Haishu Li is a young woman from China who was one of the screenwriters of The Myth. Recently we had a chance to talk to her on the set of Rush Hour 3 and she was kind enough to share her remarkable story with us.

Jackie and Haishu on the set of Rush Hour 3 in Los Angeles.

My name is Haishu Li and I am just a girl from a traditional Chinese family. I was born in Tonghai Yuxi, a beautiful small town in the Yunan Province of southwestern China. It is where my parents and older brother still live. If you are interested, I would like to share my story with you.
 
When I was a young girl in junior high school, I dreamed of becoming a filmmaker, but I didn’t know how I could do that. One day, I happened to read an article about the beautiful and famous Chinese actress Gong Li. It said that Gong Li had graduated from The Central Academy of Drama which is in Beijing. I was so amazed! Wow! There is a college to teach you how to do acting and directing. At that moment, I made up my mind that I must become a student of The Central Academy of Drama . I put it into the deepest part of my heart and kept it secret for years until I was about to graduate from high school. But it was still a big challenge for me. Believe it or not, I could not even speak Standard Mandarin at that time, as I have very very strong Yunnan accent. And no one around me knew anything about the special three-round test which I must pass before I could take the final exam. But I do know one thing: it’s my dream, nothing can stop me. During following six years, I did everything that I thought might be helpful to improve myself. Finally I made myself qualified to become a proud undergraduate student of my beloved The Central Academy of Drama. I was so lucky to succeed because the competition was really fierce. I chose Directing as my major. From then on, I knew that I would dedicate my life to the movies.
 
After I graduated from The Central Academy of Drama, I worked very hard writing scrīpts and trying to break into the film industry. Then I got a chance to meet Stanley Tong. He read one of the scrīpts which I’d written for a TV series and he liked it. He thought that I’d done very well, so he invited me to work on The Myth with him. I felt so honored: I was only 24 years old then and there; but I could work with the people who I’d admired for many years! We worked on The Myth for almost three years. I am so happy to see the film grow from a concept into a beautiful film showing up on big screen. The Myth has a special meaning for me. You know, not everyone has the chance to work with Jackie Chan and Stanley Tong in the same movie, and it’s just my first movie!
 
The story of The Myth lived in my heart for a long time. When I closed my eyes, I could see every scene in my mind. I put so many emotions into The Myth, I love every part and aspect of it. It is a romantic story, talks about Love but cannot Love, Loyalty and Disloyalty, Promises and Lies. General Meng Yi is a man with deep feelings, but because of his status, he was not able to show the feeling in his heart. Instead, it is reflected in his eyes and the few words he spoke to Ok Soo, the Princess. Jack, the archaeologist, pursues his dream, is a very honorable man, much like General Meng Yi. Jack feels the responsibility to protect people’s treasures and shows his respect of historical heritage.
 
You want to hear about my experience working with Jackie? I am happy to tell you. When I finished the scrīpt and the movie was ready to shoot, I went to the set and became one of assistant directors. So Jackie and I worked together over six months. The thing about Jackie that impressed me most was his concentration and devotion. You know, in the everyday life, Jackie is so friendly, animated and likes to joke around. But when he’s working, he becomes a different man. Making a movie is a tough job, but no matter what the conditions are, he always keeps his motivation and influences others. I think he was born for movies. One day, when we talked together, he said that if he didn’t make movies, no matter which field he was in he would still strive to be the No.1. He is so smart and hard working. He always puts a lot of emotion, time and energy into what he does. He deserves his success. Another thing is, Jackie has taught me so much about environmental conservation. He wants to do everything good for environment, and he is a great example for everyone.
 
I loved being an assistant director of The Myth, handling such a big budget, working with so many actors, crew members and horses. In summer, we were working in the hottest desert, melting under extremely powerful sunlight. In winter, we shot in the wild mountains, frozen by the ruthless wind. Luckily, our team was made up of veterans and we successfully finished this movie. It was all worth it.
 
One year ago, I moved to California to extend my career. My destination is using what I have learned to do something good for Chinese movies. I would like to write scrīpts and direct movies. Using my camera, I want to spread Chinese culture, both traditional and modern, around the world. I want the world to know the Chinese people, their history and its modern progress. Jackie is the role model for me; he is so proud of his culture and shares it with his audience and fans.
 
You probably wonder how a Chinese girl from a small town ends up on a Hollywood movie set. Here is the story. When Jackie came to LA to shoot Rush Hour 3, I went to visit him and told him I wanted be on set to learn how to make a movie in Hollywood. So he asked Jamie, the first Assistant Director, if I could come to the set as an intern, and Jamie agreed. Now, I am on the set every day to learn American style of filmmaking. Jackie is always generous and willing to help young people start their careers. He made it possible that I am allowed to join the exciting production. I hope that someday I can pay Jackie back for his kindness by making movies which he will be proud of.

It is my story. It is a story of a normal Chinese girl. With a dream, hard work, and fantastic luck, I am here today. When I recall past times, I realize something interesting. When I was in high school, the school used to show two films every week for students. When it was my turn to choose the movie, I chose Rumble In The Bronx. I still remember that: when the film ended, everyone in the hall applauded! And now, I’ve grown up and worked with Jackie Chan and Stanley Tong who made the Rumble In The Bronx! It’s a dream come true.

Haishu on the set of Rush Hour 3.

Observing and learning.

With JC Stunt Team members In-Seob Lee (l) and Hyun Jin Park (center).

At lunch in Pasadena.

Looking on as Jackie dictates his diary with Diana.

Proving that she's a true member of the JC team: napping at the dubbing studio.

On the set.

On the set.

Text and photos ©2006 The JC Group. All Rights Reserved.

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