Bodyguards and Assassins
Encyclopedia
Bodyguards and Assassins is a 2009 Hong Kong film directed by Teddy Chan
, featuring an all-star cast, including Donnie Yen
, Nicholas Tse
, Tony Leung Ka-fai
, Leon Lai
, Wang Xueqi
, Simon Yam
, Hu Jun
, Eric Tsang
and Fan Bingbing.
intends to go abroad to Hong Kong, a British colony, to discuss his plans with fellow Tongmenghui
members to overthrow China's corrupt and crumbling Qing Dynasty
. Empress Dowager Cixi
sends a group of assassins, led by Yan Xiaoguo, to kill Sun. Revolutionary Chen Shaobai arrives in Hong Kong a few days before Sun's arrival, to meet Li Yutang, a businessman who provides financial aid for the revolutionaries. As Sun Wen's arrival day draws near, trouble begins brewing in Hong Kong as Chen Shaobai's acquaintances are murdered and Chen himself is kidnapped by the assassins during a raid. Li Yutang decides to officially declare his support for the revolutionaries after the newspaper agency is closed by the British authorities, who do not interfere in China's political situation. Li rallies a group of men, including rickshaw pullers, hawkers and a beggar, to serve as bodyguards for Sun Wen when he arrives. Li's son Li Chongguang is chosen to act as a decoy for Sun Wen to divert the assassins away while Sun attends the meeting and leaves Hong Kong safely.
, Chen Shaobai and Yeung Kui-wan
, are based on real historical figures.
29th Hong Kong Film Awards
(most number of nominations in event history)
16th Hong Kong Film Critics Society Awards
47th Golden Horse Awards
Teddy Chan
Teddy Chan or Teddy Chen Tak Sum is a Hong Kong film director and artist.-Filmography:Filmography as director, art director and other positions:* Bodyguards and Assassins , Director * Chaos , Producer...
, featuring an all-star cast, including Donnie Yen
Donnie Yen
Donnie Yen is a Hong Kong actor, martial artist, film director and producer, action choreographer, and world wushu tournament medalist...
, Nicholas Tse
Nicholas Tse
Nicholas Tse is a Hong Kong singer-songwriter, actor and musician, and son of actor Patrick Tse. He is a member of the Emperor Entertainment Group...
, Tony Leung Ka-fai
Tony Leung Ka-Fai
Tony Leung Ka-fai is a three-time Hong Kong Film Award-winning Chinese film actor.Because he is often confused with actor Tony Leung Chiu-Wai, Tony Leung Ka-fai is known as "Big Tony", while Tony Leung Chiu-Wai is known as "Little Tony", nicknames which correspond to the actors' respective...
, Leon Lai
Leon Lai
Leon Lai is a Hong Kong-based actor and Cantopop singer. The media refer to Aaron Kwok, Jacky Cheung, Andy Lau and Leon Lai as the Cantopop Four Heavenly Kings . He uses the stage name "Li Ming" or "Lai Ming" which literally means "dawn."-Biography:...
, Wang Xueqi
Wang Xueqi
Wang Xueqi is a Chinese film actor whose career has spanned over 25 years. He was often cast in early Fifth Generation films, such as Chen Kaige's Yellow Earth and The Big Parade , Huang Jianxin's Samsara, and Zhang Yimou's Codename Cougar...
, Simon Yam
Simon Yam
Simon Yam Tat-Wah , born March 19, 1955, is a Hong Kong actor and film producer.-Background:The son of a former police officer of Shangdong heritage, his father was a Hong Kong Royal Police ship captain who was murdered by his colleague....
, Hu Jun
Hu Jun
Hu Jun is a Chinese actor of Manchu ethnicity. He is known for his dramatic roles in various films and television series.-Filmography:-External links:***** - Official recognition fan site...
, Eric Tsang
Eric Tsang
Eric Tsang Chi-wai , MH is a prolific Hong Kong actor, film director, film producer and television host best known for hosting the Super Trio series on TVB over the course of 10 years.-Biography:Due to his popularity, he is often the MC in events organized by TVB, and is nicknamed "the Prize Master"...
and Fan Bingbing.
