Japanese Entertainment: From special effects actor to action superstar

Chapter 603 Mutual Cameo Appearances in Short Films

The filming progress on both sides is by no means slow. Apart from some trouble on the Dragon Might Boys' side, the progress on the other side, despite the harsh terrain, is incredibly fast.

When Takeshi Kitano occasionally peeks out from behind the camera, it always feels like a real treat.

Akira Furuya is a non-human with superhuman muscle control. Although his acting ability appears average on the surface, he can actually mimic various superb acting skills through his control.

Hiroko Yakushimaru delivers an outstanding performance, authentic and homegrown.

When we occasionally have scenes together, even if it's just standing behind the camera, I feel a genuine sense of satisfaction.

This is how he has to make this movie!
Aside from Keanu Reeves' rather mediocre performance, comparable to Gu Ming's previous work, there were no major flaws. The first half of the film also featured very little fighting. At this point, 'Ralph' only demonstrated exceptional physical strength, resilience, and quick reflexes, but since he was untrained, he was easily defeated.

Given Keanu Reeves's uncoordinated physique, saying he hadn't trained for the role would be a perfect fit.

It wasn't until the latter half of the film, after Gu Ming spoke with Jean-Claude Van Damme, the notorious Marine Corps coach next door, that he began to give Ralph special training.

Of course, at that time, the film would have to be shot in the United States. This was also necessary to meet the requirements for a finished film in the United States.

On the Dragon Boys set, the stunt double kicked the wooden board and landed, avoiding the camera's direct view.

"Carter!" Griffith clapped his hands. "Very good, lads. That's all for today. Next, we're going to... Hong Kong!"

Adhering to the principle of spending one penny twice, both films will have some scenes shot in Hong Kong.

The only difference is that one is an exterior shot, and the other is an interior shot.

……

……

Since everyone's already in Hong Kong, it's only natural to add a little Easter egg to the movie, a cameo appearance.

Jackie Chan doesn't mind this kind of thing.

On set, in the training ground, Gu Ming, who plays Miyagi, a karate master and cleaner, casually points outside the set.

"Ralph, you're incredibly stupid! Jackie, you demonstrate for your junior brother."

"no problem!"

Jackie Chan, who was temporarily playing a supporting role, ran over and kicked the wooden board in front of him, shattering it.

Both on and off screen, Ralph and Keanu Reeves exclaimed in surprise.

I'm super!

Awesome!
That's amazing! It's incredible skill!
Keanu Reeves was half acting, half genuinely, as he came over to say hello.

"Hey Jackie, how did you do that?"

"Me? It's simple. I just kept repeating to myself, 'Flying kick, flying kick, flying kick!' and then I kicked it to pieces. It's that simple."

After he finished speaking, Jackie Chan patted Keanu Reeves on the shoulder.

"Keep going, you can do it too."

After the filming was finished, Keanu Reeves secretly clenched his fist as he watched Jackie Chan leave.

Can he do it? Sigh! Maybe he really can!
Perhaps because he hasn't had cigarettes, alcohol, or tobacco for so long, Keanu Reeves doesn't seem to crave them as much anymore. As a result, the lack of coordination that Zhen Zidan complained about not long ago has also greatly improved.

Keanu Reeves felt that the big nose looked familiar, and after thinking for a moment, he suddenly realized.

Holy crap! Isn't that so-and-so?!

I can't remember the name, but it looks familiar.

He went to see the overseas release of "Wheels on Meals" not long ago, and he had some impression of Jackie Chan, but couldn't recall his name.

After this scene was filmed, the next scene showed Ralph continuing his training, while Jackie Chan and Gu Ming went off-field together.

"Why did they bring back a foreigner to be the main character?"

"This actor is suitable. Don't worry about anything else for now. Just tell me if his image and temperament are good enough!" Cheng Long looked at Keanu Reeves, tears welling up in his eyes, as if he had just had double eyelid surgery.

Jackie Chan has had cosmetic surgery, specifically double eyelid surgery. Photos and works from his early days with single eyelids can be found online; Jackie Chan has never hidden this fact.

It's really not good.

After undergoing surgery, her eyes became bright and sparkling, which finally brought out that special quality in her.

After a few jokes, Jackie Chan became serious: "Speaking of which, my senior brother is going to make a movie and plans to find some celebrity actors to make cameo appearances. Brother Louis Koo, would you be interested in making a cameo appearance?"

"Stop joking, Brother Lung. Which other senior brother do you have... Sammo Hung?"

A thought flashed through Gu Ming's mind.

The closest one should be the 1985 film, Lucky Stars.

This place is full of celebrities; Sammo Hung has an exceptionally strong network of connections.

In the 1980s, Sammo Hung and Jackie Chan were equally popular. Sammo Hung was slightly less successful overseas, but he was still quite successful in Asia.

It wasn't until Sammo Hung's painstakingly crafted overseas blockbuster failed that Jackie Chan gradually overtook him.

As for their relationship, it can't be said to be bad; there's definitely a competitive relationship between fellow disciples.

After thinking it through, Gu Ming readily agreed.

"I can do it, no need to pay me, it's all thanks to Brother Long's connections."

It's only a few seconds of screen time, and it's inconvenient to ask for money, so it's better to just make a cameo appearance for free.

Cheng Long grinned, looking rather smug.

It seems he still has some decency.

"I've got an idea for the scene. Imagine the elevator doors opening and a bunch of people walking out talking all the while—it'll be amazing!"

Cheng Long mentioned Gu Ming and he immediately remembered him.

That shot is indeed a classic in film history, but it's a classic about connections.

In the movie "Summer Lucky Stars", there is a cameo scene featuring a group of celebrities. As the elevator descends, a group of people walk out while talking. Upon closer inspection, they are all movie stars of the time. More than twenty people and a dozen extras walk out one after another.

This shot doesn't contribute much to the plot and is insignificant, but it's still popular—because it reflects Sammo Hung's extensive network of connections; he can get anyone to make a cameo appearance, and he can easily find dozens of stars.

It turns out that Hong Kong audiences really love this.

Gu Ming glanced at his watch; it was too late for today.

Has filming started yet? Is it convenient to visit the set?

"That might not work. Filming is scheduled to start in Thailand, but it hasn't started yet, so it might be delayed for a few days."

He also has a role in Lucky Stars in Summer. It's not a big part, but he's an important supporting character. However, since it's just a cameo role in his senior's movie, there's not much to complain about.

Gu Ming nodded first, but then looked puzzled.

"Where's your Chen Desen?"

"he……"

Jackie Chan shrugged, feigning nonchalance: "Ah Sen said he wanted to make movies, so I introduced him to someone else to direct. But we'll have to find a new assistant!"

After all, he had known his assistant for quite some time, and suddenly he was gone. Jackie Chan was quite angry.

Gu Ming didn't know what to say, so he could only shrug as a form of consolation.

"Don't worry too much, maybe he'll have a better future as a director."

(End of this chapter)