ARTICLE
'My Kingdom' Press Conference in Shanghai
By InCinemas / 20 Jun 2011 (Monday)
[Source: Celestial Pictures]
[Parts of Conversation in Shanghai Press Conference Included]
“My Kingdom” (Da Wu Sheng) - Two generations of “Kung Fu Masters” gathered in Shanghai!
Hong Kong, 14 June 2011 – The press conference of the epic martial arts movie “My Kingdom” (Da Wu Sheng), directed by China’s new voice Gao Xiaosong and written by the acclaimed writer Zou Jingzhi (Riding Alone for Thousands of Miles), was held at the Shanghai International Film Festival yesterday (13 June). Sammo Hung, the Best Action Choreography Award recipient of Taipei Golden Horse Film Festival and Hong Kong Film Awards, together with his “martial arts fellows”, Wu Chun, Han Geng, Liu Qian, and Barbie Hsu (Big S) graced the press event.
A new movie teaser for “My Kingdom” (Da Wu Sheng) was also revealed during the press conference, featuring “Jing Wu Men”, the grand Kung Fu stunt that took Sammo Hung 14 months to compose and choreograph. Regarded as the most impressive and breath-taking scene, the “Jing Wu Men” fighting scene highlighted two generations of “Kung Fu Masters” − Yuen Biao and Yu Rong Guang with young Wu Chun and Han Geng. After revealing the movie teaser, the entire cast dedicated a plaque depicting “The King of Martial Arts” to Action Director Sammo Hung, saying in unison that he is indeed the real “Kung Fu Master”.
[Watch 1min of MY KINGDOM Teaser Clip!]
To find out more of 'My Kingdom' movie stills and details, you can visit:
Celestial Pictures: My Kingdom.
The Most Outstanding Fighting Scene Released
“Whoever the real Kung Fu Master is, the plaque will belong to him!”
Murder is inevitable. This theme is portrayed vividly throughout the movie, from the conflict between Wu Chun and Han Geng, to the ferocious fights in streets of Shanghai in the protagonists’ bid to win over the plaque. The splendid grand fight set against the classic Peking Opera stage was also released in the teaser. The older generation of Kung Fu masters − Yuen Biao and Yu Rong Guang − showcased a glorious fight against each other in the boiling heat, while Yu held his own battle against both Wu Chun and Han Geng. During the press conference, Sammo Hung introduced in detail his Kung Fu stunt “Jing Wu Men” and explained how each and every moves were closely linked with Peking Opera.
Sammo Hung Fainted in the Studio
In lieu of Director Gao Xiaosong being absent from the press conference due to rumored drunk driving, Sammo Hung led the cast himself. Hung said “The Kingdom” meant a lot to him as this is his first chance in 40 years to show the world the grandeur of Peking Opera and martial arts combined. Although Hung already has 30 years’ experience of action choreographing and directing, he spent 2 months prior to filming studying the Tianjin Peking Opera Theatre and dedicated a year to choreograph the stunts.
“Dedication” is the word on everyone’s lips when asked about their opinion of Sammo Hung. According to Wu Chun, Hung did not rest for three days consecutively when they were shooting the fighting scene with Yu Rong Guang. Han Geng also revealed that Hung once fainted in the studio due to exhaustion. However, Hung would decline the offer to be sent to the hospital, and continue with the shooting after he has regained his energy after a short rest. As a gift of gratitude and symbol of respect for Hung, the cast presented a plaque titled “The King of Martial Arts” to Hung, declaring him the real “Kung Fu Master”. In fact, Hung said, the key to success in martial arts is simple: Perseverance.
Big S Almost Could Not Make it For “The Kingdom”
It was rare for Barbie Hsu to attend media conferences as she was not as active in the media industry after she got married. Yet, she would do it for “My Kingdom” as Peking Opera has long been her expertise ever since she was young. She was very committed to her role in the movie, openly confessing her love for the script. Surprisingly, there was one moment that she almost had to quit filming when she hurt her right wrist. Hung instead tailored a series of moves that required only the usage of her left hand so that she would not hurt herself further while still being able to act. Hung said Big S was very tough, and was very willing to exert her utmost efforts for acting.
