"The Crossing" star Zhang Ziyi (Photo : Reuters)
The first part of the period epic "The Crossing" will debut in mainland China in IMAX theaters on Dec. 2, CRIEnglish reported. Its second part is set to be released in May 2015.
With the second part scheduled for a May 2015 release, the first movie will be shown in most Asian markets in 3D and in foreign markets in 2D next year.
Directed by John Woo, "The Crossing" features a story written by "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" and "Lust, Caution" screenwriter Melody Wang.
The story revolves around the permanent impacts of how the revolutionary period prevented the People's Republic of China formation on people's lives during the Chinese Civil War.
Specifically, it will feature three couples from various backgrounds affected by the sinking of the steamer Taiping that killed more than 1,500 crew and passengers.
Produced by the Beijing Galloping Horse, "The Crossing" has been dubbed as the Chinese "Titanic," according to Deadline.
Its pan-Asian cast is led by Masami Nagasawa and "House of Flying Daggers" actor Takeshi Kaneshiro from Japan, "The Grandmaster" star Song Hye-kyo from South Korea, "The Flowers of War" actor Tong Dawei, "The Banquet" actor Huang Xiao Ming, and "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" actress Zhang Xiyi from China.
Other cast members include Hitomi Kuroki, Yu Feihong, Yang Kuei-Mei, Qin Hailu, Wang Qianyuan, Jack Kao and Aaron Shang.
Meanwhile, a libel case was filed against three Next Magazine reporters from Taiwan at the Shilin District Prosecutors Office in Taipei. The reporters were accused of releasing a controversial news report of Zhang before confirming with the Chinese Hollywood actress, Want China Times reported.
In May 2012, a Next Magazine article reported that Zhang had earned 3.2 billion yuan ($523 million) as a sex partner of convicted former Chinese politician Bo Xilai.
According to the three reporters of the article, they tried to contact Zhang's agent before publishing it but could not reach her.
