News Article

Donnie Yen - Perfect Somersault

Crossing over the straits from Hong Kong to America, with his martial arts skills, Donnie Yen presents a flawless somersault.

i-Weekly, April 2002
Zhuo Yi-Feng
 

No matter how advanced Hollywood's technology is, it can never replace a live action star's immaculate somersault.

"The audiences are getting more and more demanding. In the past, when Arnold Schwarzenegger knocked down the enemy with a single blow, they would be pleased. But now, if they still do the same thing, who would bother watching?" Donnie Yen believes that the international movie market now calls for real martial arts scenes due to the audience's yearning for authenticity.

Two years ago, Donnie Yen left Hong Kong, almost silently, venturing alone into Hollywood. Now, he received exaltations for his martial arts direction for Blade 2. "Hard work is very important; Timing is essential too. I was trained by my mother in martial arts, now that the time has arrived, it happens to come into play - this is luck."

When the telephone interview was conducted, Donnie Yen was in Tokyo, doing preparation works for Japanese Angel (Shurayuki-Hime). During that time, quite a handful Japanese film studios contacted him, expressing their interests in working with him. Seems like Donnie Yen has busy schedule ahead of him, having a role in Zhang Yimou's Hero, and is soon going to team up with Jackie Chan in Shanghai Knights. He might even become acquainted with our local actress, Fann Wong.

When in Hong Kong, Donnie Yen had acted in over 30 movies, and had also done two TV series. He has played the roles of the good and the bad. Right now, he intends to concentrate on work behind the camera, taking on the onus of being a martial arts choreographer and a director. His first directorial effort was Legend of the Wolf in 1997. "I have tried many different roles, but there are many restrictions to being an actor. The behind-camera job offers me plenty of room for excelling - there is no limitation."

However, he relented to the persuasions of the people and made a cameo appearance in Blade 2 as a villain. The audience was enthralled by Donnie Yen's graceful movements in the movie. When he encounters a good script, one which allows him to outdo himself, he finds in hard to decline the offer.

The situation pertaining to exodus of artistes from Hong Kong has not improved. Even though the Hong Kong market might have let him down in the past, Donnie Yen still looks forward to returning to Hong Kong. "I do not know the thoughts of those directors, actors, actresses, who went to Hollywood to develop their career. However, I wish to return to contribute Hong Kong entertainment scene one day, after gaining recognition in the Western market."

On the other hand, his schedule was filled up till the middle of next year and any conceivable plans of his could not be actualised in the near future.

Having done movies or drama serials in Hong Kong, Japan, America and Germany, and Donnie Yen has had a good taste of the work culture of different countries. He has also witnessed how prodigious the funds in the West are. "When shooting drama serial in Germany, the funds they invested in the series made me feel that it is no different from making a movie."

Only when Donnie Yen was enquired about the different demands of various countries towards movie-making did Donnie Yen reveal his dissatisfaction over Hong Kong audience and entertainment scene. "As far as martial arts choreography is concerned, there is no doubt that Hong Kong audience is the most exigent. However, I also feel that they are inclined to take things for granted. They do not know how to treasure, to retain this wonderful culture. Why do they imitate special effects from Hollywood rather than introducing, bringing honour to Chinese wushu. In terms of technology, we can never best Hollywood."

Learning from others' virtues serves as a good way to improving oneself. But should one lose one's heritage skills while learning from others, what one gains could never make up for one's losses. This is Donnie Yen's advice to Hong Kong movie industry.

Adopting a diligent work attitude, Donnie Yen is determined to do well every task upon which he is entrusted. With such a professional approach, we hope to see him doing even more exciting somersaults (scaling even higher peaks).

[ Main ]