Daniel Lee, also known as Yan-Kong Lee, is a renowned Hong Kong film director who has made a name for himself in the world of cinema. From a young age, he developed a passion for the arts, learning calligraphy and traditional Chinese painting under the guidance of the esteemed Hong Kong painter Fan, Zideng. Additionally, he mastered the art of Judo, showcasing his skills in local competitions.
As a child, Lee was captivated by the Wuxia world, spending hours reading Wuxia novels and watching martial arts films that were all the rage in Hong Kong at the time. This fascination would later influence his film-making style and become a defining characteristic of his work.
After completing his bachelor's degree in communication and arts from the University of Windsor in Canada, Lee returned to Hong Kong and began his career as a director of television series. He also had the opportunity to work as an assistant to the acclaimed film director Ann Hui on the production of The Romance of Book and Sword (1987),a film based on Louis Cha's classic Wuxia novel.
In the early 1990s, Lee's exceptional film-making skills caught the attention of the master of Wuxia film, Cheh Chang, who would later recognize Lee, along with Hark Tsui, as one of the "three generations of Wuxia film-making." Lee's films are characterized by their distinctive visual style, which features heavy black costumes and emphasizes masculinity and brotherly bonds, reflecting the director's romantic perspective.
Throughout his career, Lee has remained true to his artistic vision, crafting films that pay homage to the Wuxia genre while also introducing new and innovative elements. His dedication to his craft has earned him a reputation as one of the most respected and celebrated film directors in Hong Kong.
