Introduction
John Woo is a Chinese filmmaker, producer, and screenwriter.
Woo is most well-known for his chaotic action sequences and stylized imagery. He also uses slow motion frequently and makes allusions to wuxia and neo-noir.
Before he began to work in Hollywood, he was a pioneer in Hong Kong’s heroic films and gun-fu films.
John Woo’s net worth was estimated at $60 million as of July 2022.
Early Life
John Woo Yuden was born in Guangzhou, China on the 1st of May 1946.
His mother changed his date of birth to 22 September 1948 due to school age restrictions. This information is still on his passport.
The Woo family was Christian. His father was a teacher but was disabled by tuberculosis. His mother worked on construction sites as a manual laborer. The 1953 Shek Kip Mei Fire made the family homeless.
Career
Woo was born and raised in China. His work as an international Chinese filmmaker and producer earned him critical acclaim, particularly for his impact on the action genre. Woo’s career began in 1969 when he was employed as a Cathay Studios script supervisor.
He continued his training in directing as an assistant director at Shaw Studios for a few more years, under Chang Cheh, who was the noted director.
In 1974, Woo made his directorial debut with ‘The Young Dragons’.
He went on to make Hollywood movies with features such as ‘Hard Target’, ‘Broken Arrow’, and Mission: Impossible II. Woo created the comic series “Seven Brothers”, published by Virgin Comics.
He experiences professional burnout in the 1980s. He was able to regain his place in the film industry and he went on to become a well-respected director.
Highlights
These are the top highlights of John Woo’s career:
- The Killer (Movie, 1989)
- Hard Target (Movie, 1993)
- Face Off (Movie, 1997)
- Paycheck (Movie, 2003)
- Red Cliff (Movie, 2008)
Three Life Lessons From John Woo
We now know more about John Woo’s net worth and his success story. Let’s look at some lessons we can learn.
1. Born again
Each morning, we are born again. It is what we do today that matters the most.
2. Superpower
You are the only one who can do what you do, and that is your superpower.
3. Do the Best for You
Sometimes, you must do the best for yourself and your family.
Favorite Quotes From John Woo
I didn’t know that ‘Hard Boiled’ would be distributed internationally when I made it. I wanted to create a film that would bring together my two favorite actors, Tony Leung & Chow Yun Fat.
The movie can be used as a language. It could not only send a positive message but it could also be used to let people know my thoughts and how I view the world.