Rise of the Legend 黃飛鴻

Martial Media, Culture and Other Arts Martial Media and Popular Culture
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Edko to reboot Wong Fei-hung franchise
By Kevin Ma
Wed, 07 August 2013, 20:45 PM (HKT)

Bill KONG 's Edko Films Ltd is rebooting the long-running Wong Fei-hung franchise with Rise of the Legend . News of the project first appeared today on the China government’s latest list of approved film projects.

Christine TO , who co-wrote martial arts films Fearless (2006) and True Legend (2009), is listed as the scriptwriter. The short official synopsis implies that the story will be about a younger incarnation of the character.

Wong Fei-hung (or Huang Feihong) was a real-life martial artist and physician who lived in Guangdong Province in the late Qing Dynasty. He is better known in Chinese culture as a folk hero who has been immortalised in over one hundred films.

The character has been portrayed on screen by KWAN Tak-hing , Jackie CHAN and both Jet LI (pictured) and Vincent ZHAO in TSUI Hark 's Once Upon a Time in China (1991) series.

The film is listed as a China-Hong Kong co-production between BDI Films Inc , Edko Films and Irresistible Delta Ltd .
Just one small missing detail…who is playing Wong?

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[QUOTE=GeneChing;1243932]Just one small missing detail…who is playing Wong?[/QUOTE]

Keanu Reeves

RZA if Keanu’s unavailable.

3

Good one MB.

But some additional info on this link as possible candidates…

http://www.cityonfire.com/rise-of-the-legend-brings-wong-fei-hung-back-to-the-screen/

4

While I’m glad there’s new KF projects in the works, I’m finding it a bit difficult to get very excited about the possible casting choices in China/HK films. These days, there isn’t much of a pool of new talent to draw from at all. Mostly wushu athletes or pop idols (or non-MA actors).

However, if they do choose a wushu athlete, the best for the role, IMO, would be Fan Siu-Wong. Even though he must be at least 40 now, he still looks very young. He also has very good charisma and could pull off southern style onscreen.

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[QUOTE=Jimbo;1244069]While I’m glad there’s new KF projects in the works, I’m finding it a bit difficult to get very excited about the possible casting choices in China/HK films. These days, there isn’t much of a pool of new talent to draw from at all. Mostly wushu athletes or pop idols (or non-MA actors).

However, if they do choose a wushu athlete, the best for the role, IMO, would be Fan Siu-Wong. Even though he must be at least 40 now, he still looks very young. He also has very good charisma and could pull off southern style onscreen.[/QUOTE]

40’s NOT OLD!!! :mad:

6

I know. I’m 50, but most people think I’m around 32-35. But the film is supposedly about Wong Fei-Hong’s younger years, and believe it or not, 40 is usually considered “old” for actors in Asia.

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[QUOTE=Jimbo;1244073]I know. I’m 50, but most people think I’m around 32-35. But the film is supposedly about Wong Fei-Hong’s younger years, and believe it or not, 40 is usually considered “old” for actors in Asia.[/QUOTE]

Keep telling yourself that Jimbo…40 is considered old for actors here as well but it is customary to get your first botox injection and a new set of tits at this age.

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[QUOTE=Hebrew Hammer;1244160]Keep telling yourself that Jimbo…40 is considered old for actors here as well but it is customary to get your first botox injection and a new set of tits at this age.[/QUOTE]

It’s my Japanese/Ainu genes that keep me looking younger…and lifestyle. Don’t need no stinkin’ Botox. Plus, I’m a dude… :stuck_out_tongue:

The age thing is a bigger deal in many types of Asian cinema, especially HK. In the West, although youth still rules, there is still a good market for people out of their 20s and 30s. And Japanese cinema was also known to revere many older, more experienced actors. I’m willing to bet that the old-school KF stars of the past have a much bigger appreciation/fan base outside of,than within, HK/Taiwan/China, etc.

9

more info

Still no word on who will play Wong Fei Hung. That’s the key piece here.

Hong Kong’s Edko Films Unveils Kung-Fu Project ‘Rise of the Legend’
5:53 AM PDT 8/19/2013 by Karen Chu


Bill Kong, president of Hong Kong-based Edko Films
Produced by regional super producer Bill Kong, the film will revive the beloved local story of martial arts master Wong Fei-hung and star Sammo Hung as the kung fu figure’s mentor.

