Everybody, one way or the other, knows a Triad, he says. Naturally, Chan and Yen had to come face-to-face on the big screen sooner or later, with the pair ultimately fightingtwice. Right? Thanks for listening. I've already done Jackie Chan's best fights and Jet Li's best fights, so with the domestic release of Dragon (), it's time to look at the best fights from the current king of Hong Kong action movies, Donnie Yen.. 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. Yen was born in Guangzhou, on the Chinese mainland. And I think, you know, the last two years, especially with the intensity and the tragedy of the pandemic, how its affected us, its really, really highlighted how much we need this human connection. 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. This whole shot was one take, about 50 moves or something. But I know that once You know what, Donnie? We were completely, completely, as a family, committed. 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 (Wu Assassins star Mark Dacascos) from Chapter 3., More from NextShark: Ralph Macchio defends Karate Kid from very white criticism, Yen noted during his GQ interview that his actions were not a form of criticism toward Chapter 4..
V3.1. Lets do it. Yen went on to lead three successful sequels featuring the likes of Sammo Hung and Mike Tyson, making the actor a household name all over the world. 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. Besides his on-screen performance, Donnie was also called on to choreograph the dynamic duel between himself and MMA champion Cung Le. Yeah, thats right. He said, hes wondering if, you know, you have time to have a quick cup of tea with him. Jin Yongs novels are beloved in China, sprawling multivolume epics. 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 you might never have. In t. Who is the ultimate fighter? Donnie starred opposite screen legend Chow Yun-fat in the film, which smashed box office records in Mainland China.Showing his versatility, Yen went on to play a kung fu master facing challenges in the modern era in director Teddy Chen's 'Kung Fu Jungle'. Because I was running from Singapore, and then take the flight literally ran out of the set. Now, your Hollywood breakthrough was when you played a Bond and Im not going to use the term girl because Wai Lin was not a girl in the 1997 movie Tomorrow Never Dies. Can you talk about I love Bond movies, and I thought you were fantastic in it. Does this open up opportunities for you, do you think? But she never gives up trying, even though her business is failing. Why do you have to be so generic? They make these [MINION VOICES]. 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. Here in America, you are taught you have to be self-sufficient. You know, whats the value of life? The publication also noted that Yen has become more selective when offered Hollywood roles and asks if the roles are respectful to Chinese culture and unique. You know, inHero we did all the poetic shots and beautiful color and posingits been done, Yen says. But as it happened, his mother had a connection to the Hong Kong kung fu director Yuen Woo-ping. So, the movie borrows from, obviously, martial arts movies in a very cheeky way.
Donnie Yen's action choreographers on his and Jackie Chan's lasting And the rhythmbop-bop-bop-bopis perfectly timed. But sometimes it is the failures that make us who we are because every decision matters, and it has an impact. He started hanging out at other gyms around Boston. 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. How can I be the worst? And then we just attacked it. He came over and he made a few movies. Id never been to Beijing before. 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. 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. You can play, you can playjust come in and jam., But that free-flowing collaborative style meant that when Yen started getting jobs as an action choreographer in the US in the early aughts, he rubbed up against the compartmentalized way that Hollywood studios ran things. In 'Rogue One: A Star Wars Story', Yen plays one of the Rebel warriors responsible for the theft of the Death Star plans, the adventure that, within the 'Star Wars' universe, leads to the events of the very first film in the series. Its more to illustrate what he has faced his whole career, and what he and other Asian actors are up against, even now. If the Daniels, if you look at them, you go, OK, anything goes. In Hong Kong during those heady early days, there was no real dividing line between the actors and the stunt department. These people belong to another dimension, right? But theyve never been to China. Boots, $1,495, by Christian Louboutin. 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. Your first big movie is Yes, Madam. Is that correct? Whether you're a fan of the original stars or excited to see them in a new light, this video is sure to captivate and inspire. The film was shot primarily at the famed Elstree Studios in England.Donnie had a role opposite Vin Diesel and his fellow Asian action star, Tony Jaa, in xXx: Return of Xander Cage (2017), which filmed in Toronto, Canada.Now firmly established as a leading player across the globe, Donnie Yen continues to present a unique blend of Eastern experience and Western innovation, of musical grace with martial impact, from Hong Kong to a galaxy far, far away.Donnie is one of the leading martial arts choreographers in the world of action cinema. I mean, I look at life and were only here for a short time, you know? GQ may earn a portion of sales from products that are purchased through our site as part of our Affiliate Partnerships with retailers. So, a movie musical, not a Broadway musical. (Given that series treatment of Jet Liwhose character is called, and Im not joking, Yin Yangyou can imagine why.) Bruce Lee vs. Jackie Chan vs. Jet Li vs. Donnie Yen. Coat, $1,981, by Lanvin. . 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. Its a major project for Yen. Because of the years of having to carry heavy loads of things, her body is not always upright. It wasnt about her not being rich enough or whatever. And suddenly, it was much more like, you see? But she did not say, OK, lets just wrap it up and call it a day. Take it and run with it, or sink. Its too easy to take that route. Oh, no, no, no. But I think its Barbara Broccoli, Michael Wilson, the producers who realize, its like, yes, lets do something different. It was because she suddenly realized thats when I dont have Waymond and I dont have Joy. Your loss is my gain, bro. I know exactly where the camera is.
