Beginning in the early 80s, Li made a name for himself as one of the top martial artist action stars in Hong Kong cinema with films including Born to Defence and Shaolin Temple 3: Martial Arts of Shaolin. He was diagnosed with nasopharyngeal cancer and died while the film was still in postproduction. The biggest stars - Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan, Jet Li, Donnie Yen - kung fu and wuxia, the leading martial arts film directors, and the best films to watch. As appetite for Asian cinema has ebbed and flowed among non-Asian audiencesthrough the 90s Chan boom, the postCrouching Tiger wuxia craze, the more recent but short-lived breakouts helmed by the likes of Tony Jaa and Iko Uwaiseven huge stars like Yen have found their opportunities limited. Jin Yongs novels are beloved in China, sprawling multivolume epics. So, they said, well, OK, if you want to try action, if it doesnt succeed, thats the easiest thing. I dont understand this. Donnie Yen was born in Guangzhou, China. I cant retire, because I still have projects Im committed to, he says. Why is everything so generic? I think that was our attitude. Yeoh plays Evelyn Wang, the hardworking owner of a failing laundromat whos too busy to tend to the little but important things in life. With only one film in the massive long-running franchise, Yen's role as the blind fighter proved to be one of the more popular characters since Star Wars' return to cinema with Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens. These people belong to another dimension, right? Her latest role is no exception she took on a part that was originally written for the actor Jackie Chan. Because her husband is the one thats always trying to find happiness and silliness and joy and all those kind of thats why he puts the googly eyes, in hopes that it will make her laugh. This is a very good question because you know, at that time, especially in the 80s, it was past the Shaw Brothers era where we had a lot of swordswomen who carried themselves but doing martial arts sword fighting. And I almost chained up life. I got knocked back about eight feet. I dont want to. Mein Favorit von allen Film-Kung Fu Schauspielern wre aber allerdings Bruce Lee. Its the same attitude that has guided Yen throughout his career. We cant be invincible. Yen went on to lead three successful sequels featuring the likes of Sammo Hung and Mike Tyson, making the actor a household name all over the world. And its all about rhythm, precision and timing, all that things put together. In a recent interview with GQ, the actor shared that he's very selective about signing on roles. Over the years, Yen has helped to drag the martial arts movie away from the world of pristinely choreographed period pieces into something messier and more authentic. The steps are choreographed. All rights reserved. With a passion for storytelling, his favorite media can give an idea of who he is: Vertigo, Panic Room, Jurassic Park, Lawrence of Arabia. But I know that once You know what, Donnie? Our latest episode of Vs. might be our most epic yet as we pit the four biggest martial artists/movie stars of all time against each other in one stats-heavy battle royale: Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan, Jet Li, and Donnie Yen. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement and Your California Privacy Rights. It will continue to grow. And Im like, no way. Oh, god, you know, with Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, that was an Asian movie. Boston itself was not always welcoming. Walk in showers are going to be the new trend, Hong Kong actor, martial artist and action choreographer, Chinese-Singaporean martial artist and actor, While details about the Hong Kong actor's role were kept under wraps following the, Additional details also revealed that Caine will be joining the ranks of antagonists such as Cassian (hip-hop rapper Common) from Chapter 2 and Zero (. Donnie Yen was born in Guangzhou, China. Now, definitely. People who continue to keep thinking and to go forward no matter what the negativity or setback., Yen was upbeat. Joe Origins, starring. I think, for me, no. It was horrendous, says Yen. How Michelle Yeoh Took Jackie Chans Role, https://www.nytimes.com/2022/04/14/opinion/sway-kara-swisher-michelle-yeoh.html, Behind the Scenes of Sway With Kara Swisher, Venture Capitalists Are Going to Turn Into Vulture Capitalists, and Other Predictions From Andrew Ross Sorkin. 'Chinese people are the worst': 'Genshin Impact' streamer under fire after racist tirade during stream, Ralph Macchio defends Karate Kid from very white criticism, Curtis Waters is more than a TikTok gimmick: 'There's so much amazing sh*t that I have yet to do', BLACKPINK announce title track Shut Down and ticket sale info. Right now Ive gotta take three cups of double espresso, do a couple of warm-ups. Yen laughs again. In Hong Kong during those heady early days, there was no real dividing line between the actors and the stunt department. So what happened was there was a shot where Jet Li was wired up and we both have these poles, these bamboo poles about this thick. What are you willing to walk away from? After 20 or 50 moves, he keeps missing, Yen says. So, talk about being silly because you, you know, in many of your movies, youre dignified, poised, et cetera. Again, not giving away plot. So it was very different because, at the end of the day, when she comes back into her own universe, she is still Evelyn Wang but with extra skills. The film received a wide US theatrical release from Miramax, and remains one of the most successful foreign language titles ever distributed in the America market.Donnie returned to Hong Kong to choreograph the smash hit fantasy-horror-comedy 'The Twins Effect', and went on to enjoy his most productive partnership with a director. Do you ever think about that multiverse? Shes literally busy. NEXT: Donnie Yen Should Front