Gosling’s movie pays tribute to Chinese kung fu

Ryan Gosling (L) in a scene from “The Fall Guy.” File photo

Following Jackie Chan’s tribute to stunt performers with “Ride On” in 2023, Universal Pictures has geared up for its own tribute with the new film “The Fall Guy,” which intertwines a heartfelt romantic narrative with the action-packed world of stunts and is set to hit Chinese mainland cinemas tomorrow.

In an exciting fusion of Hollywood flair and Chinese martial arts tradition, “The Fall Guy,” starring Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt, pays homage to kung fu stars like Jackie Chan and Jet Li through its action scenes, as revealed by the movie’s action choreographer Sun Nuo.

Directed by David Leitch, a former stuntman, the movie follows Gosling as a struggling stunt performer on a mission to locate a missing Hollywood star while navigating the complexities of rekindling a romance with his ex-girlfriend, portrayed by Blunt, who has transitioned from camerawoman to aspiring director.

Gosling’s portrayal of the stunt performer embodies the essence of Chan’s classic characters, ordinary individuals who struggle against nefarious forces. The film’s title logo, featuring a falling figure, drew inspiration from Chan’s iconic clock tower scene in “Project A.”

Another scene involves Gosling’s character fighting in a flowing robe, reminiscent of Li’s iconic portrayal of Wong Fei-hung, a detail inspired by a suggestion from Sun during production.

Sun shared insights into working with Gosling, highlighting the actor’s meticulous attention to detail and impressive memory, particularly in mastering complex action sequences comprising over 50 movements. One standout scene involves Gosling’s character being dragged across the Sydney Harbor Bridge, a heart-pounding moment that required the coordination of 50 stunt drivers during filming.

Leitch describes the film as a heartfelt tribute to the often-overlooked heroes of cinema — the stunt performers — featuring demanding sequences. Notably, stunt driver Logan Holladay achieved a Guinness World Record by executing eight and a half cannon rolls in a modified Jeep Grand Cherokee on the beaches of Sydney while doubling for Gosling.

During the recent premiere in Beijing, a recorded message from Leitch underscored his admiration for martial arts icons like Bruce Lee and Chan, drawing inspiration from Chan’s journey from stuntman to director and producer. He cited Chan’s impact on his own career trajectory, particularly during his time working on “The Matrix” movies, in which Yuen Woo-ping, a renowned martial arts choreographer and film director from Hong Kong, provided invaluable assistance. (China Daily, Global Times)