HONG KONG – Edko Films, Irresistible Delta and BDI Films have announced new joint project Rise of the Legend, a fresh take on the life stories of the legendary martial arts master Wong Fei-hung.

Produced by Bill Kong, Liu Erdong, and Ivy Ho, the film reunites the producers with the director-writer team of Chow Hin-yeung (Nightfall, Murderer) and Christine To (Fearless). Principle photography starts on Aug. 20 in China.

While the actor playing the lead role of Wong Fei-hung is not yet unannounced, the film will star Sammo Hung (Ip Man 2) as the kung fu master’s mentor, as well as Jing Boran (The Bullet Vanishes), and martial arts champion-turned-actor Zhang Jin (The Grandmaster).

Corey Yuen (X-Men) will serve as action director, Ng Man-ching (Chinese Zodiac) as director of photography, and Pater Wong (The Warlords) as production designer.

“For Chinese-language movie, only kung fu movie works internationally. But a real kung fu movie is a rare occasion these days, which Is why I want to pay tribute to this genre,” said Kong, who produced kung fu classics such as Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, Hero, and Fearless, in a statement. Kong’s Cold War, produced with Matthew Tang and Ho, was the highest grossing Chinese-language film in Hong Kong in 2012, and took nine Hong Kong Film Awards including Best Film and Best Director subsequently.

The stories of Wong Fei-hung featured in not less than 100 films in the 1950s in Hong Kong, and was later revived by Tsui Hark in his internationally acclaimed Once Upon a Time in China series, starring Jet Li, in the 1990s.

Rise of the Legend is set for release in the second half of 2014.

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Keanu might have been better

Eddie Peng? And now the KFM media forum collectively asks…who?

August 22, 2013, 7:06 AM

Can This Man Fill Jet Li’s Shoes?

By Dean Napolitano

Eddie Peng, right, will take on the role in the upcoming film ‘Rise of the Legend.’

Eddie Peng has some big shoes to fill.

In “Rise of the Legend,” the Taiwanese actor will star as martial artist Wong Fei-hung, a role made famous by two of Hong Kong’s biggest kung-fu stars: Jet Li and Jackie Chan.

The filmmakers said they are looking to reinvent the character with a “bold new spin.”

Wong, a real-life martial-arts master from China’s Guangdong province who came to prominence during the late Qing dynasty, has been popularized over the decades in numerous films and television series.

Many movie-goers best know the character as a role that helped catapult Jet Li to international stardom in a series of films that began in 1991 with “Once Upon a Time in China.” Even before that, Jackie Chan famously played Wong in his star-making 1978 hit “Drunken Master.”

Their portrayals of Wong, each in their distinct big-screen styles, are etched in the minds of kung-fu fans around the world, and it remains to be seen whether they’ll be receptive to a new vision, which director Roy Chow has promised.

“It’s been almost 20 years since the last Wong Fei-hung movie was made,” Mr. Chow said in a statement. “I aim to portray the legendary character from a different angle — a young man with dream. His dream is the only thing that holds him together. His youth gives him the power of persistence and endurance, and shapes him to become a legend.”

But can Mr. Peng pull it off?

The 31-year-old actor isn’t known as a martial-arts star, but he has a few things working for him.

Over the past few years, Mr. Peng has established himself as an accomplished physical performer. In his latest film, “Unbeatable,” which opened last week around Asia, Mr. Peng plays a novice boxer competing against mixed-martial artists in big-money tournaments.

Mr. Peng went through months of grueling training, telling the Journal in a recent interview that his boxing background helped prepare him tackle the role.

He also took on gymnastics for his role in 2011’s “Jump Ashin!”

Second, he’s a known quantity as a romantic leading man following the recent comedy-dramas “Love” and “A Wedding Invitation.”

The film also stands to gain a huge stamp of credibility from the presence of martial-arts star Sammo Hung, who plays Wong’s mentor in the film, and action director Corey Yuen, who has collaborated with Jet Li on several high-profile movies.

Finally, the producing team is led by Bill Kong, the man behind “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” — which, more than 12 years after its release, remains the gold standard for globally successfully Chinese films — and last year’s hit “Cold War,” which also starred Mr. Peng.

All that doesn’t guarantee a hit movie, but it stands a fighting chance. And audiences will find out next year when “Rise of the Legend” is scheduled for release.

Here is the Unbeatable thread.

