THE BUTTERFLY LOVERS: LEON AND JO

LEON & JO is the first ever animation movie produced by Central Motion Picture Corporation, Taiwan's largest motion picture company. It is based... More

LEON & JO is the first ever animation movie produced by Central Motion Picture Corporation, Taiwan's largest motion picture company. It is based on the romantic story of LIANG Shanbo and ZHU Yingtai(梁山伯與祝英台), which is over a thousand years old. In Chinese folklore, the story of LIANG Shanbo and ZHU Yingtai is the equivalent to Romeo and Juliet in Western Literature. The production of LEON & JO has been in development and production for over 2 years. Creative talents from China, Hong Kong and Taiwan have been specially invited to add to modern rendition of this timeless classic, including popular Asian actors to perform the voices of the characters and the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra to perform the modern Chinese classic "The Butterfly Lovers Violin Concerto"(梁祝小提琴協奏曲), composed By CHEN Gang(陳鋼) and HE Zhanhao(何占豪). The production is scheduled for release in early 2004. The story of LEON & JO tells of Jo (ZHU Yingtai), a young woman from a wealthy family who decides to leave her home to be educated at school. In ancient China, women were not permitted to attend school. As such, Jo dresses up as a man to disguise her identity so that she receive the education a male would receive. At her school, Jo meets Leon (LIANG Shanbo), a son of a village commoner. They quickly become friends and, shortly after, Jo falls in love with Leon (even though Leon does not know she is a girl!) In the midst of her studies, Jo is forced to return home to her parents as they have arranged for her marriage to obnoxious Winston (MA Wentsai), the son of a powerful and rich man. Though she loves Leon, Jo agrees to marry Winston out of respect for her parents and family. Leon eventually finds out that Jo is actually short for Josephine and quickly rushes to profess his love. He is too late as the wedding is already set. Sick with grief, Leon dies shortly before the wedding. On her wedding day, Jo passes the open tomb of Leon and jumps in. The tomb closes but not before two beautiful butterflies flutter out. They become forever known as "The Butterfly Lovers". Close