A grueling ordeal for Zhang Yimou

HE'S tackled rural drama, kung fu choreography and period epics over a 23-year career that has made him world cinema's top names. But Zhang Yimou says his recent production starring Christian Bale has been one of his toughest.

Zhang finished shooting the film version of Yan Geling's novel "The 13 Women of Nanjing" at a studio near the eastern Chinese city yesterday. In a statement issued by his production company he said it was one of his most grueling shoots ever.

While the shoot for 2002's "Hero" was just as long, that production allowed him to crisscross the country for different locations.

"This movie was based in Lishui. It's been a great imposition on everyone to slave away for five and a half months in confined surroundings. I thank everyone," Zhang said.

"13 Women" is about the Nanjing sex workers who volunteered to replace students as escorts for invading Japanese soldiers. Oscar winner Bale plays an American priest.

The US$90 million production, which is due for release on December 16, was a 164-day shoot and averaged 18-hour working days, the production company said.

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