Plot
In 1905, Sun WenSun Yat-sen
Sun Yat-sen was a Chinese doctor, revolutionary and political leader. As the foremost pioneer of Nationalist China, Sun is frequently referred to as the "Father of the Nation" , a view agreed upon by both the People's Republic of China and the Republic of China...
intends to go abroad to Hong Kong, a British colony, to discuss his plans with fellow Tongmenghui
Tongmenghui
The Tongmenghui, also known as the Chinese United League, United League, Chinese Revolutionary Alliance, Chinese Alliance and United Allegiance Society, was a secret society and underground resistance movement formed when merging many Chinese revolutionary groups together by Sun Yat-sen, Song...
members to overthrow China's corrupt and crumbling Qing Dynasty
Qing Dynasty
The Qing Dynasty was the last dynasty of China, ruling from 1644 to 1912 with a brief, abortive restoration in 1917. It was preceded by the Ming Dynasty and followed by the Republic of China....
. Empress Dowager Cixi
Empress Dowager Cixi
Empress Dowager Cixi1 , of the Manchu Yehenara clan, was a powerful and charismatic figure who became the de facto ruler of the Manchu Qing Dynasty in China for 47 years from 1861 to her death in 1908....
sends a group of assassins, led by Yan Xiaoguo, to kill Sun. Revolutionary Chen Shaobai arrives in Hong Kong a few days before Sun's arrival, to meet Li Yutang, a businessman who provides financial aid for the revolutionaries. As Sun Wen's arrival day draws near, trouble begins brewing in Hong Kong as Chen Shaobai's acquaintances are murdered and Chen himself is kidnapped by the assassins during a raid. Li Yutang decides to officially declare his support for the revolutionaries after the newspaper agency is closed by the British authorities, who do not interfere in China's political situation. Li rallies a group of men, including rickshaw pullers, hawkers and a beggar, to serve as bodyguards for Sun Wen when he arrives. Li's son Li Chongguang is chosen to act as a decoy for Sun Wen to divert the assassins away while Sun attends the meeting and leaves Hong Kong safely.
Cast
Most of the characters are fictional; however, some, including Sun WenSun Yat-sen
Sun Yat-sen was a Chinese doctor, revolutionary and political leader. As the foremost pioneer of Nationalist China, Sun is frequently referred to as the "Father of the Nation" , a view agreed upon by both the People's Republic of China and the Republic of China...
, Chen Shaobai and Yeung Kui-wan
Yeung Kui-wan
Yeung Kui-wan , was a Chinese revolutionary of the late Qing Dynasty. In 1890, Yeung started the Furen Literary Society in British colonial Hong Kong to spread ideas of revolution against the Qing Dynasty and to establish a republic in China...
, are based on real historical figures.
Main cast
- Tony Leung Ka-faiTony Leung Ka-FaiTony Leung Ka-fai is a three-time Hong Kong Film Award-winning Chinese film actor.Because he is often confused with actor Tony Leung Chiu-Wai, Tony Leung Ka-fai is known as "Big Tony", while Tony Leung Chiu-Wai is known as "Little Tony", nicknames which correspond to the actors' respective...
as Chen Shaobai (陳少白), the chief editor of China DailyChina DailyThe China Daily is an English language daily newspaper published in the People's Republic of China.- Overview :China Daily was established in June 1981 and has the widest print circulation of any English-language newspaper in the country...
in Hong Kong. He is kidnapped by the assassins during a raid but manages to escape and rejoin his comrades. He pulls the rickshaw for the decoy Sun Wen in the final scene after Si dies.
- Wang XueqiWang XueqiWang Xueqi is a Chinese film actor whose career has spanned over 25 years. He was often cast in early Fifth Generation films, such as Chen Kaige's Yellow Earth and The Big Parade , Huang Jianxin's Samsara, and Zhang Yimou's Codename Cougar...
as Li Yutang (李玉堂), a businessman and old friend of Chen Shaobai. He used to provide financial aid for the revolutionaries only but decided to officially declare his support after being strongly influenced by them. He rallies a group of bodyguards to protect Sun Wen.
