Donnie Yen 14 Blades Interview: Looking Forward to Working with Tony Jaa

Based on what you've said, it seems that you're spending more time on acting than action?
Donnie Yen: You can say that, I'm spending more "kungfu" on this area. I'm most satisfied with Bodyguards and Assassins, its emotional scenes are more intricate than Ip Man, and has more depth. At first, I was worried that I might not be able to handle the role as a gambler well, I was pondering if I should accept the film. Actually, my first offer was the beggar, but I insisted on turning it down, or I'd be the best fighter, nothing new. Subsequently, Peter Chan thought of giving me the role of the rickshaw puller, if I did that role, it would definitely be very different from what you saw. But, eventually, Peter Chan helped me rewrote this gambler character for me. My acting will be more mature, in particular, in Ip man 2 and Legend of Chen Zhen.

You've directed a few films before, would you consider pursuing this path?
Donnie Yen: I have certainly thought of directing, but not right now, for now, I'm focusing on raising my acting skills even farther. When I have no more drive as an actor, I'd stop acting and become a director, whether it's a film I'm in or direct, I hope to leave behind sweet memories.

Press conferences for 14 Blades and Yuen Wo Ping's True Legend are being held on the same day, the media will inevitably be comparing these two films.
Donnie Yen: I don't think 14 Blades' rival is True Legend, our opponents are all films released in the same period. Besides, 14 Blades and True Legend belong to different genre, one is wuxia, the other is kungfu, it's like comparing apples and oranges. It'd be more fitting to compare it with Ip Man 2 or Legend of Chen Zhen.

14 Blades is a film with excellent action, and its drama is pretty decent. Wuxia films have been around for decades, and have become part of many people's lives, and the audiences have certain demands. I have been filming for over 2 decades, encountering countless scenes, what I'm after nowadays is not outstanding action, for that is already a part of my film. I hope everyone would support our own Chinese films, can't let Avatar be the sole blockbuster.

Yuen Wo Ping was your mentor, what do you think of the two movies clashing in the theatres?
Donnie Yen: Without Yuen Wo Ping's induction, I wouldn't have entered the industry. It's been 27 years, when I was 19, Yuen Wo Ping brought me into this trade, but we went our own ways more than 10 years ago. I'm eternally grateful to and respectful of him. I would still support his films if there's a chance, and learn from him.

What are your plans for this year?
Donnie Yen: There are a few works in the pipeline, very tightly packed. In March, I'll be doing Guan Yun Chang, in summer, might be working with director Peter Chan again. There are many film offers towards the end of the year, but I haven't made up my mind, 7 to 8 scripts, it's impossible for me to do all of them, I'd choose 2, 3 that gives me ample room to develop.

Heard that you're collaborating with Tony Jaa and there would have a decisive showdown?
Donnie Yen: Indeed, there's such a plan, director Stanley Tong and Raymond Wong are helping me invite Tony Jaa, I hope they'll succeed, but can't divulge the details.  Hunan TV