It marks the first time in 11 years that Zhang has worked with Gong.

They became huge stars in China and abroad with such classic works as "Raise the Red Lantern" and "Ju Dou," and last worked together in the 1995 pic "Shanghai Triad." 　　

In "Autumn Remembrance", Chow and Gong will play star-crossed lovers in imperial China, with Zhang in the director's seat. Gong plays Phoenix, an imperial bodyguard, while Chow plays Prince Ping. Numerous forces lead the pair on a dangerous journey where the secrets of the royal family are uncovered. The film will be shot in China next February. 　　

Judging from several earlier reports, this could be Zhang's third martial arts movie. This time, Zhang has promised to focus more on story than he did in his previous two. 　　

Chow is currently starring in "Pirates of the Caribbean 2" and will likely work on another film before coming to China. 　　Gong, who will next be seen in the Rob Marshall-directed "Memoirs of a Geisha", is currently filming "Miami Vice", opposite Colin Farrell and Jamie Foxx, with direction by Michael Mann. 　　

Zhang, who last directed "House of Flying Daggers" and "Hero", will first complete "Riding Along for Thousands of Miles" before taking on "Autumn Remembrance".