Follow Brad on Twitter @BradCurran. Typical master. Their bromance was crystallized in 2016, when Stallone presented the Chinese action icon with an honorary Academy. Doesnt smile, shared Yen, who suggested making Chirrut mwe blind. 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. Yeah. The film, which starred two of China's top pop idols, told the tale of young vampire hunters with well-honed martial arts skills. Anyway, Michelle, this has been a delight. At the time, Hong Kong cinemaas personified by Jackie Chanwas producing the most electrifying action movies in the world. I was wondering, when you were doing that, were you held to a different standard than the men? 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. So, yes, we became better known in America, like Chow Yun-Fat. Everybodys supposed to be cool and fashionable. 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. When that camera rolls, I cango.. Your loss is my gain, bro. Its the first Hollywood movie since the early 90s to have a modern story and all-Asian casts. When it first came, I was like, no, no, no, no, no. 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. 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. Right, which the daughter is doing. I said, "Really? 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. Sunglasses, his own. Donnie Yen appears as the film's secondary villain, Wu Chow, sent to assassinatethe Royal Familyto getChina's Imperial Seal. Copyright Fandango. 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. 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. We have this mating dance. She barely notices Waymond, her husband, who tries to make her smile by sticking googly eyes on the laundry bags, or her lesbian daughter Joy, whos struggling to come out to her grandfather with absolutely no support from her mother. In "Everything Everywhere All at Once," Yeoh plays the superhero: a Chinese American. Why do you have to be so generic? Actors including Jackie Chan, Rogue One's Donnie Yen and Transformers star Li . It will continue to grow. It was so differentthey speak different, the culture, very different food, he says. My mom and I were separated for eight years, Yen says. In an interview with GQ, Yen, 59, shared that he spoke to "John Wick: Chapter 4" director Chad Stahelski about making adjustments to Caine, a blind assassin whose first iteration allegedly employed several Asian tropes. 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. But at the end of the day, you take a step back and go, empathy. I mean, I look at life and were only here for a short time, you know? Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement and Your California Privacy Rights. And its very important that I find the Daniels was so bold and courageous to write the lead of the movie, an aging Asian immigrant woman, and give her such a powerful voice, and turn her into a superhero by going to all these multiverses and discovering that, you know, failures also make us who we are. 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. When I first read it, I was like, no, no, no, no, no, no. Because action movieswhich is what I do bestaction movies take a certain fire, a passion, and that is relative to physical ability, he says. But beneath the silliness is a universal story of love and belonging and family. His journey takes him on an adventure with many allies and enemies along the way until he finally meets the last man standing in his way, Chan's Lord of Armour. Everyone was just out there competing, like B-boys or skate crews, to do the coolest shit possible. Whats it like to be in such a silly film for you? Yeoh plays Evelyn Wang, the hardworking owner of a failing laundromat whos too busy to tend to the little but important things in life. Fortunately, every time I go to set, the whole Donnie Yen act just kicks in, he says. In this movie, you were a singer. Oh, no, no, no. From the Triads! Yen says with a grin, relishing the story. And he heard about it, and he says, oh, get well soon. 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. 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. But the stunt double couldnt hit the mark. Yes, because its all what I love about all the universes. 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? Although Jackie Chan began to move away from making American action movies in the mid-2000s, he still found time for a quick cameo in the first Twins Effect, which Donnie Yen co-directed alongside Dante Lam.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 of Blade of Kings). Jacket, $11,000, and scarf, $690, by Dior Men. 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 schoolwhich, as well as producing national champions, holds Harlem Globetrottersstyle tours across the countryhas cranked out a number of elite martial artists and movie stars; among Yens contemporaries was Jet Li. Thats part of life. Its quite sad. 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. But not Yen. When Yen was two years old, he and his father, a newspaper editor, moved to Hong Kong. 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. 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. 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. So, a movie musical, not a Broadway musical. Yes, yes. Necklace, $20,300, by Cartier. The film, with Wilson Ip as director and Yuen as choreographer, pitted the title character against legendary boxing champion Mike Tyson. And Im like, but they dont talk. Then the wardrobe again oh, mandarin collars. 