Tony Leung and Donnie Yen Talk About THE GRANDMASTERS

Wong Kar Wai's take on the story of Wing Chun grandmaster Ip Man, THE GRANDMASTERS, has appeared in many film critics' lists of most anticipated films of 2012. But the question is: are we really going to get to see the film in 2012?

It has been a long time (or 'forever') in the making, but the latest reports from Hong Kong seem to suggest that the answer to the above question is probably 'yes'.

The film's main actor Tony Leung Chiu Wai confirmed during promotion of his new film THE GREAT MAGICIAN that THE GRANDMASTERS is now 'close to completion'. Presumably this is by normal standards and not WKW's, which means it may be a matter of months, and not years, before the film is completed.

Another report stated that Wong Kar Wai has asked Tony Leung to reshoot some of the scenes, and that he intends to get the film ready for a film festival. The report did not specify which film festival, but my guess is that it will be Cannes Film Festival. Wong's films have traditionally done well at Cannes, having been nominated for the Palme d'Or on four occasions (HAPPY TOGETHER, IN THE MOOD FOR LOVE, 2046 and MY BLUEBERRY NIGHTS), and won best director for HAPPY TOGETHER in 1997. If this is the case, then Wong will be very motivated to get the film done over the next few months because it is now not that long till May.

By the way, Donnie Yen, who talked about the possibility of making IP MAN 3 recently, has said in another interview that he will not wait till THE GRANDMASTERS is released before he makes another Ip Man film, because he has been thinking about it and will start filming as soon as he has the time and opportunity.

Now, I am really interested to find out: THE GRANDMASTERS or IP MAN 3, which one do you want to see more?