John Woo, Bruce Lee master biopic up for HK awards

Hong Kong, April 18: John Woo`s Chinese historical epic, a biopic of Bruce Lee`s kung fu master and a documentary-like look at a working-class neighbourhood are the top contenders at the Hong Kong Film Awards tomorrow.The nominees reflect the past and present of Hong Kong`s movie industry -- once a major Asian filmmaking hub known for its local stories, but now increasingly geared toward the mainland Chinese market with historical and Kung Fu blockbusters.

Woo`s USD 80 million two-part epic ‘Red Cliff’, based on an ancient Chinese battle by the same name, is a prime example of the recent trend of films made with an eye toward mainland viewers. Wilson Yip`s action-filled biography of Bruce Lee`s teacher IP Man is another example, portraying the late martial arts master as a patriot who resists the Japanese occupation of his southern Chinese hometown. The first instalment of ‘Red Cliff’ is up for 15 prizes and ‘IP Man’ is competing for 12 at the Hong Kong Film Awards. Both movies are nominated for best picture. But another top contender harkens back to the locally flavoured fare made in the former British colony known for its mix of Chinese and Western cultures. Bureau Report