Eradicating a religion of kindness is, I think, a terrible thing for the Chinese to attempt.

The only thing I really wanted was the freedom to be able to get what I want on film. I’ve dealt with the MPAA since 1973, so I know how to renegotiate and rework.

Because of the movies I make, people get nervous. They think of me as difficult and angry. I am difficult and angry, but they don't expect a sense of humor. And the only thing that gets me through is a sense of humor.

The only way I was able to defend myself was to be able to take punishment. Then I got a lot of respect. They said, "Oh, he's okay, he can take it. Don't hit him." The guys were pretty big, and I had asthma.

Alcohol decimated the working class and so many people.

The first element that I connected with was the emotion. Sorry, that's how it goes.

I also saw the Dalai Lama a few times.