He has acted in many Hollywood action movies, such as Blade II, Shanghai Knights, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story and XXX: Return of Xander Cage. But action star Donnie Yen is perhaps best known for Hong Kong martial arts extravaganzas like the Ip Man franchise.
His latest epic wuxia film, Sakra, is in cinemas, with the 59-year-old artiste taking on responsibilities as the lead star, producer and director.
"Not many people know this, but I actually prefer to be behind the camera rather than in front when it comes to making movies," he said during an interview recently when he was in Malaysia to promote the film.
He said he had learnt a lot about the movie-making process over the years.
"I've never gone for formal studies, but I learnt things on set in a practical way and by working with many great people. Along the way, I also read up and did my own research.
"Even after a long time of doing this, I still feel that as a creative person, the learning never stops and I am happy to be more hands-on in my projects."
Yen made his directorial debut with the Hong Kong martial arts film Legend Of The Wolf in 1997, which he also starred in, produced and wrote. He went on to do the same for several movies.
Yen said his fans had expectations of him which he tried to fulfil.
THE DONNIE YEN VIBE
"My fans want me to be in front of the camera doing all of the action scenes, so that's why I'm still very present. The fans expect certain things of me.
"So that's why when someone watches my movies, they will get the Donnie Yen vibe since I'm very hands on. It's a brand of sorts.
"Just like when you see a Jackie Chan or a Stephen Chow movie. They are behind the creative effort and viewers know what they're getting."
Sakra, which began screening here in time for the Chinese New Year celebrations, is adapted from the popular and extensive wuxia novel Demi-Gods And Semi-Devils by Jin Yong.
Yen plays martial artist Qiao Feng who has to undertake a dangerous journey to clear his name and regain his reputation after he is falsely accused of murdering his foster parents and a sect leader.
The film also stars Chen Yuqi, Cya Liu, Kara Wai, Wu Yue and Cheung Siu Fai.
"It was a big challenge. As an artiste, I always try to push myself to do better. And I haven't done an epic action movie in years," Yen said.
"I hope to do justice to readers who are familiar with the well-known novel, but I also hope everyone can enjoy and understand (the film), especially movie fans," said Yen, who last came here to promote Ip Man 4: The Finale in 2019.
The father of three said he did not want to just produce a remake of the well-known story, which had many cinematic and TV iterations.
"I wanted to find a good balance and condense the huge story into the duration of a film, so I chose to focus on the lone character Qiao Feng and present his more interesting characteristics.
"It's a very refreshing take on the wuxia movies that people are used to."