A Miracle Not to Be Replicated:Jackie Chan Action Movie Week

“The action movie week isn’t for me, but for all action stars and stuntmen.” said Chan. Pic by CFP 

 

By Liza Li(Shanghai Daily)

The first Jackie Chan Action Movie Week was launched yesterday with a forum at the Grand Theater that discussed Chinese and foreign action movies.

Jackie Chan, the Hong Kong actor, martial artist, director and producer, initiated the action movie week with the aim of building a platform for audiences to know more about the behind-the-scene heroes of action movies.

“The action movie week isn’t for me, but for all action stars and stuntmen.” said Chan.

Chan said that many people think an action movie is just about creating a hero, but behind the big screen there are countless heroes who make it happen.

Jeffrey Katzenberg, CEO of DreamWorks Animation, praised Jackie Chan’s contribution to action movies as well as his philanthropy work.

“He was the first one to put action and comedy together, thus creating something that has been a signature of him and an inspiration to me for decades.” Katzenberg said.

He also revealed that the greatest inspiration of “Kung Fu Panda” came from Jackie Chan.

American director Rob Cohen said that actors like Jackie Chan convey joy with their strength and that actions are their language.

Chinese actor and director Jason Wu said that the Jackie Chan Action Movie Week provides a better platform for action movie actors and stuntmen.

“No one else in China is doing this, and Jackie Chan has set a precedent. Just like his movies, it’s a miracle that cannot be replicated.” Wu said.

Starting this year, the Jackie Chan Action Movie Week will become a part of the Shanghai International Film Festival program. It includes screenings of action movies, a competition and forum to celebrate the making of action movies as well as the actors and stuntmen.