Unveiling The Great Magician

After the underwhelming TRIPLE TAP, Derek Yee returns to the big screen in an appriopriately big way with THE GREAT MAGICIAN, a historical mystery drama co-produced by Emperor Entertainment Group and Bona Film Group starring the award-winning team of Tong Leung, Sean Lau Ching Wan, Zhou Xun, Yan Ni and Wu Gang.  

Adapted from Zhang Haifan's novels of the same name, it is the story of a legendary magician (Tony Leung) in the early years of the Republic of China, who goes to battle against a warlord (Sean Lau) to win back his fiancée (Zhou Xun). Apparently, real-life magicians were brought in as consultants for the movie's magic tricks, which also uses special effects liberally to depict sleights of hand. 

The 45 seconds teaser trailer of THE GREAT MAGICIAN shows Tong Leung, Sean Lau, Zhou Xun in their unique costumes, amongst which Tony’s magician outfit and Sean’s warlord outfit stands out the most. The teaser trailer includes many action scenes showcasing troops of armies, explosions and tanks which cost millions of dollars to create. 

THE GREAT MAGICIAN differs from Derek Yee’s previous work which were more serious and down to earth. In comparison, the pace of his latest is much faster and gaudy. With regard to the change in style, Derek Yee hopes this will be different from his past projects, and by adapting new styles, he hopes to give his audience a surprise.   

Derek Yee likens Sean Lau’s participation in The Great Magician to icing on the cake. Sean Lau shares that once he knew that he was to collaborate with Tony Leung, he jumped at the opportunity. Their last collaboration was in 2000 for THE LONGEST NITE.

THE GREAT MAGICIAN opens in cinemas early next year courtesy of Clover Films. Enjoy the teaser below!