One month after we reported that Jay Chou [Initial D] would be writing the theme song for Jet Li's last martial arts film Fearless it was released on public radio yesterday.
"I think that getting the chance to have a young idol make a song for my movie makes me feel very proud. Actually, I was kind of worried earlier because his singing speed is faster than my fist", said Jet. The song is reported to have traditional Chinese elements to it as well as dialogue from Jet Li in the middle of the song and Jay Chou impersonating a female opera singer in the song.
What is admirable is that Jay Chou has done all this, including filming a music video for the song, without earning a single penny for his efforts. At the announcement of this collaborative effort at a HK airport [where the two exchanged a martial arts book and a music book as a symbol of the collaboration] Chou said that the only satisfaction he can get from this collaboration will be his idol's approval and liking for the song; money, in this case, is minor and redundant.
Chou, who is reported to be a bit of a goof generally, was humbled by the experience. "Actually, everybody notices how skilled he is (in martial arts). I think what he's really skilled in is his modesty. I see the modesty of a super star. I was thinking that there would be lots of bodyguards around him the first time we meet. There were none! Just him and he was very modest and polite. This is what I should learn from him".
And to Chou's delight Li has also said that he would like to appear in one of Chou's music videos in the future - part of his move away from martial arts films and into other acting circles. "I see a rare type of ambition in him that someone my age doesn't have. I hope to act in one of Jay Chou's MVs if I have a chance, that is if he doesn't think I'm too old".
Jet Li: "If Jay Chou invites me to film a MTV, I will probably happily go with him."
Jay: "Really?"
Jet Li: "Really!"
Jay: "Thank you! Thank you!"
Jet Li: "It'll be free too!"
Jay: "We have a video to prove this right?"
Jet Li: "Yes. No problem!"
The theme song will appear on an EP on January 20th.
Sources: Jay-Chou.net [1] [2] and AsianFanatics