Justin Lin

Every time you try to do something different, you have to expect obstacles.

After I made 'Better Luck Tomorrow' and started taking meetings in Hollywood, I quickly learned that Asian Americans weren't even in the conversation as a minority, since there wasn't even a significant enough audience, and especially an audience for Asian American content.

Like, action to me is no fun if it's not built around character.

I kind of approach action/non-action very much similarly. It has to be character-based and it has to kind of come off the theme and the overall arc.

The martial arts genre a lot of times has been relegated to B-level action.

It's dangerous to buy the American Dream without questioning. We need to ask, 'Why do I want this dream?'

My Taiwanese parents came to America with no money and supported my brothers and me as small business owners in Orange County, which is close to L.A. but about as far away from Hollywood as you can be.

You want to have pressure and tell stories that you find a real reason to tell, aside from any business reason. If business is your only reason, that always goes badly.

You can't cheat comedy. You know, it either is going to be there on the day you capture or it's not.

Film is similar to a basketball game. When that buzzer sounds, win or lose, the only thing you can control is how much effort you put into it.

I've been fortunate to be able to try everything. But I have to say 'Warrior' has been my pride and joy.

Hollywood should be global.