So, you obviously made your name in Hong Kong action movies. Yen co-starred in action films with Jet Li and Jackie Chan and continued to play the leading role in many martial arts and action films including Tsui Hark's "Seven Swords" (2005) and crime . The kicker? And suddenly, it was much more like, you see? Crouching Tiger. Ive worked four or five movies with him already. Who knows: In my 70s I might be lucky, and be one of those very few that are still able tobut why push that?, Thats why he still wakes up in the morning and does jump kicks. Yes, because its all what I love about all the universes. And the women became the damsel in distress. Now, definitely. Well just put you right back to the same box. Who is the ultimate fighter? After about 30 takes, he missed. This is aJohn Wick movie. Her face is still Evelyn Wang going, what the heck is going on? I would love to do like a Moulin Rouge because thats the dancer-performer in me. I received a text message from Jackie because I was not well. Its about whats happening in our society. Even as Hollywood has ignored Asian actors, it has over the years co-opted the visual techniques and tropes of Hong Kong cinema. Right now Ive gotta take three cups of double espresso, do a couple of warm-ups. Yen laughs again. Yen finished the film in his memory. Why is everything so generic? 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. Chinese movies, Hollywood movies, his other business pursuits, including a line of sunglassesthe phone rarely stops ringing. From award-winning writing and photography to binge-ready videos to electric live events, GQ meets millions of modern men where they live, creating the moments that create conversations. Boots, $1,495, by Christian Louboutin. Yen certainly has a point and as seen in John Wick 4's marketing materials of the actor donning massive sunglasses and a black suit (no Mandarin collars! Its true. Why cant he have a normal name? And with Chuck Norris. But I think at the core of the story, really, its a very ordinary, average a woman that you walk by every day. Why does he always have to be called Shang or Chang? Often, the typecasting isnt even conscious. She knows these kind of women, and their jobs, and the responsibility of that job, and how it can really turn so many lives upside down. She is this very ordinary woman. Its so liberating. The reception forShanghai Knightsclearly showed that it had outdone Shanghai Noon's blend of Wild West action and anachronistic comedy, but not enough credit is given to Wu Chow's defeat being of the funniest moments of either movie. This slapstick romantic comedy was produced by Hong Kong's prestigious Cinema City studio.Donnie was subsequently signed by the newly formed D&B Films, and cast in the hit cop actioner 'Tiger Cage'. But the joy and love to be found in that kind of situation gives you such a sense of self-worth. Everybodys supposed to be cool and fashionable. Naturally, Chan and Yen had to come face-to-face on the big screen sooner or later, with the pair ultimately fightingtwice. I would suspect she was, Im guessing. When I first read it, I was like, no, no, no, no, no, no. Jacket (price upon request), by Willy Chavarria. "The name was Shang or Chang. Joy, wait. The film won Donnie his third Best Action Choreography prize at the Hong Kong Film Awards, as well as a prize for Best Action in a Foreign Language Film at the Taurus Awards.Yen explored different styles of screen combat when he choreographed the stunning kung fu fights for the period actioners 'Legend of the Fist' and 'The Lost Bladesman', the fantasy combat for 'The Monkey King' and the time travel adventure 'Iceman Cometh 3D'.Many fans feel that Yen delivered his best choreographic work to date in Peter Chan's masterful 'Wu Xia', released in the US as 'Dragon'. The movie went on to sweep the board at the Hong Kong Film Awards winning Best Film, among many other prizes. Yeah. In this version, they are reimagined as powerful female warriors, complete with stunning costumes and fierce attitudes. No, no, no, no. You went on to star in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon in 2000, which was a mega-hit globally. Sie knnen Ihre Einstellungen jederzeit ndern, indem Sie auf unseren Websites und Apps auf den Link Datenschutz-Dashboard klicken. 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. Everyone was just out there competing, like B-boys or skate crews, to do the coolest shit possible. I never say no to him. We will see. I dont understand this. Chan isn't exactly known for wuxia-style action and wire fu, but the formerEnter the Dragonstuntman handles the somewhat foreign territory well alongside Twins Effect's downplayed emphasis on comedy and pratfalls. She was very forceful, old school, like what you see in the movies. Meanwhile, Yen continued to produce quality martial arts films in Hong Kong, creating an international hit as the titular kung fu master in Ip Man. The film has been a daunting task. Have you been in animation? Donnie Yen was born in Guangzhou, China. Then It Changed My Life. Youre right. Theyve been here. Answer (1 of 2): Even if you equalized their ages, my vote would go to Donnie Yen because he is a competent grappler with a purple belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, a 2nd dan in judo and has trained some in MMA. The video features a collection of photos showcasing these iconic actors in their new female personas, highlighting their incredible skills and talent in the world of martial arts. