FORT90

Time for yet another dose of the New York Asian Film Festival 2012. And not just one, but two whole helpings of Donnie Yen!

SPL: Sha Po Lang

Up until fairly recently, the Hong Kong movie industry was on the brink of? not just ruin, but something much worse: irrelevancy. And this year’s aforementioned program, “Return of the King: Hong Kong Movies 15 Years After the Handover”, contains several key motion pictures that helped brought it back from the dead. If Infernal Affairs was the shock to the system, to get its heart beating again, than SPL (better known as Kill Zone here in America; such a lame name, I know) was the blood transfusion that got it back in fighting shape. It’s also a turning point in the career of Donnie Yen, the martial arts master who is finally getting some long overdue recognition in the West. He’s not quite the household name that Bruce Lee, Jackie Chen, or even Jet Li is, at least not yet. But he most definitely, without question, deserves to be said in the same breathe as those men. Thanks, in large part, to his performance in SPL. Note: I didn’t review Infernal Affairs 1 & 2 since those are older/readily available flicks, and because I prefer to spend my energies on first run/ultra obscure examples that need the attention. But what the hell, right?

The setting is modern day Hong Kong, a city soaked in blood, sweat, and neon. Kwok-chung Chan (played by Simon Yam, who also shines pretty damn brightly in this movie) is a hard boiled police inspector whose entire career has been focused on putting triad boss Po Wong (portrayed by Sammo Hung, in one of his greatest roles of all time as well, plus his very first stab at being a bad guy I think) behind bars. Early on, we discover that Chan has a brain tumor that’s inoperable. Which was discovered when doctors had to pull shards of glass out of his skull, when the car he was in, while escorting a key witness to a trial that would have put Wong in jail for the rest of his life, was totaled by an assassin. The witness and his wife are murdered, rendering their daughter an orphan, whom Chan adopts. Fast forward three years later and Chan is now desperate to nab Wong with something that will actually stick, especially since he’s due for retirement very soon. Enter Kwun Ma (Donnie Yen), an officer from another precinct, who will be replacing Chan and be the new boss to his three ace in the whole detectives, who are just as bound and determined to nab Wong as well. It isn’t long before Ma discovers the lengths that Chan and his crew will go to get their victory, even if it means blatantly breaking the laws themselves. Out of the blue, a mildly retarded person (or maybe he’s just a HUGE nerd, not sure) shows up with a tape in which Wo brutally beats an undercover cop, before a henchman does the actual killing. In order to make sure that their case is absolutely air tight, Chan and his men decide to doctor the footage, so it appears as if Wo was the murder himself. Then they go after the actual guilty person, to make sure he doesn’t talk, by killing him.

Ma is not fond of such tactics; in a flashback, we learn that he once roughed up a guy so badly that he became mildly retarded himself (and whom Ma, out of guilt, now hangs out with at the arcade, to play King of Fighters with him). Still, he decides to help Chan and his guys. Wong is tossed in jail, and it seems like he’s going to stay there for good, but it takes almost no time at all for hell to break loose; he’s able to easily prove that the tape was doctored, which immediately gets Chan in deep trouble with his superiors. Meanwhile, his three boys are all hacked to death by the aforementioned assassin. Each has the all too late realization that perhaps they shouldn’t have played dirty. It’s also revealed that they stole money from Wong, yet another against the books move, to help Chan raise his adopted daughter. Realizing what a mess everything has become, Chan decides to restore some honor to his brothers by returning the money. That doesn’t go so well, so it’s Ma to the rescue. Literally along the way he encounters the assassin in an alleyway, in what is seriously one of the most absolutely magnificent fight scenes of all time. My lame descriptive skills won’t work here; it must simply be seen to believed. Though spoilers: Ma wins. Which means a showdown against Wong, one that’s only half a notch below the brawl that we just took place, but it still blows away 99.9999% of all the other kung fu head-to-heads you’ve seen in other movies. I guess it’s worth mentioning that Donnie Yen was a guest at the screening, and marque special guest for the fest as a whole. Afterwards he spoke about the making of the movie, in particular, the challenges behind the fight scenes.

