Action Dragon Tiger Gate starring Hong Kong actor Donnie Yen will be screened nationally July 28. Yen has previously performed in famous action films like Seven Swords and SPL, which have made him known for thoroughly interpreting his roles and vividly conveying Bruce Lee's kung-fu spirit.

 

 

"Perhaps some action scenes may look better if we use wire to sling the actors, but that is unreal. And some could be better by using 3D effects, but those are not what audience want to see," Yen said.

 

As Chinese audiences have grown tired of protagonists with miraculous powers like those in Hero and House of Flying Daggers, Yen's kung-fu sans wires blows fresh air into the Chinese action movie scene.

 

As both leading actor and action director, Yen was very strict with actors Nicholas Tse and Shawn Yue in the film. As Yen is meticulous with regard to details, he had the actors repeat many scenes until he felt satisfied.

 

Yen said: "There were many action scenes that Tse and Yue were incapable to do, but I tried not to hurt their pride because neither of them had kung fu experience. I taught them at my best and they devoted themselves to learn. It needs more than 10 years to be a kung-fu star, but I believe that Tse and Yue are very clever. If they continue to make efforts in kung fu movies, their future would be quite positive."

 

Yen is also confident with the box office, saying "we certainly expect a miracle in the box office. Due to uncertain reasons, SPL is not screened on the Chinese mainland. This time, Dragon Tiger Gate passed the censorship without any cutting. I hope the Chinese mainland audiences will love it and give more support to action movies."

 

(Shenzhen Daily July 19, 2006)