Donnie Yen Breaks Down His Most Iconic Characters

Donnie Yen Breaks Down His Most Iconic Characters | GQ

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Күн бұрын

Donnie Yen breaks down a few of his most iconic characters from 'Rogue One,' 'Once Upon a Time in China II,' 'The Ip Man' Series, 'Hero,' 'Wing Chun,' 'xXx: Return of Xander Cage' and 'Sakra.'
Director: Christopher Smith
Director of Photography: Barry Chung
Editor(s): Matthew Braunsdorf
Celebrity Talent: Donnie Yen
Producer: Kristen Rakes
Line Producer: Jen Santos
Production Manager: James Pipitone
Production Coordinator: Jamal Colvin
Casting Producer or Talent Booker: Dana Mathews
Local Producer: Roxanne Hui
Audio: Eric Leung
Camera B: Chiu Yan Kin
Lighting Assistant: Yuen Chi Tim
Production Assistant(s): Neo Ng
Post Production Supervisor: Rachael Knight
Post Production Coordinator:
Supervising Editor: Rob Lombardi
Assistant Editor: Diego Rentsch Billy Ward
00:00 "Am I too damn old to take that role?"
00:33 Rogue One
02:13 Once Upon a Time in China II
06:48 The Ip Man Series
11:39 Hero
14:21 Wing Chun
16:36 xXx: Return of Xander Cage
18:05 Sakra
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Пікірлер: 4 200

@ChrisAlbertH47 Жыл бұрын

I don't know anyone who would think that Donnie Yen is too "old" for any role, let alone an action role. This dude is legendary in my book.

@PTigris7 Жыл бұрын

he should have been Shang Chi or Iron Fist. In any case, he turned down the Vulko role in ZSJL and Aquaman, and the Mandarin role in Shang Chi

@muhdshukriabdhamid7043 Жыл бұрын

He needs to have a movie with Hiroyuki Sanada

@ooitung95 Жыл бұрын

@@muhdshukriabdhamid7043 your wish came true, they'll fight in John Wick 4!

@therabbitwhisperer4538 Жыл бұрын

Obviously he can't do the same kung fu when he was 40 or below

@lightup6751 Жыл бұрын

@@PTigris7as a professional martial artist actor the last thing you wish is in a superhero movie

@kung-fukennyfamily Жыл бұрын

Can we just appreciate how Donnie Yen is 59 and he still looks like he's 30.

@ctakitimu Жыл бұрын

I was literally going to say he looks to be in his 30's still

@AvauntVanguard Жыл бұрын

Yeah once he's 70 it'll hit him all at once.

@ctakitimu Жыл бұрын

@@AvauntVanguard That's lucky for him. For us we look old much sooner

@ImotekhtheStormlord-tx2it Жыл бұрын

like jet li. he was young and year later he started looking like oogway

@GT-wo2oj Жыл бұрын

That hair and those teeth are definitely expensive. But still the guys making Tom Cruise look old! 😆

@LuisCastillo-tg6xw Жыл бұрын

Michelle Yeoh, Jet Li, Jackie Chan, Sammo Hung and Donnie Yen are living legends and when they get together is just cinema magic

@ruinhime1101 Жыл бұрын

sammo hung too

@vincentvega5686 Жыл бұрын

you forgot Sammo Hung :)

@gaoxoxo Жыл бұрын

Yessss 😩🤌🏼

@anthonypegues9023 Жыл бұрын

you also forgot tony jaa

@gideonkazibwe4706 Жыл бұрын

@@anthonypegues9023 sorry tony jaa isn't in they class Tony Jaa is a bit of new skool.

@ammolator Жыл бұрын

He was badass in John Wick 4. So glad he is getting more popular now. Hopefully can be in more movies and doesn't let age slow him down.

@sdavo0073 Жыл бұрын

Forever remember him as Ip man and now Caine 🫡

@bumpsy Жыл бұрын

yeah, I feel like Ip Man was kinda his breakthrough in the west

@yuzuki2385 Жыл бұрын

He was nerfed lmfao

@DeanS946 Жыл бұрын

@@yuzuki2385 ????? He made it to the end and was never beaten. He got multiple cool moments both physically and in character. This was one of his best roles.

@yuzuki2385 Жыл бұрын

@@DeanS946 bruh, you didn’t get the joke.

@monanaliza Жыл бұрын

Can we just appreciate for a second how big deal it is that these kinds of videos are finally happening with international stars too?

@vperkv6554 Жыл бұрын

Hi rawh, Shi she

@last7509 Жыл бұрын

I could really spend the rest of my life exploring Chinese culture. And I wouldn't scratch the surface

@xingyuwen7274 Жыл бұрын

@@last7509 Lamo, true. After all, China has 5,000 years of history

@glo2fr823 Жыл бұрын

Wish this was around for jet Li time

@oseibanahene3324 Жыл бұрын

@@glo2fr823 jet isnt dead guy. He can still make this video if they reached out to him

@TheSomeRocks Жыл бұрын

"Knocking me out is fine but... I gotta finish the movie right?" -Donnie Yen What a legend.

@robertnguyen9493 Жыл бұрын

I love how Donnie Yen, even when playing an almost stereotypical character, still wants to bring originality to the role. Playing a blind Asian martial arts master, but asking “can we give him a sense of humor?” He gives every character he plays a sense of humor, charm and likability. To spite being a larger than life character and martial arts master, he makes the characters he plays relatable, and that is why he’s a legend.

@solezeta1314 Жыл бұрын

And now he just got even more iconic in John Wick 4. I loved him in every single scene he was in.

