Ordinary role for Hu Jun

AFTER playing a tough captain at Feng Xiaogang's war epic "The Assembly," mainland actor Hu Jun is now playing an ordinary "small potato" in the family drama "The Years."

The serial, which also stars actress Mei Ting and Wang Tong, began yesterday on the Shanghai Media Group's News Channel.

Hu has long been impressing Chinese audiences with his vivid depiction of chivalrous characters such as Qiao Feng, an honorable man in the TV drama adapted from Louis Cha's martial arts fiction.

"But personally I would rather take part in a realistic drama that depicts the desire and confusion of people in the modern society," Hu said.

The 39-year-old actor is now working with acclaimed director John Woo on the star-studded historical epic "The Battle of Red Cliff." Hu portrays General Zhao Yun.

Hu is reported to have been exercising hard and taking lessons in horse-riding and martial arts to get into peak fitness for the role. His efforts and diligence in preparing for the role have received high praise from director Woo.