A still from Gao Qunshu's upcoming crime film "Fantastic Four Detectives" [sina.com.cn]

Following his impressive take on wartime espionage, film director Gao Qunshu is now pointing his camera towards modern crime.

Gao, co-director of the WWII spy thriller "The Message," has kicked off his new project, "Fantastic Four Detectives" ("Xi Feng Lie"), with a release date set for May, 2010.

The new film revolves around four detectives, each with his unique traits and skills, pursuing two escaped criminals while two hired assassins keep getting in the way.

The film is being shot in the deserts of northwestern China. Reporters were invited to the set for the first time on Sunday. Director Gao told the media that the film was inspired by a real crime case several years ago.

The eight lead characters are played by an all-star cast.