[Interview] Donnie Yen: "Korean Films Are High-Level and Qualitatively Excellent"

Hong Kong Actor Cecilia Cheung (Donnie Yen) Visits Korea
'The Dragon Chronicles: Battle of the Nine Dragons' Opens on the 25th
Communicating Worldwide Through the Language of Film
Aiming to Spread Positive Energy

"Korean films are of a high standard and excellent quality, and the actors' performances are amazing."

Hong Kong action star Donnie Yen (Jeon Jidan·Jeon Jidan·60) visited Korea for the first time in 13 years. Bringing the film The Legend of the Condor Heroes: The Divine Eagle, in which he played four roles as lead actor, director, producer, and martial arts choreographer, he viewed the Korean film market as very valuable in the global market.

On the morning of the 20th, at a cafe in Samcheong-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Donnie Yen said, "There is no language barrier in movies," adding, "Films have the power to communicate through works and draw out the audience's emotions." He recalled, "After filming Ip Man, I received the same messages of being moved from people in various countries around the world." He also asked, "Please remember not only the action but also Donnie Yen."

Donnie Yen debuted in 1984 with the film Drunken Tai Chi and has walked the path of cinema for 41 years. He has appeared in films such as New Dragon Gate Inn, Once Upon a Time in China II (1992), Hero (2002), Seven Swords, Splash (2005), Flash Point (2007), Bodyguards and Assassins (2008), the Ip Man series (2008?2019), Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016), XXX: Return of Xander Cage (2017), and Mulan (2020), establishing himself as a global action star alongside Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan, and Jet Li.

'Conviction and Principles' Maintained for 41 Years

Photo by Contents Lee

Maintaining his position through four changes of the landscape was possible because of the principles and philosophy he upheld as an actor. Donnie Yen said, "I want to convey bright and positive messages like sunshine through films." He added, "While working in films, I face various temptations, but I do not play murderers or perverts. I want to exist as a human being with social responsibility. I tend to appear in works that carry good messages." He shared his conviction as an actor. He also said, "When choosing works, a sense of justice is the most important. I try to keep the principle of being a good person who is just, keeps promises, and loves family and friends."

"The ultimate goal is determined by heaven, but through films, I want to bring joy to people and convey positive energy. Of course, not every moment of filming is filled with success and joy. Sometimes there is frustration, but what matters is the love for cinema. Without passion, I wouldn't be who I am today."

Donnie Yen will also appear in John Wick: Chapter 4, scheduled to be released in April. He emphasized that he created his character based on his principles. He said, "Some criticize that I only play hero roles, but that is my choice. I have had opportunities to play various characters. Many directors have even approached me asking for different roles. However, I rejected all if they did not align with my principles."

Actor and Director in Four Roles: The Legend of the Condor Heroes: The Divine Eagle

Photo by Contents Lee

The Legend of the Condor Heroes: The Divine Eagle, a film adaptation of the work by Jin Yong (Kim Yong), a master of Chinese martial arts novels, will be released domestically on the 25th. Set during the early Northern Song dynasty when the Song dynasty and the Khitan-led Liao dynasty were in conflict, the story follows the beggar gang leader Qiao Feng (Donnie Yen), who becomes the chief of the gang, is caught in a conspiracy, falsely accused of murder, and leaves the gang on his own, depicting martial arts action.

Donnie Yen played the lead role of Qiao Feng while also producing and directing the film. Adapting the works of Jin Yong, the founder of martial arts novels who sold over 300 million copies worldwide and is called a literary genius, was a challenge. He said, "Jin Yong's content is complex with intricate characters and plots, making it difficult to adapt into a film. I did not want to translate the original work directly into film. I wanted to incorporate modern action film techniques."

He confidently stated that among the heroes written by Jin Yong, Qiao Feng is the coolest. Donnie Yen said, "Qiao Feng values loyalty and always keeps promises with friends. This reflects modern people's fantasies. We live under numerous pressures; society is complicated, and human relationships are difficult. Martial arts and modern society coexist here. Qiao Feng does what he says and keeps his promises. He is upright before heaven. That is the spirit of martial arts and Qiao Feng's spirit."

The Body as Part of Acting, Experience as Shining Karma

Still from 'Cheonryongpalbu: Gyobongjeon'
Photo by Contents Lee

Donnie Yen emphasized that he likes challenges. He said, "Theoretically, action films are divided into three types: modern action, ancient traditional martial arts, and kung fu action. Among these, I like modern action films the most." He explained the difference, saying, "Because I can perform action more freely. Ancient traditional dramas require consideration of historical and cultural elements that need to be preserved or corrected."

Many actors in their sixties passionately pursue action. Along with Donnie Yen, Tom Cruise and Keanu Reeves dominate the global box office. He said, "It's admirable that 61-year-old Tom Cruise performs stunts like jumping out of airplanes. If you manage your body well in modern society, an actor's career can be prolonged. Acting is not a sports competition. Actors and directors are professions where lifelong experience shines." He added, "The body is only part of acting, not everything. Without acting skills and experience, it would be difficult to achieve artistic accomplishment." Then he humorously said, "I think my body is better than Tom Cruise's. Since Tom did it, I can definitely do it too."

"Movements are merely external. Action acting is most important in expressing emotions through physical language. Sometimes, I improvise and modify scenes on set while discussing with the production team. This is possible because I understand my body and action effects well. As a director, I consider how action will appear in the film. This is similar to a composer composing music. Action is like a musical note. Just as notes play an important role in a song, action plays a decisive role in a film."

Donnie Yen is recognized as an actor who manages himself well even at the age of sixty. There is almost no difference in his appearance between when he first appeared in the 2008 Ip Man series and now in 2023. He attributes his management secret to avoiding nightlife.

"As a professional actor, you must not let your guard down. Body management is essential. I live like anyone else. I eat and drink with friends. Balance is important. If I overeat or eat something unhealthy the day before, I detox the next day. I do not enjoy nightlife or entertainment. Except when filming, I go home early to spend time with family or quietly live with a few close friends. I also do not like to mingle noisily with people in the film industry."