Jung Woo-sung in Reign of Assassins
by girlfriday
Stills, posters, and trailers are out for Jung Woo-sung‘s new film Reign of Assassins, the swordplay epic produced by legendary Hong Kong director John Woo.
The international co-production is headed up by John Woo and Terence Chang, long-time producing partner to Woo, and the heavyweight behind Mission: Impossible II, Face/Off, and Hard-Boiled, just to name a few. Let’s just say, these two? They’re not messing around.
It’s not surprising then, that Michelle Yeoh is the star of Reign of Assassins, as Terence Chang was instrumental in launching her career in the 80s. She will be playing a retired assassin who can’t seem to escape her past. No such thing as a retired assassin, is there?
Jung plays Michelle Yeoh’s civilian husband, but it looks like there’s a twist, and the man isn’t exactly who he says he is. Nice to see the bad boy streak still intact.
The film is written and directed by Su Chao-bin (Silk), so it remains to be seen how much influence John Woo had over the production, and if he was more than the name by which to sell the vehicle. The film had its world premiere at the Venice International Film Festival this week.
Reign of Assassins will premiere in Korea on October 14, and Jung’s drama, Athena, premieres in November.
Via Osen
RELATED POSTS
Tags: Jung Woo-sung
![[Beanie Recs] Feel-good fantasy?](https://d263ao8qih4miy.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/BeanieRecs.jpg)
![[Beanie Review] A Virtuous Business](https://d263ao8qih4miy.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/AVirtuousBusiness_reviewb.jpg)
Required fields are marked *
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
1 Sweet
September 5, 2010 at 3:31 PM
Is that Barbie Hsu on the left?
Required fields are marked *
hapacalgirl
September 5, 2010 at 4:59 PM
Yes it is. I was wondering the same thing and after looking up more info about the movie I found out she plays an assasin in the movie.
Required fields are marked *
Liesel
September 5, 2010 at 5:04 PM
Right! I think that's Da S, or am I wrong here???
Required fields are marked *
ujsid
September 6, 2010 at 10:06 AM
yes its barbie hsu...checked on imdb...
Required fields are marked *
hanchulFOREVER
September 21, 2010 at 3:29 AM
yay i like barbie =)
Required fields are marked *
2 beggar1015
September 5, 2010 at 3:35 PM
Glad to see a mature woman headlining an action flick (although why is she pushed to the background for the movie poster?)
Required fields are marked *
mellowyel
September 5, 2010 at 5:29 PM
I was wondering the same thing... I'm hoping it's because it's the Korean version of the poster so they put Jung Woo Sung in front... movie looks awesome though - i haven't watched a good Hong Kong action flick in a while.
Required fields are marked *
jully moue
October 15, 2010 at 1:36 AM
yeah. the posters overseas, like the one i saw in china isn't this one.. it showed the more important asian stars partaking the movie altogether.
Required fields are marked *
3 Kate
September 5, 2010 at 3:39 PM
Jung Woo-sung is still so HOT...a must see
Required fields are marked *
4 mskololia
September 5, 2010 at 3:48 PM
Looks good....
Required fields are marked *
5 Angela
September 5, 2010 at 3:49 PM
That... looks pretty awesome.
Required fields are marked *
6 Mike
September 5, 2010 at 3:59 PM
To me as an american,
i always constantly see asians coming to America to get into Hollywood.
But all they do is fighting,swords and less acting.
Honestly,I'm sick with all these kung fu stuff they have and ain't gonna watch another jackie's chan or jet li's show again.
All they have are cool moves and broken english,I'm sadden by the fact that Hong Kong movies and even Taiwan is so much more worse than I thought.
No one can do movies like South Korea,they have a mix of comedy good acting and good script to go with.
Seriously,if asians want to come to Hollywood,act normally,you don't have to fight with Kung Fu or whatever crap you got...Coz on the end of the way people only think you good at kung fu,not acting...
Sick of all these kung fu artises..
Required fields are marked *
Ani
September 5, 2010 at 7:23 PM
But they aren't in this movie for Hollywood, and therefore their "broken English" as you put it, will not be present here. And also, Michelle Yeoh speaks English well, what are you talking about? Besides, Hong Kong provides their fair share of good movies and hilarious scripts, you just need to know where to find them. But number 7's (Anonymous') comment rings true, if you don't like it and have nothing better to say about it, then avoid it. And you mention how HK/Taiwan has broken English, but last time I checked SK is pretty similar in that matter (no offense meant). Oh, and South Korea is part of Asia, so you can't say Asians are no good, and then raise South Korea on a pedestal, you're just contradicting yourself.
