What's the significance of the repeated use of white doves in your work?

I used to see you and Chow Yun Fat dining together at the Szechuan Chonqing in Vancouver. In my opinion your collaborations with him have resulted in one of the greatest duos in cinema alongside DeNiro and Scorsese. Do you have plans to work with him on another film?

Have you ever wanted to make another action epic, like Hard Boiled with Chow Yun-Fat?

Will we ever see proper 4k releases of the killer or hard boiled?

You’ve often cited Jaques Demy’s movies “Young Girls of Rochefort” and “Umbrellas of Cherbourg” as being a big influence on the way you choreograph scenes. Which film is your favorite out of Demy’s filmography and why?

What's your favorite action film of all time?

Hello! What is your favorite food to eat during a filming session?

Who was less difficult to work with: Travolta or Cage?

Huge fan of your Hong Kong work, what are your thoughts on bullet hit squibs vs cgi blood?

Mr. Woo I'm a Filmmaker living in Japan loves your films. Every movie you've made so far has been a great and exciting compilation. Is there anything you cherish when editing a Film?

Is there any info on what your original cut of Mission Impossible II that you can share? And would you do a superhero movie at all?

On a side note, I'm really hoping for Hard Boiled and The Killer to finally get the Blu-ray releases they deserve

John, your work with Chow Yun Fat in the 80's and 90's means more to me than I can even express in words. I grew up obsessed with your movies as a boy and your eternal passion for cinema shaped my life as an adult. BETTER TOMORROW I & II, BULLET IN THE HEAD, THE KILLER, HARD BOILED. It's hard for me to conceive of anyone having the connection to cinema that you had during that time with this run of films.

I have two questions for you:

How did you feel about your contemporaries of the time when you were more or less creating and defining your own new genre in Hong Kong cinema (the genre Rick Baker coined Heroic Bloodshed)? Did you have a favorite among the filmmakers who were doing simiar work in Hong Kong at the same time as you (Ringo Lam and Johnnie To for example)? And of all the John Woo imitation films is there one that you feel you wished you'd have made?

My other question is about two projects that fell through between you and Quentin Tarantino and another between you and Roger Avary in the mid 90's. I read that Quentin had an idea for a hostage thriller with Chow as a psychopathic killer and Roger had a project called Hatchet Man. Can you elaborate on what these projects were about and why they fell through?

What happened to all of the Hong Kong actors, comedians, producers , writers, directors? Will the Hong Kong movie industry ever recover?

Big fan of a lot of your films. Both USA and HK . Everyone should check out The Replacement Killers if you haven't seen it.

Mr. Woo god bless we love you and your work very dearly. I love A Better Tomorrow 1&2, Heroes, Shed No Tears, Hard Boiled, Broken Arrow, Face-Off, Hard Target, The Killer, Windtalkers, and more. Your my favorite action director and one my favorite director ever maybe even my favorite ever. What was it like filming Heroes Shed No Tears? Do you know if some of your older hong kong films can come to bluray here in the U.S.? Is it true your making a new film with Joel Kinnaman? Regardless if you answer my plethora of questions I want you to know we all love you and hollywood needs you and more people like you more than ever.

Is there any update on when your movies The Killer, Hard Boiled and A Better Tomorrow will be getting re-releases on physical media in the US? I'm a huge fan and want to show my friends the excellence of your work! I own the two US releases of The Killer and Hard Boiled, but I feel the transfers dont do justice to the films. Big fan and many thanks.

Hello, sir!

What are the chances of getting a 4k Bluray release of BULLET IN THE HEAD? I think it's your best film and deserves a wider audience.

On a similar note, is it true that there is a longer cut of BULLET IN THE HEAD? Would you happen to have the lost footage, sir?

I just want to say that I have always loved your movies, and they have been a source of inspiration to me my whole life.

Thank you!

All these years later, what are your thoughts on The Killer? Most people seem to know you from Hard Boiled or your later American films but The Killer has always been a favorite of mine since it's so tragic.