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 . Good fight scenes. Donnie Yen was a martial artist who became a performer. Beyond the limitations of his mother's school, Yen began training in various different fighting arts, including Japanese karate, Korean taekwondo and western boxing. Even as Hollywood has ignored Asian actors, it has over the years co-opted the visual techniques and tropes of Hong Kong cinema. Because when I was making Crazy Rich Asians, I was doing a Chinese movie at the same time for Master Yuen Woo-Ping. Yes, but you have, OK money in the bank. Why is everythingso generic? I really, truly appreciate it. TAGGED AS: Action, Film, films, Martial Arts, movie, movies. And you must try and find joy and happiness. 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. And with Chuck Norris. Youre not allowed to look at the camera. And Im like, are you kidding me? Its where you want to go, right? So, that was what she was trying to impart to her. 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. 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. Well, there might be. Everybodys supposed to be cool and fashionable. Nothing matters, be free, or nothing matters, give up. I think action movies, he says, are a genre that everybody in the world can appreciate.. It wasnt about her not being rich enough or whatever. You name it, hes hurt it. 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. And so your body is doing all these wild and wonderful and precise, graceful moves. I was trying to find an identity. Yes. Her latest role is no exception she took on a part that was originally written for the actor Jackie Chan. From the parents, the grandparents the hierarchy, right? He was signed to co-star in and action direct 'Highlander: Endgame', the latest in a series of fantasy actioners. This film was co-directed by Huang Jianxin and Han Sanping, and includes many famous actors such as Andy Lau, Ge You . Youre not allowed to ask questions. Our latest episode of Vs.might be our most epic yet as we pit the four biggest martial artists/movie stars of all time against each other in one stats-heavy battle royale: Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan, Jet Li, and Donnie Yen. You can be auto-tuned. Joe Origins, starring. Yes, I think this is a love story, in a lot of ways, between also a mother and a daughter. Certain camera tricks. Yes. Because in 2020, Chinas film market became the worlds biggest box office. These days, Yen is more selective with the Hollywood movies that he takes on. So, they said, well, OK, if you want to try action, if it doesnt succeed, thats the easiest thing. Yen cannot raise his right arm overhead, for example, on account of having been smashed into a brick wall on 1985sMismatched Couples. Is there any type of roles you havent played yet that you really want to do? John Wick: Chapter 4 is hitting theatres on March 24. Deirdre blah, blah, blah. The movie went on to sweep the board at the Hong Kong Film Awards winning Best Film, among many other prizes. Her face is still Evelyn Wang going, what the heck is going on? But the Daniels have so cleverly manipulated the situations that, you know, theres always that miscommunication, which creates misunderstandings, which become like, oh my god, oh my god, this is just the train wreck waiting to happen. And I made other things here in America. You are getting fat. And shes not trying to be funny. Often, the typecasting isnt even conscious. 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. 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. Theres drama. I would suspect she was, Im guessing. Thanks for listening. 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. You do whatever you want. Shirt, $575, by Nili Lotan. What are you willing to walk away from? Speaking with GQ, Yen admitted that he was nearly blinded by Li while filming with him on two different movies. Half a day, a couple of hours. A couple of hours? Donnie also took up hip-hop and break-dancing. John Wick: Chapter 4 is set for release on March 24. Every day: pain. Billie Wang, interpretada por Awkwafina, es la protagonista de 'The Farewell' o Jackie Chan And thank god I heard it was because one of the writers in the room turned on and said, oh, theres this actress from Hong Kong, actually, he said, who does her own action. I received a text message from Jackie because I was not well. 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 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? The film was a huge success in Hong Kong and China, and 'Ip Man' went on to find favor with audiences worldwide. 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 name was Shang or Chang. 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. And I just went, when? 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. Then the wardrobe againoh, mandarin collars. You know, whats the value of life? I had a very respectful experience working onJohn Wick. Because Master Yuen Woo-Ping is like my mentor, my guru. Typical master. Who is the ultimate fighter? Compared to Chan's usual Buster Keaton-inspired comedic fight scenes throughout Shanghai Knights, his and Yen's kung fu showdown is the movie's most straightforward martial arts fight and really showed what Yen could do better than any American film had managed to at the time. And one of the things that was interesting to me is Ive never seen you in something so silly, which is, I think fantastic. At the same time, Donnie Yen, still years away from his Western fame followingRogue One: A Star Wars Storyand the spy moviexXx: Return of Xander Cage, hadonly done two other American movies at the time in Highlander: Endgame and Blade II. We were completely, completely, as a family, committed. In Hong Kong I spent two weeks shooting this stuff!I think its a lack of respect, and a level of not understanding, not appreciating what we do.. Right now Ive gotta take three cups of double espresso, do a couple of warm-ups. Yen laughs again. Also, the mother and the daughter-in-law. Right? Oh, yeah. These kinds of opportunities occasionally come up: You want to be in this? It doesnt mean anything, he says. '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'. 