Zhang Ziyi Movies

Mei Lanfang

Mei Lanfang, began in Beijing on July 14. It is a $15 million project under famed Chinese director Chen Kaige ("Farewell My Concubine" and "The Emperor and the Assassin".) It will chronicle the life of the famous star of Peking opera Mei Lanfang. Expected to be released before the 2008 Beijing Olympics, some hope the film will provide a glimpse into traditional Chinese culture at a time when the world's attention will be focused on China.

The Horsemen

"The Horsemen" tells the story of hardened detective who finds himself thrust into an investigation of perverse serial killings rooted in the Biblical prophecy of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. Set in Detroit but filmed in Winnipeg, the $20 million production spent eight weeks in filming, from January to March, 2007. According to Ziyi "her character is a very complicated teegage girl, who forms a small gang with four boys to avenge those who have been victimized by injustice."

The Banquet

Released Fall 2006

An historical drama of revenge set in Tang dynasty China, loosely based upon Hamlet. A new Emperor has usurped the throne through murder. Zhang Ziyi plays the widowed Empress, who marries the new Emperor to protect herself, but also secretly plots his death with the help of the Crown Prince and the Chief Minister. Yet the Prince and Minister each have their own plans for the throne, and, of course, so does the Emperor. All these intrigues are brought to a climax when the Emperor calls for a lavish banquet, where the murderous plans are set in motion. The Banquet explores a tragedy of fate through fighting, dancing, and storytelling.

Now on DVD

Zhang Ziyi plays the title role of Sayuri, a young girl who is taken from her village sold into a geisha house. Sayuri survives abuse at the hands of a jealous rival, masters the arts of the geisha, and finally wins the affection of the man she loves.  Ziyi stars with Ken Watanabe, Gong Li, and Michelle Yeoh in the long awaited adaptaion of Arthur Golden's bestselling novel. Her first english language role, for which she recieved Best Actress nominations from the Golden Globes and Screen Actors Guild.

Princess Raccoon

Zhang Ziyi plays a raccoon spirit princess in this musical love-story by Japanese director Seijun Suzuki. Her character, Tanuki-hime, falls in love with Amechiyo (Joe Odagiri), a prince who has been banished from his father's castle. The sets of the film will resemble those of a play on stage. Director Suzuki says: "Imagine blending elements of architecture, art and traditional performing arts like Kabuki and Noh... with opera, ballet, and rock'n'roll! Princess Raccoon tells a compelling story about the triumphant nature of self-determination, beauty, and love."

Jasmine Women

A story of love and loss over three generations of life in a single family in Shanghai. Jasmine Women tells of the family's struggle to overcome its tragic history, as each daughter repeats the mistakes of her mother. Zhang Ziyi plays mother, daughter, and granddaughter as the film moves from the 1930's to the 1950's to the 1970's. Jasmine Women was first shown at the Shanghai Film Fesival in 2004 where it won the Jury Prix Prize.  It's wide release in China has been repeatedly delayed, but should be forthcoming in April 2006.

This is Zhang Ziyi's biggest action role since Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. She rejoins great director Zhang Yimou of Hero and The Road Home to take the next step in wuxia martial arts films. A much more emotional story than Hero, culminating in a spectacular if melodramatic ending. The action sequences easily surpass those in Hero, and the cinematography is almost as beautiful.

A blend of classic romance and science fiction from Wong Kar Wai. A writer with painful memories of love tries to escape from them both in life and in writing. A series of love stories alternating between this world and his fictional world of 2046 explore the depths of human passion and heartbreak. Zhang Ziyi plays Bai Ling, a woman who moves in next door to him and soon becomes his lover. Her most ravishing and mature role yet, a huge step past even Purple Butterfly in her growth as an actress. Gorgeous cinematography and music frame the powerful performances of actresses Zhang Ziyi, Faye Wong, and Gong Li.

The tragedy of war takes many shapes, and few movies have ever looked at it as Purple Butterfly does. In 1930s Shanghai, a vulnerable young woman joins the resistance and is tasked with seducing her former Japanese lover, who now works for Japanese intelligence. This slow, dark, intense film was rejected by many critics because of its visual style and its dense, subtle plotting, which when understood creates a disturbingly compelling historical atmosphere. Zhang Ziyi's most underappreciated movie, and one of her greatest dramatic performances to date.

Hero

A masterpiece on every level, Hero brings together China's biggest stars under the helm of it's best director, Zhang Yimou (The Road Home.) Jet Li stars as Nameless, and he comes to the King's palace with the story of how he defeated the kingdom's three most feared assassins. The most beautiful cinematography imaginable, evocative music by Tan Dun (Crouching Tiger), superb acting by Maggie Cheung, Tony Leung, Daoming Chen, and Zhang Ziyi, excellently choreographed action sequences, and a sophisticated plot make this one the greatest movies ever.

Musa

Korea's response to Gladiator, this was the biggest and most expensive project in Korean film history. Gritty and realistic violence dominates the style of Musa. In 1375 a diplomatic envoy from Korea is sent to China, where they are banished into the Gobi desert. They must rescue a kidnapped Chinese princess from Mongolian raiders and march hundred of miles to their home, before the Mongol army can capture them. Ziyi plays the princess Bu-yong.

Legend of Zu

A forgettable action fantasy from Hong Kong director Tsui Hark. It suffers from excessive use of special effects and a pointlessly complicated plot. Ziyi has only 10 minutes of screen time, and her talents aren't used well.

Rush Hour 2

This Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker cop comedy is actually the highest grossing film Ziyi has appeared in. She plays the role of Hu Li, an assassin whose weapon of choice is the biggest bomb she can carry. Highlights of her role include looking good, acting crazy, and kicking Chris Tucker's ass. She's great at all three, while Chan and Tucker add the laughs.

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon

The blockbuster that turned Ziyi into an international star. Ang Lee's martial arts epic gave her the chance to show the world just how talented she is.

The Road Home

For her first major film, Zhang Ziyi was selected from thousands of applicants to play Zhao Di, a young girl who falls in love with the new teacher who has come to her town in rural China. Director Zhang Yimou uses only the barest means to create a work of perfect poetic beauty.

Touching Starlight

This is Zhang Ziyi's very first movie, made when she was only 15. Ziyi stars in the role of Chen Wei, a young dancer who is diagnosed with cancer and forced to have her leg amputated. Unable to continue her training, she starts a radio show where the disabled can share their feelings with one another. Based on a real life story. An English subtitled version of this movie was produced by forum member Mocha, and my host ZiyiFilms.com is the only place you will find it.

My Wife is A Gangster 2

Ziyi had a short 30 second cameo in this popular Korean action comedy. It's not unlike her role in Rush Hour 2, but she with less screen time and a gaudier outfit.