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Interview with Jet Li
i-weekly, July 2001
Yeo Lay Leng
Why
Kiss of the Dragon seems to be going against the current trend where action
films are crazy over the use of wire-harnesses?
I received tons of emails from fans who gave me lots of suggestions before the
movie's production. They felt that Romeo Must Die's action is rather lame, with
too many quick cuts. After the release of the Matrix, many people were filming
paranormal action movies where everyone, be it the young or old can be highly
skilled martial artists. Everyone was doing too much flying with the aid of
computers and I wanted a more realistic "street fight" movie.
Is it because you're tired of being an invincible hero and wants to be a
normal person?
I have never been a hero. I have only played a few roles which are heroes.
(Laughter.) When you're really get in touch with life, you'll find that human is
not so perfect. Everyone has their strong and weak points, but most movies talk
of heroes only. I wanted to convey something that reflects the real life and
real people.
Everyone was surprised that you did not do The Matrix sequels.
When I was filming Kiss of Dragon in September last year, I received an offer on
The One. At the same time, I was also asked to be in the Matrix. I felt that the
Matrix's storyline and shooting was very interesting but the action was nothing
groundbreaking. But the most important reason for turning down the offer was the
movie would still be doing very well even without me, owing to the talents of
the directors and the success of the original movie. The sequels take one and a
half year from preparation to filming and if most actors were involved in these
two movies, then the audience will only get to see one movie for the entire
year, without any other choices. I believe in giving the audience wider choices.
Do you regret not being in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon?
No, I once made a promise to my wife that if we were still in love with each
other ten years later, we would get married. If she's having a baby, I would put
down my work to be with her. This is a man's promise. Really, you may find it
funny, or think that I am a little old fashioned, but it doesn't matter.
Li An was already in talks with me about filming Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon
in 1997. I told him to shoot it in China and it is best to get someone like Yuen
Wo Ping when filming wuxia movie. In fact, most of the working crew in that
movie used to work with me. However, when the movie was about to begin filming,
I was planning to tie the nuptial knot. I am glad about its success and don't
have any regrets. A movie can be shot again, but I only have one wife.
Jackie Chan said he wanted to work with you, do you think it would be
possible in the near future?
We had discussed about it seven years ago, but the time was not ripe. We know
that all the audience in the world would want to see us working together. We are
good friends and often talk about movie-making. But we have quite a number of
movies waiting to be made, and it would depend on fate.
Do you fear there might be some kind of competition between the two of you?
We have been living happily in the entertainment circle for over 20 years and
there is nothing worth comparing. We are very open and are not afraid of being
compared. We love using actions to express ourselves and we have our individual
flairs and characteristics. What's there to compare? It's like comparing tea to
coffee.
A man's responsibilities.
When you've met you other half, you'll find that you are willing to
sacrifice your reputation, money, social status, and even life for her; When the
two of you are willing to give unconditionally to each other, then, that is the
most beautiful love. Don't measure love, love means giving and not receiving.
Have you been living in US for the past few years?
Not necessarily. I was in France for five months last year. I would be in China
in the later half of this year to film Hero. It depends on where the filming
location is.
Do you feel the lack of homeliness for being in unfamiliar places most of the
time?
I have been travelling around since I was young. When I was schooling, I stayed
six days in the school every week. I am used to communal lifestyle and have been
to over 40 countries. Later, I stayed in US for a year and went back to HK to
shoot a few films. I never have a fixed abode. Actually, I missed my home a lot.
And now, wherever my wife likes to stay is my home.
Kiss of the Dragon is about a man's promise. Is this an influence by your
wife?
No, a man's promise is not related to a woman's influence. A man influences
himself. Ha, ha, ha! I am a very conservative Chinese. When a man decides to do
something, he must get it done. Fulfilling promises is the principle of a
matured man. However, the modern society lacks this feeling. In fact, all the
women in the world are looking for security, and this is the greatest
consideration in marriage. They hope that men can be trusted, depended upon for
life. But when you look at the society, even when they are married, they still
fret, still don't feel secured. I have seen many such cases and wish to express
the beauty of such a Chinese tradition.
Do you think that you are a reliable man in the real life?
I am dependable and trustworthy as far as my family and my wife are concerned,
and I have the responsibility to take care of them. My wife is very important to
me. She is not just a wife, but my confidante, my best friend and whenever I
meet with difficulties, she is always there to support me, to share my burden. I
believe she is worthy of every effort of mine to shower her with love and care.
You have always kept a low profile and we are surprised that you would openly
bring along your wife.
It's not that. This could have something to do with Tibetan Buddhism I am
practising for the past one year or two. I gradually begin to understand about
the relations between people. When I just alighted from the plane, I felt it was
not easy being a reporter. My plane was delayed for 3 hours and the reporters
had waited in the airport for at least 4 hours. They are humans too. Why were
they doing it? Because of job. They were not doing it willingly. When you
consider carefully, you'll find that it's not easy for each person to survive in
the society and you should spare a thought for them. In the past, I would have
questioned why were people interfering with my life. But now, I would think:
Since everyone is so concerned about me, I would let them know what they wish to
know as far as I can. I am grateful for your concern. We haven't met for more
than two years, and it is a natural thing to do. I am in the entertainment
circle and I do not mind amusing others, so long as it doesn't hurt anyone.
How do you describe your marriage?
Very satisfying and happy.
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