Chapter 9 Chapter 7: Things will turn back when they are extreme

Everything has to go through the stages of initiation, development, climax, and end.The same is true of Jet Li's life trajectory. In mainland China, he became famous all over the world with his "Shaolin Temple".After the glory, Jet Li entered a period of silence.Then, where Jet Li made another brilliance, Jet Li fell into deep thinking... From 1992 to 1995, Jet Li made many films, shaping the classic images of Huang Feihong and Fang Shiyu, and he became an irreplaceable martial arts hero in people's minds. As the saying goes: "Things must be reversed", after the Huang Feihong and Fang Shiyu series of films achieved another round of glory for Jet Li, Jet Li's film career began to decline again, and the films he produced were stable and no longer had a sensational effect.

The decline in career made Jet Li worried, how to change this situation?Jet Li fell into deep thought again. In the Spring Festival of 1996, Jet Li stood on the balcony of his house, the sea breeze blowing in the breath of spring, and the Taiping Mountain in the distance was covered with new green bushes.The sea breeze made him feel refreshed. Jet Li thought that he must find a new path this year to continue his brilliant career. He said to Li Zhi: "The era of Huang Feihong and Fang Shiyu has passed, tell me, what character can I play to shine again?" Li Zhi smiled and said, "I don't know, you may be inspired by making some different types of films."

Jet Li thought about it, this is also a way, he decided to do what Li Zhi wanted, and tried to take a new path. Under the guidance of this idea, Jet Li took over the filming of Cheng Xiaodong's "The King of Adventure", which is very similar in style to Spielberg's "Indiana Jones" series. The plot of "Adventure King" is written that Tang Sanzang went to the west to obtain the wordless scriptures, saying that he could use this to change the world, and the scriptures became the target of competition. In 1934, Puyi became the emperor of Manchuria in the three eastern provinces, and it became clear that Japanese careerists intended to get involved in Chinese territory.In order to protect ancient cultural relics, the Chinese government invites archaeologist Wei Yixin (Jet Li) and his apprentice Bao Jiaoxiao (Kaneshiro Takeshi) to track down the whereabouts of the scriptures, so as not to be preempted by the Japanese.Wei Yixin searched around. Later, he learned that the scriptures were hidden in the Japanese consulate. Master and apprentice Wei sneaked into the Japanese consulate to search for the scripture box, and finally got acquainted with Rufeng (played by Guan Zhilin), and the two fell in love.

Wei Yixin traced the clues to Zhengyi Daily, the editor Uncle Ying (Luo Jiaying) used the newspaper as a cover to protect the scripture box. After Wei Yixin inquired about the scripture box, he called General Long to come to Shanghai to preside over the overall situation, but the news was rejected. Rufeng learns that Rufeng's real identity is a Japanese spy, Rufeng decides to go to assassinate General Long, and contacts the bandit Ni Ba (played by Ni Xing) to snatch the scripture box. After a fierce struggle, Wei Yixin finally won the victory and regained the scriptures. In the process, he fought wits and bravery with bandits, warlords, and Japanese devils, and finally found the location of the big secret. In the battle with his opponents, his lover Rufeng died for love, and he also used his own way Prove your unwavering love to your lover.

The director of "Adventure King" is Cheng Xiaodong, who is very good at shooting subjects with extraordinary imagination. "The Love of Terracotta Warriors in Ancient and Modern Wars" is his masterpiece. The film starred Zhang Yimou, a world-class director, and his lover Gong Li at the time. In "Adventure King", Jet Li has an emotional scene with the big-eyed beauty Guan Zhilin.In one scene, according to the director's intention, he and Guan Zhilin were very affectionate, and there was a lot of affection between their eyebrows. Soon, the news reached Lizhi's ears.After a while, Jet Li received a call from Li Zhi: "I'm leaving, I'm going back to my hometown in Shanghai."

