Editorial Staff
Being big action movie/martial arts movie fans around here, we thought this sounded interesting.
Film journalist Mike Fury has penned a new book called “Life of Action” which ‘celebrates the unsung heroes of action cinema’ – ya know, guys like Scott Adkins, Dolph Lundgren, Donnie Yen, and Cynthia Rothrock. In it, Fury yaks to these iconic faces of biffo cinema about their careers – the ups and downs – and their personal lives. All-in-all, it sounds like a treat.
New book “Life of Action” offers insight into the world of action genre filmmaking and has already been applauded by both readers and industry professionals. Three years in the making by martial arts and film journalist Mike Fury, the book features interviews with the men and women of action genre cinema and is available as a paperback, with an ebook edition to follow soon. Featuring an iconic cover image of British action star Scott Adkins as his popular character, Yuri Boyka, from Undisputed II and III, these candid interviews with some of the genre’s much loved stars, both in front and behind the camera, explores their lives and careers.
The book unites influential figures from the world of action including actors Scott Adkins (The Expendables 2), Dolph Lundgren (Rocky IV), Donnie Yen (Ip Man), Cynthia Rothrock (Police Assassins) and Joey Ansah (Street Fighter: Assassin’s Fist), stunt veterans J.J. Perry (Warrior), Chad Stahelski and David Leitch of 87Eleven Action Design (and co-directors of John Wick), filmmakers Tsui Hark (Detective Dee), Isaac Florentine (Ninja: Shadow of a Tear) and many others.
Author Mike Fury has written for magazines such as Martial Arts Illustrated and Combat, though “Life of Action” marks his first book, featuring 35 interviews in total. “I am a huge action fan so the book has been a real passion project for me and I found the process very inspiring” he commented. “People think of action as dumbed down entertainment but these actors and stunt performers put their bodies on the line for our enjoyment. The filmmaking process is also far more technical than you might think, especially in capturing action, so I wanted to shed light on what I felt was a misunderstood subject.”
Support has been pouring in from the film community with 87Eleven Action Design posting on their Facebook page: “This amazing collection of stories and insight
from the best martial artists, action stars and stunt men in the business, is guaranteed to kick some ass!”
Actor, Scott Adkins said: “This is the perfect book for anyone with an interest in action filmmaking. I’ve never seen so many influential artists from the business share their stories in one book. It truly is a must have.”
The book is available now and published by Mill City Press.
For more information on the book, visit www.mikefury.net/lifeofaction