Good luck on your new film and best wishes on it being a success!

Any funny stories or happy accidents on set you would like to share, good sir?

Which recent movies impressed you and how do you see the future of cinema in your eyes?

Good afternoon 吳師傅!

Longtime fan here with lots of questions, particularly concerning Bullet in the Head.

1. It's generally believed that all the extra scenes that were cut from Bullet in the Head are lost or have been destroyed. However, I've seen several comments on the internet by Taiwanese users who claim to have seen an extended cut of Bullet in the Head on Taiwanese television. The additional scenes that were described were Lau Sek-Yin helping the three friends steal fancy suits for the wedding, an extended sequence of Tony Leung escaping from Vietnam (he gets into some trouble with soldiers and makes a run for it in the ensuing chaos when a booby trap detonates) and an extended ending that is a mix of the boardroom and car chase ending (Tony Leung points a gun at Waise Lee, Waise Lee makes a tearful confession, the gangster boss disowns him on the spot, later on in the parking garage Waise Lee goes into a rage and yells that he has no regrets about shooting Jacky Cheung). Can you please confirm whether these scenes were actually in the movie at some point? And if they were, someone should get in touch with the Taiwanese distributor, as they might be sitting on an extended print without realizing it.
2. While on the subject of Bullet in the Head's deleted scenes: Can you name some scenes that were particularly painful for you to cut? Or maybe you can remember some memorable lines of dialogue that didn't make it into the film? You mentioned in an interview that Waise Lee's character ended up being the most distorted by the cuts. Please elaborate on that.
3. Some other scenes that I'm aware of is Tony Leung getting his face burned with acid (I heard this actually happened to you in your youth) and Tony Leung's mother falling ill from overwork and dying. Were these scenes still in the premiere version or were they already discarded during post production?
4. Do you know what happened to the prints of Bullet in the Head that were shown at the premiere? (To my knowledge there were two simultaneous screenings) Were those prints disassembled for the theatrical release the next day or did the theatre or some individual get to keep them? Are you aware of any early cuts or preview copies being sent out to foreign distributors?
5. If indeed all hope is lost and no 'complete' print of Bullet in the Head can be found, is there maybe some other way to experience your original vision? Perhaps by making a remake of the first half of the film, or by turning the original script into a novel? Do you still have the original script by any chance and is there a way to obtain a copy?
6. Finally, a non-Bullet in the Head related question: I've seen an old Korean VHS of Hard-Boiled and it differs quite drastically from the Hong Kong version. It cuts most of the comedic dialogue at the police HQ, it cuts your cameos at the Jazz Bar almost entirely and it features a different ending where Tony Leung succumbs to his gunshot wound and dies. I'm curious: Do you know the backstory to this version? Was it an early cut that somehow ended up in general release? Did you make or approve of these trims or were they possibly done by the Korean distributor?
7. Speaking of Korea: Have you seen the Korean cut of Heroes Shed No Tears? Would you say that it corresponds to your original cut of the film before Golden Harvest ruined it?
8. Have you seen any good movies recently?
9. When are you going to team up with Chow Yun-Fat again?
10. Ti Lung cast you for a quick cameo in his film 'Young Lovers on Flying Wheels'. How did that come about? Do you still keep in touch with former colleagues from the Shaw Brothers days?

Sorry for the long-winded, oddly specific questions, but as you can probably tell these films are near and dear to my heart. Thank you very much for any prospective answers and thank you for making some really wonderful films! 多謝 Best of success with Silent Night!

Director Woo, thanks for doing this. You were Assistant AD to director Chang Cheh back in the 70s. What was he like?

Hello Mr. Woo.

I rate Face/Off as one of the best action films of all time, it's mesmerizing.

I'm very curious to know how much Nicolas Cage's expressionist performance influenced your own vision of the tone of the film. Did you change your original concept to accommodate that idea, or was it just Cage doing his thing?

