Cheung And Leung Combine To Make Great Magic

After being out of the industry for 3 years, Hong Kong actress Cecilia Cheung will make her comeback in a new movie entitled 'The Great Magician'. Directed by Derek Yee and co-starring Tony Leung Chiu Wai, the film will be a period drama loosely based on the Steven Millhauser story 'Eisenheim the Illusionist'.

Keen-eyed movie fans amongst you may remember that the same story was used as the inspiration for the American film, 'The Illuisionist'. That particular adaptation was set in early 20th century Vienna and starred Edward Norton as a magician who uses his abilities to secure the love of a woman far above his social standing.

Derek Yee's version will be set during the same period, but the backdrop will be relocated to China. The story will follow a similar pattern with Tony Leung playing the role of an intelligent illusionist, while Cheung will play the concubine to a warlord.

Yee had reportedly planned to cast Cheung in the film two years ago, but her second pregnancy forced him to postpone the project. When asked whether the use of contraception will be added into Cheung's contract, Yee jokingly said, "It's useless if she gets pregnant".

The director previously collaborated with Cheung on 'Lost in Time', which helped her win the best actress award at the Hong Kong Film Awards in 2004. The last time Cheung and Leung worked together was in the action comedy 'Tokyo Raiders' eleven years ago. "Leung is cool and gentle. I feel very lucky to have the chance to work with him again," said Cheung.

Cecilia Cheung and Tony Leung Chiu Wai

Source: Chinese Films

Posted July 02, 2010