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. And as an audience, I think thats what he does for you, is he puts you in so many places, and then he pulls the rug from under you. A half-beat slower. 'The Twins Effect' saw Donnie start to introduce elements of MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) in his film fight scenes. Who is the ultimate fighter? Boots, $1,495, by Christian Louboutin. More from NextShark: BLACKPINK announce title track Shut Down and ticket sale info. In 2019, Yen was working with the director Benny Chan on a cop movie calledRaging Fire, when Chan fell ill during production. Everybody, one way or the other, knows a Triad, he says. I never say no to him. It is very easy to walk away and just turn a blind eye because then you are not involved emotionally, physically, or you know, any way. '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. 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. There was a rumor youd get a Bond spin-off, though that didnt happen. We will see. That was the old Hong Kong way. As Yen grew in confidence, he and Yuen would regularly fall out. I have been in so many countries in the world, but its not even close. There will always be more people like Michelle, he said. But I think its Barbara Broccoli, Michael Wilson, the producers who realize, its like, yes, lets do something different. I mean, hes 60 years, a legacy thats been so nurtured and protected and well thought out. And walk away. I went to my friends karate school, or a boxing gym, Yen says. Ridiculous athleticism. 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. You said you wanted to do it, fine. Donnie Yen. Its not contemporary. Theres a lot of failure along the line. Its comedy. 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 . Im hanging out with Benny, next thing you know hes gone. She was very forceful, old school, like what you see in the movies. Right, because she finds that ridiculous. Lately, Yen has been thinking more about his legacy. Do you play a big role in the next movie? Not only is he the director and executive producer, he also plays the lead and, in flashbacks, his characters father. Its all like a bunch of jazz musicians, Yen says. Yen, broke, would hang around film sets just so he could eat for free. Theres a love story. And did you approach the performance differently? But he also knows that he cant go on forever being this Donnie Yen. Not like, oh, now suddenly I have. Between you and Jamie Lee Curtis. But the only problem is I cant sing. So it would have been in that original thing, initially, it was like, I would have played the wife of Jackie Chan. No, but I want the gift of a voice that I can because I find it so moving. But do you think it was supposed to change things, I remember. Its wild, its wonderful, its weird, its everything. Here in America, you are taught you have to be self-sufficient. V3.1. When Donnie was just two years old, the family moved to Hong Kong and then, when he was 11, to Boston . Yuen ended up signing Yen, then just 18 years old, to a three-year, multi-movie deal. Why cant he have a normal name? As a kid from Hong Kong, let alone one whod spent the previous six years in America, he barely fit in. Jacket (price upon request), by Willy Chavarria. Its so liberating. Anyone can read what you share. Chinese movies, Hollywood movies, his other business pursuits, including a line of sunglassesthe phone rarely stops ringing. Born in China, Yen moved with his family to Boston, where his mother, a tai-chi . Which is embodied by the everything bagel in the movie. Why do you have to be so generic? Suddenly, Yen found himself apprenticed to one of the great action directors of what might be the last golden age of kung fu filmmaking. 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? Yen finished the film in his memory. 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. But you might never have. 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. And he was going to be the principal. And I dont want to give away, but it plays a big role. 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. And there are so many of these stories to be told, and to be exchanged, and to be and also, what I love about Everything Everywhere All At Once, its about here. As Bitcoin Busts, Whats the Future of Web3? He will be 60 this year. Burnt. 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. Coat, $1,981, by Lanvin. It was heralded as a game-changer of how U.S. viewed the Asian film industry. You almost get sort of boxed and wrapped up in this beautiful thats what Michelle Yeoh represents, elegance and beauty, and refined and dignified. Yen also didn't establish himself in the West to the extent that Chan had until much later on, but he's every bit as recognizable now, and today, Yen has grown into one of the biggest and most revered martial arts stars in the world. It was old-school military, Yen says. I dont know. One thing I pointed out is he was a stereotype. Oh, if I was James Bond? It was horrendous, says Yen. I cant do stage. I cant believe you jump from trucks and youre scared of the stage. Ho-hum. Its basically The Matrix meets LSD trip. Donnie, can you come in and shoot a close-up? 'Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: Sword of Destiny' was shot primarily on location in New Zealand, with Yen in the lead role. And its a science fiction. 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 I back up, Jet said, "Donnie, there's blood spilling out of your face." Why can't he have a normal name? 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.