A%2F%2Fstores.ebay.com%2FMood-in-Asia_Shaw-Brothers_W0QQ_fsubZ513983010QQ_sidZ168257000QQ_trk sidZp4634Q2ec0Q2em322)

FAR EAST BLU RAY GUIDE (http://dvdasia.co.uk/)

[mrnicejai]

If they didn't call the character Chen Zhen would some of you guys be more excited about this project? I think if they were going to make something so different then they should have just called the character something else and let the image of Chen Zhen rest in peace in peoples minds.

[Maz]

http://donnieyen.net/bbs/attachments/month_1004/10041121383be1acbf48c7132e.jpg
Credits: greentea @ donnieyen.net

[Maz]

http://img1.iqilu.com/ed/10/05/10/30/54_100510073457_1.jpg
http://img2.iqilu.com/ed/10/05/10/62/54_100510073457_2.jpg
http://img2.iqilu.com/ed/10/05/10/77/54_100510073458_3.jpg
http://img2.iqilu.com/ed/10/05/10/78/54_100510073458_4.jpg

http://news.iqilu.com/yule/news/2010/0510/236204.html

[bengs]

Nice posters, thank you for sharing Maz

[Space]

Interesting, looks like Black Mask.

[DiP]

Anthony Wong looks too fresh, a total badass.

[Maz]

Press conference held today in Beijing and a 1 minute trailer was released

TRAILER: http://video.sina.com.cn/ent/m/c/2010-05-10/182770339.shtml
EDIT: website: http://www.mediaasia.com/legendofthefist/

http://i2.sinaimg.cn/ent/m/p/2010-05-10/U2190P28T3D2953498F346DT20100510183139.JPG
http://i2.sinaimg.cn/ent/m/p/2010-05-10/U2190P28T3D2953497F346DT20100510183136.JPG
http://i3.sinaimg.cn/ent/m/p/2010-05-10/U2190P28T3D2953514F346DT20100510183234.JPG
http://i2.sinaimg.cn/ent/m/p/2010-05-10/U2190P28T3D2953505F346DT20100510183202.JPG

http://ent.sina.com.cn/m/c/2010-05-10/18132953461.shtml

[Maz]

Cantonese, English sub trailer

L7aoTDBWS3s

[Maz]

Kung-Fu Chen Zhen Returns

2010-05-10

"Legend of the Fist: The Return of Chen Zhen" will hit Chinese cinemas in October.

"Legend of the Fist: The Return of Chen Zhen", the latest film about one of the best-known action heroes on China's screens, will hit local cinemas in October, producers have announced.

Investors said at a press conference on Monday that they are expecting a box-office take of 500 million yuan (US$73.3 million). That number, if reached, would make the film one of the most profitable Chinese-language films of all time. "The Founding of a Republic", last year's box-office leader, earned 420 million yuan.

Donnie Yen, who portrayed the fictitious martial-arts hero Chen Zhen in a 1995 TV drama, reprises the role that has also been played by Bruce Lee and Jet Li. A frequent character on China's big and small screens, Chen Zhen is usually portrayed as a student of martial-arts legend Huo Yuanjia (1867-1910).

"Unlike Bruce Lee's Chen Zhen who's uneducated, or Jet Li's version, Donnie Yen has to go further. Yen's Chen Zhen returns to China from France, and is more mature and romantic than previous incarnations," explained Gordon Chan, the film's producer.

According to the production team, Yen's Chen Zhen is a special agent who works against Japanese spies in 1920s Shanghai.

The film also stars Shu Qi, Anthony Wong and Huang Bo.

http://english.cri.cn/6666/2010/05/10/1261s568744.htm

[DiP]

Looks like Donnie has made huge modifications on the DTG-style. Apart from the Bruce scream (hopefully that will just be during the flashbacks), wow!

[Drunken Monk]

The trailer looks very 90's Donnie Yen. Good stuff!

[daisho2004]

The trailer looks good, kinda of a cross between The Chinese Connection meets Kato! I just hope that he doesn't make the mistake when he made the TV series and speed up all the fight scenes that is the only thing that ruined that series for me.

[BLfan]

I just hope that he doesn't make the mistake when he made the TV series and speed up all the fight scenes that is the only thing that ruined that series for me.

Totally agree with you daisho2004. The speed up fight scenes are so bad.

At one moment in the new teaser trailer, I thought it was going to happen (where he was wearing the white suit) :xd:

[daisho2004]

BLfan: I thought so also, lets hope they don't do that mistake again.

[mrnicejai]

From the trailer looks like Donnie's making this like Chin Kar Lok's version of The Green Hornet from 1994. One special thing about that movie is that Chin made use of the horizontal wire work to make him be able to leap across the floor quicker and further than a regular human a lot like Donnie in this new trailer. The style he was using in this movie was called Mizong Fist or Lost Track Fist. The style of Chen Zhen and Huo Yuan Jia.

check this clip out from Chin Kar Loks 1994 Green Hornet


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TmezhFR9Axw

[gorhama]

I watched the trailer earlier today and I thought it looks like a fun martial arts movie.

I also agree with daisho totally looks like cross between Chinesse Connection and Kato. That equals cool to me!! :smile:

[mark187]

here's even more awesome news! according to this article from Media Asia, Yasuaki Kurata will be in this as well!!
http://mediaasia.com/news.php?locale=en&news_id=308

[lillippa328]

^Awsome!!!!!





hey, why do they keep trying to cast Donnie with these love type angels? lol...just let the man fight!

[DiP]

Yasuaku Kurata is great news man!

[LoBo]

I hope he will fight against Donnie at least 1 time in the film.
________
MOTORCYCLE TIRES (http://www.motorcycle-tech.com/tires/motorcycle-tires)

[gorhama]

KARATA-SAN!!!!!

This is beyond awesome news!!

[DiP]

http://www.wu-jing.org/News/images/2010/2010_05_08_01_Return_of_Chen_Zhen_poster.jpg

http://www.wu-jing.org/News/images/2010/2010_05_08_02_Return_of_Chen_Zhen.jpg

http://www.wu-jing.org/News/images/2010/2010_05_08_04_Return_of_Chen_Zhen.jpg

http://www.wu-jing.org/News/images/2010/2010_05_08_03_Return_of_Chen_Zhen.jpg

http://www.wu-jing.org/News/images/2010/2010_05_08_05_Return_of_Chen_Zhen.jpg

http://www.wu-jing.org/News/images/2010/2010_05_08_06_Return_of_Chen_Zhen.jpg

http://www.wu-jing.org/happenings/archives/824-Return-of-Chen-Zhen-Poster-and-Images.html

[mark187]

great find! this movie is going to be so fuckin dope!

[lillippa328]

Donnie shoulda been Kato lol




hey, is Andrew Lau and Andy Lau same person?I never knew

[DiP]

No. Andrew Lau is a director and cinematographer.

[lillippa328]

No. Andrew Lau is a director and cinematographer.



yea didnt think they were the same, it always just crossed my mind when hearing Andrew Lau...like "Maybe andy directs sometimes"



Chinese Cinema can be really confusing....lol...

[DiP]

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_6fyaIP-cj0o/S-7oO24pjcI/AAAAAAAANJk/gKqTJMwbh4k/s1600/legend+of+the+fist+cannes+still2.jpg

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_6fyaIP-cj0o/S-7oSVlRC5I/AAAAAAAANJs/rocxmOx5EE0/s1600/legend+of+the+fist+cannes+still.jpg

http://ent.sina.com.hk/cgi-bin/nw/show.cgi/2/3/1/455146/1.html

[DiP]

New Donnie Yen Film Hits Cannes

A trailer for the upcoming Chinese kung fu film "Legend of the Fist: The Return of Chen Zhen" staring Donnie Yen has been screened at the Cannes Film Festival, M1905.com reports.

The 11-minute trailer, tailor-made to introduce the film to European audiences, attracted huge crowds every time it was screened. The film's poster was also featured on the cover of "Screen International" magazine.

Donnie Yen's appearance in the trailer mimics that of Bruce Lee. The love story that plays out between Yen's Chen Zhen and Shu Qi's character is also a huge draw.

The film cost 120 million yuan (US$17.6 million) to make and is aiming for a box office haul of 500 million yuan (US$ 73.2 million).

"Legend of the Fist: The Return of Chen Zhen" will open globally on September 23.

http://english.cri.cn/6666/2010/05/17/2482s570176.htm

[AlbertV]

yea didnt think they were the same, it always just crossed my mind when hearing Andrew Lau...like "Maybe andy directs sometimes"



Chinese Cinema can be really confusing....lol...

This may be of use :)

Andy Lau, the actor is Lau Tak-Wah
Andrew Lau, the director/cinematographer is Lau Wai-Keung

One of the biggest names of cinema, Tony Leung, I know of four!!!
Tony Leung Chiu-Wai...he's the one in Infernal Affairs, Gorgeous
Tony Leung Kar-Fai...he's the one in Jackie Chan's The Myth
Tony Leung Siu-Hung...he's Leung Siu-Lung's little brother, former kung fu film star and chairman of the Hong Kong Stuntman Association
Tony Leung Hung-Wah...he directed the film Vampire Controller and is also an actor and producer

The English name can be a confusing thing, but always try to find their Chinese name and you are good to go :bigsmile:

[mark187]

I wonder if Donnie will use the nunchaku at any point in this film?! I hope so! I remember seeing a promo/behind the scenes for Flash Point before it came out, where a nunchaku was shown being practiced with, but there never ended up being any in the film of course. Legend of the Fist would be the appropriate film to include it in, and a perfect opportunity to incorporate it into Donnie's continously elevating choreography. one of those articles mentioned this would open globally on Sept. 23rd, that can't possibly be right. Oct. 1st is the HK release, I'd be surprised if this opened up anywhere outside of Asia this year.

[lillippa328]

This may be of use :)

Andy Lau, the actor is Lau Tak-Wah
Andrew Lau, the director/cinematographer is Lau Wai-Keung

One of the biggest names of cinema, Tony Leung, I know of four!!!
Tony Leung Chiu-Wai...he's the one in Infernal Affairs, Gorgeous
Tony Leung Kar-Fai...he's the one in Jackie Chan's The Myth
Tony Leung Siu-Hung...he's Leung Siu-Lung's little brother, former kung fu film star and chairman of the Hong Kong Stuntman Association
Tony Leung Hung-Wah...he directed the film Vampire Controller and is also an actor and producer

The English name can be a confusing thing, but always try to find their Chinese name and you are good to go :bigsmile:



wow, i only knew of 2 Tony Leungs...i will deff. look for their chinese name....which is still a little confusing since they have the cantonese and mandarin, lol but ill get it down! Thanks!