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Angelababy!

I liked Angelababy in TC0 & TCH.
[QUOTE=GeneChing;1192992]…I have have to give it to Angelababy (Yang Ying ) who I’ve just discovered has the same birthday as me. She reminds me of Morena Baccarin with her luxuriously long neck and unusual beauty. She stole the show. [/QUOTE]

Eddie Peng to play Wong Fei-hung in new film
(CRI Online) 15:03, August 22, 2013


Actor Eddie Peng and actress Angelababy pose for a photo while promoting the film “Rise of the Legend” in Wuzhen in eastern China’s Zhejiang Province on Tuesday, August 20, 2013.

Taiwan actor Eddie Peng, who is set to take on the role of martial-arts legend Wong Fei-hung in a new film, says he is not afraid to be compared with previous actors, including Jet Li.

The film “Rise of the Legend” is the latest film on Wong Fei-hung (1847-1924), who has inspired over 100 films and TV works since the 1940s. The best-known are director Tsui Hark’s 1990s series “Once Upon a Time in China” starring Jet Li.

“Jet Li’s version is classic. I never thought about playing the role better; I only think about playing it my way,” Peng told reporters on Tuesday, while attending a press junket held to announce the start of filming in Wuzhen of eastern China’s Zhejiang Province.

To prepare for the role, Peng practiced 10 hours of martial arts every day. “Actually I’m keen on learning martial arts. My teacher often tells me that my long legs and arms are a natural gift for learning martial arts,” said the 6-feet-tall actor.

Peng proved his talent in action roles with the successes of the films “Unbeatable”, in which he plays a boxer, and “Jump Ashin!” in which he portrays a gymnast.

He was nominated for Best Actor for his role in “Jump Ashin!” at the 2011 Taiwan Golden Horse Awards.

In “Rise of the Legend”, Peng will star alongside Jing Boran, Sammo Hung and Angelababy.

The film is being directed by Chow Hin-yeung, who says the film will focus on Wong Fei-hung’s early years. “I aim to portray the legendary character from a different angle - a young man with a dream. His dream is the only thing that holds him together,” the director was quoted by Variety.com as saying.

“Rise of the Legend” is slated for release in the second half of 2014.

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Byron Mann

And again, the KFM media forum collectively asks…who?

Mann, Peng and Angelababy Join ‘Legend’
September 3, 2013 | 08:39AM PT
Wong Fei-hung revival takes on rising stars
Patrick Frater
Asia Bureau Chief

HONG KONG — Fast-rising stars Eddie Peng and Angelababy and Asian-American star Byron Mann have joined the cast of martial arts actioner “Rise of a Legend.”

A big-budget kung fu movie, “Legend” attempts to revive Wong Fei-hung, one of the iconic old names of the Chinese action genre, but who has been absent from the big screen for some 20 years.

“Legend” is produced by Bill Kong, Ivy Ho and Liu Erdong, through their Edko Films, Irresistible Delta and BDI companies. Chow Hin-yeung, discovered with Edko’s “Murderer” and Edko and Irresistible’s “Nightfall,” directs.

Mann recently starred in cop thriller “Cold War,” also produced by Kong and Ho, and in Universal’s “The Man With The Iron Fists.” He also co-starred in the US series, “Arrow,” which is one of the highest rating US TV shows in China.

Taiwan-born Peng starred in Chinese hit “Wedding Invitation” and as a muscled-up fighter in Dante Lam’s “Unbeatable.”

A favorite of the Chinese-language gossip pages, Angelababy last year starred with Peng in the “Tai Chi Zero” and “Tai Chi Hero” fantasy action pair. She next appears in Tsui Hark’s “Young Detective Dee: Rise of the Sea Dragon.”

With shooting now underway, the film also includes the previously announced martial arts veteran Sammo Hung, mainland Chinese teen heartthrob Jing Boran and martial arts champion Zhang Jin.
ENDSS

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First look

Eddie Pengs Rise of the Legend Captures International Attention
By Joanna on April 8, 2014

Rise of the Legend <>, which stars Taiwanese actor Eddie Peng () as martial arts legend Wong Fei Hung (), recently released a two-minute sneak peek, giving viewers their first look at the movies action shots. Since being featured at FILMART and at last years American Film Market conference, Rise of the Legend has attracted interest from all sorts of audiences, including potential overseas buyers.

