The Weinstein Company, the new production and distribution company established by Miramax co-founders Harvey and Bob Weinstein, has acquired rights for North America, the UK and Ireland to Hong Kong action thriller Sha Po Lang. 

Directed by Wilson Yip Wai-sun, the film stars three generations of Hong Kong kung-fu masters - Sammo Hung, Donnie Yen and newcomer Wu Jing, along with veteran actor Simon Yam. Yen, whose credits include Hero and Shanghai Knights, is also action director of the film.

The deal with the Weinstein Co was announced at the recent American Film Market (AFM) where Arclight Films was selling the film. Arclight has international rights outside Asian territories which are being handled by Hong Kong-based Celestial Pictures. The film is produced by Carl Chang and 1618 Action Limited with backing from Hong Kong's Abba Movies.

The Chinese title of the film, Sha Po Lang, refers to three renegade stars in Chinese astrology which take on good or evil characteristics depending on their position in the heavens.

The story revolves around a Hong Kong cop (Yam) who is determined to bring down a ruthless crime lord (Hung). A hard-kicking police inspector (Yen) is sent to replace the cop but ends up breaking the rules to put the gang boss behind bars.

The acquisition of the film follows the appointment of Bey Logan as The Weinstein Company's new rep in Asia. He was previously Arclight's Hong Kong representative.

Yip is currently directing US$10m kung-fu action movie Dragon Tiger Gate which also stars Yen along with along with Nicholas Tse, Shawn Yue and Chinese actress Dong Jie.

(hkfilmart November 24, 2005)