China pop diva returns for Confucius

China's pop queen is back! After a 5-year hiatus, Faye Wong has returned, singing the theme song of China's blockbuster "Confucius". The video was released Wednesday in Beijing, 16 days before the film hits theaters across the globe.

With only 64 Chinese characters, the theme song "You Lan Cao" is adapted from ancient poet Han Yu's eulogy on orchids that resonates with iconic philosopher Confucius. Faye Wong's soothing, ethereal voice was considered perfect for conveying the lofty spirit of the song. Her return is one of the biggest surprises in China's entertainment world. She says she did it just for "Confucius".

Faye Wong

Faye Wong said, "Joining the film 'Confucius' means a lot to me. There's so much negative information and emotions in our world and in art. Among them are sharp and deep questions. And "Confucius" contains the answers. It's there throughout the ages. The film reminds us to inherit the spirit and thoughts of our ancient philosophers. It's our roots which we can't lose."

The film focuses on Confucius's life between the ages of 51 and 73, when China experienced many wars and conflicts. It was not easy recreating the ancient scenes.

Hu Mei, director of Confucius, said, "For me, it's hard to film something that happened so long ago. It was 2,500 years ago. I chose to set the film step by step from Confucius shooting bows, then making the viewers see smoke in the wind, a school standing next to a temple."

35-hundred props and sets were used to recreate the ancient scenes, a record for Chinese cinema.

Mao Huaiqing, art technician of Confucius, said, "During the Spring and Autumn Periods, people eat the same way as today's buffet dinner. Chopsticks lie on the plates, offered as spoons and knives."

Confucius is famous for his philosophy of being kind which is reflected in the way of contrast under the helm of director Hu Mei. That's why the ruthless rule that slaves were buried alive with the dead was shown in the film.

Leading the cast is Hong Kong veteran Chow Yun Fat, best known internationally for his role in the Oscar-winning Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. Other big names includes A-list actor Chen Jianbin and actress Zhou Xun.

"Confucius" will hit theaters January 22nd.