Liu Qian Is The Conspirator
As a Police Chief, Liu’s character is the biggest conspirator in “My Kingdom” who gets everyone into murder and revenge. Liu claimed that his character is an interesting role to play; while he is portrayed as a bad person, he is still worthy of sympathy. Other than Wu Chun and Han Geng, Big S also shared scenes with Liu Qian. Liu also launched into his signature murderous look upon the audience’s request. It is also because of Liu’s signature look that landed him his role in “My Kingdom”. Liu commented, “Compared to the other actors, I rely mainly on my mind, my mental strength. Furthermore, Sammo Hung’s choreographed martial arts scenes are too tough for me!”
For more updates, visit “My Kingdom” (Da Wu Sheng)’s official Facebook page HERE.
[Take a Glimpse of MY KINGDOM Movie Poster Below!]
[Conversation of My Kingdom Press Conference in Shanghai]
Da S / Barbie Hsu wore a very form-fitting dress during press conference, dispelling rumours that she is pregnant.
Q: What are your plans after this movie?
Da S / Barbie Hsu: This will be my last film after my marriage. I do have plans to set aside time to have children after filming this movie.
Q: Will you be participating in making more movies?
Da S / Barbie Hsu: We'll see
Q: Has anyone in the cast contacted Director Gao during this period that he is out behind the bars for being involved in a hit and run case?
Sammo Hung: If I drink and drive tonight, I will probably be brought to see him (in jail) and will be able to send him regards from the rest of the cast. [Everyone laughed.]
Q: Will Director Gao’s incident affect the release of the film?
Sammo Hung: I do not know what Director Gao intends to do after his jail terms. Filming for My Kingdom was finished before Gao's arrest. If any, there’s only post work to be done and I am sure the post production crew will be able to finish the work according to Gao's vision.
Q: You are named as the Da Wu Sheng / 大武生 to many in the industry. How do you feel about it?
Sammo Hung: When I joined Seven Little Fortunes /七小福*, I was studying to play the Qing Yi role (a female role) [audience laughed]. But thankfully, I was given chances to play the roles of Xiao Sheng and then eventually Hua Lian. I hope that Han Geng and Wu Chun will work hard honing their martial arts skills because we really need a next generation of Kung Fu stars as there are none right now.
*Seven Little Fortunes is a famous troupe of Peking Opera performers from Master Yu Jim-yuen’s China Drama Academy that claims among its many alumni some of Hong Kong’s top action film talents including Jackie Chan, Sammo Hung, Yuen Biao, Corey Yuen, Yuen Wah, Yuen Tak, and Yuen Bun.
Q: How did you manage your drunk scene, Han Geng?
Han Geng: Director Gao told me to drink before the drunk scene with Liu Qian to loosen up. I did as he instructed and drank two bottles of red wine!
Q: How has it been working with the boys (Wu Chun and Han Geng)?
Da S / Barbie Hsu: The boys are always making me laugh during filming. Usually, I am very calm and composed during filming. There was one scene that I could not stop laughing because Han Geng started talking with a mid-Northern accent. That cracked me up totally.
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To find out more of 'My Kingdom' movie stills and details, you can visit:
Celestial Pictures: My Kingdom.
[Press Conference Photos Courtesy Of: Celestial Pictures]
[Points to Note]
-“Da Wu Sheng” is someone who specializes in fighting scenes in traditional Beijing Opera.
-“Qing Yi” is a female Beijing opera role who is the model or ideal of the Chinese woman. Faithful, proper, shy, graceful.
-“Xiao Sheng” is a young man who sings in a warbling voice to indicate adolescence and does not wear a beard.
-“Hua lian” is a painted-face role in Beijing Opera.