Required fields are marked *
Tami
September 5, 2010 at 8:15 PM
It extremely difficult for Asian to get "serious" roles in the US, although there are exceptions. Kung Fu is what sells in America if you are Asian.
Required fields are marked *
beggar1015
September 6, 2010 at 9:46 AM
Unfortunately, that's true. All Hollywood seems to really want is the Asian action stars. About the only exception I can think of is ... oh no, what's his name? Ken Watanabe, that's it. He was one of the few Asian actors Hollywood wanted to "act".
Required fields are marked *
cheekbones
September 5, 2010 at 9:22 PM
And South Koreans are not Asians ? I'm confused.
Required fields are marked *
mimim
September 6, 2010 at 6:25 AM
mike watch more japanese, chinese , hk and taiwan movie. Might be you only rent action movie. Like hollywood they all have serious and action movie.
It's annoying when someone who know nothing already made his judgement as-he-know-anything. Don't too much watch jet lee and jackie chan dude.
Since you are living in usa please visit more movie festival and googling more.
Required fields are marked *
CICI
September 8, 2010 at 12:49 AM
I am an american (asian american)
I will say this, your probally NOT the audience they care about. So If you don't like it just don't watch it.
Simple as that.
Some "American's" like myself enjoy this kind of film.
I like the fighting and the swords!
You obviously have some Prejudice you might want to deal within yourself.
Asians are not coming to america, some actully live in america. Sorry but hollywood isn't all about your brittney spears.
Don't watch another jet li or jackie, it doesn't matter at the end of the day with thier broken english they are still better than you.
Required fields are marked *
CICI
September 8, 2010 at 12:52 AM
I am an american (asian american)
I will say this, your probally NOT the audience they care about. So If you don’t like it just don’t watch it.
Simple as that.
Some “American’s” like myself enjoy this kind of film.
I like the fighting and the swords!
You obviously have some Prejudice you might want to deal within yourself.
Asians are not coming to america, some actully live in america. Sorry but hollywood isn’t all about your brittney spears.
Don’t watch another jet li or jackie, it doesn’t matter at the end of the day with thier broken english they are still better than you.
Required fields are marked *
Melazon
October 18, 2010 at 4:26 AM
Obviously the "they" you referred to must not be Michelle Yeoh since she fits none of your description.
Michelle can and HAS done many films that not only includes fighting but dramatic acting. In most of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon's critic reviews, Michelle was praised for her acting more than her fighting. (Source: http://www.michelleyeoh.info/Movie/Ch/quote.html) Her recent movies, Far North, Sunshine and Memoirs of a Geisha focuses on acting alone, and while the movies aren't exactly mainstream successes, critics praised her acting.
Broken english? Are you kidding me? Have you ever seen her in speaking English? Her english is flawless and she can communicate just fine. Don't believe me? Watch ANY of her english interviews/movies. She spent years in London when she studied ballet and her family speaks English. (Just because they're asian, does not mean English is not their first language.)
BTW, I'm a Malaysian too, just like Michelle Yeoh and I can speak English just fine.
Required fields are marked *
Neji1k
September 25, 2011 at 8:23 PM
films in US are getting boring only one I really cared for was Ben button
Required fields are marked *
7 Anonymous
September 5, 2010 at 5:08 PM
@Mike
I'm sorry...but are YOU complaining about broken english? *Ahem* Although their english...leaves much to be desired, it's an action movie. Let the ACTION do the speaking. If you don't want to watch a Kung Fu movie, then don't, no-one's forcing you to. Different genres are expressed in different ways.
Required fields are marked *
8 brookeeve
September 5, 2010 at 5:15 PM
As an American... dude, I know it might be stereotypical and whatever, but I love martial arts movies. I always have, and I probably always will. I love it when they bring out a new one, and I love Michelle Yeoh, and I'll be one of the first in line to go see this. I was the first in line to see Ninja Assassin, which I went to go see by myself, and I'll be the first in line to go buy the Blu-Ray. NO COMPLAINTS HERE!!!!
