The historical war movie "Wheat," which opened the Shanghai International Film Festival last month, will hit film screens around China on September 28, according to a report on the portal Sina.com.

Cast members Fan Bingbing (L) and Huang Jue attend a publicity campaign for the lauch of 'Wheat' official website on Thursday, July 16, 2009. [ifeng.com]

The film, starring Fan Bingbing and Huang Jue, is about the Chang Ping Campaign, a famous battle during China's Warring States Period(453-221 bc). It centers on the extraordinary experiences of two ordinary soldiers during their escape from the battlefield. Because the two soldiers were originally farmers who worked in wheat fields, the film was titled "Wheat."

Movie director He Ping spent six years preparing to film the ancient battle epic which features ordinary soldiers as protagonists instead of generals or emperors.

Cast members attend a publicity campaign for the lauch of 'Wheat' official website on Thursday, July 16, 2009. [ifeng.com]

"Wheat" is one of the major productions of Beijing Polybona Film Distribution Corporation this year. When the film preview was shown at the Berlin International Film Festival this February, audiences were captivated by its beautiful scenery and mysterious plot. They also praised its pleasant music score and excellent performances by the actors.

(CRI July 17, 2009)