Shirt, $535, and tie, $220, by Dries Van Noten. So he had a stunt double wired up, Yen explains. 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. Then the wardrobe again oh, mandarin collars. We were all Chinese, but I was outside.. 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. 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. 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. Copyright Fandango. When Yuen Woo-ping is talking, everybody would just listen. Why do we do this? 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. Yen is the latest Asian action star to find Hollywood fame, following the likes of Jackie Chan, Jet Li and Bruce Lee. Yeoh plays Evelyn Wang, the hardworking owner of a failing laundromat whos too busy to tend to the little but important things in life. Nothing matters, and therefore be free, or nothing matters, and therefore give up. . Yeah. Yen, broke, would hang around film sets just so he could eat for free. Im curious, what did that movie did that change things for you in terms of roles coming in? Well, there might be. Why do you have to be so generic? I have so many injuries, Yen says, laughing. So, people listening to this will be like, a bagel? The C.E.O. But my own experience, like, I was there, I have many friends who were there. Why cant he have a normal name? After a period where he was based in Los Angeles, Donnie returned East by way of the West when Jackie Chan requested that Yen play his nemesis in the hit 'Shanghai Knights', a shoot that took the star from Prague to London.Yen returned to China to co-star in director Zhang Yimou's epic wu xia master work 'Hero'. Theyve been part of this community forever. of Cond Nast: This Is No Longer a Magazine Company, The Digital Tools That Aided the Buffalo Gunman and What to Do About Them. The film, with Wilson Ip as director and Yuen as choreographer, pitted the title character against legendary boxing champion Mike Tyson. So, I remember when I first said because I dont read Chinese. And the mother is trying to convince her otherwise. 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. 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.Li solidified himself as an icon in the genre with his . And shes unrecognizable as Deirdre. 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? Its just like youre on LSD the whole time. They thats actually very, very interesting, very clever question, because I do work on both. And thats, I think, the tension between the mother and the daughter. At that point, it was like, nothing will faze you. 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. I really, truly appreciate it. 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'. Donnie Yen Ji-dan (Chinese: ; pinyin: Zhn Zdn; born 27 July 1963) is a Hong Kong actor, martial artist, and action director. Jacket, $11,000, and scarf, $690, by Dior Men. I think that is the superpower thats inherent in all of us. And I almost chained up life. Suddenly, shes thrust into a multiverse where she can jump between different versions of her life. I do all of them, unless I mean, if its asking me to jump off the third floor, then I dont do that anymore. 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). But he feels it in his body, that he is not quite as quick as he once was. So but although she is the loser, right? 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. Although Jackie Chan beganto move away from making American action moviesin the mid-2000s, he still found time for a quick cameo in the first Twins Effect, which Donnie Yen co-directed alongside Dante Lam. Everybodys supposed to be cool and fashionable. And blood was spilling. Jackie Chan and Donnie Yen are two of the biggest martial arts stars in the world, and they've clashed twice in kung fu battles over the years. Whats the cost? 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. A spy from another country. Why does he always have to be called Shang or Chang? 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. Right, because she finds that ridiculous. As an outspoken person, I always questioned, Yen says. Whats it like straddling two different film markets, the U.S. and China? 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. It's always fun to see Chan dip his toes into new waters and re-invent his persona, and his battle with Donne Yen in Twins Effect II is an example of exactly that in a sword-clashing duel of two martial arts legends. 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. With Jackie Chan's penchant for comedy and Yen's combat versatility seen in his MMA movies, their first showdown has more of a light-hearted spin on it, with their second taking Chan outside of his usual comfort zone with bladed weaponry coming into play, too. 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. Its a major project for Yen. Stephanie Hsu plays this role. I dont want to repeat the same thing that youve seen. 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. 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. Youll be able to catch up on Sway episodes you may have missed, like my conversation with Andrew Garfield. auditor, who is fantastic. We do the best we can.. It was horrendous, says Yen. Sliced open. We talked about the way you prepped and trained for the movie, and the Daniels had to tell you to be worse at fighting and things like that because youre such, again, also an elegant and specific fighter, the way you do stunts, whether its in Shang-Chi or Crouching Tiger.. And then he said to me, oh, the Daniels came and pitched me the movie in China. The BBC, CNN, they never talk about that. Global fans will recognize him from the likes ofStar Wars spin-offRogue One, as well as this months fourth outing in the phenomenally successfulJohn Wick franchise. Weitere Informationen ber die Verwendung Ihrer personenbezogenen Daten finden Sie in unserer Datenschutzerklrung und unserer Cookie-Richtlinie. But as a martial artist? The film saw Donnie bring his own unique flair to classical Shaw Bros style kung fu action.Donnie brought traditional Chinese martial arts into the modern era with 'Kung Fu Jungle', for which his work won yet another Best Choreography prize at the Hong Kong Film Awards.Away from the cameras, Yen entered into the most rewarding partnership of his life when he married former beauty queen, Cissy Wang. 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. If youre in a podcast app already, you know how to get your podcasts, so follow this one. But I know that once You know what, Donnie? From the parents, the grandparents the hierarchy, right? 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. Its quite sad. Even with the Crazy Rich Asians one, we sort of diverted from the original book. Oh, my god, I wish I could just flick my head back and zoom. 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. Very scary. Jacket, $4,700, pants, $1,650, and belt, $830, by Gucci. You know, inHero we did all the poetic shots and beautiful color and posingits been done, Yen says. Beau Deirdre I can never say her name. Anyway, Michelle, this has been a delight. Its so liberating. No, but I want the gift of a voice that I can because I find it so moving. 