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. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement and Your California Privacy Rights. All rights reserved. (Yens mom had taught Yuens sister.) James Bond is James Bond. Its not contemporary. And two, did it do that? Jaycee chan was great, he comes across very humble , Jackie chan had a small role in this film just like donnie yen which was a disappointment but none the less still enjoyable. And theres more. Im not going to be here talking about how to change how people feel about it. So, I wanted to talk to Yeoh about how she tapped into the emotional core of the story, and how this film might signal a shift in the Hollywood zeitgeist. I think that was our attitude. Yes. Donnie Yen has been punched, in the name of moviemaking, more times than he can count. But when Evelyn makes the trip to the I.R.S., her world is shaken up. 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. One thing I pointed out is he was a stereotype. Your first big movie is Yes, Madam. Is that correct? The actor subsequently scored big hits including Butterfly and Sword and Wing Chun, with Everything Everywhere All at Once star Michelle Yeoh. Yes. [You can listen to this episode of Sway on Apple, Spotify, Stitcher, Amazon Music, Google or wherever you get your podcasts.]. Throughout his career, Hollywood has never quite known what to do with himor, until recently, any Asian leading men, for that matter. Donnie Yen Simply Cannot Stop Kicking Ass | GQ Let me take a look." Yen was born in Guangzhou, on the Chinese mainland. 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. In 2016, he starred in Netflix's Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: Sword of Destiny opposite Harry Shum Jr. and Michelle Yeoh. Donnie Yen Vs Jackie Chan: Who Would Win? - Grunge.com Although Yen is widely known and respected in the West, having worked in Hollywood on and off since the late 90s, its nothing compared to how he is recognized in Asia, where his prodigious output made him a giant in the world of Chinese-language cinema. GQ may earn a portion of sales from products that are purchased through our site as part of our Affiliate Partnerships with retailers. His mother, Bow-sim Mark, was a kung fu master and his father, Kylster Yen, a newspaper editor and amateur musician. 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'. Is there a universe you didnt like? Even as Hollywood has ignored Asian actors, it has over the years co-opted the visual techniques and tropes of Hong Kong cinema. I guess my destiny is to be making movies., For a decade now, hes been talking about retiring. I Thought Mentalphysics Was New-Age Nonsense. So what they did was, like, lets switch the roles because its not been done. He took the on-screen depiction of the style to new heights with the film 'SPL', released in the US as 'Kill Zone'. And if there was a close-up of someone getting hit? Tune in to find out, and let us know who you think is the greatest of the great in the comments. 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. But shes so committed to her role. He started to dress like Lee, showing off his moves at school, stuffing nunchucks in his socks. At the same time, he began spending his nights in Boston's notorious Combat Zone. It comes with the jobyou dont carve out a 40-year career kicking ass in Hong Kong action cinema without also getting your own kicked occasionally. Its about are you going to be able to take in and accept and embrace all these new rules that you cannot put yourself first. 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. Honestly, I would love to be in a musical. At the same time, Donnie was influenced by his parents' love of music and reached a high level of proficiency as a pianist. But the joy and love to be found in that kind of situation gives you such a sense of self-worth. But I am by myself and with a white-haired martial arts expert that you know, tells you exactly what to do. Nothing matters, and therefore be free, or nothing matters, and therefore give up. It wasIp Man that kick-started Yens recent career renaissance, and one reason why, lately, Yen has found himself busier than ever. Picking up in 1887, Shanghai Knights sees Chan's Chon Wang, now Sheriff of Carson City, Nevada, on a mission in London to avenge his father's murder and stop a Royal assassination plot. Necklace, $20,300, by Cartier. Donnie Yen on Raging Fire, John Wick 4, and How Yuen Woo-ping 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. It was such a sensation. At the time,Yen had no plans to be an actor. 