Sanlian Life Weekly interview
Sanlian Life Weekly (SLW): why did you (Jackie and Jet) cooperate this time?
Jackie Chan: we want to pave the road for the next generation. What matters is its sequel. We want to gain investment from America.
SLW: Our Chinese may consider "The Forbidden Kingdom" too compromised to the western audience. Even the origin of the Monkey King is elaborated in detail.
Jet Li: I am afraid that depends on whether you are an Asian or a European. If you stand on the moon, the earth is a family. I should make a movie that all the people on the earth can understand it, both the easterners and the westerners.
It is very cool to let the Americans know Monkey King, White-haired Witch. Then they will begin to imagine the Chinese culture. I don't like to complain. You western guys can make the whole world like your coke, I would like to "sell" the world our Chinese wisdom.
SLW: if some day, a new kung fu star appears, and not a Chinese.
Jet Li: very good. There can't be only one. Jackie and I are two different types. I am more like the Beijing roast duck; he is like the Guangdong roast goose. No one can monopolize the market.
SLW: what is the necessary condition for a successful action star?
Jet Li: audience, the audience is the biggest boss.
SLW: with so advanced special effects, people who don't know kung fu can also shoot kung fu movie. Does that mean that nowadays action stars do not have to risk their lives like you do?
Jackie Chan: Roll in the air for 360 degree and then stand on the roof? Audiences are not stupid; they know that it is fake. They will respect me even if I drop from a table. They know that it is real. We deserve the respect.
SLW: kung fu movies develop to the peak…
Jet Li: who say that it is a peak? Who dare to? There is no peak. As long as the human kind are developing, there is no peak or low valley just like the spring plowing in the nature. Many people are worried about kung fu movies. There is no need to be like that. Kung fu movies will develop naturally.
SLW: the aim of "The Forbidden Kingdom" is to gradually adapt the westerners to us and change the fact that we Chinese always adapt to the westerners?
Jet Li: that they adapt to us makes us somebody? Conquering yourself makes you a success. You've already half lose if you only want to conquer others.
(China.org.cn April 30, 2008)
