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SHANGHAI : MediaCorp Raintree Picture's latest production, kungfu flick "14 Blades", is set in the Ming Dynasty and tells the story of a secret agent in ancient China.
The title refers to the blades bodyguards used to kill their victims; eight for torturing, five for killing and the last is for suicide should they fail their mission.
The movie weaves in themes of loyalty, chivalry and brotherhood.
"14 Blades" showcases a dazzling mix of martial arts and espionage in majestic, soul-stirring scenes.
Shot in Hengdian and Ningxia Province in China, with a budget of almost US$15 million (S$2.1 million), the blockbuster movie is directed by Hong Kong director Daniel Lee and features Hong Kong action star Donnie Yen as the male lead.
"Everytime I take on a role, I like to bring something fresh and new to the audience... '14 Blades' will bring a whole set of standards to Wuxia dianyin [Wuxia films]," said Yen.
Also starring in the movie is MediaCorp's Qi Yu Wu, who had previously acted alongside Yen in the 2008 film "Painted Skin".
He even had to undergo marital arts training before filming started.
Said Qi, "Because there's a lot of action in this movie, so before the production start, I went to Hengdian to have three weeks action training and also horse riding...
"'14 Blades' was a very good experience because an actor I'm working with a lot of passionate filmmakers, directors, actors ... I feel everyone is trying their best and Donnie, Zhao Wei and Wu Chun, they're very passionate. They want to do 110 per cent to 120 per cent - so I need to push myself to be the best."
"14 Blades", Raintree's second collaboration in China, is expected to be a box office hit and rake in more than US$30 million (S$42.2 million) on the mainland.
"14 Blades" opens on Thursday in China and Singapore.
- CNA/ha
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