 This was originally going to be Anita Mui (qv)s final appearance  in film and she had already accepted the role but, because she was  battling cervical cancer, her part wasnt going to be filmed until  early 2004. After her death on 30 December 2003, director  Yimou Zhang (qv) decided to alter the script rather than find a  replacement. Anitas name will still be listed in the credits.