Shaolin is Coming to A Screen Near You

I hope that this is the start of a more widespread and more frequent release of Asian films (in other words Jackie's movies) worldwide.

Well Go USA has inked a deal with Emperor Motion Pictures for the North American rights to the films Let the Bullets Fly, Shaolin, The Stool Pigeon and Triple Tap.

“We are pleased to have made this deal with Emperor Motion Pictures, one of the premiere producers of top-level Asian films in China and Hong Kong, and even more excited to bring these thrilling films to passionate new fans,” said Doris Pfardrescher, president Well Go USA. “This acquisition solidifies our position as the leading distributor of Asian films to the North American market.”

Albert Lee, CEO of Emperor Motion Pictures, added, “This is a perfect partnership in terms of talent and resources. With Well Go’s track record, we are confident that these films, which have done so well in our home territory, will now enjoy a much wider Western audience base.”

The slate of films star Chow Yun-Fat, Jiang Wen, Andy Lau, Nicholas Tse, Fan Bingbing, Jackie Chan, Nicholas Tse, Nick Cheung, Louis Koo, Daniel Wu, Charlene Choi and Li Bingbing.

SOURCE: HOMEMEDIAMAGAZINE.COM

First Review of Shaolin

Fresh 'Shaolin Temple' goes for drama over kung fu

HONG KONG (AP) — It's the kung fu classic that launched the career of a then little-known 17-year-old Chinese martial arts champion called Jet Li.

Nearly three decades later, "The Shaolin Temple" has received a blockbuster update, with the backing of the famous center of fighting monks of the title and the setting of the 1982 release. Veteran Hong Kong action director Benny Chan has written a new story and cast some of the biggest names in Chinese cinema — Jackie Chan, Andy Lau, Nicholas Tse and Fan Bingbing.

It is the latest screen portrayal of the 1,500-year-old Shaolin Temple in central China, whose kung fu monks have been featured in many TV series and movies. But the 2011 version is only the second to be authorized by temple officials.

Benny Chan, who directed Jackie Chan in some of his recent Hong Kong action thrillers including "Who Am I?," ''New Police Story" and "Rob-B-Hood," is unabashed about being a crowd-pleaser.

"I am a commercial director. I am not an art-house director. I don't know how to create very artistic shots. I don't know how to shoot slowly," the Hong Kong filmmaker told The Associated Press in a recent interview.

But fans who are expecting an action-packed extravaganza must think twice. Unlike the 1982 original, which featured trademark Shaolin-style moves, Chan's focus is drama — not kung fu. And Chan says he asked choreographer Corey Yuen to imbue the flashy action sequences the film does have with what he calls the spirit of "Zen fighting" — a composed style that stresses personal development over violence.

"The Shaolin Temple" is a revenge story — Li plays a young boy adopted and trained by Shaolin monks who tries to avenge his father's death. For the 135-minute update, simply called "Shaolin," Benny Chan crafted an ambitious story arch. Set in China's warlord era shortly after the downfall of imperial rule in the early 20th century, Lau plays a local military ruler paranoid about being betrayed by an ally. He devised an assassination plot, only to be double-crossed by his second-in-command (Tse). Lau's character then seeks refuge in the Shaolin Temple and becomes a monk who repents his terrorizing ways of the past.

"Everyone knows the first movie mainly features the Shaolin-style of kung fu, especially given its star, Jet Li, was a five-time national champion at the time. That's a big selling point. But I won't use a martial arts champion as a selling point. Andy Lau is an actor," Chan said. The veteran Hong Kong leading man is widely respected for his talent as much as his heartthrob looks.

"Do I need to turn Andy Lau into Jet Li? I don't see the need. I don't want to," he said, adding that Lau, a devout Buddhist himself, gave suggestions on how to develop his character.

There is kung fu in the movie — Lau is seen practicing a set of Shaolin-style punches with a group of monks — although Chan says his focus was the philosophy behind the fighting.

