Di Renjie, the Sherlock Holmes of ancient China, will soon be brought to life as someone with a magic power to talk to animals.
Hong Kong actor Andy Lau, who plays the lead role in Tsui Hark's new mystery film "Detective Dee", a fictional account of Di Renjie, said recently that his character has the special powers of ventriloquism and understanding animals.
But behind the scenes, Lau said it had been a grueling time trying to develop a chemistry with the monkeys and horses in the cast. The animals were selected from the safari park in Hangzhou, a city not far from the Hengdian World Studios where the film is being shot.
Di Renjie was one of the most celebrated officials of the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD), during the reign of Empress Wu Zetian.
Traditionally, films about Di Renjie have focused on his skill in investigating crimes, but director Tsui Hark, who is known for his martial-arts films, also adds kung fu to Di's abilities. The director has invited veteran kung-fu choreographer Sammo Hung to be the film's action adviser.
"Detective Dee" also features Li Bingbing as Andy Lau's romantic interest, and Carina Lau as Empress Wu Zetian.
The film is slated to hit theaters in October next year.
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