Princess Raccoon Opens In Japan!
May 28, 2005
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Zhang Ziyi
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Zhang Ziyi's first ever Japanese production,
Princess Raccoon (aka Operetta Tanukigoten) —
legendary director Suzuki Seijun's new musical, starring
Ziyi as a tanuki ("raccoon dog") that takes human form and falls in love with a young Japanese nobleman played by
Jô Odagiri (aka Joe Odagiri) —
was released today in theaters throughout Japan.
Windows Media videos:
Princess Raccoon theatrical trailer; Zhang Ziyi discussing the romantic musical in which she dances and sings:
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Zhang Ziyi And Michelle Yeoh Featured In V Life Magazine
May 27, 2005
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Zhang Ziyi and friend Michelle Yeoh
(Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon,
Memoirs of a Geisha) are featured
in this month's issue of V Life magazine.
Both have short interviews in the issue and discuss Memoirs, their most recent film together. There is a longer article
about Ziyi and the growing success of Chinese films and film industry in general.
Zhang Ziyi on Memoirs of a Geisha in V Life:
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"Working on Memoirs was wonderful because Michelle and I had more time to have conversations. There's still pressure,
but this time it's more about the language barriers. We did hair and makeup in the same trailer every day, so we had many
opportunities to talk and catch up on everything that's been happening since Crouching Tiger. We were like girlfriends,
all of the girls, just talking and laughing all the time."
"Rob (Marshall) was very patient. Everyone had their interpreters on the set - Chinese for me and Gong Li, and Japanese for
Ken (Watanabe) and Koji (Yakusho) - so it was very hectic. If he didn't have enough patience, I can't imagine how this would
have worked. Like Zhang Yimou (Hero),
he's always thinking about his actors and looking out for them, protecting their emotional well-being. I think that is why
anyone who has ever worked with Rob is so appreciative of him."
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Zhang Ziyi and Michelle Yeoh from this month's issue of V Life:
Launched in March 2003 by Variety magazine, an
immediate hit within the entertainment community, V Life chronicles the people and passions of entertainment.
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Princess Raccoon To Hold North American Premier
May 25, 2005
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Zhang Ziyi
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Zhang Ziyi's first ever Japanese production,
Princess Raccoon (aka Operetta Tanukigoten) —
legendary director Suzuki Seijun's new musical, starring
Ziyi as a tanuki ("raccoon dog") that takes human form and falls in love with a young Japanese nobleman played by
Jô Odagiri (aka Joe Odagiri) —
will hold a press screening before and its North American premier during the 4th Annual New York Asian Film Festival
in New York, New York.
The press screening of the film will take place before the festival begins on June 2, 2005, and will screen as part of the festival
on June 19, 2005, at 9:00PM at the Anthology Film Archives and
June 25, 2005, at 8:30PM at The ImaginAsian. General
admission is $8.
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Princess Raccoon venue information:
Anthology Film Archives
32 2nd Avenue
New York, NY
(212) 505-5181
The ImaginAsian
239 E 59th Street
New York, NY
(212) 371-6682
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The 4th Annual NY Asian Film Festival, the leading showcase for popular Asian cinema in the United States, runs this year from
June 17 through July 2, 2005.
Thanks to bundle2046 and
dac1138 for the news update.
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2046 To Screen At Los Angeles Film Festival
May 24, 2005
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2046 —
director Wong Kar-wai's long-awaited sequel of sorts to his
2000 art-house hit In the Mood for Love,
starring Tony Leung, Zhang Ziyi,
Maggie Cheung,
Chang Chen,
Gong Li,
Carina Lau,
Takuya Kimura,
Faye Wong and
Dong Jie —
will screen out of competition at the 11th Annual Los Angeles Film Festival on
June 25, 2005, at 9:30PM at DGA Theatre 1 and on
June 26, 2005, at 2:30PM at Laemmle Sunset 2.
Both theaters are located in West Hollywood, California. General admission is $10. Tickets go on sale June 17, 2005. Call the Los Angeles Film Festival at 1-866-FILMFEST for more info on tickets
and passes.
