Ultra-cool Hong Kong action director Yuen Wo-ping says that he fears that there will not be a new generation of martial arts action stars. Yuen credits the intense difficulty of martial arts and a less-active Hong Kong culture.
This is surely a shocking statement from such a well-respected talent. If anyone would know the state of things though it would be a master director such as Yuen. He does suggest hope though in the form of younger Chinese actor Wu Jing.
It is important to know that actors such as Jet Li did not come from Hong Kong though. Li went to school in Beijing and became China’s national martial arts champion. When Jet Li was young he even performed for then President Nixon on the White House Lawn. This was done for China of course.
10-plus years ago China was seperate from Hong Kong and Jet Li and even Jackie Chan broke into that scene. If they could do it then, it should be easier now. Therefore, if Hong Kong lacks action talent, there will be some that come from mainland China. Let’s just hope the HK brand of martial arts action never dies.
By bentong on April 5, 2006 at 11:44 pm
As a boy from Hong Kong, it’s sad to see that martial arts movies are going down hill. Since I believe it is one of those things that represents and make us unique, the people from Hong Kong. I just hope someday, a new action star native to Hong Kong will emerge and once again bring glory to martial art movies in the world cinema.
By Shay on April 6, 2006 at 12:17 am
I agree. I may not have the personal attachment but I love and respect the Hong Kong film industry. I’ve always loved HK action movies and their absence would not be good. I hope a new star emerges, especially a native of Hong Kong.
By Nuke on April 7, 2006 at 4:07 am
To think that a genre of film making could be put into jeopardy in that manner is a little surprising.
But maybe I shouldn’t be surprised. Where I’m from, we’re in the midst of an epidemic of childhood obesity. We’re raising a generation of couch potatoes.
It’s one of the curses of an affluent society.
By Floor Lamp on December 1, 2010 at 1:50 pm
the film industry is of course a multi billion dollar industry that employs a lot of people ,;,