Taking the reins at directing his first feature since 2004, Donnie Yen is back to show he’s got what it takes to conquer both sides of the lens and this time with Śakra, based author Jin Yong’s “Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils” (1963) for his own treatment. Yen directs and he also produces the pic in reunion with Wong Jing with a cast that also includes Yukee Chen, Cya Liu and Grace Wong (Line Walker 1 & 2), along with Wu Yue (Ip Man 4) and Kara Hui (Wu Xia).
Set during the Northern Song Dynasty, Śakra centers on the legendary martial hero, Qiao Feng. Chronicling his fall from grace as a prolific figure of the Beggar’s Sect after being framed for murder, his journey into exile explores his short-lived romance with a servant girl, and shocking revelations about his tragic past and true heritage, as well as an chance to seek vengeance. Śakra also features action sequences by Yen and regular collaborator Kenji Tanigaki, and will open in Hong Kong on January 16.
