The 71-year-old actor discussed age and work at the premiere of his new film, “Hidden Strike”. In recent years, many have said Chan is old and no longer has the same on-screen appeal. But for him, aging is a blessing. “Many people don't get to experience growing old, so I'm content to be able to do so,” he said.
The actor isn't afraid, enjoys his current work, and is proud that he can still perform some difficult stunts. Some mornings, Chan wakes up with aches and pains, but when he arrives on set and hears "Action," he forgets all the pain.
At 40, Chan thought "it's time to retire" due to declining health and recurring injuries from on-set accidents. But as a result, he has continued working until today and has no plans to quit. He acknowledges he's become weaker but always performs action scenes within his capabilities because this genre is in his blood.
With a 63-year career spanning the ups and downs of Chinese cinema history, he dreams of continuing to contribute to the film industry and bringing Chinese culture to the world. Chan plans to release one film a year, each with a different genre and theme.
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Jackie Chan in "Hidden Strike". Image: Mtime |
Besides acting, Chan is a mentor in the Jackie Chan Stunt Team, which trains young people in action filmmaking. His team currently has 8 groups, each with about 30 people, working at studios in China and Europe. Many of Chan's students have worked behind the scenes on Hollywood films like “Avatar”, “Hellboy”, and “Kingsman”.
Chan’s new film, “Hidden Strike”, is set to be released in Chinese theaters on 16/8. He plays Hoang Duc Trung, a retired detective invited back by the police to help solve a case involving a group of cybercriminals challenging law enforcement. The film combines martial arts, intellectual battles, and detective work using traditional methods along with advanced technology.
According to Sina, after early screenings, experts consider “Hidden Strike” to be Chan’s best film in recent years. The film, directed by Duong Tu, also stars Luong Gia Huy, Truong Tu Phong, Thu Sa, Van Tuan Huy, and Chu Chinh Kiet.
Chan has been acting since 1962, initially as a stuntman. From the late 1970s, he gained recognition with films like “Drunken Master”, “Project A”, “Heart of Dragon”, and the “Police Story” series. According to Xinhua, he is one of the few Chinese actors who have succeeded in Hollywood thanks to hits like the “Rush Hour” series and “Rumble in the Bronx”. Chan’s films are critically acclaimed for their action, humor, and realistic martial arts scenes. In 2016, Chan received an Honorary Academy Award for lifetime achievement.
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Jackie Chan promotes his new film. Image: Mtime |
On 9/8, Chan received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Locarno Film Festival (Switzerland). The jury recognized Chan's unique filmmaking style as bridging Eastern and Western cinema, making him an action film legend for many film lovers.
Nhu Anh (via Sina)