@blinksstayfresh2524 Жыл бұрын

I’m a fan of his comedy. His action stuff is cool but I think he shines more when he’s doing comedic stuff

@Lee0990 Жыл бұрын

@@blinksstayfresh2524 He had some hilarious scenes in John wick 4. Like the one at the table with the big dude at the club

@vermin1970 8 ай бұрын

He stole that movie in every scene he was in.

@nuthinbutnikk17 Жыл бұрын

You can tell he's the kind of actor that really cares about the art. True artist.

@user-zl6fu9sq6r Жыл бұрын

but he doesn't care about human rights and freedom.

@yuy2375 Жыл бұрын

@@user-zl6fu9sq6r like?

@alexr9564 Жыл бұрын

@@user-zl6fu9sq6r huh?

@user-zl6fu9sq6r Жыл бұрын

@@yuy2375 Donnie Yen Joins China’s Top Political Advisory Committee. which is China’s top political advisory committee, the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC).

@michaelg4158 Жыл бұрын

@@user-zl6fu9sq6r Donnie Yen joins CN's Top Political Advisory Committee? Great, now I like him even more.

@daoyang8919 Жыл бұрын

I grew up on Jackie Chan, Jet Li and Donnie Yen. These legends will never be replaced.

@GLUFSAREN Жыл бұрын

Same I've seen so many of their movies if not nearly all of them. Always good.

@deanarip6086 Жыл бұрын

Ashton Chen and Steven Hao too 😂😂

@justinkashtock333 Жыл бұрын

Yep. Iron Monkey (1993) is one of my Donnie Yen favorites.

@pinavinada Жыл бұрын

Same. They're Asian movie heroes!

@ared4108 Жыл бұрын

I'll never get over their ability to power through multiple broken bones and still finish the scenes. Simply incredible.

@EganCraft 9 ай бұрын

I love Donnie Yen. Basically, “If Mike Tyson knocks me out, cool whatever. But I need to finish this movie on schedule 😂”

@Syryu 7 ай бұрын

Jet Li nearly blinded him twice and Donnie Yen goes on to play two blind characters! 😆

@alvinkoh5556 Жыл бұрын

Can we appreciate how Donnie created most of his great movies without CGI.

@risechronicles5278 Жыл бұрын

that's basically all of 80's and 90's kung fu movies

@coreyhowe177 Жыл бұрын

Dude knows 12 styles of martial arts.

@JackFrostIsHere Жыл бұрын

@@risechronicles5278 that's where you're wrong. 80s and 90s used stunt doubles often for that matter. If the actor wasn't capable for such feats, they'd hire temporary martial arts professionals as body doubles. Even a lot of Jackie Chan films required it

@KW-iq4yf Жыл бұрын

This man can not compare with jackie chan due to he is china sucker

@eddydash1 Жыл бұрын

@@JackFrostIsHere stunt double is not cgi

@chily3519 Жыл бұрын

Donnie is basically the living definition of the saying "Age is just a number"

@cowboyw520 Жыл бұрын

not really though……

@reivaldoaurelio4895 Жыл бұрын

That if he really age at all

@firefoxcodex15 Жыл бұрын

Jackie?

@stare4539 Жыл бұрын

yea

@doomfanboy9413 Жыл бұрын

*loads gun* you's wanna reapeats that one more time boy

@donovanbradford8231 Жыл бұрын

Hearing that Donnie Yen was not only an action/martial art actor, but a choreographer, and director really makes sense as to why he ends throwing out so many ideas and wants to do so much on a film. Because he's trained and experienced now many people in Hollywood wouldn't appreciate that level of commitment to look at a scene about to be shot and go ok this is your equipment you it shot like this but if we tweaked it like we see so much more. Very cool seeing this interview.

@BelowMeGoggle 5 ай бұрын

Donnie is one of the reasons why Blade 2 is one of the GOAT comic book movies. As he was one of the third unofficial stunt coordinators, along with Snipes and Snipe's stunt double. They should bring him back for the Mahershala Ali reboot. 😀

@j_sr3608 Жыл бұрын

"my blood spilling like kill bill" should be an established term. What a legend Mr. Yen

@ao_qd Жыл бұрын

His fight scenes with Jet Li were so amazing. The one in Hero is still one of my all-time favorites to this day. Thank goodness he wasn't blinded by either of those scenes.

@zuriyel5368 Жыл бұрын

And good on Jet Li for insisting to the director, Yang Zhimou, to add Donnie Yen instead of the director's own pick. Wish we would've seen the two together in more movies though.

@exile4ever Жыл бұрын

My fav was Donnie Yen vs Jet Li in Once Upon A Time In China 2. That was epic.

@pinavinada Жыл бұрын

I remember my entire family rooting for Jet Li and I'm the only one on Donnie's side 😂

@manuelgarciajr5308 8 ай бұрын

I love those movies. Granted, I am still more of a Jet Li fan but, Donnie Yen is fantastic in everything he stars in.

@chasehedges6775 Жыл бұрын

His performance in Rogue One is fantastic

@riballion Жыл бұрын

And depressing😢

@hassanmasood186 Жыл бұрын

I am one with the force the force is with me

@optimisticoutreach1236 Жыл бұрын

Haha....where he uses a WOODEN STICK to fight amd defeat armored storm troopers?? Silly...

@rebeccadubois8270 Жыл бұрын

How about fire and sound in space? There isn't any lmao

@anathardayaldar Жыл бұрын

@@optimisticoutreach1236 About as silly as a little green man lifting a spaceship.

