She is the way she is. You know what Im saying?, Things are changingeven if progress has been agonizingly slow. In this conversation, Kara Swisher and Yeoh discuss the film, which Kara describes as The Matrix meets L.S.D. The conclusion of their duel also sidesteps there being an actual victor and places more emphasis on the two finding a mutual respect as General Lone reaches the pinnacle of his mission. Today, he says, he sees a big difference in the way he and other Asian actors are treated in Hollywood. Whats it like straddling two different film markets, the U.S. and China? Heaven or hell, or whatever. Its not just the age thing. He took the on-screen depiction of the style to new heights with the film 'SPL', released in the US as 'Kill Zone'. He will be 60 this year. Why do we do this? Its the first Hollywood movie since the early 90s to have a modern story and all-Asian casts. Please. Like, running and taking off my things and going, OK, now Im going on a plane, and fly straight back to China in Shanghai to be with him. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement and Your California Privacy Rights. And What Even Is Web3? But for brevitys sake, heres just one. Donnie Yen recently revealed that the production team behind "John Wick: Chapter 4" redesigned his character Caine after he spoke out against it being an Asian stereotype. Leeeeeeeeeeeets get ready to rumble in the Bronx. Yeah, its a good idea. Our stories do matter. How did they get this opportunity? And you cannot be sensible and controlled when you are approaching a character like that because Evelyn Wang, to me, is a real person. Their bromance was crystallized in 2016, when Stallone presented the Chinese action icon with an honorary Academy. 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. We literally spent the entire day coming up with moves, and then Yuen Woo-ping would say, Not cool enough. The entire day, without coming up with one shot., Those early films with Yuen provided Yen with a crash course in the art of making action movies. Its very, very limited. Yen finished the film in his memory. Not going to happen. I kid you not, it was spilling like shower spray. Oh, god, you know, with Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, that was an Asian movie. Over the course of his very long career,kung fu star Jackie Chan has brought audiences equal amounts of thrills and laughter with his penchant for comedy-laced action movies packed full of martial arts and death-defying stunts. Donnie Yen 'very disappointed' by Tarantino's Bruce Lee Donnie, can you come in and shoot a close-up? The film stars Donnie Yen as Crippled Ho, based on real life gangster Ng Sik-ho and Andy Lau reprising his role as Lee Rock from the film series of the same name.The film is about an illegal immigrant from . Jacket, $2,800, vest, $590, shirt (vintage), and pants, $690, by Double RL. As a kid from Hong Kong, let alone one whod spent the previous six years in America, he barely fit in. So, I said, I would love to be able to try I think at that point in that period, the glory years of Hong Kong cinema, it was comedies and action movies that were the best sellers. I dont know how long that will last, he says. He said, hes wondering if, you know, you have time to have a quick cup of tea with him. The 59-year old will not be taking on Hollywood roles that are deemed "generic" and if it doesn't respect his Chinese culture. Throughout his career, Hollywood has never quite known what to do with himor, until recently, any Asian leading men, for that matter. And thats what we all do. Why does he always have to be called Shang or Chang? Even as Hollywood has ignored Asian actors, it has over the years co-opted the visual techniques and tropes of Hong Kong cinema. The movie, which premiered at the London Film Festival, paid tribute to the great history of Hong Kong martial arts cinema.During the shooting of his ambitious, time travel themed action fantasy 'Iceman 3D', Yen was approached to revitalize the greatest brand in the history of Chinese martial arts cinema. You look like youre having much more fun with the hot dog. Because in 2020, Chinas film market became the worlds biggest box office. And you must try and find joy and happiness. The Chinese, we all have our way of interpreting the story. Would You Upload Your Consciousness to the Cloud? Its so funny. She calls herself a loser. I know exactly where the camera is. Donnie Yen was born