Required fields are marked *
9 Debbie
September 5, 2010 at 5:36 PM
I like action and love martial arts movies. I watch them every chance I can so I'm not the typical American middle-age female. I dislike weepy dramas trying to make draw tears from the female viewers. So I'll be looking to buy this flick in Blu-ray to enjoy at leisure in my home. Thirty years ago I didn't have even a VCR to watch the action scenes in slow-mo or the ability to rewind to watch again. Today, life is good.:-)
Required fields are marked *
10 wannabediva
September 5, 2010 at 6:10 PM
To Mike, the American:
I don't agree that Asian actors/actresses come to Hollywood just to do kungfu and swordfighting. Most likely these are the only roles that are available to them or the US producers want Asian actors to play Asian characters. Besides, martial arts is probably part of the curriculum in most Asian acting/drama schools.
I have seen plenty of Asian actors who are very talented in acting not just martial arts. Certainly, I have watched my share of Korean, Taiwanese and HongKong dramas. There are some really amazing shows and movies out there and to a large extent the reason for this are the talented actors that act in them.
If not for the Asians who choreographed the fight scenes in American movies, The Matrix Trilogy would not be the successful box office classic hit that it is!!! Martial Arts in all its different forms is essentially Asian in origin. Therefore, it is not surprising that Asian or Asian looking actors would be called upon to play these roles.
On another note, you should not be so critical of their broken English, since your English is not that great either. Your vocabulary, grammar and spelling needs a lot of work.
Required fields are marked *
Ani
September 5, 2010 at 7:26 PM
I love you, you're my hero.... This is not being creepy, just thankful for people like you who kick people like Mike's rear. X)
Required fields are marked *
wannabediva
September 5, 2010 at 9:19 PM
Ani,
Thanks!! I just couldn't resist giving him a piece of my mind. Have a nice day!! Fighting!!!! LOL...
Required fields are marked *
11 Rizzy
September 5, 2010 at 6:18 PM
Hope this gets shown here in Manila. I would love to see this movie. ;)
Required fields are marked *
12 ockoala
September 5, 2010 at 6:23 PM
This poster is indeed the poster for the Korean release. The International posters has Michelle alone or a picture of a sword.
And yes, that is Da S Barbie on the other side.
Keeping my fingers crossed this isn't a giant mess.
Required fields are marked *
13 tisyamey
September 5, 2010 at 6:26 PM
JWS is sooo hot! I, for one, am soooo looking forward to this movie. And I grew up loving martial arts movies-- Sammo Hung, Donnie Yen, Jackie Chan, Jet Li... ahhhh, those Asian dudes are F-I-N-E!!! My very first martial arts movie that propelled my love of these types of movies was Drunken Tai Chi... ahhhh, what a cutie! Do any of you guys remember this movie? Gosh, It was on BETAMAX for crying out loud... aherm, did I just give away my golden-age-ness? So, Mike, chillax man... Don't you invite us, Asian-Martial-Arts-Movie-Fanatics to be on you like white on rice because of your senseless complaints...kidding, dude. But the CHILLAX part is for reals though... be happy, don't spread hate.
Required fields are marked *
14 Nancy
September 5, 2010 at 7:10 PM
Looks damn good! Three of my favorite actors in one action flick, COUNT ME IN!
Required fields are marked *
15 Ani
September 5, 2010 at 7:27 PM
I can't wait to see this. My gramps watched a LOT of Martial Arts films, so this looks exciting to me. And I want to know how her husband plays into her past. Hwaiting! Jia you!
Required fields are marked *
16 wits
September 5, 2010 at 7:35 PM
Oooohhh, I would love to see this movie because I am so in love with Jung.Woo.Sung!!! I hope they get shown commercially in theatres, because they are by John Woo, which I'm sure is a marketable name.
For us here in North America (Canada, specifically) though, it's kinda frustrating because unlike dramas, movies are a little more difficult to find and gain access to, through the internet. There are very, very few ( and I mean FEW!!) Asian movies which are shown commercially in theatres and they are usually not promoted. Over the past months, I have been longing to see Man From Nowhere /Ahjussi but can't find one. I guess I just have to wait for the DVD to become available in stores. But that could take months!!!! Any ideas on how I can see these movies earlier?
Required fields are marked *
Debbie
September 5, 2010 at 10:43 PM
Things are getting better. I normally buy through Amazon.com or YesAsia and have been able to get pretty much what I want. Of course, the some of the dramas can be expensive but the the movies are comparable to the U.S. ones. Use to be you could only buy DVD but now they are releasing more Blu-ray which is what I like best. I've just received the "The Good, the Bad, and the Weird" in which Jung Woo-sung plays the Good (I haven't had a chance to watch it yet).