@iNikkehx333 Жыл бұрын

Donnie Yen is a legendary badass. There was an incident in the late 1990's in Hong Kong where he and his then gf Joey Meng went to a bar, and in there was a gang of people disturbing his gf at the time. They wouldn't stop bothering them until they started a fight with Donnie, and he fought them all off sending 8 of them to the hospital. Don't mess with a real martial artist!! Fun fact: His mother, Grandmaster Bow Sim Mark, was a martial arts prodigy in China and was chosen to demonstrate kung fu for President Nixon when he first went to open China to the West for the first time since WW II.

@steve4728 11 ай бұрын

If only his actual personality is a fraction as great as his moves

@stevienguyen2047 6 ай бұрын

@@steve4728what he do or say?

@cvspvr 4 ай бұрын

his girlfriend's name is joey??

@Zepheray 3 ай бұрын

Source please?

@iNikkehx333 3 ай бұрын

@@Zepheray it was on the HK news when it happened so you can look it up yourself!

@hidenfn Жыл бұрын

He was amazing in John Wick 4 too, great actor.

@isaacyeon6334 Жыл бұрын

He was one of the main reasons why I was so desperate to watch the movie

@ryadinstormblessed8308 Жыл бұрын

His character was one of the things I enjoyed most in Rogue One. Loved hearing him describe how he actually gave the character that sense of humor, and the blindness aspect!

@floopybooples Жыл бұрын

Yeah I couldn't believe it that's crazy. He was one of my favorite parts of the movie with his force connection but not quite force sensitive 👍

@1014p Жыл бұрын

It was what kept the pace along with the lead girl. Between the two it was quite fresh and action like.

@againstthestones Жыл бұрын

Him and K-2SO droid. Too bad they had a very short screen time. Could become as iconic, as many classic trilogy characters.

@snowshock8958 Жыл бұрын

@@floopybooples I wished he was a blind jedi in the run thought, would had be better for me.

@CometdownCat 8 ай бұрын

That’s crazy that he was responsible for one of the standout characters most unique features that, for me at least, were a big factor for why I connected to the movie on another level via the relationship between him and baze malbus

@EscanorChi Жыл бұрын

As a general Asian cinema and Kung Fu cinema fan since the 90s I cannot express how transcendent an experience the first IP Man was for me. It opened up my world to Donnie Yen and his many other amazing performances. Then later realising he'd been in so many other roles in movies I loved when I was younger, like Once Upon a time in china 2.

@kiwitalkspodcast Жыл бұрын

Ip man was the first movie I ever watched of him afterwards I became a fan

@camarykaren Жыл бұрын

Same here Ip Man made me a fan of him. Love Ip Man series n Donnie Yen is awesome. This interview is great

@Babynate1000 Жыл бұрын

I've tried to watch all his films my favorite is flashpoint!!!

@chulachose2137 Жыл бұрын

Same my dad showed me the first ip man when I was younger and I immediately fell in love with his films

@EscanorChi Жыл бұрын

@Babynate1000 I immediately watched Flashpoint which has some of the most intense martial arts action sequences ever. I also loved its kind of spiritual successor kung fu killer which came much later.

@maj0r357 Жыл бұрын

I love how he doesn‘t even big talk about his awesome martial art skills & stunts but of his passion for acting! Living legend.

@jy5490 Жыл бұрын

Love that he mentioned that he's a fan of Tyson. I can really see his inspiration now in the character he plays in Flashpoint.

@TheTekknician Жыл бұрын

How he explains the "why" and the motivation of Sakra, that's exactly what cinema should be about. Making a beautiful story, make something entertaining, a happening that everyone enjoys being a part of. His explanation put a smile to my face :)

@GreenBoxStudio1 Жыл бұрын

I’m so glad to see the philosophy that i use in my films presented by someone so big in the film industry. It gives me hope that me and my team can one day make it too. AR

@last7509 Жыл бұрын

I didn't know he speaks perfect English

@Mani-aX Жыл бұрын

I'm trying to find that movie, is there another name for it in english?

@LibeliumDragonfly Жыл бұрын

@@last7509 He grew up in Boston. Went to Newton North for highschool

@terrenceterrence Жыл бұрын

@@last7509 thats because he is an american and grew up in Boston.

@Migzter05 Жыл бұрын

You immediately see how HK action performers are so dedicated to their level of craft and art. That’s why Hong Kong cinema is a genre of its own; due to people like Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan, Sammo Hung, Jet Li, and Donnie Yen.

@srinjaybose Жыл бұрын

Also shang-chi's dad... idk the actor's name but he's popular for acting with his eyes and he's also phenomenal in martial arts

@grasz Жыл бұрын

@@srinjaybose Tony Leung. He also played ip man in "The Grandmaster"

@hayden-tan Жыл бұрын

@@srinjaybose I agree with you, Tony Leung is a great actor. In terms of martial arts and physical prowess, he is definitely not as good as Donnie, Jackie and etc. However, he is extremely talented in conveying emotions via subtle facial expressions.

@zuriyel5368 Жыл бұрын

@@hayden-tan That's true, but he was never an action star like them. When preparing for The Grandmaster, Tony Leung (47 at the time) did train in Wing Chun every day for 4 years and read a lot of martial arts philosophy to get into the role. So, much respect to him for that.

@realdealmind01 Жыл бұрын

@@srinjaybose Tony Leung-Chiu-Wai isn't a top martial artist in real life. He only trained MA specifically for movies that required it. He's a great actor though, one of Hong Kong's finest

@AhmadTayib9 Жыл бұрын

I love how always they describe the ways they're doing realistic acts instead of using CGI and fake things, Just amazing.

