Curse of the Golden Flower previews in New York

Director Zhang Yimou and Gong Li attend the preview showing of "Curse" at the Lincoln Center in New York City on the 27 of November. CYF was unable to attend because of filming Children of Huang Shi in China.

Oscar Watch ads for Curse of the Golden Flower

Two posters in oscarwatch.com advertising

Curse of the Golden Flower for Academy Award consideration

(click to enlarge)

UPDATE Filming Children of Huang Shi

According to a few Chinese newspapers, the production team will begin shooting a scene of Chow Yun-Fat's character blowing up a train. At a small train station in northwestern Chinese province of Gansu, a report spotted a refurbished train with a steam locomotive and two cars and two antique soviet trucks with prop explosives. Monkey Peaches

UPDATE Filming Children of Huang Shi

More Pictures

UPDATE: Filming Children of Huang Shi

More pictures

New blog link to MOVIE Children of Huang Shi Pictures

Photos from "Western Economic Daily" and Hong Kong "Mingpao" and "Ta Kung") After local Chinese reporters took and published photos of the filming sets without permission, the filmmakers tightened the security on the set. There have been reports of (minor) conflicts between the security people and reporters/locals. Not allowed on the filming sets, local reporters have complained about the production team. One newspaper even said: "What kind of authority do these people think they have? Who gave them the right to stop reporters' work?" and "According to Chinese law, the media has the right to interview and report news events. No one should stop the normal work of reporters!"

Several days of unexpected snow fell upon Children of Huang Shi's Liancheng shooting. Filmmakers were excited and shot some scenes with children marching in snow in mountainous regions. The snow made the mountain roads more dangerous. They used 1,500 kg of salt to melt the snow on mountain roads. On the 25th, when the team was heading to Dong Da Si (East Temple), an electric generator truck slipped from the hilly road, slid to the bottom, and ended up upside down. No injuries were reported. After Lanzhou local newspapers reported the accident, the news has been spreading on Chinese media like a snow ball and the titles of the reports became more and more scary: "Chow Yun-Fat on set, vehicle turned over", "Vehicle turned over, Chow Yun-Fat and Michelle Yeoh not seriously hurt" - even though no actor was involved in the accident and Michelle was not even in China - she is currently in Paris preparing to start shooting her next big actioner Babylon A.D.. In the news release from a production company, it says Chow Yun-Fat's role in Children of Huang Shi is not the leader of a communist guerrilla force as most of the Chinese reports previously claimed. Chow plays a man who returned to China from abroad in order to defend his country. In the published photos, he is not dressed as a communist military officer. Hong Kong newspapers reported that Chow Yun-Fat will stay in Gansu until December 7th. As for Michelle, according to the media, she does not have a main role but nevertheless her character is important and interesting. They say she will not appear as an action heroine but as a "black widow". As shown on Michelle Yeoh Web Theatre

UPDATE: Filming Children of Huang Shi

Two closer pictures of Chow Yun-Fat with Jonathan Rhys Meyers and Radha Mitchell filming Children of Huang Shi. It was reported that the weather turned extremely cold and one of the filming company's vehicles had an accident on the slippery road.

Children of Huang Shi films with Chow Yun-Fat

(11/25/06) Lanzhou local newspapers have continued following the production although reporters are supposedly not allowed to get close to the shooting. Some scenes involving 200 extras were filmed in front of the governor's building and on Liancheng streets. Chow Yun-Fat joined filming in Lanzhou on the 23rd. His first scene which was shot in Liancheng was at Niuzhan Dapo (Hills) when he was protecting the children from bandits. Reportedly Chow will only stay in Liancheng for three days. According to Chinese media, the film is aiming to release November 2007.

Pictures: (From bottom to top)
(1) Director Roger Spottiswoode and Australian actress Radha Mitchell having a Chinese lunch (2) Lanzhou actor Shen Bin (left) plays the chief of police (3) Reporters got a far shot of Chow Yun-Fat from more than 200 meters away (4) A filming set
(photos from "Lanzhou Evenings") As shown on Michellle Yeoh Web Theatre NOTE: I guess that is CYF in the monstrous coat.