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. The name was Shang or Chang, Yen says. Which your character was against that, was against Constances character. He got one of his producers to make an introduction, borrowed the money. And Im like, but they dont talk. Everyone was just out there competing, like B-boys or skate crews, to do the coolest shit possible. And you cannot be sensible and controlled when you are approaching a character like that because Evelyn Wang, to me, is a real person. It was very competitive. Why does he always have to be called Shang or Chang? This movie was for Jackie Chan originally and then switched very quickly to you. (At least not on purpose. 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. Theyve been here. Exclusive: Donnie Yen on 'Raging Fire,' 'John Wick 4,' How Yuen Woo-ping Discovered Him, and More By Steve Weintraub Published Aug 29, 2021 Plus, Yen shares what it was like making director. Why is everything so generic? In t. Coat, $1,981, by Lanvin. One, why do you think it took so long? 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. Beau Deirdre I can never say her name. Nihilism is especially resonant with the pandemic and the war and everything else. RELATED:Police Story: The Stunt That Almost Killed Jackie Chan. (SINGING) When you walk in a room, do you have sway? From the parents, the grandparents the hierarchy, right? Biceps Will Collide in New Jackie Chan-Sylvester Stallone Movie But that touches and goes places. We do the best we can.. Everybodys supposed to be cool and fashionable. Very scary. Your loss is my gain, bro. 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. And then it didnt. And the mother is trying to convince her otherwise. In this version, they are reimagined as powerful female warriors, complete with stunning costumes and fierce attitudes. At the time, Hong Kong cinemaas personified by Jackie Chanwas producing the most electrifying action movies in the world. The producer would come in and say, Thats it. In a recent interview with GQ magazine, Yen revealed that he wasn't originally keen on accepting the role of Caine - a blind assassin and friend of the lead protagonist - after deeming that it perpetuated Asian stereotypes. 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. But I know that once You know what, Donnie? The name was Shang or Chang, the Ip Man star said. 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. 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 for brevitys sake, heres just one. Jackie Chan and Sylvester Stallone have a long-running Hollywood friendship. I witnessed gangsters fight on the set. The Rise of Gru. Oh, my god. Lately, Yen has been thinking more about his legacy. And I remembered when Ang came to me, at that time, I was doing the press . Hong Kong action star Donnie Yen recently recalled two different occasions when legendary martial arts actor Jet Li nearly blinded him. Do you ever think about that multiverse? 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. Whats the new approach?. Chinese movies, Hollywood movies, his other business pursuits, including a line of sunglassesthe phone rarely stops ringing. Though Chan isn't performing stunts by diving headfirst off of buildings as much these days, and Yen's Ip Manmovie days have concluded, the pair have left a legacy as action stars and martial artists worldwide, meaningfans of both Jackie Chan and Donnie Yen would be remiss to miss out on both times they've faced off. Jackie Chan vs Donnie Yen#martialarts#jackiechan#donnieyen At the end of the 50 movies, maybe the 48th, 49 moves, he strikes down with his sword. It was crazy macho stupidity, 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. And in that universe, if you just have a very close-up of Jamie and myself holding each other, you see two women in love. My mom and I were separated for eight years, Yen says. Theyve been part of this community forever. 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. Why cant he have a normal name? 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. Yuen Woo-ping, Yen says, was trying to make another Jackie Chan. Yen was heading back from Beijing to Boston to see his family but arranged to stop off in Hong Kong to audition. Copyright Fandango. In a recent interview with GQ, the actor shared that he's very selective about signing on roles. 