- Wang Po-chieh as Li Chongguang (李重光), Li Yutang's 17-year-old only son. He goes against his father's will to show his fervent support for the revolution. He sacrifices himself to protect Sun Wen by acting as a decoy to divert away the assassins.
- Leon LaiLeon LaiLeon Lai is a Hong Kong-based actor and Cantopop singer. The media refer to Aaron Kwok, Jacky Cheung, Andy Lau and Leon Lai as the Cantopop Four Heavenly Kings . He uses the stage name "Li Ming" or "Lai Ming" which literally means "dawn."-Biography:...
as Liu Yubai (劉郁白), a beggar who used to come from a rich family. He is highly skilled in martial arts and fights with an iron fan. He is killed by Yan Xiaoguo while holding off the assassins alone at the residence of Sun Wen's mother.
- Nicholas TseNicholas TseNicholas Tse is a Hong Kong singer-songwriter, actor and musician, and son of actor Patrick Tse. He is a member of the Emperor Entertainment Group...
as Deng Sidi / "Si" (鄧四弟 / 阿四), a rickshaw puller who serves the Li family faithfully. He pulls the rickshaw carrying the decoy Sun Wen and brings his friends along to help. He sacrifices himself to buy time for the decoy to escape.
- Li YuchunLi YuchunLi Yuchun also known as Chris Lee is a Chinese pop singer and actress who achieved instant fame when she won the nationwide singing contest Super Girl in 2005. She is now working with Taihe Rye Music and released her first album The Queen and the Dream in September 2006. Her second album titled...
as Fang Hong (方紅), Fang Tian's daughter. She knows martial arts and decides to join the bodyguards after her father is murdered. She is killed while preventing the assassins from using explosives to destroy the convoy.
- Mengke BateerMengke BateerMengke Bateer or Menk Batere , commonly referred to simply as Bateer, is a Chinese professional basketball player, formerly in the NBA. He currently plays center for Xinjiang Guanghui.Bateer is an ethnic minority from China's Inner Mongolia region...
as Wang Fuming (王復明), an outcast monk from the Southern Shaolin Monastery who became a stinky tofuStinky tofuStinky tofu or chòu dòufu is a form of fermented tofu that has a strong odor. It is a popular snack in East and Southeast Asia, particularly mainland China, Taiwan and Hong Kong and in East Asian enclaves elsewhere where it is usually found homemade, at night markets or roadside stands, or as a...
vendor. He seeks redemption in order to return to his former monastery. He has a gigantic build and possesses immense strength. He is apparently killed after being stabbed numerous times by the assassins but reappears one last time to destroy a structure to block the assassins' path.
- Donnie YenDonnie YenDonnie Yen is a Hong Kong actor, martial artist, film director and producer, action choreographer, and world wushu tournament medalist...
as Shen Chongyang (沈重陽), a policeman addicted to gambling. He is eager to do anything for money but decides to join the bodyguards after Yueru persuades him to do so. He engages Yan Xiaoguo's henchman in a vicious fight and defeats his opponent eventually but is gravely wounded. He sacrifices himself to disable Yan's horse.
- Fan Bingbing as Yueru (月茹), Li Yutang's fourth mistress and Shen Chongyang's ex-wife. She has a daughter with Shen, and the child was raised as Li's.
- Eric TsangEric TsangEric Tsang Chi-wai , MH is a prolific Hong Kong actor, film director, film producer and television host best known for hosting the Super Trio series on TVB over the course of 10 years.-Biography:Due to his popularity, he is often the MC in events organized by TVB, and is nicknamed "the Prize Master"...
as Smith (史密夫), the police chief. He is initially unwilling to help the bodyguards due to orders from his British superiors but eventually leads his men to protect the convoy from assassin snipers for a short period of time later.
- Hu JunHu JunHu Jun is a Chinese actor of Manchu ethnicity. He is known for his dramatic roles in various films and television series.-Filmography:-External links:***** - Official recognition fan site...
as Yan Xiaoguo (閻孝國), the assassin leader who was formerly a student of Chen Shaobai. He is fiercely loyal to the Qing government. He manages to kill the decoy Sun Wen before being fatally shot by Chen.