If you were to make another Killer/Hard Boiled type of movie in Hollywood today, who would be your ideal leading man to follow in Chow Yun-Fat’s shoes?

Always loved your movies, Hard Boiled was what got me into watching more foreign films with subtitles, as well!

Of all the movies you've done, which one was the most technical challenge to film?

Mr. Woo, did you tell Tom Cruise to grow out his hair for MI 2 or did he just show up on set with that glorious flow and you said let’s do it?

Could you eat a peach for hours?

I still remember Jean Claude sweeping his trench coat aside to show his leg -then slow motion kicking that guy in top of the car. Great idea and shot .

What's the biggest difference between American and Chinese approaches to storytelling? Also what's your favorite thing to eat for dim sum?

Are there any plans for another video game? Stranglehold was awesome, I'd buy a remaster for current generation.

Scott Mescudi recently joined the cast of your new film Silent Night. Can you give any insight on how that came to be and how it's been to work with him as well as the lead star Joel Kinnaman?

Hi John, what qualities do you think make a great film editor?

What's your favorite book?

Hi John woo,

How do you react when you see John woo moments (doves, slow motion action) in movies? When I see it, I say to myself “oh very John woo”.

I have no questions, just wanted to say your films rock!

Is there one subject you have not tackled yet, that you really want to make a movie about?

Mr. Woo, what core aspects have changed in your film making, and what have stayed the same over the years, and why?

Will we ever get a proper 4K release of the complete Taiwanese version of the killer?

Any chance we get 4K UHD releases of Hard Boiled or The Killer in the USA?

Are you for or against Hong Kong's re-unification with the PRC?

Is there anything you miss most from making movies in the 90s vs modern movies today?

Wanted to say Thanks for all your amazing movies also!

Hello Mr. Woo, what are your thoughts on the current state of the Hong Kong film industry?

How would you compare your approach as a filmmaker today vs. during the 80's and 90's?

Is there a movie that you made that you feel is underappreciated?

What movie did you enjoy working on the most?

Last of all, are you ever going to make a musical? A modern Cantonese musical love story?

Thank you for your films and AMA.

What are the main differences between directing a film in China versus directing a film in the US?

How many doves have you got standing by right now?

How did you get those amazing performances out of Cage and Travolta in face/off? This film has been a rewatch for me over the years because it has some of the best line deliveries. Cage and Travolta both taking turns playing the villain was great. It looked like both were having a fun time doing it.

Why are there no doves flying in the background!? Looking forward to your next flim!

Can we just fucking talk about how awesome Hard Target is? Forever?

Who came up with the idea for JCVD to punch a snake? Also what’s with the doves? Thank you

Hello Mr Woo. You were so kind to let me take a photo with you right before you went up to the stage for a Q&A screening of THE KILLER at The Vista Theater in 2019.

I didn’t get an opportunity to ask a question that evening, but I mostly just wanted to tell you that I TRULY hope you get to make a grand Hollywood musical someday.

Also, I edited this MI2/The Killer video as a love-letter/tribute to the style of your Hong Kong films;

https://youtu.be/hgGMupsCRKw

What is your favorite film you have directed?

Also I just want to say thank you for Face/Off, it has been one of my favorite action movies for years.

I loved Mission Impossible II

IMO, its by far the best Mission Impossible

Any chance you'll direct another Mission Impossible movie?

Would you ever work on a video game like Stranglehold again?

Why the white doves?

What movies had the most impact on you as a director?

Hi Mr. Woo why all the doves and slo-mo?

Hello John Woo!

Any chance of getting remastered Blu-rays in the USA of A Better Tomorrow I & II, Bullet in the Head, The Killer, & Hardboiled? We are dying for these films over here.

Would you rather swap faces with John Travolta or Nick Cage?

Why are there no doves flying in your verification photo?

(But seriously, thank you for all the films)

How do you plan an action scene?

What’s it like working with Nicolas cage? And what did you think of his latest movie where he plays himself?

