I read an interview with Casanova Wong in which he said that he was very grateful to Sammo Hungg because... Upon his arrival in Hong Kong, Sammo took on the role of mentor, teaching him about the nuances of the Hong Kong film industry and on-screen fighting. Did you and Sammo have a similar relationship?
Hwang Zhang Lee: After arriving in Hong Kong, I immediately started filming, so I was busy working from the very first day. This is what distinguished me from Casanova - I did not have time for a break and such relationships. You could say that in this regard I was self-taught.
So, I have to ask: of all the films you've done in Hong Kong, Korea or anywhere else, what's your favorite?
Hwang Zhang Lee: Hmmm, very difficult question. The quality of Hong Kong films of those years was very high, and, in addition, compared to our days, there were many more of them. But if I had to pick just one, I'd say it's Drunken Master. If we take martial arts movies, I personally think this movie is one of the best in the world.
Agree! Since we touched on the topic of “The Drunken Master,” it seems that in films you almost always play the role of villains. Was it your choice, or were you simply offered these types of roles?
Hwang Zhang Lee: [laughs] You see, on screen I always looked like a person of remarkable strength, so I had to play villains. I wanted to be “good”, but the audience wouldn’t accept it, because no one wants a good guy who is always stronger than everyone else. That's why I was invited to play exclusively negative characters.
There are several Hong Kong and Korean films in which you tried yourself as a director - these are “Assassin under the Protection of Buddha”, “Viper from Canton” and “Emperor of the Underworld”. Did you like directing, or do you prefer acting?
Hwang Zhang Lee: I love being an actor, but like any other actor, I wanted to try my hand at directing. Then I had connections and finances, so I sat in the director’s chair. For example, when I returned to Korea, I filmed “The Canton Viper.” [speaks English]
It is now clear. In 1981, simultaneously with the filming of “Assassin Protected by Buddha,” you made a taekwondo instructional film called “The Art of Powerful Kicks.” Why did you decide to do this?
Hwang Zhang Lee: Do you know Roy Horan? [speaks English]
Yes I know.
Hwang Zhang Lee: I spoke with Roy Horan and we discussed the details together. But Roy was the brains! He said, “Yes, yes, yes, great idea!” We approached Ng See Yuen with this question... do you know him? [speaks English]
Certainly. Producer?
Hwang Zhang Lee: Yes. Ng Xi Yuen came to me and said: “Okay, shoot!” And, you know, this film sold well all over the world! [speaks English]
Exactly, exactly. Even now it is popular.
Hwang Zhang Lee: Yes. If you look at it with concentration and attention, you can see everything in detail. Looking at me, it is very easy to learn to do everything yourself. [laughs] This documentary alone is enough to make you like me. [speaks English]
[laughs] I don't think it's that easy, but I'm sure it's very painful! Is it true that you taught your style to Roy Horan?
Hwang Zhang Lee: Yes, really. He was very good, a surprisingly smart guy. [speaks English]
What I love about kung fu movies is the stories behind how they were made. You can often hear that this one was very strong, that one was cool, and Hwang Zhang Lee's kicks were so powerful!
Hwang Zhang Lee: [laughs]
Have you encountered anyone in your work who was different from the rest? The one you thought, “This guy is tough and knows how to fight.”
Hwang Zhang Lee: Sammo. I believe Sammo was the strongest. Despite his large build, he was very fast. During the filming of the ending of the film "Where is Officer Tuba?" we pretended to fight, something like sparring, and we moved so fast that all the members of the film crew stood with surprised faces. Then I accidentally hit Sammo on the nose and knocked him down. He waved his hands and said, “Enough!” [laughs] I asked him, “Are you okay?”
[laughs] When you worked in Hong Kong, did you have any problems related to language differences?
Hwang Zhang Lee: No, I studied Mandarin, and when I realized that I liked it, I learned Cantonese. [speaks English]
So, when it comes to new martial arts films, who do you consider to be the truly talented on-screen fighter?
Hwang Zhang Lee: I don't really watch any of the new movies. It seems to me that modern films are inferior in quality to those that came before, so I don’t watch them. If a person is a good fighter, and he has the opportunity to make a film with martial arts, then this business can turn out to be quite profitable. [speaks English]
You have such an interesting life. Ever thought about writing an autobiography?
Hwang Zhang Lee: I have been asked this question several times already. I think that an autobiographical film could turn out quite well. But at the moment I hardly think about it. I have many other ideas.
You should do this, it would turn out to be a bestseller! If they made a film about your life, what actor would you like to see play you?
Hwang Zhang Lee: [laughs] I don't know. We need to try to find someone. If I’m filming it, I’ll play myself, then there won’t be any need for acting! This way I can personally control the process of shooting my film, you know? [speaks English]
I'll definitely watch it, you can count on me! You have been living in Korea for a long time, what is your favorite place?
Hwang Zhang Lee: Wherever I can play golf!
[laughs] I know you live in Seoul, but is it true that you once lived on Jeju Island?
Hwang Zhang Lee: Yes, that's true, but I don't live there anymore. I said before that I had a hotel, and so it was on Jeju Island. Since I sold it, I haven't been there anymore. [speaks English]
It turns out that you mainly teach taekwondo?
Hwang Zhang Lee: I wouldn’t say that this is my main job, I don’t do group training, I teach everyone individually. Whether you are good or not, it will be difficult with a good teacher, the rules are very strict. I have one story - a 44-year-old woman, a fan of mine, asked me: “Can you teach me?” I agreed, and the next day she came again and asked: “When will you start teaching me?” I replied, “Any time you want.” She said, "Okay, let's start tomorrow." From tomorrow! [laughs] This woman worked in the government, but she had already retired, which is why I was so surprised. Tomorrow means tomorrow! After which I talked to her, said that if she wants to study, she will have to study for 4 hours every day, and asked if this suits her. She replied: “Yes, of course.” Okay, trying is not torture, and I taught her every day for 4 hours. After 6 months she already had a black belt and 5th dan. I taught her everything and she qualified to open a taekwondo school. Now she lives in Germany and is going to open her own school there. [speaks English]
Wow! Was she 44 years old?
Hwang Zhang Lee: Yes. [speaking English]
So you think that a person of any age can learn martial arts?
Hwang Zhang Lee: That's right, there is no problem, I have had many such cases. At least at 4 years old, at least at 80 years old. It all depends on desire. If you want to study, you will. If you don’t want to, you can’t bear it, so be it. But if you have a strong will, then there will be no problems. [speaks English]
A healthy mind, and then a healthy body?
Hwang Zhang Lee: There are no particular difficulties with all this, all these movements are easy. It's all in your head. [speaks English]
Wow, everything is very easy?
Hwang Zhang Lee: When I started practicing martial arts, no one taught me, but now I can teach others, so it’s much easier to learn.
We need to start studying. [laughs] That's where my questions end. Thanks a lot! [speaks Korean]
Hwang Zhang Lee: You're welcome. Great interview! [speaks English]
To be continued... (in the form of bonus “questions and answers”)
FIRST PART OF THE INTERVIEW
Author: Paul Bramhall
Source: cityonfire.com
Translation: EvilDollaR
How is it that a 44-year-old woman received a black belt and 5th dan in just half a year???!!! Every month he nominated her for certification? and immediately to the BLACK belt and immediately to DAN?! No, maybe there’s something I don’t know about how everything works for taekwondoists, but I’ll say right away in the words of Stanislavsky “I DON’T BELIEVE IT!”