Jet Li, who was filming on the set, was confused and said, "Why?" Li Zhi said fiercely: "You understand in your heart." Jet Li said: "I don't understand, really. Why do you say?" "I won't talk to you, I know what I do." After finishing speaking, he hung up the phone. Jet Li knew something was wrong, so he didn't care that he was filming, so he chased Lizhi to the airport desperately and stopped Lizhi.Said to her, "What's the matter with you?" "You know it in your heart." "I really don't know. Can you just tell me what you have to say? Don't keep it in your heart."

Lizhi sat down on the chair with teary eyes.As a result, Jet Li was at a loss.He also sat down with him, and said in a soft voice: "Can you just talk about it? I don't think I did anything wrong." Li Zhi immediately turned his head and said, "I haven't done anything wrong, and I still don't admit my fault for being so intimate with other women!" Only then did Jet Li know that Li Zhi was angry because of the intimate scene, he laughed, thinking that Li Zhi was jealous again, which is also good, it shows that she cares about herself. Seeing Jet Li laughing aside, Li Zhi became even more angry, pinched Jet Li's thigh, and said sharply: "Still laughing!"

Because at the airport, Jet Li was too painful to speak, he said to Li Zhi: "I will shoot less emotional scenes in the future, and I will definitely satisfy you." Seeing Jet Li's good words of persuasion and making a promise to himself, Li Zhi softened and said, "It's not that you are not allowed to make emotional scenes, but you can't be too affectionate. I can't stand being too affectionate." Jet Li agreed to Li Zhi, and since then, Jet Li has always asked the director to minimize emotional scenes.On the set, he was always courteous to the actresses. When taking pictures together, he never put his hands on the actresses' shoulders, but put them in his pockets to show his innocence.

His friends laughed at him, but he said helplessly, "I can't help it, I have to listen to Li Zhi!" Friends who know him well know that Jet Li's fear of Li Zhi is an expression of love, and he is notoriously fond of Li Zhi.Walking on the street, if the sun is strong, he will immediately take off his coat to block the sun for Li Zhi. During the filming of "Adventure King", a disaster occurred. Halfway through the filming, the set caught fire. The raging fire burned all the film. Director Cheng Xiaodong was so angry that he went crazy and scolded the set management staff.In the end, it was re-shot again, which cost a lot of money.Due to the rush of time, this film has many flaws and signs of perfunctory.

After the film was released, the response was mediocre.Jet Li was also very dissatisfied with this film and regarded him as a failed film in his life.Ten years later, he expressed this view when the movie channel launched the "Jet Li Film Festival". In the spring of 2006, the movie channel will broadcast "Chizi Weilong", "Tai Chi Zhang Sanfeng", "Jing Wu Heroes", "Kung Fu Emperor Fang Shiyu", "New Shaolin Five Patriarchs", "Huang Feihong Three Lions Fighting for Hegemony" in sequence at prime time every day. ", "Evil Sect Leader" and "Adventure King" and other 8 works of Jet Li in different periods.