"I don't think very flashy and very powerful moves are a display of Zen fighting ... As I understand the spirit of Zen fighting is that you have to understand your ability first, how powerfully you can strike a fist. And then how to break through your limitations. And you will become happier as you practice more," the director said, pointing to a scene where Lau's warlord character blissfully practices his moves side-by-side with a young monk on a cold night.

"I tried to portray a state of mind," he said.

The interplay between the warlord and Jackie Chan's character is another highlight. Benny Chan said he purposely paired them — Lau's calculating, Machiavellian military man and Jackie Chan's role of a happy-go-lucky monk who runs the Shaolin kitchen.

Despite the meditative story, "Shaolin" also has the trappings of any major commercial production. A massive explosion scene took a month to shoot and, naturally, couldn't be set at the real temple. Instead, they splurged 20 million Chinese yuan ($3 million) on a full-sized replica that included a 9.9-meter- (32-feet-) tall Buddha statue.

Benny Chan said the final scene was a painstaking process and a huge technical achievement. He did not use special effects and could only complete a few shots a day.

"It was very memorable. It was very taxing and very dangerous," he said.

"Shaolin" is being released in China and the Philippines on Wednesday; in Australia on Thursday; in Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia on Friday; and in Vietnam on Feb. 18.

Copyright © 2011 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

Shaolin Posters

Large format posters from Shaolin have been released HERE

There are ones of all the main characters including Jackie. Very nice posters.

Shaolin Premiers in Beijing

Shaolin premiered in Beijing this evening. The event was attended by Benny Chan, Albert Yeung, Andy Lau, Nicholas Tse, Fan Bingbing, monks from Shaolin including the kids and rushing from filming a scene today, pausing only long enough to shower, Jackie arrived towards the end of the event.

SOHU.COM

There are photoslides HERE and HERE and HERE

Photo album HERE

SINA.COM

Jackie posted two pictures on his t.sina account HERE and HERE

More Pics from Shaolin

SINA.COM



SINA.COM
(There are other photos from the movie on this link)

Jackie behind the scenes taking photos:



NEN.COM



SINA.COM

Shaolin - Behind The Scenes Clips - UPDATED

New Posters and Stills from Shaolin

New Posters and a series of stunning stills from Shaolin have been released. Large format images on SINA.COM SLIDESHOW.

A small taste:

SOURCE: SINA.COM

Jackie Behind The Scenes on Shaolin

Four More Stills of Jackie from Shaolin

Even more stills from Shaolin which now has a January release date.

SOURCE: SINA.COM

SHAOLIN: JACKIE'S FIGHT SCENE

Short news report on Jackie's fight scene in Shaolin. Really not much more than a teaser than anything else but it works because it does leave you wanting more.

New Stills of Jackie from Shaolin

SOURCE: SINA.COM




SOURCE: SINA.COM

New Trailer for Shaolin with Jackie

New trailer for Shaolin includes two scenes with Jackie - this movie is looking really good - can't wait for it to come out.

NEW SERIES OF STILLS FROM SHAOLIN

SOURCE: SINA.COM

BTS SHAOLIN - JACKIE CUTS ANDY LAU'S HAIR

For his role in Shaolin Andy Lau made the difficult decision to shave his head. Here is a photo of Jackie getting in on the action - cutting Andy's hair short before shaving.

SOURCE: XINHUANET.COM

and in a scene from the movie:

SOURCE: TIANSHANNET.COM

Behind the Scenes Photos: Shaolin

Some behind the scenes photos from "Shaolin" have been released. There are some very nice ones of Jackie

Source: SINA.COM

SLIDESHOW HERE

Shaolin- New Trailer

Wang Pingjiu Blog Entry

This is the blog entry for Wang Pingjiu writer of yǐn shuǐ sī yuán 《饮水思源》(Drink from the Source).

Flew back to Beijing from Shanghai, Beijing TV, etc. directly to Jackie to join "our drought relief action" live show.

I am early to some, met Andy. After last year's National Day, no how we meet each other only through a text message. Perhaps not seen for a long time, so we were extremely happy talk. Sigh with time off so fast, with memories of happy days of the Olympics. He is now filming the "New Temple", the Expo and I am busy with each other are to be done.