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. If youre in a podcast app already, you know how to get your podcasts, so follow this one. And I think thats a cowards way out. And you must try and find joy and happiness. Born July 27, 1963 in Canton, China. All rights reserved. You always put the family first. Its true. So, they said, well, OK, if you want to try action, if it doesnt succeed, thats the easiest thing. Its all like a bunch of jazz musicians, Yen says. As Bitcoin Busts, Whats the Future of Web3? I have stage fright. She was very forceful, old school, like what you see in the movies. Since 1957, GQ has inspired men to look sharper and live smarter with its unparalleled coverage of style, culture, and beyond. Talk about this dynamic between your character, Evelyn, your daughter, Joy. Theyre not serving Chinese foodbecause they never had authentic Chinese. He received his first full action directing credit on the Michelle Yeoh, kung fu drama 'Wing Chun', in which he also starred.Yen further developed his style of choreography in the high pressure world of Hong Kong television, where he created the action for his hit series 'Kung Fu Master' and 'Fist of Fury', and as a low-budget film-maker, when he directed, starred in and choreographed the movies 'Legend of the Wolf' and 'Ballistic Kiss'.It was after Yen had helmed his first two Chinese features that Hollywood made its first serious bid for his services. (A full transcript of the episode will be available midday on the Times website.). He went, "Boop!" It's all here She doesnt like her husband putting googly eyes on the packaging and stuff. "The name was Shang or Chang. Why does he always have to be called Shang or Chang? ), Caine is looking cool and fashionable like all the other John Wick characters. Because when I was making Crazy Rich Asians, I was doing a Chinese movie at the same time for Master Yuen Woo-Ping. (Given that series treatment of Jet Liwhose character is called, and Im not joking, Yin Yangyou can imagine why.) 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.. Its like, even with the marriage with the husband of so many years. Amazon.com: Blade of Kings : Jackie Chan, Donnie Yen, Bingbing Fan There was a move where he spun around 360 degrees, he swings at me and I block it. A dildo? The couple now has two children, a girl and boy, Jasmine and James. But theyve never been to China. In China, Yen can play drug lords, animated monkeys, romantic leads, soldierseven sing. of Cond Nast: This Is No Longer a Magazine Company, The Digital Tools That Aided the Buffalo Gunman and What to Do About Them. And they missbecause Yen knows that sometimes a full-bodied haymaker that doesnt connect is as useful in selling the reality of a scene as a dozen perfectly timed strikes. Theres a lot of failure along the line. After 20 or 50 moves, he keeps missing, Yen says. 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. I saw stars. It was likeKill Bill. At first, youre looking at the fingers. Academically, Yen was a mediocre student. So I went in the day after, and I finished the scene., Yen is not telling this story for the sake of some misguided bravado but more to explain the heady Hong Kong film scene of the 1980s and 90s. Her face is still Evelyn Wang going, what the heck is going on? My first movie was an action film, but I played the normal damsel in distress where I was a social worker and bullied by the juvenile delinquents. Its a movie its about the Chinese culture. You can be auto-tuned. Yes, but you have, OK money in the bank. Its normally, yes, for a younger version. Jackie Chan's 20-Year Quest to Share the Screen With Lifelong Friend Jet Li Finally Came to Fruition After Legal Barriers . Theyre giving you an opportunity to do it. Because action movieswhich is what I do bestaction movies take a certain fire, a passion, and that is relative to physical ability, he says. We came into this life naked. 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. Hong Kong action superstar Donnie Yen Ji-dan is revered globally for his martial arts prowess in films such as the Ip Man series and Rogue One: A Star Wars Story . They think theyre serving Chinese food. On his phone, he has about a dozen group chats going, connecting him to the various departments, so that when he inevitably wakes up at 4 a.m. with ideas, he can make changes from afar. Donnie Yen really said no Mandarin Collars, but blind Martial Arts expert is okay. Yes, I think this is a love story, in a lot of ways, between also a mother and a daughter. I think action movies, he says, are a genre that everybody in the world can appreciate.. susie on Twitter: "More than 5,000 NPC deputies and members of the In this conversation, Kara Swisher and Yeoh discuss the film, which Kara describes as The Matrix meets L.S.D. Come on. And we are very, very much part of you know, the Asians belong. Not that its always gone smoothly. Are Billionaires the Answer? Its so liberating. Crouching Tiger. Ive worked four or five movies with him already. And youll get new ones delivered directly to you. We never had a storyboard. 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. Ive got to perform. Whats it like to be in such a silly film for you? Because the mother-daughter relationship is central to the story. You have to take care of yourself. 