Episode 46 - Jason Tobin

Episode 46 - Jason Tobin

Author: Ben Johnson November 5, 2019 Duration: 1:02:00

As a lifelong fan of Bruce Lee, the chance to play a starring role in HBO's Warrior TV series - based on a story by the late kung fu movie star and executive produced by his daughter, Shannon Lee - was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. And he relishes every scene in his role as Young Jun; the entitled, violent, and arrogant heir to Chinatown's Hop Wei gang, a criminal syndicate operating in late 1870s San Francisco at the height of the Tong Wars. Jason Tobin adds heart, nuance and depth to the character through his brotherly friendship with new Hop Wei recruit, Ah Sahm (played by fellow British actor, Andrew Koji). A sexy, heady mix of political drama, racial tension and great fight scenes, the series has been heralded as one of the best TV shows of 2019 by Rolling Stone and has found a devoted audience since first airing on Cinemax in April 2019. Season two is now in post-production with a third season in development, while the first season is available right now on Blu-ray in the USA. Born in Hong Kong, educated in the UK, and living in Los Angeles from the age of 18, Jason sees acting as the perfect way to 'honestly express oneself' - to paraphrase the words of his hero, Bruce Lee - and tell the kinds of stories he wants to tell. He does this not just through his own work as an actor, but also as a writer and director. In this episode, we discuss his theories on acting, his long-standing friendship with the filmmaker Justin Lin (who gave Jason his first breakout role in 2002's Better Luck Tomorrow), his appearances in many Hong Kong and American action movies - from Beverly Hills Ninja to The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift - to his excellent performance in Warrior. Keep up-to-date with all the latest Jason Tobin news by following him on Twitter and Instagram.


LINKS

Jason Tobin on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jsntbn/

Jason Tobin on Twitter: https://twitter.com/jsntbn

Buy Warrior on Blu-ray via Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07VJWW5G8/

This episode's podcast page: http://bit.ly/JasonTobinKFMGPod

Shannon Lee and Andrew Koji on the Kung Fu Movie Guide Podcast: http://bit.ly/KFMGPodShannonLee


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There's a particular magic in the stories behind the fights, the philosophy woven into the choreography, and the sheer dedication it takes to create martial arts cinema. The Kung Fu Movie Guide Podcast is built on those stories, offering a backstage pass to the world of Hong Kong action, classic Shaw Brothers epics, and modern martial arts filmmaking. Host Ben Johnson, who created the extensive kungfumovieguide.com resource, sits down for detailed conversations with the very people who bring these films to life. Each episode features an unscripted, in-depth interview with actors who threw the punches, stunt performers who designed the falls, directors who framed the shots, and choreographers who turned violence into poetry. You'll hear about their career paths, the challenges on set, and the deep, personal passion that fuels their work. This isn't just a surface-level recap of famous movies; it's about the craft, the history, and the human effort behind every iconic scene. For anyone who has ever wondered about the artistry behind a perfectly executed fight sequence or the legacy of a genre that spans decades, this podcast provides a rich, engaging listen. Tune in for genuine insights from the heart of martial arts cinema.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 107

Kung Fu Movie Guide Podcast
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