Donnie Yen: The Biggest Action Star Mainstream American - HuffPost Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement and Your California Privacy Rights. Kicked. And the women became the damsel in distress. People who continue to keep thinking and to go forward no matter what the negativity or setback., Yen was upbeat. When I first read it, I was like, no, no, no, no, no, no. ALSO READ:John Wick: Chapter 4 gets longest runtime in the series, clocking near 3 hours, John Wick: Chapter 4 gets longest runtime in the series, clocking near 3 hours. We release every Monday and Thursday. Brandon Louis is a TV/Movie news writer. Tune in to find out, and let us know who you think is the greatest of the great in the comments. And with Chuck Norris. In a recent interview with GQ, the actor shared that he's very selective about signing on roles. And I said, aw, poor you. I got knocked back about eight feet. 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. Bei der Nutzung unserer Websites und Apps verwenden wir, unsere Websites und Apps fr Sie bereitzustellen, Nutzer zu authentifizieren, Sicherheitsmanahmen anzuwenden und Spam und Missbrauch zu verhindern, und, Ihre Nutzung unserer Websites und Apps zu messen, personalisierte Werbung und Inhalte auf der Grundlage von Interessenprofilen anzuzeigen, die Effektivitt von personalisierten Anzeigen und Inhalten zu messen, sowie, unsere Produkte und Dienstleistungen zu entwickeln und zu verbessern. Something similar happened just recently, while makingJohn Wick: Chapter 4. Boots, $695, by Alessandro Vasini. From the parents, the grandparents the hierarchy, right? 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. Both Jackie Chan and Donnie Yen have fought many formidable villains and, from time to time, heroes in their respective action movie careers. We will see. Because the mother-daughter relationship is central to the story. 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. 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. Billie Wang, interpretada por Awkwafina, es la protagonista de 'The Farewell' o Jackie Chan 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). She cant accept that. Yen also shared during his interview that he was able to pay homage to his idol, Bruce Lee, through Caines new look. 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. 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. The same is true of Yen as an actor. Drop my hands. And I think that was the biggest leap of empowerment. Its quite sad. I think I would be nervous to throw a dildo at you. Ad Choices, Nearing 60, the last of a golden era of martial arts stars looks back on an unparalleled careerand forward, to his role in the new, Donnie Yen Breaks Down His Most Iconic Characters, The Essential Michelle Yeoh Viewing Guide. 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. But for brevitys sake, heres just one. Doesnt smile, shared Yen, who suggested making Chirrut mwe blind. Why does he always have to be called Shang or Chang? Although, if theres a villain in the movie, the real evil here is nihilism. The biggest stars - Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan, Jet Li, Donnie Yen - kung fu and wuxia, the leading martial arts film directors, and the best films to watch. '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. 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. All rights reserved. An action movie, Master Z. Its a spin-off of Ip Man.. The name was Shang or Chang, the Ip Man star said. The actor subsequently scored big hits including Butterfly and Sword and Wing Chun, with Everything Everywhere All at Once star Michelle Yeoh. Nothing matters, and therefore be free, or nothing matters, and therefore give up. It was only a matter of time before this happened. He got one of his producers to make an introduction, borrowed the money. Why is everythingso generic? Honestly, I would love to be in a musical. She is this very ordinary woman. The progressthe freeways, the architecture, the convenience of lifestyle. He is upset when the Western media focuses only on negative stories about China. So, that was that kind of physical comedy that I had not done before. Now, although these are prop swords, they are still quite pointy. In your dreams, buddy. So, yes, we became better known in America, like Chow Yun-Fat.
Opinion | How Michelle Yeoh Took Jackie Chan's Role And I almost chained up life. He whacked me right on my eyebrow, right? Shanghai Knights (2003) Jackie Chan and Donnie Yen Shanghai Knights (2003) Its normally, yes, for a younger version. Thats in part why hes trying to be more selective with his work. Really one of the worst times in my career, Yen says. One thing I pointed out is he was a stereotype. Why does he always have to be called Shang or Chang? Im hanging out with Benny, next thing you know hes gone. He went, "Boop!" Bullying a Dragon: Donnie has an anecdote in which he and his girlfriend were harassed in a Hong Kong club in the 1990s by a troublesome gang. Not like, oh, now suddenly I have. The film premiered to great acclaim at the 2011 Cannes Film Festival, and subsequently received a North American theatrical release from The Weinstein Company.Donnie Yen played 'The Monkey King' in a hit reimagining of the Chinese classic.
