A still from the movie Tracing Shadow

Hong Kong actor Francis Ng's comedy Tracing Shadow (Zhui Ying) will hit the big screens on July 30. The 48-year-old comedian's maiden directorial work features actors with similar looks to Jackie Chan, Jet Li, Andy Lau and singer Jay Chou. Ng jokes he couldn't afford the real thing and perhaps the only real star is Jaycee Chan, son of Jackie Chan.

Focusing on a group of swordsmen's search for hidden treasure, the film is a spoof of many old Hong Kong action films, including those of King Hu, Chang Cheh and Tsui Hark. The Forbidden Kingdom (Gongfu Zhiwang) will also be spoofed.

Ng rose from television and is known for her intense acting style. His personas, on and off screen, have won him the nickname "Mental".

(China Daily July 7, 2009)