InterviewwithPhillipRhee

In October of 2001 Phillip consented to answer some questions as part of a series of interviews exclusive to The Phillip Rhee Worldwide Fan Site. I would like to thank Phillip on behalf of his fans for taking the time to share his thoughts with us, and for allowing us insight into his career, his life, and his aspirations.

Q-	Phillip, you were quoted at the 1999 Golden Ring Awards as saying you were "retiring from starring in action movies"…is this true?
A-	No…the statement was misquoted. I am not retiring from starring in action movies.
Q-	Will you continue to write, direct, and produce action films, or are you completely redirecting your creative focus?
A-	I will always practice Martial Arts, and I will always write, direct and produce Martial Arts/action films. There are many stories that I have that I still want to produce.
Q-	As a producer/director, do you accept (or seek out) screenplay submissions in search of new projects? Or do you prefer to produce your own work?
A-	I am always in search of projects that feature a good story.
Q-	Have you ever done work in television?
A-	No, I have not yet worked in television.
Q-	Do you have plans to work in television in the future?
A-	There is a possibility that I might produce a television series-(the website) will let you know when that happens.
Q-	When you're writing, how does the creative process work for you?
A-	Writing is a long process…I collect ideas that become stories.
Q-	Where do you find the inspiration for your screenplays?
A-	My inspiration can come from people, or from an event…I love stories about people who overcome the odds and succeed. Those are my favorites.
Q-	Do you prefer to work alone, or collaborate with another writer?
A-	I have no ego. I can work alone, or with a collaborator…ultimately it's about the story.
Q-	You recorded the Martial Arts commentary/analysis for the DVD release of "Jackie Chan's The Prisoner"-do you plan to provide professional commentaries on any future films?
A-	I did that one as a favor.
Q-	Do you ever work on movies as a fight or stunt coordinator?
A-	No.
Q-	Is there one person you have always wanted to make a movie with (in an acting or directing capacity)?
A-	Randall Wallace, who was the writer of "Braveheart" and "Pearl Harbor" as well as the director of "The Man in the Iron Mask". His most recent work is "We Were Soldiers Once…and Young" with Mel Gibson. He let me see it, and it's great!
Q-	What do you consider to be your favorite film?
A-	"Braveheart"…it's very close to who I am.
Q-	What film (or role) do you recall as "the one that got away"-a missed opportunity?
A-	Things happen for a reason, so I've never felt that I missed out. The greatest word that I've learned is "next"-then move on.
Q-	What advice would you give a young person today, who came to you wanting to be a filmmaker?
A-	Tell great stories that can inspire and move people.
Q-	Do you consider yourself to be a role model for today's Asian-American youth?
A-	I just want to inspire people that if I can do it, so can you. Just believe in yourself.
Q-	What one person has had the greatest impact on your life?
A-	My mother, who gave me love, and my father, who gave me strength.
Q-	If you could change one thing in your past, what would it be? What would you do differently?
A-	I don't talk about the past or things that I have no control over…what's done is done. NEXT!
Q-	Do you feel that your career in "the business" (the entertainment industry) has come with a price?
A-	Everything comes with a price: time, effort, disappointment…but all of that leads to success if you just stick with it.
Q-	What are your biggest drawbacks?
A-	I have too much pride, but I don't know if that's a drawback.
Q-	What do you want your legacy to be? (What one thing do you want to be remembered for?)
A-	I want to be remembered for being a good, decent human being.
Q-	One last trivia question: your wife Amy served as Costume Designer on "Best of the Best IV"…was she also the actress who played your wife in the home-movie scene in that movie?
A-	Yes.