Easternlight Films picks up The Lost Bladesman for international sales

Arclight Films International's Hong Kong-based affiliate Easternlight Films International announced today that it had acquired the international sales and distribution rights to acclaimed directorial team Alan Mak Siu Fai and Felix Chong Man-Keung's "The Lost Bladesman".

The much anticipated Chinese screen epic comes to the Cannes Film Festival's Marche du Film 2010 with high expectations for great international success. The Mak-Chong team; who also wrote the screenplay are best know for having directed the now Chinese-language classic "Infernal Affairs", upon which the Oscar winner "The Departed" was based.

"The Lost Bladesman", starring Chinese martial arts superstars Donnie Yen ("Hero", "Blade 2") and Sun Li ("Fearless", "Painted Skin") is a collaborative effort with Mr. Yen directing the electrifying action sequences. He is best known for likewise helming the action scenes in martial arts classics such as "Storm Breaker", "Blade 2" and "Flash Point".

Set amidst the turmoil of China's three ancient warring kingdoms, the Liang Tang production is at its core, a heroic saga in which a heartfelt love story gives this action thriller a gentle subtext juxtaposing quiet sensitivity as a respite from its jarring battle scenes that are positively heart pounding.

Enthusiastically assessing the picture's international prospects, Easternlight managing director Ying Ye said, "Following the remarkable global success of "14 Blades", Easternlight is once again thrilled to team up with the incredible Donnie Yen. He is truly one of greatest action stars ever and his global appeal continues to drive films such as these to an ever-expanding worldwide audience".

"14 Blades" will be distributed in America by The Weinstein Company.

Easternlight anticipates announcing a series of international release commitments for "The Lost Bladesman" prior to the conclusion of this year's festival.