The upcoming historical film by Chen Kaige (“Forever Enthralled “ – 2008) will finally start production on March. The movie is based on a Chinese play during the Yuan Dynasty, entitled “The Orphan of Zhao”. The movie which has the title, “Zhao’s Orphan”, will have some big name Chinese actors in the cast.

This includes the veteran Ge You (“The Founding of the Republic” – 2009 and “If You Are The One” – 2008), who will play the lead character, Chen Ying.

Another member of the cast for the movie is Huang Xiaoming (“Ip Man 2” – 2010 and “The Founding of the Republic” – 2009).  Even as the movie has two A-list Chinese actors in the cast, the production team is also busy trying to negotiate with South Korean stars Song Hye-kyo (“1949” – 2009) as well as Jang Dong-gun (“Good Morning, Mr. President “ – 2009) to join the cast of the movie.

In another report, Sun Honglei (“A Simple Noodle Story” -2009) will possibly join the cast.

The movie starts with a rural doctor who sacrifices the life of his own son so that the son of the chancellor, Zhao Dun, of the Jin Kingdom (679 BC to 403 BC) will live. Zhao Dun’s family is however executed due to political slander. When the orphan grows up (now played by Huang Xiaoming), he avenges the death of his family.

Sources: fareastfilms.com and english.cri.cn