Zhang Yimou

Zhang Yimou Profile

Name: Zhang Yimou
DOB: November 14, 1951
Place of birth: Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
Education: Beijing Film Academy (graduated in 1982)
Profession: Director

(Also credited as Zhang Yi Mou, Yimou Zhang)



Zhang Yimou Biography


Zhang Yimou is internationally acclaimed Chinese director. His famous movies include Red Sorghum, Raise the Red Lantern, Hero and Curse of the Golden Flower etc.

Zhang Yimou is also credited for discovering famous Chinese actresses Gong Li and Zhang Ziyi.

Zhang Yimou started as a cinematographer after graduating from the prestigious Beijing Film Academy in 1982. Zhang was also an actor; he actually made his acting debut (Old Well in 1986) prior to his first directed movie Red Sorghum in 1987.

Red Sorghum was the debut for Gong Li as well; it was a great success and won the Golden Bear for Best Picture at the 1988 Berlin Film Festival. Zhang was recognized as one of the world best artistic directors since then.

Zhang Yimou continued to direct some great movies that won him numerous recognitions. His 1999 movie the road home was the breakthrough role for Zhang Ziyi.

Zhang Yimou also starred in a few other movies, including the acclaimed Fight and Love with a Terracotta Warrior in 1989.

Zhang made some significant change in 2002 with movie Hero; a huge-budget movie compared to his normal small productions. It’s also his first epic-like movie compared to his previous real-to-life movies.

Hero won mixed reviews, but was a great box-office success. Zhang made another 2 high profile epic movies with House of Flying Daggers in 2004 and Curse of the Golden Flower in 2006.