The trailer has been online for a long while now but since it has not been mention here, I felt it is worth giving a heads up for those unaware. If your into kung fu and animation then you might wanna check this out. Based on the popular Hong Kong comic series by Ma Wing Shing, Storm Rider is a wuxia genre filled with dazzling swordplay in an alternate fantasy world similar to ancient China . At the official Storm Rider comic site, you can check out the kick ass artwork. A live action HK film had already been made on Storm Riders back in 98 which became a smash blockbuster hit domestically.
The main characters include Wind (the guy with the long hair) and Cloud (the muscular guy) who are brothers but they don’t get along. I’m not too familiar with this manhua (Chinese comic) storyline so I won’t get into that.
I’m quite aware at the fact that there isn’t much animated film in the HK animation industry. There have been a few animated films such as Life as McDull and the recent first ever HK CG movie, Dragonblade. The HK animation scene is at a stage where it’s still growing but it’s not on the same level as Japan and US where the animation industry is thriving. With that said, I was immediatly blown away after seeing the trailer. My first thought was is it possible that this piece of high quality animation can come out of HK? The hand drawn character look excellent and the kung fu action is done with great detail. Kudos to Asia Animation Ltd for doing an awesome job on the animation. This film is directed by Dante Lam who directed Twin Effects.
The Clash of Storm Rider has been in production since July of 2005 and it’s expected for threatical release at the end of 2006. I look forward to seeing how this animation turns out.
Trailer (Downloadable Windows Media, 5.89 MB)
Teaser Poster
Source: Hkfilmart, Asia Animation Limited