After the film was broadcast, Jet Li commented on the 8 films shown on the movie channel, and "Adventure King" was rated as a "confused movie" by Jet Li.Jet Li said: By 2006, I had almost made more than 30 films, some of which were high-quality goods, and some were made for money. Especially in 1993, I was like a chicken that lays golden eggs, and was snatched by several companies in Hong Kong. Take it away, I filmed 5 works that year, many times I just remember to play in disguise, and I don’t know why.For example, "Yi Tian Tu Long Ji: The Demon Sect Leader" is a work of that period.I have no impression of making this movie. I was on the set every day at the time, and it was a movie that was shot in a daze. In addition, there is "Adventure King" in 1996. This movie may not have a good name. Halfway through the filming, a fire broke out on the set, and all the films were burned. And until now I don't understand why the director let In the film, I do somersaults, split legs and shoot. "Adventure King" is the last work of Jet Li's prolific period. Since then, he has made fewer and fewer films every year. After Jet Li finished filming "Adventure King", he thought of Tsui Hark, whom he had not seen for a long time. After Tsui Hark and Jet Li broke up, he made a few more movies, but there was no great response, and he was also in a very depressed state.Jet Li felt that only with him can sparks be sparked, and the two of them can change the current state by working together. He said in a 2005 interview with China News Weekly: Tsui Hark is a genius. He returned from studying in the West, and his thinking method of mixing Chinese and Western cultures has led several film trends.Through these several cooperations, I learned a lot from him and made many good works. My brilliance in Hong Kong is inseparable from Tsui Hark. We can create infinite sparks in movies, but in my heart, I don’t think we know each other what kind of person he is and what kind of person I am. . With an attitude of wanting to create sparks, Jet Li approached Tsui Hark.The two met in a hotel. After a warm conversation, Jet Li asked: "Director Xu, in recent years, the appeal of action movies has not been as great as before. Fewer and fewer audiences are entering the theater for action movies. As a martial arts star, what do I want?" How about adjusting yourself?" Tsui Hark took a sip of beer and said: "I personally think this is a very normal phenomenon. Hong Kong Kung Fu movies have gone through many stages in the past 30 to 40 years, but for Hong Kong audiences, when Kung Fu movies are booming, they will watch them in succession within one or two years. Dozens of action movies, he will definitely feel very tired, he will definitely change his taste, find some new genres to watch, and there will be more new genres in a year or two, and when there are more, he will return to action movies During the one or two years of depression, actors and directors engaged in action had to come up with some new packaging and new methods to produce new action movies.” "If action movies really decline, should I change my acting style now or stick to being a martial arts actor?" Tsui Hark said: "If an actor has the opportunity, of course he has to try in many ways, but objective factors may not allow it. Hong Kong is a very realistic society. Everyone has his own specialties for success. Audiences go to the theater to watch Jackie Chan , Jet Li is watching action, watching Chow Yun-fat is watching him for style, watching Zhou Xingchi is for being funny. If you go to the theater, see Jackie Chan and don’t fight at all, watch Jet Li and don’t fight at all, and only act in literary dramas, everyone will say it’s better to go to Andy Lau, Chow Yun Fat." "You have already established a stereotype. It is very difficult for an actor to change roles, because the film market is not only in Hong Kong, but also in Taiwan, Southeast Asia, Europe, including the mainland. The audience has fixed your image, so investors have Don’t have the guts to invest in a literary drama on you? I don’t think any boss will do this, the risk is too great.” "So, you should be your martial arts actor, you can only innovate in action movies, just like me, you can only go back and forth in the circle of martial arts movies, because in the hearts of movie fans, Tsui Hark is the world, Xu Hark Ke is martial arts, and Tsui Hark is a dreamer of martial arts films, unlike Zhang Yimou who can make literary films during the Republic of China. If I make such films like Zhang Yimou, no one will watch them.” Jet Li nodded, expressing his agreement. The conversation with Tsui Hark made Jet Li recognize himself.After solving this problem, Jet Li asked again: "What movie are you preparing for recently?" ""Black Man"." Tsui Hark sipped his beer and said loudly. Li Lianjie became energetic