Variety is reporting that Chow Yun Fat will play the title role of the ancient philosopher Confucius in a historical biopic sponsored by the Chinese government at a $2.8 million budgeted. The great thinker whose teachings on morals and character was majorly influential all across Asia. Once banned during the Cultural Revolution, the growing rise of consumerism in China has now led to the revival of Confucianism.

Chow's casting was confirmed by Wang Kefei, spokesman for Dadi Film Group in Beijing, one of the backers of the biopic, along with the state film company, China Film Group. Hu Mei is set to direct, with shooting starting later this month at Hebei province and at Hengdian studios.

Movie will screen later this year to mark the 60th anniversary of the People's Republic of China and Confucius' 2,560th birthday.

The recent embrace of the philosopher is a major departure for China. After Chairman Mao Zedong condemned Confucius, Red Guards destroyed Confucius' family home, family cemetery and a temple in his honor in his hometown of Qufu, wrecking some 6,600 priceless relics.

Lately, I been shaking my head in disapproval with Chow's recent move in his acting career. As much as I respect him as an actor, I thought it was a low blow on how he abandoned ship from John Woo's Red Cliff over self-important politics. Its a film reunion that fans of their earlier collaboration has been eagerly anticipating for years and then to add insult to injury, he sold his soul to the devil at the cost of boarding the impending trainwreck that is Dragonball: Evolution. Yessh! Perhaps this role will redeem himself. I sure hope so.