Chow Yun-Fat gives some advice to Asian actors going to the U.S.

Chow Yun-Fat has learned from hard experience of the last years spent working in U.S. movies some facts he is passong on to other actors:

MING PAO DAILY, NOVEMBER 17 2006, FILM AND TELEVISION OBSERVATIONS

CHOW YUN FAT'S WARNING TO ASIAN ACTORS

Chow Yun Fat in an interview sighed that Asian actors have a hard time making a living in Hollywood and warned all Asian actors who went to develop there not to mind the size of the role. Everyone on and off screen in the entertainment circle has a Hollywood dream. Hollywood has an international market that can bring even greater revenue and higher fame. On the other hand, why would Hollywood want Asia's film talent? The simplest answer is to expand to the greater Asia film market through Asian elite. The goal is the same for European soccer teams' recruitment of Asian players. The North American market is already not enough for Hollywood films. Asia instead is a market with a lot of potential, especially China. Although Mainland has a severe piracy problem, its box office continues to rise. As film market continues to expand, aside from investing in Asian films, adding Asian elements in Hollywood films brings innovation and can ensure Asian market revenue. In addition, top Asian talent is in the same class as Hollywood but the salary is much cheaper. Why can be more attractive than a way to save cost and at the same time expand market? Top Hong Kong stars, directors, and action coordinators have gone to work in Hollywood. To us their salaries seem astronomical, but to productions there they are quite a bargain. However, Hollywood in the end focuses on the North American market; unlike Hong Kong films at their peak when overseas revenue was stronger than local one and led to the appearance of many overseas sales film. So far, Hollywood mainstream films still focus on North American audience taste. Even the addition of Asian element is just assistance. Chow Yun Fat has once said, Hollywood has many screenplays but anyone with a little knowledge can guess how many are written for Asian actors. Not mind the size of the role is a very practical suggestion. Even more importantly, Asian actors should not give up their own markets.- KWOK HIN CHING - As shown on Hong Kong Film Top 10

New Poster for COTGF

CYF arrives for filming in Lanzhou

Reporters rushed to Zhongchuan Airport as it was not known what the specific arrival time was so with each aircraft reporters were checking the flights of all three routes that Chow Yun-Fat could be on. It was thought he might be on the flight from Beijing. At 10:40 the first flight from Beijing arrived in Lanzhou, but CYF was not on it. At 12:40 the second flight flying from Beijing arrived in Lanzhou, but again no CYF even though it was reported he was suppose to arrive today. It was thought he was not on the third flight either. Finally a white Volvo sport utility vehicle appeared. CYF appeared in a white baseball cap and was escorted from the passage. He received a warm welcome and spoke in Mandarin saying "thank you, thank you." He left in a motorcade from Zhongchuan Airport in Lanzhou, Longquan Temple Gansu through Citylink toll station directly to the scene of the shooting. Information from xinhuanet

UPDATE: Filming Children of Huang Shi

Top picture the director Roger Spottiswoode

(11/21/06) Filming of Children of Huang Shi has been moved to Liancheng. In the morning of the 20th, the Liancheng shooting started at the Governor building of the Mongol Chieftain Lu Family. The first scene shot there was Jonathan Rhys Meyers and Radha Mitchell asking a local for directions. Chow Yun-Fat has not been spotted at Liancheng on the 21st. But the Chinese newspaper "Xin Bao" reported a double of Chow's has already joined, and has participated in the shooting of certain fight scenes inside the building. Despite the beautiful historical buildings, Gansu's Liancheng is not a famous tourist spot. It is a big event for the local residents to have such a large film production taking place in town - and with foreigners, no less. Those who are chosen as extras are envied by the others. They get paid 35 Yuan (about US$4.40) per day. As shown on Michelle Yeoh Web Theatre. More pictures shown

