Τέρμα οι ταινίες δράσεις λέει ο Τσάκι Τσαν!

While promoting his latest film, Chinese Zodiac, at the Cannes Film Festival, martial arts action film icon Jackie Chan announced his retirement from the genre:

This is my last action film. I am not young any more. I am really, really tired. The world is too violent right now. It’s a dilemma – I love fighting. I like action. but I don’t like violence. I want the audience to know I am not just about fighting. I can also act. I want the audience to know also I’m not only a comedian. I can act. Day by day, year by year, I’m going to show you the real Jackie Chan.

I can’t say I’m surprised. He’s been putting his body through the ringer for years. I’m surprised it hasn’t caught up with him sooner.

I’ve seen Jackie in a few dramatic roles and I was quite impressed. Granted, he also kicked a fair amount of *** in those films, but I think he’s got a lot of potential as a dramatic actor. His protege, Michelle Yeoh, has already stepped out of the action film shadow to take on dramatic roles including Burmese Prodemocracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi for the upcoming biopic The Lady. I think he’ll be fine.

Sure, it’s a sad day for the action genre. But Jackie is here to stay.