China awaits remake of Only You

Chinese actress Tang Wei and actor Liao Fan. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The upcoming romance comedy Only You, supervised by veteran filmmaker Feng Xiaogang, recently reveals its backstory in anticipation of its July 24 release.

The movie is a remake of the 1994 namesake Hollywood title, which starred Robert Downey Jr. and Marisa Tomei, said director Zhang Hao at a Beijing media event on July 9.

Its investor, Huayi Brothers Media Corp, has purchased the adaptation copyright from Sony Pictures Entertainment, according to Zhang.

The movie narrates a bride-to-be's adventurous journey in Italy to pursue her true love, which she believes is her destiny.

Italy, featuring romance and surprise in many giant-screen titles, has attracted Huayi also for its tax-refunding policy that lures many foreign filmmakers to shoot there.

Starring A-listers Liao Fan and Tang Wei, the movie will hit mainland theaters next weekend.

Liao, 41, gained International attention when he won the Silver Bear for the noir drama Black Coal, Thin Ice at the 2014 Berlin International Film Festival.

He said it was exciting to work with Feng, one of the country's most commercially successful directors.

"Feng is the guy who can maximize your passion. The shooting reminds me of my hard-working college time," said the Shanghai Theater Academy graduate.

Tang revealed that the script really grabbed her, as she fell in love with her husband, South Korean director Kim Tae-yong, in the same "destined" way.

Related:

Director Feng touts film with edgy laughs

Chinese director Jia Zhangke to lead Toronto film festival's inaugural jury