Lights, camera, action!

Cinematographer known for giving wushu a new role on the silver screen honored with lifetime award in Hollywood, Rena Li reports in Los Angeles.

Andrzej Bartkowiak, a celebrated Hollywood cinematographer, director and producer, was honored with the American Society of Cinematographers 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award during its 39th annual awards ceremony on Feb 23 in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles.

Known for major Hollywood blockbusters like Speed and Lethal Weapon 4, Bartkowiak has worked across a range of genres and styles, and has collaborated with some of the most esteemed directors in Hollywood.

Adding to his achievements behind the camera, Bartkowiak has often sat in the director's chair himself and has left a lasting impact on action films, particularly through his use of Chinese martial arts. His directorial debut was 2000's Romeo Must Die, an action-thriller starring martial arts superstar Jet Li (Li Lianjie).

The Beijing-born actor had already made a name for himself in classic martial arts films, including the Once Upon a Time in China series. Romeo Must Die was Li's first Hollywood role, and introduced the wushu (martial arts) champion — already a legend in Hong Kong cinema — to an international audience.

Known for his lightning-fast movements, Li's skill is so extraordinary that filmmakers often ask him to slow down so that the camera can properly capture his movements. His work with Bartkowiak was a turning point in Hollywood martial arts films, and according to American entertainment news website Vulture, its blend of kung fu with urban action and hip-hop aesthetics created the new genre of "hip-hop kung fu".

Following the success of Romeo Must Die, Bartkowiak continued to develop his China-meets-America action style, directing Exit Wounds (2001), Cradle 2 the Grave (2003), and Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun-Li (2009), bringing martial arts into mainstream Hollywood with a modern, stylish twist.

The influence of his action movies on subsequent films and their contribution to the popularization of Chinese martial arts in Hollywood are "undeniable", according to a review on Film-Authority.

Martial arts films have played a crucial role in bridging Chinese and American cultures, as well as introducing global audiences to the dynamic world of kung fu. Legends like Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan and Jet Li have mesmerized generations with their extraordinary skills, inspiring audiences and filmmakers alike. By blending traditional martial arts philosophy with contemporary storytelling, these films have helped redefine the action genre on a global scale, film critics say.

One feature of Bartkowiak's work is his long-standing collaboration with martial arts stars such as Jet Li, Mark Dacascos, as well as recourse to a consistent team of performers led by Hong Kong's Dion Lam. This continuity in cast and crew has helped establish a distinct cinematic language that fans of kung fu action films have come to recognize and appreciate.

"I love Chinese culture," Bartkowiak tells China Daily. "That's why I've directed a series of films that highlight martial arts."

He has visited China multiple times, exploring different cities and immersing himself in the country's history and culture. He has often expressed admiration for China's hospitality, its deep-rooted traditions and artistic heritage, which continue to inspire his work.

For a long time, Bartkowiak has aspired to bring the story of the Nanjing Massacre to the big screen, adapting the novel When the Purple Mountain Burns: A Story of the Rape of Nanking by Shouhua Qi. His vision for the project took a turn in 2019, when he visited the Memorial Hall of the Victims in Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders after receiving the script.

"I was so moved by the visit, it relived the script," Bartkowiak says, highlighting the emotional impact of seeing the historical evidence firsthand. Now, he is seeking coproduction partners and investment to bring the project to life.

He sees the film as an international production, with Chinese actors and potentially a codirector to ensure historical and cultural accuracy. While it will primarily be shot in China, the film will incorporate both English and Chinese dialogue, reflecting the multilingual nature of its characters and the global significance of the story.

"I'd love to produce an international film and collaborate with Chinese filmmakers," he says, citing his interest in strengthening cinematic ties between China and Hollywood.