[DiP]

http://i0.sinaimg.cn/ent/m/c/2010-05-19/U2519P28T3D2962257F326DT20100519002327.jpg

http://i3.sinaimg.cn/ent/m/c/2010-05-19/U2519P28T3D2962257F329DT20100519002327.jpg

http://ent.sina.com.cn/m/c/2010-05-19/00232962257.shtml

[DiP]

http://www.donnieyen.net/club/data/attachment/forum/201005/20/142641z1vaa0veoet2hvrv.jpg

http://www.donnieyen.net/club/data/attachment/forum/201005/20/142642ymmlhlsmyybp1xy7.jpg

http://www.donnieyen.net/club/data/attachment/forum/201005/20/142643hxxszisznq9jvs9n.jpg

http://www.donnieyen.net/club/data/attachment/forum/201005/20/142644br51z5akbgma1g1m.jpg

http://www.donnieyen.net/club/data/attachment/forum/201005/20/142645feeiimtzwia5zge1.jpg

http://www.donnieyen.net/club/data/attachment/forum/201005/20/142646qgmym4kvg5ckc1c7.jpg

http://www.donnieyen.net/club/data/attachment/forum/201005/20/142647pp6r9qbedkpdnw7e.jpg

http://www.donnieyen.net/club/data/attachment/forum/201005/20/1426484wagf4hkk4vkzg48.jpg

http://www.donnieyen.net/club/data/attachment/forum/201005/20/1426494cgnbp51z4jjp8bq.jpg

http://www.donnieyen.net/club/data/attachment/forum/201005/20/142649b824dlwpdjzd48bx.jpg

http://www.donnieyen.us/dymb/index.php?topic=1117.msg15626#msg15626

[kingofkungfu2002]

http://www.donnieyen.net/club/data/attachment/forum/201005/20/142645feeiimtzwia5zge1.jpg

I'm having that for my signature pic :nerd:

[DiP]

http://www.sinaimg.cn/dy/slidenews/4_img/2010_21/704_82366_527915.jpg

http://www.sinaimg.cn/dy/slidenews/4_img/2010_21/704_82367_808075.jpg

http://www.sinaimg.cn/dy/slidenews/4_img/2010_21/704_82368_819034.jpg

http://www.sinaimg.cn/dy/slidenews/4_img/2010_21/704_82369_241871.jpg

http://www.sinaimg.cn/dy/slidenews/4_img/2010_21/704_82370_438445.jpg

http://www.sinaimg.cn/dy/slidenews/4_img/2010_21/704_82371_288009.jpg

http://www.sinaimg.cn/dy/slidenews/4_img/2010_21/704_82372_809949.jpg

http://slide.ent.sina.com.cn/slide_4_704_10116.html#p=1

[DiP]

More pictures.

http://blog.sina.com.cn/s/blog_472b64f90100ibx7.html

[DiP]

Donnie Yen Making New Moves for The Return of Chen Zhen

-- The Return of Chen Zhen --

Donnie Yen writes on his blog on Sina saying that it's no mean a task achieving a breakthrough in the choreography for Legend of the Fist: Return of Chen Zhen, considering how many such productions were made. There wasn't a moment when his mind wasn't filled with thoughts on plotting out the action scenes and the moves, and he even suffered from insomnia during the shoot as a result.

Nunchakus, flying kicks at the Japanese dojo are obligatory, and taking bold moves, he combines Jeet Kune Do with MMA, before infusing them into creative, yet practical combat elements, and hopes to pay tribute to Bruce Lee through this. There is no task that cannot be accomplished, as long as one has the determination and willpower. And he gained a major inspiration prior, during and after the shoot.

After sliming down for Ip Man, he had to gain back his weight in a short time, as well as toning his muscles for the character of Chen Zhen. To keep himself in tip-top condition, he would get up an hour earlier to do push-ups. Can a 46 year-old be as fit as a 31 year-old? Yes, Donnie Yen is glad to say that, and he did it.

In terms of acting, Donnie Yen has to completely put down Ip Man's humble, scholarly, gentlemanly grandmaster, to play a complex character with multiple identities - a roguish, unrestrained nightclub boss by day, a righteous Black Mask by night, while in reality, he is a hot-blooded revolutionary.

http://www.wu-jing.org/happenings/archives/828-Donnie-Yen-Making-New-Moves-for-Return-of-Chen-Zhen.html

[TibetanWhiteCrane]

The plot seems to be a little out there, but seriously, this looks like a kickass flick, that scholarly reviewers will hate, and fun loving action fans will... well, love!

[mark187]

awesome, nunchakus are confirmed!

[Fightingfist]

Nice pics, hope this is a good one.

[DiP]

http://www.hkcinemagic.com/en/images/movie/large/legendofthefist-poster2_7801c7a33d857a5a6925a6431c6282ff.jpg

http://www.mediaasia.com/news/201006011049180.CZ6.JPG

http://www.mediaasia.com/news/201006011049080.CZ2.JPG

http://www.mediaasia.com/news/201006011049080.CZ3.JPG

http://www.mediaasia.com/news/201006011049080.CZ4.JPG

http://www.mediaasia.com/news/201006011049080.CZ5.JPG

http://www.hkcinemagic.com/en/gallery.asp?fid=11337&id=65162#pic

http://www.mediaasia.com/news.php

[DiP]

Chen Zhen is hit with buyers

Sales News
Hong Kong studio Media Asia (寰亞電影有限公司) had a buoyant Cannes, striking significant deals for its slate of upcoming films.

Legend of the Fist: The Return of Chen Zhen (精武風雲 陳真) was licensed to Well Go USA for North America, to Splendid for Germany and Benelux, United King for Israel, to Horizon Film Int’l for Turkey and to Galaxy Studio for Vietnam.

(The film was previously licensed to TF1 for France and to Metrodome in the UK, with other deals in Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, Thailand, Taiwan, Indonesia and China also in the bag.)

Chen Zhen stars Donnie Yen (甄子丹), currently the hottest star in Asia after his return to form in Ip Man (葉問) and Ip Man 2 (葉問2). Media Asia screened 11 minutes of action footage at its offices in Cannes. Confirmed China release is now set as 23 Sept.

The company’s two Thai pickups 9 Temples (9 วัด) and My Best Bodyguard were licensed to He Production for Singapore and to Ram Entertainment for Malaysia and Indonesia.

Life Without Principle, Punished, A Beautiful Life and Don’t Go Breaking My Heart were all licensed to Golden Screen Cinemas for Malaysian release, with United King also taking Punished for Israel.

http://www.filmbiz.asia/news/chen-zhen-is-hit-with-buyers

[GWB]

looks little weird to me, more kinda war movie than kick ass movie, but the cover art is terrific, I love its yellow color and the "Bruce Lee" posture !!

[The Protector]

Nice pics..Really excited..Donnie is really on fire right now..He's new movies really kick ass..From flashpoint to IP Man 2..:xd:

[DiP]

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs420.snc3/25276_388077639221_187665059221_3671642_6290047_n. jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs420.snc3/25276_388078419221_187665059221_3671778_5274341_n. jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs440.snc3/25276_388077649221_187665059221_3671644_6696894_n. jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs460.ash1/25276_388078439221_187665059221_3671782_5202961_n. jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs440.snc3/25276_388078434221_187665059221_3671781_4288552_n. jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs440.snc3/25276_388077684221_187665059221_3671648_4848469_n. jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs460.ash1/25276_388077689221_187665059221_3671649_579770_n.j pg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs420.snc3/25276_388078424221_187665059221_3671779_4799848_n. jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs420.snc3/25276_388078429221_187665059221_3671780_1923176_n. jpg

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=166187&id=187665059221&op=6#!/album.php?aid=166187&id=187665059221&op=6

[Buxbaum]

http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x10/JoshuaPettigrew/motivatora6af870628efe0aa36030c9b44.jpg :tongue:

[Karlos]

The more I see of this, the more excited I become.

It looks like a hyper mash up of all things Bruce Lee and it really looks like this will be Donnie's final farewell/homage to Bruce - at least, in front of the cameras.

[David Rees]

Certainly looks promising, i just hope the Lee homage is subtle, i didnt like his performance in the Fist Of Fury tv series at all.....



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[Maz]

New trailer

P2Dh-bwA1n0

[DiP]

Looks ace man! I'm sold now.

[DiP]

"Legend of the Fist" Releases Int'l Trailer

The 120 million yuan (17.6 million US dollars) blockbuster "Legend of the Fist: The Return of Chen Zhen" has officially released its international trailer presenting a thrilling and suspicious atmosphere, the website Sina.com.cn reports.

The complicated identities of the two lead characters played by Donnie Yen and Shu Qi stand out in the trailer. The two are on a date but are both suspicious of each other.

In this film, Shu plays a dancer, unlike in her previous film "Blood Brother." Yen, who plays Chen Zhen, surprised film director Andrew Lau with his infectious performance, showing that he could act in movies besides action films.

Yen, who is also the film's choreographer, presents a totally different Chen Zhen from the former Bruce Lee and Jet Li versions.

http://english.cri.cn/6666/2010/06/30/2521s580095.htm

[DiP]

The official site has been revamped.

http://www.mediaasia.com/legendofthefist/en_main.html

[IgaNinja]

that trailer looks pretty sweet,like the nod to 'Green Hornet' in there aswell,looks good.

[DiP]

Legend Of The Fist: The Return Of Chen Zhen

http://www.screendaily.com/pictures/586xAny/1/7/2/1120172_Legend_Of_The_Fist1.jpg

Currently in post-production, Legend Of The Fist: The Return Of Chen Zhen is one of Asia’s most highly-anticipated late summer releases.

