Jackie Chan: I almost died during the production of a new film – Culture

Jackie Chan and Yuen Biao will be on stage in Beijing on May 22 to promote Chan's new film Skiptrace. [Photo/China.org.cn]

Kung fu star Jackie Chan revealed in Beijing on Sunday that his life was once at stake during the filming of his new film Skiptrace.

“I tried my best this time and almost died during filming,” Chan said, recalling an incident in Guangxi province while filming the new film. “I hit a torrent, fell out of a raft and was thrown into the water. I'm not a good swimmer, so I really screamed for help. But the staff couldn't get close enough to save me. Later the raft was turned over by the tide and I got my life back. It's terrible.

The film has always been associated with tragedy. On December 17, 2014, cinematographer Chan Kwok-Hung drowned while filming the film.

Chan was joined on stage at the press conference by another veteran martial arts film actor, Yuen Biao. The two have been working together on and off since 1976. Sharing a few memories, Chan said, “Whenever we meet in life, we actually have one less meeting for the rest of our lives. Life and friends are all so valuable.”

Skiptrace is an upcoming action comedy film directed by Renny Harlin, produced by Jackie Chan and based on a story by Jackie Chan. The story follows a retired Hong Kong detective who teams up with an American player to fight a notorious crime boss. The film also stars mainland Chinese actress Fan Bingbing, Hong Kong actor Eric Tsang and American actor Johnny Knoxville.

“I had this script in my head for 25 years,” said Chan, “I always dreamed of a escape and chase story to show the world both the Chinese countryside and Chinese culture on the side of the road.”

Chan added that he still shows real kung fu in the film instead of seeking help from CGI special effects. “Everyone works with a green screen now, but the hardest thing is creating real action,” Chan said. “I’m not a fan of high-tech effects, I just like raw and simple things.”

Skiptrace hits Chinese cinemas on July 22nd.

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