when he heard it, and asked: "What are you talking about? The name seems to be a bit different from other martial arts movies." Tsui Hark then introduced to him the story of the film he was preparing: Xu Xi belonged to Unit 701, an organization that specializes in training painless and feelingless killers. He used his identity as a cover-up, and at the same time lived an ordinary life, hoping to be an ordinary person. When Xu Xi was working in the library, she didn't know how to socialize, and was often looked down upon by colleagues. There were only two people who were very close to him. One was the female colleague TRACY who was sought after by everyone in the library, but TRACY ignored others and only loved this Xu Xi, who is taciturn; Just when Xu Xi was living a good life as an ordinary person, Unit 701 suddenly appeared and killed the leader of the Hong Kong gangster like a whirlwind.Shi SIR and the police are completely unable to parry. Seeing that his friend Shi Sir is in danger, Xu Xi turns into a black man for friendship and fights against Unit 701. The appearance of Hei Xia shakes the whole city, Xiong Ju, the head of 701, is furious, and sends Xu Xi's former lover Ruo Lan to lure Hei Xia back.Ruolan appears in the library, TRACY misunderstood this woman as his rival in love, and scolded her, but he didn't know that because he showed a close relationship with Xu Xi, he was involved in this extremely dangerous whirlpool.In order to protect TRACY, Xu Xi incarnates as a black man and forcefully takes TRACY away for protection. TRACY resists this black man monster. Unexpectedly, the black man is her ideal Xu Xi. Hei Xia and Shi SIR deal with Unit 701 together, feeling very conflicted: on the one hand, he hopes that Ruolan, who has no feelings, can regain his feelings;In the end, Heixia saw that he could not change Ruolan, so he had no choice but to eliminate Ruolan and Unit 701 together.Although he was sad, he found that he and TRACY had found what he always wanted to have - love! After listening to Tsui Hark's introduction, Jet Li thought the story was interesting and intended to take this movie. Tsui Hark said: "Black Man" tells a heroic story of a new era, the subject matter is a bit fantasy, I still hope you can be the leading actor. " Jet Li readily agreed. "Black Man" is full of famous stars, besides Jet Li, there are Liu Qingyun, Karen Mok, Ye Fanghua and others. After taking over the filming of "Black Man", Jet Li worked hard on how to play the character of "Black Man".He read the script carefully and pondered the characters.He believes that this movie should give people a sense of mystery, and create a double-faced personality of Xu Xi's character. As a knight, the side must be cool, mysterious, and chivalrous.The shape of the costumes must be unique, a black suit, a black top hat, and a black mask.As Xu Xi in real life, he should be gentle, kind, and a typical good man.He works as an ordinary employee in the library. He usually smiles at people, puts on an earplug, and enjoys the happiness brought by knowledge.As the most powerful killer, Xu Xi in reality hides her secrets and keeps a low profile. The character Hei Xia not only has a double-faced personality, but also emphasizes love and righteousness, and this way of expressing affection is through actions rather than words.How to express this?Jet Li analyzed the script and thought he should pay attention to the following aspects when performing: Throughout the play, Xu Xi should not talk too much, but what she said was very profound.Just like what Heixia said to Mo Wenwei, "A man who says he is useful is not necessarily useful, and a man who is useful will not say it", this is the true nature of Heixia. Expressing Heixia's love, saving his student Ruolan is a major event. For her, Heixia rescued her from the Flying Tigers regardless of the danger of his life, but he didn't complain about the knife in exchange. When Ruolan saw Mo Wenwei saving Xu Xi who was about to fall, she was also touched by the scene, and remembered the scene when the instructor rescued herself during training, and her heart was touched.In this scene, my eyes must express the tenderness and calmness of a man, and move people with true feelings. After analyzing the script, Jet Li began to think about the general idea of ​​martial arts design. Jet Li felt that Xu Xi's martial arts action design must be as fast as lightning, clean and neat, one move will kill the enemy, and the action will come and go like the wind, coming and going without a trace.When not doing movements, he is soft and weak, like a frail scholar.For this reason, Jet Li believes that it is necessary to pay attention to the shaping of the details, and the details of the black man's martial arts will be more shocking than the open and closed fights.For example, his subtle movements in