After "Legend of Shanghai", Jia Zhangke will start shooting his first commercial martial arts film, "In the Qing Dynasty". Set around 1905, the prolonged imperial examination system is about to be abolished, and the story revolves around the events involving the scholars under this significant backdrop. Jia Zhangke revealed that this film is not a simple male-oriented drama but a Jia-style martial arts film with a completely fresh design in its action sequences. Regarding whether he can successfully invite Maggie Cheung for the new work, Jia appears very confident: "No problem, I am an exceptionally excellent director!" He also mentioned that after the script is completed, he will show it to Maggie Cheung. If it suits her, their collaboration will undoubtedly proceed smoothly.
Jia Zhangke also disclosed that each of his films has brought in good revenue. They design many sales channels, such as collaborating with high-end brands. The opening scene of "Legend of Shanghai" features a shot of a bank, and throughout the film, there are many close-up shots of various brands. Jia further stated that at the Cannes Film Festival, they had already recovered nearly two-thirds of the production cost, and each of his films has stable overseas income.
"In fact, my ability to shoot commercial films is no less than my ability to shoot art films!" His latest work, "Legend of Shanghai," is another art film, mainly focusing on the experiences of Shanghainese people over the past 80 years. In the audience's mind, Jia Zhangke seems to have become synonymous with art films. However, he himself does not agree with this notion. Initially, he liked commercial films more than art films, but his preference changed after attending the film academy. For example, he greatly admires Hou Hsiao-hsien's films. After making art films for over ten years, it is time for him to try other genres.
Jia Zhangke claims he excels at shooting commercial films, and recovering the costs for "Legend of Shanghai" poses no problem. Director Jia Zhangke and actress Zhao Tao attended the red carpet event for the movie "Legend of Shanghai." That evening, many of Jia’s close friends from the industry came to support him, including directors Wang Xiaoshuai, Ning Ying, Zhu Wen, actors Huang Bo, Qin Hailu, Hao Lei, Dong Xuan, Tian Yuan, Guan Yue, Jin Zi, host Xu Gehui, and singer Shao Yibei all attended. Jia expressed great joy at the presence of his long-time friend Wang Xiaoshuai, stating that both of them have consistently been dedicated to independent filmmaking and will never stop.
Jia Zhangke also revealed that each of his films generates considerable revenue. They design multiple sales channels, such as collaborations with high-end brands. The beginning of "Legend of Shanghai" features a shot of a bank, and the entire film intersperses many brand-specific close-ups. Jia further stated that at the Cannes Film Festival, they had already recovered nearly two-thirds of the production cost, and each of his films has steady overseas earnings.
Following "Legend of Shanghai," Jia Zhangke will begin shooting his first commercial martial arts film, "In the Qing Dynasty," set around 1905 when the centuries-old imperial examination system is about to be abolished. The story narrates the events involving the scholars under this major historical backdrop. Jia Zhangke revealed that this film is not a simple male drama but a Jia-style martial arts film with innovative action designs. Regarding whether he can successfully invite Maggie Cheung for the new work, Jia appears highly confident, saying, "No problem, I am an extremely outstanding director!" He also mentioned that once the script is finalized, he will show it to Maggie Cheung. If it suits her, their collaboration will be certain.
Jia Zhangke's new work ventures into martial arts, inviting Maggie Cheung, while Zhao Tao reveals she only understood what she was playing during the wrap-up.
Wang Xiaoshuai supports "Legend of Shanghai," and Jia Zhangke plans to shoot the sequel to "Xiao Wu."
On July 1st, the film "Legend of Shanghai" held a press conference in Beijing, attended by director Jia Zhangke and actress Zhao Tao. Jia confidently expressed his ability to direct commercial films as well as art films. Regarding his next project, a martial arts film titled "In the Qing Dynasty," Jia assured that if the script fits, as an excellent director, he would definitely secure Maggie Cheung for the role. The film consultant Lin Xudong also attended. "Legend of Shanghai" is set to release on July 2nd.
As the regular leading actress in Jia Zhangke's films, Zhao Tao is referred to as the spirit of the film in "Legend of Shanghai." She continuously roams through the streets and alleys of Shanghai. "When I took the role, there was no script, just one word: 'walk.' Gradually, I understood the meaning of this character, and only on the last day of filming did I finally understand what I was playing." Zhao Tao mentioned that her three pivotal scenes in the film play a connecting role, linking the stories together.
Among the numerous guests, one person could be called Jia Zhangke's lucky charm — the prototype of the protagonist Xiao Wu in Jia's famous work "Xiao Wu." Seeing his old friend, Jia expressed how happy their every cooperation makes him. He also revealed another new film plan: they agreed to shoot the sequel to "Xiao Wu," which might take some time to meet the audience since Jia previously mentioned his next film would be "In the Qing Dynasty."
Jia Zhangke claims he excels at shooting commercial films, and recovering the costs for "Legend of Shanghai" poses no problem.
As the regular leading actress in Jia Zhangke's films, Zhao Tao is referred to as the spirit of the film in "Legend of Shanghai." She continuously roams through the streets and alleys of Shanghai. "When I took the role, there was no script, just one word: 'walk.' Gradually, I understood the meaning of this character, and only on the last day of filming did I finally understand what I was playing." Zhao Tao mentioned that her three pivotal scenes in the film play a connecting role, linking the stories together.
"In fact, my ability to shoot commercial films is no less than my ability to shoot art films!" His latest work, "Legend of Shanghai," is another art film, mainly focusing on the experiences of Shanghainese people over the past 80 years. In the audience's mind, Jia Zhangke seems to have become synonymous with art films. However, he himself does not agree with this notion. Initially, he liked commercial films more than art films, but his preference changed after attending the film academy. For example, he greatly admires Hou Hsiao-hsien's films. After making art films for over ten years, it is time for him to try other genres.
Jia Zhangke's new work ventures into martial arts, inviting Maggie Cheung, while Zhao Tao reveals she only understood what she was playing during the wrap-up.