Cannes: Jackie Chan says ‘Chinese Zodiac’ will be his last big action flick

GlobalPost

Jackie Chan, the Hong Kong movie director and kung fu action hero, said his latest action movie, "Chinese Zodiac" — which he launched at the Cannes Film Festival — would be his last.

Chan, 58, told the Associated Press that "Chinese Zodiac" — which he wrote, produced, directed and coordinated fights scenes for — was one of the "most important" films in his career.

In it, his character searches for the 12 bronze heads of the Chinese zodiac.

However, according to Movie Talk website, Chan said he felt "too old" for the demanding stunts in action flicks.

"I am not young any more. I am really, really tired," he said.

He also said he'd been turned off by the increasing level of violence in films. "The world is too violent right now. It's a dilemma — I love fighting. I like action. but I don't like violence."

More from GlobalPost: 'The Dictator,' Sacha Baron Cohen spoof, banned in Tajikistan

Chan said he'd continue to make films, though with more acting than action, citing Robert DeNiro and Clint Eastwood his role models.

Metro quoted him as saying at a Cannes press conference that he wanted to show cinema-goers he could act as well as fight.

"I want the audience to know I'm not just about fighting, also I can act, he reportedly said. "And so, day by day, year by year, I said, 'Right, I'm going to show you the real Jackie Chan.'"

Chan, who co-stars in "Chinese Zodiac" with Kwone Sang Woo, Yao Xingtong and Liao Fan, told the AP that people never believed him when he said he is going to retire. 

"They say 'no, you're still young, you can still do it,' but I have to stop one day," the 58-year-old said.

More from GlobalPost: Cannes 2012: Film festival accused of sexism for lack of female directors

Help keep The World going strong!

The article you just read is free because dedicated readers and listeners like you chose to support our nonprofit newsroom. Our team works tirelessly to ensure you hear the latest in international, human-centered reporting every weekday. But our work would not be possible without you. We need your help.

Make a gift today to help us reach our $25,000 goal and keep The World going strong. Every gift will get us one step closer.