Ang Lee Quotes

A collection of quotes by Ang Lee.

Ang Lee is a highly acclaimed Taiwanese-born film director and screenwriter. Born on October 23, 1954, in Pingtung, Taiwan, he is known for his versatility and ability to skillfully explore a wide range of genres and themes. With a career spanning over three decades, Lee has become one of the most celebrated and influential filmmakers in the industry.

After completing his education in Taiwan and the United States, including an MFA in Film Production from New York University, Ang Lee directed his first feature film, "Pushing Hands," in 1992. However, it was his second film, "The Wedding Banquet" (1993), that brought him international recognition when it won the Golden Bear award at the Berlin International Film Festival.

Lee continued to impress both critics and audiences with his subsequent works, such as "Eat Drink Man Woman" (1994), "Sense and Sensibility" (1995), and "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" (2000). The latter film, in particular, earned him global acclaim and received numerous awards, including four Academy Awards.

Throughout his career, Ang Lee has displayed a remarkable ability to navigate diverse genres, from martial arts epics to romantic dramas, and tackle complex themes with depth and sensitivity. Some of his other notable works include "Brokeback Mountain" (2005), "Life of Pi" (2012), and "Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk" (2016).

Ang Lee's unique storytelling, technical innovation, and artistic vision have firmly established him as a cinematic powerhouse, earning him two Academy Awards for Best Director. His contributions to cinema have not only garnered critical acclaim but have also inspired and influenced filmmakers around the world.

I look at American movies, the big muscles, and try to apply

I look at American movies, the big muscles, and try to apply that to Chinese film-making.

These days I'm mostly familiar with two parts of L.A.: one i

These days I'm mostly familiar with two parts of L.A.: one is movie culture, and the other is Asian culture. The Westside is work, and the Eastside is Chinese - which means my friends.

I don't have incredible knowledge about films or of filmmaki

I don't have incredible knowledge about films or of filmmaking history I'm not that kind of person.

Making movies is a way of understanding myself and the world

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

Movies

I think a lot of people do big movies not because they are t

I think a lot of people do big movies not because they are talented artists but because they can function in the circumstances.

Movies

My father was the center of the family, and everyone tried t

My father was the center of the family, and everyone tried to please him.

Family

3D is quite a lot more advanced in animated movies for live-

3D is quite a lot more advanced in animated movies for live-action movies we're just taking baby steps, we're just in the beginning.

Movies

Sensitivity and money are like parallel lines. They don't me

Sensitivity and money are like parallel lines. They don't meet.

Money

Over the years Woodstock got glorified and romanticised and

Over the years Woodstock got glorified and romanticised and became the event that symbolised Utopia. It's the last page of our collective memory of the age of innocence. Then things turned ugly and would never be the same again.

Age

I'm just a pretty regular dad.

I'm just a pretty regular dad.

Dad

If there's something that can be formulated, regulated, give

If there's something that can be formulated, regulated, give you security, then nobody would lose money. Every movie would be successful. And that's certainly not the case.

Money

In the past I've made movies that were pretty universally li

In the past I've made movies that were pretty universally liked. You can't really hate them. You can discard them, but you can't really hate them.

Movies

The source of all the material comes from nothingness, illus

The source of all the material comes from nothingness, illusion is working more on things you can prove. That's the principle, the essence of life, it is actually an illusion, not immaterial. That's worth pursuing. So illusion is not nothing. In a way, that is the truth.

Truth

When I sent those scripts, that was the lowest point of my l

When I sent those scripts, that was the lowest point of my life. We'd just had our second son, and when I went to collect them from hospital, I went to the bank to try and get some money to buy some diapers, the screen showed I've got $26 left.

Money

I think the American West really attracts me because it's ro

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

Romantic

The fear factor actually brings the genuineness.

The fear factor actually brings the genuineness.

Fear

After making several tragic movies in a row, I was looking t

After making several tragic movies in a row, I was looking to do a comedy, and one without cynicism.

Movies

Economically, it's more expensive to make movies. I hope dig

Economically, it's more expensive to make movies. I hope digital movies change that.

Change

Sexuality is a big issue, but there are others - how much yo

Sexuality is a big issue, but there are others - how much you commit to a relationship, to social obligation, to honesty and being honest with yourself.

Relationship

You can get rich or famous by doing the same thing.

You can get rich or famous by doing the same thing.

Famous