Woo grew up in an impoverished family in Hong Kong. The family was once rendered homeless by a fire in 1953. It was thanks to donations that they were able to relocate. He then went to a Lutheran School when the local church stepped in to help, for which he is deeply grateful to this day. In his early days in the film industry, senior director Chang Cheh also gave him much support and trust.

"Many people helped me when I was young," he says.

Woo likes directors who write their own scripts, because from the stories they write he can judge their creativity and potential. Once he approves of the stories, he talks to them about their expectations and what kind of support they want.

The works of Alexi Tan and Lee Guei Yuen, two directors he supported, were not very successful at the box office, but Woo says he is not disappointed.

"They can learn from the experience, whether good or bad," he says.

It is this same urge to help young talents that is behind his next blockbuster.

Tentatively titled Tiger, the film focuses on the 1st American Volunteer Group of the Chinese Air Force, better known as the Flying Tigers. The former US pilots and ground crew, commanded by Claire Lee Chennault, helped defend China against Japanese forces during World War II.

The air battles scenes are likely to prove even more demanding and difficult than the war scenes of Woo's box office triumph Red Cliff. Chinese and US teams will cooperate on the visual effects.

Woo planned to make a love story or musical after an exhausting Red Cliff, but he finally chose Tiger to challenge himself again and offer opportunities to young filmmakers.

"I find that many young Chinese filmmakers are eager to learn. This film will create an opportunity for them to learn the latest technology. And it will be a group drama about young pilots, which needs many young actors."

The story will emphasize the brotherly feelings that developed between the Chinese and American pilots.

Woo is currently working with writers from both China and the United States on the third draft of the script.

There have been rumors that Tom Cruise may team up with Woo again after Mission: Impossible II, but Woo denies it.

"Tom Cruise wants to work with me again," he says. "But nothing is confirmed so far. I will give him the completed script to see what he thinks. Young actors, for sure, will be the majority in this film," he says emphatically.