Synopsis: A patriotic hero taken for dead for years suddenly reappears disguised as a wealthy entrepreneur to pull together an intricate plan of vigilante justice against the enemies of the people.
Director: Andrew Lau
Writer: Gordon Chan, Cheung Chi Sing
Producers: Chan and Lau are producing with Peter Lam (Media Asia), Wang Changtian (Enlight Pictures) and Ren Zhonglun (Shanghai Film Group) as executive producers.
Cast: Donnie Yen, Shu Qi, Anthony Wong, Huang Bo
Budget: US$12m
Financing: Hong Kong’s Media Asia Films is co-financing with Beijing-based Enlight Pictures and Shanghai Film Media Asia, which is a joint venture between Media Asia, Shanghai Film Group and Beijing Guoli Changsheng Films.
Language: The film was shot in both Mandarin and Cantonese-language versions.
Countries of Production: Hong Kong, China
Status: Post-production
Release date: September 23

Chinese folk hero Chen Zhen was first played on film by Bruce Lee in the 1972 Fist Of Fury and has since appeared in several Hong Kong movies and TV series. This latest portrayal was initiated by Hong Kong film-maker Gordon Chan and action star Donnie Yen who had both worked with the character before – Chan directed Fist Of Legend in 1994, starring Jet Li, and Yen starred in 1995 hit TV series Fist Of Fury. After conceiving the project, they approached Andrew Lau, co-director of the Infernal Affairs trilogy, to direct.

Initially created by Hong Kong writer Ni Kuang, Chen Zhen is widely believed to be a student of real-life martial artist Huo Yuanjia, but there is no proof he ever existed. In Bruce Lee’s portrayal in Fist Of Fury, the character avenges the murder of his master by Japanese martial arts students in early 20th century Shanghai.

“Chen Zhen is a cultural hero who fights to defend the honour of the Chinese,” explains Lau. “He has a huge influence on Chinese audiences. His heroic image is widely praised and many people even believe that Chen Zhen is a real person in history.”

Legend Of The Fist picks up seven years after Chen Zhen avenged his master’s death, although the hero is presumed to be dead as he went down in a hail of bullets after meting out justice. He returns to Shanghai disguised as an entrepreneur and befriends a local mafia boss. Donning a cape at night, he sets out to uncover the collusion between the Japanese and the Shanghai mafia and also get his hands on an assassination list prepared by the Japanese.

“The biggest challenge was how to re-imagine this well-known character while not repeating what has been filmed in previous remakes and adaptations,” says Lau. Unlike Bruce Lee’s Chen Zhen who was uneducated, Yen’s Chen Zhen has returned to China after fighting in the First World War in France and is more mature and romantic.

Media Asia boarded the project while Chan, Lau and Yen were developing the storyline. “As we’re focusing not only on the mainland China market, but also the international market, we believe Media Asia is the best partner,” says Lau. The Hong Kong company then brought on board mainland co-producers, which is the usual route for all big-budget Hong Kong films aimed at the mainland market. Shooting started in November 2009 in Songjiang outside Shanghai and wrapped in February.

For international buyers who may not be familiar with the character of Chen Zhen, the film’s selling points are the high-octane action scenes and the talent involved. While Lau co-directed the Infernal Affairs series, Chan is renowned for combining action with strong characterisation and has credits including King Of Beggars and Beast Cop. Yen, who also serves as the film’s action director, is currently Chinese cinema’s hottest action star with credits including Ip Man, Ip Man 2 and Bodyguards And Assassins. In addition to practising wushu, he is also a combat fighting expert, and in Legend Of The Fist has integrated combat into wushu to create a new martial arts style.

“Yen is a perfectionist who always plans all the scenes in advance, but he also gets injured often,” Lau says when asked about Yen’s working methods. “No CGI is used in any of the action scenes. Action scenes tend to take a long time to complete, but with Yen’s good planning and cooperation with us, the shooting process was very smooth.”

The film is scheduled to roll out in Chinese-speaking territories on September 23 in the run-up to China’s National Day holidays. Media Asia has already pre-sold it to around 20 territories including North America (Well Go USA), UK (Metrodome), France (TF1), Germany (Splendid), Israel (United King) and Aus/NZ (Dream Movies).

http://www.screendaily.com/reports/features/legend-of-the-fist-the-return-of-chen-zhen/5015618.article

[DiP]

http://www.mediaasia.com/legendofthefist/download/cz_poster_08.jpg

http://www.mediaasia.com/legendofthefist/download/cz_poster_07.jpg

http://www.mediaasia.com/legendofthefist/download/1024x768a.jpg

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http://www.mediaasia.com/legendofthefist/download/1024x768e.jpg

http://www.mediaasia.com/legendofthefist/download/1024x768f.jpg

http://www.mediaasia.com/legendofthefist/en_main.html

[mark187]

nice find! this movie is shaping up to be a new classic!

[bengs]

Yes this film is going to be good. The few trailers are already very promising.

Also encouraging to see that it will get a theatrical release down here in Australia through Hoyts Cinemas; the release date is 29 September 2010.

[ekisha]

The Green Hornet meets Blood Brothers meets Assembly. Now I'm looking forward to this!!!

I was going to say it.

Doesn't look too bad, but neither good.

[DiP]

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs086.ash2/37631_414962799221_187665059221_4267243_2773687_n. jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs086.ash2/37631_414962804221_187665059221_4267244_8347145_n. jpg

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http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs054.snc4/35038_414964829221_187665059221_4267258_2166430_n. jpg

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=187549&id=187665059221&ref=mf#!/album.php?aid=187549&id=187665059221

[alex32311]

I've always liked Donnie Yen somehow, especially since his play in Ip-Man, I think he has a great charismatic face for a good guy-character

[DiP]

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs037.ash2/35215_415982524221_187665059221_4290707_309464_n.j pg

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http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs060.snc4/35360_415982669221_187665059221_4290718_1043888_n. jpg

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/album.php?aid=187549&id=187665059221

[Charuto]

Are these fan-made? There seems to be an inordinate amount of posters for this movie. And while they're not all great, they're all pretty much better than the standard HK-movie poster fare.

[Asmo]

Megastar held a competition that allowed fans to make and submit posters.

[IgaNinja]

some of those posters are pretty cool,i think the first 2 are the best ones.

[David Rees]

Some fabulous posters, if there fan made then they did an excellent job!

KUNG FU MOVIE POSTERS INC SHAWS CHEAP... (http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?ff3=4&pub=5574630925&toolid=10001&campid=5335817596&customid=&mpre=http%3A%2F%2Fstores.ebay.com%2FWarehouse-Posters_Martial-Arts_W0QQ_fsubZ8101414QQ_sidZ161725002QQ_trksidZp4 634Q2ec0Q2em322)

[Drunken Monk]

I was hoping they were fan made as most of the posters seems to be going off a very few actions scenes leading me to believe this might be another film where fight fans are left disappointed.
Now I know the fans making the posters only had the previously available promotional material to go off, I'm hoping there's a lot more action than what's been hinted at.

[DiP]

Chen Zhen set for Venice heroics

Festival News
Donnie Yen (甄子丹) starring picture Legend of the Fist: The Return of Chen Zhen (精武風雲) has been set as the second film on the opening night of the Venice film festival (1-11 Sept, 2010).

It will play out of competition in recognition that 2010 marks the 70th anniversary of the birth of Bruce Lee (李小龍).

The film, directed by Andrew Lau (劉偉強), is the third in a series featuring Chen Zhen who started his heroics in Lee-starring Fist of Fury (精武門) and was reprised by Jet Li in 1994 title Fist of Legend (精武英雄).

“In this latest version of Chen Zhen, I strived to break out from the shadow of its predecessors by aiming at a genuine breakthrough in the balance of action and drama, in costume and set designs, and in action choreography,” said Lau in a prepared statement.

Set in a Shanghai nightclub, the film sees Chen disguised as a masked warrior at night on a mission to thwart the imminent Japanese invasion by rescuing as many people as he can from an “assassination list.”

Legend of the Fist: The Return of Chen Zhen also stars Shu Qi (舒淇), Anthony Wong (黃秋生) and Huang Bo (黃渤).

http://www.filmbiz.asia/news/chen-zhen-set-for-venice-heroics

[DiP]

http://i3.sinaimg.cn/ent/m/c/2010-07-24/U2398P28T3D3028148F326DT20100724153905.jpg

http://ent.sina.com.cn/m/c/2010-07-24/15393028148.shtml

[DiP]

Synopsis

While China is traumatized by military cliques during the Warlord Era in the 1920s, Japan has grown into the most powerful foreign national group there, taking over much of Northern Shanghai. Although the city is being torn by international settlements, the upscale cabaret nightclub Casablanca remains a haven for a mishmash of clientèles who hobnob every night till the sun comes up: Chinese entrepreneurs, British officials, Japanese militaries, and spies who desperately seek to overthrow the growing Japanese power in China.

Everybody comes to Casablanca for a reason, including the mustachioed entrepreneur Ku and the sultry singsong girl Kiki. Ku is none other than the legendary hero Chen Zhen in incognito, who single-handedly avenged his mentor’s death by killing all the Japanese at a dojo in Hongkou years ago. Although rumor has it that he had been killed by the Japanese, he actually escaped to France to fight side by side with other Chinese laborers in contribution to the Allied war effort.

Disguised as a masked warrior at night, Chen now sets out to thwart the imminent Japanese invasion by rescuing as many people as he can from Japan’s “assassination list.” He soon finds himself inextricably enamored with Kiki who is harboring a dangerous secret of her own. When Chen finds out that the Japanese colonel in charge of the Japanese invasion is the son of the Judo master he has killed in the Hongkou dojo, his past inevitably catches up with him, as national pride fueled by personal vendetta guarantees the fiercest final showdown.

http://www.mediaasia.com/movie.php?film_id=258&isFilm=1

[soulborn]

Donnie has made Fist of Fury before has he not?

Director Lung Shiu Kee.


Imagine that another remake with the same guy. hahaha

[DiP]

He starred in the TV series version.

This is a sequel to Fist of Legend.

[DiP]

Jingwu Fengyun - Chen Zhen by Andrew Lau is the second opening night film

The movie will be screened (Out of Competition) on September 1st

The new film by Andrew Lau Jingwu fengyun – Chen Zhen (Legend of the Fist: The Return of Chen Zhen), the ideal third episode in the saga of Chen Zhen, the hero brought to the screen by Bruce Lee in Fist of Fury (1972) is the second film on the opening night (Out of Competition), on the occasion of the anniversary of Bruce Lee’s 70th birthday.

The 67th Venice International Film Festival will take place on the Lido from September 1st to 11th 2010, directed by Marco Mueller and organized by la Biennale di Venezia, chaired by Paolo Baratta.

