Shu Qi Films Martial Arts Flick,”The Assassin”

Shu Qi (舒淇), Chang Chen (張震), Ethan Ruan (阮經天), and Satoshi Tsumabuki star in upcoming martial arts film, The Assassin<聶隱娘>. Directed by Hou Hsiao Hsien (侯孝賢), the film has a production budget of 420 million RMB to film Hubei, China, Taiwan as well as Kyoto, Japan.

Based on a short story from the Tang Dynasty, The Assassin centers around a young girl named Nie Yin Niang (Shu Qi), who was trained by a Taoist nun to become an assassin when she grows up. Filming for The Assassin commenced in September.

The action-packed film requires Shu Qi to shed her sex symbol status as she wears a non-descript black robe, covering her seductive figure. Shu Qi, taking her work very seriously, spent time studying the script in order to accurately deliver her lines. She was very hands-on with much of the stunts throughout the filming. In fact, during one scene, Shu Qi had to chase after two maids where she was stopped at the balcony. As she mentally prepared to jump off, she gently sucked her finger which was previously injured onset. Following several cuts, Shu Qi was finally happy with the results and gave a “thumbs up” sign to the crew.

The Assassin is one of the most anticipated films of 2013 as director Hou Hsiao Hsien first conceptualized the film 7 years ago with hopes that Taiwanese audiences will discover a newfound appreciation for martial arts films.

Ethan Ruan, who will complete Taiwan’s mandatory military service in one month, found out yesterday that he will be filming The Assassin. The Golden Horse Best Actor already has a steady stream of movies lined up when he leaves the barracks.

Source: Apple Daily

This article is written by Natalie for JayneStars.com.