catching Mo Wenwei who was about to fall to the ground in the library and dealing with the little hooligan in the toilet are enough to show his extraordinary skills.The two movements of kicking high and raising the leg without looking back in the rain and supporting the side leg with one hand are even more amazing. Before the filming of "Black Man", Jet Li stayed in the study every day analyzing the script. Li Zhi felt strange and said, "Did you not prepare to be an actor and switched to film research? I have never seen you make a film so seriously." Jet Li smiled and said, "No, I just think it's a good movie, not a bad one." Li Zhi said: "Can it be as popular as the Huang Feihong and Fang Shiyu series?" Jet Li thought for a while and said: "It's hard to say, the audience has the final say on whether the movie is good or not. Making a movie is like being pregnant. Before it comes out, you don't know whether it is a man or a woman. Before the movie is released, no one dares to say whether it is popular or not." .” Soon, "Black Man" started filming, with a total investment of 60 million US dollars. After the film came out, "Black Man" conquered the audience because of its novel story and dazzling action scenes. In addition, he also showed his acting skills. He was very brilliant in his interpretation of the subtle love with Karen Mok and the friendship with Liu Qingyun. Hong Kong media commented on "Black Man" and said: ""Black Man" is another perfect combination of Tsui Hark's imagination and Jet Li's kung fu after "Once Upon a Time". The joining of Mo Wenwei, Liu Qingyun and others also added to the film's icing on the cake. " Six years later, Tsui Hark made a sequel to "Black Man". I don't know if it was because he felt that it was not interesting or because of the schedule, Jet Li did not appear in the sequel.Tsui Hark then selected five young people with great potential to form the "New Five Tigers" in the film industry. This time, Tsui Hark fell in love with An Zhijie, who is strong in stature, flexible in skill and somewhat similar in appearance to Jet Li, and he will take over the performance of "Black Man II".In this film, Tsui Hark still cooperates with Yuan Heping, and all newcomers are employed. With the fashionable "human cloning" issue as the theme of the film, a modern oriental hero who is both cartoon and has a sense of justice is created. An Zhijie, the star of "Black Man II", also commented on Jet Li's black man, saying: Both Jackie Chan and Jet Li are my idols. I used to worship Yuan Heping as my teacher when I was in the United States.Jet Li's kung fu is good, and the realism of the fight is particularly in place.When shooting, I can only do it with my own imagination, and I want to make every action unique. I only watched the first part after filming "Black Man II", and I hope this way I can show my own characteristics.I feel that the first episode has more violent elements, and the second episode has a more Japanese cartoon feel. Although "Black Man" starring Jet Li received a good response, it did not arouse as strong a response as "Once Upon a Time".This made Jet Li feel lost in his heart, feeling that he had put in a lot of effort but had not received what he deserved. So what happened?Is it your own problem?Or is it a problem with the film market?Or is it a problem with the "Black Man" movie itself?From any angle, this film has achieved the power of sensational effect, why is it only popular but not explosive?Jet Li couldn't find the answer. In this state of being in a trance and not knowing the direction, Jet Li took over the filming of "The King of Killers". In Jet Li's words: "When I took over the filming of the King of Killers, I didn't have any thoughts. I acted as the director said." .” "King of Killers" is directed by the cutting-edge director Dong Wei. It tells the story of an old man who invites the world's number one killer - "Seraphim" to assassinate a Japanese chaebol because the other party ruined his family during the Sino-Japanese War.Under heavy siege, the Japanese chaebol died under the gun of the killer king.But the chaebol had set up a revenge fund before his death. Whoever can find out and kill the mastermind and killer behind the scenes will get 100 million US dollars.Ever since, the world's most famous killers are all eyeing, and even the grandson of the chaebol Eiji Tsukamoto leads the world's second killer Gray Wolf and others to join.Among the people competing for this wealth, there is also a pair of little-known partners, Crocodile and Xiaofu.Xiaofu is eager to make money and return to his hometown to build a house, while Crocodile is a low-level gangster who cheats and cheats everywhere. In this film, the crocodile is played by Zeng Zhiwei, and the little rich is played by Jet Li. This movie was filmed in 1998. The plot is tense and hot, with