What is it about? Kingdom of China, 10th century. Two enemy clans collide: the Song, a royal dynasty, and the Khitan, a nomadic warrior people. Qiao Feng of the Song Clan is a respected chivalrous hero, a master of martial arts. Falsely accused of murdering his own clan leader, Qiao Feng was exiled. To prove his innocence, he embarks on a long journey littered with extraordinary battles between half-gods and half-demons.
“Chinese Marvel”
Donnie Yen is one of the few Chinese comedians who have made it big in the old Hong Kong film industry, the new mainland Chinese industry and Hollywood. Rich in his experience in various industries and cultures, he believes that Chinese culture has nothing to envy to Americans and that he, as an artist, has a responsibility to protect it: “Therefore, I would like to use my experience and devote myself to making films with Chinese elements, a Chinese plot and Chinese actors to contribute to the development of the entire Chinese cinema.”
He adds: “Because when I look at Marvel’s commercial success, I feel like there’s a lot I can do with my culture that’s just as good or even better. You know, Wuxia, it’s Chinese Marvel, but with a much richer history and culture. It’s thousands He returns in a year.”
adaptation
Sakra, Legend of the Demigods is taken from the novel Half gods and half demons By Jin Yong, first published in a Hong Kong newspaper Mingpao From September 1963 to May 1966. The title of the book refers to the eight races of demigods and demons described in Buddhist cosmology. The book has already been brought to the screen several times, both in cinema and on television. It has even been adapted into a video game.
For Donnie Yen, there is Jin Yong (also known as Louis Cha). “The most influential writer and wuxia scholar of modern times. That was a tall order, his legacy is so important in Chinese culture. I knew I would be a film producer and director, so I spent a lot of time creating. In this world. It is extremely difficult to adapt Louis Cha’s novels to film because his All the novels are very long, with dozens of characters, stories and mythical details. All these elements make his novels classics.”
Wuxia
The film is adapted from a wuxia novel, which is both a literary and a cinematic genre (Wu Xia Pian, with films such as Touch of Zen, Tiger and Dragon, or even Blade) depicting the lives and adventures of the characters. , often from lower social classes, fight for justice. Wuxia literally means “warrior hero” or “battle knight” and the genre is in the tradition of knight-errantry.
The story is set in ancient China, and the characters possess incredible physical abilities, usually acquired through very rigorous training from an early age. Having become popular during the Tang Dynasty (7th century), wuxia stories and novels found new life thanks to the introduction of cinema, especially in the 1960s with the films of the Shaw Brothers studio.
Martial arts legend
Not content with playing the lead role, Donnie Yen is also the director of Sakra, Legend of the Demigods. This is not the first time that the actor has gone behind the camera. When he gets attached to the project, he explains that he distinguishes between three types of action films: the modern action film, the kung-fu film. “With its modern approach where the character has skills in traditional martial arts and where everything is based on realism”And Wu Xia Pian: “I have already worked on films of this style Tiger and Dragon 2 and Mulan, but I wouldn’t consider them true Wuxia films. Also, I made Mulan mainly for my kids who grew up watching the cartoon.
After the end of the Ip Man saga, he no longer felt inspired to make a new kung fu film, so he turned to contemporary action cinema with Raging Fire. “The opportunity to direct Sakra came and I felt that this film could become something special.” he declares. This project was suggested to him by his friend Won Jing and secured financing.
Sacra, Legend of the Demigods, in theaters May 10:
Source: Allocine
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