Get this: martial arts fight scenes in Hong Kong are all done in just one or two takes. That’s it. Multiple attempts simply won’t work, because much of the energy would be lost in each subsequent take. Hence why there’s generally lots of pre-planning involved for each scene, but not here. Due to every kind of resource constraint imaginable, the alleyway confrontation was entirely improvised; Donnie ended up having to give directions to the other actor, Wu Jing, as the cameras were rolling (but they were moving so fast that you couldn’t tell). Another challenge was how absolutely barren the setting was, which meant no props to rely upon. Hence why the exchange is so highly regarded, because it finally drove home the message that a true martial arts master could create a compelling scene without having to use environmental elements as a crutch (no offense to Jackie Chan and all). As for the final clash with Sammo Hung, Yen mostly discussed the equally innovative mixing of styles, especially all the wrestling and MMA moves. He’s currently teaching his 4 year old how to fight in such a style, FYI (and $100 says that he can already keep the asses of anyone reading this). Yen also spoke a little about his previous work, in particular, Ballistic Kiss, which was an uphill battle on virtually ever front. Finances was a constant issue; to get the money to shoot the thing, he ended up going to a loan shark, and to save on postproduction, Yen edited the movie himself (which meant learning how to actually cut and assemble footage, “before the days of Final Cut!”). BTW, it was a huge flop and he ended up having to do 10 movies just to pay it off. He also recently taught himself how to play the guitar in just 2 months for a role, and when asked by an audience member, said that he wouldn’t mind teaming up with Y. K. Kim! Though he’d replace those apples he had a hard time kicking (in his live taekwondo demo the night before) with watermelons… what a burn! Finally, what’s next? Possibly Ip Man 3 in 3D! Oh, there’s also that other 3D movie, the biggest production Yen has ever been involved in, based on the Monkey King, from classic Chinese literature. People who worked on Avatar is involved, hence why I’m already pretty skeptical about it myself?

Wu Xia

Wu Xia, or Dragon as it’s called here (yes, that’s pretty much the most generic name imaginable for a martial arts movie, even worst than Kill Zone), is Yen’s most recent flick and will be released on a wider basis later this year apparently. Many are predicting that it’ll be “the next Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon”, and I can totally see why; it too breathes new life into classic Chinese martial arts fiction, an equally captivating mix of completely relatable pathos and mind-blowing fight scenes (though each has a totally different approach and feel). Instead of a super cool and ultra stylish cop in modern day Hong Kong, this time Yen assumes the mantle of a meek and modest villager circa the turn of the century China who goes by the name Liu Jinxi. One day, while at the general store, two bad guys show up, looking to score some easy money by pushing the kindly old proprietor around. Liu decides to intervene, and due to his total lack of fighting acumen, he’s tossed around like a rag doll. But thanks to sheer luck, he manages to actually kill both of them, and is thusly hailed a local hero. The local authorities show up to investigate the matter, which looks fairly cut and dry to everyone? except to detective Xu Baijiu (played by Takeshi Kaneshiro, both Japan and Hong Kong’s answer to Johnny Depp). Given that one of the bandits was one of the government’s most wanted fugitives, it just makes no sense that he could be knocked off so easily by a total stranger, one who supposedly exhibits zero martial arts prowess. So Baijiu decides to sniff around, and eventually comes to the conclusion that Jinxi is not what he appears to be, and is in fact, one dangerous son of a bitch, He spends a good amount of time, constantly trying to get Jinxi to spill the beans about his past. Investigations reveal that he’s not from the village originally, but a far away land, which he left due to a falling out with his father.

