Chow Yun-Fat will play ancient Chinese philosopher Confucius in a new biopic backed by the Chinese government, reports Variety.
Shooting starts later this month on the Hu Mei-directed film at Hebei province and at Hengdian studios. The movie will screen later this year to mark the 60th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China and Chinese thinker/social philosopher’s 2,560th birthday.
Chairman Mao Zedong condemned Confucius, and during the disastrous Cultural Revolution, Red Guards destroyed Confucius’ family home, family grave plot and a temple in his honor in his eastern hometown of Qufu, wrecking around 6,600 priceless relics. The philosopher’s teachings are now gaining popularity as a way of bringing morals to the country which is contending with burgeoning wealth and the rise of consumerism.
