Wong Kar-Wai’s The Grandmaster Set To Open The 2013 Berlinale

Slowly becoming arguably the most prestigious first-half film festival (only rivaled by, of course, Cannes), the Berlin International Film Festival has grabbed arguably their biggest coup to date.

After months and months of delays and heightening anticipation, Wong Kar-Wai’s The Grandmaster will open the festival on February 7, coming a month after its debut in China on January 8.

The film is inspired by the life of IP Man, an iconic martial arts master who would later mentor legends like Bruce Lee. Starring Tony Leung, Zhang Ziyi, Chang Chen Benshan Zhao and Hye Kyo Song, the film has been a struggle to get to the big screen, with the director himself leaving the editing bay just weeks ago to get back out there and shoot a handful of scenes.

Obviously no word about the quality of the picture has hit yet, but Berlinale director Dieter Kosslick has said that the film is ‘a new and exciting facet to his body of works,’ with Kar-Wai creating ‘an artful, visually powerful genre film.’ I personally can’t wait to see what he has created here, as the trailers have been absolutely gorgeous and vibrantly crafted.

Source Thompson On Hollywood