New Jackie Chan Movie Deemed “Too Violent” for China

Jackie Chan, the martial arts star who has been doing some kid-friendly flicks lately, is starring in a film that is apparently so violent, the film’s director won’t be releasing it in China.

Hong Kong director Derek Yee told the Associated Press today that he considered toning down the violence in the new film ‘Shinjuku Incident’ so that it could pass censors in China where there is not ratings system in effect. Yee then went on to say he decided against cutting his film for fear that it would hurt the integrity of the film.

Yee said the $25 million Chinese-language movie, in which Chan plays a refugee who escapes to Japan and becomes a killer for the mob, has scenes that show characters getting a hand chopped off and pierced with knives.

“We tried to cut the violent scenes to meet the requirements of the Chinese market, but producers I invited to watch that version thought it was incomplete,” he said.

Yee said Chan, who invested in the movie, agreed with his decision.

It’s awesome to see a filmmaker stand up for his film despite what the censors might think.   It’s also good to see Chan getting back to his roots and star in an ultra-violent actioner.   Can’t wait to see this one.

‘Shinjuku Incident’ will be released in Hong Kong and Southeast Asia on April 2 and in Japan on May 1.

Source: Yahoo/Associated Press