The cinematic dream of three action superstars
In 1996, Jackie Chan was looking forward to planning a film "Lion of the Western Regions" that blended Chinese kung fu and American western style, hoping to make a splash in the Hollywood market.
He carefully designed the synopsis, and planned to invite director Francis Ford Coppola to direct it, and release it in cooperation with his old club Warner Pictures. After some planning, Jackie Chan confidently began to negotiate with Warner executives.
However, what he never expected was that Warner would smile and refuse the offer. Despite the huge success of "Police Story 3: Super Cop" in North America, Warner executives believe that Jackie Chan's most attractive is the cop action comedy genre.
They suggested that Jackie Chan continue to focus on this style and had no intention of taking the risk of trying new genres.
Jackie Chan couldn't help but be a little discouraged after giving back to Warner. He looked around and saw that the staff around him were also looking lost. Jackie Chan took a deep breath and comforted everyone in a gentle tone: "It's okay, this is just our first step in the North American market."
Listening to Master's encouragement, everyone regained their confidence and fighting spirit. Jackie Chan's mind began to race again, and he decided to seek help from his old friend Sammo Hung. Perhaps Sammo Hung can persuade other investors to support this idea.
Jackie Chan and Sammo Hung not only learned from the same school, but the two have entered the film industry since then, and they are also teachers and friends, and they are like brothers. Jackie Chan told Sammo Hung the idea of a western kung fu movie, and Sammo Hung was greatly moved when he heard it.
The candidate Jet Li automatically came to his mind - this is the best partner.
So Sammo Hung plucked up the courage and conveyed the news to Jet Li. The simple and simple Jet Li was overjoyed when he heard it - this is simply a gift package from God! While getting the gold medal director and an excellent script, he can also work together with Jackie Chan again, which is a good thing that he never dared to dream of.
Jet Li asked happily, "Big brother, when are we going to start filming?" Sammo Hung smiled bitterly and said: "Actually, this idea is Jackie Chan's, and I will be a bridge-builder."
You have to thank, and you should thank Jackie Chan as the initiator. Jet Li suddenly realized that he immediately dialed Jackie Chan's phone and expressed his sincere gratitude.
The three of them communicated frankly and laughed through the telephone line. Jackie Chan said kindly: "The three of us don't distinguish each other, you are me, and I am you." This idea was made for you, and I'm glad it became a blessing for you.
Jet Li felt warm after hearing this, and once again wished Jackie Chan to shine in Hollywood as soon as possible.
Under Sammo Hung's careful guidance, "Once Upon a Time: The Lion of the Western Regions" quickly entered the 1996 Chinese New Year file. On the screen, Jet Li and the Indian actress are tacit partners, and their lively acting skills make the film full of rhythm.
Dressed in a red Tang costume, he soars through the epic desert scene, and the Chinese elements of martial arts are full of charm. The film finally achieved a box office of 30 million yuan and won a good reputation.
The success of "Once Upon a Time: The Lion of the Western Regions" made Jet Li rise to prominence when he officially entered Hollywood in 97. Although Jackie Chan has been promoted to the first line, he is still worried about his western kung fu dream.
Although films such as "Red Fan Zone" and "Police Story 3" occupy the top of the box office, he is still determined to become the director himself and complete the ideal theme in his heart.
In 2000, Jackie Chan directed and starred in "Shanghai Noon", an action film that integrated Chinese and Western themes, and was very popular as soon as it was released, and received more than $20 million at the box office within 10 days! Jackie Chan played the role of "Little Dragon", wearing a red Tang costume, he galloped in the desert of the western United States, and the picture of the combination of Chinese and Western styles shocked the eyes of countless audiences.
In 2003, Jackie Chan collaborated with Owen Wilson to launch a sequel to the series. Today, they are the best among superstars in terms of status and box office appeal.
Time has passed, Jackie Chan, Sammo Hung, and Jet Li have all become well-known figures, both in the East and the West. However, their brotherhood has not faded at all.
Jet Li has always been deeply grateful to Jackie Chan for his selfless dedication to his movie dream, and he is sincerely happy that Jackie Chan has taken a solid step on the road of western kung fu films.
In the winter of 2003, the three of them met at a Hong Kong hotel. Jet Li raised his glass to invite Jackie Chan: "Big brother, there are a few horseback riding and rapid-fire scenes in my latest play, do you want to give me some advice? The movie dream will come true, and it all depends on you!" Jackie Chan was infected by Jet Li's sincerity and almost burst into tears.
Not to be outdone, Jackie Chan extended his heartfelt wishes to Jet Li: "Our brothers, I will do my best to help you in the future development of western action movies, if you need anything, just mention it!" Sammo Hung looked at the two brothers, friends and brothers, and couldn't help but smile.
Many years ago, a mistake in thought actually achieved the glory of the three of them in the film industry today.