Donnie Yen Breaks Down His Most Iconic Characters | GQ

[@ChrisAlbertH47]

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]

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]

He needs to have a movie with Hiroyuki Sanada

[@ooitung95]

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

[@therabbitwhisperer4538]

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

[@lightup6751]

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

[@monanaliza]

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]

Hi rawh, Shi she

[@last7509]

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

[@xingyuwen7274]

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

[@glo2fr823]

Wish this was around for jet Li time

[@GhanaKage]

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

[@TheSomeRocks]

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

[@chef3520]

A true actor at heart. “The show must go on!”

[@itsvenage]

after he said that i instantly went to the comments

[@apraew20]

🤣

[@bepatience80]

Going great still. Respect!

[@robertnguyen9493]

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.

[@nuthinbutnikk17]

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

[@合體機器人]

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

[@yuy2375]

@@合體機器人 like?

[@alexr9564]

@@合體機器人 huh?

[@合體機器人]

@@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]

@@合體機器人 Donnie Yen joins CN's Top Political Advisory Committee? Great, now I like him even more.

[@ammolator]

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.

[@SadDreamz]

Forever remember him as Ip man and now Caine 🫡

[@bumpsy]

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

[@yuzuki2385]

He was nerfed lmfao

[@DeanS946]

@@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]

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

[@daoyang8919]

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

[@GLUFSAREN]

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

[@deanarip6086]

Ashton Chen and Steven Hao too 😂😂

[@justinkashtock333]

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

[@pinavinada]

Same. They're Asian movie heroes!

[@ared4108]

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

[@LuisCastillo-tg6xw]

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

[@ruinhime1101]

sammo hung too

[@vincentvega5686]

you forgot Sammo Hung :)

[@gaoxoxo]

Yessss 😩🤌🏼

[@anthonypegues9023]

you also forgot tony jaa

[@gideonkazibwe4706]

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

[@ao_qd]

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]

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]

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

[@pinavinada]

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

[@manuelgarciajr5308]

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

[@TheTekknician]

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]

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]

I didn't know he speaks perfect English

[@Mani-aX]

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

[@LibeliumDragonfly]

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

[@terrenceterrence]

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

[@ryadinstormblessed8308]

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]

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]

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

[@againstthestones]

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

[@snowshock8958]

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

[@CometdownCat]

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

[@solezeta1314]

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

[@blinksstayfresh2524]

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]

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

[@vermin1970]

He stole that movie in every scene he was in.

[@ObiSol]

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.

[@kung-fukennyfamily]

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

[@ctakitimu]

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

[@AvauntVanguard]

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

[@ctakitimu]

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

[@ImotekhtheStormlord-tx2it]

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

[@GT-wo2oj]

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

[@EscanorChi]

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]

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

[@camarykaren]

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

[@Babynate1000]

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

[@chulachose2137]

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

[@EscanorChi]

@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.

[@donovanbradford8231]

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]

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. 😀

[@alvinkoh5556]

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

[@risechronicles5278]

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

[@coreyhowe177]

Dude knows 12 styles of martial arts.

[@JackFrostIsHere]

@@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]

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

[@eddydash1]

​@@JackFrostIsHere stunt double is not cgi

[@JonesingUSAF]

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]

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

[@steezbuscemi9850]

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]

I remember Iron Monkey to this day a classic

[@amsinformation6858]

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

[@digibath89]

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

[@willh7352]

I ADORE Iron Monkey.

[@geojimz]

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.

[@Syryu]

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

[@RaiOkami]

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]

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

[@Migzter05]

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]

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]

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

[@hayden-tan]

@@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]

@@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]

@@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

[@chasehedges6775]

His performance in Rogue One is fantastic

[@riballion]

And depressing😢

[@hassanmasood186]

I am one with the force the force is with me

[@optimisticoutreach1236]

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

[@rebeccadubois8270]

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

[@anathardayaldar]

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

[@jy5490]

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.

[@TheJaker5]

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]

HK cinema is where its at.

[@brandonfurtado2]

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]

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

[@usmaniqbal836]

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

[@ibanezleftyclub]

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

[@chily3519]

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

[@cowboyw520]

not really though……

[@reivaldoaurelio4895]

That if he really age at all

[@firefoxcodex15]

Jackie?

[@stare4539]

yea

[@doomfanboy9413]

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

[@techfan7808]

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]

one of*

[@DubiousDubs]

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

[@maj0r357]

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

[@scottisitt]

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.

[@bigbear7076]

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

[@wp8639]

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]

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

[@XENOS_Indie_Game_Dev]

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

[@RaphPatch]

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]

@@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]

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

[@EganCraft]

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

[@jonathankozenko]

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]

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

[@balaclava23]

@@linewalker kzbin.info/www/bejne/gZyxc5toach_rNE there you gooo...

[@linewalker]

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

[@lordmadin]

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

[@curlAlldizzle05]

Exactly!

[@Ganiscol]

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]

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

[@robertweston7215]

Hilariously it sounds like he could talk for hours too.

