TNMC
This site’s design is only visible in a graphical browser that supports web standards, but its content is accessible to any browser or Internet device.
Highbinders (2002)
Plot: Slain Hong Kong cop Eddie Yang (Chan) comes back to life and teams up with Interpol agent Arthur Watson (Evans) to stop a shipment of illegal immigrants headed to Dublin, Ireland.
News:
1 May, 2002
Monkey Peaches reports the Jackie Chan flick is likely to get a worldwide release in February 2003.
7 March, 2002
MonkeyPeaches had a report on a dangerous stunt in the film.
"In this scene, Jackie Chan's character drowned while attempted to save a kidnapped boy from a container submerged in the sea. They spent three days working inside a swimming pool for the scene which will show up in the very early of the film and probably will not last more than five minutes on screen. More than a dozen of identical suits were prepared for Jackie Chan and he had to change suits between takes. Large amount of bleach powder were dumped into the cold water which has made his skin brighter than ever. Each time Jackie Chan climbed out of the pool, he used bottled water to wash his eyes. In addition he had to wear a 20 pound lead brick to make sure he can sink. Over a thousand of light sticks were put on the bottom of the pool to make the scene very colorful. To be safe, mats were placed around the pool, medical personnel were standing by and more than ten divers were in the pool."
18 September, 2001
A recent press conference was held in Dublin to kick off the start of filming. Jackie spoke highly of the Irish crews and people. "I've never been here before -the weather is a bit variable but there are great people," he said. The professionalism of the Irish crew quickly eliminated his concerns over not using his standard crew from Hong Kong.
You might also find this bit of production art interesting. This represents the possible design of the movie's poster and hints at the supernatural powers of Jackie's character.
What do you think? Talk about it on the Forums
11 July, 2001
Jackie Chan spoke to Empire Online while in London to promote Rush Hour 2. In the interview he mentioned this movie, although it was referred to as Sidewinders instead of Highbinders. Has the title changed? Anyway, he mentions why they chose Ireland for shooting. "I think we chose it because of the castles and the green," said Jackie.
What do you think? Talk about it on the Forums
26 May, 2001
Director Reginald Hudlin is out and Gordon Chan (Fist of Legend) is in. Hudlin reportedly left due to "creative differences." Chan, who also runs Emperor Multimedia Group which is financing the film, will employ Sammo Hung (Mr. Nice Guy) as the action director.
We had hoped to co-operate with a Hollywood director on the project," said associate producer Bey Logan. "Unfortunately, things didn't work out with Reggie (Hudlin) and the other directors that we wanted proved unavailable."
Shooting will begin July 16 and will take place in both Hong Kong and Ireland. Apparently Jackie Chan's character is killed while on duty but returns with supernatural powers. That's an interesting new twist we hadn't heard.
22 May, 2001
It would appear that Lee Evans (There's Something About Mary, Mouse Hunt) will be replacing Atkinson in the role opposite Chan. According to a report on IMDB, Evans signed a $3.9 million contract at the Cannes Film Festival to take on the role. The British comedian will begin taking martial arts lessons shortly as required by the role.
30 April, 2001
Dublin, Ireland will serve as the setting for filming of Jackie Chan's latest project. Titled Highbinders, the Hong Kong production will shoot this summer in Ireland. It will potentially co-star Rowan Atkinson (Bean), who is currently filming Scooby Doo in Australia.
Scouting for locations took place a couple weeks ago. Casting for the English spoken movie should be largely Irish apart from the two main stars. Shooting should take approximately twelve weeks. A few scenes will be shot in Hong Kong and London as well.
Chan will play Eddie Yang, an agent working for the Hong Kong government who investigates the international trade in illegal immigrants. Yang wants stop the exploitation of poor Chinese people seeking a better life in the West. Atkinson, if signed, would play Interpol agent Arthur Watson, an oddball easily compared to Inspector Clouseau. He employs numerous disguises and gadgets in his work. The two work together to track a shipment of immigrants to Dublin.
The film features a roof-top chase sequence in Dublin which ends up in the river Liffey. The Giant's Causeway in Antrim and Rosslare port also feature in the film.
Producer Tim Kwok said the production was attracted to Dublin because of the story and the offered tax breaks. "The story suited itself to Dublin," said Kwok. "We really liked what we saw in Dublin. It's a wonderful place."
