Cast members Jet Li, Kwai Lun-mei, Chen Rui and Wen Zhang (from L to R) pose at a press conference for "Ocean Paradise" on August 26, 2009 in Beijing. [sina.com.cn]

International movie star Jet Li, who has dedicated most of his time to charity work since last year, will take a major role in the film "Ocean Paradise", according to the Chinese Web portal Sina.com.

Set in an aquarium, the film tells a simple story between a father and his autistic son. Jet Li plays the father and rising Chinese actor Wen Zhang is "his son".

"I haven't got a role as a father for long," said Jet Li at a press conference in Beijing on Wednesday.

"Last time my son was a kid, and this time it is Wen Zhang...I must have become a father at a very young age," he joked.

"I met some autistic children when I was doing charity work in recent years. When I read the script, I cried," Jet Li said, "I hope to express gratitude to all the parents in the world through the film."

Jet Li (L) gestures to Kwai Lun-mei at a press conference for "Ocean Paradise" on August 26, 2009 in Beijing. [sina.com.cn]

Taiwan actress Kwai Lun-mei will star in the film as a clown who performs in the aquarium and meets the father and son.

"I have been practicing juggling since the day I met the director," said Kwai.

The debut project of screenwriter-turned-director Xue Xiao-lu is slated for release in 2010.

(CRI August 28, 2009)