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement and Your California Privacy Rights. Very scary. One question that had always bugged him, for example: Why doesnt anybody miss? 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. I think that was our attitude. He got one of his producers to make an introduction, borrowed the money. The same is true of Yen as an actor. But its not the only version of her, which is interesting. The Rise of Gru. Oh, my god. I have, yes, success and fame. In 'Iron Monkey', Yen played the father of Wong Fei-hung, and its success prefigured that which he would later enjoy as another pugilistic patriarch in 'Ip Man'. And then we just attacked it. At the time, the demand for martial arts movies was waning, and Yen was determined to innovate within a genre starting to grow stale. 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. When Evelyn Wang walks, she is slightly bent over and slightly humped on the side because thats the years of hard work that has created this posture. Chan and Yen's second big-screen fight is the inverse in every way from theirShanghai Knightsbout,being more weapon-based and placing Chan, in particular, into some very new territory. 10 February 2023; . Donnie, can you come in and shoot a close-up? Its not like a Marvel universe where you can understand and you find it relatable. Throughout his career, Hollywood has never quite known what to do with himor, until recently, any Asian leading men, for that matter. Why would you want me to do that? Thanks for listening. The Planet Is Burning. Donnie Yen was a martial artist who became a performer. Please. Its the first Hollywood movie since the early 90s to have a modern story and all-Asian casts. He grew up absorbing every book, movie, TV show that he could get his eyes on. 04 Mar 2023 03:42:41 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. Jackie Chan and Sylvester Stallone have a long-running Hollywood friendship. They thats actually very, very interesting, very clever question, because I do work on both. He will be 60 this year. 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? And I think that was the biggest leap of empowerment. And this idea of nothing matters, you can go two ways. Pokmon Detective Pikachu Sequel Finds Its Writer and Director, and More Movie News, Womens History Month TV and Streaming Guide 2023, All Rocky and Creed Movies Ranked by Tomatometer, RT Fans Crown Jurassic Park the Ultimate Steven Spielberg Movie, Everything Everywhere All at Once Wins the A24 Showdown, RT Users Crown Toy Story the Best Pixar Film Ever, The Most Anticipated TV & Streaming Shows of March 2023, Daisy Jones & The Six Stars Riley Keough and Sam Claflin on Making the Band, Copyright Fandango. Now, definitely. It was because she suddenly realized thats when I dont have Waymond and I dont have Joy. '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'. Chasing the Dragon (Chinese: ; Sidney Lau: Jui 1 Lung 4), previously known as King of Drug Dealers, is a Hong Kong-Chinese action crime drama film directed by Wong Jing and Jason Kwan. Gloves, $140, by Ernest W. Baker. The only way I could find power was through martial arts., His mother opened a martial arts school in the citys Chinatown, and Yen quickly became one of her most promising studentseven as he bristled at her imposing methods. 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. But he always kept at it. 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. Sometimes a little intimidating and scary. It will continue to grow. Following a high profile Los Angeles premiere, 'Ip Man 3' enjoyed a Los Angeles premiere and a US theatrical release, earning rave reviews in the mainstream American media.Having conquered every territory beneath the Asian skies, Donnie accepted an invitation to join the cast of an entry in the world's biggest film franchise. Donnie Yen confirms Ip Man 4 will be his final kung fu film As a former student of the wing chun grandmaster, Lee also features in Ip Man 4, this time played by Hong Kong actor Danny Chan -. 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. Donnie collaborated with Yuen on the action for the film, designing a new on-screen interpretation of Wong Fei-hung's classic 'Shadowless Kick'. After starring in blockbusters like Rogue One: A Star Wars Story and Disney's live-action Mulan, Yen will soon appear in John Wick 4 as Caine, an old friend of Wick's who is speculated to be an important aspect to the main character's story. The name was Shang or Chang, the Ip Man star said. Waymond is played by Ke Huy Quan. Nihilism is especially resonant with the pandemic and the war and everything else. Donnie also took up hip-hop and break-dancing. (SINGING) When you walk in a room, do you have sway? And I said, aw, poor you. 