[@mosesyohan]

Bro I failed English what is anecdote again

[@Xyniss]

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]

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

[@stevienguyen2047]

@@steve4728what he do or say?

[@cvspvr]

his girlfriend's name is joey??

[@Zepheray]

Source please?

[@Xyniss]

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

[@vincecommando7575]

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.

[@TheRafaelRamos]

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

[@jliller]

Too bad they weren't in more movies together.

[@TheFadzreeq]

Plus Sammo Hung!

[@thelastbro1710]

@@TheFadzreeq and don't forget Yuen Biao

[@atom786]

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

[@cesarramirez2935]

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

[@Mutantgamer]

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]

Same

[@Kinobambino]

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

[@1TapWay]

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

[@brandonng2883]

He's blind in John Wick 4. 😂

[@chingu_billy5144]

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

[@j_sr3608]

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

[@BL-161]

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

[@suebob16]

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]

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]

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

[@lavenderice247]

@@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]

Yeah Iron Monkey is a classic.

[@StrongandConditioned]

Good shout on Iron Monkey. What a classic that was

[@mrpacificsurf]

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]

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

[@zuriyel5368]

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

[@Samizouza]

Greatest idea ever

[@tarzangrant123]

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]

Could you imagine if he played Ozai?

[@phillipdoughty1949]

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!

[@pduction]

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

[@violentvowelz9920]

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

[@AhmadTayib9]

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

[@hidenfn]

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

[@isaacyeon6334]

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

[@cmndrleon4369]

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]

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]

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

[@cesarramirez2935]

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]

@@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.

[@Yumums]

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

[@TheJellymonty]

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]

Hero was an incredible film.

[@mooplovesmoney]

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

[@izuna303]

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]

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

[@dillanpepin-fontaine3401]

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

[@rsbandbj1]

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

[@dillanpepin-fontaine3401]

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

[@reubenlee6438]

He's one of the most likable people and has amazing fighting skills and acting skills. He's had such an interesting life and I genuinely love so many of his movies and his characters. I get excited every time one of his new films comes out. Hope to see him in more American movies where he's not obligated to fit a specific mold.

[@realnabil]

He's pro ccp which doesn't make him likable to me. I loved his performance but human rights are weighing heavier to me than my appreciation of his value towards my entertainment.

[@grayson6615]

@@realnabil It's still ok to like the art, and not the artist.

[@realnabil]

@Grayson never said anything else. Just didn't agree with him being a likable person.

[@rinhyugaa6565]

@@realnabil Idk about you but Im able to like people with different views

[@realnabil]

@Rin Hyugaa 100% but not with views on support of fascists and authoritarian regimes that exercise genocides and organ harvesting of minorities. That's more than just some minor "different views".

[@mdbizzarri]

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..]

the greatest fighters are often the most humble, restrained people

[@合體機器人]

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

[@joeynass7290]

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

[@toutenunmot]

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!

[@Izraeko]

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.

[@richardni____adelphi____2015]

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]

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

[@wambokodavid7109]

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

[@tarzangrant123]

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]

@@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]

@@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.

[@furiouslactator9478]

I love the energy that Donnie Yen brings to every movie he's in. I can't wait to see more of him.

[@derekseven1647]

This man is unbelievable. He's a great actor Anne martial artist. His character was one of the best parts of Rogue One and John Wick.

[@Cramer2612]

So much respect for this man and the amount of passion, knowledge, and respect he has for martial arts and film making is clearly visible. Thank you Mr. Yen

[@morganmarshall450]

Donnie has always been one of my heroes. This is the first interview of this type I’ve seen Donnie do and I’m so grateful. I feel like I just met my hero and he was every bit as awesome as one could hope for. Absolute legend.

[@pranakhan]

Donnie Yen has always been a source of inspiration for me, since first seeing Legend of the Wolf on VHS back in the late 90's. I've been practicing martial arts for about as long; his films are an artistic fuel that ignites my desire to keep training & evolving, the way his skills & his films have over the years. He's a father, a pianist (watch him play Chopin!), a life-long martial artist...truly a Hong Kong Renaissance Man and the GOAT

[@katstrying]

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.

[@aqualiens4080]

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.

[@govatos]

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

[@Lluminal]

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

[@samaraisnt]

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

[@ImotekhtheStormlord-tx2it]

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

[@Nomarandus]

Facts!

[@amunra4256]

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

[@jdelark6428]

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]

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

[@retro9173]

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!!

[@petergreenwald9639]

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]

80-90s hk movies were wild.

[@maineman5757]

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

[@petergreenwald9639]

@@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]

@@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]

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.

[@SeeliaVachon]

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]

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

[@YummieBunny]

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

[@linewalker]

Hero is like looking at a painting onscreen

[@yuugenr7549]

@@linewalker every frame a painting

[@linewalker]

@@yuugenr7549 Must watch in HD.

[@grayden4138]

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

[@SpiritMan28]

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]

There are two more. Bruce Lee and Sammo Hung.

[@tysonthomson6847]

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

[@o2jammerz06]

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

[@irh1738]

@@tysonthomson6847 Bruce Lee paved the way for all.