Required fields are marked *
17 AngelHeart
September 5, 2010 at 11:42 PM
Although I'm not so good in english,I might have to agree with Mike a little.
Don't get me wrong,I lived in Taiwan and I learn quite a little english since I lived in America before.
But I felt,even in Hong Kong movies,they act movies mostly in Kung Fu which is quite sick for me.
I mostly sticked to korean,hong kong and taiwan dramas because it is more realistic to me.
I love Jet Li and Michelle Yeoh but I want to see them in different light.
I don't want her to do kick boxing when she is almost in her 50s,like a grandmother trying to hit a sandbag every morning.
She might have good body and english but I love to see her acting.
Oh and korean movies is just out of the world like japanese movies.I hope acting is the one way that Asians like us can gain recognition from,not Kung fu.Kung fu seems something always repeating over the years,even me as an asian is already sick of it.
Sorry to say but I still prefer lovely movies with realistic background.
Required fields are marked *
AngelHeart
September 5, 2010 at 11:45 PM
But btw I love Red Cliff,and is the only movie so far that I like..I dont like the one that Jay Chou acted in it...:P
Required fields are marked *
AngelHeart
September 5, 2010 at 11:50 PM
I also hate that me as an Asian hate to be termed chinese girl or kung fu master during my years in America.
Like I'm trying to call you names,will it sound nice?
Jackie Chan been doing kung fu for all his life,will he ever had a break ?
Are we the ones to blame?
Required fields are marked *
18 rimiheun
September 6, 2010 at 3:05 AM
Michelle Yeoh!!!
Required fields are marked *
19 Stylish~
September 6, 2010 at 4:41 AM
hmmm it feels a LITTLE bit cheesy..
am missing the wow factor.. a scene that takes ur breath away
Required fields are marked *
20 news
September 6, 2010 at 5:00 AM
I'm sure, Mike, there's no one more frustrated than these Asian actors who would like to be noticed for their acting abilities. Even in the 21st century, we can't seem to rid ourselves of these stereotypes and it's unfortunate that Hollywood helps promote them. However, let's put things into perspective and remember that martial arts and kung fu are only ONE genre in Asian cinema. Not only that, but we shouldn't belittle actors who act in martial arts or kung fu films; it doesn't mean they can't act nor does it mean those films require little acting from them.
If you want to view Asian films of a different genre than martial arts or kung fu (excluding Korean directors since you complimented them on their filmmaking), I suggest looking up well known Chinese and Taiwanese directors such as Ang Lee (born in Taiwan but is technically 'Taiwanese American'), Ann Hui, Tsai Ming-liang, Chen Kaige, Edward Yang, Hsiao-hsien Hou, Zhang Yimou and Wong Kar-wai, to name a few. You may or may not like their styles but they've made a permanent mark in world cinema history and have undeniably influenced many people with their insight and creativity.
I would also like to point out that at least Asian actors ATTEMPT speaking English, even if it's broken. I give them brownie points just for that. Non-Asians acting in Asian films only ever speak English. Where is the fairness in that? In fact, I triple-dog dare them to get laughed at for speaking broken Mandarin, Cantonese or Korean and see how that feels.
And seriously, AngelHeart, if I had a grandma in her 50s doing kickboxing, hitting sandbags every morning and literally doing dangerous stunts like nobody's business, I would put her on a pedestal and pray to God she'll never stop. On second thought, I would be her faithful disciple and put MYSELF on that pedestal.
I was wondering what happened to Michelle Yeoh and ta da, here she is in a new martial arts movie :D
Long Live Michelle Yeoh!
Required fields are marked *
AngelHeart
September 6, 2010 at 12:56 PM
Not that I don't like Michelle Yeoh and her films,I been watching Hong Kong movies usually comedies in the 90s...It is like a health problem,one day she might be really tired from filming and collasped...And talking about Asians like us going to Hollywood is like a faraway dream for us and I glad only some get some success in Hollywood like Ang Lee,I admired him alot.
But you see once I saw an article on my Chinese newspaper that why are asian in hollywood hooking up on rich older caucasian man in the west ?
It is subjective and sometimes yet disapppointing,once a female actress went to hollywood hoping to get a shot of fame but instead she get into dept violence and other bad stuff from her management and people there.
And on second thoughts,Michelle Yeoh if she is really capable she will not have to be in another film as in she could retired and enjoyed her married life with that guy(I think he is like ewww)...