a hail of bullets, fists and kicks, and Jet Li's good kung fu has been displayed to his heart's content.However, even though he is the leading actor, in this film, his acting skills are really not satisfactory, maybe because he is not in the right state, the face of the killer Xiaofu played by Jet Li is always tight, occasionally pretending to be simple and honest.In this film, apart from the good-looking martial arts, Jet Li has nothing else to impress the audience. In this film, Zeng Zhiwei, who plays the old gangster crocodile, has achieved success.Zeng Zhiwei has a short stature and is not good-looking, but he is a well-known figure in the Hong Kong entertainment industry.Acting in movies and hosting, his eloquence is quite good.It stands to reason that ugly actors can only serve as a foil behind handsome actors.But Zeng Zhiwei just didn't believe in evil, and wanted to fight his way out of the predicament.With excellent acting skills and dedication, Zeng Zhiwei has achieved success. What's more interesting is that he has always been full of confidence in his short and thick voice, and even believes that his hoarse voice has promoted his career development.In terms of appearance, Zeng Zhiwei can even be classified as an "ugly star", and most of his roles are small people at the bottom of society, but he just captured the individuality of these small people, and his performances are vivid and penetrating. After the film came out, Jet Li admired Zeng Zhiwei's acting skills. The mediocrity of "King of Killers" made Jet Li fall into thinking again. He said to Li Zhi: "After shooting two films in a row, it seems that I haven't found the feeling. This is not a long-term solution. Think about it, where is the new way?" ?” Li Zhi said: "You don't have to worry, take a good rest first. Think about everything clearly before planning." Li Zhi saw that Jet Li was in a period of stagnation in film creation, so he wanted to take this opportunity to let him have a good rest and not to work too hard.Whenever I have free time, I ask Jet Li to hang around.During that period of time, the two of them walked all over the streets and alleys of Hong Kong. Jet Li had a great time and said, "I never imagined that there are so many interesting places in Hong Kong." Later, they traveled to Southeast Asian countries. When they were indulging in mountains and rivers, Jet Li received a call from Yuan Heping, the martial arts instructor of "Black Man". The opening and closing films of the 20th New York Asia Pacific Film Festival. The magical skills you showed in the film opened the eyes of Americans, and several American directors wanted to cooperate with you." After Jet Li heard it, he was overjoyed. He immediately knew the reason why he was unhappy after filming "Black Man" and "King of Killers". He subconsciously wanted to make a world-class martial arts film. Years later, in an interview with reporters, he talked about his thoughts and mentality at that time: Reporter: Your appearance, actions and personality are considered by Chinese audiences to be the most traditional image of a martial arts hero, and you have left many classics in the domestic film industry. Why did you choose to leave Hong Kong when you were at your peak? Jet Li: Ah... this is a very simple problem (thought for a while), (correct immediately) is not a simple problem, but a normal development.Chinese culture has many essences, but not many people know about it.Of course, we hope that this essence will be known to Asians, Europeans, and people all over the world, so we must go out. For me, it's pointless to repeat myself when faced with success already in Asia.Just like I won the (martial arts) championship for 5 years, and when I won the 6th and 7th years, there will always be an end and I will be killed by someone.The greatest enemy of man is himself, so challenge yourself.I went from a familiar environment where I had already controlled everything to a new environment to challenge myself. This is a process in life. It can be seen from Jet Li's summary that he is not willing to be an Asian star, he wants to be a world-class star. After the way forward was clear, Jet Li and Li Zhi planned how to become a world-class star. Li Zhi said to him: "Years of life experience tell me that if you want to develop in a place, you must first enter that circle. If you want to become a world-class star, you must enter Hollywood, the center of the world's film industry." Jet Li felt that Li Zhi's words were reasonable. After Jackie Chan entered the United States, he opened up the market with "Red Fan District" and became an international superstar.In the early years, Bruce Lee also made his fortune in Hollywood, and achieved the status of an international superstar with four films.Even Chow Yun-fat, who is good at acting, gained a firm foothold in the