[@irh1738]

@@o2jammerz06 yes Sammo & Yuen Biao

[@mokyan7]

Those scenes in Hero are incredible, I should go watch it again. Amazing to hear how he researched the characters, movements, and history to play his roles at a high level.

[@ryanshannon6963]

That specific fight sequence in Hero, that was martial arts was quite Baroque. It was so graceful, precise, intense. Everyone harps on the CTHD, but I would liken that to Impressionism. Great in it's own execution, but so poetic of itself that it's like it created drama for itself. Not a bad thing by any means, but I just prefer that Hero sequence. Even the cinematography and colors used in the chamber was brilliant.

[@zacharyabenante1814]

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]

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

[@HanshiroParker]

Forreal! All these GOATS. 🙏🏼 ❤️

[@davetheguy1360]

He's so humble. Talking about Bruce as if he himself didn't help pave the way too. Legend

[@rodrodriguez3334]

An icon who doesn’t hesitate to praise his mentors, idols and influences. His humility is admirable considering his accomplishments in cinema and martial arts.

[@cloudyskye06]

Wing Chun holds a special place in my heart. I remember watching it as a kid back in the 90's and just absolutely loving it.

[@vinessac]

Donnie always gives 1000% to everything he does. I’m so happy to see this as a long time fan!

[@DamageXcaling]

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.

[@Ricochet622]

Besides Bruce Lee, Donnie Yen is the 2nd most inspirational idol that I look up to since I was a child. I'm so happy for his success and international recognition, very well deserved. All the best Donnie!

[@OddBallPerformance]

Donnie Yen is my favorite movie martial artist, hands down, and this interview gave me even more insight and respect into the kind of person he is. Sakra is an amazing movie, and I love knowing that it was down with a small budget, because that just shows how talented the people involved in that movie were. It's incredible.

[@SaberisloveSaberislife]

We need a video of Donnie breaking down all his movies. There's a lot more movies that need to be seen by everyone.

[@roarbertbearatheon8565]

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

[@vamsterr]

Man, I had no idea how much further beyond an amazing martial arts actor he really was! Director, creator, producer, editor, the whole 9 yards! I've seen a few of his movies before and they're great but now I'm off to dig up everything he's been in aha oh, and an amazing story teller and speaker! please have him back again!

[@p_ttown1979]

this dude is so talented. Truly a martial artist and understands how to put it to the big screen. it think it's a testament to Donnie Yen's career to be having this much success this far into it. He's contributed to some of the best modern action/martial arts movies today!

[@carlsz6747]

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]

The Three Kings Of Martial Arts Action Cinema!

[@alberthjaltason8152]

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

[@pangkouxiong1244]

Thank you GQ! Really appreciate the bts of these iconic movies. I love Donnie's movies and hope for more to come still.

[@Rokudaimedono]

Such a legend. As someone who loves martial arts action movies, I'm such a big fan of this guy. He has starred in, and directed, soooo many awesome movies. So much respect. Really interesting to hear him talk about how Jet Lee injured him right above one of his eyes once, then did the same thing again to the other side of his face 10 years later. 😂I did not know that. The fights between him and Jet in Once Upon a Time in China 2 (great movie btw. All 3 are) were epic. I have not seen Sakra yet. Definitely on my radar now. Can't wait to see Donnie in John Wick 4!

[@samaraisnt]

OK so Yen pretty much invented his character for Rogue One and added everything that makes him amazing & standout....as if there weren't enough reasons to LOVE him!

[@thedofflin]

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.

[@kdfooaijfea3asdf]

Love him. He clearly knows a lot about movies both in front and behind the scenes. Pretty awesome.

[@loganford3921]

It was his role in Iron Monkey that made me a fan of Donnie when I first saw it in the early 2000's. on DVD. One of best martial arts movies ever in my opinion.

[@Ethan-wr2os]

As a fan of the Once Upon a Time in China films I loved it, almost saw it as a prequel of sorts. Even though Donnie Yen previously played the villain in Once Upon a Time part 2 lol

[@cvstlebeats]

Iron Monkey is so underrated. Donnie's fighting in that movie is incredible.

[@JoshuaHenelyThornhill]

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

[@collectivesartori]

Legend. Very understated for how good he has been in some absolute classics of the genre.

[@neubplays3227]

@8:30 Donnie "Oh its fine. He could knock me out and i could be dead but i still gotta finish the movie" Love the commitment this guy has. 💯💯

[@woodkey1]

This is what movie making should be about. Asian films have so much to offer to the world and donnie is right. Things have to be change in order to suit to international audience yet maintain its true identity and core values. Well spoken mr donnie yen

[@julianfranco4440]

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

[@JonesingUSAF]

Him explaining the 21 day shoot is also great. It really is the huge difference why Chinese martial arts movie are art first and action movies second!

[@plom3518]

Been a long time I haven’t sped up or skipped the video. I listened to everything he said. Very rare footage of him talking in English and his insights on his different films. AMAZING