Author: Mike Fury
Publisher: Bench Press
Subject: Cinema / Martial Arts
Year: 2020
Synopsis
“Life of Action II” is Mike Fury’s sequel to his brilliant first volume. These are new interviews, with new questions. Volume II builds on the original book and complements it perfectly. It is well thought through, well laid out and carries lots of interesting and useful information. “Life of Action” has been reviewed at Kung Fu Kingdom, scoring a whopping 10/10 which you should definitely take a look at if you missed it before.
Review
This book is just as physically impressive as the original. It is nice and large, just under A4 page size, and about an inch thick. Both volumes do look great together and certainly make for a cool coffee-table talking point. The front cover follows the style of the first book, with the action creators listed, but this time with a great shot of the fantastic Zoë Bell in the film “Raze”.
The book is currently available in both hard and softback versions. I am reviewing the hardback one which has a satisfying weight to it.
Dedicated to those Who Persevere in the Face of Adversity
Opening the book, there is a dedication that is one of the best dedications I have read. Short and simple, but effective – “This is dedicated to those who persevere in the face of adversity”. This is a very apt dedication for everything we are all going through globally in 2020!
Directors, Stunt Performers, Actors & Stunt Coordinators Galore!
You then get to the contents page where, once again you can see the depth and breadth of the interviewees – Directors, Stunt performers, Actors and Stunt Coordinators. Following the contents, Mike gives us just over a page of ‘About the Book’ followed by a paragraph about Fury himself, with links to social media and how to contact him.
Features Michael Jai White, Zoë Bell, Tony Jaa, Vic Armstrong, Frank Grillo & many more…
Volume II has more of the great questions and intriguing interviews that we loved in the first book. With Michael Jai White, John Salvitti, Juju Chan, Cung Le and Amy Johnston among just some of the big names Fury has had access to interview, you can be sure this collection is as insightful as the first.
Each Interview is Multiple Pages Long
Each of the interviews is well laid out with appropriate photos of the person in film or working on set and you’re certainly not short-changed as each interview is multiple pages long.
Once again, the questions are interesting and tailored to that individual, although there are general themes about the films they have worked on, training they undertake and each interview closes with a question about advice for people aspiring to work in action cinema.
The book closes with Fury’s final thoughts, thanks and acknowledgments.
Summary
“Life of Action II” is fantastic extension of the original “Life of Action” book.
New questions and new interviews wrapped up in the style of the first book. Mike’s continued love for action cinema flows throughout.
There is a richness to these books that is not always reflected elsewhere neither in action cinema books or articles. Both Mike and the creators he interviews really care about what they are making and it really jumps off the page at you.
If you have read this far then you are exactly who this book is for – Vic Armstrong, Zoë Bell, Gareth Evans, Heidi Moneymaker, Frank Grillo, Tim Man and many more, all captured in one place, waiting to tell you their experiences, giving advice to young stunt performers and action filmmakers.
It is best described as 26 mini autobiographies, wrapped in a beautiful package.
I loved this book just as much as the first one – I spent 5 hours reading it from cover to cover and would recommend this to all, whether you are interested in action cinema, stunts, martial arts or even none of those per se! The knowledge and insights provided are full of and experience and wisdom and are as informative as they are entertaining. The KFK campaign for “Life of Action Volume III” will start soon!
Favourite Quotes
- “I tell people there are no secrets, no shortcuts. You need to work hard and persevere through all the tough times because we all have them. Just remember, there are no rules.” – Frank Grillo
- “Over the years I’ve learned that there are a million different ways to teach somebody one thing. No two people learn a technique the same way.” – Luke LaFontaine
- “You can’t really come up with brand new ideas because everything has been done. But what I like to do is bring back the old stuff, the way they used to do it in the 1970’s and 80’s.” – Tim Man
- “I train five or six days a week. I have a gym at home, and a stunt team that comes over and works with me either at my place or my manager’s country home. When I am not shooting, I train around five to six hours a day.” – Tony Jaa
Life of Action Volume II 2020
Book Rating: 10/10
You can order “Life of Action II” in paperback, hardback and Kindle formats via Amazon!
Order “Life of Action II” now!
