Biography
With the grace and an on-screen presence reminiscent of another Lee, he seemed to have it all. Then, with the release of Tsai Hark's Once Upon A Time In China, he became a Superstar and helped to revive the kung-fu genre again in the 90's. He seemed poised to unseat Jackie Chan as Asia's new Box-office champ, but frequent inconsistencies, mediocre films, and poor choices of movie roles; have kept his name (forever) in the shadow of Chan.
He turned down a role in the film Matrix Reloaded for films like Kiss Of The Dragon and Cradle To The Grave, which can give you an idea of poor film choices. Yet, when he initially came to the US, his role in Lethal Weapon-4 garnered him legions of new fans here in America. He was so sharp in this film, that there could be no denying him his shot at stardom. Actor Mel Gibson was so taken by him, that they went into partnership on television program that was initially, supposed to feature Jet in the lead role. Just as Bruce Lee was denied the show Kung Fu, they reworked the program and put actor Billy Zane in the title role of the (short-lived) show - Invincible.
Unfortunately, he hasn't been in a movie the same calibre as Lethal Weapon-4 since he's been in America. Though he's known for flying high, and it seems he's brought his wires with him to the States. Films like Romeo Must Die, though fairly entertaining, do not truly show what he's capable of. Had he followed up LW-4 with, say, The Hitman, here in the States, he would have been on a roll. If we can get him to just stand and fight (with his feet on the ground) we would see a truly gifted performer at work. That's kind of like asking Donnie Yen, to use the correct camera speed.
He turned down a role in the film Matrix Reloaded for films like Kiss Of The Dragon and Cradle To The Grave, which can give you an idea of poor film choices. Yet, when he initially came to the US, his role in Lethal Weapon-4 garnered him legions of new fans here in America. He was so sharp in this film, that there could be no denying him his shot at stardom. Actor Mel Gibson was so taken by him, that they went into partnership on television program that was initially, supposed to feature Jet in the lead role. Just as Bruce Lee was denied the show Kung Fu, they reworked the program and put actor Billy Zane in the title role of the (short-lived) show - Invincible.
Unfortunately, he hasn't been in a movie the same calibre as Lethal Weapon-4 since he's been in America. Though he's known for flying high, and it seems he's brought his wires with him to the States. Films like Romeo Must Die, though fairly entertaining, do not truly show what he's capable of. Had he followed up LW-4 with, say, The Hitman, here in the States, he would have been on a roll. If we can get him to just stand and fight (with his feet on the ground) we would see a truly gifted performer at work. That's kind of like asking Donnie Yen, to use the correct camera speed.
But, if he really wants to know what he's been doing wrong in his career, and why Jackie so successful here, he should ask himself this question: "When was the last time he saw Jackie doing excessive wire-work? He definitely has what it takes to be a star here in America, but, remaining a star here (now) that's another story. Even actress Zhang Ziyi (suffering from over-exposure in Asian films released here), has a better chance at becoming the International star than he does, right now. Those hoping that the film Fearless, would put him in the driver's seat, were totally disappointed. He now claims (as Jackie does), that he wants to become a serious actor. His fan only want to see him do what he does best, so only time will tell, which path he'll takes.