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2046 venue information:
DGA Theatre 1
7920 Sunset Boulevard
West Hollywood, Ca
(310) 289-2021
Laemmle Sunset 2
8000 Sunset Blvd
West Hollywood, Ca
(323) 848-3500
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Over 260 features and short films will screen at this year's LA Film Festival, which runs from June 16 through June 26, 2005.
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Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon Prequel Not To Be Made
May 23, 2005
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The highly anticipated prequel to Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon —
director Ang Lee's worldwide hit
wuxia set in
Qing Dynasty China,
starring Chow Yun-fat,
Michelle Yeoh, Zhang Ziyi,
Chang Chen,
Cheng Pei-pei and
Lung Sihung — will likely not be made.
After the production idea was rejected by several major studios, including Sony Pictures Classics,
co-financier of the first film, Crouching Tiger producer Bill Kong
(House of Flying Daggers,
Hero) announced that he's given up
plans to have the film made. One leading factor presumed for why the studios have rejected financing the prequel is because Zhang Ziyi
would not be cast in the production.
The Crouching Tiger prequel would've been based on the second of five books from the Crane-Iron Pentalogy,
Precious Sword, Golden Hairpin. Based on events that occur approximately 20 years prior to Crouching Tiger (the fourth book),
Precious Sword is essentially about the much younger Li Mu Bai, Yu Shu Lien and her fiance and his friend, Meng Si Zhao, mentioned in
the film Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. Because of the time frame, it's highly unlikely most of the lead actors from the first film
would've been able to reprise their roles in the prequel, including Zhang Ziyi. Hence, the studio rejection.
Instead of the prequel, maybe Bill Kong should seriously consider a Crouching Tiger sequel based on the fifth book, Iron Knight, Silver Vase?
In the book Precious Sword, Golden Hairpin, Mu Bai (25) meets and falls in love with Shu Lien (17). But Shu Lien is soon
betrothed by her family to a man she's never met, Si Zhao, the son of a good family friend. Upon learning of this, a broken-hearted Mu Bai
leaves Shu Lien behind and moves on with his life. While doing so, he meets and becomes fast friends with Si Zhao, who's using
an assumed name, and tells him of his situation. Soon, Si Zhao dies in a fight against a local tyrant, but not before giving his blessing to
Mu Bai and Shu Lien. Instead, both choose to honor Meng's memory by not expressing their feelings for one another, setting up
a life-long situation between the two of unrequited love that's finally expressed by the end of the film Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.
Thanks to phoenixsue9002 for the news update.
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Zhang Ziyi Presents Best Screenplay Award At Cannes
May 22, 2005
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Last night, at the invitation of festival organizers, Zhang Ziyi attended the closing red carpet ceremony of the 58th Annual
Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, France, and presented the
Best Screenplay Award. Ziyi was in town for the world premier screening of her first ever Japanese production,
Princess Raccoon (aka Operetta Tanukigoten) —
legendary director Suzuki Seijun's new musical, starring
Ziyi as a tanuki ("raccoon dog") that takes human form and falls in love with a young Japanese nobleman played by
Jô Odagiri (aka Joe Odagiri) — which held an
out of competition screening Friday afternoon.
Zhang Ziyi on the red carpet at the closing ceremony of the Cannes Film Festival (images 1 through 4);
Ziyi presenting the Best Screenplay Award at Cannes (images 5 through 7):
Windows Media videos:
Zhang Ziyi arriving on the red carpet of the Cannes Film Festival closing ceremony; Ziyi presenting the Best Screenplay Award:
Thanks to bundle2046 for the news update.
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Princess Raccoon Premier At Cannes Film Festival
May 20, 2005
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Zhang Ziyi
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Zhang Ziyi's first ever Japanese production,
Princess Raccoon (aka Operetta Tanukigoten) —
legendary director Suzuki Seijun's new musical, starring
Ziyi as a tanuki ("raccoon dog") that takes human form and falls in love with a young Japanese nobleman played by
Jô Odagiri (aka Joe Odagiri) — held its world premier
screening yesterday afternoon at the 58th Annual Cannes Film Festival
in Cannes, France.