United States by relying on "Blood Heroes". Jet Li said worriedly: "Do you think I should go to Hollywood to make a movie first, or I should make a better movie in Hong Kong, and then go in after successfully entering the North American market." Li Zhi thought for a while and said: "I think it is very difficult for Hong Kong to produce a movie with a great response in this period of time." "Why are you so sure?" Li Zhi said: "Look, despite the efforts of the filmmakers, the audience's response to the new film is getting worse and worse. Not only you Jet Li, but also the films of Jackie Chan, Chow Yun Fat, Stephen Chow, Andy Lau and other big stars have lost the appeal of the past. , the box office revenue is declining. Why is this? This is related to the film market. After the mid-1990s, Hong Kong films have generally fallen into a stalemate. Under such a general trend, it is difficult to produce sensational movies. I think there is a movie review article that I think is well analyzed. This article believes that there are three reasons for the decline of Hong Kong movies: 1. Filmmakers are eager for quick success. According to the Hong Kong circle According to the analysis of the media, the film studios in Hong Kong are now suffering from the symptoms of only looking at money. They are completely eager for quick success and quick profits in managing movies. The film that originally took one year to shoot is now finished in three months. With this point of view, I would rather spread the funds to open a few more films and make a little money for each film, rather than invest a lot of money to concentrate on completing a film and use this film to make a lot of money. A groundbreaking film. Because of the fierce competition in the market, the failure rate of the film is very high, so Hong Kong film companies have become speculators. If the film has a sensational effect, they will flock to it, making similar themes, following the taste of the public, blindly As a result, the market is flooded with repeatedly plagiarized, out-of-life, and shoddy films. 3. Film companies use actors without considering quality issues. Some so-called "big-name" stars, once popular, become powerful and relentless. Under the circumstance of competing with each other, the remuneration is constantly increasing, which makes the production cost rise. At its peak, it is often accepted that there are films, and even two or three films are made at the same time. In the situation of taking care of one and losing the other, the performance level is greatly reduced, and Hong Kong films have changed accordingly. It has become an assembly line. In short, the current Hong Kong film market is not normal, and very influential works cannot be produced." When Li Zhi expressed his point of view in one breath, Jet Li was stunned. He didn't expect Li Zhi to have such insightful insights. "Then what do you mean I want to go to Hollywood to make a film? Is this my chance to enter Hollywood?" Li Zhi said: "These years are a good opportunity for you to enter Hollywood. In recent years, North American audiences who are tired of the Hollywood model desperately need a change. They are increasingly interested in films with exotic flavors. There are many directors in Hong Kong. , Actors are eyeing this, ready to grab the beach in Hollywood and show their skills. Look, John Woo, who came from action movies, and Chow Yun-fat, Jackie Chan are all squeezed in? After you starred in Huang Feihong and other classics of the new martial arts era , The momentum is close to Jackie Chan. I think you are more qualified to be Bruce Lee's successor than Jackie Chan, the reason is that your kung fu is more real and pure. After you enter Hollywood, you have more room for development than Jackie Chan." Li Zhi's words moved Jet Li's heart, and he could not help but regard Li Zhi as his life mentor, and asked: "Then how can I enter Hollywood?" Li Zhi said: "Right now, Hei Xia has a very good response in the North American market. Tsui Hark has also been favored by Hollywood because of this film. Yuan Heping has already gone there. These two people may be your guides." Jet Li suddenly realized what he said, and he felt like seeing the sun behind the clouds. He said happily: "We have been together for so many years, and I didn't expect that your analytical ability is so strong. No wonder some people say that there is a good woman behind every successful man." Li Zhi laughed happily, his eyes curled up like a new moon. Jet Li finally said: "I think, if a Hollywood director sends me an invitation, no matter if it is a leading role or a supporting role, I will take their film, and I will go to Hollywood first. And this kind of entry should be low-key and not publicized." Li Zhi laughed at him and said, "If I make it public, I will be embarrassed to come back from defeat." Jet