Preparing for battle

(China Daily)
Updated: 2008-06-24 14:40

Most of Woo's crew are from the Chinese mainland; the rest are from Hong Kong, Taiwan and overseas. For Woo, the film is not only a personal dream come true, but also a chance for young Chinese talents to learn new technologies and the Hollywood way of production.

"I find young people here very eager to learn," he says. "All they need is an opportunity. Provided with the right chances, they will surely make very good films."

Chinese staff impressed Woo with their passion and ambition, making his first Chinese comeback a touching experience.

"I am deeply moved by the Chinese staff," he says. "They may be not that professional, but they are very hardworking, devoted and quick-witted."

The nine-month shooting covered the hottest and coldest seasons in northern China. The foul weather and complicated naval war scenes often took five to six hours for each take.

"Someone was sick, some one else was hurt, some wept, but no one complained," Woo says. "They are very dedicated with a sense of mission. I deeply thank them. I believe with such a devoted team, China can surely make as grand films as Hollywood does."

The film's Chinese version is split into two episodes, each about two hours long. The first part will premiere on July 10. The international edition runs for about 150 minutes and will open in North America next year.

The experience of making this film has made Woo decide to shift his focus to China in the coming years. His next two-to-three directorial works are actually all Chinese; they include a love story set in 1949, the year the Chinese People's Republic of China was established.

(China Daily 06/24/2008 page18)

Previous 1 2 3 4 Next Page