Donnie Yen Longs for romance in new film

Cast members Donnie Yen (left) and Zhao Wei promote Daniel Lee's martial-arts epic film "14 Blades" in Beijing on May 14, 2009. [Photo: CRIENGLISH.com]

Donnie Yen says his new film "14 Blades" will compensate for his unrequited love for Zhao Wei in a previous film.

"Let me embrace 'love' this time," the Hong Kong action star said Thursday at a press conference in Beijing, where director Daniel Lee announced the start of filming.

In the martial-arts film, Yen plays a Ming Dynasty secret agent, who goes through adventures alongside his lover, played by mainland actress Zhao Wei.

Yen and Zhao collaborated in Gordon Chan's 2008 thriller "Painted Skin", in which Yen's character is in love with Zhao's, but the latter is married to another man.

"There were regrets last time around... Let me enjoy a good 'romance' this time," Yen joked.

"14 Blades" also features Brunei-born Chinese singer-actor Wu Chun.

The film is scheduled for release during the New Year season.