The two-minute sneak peek of Rise of the Legend was first unveiled at a recent national cinema promotional event held in Fuzhou, where fans also glimpsed an exciting new poster of Eddie as the titular character. In the poster, Eddie is clothed in a sleeveless shirt, showing off his well-toned arms. Mingled on his chest are blood and rain, while behind him stands a crowd of menacing thugs armed with knives.

Participants at the event expressed their approval of the action scenes in Rise of the Legend, an opinion shared by many overseas audiences. At the 2013 American Film Market conference, Rise of the Legend drew much attention because of the shortage in international kung fu films. Buyers from the United States, Europe, Japan, Korea, and Southeast Asia expressed interest, and in some cases, businesses from the same region even fought over the copyright.

For executive producer William Kong (), the positive response to Rise of the Legend is proof that he made the right decision to film an adaptation of the life of Wong Fei Hung. As head of Edko Films, Kong is no stranger to the wuxia genre, having backed well-known films like Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon <>, Hero <>, House of Flying Daggers <>, and Curse of the Golden Flower <>. However, he feels that there has recently been a lack in kung fu stars and films a situation that he hopes to remedy with Rise of the Legend.

Rise of the Legend, which is directed by Roy Chow (), is very rough and very violent, according to Kong. Nevertheless, he believes that the movie can use modern methods to tell the classic story of a national hero and produce a kung fu film that belongs to this era.

Apart from Eddie, Rise of the Legend also features Sammo Hung (), Wang Luodan (), and Angelababy (). The film is expected to be released at the end of 2014.

Source: QQ.com

Follow the QQ.com link above for a news report. Haven’t found the sneak yet.

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Picked up by Universal

Universal Partners With Hong Kong’s Edko for Kung Fu Film ‘Rise of the Legend’
3:43 AM PDT 6/12/2014 by Stuart Kemp


Getty
Bill Kong

The film marks the return to the screen of martial arts master Wong Fei Hung.

Universal Pictures International is partnering with Edko Films and Irresistible Films to co-produce and distribute Chinese kung-fu action film Rise of the Legend, which is set to bring martial arts icon Wong Fei Hung back to the big screen.

UPI, through its division Universal Pictures International Production (UPIP), is co-producing the film, and Universal Pictures International has acquired all rights in international territories, including North America (but excluding Asia), to the production, directed by Roy Chow and starring Peng Yuyan in the title role.

Rise of the Legend will be distributed and marketed in Asia by Edko Films and internationally by Universal Pictures International.

Bill Kong, head of Edko Films and producer of the film, said: “We collaborated with Universal back in 2006 and achieved optimal results.”

Kong and Universal previously partnered with the studio for Fearless, starring Jet Li, which screened in more than 1,800 theaters and ranked second place in its opening weekend, grossing more than $32.5 milllion (RMB200 million) at the box office during its run.

“We think Western audiences will respond to Rise of the Legend just as strongly as they did to Fearless,” Kong said.

Hugh Simon of Irresistible Films promised the movie will employ new technologies “to thrill the audiences.”

Universal Pictures International’s president of distribution, Duncan Clark, added: “In China, the exponential growth in the local market presents great opportunities and Universal is committed to working with emerging and established partners to bring fresh and exciting projects to local audiences.”

Currently in postproduction, the actioner is co-produced by Edko Films, Irresistible Films, Universal Pictures International, vfxNova Digital Productions, and BDI Films.

Chow directs from a screenplay written by his longtime collaborator, Christine To.

Also starring in the film are Sammo Hung, Wang Luodan, Jing Boran, Wong Cho Lam, Zhang Jin, with special appearances by Tony Leung Ka-fai and Angelababy.

The film is set for release this year.

Wonder if this means there will be a U.S. theatrical release…

15

Greetings,

Byron Mann: Wasn’t he from Crying Freeman? I think he played the Crying Freeman’s handler. He did perform well in that incredible Yakuza scene.

Edit: Yes He IZZ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D1JN3QBpkC0

mickey

16

trailer

//youtu.be/_IR0PeODjUk

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Opens this weekend…

…in Asia.

Third-generation Wong Fei-hung
By Loong Wai Ting - 25 November 2014 @ 5:26 PM

Under the tutelage of action star and producer Sammo Hung, Eddie Peng ushers in a new era of the legendary martial arts exponent, writes Loong Wai Ting

MARTIAL arts grandmaster and one of the best known cinematic icons, Wong Fei-hung, returns to the silver screen; this time in Roy Chow’s Rise Of The Legend, opening this Thursday.