Jingwu fengyun – Chen Zhen (Legend of the Fist: The Return of Chen Zhen) by Andrew Lau, boasts an all-star cast, in addition to superstar Donnie Yen in the role of Chen Zhen, with actors such as the divine Shu Qi, the “Hong Kong Dana Andrews” Anthony Wong and the new comedy star from continental China Huang Bo. Jingwu fengyun – Chen Zhen will be shown in its world premiere screeningin the Sala Grande (Palazzo del Cinema) Wednesday September 1 at 10:00 p.m. for the audience and for all accredited visitors to the Venice Film Festival. Written by Gordon Chan and produced by the Chinese production company Media Asia Films, the film will be distributed internationally by Media Asia Distribution.

For the 70th anniversary of the birth of Bruce Lee, born in 1940, Jingwu Fengyun brings back to the screen the martial arts hero Chen Zhen, the character interpreted by the unforgettable Bruce Lee in Fist of Fury (1972) by Wei Lo, and later by Jet Li in Fist of Legend (1994) by Gordon Chan. Unlike the previous reincarnations of Chen Zhen, in this episode the classic kung-fu film adds an original blend of elements from the spy and super-hero series. This is the new work by Andrew Lau, one of the most famous directors of the Hong Kong film genre, director of Initial D, (presented in 2005 at the Venice Film Festival) and of the legendary trilogy Infernal Affairs, which was the basis for the Hollywood remake The Departed by Martin Scorsese.

Andrew Lau, the director, states: “Chen Zhen was originally a character played by Bruce Lee in the 1972 film, Fist of Fury. This character soon became everyone’s hero, propelling Bruce Lee to international stardom. As a film director, I found it tremendously difficult to tackle this 2010 version of Chen Zhen. Chen Zhen was played by Bruce Lee in 1972, by Jet Li in 1994, and now by Donnie Yen in 2010. How to portray this character in our new generation became the greatest challenge for Gordon Chan, Donnie Yen, and me. And this had to be the greatest trial in my entire career as a cineaste. In this latest version of Chen Zhen, I strived to break out from the shadow of its predecessors by aiming at a genuine breakthrough in the balance of action and drama, in costume and set designs, and in action choreography. Otherwise, there is no point remaking the story. Lastly, 2010 happens to be the 70th birthday of Bruce Lee. I would like to pay tribute to the legendary superstar by making Legend of the Fist: The Return of Chen Zhen a great film”.

http://www.labiennale.org/en/cinema/news/lau.html?back=true

[Maz]

http://english.cri.cn/mmsource/images/2010/07/26/00d56e448c82420b8eb5f65c2ae86162.jpg
http://english.cri.cn/mmsource/images/2010/07/26/e7da0f20ae9b48c4a1a9c6abb291a0f5.jpg
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http://english.cri.cn/mmsource/images/2010/07/26/cad1f06166524be0a128b8a142d73b36.jpg

http://english.cri.cn/6666/2010/07/26/2482s585047.htm

[TibetanWhiteCrane]

This is either gonna be absolutely horrible, or all out awesome.....

[daisho2004]

I cannot wait to see this movie! :xd:

[bengs]

Nice photos, thanks.

[Maz]

DONNIE YEN CALLS CHEN ZHEN MODEL REALISTIC

July 26, 2010

http://source.takungpao.com/2tkp_site2/news/images/10/07/27/uhk-23.jpg

LEGEND OF THE FIST THE RETURN OF CHEN ZHEN after confirming to be the September Venice International Film Festival's opening film also has become the Toronto International Film Festival's Special Recommended Film.

The film continued to break into various international market, but the film company still valued the local market as it released various film related items for fans to collect at the talk of the town Book Fair and Comic Book Festival. The 12 inch model was made on July 27, Donnie Yen's birthday. The first print was limited to 1000 sets and will officially be available on July 30 at the comic book festival. The figure would be either in a white Zhongshan suit or a black leather jacket, eye patch and hat. Both costumes were Chen Zhen's most representative costumes. The accessories included a pair of black boots, four pairs of interchangeable hands and classic nunchukus. The cost was HK$980. Chi Tan was rather pleasantly surprised when he saw the model and said that it looked 90% like him. He already ordered ten sets for his collection.

http://hktopten.blogspot.com/2010/07/20100727-donnie-yen-calls-chen-zhen.html

http://i3.sinaimg.cn/ent/m/c/2010-07-27/U4175P28T3D3030080F326DT20100727003834.JPG

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http://i0.sinaimg.cn/ent/m/c/2010-07-27/U4175P28T3D3030080F358DT20100727003834.JPG

http://ent.sina.com.cn/m/c/2010-07-27/00383030080.shtml

[IgaNinja]

they look pretty good actually,good sculpts.

I cant wait for this film to come out,its gonna be awesome! :bigsmile:

[DiP]

Donnie Yen's Action Film to Show at 35th TIFF

Hong Kong star Donnie Yen's new action film, "Legend of the Fist: The Return of Chen Zhen," has been chosen as a special presentation film at the 35th Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), Sina.com reports.

The festival committee announced the news on July 27, the day of Donnie Yen's birthday.

Due to scheduling conflicts, the cast may not all attend the 35th TIFF, which will be held from Sept 9 to 19, 2010. Lead actress Shu Qi will be filming director Feng Xiaogang's film, "If You Are the One 2."

The film has also been chosen as the second opening film for the Venice International Film Festival from Sept. 1 to 11.

"Legend of the Fist: The Return of Chen Zhen" will open in theaters on Sept 21.

http://english.cri.cn/6666/2010/07/27/2482s585215.htm

[mark187]

too bad I didn't get that passport! I would love to see this at TIFF, but gonna have to wait for the dvd!

[Maz]

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http://ent.sina.com.cn/m/c/2010-07-29/02153033051.shtml

[IgaNinja]

those are some great looking screens. thanks

[mark187]

can anybody, maybe Maz, clear up the language issue w/ this film? the trailers have been in Cantonese, w/ Donnie, Shu Qi, and Anthony all speaking their own lines, while Huang Bo appears to be dubbed. however, the TIFF page lists it as being in Mandarin, and somewhere I heard they shot both Canto and mandarin versions? that wouldn't make sense to shoot every dialogue scene twice, I think they meant there would be Canto and Mandarin dubbed versions like all HK films have. anybody know?

[DiP]

Action Thriller 'Chen Zhen' Unveils Grand Shooting Scenes

The upcoming Chinese action thriller "Legend of the Fist: The Return of Chen Zhen" has released a group of photos of its main shooting scenes, Sina.com.cn reports.

The film is hailed as the most highly-anticipated action thriller of the year. Producers have spent a large amount of money creating the grand shooting scenes - including the Casablanca nightclub, the Hongkou practice room and the European battlefield.

In order to present completely different scenes from the previous Chen Zhen films, director Andrew Lau and his art director have focused on every detail of the whole scene. The layout and display of the Casablanca nightclub will bring you into the year of 1920. And the Hongkou practice room alone took the crew several months to design and another two months to build.

This film also makes some changes regarding the fate of the main character Chen Zhen, who survives after he goes to the Hongkou practice room alone and then engages in the European battle.

The film is scheduled to be on screen on September 22.

http://english.cri.cn/6666/2010/07/29/2521s585626.htm

[soulborn]

These Chinese heroes seem to get to much of a God like treatment when put to the movies. I think enough is enough. I stick to the Bruce Lee version.

I wonder about "Chen Zhen" He probably kicked some Japanese ass maybe 3 or 4 but when put to the screen like in Bruce Lee's version 50 or so guys he wasted. And now there going to be most likely 500 with Donnie

I think it is sad to see historical dramas just for entertainment reasons i want truth and correctness when it's suppose to be based on actual event. Or is it just fiction?

I read someplace years back about Chen Zhen that he was shot and that he died.
heard that from a woman I knew that was from Shanghai also she was a teacher and proudly told me this story. that he was a big hero but he was killed right after his meeting with the Japanese.

[Yi-Long]

These Chinese heroes seem to get to much of a God like treatment when put to the movies. I think enough is enough. I stick to the Bruce Lee version.

I wonder about "Chen Zhen" He probably kicked some Japanese ass maybe 3 or 4 but when put to the screen like in Bruce Lee's version 50 or so guys he wasted. And now there going to be most likely 500 with Donnie

I think it is sad to see historical dramas just for entertainment reasons i want truth and correctness when it's suppose to be based on actual event. Or is it just fiction?

I read someplace years back about Chen Zhen that he was shot and that he died.
heard that from a woman I knew that was from Shanghai also she was a teacher and proudly told me this story. that he was a big hero but he was killed right after his meeting with the Japanese.

As far as I know, it's a fictional character. There are some indications that there WAS a student called Chen Zhen, but the whole story around him was just made up.

[Sam Seed]

Where have I been? I had no idea this movie was even in production until I saw the trailer for it on the R1 Ip Man DVD. I think this looks incredible! Donnie Yen looks good with a mustache, and Shu Qui has never looked so good to me in those pictures.

[DiP]

Well Go confirms Chen Zhen deal

Sales News
Well Go USA, the US distributor, has confirmed its pick up of North American Rights to Legend of the Fist: The Return of Chen Zhen (精武風雲).

"Legend of the Fist: The Return of Chen Zhen is another key acquisition for us as we continue to build our library of important Asian films for the US market,” said Well Go President, Doris Pfardrescher, in a statement.

The Donnie Yen (甄子丹)-starring action film is directed by Andrew Lau (劉偉強) and gets its premiere in Venice as a co-opening film. It will follow that with a trip to Toronto, where it will receive a gala screening. The deal was struck with Hong Kong-based Media Asia Group (寰亞電影有限公司).

Release in its home market of China is set for 21 Sept 2010.

Well Go, which has recently acquired several of the Ip Man (葉問) titles, says it will release Chen Zhen in Spring 2011.

http://www.filmbiz.asia/news/well-go-confirms-chen-zhen-deal

[AlbertV]

I just read that on Twitch and the good news is that Well Go is going to release the film theatrically in Spring 2011.

