3 minute read
The Stage
from The Stage
Looking Good - An Art Form
James Sang Lee's diverse skills and experiences in the film industry are not just impressive, they are truly inspiring. His successful movies, such as Lethal Weapon 4, Marvel's Blade, and the Lionsgate action thriller 'Plane', featuring Gerard Butler, are a testament to his talent and the impact he has made. His work on popular television shows like MTV Made, Burn Notice, Mortal Kombat, and the upcoming Test Drive Live further solidifies his standing in the industry.
The film industry has undergone significant transformations over the years. One key observation is that, despite the influx of technology in the action genre, the human touch remains a crucial element that keeps the scenes authentic. Professionals like James Sang Lee play a vital role in maintaining this authenticity, a fact that we, as audience members, deeply appreciate.
This editorial is aptly named the Quantum Five, a title that signifies the five critical aspects of James Sang Lee's professional journey that we will soon delve into. These aspects include his early influences, his training and skill development, his breakthrough roles, his impact on the industry, and his future aspirations. It ofers a candid conversation with James Sang Lee about his professional journey.
Within the film industry, the role of a martial artist is not limited to fight choreography. It encompasses a wide range of skills, from filmmaking to knife fighting, firearms instruction, and the art of fighting with sticks, swords, and sabres. This multifaceted nature of the profession is genuinely enlightening and commands respect.
James Sang Lee's journey is a testament to the multifaceted nature of this profession.
Personally, there was always the belief that action stars were born; this couldn't be further from the truth. They are shaped, moulded and trained to be the best versions of themselves.
If we wind the clock backwards to a time when action movies somehow locked a story around a hero, the audience had diferent expectations. Little did we know that movie stars such as Bruce Lee could greatly influence future generations with his groundbreaking martial arts skills and unique approach to action. His influence can be seen in the works of Jackie Chan, Jet Li, and even modern action stars like Donnie Yen.
A conceptual model of how a martial artist should carry out fight scenes, which involved a combination of physical prowess, technical skill, and a deep understanding of the art of combat, meant that they could really fight and handle weapons in a way that the camera could, in those days, portray authentic scenes to an ever demanding audience that was increasingly sophisticated and discerning in their expectations of action sequences.
It was not just about boasting muscle mass or an athletic build. The dedication of actors to their craft, their relentless efforts to strive towards perfection, set a non-negotiable standard in terms of physical fitness, technical skill, and commitment to their roles. This standard would mould and shape new action stars. Their unwavering commitment to their roles, often pushing their bodies and skills to the limit, earned the respect of the audience. Every action star has signature skills that help define their brand.
Photography By Alexsandr Kalinchenko