- Zhou Yun as Chun (阿純), Si's fiancée
- Simon YamSimon YamSimon Yam Tat-Wah , born March 19, 1955, is a Hong Kong actor and film producer.-Background:The son of a former police officer of Shangdong heritage, his father was a Hong Kong Royal Police ship captain who was murdered by his colleague....
as Fang Tian (方天), a former general living in exile in Hong Kong. He and his men disguise themselves as an opera troupe. He is killed when the assassins raided the theatre.
- Zhang HanyuZhang HanyuZhang Hanyu is a Chinese actor.-Biography:Zhang graduated from the Beijing Central Academy of Drama in 1988. He started his career by doing Chinese voice dubbing for films such as Shark Tale, The Lord of the Rings film trilogy, and Troy...
as Sun WenSun Yat-senSun Yat-sen was a Chinese doctor, revolutionary and political leader. As the foremost pioneer of Nationalist China, Sun is frequently referred to as the "Father of the Nation" , a view agreed upon by both the People's Republic of China and the Republic of China...
(孫文), leader of the revolutionaries. He arrives in Hong Kong for a secret meeting with fellow Tongmenghui members to discuss their plans for revolution.
- Lü Zhong as Madame Yang (楊氏), Sun Wen's mother
- Jacky CheungJacky CheungJacky Cheung is a Hong Kong singer-songwriter and actor. The Chinese language media refers to him, Aaron Kwok, Andy Lau and Leon Lai as the Cantopop Four Heavenly Kings , with more than 60 million records sold as of 2000....
as Yeung Kui-wanYeung Kui-wanYeung Kui-wan , was a Chinese revolutionary of the late Qing Dynasty. In 1890, Yeung started the Furen Literary Society in British colonial Hong Kong to spread ideas of revolution against the Qing Dynasty and to establish a republic in China...
(楊衢雲), a pro-democracy English teacher and President of the revolutionary Furen Literary SocietyFuren Literary SocietyThe Furen Literary Society, also known as the Chinese Patriotic Mutual Improvement Association, or the 'Furen Cultural Society Restoration Association ', was founded in Colonial Hong Kong in 1892 to spread ideas of revolution against the Qing Dynasty and establishing a republic in China.It was...
. His death in the film's prologue marks the first political assassination in Hong Kong.
- Michelle ReisMichelle Reis-Biography:Reis was born in Macau which was then a Portuguese colony. Reis is of mixed ancestry as her father is Portuguese and her mother is Chinese. So, she can be considered as a macanese. Reis attended Maryknoll Convent School, and matriculated from St. Paul's Secondary School.Reis started...
as Liu Yubai's lover
- John ShumJohn ShumJohn Shum Kin-Fun is a Hong Kong actor and film producer. His English name is sometimes written as John Sham.Whilst known primarily for his comedic acting roles in Hong Kong cinema, he also spent time as a political activist....
as Zhang Dayou (張大友), a photographer. He is Chun's father.
Other cast
- Liu Guangning as Empress Dowager CixiEmpress Dowager CixiEmpress Dowager Cixi1 , of the Manchu Yehenara clan, was a powerful and charismatic figure who became the de facto ruler of the Manchu Qing Dynasty in China for 47 years from 1861 to her death in 1908....
(慈禧太后) - Zhang Jianya as Boss Feng (馮老闆)
- Fang Ge as Palace eunuch
- Ou Ning as Huang Shizhong (黃世仲), revolutionary
- Xu Shouqin as Tan Jiu (譚九)
- Wang Yachao as Bao Shi (包十)
- Mak Wing-lun as Gambler
- Wei Yibo as Rong Kai (容開)
- Chang Huo as Policeman
- Huang Jianye as Policeman
- Huang Weiliang as Policeman
- Philip Vasels as Smith's British superior
- Cung LeCung LeCung Le is a Vietnamese-American Sanshou kickboxer, mixed martial artist, and actor from Saigon, Vietnam currently competing in the UFC. He is the former IKF Light Heavyweight San Shou World Champion and has a professional San Shou record of 16-0 before moving to mixed martial arts...
