My mum lives in Boston; she's famous for teaching wushu and t'ai chi. So from when I was young, my mum and aunt were like: 'You're training; you're not playing baseball or football.' Training every day was normal. Later, when I was almost a teenager, Bruce Lee became my idol. Donnie Yen auntbaseballboston share on social
A lot of people don't realize, when you are acting in a martial arts film, you're not just performing martial arts. You're not just performing martial arts. You're actually acting as much as any other actor. Donnie Yen actactorart share on social
I did a couple comedies to balance myself as an actor and balance how audiences see Donnie Yen as an actor, and I would even say as a celebrity or icon, to some fans. I want to show that I'm not Terminator. Donnie Yen actoraudiencebalance share on social
I got nominated for my second film as best young director in the Aikido Film Festival in Japan. Donnie Yen aikidodirectorfestival Change image and share on social
I always tell younger filmmakers, it's not just about the acting or the art itself. It's about how big of an audience watches your film. Donnie Yen actartaudience Change image and share on social
As an action director, I always try to bring something fresh and new. Donnie Yen actionbringdirector Change image and share on social
There's a lot of thinking when you choreograph something. You're not just choreographing some bodies, arms, legs flying around to look cool. It's a lot more complicated and sophisticated. You also have to deal with the connection of the whole film, so when I choreograph, I think of the movement itself, the camera angles, the characters. Donnie Yen anglearmbody share on social
Martial art is a form of expression, an expression from your inner self to your hands and legs. Donnie Yen artexpressionform Change image and share on social
I spent a couple of years doing American films. I did a few. Donnie Yen americancouplefilm Change image and share on social
An action choreographer is kind of like a dance choreographer. You choreograph the moves and you let the director, cinematographer take into positioning their cameras. Donnie Yen actioncamerachoreograph Change image and share on social