Chinese film director Zhang Yimou (L) smiles with Japanese actor Ken Takakura (C) and Japanese film director Yasuo Furuhata during a press conference in Tokyo to promote Zhang's latest film "Qian Li Zou Dan Qi," which means, "riding alone for a thousand li (500 kilometers; 300 miles), Feb. 22, 2005.

Zhang has wowed Hollywood with his dazzling-martial arts movies "Hero" and "House of Flying Daggers," but the Chinese director is returning to the more somber, heart-wrenching story-telling of his older films with his new work -- a collaboration with the 74-year-old veteran Japanese actor.