as Sa Zhenshan (薩鎮山), assassin. He is killed by Shen Chongyang after a vicious fight. - Xing YuXing YuXing Yu a.k.a. Shi Xing Yu gained his fame after playing the role of Coolie in the movie Kung Fu Hustle.He was a 32nd generation martial monk at the Shaolin Temple on Mount Song ....
as Hei Man (黑滿), assassin - Che Jianhui as Hou Lie (侯烈), assassin
- To Yu-hang as Nie Zhongqing (聶忠清), assassin
- Philip NgPhilip NgPhilip Wan-Lung Ng is a Hong Kong based actor and action choreographer.- Biography :...
as Bai Que (白缺), assassin
Accolades
4th Asian Film AwardsAsian Film Awards
The Asian Film Awards are presented annually by the Hong Kong International Film Festival Society to recognize excellence of film professionals in the film industries of Asian cinema.-History:...
- Nominated: Best Film
- Won: Best Actor (Wang Xueqi)
- Nominated: Best Newcomer (Li Yuchun)
- Won: Best Supporting Actor (Nicholas Tse)
- Nominated: Best Production Designer (Kenneth Mak)
- Nominated: Best Costume Designer (Dora Ng)
29th Hong Kong Film Awards
29th Hong Kong Film Awards
Ceremony for the 29th Hong Kong Film Awards took place on 18 April 2010 . Here are the nominees listed taken from the official website.Wang Po Chieh's original nomination for the Best New Performer was withdrawn after he was confirmed to be an actor in the 2008 Taiwan film Winds of September...
(most number of nominations in event history)
- Won: Best Film
- Won: Best Director (Teddy Chan)
- Nominated: Best Screenplay (Guo Junli, Qin Tiannan, Joyce Chan and Chan Tong-man)
- Nominated: Best Actor (Wang Xueqi)
- Nominated: Best Supporting Actor (Tony Leung Ka-fai)
- Won: Best Supporting Actor (Nicholas Tse)
- Nominated: Best Supporting Actress (Li Yuchun)
- Nominated: Best Supporting Actress (Fan Bingbing)
- Nominated: Best New Performer (Li Yuchun)
- Won: Best Cinematography (Arthur Wong)
- Nominated: Best Film Editing (Derek Hui and Wong Hoi)
- Won: Best Art Direction (Ken Mak)
- Won: Best Costume Make Up Design (Dora Ng Li-lo)
- Won: Best Action Choreography (Stephen Tung Wai and Lee Tat-chiu)
- Nominated: Best Sound Design (Kinson Tsang and George Lee Yiu-keung)
- Nominated: Best Visual Effects (Ng Yuen-fai, Chas Chau Chi-shing, Joe Tam Chi-wai and Yung Kwok-yin)
- Won: Best Original Film Score (Chan Kwong Wing and Peter Kam)
- Nominated: Best Original Film Song (Chan Kwong-wing, Chris Shum Wai-chung and Li Yuchun)
16th Hong Kong Film Critics Society Awards
Hong Kong Film Critics Society Awards
The Hong Kong Film Critics Society Awards are the annual awards given by the Hong Kong Film Critics Society in Hong Kong, China since 1995. The awards are determined by votes cast in three rounds after a substantial discussion session between the members of the society...
- Won: Film of Merit
- Won: Best Actor (Wang Xueqi)
47th Golden Horse Awards
- Nominated: Best Film
- Nominated: Best Director (Teddy Chan)
- Nominated: Best Actor (Wang Xueqi)
- Nominated: Best Supporting Actor (Nicholas Tse)
- Nominated: Best Cinematography (Arthur Wong)
- Nominated: Best Visual Effects (Ng Yuen-fai, Chas Chau Chi-shing, Joe Tam Chi-wai and Yung Kwok-yin)
- Won: Best Costume Make Up Design (Dora Ng Li-lo)
- Nominated: Best Action Choreography (Stephen Tung Wai and Lee Tat-chiu)
- Nominated: Best Editing (Hui Wan Yu, Wong Hoi)