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. Special thanks to Kristin Lin and Kristina Samulewski. Why is it this way? [Yuen] said, Youll know when youre a director., Yen eventually started to exert more of his own control, first of stunt choreography, then assuming directing duties. We have to learn to listen to each other and show kindness. Then the wardrobe again oh, mandarin collars. Which your character was against that, was against Constances character. He was signed to co-star in and action direct 'Highlander: Endgame', the latest in a series of fantasy actioners. Actor, Producer, Director, Writer. The film was released in North America by The Weinstein Company's Dragon Dynasty label, and remains its biggest hit.Yen also attracted rave reviews when he played an honorable general in 'An Empress and her Warriors' and an offbeat ghost-buster in Gordon Chan's 'Painted Skin'.Yen took his career to a new level when he accepted producer Raymond Wong's suggestion that he play Bruce Lee's teacher, 'Ip Man', in an eponymous film relating the life of the great master. Its a martial arts movie. He shows me a rough cut of the trailer forakra. Why do you have to be so generic? Here in America, you are taught you have to be self-sufficient. Because of the years of having to carry heavy loads of things, her body is not always upright. These people belong to another dimension, right? Youre not allowed to ask questions. I cannot do stage. Even with the Crazy Rich Asians one, we sort of diverted from the original book. Yeah, thats right. Is there a universe you didnt like? This video is a playful and imaginative tribute to three of the world's greatest martial artists, Jackie Chan, Jet Li, and Donnie Yen, but with a twist. Yes, yes. Copyright 2018 Fandango. As a subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each month. Yeah, so its a silly premise, but the heart of it is not silly. Im very blessed that I still have a lot of speed, explosiveness, power, he says. Jacket, $3,390, pants, $1,350, and boots, $1,450, by Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello. But Im there, you know?, Yens Chinese patriotism can get him into troublemost notably during the 2019 pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong, during which Yens pro-Beijing stance prompted many cinemagoers in his home city to boycott his movies. Why is everything so generic?. The film, with Wilson Ip as director and Yuen as choreographer, pitted the title character against legendary boxing champion Mike Tyson. 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. And I think it really shows because the scenes that I have with Stephanie, she is looking for her mother in every universe. Due to restrictions imposed by the Mao government of the era, Yens motherBow-sim Mark, a nationally renowned wushu grandmasterwas not permitted to accompany them. We're comparing these legends of global cinema across four categories . There were more stories. Oh, if I was James Bond? The second time we spoke, Yen was energized to see Michelle Yeoh, a friend and costar of Yens for decades, win a Golden Globe forEverything Everywhere All at Once after being critically ignored for so long. It was horrendous, says Yen. You know What? Chinese kung fu star, Donnie Yen, is listed as a member of National Committee of CPPCC. Why does he always have to be called Shang or Chang? When It Comes to Gun Control, Will Baby Steps Fix Anything? 'Ip Man 2' was the biggest local hit of the year in China, and enjoyed a limited theatrical release in the US.The film's success led to Donnie being cast as a number of legendary Chinese heroes: He played General Qin-long in Daniel Lee's '14 Blades', Guan Yu in 'The Lost Bladesman' and reprised Bruce Lee's Chen Zhen role in Andrew Lau's 'Legend of the Fist'. 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. 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. Burnt. I cant take it with me, Yen says. Immerhin hat er in "Die Todeskralle schlgt wieder . So, people listening to this will be like, a bagel? As you get older you feel it more and more., Another actor might have hung it up by nowor at least dialed back the physical side of things. He took the on-screen depiction of the style to new heights with the film 'SPL', released in the US as 'Kill Zone'. If youre in a podcast app already, you know how to get your podcasts, so follow this one. Why does he always have to be called Shang or Chang? But that was also very, very important that we focus very much on the love between the mother and the son. Do you think its a new phase or not? I had a very respectful experience working on John Wick. Overall, I enjoyed making the film, he said. In Hong Kong during those heady early days, there was no real dividing line between the actors and the stunt department. If Im not allowed to have my creative control, Yen says, its not worth my time., Yen is proudly Chinese (its been reported that he gave up his US citizenship in the late aughts; he has since described himself as 100 percent Chinese) and is still amazed at the progress that he has witnessed in his home country during his lifetime. Theres drama. After 20 or 50 moves, he keeps missing, Yen says. Bravura martial arts choreography. But I think its Barbara Broccoli, Michael Wilson, the producers who realize, its like, yes, lets do something different. I dont want to get political. The steps are choreographed. 