Latest poster for Curse of the Golden Flower

Audience gives Curse of the Golden Flower high praise

Another article on the showing of Curse of the Golden Flower in Los Angeles:

(11/14/2006) The film CURSE OF THE GOLDEN FLOWER (MOON SING JUNG DAI WONG GUM GAP) earlier applied for an Oscar nomination next year, but before then it has already attracted American film worker's attention as it was invited to be the 20th Annual American Film Institute Film Festival closing film. This was CURSE's premiere outside Asia. Director Zhang Yimou, leads Chow Yun Fat and Gong Li personally went to Los Angeles for the closing ceremony and party and attracted media and fans alike. The AFI Fest has stepped into its 20th year. With the hot China storm in the United States, the event selected China's fifth generation director Zhang Yimou directed, American familiar stars Chow Yun Fat and Gong Li starred CURSE OF THE GOLDEN FLOWER was the closing film. The closing premiere took place at Los Angeles' Cinerama Dome and attracted over 100 media outlets. When the leads walked the red carpet, the media went into a stir. Gong Li was the popular. Many reporters praised Gong Li's look as elegant and graceful, to which Gong Li replied with a smile. Fans who waited outside mostly came for Chow Yun Fat. As soon as they saw Fat Gor they screamed and cheered. Their excitement was beyond description. The director was busy with interviews. Thus the 50 meter red carpet walk took them 45 minutes to complete. The tickets for the premiere rapidly sold out in a few hours after they went public. Zhang Yimou appreciated the love of his fans. "I truly thank and feel honored to the AFI Fest's invitation. I thank everyone for their support, I hope everyone will like this movie of mine. Here I also have to thank Chow Yun Fat and Gong Li for being the leads this time, they have built a great foundation for the production." At this time Chow Yun Fat and Gong Li stood up off stage and bowed to the audience in appreciation. After the screening, the audience applauded and whistled endlessly. The applause lasted for nearly 10 minutes before ending. They had high praises for the film. Hong Kong Film Top 10

Ever wondered what happened to The Wretched?

Up until now whatever happened to the making of the movie The Wretched which once was going to be with Chow Yun-Fat has been an unsolved mystery. Some sites even still have CYF starring in this movie. SOLVED:

document.title = "The Film Asylum - Riley Smith joins Snipes in 'Gallowwalker'";
Riley Smith joins Snipes in 'Gallowwalker'
20 Nov 2006
Variety reports that actor Riley Smith (Eight Legged Freaks, Spring Break Shark Attack) has joined Wesley Snipes in the cast of Gallowwalker, a zombie Western that was originally titled 'The Wretched' with Chow Yun-Fat as the lead. Co-written (along with Joanne Reay) and directed by Andrew Goth (Cold and Dark), Gallowwalker has Snipes playing a gunman devoted to vengeance who is cursed to face down his victims when they rise from their graves for some payback of their own. Currently filming in Namibia, Gallowwalker also stars Kevin Howarth (The Last Horror Movie), Patrick Bergin (Sleeping With The Enemy) and Diamond Dallas Page (The Devil's Rejects).

NOTE: Many CYF fans were never sure they wanted him in this movie, but now they at least know what happened to it.

Update on filming of Children of Huang Shi

Click on map to enlarge to see the location of Lanzhou where Chow Yun-Fat is expected to join the filming today of Children of Huang Shi. It is expected Jasmine his wife and assistant will accompanying him. It was reported that he will again have 4 bodyguards, and a local hotel has been refurbished where he will stay. It was also rumored that he had made a visit to the locale about a couple of weeks ago.

Chow Yun-Fat's remarks after showing of "Curse"

Variety waters 'Flower'
Chow eager for follow-up
By Olivia Hemaratanatorn
Chow Yun-fat at the Variety screening of 'Curse of the Golden Flower.'
WHAT: Variety Screening Series unspooled "Curse of the Golden Flower" Nov. 13 at ArcLight Cinemas in Hollywood.
WHO: Director Zhang Yimou with actors Gong Li and Chow Yun-fat.
MAN AT WORK: Action star Chow Yun-fat made it clear that he's only acted in four movies since 2000 because either "the timing is not good, the money is not good, or the script is not good," he explained. "I'm dying to act in front of the camera, but I'm looking for better opportunities. As an Asian actor, it's very difficult for the mainstream media role. I'm a lucky guy with very good fortune because I'm not Jackie Chan or Jet Li. I didn't know how to move with my feet. I use my hands with two guns." Variety

Curse of the Golden Flower trailer #3

Curse of the Golden Flower trailer #3

Chow Yun-Fat was not able to stay for an additional press conference after the AFI Fest on the 12th with Gong Li, but had to hurry back to Asia to prepare for filming of Children of Huang Shi.

Suffering from mixed reviews this is one of the positive reviews:

One of my favorite lines is when playwright James Goldman has Eleanor of Aquitane quip in The Lion In Winter (1968): "What family doesn't have its ups and downs?" Comparable in familial disharmony and court intrigue, Zhang Yimou's third entry into the wuxia genre—Curse of the Golden Flower—is his most accomplished. Sumptuous as embroidered brocade, Curse of the Golden Flower outdoes the last two entries in spectacle but is most noteworthy for avoiding the politically confusing obfuscations of Hero and the vertiginously saccharine sentimentality of House of Flying Daggers. Its elegance is not only in its production design, but in the stark lines of its dark story: a brooding meditation on the corrosive heart of gold. Underneath the veneer of China's most expensive movie to date is an economy of tragedy to rival Shakespeare. Its central themes are bitterly grasped though guised by opulent pageantry. As the ancient Chinese saying goes: "Gold and jade on the outside, rot and decay on the inside. The entire review on Twitch

Children of Huang Shi

11/16/06) Children of Huang Shi has been filming in the desert near Dunhuang city, including at the Mingsha Sand Dunes (Singing-sand Mountain), Mogao Grottoes, and at the Yadan land formations - in fact, the very scenery we have seen in Michelle's 2002 movie The Touch.
Map of shooting locations (click to see larger version for more provincial details) Chinese media reported that filming will move to Liancheng, Lanzhou on the 17th. The film tells the story of George Hogg who led 60 orphaned children on an epic journey across the Liu Pan Shan mountains to safety on the edge of the Mongolian desert. It seems like they are filming the ending part first.
Dong Da Si filming set (photos from "Lanzhou Morning Post". click to enlarge) The main shooting locations in Gansu Province are around Dunhuang and Lanzhou. One of the "hiding" places for the children will be Dong Da Si (East Temple, see pictures at right) at the Tianzhu Tibetan Autonomous County in the middle of Gansu Province. They will be shooting four days there. Chow Yun-Fat will be joining the shooting in Gansu, mainly in Liancheng, for 7 days, starting around the 20th. Choosing local extras has started yesterday in Liancheng. 40 of the children have been chosen from a Beijing performing school. 20 children will be chosen in Liancheng locally. Michelle will not have any scenes in the Gansu filming. After Gansu, production will move to the Hengdian World Studios in southeast China in mid-December. Michelle's main scenes will be shot there. There will be no romantic relationship between Michelle and Chow Yun-Fat this time, according to the Chinese media. Set construction has been taking place at the "Guangzhou Street District" and "Jiangnan Water Country" in the studios. Some filming will also take place in Shanghai and Nanjing (Nanking). As shown on Michelle Yeoh Web Theatre

New website for Curse of the Golden Flower

Sony Classics has opened a new website in English for Curse of the Golden Flower. A couple of the elements are not complete, but it is beautiful and is worth a look.

