CANNES 2011: TWC acquires Peter Chan's WU XIA and deems the name incomprehensible to wu xia fans!
Here's the press release:
TWC ACQUIRES PETER HO-SUN CHAN'S MARTIAL ARTS, FILM NOIR EPIC, DRAGON (WU XIA), WHICH PREMIERES AT CANNES ON MAY 14TH
International Superstars Donnie Yen, Takeshi Kaneshiro and Tang Wei Co-Star
in Action-Packed Tale of Crime, Family and Redemption
Studio Acquires Distribution Rights for the World Outside of Asia
New York, NY, May 11, 2011 - The Weinstein Company (TWC) announced today
that it has acquired from WE Distribution the distribution rights for the
world, outside of Asia and French speaking Europe, to the martial arts, film
noir epic DRAGON (WU XIA). TF1 are already confirmed to distribute the film
in France. The film will have its world premiere as part of the official
selection at this year's Cannes Film Festival. A 2011 theatrical release is
expected in the US.
Director, Peter Ho-Sun Chan, is one of Asia's most celebrated filmmakers,
his critical and box office hits include award winning THE WARLORDS, which
he produced and directed, and BODYGUARDS AND ASSASSINS, which he produced.
With DRAGON (WU XIA) Chan brings to the screen an action-packed tale of
crime, family and redemption.
DRAGON (WU XIA) features a dynamic ensemble of internationally celebrated
talent, led by action superstar Donnie Yen (BODYGUARDS AND ASSASSINS, IP
MAN), a martial arts master, Yen is also the film's action choreographer;
Takeshi Kaneshiro (HOUSE OF FLYING DAGGERS, CHUNGKING EXPRESS) and Tang Wei (LUST, CAUTION, LATE AUTUMN). The film marks the first film appearance in
17 years of the legendary Jimmy Wang Yu (ONE ARMED SWORDSMAN, THE CHINESE
BOXER), who is widely credited as the first Hong Kong kung fu star.
Along with Chan, the stellar lineup behind the camera includes the rising
young director of photography Jake Pollock (THE MESSAGE, MONGA), veteran
director of photography Lai Yiu-Fai (INFERNAL AFFAIRS, 2046); legendary Hong
Kong production designer Yee Chung Man (THE WARLORDS, CURSE OF THE GOLDEN
FLOWER); and leading costume designer Dora Ng (BODYGUARDS AND ASSASSINS,
LEGEND OF THE FIST: THE RETURN OF CHEN ZHEN).
TWC has also acquired first option to remake rights for the film.
The announcement was made by TWC Co-Chairman Harvey Weinstein and Vice
President of Acquisitions Dan Guando.
Said Chan, "During the production, Donnie was telling me that Wu Xia becomes
more and more like a Weinstein movie. It's no coincidence that Harvey likes
the film. I am thrilled to work with Harvey and I think TWC is the best
company to take this film to the US and international audience."
Said Weinstein, "Peter Chan is a true artist and with WU XIA he has created
a dream project, combining two of my favorite genres: film noir and martial
arts. Peter has been a friend for more than 10 years I could not be happier
to be working with him on this film."
Said Guando, "From the moment the film was announced, TWC has been excited
about WU XIA. It is set to be a martial arts classic that will redefine the
genre."
WU XIA - SYNOPSIS
In the late Qing Dynasty, Liu (Donnie Yen) is a papermaker, leading a simple
life with his wife Ayu (Tang Wei) and their two sons. Into their remote
village comes Detective Xu (Takeshi Kaneshiro), who is investigating the
deaths of two bandits during a robbery. Xu quickly realizes that the
incident in question was no ordinary botched robbery - and his dogged
inquiry threatens to dredge up the dark secrets of Liu's buried past,
threatening not only Liu and his family, but the entire village.
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