Actor Chow Yun-fat promotes the upcoming historical film Tong Que Tai (The Bronze Sparrow Terrace) in Beijing on Tuesday, November 8, 2011. [Photo: ent.sina.com.cn]

China's A-lister Chow Yun-fat has taken on the role of Cao Cao, a famous warlord from the Three Kingdoms Period.

Chow, Alec Su and Japanese actor Hiroshi Tamaki have attended a news conference to preview the historic epic Tong Que Tai (The Bronze Sparrow Terrace).

Director Zhao Linshan says the film will focus on Cao Cao's later life, including his military affairs, love and relationship with his sons.

This is Zhao's first big-screen project. He normally only makes commercials.

Chow Yun-fat says the film will unveil a new side of Cao Cao, "I think the director and the screenwriter create a Cao Cao that is different from what we know from the books. He is more personalized. We are familiar with the Cao Cao on the battlefield, and this film looks at his family life."

Filming is now underway. It's due for release next October.

(China Radio International November 9, 2011)