The first half of the movie of this cat and mouse between Yen and Kaneshiro, and it’s simply joy to watch unfold. Yen does a brilliant job of playing a guy who just wants to be left alone and Kaneshiro is equally awesome as a man obsessed with unearthing the truth. Jinxi eventually comes clean, about past indiscretions that he’s paid the price for and wishes to forget about, in order to get Baijiu off his damn back. But despite being a front row witness of how kind and loving a man Jinxi has become, he’s convinced that onces a bloodthirsty killer, always a bloodthirsty killer. An attitude that stems from Baijiu himself being far too forgiving in his past; he was once poisoned by a rotten apple that he believed had turned a new leaf in life, and thusly, must self administer acupuncture to keep himself alive. Plus, Jinxi’s story still doesn’t check out completely. In the end, he concludes that Liu Jinxi is actually Tang Long, the second in command of the 72 Demons, the group of savage warriors that is everyone’s worst nightmares. Baijiu then jumps through all sorts of hoops to get the necessary arrest warrants, to the point that he ends up bribing a judge, due to the simple fact that there’s no actual evidence. Making matters worse is how the 72 Demons themselves catch wind of such chatter, that their long lost family member might still be alive. So two of their absolute worst are sent to where Tang Long is supposedly hiding out, to bring him back home, which is when all hell breaks lose. Backed into a corner, Jinxi has no choice but to reveal his true self, and that’s when the second half of the movie, filled with all the amazing fight scenes, start kicking in. But despite being victorious against the invaders, the village is in ruins and Jinxi believes that he must leave. Otherwise his former clan won’t stop bothering his family. That’s when Baijiu comes up with a plan, to fake Jinxi’s death, via the aforementioned acupuncture. Which, ultimately doesn’t work, so as a desperate act of symbolism, Jinxi cuts one of his arms off, as a sign that he has formally broken ties with the 72 Demons.

Their response? Okay, sure, whatever. But you’re going to have to tell the big boss, to his face. It’s perhaps worth noting that the head of the 72 Demons is portrayed by Jimmy Wang Yu, best known for being the star of the Shaw Brothers classic One-Armed Swordsman. According to Wu Xia’s Q&A, Yen mentioned how he originally wanted the movie to be a One-Armed Swordsman remake/tribute, but director Peter Chan was not super keen on the idea. But the idea of him slicing his own arm off was finally okay-ed at the very end of filming, when they still didn’t have that extra “something” to wrap things up with. Yen also said that it was super tricky, playing Jinxi in the early part of the movie, when his character had to act as if he didn’t know any martial arts (and it was indeed super weird, watching him stumbling around with zero grace or skill). Someone in the audience asked if the New York Times was correct when they said Yen would be was retiring at the age of 50; it’s true, but he’s also currently 28 (and not 48; can’t trust Wikipedia for nuthin). Another person asked why he turned down a role in The Expendables 2; he said, after being asked graciously numerous times, that it just wasn’t for him. But maybe part 3? But the best question was asked by the moderator: what is the deal with the name? Having a kung fu flick named Dragon is like having a comic book movie called Comic Book. To that, Yen simply replied with “Ask the director!” Anyhow, in addition to being one of the best actors working in Hong Kong cinema today, as well as being one of its all-time greatest action starts, the guy’s super nice! Was a real pleasure seeing him in the flesh. Definitely track down a copy of SPL/Kill Zone. As for Wu Xia/Dragon, you can wait for the planned release later this year, or you could head to Lincoln Center this Thursday evening! The previously scheduled screening of Blood Letter has been cancelled ($20 says that the print is being held up somewhere), and its place is an encore screening of Wu Xia. Again, that’s Thursday July 12 at 9pm; it’s definitely recommended.

Next on my list of must see movies starring Donnie Yen is definitely Mismatched Couples, which kept on being brought up in both Q&A’s. It’s an early 80s flick featuring Donnie doing? well? see for yourself!

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Last night was the much anticipated screening of Miami Connection, highlighted by a live appearance by Grandmaster Y.K. Kim. And it was, as expected, pretty much the greatest thing ever. BTW, never heard of the Grandmaster before? Well, this video will help get you up to speed?

