Zhang Yimou - Film Maker
Created | Updated Nov 18, 2006
Born on the 14th November 1951 in Xi'an, Shaanxi, China, Zhang is the most prolific member of the "Fifth Generation" of Chinese film directors.
Son of petit borgious Chinese couple. Lived in rural China during his political reeducation. Developed an interest in and trained as a photographer.
Worked in a factory designing socks, a job he secured due to his talent at basketball, the company's manager running a regional basketball team.
Wrote to govenment to ask to be included in Film school intake despite being officially too old, using an extensive portfolio of photographs printed in a disused toilet.
Changed the characters which represent his name from one meaning 'honouring ancestors' to 'artist'.
Begining his carrer as a cinematographer
Long term relationship with leading actress Gong Li
Story of Qui Ju began as series of films shot in a neo-realist style. Conciously attempting to break from the style of his previous three films he used the techniques of the Italian neo-realist movement.
Directed opening ceremony for Beijing Olympiad.
With Hero and House of Flying Daggers his
D - Director; C - Cinematographer; W - Sreenwriter; A - Actor; SD - Stage Director; P - Producer.
One and Eight (Yi ge he ba ge) (1983) C
Yellow Earth (Huang tu di) (1984) C
The Big Parade (Da yue bing) (1986) C
Old Well (Lao jing) (1986) C, A
Red Sorghum (Hong gao liang) (1987) D, A
Codename Cougar (Daihao meizhoubao) (1989) D
Terracotta Warrior (Qin yong) (1989) A
Ju Dou (1990) D
Raise the Red Lantern (Da hong deng long gao gao gua) (1991) D
The Story of Qiu Ju (Qiu Ju da guan si) (1992) D
Soul of a Painter (Hua hun) (1993) W
To Live (Huozhe) (1994) D (section)
Shanghai Triad (Yao a yao yao dao waipo qiao) (1995) D
Lumière et compagnie (1995) D
Keep Cool (You hua hao hao shuo) (1997) D, A
Dragon Town Story (Lung sing jing yuet) (1997) P
Not One Less (Yi ge dou bu neng shao) (1999) D
The Road Home (Wo de fu qin mu qin) (1999) D
Turandot At the Forbidden City (2000) A, SD
2046 (2001) P
Happy Times Hotel
Hero
House of Flying Daggers
Son of petit borgious Chinese couple. Lived in rural China during his political reeducation. Developed an interest in and trained as a photographer.
Worked in a factory designing socks, a job he secured due to his talent at basketball, the company's manager running a regional basketball team.
Wrote to govenment to ask to be included in Film school intake despite being officially too old, using an extensive portfolio of photographs printed in a disused toilet.
Changed the characters which represent his name from one meaning 'honouring ancestors' to 'artist'.
Begining his carrer as a cinematographer
Long term relationship with leading actress Gong Li
Story of Qui Ju began as series of films shot in a neo-realist style. Conciously attempting to break from the style of his previous three films he used the techniques of the Italian neo-realist movement.
Directed opening ceremony for Beijing Olympiad.
With Hero and House of Flying Daggers his
D - Director; C - Cinematographer; W - Sreenwriter; A - Actor; SD - Stage Director; P - Producer.
One and Eight (Yi ge he ba ge) (1983) C
Yellow Earth (Huang tu di) (1984) C
The Big Parade (Da yue bing) (1986) C
Old Well (Lao jing) (1986) C, A
Red Sorghum (Hong gao liang) (1987) D, A
Codename Cougar (Daihao meizhoubao) (1989) D
Terracotta Warrior (Qin yong) (1989) A
Ju Dou (1990) D
Raise the Red Lantern (Da hong deng long gao gao gua) (1991) D
The Story of Qiu Ju (Qiu Ju da guan si) (1992) D
Soul of a Painter (Hua hun) (1993) W
To Live (Huozhe) (1994) D (section)
Shanghai Triad (Yao a yao yao dao waipo qiao) (1995) D
Lumière et compagnie (1995) D
Keep Cool (You hua hao hao shuo) (1997) D, A
Dragon Town Story (Lung sing jing yuet) (1997) P
Not One Less (Yi ge dou bu neng shao) (1999) D
The Road Home (Wo de fu qin mu qin) (1999) D
Turandot At the Forbidden City (2000) A, SD
2046 (2001) P
Happy Times Hotel
Hero
House of Flying Daggers
