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• September 13, 2007: Dream-like Cinema
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  Thursday, Sep 13, 2007 3:07PM / Standard Entry / The Forbidden Kingdom / Members only
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  Filming of "the Forbidden Kingdom" has just about finished.  It is the way "time" works, where 4 months ago, prior to filming, you wonder how to manage the job.  Hundreds of people from different provinces, cultures and languages coming together is a difficult process, but at last we meshed well and the filming has come to an end.
  
  It was abnormally hot in Hengdian this year.  We received temperature alerts from 43 to 48 degrees celsius.  And since we're all wearing ancient costumes it makes it even more difficult on each of the actors.  And now, after 4 months, it is almost over.  I often feel that the filming process is like running a marathon, and the last few days is like the final stretch of the race; the most difficult stage and the most challenging.  It is always the most difficult shooting at the very end of a film, but everyone has worked hard, putting forth their best effort to finish.
  
  Jackie and I had discussions about doing a movie together before.  15 Years later this collaboration of ours is finished, and there have been many little anecdotes.  Jackie is like a big brother, taking good care of everyone.  He gave me many things; wire equipment, many varieties of protective gear, heat prevention supplies, mosquito repellent, glasses, vests, umbrellas, different foods -- dozens of things!  I joke with him about how, now that the filming is over, when will I have a chance to receive his gifts again?
  
  If the audience likes, we would be willing to film the story idea we discussed 15 years ago, because we've always felt that particular story has merit.  I hope that everyone can watch "the Forbidden Kingdom" with an open mind, and that they don't emphasize the fighting scenes with Jackie and myself.  After all, this is an American production, created by an American screenwriter, about an American child's dream of the Journey to the West story.  It would be more interesting and enjoyable to approach this film from a different angle or point of view.
  
  It's just another dream.  And like a dream, when you wake up, the dream of making the movie has come to an end.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

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