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Yahoo
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
‘Dongji Rescue' Star Kevin Lee on Playing a War Hero After a Decade as Chinese Cinema's Go-To Bad Guy: ‘I'm Ready for More Than Just the Villain Role'
After nearly a decade of playing memorable villains in some of China's biggest blockbusters, Kevin Lee is finally getting to be the good guy. In 'Dongji Rescue,' the keenly anticipated $80 million Chinese WWII action thriller from Cannes award-winning filmmaker Guan Hu ('Black Dog,' 'The Eight Hundred'), Lee trades his usual combat boots and weaponry for a more sympathetic role as a British POW caught in one of the war's most devastating maritime tragedies. More from Variety 'Black Dog' Director Guan Hu's $80 Million WWII Epic 'Dongji Rescue' Lands European Distribution With Trinity CineAsia 'Black Dog' Director Guan Hu Brings $80 Million WWII Epic 'Dong Ji Island' to Cannes Market With Seventh Art Pictures Beijing International Film Festival Marks Triple Milestone With Star-Studded Opening The film, co-directed by Hu and Fei Zhenxiang, dramatizes the real-life Lisbon Maru incident of October 1942, when an American submarine accidentally torpedoed a Japanese vessel transporting approximately 1,800 British prisoners of war from Hong Kong. Chinese fishermen from Dongji Island ultimately rescued more than 800 survivors in what ranks among the war's most harrowing episodes involving British forces. Lee stars alongside Chinese A-listers Zhu Yilong ('Only the River Flows'), Wu Lei ('Shadow') and Ni Ni ('The Flowers of War'), plus British newcomer William Franklyn-Miller. For Lee, whose breakout role in 'Wolf Warrior' established him as the quintessential Western villain in Chinese cinema, 'Dongji Rescue' represents both a career pivot and a deeply personal project. 'When I first read the script, I was shocked,' Lee tells Variety. 'I'd never heard of the Lisbon Maru incident, yet here was this deeply moving story of ordinary Chinese fishermen risking everything to save British POWs. As a Brit who's lived in China for over a decade, it hit me on many levels.' The role marks a significant departure for Lee, who has spent years perfecting his antagonist craft in films like 'The Battle at Lake Changjin' and 'Snipers.' His character in 'Dongji Rescue,' Lieutenant Colonel H.W.M. (Monkey) Stewart, is based on a real British high-ranking POW, adding layers of historical responsibility to the performance. 'It definitely felt refreshing,' Lee says of the shift. 'I've played antagonists in many Chinese films and always took pride in those roles. But 'Dongji Rescue' let me step into truth and empathy.' The casting came during a particularly hectic period for the actor. 'I auditioned during a quiet period in 2024, running on five hours of sleep after wrapping another project.' he recalls. 'Luckily, negotiations followed soon after.' To prepare for the historically grounded role, Lee immersed himself in research about POW conditions, survivor testimonies, and classic war films. He also watched 'The Sinking of the Lisbon Maru,' the documentary that was China's entry to the Oscars' international category and covers the same incident. 'The documentary hit me hard, emotionally,' Lee admits. 'A lot of tears. These weren't just background names, they were real men with families and dreams, caught in something horrific.' The physical demands of the shoot proved equally challenging. 'The hardest part? Swimming scenes, fighting currents, dodging debris, timing everything for camera,' he says. 'It was intense.' Looking back on his unlikely journey from an aspiring actor making a living as a finance executive in China to action star, Lee describes his entry into Chinese cinema as a combination of fate, opportunity and persistence. The turning point came during a chance encounter with 'Wolf Warrior' actor-director Wu Jing while renewing his visa in Beijing. 'That meeting changed everything,' Lee explains. 'I quit my job in finance, took a leap of faith, and stayed because I worked hard and didn't give up. Against all the odds, it has somewhat paid off.' In 'Wolf Warrior' (2015), Lee played Mad Cow, a mercenary in the villain squad opposite Wu Jing in the action thriller that would launch China's most successful patriotic film franchise. The $89 million box office hit established Lee as the go-to Western antagonist in Chinese cinema and opened doors to a decade of high-profile roles. 'I will be forever grateful for and will always be indebted to Wu Jing for trusting in me,' Lee says. Since then, Lee has built an impressive filmography across some of China's biggest blockbusters. In 'The Battle at Lake Changjin' (2021), he played Colonel Allan MacLean, commanding officer of the 31st Infantry Regiment in the $200 million Korean War epic that became China's then highest-grossing film of all time with $913 million worldwide. He was cast as a hitman in Jackie Chan's 'Kung Fu Yoga' (1017) and in Zhang Yimou's 'Sniper' (2022) and his credits also include 'Super Me,' '100 Yards,' 'Pound of Flesh' and 'S.W.A.T.' Despite his success in the villain space, Lee is eager to expand his range. 'The truth is, I'm a pretty sweet guy off-screen and I'd love a shot at those type of roles,' he says. 'As a foreign actor in China, roles are limited by the scripts. Majority of movies here are either period, war or wuxia [martial arts] movies. Foreign actors in China rarely get cast in rom-coms or comedies, which is a shame.' Having witnessed the rapid evolution of China's film industry over more than a decade, Lee has seen significant changes in how international actors are integrated on set. 