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Chow Yun-Fat to Play Confucious in a Chinese Biopic

by Alex Billington
March 16, 2009

The Chinese government is developing a biopic about the ancient philosopher Confucious and Chow Yun-Fat has signed on to star. Variety says that Hu Mei will direct the film, which is reported to have only a $2.8 million budget, although that converts to roughly $22 million in Hong Kong dollars. Shooting will start later this month in the Hebei province. The movie will screen later this year to mark the 60th anniversary of the People's Republic of China and Confucius' 2,560th birthday. Confucious' teachings are now gaining popularity as a way of bringing morals to the country which is contending with the rise of consumerism.

Confucious was a Chinese thinker and social philosopher born in 551 BC, whose teachings and philosophy have deeply influenced life in most of Asia. He is best known in our pop culture as the philosopher behind the plentiful "Confucious say..." quotes. China's chairman Mao Zedong at one point condemned Confucius, and during the disastrous Cultural Revolution, Red Guards destroyed Confucius' family home, family grave plot and a temple in his honor in his eastern hometown of Qufu, wrecking around 6,600 priceless relics. We'll keep an eye on this project and let you know once we hear anything more or see any new photos.

Explore tags: Casting, Movie News

PJ H

This movie will probably be one of the most boring things ever. it will be a really long history channel special. but as a history nut im still interested.
Conrad

What a dick head comment. Do you even know anything about the director's work prior to this project? Or even Chow -Yun Fat's? This is an unusual role for him too. This could turn out to be along the same lines as "Che"
PJ H

yes actully i do know about chow-yun fats acting and i imdb'd hu mei. and no it wont be at all like "che" because "che" is about war and revolution while confucious is just a philosopher. i said it was PROBABLY going to be boring. not bad
DoomCanoe

Chow-Yun Fat is such a sell out. now that's not saying i don't totally dig the guy. But seriously he will do any roll you offer so talking about his acting career is just plain silly. I think this is basically like making an entire movie about Yoda... Well despite the fact that Confucious was a real person and Yoda was an amazingly short, old, green martian
Sam2

#4 How is he a sellout? The whole budget for the movie is $2.8 million. Playing the role of a philosopher is much more demanding in acting chops than playing an action hero.
lori hancock

Chow yun fat is an awesome actor and should be a lot bigger than he is! I have at leadt 20 of his movies and am buying more!