Co-stars Chow Yun-Fat and Gong Li kiss for the cameras at the AFI Fest

Link to video taken at the AFI Fest

Filming of Children of Huang Shi

Two reports of filming Children of Huang Shi on Michelle Yeoh Web Theatre:

(11/14/06) "Lanzhou Evenings" (China) reported that the production of Children of Huang Shi started on the 13th in the Mingsha Mountains of Dunhuang, Gansu Province. 40 children, ages ranging from 9 to 14, were chosen from local schools to play the orphans in the film. Reportedly a scene of some armed bandits chasing trucks which carried the children was shot yesterday afternoon. According to the report, filming will move to Liancheng, Gansu next week, and Chow Yun-Fat and Michelle will join the Liancheng shooting which is scheduled to last about 20 days. (NOTE: a previous report said Michelle would not be joining the Liancheng shooting so at this point I'm not sure which report is more accurate.)
Photos: Dunhuang children playing the orphans and director Roger Spottiswoode with male lead Jonathan Rhys Meyers (photos from "Lanzhou Evenings")

(11/09/06) After a fine of 20,000 Yuan, permission for filming at the Governor building of the Mongol Chieftain Lu Family in Liancheng was given by the authorities to the Children of Huang Shi team on Nov. 7. Set construction at the location will be resumed soon. A Chinese producer said the incident would not cause a big delay of the production. Chinese media reported production will start on the 13th at Jiayuguan Pass, an entrance of the Great Wall in Gansu, and Dunhuang. The locations in Lanzhou also include a train station, West Mountain, and the Datong River, which will include scenes of transferring 60 children.

Chow Yun-Fat, Gong Li, and Zhang Yimou attend AFI Festival in Hollywood

CYF with Gong Li and Zhang Yimou attended the showing of Curse of the Golden Flower at AFI Festival in Hollywood last night. It held the prestigious position of being shown on the closing night of the festival. There have been mixed reviews on the Zhang epic by the US critics, but this review from Screen Daily is positive and the reviewer seems to understand the vision of the film:

The palace interiors and exterior are a wonder of design and set decoration, the costumes, hair and makeup staggeringly ornate, the colour palette of yellows and reds that Zhang has created is meticulous and breathtaking. The bloody battle in the forecourt of the palace at the film's climax as a golden army is massacred on a bed of chrysanthemums is eye-popping. It's almost too much visual splendour and information to digest in one sitting. 　　
None of the twisted machinations of the operatic plot come as a surprise but the pleasure is all in the malicious relish of the performances, most notably from the magnificent Gong Li who quivers, sobs and heaves her way through the high drama, her bosom collapsing out of her jewel-encrusted bustier, her head bedecked in elaborate jewels and hairdos. One minute warmly embracing her children, the next plotting against her husband with icy vengeance in her eyes, the next tearfully gulping down a poison which she knows is driving her insane, Gong is a spectacle in herself. She is matched by Chow Yun Fat, impressively imperious as the slightly demented emperor, and Liu Ye, who is effectively tortured as the unhappy oldest son. 　　

The entire review - More pictures as shown on Admiring Gong Li forum - Pictures of CYF and Jasmine as shown on Netease forum

Curse of the Golden Flower's rating questioned

R-Rated "Flower"? 2006-11-10 15:13:25 CRIENGLISH.com Zhang Yimou's "Curse of the Golden Flower" recently released its Hong Kong ad posters.The high-budget martial arts film, starring Hong Kong veteran Chow Yun-Fat, mainland actress Gong Li and Taiwan pop king Jay Chou, is slated for its global premiere Sunday at the closing ceremony of the AFI Film Festival in Los Angeles. It will be screened in China in mid-December.Rumors suggest the film will be given a restricted rating in North America for its violent scenes. Critics worry it will hurt the movie's chances for the best foreign film Oscar. It was picked in early October to compete for Oscar qualification. However, sources close to the production company said the rating hasn't been issued. Shown on La Creme D' Asie forum

http://en.chinabroadcast.cn/3086/2006/11/10/271@161291.htm

Review of COTGF

From The Movie Report blog:

