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December 29, 2005
Original Chen: Harvey goes back on Promise
In another odd shift, coming after postponing platform releases of Transamerica and Mrs. Henderson Presents until the new year, Weinsteinco drops Chen Kaige's Promise, reports Variety's Ian Mohr. "Last May, the Weinstein Co. pacted for North American rights to Chen Kaige's film, with plans to release it under the title Master of the Crimson Armor." Pic opens Friday in Los Angeles for a one-week Oscar-qualifying run." But sales rep Etchie Stroh's Moonstone Entertainment and China Film Group will handle that as well as its US, UK, Australian and South African releases with partners to be named. Mohr suggests the pic got in the way of Weinsteinco's other Oscar designs, and quotes H. Weinstein, "We have thoroughly enjoyed working together for the past seven months and have reached an amicable decision to part ways on Master of the Crimson Armor."
Adding to the confusion, there's Chen's 121-minute Chinese hit, with the scissored US version clocking in at 97 minutes. "The Crimson Armor title has been jettisoned, and both versions will screen under the title The Promise. While the longer version is the Oscar hopeful, the shorter version is nominated as a foreign film contender at the upcoming Golden Globes. Revised version includes a new beginning and a modified ending to reshape the pic for Western tastes... Pic is expected to take in $16 million-$25 million in its homeland."
Posted by pride at December 29, 2005 10:46 AM
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