Jackie Chan and director Stanley Tong rush came, they both went to Beijing suburbs took time for the film "Zodiac," the election landscape. As Andy in an interview room, big brother do not want to disturb him, big brother on the gate more than 10 minutes, and indicate the staff not to bother Andy.

Director to bring the four children in Yunnan, to communicate with the Big Brother show details. Four children cry comes home without water, and they is what I see in the news, really really want to go hug them. I found the eyes of big brother in evade the eyes of children, or even avoid all eyes, he turned and took some tissue and wipe the tears for the children. I see a brother trying to control their emotions, because I know him, I knew he could not stand there. I have an excuse to speak up and his brother took him aside, "I see they want to cry." Brother said to me.

Pro on the stage, brother of the Xu Gehui said, "You little ask me more than speak." I understand that Big Brother was afraid he could not help myself, because his hand was holding just a few children, because those children are still in tears.

I saw the stage to the stage several times over to see Big Brother, I know when the big brother to tears, but no tears.

Big Brother did not want to "drink from the source" to bring to the lyrics, and today he has found time in the back of the lyrics, unfortunately too many things to get his songs to perform from less than one day, I asked him to bring to the lyrics, he is like a lovely Like primary school students singing seriously, thinking ... ...

Big Brother down from the stage, in the corridor see to that a few children, brother approached them in his arms, said, "My child, do not cry, everything will be fine, we help you, the country to help you, we are together . " Chung came as a large number of journalists, I had to drag brother away.

The drought, actually I do not want to write songs, and I want to change a way to practice their own conscience. I do not want to rely on their achievements in this way, it makes me uncomfortable, let me uncomfortable. But still I write, written with tears, then wipe with tears, and not see signs of love to the depths of that song.

"Through life and death," "Life," "take you home," "drink from the source" ... ... this is catastrophic I write songs, I do not deny the song's influence in society, do not deny that these songs for my band to the well-known ... ... to the back of each song is so sad, I'd rather not write songs, would rather not have these so-called fame, and I know that behind the lives of the people is flesh and blood of mutual affection, I really have do not want to cry, do not want big brother in tears.

"Drink from the source," after that? I hope nothing, I wish I could write no song!

---

从上海飞回北京，直接到北京电视台等成龙大哥一起参加“抗旱救灾我们在行动”的晚会直播。

我早到了一些，见到了华仔。去年国庆之后，我们就没怎么见面，只是相互通个短信。也许是好久没见面了，所以我们聊得格外开心。一起感叹时间过的好快，一起回忆奥运快乐的日子。他现在在拍摄《新少林寺》，而我在忙世博会，彼此都在继续努力。

成龙大哥和唐季礼导演匆匆赶来，他们俩抽空去了一趟京郊，为电影《十二生肖》选景。由于华仔在屋里做访问，大哥不想打扰他，大哥就在门口等了10多分钟，并示意工作人员不要打扰华仔。

导演带来四个云南小朋友，与大哥沟通晚会细节。四个小朋友说到家乡没水时就哭了，他们正是我在新闻里见到的，真的好想上去拥抱他们。我发现大哥的目光在回避孩子们的眼神，甚至回避所有的目光，他转身拿了些纸巾，为孩子们擦眼泪。我看出了大哥在努力控制自己的情绪，因为我懂他，我知道他有些受不了了。我借故上去和大哥说话把他带到了一边，“我看到他们想流泪。”大哥对我说。

临上台前，大哥对许戈辉说，“你少问我，你多说吧”。我明白大哥怕自己控制不住自己，因为他的手里牵着刚才那几位孩子，因为那几个孩子还在流泪。

我看见台上的大哥几次向舞台上方看，我知道那时的大哥想流泪，但又不能流泪。

大哥本来不想把《饮水思源》的歌词带上去的，今天他一直抽空在背歌词，无奈事太多，而他从拿到歌到演出不到一天，我让他把歌词带上去，他像一个可爱的小学生一样认真地唱着，想着……