[Maz]

http://i2.sinaimg.cn/ent/m/p/2010-08-06/U3587P28T3D3041968F346DT20100806014738.jpg
http://i2.sinaimg.cn/ent/m/p/2010-08-06/U3587P28T3D3041969F346DT20100806014742.jpg
http://i1.sinaimg.cn/ent/m/p/2010-08-06/U3587P28T3D3041974F346DT20100806014800.jpg
http://i1.sinaimg.cn/ent/m/p/2010-08-06/U3587P28T3D3041978F346DT20100806014813.jpg
http://i3.sinaimg.cn/ent/m/p/2010-08-06/U3587P28T3D3041973F346DT20100806014757.jpg
http://i1.sinaimg.cn/ent/m/p/2010-08-06/U3587P28T3D3041975F346DT20100806014803.jpg
http://i1.sinaimg.cn/ent/m/p/2010-08-06/U3587P28T3D3041970F346DT20100806014745.jpg
http://i3.sinaimg.cn/ent/m/p/2010-08-06/U3587P28T3D3041972F346DT20100806014754.jpg
http://i1.sinaimg.cn/ent/m/p/2010-08-06/U3587P28T3D3041979F346DT20100806014816.jpg
http://i3.sinaimg.cn/ent/m/p/2010-08-06/U3587P28T3D3041971F346DT20100806014751.jpg
http://i2.sinaimg.cn/ent/m/p/2010-08-06/U3587P28T3D3041976F346DT20100806014807.jpg
http://i1.sinaimg.cn/ent/m/p/2010-08-06/U3587P28T3D3041977F346DT20100806014810.jpg

http://ent.sina.com.cn/m/c/2010-08-06/01403041966.shtml

[bamboo spear]

I haven't read all 15 pages of this thread, but does anyone know if Yasuaki Kurata is playing the same character? In other words, is this just another Chen Zhen / Ho Yuan Jia story, or an actual sequel to Fist of Legend?

[chinese-fighting.com]

http://www.chinese-fighting.com

[DiP]

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs315.snc4/41067_416318052674_704122674_4934027_8156743_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs138.ash2/40233_416314522674_704122674_4933954_4470918_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs318.snc4/41226_416314392674_704122674_4933944_3292701_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs092.snc4/35946_416314297674_704122674_4933936_2511562_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs247.snc4/39679_416313922674_704122674_4933905_2079679_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs118.ash2/39221_416313827674_704122674_4933902_1275684_n.jpg

http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Donnie-Yen/26843438000?v=photos

[Markgway]

Are Donnie and Qi auditioning for a remake of The Thin Man?

[Gaijin84]

Are Donnie and Qi auditioning for a remake of The Thin Man?

lol - spot on

[Maz]

http://i2.sinaimg.cn/ent/m/c/2010-08-11/U2519P28T3D3047344F326DT20100811031703.jpg
http://i1.sinaimg.cn/ent/m/c/2010-08-11/U2519P28T3D3047344F329DT20100811031703.jpg
http://i0.sinaimg.cn/ent/m/c/2010-08-11/U2519P28T3D3047344F328DT20100811031703.jpg
http://i3.sinaimg.cn/ent/m/c/2010-08-11/U2519P28T3D3047344F358DT20100811031703.jpg

http://ent.sina.com.cn/m/c/2010-08-11/03173047344.shtml

[DiP]

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs105.ash2/38590_416314677674_704122674_4933965_53228_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs218.snc4/39245_416314047674_704122674_4933915_204849_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs294.snc4/41060_416314167674_704122674_4933926_5117195_n.jpg

http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Donnie-Yen/26843438000?v=photos

[Rhythm-X]

Are Donnie and Qi auditioning for a remake of The Thin Man?

I would absolutely love to see that hypothetical film. With every major studio looking to pillage their back catalogue for remake fodder, it's not even a particularly far fetched idea... it's an instant franchise waiting to happen, just add liquor.

[DiP]

http://www.car1.hk/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/legend-of-the-fist-21.jpg

http://www.car1.hk/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/legend-of-the-fist-01.jpg

http://www.car1.hk/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/legend-of-the-fist-03.jpg

http://www.car1.hk/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/legend-of-the-fist-04.jpg

http://www.car1.hk/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/legend-of-the-fist-07.jpg

http://www.car1.hk/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/legend-of-the-fist-08.jpg

http://www.car1.hk/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/legend-of-the-fist-10.jpg

http://www.car1.hk/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/legend-of-the-fist-12.jpg

http://www.car1.hk/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/legend-of-the-fist-13.jpg

http://www.car1.hk/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/legend-of-the-fist-14.jpg

http://www.car1.hk/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/legend-of-the-fist-16.jpg

http://www.car1.hk/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/legend-of-the-fist-17.jpg

http://www.car1.hk/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/legend-of-the-fist-22.jpg

http://www.car1.hk/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/legend-of-the-fist-23.jpg

http://www.car1.hk/digital/2010/07/legend-of-the-fist/

[DiP]

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs133.ash2/39995_418247862674_704122674_4990062_4174547_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs196.ash2/45898_418247942674_704122674_4990063_2476474_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs377.snc4/45972_418248047674_704122674_4990068_6275617_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs363.snc4/44670_419726457674_704122674_5026382_11530_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs196.ash2/45935_419727182674_704122674_5026383_4727120_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs392.snc4/45492_419727217674_704122674_5026384_5608750_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs399.snc4/46205_419727242674_704122674_5026385_1995573_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs305.snc4/40595_419727297674_704122674_5026386_5243475_n.jpg

http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Donnie-Yen/26843438000?v=photos

[kngfu]

I would absolutely love to see that hypothetical film. With every major studio looking to pillage their back catalogue for remake fodder, it's not even a particularly far fetched idea... it's an instant franchise waiting to happen, just add liquor.

and Asta..

[Maz]

Here's some art concepts for the movie:

http://i2.sinaimg.cn/ent/m/p/2010-08-25/U3587P28T3D3063266F346DT20100825035158.jpg
http://i1.sinaimg.cn/ent/m/p/2010-08-25/U3587P28T3D3063257F346DT20100825035131.jpg
http://i1.sinaimg.cn/ent/m/p/2010-08-25/U3587P28T3D3063259F346DT20100825035137.jpg
http://i1.sinaimg.cn/ent/m/p/2010-08-25/U3587P28T3D3063258F346DT20100825035134.jpg
http://i3.sinaimg.cn/ent/m/p/2010-08-25/U3587P28T3D3063260F346DT20100825035140.jpg
http://i2.sinaimg.cn/ent/m/p/2010-08-25/U3587P28T3D3063265F346DT20100825035155.jpg
http://i2.sinaimg.cn/ent/m/p/2010-08-25/U3587P28T3D3063264F346DT20100825035152.jpg
http://i0.sinaimg.cn/ent/m/p/2010-08-25/U3587P28T3D3063267F346DT20100825035201.jpg
http://i3.sinaimg.cn/ent/m/p/2010-08-25/U3587P28T3D3063262F346DT20100825035146.jpg
http://i1.sinaimg.cn/ent/m/p/2010-08-25/U3587P28T3D3063256F346DT20100825035127.jpg
http://i3.sinaimg.cn/ent/m/p/2010-08-25/U3587P28T3D3063263F346DT20100825035149.jpg
http://i3.sinaimg.cn/ent/m/p/2010-08-25/U3587P28T3D3063261F346DT20100825035143.jpg

http://ent.sina.com.cn/m/c/2010-08-25/03163063255.shtml

[Maz]

http://i3.sinaimg.cn/ent/m/c/2010-08-25/U3587P28T3D3064362F326DT20100825192129.jpg

http://ent.sina.com.cn/m/c/2010-08-25/19213064362.shtml

A press con will take place tomorrow (26 Aug) to launch the official movie website and a new trailer will be released.

[DiP]

New trailer is out (in Mandarin).

NRK-SvUfNAg

[Drunken Monk]

I'm enjoying the odes to Bruce Lee but while I'm quite excited for this movie I fell it could go two ways. A lot of martial arts films have way too much substance injected into them, these days. While substance is, of course, an excellent thing, sometimes it's so overdone that it overshadows the action and makes the film feel too heavy.
I'm hoping this isn't the case. I'm looking forward to a film with more than just three fight scenes and a nice balance of action and dramatics.

[BLfan]

The new trailer looks good, great production values.

Never a big fan of other people doing Bruce Lee screams but hopefully the movie turns out to be great!

[Maz]

Another new trailer in Cantonese

UTYgWwrBGWk

[spawn]

Hmmm i have to admit, this is looking good, though i too don't like actors doing the Bruce Lee scream.

[DiP]

Worst than screams is imitation. Hopefully, that's refrained for the movie.

[VenomsFan]

Worst than screams is imitation. Hopefully, that's refrained for the movie.

Don't hold your breath. There is a nunchaku scene. So it's safe to say there will be some imitation.

I like Jet Li's hommage to the dojo scene in Kiss of the Dragon. It was modernized and well shot.

This film though, I believe will put Yen at the top indefinitely. As you all have said the production seems top notch (I'm especially looking forward to the war battle scene - it looks like it's shot very well!).

[Maz]

http://i2.sinaimg.cn/ent/m/p/2010-08-31/U4417P28T3D3070392F346DT20100831032116.jpg

http://i0.sinaimg.cn/ent/m/p/2010-08-31/U4417P28T3D3070384F346DT20100831032032.jpg

http://i3.sinaimg.cn/ent/m/p/2010-08-31/U4417P28T3D3070385F346DT20100831032038.jpg

http://i0.sinaimg.cn/ent/m/p/2010-08-31/U4417P28T3D3070386F346DT20100831032043.jpg

http://i2.sinaimg.cn/ent/m/p/2010-08-31/U4417P28T3D3070387F346DT20100831032048.jpg

http://i3.sinaimg.cn/ent/m/p/2010-08-31/U4417P28T3D3070388F346DT20100831032053.jpg

http://i1.sinaimg.cn/ent/m/p/2010-08-31/U4417P28T3D3070389F346DT20100831032100.jpg

http://i3.sinaimg.cn/ent/m/p/2010-08-31/U4417P28T3D3070390F346DT20100831032106.jpg

http://i0.sinaimg.cn/ent/m/p/2010-08-31/U4417P28T3D3070391F346DT20100831032111.jpg

http://ent.sina.com.cn/m/c/2010-08-31/03483070401.shtml

[DiP]

Don't hold your breath. There is a nunchaku scene. So it's safe to say there will be some imitation.

Well, if it's going to be something like Legend of the Wolf which was restricted mostly to screams with a bit of mannerisms and not like Fist of Fury TV series (overdone and embarrassing), then I'm ok with it. It's to be remained whether it will be like the former, the latter or simply something else.