@Izraeko Жыл бұрын

Donnie is one of the greats. I had the pleasure of meeting him on the set of IP Man 3 and he was extremely humble. You can see he really cares about his craft.

@steezbuscemi9850 Жыл бұрын

Iron Monkey is one of the most underappreciated Kung Fu films and I was really hoping he would talk about it. I still remember going to see it in the theaters as a kid.

@qashshah107 Жыл бұрын

I remember Iron Monkey to this day a classic

@amsinformation6858 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for mentioning Iron Monkey bro...........Great movie i still watch it today

@digibath89 Жыл бұрын

now that's a good one! classic! :D

@willh7352 Жыл бұрын

I ADORE Iron Monkey.

@geojimz Жыл бұрын

I was going to comment the same thing! Iron Monkey is one of my favorite movies. The Asian version not the one Quentin Tarantino brought over to the states.

@JonesingUSAF Жыл бұрын

I love that he was able to do Rogue One his way. I really highlighted just how good of an actor he is outside of the stereotypical Asian martial artist. I mean, he is also one of my favorite Asian martial artists, but he has so much depth that people don’t get to see in those roles.

@JonesingUSAF Жыл бұрын

@Ching Vang agreed. I just wish guys like him got more professional recognition in the US.

@phillipdoughty1949 Жыл бұрын

I've loved Donnie Yen in all his movies, but never got to see an interview with him. He is talented on soooo many levels! And I really appreciate his ideology on how he chooses to make his movies and the care and passion he puts into it. Legend!

@TheJellymonty Жыл бұрын

Hero is my absolutely fav movie of Donnie and Jet Li. That fight scene between nameless and sky is absolutely epic and is still my training martial arts video. Donnie is absolutely amazing, and the fact that he is 60 and still looks like a teenager is a plus. 😊❤

@jonathanarcher5356 3 ай бұрын

Hero was an incredible film.

@TheJaker5 Жыл бұрын

Donnie isn’t in enough American movies. I feel like every few years he just pops up in an awesome role in an awesome movie. He brings more to his roles beyond his physical abilities and I think he’s capable of more

@30noir Жыл бұрын

HK cinema is where its at.

@brandonfurtado2 Жыл бұрын

He's got another role coming in JW4! I love those movies but him being in it completely sold me to see this one the day it comes out.

@nskVideos Жыл бұрын

Watch Flashpoint (the donnie yen film not the dc film) and SPL, one of his best works.

@usmaniqbal836 Жыл бұрын

Thank god he wasn't in USA Otherwise they would've ruined his reputation

@ibanezleftyclub4058 Жыл бұрын

There’s the big 4: Bruce, Jackie, Jet and Donnie. One of the true masters. I could listen to him talk all day.

@RaiOkami Жыл бұрын

I have not seen any interviews of Donnie so this was a first. I always knew he was amazing as an action-oriented actor but I never knew how passionate and involved he was behind the camera, with film making and the art in general. This was so cool to hear!

@GypsumGeneration Жыл бұрын

Yep the scumbag corrupts everything he touches, all the more reason to keep him off of the screen.

@toutenunmot Жыл бұрын

WOW! Donnie Yen is such a stud! I knew about him as an actor but seing this interview and hearing him talk freely. The way he articulates his passion for martial arts, movie acting and directing and also catching a glimpse of his personality is mind blowing. Clear, passionate, charismatic, entertaining... Much respect!

@ObiSol Жыл бұрын

Man, I love Donnie Yen. Discovered him in IP Man and stayed for his entire career in cinematography. Such an aspiring actor/director that we don't have a lot of anymore.

@techfan7808 Жыл бұрын

His portrayal of Ip Man was the most important Asian and Martial arts series of all time. Because Ip was Bruce Lee's master, and Wing Chun, is one on the foundational martial arts with taekwondo, hapkido, judo, and grappling. The west really hadn't known the story of Ip Man until now. Glad Donnie took the part.

@laboon344 Жыл бұрын

one of*

@DubiousDubs Ай бұрын

Ah yes, the famous martial art- *grappling* That's like saying striking is a martial art dude. Grappling could mean judo, Freestyle, folkstyle, Greco-Roman Roman, shuai jiao, Mongolian wrestling, tai chi, glima, or any other grappling art

@katstrying 11 ай бұрын

Can we talk about and apprecite how he's just adding to all his different roles by either improving the fight scenes, creating new backgrounds to even editing his own stunt scenes?!?! Iconic.

@grayden4138 Жыл бұрын

Legend. International treasure. Donnie has arguably done more for martial arts films than any other star, stunt choreographer, director in the past 20ish years.

@TheRafaelRamos Жыл бұрын

Jackie Chan, Donnie Yen, and Jet Li, the three legends of action movies!

@jliller Жыл бұрын

Too bad they weren't in more movies together.

@TheFadzreeq Жыл бұрын

Plus Sammo Hung!

@thelastbro1710 Жыл бұрын

@@TheFadzreeq and don't forget Yuen Biao

@atom786 Жыл бұрын

I wish they'd asked Donnie about his role in Shanghai Knights

@cesarramirez2935 Жыл бұрын

I would add Tony Ja to that list ..all awesome .

@thefatman69dude Жыл бұрын

I love just how much he really cared about each character he played in all his films. He did his research he took the time to think about how the martial arts defined the character. All the little things that makes a character. He cares about his art as an actor and as a martial artist. It's cool to see how passionate he is about everything he does no matter how small or how big the part is.

@MoahGentle Жыл бұрын

Definitely. His determination is admirable.

@yobrorob Жыл бұрын

I love how he didn't hold back about how action is shot differently and why china does it BETTER

@alberthjaltason8152 Жыл бұрын

Donnie Yen is a gem. LOVED him in John Wick 4.