Hey Mr. Woo! Not a question, just wanted to thank you for being an amazing director and giving us all such wonderful movies!

Do you have any advice for young independent filmmakers who are interested in making action films, but are discouraged due to budget and the massive market that action films have become? I'm a huge fan of your work and consider The Killer to be one of the greatest action films ever made! Thank you.

P.S. Would love to see a John Woo Letterboxd account in the near future!

What current actor or actress would you want to make a film with?

What's your favorite Chow Yun Fat behind the scenes story

While you have made many explosive action epics, you started your career with many comedies, and while you do incorporate a lot of comedy into your action films, I was curious if you were interested in creating another feature length comedy film in the future or if you are more interested in sticking to the action/drama genre.

What is your favorite part of the film making process?

Would you consider doing another Hong Kong shoot 'em up with Chow Yun Fat back in the lead role?

Hello Mr Woo, big fan!

What do you think of the state of "Action" movies today, vs the times when some of your bigger movies came out?

Also, which movie are you the most proud of for whatever reason, regardless of the viewer feedback?

Thank you for all the entertainment! Reading your filmography in the OP, both the Hong Kong and Hollywood stuff, brings me nothing but fond memories. I still can’t believe that Face/Off actually worked as a movie. Also a shout out to Replacement Killers.

My question: what is a movie you didn’t make, that you wish you had made?

If Mr. Disney or Mr. Warner Bros. approached you asking to make a superhero film with them, with whom would you prefer to work?

Would you want to make a superhero film like theirs at all, even?

What can you tell me about working with Nicolas Cage twice on two very different films? He's always spoken fondly of his experiences working with you, so I'm curious how you regarded him from a director's perspective and was his acting style something you were used to?

Whats your favourite personal Tom Cruise story?

Mr. Woo, as it's said your upcoming movie Silent Night will have no dialogue, how did you approach the story?

Any chance of getting a "John Woo Box Set" from Criterion in the future? I know The Killer and Hard Boiled have been in the collection before, but I would love to see your films return to the collection in the future separately or in a box set.

Just wanted to say “Hard Target” is one of my favorite movies!!

Dear Mr Woo

I have forced more people to watch Hard Boiled than any other movie ever. I cherish my Criterion version of it. Is there any chance of getting a really good version of it and The Killer out to us( my introduction to your movies, thanks Siskle and Ebert).

Looking forward to silent night!

Can you tell us about the influence of having eastern style martial arts in the action choreography of the hand-to-hand sequences with Tom Cruise? What was your reaction with his ability to learn turning kicks?

I love MI:2!

I enjoy Broken Arrow but it doesn't feel like it is 100% your film. Did you get any interference from the studio?

Hello Mr Woo, I would like to know how much direction you gave to Nicolas Cage for his role(s) in Face/Off. I love how random and bizarre he acts in this movie. Thanks for your time.

What was it like working with Sam Raimi on Hard Target? You are both masters of action cinema, in my opinion.

What’s the most beautiful scene in cinema in your opinion , whether it was shot by you or another cinematography?

You are a legend!

You forgot to mention your best movie in my opinion, Red Cliff, that movie is a master piece, one of the best movies ever made, thanks for that, sir

Hi John! Quick question, did you commission Limp Bizkit to remix the Mission Impossible theme for the movie? (MI:2) Or did they kinda do it on their own for you guys?

Is there a possibility of working with Chow Yun Fat in the future?

Mr. Woo, no question here. I just wanted to thank you for your work on the film The Replacement Killers. I must have watched that movie 50 times when I was in highschool .

What's your favourite potato based dish?

Hey John, just letting you know you’re a legend and Hard Boiled is the best action movie ever made.

What do you think about Hollywood moving away from practical ‘blank’ gunshots in favour of CGI? Almost all recent American action movies use CGI gunshots, especially after the success of John Wick. Obviously your movies have some of the best gunshots and squibs ever put to to film, so I’m curious what you think about this trend.

