Jason Statham, one of our favourite action heroes with a good heart :) has taken a new role: Helen Mirren's husband, director Taylor Hackford will helm PARKER, and Statham will take the lead role in the story about a disciplined thief who lives by a strict code of conduct. He never steals money from people who actually need it, although he will strike back with a vengeance if he is crossed. The movie about a charming thief will be based on the books by Donald E. Westlake.
Today, thanks to "Beyond Hollywood" you can check out first pics of Christian Bale from the shooting of Zhang Yimou's (HERO) new epic drama NANJING HEROES. I've already wrote about this movie which will chronicle the slaughter of thousands of Chinese citizens
by the Japanese troops in the city that was the nation’s capital back in 1937. Bale will play a priest named John who saved many innocent people by working with German businessman called John Rabe. With the budget of $90 million it will be one of the most expensive Asian films ever. The film will be shot about 40% in English and the rest in Chinese.
Now, this also sounds like an unusual but charming film. Coming out in USA in just a few weeks, THE VINTNER'S LUCK starring Jeremie Renier, Gaspard Ulliel, and two Oscar nominees Vera Farmiga and Keisha Castle Hughes (who's acting I've never
liked), tells the compelling tale of Sobran Jodeau, an ambitious young peasant winemaker and the three loves of his life: his beautiful and passionate wife Celeste, the proudly intellectual baroness Aurora de Valday and Xas, a fallen angel, who strikes up an unlikely friendship with Sobran which endures for many years. A fantastical creature with wings that smell of snow, Xas turns out to be an unconventional mentor. Under his guidance Sobran is forced to fathom the nature of love and belief and in the process grapples with the sensual, the sacred and the profane - in pursuit of the perfect vintage. Set in 19th century France, the film was shot on location in France and New Zealand.
And if you have some time, Dezzy will kindly ask you to go to HOLLYWOOD SPY's OFFICIAL FACEBOOK PAGE and click LIKE :) We must add as much new readers and followers there as possible :) If you LIKE my page over there, you will be able to receive HOLLYWOOD SPY updates at your HOME Facebook page daily :) You know HOLLYWOOD SPY loves you ;) You also have a LIKE button for my page here in the left sidebar ;)
I know this is inappropriate to say, but wow, Bale has got to be the sexiest looking priest ever :D Thanks for posting this Dezzy, NANJING HEROES is a heart-wrenching story worth telling. I'm glad Bale is involved in this.
ReplyDeleteyes, it could be a really great epic drama, I'm only confused a bit by its plot, because over at IMDB the plot is all about some prostitutes while on other sites its all about saving victims and innocent people in China.
ReplyDeleteI want to see Nanjing but true stories always leave me so haunted. Especially involving the death of thousands of innocent people. However, I'm a huge fan of Statham and can't wait to see that.
ReplyDeleteThe Vintner's Luck IS oddly intriguing. Vera Farmington is always interesting to watch, IMO. And more Ulliel! Like that.
ReplyDeleteI finally got around to seeing Bale's performance in The Fighter. I don't usually care much for him, but I have to admit he was pretty damn good in that.
Uh, Vera Farmiga. Apparently I'm thinking of New Mexico today.lol.
ReplyDelete@Clarissa
ReplyDeleteyes, true stories can be difficult sometimes, but we must learn our lessons from them.
We love Statham too :)
@Luanne
it is intriguing, isn't it? :)
You should watch BAle in THE MACHINIST, that's his best role!
Hi DEZ!
ReplyDeleteI am a huge fan of Statham - he's just a great action guy.
You know which show I loved - The Expendables - I know, I know you're probably going to laugh...everyone does.
But I loved all the action that wasn't faked out - I loved it!
As usual - great post! I'm learning so much about movies and actors every time I drop by!
Have a great day, Jenny
Drop by my site I've got something for you to pick up!
Can't wait to see Jason Statham in his new film. I just love him. Christian Bale's new film looks exciting as does The Vintner's Luck. I'll have to hop on to FB and click. :)
ReplyDelete@Jenny
ReplyDeleteI also love Statham, because he is so down to Earth and also such a kind and nice guy even though he looks rough :)
Nice to have you here everytime ;)
@Melsy
I love him too :) Click. click, click and tell every one to click too :)
Facebook needs an "awesome" button :)
ReplyDeleteThe trailer for THE VINTNER'S LUCK makes the movie look intriguing.
wow, the character described absolutely suit Jason! it reminds me of his role in Transporter, how he restrained himself not to get too close with the "package", which turned out to be a chinese girl. :)
ReplyDeleteBale = my favorite actor. I cannot wait for this epic.
ReplyDeleteOoo Jason Statham in anything is amazing to me!! Nanjing Heroes sounds like an amazing film as well. I can't wait to see more about this. ; )
ReplyDeleteI always love me some Christian Bale....
