Interview with Jackie Wu

20.11.2010EvilDollaR

At the peak of the popularity of martial arts films, the number of action stars increased significantly, but now everyone only wants to see Donnie Yen, Jackie Chan or Jet Li on the screen. When will people understand that there is a Jackie Woo, and he is also good from a technical point of view? So the question arises: Why is Jackie Woo an afterthought when it comes to kung fu movies?

Jackie Wu: I have no idea. The answer to this question must be sought within yourself. I may still be lacking in life experience, but I guess that's for the best as I'll be able to grasp more of the basics.

Donnie Yen had to wait more than ten years before achieving his current status. How long will you have to wait?

Jackie Wu: Some say that history makes heroes, and others say that it is heroes who make history. Of course, I would like to create my own era, but a lot depends on the occasion, time, people, hobbies and personal criteria. I don't think I should put too much faith in this. When the time comes, everything will go like clockwork.

You are younger than Jet Li and from the day you decided to connect your career with this genre, you are constantly compared to this “Emperor of Kung Fu”. But many still consider you his successor.

Jackie Wu: Jet Li is my idol, all his achievements are worth learning from. But I will not be his successor. I will succeed on my own! Director Benny Chan told me that the film industry is like a marathon, you have to continue running on the path you have chosen.

Many people can’t really understand why you always film in Hong Kong.

Jackie Wu: I don't really like going to Hong Kong, it's just that they don't make kung fu movies very often in mainland China. You shouldn’t think that Hong Kong is so good, I’m forced by circumstances, I have no other options.

So, in this case, you will agree to any film? Judging by your work over the past few years, the best action films are “Stars of Destiny” (SPL) and “Fatal Contact”, people consider other films simply junk. Many people don't understand why Jackie Woo has so many bad films.

Jackie Wu: You must have watched “The Last Stand” on video. The film was not shown in cinemas in China. As for bad films, as many say, this, in essence, does not depend on the actor. Every time I, as an actor, am given a script, I just try to play my role well, and it doesn’t depend on me how the film turns out in the end.

Have your Hong Kong kung fu movie dreams come true yet?

Jackie Wu: There is still a lot of work to be done before they are implemented, because in fact, working in Hong Kong these days is not a bed of roses, you have to deal with numerous restrictions and obstacles related to language problems and cultural differences. Some of the things I experienced are not even worth talking about, some things are too depressing. There was a time when I often listened to Go De Gang's comedy sketches to cheer myself up and calm my nerves.

Knowing full well that this is a path of hardship, regardless of the type of role and its size, I always adhere to one principle - taking my work seriously. There is nothing that makes it worth quitting what you started. I started studying Wushu at the age of six, I broke the bridge of my nose, injured my kneecap, strained muscles, it was all an integral part of my life. This pain and trauma is my experience, what could be more important than that? Be that as it may, I'm still young and could use some slacking.

Thanks to Invisible Target, you were nominated for an award at the 44th Golden Horse Festival for Best Supporting Actor. But overall, it didn't help break the curse that kung fu stars and awards are mutually exclusive. Do you regret it?

Jackie Wu: No. For those who do their homework, an opportunity may always present itself. I believe that one day, through my persistence, I will achieve what I deserve.

These days, many action stars, like Jet Li and Jackie Chan, have “beaten their swords into ploughshares.” Have you ever thought about this? (note: this refers to charitable activities and filming in films not related to martial arts)

Jackie Woo: I haven't thought about it yet, I first need to succeed as an action actor.

Since the time of “The Legendary Killer” you began to work as a director. Do you intend to gain experience so that when you return to the continent you can start making your own kung fu films, or do you want to stand behind the camera because you are tired of fighting?

Jackie Wu: I never got tired of fighting, I just started to get the thrill of it. In fact, I want to gain experience in order to properly make my own kung fu films. When you are both an actor and a director in the same film, the decisions are made by you, and this, on top of everything else, is a huge responsibility.

While filming Legendary Assassin, I was delirious. What kind of direction does the action genre need? What about the sales market? I sat depressed and in a trance on a farm in Nanjiang, and my best friend’s wife consoled me: “Little Wu, everything is fine.” I couldn't stand it and cried loudly. After that, I thought: if I could recover from such a stupor, now nothing can stop me.

So, do you intend to continue your work as a director?

Jackie Wu: Of course. I have already properly prepared for my future project. It's a military-themed film set in modern times, but there's a lot I can't tell you.

Your friends say that you are abnormal. Why?

Jackie Wu: Haha, I'm definitely crazy, I can play with death, stunts with cars, explosions, I do all this myself, without stunt doubles.

So, in “Wind Blast” you were to the same extent insane?

Jackie Wu: Yes, there was an episode where I had to slow down right before the cliff. The shooting is going on, and I am completely absorbed in the acting. The brakes squealed and I almost flew through the windshield from the sudden stop. It would be nice if I was the only one who was so abnormal, but Charlie Yeung also had a hand in this. She was sick not from pregnancy, but from motion sickness - I swerved the car too much, drove too fast. As a result, every time Charlie Yeung got out of the car, after another bout of vomiting, she said to me with difficulty: “Thank you very much for helping me get into character!” Haha...

Did you learn a lot from this film?

Jackie Wu: Of course! This is my most exciting work so far. Duan Yihong and Uncle Ni Dahong graduated from acting school. I often pestered them with my questions on this matter. From time to time we had fun with a friendly crowd.

Source: Xiaoxiang Morning Herald, wu-jing.org
Translation: EvilDollaR

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