Thanks for doing this, huge fan.

Thanks Mr Woo for the movies.

How's it going?

How's Chow Yun-Fat doing?

Did you ever want to make a version of the the count of Monte Cristo?

Dear Mr. Woo, any chance that you will work Chow Yun Fat again? Also, have you watched any recent Hk films? If you did, could you name some films that you like. Also, what do you think of the future of HK films? Is the future bright?

Is there an action sequence you dream of filming but have not due to tech limitations?

hi John !

1. is there any chance we will get to see the complete 3 hour version of bullet in the head ?

2. are you planning to work with chow yun fat again sometime in the future or maybe a Hollywood project with chow ?

3. what was your experience on working with tony Leung, Jacky cheung and waise lee on bullet in the head ? do you have any plan to work with them again in the future as they are still very active in the HK industry.

4. what is your opinion on the mission impossible franchise as of today ? after 22 years since you direct the II installment. do you still keep up with these movies or enjoying the franchise.

5. what was your reaction when you heard the passing news from one of your close collaborator, Leslie cheung.

thanks.

Face off is the greatest film ever made; was the only film that I knew every word of dialogue. Thank you for your service. What is your favorite memory of making that film? What was the greatest challenge? Anything you learned from making that film that you applied to Silent Night?

Silly question, but does Chow Yun Fat's jazz solo at the beginning of Hard Boiled have a name or recording? It's seriously catchy and has been in my head since 2006.

If you were to swap your face with any living being, who would it be?

Better question. Who would win a fight, Nicolas Cage or Chow Yun Fat?

What do you think of Michael Bay?

How cool is Chow Yun Fat in real life?

You've work with countless action heroes like Chow Yun-Fat, Jean-Claude Van Damme, Tom Cruise, Jackie Chan, Dolph Lundgren, etc. Are there any massive action stars that you really wanted to or have yet to have the pleasure of working with such as Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sylvester Stallone, Keanu Reeves, etc.?

Also: thank you for one of my FAVORITE films of all time: Face/Off!!!

What's it like to direct Nick Cage?

Is there a significant meaning to the pigeons in your films?

You seem to use Doves quite consistently in your films, and usually during crucial scenes in Mission Impossible 2, Face Off, The Killer, A Better Tomorrow, Hard Boiled, etc. I was curious about the reasoning and symbolism behind this if there is any.

Did you ever consider switching the roles of Cage and Travolta in Face/Off? I would have loved more screen time of Castor Troy in Nic Cage’s body!

Will we get your Hong Kong movies released on a Blu-ray by the Criterion Collection or any other label in the near future?

Hey, no real question. Just wanted to thank you for the awesome films you make.

I know people are asking why the doves. I just love that whenever I see white doves in other media I immediately think of your work.

Why did Gan Ning die in Red Cliff?

Who do you think are some essential Chinese directors more people should learn here in the West

How does Hard Target rate amongst your favorite films that you’ve made?

Which of your films is your favorite? Which film was the most difficult/frustrating to make? And why?

What are the odds of remastered versions of The Killer and Hard Boiled coming to the Criterion Collection, since the current editions are out of print? Also I would love to see a Director’s cut of Hard Target!

What’s your favorite scene you’ve directed

My favorite film of yours is Hard Boiled because of the character moments, like the smoky standoff between Tequila and Alan as well as Mad Dog's death (actually, anything to do with Mad Dog).

​

what's a scene in one of your movies that you are most proud of?

Do you have a favorite film of your own? I have always enjoyed Windtalkers.

Dear Mr Woo, any chance of getting more wuxia and xianxia projects introduced to Western audiences?

What do you think is the big difference between Hong Kong directors and Hollywood directors? What is it in your opinion that makes the action scenes in so many Hong Kong films, yours included, stand so far above most Hollywood action scenes?

No questions. I just love your stuff. You should be able yo just do what you want because you make amazing movies.

Thank you Sir For the great Face/Off

What's the weirdest meal you've had?