ReplyDeleteI'm going to FB you soon. Sweet!
ReplyDeleteBale is going back to China. If this is anything like his last trip, it should be memorable.
ReplyDeletesome cool celeb shots here...thanks
ReplyDeletexo Lisa
Vintners Luck looks like its right up my street.
ReplyDeleteHey Dez, Sorry I have been AWOL. Busy bee I am!! But I am back now so you can sleep easy :-)
ReplyDeleteI am going to say it..... I LIKE Statham. There it is out there, in the open, for all to see. I think he has done well. The best out of all the 'lock stock' boys. Good for him. I know he is not up everybodies street. But I do like a popcorn action fest!!!!
Thanks Dez
C
hmmm.... that vinter's luck looks interesting, but the poster up there for it is absolutely gorgeous!
ReplyDelete@Lyndy
ReplyDeleteah, I got the button from Facebook when I opened the HOLLYWOOD SPY page :)
@Levian
we love Statham, don't we? :))
@Jonathon
we love Bale too ;)
@Nicole
ReplyDeleteStatham is always amazing :)
@Kristin
what's not to love :))
@Lydia
thanks, Lydia :))
@Budd
China is becoming quite popular in Hollywood lately :)
@Lisa
ReplyDeletewelcome to HOLLYWOOD SPY, Lisa
@Michael
I was also intrigued by the trailer even though I'm not so sure about the two main actors, that blond guy and Keisha.
@Custard
ah, finally some sweet repose for my limbs with waiting tired :)
Nothing to be ashamed off, general, we love us some Statham too ;)
@Vics
I will watch it only for that angel character :) I love Ulliel who is playing him and I also love angels :)
After starring in Empire of the Sun, and now this Nanjing Heroes, can Bale do something nice for Japan? Or will he only appear in movies that portray Japan's black marks?
ReplyDeleteThe trailer for Vintners Luck is intrigueing, although i'm not sure it will be my cup of tea
ReplyDelete@Jaccsy
ReplyDeletethat's a good point, Jaccsy, although I'm guessing he didn't intend for both projects to be with Japanese people as villains. It was probably a coincidence. Bale's wife is a Serbian, and she knows how black and white picture of the world in political propaganda can bring a lot of problems.
@Dirty
I'm not sure either, but it is intriguing and unusual.
Wow, you got my interest when I saw Jason's pic! Poor Helen having to play his onscreen wife—what a tough job!
ReplyDeleteThe Facebook page looks good. I like it under my real name which is the one registered with Facebook.
ReplyDeleteLee
Tossing It Out
Twitter hashtag: #atozchallenge
I love the sound of Nanjing Heroes....
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to see it.
And you can bet I'm clicking Like on your Facebook.
Since you followed the Game of Thrones thing, I thought I'd let you know that Clash of Kings (season 2, essentially) has been signed with HBO.
ReplyDeleteSean Bean and Mark Addy, however, won't be back. :D
Looks like pain and pleasure in these choices!
ReplyDeleteAngels and wine; I'm intrigued~
Jason as Helen's hubby; there must be a lot of flashbacks. I like the Robin Hood idea~
Off to FB~
I must have missed the earlier info on the Christian Bale movie, but it sounds very interesting. Thanks again Dez, here's another one I'll have to check out :)
ReplyDelete@Nadir
ReplyDeleteno, you didn't read it right: TAylor the director is Helen Mirren's husband, and Statham is just playing in his film, Helen is mentioned here only as director's wife.
@Arlee
thanks for LIKING the Facebook page :) I hope I will manage to get many followers there ;)
@Andrew
thanks, Andrew!
@MJ
ReplyDeleteyes, I announced the second season last week :) even before the first one started. But I'm adding interesting updates always.
@Ella
no,no, you didn't get it either :) Helen is director's wife, and JAson is playing in her husband's new film :)
@Eric
be welcome, glad you like it ;)
I got the update today that it was officially signed. You know, in news that shocks...absolutely no one.
ReplyDeleteI saw that your announcement was in the American Gods announcement page, too.
Yep, Dezz sometimes tends to spread rumors even before they actually happen :))
ReplyDeleteI'm extremely happy about the official confirmation, because it means next year will bring us new epic shows and new seasons in my favourite genre.
Bale makes a handsome priest :)
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to see the movie. Thank you for sharing those pictures. Do you know when it will be released?
it should come out some time next year, Novroz :) We shall know as soon as we get the first trailer later this year
ReplyDeleteNext year is better...this year's sucks!!
ReplyDeleteI haven't been to cinema for the past 2 or 3 months :(
my Stupid government with their stupid rules
I feel your problems, Novroz, cinemas in my country aren't any better either. In my town we don't even have a cineplex or multiplex.
ReplyDeleteI like Jason Statham, his acting is good i saw all his movies and i like the both versions of crank movie. Iam waiting for his upcoming movies to watch
ReplyDelete