Unrivaled

Author: Liu Zhenwei
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2002-02-01
Features: Unparalleled in the World - The Chinese New Year Version of A Chinese Odyssey, 2002
A much-anticipated Chinese New Year film, it's the second collaboration between Liu Zhenwei and Wong Kar-wai following The Eastern Pearl, Western Gem. Starring Tony Leung, Faye Wong, Zhao Wei, and Zhang Zhen, this gender-blending pure romance, slapstick comedy, and Faye Wong's Huangmei Xiao Diao have people laughing until they're dizzy, pounding their chests, and crying uncontrollably. It's so brilliant - get your fix with this book first! The witty lines will become the new version of the slapstick quote! The book also includes 16 color stills and 22 black-and-white stills from the film. The story takes place during the Zhengde era of the Ming Dynasty. Tony Leung and Zhao Wei play siblings who open an inn in Meilong Town. Zhang Zhen and Faye Wong play emperor siblings who feel stifled in the palace and want to sneak out to see the world. Unbeknownst to them, the empress is more agile and escapes the palace first. To avoid the dangers of the world for a lone woman, she disguises herself as a man. During her adventures, she meets the shop assistants Tony Leung and Zhao Wei, the siblings. Later, the emperor Zhang Zhen also arrives, leading to two hilarious love stories. Unparalleled in the World is director Liu Zhenwei's first comedic Chinese New Year film after years of silence. The film boasts a star-studded cast, with Tony Leung, Faye Wong, Zhao Wei, and Zhang Zhen as the main stars, while renowned actors like Ning Jing, Joey Yung, Gordon Lam, and Bowie Lam appear in guest roles. Director Wong Kar-wai serves as the producer, and Zhang Shuping is the art director. Unparalleled in the World is the most expensive co-production so far by the Shanghai Film Group, with just the construction of the on-site "Great Ming Palace" set costing 20 million yuan.