Comparing 7 Prominent “Muses” of Zhang Yimou: Who Is the Most Successful?
Zhang Yimou, a renowned director in Chinese cinema, has not only gained fame for his exceptional directorial skills but also for his talent in discovering and nurturing leading actresses such as Gong Li, Zhang Ziyi, Ni Ni, Zhou Dongyu, and Dong Jie. His films are often celebrated internationally, and many of his leading ladies have risen to fame, even reaching Hollywood. However, the future success of these actresses ultimately depends on their own abilities. Let’s take a look at seven of Zhang Yimou’s most notable muses, both past and present, and see who among them has achieved the most success.
1. Gong Li – The Most Successful Muse
In the 1990s, Gong Li established a high status in the Chinese film industry, largely thanks to Zhang Yimou’s guidance. Almost all of her films during this period were directed by Zhang, with each succeeding film increasing her fame. Both Gong Li and Zhang Yimou contributed to each other’s success. Although their romantic relationship ended, Gong Li’s career continued to flourish. Despite a brief hiatus from acting, Gong Li’s international reputation has only grown. Today, at nearly 60, she enjoys a happy life with her foreign husband and occasionally appears at film festivals and events.
2. Zhang Ziyi – The Internationally Renowned Muse
Zhang Ziyi is the second most famous muse of Zhang Yimou. Their collaboration on the film “The Road Home” brought Zhang Ziyi widespread acclaim and success, paving the way for her entry into Hollywood. Despite some initial criticism and comparisons to Gong Li, Zhang Ziyi’s career has been marked by significant achievements. Her role in “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” further cemented her international status. However, without Zhang Yimou’s mentorship, Zhang Ziyi’s career has faced ups and downs, with occasional scandals affecting her public image. Recent successes include her role in Wong Kar Wai’s “The Grandmaster,” which revitalized her career.
3. Dong Jie – The Rising Star with Mixed Success
Dong Jie’s career took off after her role in Zhang Yimou’s “Happy Times.” Despite the film’s mixed commercial success, Dong Jie gained recognition. However, her fame did not reach the heights of Gong Li or Zhang Ziyi. Dong Jie later faced personal controversies, including an affair that led to the end of her marriage. She has since ventured into e-commerce and live broadcasting, with occasional acting roles that haven’t brought her back to prominence. Her career remains less notable compared to her predecessors.
4. Zhou Dongyu – The Lucky Breakthrough
Zhou Dongyu’s career resembles that of Dong Jie in its initial success. Her breakthrough came with “Under the Hawthorn Tree,” a film directed by Zhang Yimou. Zhou Dongyu’s pure and innocent appearance won her the role, and the film’s success launched her career. She later made a bold move with her role in “Soul Mate” and continued to receive acclaim. Despite some scandals and rumors about her relationships, Zhou Dongyu remains a prominent figure in the industry, though her future success depends on the opportunities provided by investors and the Hong Kong film industry.
5. Ni Ni – The Charismatic Muse with Limited Success
Ni Ni, known for her striking beauty and charm, was one of the most promising actresses after Gong Li. However, her fortune did not match the success of her predecessors. Before starring in “The Flowers of War,” Ni Ni was an amateur actress with no acting background. Despite Zhang Yimou’s significant investment in her training, including a notable scene with Oscar winner Christian Bale, the film did not achieve Oscar recognition, limiting Ni Ni’s international success. Nonetheless, she has starred in various successful films and TV dramas. In recent years, Ni Ni has focused on television to improve her acting skills, though results have been mixed. Her red carpet style remains widely praised.
6. Liu Haocun – The Promising New Muse
Liu Haozhen is a new-generation muse of Zhang Yimou. Unlike previous muses who were chosen through casting calls, Liu Haozhen was carefully selected by Zhang Yimou. Her combination of beauty and strong dancing skills set her apart, leading to her roles in “One Second” and “A Little Red Flower,” which garnered significant attention. Within just four years of her debut, Liu Haozhen has worked with major stars and established a successful career. Her future looks promising, and many are excited to see her continued growth.
7. Wei Minzhi – The Unique Muse with a Different Path
Wei Minzhi is perhaps the most unique of Zhang Yimou’s muses. She didn’t rise to fame through acting talent or appearance but gained notoriety through the film “Not One Less.” Despite her success in this film, Zhang Yimou did not continue to guide her acting career due to her limited acting skills and personal conditions. Instead, Wei Minzhi returned to her studies and later pursued further education domestically and abroad. Although she didn’t continue in the entertainment industry, her story is one of transformation and success in a different realm.
