Twice Oscar-nominated for "Ju Dou" and "Raise the Red Lantern," Zhang seems assured of more international attention for his first martial arts punch. With Miramax as its backer, no doubt Academy members will hear all about it (China has picked it to be their Oscar contender). The period actioner combines sizzling swordplay, an all-star cast that includes Jet Li, Maggie Cheung, Tony Leung and Zhang Ziyi and a poetic narrative that has stirred controversy for its supposed pro-Beijing propagandistic subtext.

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