Filmmakers of The Grandmaster insist that the 108 minute version of the movie is no less profound than the longer version.
Director Wong Kar Wai and Cinematographer Philippe Le Sourd explained at a Q&A following the screening of the film at the New Beverly Cinema on Dec. 5. Wong told The Hollywood Reporter, "We have an obligation to give the picture [to The Weinstein Company for US release] within two hours, so we have to create a shorter version, but I don't want to do a watered-down version. The U.S. version offers scenes not offered in the China version.
The movie celebrating Bruce Lee’s teacher Ip Man is Wong’s top-grossing film in China, earning him over $50 million worldwide>according to Variety. The film offers a loose personal history of one of kung fu’s great wise men, and follows a number of different fighters.
The Grandmaster is shortlisted for the Oscar for best foreign language film. The Academy Awards will be held on Mar. 2 at the Dolby Theater.
Image: Wikimedia Commons.
