Peking Opera classics get modern touch

In some of his other films based on Peking Opera classics, such as The Gathering of Heroes: Borrowing the East Wind, visual effects have also played a significant role.

Adapted from the classic novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms, written by Luo Guanzhong in the 14th century, the film weaves together the tales of how Zhou Yu and Zhuge Liang, two military strategists from allied powers engaged in the wars following the collapse of the Eastern Han Dynasty (25-220), defeat their enemies during a decisive battle in Chibi, located in what is now Central China's Hubei province.

According to Ma Chongjie, the movie uses computer-generated imagery to bring to life various battlefield scenes, ranging from the surging waters of the Yangtze River to an onslaught with thousands of arrows.

Ma Chongjie regards the movie — with its sprinkling of prestigious artists aged between 60 and 84 — as the most challenging undertaking of his directorial career.

"This play has been passed down for more than 200 years, encapsulating the artistic contributions of many different masters from various schools. In 1957, it was adapted into a movie, featuring seven masters of that era," explains Ma Chongjie, emphasizing the pressure of seeking breakthroughs while retaining traditional nuances.