Production for martial arts movie '14 Blades' begins
Posted: 15 May 2009 0038 hrs

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SINGAPORE: Production will officially begin for '14 Blades', a Ming-era martial arts movie directed by Hong Kong filmmaker, Daniel Lee.

Starring Donnie Yen and Vicki Zhao, it will be MediaCorp Raintree Pictures' second co-production in China. Raintree is the biggest overseas investor in the period action drama said to be Asia's answer to Bourne Identity.

'14 Blades' tells the epic story of a secret agent in ancient China during the Ming dynasty.

Weaving in themes of loyalty, chivalry and brotherhood, '14 Blades' is expected to showcase a dazzling mix of martial arts and espionage set against soul-stirring and majestic scenes.

Producer Daniel Lee said: "What is important is for the movie to have a contemporary feel. It should not feel like martial arts movies produced in the 1970s. If so, it will not be watchable. It should not resemble Hu Jinquan's movies. It will be contemporary in aesthetics, martial arts, treatment of the script, and outlook towards life."

Donnie Yen said: "I was very excited when the producer told me that he will project to the audience a martial arts world that has otherwise not been seen."

"During the process of casting, all my clothes, my image were totally different from my earlier image as projected in my earlier period movies. This gives me a brand new feeling," said Vicki Zhao.

'14 Blades' will be shot in Hengdian in Ningxia province. Production will begin this Sunday and will last till mid-August.

Raintree's first production in China was Painted Skin, which was based upon Liao Zhai, an ancient supernatural Chinese classic. - CNA/vm