Can Martial Arts Films Go 3D? True Legend

With the mega-success of Avatar, the 3D blockbuster which continues to break records worldwide, some have already started to think about how to translate 3D technology to martial arts films.

Director Yuen Woo-Ping, best known for handling the action sequences in the Matrix, Kill Bill and Oscar-winning Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, recently introduced Chinese audiences to the first martial arts film in 3D. The film called “True Legend” is based on the story of a wealthy man, Su Qi-Er, living during the Qing Dynasty who loses his fortune and reputation as a result of a conspiracy against him.

After being forced out onto the streets, Su dedicates his life to martial arts and reemerges as a patriotic hero known as the "King of Beggars."

Yuen Woo-Ping picked the two most important action scenes to be in 3D. Nevertheless, it took more than 10 months to create the fight scenes in 3D. The process required more than 100 digital artists in post-production who worked layer by layer and frame by frame.  In order to shoot the actual action scenes in 3D, two cameras had to be set up and the choreography was less ornate and adapted for maximum 3D visual impact. Watch trailer below.

True Legend has an all-star cast including Michelle Yeoh, MMA fighter Cung Le and David Carradine. The film will hit international markets in 2010/2011. 

Other martial arts films in the works include a new production of the Monkey King. The film is being shot on IMAX and slated for 3D live action effects. Jet Li and Donnie Yen are being eyed for the title role of Sun Wu Kong. The production has finished blueprints for the sets of three fantasy realms Inferno Mountain, Heavenly Palace, and Dragon Palace, and will soon be building the sets. The film is scheduled for production in October 2010.

Chinese director Tsui Hark has revealed that he is planning to shoot a remake or sequel of the martial arts action thriller film New Dragon Inn in 3D.  Tsui Hark directed the original Hong Kong film starring Donnie Yen and Tony Leung in 1992. The film was set in Imperial China and featured fast-paced martial arts action and sword-fighting. Hark has not revealed more details on the new production but mentioned that production will start no sooner than 2011.

Temporary trend or a new way to bring martial arts films into the future? The sheer expense and time required for creating 3D films may deter a few contenders from stepping into the arena, but so far people are taking notice of the challenges and possibilities for 3D martial arts action.