Ziyi, Jô Odagiri and Suzuki Seijun were all in attendance. Unfortunately, the highly anticipated film did
not have a red carpet ceremony and a press conference scheduled for this afternoon was unexpectedly cancelled.
Zhang Ziyi (Princess Tanuki) and Jô Odagiri (Amechiyo) from Princess Raccoon:
Windows Media video
of Zhang Ziyi discussing Princess Raccoon and scenes from the romantic musical in which she dances and sings:
The 58th Annual International Cannes Film Festival will run this year from May 11 through May 22, 2005.
Thanks to bundle2046 for the news update.
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2046 To Be Screened By Wong Kar-wai At Walter Reade Theater
May 13, 2005
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2046 —
director Wong Kar-wai's long-awaited sequel of sorts to his
2000 art-house hit In the Mood for Love,
starring Tony Leung, Zhang Ziyi,
Maggie Cheung,
Chang Chen,
Gong Li,
Carina Lau,
Takuya Kimura,
Faye Wong and
Dong Jie —
will receive a special screening on Wednesday, June 15, 2005, at 9:00PM at Walter Reade Theater,
Lincoln Center, as part of the 'Film Comment Select' series
of undistributed films chosen for presentation each year by the editors of the Film Society of Lincoln Center's
Film Comment magazine.
In attendance at the special viewing of 2046 will be the elusive director Wong Kar-wai to introduce the film
and to answer questions following the screening. Admission is $12 for Film Society members and $15 for non-members.
Call the Film Society of Lincoln Center at (212) 875-5600 for ticket information.
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Zhang Ziyi Attends amfAR AIDS Benefit At Cannes
May 20, 2005
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Zhang Ziyi, along with many other world celebrities, was in Cannes, France, last night at a gala benefit dinner and celebrity auction hosted by
amfAR, the American Foundation for AIDS Research, to raise money
for AIDS research. amfAR's 'Cinema Against AIDS' benefit in Cannes, held this year at the Moulin de Mougins,
has been an important and successful fund-raising event for the foundation since it first began in 1993.
Ziyi, the first Asian actress to be invited, was in Cannes for the premier of her first ever Japanese production,
legendary director Suzuki Seijun's new musical
Princess Raccoon (aka Operetta Tanukigoten),
at the 58th Annual Cannes Film Festival.
Zhang Ziyi posing for photographers at last night's event:
Several other notables also in attendance included Liza Minelli,
Penelope Cruz,
Ziyi friend and Rush Hour 2 costar
Chris Tucker,
Jessica Alba and event host
Sharon Stone:
As one of the world's leading nonprofit organizations dedicated to the support of AIDS research, amfAR provides funding to
HIV/AIDS researchers worldwide and works to translate that research into effective treatment, prevention, and education programs
around the world.
The 58th Annual International Cannes Film Festival will run this year from May 11 through May 22, 2005.
Thanks to bundle2046 for the news update.
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Zhang Ziyi Attends 'Chinese Night' At Cannes Film Festival
May 19, 2005
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Last night, the Cannes Film Festival held
'Chinese Night' at the Carlton Inter-Continental in Cannes, France,
to celebrate 100 years of filmmaking in China, toasting an industry that's creating an ever-growing presence for itself on
the international stage with outstanding films and excellent acting. In attendance was a 300 plus strong delegation of
Chinese directors, actors and representatives of Chinese production companies.
Zhang Ziyi, in Cannes for the premier of her first ever Japanese production, legendary director Suzuki Seijun's
new musical Princess Raccoon (aka Operetta Tanukigoten),
not previously expected to be in attendance at 'Chinese Night', created a stir among the press and attendees by making a surprise appearance.
Zhang Ziyi greeting friend and Rush Hour 2 costar
Jackie Chan, conversing with director
John Woo and speaking to attendees:
Zhang Ziyi posing for photographers at Cannes 'Chinese Night':
Windows Media videos:
Ziyi's unexpected appearance, which caused quite an excited stir among the press, and Ziyi speaking to Cannes 'Chinese Night'
attendees; Ziyi giving an interview at the early evening gala event:
The 58th Annual International Cannes Film Festival will run this year from May 11 through May 22, 2005.
