Description:
Born in southern China, John Woo grew up in Hong Kong, where he began his film career as an assistant director in 1969, working for Shaw Brothers Studios. He directed his first feature in 1973 and has been a prolific director ever since, working in a wide variety of genres before Ying hung boon sik (1986) established his reputation as a master stylist specializing in ultra-violent gangster films and thrillers, with hugely elaborate action scenes shot with breathtaking panache. After gaining a cult reputation in the US with Dip huet seung hung (1989), Woo was offered a Hollywood contract. He now works in the US.
Birthday
September 22, 1946
Born In
Guangzhou, China
Alternative names
Ng Yu Chen
, Yu Chen Ng
, Yu-Sam Ng
, Wu Yu Shen
, Wu Yu Sheng
, John Y.S. Woo
, John Wu
, Yao Shen Wu
, Yu Sheng Wu
, Yu Shen Wu
, Yu-Sheng Wu
, Yu-Shen Wu
, Yu-shen Wu
, Yusen Wu
, Wu Yu-shen
Height
164 cm
Spouse/Ex-
Anne Woo 1976 - present (3 children)
Trivia
Woo's many American admirers include the likes of Martin Scorsese, Sam Raimi (who
compared his mastery of action to Alfred Hitchcock's mastery of suspense) and
Quentin Tarantino (who, replying to a studio executive saying "I suppose Woo can
direct action scenes" said "Sure, and Michelangelo can paint
ceilings!").
Quotes
I'm not a master; I'm just a hard-working filmmaker. I would like
everyone to see me as a friend rather than a master.
Trademarks
Uses pleasant music that heavily contrasts with some of the
more violent action on screen.
