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| Jet Li Talks the Harsh Truth of Chinese Cinema: Why Traffic Beats Talent Now |
Veteran actor says hard work doesn’t always bring results — and he's fine taking a step back.
If there’s one man who’s earned the right to speak his mind about the entertainment industry, it’s Jet Li. The martial arts icon, now 62, has seen it all — from global stardom in the golden era of kung fu cinema to the modern digital age where likes, clicks, and hashtags seem to matter more than talent or legacy.
And in a recent interview, he wasn’t afraid to say what a lot of veteran stars are probably thinking but never say out loud: fame today isn’t about merit — it’s about traffic.
“It Doesn’t Always Pay Off”
Jet got real about the reality behind the scenes. “You can work your socks off, give everything to a film, but the results? Not always what you expect,” he admitted. “Sometimes the project turns out great. Sometimes it's a flop. Most of the time... just average. And even average doesn’t make money.”
He gave Kung Fu Cult Master as a case in point. Remember that unforgettable scene where Sharla Cheung’s Zhao Min looked back before riding off? A classic moment for fans — but the movie itself? “It lost money,” Jet revealed bluntly. “That’s why we never made a sequel.”
Even Fist of Legend, now considered one of his best works, had a rough go at the box office. “Back then, a movie ran in cinemas for a month. Mine was yanked in two weeks,” he said. “After that, I shelved other projects. Nobody was buying.”
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Meanwhile, he was blown away watching the hype and massive reception for Tsui Hark’s Legend of the Swordsman. “It was mad. The whole thing was crazy,” he said, with a hint of disbelief.
“Traffic Trumps Talent These Days”
When it comes to modern showbiz, Jet didn’t mince words: being popular now matters more than being skilled or experienced. “It’s simple — whoever’s trending gets the job. They’ve got ten people around them, doing everything for them. That’s just how it is now.”
He isn’t bitter, though. In fact, Jet says he’s more than happy to take on smaller roles and help younger actors. “Lead roles, fame, money — they’re not what I chase anymore. Real value is in understanding what you actually want out of life.”
For Jet, it’s about living on his own terms — even in showbiz. “At the highest point of my career, I chose to take a step back. That was my call.”
A Quiet Legend
In an industry obsessed with the next big thing, Jet Li’s calm, honest perspective is refreshing. He’s seen how the game works, watched it evolve, and isn’t afraid to walk away from the spotlight — not out of defeat, but out of clarity.
No clickbait, no dramas, just Jet being Jet — a legend who’s content letting others chase the spotlight while he chases something deeper.