"Wednesday, November 08, 2006 Screening Log: CURSE OF THE GOLDEN FLOWER / presentation of 300 As if we didn't know already - Zhang Yimou is a frickin genius. Whether tackling intimate stories such as The Road Home and the recent Riding Alone for Thousands of Miles or mounting action extravaganzas such as Hero, House of Flying Daggers, and now this, the man can seemingly do no wrong. Marking the first collaboration between Zhang and one-time muse Gong Li since their personal split after 1995's Shanghai Triad, Curse leans more heavily on drama than stunts than his last two period action films, but what rich drama it is, following the various romantic, familial, and political intrigue lurking in the imperial palace. Sporting a long, grey-peppered wig and beard, Chow Yun-Fat is virtually unrecognizable as the Emperor, but his singular presence and effortless gravitas is unmistakable--and the film is unthinkable without it. After all these years apart, the Zhang/Gong magic is stronger than ever, her vividly etched emotion erasing lingering thoughts of her awkward Miami Vice work. But the real star again is Zhang, who serves up a sumptuous sensory feast (while not as extensively in his last two actioners, he continues to make bold use of color, here in particular the contrast between gleaming gold and blood red) with spectacular set pieces and--crucially--the story, characters, and connection to back it up." Shown on Admiring Gong Li Forum (Edited by CYF of Hong Kong News)

Curse of the Golden Flower to be previewed on The Da Vinci Code DVD

It is reported in The Trades that The Da Vinci Code DVD to be released on Nov. 14 will have as one of its previews included on one of the discs Curse of the Golden Flower. The "Code" was a very popular movie and will be a popular DVD. Very good publicity for COTGF.

Zhang Yimou comments on the actors in "Curse"

(11/1/2006) Famous Chinese director Zhang Yimou yesterday appeared on a Road Show interview and promoted CURSE OF THE GOLDEN FLOWER (MOON SING JUNG DAI WONG GUM GAP). Zhang Yimou had nothing but praise for Chow Yun Fat, Gong Li and Jay Chou (Chow Kit Lun). Zhang Yimou was rumored to have said 14 years ago that he would never work with Gong Li again. Big Director Zhang clarified that he has never said that. About working with old flame Gong Li, he said, the chemistry was as it always has been. They were still very familiar and the exchange between them has never changed. Zhang Yimou even praised Gong Li's acting for being even more amazing, mature and stronger than before. Her expression of the character was very thorough and her acting very involved. She also provided a lot of meaningful opinions, which she has never before. He said, now Gong LI has already reached her best and the most mature level, full of challenge and passion for her performance. As for Chow Yun Fat, this was their first collaboration. Zhang Yimou said, after watching A BETTER TOMORROW (YING HUNG BOON SIK) years ago he already knew about Fat Gor's might. Thus after completing this screenplay, he thought about approaching Fat Gor to play the Emperor character instantly. He felt among actors of the two shores on three lands, no actor was such a caliber and had the power and the nobility of the Emperor. He said, Fat Gor has provided him with a lot of constructive opinions about the screenplay. Fat Gor was always friendly and very cordial with the crew. Once Fat Gor invited a Xinjiang person to bring a barbecue grill to the set to make lamb skewer for everyone. The on the set mood was very light. Zhang Yimou described what Fat Gor did was truly unprecedented in that studio's history. About Chow Kit Lun's (Jay Chou) performance, Zhang Yimou said, his acting experience might have been lacking but he was sincere in the production. Although he was very nervous when he faced two idols Chow Yun Fat and Gong Li, he worked from his heart and real emotion flowed from his eyes. He was a pleasant surprise and a big specialty of the film. Zhang Yimou honestly said that he was the most afraid of actors who were too superficial. Hong Kong Film Top 10

"The Real Empress"

Curse of the Golden Flower (Dec. 22) On the day the crew shot an important scene showing the solemn Chong Yang ritual, which involves the entire Chinese royal family, the production managers repeatedly instructed crew members to turn off their cellphones. In the middle of a take, sure enough, a phone rang. The offender was a lady affectionately called The Real Empress, the wife of the film's star, Chow Yun Fat. Mr. Chow led the teasing. USA Weekend