in Guangzhou, China. I think what the strong core of the message, apart from the very familial connections, is that no matter how tragic or how despair or frustrated you are, its you cannot give up. But then, what is it youre giving up? More than 5,000 NPC deputies and members of the CPPCC National Committee attend this year's #TwoSessions. While it is great that Staheleski is open to making changes and removing stereotypes as per Yen's request, we still see one big issue though: How is having a Hong Kong action star appearing as a blind martial arts expert in Hollywood movies isn't in itself a stereotype? But hes never forgotten it. But the Daniels have so cleverly manipulated the situations that, you know, theres always that miscommunication, which creates misunderstandings, which become like, oh my god, oh my god, this is just the train wreck waiting to happen. And I think that was the biggest leap of empowerment. Who would win in a fight between Jackie Chan and Donnie Yen? Mm-hmm. Now, definitely. The world class creative team gathered by producer Harvey Weinstein included legendary kung fu film director Yuen Woo-ping, acclaimed directors Peter Berg and Morten Tyldum (as producers), 'X-Men' series DP Tom Sigel as well as the Oscar-winning production, costume and FX designers from the 'Lord of the Rings' and 'Hobbit' film series.The film debuted in most international territories as a Netflix Original movie, making it the most widely seen wu xia of all time. Why does he always have to be called Shang or Chang? Yen calmly warned them to leave them alone, but the thugs opted to attack him, which ended up with Donnie thoroughly kicking their asses in the street. After about 30 takes, he missed. Shirt, $575, by Nili Lotan. Since 1957, GQ has inspired men to look sharper and live smarter with its unparalleled coverage of style, culture, and beyond. Jackie Chan's 20-Year Quest to Share the Screen With Lifelong Friend In an interview with GQ, Yen, 59, shared that he spoke to John Wick: Chapter 4 director Chad Stahelski about making adjustments to Caine, a blind assassin whose first iteration allegedly employed several Asian tropes. 'Iron Monkey' was all the more remarkable in that, years after its Asian release, it was acquired by the American studio Miramax, re-cut, re-scored and given a wide release in US theatres. Overall, I enjoyed making the film, he says. (At least not on purpose. In China, Yen can play drug lords, animated monkeys, romantic leads, soldierseven sing. susie on Twitter: "More than 5,000 NPC deputies and members of the Yen also used the lighter side of his screen persona to good effect in two installments of the hit Hong Kong comedy movie series 'Alls Well Ends Well'.Yen was cast opposite Tang Wei and Takeshi Kaneshiro in director Peter Chan's 'Wu Xia' (aka 'Dragon'), a dark, elegant period martial arts murder mystery. Why can't he look cool and fashionable?" So hopefully now they will, you know, get on the horse and really ride out. When he's not writing, Brad enjoys going on a ride with the latest action hit or Netflix original, though he's also known to just pop in "The Room" from time to time. Maybe now it can happen. Yes. And two, did it do that? When It Comes to Gun Control, Will Baby Steps Fix Anything? Copyright 2018 Fandango. Im not going to be here talking about how to change how people feel about it. We have this mating dance. Bruce Lee vs. Jackie Chan vs. Jet Li vs. Donnie Yen They make these [MINION VOICES]. But I think its Barbara Broccoli, Michael Wilson, the producers who realize, its like, yes, lets do something different. The Founding of a Republic - Wikipedia Youll be able to catch up on Sway episodes you may have missed, like my conversation with Andrew Garfield. I think they just announced they have a writer. The characters are there, but its more about the love rather than just the playing around, the pranks that they would do on the poor girl poor Constance, and you know. Again, not giving away plot. "The name was Shang or Chang. what it did was I think it changed for a lot of our Asian talent because there were more roles that were written. She doesnt like her husband putting googly eyes on the packaging and stuff. So but although she is the loser, right? Its the same attitude that has guided Yen throughout his career. I think that is the superpower thats inherent in all of us. Donnie also received a Best Actor nomination at the Hong Kong Film Awards. Im curious, what did that movie did that change things for you in terms of roles coming in? Suddenly, shes thrust into a multiverse where she can jump between different versions of her life. 'Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: The Sword of Destiny' also played at selected Imax theatres in North America, and enjoyed a wide theatrical release in China, where it was screened in its 3D version.Yen reteamed with his former mentor Yuen Woo-ping for the hugely popular 'Ip Man 3'. auditor, who is fantastic. 