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. One thing I pointed out is he was a stereotype. His skills behind the camera began developing from his early days in the industry, and he was very much involved with the action choreography of his films for D&B Films. That would scare the hell out of me. The emotion, the commitment, its real. Then cameIp Man, the semifictionalized 2008 film about the eponymous wing chun master (who was Bruce Lees mentor), which launched a four-film franchise and, in China at least, an entire genre ofIp Man derivatives. And this is like five genres of film mixed into one bagel. We came into this life naked. And I think that was one of the light switches that came on. You picked up a lot of your stunt training early in your career in Hong Kong. Fortunately, every time I go to set, the whole Donnie Yen act just kicks in, he says. Its quite sad. A few years ago, for example, he turned down a role in theExpendables franchise. But then, when it came to the late 70s and early 80s, it switched over to much more masculine dominated with you know, the Jackie Chan, the Jet Lee, the Donnie Yen. When the cameras roll, the old Donnie Yen still kicks in. Ridiculous athleticism. 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. And shes not trying to be funny. From her high-flying kicks in the film Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon to her unconventional take on a Bond girl in Tomorrow Never Dies, Michelle Yeoh has had a multidecade career defying stereotypes. But the stunt double couldnt hit the mark. Suddenly, shes thrust into a multiverse where she can jump between different versions of her life. The two had a 20-year quest to join a project together. It became the first foreign language movie to break the $100 million mark in a U.S. box office, and had the most Oscar nods ever for a foreign language film until Roma few years ago from Netflix. Youre not allowed to look at the camera. Suddenly, Yen found himself apprenticed to one of the great action directors of what might be the last golden age of kung fu filmmaking. And her husband, and father and daughter. Donnie Yen really said no Mandarin Collars, but blind Martial Arts expert is okay. So, talk about being silly because you, you know, in many of your movies, youre dignified, poised, et cetera. Joe Origins, starring. Thankfully, Lin pops up for an explosive assist at the last moment that fits right in with the silliness the Shanghai movies pride themselves on. And Evelyn, who is I think it was the funniest when Evelyn realizes, what do you mean Im the worst failure of Evelyn Wang in all the universes? John Wick: Chapter 4 is set for release on March 24. Previous adaptations have had mixed receptions. This video is a playful and imaginative tribute to three of the world's greatest martial artists, Jackie Chan, Jet Li, and Donnie Yen, but with a twist. Right? Its too easy to take that route. Beau Deirdre I can never say her name. And you can sing to many, or you can just sing to one. I have no idea. No, but I want the gift of a voice that I can because I find it so moving. The women became the character that needs to be provided for and protected and all those kind of things. Now, if they hit you in the head, they'll knock you out. And we are very, very much part of you know, the Asians belong. 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. The shot was simple: Yen had to block an incoming strike with his pole, while keeping the straight face of a badass wushu master. Whereas a younger Yen was once hungry to prove himself, he is no longer excited by offers from Hollywood. But the producer walked by me, wouldnt even talk to me. On set, Yen would devise intricate martial arts routines, only to be told to wrap it up and move on. But he feels it in his body, that he is not quite as quick as he once was. 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. Come on. 'Seven Swords' premiered at the Venice Film Festival, and proved a hit with worldwide audiences. If there was a multiverse universe that you can jump into, I want to be a rock star. Copyright Fandango. I guess my destiny is to be making movies., For a decade now, hes been talking about retiring. Although Yen had a steady career throughout the decade, he didn't truly make a name for himself until his role in Li's Once Upon a Time in China II. And in ancient China. One, why do you think it took so long? It took a long time for Yen to become a leading man. (Caines redesigned look is, Yen says, partly an homage to his hero Bruce Lee.). Legendary Hong Kong martial arts actor Jet Li reveals nearly blinding Ip Man star Donnie Yen while filming fight sequences in two different movies. 