大哥从舞台上下来，在楼道里又见到那几个孩子，大哥上前把他们抱在怀里说，“孩子，别哭，一切会好的，我们帮你们，全国帮你们，我们在一起”。由于大量的记者涌过来，我只好拖着大哥走了。

这次旱灾，本来我是不想写歌的，我想换一种方式去实践自己的良心。我不想靠这种方式成就自己，这会让我不安，让我难受。然而我却又写了，用泪写了，又用泪擦去，并看不见痕迹，情到深处便是歌。

《生死不离》、《生命》、《接你回家》、《饮水思源》……这都是我写的灾难性歌曲，我不否认这些歌在社会中的影响力，不否认这些歌为我带来的知名度……可这每一首后面却是如此伤感，我宁可不写歌，宁可不要这些所谓的名气，我知道在这后面，是人民的生命，是骨肉的情分，我真的也不想流泪，不想让大哥流泪。

《饮水思源》之后是什么？但愿什么也没有，但愿我无歌可写！

SOURCE: WANG PING BLOG SINA

English News on the Drought Relief Concert

BEIJING, April 4 (Xinhua) -- A star-studded television fundraiser raised money and goods totaling more than 270 million yuan (about 39.6 million U.S. dollars) Saturday evening for people in the drought-hit regions in southwestern China.

The more-than-three-hour fundraiser featured entertainment stars from the Chinese mainland, Hong Kang as well as Taiwan, including kungfu star Jackie Chan and pop star Andy Lau.

The money and goods raised would be donated to those plagued by a severe drought which has left 19.4 million people with water shortages and affected 97.2 million mu (6.48 million hectares) of farmland in provinces of Yunnan, Guizhou and Sichuan as well as Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region and the city of Chongqing.

Chen Lei, deputy chief of the Office of State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters (SFDH), said on Saturday that the southwestern China's drought would continue in April, and that "the situation was looking quite grave" as less rain and higher temperatures were expected in the drought-hit regions.

SOURCE: XINHUANET.COM

Drought Relief China

VIDEO SOURCE: JOY.CN

China Entertainment Network News on April 3 evening, by the Chinese Red Cross, China Charity Federation, organized by China Federation of Literature; by the CPC Yunnan Provincial Party Committee Propaganda Department, Beijing Municipal Party Committee Propaganda Department, Yunnan Provincial Civil Affairs Department, the Chinese Red Cross Foundation Charity Yunnan Province, Yunnan Red Cross contractors; Dragon TV, Phoenix TV, Yunnan TV, Beijing TV, Dragon TV, Jiangsu TV, Guangdong TV, Guangxi TV, Hunan Satellite TV, Satellite TV, Shandong, Anhui Satellite TV, Zhejiang TV, Beijing 12 National Radio and other Satellite TV, and potatoes joint live network "drought relief - we in Action" a large public show was held in Beijing. Party also received Shanghai Charity Foundation and Beijing, Guizhou, Guangxi, Anhui, Guangdong, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Tianjin, Shandong and other provinces support the Red Cross and Charity.

In the beginning of the year late last year, five provinces in southwest China has experienced Bainianweiyu drought. In order to express support for the disaster area southwest of consistent drought and the national confidence, "Drought Relief - We in Action" show received positive public response, the party brought together the three areas of a large number of caring companies, charities and the community have helping hand, fellow of the drought experienced support and concern for its first aid, donations of water, money and materials give their love. In addition, a large number of community sports stars have also set the example, Jackie Chan, Andy Lau, Na Ying, Zhang Guoli, Jiang Wenli, Elva, Pu Cunxin, Cai Guoqing, Yu Chyi, Yan Weiwen and other senior took the lead a number of literary circle, led by a young one approved style industry star Bibi, Yao Di, Tong Lei, Ren Liang, He Jie, Xue of Qian, Ji Minjia, high Yunxiang, Zhang Duo, Yang Wei, BOBO, Ya-Li Huang, Cao Fang, with star appeal for the drought relief for one. Live video from Tudou can see superstars Andy Lau and personally pitched in to serve as telephone operators, to seriously answer calls and record each of their contributions in ways of love. When Andy Lau song "Chinese" when, several times choking excitement was palpable. Jackie Chan singing live show recorded specifically for the theme song "forget their roots."

