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Celebrating Beautiful Asian Actresses: Lucy Liu, Sandra Oh, and Maggie Q

BY: GURU JAY

Critics consider Lucy Liu to be the best Asian actress. The Charlie’s Angels star proves she belongs in the top actress conversation by demonstrating her incredible talent. In addition, her Kill Bill performances are memorable because you hardly ever see the Asian actress play villainous.
How many times must I mention that I love Lucy for you to believe me? I believe Lucy Liu inspires millions of aspiring actresses regardless of race. Also, the lovely actress has played in numerous mega budget movies.
That’s why we are familiar with her face.

And the world recognizes her star power. In a sense, Lucy Liu is symbolic. She represents noble ideas such as tranquility and patience.

I used to watch Grey’s Anatomy sometimes because of Sandra Oh. I thought, “There goes a woman with beauty and brains.” For a long time, she was the most prominent Asian actress on network TV.
Although, her character is off the air, Sandra Oh stays on our minds. Sandra strived to give fans a realistic perception of Asian women.
Again, I was never a Grey’s Anatomy fanatic. Though, I remember encountering a variety of fanatics in college. Picture 30+ 18- 21 year-olds crowded around a TV set watching a dramatic TV show about doctors. Sandra Oh helped create those super fans.

Maggie Q kicked ass on Nikita. She was unbelievable at times. If Nikita were on ABC, NBC, or cable, then it probably would have lasted 4 more seasons. I wouldn’t have let the gorgeous Maggie Q’s beauty go to waste.
Who is better than Maggie as the slender body lead character? Did you know she started modeling in 1996? Jackie Chan discovered Maggie Q around this time. Remember, “Luck is when preparation meets opportunity.”
Finally, at Guru Jay we celebrate Lucy Liu, Sandra Oh, and Maggie Q for their excellence.

I am Guru Jay launching into orbit in 5-4-3-2-1!
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action Actors Celebs Chinese Expendables Fearless fighting Forbidden Kingdom Guru Jay Hollywood Jackie Chan Jet Li Karate Kung Fu Martial Arts Movies Rush Hour Stars Tai Chi Tuxedo

Jackie Chan Vs. Jet Li + Your Favorite Martial Arts Movies

BY: GURU JAY
  
You must acquire a taste for foreign films like coffee and beer. Turning on subtitles is not the worst thing in the world, nor the most interesting. But, I prefer reading words, because as a writer I live in words. I enjoy seeing scripts come alive.

Bruce Lee passed the torch to Kung Fu masters and movie stars, Jackie Chan and Jet Li. There is a reason why Li and Chan are Expendables. Today, self-defense is integral to the action movie genre.
What is more, Chan and Li are true teachers of their mastery. Learning self-defense improves the body, and sharpens the mind. Like athletes, movie stars must dedicate time to nurture their gifts and talents.
I like Jackie Chan because he can do comedy. I recommend watching all three Rush Hours, because funnyman Chris Tucker is literally Chan’s sidekick.
Jet Li doesn’t speak English nearly as well as Jackie Chan. Plus, the average spectator has watched more Chan films than Li. Is Jet jealous of Jackie?

The media rolls out the red carpet for The Tuxedostar. But, they treat The Fearlessactor like Rodney Dangerfield. He “gets no respect.”
If Jackie Chan is 1st, Jet Li is a close 2nd. Actually, don’t discount Jet, because he has tons of fans globally. Plus, Jet likes his privacy protected.
Seeing Jackie and Jet square off is worth $50.
I believe Jet Li is faster, but Jackie Chan is better. Still, avoid starting a fight with either one of them at all costs. They will finish you.
Isn’t it ironic martial artists are peaceful? Although Karate can be violent, seeking a nonviolent solution is usually preferable. Why don’t you try Tai Chi?
When will a big name Japanese or Korean star emerge on the movie fight scene? Do you believe Jackie Chan is over 60? Also, I learned Jet Li is a singer.


Back to story à The Forbidden Kingdom stars both Jackie Chan and Jet Li. It’s incredible they carry out their own stunts. Maybe, that keeps them young.
Do Li and Chan need bodyguards on their payrolls? How much of their fighting displays are just for show? Can they do all that in real life?
Could they defeat Steven Seagal, Jean-Claude Van Damme, or Michael Jai White in an everything-goes battle? What are your favorite martial arts movies?