A xXx Spinoff Franchise. I feel that way when I think about Black Panther and everything else. We never had a storyboard. The film was a huge success in Hong Kong and China, and 'Ip Man' went on to find favor with audiences worldwide. Im curious, what did that movie did that change things for you in terms of roles coming in? Its like, even with the hot dog fingers, when you look at them, youre going, what? I want to be a singer. Theyre giving you an opportunity to do it. Boots, $1,495, by Christian Louboutin. I have no idea. Necklace, $20,300, by Cartier. Jackie Chan was on the roster several years ago. But I think its Barbara Broccoli, Michael Wilson, the producers who realize, its like, yes, lets do something different. All of them are under attack by an evil force in the form of a giant spinning everything bagel you heard that right and Evelyn is being recruited to save the world. Beyond the limitations of his mother's school, Yen began training in various different fighting arts, including Japanese karate, Korean taekwondo and western boxing. Whats it like straddling two different film markets, the U.S. and China? The women became the character that needs to be provided for and protected and all those kind of things. At that point, it was like, nothing will faze you. Both Jackie Chan and Donnie Yen have fought many formidable villains and, from time to time, heroes in their respective action movie careers. Because I was running from Singapore, and then take the flight literally ran out of the set. We do the best we can.. My mom and I were separated for eight years, Yen says. And the women became the damsel in distress. She would drag me out of bed, whack me with a wooden stick. Not that its always gone smoothly. While the more familiar faces of Jackie Chan and Jet Li are household names in America, the 48-year-old Yen still needs one real chance to show his stuff with a significant part in a Hollywood-produced blockbuster to add his name to the list. Then the wardrobe againoh, mandarin collars. He whacked me right on my eyebrow, right? His characters deploy mixed martial arts. More from NextShark: BLACKPINK announce title track Shut Down and ticket sale info. I cant do stage. You cant do that anymoreIll hang it up., Oliver Franklin-Wallis is the features editor atBritish GQ, A version of this story originally appeared in the March 2023 issue of GQ with the title Hong Kongs Ageless Action Hero, PRODUCTION CREDITS:Photographs by Puzzleman LeungStyled by Jacky TamHair by Little WhiteSkin by Kenji NgTailoring by Mrs. LamProduced by Jolene Lin, Apply Bed Bath and Beyond Coupon and save 25% Off your entire purchase, Target Circle: up to 50% Off with Target promo code, Save 25% on your purchase of Spring Styles with Asos Coupon, Michael Kors Promo Code: sign up for KORSVIP + Get 10% Off on First Order, 2023 Cond Nast. ), Nevertheless, some hurts still linger. Yen himself was nominated for Best Actor at the Chinese Hundred Flower awards.Yen followed this with 'Ip Man 2', a rare example of a sequel that proved a match for its predecessor. Why is everything so generic?. Gloves, $140, by Ernest W. Baker. I think action movies, he says, are a genre that everybody in the world can appreciate.. Of his 80-odd movies, most remain unseen by American audiences outside of hard-core martial arts fans but are nonetheless classics of the genre: films likeIron Monkey,SPL, andFlash Point. Follow Brad on Twitter @BradCurran. Why do you have to be so generic? Theres drama. I guess thats not the same thing, Animation? Or you have a family. Im looking at his body at his funeral, and it was like: I was just with him yesterday, Yen says. And perhaps if she was so successful in all that she do, like in the movie universe, she doesnt have a family. Doesnt smile, shared Yen, who suggested making Chirrut mwe blind. There was a move where he spun around 360 degrees, he swings at me and I block it. So theres so much this film, and I really urge everyone to see it because its a very different film than most films that are out there, even though its an action film. Are Billionaires the Answer? So it would have been in that original thing, initially, it was like, I would have played the wife of Jackie Chan. These days, Yen is more selective with the Hollywood movies that he takes on. Our stories do matter. As a subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each month. But the only problem is I cant sing. At the time, Hong Kong cinemaas personified by Jackie Chanwas producing the most electrifying action movies in the world. He notably turned down a role in The Expendables franchise due to how Jet Li, who played the character Yin Yang, was portrayed in the first film. And I think it really shows because the scenes that I have with Stephanie, she is looking for her mother in every universe. Brandon Louis is a TV/Movie news writer. Thanks for listening. Why would you want me to do that? I have stage fright. After premieres in New York and Los Angeles, the film enjoyed great acclaim from the American critics, and won a prize at that year's Taurus Awards, an event held to celebrate action in cinema.After working on a number of independent features, Yen went on to enjoy huge success on the small screen when he accepted a lucrative offer from Hong Kong's ATV to film a series based on the Bruce Lee classic 'Fist of Fury'. Shirt, $575, by Nili Lotan. That hasnt stopped a lot of people. Yen was born in Guangzhou, on the Chinese mainland. Im Kara Swisher, and youre listening to Sway. My guest today is Michelle Yeoh, the actor whose nearly four-decade career has included roles in films like Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, Tomorrow Never Dies, and Crazy Rich Asians. But only now has Yeoh gotten her first Hollywood top billing in Everything Everywhere All At Once, a new movie by a pair of filmmakers known as the Daniels. She was very forceful, old school, like what you see in the movies. 