Finally, the "drought relief - we in Action" Benefit Dinner at the "Love China" and the song came to a close, the party received a total of the community donated materials and funds up to 277,341,324 yuan. "Drought Relief - We in Action" Benefit Dinner show the mental outlook of the whole nation against disasters, donate to mobilize all forces to lend a helping hand in various ways, work together to aid the disaster areas, making a contribution to drought relief. Like watching a live web users potato said, "how much we are a country, though my own power is small, but we are family! Any difficulties we can get over it! We Wanshou Anti-through difficulties together! Do not be afraid, not panic, we're together! China to refuel, hit the brothers and sisters Come on! "

SOURCE: NEWS.YULE.COM.CN

中国娱乐网讯 4月3日晚，由中国红十字会、中华慈善总会、中国文联主办；由中共云南省委宣传部、中共北京市委宣传部、云南省民政厅、中国红十字基金会、云南省慈善总会、云南省红十字会承办；东方卫视、凤凰卫视、云南卫视、北京卫视、东方卫视、江苏卫视、广东卫视、广西卫视、湖南卫视、山东卫视、安徽卫视、浙江卫视、北京人民广播电台等12家卫视，以及土豆网联合进行直播的《抗旱救灾——我们在行动》大型公益晚会在北京举行。晚会同时得到了上海市慈善基金会以及北京、贵州、广西、安徽、广东、江苏、浙江、天津、山东等省区市红十字会和慈善总会的大力支持。

在去年年末今年年初，中国西南五省经历了百年未遇的旱情。为了表示对西南灾区的支持和全国一致抗旱的信心，《抗旱救灾——我们在行动》公益晚会得到了积极的响应，晚会汇集了两岸三地的一大批爱心企业、慈善机构及社会各界人士纷纷伸出援手，对遭遇旱情的同胞表示支持和关心，为灾区捐款、捐水、捐物奉献自己的爱心。此外，一大批文体界的明星也纷纷做出表率，成龙、刘德华、那英、张国立、蒋雯丽、萧亚轩、濮存昕、蔡国庆、齐豫、阎维文等一批文艺圈的前辈身先士卒，率领着年轻的一批文体界明星周笔畅、姚笛、童蕾、任梁、何洁、薛之谦、纪敏佳、高云翔、张铎、杨威、BOBO、黄雅莉、曹方等，用明星的号召力为抗旱赈灾做出一份贡献。从土豆网直播的视频中可以看到，天王刘德华亲自上阵充当电话接线员，认真接听每一个的来电并记录着他们的爱心捐助方式。当刘德华演唱歌曲《中国人》时，几度哽咽激动之情溢于言表。大哥成龙现场献唱专门为晚会录制的主题曲《饮水思源》。

最后，《抗旱救灾——我们在行动》公益晚会在《爱我中华》的歌声中落下了帷幕，晚会总共得到社会各界捐赠的物资和款项达277,341,324元。《抗旱救灾——我们在行动》公益晚会展示出举国抗击灾害的精神面貌，动员各方力量捐款捐物，以各种方式伸出援手，齐心协力援助灾区，为抗旱救灾做出了贡献。就如同观看直播的土豆网一位网友所说，“我们是多么大的一个国家，虽然我一个人的力量是微小的，但是我们是一家人！什么困难我们都能挺过去的！我们挽手共同抗过难关！不要怕，不要慌，我们永远在一起！中国加油，灾区的兄弟姐妹们加油！”

Some photos of Jackie recording the song:

022net.com


IFENG.COM













TAIHAINET.COM

Shanghai Expo Countdown Song

Shanghai World Expo Bureau has released a new song and video to mark the 30-day countdown to the Expo. Jackie Chan, Lang Lang, Yao Ming, Yang Lan, Andy Lau, Li Ning, Li Bingbing and Liu Xiang joined in the video production, which was directed by Wang Guoping. In the video, the completed permanent buildings of Shanghai World Expo, Urban Best Practice Zone, especially the magnificent night scene, is shown for the first time.