Laus Heroes Reuniting Shaw Brothers Actors One More Time

As reported in June 2006, legendary martial arts action director Lau Kar-Leung (a.k.a. Liu Chia-Liang) has begun working on his masterpiece 's8220;Heroes of Shaolin. Lau, who has a literal 's8216;lifetime of achievements's8217; and is often credited with being the most influential director/choreographer in martial arts filmmaking, has deemed this his last major production, a passing of the torch to the next generation of martial arts cinema makers.

With his usual genius, Lau will once again manage to visualize his symbolism to the audience, sharing this subtle yet powerful transition, hidden amidst his customary messages of virtue through the martial arts. Known best for his use of his family's8217;s traditional martial arts (Hung Family Style) and his distain for 's8216;wire work,'s8217; Lau's8217;s movies utilize intricate choreography no longer seen in today's8217;s martial arts films. In order to make this vision a reality, Lau has reunited his 's8220;heroes's8221; from the golden days of Shaw. With Gordon Liu (a.k.a. Lau Kar-Fei), undoubtedly one of the Shaw Brothers most recognized talents already on board, Lau found many other of his former students and actors just as willing and anxious to take part in this landmark production that lays tribute their careers as well.

The second 's8220;hero's8221; to join the cast comes out from behind the scenes to spring back into action for his former onscreen mentor. Hsio Hou (Siu Hou) the star of Lau's8217;s 1979 film 's8220;Mad Monkey Kung Fu's8221; at one time was considered the best acrobat in the Hong Kong film industry. Originally a Chinese Opera performer discovered by Lau, Hsio Hou's8217;s onscreen performance as Lau's8217;s 's8216;Monkey Style Student's8217; was simply remarkable. He continued demonstrating his magnificent martial arts and acrobatic ability in Lau's8217;s later films such as 's8220;My Young Auntie's8221; 's8220;Legendary Weapons of China's8221; and as Gordon Liu's8217;s belligerent student in 's8220;Disciple of the 36th Chamber.'s8221; After the Shaw Brothers era was over, he moved behind the scenes, doing action choreography, and occasionally graces the silver screen with a guest appearance. He returns now to take part in this remarkable project.

Also joining him in the quest to fulfill Lau's8217;s vision is not so much a hero; as he was one of Kung Fu Cinema's8217;s best villains, Johnny Wang Lung-Wei. Usually cast as the film's8217;s protagonist, Wang portrayed the characters he played with uncanny kung-fu skills, even though he lost most of his on screen battles. He debuted in the 1974 Shaw Bros. production 's8220;Shaolin Martial Arts's8221; along side non other than Gordon Liu. His performance in that film landed him 18 other projects for the Shaw Brothers over the years. In 's8220;Martial Club's8221; (another of Lau's8217;s films) Wang had the opportunity to finally play one of the good guys and pits his skills against Gordon Liu, playing a young Wong Fei-Hung. The finale between the two in an increasingly narrow alley, utilizing different Kung-Fu styles is pure movie magic.

Other former Shaw actors are coming on board making 's8220;Heroes of Shaolin's8221; a star studded reunion of legendary martial artists all coming together under their former 's8220;Pops's8221; (as Lau is affectionately referred to) once again to make history. Lau's8217;s visions have dazzled audiences for years and this production is gearing up to be nothing less than spectacular.

For additional information on Heroes of Shaolin or Burning Shaolin Productions, contact Michael Parrella or visit www.burningshaolinproductions.com.

Contact:

Burning Shaolin Productions

631-944-6298: Voice

631-944-6726: Fax

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