Asura | |
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Traditional Chinese | 阿修羅 |
Simplified Chinese | 阿修罗 |
Literal meaning | Asura |
Hanyu Pinyin | Āxiūluō |
Directed by | Peng Zhang |
Written by | Kirk Caouette |
Screenplay by | Zhenjian Yang Adam Chanzit |
Produced by | Zhenjian Yang |
Starring | Leo Wu Carina Lau Tony Leung Ka-fai |
Cinematography | Patrick Murguia |
Edited by | Tommy Aagaard |
Music by | Trevor Morris |
Production companies | |
Release date |
|
Running time | 141 minutes |
Country | China |
Language | Mandarin |
Budget | $113.5 million [1] |
Box office | $7.1 million |
Asura is a Chinese epic fantasy film based on Buddhist mythology. It is the directorial debut of stunt coordinator Peng Zhang. It was released on 13 July 2018. [1]
The story is set in Asura, the dimension of pure desire according to ancient Buddhist mythology. The mythical realm is threatened by a coup from a lower heavenly kingdom and the story follows from there. [2]
The film is directed by renowned Hollywood stunt coordinator Peng Zhang ( The Twilight Saga , Ant-Man ) and produced by Alibaba Pictures. The film's screenplay is written by Zhenjian Yang ( Painted Skin: The Resurrection ). Oscar winner Ngila Dickson ( The Lord of the Rings franchise) serves as the costume designer, while Martín Hernandez ( The Revenant , Birdman ) serves as the audio director. Charlie Iturriaga ( Deadpool , Furious 7 , The Social Network ) is in charge of the visual effects. [2]
Asura is shot in seven locations across China, including Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and the city of Liupanshui in Guizhou Province.[ citation needed ]
Asura earned a disappointing 49 million yuan ($7.3 million U.S.) in its opening weekend [3] and was pulled from cinemas after a statement on social media; the statement gave no explanation for the move. However, a representative from Zhenjian Film, which is credited as lead producer, later told Chinese news site Sina: "This decision was made not only because of the bad box office. We plan to make some changes to the film and release it again." [4] Despite these statements, the film has never been exhibited or marketed anywhere again.
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