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. And to invest both his money and his one more valuable resource than moneytimein projects that he loves, likeakra. And I think thats a cowards way out. 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. But at the end of the day, you take a step back and go, empathy. V3.1. Donnie Yen has also been in the business since the mid-'80s, but didn't truly break until the mid-2000s when he infusedMMA into Hong Kong action movies through Sha Po Lang and Flash Point. When that camera rolls, I cango.. Theyre giving you an opportunity to do it. Yen finished the film in his memory. I would love to do like a Moulin Rouge because thats the dancer-performer in me. You always put the family first. Suddenly, Yen found himself apprenticed to one of the great action directors of what might be the last golden age of kung fu filmmaking. But I think its Barbara Broccoli, Michael Wilson, the producers who realize, its like, yes, lets do something different. 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. Yes. 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. My husband will do what I want. You have to take care of yourself. Its true. And I back up, Jet said, "Donnie, there's blood spilling out of your face." James Bond is James Bond. And the guys had to step in and teach them a lesson. Its like, even with the marriage with the husband of so many years. 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. That would scare the hell out of me. 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. The companys first two movies,Legend of the Wolf andBallistic Kisswhich Yen cowrote, produced, directed, and starred intanked at the box office. One, why do you think it took so long? So is that what do you think being successful is? Sie knnen Ihre Einstellungen jederzeit ndern, indem Sie auf unseren Websites und Apps auf den Link Datenschutz-Dashboard klicken. Both Chan and Yen are still making action movies, though Chan's roles are now far less stunt-intensive due to the countless injuries he's gone through in his career. This is the first time youre seeing an older Asian immigrant woman being the superhero, having the opportunity to demonstrate these kind of martial arts skills. Jacket, $2,800, vest, $590, shirt (vintage), and pants, $690, by Double RL. Right? Its a movie its about the Chinese culture. So that was what the Daniels were trying to they came up to me and said, no, no, no, no. To revisit this article, select My Account, thenView saved stories. 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. 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. And its all about rhythm, precision and timing, all that things put together. Theres a lot of failure along the line. Yen's duel with Jet Li brought his skills to the emerging Mainland Chinese theatrical audience, and paved the way for Donnie to become the country's biggest action star. Today we talk about injusticeI mean, back in the days, you cant imagine. Youre not allowed to ask questions. He whacked me on one side and 10 years later, he whacked me on the other side. I kid you not, it was spilling like shower spray. They never mention the true side of it. But the joy and love to be found in that kind of situation gives you such a sense of self-worth. Bravura martial arts choreography. 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. So, what is it you really, really want? I was trying to find an identity. If the Daniels, if you look at them, you go, OK, anything goes. Stop trying to change the other person. Yen was to return to this hard-hitting, urban action style for the later 'Special ID'.Donnie now found himself in demand as a leading man in a series of prestigious period actioners produced for the Chinese market. One thing I pointed out is he was a stereotype. 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. 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. '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'. But she did not say, OK, lets just wrap it up and call it a day. Yuen ended up signing Yen, then just 18 years old, to a three-year, multi-movie deal. Here are both Jackie Chan vs. Donnie Yen fight scenes and the movies in which they feature. TAGGED AS: Action, Film, films, Martial Arts, movie, movies. A lot of people might not be happy for what Im saying, but Im speaking from my own experience., Where once, Hollywoods attitude toward Chinese filmmakers might have angered him, today Yen is more accepting. Lets do it. Much like other beloved Chinese actors before him, like Jackie Chan, Jet Li and the late Bruce Lee, Donnie Yen has found Hollywood fame after becoming a big star in Hong Kong action movies. Special thanks to Shannon Busta, Kristin Lin and Kristina Samulewski. Which your character was against that, was against Constances character. Yes, but you have, OK money in the bank. Da aber Jackie Chan inzwischen fast 70 Jahre alt ist und Donnie Yen noch keine 60, gehe ich Mal davon aus das zweiteres noch agiler und strker ist. He is not diminished, not yet. These people belong to another dimension, right? I dont want to do that again. Why would you want me to do that? 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 (. And then you pull back and you go, what the heck do they have at the end of their sleeve? (Caines redesigned look is, Yen says, partly an homage to his hero Bruce Lee.). And you can sing to many, or you can just sing to one. That hasnt stopped a lot of people. Typical master. His mother, Bow-sim Mark, was a kung fu master and his father, Kylster Yen, a newspaper editor and amateur musician. Whereas a younger Yen was once hungry to prove himself, he is no longer excited by offers from Hollywood. I could have been blind. 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 -. Ive been through it all. Also, the mother and the daughter-in-law. Yeah. Lets have a woman whos comparable to James Bond. Beginning with the cop actioner 'SPL', Donnie teamed with helmer Wilson Yip for a series of very different films that Yen would star in and action choreograph and Yip would direct. Well just put you right back to the same box. Who is the ultimate fighter? Oh, god, you know, with Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, that was an Asian movie. Academically, Yen was a mediocre student. 'Seven Swords' premiered at the Venice Film Festival, and proved a hit with worldwide audiences. Do you know theres auto-tune? 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. In t. You you have to try and eat healthier. I mean, hes 60 years, a legacy thats been so nurtured and protected and well thought out. After 20 or 50 moves, he keeps missing, Yen says. Its okayIm going to shoot you from one side. Yen laughs. Why cant he look cool and fashionable? he continued. Wire work. You cannot look like you know what youre doing. And Im like, I would bend backwards to talk to him. Yen had been hired by Guillermo del Toro to choreograph the movies superhuman fight sequences, as well as to act alongside Wesley Snipes in a minor role.