Chinese actress Zhao Wei will star in an upcoming film about Chinese folk heroine Hua Mulan, who joined the army in place of her father.“Painted Skin”co-star Chen Kun will join her as Mulan's lover.

Chinese actress Zhao Wei (R) will star in an upcoming film about Chinese folk heroine Hua Mulan, who joined the army in place of her father. Painted Skin co-star Chen Kun (L) will join her as Mulan's lover.

Dressed as a soldier, Zhao Wei fights alongside a group of male soldiers, with dirt on their faces and hands. To play the female warrior made famous in a Chinese collection of 12th century poetry, she abandoned beautiful dresses and make-up for horseback and combat training. Still, she says she is not very confident about her manly look.

Actress Zhao Wei said, "I have tried dressing like a man in my past films but those roles were lovely and funny. This time around I'm asked to act as a man, not only just have the looks. Of course the male audience won't think I'm very manly because the director is very romantic. He is devoted to designing Chen Kun's role. And he thinks Mulan's success is due to the support of Chen's role."