BUCHEON – Yuen Woo-ping, the 81-year-old cinematic visionary behind world-renowned action films like Drunken Master (1978) and the mind-bending choreography of The Matrix (1999), Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000), and Kill Bill (2003), has arrived in Bucheon to headline the 30th Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival (BIFAN).
During a press conference held on July 3 at Hyundai Department Store in Bucheon, Yuen, who directed the festival’s opening film Sifu: The Great Desert (표인: 풍기대막), shared his philosophy on action cinema, his undying passion for filmmaking, and his vision for the future of the industry.
Defining the "Great Action Movie"
When asked about what makes an action film stand the test of time, Yuen provided a humble yet profound definition: "A great action movie is one that you can watch over and over again without ever getting tired of it."
He noted that while the aesthetic and tone of action films evolve with each generation, the core resonance remains the same. "If a new generation can watch The Matrix today and still feel the thrill, then it holds its place as a truly great action film," he said.
Despite his age, Yuen shows no signs of slowing down. For him, filmmaking is not just a career but a lifelong pursuit that transcends chronological age. "There is no age limit to making movies," he asserted. "It is both my hobby and my work, and I intend to continue as long as I physically can. As long as there is a great script and I can find the right investors, I am ready to keep working."
Eyeing Future Korean Collaboration
The veteran director also expressed a sincere desire to collaborate with the Korean film industry. Acknowledging Korea’s global influence in cinema, Yuen specifically praised the country’s pool of talent.
"The Korean film industry is highly sophisticated, and there are so many talented action actors," Yuen remarked. "I am very fond of actor Lee Byung-hun, and I hope to find an opportunity to work with Korean filmmakers in the near future."
The Challenges of Sifu: The Great Desert
Yuen’s latest project, Sifu: The Great Desert, reunites him with legendary martial arts star Jet Li. He described the film as a "groundbreaking martial arts epic" that seamlessly blends high-stakes action with the emotional depth of a father-daughter relationship.
However, the production was far from easy. The cast and crew endured grueling conditions in a real-world desert setting, where temperatures soared past 40 degrees Celsius, with "feels-like" temperatures reaching an extreme 60 degrees Celsius. "Filming in the desert was beyond imagination—it was the most challenging project I have ever faced in my career," he confessed.
Reflecting on his past collaborations, Yuen offered warm insights into his relationships with the stars who defined his work. He praised Jackie Chan for his penchant for visually spectacular and intricate comic timing, Jet Li for his mastery of traditional Chinese martial arts, and Donnie Yen for his ability to embody modern, sleek combat styles.
Human Authenticity Over AI and CG
A signature of Yuen’s legendary career is his commitment to practical stunts. Sifu: The Great Desert continues this tradition, relying heavily on real performers rather than computer-generated imagery (CG). "It’s my signature style," he explained. "I have always felt that relying on actual actors produces results superior to what CG can offer. Unless the action involves superpowers like flying through the sky, I prefer to avoid CG whenever possible."
Regarding the rising integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in filmmaking, Yuen remained skeptical. "While AI has developed significantly, I still see flaws in its output. It does not yet reach the level of a human performer," he stated firmly. While he left the door open for future possibilities, suggesting he might reconsider if the technology matures in three to four years, he remains a champion of the human touch.
As Yuen Woo-ping graced the red carpet at the Bucheon Art Center, he stood as a testament to the idea that true mastery is not about perfection, but about the relentless pursuit of creativity and the preservation of human emotion in action. Whether he is working with the biggest stars in the world or scouting new talent in Korea, his dedication to the art of the "fight" remains as sharp and vital as ever.
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