The first pictures of Chow Yun fat’s upcoming Confucius biopic have now appeared online across Asia. The movie, which is being directed by Hu Mei (For All Eternity), has already started gathering some negative press as the movie is rumoured to portray the legendary philosopher as a Kung-fu fighting romancer…

Mei has adamantly defended her depiction of the historical figure by suggesting that Confucius did in fact ride a chariot, shot arrows from horseback and was an accomplished swordsman too. “Confucius was a living, vibrant person,” said Mei. “He once directed a battle. His disciples, Zilu and Ranyou, were swordsman and archers of the highest caliber. You can find all of this in reliable history texts.”

An Asian release date for the film is yet to be announced but it is expected to be towards the end of 2009.