Cao Zhen

    caozhen0806@126.com

    TAIWANESE actor Eddie Peng, who took on the role of martial arts legend Wong Fei-hung in his latest movie, said he is not afraid of being compared with other actors, including Jet Li.

    The Mandarin-language movie “Rise of the Legend” is the latest film about Wong (1847-1924), a man who has inspired over 100 films and TV productions since the 1940s, the best known of which is the 1991 movie “Once Upon a Time in China,” starring Li.

    “Jet Li’s version is a classic. I never thought about how I could play the role better, just about how to make the character my own,” Peng said when he met with fans Tuesday night at Coco Park.

    To prepare for the role, Peng said he practiced martial arts for 10 hours every day. “I’ve been keen on learning martial arts since my childhood,” he said, adding, “I learned a lot playing this role. I spent almost a year learning nanquan, the kung-fu style required for the role.”

    Peng, 32, proved his aptitude for action roles with the successes of films such as “Unbeatable,” in which he played a boxer, and “Jump Ashin!” in which he portrayed a gymnast. He was nominated for best actor for his role in “Jump Ashin!” at the 2011 Taiwan Golden Horse Awards.

    Different from “Once Upon a Time in China,” which portrays a middle-aged Wong, the plot of “Rise of the Legend” focuses on Wong’s early years.

    “The movie portrays the legendary character from a different angle — a young man with a dream. The story is about his roots and how he first started. This is not a heroic Wong Fei-hung. It is about a flawed guy before he became a hero,” explained Peng.

    Directed by Roy Chow, “Rise of the Legend” also stars Sammo Hung, Tony Leung Ka-fai and Angelababy. It is now being screened in Shenzhen.