HONG KONG — Martial arts superstar Donnie Yen and Shannon Lee, daughter of the late legendary Bruce Lee, inaugurated the “Bruce Lee 85th Anniversary Exhibition: The Way of the Stateless” on Thursday, celebrating the enduring global influence of the cinema icon. The exhibition, marking what would have been Bruce Lee’s 85th birthday, opened in the city where Lee spent his formative years and honed his unique philosophical approach to martial arts.
During the ceremony, Yen paid profound tribute to Bruce Lee, crediting him as a singular pioneer whose impact continues to shape his own career and the genre itself. “Bruce Lee is truly unprecedented and unequalled,” Yen remarked, adding humbly, “I still feel like a student in his presence.”
Shannon Lee, who traveled from the United States for the event, expressed a deep connection to Hong Kong, noting how returning felt like “coming home.” She emphasized the integral role the city played in her father’s life, where he grew up, trained, and forged his enduring legend. Lee reiterated her commitment to propagating her father’s wisdom and integrating his philosophical spirit into her own life.
Pioneer’s Philosophy Continues to Resonate
Yen praised Bruce Lee not only as a great martial artist but also as an extraordinary philosopher and innovator. He pointed out that Lee’s theories, attire, and fighting style remain subjects of global study decades after his passing. Yen reminisced about his childhood, recalling how he once broke a broom handle pretending it was Lee’s signature nunchaku, illustrating the deep personal influence Lee had on him from a young age.
The event brought together Yen and Shannon Lee for only the third time, the two having previously collaborated on a magazine shoot 25 years ago and maintained sporadic correspondence via email. Yen disclosed that an earlier ambition to integrate a storyline featuring Bruce Lee into the Ip Man film franchise had been deferred. However, a recent discussion with Shannon Lee resurrected the possibility.
“She asked if I would film another Ip Man,” Yen revealed, “and I told her I am currently contemplating the story. It would be extremely difficult not to include her father’s character, and we are actively discussing that opportunity.”
Forthcoming Projects and Global Collaborations
Beyond the commemoration, Yen also provided updates on his upcoming directorial project, a spin-off of the John Wick universe provisionally titled Ballerina. Yen confirmed the project is in “full swing” and is scheduled to begin filming after the Lunar New Year holiday. He stated that he is currently consulting with several producers regarding casting for roles integral to the film’s Hong Kong-based narrative. The production is set to film locally and will feature Hong Kong actors, with clear English fluency noted as a beneficial quality for potential cast members.
Shannon Lee shared the profound impact her father’s preserved writings and teachings have had, filling the void left by his early death. She expressed gratitude that his documented thoughts and philosophies continue to provide guidance and inspiration, allowing her to gain new perspectives as she matures. Lee characterized her father as a thoughtful, compassionate, and dedicated individual whose memory continues to resonate globally. She extended praise to Yen as a “powerful actor” and welcomed the possibility of future collaborations.
Bruce Lee’s continuing legacy serves as a testament to the power of blending physical discipline with intellectual pursuit, a principle celebrated by the new exhibition and actively championed by his daughter and those he inspired, ensuring his philosophy endures for future generations.