By Stone Martindale Apr 13, 2007, 15:44 GMT
BEIJING -- Chinese state broadcaster CCTV has commenced production on an extensive 40-part series chronicling the life of American citizen and martial arts legend, Bruce Lee.
Shanghai Shaolin Kung Fu School ( EPA/WENHAO YU
Bruce Lee was a Chinese American martial artist, instructor, and actor and was regarded as one of the most influential martial artists of the twentieth century.
Lee was known for his unique presentation of Chinese martial arts to the non-Chinese world. Lee's films, especially his performance in the Hollywood-produced "Enter the Dragon," sparked huge interest of Chinese martial arts in the West. Subsequently Lee became an iconic figure particularly to Chinese; as he portrayed Chinese national pride and Chinese nationalism in his movies.
"The Legend of Bruce Lee" is currently shooting over the weekend in Lee's ancestral home in Shunde in Guangdong province.
The biographical series about the San Francisco-born star will also shoot in Hong Kong and the U.S. Actor Chen Guokun of "Kung Fu Hustle" will play the martial arts legend.
"I'm nervous and also excited, but I will do my best," he told Chinese state media, adding that Lee had been his role model since he was a child.
The series is due to air in 2008, the year Beijing hosts the Olympic Games.
China had petitioned to include kung fu in the games, but was turned down, Kung Fu organizers are planning a separate competition in tandem with the games.
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