And China,Taiwan doesn't really need these people anymore,first they are all westernised in such a way their need for payment in films are also demandingly high...Also,there is many many uprising stars and younger capable of working harder like them in the past..
Required fields are marked *
Melazon
October 18, 2010 at 4:14 AM
"And on second thoughts,Michelle Yeoh if she is really capable she will not have to be in another film as in she could retired and enjoyed her married life with that guy(I think he is like ewww)…"
First off, just because a person is capable does not mean she has to retire. It's well known by both fans AND critics that she can fight AND act. And she's not married with that guy has nothing to do with her capability.
Required fields are marked *
Corriana
September 6, 2010 at 1:02 PM
Grrrrrr,I would not want to see my own grandmother doing such stunts :PP
Required fields are marked *
Saw
September 6, 2010 at 1:05 PM
I love kung fu movies from Jackie Chan and Jet Li,but because my girlfriend from China recently introduced me to all sorts of asian films like Stephen,Ang Lee and Korean dramas...And I gotta say I was impressed !!
But the fact that kung fu is a trend cannot be avoided and yet it is tiring to see another playing mantis move or dragon move from movies
Required fields are marked *
21 mskololia
September 6, 2010 at 5:58 AM
Seriously, American youths have grown up with kungfu like they have cowboys. It's mainstream.
They know more about Chinese and Japanese movies than South Korean so Mike you have the emphasis wrong and who is better is personal taste.
Required fields are marked *
22 schreber
September 6, 2010 at 9:57 AM
Why do I get the feeling this is Mr. & Mrs. Smith with an Asian twist? Don't get me wrong it looks like a great film, just doesn't really spark a great deal of originality.
That being said it's always a treat to see Michelle Yeoh on screen regardless of the genre/type-cast character she plays.
Required fields are marked *
23 Corriana
September 6, 2010 at 1:00 PM
OBAMA LONG LIVE HAHAHA!!!
Required fields are marked *
24 Denali
September 6, 2010 at 2:28 PM
On that poster, JWS reminds me of Jo In Sung in "a frozen flower".
The trailer seems interesting but along with ockoala, I'm afraid it might turn into a gigantic mess and downturn on "my man" 's international career.
About the last pic, I'm not jealous of MY on JWS's sides because she is currently engaged or even married to a French leading figure in motor racing. Ha ha. Heck, a friend told me that dreaming is free, then let's dream on and on... ^^
Required fields are marked *
mimim
September 6, 2010 at 2:39 PM
they have a same typically Face. Small Face, and chubby.
they even have same height and weight .
Required fields are marked *
25
September 6, 2010 at 5:51 PM
I LOVE LOVE Michelle Yeoh!! I'm definitely going to check this out and Jung Woo Sung is just the icing on the top! :D
Required fields are marked *
26 eimich
September 6, 2010 at 6:15 PM
MICHELLE YEOH!!! yes.
Required fields are marked *
27 bd
September 7, 2010 at 9:49 PM
JWS looks better in "historical" dramas since longer hair suits his face better than short hair (the same applies to Viggo Mortensen).g
Required fields are marked *
28 CICI
September 8, 2010 at 12:57 AM
does anyone know if this is coming out in the US soon?
Required fields are marked *
29 runwayy
September 14, 2010 at 7:30 AM
can't wait for this. looking pretty good. and i loved loved loved Red Cliff 1 & 2.
awesome casting for both leads heeheehee...
Required fields are marked *
30 ruth
November 8, 2010 at 5:02 AM
reign of assassin is a great movie... it is a must to watch it... the plot is good... the action part was good.. Combined together and it is one heck of an awesome movie!!!!
Required fields are marked *
31 all4movies
January 29, 2011 at 2:41 AM
Just watched this movie. It was awesome and both Michelle Yeoh and Jung Woo Sung rocked.
Does anyone know how they took care of the language differences and does Jung Woo Sung speak chinese? It sounds dubbed for both actors.
Required fields are marked *
32 buena
February 21, 2011 at 2:42 AM
This is great movie. very funny and romantic. i love michelle yeoh
Required fields are marked *
33 A Fan22
June 28, 2011 at 8:38 PM
Kung fu and fighting swords are part of the story.The movie has it's own right to be one of the best movie ever.We even watched this 5 times. It has story in it and they do have an acting skill as well as action skills. Job well done to all the actors of this movie specially Jung Woo and Michelle Yeoh. Writers, director and all the staff of this movie congratulations! Love the love story.
Required fields are marked *