The Weinstein Company (TWC) announced today that it has acquired from WE Distribution the distribution rights for the world, outside of Asia and French speaking Europe, to the martial arts, film noir epic Dragon (Wu Xia). TF1 are already confirmed to distribute the film in France. The film will have its world premiere as part of the official selection at this year's Cannes Film Festival. A 2011 theatrical release is expected in the US.
Director, Peter Ho-Sun Chan, is one of Asia's most celebrated filmmakers, his critical and box office hits include award winning Warlords, which he produced and directed, and Dragon (Wu Xia), Peter Ho-Sun Chan brings to the screen an action-packed tale of crime, family and redemption.
Peter Ho-Sun Chan features a dynamic ensemble of internationally celebrated talent, led by action superstar Donnie Yen (Ip Man), a martial arts master, Yen is also the film's action choreographer; Takeshi Kaneshiro (House of Flying Daggers) and Wei Tang (Lust, Caution). The film marks the first film appearance in 17 years of the legendary Jimmy Wang Yu, who is widely credited as the first Hong Kong kung fu star.
Along with Peter Ho-Sun Chan, the stellar lineup behind the camera includes the rising young director of photography Jake Pollock, veteran director of photography Lai Yiu-Fai; legendary Hong Kong production designer Yee Chung Man; and leading costume designer Dora Ng. TWC has also acquired first option to remake rights for the film.
The announcement was made by TWC Co-Chairman Harvey Weinstein and Vice President of Acquisitions Dan Guando.
Said Peter Ho-Sun Chan, "During the production, Donnie Yen was telling me that Dragon becomes more and more like a Weinstein movie. It's no coincidence that Harvey Weinstein likes the film. I am thrilled to work with Harvey Weinstein and I think TWC is the best company to take this film to the US and international audience."
Said Harvey Weinstein, "Peter Ho-Sun Chan is a true artist and with Dragon he has created a dream project, combining two of my favorite genres: film noir and martial arts. Peter Ho-Sun Chan has been a friend for more than 10 years I could not be happier to be working with him on this film."
Said Guando, "From the moment the film was announced, TWC has been excited about Dragon. It is set to be a martial arts classic that will redefine the genre."
The deal was negotiated for TWC by Guando, no_perso|Laine Kline, Executive Vice President Business and Legal Affairs, and Michal Steinberg, Senior Vice President Business Affairs and Acquisitions; and for WE Distribution by Katherine Lee, Executive Vice President.
Dragon - Synopsis:
In the late Qing Dynasty, Liu (Donnie Yen) is a papermaker, leading a simple life with his wife Ayu (Wei Tang) and their two sons. Into their remote village comes Detective Xu (Takeshi Kaneshiro), who is investigating the deaths of two bandits during a robbery. Xu quickly realizes that the incident in question was no ordinary botched robbery - and his dogged inquiry threatens to dredge up the dark secrets of Liu's buried past, threatening not only Liu and his family, but the entire village.