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Wu Jing Doesn't Wish to Live Under Jet Li's Shadow

Today Morning Express
13 March 2002

Regarding Wu Jing's movies and drama serials, this reporter's impression still lingered around Taichi 2 and Swordsman Lee of Flying Dagger (xiao-3 li-3 fei-1 dao-1). This reporter only regarded him as someone particularly outstanding in kungfu. This reporter couldn't help but shouted bravo on seeing him on set of Drunken Monkey, using real kungfu fighting against another martial artist. However, as everyone knows, Jackie Chan and Jet Li are fantastic martial arts stars who precede Wu Jing. Since Wu Jing and Jet Li came from the same wushu school, during the interview, this reporter inevitably compared him with Jet Li.

Having been accustomed to Wu Jing's period appearance, this reporter realised that Wu Jing's modern look is pretty charming too, after seeing him in T-shirt. This reporter also stressed that he looked very much like Jet Li. However, Wu Jing replied that, "Jet Li is Jet Li,  I am me." This simple sentence was his reply. After a while, Wu Jing continued, "Perhaps both of us were trained by the same coach, Wu Bin, were part of Beijing Wushu Team, were discovered by the same director, Cheung Sing Yim (Zhang Xin Yang), act in kungfu movies and had also done Tsui Hark films. Our starting point is the same, perhaps that's why you think we are alike! We are from the same roots!"

Wu Jing's achievements today still lag quite some distance behind Jet Li's. While Wu Jing respects Jet Li, regards the latter as his role model, it seems like he doesn't wish to live under Jet Li's shadow.

1. Jet Li is my idol. On the other hand, I am ten years younger and I feel that I have more energy. I believe I have lots of potential, and I have a solid foundation. I have always considered the process of shooting as an enjoyment, and I need not worry about finance resources and power. My experiences might not be as varied, rich and colourful as Jet Li's, but I will spare no effort in experiencing life through acting, to broaden my experience.

2. I have never done any modern shows. Actually, my modern appearance is not bad either. Jet Li can act in modern kungfu pians, but a pity no one is shooting them now. Everyone only knows that I fight very well, but neglects my dramatic shows.

3. Of course, I wish to venture into Hollywood, like Jet Li. But I have to wait for the right chance. Shaw Brothers' Drunken Monkey movie directed by Liu Chia Liang (Lau Kar Leung) will afford me a good opportunity for its oversea distribution rights have already been sold. This will allow me to introduce myself to Hollywood, to let others know me, it's like promoting a brand.

4. I am aware of my shortcomings. My acting skills still need improvement. As such you could see,  my room still has books like The Birth of a Role. However, reading has always been my favourite past time; I read books like Tao Te Ching too. Once, when Jet Li was in Hengdian shooting Hero (Wu Jing was in production of The Empire is of More Importance in Hengdian then), I paid him a visit and we had a talk. I saw him reading books when he was free. As such, I know what I am doing is correct.

Jet Li's Comments on Wu Jing

China Silver Screen

2002, Issue 3

Jet Li and Jackie Chan have been compared countless times by the people. So this time round, we brought out Wu Jing, who became famous due to Master of Taichi. Presently, Jet Li's fellow junior student can be considered as the new martial arts star with the strongest presence in the entertainment industry. When asked to compare himself with his junior, Jet Li let out a laugh, (giving his usual characterless remark) said that he is in no position to judge anyone. He is an actor, so is Wu Jing; The audiences are forever the only ones who could assess the actors and actresses. This may be an evasion to the topic but what he said reminded us of a saying, "God is the customer." As such, Jet Li can consider Emperor of Kungfu as a term of endearment, and tell people to watch the movies in the cinemas, be them his movies or not. So long as the audience supports our movies, Chinese movies would have a bright future ahead.

Information Courtesy of Chuchu

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