@JoshuaHenelyThornhill Жыл бұрын

This man is an absolute legend. Him, Jackie, Jet, they all deserve so much respect.

@jonathankozenko Жыл бұрын

Donnie Yen is always awesome, as he's one of the very few people who legit give 100% every time they go into a project, and happy to see GQ give this man one of these videos! I also like how articulate and elaborate he's being in his breakdown of each character! This might actually be one of the most comprehensive of these Iconic Character Breakdown videos, just in terms of quantity of information. On that note, it could've been cool if they had him talk about his role in In The Line of Duty 4, as that is often cited as his breakout role.

@linewalker Жыл бұрын

They should do one with Tony Leung (Infernal Affairs, Shang-Chi)

@balaclava23 Жыл бұрын

@@linewalker kzfaq.info/get/bejne/gdF-dctjmcmwpqM.html there you gooo...

@linewalker Жыл бұрын

@@balaclava23 Thanks bro, totally forgot he did one 😂

@wp8639 Жыл бұрын

I am surprised he didn't talk about his role in SPL. The back alley fight against Wu Jing was amazing, I can watch that scene over and over again!

@cKorn027 Жыл бұрын

Bruh, that scene in that movie was just…😮‍💨🔥

@XENOS_Indie_Game_Dev Жыл бұрын

His fights in Tiger Dragon Gate were pretty cool, very anime style kind of movie, lol

@RaphPatch Жыл бұрын

Same! They had a great selection here, but I was really hoping they'd talk about SPL and Flash Point. The alley fight of the former and the final fight of the latter are Donnie at his finest, IMO.

@cKorn027 Жыл бұрын

@@XENOS_Indie_Game_Dev Yooo, I almost forgot about that one. I remember seeing it for the first time and goin ‘WTF is this?’ But I didn’t care; it was a fun movie and I liked it

@zuriyel5368 Жыл бұрын

I wish more ppl knew about his MMA-styled movies.

@retro9173 Жыл бұрын

During the whole interview I was just grinning with joy at how incredibly talented he is all these years watching his films growing up, he's the man!!

@johnathanhall8 Жыл бұрын

Should've waited to do this till after John Wick 4

@Ganiscol Жыл бұрын

Oh man, why only 20 minutes? I could have listened to Donnie for an hour giving these detailed and fascinating anecdotes! Some people are just riveting, he is one of them.

@ryxarkhalyx Жыл бұрын

i dont mind watching his interview for hours! he's a legend!

@robertweston7215 Жыл бұрын

Hilariously it sounds like he could talk for hours too.

@mosesyohan Жыл бұрын

Bro I failed English what is anecdote again

@lordmadin Жыл бұрын

I need more interviews of Yen. This is my childhood right here!!!!

@curlAlldizzle05 Жыл бұрын

Exactly!

@Ninja0608 Жыл бұрын

Absolutely love Donnie. He's been a massive inspiration for me growing up as a martial artist

@roarbertbearatheon8565 Жыл бұрын

What he said at the end about making movies with core values, it might not seem like much but, my younger self is grateful for how upright his Ip Man character and movie was. I loved that character, and the fact he was righteous and good made me a better person, I can honestly say

@scottisitt Жыл бұрын

I've never seen one of these videos where the actor got to spend so much time explaining each movie as Donnie did here. Loved this! Donnie Yen was amazing in Once Upon a Time In China 2 and Hero.

@Mutantgamer Жыл бұрын

This man here is one of the best when it comes to filming action scenes, he's been doing it for decades. Cant wait to see him in John Wick 4.

@jacobharris954 Жыл бұрын

Same

@Kinobambino Жыл бұрын

He's gonna be in John Wick!? Oh nice

@waytun9608 Жыл бұрын

@@Kinobambino yeah I think he might be the main villain

@brandonng2883 Жыл бұрын

He's blind in John Wick 4. 😂

@chingu_billy5144 Жыл бұрын

Donnie yens influence is definitely showing, john wick 4 showed kung fu in their trailers so I’m expecting this takes a more Asian approach

@thedofflin Жыл бұрын

Donnie absolutely nailed the creative direction for his character in Rogue One. I just love knowing that he decided on making him blind and adding all that depth to the character and his background. That's what Star Wars is all about to me, a collective storytelling process, everyone contributing all these ideas which are great for the screen and make for awesome pieces of lore which build up to produce an intricate and complex fantasy world.

@julianfranco4440 9 ай бұрын

The Tyson Fight was unreal. two totally different styles of fighting and somehow, they made beautiful music together. A testament of their professionalism and high skills

@mrpacificsurf Жыл бұрын

I am convinced this man is the only person qualified to direct the upcoming ATLA Netflix adaptations, IMAGINE his style of films and action with that established universe

@ippydipp Жыл бұрын

This is the idea of a generation... Someone get this to Donnie Yen!

@zuriyel5368 Жыл бұрын

If that happened, he'd prolly be able to call on Sammo Hung to play Uncle Iroh as well.

@Samizouza Жыл бұрын

Greatest idea ever

@tarzangrant123 Жыл бұрын

I think that this needs to be mentioned to Yen’s management team and make it a reality! If anyone can bring the essence of the martial arts behind the bending, it’s Donnie Yen, it would be magic if it would happen

@41tinman41 Жыл бұрын

Could you imagine if he played Ozai?

@mooplovesmoney Жыл бұрын

Been watching him since I was a kid, absolute legend.

