Life and Leisure

The latest kungfu film star - an overweight bunny

(China Daily)
Updated: 2010-09-17 10:51

BEIJING - Rabbit God, a traditional popular clay toy for the Mid-Autumn Festival in northern China, has become the leading role of China's latest 3-D animated film, Legend of a Kung Fu Rabbit.

In the film, the overweight rabbit is depicted as a hero who finally becomes well versed in kungfu and fights evil valiantly to keep his word.

The film is set to break the stereotype of Chinese animated pictures, which are considered dull and mediocre in technology and image design.

Its biggest selling point is its creative use of Chinese elements.

"I came up with the idea of making a 3-D animated film three years ago due to the increasing mature technology," Sun Lijun, the film's director, said.

"I chose Rabbit God because rabbit is a meek and lovely animal and more importantly, it is part of Beijing's culture."

The film has a strong Chinese flavor, featuring the siheyuan (Chinese traditional rectangular courtyard houses of more than 3,000 years old), temple fair and the Fragrant Hill, an imperial garden from the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). All characters are dressed in traditional Chinese costumes.

Rabbit God's kungfu is more diversified when compared with that shown in Kung Fu Panda. Besides taiji, featuring slow movements, there are other forms of martial arts that feature quick movements such as "North legs and South fists", Sun said.

"We are confident that the unique Chinese image can appeal to international viewers," said Gao Feng, the production director.

The film is expected to be released in China and overseas next year, the Year of the Rabbit according to the Chinese zodiac.

"This animation feature is both packed with action and intelligence at the same time. It's yet another variation on 'A real man never goes back on his words' and carries strong moral and educational messages," said Gao.

Sun said the film will not only use the voices of some big stars, but also "ordinary Beijing natives" because their unique accent can make the film more real and interesting.

Sun said the film costs more than 100 million yuan ($14.6 million) to produce. "I believe that it will definitely not prove inferior to Hollywood blockbusters."

China Daily