[DiP]

Reviews.

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/film-reviews/legend-of-the-fist-the-return-of-chen-zhen-1004112453.story

http://www.variety.com/review/VE1117943402.html?categoryId=31&cs=1

http://www.obsessedwithfilm.com/reviews/venice-2010-review-legend-of-the-fist-the-return-of-chen-zhen.php

http://www.filmbiz.asia/reviews/legend-of-the-fist-the-return-of-chen-zhen

[DiP]

Legend of the Fist: The Return of Chen Zhen (Jingwu fengyun – Chen Zhen)

http://www.screendaily.com/pictures/586xAny/4/2/7/1122427_Legend_of_the_Fist_1.jpg

Dir: Andrew Lau. Hong Kong/China. 2010. 105mins

Chen Zhen lives to fight again in Andrew Lau’s first foray into big-budget martial arts cinema. Reprising one of Bruce Lee’s most famous roles is never easy, but Donnie Yen has the stepping stone of Jet Li’s earlier reincarnation of kung-fu fighter Chen Zhen in Fist of Legend (1994) to bounce off, and he and Lau launch into the task with a great deal of verve.

If the result is more solid and workmanlike than ravishingly poetic, that’s probably deliberate: period martial arts epics have retreated, for good market reasons, from the crossover high water mark set by Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and House of Flying Daggers, and are focusing these days (as Red Cliff demonstrated) on cleaning up in Asia, with sales elsewhere being seen as the icing on the cake.

The fact that US distribution rights to Legend of the Fist have been picked up not by a big studio distributor but by niche operator Well Go, is telling in this respect. Ip Man, Well Go’s current Donnie Yen title, is being released first on DVD and BluRay, with a theatrical release being promised at some later date; and Legend of the Fist is likely to follow a similar trajectory. However, the film’s nationalist agenda, as well as its star cast and tasty period setting, should help to make it big in China, and results in Southeast Asia should be peppy.

Martial arts warrior Chen Zhen is an entirely cinematic construct, created by writer Ni Kuang for the Bruce Lee vehicle Fist of Fury. Originally set in the twilight years of the Qing dynasty (which ended in 1912), the action has been moved forward here to the 1920s in order to set the standoff between Chinese and Japanese martial arts schools in Shanghai in a context of rising Japanese militarism and Chinese nationalist resistance.

The four scriptwriters begin by dusting off the little-known historical episode of thousands of Chinese workers being forcibly sent off to fight alongside French and British forces in the First World War. Chen Zhen (Yen) is one of them, and it’s his experiences on the French killing fields that mould his Chinese nationalist pride.

Nothing else in the film quite matches the exhilaration of the pre-title sequence, in which Chen Zhen and his companions attack a German position in a war-ravaged French town. After the war, going under the name of Ku, Chen Zhen befriends Liu Yutian (Wong), the good-hearted gangland owner of decadent Shanghai nightclub Casablanca, where sultry torch singer Kiki (Shu Qi) – who is not quite what she seems – performs nightly.

But Chen is secretly a member of an underground group dedicated to resisting Japanese expansionism in Shanghai, and he adopts the identity of a Masked Warrior – borrowed from a cheesy Hollywood film playing at a downtown cinema – to foil Japanese designs in a series of tasty fights (all choreographed by Yen himself).

Lush photography, a surging orchestral score and rich period detail creates a nicely tenebrous atmosphere of a tension-ridden city waiting uneasily for the match that lights the touchpaper. Western characters – like a bigoted police chief – are mere ciphers – but leads Yen (poised and elegant with his Gallicised look and manners) and Shu Qi fill out their roles, abetted ably by supporting players like Chen Yen’s main antagonist, Japanese colonel Chikariashi (Ryuichi).

Production companies: Media Asia Films, Enlight Pictures, Shanghai Film Media Asia present a Basic Pictures production
International sales: Media Asia Distribution, www.mediaasia.com
Producers: Gordon Chan, Andrew Lau
Executive producers: John Chong, Zhang Zhao, Zhang Guoli
Screenplay: Cheng Chi Sing, Gordon Chan, Lui Koon Nam, Frankie Tam
Cinematography: Andrew Lau, Ng Man Ching
Production design: Eric Lam
Editor: Azrael Chung
Music: Chan Kwong Wing
Main cast: Donnie Yen, Shu Qi, Anthony Wong, Huang Bo, Kohata Ryuichi

http://www.screendaily.com/reviews/latest-reviews/legend-of-the-fist-the-return-of-chen-zhen-jingwu-fengyun-chen-zhen/5017694.article

[DiP]

BTS footage of Donnie choreographing the action scenes.

CoMp2TsgHwM

[Rebornman]

Can't wait to see this

[IgaNinja]

Good to hear its getting mostly positive reviews :smile:

[Karlos]

Thanks for those review links, DiP – they’ve seriously got me pumped for this.

Love this line in one of the reviews:

It feels a bit like watching a cut of Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom where Indy doesn’t get on that flight out of Shanghai.

SOLD!! :tongue:

[Maz]

http://i0.sinaimg.cn/ent/m/c/p/2010-09-07/U3587P28T3D3079459F326DT20100907223516.jpg

http://i3.sinaimg.cn/ent/m/c/p/2010-09-07/U3587P28T3D3079459F329DT20100907223516.jpg

http://i2.sinaimg.cn/ent/m/c/p/2010-09-07/U3587P28T3D3079459F328DT20100907223516.jpg

http://i1.sinaimg.cn/ent/m/c/p/2010-09-07/U3587P28T3D3079459F358DT20100907223516.jpg

http://ent.sina.com.cn/m/c/p/2010-09-07/22353079459.shtml

[Karlos]

This looks nice:

http://www.onesixthbruce.co.uk/enterbay---chen-zhen---donnie-yen-474-p.asp

[Asmo]

I'm sorry if this has been brought up but does anyone know what language this was filmed in? Cinemas here are playing both Cantonese and Mandarin versions, and I wasn't sure what the 'intended' language was.

Thanks.

[Maz]

http://i3.sinaimg.cn/ent/m/c/p/2010-09-10/U3587P28T3D3082426F326DT20100910021537.jpg

http://i2.sinaimg.cn/ent/m/c/p/2010-09-10/U3587P28T3D3082426F329DT20100910021537.jpg

http://i1.sinaimg.cn/ent/m/c/p/2010-09-10/U3587P28T3D3082426F328DT20100910021537.jpg

http://ent.sina.com.cn/m/c/p/2010-09-10/02153082426.shtml

[Maz]

http://i0.sinaimg.cn/ent/m/c/p/2010-09-13/U3587P28T3D3084821F326DT20100913004309.jpg

http://i3.sinaimg.cn/ent/m/c/p/2010-09-13/U3587P28T3D3084821F329DT20100913004309.jpg

http://i2.sinaimg.cn/ent/m/c/p/2010-09-13/U3587P28T3D3084821F328DT20100913004309.jpg

http://i1.sinaimg.cn/ent/m/c/p/2010-09-13/U3587P28T3D3084821F358DT20100913004309.jpg

http://i0.sinaimg.cn/ent/m/c/2010-09-13/U3587P28T3D3084818F326DT20100913002649.jpg

http://i3.sinaimg.cn/ent/m/c/2010-09-13/U3587P28T3D3084818F329DT20100913002649.jpg

http://i2.sinaimg.cn/ent/m/c/2010-09-13/U3587P28T3D3084818F328DT20100913002649.jpg

http://ent.sina.com.cn/m/c/p/2010-09-13/00433084821.shtml
http://ent.sina.com.cn/m/c/2010-09-13/00263084818.shtml

[bengs]

I'm sorry if this has been brought up but does anyone know what language this was filmed in? Cinemas here are playing both Cantonese and Mandarin versions, and I wasn't sure what the 'intended' language was.

Thanks.

The IMDB page suggests it was shot in Cantonese and Japanese.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1456661/

[Asmo]

The IMDB page suggests it was shot in Cantonese and Japanese.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1456661/

Thanks for that. I wonder why they're showing a Mandarin dub (here) as well. I hope there's nothing different between the two, as the cinema that is easiest to get to (for me) is showing it in Mandarin.

[bengs]

Thanks for that. I wonder why they're showing a Mandarin dub (here) as well. I hope there's nothing different between the two, as the cinema that is easiest to get to (for me) is showing it in Mandarin.

No I am sure it would just be a language difference.

Perhaps they had the choice of picking either a Cantonese or Mandarin language track, and if so I imagine that they are screening it in Cantonese in Chatswood since that area is dominated by HK Chinese from what I know. I'd probably end up seeing it in the city as well though.

[Asmo]

No I am sure it would just be a language difference.

Perhaps they had the choice of picking either a Cantonese or Mandarin language track, and if so I imagine that they are screening it in Cantonese in Chatswood since that area is dominated by HK Chinese from what I know. I'd probably end up seeing it in the city as well though.

Ah, fair enough. Chatswood's a bit far for me, Broadway is slightly easier to get to.
I wish these films played in more cinemas though, guess it depends on who gets the rights.

[bengs]

Ah, fair enough. Chatswood's a bit far for me, Broadway is slightly easier to get to.
I wish these films played in more cinemas though, guess it depends on who gets the rights.

Yeah, a few major action titles have found their way down here recently with some theatrical release, "Little Big Soldier", the two sequels to "Ong Bak", the two "Ip Man" films, and hopefully more to come.

[IgaNinja]

I wish they made their way up here where i am,damn it lol.

[mark187]

I noticed that Tinlunlau has mentioned he believes it could have been a Mainland cut screened at TIFF, which I was beginning to become suspcicious of. Could anybody confirm whether or not this is true...does the upcoming Cantonese version to be shown in HK have a different and likely better cut? If so, this could help explain why so many reviews complained about chopiness of editing and all that, maybe it was a truncated version.

from the East Screen West Screen comment section-
tinlunlau (aka Gary)
September 10, 2010 at 9:11 pm | #

"And while we’re on the topic of “Legend of the Fist: The Return of Chen Zhen”, I came back from the movie last night and I’d have to say that I am slightly disappointed in this film. The sets and costume design looked great. I won’t deny that. But the film kinda goes flat and goes unsure of what it wants to be: a superhero flick or an espionage or Michael Bay’s Pearl Harbor. It just didn’t felt very action packed for the mid-portion of the film and was deviating from the whole “Fist of Fury” theme. Shu Qi’s performance was very commendable and she did a very nice job in her role. Donnie’s just being Donnie. Anthony Wong was a joy to watch as always. Huang Bo is given the role of giving comedic relief.