@izuna303 Жыл бұрын

i grew up on jet li cause he became more popular in american styled movies,i watched ip man last year all 4 movies and the 10 black belts scene blew my mind

@rsbandbj1 Жыл бұрын

It was Andy, jackie, jet, donnie and stephen.

@dillanpepin-fontaine3401 Жыл бұрын

@rsbandbj1 Stephen seagull? 🤦‍♂️Please no 😂 more like Jean Claude Van dam

@rsbandbj1 Жыл бұрын

@@dillanpepin-fontaine3401 Stephen Chow dawg. cannot always be an action movie. Sometimes you just want slap stick comedy.

@dillanpepin-fontaine3401 Жыл бұрын

@rsbandbj1 true dawg Stephen seagull is slap stick comedy that’s supposed to be serious 😂 but I still for some reason watch them

@danielhenderson3753 11 ай бұрын

To Donnie's credit, his connection to John Wick was ALWAYS a bigger deal to me than the action. Well done, sir!

@Rikigoya Жыл бұрын

this is such a cool video, thank you GQ for the vid and thank you Donnie Yen for being amazing.

@bigbear7076 Жыл бұрын

Donnie Yen has been an absolute joy to watch over the years. Absolutely love the blend of skill, professionalism, and attention to detail of people like him, Bruce, Samo, Jet, Jackie, Tony (etc.). There is a big toll on their body but the entertainment and inspiration is forever

@vincecommando7575 Жыл бұрын

Donnie Yen is a legend in the martial arts action movie world. He is a heavy hitter that has given countless spectacular performances which never fails to dazzle audiences. As a lifelong fan and student of martial arts I want to personally thank you Donnie Yen. For your remarkable achievement as one the greatest in the martial arts genre.

@saadalimir4127 Жыл бұрын

One of the best martial art movie of all times, The Hero- a masterpiece indeed.

@rawcite Жыл бұрын

Its so interesting to hear him speak, at length about all his films. Such a funny man! Always been a fan especially the Ip man films. Legend. Never knew he was so funny and a such a great story teller! All in English too. I really don't think I'd ever heard him speak at length like this in English. Much respect to Donnie Yen. Great piece GQ

@navi8108 Ай бұрын

Well, he grew up in Boston

@suebob16 Жыл бұрын

I'm so glad he talked about Wing Chun with Michelle Yeoh. It was the first time I saw Donnie Yen. It was a somewhat less challenging and more light comedic role for him, but he showed his appeal even then. Of his earlier action films, Iron Monkey is especially good and I wish he had spoken about it as well.

@romankojo9458 Жыл бұрын

The first time I saw him was in the barefoot kid still one of my favourites martial arts movies. But I really like the movie in which he caught his arm off I've forgotten the title though

@andypitkin9051 Жыл бұрын

I love love love Iron Monkey, even after all these years it's very special to me.

@lavenderice247 Жыл бұрын

@@andypitkin9051 same for me as well. Me and my dad love that movie it’s something special and I can watch it all day ❤❤.

@newoap Жыл бұрын

Yeah Iron Monkey is a classic.

@StrongandConditioned Жыл бұрын

Good shout on Iron Monkey. What a classic that was

@BL-161 Жыл бұрын

Guys like Donnie will never come round again because they have lived and worked through the most raw and original action movie times of the 80s and 90s! A true action movie star and legit martial artist

@privatesocialhandle Жыл бұрын

To me, Donnie Yen in my opinion is the OG of cinematic Chinese martial arts.

@sojiroseta98 Жыл бұрын

I've been watching martial arts movies for a very long time and it may not be the most iconic but my favorite fight to this day is that fight between him and Jet Li in Hero, pure masterpiece!

@Hotdogbuns69 Жыл бұрын

We need a part 2 for this interview.

@curlAlldizzle05 Жыл бұрын

Agreed! So many missed movies they didn't discuss.

@samaraisnt Жыл бұрын

1000%

@LiminalMan777 Жыл бұрын

With more focus on his Chinese films, there’s too many to count

@allanalemao7692 Жыл бұрын

@@curlAlldizzle05 Including "Dragon Tiger"

@muhdshukriabdhamid7043 Жыл бұрын

Don’t forget his iconic fight in Flash Point.

@govatos Жыл бұрын

I’ve never seen a bad Donnie Yen performance. Not one.

@Lluminal Жыл бұрын

Extremely underutilized in Blade II. That's all I can think of!

@samaraisnt Жыл бұрын

@@Lluminal Leaves you wanting more, not bad! If you wanted him GONE, that's a diff story!

@ImotekhtheStormlord-tx2it Жыл бұрын

true. even in cheesy chinese action movies his acting is TOP NOTCH

@Nomarandus Жыл бұрын

Facts!

@amunra4256 Жыл бұрын

Yeah he basically wasn't even in Blade II. Great movie, but absolutely should've had Donnie do a lot more

@mistad309 Жыл бұрын

The respect, admiration and fan love he talks about Mike Tyson is amazing. I love Donnie Yen, Jet Li and all these martial artists. I grew up watching these amazing films and they're long overdue their credit.

@kylet8986 11 ай бұрын

I absolutely love how much detail he goes into. Thank you Master Yen.

@cmndrleon4369 Жыл бұрын

I don't think there is a Donnie Yen performance that I didn't enjoy. He is too awesome. I also like his smaller roles like Snowman in Blade 2 and Jin Ke in Highlander 4.

@thomasmitchell134 Жыл бұрын

The first movie I saw Donnie Yen in was Highlander: Endgame. His introduction in that movie was amazing. His fight with Adrian Paul was also really good. Say what you will about Highlander 4, the fight scenes in that movie were outstanding.