'Jackie Chan made me want to become a stuntman,' says Kenji Tanigaki, but he learned filmmaking working with Donnie Yen - lessons he's applied to Snake Eyes: G.I. Why cant he look cool and fashionable? With Yens influence, the director Chad Stahelski agreed to change the name and the wardrobe. an old friend of Wick's who is speculated to . It's all here Its all like a bunch of jazz musicians, Yen says. His debut film immediately established him as a viable leading man, and Yen has remained a major figure in Chinese action cinema to this day.Yen skills as a street dancer were to the fore in his second starring role, 'Mismatched Couples', in which he showed off his breakdance moves, as well as his general athleticism. Thats why you believe in that universe. I cant take it with me, Yen says. In Hong Kong I spent two weeks shooting this stuff!I think its a lack of respect, and a level of not understanding, not appreciating what we do.. Right, right. He can stillgo. Sometimes a little intimidating and scary. Ad Choices, Nearing 60, the last of a golden era of martial arts stars looks back on an unparalleled careerand forward, to his role in the new, Donnie Yen Breaks Down His Most Iconic Characters, The Essential Michelle Yeoh Viewing Guide. Special thanks to Shannon Busta, Kristin Lin and Kristina Samulewski. Boots, $1,495, by Christian Louboutin. Look at theJohn Wick franchise itself, which would not exist without the influences of John Woo and Yuen. So, that was that kind of physical comedy that I had not done before. Ive got to perform. Its very, very limited. It was very difficult for my mom, because she couldnt accept that, like, Why couldnt you learn from me? But I guess I was born having that personality, always curious of what was out there.. And with Chuck Norris. If youre listening on The Times website and want to get each new episode of Sway delivered to you, along with the chance to dance with Jamie Lee Curtis, download any podcast app, then search for Sway and follow the show. The film's two action highlights saw Donnie's character duel the legendary martial arts master Wong Fei-hung, played by his old friend Jet Li. Thats part of life. One question that had always bugged him, for example: Why doesnt anybody miss? There will always be more people like Michelle, he said. (A full transcript of the episode will be available midday on the Times website.). The show was the top-rated action drama show around the region, and was subsequently re-edited for international distribution on video.Donnie went on to make his directorial debut with 'Legend of the Wolf', a stylish period actioner that even attracted the attention of legendary American film-maker Francis Coppola. The 2000s saw Yen transition to Hollywood with appearances in Blade II as Snowman and Shanghai Knights opposite Jackie Chan. The film has been a daunting task. In Everything Everywhere All at Once, Yeoh plays the superhero: a Chinese American immigrant mother who is called upon to save the world and herself by hopping across multiverses. What a charming little film, I enjoyed watching this film , it had a good story line , the actors played out the parts very well. I have something to say to you. James Bond is James Bond. RELATED: Why Jackie Chan Never Joined Stallone's Expendables Movies. Then It Changed My Life. So that was what the Daniels were trying to they came up to me and said, no, no, no, no. My arms and legs are going in directions that I couldnt even fathom that could happen. At the same time, he began spending his nights in Boston's notorious Combat Zone. Is there a universe you didnt like? This is my schedule, Yen says, showing me the calendar app on his phone, a grid of colored squares so stuffed that it looks like a Tetris endgame. Im like, I worship the ground he walks on. So, yes, we became better known in America, like Chow Yun-Fat. I Thought Mentalphysics Was New-Age Nonsense. At the end of the 50 movies, maybe the 48th, 49 moves, he strikes down with his sword. Although his success in the West has been inconsistent, arguably Yen's most well-known role outside of Hong Kong is Chirrut mwe in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. Today we talk about injusticeI mean, back in the days, you cant imagine. But Id love to know how you would describe the film. That isnt, he says, a criticism directed solely atJohn Wick. A dildo? If you look at all the visual products from big Hollywood movies to TV, Apple or Netflix or whatever, all these action movies, in one way or another, are [influenced by] Hong Kong movies, Yen says. You can see after the huge success of Crazy Rich Asians, can you imagine the weight on our shoulders at that point? Coat, $1,981, by Lanvin. The film, which starred two of China's top pop idols, told the tale of young vampire hunters with well-honed martial arts skills. Donnie also received a Best Actor nomination at the Hong Kong Film Awards. Hong Kong action star Donnie Yen recently recalled two different occasions when legendary martial arts actor Jet Li nearly blinded him. Typical master. And if you think three years ago when Crazy Rich Asians came out, prior to that, it was Joy Luck Club, which was 20-something years ago, before we had an all Asian cast. Not going to happen. Jackie Chan and Sylvester Stallone have a long-running Hollywood friendship. Shes one hell of a determined woman, even though she fails at so many things. Shirt, $535, pants, $775, and tie, $220, by Dries Van Noten. Donnie Yen was a martial artist who became a performer. And blood was spilling. But in general, its always an older man. Yes, yes. The film, directed by Guillermo del Toro, was a huge hit, earning almost twice the box office of the original 'Blade'.Returning to Hong Kong, Yen found he now had a major contribution to make behind the camera, co-directing the SFX action adventure 'The Twins Effect'.
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