Oscar-nominated Chinese director Chen Kaige is set to start shooting his new film, an adaptation of an ancient revenge story, in March.

A story from China's Spring and Autumn Period (770 BC-476 BC) inspired the film, called "Zhao Shi Gu Er," or "Zhao's Orphan."

The story revolves around a doctor who saves Zhao Wu, the only child of the Zhao family, by sacrificing his own baby, and then raises Zhao until he can take revenge on the general who tried to wipe out his family.

The drama stars acclaimed Chinese actor Ge You and Korean actress Song Hye Kyo.

Chen said Friday the film would not be a historical drama paired with love and hate, but rather a revenge story that takes loyalty and courage as its main themes.

The film is an effort to understand the motives that drove the doctor to his extraordinary acts, Chen added.

Chen's previous production, "Forever Enthralled," was a biopic of the late Peking Opera master Mei Lanfang.