Justin Lin

Date of Birth: October 11, 1971

Zodiac Sign: Libra

Biography

Justin Lin is a Taiwanese-American film director, producer, and screenwriter, best known for his work on the “Fast & Furious” franchise. Born in Taipei, Taiwan, Lin moved to the United States at a young age and grew up in Orange County, California. His passion for filmmaking led him to attend the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where he graduated with a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) from the UCLA School of Theater, Film, and Television. Lin’s breakout film was “Better Luck Tomorrow” (2002), an independent drama that received critical acclaim and was selected for the Sundance Film Festival. This film paved the way for his career in Hollywood, leading him to direct “Annapolis” (2006) and eventually being tapped to direct “The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift” (2006). His innovative direction revitalized the franchise, leading him to direct “Fast & Furious” (2009), “Fast Five” (2011), and “Fast & Furious 6” (2013). Lin’s work on these films is credited with transforming the series into a global phenomenon. In addition to his work on the “Fast & Furious” series, Lin directed “Star Trek Beyond” (2016) and episodes of acclaimed television series such as “True Detective” and “Community.” He is known for his dynamic action sequences, diverse casting, and ability to blend high-octane thrills with compelling narratives.

5 Interesting Facts about Justin Lin

1. Justin Lin was born in Taipei, Taiwan, and immigrated to the United States with his family when he was just eight years old.

2. His film “Better Luck Tomorrow” was financed through credit cards and loans, highlighting his dedication and belief in the project.

3. Lin has a penchant for reviving and revitalizing film franchises, as seen with his work on “Fast & Furious” and “Star Trek.”

4. He directed the first-ever “Community” paintball episode, which became iconic and led to the show’s cult status.

5. In 2021, Lin returned to direct “F9,” the ninth installment of the “Fast & Furious” franchise, marking his fifth film in the series.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Justin Lin

1. “As a filmmaker, you are always looking for something that is going to take you out of your comfort zone.”

2. “I think the biggest thing that I learned is that you have to be true to yourself. When you are true to yourself, the audience will respond to that.”

3. “I feel like every project is an opportunity to learn and to grow.”

4. “Diversity should not be a trend; it should be a normal part of storytelling.”

5. “The action is great, but if the characters don’t resonate, it doesn’t matter how big the explosions are.”