Also, I saw it at the Elgin Theatre last night. Andrew Lau attended the screening to say a few words (which I will upload on youtube later). There was no Q&A session and the film was presented in Mandarin. The on-screen text was all in simplified Chinese so I believe we were given the Mainland cut here. All in all, I feel like I’ve been ripped off compared to last year’s screening of Johnnie To’s “Vengeance”."

http://kong-cast.com/east-screen-west-screen-40-pigeon-fried-rice

[Asmo]

Yeah, a few major action titles have found their way down here recently with some theatrical release, "Little Big Soldier", the two sequels to "Ong Bak", the two "Ip Man" films, and hopefully more to come.

True.

I noticed that Tinlunlau has mentioned he believes it could have been a Mainland cut screened at TIFF, which I was beginning to become suspcicious of. Could anybody confirm whether or not this is true...does the upcoming Cantonese version to be shown in HK have a different and likely better cut? If so, this could help explain why so many reviews complained about chopiness of editing and all that, maybe it was a truncated version.

from the East Screen West Screen comment section-
tinlunlau (aka Gary)
September 10, 2010 at 9:11 pm | #

"And while we’re on the topic of “Legend of the Fist: The Return of Chen Zhen”, I came back from the movie last night and I’d have to say that I am slightly disappointed in this film. The sets and costume design looked great. I won’t deny that. But the film kinda goes flat and goes unsure of what it wants to be: a superhero flick or an espionage or Michael Bay’s Pearl Harbor. It just didn’t felt very action packed for the mid-portion of the film and was deviating from the whole “Fist of Fury” theme. Shu Qi’s performance was very commendable and she did a very nice job in her role. Donnie’s just being Donnie. Anthony Wong was a joy to watch as always. Huang Bo is given the role of giving comedic relief.

Also, I saw it at the Elgin Theatre last night. Andrew Lau attended the screening to say a few words (which I will upload on youtube later). There was no Q&A session and the film was presented in Mandarin. The on-screen text was all in simplified Chinese so I believe we were given the Mainland cut here. All in all, I feel like I’ve been ripped off compared to last year’s screening of Johnnie To’s “Vengeance”."

http://kong-cast.com/east-screen-west-screen-40-pigeon-fried-rice

If that's the case, it seems that Australia could be getting both cuts. I might have to fire off some emails.

[Improvisation]

Just read Twitch's review of this movie. As with most movies, they ripped it apart. Apparently, the plot sucks and the action sequences are MTV close-up style. In fact, Todd goes as far as to theorize that Donnie Yen might have a body double for "30-40%" of the action sequences.

Wow, has age caught that far up to him?

link - http://twitchfilm.net/reviews/2010/09/tiff-2010-legend-of-the-fist-the-return-of-chen-zhen-review.php

[bengs]

Just read Twitch's review of this movie. As with most movies, they ripped it apart. Apparently, the plot sucks and the action sequences are MTV close-up style. In fact, Todd goes as far as to theorize that Donnie Yen might have a body double for "30-40%" of the action sequences.

Wow, has age caught that far up to him?

link - http://twitchfilm.net/reviews/2010/09/tiff-2010-legend-of-the-fist-the-return-of-chen-zhen-review.php

Thanks for the link. They are real enthusiasts there and have been pretty spot on with their reviews in the past.

[DiP]

Also, I saw it at the Elgin Theatre last night. Andrew Lau attended the screening to say a few words (which I will upload on youtube later). There was no Q&A session and the film was presented in Mandarin. The on-screen text was all in simplified Chinese so I believe we were given the Mainland cut here.

Considering that all of Donnie's movies (starting from Ip Man) in both Mando and Canto have been the same (apart from slight removal of violence), I doubt that we'll get treated to drastic changes for the Canto version. But I hope he's right.

In fact, Todd goes as far as to theorize that Donnie Yen might have a body double for "30-40%" of the action sequences.

Wow, has age caught that far up to him?

Most likely action scenes where he's in his Kato outfit but also when complicated parkour or other similar acrobatic techniques are involved. Since the filmmakers stick with the thought that audiences are supposed to believe that there's no difference when performances are done in disguise because it's hard to tell anyway, they go with the idea that the performer(s) should take advantage of saving effort performing some of the stunts themselves and just let other people do it.

As evident in his last few movies (Ip Man 1 & 2, 14 Blades), Donnie is in fine form and can still hold up his physical performance for the most part so age has not affected him at all. Rather some old injuries.

[daisho2004]

As with any review you have to judge it for yourself! So I won't go by any reviews until I see the movie for myself!

[DiP]

Indeed. Just giving some thoughts.

[DiP]

Yasuaki Kurata.

LjaOdZ75-JA

Interview with Andrew Lau.

F2ZSHhIseYI

TV Spot 1.

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TV Spot 2.

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TV Spot 3.

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[Maz]

http://i3.sinaimg.cn/ent/m/p/2010-09-16/U3587P28T3D3090134F346DT20100916222616.jpg

http://i0.sinaimg.cn/ent/m/p/2010-09-16/U3587P28T3D3090135F346DT20100916222621.jpg

http://i2.sinaimg.cn/ent/m/p/2010-09-16/U3587P28T3D3090136F346DT20100916222626.jpg

http://i0.sinaimg.cn/ent/m/p/2010-09-16/U3587P28T3D3090129F346DT20100916222554.JPG

http://i3.sinaimg.cn/ent/m/p/2010-09-16/U3587P28T3D3090128F346DT20100916222549.jpg

http://i3.sinaimg.cn/ent/m/p/2010-09-16/U3587P28T3D3090137F346DT20100916222631.jpg

http://ent.sina.com.cn/m/c/2010-09-16/22193090123.shtml

[VenomsFan]

that last pic looks wired assisted. why that when we have live actioners performing those stunts without wires?

no worries, I am going to enjoy this one. no donnie bashing from me this time around. this looks fun and he has come a long way.

[kaleyboy]

Every modern hong kong actioner features wire-assisted stunts. I think it's because they used to spend so much time and money hiding the wires in the old days, that now they can just CGI them out, they've gone slightly overboard. It always grates with me, 'cos it's just so obvious when a wire scene crops up, even though now you can't actually see the wire.

[blue_skies]

Just read Twitch's review of this movie. As with most movies, they ripped it apart. Apparently, the plot sucks and the action sequences are MTV close-up style. In fact, Todd goes as far as to theorize that Donnie Yen might have a body double for "30-40%" of the action sequences.

Wow, has age caught that far up to him?

link - http://twitchfilm.net/reviews/2010/09/tiff-2010-legend-of-the-fist-the-return-of-chen-zhen-review.php


http://twitchfilm.net/reviews/2010/09/tiff-2010-legend-of-the-fist-return-of-chen-zhen-review.php

There is now another review at twitch that let's say is less than favourable. I hope time, old injuries and new ones haven't caught up with Donnie Yen but then it had to happen one day.

[DiP]

The movie soundtrack is up for pre-order. Composed by Chan Kwong-Wing (Infernal Affairs trilogy, SPL, Flash Point, Bodyguards and Assassins).

http://www.yesasia.com/global/legend-of-the-fist-return-of-chen-zhen-original-soundtrack-ost/1023501186-0-0-0-en/info.html

[Karlos]

Hmm..it's not looking too good, is it?

Have to say, though, the opening from the new review made me smile:

Watching LEGEND OF THE FIST: RETURN OF CHEN ZHEN is like watching Donnie Yen masturbate to photos of Bruce Lee while staring at himself in a mirror.

:tongue:

[mark187]

http://moviexclusive.com/review/legendofthefistthereturnofchenzhen/legendofthefistthelegendofchenzhen.html

review up at Moviexclusive, 3 stars out of 5.

http://www.cinema.com.my/movies/movie_contents.aspx?search=2010.6397.legendofchenz hen.11900

Malaysia's cinemaonline has given it a postive review with 4/5 stars.

[DiP]

More reviews.

http://www.jaredmobarak.com/2010/09/09/legend-of-the-fist-chen-zhen/

http://thebananatimes.com/blog/2010/09/11/tiff-2010-review-legend-of-the-fist-the-return-of-chen-zhen/

http://moviecitynews.com/2010/09/tiff-dispatch/

http://www.myetvmedia.com/film-review/legend-of-the-fist-the-return-of-chen-zhen/

[Yi-Long]

A VERY negative review by HK site Neon Punch: http://www.neonpunch.com/review-legend-of-the-fist-the-return-of-chen-zhen/#more-9985
We’ve seen some bad movies over the last couple years and the only movie worse than this is Vampires Suck!

[IgaNinja]

A VERY negative review by HK site Neon Punch: http://www.neonpunch.com/review-legend-of-the-fist-the-return-of-chen-zhen/#more-9985

wow..I think that was abit over-the-top-harsh. sounds like the person the reviewed this was expecting the second-coming of christ.

[QueMuchita]

I'm sorry but i cant believe this movie can possibly be as bad as some of these reviewers make it out to be.

[DiP]

Short preview of the opening war scene.

tVZJxceN-dY

[gorhama]

Ok that was 1:24 of kick assness for sure!! I know it's getting mixed reviews to say or write the least....but I'm excited as hell to see this movie!!

[BLfan]

That clip was very cool!

[daisho2004]

Yeah it looks good but I was kinda hoping Donnie wouldn't go back to doing to much of the Wire-Fu in his movies. And I hope this movie isn't going to have the action scenes sped up like in his Fist of Fury movies.

[mark187]

I don't think anything will ever look as bad as that tv series, but remember that was shot on video, not film. Undercranking looks a lot better when the movie is shot on film. In terms of wirework, I won't watch that clip since I'm waiting for the movie itself to see it, but I did notice some wire-assisted stunts in the trailers. I don't think there is anything wrong with that, especially since the movie has a comic-book feel/look to it. Looking at the glimpses of action in the trailers, it looks to be done in a similar style to Dragon Tiger Gate in many ways.

[emacs]

i saw the film at the 35th Toronto International Film Festival http://tiff.net/filmsandschedules/tiff/2010/legendofchenzhen the film is below average; Yen could do and has done much better. although some of the reviews may be overly harsh, i agree the film is not good.

