Teaser trailer for ‘Bodyguards and Assassins’

The first teaser trailer for writer-director Teddy Chan’s period kung fu actioner BODYGUARDS AND ASSASSINS has been posted exclusively on Alive Not Dead. The 94-second video reveals the all-star cast, intense urban action and a truly awesome set which recreates a bustling Hong Kong in the early 20th century.

In development for a decade, the $22 million film features the biggest set of its kind ever constructed for a Chinese film.

The all-star cast includes Donnie Yen, Tony Leung Ka-fai, Nicholas Tse, Leon Lai, Fan Bing-bing, Cung Le, Eric Tsang, Hu Jun, and veteran actress Michelle Reis in her first film role in five years. Stephen Tung Wei is the action director.

Set in Hong Kong in 1905, BODYGUARDS AND ASSASSINS concerns efforts by a group of martial artists to protect Chinese revolutionary Dr. Sun Yat-sen from assassination during his visit.

Chan has stated that he wants to give his kung fu film more historical relevance and magnitude, even if the storyline is fictional.

“The film portrays the gracious and bright side of human nature such as one’s love for family, patriotism and dignity in the face of death,” said Chan. “There are so many unsung heroes behind the Chinese revolution which overthrew the Qing Dynasty in 1911. We should show our respect for their devotion and sacrifice.”

According to producer Peter Chan, the actioner is an attempt to make a “new mainstream commercial film” to attract audiences from around the world with a universal storyline, quality acting and inspiring scenes.

BODYGUARDS AND ASSASSINS is set for release in Hong Kong on December 18.

Source: Shanghai Daily via Xinhua