Standing for hours non-end for the materialization of your own wax-figure is no easy task. However, any mild discomfort there may be is a small price to pay, especially for Malaysian actress and legendary Hong Kong superstar Michelle Yeoh, the latest inductee into the Kung Fu Zone exhibit over at Madame Tussauds Hong Kong.
Her display this week is a certain treat these days as fans await until early next year to catch her along with fellow action star Donnie Yen in director Yuen Woo-Ping's theatrical/svod-bound forthcoming English-language wuxia sequel, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon 2: The Green Legend. Fans are even moreso geared toward the hopes that this will be the first of a new foray into doing Hong Kong action once again, which would no less mark a highly-anticipated welcome back for the actress into the genre since working on more contemplative roles such as in the director's cut of the 2006 martial arts drama, Fearless, as well as the 2007 space thriller, Sunshine, and in Luc Besson's Aung San Suu Kyi biopic, The Lady in 2011.
Granted, she was still doing action roles as well with movies like Babylon A.D. in 2007 and the John Woo-produced Reign Of Assassins in 2010. Nonetheless, a celebratory return to the genre that helped launch her into niche stardom with movies like Magnificent Warriors, Wing Chun and Yes, Madam! would be nothing short of a delight.
All things in good time though, while we await what lies ahead following her upcoming marriage to motorsports mogul Jean Todt. If martial arts action cinema a la Hong Kong is in her future, let it be.
Better yet, I wouldn't mind her Hong Kong prospects including an ensemble reuinion of sorts. Let's hope Royal Warriors co-star Sanada Hiroyuki and Yes, Madam! co-star Cynthia Rothrock are in the loop.
Check out the photo below along with the press release from a few days ago for the unveiling of Yeoh's statue and stay tuned for more info!
International star Michelle Yeoh today unveiled her wax figure at Madame Tussauds Hong Kong. Styled as the character Yu Shu Lien in Crouching Tiger,Hidden Dragon, Yeoh’s wax figure joins Kung Fu masters Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan and Donnie Yen at the newly opened Kung Fu Zone in paying tribute to Hong Kong martial arts films. In celebration of the 15th anniversary of its opening, Madame Tussauds Hong Kong launched the brand-new Kung Fu Zone as the finale of its third major expansion project. In addition to the four legendary martial arts masters, a gauntlet of interactive challenges also awaits visitors.
Styled as the fearless character Yu Shu Lien in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, Yeoh’s figure clutches a Chinese sabre and appears to be ready for a fierce fight. Re-enacting a classic scene from the film, the life-like figure also exudes Yeoh’s celebrity charm. According to Yeoh, her wax likeness reminded her of numerous interesting moments from the filming of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, and she hoped guests can immerse themselves in the world of martial arts films as they interact with the wax figures.
This is Yeoh’s second collaboration with Madame Tussauds Hong Kong. To prepare for production of the new wax figure, Yeoh spent five hours with a team of professional sculptors from the United Kingdom for the sitting process. Her measurements of all parts, as well as colour matching and contrasting of her hair and eyes, were taken with great precision. Hundreds of photos were taken to ensure the final figure can fully capture her graceful style and impeccable physique.
Yeoh said: “I’m honoured to have the opportunity to collaborate with Madame Tussauds Hong Kong for the second time. I was, once again, amazed by the professionalism of Madam Tussauds studio artists. It never occurred to me before how similar wax-making artistry is to martial arts – both require patience, precision and an unyielding pursuit of perfection.”
Although it was not the first time that Yeoh has collaborated with Madame Tussauds Hong Kong, she was once again thrilled and amazed by the liveliness and likeness of her wax figure – the level of detail was so refined that even the figure’s sharp gaze was an exact replica of its living counterpart.
Yeoh said: “I’m extremely pleased to join three martial arts film legends in the newly opened ‘Kung Fu Zone’ and pay tribute to Hong Kong martial arts films. Chinese martial arts has a long and illustrious history, while Hong Kong has made significant contributions to the spread of Kung Fu fever around the world, particularly through martial arts films produced in recent decades. I’m deeply humbled to be a part of the Kung Fu culture and I hope guests can experience the spirit of Chinese martial arts through their interactions here.”
The Kung Fu Zone is Hong Kong’s first permanent tribute to martial arts and Kung Fu films. As the grand finale of the attraction’s third major multi-million dollar expansion, the new zone is close to 800 square feet. Modelled after a traditional Zen monastery, the all-new themed area features a beautifully crafted red arched door and a magnificent sculpted dragon.
Besides Yeoh, three other influential Kung Fu film stars who have made immense contributions to the development and popularisation of martial arts will be featured in sets inspired by key scenes from classic Kung Fu films, covering some of the most iconic moments in Hong Kong film history. Bruce Lee, widely considered as one of the greatest martial artists of all time and a pop culture icon of the 20th century, is now immortalised in wax and greets visitors with his signature flying kick. Jackie Chan, dressed in a traditional duangua suit, strikes an iconic pose from his vast body of work in martial arts comedies, which catapulted him to early fame in his career. Donnie Yen’s wax likeness appears as Ip Man, the Wing Chun master of legendary Bruce Lee.
Ms Kelly Mak, General Manager of Madame Tussauds Hong Kong, said: “We are thrilled to collaborate with Michelle again. A familiar face the world over, Michelle is an iconic martial arts star and her influence has been recognised with the title of Dato’ and other honorifics numerous times. Through Michelle and her fellow martial arts stars, we hope to exemplify the best of Chinese martial arts, which was first brought to the world stage by Hong Kong martial arts films before it became a significant facet of global culture. The Kung Fu Zone aims to carry forward the traditions and spirit of this precious intangible cultural heritage of the city, and interactive elements will complete the all-around Kung Fu experience for tourists from all over the world.”
A series of interactive experiences also awaits visitors as they make their way through the zone. An interactive screen teaches martial arts combat moves, and combatants can receive immediate feedback on their performance. Guests are also invited to prove their balance and agility on sensory-activated projections on the floor and test their speed by hitting as many targets on a Wing Chun wooden dummy as possible within the time limit. The magnificent sculpted dragon overlooking the area has in store an interactive surprise for courageous fighters. These dynamic special effects promise to immerse everyone in the martial arts world.
Kung Fu Zone Promotional Offer- From 29 June 2015 to 31 August 2015, Kung Fu Zone Tickets Package can be purchased at HK$188 each. Each package includes one Madame Tussauds Hong Kong adult admission ticket and one 6R photo (guests can get their photos taken by Madame Tussauds Hong Kong staff within the Kung Fu Zone).
Madame Tussauds Hong Kong 15th Anniversary Campaign- Wonderful prizes will be awarded to selected guests through the “Surprise across Asia with Madame Tussauds" campaign. All visitors to Madame Tussauds Hong Kong will receive a greeting card upon entry from April to December 2015. Those who submit the most creative greetings will have a chance to win a set of admission tickets to all seven Madame Tussauds attractions in Asia, including Hong Kong, Shanghai, Beijing, Wuhan, Singapore, Tokyo and Bangkok (each set of tickets is valued at approximately HK$3,000 and entitles entry for two persons). One winner will be selected by Madame Tussauds Hong Kong on the 15th of the month from April to December 2015 (except for August). On 15 August 2015, 12 winners will be announced to commemorate the attraction’s opening in August, 15 years ago. Winners will be notified of the prize collection procedure by email.
For enquiries, please call: (852) 2849 6966.
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