Hong Kong director Johnnie To, known for several crime-themed box-office hits, is trying to paint a feminine romance in his latest work Linger.

He hopes it wows audiences just like his other films.

"Linger" concerns the innermost feelings of a successful lawyer, who goes through emotional downs after losing her lover in a car accident.

Johnnie To has invited celebrated mainland actress Li Bingbing and Taiwan heartthrob Vic Zhou to lead the love drama. However, the stars didn't boost his confidence at first.

He was quoted by the Shanghai-based Oriental Morning Post as admitting he was "plain unconfident" about directing a woman-centered flick.

The director had been spending great efforts editing the film after shooting wrapped up in October, until all preview audiences gave him their unanimous thumbs-up.

Now Johnnie To is awaiting responses to see whether the film could premiere at next month's Venice Film Festival.

The film is scheduled to hit the silver screen later this year.

(CRI.cn July 26, 2007)