And earlier this morning, I got the chance to sit down and talk with the Grandmaster himself! I was also joined by Joseph Diamand, one of the co-stars and also screenwriter. FYI, in case anyone is wondering, I tried my best to stick to Y.K. Kim’s actual wording verbatim, with almost zero paraphrasing, in order to retain the integrity of his train of thoughts:

fort90: First off, it’s a real honor being able to meet you Grandmaster! Am a HUGE fan of your work. Now, did you ever expect, upon completing Miami Connection, that people in a packed New York City theater, on the hottest night of the summer, would still be enjoying your movie 25 years later?

Kim: I was shocked! And overwhelmed. I never expected that, after 25 years. I failed actually… temporary. But last night, the audience is laughing, and clapping, and screaming! Wow, what is this?!?! After [it] finished, everybody asked me the same thing: when is there going to be a sequel, Miami Connection number two? It was great.

fort90: Well, because today’s audiences are immediately head over heals, and with the impending re-release looking very successful, have you thought about doing a sequel? Maybe you’ve heard of it; there’s a thing called Kickstarter, and after last night’s screening, all my friends said they’d put money towards seeing Dragon Sound’s world tour!

Kim: [laughs] My organization, called Martial Arts World, a very successful organization? We have a plan. We will create unique and exciting action films every year. One movie a year, within five years.

fort90: Now, will taekwondo be prominently featured? Since after all, it is the best.

Kim: They will have what we call Martial Arts World, modern martial arts. It’s traditional plus modern. It’s not just kicking and punching, it incorporates modern philosophies.

If you practice martial arts, you can be healthier and stronger, plus smarter and wiser. And have internal strength, so you can have real self-confidence. When a student comes, we teach actually how to be rich. Because 85% of Americans, they live paycheck to paycheck, even though this is the richest country in the world.

So we teach how to be a leader, so they can have personal freedoms, a person of power. Anyone who practices martial arts can have a truly successful life, that’s modern martial arts.

fort90: When you first came to America, some 30 years ago, did you envision all this happening? That you’d be teaching martial arts, have a successful business, be a motivational speaker, write a bunch of books, make a movie, etc.

Kim: I was very fortunate. I had big, bigger than anyone else’s, dreams. I wanted to change the world.

When I started martial arts, taekwondo was a turning point in my life. And I knew it can help millions and millions and millions change their lives too. So I set the ultimate goal [of sharing martial arts, what I learned], which I have achieved.

fort90: Can you talk a bit more about Miami Connection’s own connection to another martial arts masterpiece? LA Streetfighters [which was screened at NYAFF 2010]?

Diamand: The story of Miami Connection starts with [co-director] Woo-sang Park, who was the director behind LA Streetfighters. Grandmaster Kim wasn’t really associated with that movie, except with his connection to director Park?

fort90: I see. I keep hearing different things, so I’m confused?

Diamand: And you’ll hear even more, so it’s good that we can straighten it out.

fort90: So how did you meet Park exactly?

Kim: I was the most successful martial arts leader in the US, perhaps [the] world. So when I went back to Korea, I was on the most popular talk show. At the time, director Park, he flew down to where I lived in Central Florida. He asked me, ‘Hey, why don’t you be a partner and produce a movie.’ So I said right away, ‘Yes!’ Because I wanted to promote martial arts on the big screen, like a Bruce Lee.

It’s a funny story; when I announced that I was producing Miami Connection, a movie, all my friends, community leaders, and media friends came up to me and said ‘Hey, don’t do it. You are a martial arts expert but not a movie maker. Why? Because in Central Florida, many people they tried, but not even one person has finished a movie. That means, you are asking for bankruptcy.’

But they could not stop me, so I started it. But they were right; I was physically, mentally, financially, totally exhausted. And I was waiting for failure, so I had to ask myself, what should I do? And my heart told me, ‘You do not have that word, that specific word, failure, in your dictionary, in you life.’ So I struggled, against millions of obstacles, and overcame them all to finish the movie.

fort90: Did you have any experience making a film before?

