Mel Gibson and Bruce Willis collaborate on war film 'The Bombing'

SHANGHAI, July 13 (UPI) -- Actor and filmmaker Mel Gibson says he is serving as the art director of the 3D war movie The Bombing, starring Bruce Willis and Liu Ye.

Gibson announced his involvement in the project at a recent press conference at the $65 million film's Xiangshan production base in China. He was invited to join the production of The Bombing by Chinese producer and director, Dr. Shi Jianxiang, founder and chief executive officer of Shanghai Kuailu Investment Group.

"Mel is interested in what happened during that period of time, and provided relevant suggestions on how to make the movie," Shi said. "He is very insightful."

"I have seen so many changes in China," Gibson said, noting it has been 20 years since he last visited the country. "The Bombing has an excellent, world-class team with outstanding producers, directors, cast and crew. Our crew is marvelous, modest but enthusiastic. It has been a very interesting experience filming this movie. We share similar objectives no matter who we are: actors or directors. So, I am grateful to have such opportunities to express my thought, no matter how much I have contributed to the movie."

The Bombing is about the attack on Chongqing by the Japanese air force in World War II. It depicts the hardship suffered by Chinese people at that time.

Gibson is best known for his performances in the Lethal Weapon and Mad Max franchises, as well as for his work on the films The Passion of the Christ, Braveheart and The Patriot.