Jet Li
Interview By: Stephen Snart
StephenSnart@TheCinemaSource.com
Martial Arts superstar Jet Li made his first impression on American audiences with his scene-stealing role as a silent but deadly killer in the big-budget summer blockbuster, Lethal Weapon 4. In a film that most considered to be a tired rehashing of a past-its-prime franchise, the modest and unassuming Li generated a freshness and vitality sorely lacking in the film itself.
In years since, he's made a name for himself as an international superstar, proving that he can single-handedly open a movie at number 1, both Hollywood releases like The One and more artistic, international fare like Hero.
Following his quieter, more dramatic turn in the unlikely action film Unleashed, Li's latest film, Fearless, is a return to the martial arts-laden fight-fests that gave him his start. However, there's a catch. Li is touting this to be the last martial arts film he ever makes. While some may regard this as an improvident decision, Li feels that this film is a perfect choice for his swan song. 'I believe in everything I put in this movie because after this movie' nothing to talk about! This is the last one!' the actor exclaims exuberantly.
But don't let that emphatic statement steer you wrong. Li doesn't plan to give up movies altogether, quite the opposite in fact. He just recently wrapped a movie entitled Rogue for Lionsgate Studios. The film, which Li warns: 'in the future, the title may change,' is a hard-boiled action movie co-starring Jason Statham and is set for release sometime next year. Li uses the terms 'FBI' Mafia' Cop' beat up each other,' when describing the film. He assures that he'll still be doing fight scenes in the future, but the spirit of the films will not be the same.
Li is a staunch believer in the spiritual side of martial arts. 'In China we call it Wushu. [It comes] from two words: ways of stop, ways of war. Lots of action films talk about fighting' not so many people talk about a stop. So, in [Fearless], I found a very perfect story to talk about the physical, the mental and the philosophy.'
Li goes on to expound upon what the term Wushu means to him personally. 'First of all, I think you can use the martial arts philosophy to describe all of the universe' everything has an opposite.' Li borrows heavily from the ying and yang philosophy, citing differences in behavior between husband and wife to prove his point. Li purports that Chinese Martial Arts teaches you a way to look at the other half's situation and understand their difficulties and beliefs. 'This way, if you always understand this point' then you will appreciate the other side.' Li furthers his point by suggesting that cultural differences between countries, like the US and China, can be better appreciated through this belief. 'You understand why they have a different opinion. Why they sometimes agree with each other. Sometimes they are against each other. You can use this philosophy in your own work, family, country-to-country' everything.'
Li is at the ready to explain his interpretation of the philosophy but how has the enactment of it shaped his life spiritually' 'The enemy is yourself,' he states dogmatically. 'We always try to compete with other people. If you're better than [them] you're number one. They have a small house, you need a big house. If it's [conscious] or not, you're always trying to compete with someone.' The actor, who often talks as fast as his body can move on screen, relates this sense of competition to the act of blaming other people for your own mistakes. 'Just complain inside, fight with yourself,' Li offers philosophically. 'Today better than yesterday' Good enough. If not, I need to try again.'
At age 42, Jet Li appears as spiritually calm and centered as one can hope for, yet just as ferociously energetic as his screen persona has made him out to be. A loving father and husband, Li has achieved an international celebrity that few movie stars can even dream of, all the while remaining down-to-earth and admirably humble.