Jackie Chan vs Donnie Yen#martialarts#jackiechan#donnieyen 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. Which your character was against that, was against Constances character. Ive got to perform.
Donnie Yen (Creator) - TV Tropes Why can't he have a normal name?
susie on Twitter: "More than 5,000 NPC deputies and members of the But the stunt double couldnt hit the mark. His characters deploy mixed martial arts. Its comedy. If there was a stunt, you did it yourself. Bravura martial arts choreography. Im going to go [out] naked. But so, Evelyn Wang, when shes pushing her husband out of the way, its like, I have no time for you today. Then the wardrobe againoh, mandarin collars. Stephanie Hsu plays this role. Your character doesnt know martial arts in her universe, but she can tap into her skills of a different Evelyn in a universe where shes a martial arts movie star which is basically your real life, by the way. But at the end of the day, you take a step back and go, empathy. It was so differentthey speak different, the culture, very different food, he says. Each studio was determined to outdo its rivals for the most elaborate action sequences and flat-out dangerous stunts. 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. And to invest both his money and his one more valuable resource than moneytimein projects that he loves, likeakra. All these interests would have a manifest influence on Yen's later life.In his teens, Donnie defined his own persona by rebelling against his parents edicts. Sunglasses, his own. For actors like Yen, who came up in that golden age of kung fu, there were no digital effects. 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.. 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. And one of the great things about cinema, he says, is how unifying it can betranscending barriers of both language and culture. And I think thats a cowards way out. When that camera rolls, I cango.. Shes looking for the mother that she can connect with. Shanghai Knightsarrived during the peak of Jackie Chan's conquest of Hollywood and is widely regarded as one of his best Western action comedies, though it trades the Americanizedelement of Shanghai Noon for a trip across the pond to Victorian England. TAGGED AS: Action, Film, films, Martial Arts, movie, movies. My mom and I were separated for eight years, Yen says. Everybody's supposed to be cool and fashionable. Have you been in animation? And with Chuck Norris. Right. And the mother is trying to convince her otherwise. When Donnie was just two years old, the family moved to Hong Kong and then, when he was 11, to Boston, Massachusetts.There, Master Bow-sim Mark became a pioneer for Chinese martial arts in America, and it was only natural that her only son was trained from early childhood in the same skills. Anyway, Michelle, this has been a delight. 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. You know what Im saying?, Things are changingeven if progress has been agonizingly slow. And shes unrecognizable as Deirdre. Not that its always gone smoothly. And Ive been in that world forever. 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. [You can listen to this episode of Sway on Apple, Spotify, Stitcher, Amazon Music, Google or wherever you get your podcasts.]. One thing I pointed out is he was a stereotype. 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'. Then, what I was watching the fight sequences, and I thought, this looks exactly like a choreographed dance piece. The 59-year old will not be taking on Hollywood roles that are deemed "generic" and if it doesn't respect his Chinese culture. But in Hollywood? 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. They think theyre serving Chinese food. If you like this interview and want to hear others, follow us on your favorite podcast app. It was such a sensation. John Wick: Chapter 4 is set for release on March 24. Yen recalls getting approached by Disney to appear in the 2016Star Wars prequelRogue One.
Gloves, $140, by Ernest W. Baker. And blood was spilling. Born July 27, 1963 in Canton, China. Overall, I enjoyed making the film, he says. Its very, very limited. The emotion, the commitment, its real. 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. Doesnt smile, shared Yen, who suggested making Chirrut mwe blind. As a kid from Hong Kong, let alone one whod spent the previous six years in America, he barely fit in. I do all of them, unless I mean, if its asking me to jump off the third floor, then I dont do that anymore. Special thanks to Shannon Busta, Kristin Lin and Kristina Samulewski. Not to give away, but theyre very tender in your hot dog universe. 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.
Donnie Yen Simply Cannot Stop Kicking Ass | GQ It was crazy macho stupidity, Yen says. He can stillgo. Today, Yen is one of China's biggest actors, the last in a dynasty of martial arts stars that runs from Bruce Lee to Jackie Chan to Jet Li. Everything is so staged its fake, he says. My arms and legs are going in directions that I couldnt even fathom that could happen. Donnie Yen has been punched, in the name of moviemaking, more times than he can count. Im not going to be here talking about how to change how people feel about it. Stop trying to change the other person. Leeeeeeeeeeeets get ready to rumble in the Bronx. Its so funny.