Mythical ancient China movies

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  • Mythical ancient China movies

    Hey, I'm working on a thing and I need some inspiration. I want movies about a China that didn't really ever exist, like the Forbidden Kingdom or Crouching Tiger or Hero. Once Upon a Time in China is a great film, but I'm thinking even more fantastical than that. Dragons and magic would be awesome.

    I know there have to be some out there that I haven't seen. Suggestions?
    Chicks Who Script podcast

  • #2
    Re: Mythical ancient China movies

    I don't have any suggestions. But if you crack it, you're gonna have a bidding war on your hands. China has become such a huge market for the film industry. Plus studios could co-finance your project with China. Good luck.

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    • #3
      Re: Mythical ancient China movies

      Are you aware of these developments per the re-redone "Journey To The West" releases....???

      The Chinese version:

      http://variety.com/2013/film/reviews...ns-1200006468/

      Okay, so let's English-ise it as well with an A-Lister pen:

      http://screenrant.com/neil-gaiman-jo...-sandy-105343/

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      • #4
        Re: Mythical ancient China movies

        Deion, it's not exactly a Chinese film I'm working on, but it may have enough elements to interest a Chinese market. We'll see.

        Thanks, Yak. That's the stuff I'm looking for.
        Chicks Who Script podcast

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        • #5
          Re: Mythical ancient China movies

          Monkey!

          Brits and Aussies of a certain age will know exactly what I'm talking about. It was a Japanese show, based on Chinese legends, that the BBC bought and dubbed into crazy English. They then showed it during that sweet spot between getting home from school and dinner. It's prime grade cult TV.

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          • #6
            Re: Mythical ancient China movies

            Originally posted by karlosd View Post
            Monkey!

            Brits and Aussies of a certain age will know exactly what I'm talking about. It was a Japanese show, based on Chinese legends, that the BBC bought and dubbed into crazy English. They then showed it during that sweet spot between getting home from school and dinner. It's prime grade cult TV.
            That sounds awesome. I have no idea where the hell I'll get that, but I will try.
            Chicks Who Script podcast

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            • #7
              Re: Mythical ancient China movies

              I remember seeing ZU WARRIORS OF MAGIC MOUNTAIN (1983) when I was a kid. It spawned TV series and remakes/sequels like LEGEND OF ZU (2001):

              http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lqQgkmyBWj8

              Not sure what the whole background is behind the Zu Mountain saga. There's also STORM RIDERS (1998) which is based on a popular Hong Kong comic series in the 90s:

              http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4SsQYgvSMXw

              The Pang Brother made a sequel quite recently called STORM WARRIORS:

              http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5abQN4dLk4k

              A lot of the mythical Chinese stories seem to be fantastical extensions of old beliefs/superstitions about the afterlife, animal/elemental Gods, mythical creatures (like dragons) that protect parts of the land, and named weapons that can embody users with extraordinary skill.

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              • #8
                Re: Mythical ancient China movies

                You can buy it on DVD in the UK, but here's the opening titles, just to tease you as to its awesomeness:

                http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=88y4ttqaW6U

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                • #9
                  Re: Mythical ancient China movies

                  NEIL GAIMAN DID AN ADAPTATION OF JOURNEY TO THE WEST????? WITH STEPHEN CHOW???

                  mind blown.

                  just saw a chinese film recently that was steampunk so not ancient china, but i think a lot of the chinese film industry was period for a while so there are lots and lots of these with english subtitles.

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                  • #10
                    Re: Mythical ancient China movies

                    Originally posted by karlosd View Post
                    You can buy it on DVD in the UK, but here's the opening titles, just to tease you as to its awesomeness:

                    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=88y4ttqaW6U
                    That is indeed super awesome. Monkey magic indeed.

                    Why One YES! Of course! Zu. I kept meaning to watch it ages ago, then forgot about it. In the queue it goes! I'll see if I can find the other stuff too. Thanks!
                    Chicks Who Script podcast

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                    • #11
                      Re: Mythical ancient China movies

                      Disney's Mulan is the only one I can think of with magic *and* dragons. There aren't many dragons in HK / Chinese films due to lack of CGI budgets.

                      There are a lot of HK films like Once Upon A Time In China, but like you said, it's more of a historical film with crazy action scenes, not really a fantasy film, and devoid of magical element.

                      You should watch these:

                      Chinese Ghost Story. Classic HK fantasy flick, wildly imaginative. I love this film. To me it's the essential HK fantasy movie.

                      Zu: Warriors from the Magic Mountain.

                      House Of Flying Daggers.

                      Journey To The West, when it hits American theatres.

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                      • #12
                        Re: Mythical ancient China movies

                        Thanks! I had not heard of Chinese Ghost story. That is an excellent suggestion.

                        House of Flying Daggers is a lot like what I'm looking for - brilliant film.
                        Chicks Who Script podcast

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                        • #13
                          Mythical Ancient China

                          For inspiration...?

                          "The Story of the Third Light" in Fritz Lang's DER MÜDE TOD (DESTINY, 1921; from 0:59:20 to 1:21:40).
                          JEKYLL & CANADA (free .mp4 download @ Vimeo.com)

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                          • #14
                            Re: Mythical ancient China movies

                            Skip the original Zu and go for the sequel (which still isn't very good): http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0286098/reference

                            The Storm Riders was only really good if you were into the comics, otherwise you may want to check out the animation feature... which I unfortunately cannot find a link to right now... or the excellent Oxide Pang sequel: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1186371/reference
                            Please note that the animation's tale - made before the sequel - follows events which take place after it.
                            Yes, there was a TV programme, but that's pushing things...

                            The Duel - http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0243876/reference

                            Saviour of the Soul - http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0104322/reference AVOID THE SEQUEL!!!

                            Dragon Tiger Gate - http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0482930/reference NOTE: this is set in modern HK but is so awesome that you must see it!

                            Moon Warriors - http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0108650/reference

                            Kung fu Cult Master - http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0108624/reference (this is crappy, btw)

                            I could name a ton more - give you some Korean and Japanese stuff too - but this ought to suffice for now.

                            EDIT: Dao/The Blade is one of the best films EVER and I had to come back to add it - http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0112800/reference

                            P.S. I'm surprised that tuukka didn't mention Jade Warrior.
                            Cufk, Tish, Sips.

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                            • #15
                              Re: Mythical ancient China movies

                              Kung fu Panda is an obvious example off course

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