Eddie Peng plays the martial arts exponent, one of the legendary figures of Chinese martial arts.

Throughout the years many actors, including the late Kwan Tak-hing, Jackie Chan, Gordon Liu and Vincent Zhao, have had the pivotal role in bringing the revered character to life. Action star Sammo Hung, who also plays a part in Rise Of The Legend, had portrayed Wong in the 2004 adaptation of the Disney film Around The World In 80 Days.

For Western audiences, Wong is more commonly known through Jet Li’s realistic portrayal in Tsui Hark’s Once Upon A Time film franchise.

Written by Christine To Chi-long of Jet Li’s Fearless and Jay Chou’s Secret fame, acclaimed action choreographer Corey Yuen co-directed Rise Of The Legend with Liu Fang.

It also stars Sammo (he is also one of the film’s producers) as Thunder, Wang Loudan (Ma Chun Yu) and Jing Boran (Red Fire), Zhang Jin (Wu Sheng), Wong Cho Lam (Big Tooth Su) and Byron Mann (Crow). Award-winning actor Tony Leung Ka-fai and Angelababy have cameo roles in the film.

Eddie took on the challenging role by going through eight months of intense physical conditioning and martial arts training. He honed his acting skills to better interpret the hero’s darker side.

In an interview courtesy of RAM Entertainment, Sammo says: “This legendary character has a lot history, since the late Kwan Tak-Hing himself starred in over 100 Wong Fei-Hung films.

“When Jet Li took over the mantle, he had a different interpretation of the character. Now that it is Eddie’s turn, we hope that he will usher in another new era for this character. We don’t know if he will be successful in being the third-generation Wong Fei-hung, but we believe that we have an idea to portray this legendary character in a new light.”

Sammo and Tony share their views on the making of the film:

On the set of Rise Of The Legend, both Eddie and you share a bond, almost like a father and son. Is that true in real life?

Sammo: Eddie and I are friends. I was very pleased with his attitude and his keenness to learn on the set. He calls me “adopted father”.

I helped him accomplish his goal of becoming a martial arts actor including guiding him through the fight process and the outcomes he would expect. You have to be willing to sacrifice and undergo intense training to be a martial arts actor. Eddie is persistent. He had to undergo hours of fight scenes, then immediately acted the drama parts day after day.

There seems to be a lack of martial arts actors now compared to your time as an action star.

Sammo: That is true. Firstly, there are very few young people who are willing (to become a martial arts star); secondly, there are only limited opportunities for those who want to do it. As a result, there isn’t a new generation of martial arts actors as nobody wants to give it a try, and there isn’t anyone to guide them.

You have worked with Eddie before. How different was it this time?

Tony: It felt as if my son suddenly grew up into a handsome adult. It was a wonderful feeling.

On my first day on the set, I saw him shooting the end of a fight scene. I was surprised that his gaze was more intense, which sent shivers down my spine. He was really into character. Portraying Wong Fei-hung’s younger days in such a manner is truly something different. He did very well, and I am pleased with his performance.

Rise of The Legend (cantonese/mandarin)

Directed by Chow Hin Yeung

Starring: Eddie Peng, Sammo Hung, Angelababy and Wong Cho Lam

Duration: 130 minutes

Rating: To be advised

Rahmat Khairulrijal and Shobna Periayaih

news@nst.com.my

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Eddie Peng

There’s a vid but I couldn’t get it to embed here.

Eddie Peng on portraying Kung Fu master Wong Fei-hung
CCTV.com
11-30-2014 01:52 BJT

Known for his professionalism and strong work ethics, actor Eddie Peng trained in martial arts for six months prior to portraying Wong Fei Hung in “Rise of the Legend”. Peng previously admitted that the movie was “the most tiring and most difficult” project he had ever filmed, and a fight scene opposite Max Zhang took 30 days to film. He also admitted that his favourite version of Wong Fei Hung was portrayed by Jet Li, and was not afraid of viewers’ comparisons.

The iconic Kung Fu master Wong Fei-hung supported Chinese nationalist movements in the late Qing dynasty. The folk hero has been the subject of more than one hundred movies since the 1950s.

Peng said this latest film offers something different.

