Zhang Hanyu takes time to portray Du Yuesheng

2 Aug - Chinese actor Zhang Hanyu recently admitted that he had his doubts when he was first offered to play the role of Du Yuesheng in Andrew Lau's new movie, "The Founding of An Army".

As reported on Oriental Daily, the actor, who had to play the famous mob boss-turned-supporter of Chiang Kai-shek and the Kuomintang back in the 1920s, stated that he didn't bear much resemblance to the real Du.

It is also noted that the 52-year-old is much older than the character's age in the movie, as Du was only in his 30s when he was involved in the first Kuomintang conflict with the Communist.

"It was only after I was fitted into the costume that I begin to feel confident about playing him. I am very pleased with the result," he said.

However, Zhang stated that playing Du is still a challenge since he was a historical figure who is significant in the struggle of the Second Sino-Japanese War.

On the other hand, when asked about the controversy surrounding the casting of many young actors in the movie, Zhang said that he finds no issue in that as he too started as a young actor.

"Every actor needs the opportunity to grow," he said.

"The Founding of an Army" is the third instalment of the "Founding of New China" trilogy by producer Han Sanping, which started with "The Founding of a Republic" (2009) and "The Founding of a Party" (2011).

The story revolves around the beginning of the Nanchang uprising in the 1927.