Source: Well Go USA, MPRM Communications press release Official Site: taichi0.com Special Thanks to Nicole Duong
On October 19th, director Stephen Fung`s steampunk martial arts film TAI CHI ZERO (??????) begins its US theatrical run, courtesy of Well Go USA and Variance Films. From the creators of DETECTIVE DEE and SHAOLIN SOCCER, featuring martial arts choreography by the legendary Sammo Hung (IP MAN 2: LEGEND OF THE GRANDMASTER), and produced by international megastar Jet Li (HERO, THE EXPENDABLES, FEARLESS), TAI CHI ZERO tells the story of Yang Luchan, an uncommonly gifted child who has a fleshy abnormality that holds tremendous power growing on his forehead. However, being teased as the town fool, Yang’s mother spurs him to practice martial arts, and following her wishes, Yang travels to the distant Chen Village to learn TAI CHI. At this legendary village everyone practices TAI CHI and uses TAI CHI in every aspect of their lives. Nevertheless, it is forbidden for a villager to disclose TAI CHI to an outsider, which Yang learns the hard way. Upon arriving at the village, locals discourage Yang by challenging him with fights. From the strong men to old ladies to children, everyone defeats Yang with their TAI CHI moves. After facing the toughest battle and being defeated by Master Chen’s beautiful daughter Yuniang, Yang is determined to master the art of TAI CHI and goes in search of Master Chen. Little does Yang know, the poor strange man who he befriended is in fact Master Chen who had saved him from the duel with Yuniang. Master Chen realizes Yang’s genius and disguises himself to secretly guide Yang to his self realization of TAI CHI. One day, a frightening steam-powered machine comes to the village, lead by Fang Zijing, a childhood friend of Yuniang. He has bribed government officials to permit him to build a railway that will run straight through the village. Yang decides to join forces with Yuniang to defeat Fang Zijing and destroy the machine. This brave act may just win him the hearts of the villagers... TAI CHI ZERO is now playing in select cities. For theaters and showtimes, please visit wellgousa.com/theatrical/tai-chi-zero#showtimes. Director: Stephen Fung Cast: William Feng, Eddie Peng, Angelababy Producer: Chen Kuofu Genre: Martial Arts Run Time: 95 min. Theatrical Date: Oct 19, 2012 Original Language: Mandarin Subtitle: English
About Well Go USA
Well Go USA, Inc. is a theatrical and home entertainment distribution company that specializes in bringing top content, including the best in Asian Cinema to North America. As a leader in independent film distribution, Well Go`s titles can be seen across a variety of formats and platforms including theaters, DVD, Blu-ray, VOD, streaming, digital and broadcast television through cable and satellite. Since 1994, Well Go has acquired and released over 2,000 titles worldwide. In 2005, Well Go expanded its distribution to North America, where five to ten titles are released monthly. Well Go USA`s corporate headquarters are in Plano, TX with offices in Taiwan and China.
About Variance Films
Variance Films is a New York City based theatrical distribution company whose mission is to bring the best independent films to theaters across the country, while allowing filmmakers to retain all rights to their work. Founded in 2008 by Dylan Marchetti, Variance distributes films using innovative release strategies that focus on collaborative, grassroots marketing and outreach to drive audiences to theaters. Recent and upcoming Variance Films releases include John Sayles’ AMIGO, José Padilha’s ELITE SQUAD: THE ENEMY WITHIN, and Spike Lee’s RED HOOK SUMMER (August 10, 2012). For more information, please visit variancefilms.com.
For more information on TAI CHI ZERO, please see the earlier coverage here on SciFi Japan: