[Telcontar Rulz]

Here's the translation, a rough version anyway. There will be mistakes The stuff in brackets are my questions/uncertainties. For the transcription of names, I've used Mandarin Pinyin instead coz I know it, the exception being Johnny To and Chow Yun Fat.

Chow Yun Fat and Johnny To have spoken of cooperating for many years, but so far it has only been talk. Now they truly are collaborating, to make the film The Red Circle, and it has been decided that Chow Yun Fat, Hollywood leading man Orlando Bloom, and star of Schindler’s List Liam Neeson will star in this film about three robbers/vagabonds/jewel thieves (take your pick) who turn Hong Kong and Macao upside down.

To’s films have been in the international spotlight during recent years, and for the last two years, many international producers have continuously tried to persuade him to direct an international film. After much consideration, To finally decided to cooperate with a French Studio to film the remake of Jean-Pierre Melville’s Le Cercle Rouge. Not only will filming be funded by international studios, but Lin Jian Yue (rich Chinese guy) and his studio are also involved. The film is estimated to cost 4 million U.S. dollars.

At first, Chow was undecided, and Orlando had to personally phone him to persuade him.

During the rewrite of the script, To not only employed American script writers, but also invited Wei Jia Hui (Chinese screenwriter?) to help. Orlando loved the script when he read it, and very quickly signed on. Chow, because of a scheduling clash, was a bit unsure about this, but while he was in Mexico filming Dragonball Z, Orlando phoned Mrs. Chow to ask her to help him persuade Chow to take part in The Red Circle, and To also helped to persuade him. Due to their sincerity, Chow finally agreed.

Yesterday, To told reporters that “filming will commence in June. Most outdoor scenes will take place in Macau. Only one-third will take place in Hong Kong. Concerning the actors, only Orlando’s participation has been confirmed. The others have not yet signed contracts. After the film passes through producers next week, the cast will be confirmed. I really hope that Chow Yun Fat can take part in this because it’s a gun-wielding movie, and his best type of movie. Also, he and Orlando have already worked together on Pirates of the Caribbean. I really hope they can work together again.”

The original Red Circle was set in France. In the remake, the setting will be changed to Hong Kong and Macau. Instead of being jewel thieves, the three main characters will now rob jewellery stores (what’s the difference?) and casinos. The three criminals will be hunted by the International Police, or InterPol, and while fleeing, the three will show their friendship and loyalty to each other. Since it is a rather masculine movie, the female character is not too important, so To does not intend to cast a very famous actress for the part.