"Saving General Yang" cast turned up in full force along with four of its good-looking actors as well as director Ronny Yu and producer Raymond Wong. With a huge group of interesting people to interview, Cinema Online took the opportunity to find out what exciting stories are there behind the scenes.

Raymond, can you tell us a little about the process of shooting such a big-scale movie? It's very well-made and similar to how Hollywood movies are produced.
Raymond Wong: I have been involved with making martial arts movie in recent years and thought of an old friend I used to always collaborate with. We've always been in touch even though he left for a Hollywood career. Finally, one day he came back to make Jet Li's "Fearless". While he was back, I took the chance to sit down with him, lamenting on the fact that we haven't worked together in more than a decade. But he's so very picky with the scripts. Finally, when we settled on a script, it wasn't because of me, but of my son, who convinced Ronny Yu (the old friend in question) to make a movie about the Yang family. It was three years ago, that we started working on "Saving General Yang". The process was of course an arduous one.

Ronny, what exactly did Raymond's son say to convince you to make "Saving General Yang"?
Ronny Yu: I remember exactly that Raymond and his son came to see me in Beijing to talk about another script. But when Raymond left to use the washroom, his son, Edmond immediately said to put his dad's suggestion aside first and listen to him. Raymond's son had read a lot about the Yang family saga and told me he hoped to make a movie highlighting revered aspects of Chinese culture and traditions via the Yang family's story. After finishing my work on "Fearless", I always hoped to return to the industry here to make a story that strongly focuses on our culture.

Why the decision to focus on each of the seven sons in the film?
Ronny: When I decided to make the movie, I told Raymond that I didn't want to make another film on the Yang family that repeats past stories. Every Chinese in the world knows that the Yang family are warriors who serve the country loyally. But this round, we want to highlight the values held in high regards by the Chinese community and convey them through what these seven brothers face in the movie – which is loyalty, filial piety, compassion and brotherhood. I also told Raymond that I wanted to make history's coolest, best-looking Yang family [Laughs]. I would say we have the most handsome ensemble in film history gathered right here in this movie.

Ekin, did you face any pressure playing the oldest brother? You have so many younger ones to look after in the movie.
Ekin Cheng: When I first picked up the script, the first thought that went through my mind was: "Wow! There are so many actors involved!" I was worried that it would be a hassle if so many people were involved but Ronny put me at ease. He was pretty confident about handling everybody. Of course, each of the brothers in the movie also gave a lot to "Saving General Yang". It really felt like we were a family in the movie, and if you watched it, I'm sure you will agree as well.

Playing a big brother must have suited you. Look at you, being all worried about the film even before shooting.
Ekin: Well, it's about time I played a big brother [Laughs]! But it's a character trait that fits me, especially since off-set, I am also the most experienced actor among the brothers. It's like the presence of Adam Cheng (who plays the titular General Yang in the movie, also the father to the seven sons who set out to save him) on the film. He gives me pointers while working together, and I try to help out the rest by emulating his advice.

It must have been tough for you guys out on the 'battlefield'.
Ekin: No doubt the process has been an arduous one but it's all worth it in the end. It has been a great pleasure being able to star in the movie. I've never really picked up horse-riding despite all my years acting. This is the first time I'm actually required to take up lessons. It's nice to know that I am able to take away a skill with me from the movie.

Which of your 'younger brothers' is the most playful one?
Ekin: You won't believe this, but none of them compares to our 'dad', Adam Cheng! He really loves having fun! He may be a respected veteran in the industry, but he doesn't throw his weight around. He never reprimands but gives out advice in a friendly manner that doesn't intimidate.

Yu Bo, is this your first time in Malaysia?
Yu Bo: Yes. The last time I was here was 13 years ago for a holiday. This is my first time here for work.

We heard you hurt your arm trying to pick up a big flag with one hand in a scene.
Yu Bo: Actually, my hands and legs were already hurt by the time I played the scene. When I picked up the flag, the wind happened to be tremendous, coupled with the fact that it was soaked with 'bloodied' water made it heavier than usual. I had to finish the scene since there were riders and horses still behind me, if I paused for a moment, it would have been disastrous.

Is this your most physically demanding film to date?
Yu Bo: "Saving General Yang" definitely tested my physical strength [Laughs]. My horse riding skills and martial arts techniques definitely improved.

How about your experiences in the movie, master archer Vic Chou? When we watched the film, we were blown away by how different you and your character looked!
Vic Chou: When deciding on my character, Ronny gave me a lot of help and advice. The director had a great art team who did a wonderful job coming up with the character image and design.

You had surprisingly next to no lines as the third brother.
Vic: Yes.
Raymond: We gave him only three lines because he is the third brother!

We heard that the bow and arrows you used were conjured by CG.
Vic: The bow I had was made out of real, solid wood. The martial arts director had suggested that I tried pulling the bowstring to see how the results would be like. I pulled it with all my strength and the arrow only landed 3 metres in front of me! The decision to use CG was definitely the right one in my case!

Did you fall in love with archery after filming?
Vic: Not really. I did love horse-riding though. To develop a bond with a horse in a short time is really an amazing thing.
Ekin: There's a reason why we love spending time with the horses. The armour we put on in the movie was really heavy. To climb up and down the horses required help from the crew. It's really exhausting. In the end, we decided to just stay on the horses even when filming stopped for a while. We ended up talking to the horses a lot! Like Vic, he loves taking the horse to a secluded spot to eat grass.
Vic: Actually, I didn't have a choice. The horse was the one that brought me there. It really had 'character'; the horse ate wherever it wanted to!

Wu Chun, did you have a good time chatting with your brothers while riding?
Wu Chun: There was one day when we finished filming and were supposed to get in the cars to bring us back. But for some reason, we didn't really want to get off the horses and all the 'brothers' decided to just galloped back to the rest area. It was really exhilarating.

You took a beating by the enemy in the movie. Did you get hurt in the process?
Wu Chun: There were a few stunts that were quite dangerous. Each move had to be quite precise or we'll end up hurting each other. But luckily the safety measures were well placed during filming.

How did you feel about the Yang family saga after learning more about them? If we are not mistaken, you did some research on their background prior to shooting.
Wu Chun: They inspire me. To tell the truth, I'm not very familiar with a lot of the Chinese history because I didn't have a lot of opportunity to study it in Brunei. When I was given the script, I went online to learn more about them. The more I read about the Yang family, the more excited and eager I am to know more about their story because they encompass all the important values we hold in high regard within the Chinese community.

That's a very nice sentiment to have. Well, I think that's all the time we have with you guys. Thanks for your time with us!
All: Thanks, Cinema Online.