One hundred films is an impressive record for any actor. For Jackie Chan, who has done tough stunt work in almost all of them, it's nothing short of amazing. This morning in Cannes, where he is promoting Chinese Zodiac, the 58 year old star announced that he has finally decided to retire from action filmmaking.
Describing himself as simply too tired to do it any more, Chan insisted that it doesn't mean he's giving up filmmaking altogether. In fact, he has long harboured a desire to take on more dramatic roles and he hopes he'll now have the opportunity to show what he can do as a serious actor.
Chan initially rose to fame in the Seventies, standing out in the martial arts movie world not only because of his skill but because he was willing to do all his own stunts. A keen choreographer as well as a performer, he personally designed many of the spectacular action sequences that thrilled his fans, and became known for pushing boundaries. Inevitably, this involved taking risks, and he suffered several serious injuries, dislocating his pelvis and even fracturing his skull.
The third installment in the Armour Of God series, Chinese Zodiac, a Hollywood collaboration, seems a fitting final entry in a remarkable action career.
