I have two sons in America, and all they care about in Chinese culture is Jackie Chan and Jet Li.

We need storytelling. Otherwise life just goes on and on, like the number Pi.

I see a movie as a way of learning about the world, about myself, and learning about my relationship with people and art.

I think the American West really attracts me because it's romantic. The desert, the empty space, the drama.

My hometown was one of the major U.S. Air Force bases.

I think people are universal.

Sometimes, you have to get angry to get things done.

Every movie I make. That’s my hideout, the place I don’t quite understand, but feel most at home.

When there is a strong woman character in a story - that always grabs me

I think great romance needs great obstacles and textures.

Making movies is a way of understanding myself and the world.

Suffering has been stronger than all other teaching, and has taught me to understand what your heart used to be. I have been bent and broken, but - I hope - into a better shape.

There are many good things in the world, but not all of them benefit you. Focus keeps you on the path of what is right and away from other options.

Music connects us to freedom

Most photographers work best alone, myself included.

We've all seen lots of stories about a young protagonist having adventures, and usually they're all boys, [and] there is sometimes a token female, or two.

Steven Gerrard would be the captain of my World XI dream team.

This administration is doing everything we can to end the stalemate in an efficient way. We're making the right decisions to bring the solution to an end.

You have to do something when you're lying in bed. So you play with your mind.

Bring the child to the consciousness of his own dignity and he will feel free.

A very rich person should leave his kids enough to do anything, but not enough to do nothing.