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. Before he accepts a role, hell ask questions, like, Is the role generic? You you have to try and eat healthier. More from NextShark: BLACKPINK announce title track Shut Down and ticket sale info. Theres a love story. Yen also didn't establish himself in the West to the extent that Chan had until much later on, but he's every bit as recognizable now, and today, Yen has grown into one of the biggest and most revered martial arts stars in the world. (I told you: ageless.). That mahjong scene was something else. Yes, poise. What Id do is Id use a cotton ball and put it between my back teeth, so they [didnt] knock my teeth out., Today, Yen is one of Chinas biggest actors, the last in a dynasty of martial arts stars that runs from Bruce Lee to Jackie Chan to Jet Li. Jet Li Nearly Blinded Donnie Yen While Filming On Two Different Movies, Donnie Yen's Ip Man 2 Has A Secret Jet Li Connection (& It's Genius), John Wick 4 - Why Donnie Yen Is More Important Than You Think. I had a very respectful experience working on John Wick. Overall, I enjoyed making the film, he said. You picked up a lot of your stunt training early in your career in Hong Kong. I do all of them, unless I mean, if its asking me to jump off the third floor, then I dont do that anymore. He was eventually forced to borrow money from loan sharks. Its comedy. But at the end of the day, you take a step back and go, empathy. It was only a matter of time before this happened. I think action movies, he says, are a genre that everybody in the world can appreciate.. We do the best we can.. A half-beat slower. 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. He was signed to co-star in and action direct 'Highlander: Endgame', the latest in a series of fantasy actioners. She barely notices Waymond, her husband, who tries to make her smile by sticking googly eyes on the laundry bags, or her lesbian daughter Joy, whos struggling to come out to her grandfather with absolutely no support from her mother. Something similar happened just recently, while makingJohn Wick: Chapter 4. But that was also very, very important that we focus very much on the love between the mother and the son. You can see after the huge success of Crazy Rich Asians, can you imagine the weight on our shoulders at that point? The same is true of Yen as an actor. Yen could regale you with stories of his scrapes for hours. 7 Hong Kong actors who made it big in Hollywood, from Jackie Chan - MSN The film followed Ip's life journey to Hong Kong, where he faces both rival kung fu masters, led by the film's choreographer, Sammo Hung, and a brutal foreign boxer, portrayed by the late Darren Shahlavi. At first, youre looking at the fingers. I went to my friends karate school, or a boxing gym, Yen says. Why can't he have a normal name? Yen playsGeneral Lone, a warrior out to free the land of Huadu from the tyrannical rule of a sinister Queen. Li solidified himself as an icon in the genre with his historical fiction epic Once Upon a Time in China as folk hero Wong Fei-hung. I know seven, eight is going to be the close-up. Yen demonstrates, throwing little blocks and jabs as if training at the wooden dummy. Because action movieswhich is what I do bestaction movies take a certain fire, a passion, and that is relative to physical ability, he says. Yen cannot raise his right arm overhead, for example, on account of having been smashed into a brick wall on 1985sMismatched Couples. Bad Movies: The 100 Worst Movies of All Time, Netflixs 100 Best Movies Right Now (March 2023), 100 Best Netflix Series To Watch Right Now (March 2023). Were comparing these legends of global cinema across four categories Box Office, Tomatometer and Audience Scores, Iconic Moments, and a special Wild Card Round to see who is the one man left standing when all the dust has settled/limbs have been snapped/henchmen have been felled. The film, which starred Adrian Paul and Christopher