“Maybe it’s a bit dark because I believe people will find this version of Wong Fei-hung different from the previous ones. The director and his wife wanted to write a younger and different story of Wong Fei-hung. So in the film, the first part shows Wong living in an era full of chaos and confusion. He must confront his fear and force his dark side out,” Peng said.

Known for his professionalism and strong work ethics, actor Eddie Peng trained in martial arts for six months prior to portraying Wong Fei Hung in “Rise of the Legend”.

Wong has been played by many high profile actors, including action stars Jet Li and Jackie Chan. Li’s definitive portrayal in Tsui Hark’s “Once upon a Time in China” film series successfully brought the Chinese folk hero to an international audience.

Peng talked about his admiration of films about Wong Fei-hung.

“I really adore Jet Li and Jackie Chan’s version. When I was young, the classic character of Wong Fei-hung, to most of us, or to me, was created by these veteran actors. They built the series of Wong Fei-hung movies,” Peng said.

While Li created an image of a stern and morally righteous middle aged Kung Fu master, Peng’s take on the heroic figure is a more impulsive and youthful one.

“Every generation has a Wong Fei-hung film. The director would like to film a youthful and passionate one for the younger generation. I think the style of this version is like a comic book. The Wong Fei-hung we knew in the past movies had already become the hero. He had this classic grandmaster persona, like Chinese landscape paintings,” Peng said.

“Rise of the Legend” already out in China, has been a commercial success. Since it’s release in the Chinese Mainland last week, it has earned more than 16 million US dollars at the box office. The movie has also been chosen as the closing film for the Hong Kong Asian Film Festival.
Oooooooooh. six months of training. yeah, that’ll get him ready to play WFH. :rolleyes:

19

Opened 2nd, now at 4th.

This is a little dated, but I still wanted to update this thread.

Wong Fei-hung reboot opens second in China

By Kevin Ma
Wed, 26 November 2014, 10:00 AM (HKT)
Box Office News

A new Wong Fei-hung film failed to knock Interstellar off the top of the box office in China, opening in second place.

Representing approximately 27% of all screenings over the weekend, Rise of the Legend (pictured) earned RMB79.3 million (US$12.9 million) from approximately 2.14 million admissions.

Though the opening represented a career best for director Roy CHOW — and for star Eddie PENG in a leading role — it was also below the opening weekend grosses of Edko Films Ltd productions Cold War (2012) and Firestorm .

The film officially opens in Hong Kong and Taiwan this weekend.

Christopher NOLAN’s Interstellar remained the top film in its second weekend, earning RMB141 million (US$22.9 million) from approximately 3.81 million admissions. After 12 days in cinemas, the sci-fi epic has earned RMB517 million (US$84.2 million), making it the director’s highest grossing film in China. It represented approximately 22.7% of all screenings over the weekend.

Penguins of Madagascar dropped to third place in its second weekend, earning RMB52.9 million (US$8.62 million) between Friday and Sunday. After 10 days, the DreamWorks Animation SKG Inc film has made RMB147 million (US$23.9 million).

World War II drama Fury opened in fourth place, earning RMB43.4 million (US$7.06 million) from approximately 1.36 million admissions. The David AYER film represented approximately 20.7% of all screenings. Even though Huayi Brothers Media Corporation is one of the film’s co-investors, it was imported and distributed by China Film Group Corporation .

Johnnie TO 's Don’t Go Breaking My Heart 2 dropped to fifth place, earning RMB12.6 million (US$2.05 million) in its second weekend. After 13 days, the romantic comedy has earned RMB183 million (US$29.8 million).

PANG Ho-cheung 's Women Who Flirt , LOU Ye 's Golden Horse Awards winner Blind Massage and a new international cut of South Korean blockbuster Roaring Currents open this weekend.

In Taiwan, The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1 ended Interstellar’s two-week reign at the top of the box office.

From 17 Taipei locations, the Francis LAWRENCE film made NT$26.4 million (US$852,000) on its first three days. Last year, The Hunger Games: Catching Fire opened with NT$26.0 million (US$838,000) in Taipei. It made a total of NT$84.3 million (US$2.72 million) in the capital during its theatrical run.

Interstellar dropped to second place, earning NT$13.5 million (US$435,000) between Friday and Sunday in Taipei. It has made NT$82.2 million (US$2.65 million) in the capital after three weekends.

