Mega-blockbuster Mission: Impossible 3 recently wrapped principal photography in Shanghai, situated on the banks of the picturesque Yangtze River Delta. Why China? The scenery is great, production costs are relatively cheap, and the producers have a greater chance of appealing to China's one billion plus inhabitants.

 

Included in the large cast is HK model and actress Maggie Q. She plays a key task team member in the film.

 

MI:3 is one of the largest US studio titles to be filmed on location in China, which seems on its way to becoming the next New Zealand. Other recent Shanghai-shot films included James Ivory's The White Countess, lensed by DOP Chris Doyle, and The Painted Veil starring Naomi Watts and Edward Norton.

 

The MI:3 franchise is known for its impressive stunt set-pieces, of which producer-actor Cruise is always particularly proud. This time, the grand finale takes place in Shanghai, and according to UIP it involves several big stunts. The production shot in at least three key locations in the city: Xitang, a very old waterfront village, as well as downtown areas on both sides of the river, the old town on the west, and the new town on the east.

 

According to UIP, MI:3 is the first large-scale American film to showcase contemporary Shanghai. Speaking of the reason the production chose to use Shanghai, Eugene Yang of UIP Taiwan said that director J.J.Abrams and Cruise are "..both fascinated by the city, with its international appeal. Shanghai has always been their first and only choice." He also added, "given how much both Abrams and Cruise enjoyed their experience in Shanghai, it won't be surprising if they want to return, but there is no confirmed plan at this stage."

 

UIP are planning a 300+ screen opening for M:I3 on the mainland, and will open on about 60 screens in Hong Kong. The film will open in both HK and China on the same date as the US: May 5th 2006. Perhaps UIP are trying to avoid the inevitable losses to piracy that any delay in release could cause - a headache which Warner Bros is now dealing with in the very delayed release of the current Harry Potter installment in HK.

 

(hkfilmart December 29, 2005)