Filming of Children of Huang Shi at Liancheng, Lanzhou

Filming of Children of Huang Shi will start at Liancheng, Lanzhou, Gansu Province in the middle of this month. Local Chinese media are excited about the upcoming project in town. They reported that set construction has started a few days ago at the old Governor building of Mongol Chieftain Lu Family in Liancheng, Yongdeng County, Gansu and they managed to snap some shots. The scene that is planned to be shot at Liancheng is when the team of children come to rest at the local governor's courtyard. Reportedly Jonathan Rhys Meyers and Chow Yun-Fat will join the Liancheng shooting. Michelle will not be there since she does not have any scene in that part. However, not everything is running smoothly, according to reports. The local Yongdeng government yesterday ordered the set building to be stopped since, according to the official, the application from the production team about the set building at the location has not been approved yet. Some photos of a filming set at Liancheng. (photos from "Lanzhou Evenings") Article and pictures as shown on Michelle Yeoh Web Theatre

Guang Li wins key role in Children of Huang Shi aka The Bitter Sea

Unexpected: Schoolboy Guang Li, 16, who won a key role in a $25 million Chinese period drama, at Sydney's Hyde Park.
SYDNEY schoolboy Guang Li has won a key role in a $25 million movie to be filmed in China, after hundreds of teenagers auditioned in four countries.
The period drama, Children of Huang Shi, is the first co-production between China and Australia; Germany is also involved.
"I thought it was an opportunity to get some experience at auditioning but I never thought I would get the role," said Li about his first film.
The 16-year-old came to Australia from China as a toddler and speaks English and Mandarin. "I have been in school productions since I was eight and have always loved acting," he said.
The film will be directed by Roger Spottiswoode, who made Tomorrow Never Dies and Turner and Hooch.
Based on a true story, it begins in 1937 with the Japanese invasion of China.
Li's character is one of 60 war orphans who are led nearly 1600km to safety by a young English writer, an Australian nurse and a Chinese communist sympathiser.
The cast includes Jonathan Rhys Meyers (Match Point), Radha Mitchell (Phone Booth, Love and other Catastrophes), and Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon pair Chow Yun-Fat and Michelle Yeoh.
"There is something about being able to become someone else and affect the audience's emotions," Li said.
With his mother, Christine Wang, Li will spend more than three months in China, based at Hengdian, a filmmaking centre.
Other locations are Lanzhou, the Gobi Desert, Shanghai and, next year, Melbourne.
Official co-productions - such as between China and Australia - get national status in each country, making them eligible for the same subsidies and advantages as local films.
Children of Huang Shi will avoid the restrictions placed on foreign films in Chinese cinemas and has some funding from Film Finance Corporation Australia.
"There is already a lot of interaction between the Australian and Chinese film industries," Australian producer Jonathan Shteinman said. The Australian

Curse of the Golden Flower to be a mobile phone game

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--ALONG Mobile Technologies Inc. (OTC:AGMB), a leading provider of wireless interactive entertainment products and services in China, today announced that it has gained the exclusive right to design, publish and produce a new mobile phone game based on the new movie -- Curse of the Golden Flower by award winning director, writer and producer, Zhang Yimon. The movie’s cast includes Chow Yunfat whose credits include the academy award winning Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon, and Gong Li, whose credits include Memoirs of a Geisha. Mr. Zhang Yimon is known for his work in Hero and House of Flying Daggers. Movie studio, Beijing New Picture Film Co., Ltd licensed the rights to Along for the designing, publishing and producing of the mobile phone game.
This game will be interactive as users will be able to choose which characters they want to be. The game structure mostly follows the movie’s story, but there will be changes based on user feedback. The game is planned to be released during the Christmas holiday, after the premiere of the Movie in China.
Mr. Li Jianwei, CEO of Along Mobile Technology Inc. noted that “Mobile phones now are the most popular public entertainment platforms.” He added, “This game will provide a brand new interactive gaming experience to existing and new customers as well as take advantage of the very large movie-going audience. This also provides the movie studio with an additional source of revenue which is very attractive to them.” Business Wire