Colin Firth: "I would like to do more action"

Colin Firth has departed from his typical roles in historical and romantic films to take on a more action-oriented role in his new film, "Kingsman: The Secret Service." In fact, the 54-year-old actor hopes to do even more action films in the future.

"I was a huge fan of kung fu movies growing up, and had a poster of Bruce Lee in my room when I was a kid," the Oscar-winning British actor told Xinhua in an exclusive interview. "I would certainly love to be involved with that kind of thing."

Firth was in Beijing to promote "Kingsman," which hits Chinese screens Friday.

In the action-spy film, an aimless young man is taken under the wing of an uncle (Colin Firth) who happens to be the top officer of a secret spy organization. The two work together against a tech genius who is orchestrating a global threat.

Notable is the fact that Bradley Allan, the film's stunt coordinator, was previously a member of Jackie Chan's stunt team and is familiar with choreographing martial arts performances.

"I wouldn't just want to do any old action in the conventional western way, which is dependent on editing and using stunt doubles," Firth said. "I love the fact that I was able to do it in a way that is dependent on choreography, real kinetic, almost dance style."

When asked whether he would like to do another action film, Firth was quick to answer. "I love it and I would like to do more of it. But if I do it, I would love to have the same trainers and the same stunt team."

Firth said English history and the cinematic image of English men seem to work well with espionage-themed films, such as in the legendary James Bond franchise.

"England has a history where militarism is largely featured. It's associated with intrigue and conflict. Also, if you're somebody who is very open, expressive and easy to decode, it's not really a spy," he said.

"So it's the idea of a reserved person and you don't know what he's thinking. And the image of cinematic Englishmen is very suited to that," he added.

He also said Kingsman pays homage to the classic James Bond films, while "satirizing our own nostalgia and memory of it."

Firth is an acclaimed actor, having won an Oscar for his starring role in the 2010 film "The King's Speech."

He is perhaps best known in China for his portrayal of Mr. Darcy in the 1995 BBC adaptation of "Pride and Prejudice."