I am Guru Jay launching off into orbit in 5-4-3-2-1! 
Categories
Blockbuster Chinese Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon Foreign Language Films French Hero International movies Italian Jet Li Life is Beautiful Mexican Movies Netflix Top Ten

Top 10 Foreign Language Films

By: Guru Jay

Flashback

The best films have universal appeal. As a child, I remember one time staying awake the whole night watching movies with my brothers and a friend. Both brothers fell into a deep sleep.

We watched a lot of films that night. However, the one I most remember is Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story.

In those days, we saw rented movies on VCR tapes. The most popular video store at the time was Blockbuster. I used to like Blockbuster, because you could rent movies there as well as video games.

At Blockbuster, you would find the highest grossing films. True to its name, the video giant kept the best movies on their shelves. Thanks to Netflix, Blockbuster went bankrupt. 

In the 1990’s, Blockbuster’s profits were unbelievable. Slowly but surely, the company lost customers to Netflix.
Now- myself, you, and 30 million others are subscribed to NetflixLet’s be clear, I stayed with Blockbuster to the very end.

I used to ride my bicycle to Blockbuster as a boy. It was only ten minutes from my house. And suddenly, overnight the video store chain had accounting problems.

Our generation watched many movies with Blockbuster. Blockbuster symbolized the 1990’s. Blockbuster presented an alternative for moviegoers.

As an adult, I still stay awake all night watching movies on apps. I love high quality entertainment. You can appreciate the work that goes into making a film great.

I plan to become fluent in a second language in the immediate future. I love learning lingo. Furthermore, I watch many films in foreign languages.

You will find that many of the best films are in foreign languages. Here is the Top Ten List featuring the highest grossing foreign language films of all time.

Click on the movie’s title for a synopsis from Box Office Mojo.

Top Ten Foreign Language Films

10
La Cage aux Folles   
La Cage aux Folles comes in at number ten for the genre of Foreign Language. This French comedy premiered in 1979 and grossed over $20 million at the box office. Unfortunately, it wasn’t distributed worldwide.
9
Like Water for Chocolate

Like Water for Chocolate is a Mexican film that debuted in 1993. The movie racked in more than $21 million. It ranks 9 in the Foreign Language area. Also, the foreign film is fifth all time in the Cooking genre.
8
Il Postino
The Italian film Il Postino delivered close to $22 million at the box office in the summer of 1995. The success of Il Postino is impressive. It is the second Italian movie in the top ten.
7
Jet Li’s Fearless 
Directed by Ronny Yu and starring Jet Li (himself) Fearless earned $25 million domestically, and $43 million internationally, for a total of $68 million worldwide. It is the second highest Chinese film on the list.
6
Amelie 
The French made Amelie was a major box office success. The producers made the movie with a modest budget of $10 million. They never fathomed grossing $33 million domestically and $174 million worldwide.
The impact of Amelie cannot be overstated. It is the highest ranked French movie on the list for a good reason.
5
Pan’s Labyrinth 
The gory Pan’s Labyrinth out of Mexico is the fifth best. Writer, Director, and Producer Guillermo del Toro created a classic. Although the film’s domestic total is higher than Amelie at $37 million, Pan’s Labyrinth grossed far less worldwide. (only $83 million)
4
Instructions Not Included
The 2013 Mexican comedy, Instructions Not Included is a phenomenon. The film grossed $44 million domestically and $85 million worldwide.
It is the highest ranked Mexican (Foreign Language) film of all time. What’s more, the comedy was made with a $5 million budget.

3
Hero 
Hero wins the bronze medal. It was successful on two levels: financially and critically. Directed by Yimou Zhang and starring Jet Li, Hero is a Chinese classic.

It is the second highest Chinese film on the list. In total, the film gathered $54 million at the domestic box office. Additionally, Hero collected $123 million internationally.
2
Life Is Beautiful
Life is Beautiful comes in second. The 1998 movie grossed $50 million at the box office. In addition, the film made $229 million in total worldwide.

Life is Beautiful is the second best Foreign Language film of all time. Financially, it is the best Italian foreign movie ever produced. Life is Beautiful won three out of seven Oscar nominations.
1

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon 

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon comes in first place. The Taiwanese film garnered attention from everyone. It won the Academy Award for best Foreign Language Film.

In total, the movie made $128 million at the domestic box office. In addition, it eclipsed the $200 million mark worldwide.

As a side note, I watched Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon again before writing this piece. I can say emphatically it is one of the best films of all time.

As a movie buff, I appreciate all the special effects. Furthermore, the film is beautiful because of its accuracy and precision. There are your top ten foreign language films.
Tomorrow’s Blog: Celebrities

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