'It's changed a lot,' he reflects. 'Now, there's better communication, more inclusion and stronger professionalism.' Lee continues to study monologues, work on his American accent and shoot skits whenever possible. 'I'm deeply passionate about this craft,' he says. As for what's next, Lee sees 'Dongji Rescue' as a potential turning point. 'It allowed me to step into something more nuanced — a role with heart, with dignity and based on a real human being,' he says. 'And I hope it signals to the industry that I'm ready for more than just the villain role.' While China remains home after more than a decade, Lee has his sights set on global expansion. 'Hollywood is a huge goal of mine as well, like any ambitious actor, I guess,' he says. 'The experience I've gained makes me a better actor and storyteller, and I want to bring that experience to new audiences. I'm ready to mix with the best and grow even further.' 'Dongji Rescue' hits U.K. and Irish cinemas Aug. 22, with other European territories following from Aug. 29. It opens in China on Aug. 8. Best of Variety New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week What's Coming to Disney+ in August 2025 What's Coming to Netflix in August 2025
The Guardian
02-03-2025
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
TV tonight: a moreish Agatha Christie treat that's juicy even before the murder
9pm, BBC OneChallengers meets Agatha Christie in the latest slick adaptation, which follows the aftermath of the scandal of adulterous pro tennis player Nevile Strange (Oliver Jackson-Cohen) – who holidays at his coastal family pile with his wife and ex-wife. At Gull's Point, owned by the no-nonsense Lady Tressilian (Anjelica Huston), there are more guests and residents with grudges. Naturally, a murder is ahead. Hollie Richardson 6.45pm, BBC One Made by the BBC for US broadcaster NBC over a five-year period, this epic nature series may have a wide double-continent scope, but its images are suitably stunning. Tom Hanks narrates as the Atlantic coast delivers swimming horses, swarming cicadas and, to finish, a celebration of trees. Jack Seale 9pm, ITV1 A return for the Morecambe-set crime drama after nearly two years – and a return, too, for DS Jenn Townsend (Marsha Thomason), heading back to work after coping with her father's death. She and the MIU team investigate the docklands murder of university student Hannah Dawson, amid tensions in the student community. Ali Catterall 9pm, BBC Four Recorded yesterday for St David's Day, folk band Calan team up with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales for a night of music. Cerys Hafana, who plays the Welsh triple harp, also joins them. Stay tuned for Other Voices: Cardigan With Huw Stephens straight after. HR 9pm, Sky Documentaries It's always great to see Muhammad Ali – 'The Greatest' – in action, but was Frost a worthy opponent? The British chatshow host had presidents and pop stars against the ropes, while Ali seems only amused. At one point he says to Frost, with a sidelong smile: 'You know what I mean … You're not as dumb as you look.' Ellen E Jones 10.30pm, ITV1 It's perhaps not a vintage year, but it has certainly got tongues wagging. Emilia Pérez has a record number of nominations, but it comes with controversies. Conclave could take a surprise win after sweeping up at the Baftas and Sags. And, after both winning awards this season, either Demi Moore or Mikey Madison will surely take the lead actress gong. Conan O'Brien hosts. HR Black Dog (Guan Hu, 2024), 6.50am, 2.15pm, Sky Cinema Premiere A winner at Cannes last year, Guan Hu's tender, downbeat drama is set in a sand-covered, post-industrial Gobi desert town in China on the eve of the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Paroled prisoner Lang (Eddie Peng) is hired to round up the area's many stray dogs to prettify the place, but his sensitive personality leads him to hide one spirited canine in his own home. There's some great doggy acting – and the monosyllabic Peng is pretty good too – as the duo realise they are kindred spirits. Despite the grim setting, it's a surprisingly light-hearted drama. SW The Wicked Lady (Leslie Arliss, 1945), 6pm, Talking Pictures TV With its upper-class romance, lavish dresses and heaving bodices, Leslie Arliss's 1945 period melodrama is typical of Gainsborough studios' populist output. This is one of its best efforts, with Margaret Lockwood having a ball as the selfish, scheming Barbara ('always one for excitement'), who steals the dull but rich fiance of her best friend (Patricia Roc) then turns her hand to highway robbery. There, she joins forces with bad boy Captain Jack (a lubricious James Mason) and things go even further downhill. SW Lynn + Lucy (Fyzal Boulifa, 2019), 11.55pm, BBC Two Childhood friends Lynn (Roxanne Scrimshaw) and Lucy (Nichola Burley) are still close as grownups. They live opposite each other, and the former, who had her daughter when she was a teen, is godmother to the latter's newborn son. But when the baby dies suddenly, and Lucy's partner is arrested, the bond between them is stretched to breaking point. Fyzal Boulifa's debut feature is a sharply observed tale of lies and judgment, in which moral certainties are hard to come by and social pressures can twist relationships, with the two leads giving performances of subtlety and emotional range. SW FA Cup Football: Newcastle v Brighton, 12.45pm, ITV1 A fifth-round tie at St James' Park. Man Utd v Fulham is on BBC One at 4pm. Nottingham Forest v Ipswich is on Mon on ITV4 at 6.45pm.
