Sammo Hung on Ip Man: 100 Marks for Donnie Yen

 I explore the subject of every film I do, not to mention Ip Man. But this is not a film on Wing Chun instructions, it's about how the character Yip Man is portrayed, it's not about the Wing Chun thesis. It shows different elements.
 
 How's your view on Donnie Yen's execution of Wing Chun, how many marks would you give him?
 Sammo Hung: Donnie Yen's performance is excellent, and he spent a year or so on Wing Chun training, spending a great deal of effort on it, he has his own ideas when filming. I award him 100 marks, for there isn't any one else who is comparable.
 
 What do you think are the major differences between Donnie Yen, Jackie Chan, Jet Li, Zhao Wen Zhuo?
 Sammo Hung: Each has his own traits, with different ways of acting. Each of them has his own strengths.
 
 What are your assessments of Lynn Hung's dramatic ability? Do you think she can be an actress? Would you consider working with her again?
 Sammo Hung: Remarkable, she treats her work very seriously. I'd definitely consider collaborating with her again.
 
 If you were to play Yip Man, what would it be like?
 Sammo Hung: I've never thought of playing this character.
 
 Word has it that Wong Kar Wai and Tony Leung Chiu Wai are going to shoot Ip Man next summer. Any views on this?
 Sammo Hung: Nothing! I believe that films can encompass entertainment values, can encompass artistic merits, I don't care who shoot Ip Man today. Movies can be approached from different angles, you can shoot this portion, I can shoot the other portion. Wong Kar Wai focuses on artistic qualities, while director Wilson Yip on entertainment values. Their goals are different. Many people have been asking this question, but I think this is not even a question.
 
 How well do you think Ip Man would do at the box office?
 Sammo Hung: Of course, I wish it'd be a big success at the box office. More importantly, I hope that every movie is a quality movie, rather than being crudely, hastily made. One must be sincere when making films.
 
 What are your plans for 2009?
 Sammo Hung: I don't have too many plans. I just hope to have the chance to shoot a good film. It's been a while since I direct and star in a film, and let loose some zaniness. I'd be directing and appearing in a film next year, but I can't reveal any more right now.
 
 Would you consider shifting your career focus to Mainland?
 Sammo Hung: Certainly, Mainland offers many opportunities, it's such a big market.
 
 You've been sparing no effort in grooming new kungfu stars, what do you think are the criteria for becoming a martial arts star?
 Sammo Hung: Firstly, they must possess great martial arts skills, and work on acting, and it'd still depend of chances. I hope the producers would give more chances to newcomers.
 
 What do think of special effects vs the real deal?
 Sammo Hung: I don't think there's anything bad about special effects, blending authentic martial arts with special effects can make a movie even more appealing, more beautiful. Then, why should we avoid special effects? But special effects can only be used to augment martial arts scenes, and should not be used exclusively. 80% real kungfu, plus 20% special effects.
 
 What about Ip Man?
 Sammo Hung: Hardly any special effects, only 1%. How much can 1% be?
 
 If there's a sequel to Ip Man, would you still be the martial arts director?
 Sammo Hung: I'd be glad to join if the boss invited me.
 
 Do you have anything to say the your fans and netizens?
 Sammo Hung: Thank you everyone for supporting me and my movies, without your support, it's futile for me to shoot movies. You are the basis.  FEC 

 

Ip Man theatrical trailer: Youku