Actor Bolin Chen. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

After working together in the blockbusters Assembly and Aftershock, veteran Chinese director Feng Xiaogang and South Korean filmmaker Kang Je-gyu reunite for a third film, which is set for release on the Chinese mainland in the fall.

The Bad Man Must Die, a crime thriller, is young director Sun Hao's first main venture and has Feng and Kang looking after the film's cinematography and budget.

Previously, Sun worked as an assistant director in 13 of Feng's films.

"It's time for the younger generation to make their mark in the movie business. Sun has written an impressive script and has filmmaking experience," Feng says.

Set in the picturesque Jeju Island in South Korea, the film narrates the adventure of a Chinese primary school teacher and his three friends, who get accidentally involved in a local crime.

Taiwan actor Bolin Chen and South Korean actress Son Ye Jin play the lead roles.

The 113 million yuan ($18 million) production took two months to shoot, with 90 percent of its scenes filmed in the touristy island.

Oct 23 is the film's release date.