"Movies are like a magic carpet", according to He Ping, the Chinese director who's just seen the fruit of 15 years of work finally hit the big screen. On September 23, Warriors of Heaven and Earth descended on Beijing theaters.

Set in the barren Gobi desert, the story follows two protagonists, Lieutenant Li and Japanese emissary Laixi, both first-class warriors and master swordsmen who strive to save a sacred and powerful pagoda from the region's ruthless overlord. The film weaves a thread of battle, comradeship and honor.
 
Making the movie was arduous work for director He Ping. He first hatched the idea for the film more than 15 years ago and worked on the script on and off throughout the period.

Director He Ping said:"We chose to premiere this film, which promotes national spirit, around the National Day in hope of adding to the holiday fun."

The line-up boasts big names like Chinese stars Jiang Wen, Zhao Wei and Wang Xueqi, as well as Nakai Kiichi from Japan.

A. R. Rahman, a prestigious Indian composer, wrote the theme music. And the magnificent special effects were produced by the Hong Kong-based unit of Sony Pictures Entertainment, who took pride in their work for the blockbuster Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.

Many a film star was present at the premiere. He Ping must have crossed his fingers as he waited for their comments.

Whatever the critics may say, audiences now have one more entertainment option to look forward to during the coming National Day holiday.

(CCTV.com September 25, 2003)