Lambert, was produced by the US studio Dimension, and enjoyed a successful worldwide theatrical release.Having relocated to Los Angeles, Yen paid his dues by directing action scenes for the Dimension action thriller 'Stormbreaker' and providing the fight sequences for the German TV series 'The Puma'.Donnie agreed to both action direct and cameo in the major New Line action franchise entry 'Blade 2', starring Wesley Snipes. Hong Kong martial arts cinema, starring Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan, Jet Li So, what is it you really, really want? And that is the big beating heart of this film. Its just like youre on LSD the whole time. In addition to Ip Man and Rogue One, Yen rose to fame by appearing in films such as Hero," Iron Monkey," Raging Fire, Once Upon a Time in China," Blade II," Chasing the Dragon opposite Andy Lau, "Shanghai Knights opposite Jackie Chan, and Mulan opposite Liu Yifei. More News. 10 February 2023; . But my own experience, like, I was there, I have many friends who were there. It could be a mother, an auntie, a grandmother that goes by unnoticed because shes so puts her head down, just goes about her day to do the things to ensure that shes making a better life for her family, and you know, the running the errands. But in Hollywood? When Donnie was just two years old, the family moved to Hong Kong and then, when he was 11, to Boston . Every Jackie Chan Vs Donnie Yen Fight Scene, Why Jackie Chan Never Joined Stallone's Expendables Movies, Yen's combat versatility seen in his MMA movies, Police Story: The Stunt That Almost Killed Jackie Chan, Donnie Yen Should Front A xXx Spinoff Franchise. At the time, the demand for martial arts movies was waning, and Yen was determined to innovate within a genre starting to grow stale. 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. Each studio was determined to outdo its rivals for the most elaborate action sequences and flat-out dangerous stunts. Beyond the limitations of his mother's school, Yen began training in various different fighting arts, including Japanese karate, Korean taekwondo and western boxing. It was likeKill Bill. Ten Questions with Flash Point Star Donnie Yen - Rotten Tomatoes A huge hit for Emperor, the film earned Yen his first Best Action Director prize at the Hong Kong Film Awards. After 20 or 50 moves, he keeps missing, Yen says. You know, inHero we did all the poetic shots and beautiful color and posingits been done, Yen says. Im doing Tigers Apprentice. Im in the next Minions.. Lately, Yen has been thinking more about his legacy. And we have learned to OK, we have to step back. Yen was on the set of Tsui Harks now classic 1992 sequelOnce Upon a Time in China II, filming the kind of action scene they really dont make anymore. He shows me a rough cut of the trailer forakra. Cinemagoers in China are being obliged to watch propaganda videos featuring some of the country's best-loved stars. It could have been a girl. Why do you have to be so generic? Jackie Chan's 20-Year Quest to Share the Screen With Lifelong Friend Jet Li Finally Came to Fruition After Legal Barriers . And it was like its very much like dancing, if you look at it. We release every Monday and Thursday. Although, if theres a villain in the movie, the real evil here is nihilism. She is this very ordinary woman. Whats it like to be in such a silly film for you? [You can listen to this episode of Sway on Apple, Spotify, Stitcher, Amazon Music, Google or wherever you get your podcasts.]. And in fact, he knows all he has to do is call. Is there any type of roles you havent played yet that you really want to do? Hong Kong action star Donnie Yen recently recalled two different occasions when legendary martial arts actor Jet Li nearly blinded him. They think theyre serving Chinese food. Ive been through it all. (Given that series treatment of Jet Liwhose character is called, and Im not joking, Yin Yangyou can imagine why.) Why is everythingso generic? All rights reserved. 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'. Given that he was by now a serious practitioner of modern Wu Shu, his parents decided to send him to Beijing to train at the Chinese capital's famed Wu Shu academy.It was when Yen returned to Hong Kong en route back to Boston that he met the famed martial arts movie director Yuen Woo-ping.Donnie exploded onto the Hong Kong movie scene when he was cast in the lead role of director Yuen Woo-ping's 'Drunken Tai Chi'.