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. The Chinese, we all have our way of interpreting the story. One thing I pointed out is he was a stereotype. Ive witnessed all kinds of unimaginable things, Yen says, recalling tricky years when the phone rang less or when creative misfires doomed projects. Growing up, Brad developed an innate love of movies and storytelling, and was instantly enamored with the world of adventure while following the exploits of Indiana Jones, Japanese kaiju, and superheroes. And, while hes still known for his fight scenesno actor better understands or displays the balletic beauty of raw, human combathe no longer has to take shots in the face. Yen could regale you with stories of his scrapes for hours. Because when I was making Crazy Rich Asians, I was doing a Chinese movie at the same time for Master Yuen Woo-Ping. Why can't he look cool and fashionable?" Theres a love story. All rights reserved. Our stories do matter. Special thanks to Shannon Busta, Kristin Lin and Kristina Samulewski. But I am by myself and with a white-haired martial arts expert that you know, tells you exactly what to do. So it would have been in that original thing, initially, it was like, I would have played the wife of Jackie Chan. She cant accept that. Its so funny. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Cond Nast. The 59-year old will not be taking on Hollywood roles that are deemed "generic" and if it doesn't respect his Chinese culture. There was the Yuen clan, the Jackie Chan clan, and the Sammo Hung clan, Yen says. So, yes, we became better known in America, like Chow Yun-Fat. And I made other things here in America. Your loss is my gain, bro. Kicked. About Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Developers Terms Privacy Policy & Safety How YouTube works Test new features NFL Sunday Ticket Press Copyright . At the same time, he began spending his nights in Boston's notorious Combat Zone. You know what Im saying?, Things are changingeven if progress has been agonizingly slow. Lets do it. Its where you want to go, right? To revisit this article, select My Account, thenView saved stories. 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 . And we have learned to OK, we have to step back. Whats it like straddling two different film markets, the U.S. and China? . 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. It was very competitive. A dildo? But she never gives up trying, even though her business is failing. The film was shot last year, outside Shanghai, on a relatively slim budget. Or you have a family. Both Jackie Chan and Donnie Yen have fought many formidable villains and, from time to time, heroes in their respective action movie careers. Hong Kong action star Donnie Yen recently recalled two different occasions when legendary martial arts actor Jet Li nearly blinded him. And with Chuck Norris. Between you and Jamie Lee Curtis. And thats, I think, the tension between the mother and the daughter. In your dreams, buddy. It was so differentthey speak different, the culture, very different food, he says. Drop my hands. 'The Twins Effect' saw Donnie start to introduce elements of MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) in his film fight scenes. Ho-hum. You you have to try and eat healthier. Half a day, a couple of hours. A couple of hours? That was the old Hong Kong way. As Yen grew in confidence, he and Yuen would regularly fall out. Donnie also received a Best Actor nomination at the Hong Kong Film Awards. When Yen was 10, the family was reunited and moved to Boston, where his father had landed a posting as an editor for a Chinese newspaper. Beyond the limitations of his mother's school, Yen began training in various different fighting arts, including Japanese karate, Korean taekwondo and western boxing. But he also knows that he cant go on forever being this Donnie Yen. From the Triads! Yen says with a grin, relishing the story. Yen details his famous fight scene in 1992's Once Upon a Time in China II when Li cut his left brow with a large bamboo staff, causing him to get stitches. He came over and he made a few movies. I dont even know how that would work in this story because . . Maybe now it can happen. He arrives at the Gordon Ramsay Bar & Grill in London wearing a leather Alexander McQueen jacket and sweats, the brim of his baseball capblazoned with the motivational slogan You Can Do Itpulled low. When the Daniels first wrote it, its true. Even then, I noticed a couple of Asian diners nearby quietly freaking out. It was Yen who suggested making the character blind, and gave him a sense of humor, improvising jokes on the setand, in turn, turning an otherwise straight clich into the soul of the movie. What are you willing to walk away from? And I think what, in 96, 97, when they were doing that, it was because I think the movement of where women were like, OK, I want to go and watch a Bond movie where Im not just sexualized, all right?
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