Episode 62 - Joe Taslim

Episode 62 - Joe Taslim

Author: Ben Johnson October 5, 2020 Duration: 1:17:12

Joe Taslim always wanted to be an actor, even before he became a martial artist. Growing up poor in South Sumatra, Indonesia, his family only took him to judo lessons because they were free. With his dad as his coach, he would go on to become a national judo champion in a career spanning well over a decade. Ironically, it was his skills in the martial arts which would eventually lead him back to his true passion - acting - when his breakthrough role as the tough special forces sergeant Jaka in Gareth Evans' smash-hit film, 'The Raid: Redemption' (2011), saw him become an overnight sensation. Joe has since enjoyed success in multiple territories; in Indonesia, where he has worked consistently with the Uwais fight team on projects including the violent masterpiece, 'The Night Comes for Us' (2018), and the action comedy, 'Hit & Run' (2019); in Hollywood, where he has collaborated with the producer and director, Justin Lin, on 'Fast & Furious 6' (2013), 'Star Trek Beyond' (2016), and the TV series, 'Warrior', based on the writings of Bruce Lee; and now in South Korea, where he has made his acting debut in the period martial arts film, 'The Swordsman' (2020). In 2021, Joe will continue to make great strides into the Hollywood action mainstream with his turn as Sub-Zero in the new big-screen adaptation of the hit video game, 'Mortal Kombat'. It is his role as Li Yong in 'Warrior' which is currently bringing Joe the most joy, allowing him the freedom to express his full range of acting and action abilities, as well as providing the opportunity to truly develop his antihero character. He says he would jump at the chance to return to the show, should it be recommissioned for a third season. In the meantime, however, it seems the world is Joe's for the taking. 'Warrior' Season Two is screening now in the USA on the Cinemax network, with both seasons moving soon onto the streaming platform, HBO Max.


LINKS

Joe Taslim on IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3029144/

Joe Taslim on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joe_taslim/

Joe Taslim on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joetaslim.page/

'Warrior' theme by Reza Safinia and H. Scott Salinas. Download the soundtrack on Amazon Music: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Warrior-Cinemax-Original-Soundtrack-Clean/dp/B07TDSYY44

'Warrior' Season Two trailer: https://youtu.be/V_wSj_1fWtY

'The Raid: Redemption' review on Kung Fu Movie Guide: http://bit.ly/TheRaidKFMG

'The Night Comes for Us' review on Kung Fu Movie Guide: http://bit.ly/TheNightComesForUsKFMG


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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: 100

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