[sen_pai]

I saw the movie and sorry to say, I was disappointed. There was not much action in it. The film started fairly strong and had a good ending, but most of everything in between was mostly talk. I enjoy the fighting, but it's hard to really enjoy it after so much talking.

If they threw in 3 more big fight scenes, I would have been happy. They need to stop with all this acting crap. People like him because he can fight...so fight!

Also, the retarded thing is...and I don't know Chinese, but it's like he's a super hero..right? He hardly wore the mask. You hardly see him in it, except a few times.

Don't look forward to this! Piece of crap.

[sen_pai]

They had wire fights...though they had few fighting. It looks pretty corny too. A lot of it is amazing as well. Unfortunately, most of the movie is just talk talk talk talk talk. Still better than Body Guard and ASsassins.

Yeah it looks good but I was kinda hoping Donnie wouldn't go back to doing to much of the Wire-Fu in his movies. And I hope this movie isn't going to have the action scenes sped up like in his Fist of Fury movies.

[sen_pai]

Just by watching this, it's kinda like you saw half of the fighting in the movie...lol. Okay, half is too much, but 33%.

Short preview of the opening war scene.

tVZJxceN-dY

[sen_pai]

If you expect crap...your expectation is too high.

wow..I think that was abit over-the-top-harsh. sounds like the person the reviewed this was expecting the second-coming of christ.

[gorhama]

Wow......ok Sen Pai I think we get that you didn't like the movie. :tongue:

I'm still looking forward to it, I have to see things with my own eyes to judge of course.

[IgaNinja]

lol sen-pai nice review...:tongue:

first off,hes not a superhero lol and I like abit of dialogue at times. It can give more reasoning and meaning to the fightscenes.

I'll watch it myself to judge.

[MERCONE]

Shame they advertised this movie with mostly action. Its 70% drama 30% action. Not all that 30% being of Martial arts action. Twitch reviewer called it the worst movie of the year among other things. It is not Donnie's best it sure as hell isn't hes worst.




http://photos.imageevent.com/mercone/web/Legend-of-Chen-Zhen%202010.jpg

[Rhythm-X]

Shame they advertised this movie with mostly action. Its 70% drama 30% action. Not all that 30% being of Martial arts action. Twitch reviewer called it the worst movie of the year among other things. It is not Donnie's best it sure as hell isn't hes worst.

Hmm, Grady Hendrix (http://www.gradyhendrix.com/) hated it, and Devin Faraci and Capone writing at AICN (fuck a link) jizzed their pants over it. One of these sources is infinitely more credible than the other. And can write better. And runs the New York Asian Film Festival.

(And that poster is a font change and a Well Go logo away from framing material. Well done.)

[OpiumKungFuCracker]

Damn, I missed this one at the festival.. I guess I'll revisit it on bluray soon???

[sifu iron perm]

they really put that comment by hendrix on there???

[KUNG FU BOB]

they really put that comment by hendrix on there???

I think that poster was a fan-made joke.

Ditto Rythm-X's comment about Grady's writing. Talented guy.

[Morgoth Bauglir]

That is the martial arts movie quote of the year!

[daisho2004]

Honestly Donnie is at the top of his game, I cannot see this movie as being a failure, as the critics have been so blatant about it. It going to have to come from us die hard fans to really see what we think about this movie. And I'm sure we're going to be split on it like every other movie that we review. Just look at Ong -Bak #2 half of everyone on here hated it, and the rest loved it! So that's my point.

[VenomsFan]

Honestly Donnie is at the top of his game, I cannot see this movie as being a failure, as the critics have been so blatant about it. It going to have to come from us die hard fans to really see what we think about this movie. And I'm sure we're going to be split on it like every other movie that we review. Just look at Ong -Bak #2 half of everyone on here hated it, and the rest loved it! So that's my point.

daisho2004, I respect your views on the films we have seen together. But I will have to hold you to this quote. Andy Lau kicked ass as the director, and Yen is at the top of his game. Something got lost in the translation. Primarily the editing. I know, in a Hong Kong film nonetheless it was sadly edited by what seems a college intern. Rushed, editing techniques broken all over the place.

They really should have taken their time in post. Especially the last 3rd of the film and all the fights. You and I have similar opinions on these ma films. I'd be surprised if you end up enjoying it as much as you expect. I didn't.

[daisho2004]

VenomsFan: I hope I'm right but I haven't seen this movie yet so I'm still looking forward to it. But I'm still going into it with an open mind, I'll post my review as soon as I see it.

[Chinatown Kid]

Being a big Donnie Yen fan I'm looking forward to seeing this as well, Yen usually does not disappoint! :bigsmile:

[DiP]

I managed to get an unsubbed, good quality of the movie but I'll just save that for later and go through the action briefly.

Since reviews around the net are referring to the Mandarin version I cannot be sure whether or not they cut out any portion of the action. But I really enjoyed them all. The only problems I find with them is the duration (all but the finale lasts less than 2 min) and the editing. Had these been fulfilled, this could've been a huge improvement to Dragon Tiger Gate in terms of shooting and choreographing fight scenes. Seeing Bodyguards & Assassins (Donnie/Cung Le fight) and this makes me wonder whether Donnie actually partakes in the editing process of his new movies these days or if he has passed that for others to do.

[mark187]

hey DIP, what about the opening scene, is it also less than 2 minutes or longer? that is what most have been saying is the best...what is your opinion? and how would you compare the editing to Bodyguards and Assassins? I thought the editing was tolerable in B&A, if it's only as bad as that it'll be alright. please don't tell me it's on some all-time low Hollywood type shit like Transporter 3 where the editing truly ruins the fight sequence!

[Karlos]

Just got my hands on a subtitled copy.

Watched the first ten minutes or so - the WW1 opening, as short as it is, is very well done, so I'm keeping an open mind but am preparing to be underwhelmed!

[DiP]

hey DIP, what about the opening scene, is it also less than 2 minutes or longer? that is what most have been saying is the best...what is your opinion? and how would you compare the editing to Bodyguards and Assassins? I thought the editing was tolerable in B&A, if it's only as bad as that it'll be alright. please don't tell me it's on some all-time low Hollywood type shit like Transporter 3 where the editing truly ruins the fight sequence!

The whole opening scene is 8-10 min but the amount of MA action lasts 2 min minimum (including some non-action moments), the rest before the finale are slightly shorter.

As far as editing goes, I think the style is a combination of B&A and Ip Man 2 back-to-back if that makes sense. It doesn't have the usual Hollywood feel of fast editing as the editing have quite a rhythm to it but it's still a bit fast at times.

[mark187]

ok thanks. that doesn't sound too bad then.

[sen_pai]

But we all can agree that Ong Bak 3 sucks right? :)


Honestly Donnie is at the top of his game, I cannot see this movie as being a failure, as the critics have been so blatant about it. It going to have to come from us die hard fans to really see what we think about this movie. And I'm sure we're going to be split on it like every other movie that we review. Just look at Ong -Bak #2 half of everyone on here hated it, and the rest loved it! So that's my point.

[jc_88]

i dunno, after waiting 2 years and being a huge fan of Tony Jaa, i still enjoyed ong bak 3. yes, it had major flaws, but given all the production problems etc. they still did a much better job than a lot of films.

will watch chen zhen shortly and post my thoughts

[Ramji]

Slightly more positive review from Twitch

http://twitchfilm.net/reviews/2010/10/fantastic-fest-2010-legend-of-the-fist.php

[gorhama]

i dunno, after waiting 2 years and being a huge fan of Tony Jaa, i still enjoyed ong bak 3. yes, it had major flaws, but given all the production problems etc. they still did a much better job than a lot of films.

will watch chen zhen shortly and post my thoughts

I totally agree, I thought the same thing...Ong Bak 3 was a great film. I didn't get all the hate on it.

I'm hoping for the same on Chen Zhen as well.

[Morgoth Bauglir]

I watched the final fight on youtube, or at least it sure seemed like a final fight. It was enough for me to look forward to the movie when it comes out. Nothing too special, but good. I like that the use of wires is extremely limited, and the wirework that’s there is pretty decently done.

Spoiler alert- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UHFOhIm8AA8&feature=player_embedded

[daisho2004]

Not to jump off subject but I was totally disappointed with Ong-Bak #3
But I'm looking for to Chen Zen.

[sen_pai]

The good thing about ong bak is that the story was simple, yet there was a lot going on. Chen Zhen is a lot of sitting at the dinner table talking. I hope u guys enjoy watching people sit down..:)

[Votan]

Any word on when we might see this State-side?

[thehangman]

saw this lastnites,fights were good but found it abit slow not one of Donnies Best id love to see him doi something else like flashpoint and more mma based fighting again.

[Macho King]

Any word on when we might see this State-side?

Well Go USA has rights to this (a trailer was included on their 'Ip Man' blu-ray). Well Go will release Ip Man 2 theatrically in late January then on video on March 30 2011. I suspect we'll have to wait till after March '11 to see LOTF in US theatres. We got a while.

[kngfu]

You can find a subbed version if you know where to look. I thought the movie was a bit slow in the middle but I really enjoyed it as a whole. Donnie does his usual flurry fights but I seemed to feel the hits and kicks more in this than in other films of his. So, if you want to see the character continued, it is worth checking out. Much better than DRAGON IN FURY (FIST OF LEGENDS 3) with Dragon Shek though.

[David Rees]

Watched the film, definately a mixed bag but worth a look..you can find my full review on my blog here...

ASIAN CINEMA BLOG (http://asiancultcinema-drees5761.blogspot.com/)

[Tigerstyles]

Good review haven't seen it myself just clips

U spelt peace wrong maybe a pc error or you using an iPad?

Rein of assassins is ace Dave

[David Rees]

Hi Tigerstyles,
I was tired when i wrote it..lol
Looking forward to seeing Reign of Assassins!

[nectarsis]

Watched the film, definately a mixed bag but worth a look..you can find my full review on my blog here...

ASIAN CINEMA BLOG (http://asiancultcinema-drees5761.blogspot.com/)

Your review summed it up PERFECTLY. While the first 5-6 minutes strted in spectacular fashion...it was almost TO over the top IMO.

[David Rees]

Thanks for the comments...just so frustrating to see a film with a lot of potential wasted..:squigglemouth:

[QueMuchita]

While this movie was not as good as it should or could of been, It was nowhere near as bad as some of the reviews I read on here and elsewhere.