YUKISADA Isao 's Chinese-language drama Five Minutes to Tomorrow opened in sixth place, earning NT$1.05 million (US$33,900) from 15 locations in Taipei over three days.

Tazza: The Hidden Card opened in 12th place, earning NT$287,000 (US$9,260) from four Taipei locations in its first three days. Opening in just three locations in Taipei, high school drama Conspiracy earned NT$120,000 (US$3,870) in its first three days in cinemas.

In Hong Kong, Mockingjay also knocked Interstellar from the top spot.

From 42 locations, the sci-fi fantasy earned HK$9.69 million (US$1.25 million) in its first four days on release. Last November, Catching Fire opened with HK$10.7 million (US$1.38 million) in its first four days. It earned a total HK$27.5 million (US$3.55 million) during its theatrical run.

Dumb & Dumber To opened in fourth place, earning HK$1.67 million (US$215,190) from 32 locations in its first four days.

Opening in 16 locations, NAKAMURA Yoshihiro 's The Snow White Murder Case earned HK$252,000 (US$32,500) in its first four days in cinemas. The mystery-drama was screened in March at the Hong Kong International Film Festival .

From four locations, Meeting Dr. Sun earned HK$70,000 (US$9,020) over four days. The Taiwan comedy won the Best Screenplay award at the Golden Horse Awards over the weekend.

After three weekends, Interstellar has made HK$37.8 million (US$4.87 million). Don’t Go Breaking My Heart 2 has made HK$9.55 million (US$1.23 million) after two weekends.

20

I take back what I said about Eddie

FIRST FORUM REVIEW!

I enjoyed this film thoroughly. I look forward to seeing it again with subtitles and hope it gets U.S. release soon. I really wish I could have seen it in 3D as there were several eye-popping scenes that were clearly orchestrated for that medium. It’s hard not to compare RotL to Batman Begins as not only is it a reboot, but it’s a much darker vision of the franchise. Set on the docks of Guangzhou, it’s world is that of gambling halls, prostitute boats, opium dens and human trafficking. It’s sanguineous. :cool:

But like Unbeatable, there’s a lot less martial arts than I would have liked. The fights choreography is by Corey Yuen, who I usually think of as a cartoonish choreographer - in a good way. His stuff exemplifies Kung Fu physics, defying logic like a Looney Tunes cartoon, but it still works. The fights are one-move/one-shot, heavy on the wirework and CGI, an absurd, all qualities I usually disdain in fight choreography, but somehow, Yuen makes it work. This is some of the best work he’s done in years. The opening fight sequences are great - at first, I thought the initial rain fight was poached off The Grandmaster, but then it took on a life of its own. Actually, there’s some homage to precedents (or maybe I’m just getting jaded that way nowadays as some readers have commented on my Taking of Tiger Mountain review). I wasn’t sensitive to any callbacks the original Kwan Tak Hing series, but there are some clear nods to OUATIC and even more so for Iron Monkey. Like Casino Royale, the Wong Fei Hung theme is withheld until just before the finale battle, and that works well. It’s only then where Eddie shows a little Hung Gar-ish flair, but by then, RotL has become its own new thing.

The film gets off to a rollicking start, but then there’s a lot of plot development before the action comes back, perhaps too much for most fans of the genre, but it might work as a cross-over. That’s the downside. It could have really used more fights, especially in the middle of the film. Sammo is freakin huge, larger than life, so big that his gravitas might be actual gravitational pull from his massive girth. But he’s still got the moves. And Angelababy’s impossibly long neck is still like a bug-lite for nuzzling.

Where this film really shines is it’s cinematography. Not only are the fight scenes shot with a new visionary feel, the whole film is spectacular. The CGI backdrops of old Guangzhou are stunning and the set pieces are well worn and textured. It’s a beautiful film and that’s probably what hooked me in more than anything else. It’s got style. There’s an opening scene that’s an amazing continuous shot as the camera navigates the serpentine environment of the bustling docks that reminded me of Birdman (great film, btw, especially if your a cinephile). So many sweeping crane shots and bird’s-eye views, it made the film a visual treat. I hope to see it on the big screen.

And yea, lots of sword fights. Some amusing slicing off of heads and hands. Lots of ratchets and hatchets, Chinese gansta style.

This joins my top three films of 2014 - the other two being Raid 2 and Kung Fu Jungle.