@Rina_TL Жыл бұрын

@@thomasmitchell134 Fight scenes in the movie were choreographed by Donnie himself, and yeah, they still look great.

@cesarramirez2935 Жыл бұрын

Only reason I didn't like Snowman in Blade2 is cause Parr was too small wanted to see him really fight and do some action .. but yea even that little part was cool .

@notofuspeed Жыл бұрын

@@thomasmitchell134 I was a big fan of Highlander since the original and Donnie Yen since I saw his old HK movies Tiger Cage 2 and In The Line of Duty 4 (if you haven't seen them, they are must watches!). So I saw a couple of different edits of Highlander Engdame, fights scenes and even storyline plots were abit different. There is or at least was an extended Jin Ke and Duncan fight scene edit on youtube using both cuts and maybe even unreleased footage.

@mdbizzarri Жыл бұрын

He's a really smart guy who's observant, and loves to collaborate with other people while showing respect to other artists. While he's a great martial artist in movies, it's his humility and drive to serve the art that makes him a great human. It's great to see a whole new side of him I wasn't aware. Thank his kids for his role in Star Wars and making the character even better!

@VedJoshi.. Жыл бұрын

the greatest fighters are often the most humble, restrained people

@user-zl6fu9sq6r Жыл бұрын

he's so smart that he decided to support the dictatorship. Hero on the screen, zero in dignity. shameless

@joeynass7290 Жыл бұрын

Man is a great martial artist Not just a film martial artist

@KGV1374 10 ай бұрын

Donnie Yen is one of my favorite martial arts actors and he seems like such a great guy. My favorite line of his in Rogue One is - Are you kidding me? I'm blind.

@AC-ni4gt 4 ай бұрын

That one got me howling hard in the theater. I remember.

@jibbsautomations Жыл бұрын

Really happy for the Sammo Hung shoutout. I've been a fan of Sammo since his early days, watching him with Jackie Chan and Yuen Biao

@richardni____adelphi____2015 Жыл бұрын

This was a good interview. Donnie Yen did a really good job telling the audience a lot about his cool experiences working with other famous action stars. But it’s a bummer we never got to hear him talk about his role as a villain in Shanghai Knights. It was really cool hearing him talking about his experiences working with Jet Li on once upon a time in China 2 and hero and Mike Tyson on Ip Man 3 so it would’ve been better if he could talk about his experiences working with Jackie Chan on Shanghai Knights just to make it feel more complete. 😎

@namikazelevi Жыл бұрын

That's true bro. In Shanghai Knights he's badass

@wambokodavid7109 Жыл бұрын

I don't remember him in that one.i guess I must rewatch buy those movies are hard to come by today

@tarzangrant123 Жыл бұрын

I think his role in Once Upon a Time in China 2 was better than in Shanghai Knight. The fight scenes with Jet Li are one of the greatest of all time

@richardni____adelphi____2015 Жыл бұрын

@@tarzangrant123 I can respect that. I’m kinda ambivalent about the Jackie Chan vs Donnie Yen fight scene in Shanghai Knights because it was cool how it showed a less aggressive fighter like Jackie Chan going up against a more aggressive fighter like Donnie Yen. But I wish they made the fight scene longer because it was a bummer they cut away to other scenes Owen Wilson and the British detective trying to confront the British villain by getting on a horse. I was just saying that it would’ve been way better if Donnie Yen talked about his experiences with Jackie Chan while filming Shanghai Knights because it would feel more complete to hear him talk about all the famous people he’s worked with since he already talked about his amazing experiences with Jet Li and Mike Tyson.

@jaquigreenlees Жыл бұрын

@@richardni____adelphi____2015 I think his role in Knights just wasn't iconic enough to make the list for this vid about his "Most iconic roles". I suspect both Donnie and GQ didn't want his portrayal of a villain included, to promote the good guy image more.

@thecaseclosedpikachufiles2446 9 ай бұрын

Let’s just say that he is one with the force

@DamageXcaling Жыл бұрын

You guys need to bring him for part 2, i want to see a breakdown of some more of his characters: Flash Point In the line of Duty 4 The last Big Boss Wu Xia Raging Fire Dragon Tiger Gate John Wick 4 This was wholesome, but i think we need these more at least.

@pduction Жыл бұрын

Much respect for Donnie Yen, don’t know how many times I’ve watched his movies over and over. Good to see a humble interview

@zacharyabenante1814 Жыл бұрын

Donnie Yen, Jet Li, Jackie Chan, Sammo Hung, Wu Jing, Tony Jaa, Michelle Yeoh. Legends of the martial arts films that I grew up on

@vincentvega5686 Жыл бұрын

I'm glad you didn't mention Chuck Norris, Steven "liar" Seagal, and JC Van Damme lol

@HanshiroParker Жыл бұрын

Forreal! All these GOATS. 🙏🏼 ❤️

@SubXaeroZA 8 ай бұрын

Donnie and Jet-Li will always be my all times favorites. I've watched all of their films.

@kuremalone78 8 ай бұрын

Such a thoughtful and mindful human being.

@SeeliaVachon Жыл бұрын

When I was a child I first saw Donnie in Drunken Tai Chi and was completely smitten by him. I think that was his first movie role also. He was already so charismatic and his good looks made him even more charming. I've been a fan ever since. I just wish he had bigger roles in some of his US movies because Hollywood really wasted his talent there. 😔

@asiberiantiger188 Жыл бұрын

Straight up swiping right on dude. It's ok, I am too.

