Zhang Yimou

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Zhang Yimou [File Photo]

Starting his career as a textile mill worker, Chinese film director Zhang Yimou's life is full of legendary colors. Recognized as the leading member of China's fifth generation of filmmakers, Zhang has also played the role of actor, screenwriter and cinematographer. He also directed the internationally-acclaimed opening and closing ceremonies of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.

 

Zhang, who never stops experimenting with different styles, never forgets how to make box office hits. His most recent film, historical drama war film The Flowers of War", pulled in 610 million yuan (US$96.8 million) in box office in China alone, making it the country's highest grossing movie of 2011.

Zhang has established his place as one of the most influential directors in the world since his directorial debut "Red Sorghum" (1987) which earned him the Golden Bear Award at the 38th Berlin Film Festival.

Zhang holds numerous honors, including the nomination for the Academy Award in the Best Foreign Film category for "Ju Dou" in 1990 and "Raise the Red Lantern" in 1991, the Golden Lion Award at the 45th Venice International Film Festival for "The Story of Qiu Ju" (1992), the Grand Jury Prize at the 47th Cannes International Film Festival for "To Live" (1994) and the Golden Lion Award at the 52nd Venice International Film Festival for "Not One Less" (1999).

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Born: Nov. 14, 1951, in Xi'an, Shaanxi Province

Years active: 1987-present

Selected filmography: "Red Sorghum"(1987) "Ju Dou"(1990), "Raise the Red Lantern"( 1991), "The Story of Qiu Ju"(1992), "To Live"(1994), "Not One Less"(1999), "The Road Home"(1999), "Hero"(2002), "House of Flying Daggers"( 2004), "Riding Alone for Thousands of Miles"(2005), "Curse of the Golden Flower"( 2006), "A Simple Noodle Story"( 2009), "The Love of the Hawthorn Tree"(2010), "The Flowers of War" (2011)