Memorable Quotes from Joel Grey
25 quotesCritique of Fast Food Culture
Chiun
Do you know why Americans call it fast food'? Because it speeds them on their way to their graves.
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Focus Over Faith in Critical Moments
Remo Williams
Jesus.
Chiun
Concentrate. This is no time for prayer.
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Assassination as Public Service Perspective
Chiun
Professional assassination is the highest form of public service.
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The Importance of Proper Breathing
Chiun
Breathe out... slowly... do not gulp. If you do not breathe correctly, you do not move correctly. Pitiful. I can see the deadly hamburger has done its evil work. We must sweat the poison from your body and rebuild.
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Food Preferences and Unpleasant Comparisons
Chiun
It would be better for you to eat this can than what is inside of it. Why must everything in this country be coated with monositi-... monosoti...
Remo Williams
Monosodium glutamate. You can't even say it.
Chiun
I can say "rat droppings." That does not mean I wish to eat them.
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Awkward Movement Compared to a Yak
Chiun
You move like a pregnant yak. Sit.
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Cultural Identity and Perception in Dialogue
Remo Williams
Do you always talk like a Chinese fortune cookie?
Chiun
Chinese! I am Korean! The Korean is the most perfect creature ever to sanctify the earth with the imprint of its foot.
[striking Remo]
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The Superiority of Sinanju in Martial Arts
Chiun
Kung Fu, Karate, Ninjitsu... nothing more than shadows. Sinanju is the sun.
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The Importance of Speed in Action
Chiun
You must run very fast.
[after having run across a span of water to reach a speedboat that Remo is piloting]
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Perspective on Proportions and Personal Growth
Chiun
For an apricot, yes. For a head of lettuce, even more so. But for a mountain I am not even begun in years. However, for a man I am just right.
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The Nightingale's Song Questioned
Chiun
Does a nightingale sing?
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Overcoming Fear and Embracing Self-Belief
Chiun
Purge your mind of fear and believe in yourself. Without that belief, I can do nothing with you.
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A Humorous Exchange Between Remo and Chiun
Remo Williams
You know, Chiun, sometimes you're a real pain in the ass.
Chiun
That is because it is the shortest route to your brain.
Remo Williams
Chiun, you're incredible!
Chiun
No!... I am better than that...
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Understanding Fear as a Temporary Emotion
Chiun
Fear is nothing more than a feeling. You feel hot. You feel hungry. You feel angry. You feel afraid. Fear can never kill you.
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A Complex Relationship Between Friends
Remo Williams
You know, Chiun, there are times when I really like you.
Chiun
Of course. I am Chiun.
Remo Williams
And there are times when I could really kill you.
Chiun
Good! We will practice that after dinner.
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Clumsy Driving and Middle Age Wisdom
Remo Williams
Are you hurt?
Chiun
No. When you approach middle age, there is a tendency toward bruising, my son.
Remo Williams
What? What did you call me?
Chiun
I called you a clumsy oaf! You drive like a monkey in heat!
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The Illusion of Timekeeping Explained
Chiun
The trained mind does not need a watch. Watches are a confidence trick invented by the Swiss.
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A Moment of Readiness and Precision
Chiun
I reloaded.
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Exploring Identity and Unchosen Circumstances
Chiun
You did not ask to be white. So perhaps that is not your fault. You did not ask to be here. Perhaps that is not your fault, either.
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Embrace Beauty Amid Life's Disappointments
Master of Ceremonies
Leave your troubles outside! So life is disappointing? Forget it! In here, life is beautiful! The girls are beautiful! Even the orchestra is beautiful! Beautiful!
[The orchestra plays.]
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Charm School Lessons on Gender Roles
Chiun
Women should stay home and make babies. Preferably, manchild.
Major Rayner Fleming
I see you both went to the same charm school.
[to Remo]
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Instructions on Hand Placement
Chiun
Place your hands on top of your head." "I did not say to keep them there.
[Kicks Remo in the crotch]
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Introducing the Cabaret Girls
Master of Ceremonies
And now presenting the cabaret girls! Heidi, Christine, Mouzy, Helga, Betty, und Inge. Each and every one a virgin. You don't believe me? Well, do not take my word for it! Go ahead, ask Helga! Ha ha ha ha ha ha! Outside, it is winter. But here, it is so hot. Every night we have the battle to keep the girls from taking off all their clothing. So don't go away. Who knows? Tonight we may lose the battle!
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Chiun's Observation on Movement and Agility
Chiun
He move like a baboon, with two clubbed feet!
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Cultural Insights on Durability and Resilience
Chiun
(holding broken door handle after surving truck crash) In Korea, door handles do not break.
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