吴宇森《赤壁》公布终极阵容 将分上下两集放映
Sichuan News Website - Chengdu Daily
16 Feb 2007
John Woo’s first movie to be filmed in China, with an investment of US$7.5 million (the largest movie investment amount in the history of Chinese film-making), will showcase some of the best artistes in the Chinese entertainment industry. [Red Cliff] is definitely a show to watch. Yesterday, producer Han Sanping and director John Woo confirmed that they will start production on 29 March, starring Chow Yun Fatt as Zhou Yu, Tony Leung Chiu Wei as Zhuge Liang, Lin Chiling as Xiao Qiao, Zhang Fengyi as Cao Cao, Chang Chen as Suan Quan, You Yong as Liu Bei, Hu Jun as Zhao Yun, and Zhao Wei as Sun Shangxiang. In addition, Er Dawei, Kou Shixun, Sun Chun will have supporting roles in this mega-movie.
Movie with highest investment amount
Producer He confirmed that [Red Cliff] has the highest investment amount in the ore than 300 movies he has produced, and is also the highest amount in the history of Chinese film-making. However he quoted a local saying that depicted the meaning of ‘big investment equates to big returns’. He also affirmed his belief that the investment is worthwhile. We also learnt that the script is crafted by more than ten famous scriptwriters in China.
To be released as a 2-part movie
Han Sanping disclosed that it is virtually impossible to film the happenings of the “battle of Chibi” into a two-hour movie, as viewers are very familiar with the novel [Romance of the Three Kingdoms]. Hence, [Red Cliff] will be released in China as a 2-part movie of two hours each. The team is thinking of releasing the movies in two ways. The first method is to show the first instalment in year 2008 before the Olympic Games, then to release the second instalment nearing the end of that year. The second is to release the first instalment in year 2007, then to release the second instalment within 20 days. In this way, the entire movie will remain in the big screens for almost 2 months.
Zhou Yi – to be enacted in an artistic way
Although the cast list contains mega stars, some viewers wonder if Chow Yun Fatt, who is over 50 years old, can depict the role of Zhou Yu, the young and ambitious adviser of Sun Quan? Also, how will modern-looking Lin Chiling look in ancient attire?
Director John Woo remarked that the ‘Xiao Qiao’ enacted by Lin Chiling will be a very elegant lady, in addition to her good looks. Chow Yun Fat’s Zhou Yu will also deviate from the novel’s usual armored attire, with more artistic flamboyance and flair. As for Zhao Wei’s Sun Shangxiang, her character will be a little like “Little Swallow”.
Translated by Xiao Mei Zi 小妹子
