September 2002

I was catching Jackie Chan's THE TUXEDO when I came across the poster for the new Tsui Hark produced movie entitled THE ERA OF VAMPIRES. The movie is directed by Wellson Chin and stars Ken Chang, Michael Chow, Lam Suet, Chan Kwok Kwan, Anya, Yu Rong Guang (Iron Monkey), Horace Lee Wai Shing and Ji Chun Hua.

For detailed plot synopsis and cast/character info, check out the following site:
http://www.fortissimo.nl/catalogue/title.asp?filmID=150

The BMW films site has announced that the John Woo directed 'Hostage' BMW film featuring 'The Hire' will debut on 24 October. Mark it down on your calendar.

The Swordsman and His Jiang Hu: Tsui Hark and Hong Kong Film ISBN: 962-8050-15-X Price: HK$100

Now THIS is happening news. I came across this book - THE SWORDSMAN AND HIS JIANG HU: Tsui Hark and Hong Kong Film - in the Kinokuniya bookstore and it is another HOLY RELIC for all Tsui Hark fans to collect. Published by the Hong Kong Film Archive (see related article below) , it provides a magnificent insight into the world of the accomplished film-maker. I liken this book to GEORGE LUCAS - THE CREATIVE IMPULSE.

Published in two languages (English and Chinese) and at over 260 pages, it contains loads of invaluable interviews by people who had worked with Tsui Hark and fantastic trivia. You'll be amused at why composer James Wong calls Tsui Hark a 'rascal'. You'll be pleasantly surprised to discover that Sally Yeh was initially scheduled to portray the Sun-Moon sect tribal chieftain Ren YingYing. You will most definitely feast your eyes on the numerous production photographs (mostly black and white) and awesome storyboards by Tsui Hark.

Enough said, go grab the book if you can. I ran a search at Amazon.com but this book didn't show up. But take note of the ISBN number to make enquiries.

Be sure to check out the Hong Kong Film Archive website for some fantastic information. A must for any HK movie fan.

Apart from John Woo, Tony Scott (Thelma And Louise, Top Gun) and Joe Carnahan have been approached to direct as well. Shooting for all three films have begun and you can expect to catch them at www.bmwfilms.com this October. Wonder if BMW will ever consider releasing these films on dvd.

More info at this site:

http://media.guardian.co.uk/advertising/story/0,7492,770104,00.html

A recent search at amazon.com revealed that the Windtalkers dvd will be released on October 15. Yeah!

To find out what Woo thinks about war, detonating bombs and documentaries, click on the following link at Empire Online now:

http://www.empireonline.co.uk/features/interviews/windtalkers/

August 2002

A local newspaper reports John Woo will direct a new chapter of the BMW film series featuring the 'The Hire' entitled 'HOSTAGE'. Keep your eyes peeled at www.bmwfilms.com for updates.

June 2002

It has been a while since my last update and I apologise for not putting this news up sooner.

(The following info is pieced together from newspaper reports over the last few days)

Chang Cheh, John Woo's mentor and also the man who directed One-Armed Swordsman and Five Deadly Venoms died in Hong Kong on Saturday morning. He was 79. Woo once worked as Chang's assistant director.

John Woo and Nicolas Cage were in Hong Kong to promote Windtalkers. Woo only knew about Chang's death when he touched down and it was reported that he was at a loss for words when he heard the news. He expressed regret for not being able to be by his mentor's death-bed.

John Woo may consider doing a biopic on Chang. Apparently, Woo wanted to remake one of Chang's famous works, One-Armed Swordsman some years back but when Tsui Hark delivered The Blade, he abandoned the idea.

Chow Yun-Fat showed up at the Hong Kong premiere of Windtalkers and met up with John Woo and Nicolas Cage. Woo will direct Cage and Chow in his next movie The Divide, about Chinese immigrant railroad workers.