'Ip Man' confirmed Donnie's position as China's greatest action hero, and he was immediately signed to lead a strong ensemble cast for Teddy Chen's 'Bodyguards and Assassins', produced by Peter Chan. 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. So, none of us go in saying, Im going to make you laugh purposely, you know. The Chinese, we all have our way of interpreting the story. Guillermo was a total gentleman. Zero CGI. 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. Its produced by Nayeema Raza, Blakely Schick, Daphne Chen, Caitlin OKeefe and Wyatt Orne; with original music by Isaac Jones; mixing by Sonia Herrero and Carole Sabouraud; and fact-checking by Kate Sinclair and Mary Marge Locker. I cant believe you jump from trucks and youre scared of the stage. We will see. After starring in blockbusters like Rogue One: A Star Wars Story and the live-action Mulan in recent years, the next franchise the actor is putting his . Because in 2020, Chinas film market became the worlds biggest box office. As a result, there is certainly a sense of fulfillment here as Chan and Yen go head-to-head in Twins Effect II (released in the West ofBlade of Kings). Wire work. Today, he says, he sees a big difference in the way he and other Asian actors are treated in Hollywood. 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. The C.E.O. 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. And one of the great things about cinema, he says, is how unifying it can betranscending barriers of both language and culture. 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. I was doing the press for Tomorrow Never Dies. They said, oh, you know this director, Ang Lee? . 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. The kicker? What a charming little film, I enjoyed watching this film , it had a good story line , the actors played out the parts very well. Because Master Yuen Woo-Ping is like my mentor, my guru. Yen's portrayal of the eponymous Wing Chun grandmaster and mentor to the legendary Bruce Lee in the Ip Man moviessubsequently made him a household name to Western audiences. Take it and run with it, or sink. Blood sprays like a horror movie. An ambulance came; Yen received six stitches. Its the first Hollywood movie since the early 90s to have a modern story and all-Asian casts. In Hong Kong in those years, he explains, someone on every movie would have mafia connectionsit was a necessity, just to be able to film in certain locations. More from NextShark: Curtis Waters is more than a TikTok gimmick: 'There's so much amazing sh*t that I have yet to do'. And the rhythmbop-bop-bop-bopis perfectly timed. The film, with Wilson Ip as director and Yuen as choreographer, pitted the title character against legendary boxing champion Mike Tyson. Yeah, its a big beating heart, but this woman is in great pain. Right now Ive gotta take three cups of double espresso, do a couple of warm-ups. Yen laughs again. Anyway, Michelle, this has been a delight. Yeah. Jacket, $3,390, pants, $1,350, and boots, $1,450, by Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello. Its the same attitude that has guided Yen throughout his career. And so your body is doing all these wild and wonderful and precise, graceful moves. The point is: He might be sore the next day, butfor now, at leasthe can still deliver. It was because she suddenly realized thats when I dont have Waymond and I dont have Joy. Donnie Yen: Movies, TV, and Bio - amazon.com I guess thats not the same thing, Animation? You can sing in those. Hes totally cool, and he loves martial arts movies, Yen says. 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. Donnie Yen - Rotten Tomatoes And he heard about it, and he says, oh, get well soon. He started hanging out at other gyms around Boston. Think about it. I have something to say to you. We release every Monday and Thursday. Donnie Yen sobre los personajes asiticos: "Por qu siempre se tienen que llamar Shan or Chang?" . While details about the Hong Kong actor's role were kept under wraps following the films announcement in June 2021, a trailer released in November 2022 revealed that he will face off against Keanu Reeves suave, suit-wearing titular assassin. Yen playsGeneral Lone, a warrior out to free the land of Huadu from the tyrannical rule of a sinister Queen. Well just put you right back to the same box. Anyway: [Li] hurt himself. I mean, I look at life and were only here for a short time, you know? I have no idea. Speaking with GQ, Yen admitted that he was nearly blinded by Li while filming with him on two different movies. Whats it like straddling two different film markets, the U.S. and China? And all these things keep coming at you. But I think its Barbara Broccoli, Michael Wilson, the producers who realize, its like, yes, lets do something different. Ten Questions with Flash Point Star Donnie Yen - Rotten Tomatoes