Thanks to bundle2046
and ceciliahe for the news update.
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Zu Warriors North American Release In August
May 17, 2005
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Zu Warriors (aka The Legend of Zu) —
legendary filmmaker Tsui Hark's bold story of forbidden love
and the continuing battle between good and evil in the Zu Mountain Range of
Sichuan, China,
starring Ekin Cheng,
Cecilia Cheung,
Louis Koo,
Patrick Tam,
Kelly Lin,
Sammo Hung,
Zhang Ziyi and
Jason Wu Jing
and choreographed by Yuen Wo-ping —
is tentatively scheduled to finally be released in North American theaters by distributor Miramax
on August 19, 2005, after first being released in Hong Kong
in 2001 as The Legend of Zu.
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Zu Warriors (aka The legend of Zu) QuickTime trailer:
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2046 To Screen At Seattle International Film Festival
May 13, 2005
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2046 —
director Wong Kar-wai's long-awaited sequel of sorts to his
2000 art-house hit In the Mood for Love,
starring Tony Leung, Zhang Ziyi,
Maggie Cheung,
Chang Chen,
Gong Li,
Carina Lau,
Takuya Kimura,
Faye Wong and
Dong Jie —
will screen at the 31st Annual Seattle International Film Festival,
the largest film festival in the U.S. This year's festival, which will screen 238 feature films in theaters throughout Seattle, Washington,
runs from May 19 through June 12, 2005.
2046 will screen at 9:15PM on May 20 and again at 1:30PM May 21, 2005, at the historical Neptune Theater,
1303 NE 45th Street, Seattle, Washington. Call the Seattle International Film Festival at (206) 324-9966 for
ticket information.
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2046 Set For August North American Release
May 09, 2005
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2046 —
director Wong Kar-wai's long-awaited sequel of sorts to his
2000 art-house hit In the Mood for Love,
starring Tony Leung, Zhang Ziyi,
Maggie Cheung,
Chang Chen,
Gong Li,
Carina Lau,
Takuya Kimura,
Faye Wong and
Dong Jie —
is tentatively scheduled to be released in North American theaters on August 5, 2005.
The film, for which Zhang Ziyi won Best Leading Actress at the 24th Annual Hong Kong Film Awards
in March 2005, recently sealed a North American distribution deal with Sony Pictures Classics.
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Zhang Ziyi Nominated For 2005 MTV Movie Awards
May 06, 2005
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Zhang Ziyi was nominated for the 2005 MTV Movie Awards
in the category of Best Fight. 'Zhang Ziyi vs The Emperor's Guards', a scene of Ziyi's performance as Mei from
House of Flying Daggers,
is only her second nomination since 'Zhang Ziyi vs the Entire Bar', from Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon,
won Best Fight at the 2001 MTV Movie Awards.
You're highly encouraged to visit 2005 Best Fight Vote Hub
to see a list of all the nominees in this category, to watch video clips of each and to vote for your favorite, presumably 'Zhang Ziyi vs The Emperor's Guards'.
Votes can be cast from May 4 through May 20, 2005, either at this link or by telephone at (900) 562-2300 at 99 cents per call (you must be 18 years or older).
This year's awards ceremony, the 14th annual, will be held on June 4, 2005, at the Shrine Auditorium
in Los Angeles, California, and aired on June 9, 2005, at 8:30PM (ET/PT). The show will ultimately be seen in
166 countries and territories via 42 music programming services, and in 18 languages in over 400 million households worldwide.
Tickets for the awards will be on-sale on May 4, 2005 via Ticketmaster
and Ticketmaster outlets. For more information, call the Ticketmaster hotline number, (213) 480-3232, or visit their previously linked website.
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Zhang Ziyi In Newsweek Magazine
May 01, 2005
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Ziyi on cover of Newsweek
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The May 9th issue of Newsweek -- called 'China's Century'
because it's mostly devoted to China's emergence and growing influence as a main player on the world stage in most everything,
including politics, economics and cinema -- has a featured article on Zhang Ziyi. Ziyi graces the cover (left) of the
special issue of the magazine on sale in newsstands today.
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