Kim: I didn’t even know what a movie means. We didn’t even have an actual script. Just a storyline that we developed as we went along.

fort90: Now, from what I’ve heard, you Grandmaster Kim and director Park had a parting of ways, so he took a portion of the film to Korea, and you filled in the blanks here?

Kim: Director Park and me had a partnership. So he had the responsibility for Korea; I responsibility for the US and the world. So after I finished the movie, he took his copy and he left.

Diamand: We showed the film to many Hollywood studios, knocked on all these doors? this is the original cut, and its original title? and everyone who saw it basically said the formula doesn’t work, because it was a very sad ending.

Kim: Everyone said that it’s garbage, must throw away. So I had one last hope, the Cannes Film Festival. Same thing happens; no one wanted [to distribute it]. But one gentleman, at Manson International, a company that doesn’t exist anymore, its senior vice president? he gave to us advice: ?If you re-shoot, I think it might work.’

So I came back to Florida. I didn’t know how to direct, I didn’t know how to write. So I asked Joseph Diamand, who is now Master Diamand, to re-write and re-film and re-edit and re-mix. Because, before, Jim [played by Maurice Smith]? he died! Main character, he dies, and the bad guy, the white ninja, he’s alive. And no body liked it. So we totally changed things.

Diamand: It’s an uplifting movie, and we wanted to have an uplighting end as well, which was also consistent of injecting Grandmaster Kim’s philosophy without changing the basic structure. It’s a little bit more about his mission in life, and at certain points of the movie, especially at the end, you can pick up on that.

The really interesting story is how, between the time the movie was made and now that it’s been rediscovered, Grandmaster Kim has really revolutionized all of martial arts.

fort90: So there’s an earlier, completed version of the movie, floating around Korea? Has it ever been shown?

Kim: I don’t know.

fort90: I know there was plenty, but what was the one biggest challenge of making the film?

Kim: Biggest challenge was the mental aspect. I had to do ten people’s jobs: directing, story, acting? casting, locations, even catering. It was crazy! One time I didn’t sleep for five nights. I have very strong spirit, but my body couldn’t follow it. So while driving, my car ended up in the ditch! I was lucky enough to be alive.

fort90: And conversely, what was the most enjoyable part?

Kim: I have learned that nothing is impossible. To have spirit, indomitable spirit.

And second, most important thing I learned, was that without my students’ teamwork, and the community of Orlando, without their support, I could not finish it. They supported me more than I expected.

fort90: And it definitely shows; you can tell that everyone involved Miami Connection is in it together. There’s a real sense of team spirit. I must ask: how did the relationship with Drafthouse Films come about?

Kim: I don’t know why, but one year, two years ago, people started making a lot of requests. TV stations and film festivals? they all wanted interviews. And refused; I didn’t want to be involved.

fort90: Why?

Kim: My memories was a nightmare. Like a life and death situation that I had. It almost caused me to go bankrupt. I wanted to spend my time promoting Martial Arts World. And this company, Drafthouse, they called and emails many times. For six month; it was a little weird. So we responded, and this all happened.

fort90: I’ve been to many screenings, with the people behind it present, and when their movie gets laughs unintentionally, I somewhat feel bad for the director. And there were parts last night in which the audience is laughing at something that’s clearly supposed to be serious. Did you have any problems with that?

Kim: I didn’t have any problems with that! That was great!

fort90: The DVD and Blu-ray comes out later this year; will there be any extras?

Kim: We it will be very, very exciting. I think it will be incredible.

fort90: Will there be any motivational content, similar to what can be found in your books and DVDs, plus what you do on stage?

Kim: Yes there will!

fort90: Excellent! Last question? is there any good Korean restaurants in Florida?

Kim: Oh yes! Korean food is good! When you come to Orlando, we will take you out to have good Korean food there.

Miami Connection will have a limited engagement return to the big screen, followed by the aforementioned DVD and Blu-ray editions, plus a digital release, later this year. Till then, stay tuned for additional New York Asian Film Festival 2012 coverage, which continues all week!

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