Jet Li is a famous Chinese actor, film producer, martial artist, and retired Wushu champion. He is known for his roles in many martial arts films, both in China and Hollywood. He is also a humanitarian and a Buddhist who has founded a charity organization and studied various religions. He is a naturalized citizen of Singapore.
Here are some controversial quotes from Jet Li:
- “I believe the world is one big family, and we need to help each other.” This quote reflects Jet Li’s humanitarian and philanthropic spirit, as he has been involved in various causes such as disaster relief, environmental protection, and education. However, some critics may argue that this quote is too idealistic and naive, and that the world is full of conflicts and divisions that cannot be easily resolved by goodwill and cooperation.
- “Hero shows you how to solve the problem – yourself.” This quote is from Jet Li’s movie Hero, where he plays a nameless assassin who tries to kill the tyrannical king of Qin. The quote suggests that Jet Li advocates for individual action and responsibility, rather than relying on others or external forces. However, some critics may contend that this quote is too simplistic and selfish, and that some problems require collective action and social change, rather than personal violence.
- “You can beat me up, but don’t touch my hair, I will kill you!” This quote is a humorous remark that Jet Li made about his hairstyle, which he considers to be part of his identity and image. However, some critics may find this quote to be too vain and aggressive, and that Jet Li is overreacting to a trivial matter.
- “While films are a very visual and emotional artistic medium, video games take it one step further into the realm of a unique personal experience.” This quote shows Jet Li’s appreciation and interest in video games, as he has starred in and produced several games based on his movies. However, some critics may disagree with this quote and argue that video games are not as artistic or emotional as films, and that they can have negative effects on the players’ psychology and behavior.
- “Zhang is a friend of mine: he said forget about acting and just do normal things in the movie.” This quote refers to Zhang Yimou, a renowned Chinese director who worked with Jet Li on several films such as Hero and The Curse of the Golden Flower. The quote reveals Jet Li’s respect and trust for Zhang’s vision and guidance, as well as his natural and realistic approach to acting. However, some critics may question this quote and wonder if Jet Li is undermining his own skills and talents as an actor, or if he is being too passive and obedient to the director.
- “I spend more time learning about Buddhism than English, which is why my English today is still bad.” This quote indicates Jet Li’s devotion to Buddhism, which he has practiced since he was a teenager. He has also expressed his interest in learning more about other religions and cultures. However, some critics may mock this quote and suggest that Jet Li should focus more on improving his English, especially if he wants to succeed in Hollywood or communicate with a global audience.
- “I need to talk about Chinese culture. We have deep, strong philosophy and culture. I want to share some information, tell the worldwide audience.” This quote demonstrates Jet Li’s pride and passion for his Chinese heritage, which he has tried to showcase in his films and projects. He has also advocated for the preservation and promotion of Chinese martial arts and traditions. However, some critics may accuse this quote of being too nationalistic or propagandistic, and that Jet Li is ignoring or glossing over the problems and challenges that China faces.
- “I can feel very brave through all the action scenes in front of the people who are on the set, but when a girl comes close to me my face turns red because I’m so shy.” This quote reveals Jet Li’s shy and humble personality, despite his fame and success as an action star. He has also admitted that he is not good at expressing his emotions or flirting with women. However, some critics may ridicule this quote and doubt its authenticity, or suggest that Jet Li is being too modest or insecure.
- “Watching movies in the U.S. is great fun because they get every joke, they smile, they laugh so much; it’s a great feeling.” This quote reflects Jet Li’s positive experience and impression of American audiences, who he thinks are more responsive and enthusiastic than other audiences. He has also praised the diversity and creativity of American cinema. However, some critics may challenge this quote and argue that American audiences are not as sophisticated or discerning as other audiences, or that American cinema is not as original or meaningful as other cinema.
- “My wife wanted my children to have some Chinese culture and education. She believes the children need to learn two languages and two cultures.” This quote shows Jet Li’s respect for his wife’s wishes and opinions, as well as his desire for his children to have a balanced and multicultural upbringing. He has also stated that he wants his children to be happy and independent. However, some critics may dispute this quote and claim that Jet Li is imposing his own values and expectations on his children, or that he is neglecting his parental duties by being away from home for long periods of time.
Here are some interesting facts about Jet Li
- Jet Li started learning wushu at the age of 8 and won his first national championship at the age of 11. He was randomly assigned to a wushu class in a summer sports program and soon showed his talent and passion for the martial art. He became a member of the Beijing Wushu Team and traveled to more than 45 countries to perform and compete. He retired from wushu when he was 17 and focused on his film career.
- Jet Li met President Richard Nixon at the White House in 1974. He was part of a group of young martial artists who were invited to give a demonstration for the president. According to Li, Nixon asked him if he wanted to be his personal bodyguard, and Li politely declined, saying that he didn’t want to leave his country.
- Jet Li’s original name is Li Lianjie, but he became known as Jet Li after his first film was released in the Philippines. The distributors there thought that his name was too hard to pronounce, so they changed it to Jet Li, which sounded more catchy and cool. The name stuck and became his stage name for his international career.
- Jet Li directed and starred in his own film, Born to Defense, in 1986. It was his first attempt at directing and producing a film, and it was also his first film set in a modern period. The film tells the story of a Chinese soldier who fights against American soldiers who bully and humiliate the Chinese people after World War II. The film was a commercial failure and received negative reviews, but it showed Li’s interest in exploring themes of nationalism and patriotism.
- Jet Li played the legendary martial arts master Wong Fei-hung in five films directed by Tsui Hark. The first film, Once Upon a Time in China (1991), was a huge success and revived the popularity of the historical figure, who had been portrayed by many actors before. Li’s portrayal of Wong Fei-hung was praised for its charisma, skill, and humor. He reprised the role in three sequels and a spin-off film.
- Jet Li made his Hollywood debut in Lethal Weapon 4 (1998) as a villainous Chinese crime boss. He had to learn English for the role and underwent intensive language training. He impressed audiences with his speed and agility, especially in his fight scenes with Mel Gibson and Danny Glover. The film was a box office hit and opened up more opportunities for Li in Hollywood.
- Jet Li co-starred with Aaliyah in Romeo Must Die (2000), a hip-hop version of Romeo and Juliet. The film was a crossover between martial arts and urban music, featuring a soundtrack by Aaliyah and other artists. Li and Aaliyah played star-crossed lovers from rival crime families who fall in love amid violence and betrayal. The film was a commercial success and introduced Li to a wider audience.
- Jet Li is a devout Buddhist who has studied various religions and philosophies. He has said that he spends more time learning about Buddhism than English, which is why his English is still bad. He has also expressed his interest in learning more about Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Judaism, and Taoism. He believes that all religions have something good to offer and that people should respect each other’s beliefs.
- Jet Li founded One Foundation, a charitable organization that focuses on disaster relief and children’s welfare. He was inspired to start the foundation after he survived the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami with his family. He witnessed the devastation caused by the disaster and decided to use his fame and influence to help others in need. He has also supported other causes such as environmental protection, education, health care, and animal rights.
- Jet Li became a naturalized citizen of Singapore in 2009. He moved to Singapore with his wife and two daughters because he wanted them to have a bilingual education in Mandarin and English. He also wanted them to learn about different cultures and values. He has said that he loves Singapore because it is clean, safe, and multicultural.
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