Interview with Jackie Chan about the film "Chinese Zodiac"

11.12.2012EvilDollaR

How did you come up with the plot for “The Chinese Zodiac”?

Jackie Chan: I wanted to make a film about Chinese artifacts being returned to their homeland. About six years ago, at an auction, I saw an [ancient Chinese] bronze animal head for the first time. Then I wondered why our national treasures were constantly disappearing abroad. And then, last year, two more bronze heads were put up for auction. Meanwhile, many foreigners argue that these artifacts are part of the world heritage, and in their possession, in essence, there is nothing reprehensible. That's how I came up with the idea for the CZ12 story.

Can you tell us about your character?

Jackie Chan: I play JC. He is a modern treasure hunter, an adventurer for hire, ready to complete any task for money. At first, he is quite happy with working for the shadow Corporation and crossing the globe in search of the missing bronze figurines from a set with 12 animal heads, symbolizing the Chinese zodiac signs. But then he learns about the secret activities of his employers and is convinced of a truth as old as the world - “you have to be honest to live outside the law.” I guess JC ended up doubly “growing” as a person.

In your previous films, you often played solo characters, but in The Chinese Zodiac, it's a team effort. Why such changes?

Jackie Chan: I think it will be more interesting for the audience. I have a lot of support in this film from a group of great actors. But that means twice as much difficulty in my job because I have to keep an eye on them in the stunt scenes.

Some element of danger was the norm when it came to combat. When they fought, I was next to the camera, and if they looked tired, or just didn't understand how to perform a move, or they needed to speed up, then it was my turn to tie everything together. But it turned out acceptable, especially in the case of Zhang Lanxin, who performed her stunts very well.

Can you tell us a little more about Zhang Lanxin?

Jackie Chan: In my opinion, Zhang Lanxin is one of the best female fighters in our country. I won't be able to give it a truly decent assessment. Firstly, many people know how to fight, but they are small in stature. Zhang Lanxin is 177 cm tall, has long arms and legs, and is very fast. In the film I tried to reveal all her strengths and qualities. In addition, Zhang Lanxin has extreme endurance.

Just yesterday at the airport I saw on her mobile phone photographs taken in the hospital in which blood clots were being removed from her knee, but I was not previously aware of this fact. I told her that if I had known about this, I would not have allowed her to act in fights.

The film also stars Kwon Sang-woo, already a superstar in South Korea. Could you tell us about the experience of your collaboration with him?

Jackie Chan: I didn't choose Kwon Sang-woo just because he has a recognizable face; he's also a very talented actor. And knows how to perform screen tricks; has powerful blows! He is also very smart. Capable of grasping tricks as clearly as possible on the fly. His dedication always commanded respect. He could train for two hours on his own. When I looked through the lens, his image somehow attracted me. I think he has all the makings to be the next generation of action superstar.

What is that episode in which you are dressed in some kind of special suit?

Jackie Chan: This is a so-called “rolling buggy” suit [a suit with protective pads and roller skate wheels attached], and it is very difficult to control. Some people will take more than a year to learn how to operate it, but I had to master this science in three weeks. The road where the episode was filmed has a very steep slope and there are many sharp and high-speed turns on which I could have fallen to my death. The most dangerous thing was sliding under the car. I had to maintain absolute balance: otherwise I would have been pulled under the wheels. I'm not Superman, I was scared while filming, but I really wanted to do this episode. And, since all eyes were turned on me, as soon as the cameras turned on, I had no choice but to risk my own life.

It was reported that you filmed one of the episodes on the site of an active volcano in Vanuatu. This is true?

Jackie Chan: Yes, we went to Vanuatu to the Mount Yasur volcano to film the remaining sequences from the film, which totaled about four minutes. But I had to wait two months because I wanted to photograph the moments of the volcanic eruption. In my opinion, the level of risk and scale of this episode is comparable to Tom Cruise's jump from the Burj Khalifa in Dubai from the last part of the film "Mission: Impossible." While filming, I saw pieces of volcanic rock flying over my head. This was by far the most dangerous situation I have ever been in.

There are rumors that after “The Chinese Zodiac” you will “give up” with action films; can you share details about this?

Jackie Chan: For the last ten years, many of my friends or directors have been telling me that at my age you shouldn’t act in action films. And it’s true, I’m really getting old. So I thought, okay, before I retire, I need to make one last big, good action film. Now everyone is saying that I am retiring, but I would like to solemnly declare that I do not intend to retire, I just want to do something that poses a little less threat to my body. Therefore, I would like to emphasize in all seriousness: I am a director, producer, producer, and also an investor. I prepared for this film for seven years, spent seven years writing the script, and more than a year filming it. I wanted this film to be as high quality as possible. But he is clearly not the last.

Source: bangkokpost.com
Translation: EvilDollaR
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