Tang Wei joins Hyun Bin for Korean pic "Manchu"

Chinese actress Tang Wei has decided to appear in a remake of Korean film "Manchu", according the film's producer Boram Films on Thursday.

The actress will be starring with Korean actor Hyun Bin in the film, directed by Kim Tae-yong who won several international awards for his 2006 film "Family Ties".

"Manchu", first released in 1966 by legendary Korean filmmaker Lee Man-hee, is a classic Korean film that has spawned three remakes over the years: "Promise of the Body" in 1975, "Manchu" in 1981 and Japanese movie "Promise" in 1972.

The story is about a brief, passionate love between a well-behaved female prisoner out on special leave and a fugitive man.

The remake, co-produced with an American production company, will be shot in the U.S. and filmed in English.

"It is a fun challenge to re-tell the story of two closed-minded people in 2009 and in a new space that is America," director Kim was quoted as saying.

Tang rose to instant stardom after appearing in Ang Lee's espionage thriller film "Lust, Caution" in 2007.

"Manchu", set for release in 2010, will go into shoot later this month.

Reporter : Ko Kyoung-seok kave@asiae.co.kr
Editor : Lynn Kim lynn2878@asiae.co.kr