Li twisted Lizhi's nose and said, "Those who know me are also Lizhi." After the two planned their way to enter Hollywood, Jet Li found Yuan Heping, who was filming The Matrix in the United States, and wanted to see if he could enter the United States through his line. As Li Zhi said, in the mid-1990s, blind copying finally pushed Hong Kong martial arts and kung fu movies into a corner.Yuan Heping's film career also fell into a trough. Yuan Heping clearly realized that it was difficult to develop Kung Fu movies in Hong Kong, so he adjusted himself in time and turned his vision to places outside Hong Kong. Because his films have made many classic films, Yuan Heping has a large number of fans of action movies in the West. For example, the Wachowski brothers who made "The Amazing Flower" are die-hard fans of Yuan Heping's movies.Because of this, in 1997, when the Wo Zhuo brothers were preparing to shoot "The Matrix", they naturally thought of hiring Yuan Heping as the action designer of the film.Yuan Heping was very interested in their "Oriental Kungfu + Western stunt" action concept, and just took this opportunity to break into Hollywood, and immediately agreed to join. After a short chat, Jet Li said to Yuan Heping: "Ba Ye, you have made a name for yourself in Hollywood. What do you think is the difference between making movies in Hollywood and Hong Kong?" Yuan Heping lit a cigarette, took a deep breath, and said: "The difference is not very big, but the actors are different. Hong Kong action actors don't need to work too hard when filming, and generally have solid skills. Hollywood actors don't know martial arts. Yes, so before filming, we have to spend three to four months training them, from leg presses to hand movements and so on." "So is their approach to action movies different from Hong Kong?" "Hollywood works in a very meticulous way, and every detail of each scene will be arranged in advance. In Hong Kong, about 30 shots are shot a day, and they shoot up to 10 shots a day. Also, Hollywood filming needs to draw sketches of shots. In Hong Kong films, as you know, they are all on-the-spot routines. Generally speaking, the Americans show us the sketches, and we will make changes, because we feel that some of the movements are not perfect, and they will be satisfied after the changes. " "Ba Ye, what kind of film are you making, is there any obstacle in training those actors who have no martial arts foundation?" Yuan Heping laughed loudly and said: "Of course they can't compete with you, but although they don't know martial arts, they are very serious, hardworking and diligent in their work. He wants to practice the movements well, so there will be no major obstacles. Moreover, although they are all international superstars, they are very easy-going, and this kind of work attitude is worth learning from Hong Kong stars." "How did you come up with the idea of ​​developing in North America? To be honest, Ba Ye, I now feel that I don't have any more space in Hong Kong. It doesn't make any sense to keep repeating. I want to try Hollywood." Seeing Jet Li expressing his thoughts, Yuan Heping was very happy: "You should have thought of coming to Hollywood a long time ago, because you are still young, and you can still create a big career and rule the world like Bruce Lee. I am here to join in the fun and make more money That’s all, I’m going back to Hong Kong eventually.” After talking angrily, Yuan Heping stopped, took a sip of tea, and then smoked another cigarette, and then said: "I came here because the people from "The Matrix" invited me here. At that time, they asked me to be a martial arts finger. I'm not interested. Big, even turned it down. But the other party was very sincere and invited us to the United States for an interview, and Keanu also wanted to meet us. They said that the combination of American special effects and Chinese Kung Fu would definitely spark sparks. After thinking about it carefully, I think It’s really something new, so it’s here.” "Can I make a difference by coming to Hollywood? I don't have much faith in myself. Yuan Heping: "You still have great advantages. Your martial arts skills are profound, and your movements are flexible and chic. If you modify them with foreign high-tech, your movements will be more beautiful. Besides, "Black Man" has won With the recognition of the North American market, you can take this opportunity to enter Hollywood and gain a firm foothold. If you have the opportunity, I will recommend you to some directors in the United States." Jet Li thanked him repeatedly. With the support of Yuan Heping, Jet Li started the specific action to enter Hollywood. Whether he can succeed or not, Jet Li has no idea in his heart, he only knows to move forward. He knows very well that only by moving forward can he know whether there is a way ahead.