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| From Stage Performer to Action Film Rookie: Chen Lijun Gets Real About Her First Movie Challenge. (Photo: Sina) |
Chinese actress and performer Chen Lijun has finally spoken about her first leap into cinema, sharing honest reflections on filming the epic action project Blades of the Guardians. For someone stepping into a large-scale action film for the very first time, she admits the journey was anything but smooth — but it was worth every nerve.
In a recent interview, Chen Lijun did not sugarcoat her feelings. When she first received the offer to join Blades of the Guardians, she was excited — but deeply anxious.
“I remember holding the script and thinking, this is huge,” she said. “I wanted to try. I really did. But at the same time, I kept asking myself, am I ready for something like this?”
According to Chen Lijun, joining such a high-budget action production felt like standing at the foot of a steep mountain.
“For me, this project was like climbing a mountain. I wanted to climb it, but I wasn’t sure if I had the strength,” she explained. “There were so many ‘high peaks’ in front of me — action scenes, emotional delivery, camera angles, timing — everything felt new.”
Learning From the Best: Wu Jing and Yuen Woo-ping’s Guidance
The pressure was real. Blades of the Guardians is known for its ambitious scale and experienced production team. On set, Chen Lijun worked closely with well-known actor-producer Wu Jing and legendary action choreographer Yuen Woo-ping — two heavyweight names in the action genre.
Chen Lijun expressed deep gratitude for their support throughout filming.
“Brother Jing really held my hand while climbing that mountain,” she shared with a laugh. “He didn’t just teach me how to move in an action scene. He showed me how to breathe with the rhythm of the camera.”
She added that Wu Jing’s presence made a major difference during intense sequences.
“When I felt overwhelmed, he would calmly explain the scene again. He told me, ‘Don’t fight the scene. Understand it first.’ That changed my mindset.”
As for Yuen Woo-ping, Chen Lijun said working with him was both intimidating and inspiring.
“Every move has meaning in action choreography,” she said. “Master Yuen would adjust even the smallest detail — the angle of my arm, the timing of a turn. At first I was nervous, but then I realised how much I was learning.”
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Overcoming Self-Doubt and Finding Confidence
Chen Lijun admitted that self-doubt followed her during the early days of shooting.
“There were moments I questioned myself. I wondered if I was slowing everyone down,” she confessed. “But the team never made me feel that way.”
Instead, she found herself surrounded by what she describes as a supportive and professional crew.
“The atmosphere on set helped me breathe. No one rushed me. They encouraged me,” she said. “Slowly, the anxiety faded, and I started to trust myself.”
By the end of filming, Chen Lijun said she felt transformed.
“I walked onto the set unsure. I walked off stronger,” she reflected. “Now when I think about it, I don’t just see the mountain. I see the view from the top.”
Chen Lijun’s candid interview quickly sparked reactions online, with fans praising her honesty.
Many supporters said they admired her humility despite working on such a large-scale production. Comments ranged from calling her “brave for stepping out of her comfort zone” to applauding her growth as an actress.
Some netizens highlighted how refreshing it was to hear a performer openly talk about fear and uncertainty rather than pretending everything was effortless. Others expressed excitement about seeing her transition from stage to big-screen action roles, predicting that Blades of the Guardians could mark a turning point in her career.
There were also curious voices wondering whether this project signals Chen’s long-term move into action cinema, with fans already asking what genre she might tackle next.
For Chen Lijun, Blades of the Guardians is more than just a debut film — it is a personal milestone defined by courage, mentorship, and quiet resilience.
Her story is not about instant confidence. It is about stepping forward despite doubt, learning from industry veterans, and gradually owning her place on set.
Now that she has conquered her first “mountain,” audiences are watching closely to see which peak she decides to climb next.
What do you think about Chen Lijun’s honest take on her first action film experience? Are you excited to see her in more big-screen roles?