Cung Le Takes on Bodyguards & Assassins

Martial arts films are showing no signs of slowing down.

The newest mega-budget production comes out of China and boasts an all-star cast including Donnie Yen and mixed martial arts star and kickboxer Cung Le.

The action adventure is directed by Teddy Chan and revolves around a band of martial arts fighters who band together to protect political revolutionary Dr. Sun Yat-sen from an elaborate assassination attempt in the heart of Hong Kong. The thrilling story takes place at the turn of the 20th century.

Donnie Yen is now the highest paid actor in China and has certainly earned the title of action star. The film targets both his acting and fighting skills as he and other fighting experts combat assassins using flying fists and myriad of weapons. The film even incorporates a parkour fight scene in the action.

Cung Le, a newcomer to Hong Kong cinema, gained accolades from Donnie Yen on his performance. Yen remarked:

 “It [was] like fighting a bull. Cung Le is the strongest opponent I have ever encountered in shooting action scenes, and because of his excellent martial arts skills and weight, I [had] to be extra careful.”

The film boasts a legion of intriguing characters including Donnie Yen, who plays "Gambler", Leon Lai as "Beggar," Nicholas Tse as "Rickshaw Puller," Tony Leung as "Revolutionary," Eric Tsang as "Police Commissioner," and Fan Bing-bing as "Mistress". 

Bodyguards and Assassins has just opened in China and is in the process of gaining support for an international release.

Watch an eight-minute promo on the film below.

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