DURING the past two months, Hollywood movies dominated local screens with blockbusters like “Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted,” “Brave,” “The Hunger Games,” “Mirror Mirror” and “Men in Black 3.” As July approaches, Chinese cinemas will feature a string of homemade movies.

    ‘Painted Skin: The

    Resurrection’ (June 28)

    “Painted Skin: The Resurrection” is a 3D sequel to “Painted Skin” (2008). Both films star Chen Kun, Zhao Wei and Zhou Xun.

    “Painted Skin” is a famous short story from Pu Songling’s “Strange Stories From a Chinese Studio.” It tells of a scholar Wang Sheng (Chen) who is attracted to a beautiful maiden Xiao Wei (Zhou) and brings her home, only to discover she is a fox spirit who puts on a facial mask to look attractive, after “painting” it daily. Although the film is based partly on a supernatural premise, it is more of an action-romance than a horror film.

    The sequel is about the romance between Wang’s son Huo Xin and a princess (Zhao).

   ‘Caught in the Web’ (July 6)

     In the movie, director Chen Kaige explores the costs of the Internet and the value of human lives. It’s the first time one of Chen’s films has focused solely on female characters but he says he’s impressed by the courage of women.

    Gao Yuanyuan plays Ye Lanqin, an alluring young secretary who is caught on camera refusing a bus seat to an elderly. The person who films her is a rising journalist played by Yao Chen, who uses the clip as a way to propel herself into success as the clip goes viral. Using filters and other nudges to push the public’s opinion of Ye into the extremes, the journalist and her apprentice (Wang Luodan) start a “flesh search” for Ye, revealing much information about her past.

    ‘Great Wudang’ (July 6)

    Mainland kungfu star Zhao Wenzhuo will show off his skills in this martial arts film. The story is set in the early 20th century with Zhao playing opposite rising actress Yang Mi, who debuts as a swordswoman.

    Tian Xin (Yang) and Tang Yunlong (Zhao) compete against each other in a grand martial arts tournament. Legend says that hidden in Wudang Mountain are three extremely rare treasures, and the real reason Tian and Tang came is because they intend to steal those treasures.

    ‘The Four’ (July 12)

    Starring Liu Yifei and Deng Chao, the movie is adapted from Wen Ruian’s novel “Sida Mingbu.” The novel tells the story of four young constables: Heartless, Iron Fist, Chaser, and Cold Blood, who work together to solve cases and attempt to bring down the corrupt government of the Song Dynasty.

    ‘Naked Soldier’ (July 13)

    Following the 1992 Hong Kong cult classic “Naked Killer,” starring Chingmy Yau and the 2000 follow-up “Naked Weapon,” starring Maggie Q, a third installment of the series is set for release July 13.

    The movie will mark the action debut of Jenn Tse, who is the younger sister of current Hong Kong pop singer/action star Nicholas Tse.

    Directed by Marco Mak, the film stars well-known veteran actor Sammo Hung as Interpol agent CK Long who busted a drug deal 15 years ago. The cartel swears revenge and hires Madame Rose organization and her band of skilled killers. Led by the beautiful Phoenix (Tse), a top-ranking assassin who is skilled in combat, is now on a mission to take on Long. However, little did she know that the man she is ordered to kill is her own father who has been trying to find her since.

(SD News)