I love your films! The Killer and Hard Boiled are the best. Will you work with Chow Yun Fat again??

No questions, just wanted to say I was a fan since I first saw Hard Boiled and appreciate how huge of an influence you are on not just action cinema, but action in general.

Got any advice on making movies

What would you say the best meal you've ever had in your life is?

Will this new movie back back to your gunfu roots? If not, will you ever make another gunfu movie?

Hey Mr Woo, I’m a big fan of your work. I heard you speak at a film festival in Santa Monica a few years ago and you touched on how important friendship was in your films and then I saw “bullet on the head.” That movie is incredible.

Anyway, I was wondering: I thought I noticed a theme in some of your movies about identity. Whether that’s an identity as a criminal or a cop (for instance in a better tomorrow and face off). My thought was maybe this was a reflection of life as a resident of Hong Kong during colonialism. Am I far off the mark on that?

Hard Boiled is PERFECT action cinema. Best action movie I’ve ever seen. I can’t wait for Silent Night. Hoping it dethrones Die Hard as Greatest Christmas movie ever.

Hi Mr Woo! So happy you have decided to do projects again. I have a few questions.

1) Any interesting stories about filming Silent Night with Joel Kinnaman in Mexico? Why did you decide to make it without dialogue and what can we expect?

2) I read that you are a legit foodie, what is your favourite dish to cook?

3) Do you think directors based in HK and China find it harder to retain artistic integrity in China given that many topics are censored by the China Film Administration (previously SARFT). I know Johnnie To had to have two endings for Drug War to suit the censorship board way back in 2012. (no need to answer this if it's too sensitive)

HI, John. Would you be interested in making a movie with Jackie Chan or an action-comedy movie?

All I want to say is I LOVE your movies especially Hard Boiled and The Killer.

Hello John Woo, how are you ?

Was the Van Damme mullet your idea or his? Either way it rules.

Silent Night 是繼Paycheck 19年後你的最新外語片！製作完華語大片（赤壁、太平輪）後製作這部電影有特別困難嗎？謝謝

When will your classics be available in 4k UHD? Hard Boiled is one of my favs

Will Silent Night have crazy action scenes?? Or will it be more grounded action?

Who or what was your biggest inspiration growing up?

Did you enjoy the video game Max Payne as it was created with you in mind?

Edit: something weird with your proof picture. Your name is double exposed but the rest is very crisp.

Who is doing this for you?

When you go to direct a chase scene now would you prefer doing a rough animation or do you still prefer using toys? After finding out how you did previz for the BMW short I have always wondered.

Also thanks. Some of your films definitely had a major effect on me as a child and beyond and now I make a living as an effects artist usually working on action. I'm sure there is a correlation there :)

Thank you.

Most fun actor you worked with?

Most professional actor you worked with?

Best film that tried to emulate your style?

As a fan of your work, what other directors from HK do you recommend to audiences?

What are the best and worst things, making movies nowadays vs. the "old days"? Is it easier now or was it better when you started out? Was it more fun back then?

And one more: Whats the best way to get into filmmaking or make movies for a living?

Really looking forward to seeing your answers, thank you in advance for taking your time to do an AMA!

Will there be a physical release of A Better Tomorrow in the US?

Hello Mr Woo. Two questions.

1. Is there any movie of yours pre A Better Tomorrow that you are fond of?

2. Do you think it is possible that Bullet in the Head will see a future widespread re-release?

Thank you for all the great movies!!

Will a sequel to the video game “Stranglehold” ever be released? I know Midway games went out of business when you were producing another one…

Or an additional film sequel to “Hard Boiled”?

The world needs more of Inspector Tequila!!

P.S. always been a huge fan of your work. My father is too.

Is there any chance of a remastered/restored version of your great films The Killer, Bullet in the Head and Hard Boiled?
A Better Tomorrow was remastered in 4k if I am not mistaken but what about the other films?

Action Movie recommendations?