@violentvowelz9920 Жыл бұрын

IP MAN!!! Donnie Yen made me fall in love with Martial Arts movies. The choreography and demeanor of his characters hit me where it counted. Forever will love his movies

@KONGPAUL502 Жыл бұрын

Videos like these make you really appreciate these well crafted movies

@brittle1 9 ай бұрын

"may the force of others be with you" 😂

@YummieBunny Жыл бұрын

Hero is such a great movie. I wish more people talked about it

@linewalker Жыл бұрын

Hero is like looking at a painting onscreen

@yuugenr7549 Жыл бұрын

@@linewalker every frame a painting

@linewalker Жыл бұрын

@@yuugenr7549 Must watch in HD.

@SpiritMan28 Жыл бұрын

I've been a fan of Donnie Yen since I first saw him in Iron Monkey when I was young. Donnie Yen, Jackie Chan, and Jet Li are pure iconic Hong Kong martial art action star legends. Love and respect 😃

@o2jammerz06 Жыл бұрын

There are two more. Bruce Lee and Sammo Hung.

@tysonthomson6847 Жыл бұрын

@@o2jammerz06 And Bruce Lee to he's up there with them

@o2jammerz06 Жыл бұрын

@@tysonthomson6847 yeah I know. I got mixed up, he already said Jackie Chan. I was supposed to say Bruce Lee.

@irh1738 Жыл бұрын

@@tysonthomson6847 Bruce Lee paved the way for all.

@irh1738 Жыл бұрын

@@o2jammerz06 yes Sammo & Yuen Biao

@IvanErgenbright 10 ай бұрын

Make him funny, make him blind. Genius. Made the character.

@Yumums Жыл бұрын

I love how natural film making is to Donnie and I love his emphasis on teamwork! Such a cool dude

@Ladioz Жыл бұрын

He's 59 and looks like he's turning 30. Fair play dude

@damianplasencia2708 Жыл бұрын

lol calm down there 40 MAYBE 30 is stretching it big time lol

@samaraisnt Жыл бұрын

@@damianplasencia2708 You're joking he'd look AMAZING even for forty! Have you seen how crusty some 30 year olds look?!

@damianplasencia2708 Жыл бұрын

@@samaraisnt if you think this guy looks 30 you need to get your eyes checked...i get you're trying to compliment how well he's aged but really, calm it down lol

@drdre4397 Жыл бұрын

@Damian Plasencia I didn't know they still lobotimized people... You need to talk less and see more people. Plenty of people look worse than that at 30. You're acting like it's totally unreasonable. Stop being a buffoon. It's not unreasonable, nevermind the fact, it isn't even the point, the point being he looks incredible for his age. There's an old saying that applies to you: "When you die, you don't feel the pain. It is felt by those around you. The same thing happens when you are stupid"

@damianplasencia2708 Жыл бұрын

@@drdre4397 lol move along boy

@FinarfinNoldorin 8 ай бұрын

This was an incredible scene. I love Donnie Yen!

@manny8479 Жыл бұрын

Love love LOVE Donnie Yen! Would have loved to hear his insights on his role in Iron Monkey! GREAT film!

@jdelark6428 Жыл бұрын

I absolutely loved Once Upon a Time In China 2. Donnie's character was great in that film, and his martial arts was amazing. The final fight scene with Wong Fei-Hong (Jet Li) is one of the best choreographed set piece with props that I've ever seen.

@Leprutz Жыл бұрын

I completely agree. It is just marvelous. Tsui Hark made two amzing movies with OUATIC 1&2

@petergreenwald9639 Жыл бұрын

How did i miss all these movies? Straight up good entertainment it appears. And he comes across as a really caring person, especially to his team.

@acutelilmint8035 Жыл бұрын

80-90s hk movies were wild.

@maineman5757 Жыл бұрын

Watch Ip Man right now. It will change your life.

@petergreenwald9639 Жыл бұрын

@@maineman5757 I am getting over a cold/flu and slept all day, so I just watched this. Yeah, great movie. I really enjoyed it.

@rizzaramon7213 Жыл бұрын

@@petergreenwald9639 I recommend you watch sha po lang and flash point. Great movies if you ask me. These two are the first time i am introduced to Donnie Yen.

@METALFACEDOOMXXXX Жыл бұрын

You're obviously not a fan of martial arts movies or kung fu! Now you want to hope on the bandwagon while fans like me been around for years.

@deejayduy Жыл бұрын

Donnie is definitely in my top 3 movie star and martial artists.. He's a great actor and i enjoy all of his movie.. Im glad Hollywood recognize his talent!..

@zockerhdgarantiert Жыл бұрын

It's kinda funny how he plays a blind guy who is basically a fight machine in rogue one as well as John Wick 4

@carlsz6747 Жыл бұрын

Donnie Yen, together with Jet Lee and Jackie Chen have always been my most admired people growing up, they were the first ones that showed me one can still become a superhero even without any super powers.

@flykyrt81 Жыл бұрын

The Three Kings Of Martial Arts Action Cinema!

@aqualiens4080 Жыл бұрын

I've been such a huge fan of Donnie Yen for so long I can't even remember. The guy is just breathtaking to watch, and I've always loved how he approaches acting and his roles in the films he's done. I know he's been in too many movies for him to go into all of them here in one video, but I wish he would have talked about his experiences playing Wong Kei-ying in "Iron Monkey". That film simply does not get the credit it deserves and it stands as one of my favorite martial arts films ever made. It's also the one that introduced me to Mr. Yen. Phenomenal actor.

@Peony_herbabies914 9 ай бұрын

I loved how excited Donnie is when he was talking about working with jet li and the director Y. W. Ping once upon a time in China 2! I guess he must having so much fun working with friends and family!