Tsui Hark's first 3-D film, "The Flying Swords of Dragon Gate" ("Long Men Fei Jia"), started filming on Sunday, October 10, 2010 with Jet Li, Zhou Xun and Chen Kun, Sina.com.cn reports.

Although based on the story of 1992's "Dragon Inn", Tsui denied the new film will be a remake of the old classic. Tsui also worked on the screenplay in addition to directing and producing the film, to ensure the originality of the story.

Jet Li plays a Ming Dynasty general battling a power-hungry eunuch played by Chen Kun. Their contest comes to a head at an inn run by Zhou Xun.

Jet Li has not collaborated with Tsui in 18 years, since their "Once Upon a Time in China" series made Jet Li a household name. He joined this team not only because of his confidence in Tsui, but also to try out the 3-D technology, "It's the first time we've used 3-D technology to shoot a kung fu film. I'm curious what kind of experience it will bring the audience and I hope the new technology will help make a better movie."

The film will also be the first kung fu work for actress Zhou Xun. The "Perhaps Love" actress said that she hoped the film will give her a new challenge.

To manage the special effects, Tsui invited Chuck Comisky, the visual-effects supervisor for James Cameron's "Avatar", to be the director of cinematography. He also assembled an international team, including young talents from South Korea, Singapore and Spain to work as technology support.

The film is expected to be released during the Christmas season in 2011.