Zhang Ziyi Biography & Wallpapers

Zhang Ziyi Wallpapers

Ziyi Zhang (birth name Zhang Zi-Yi) was born on February 9, 1979, in Beijing, China. She is a famous Chineese actress. Zhang Ziyi height 5' 5"/165 cm.

Zhang Ziyi is the daughter of an economist father and a kindergarten teacher. Raised with her older brother in an urban, working-class part of Beijing, Zhang Ziyi was originally interested in dance and gymnastics. Her entry into the dance world came when she was 11, as she was accepted to a secondary school affiliated with Beijing Dancing College. During the four years that she was trained in dance, Zhang Ziyi managed to pick up some awards, including one at the National Young Dancer competition.

Even though a career in dance seemed promising for the graceful Zhang, she became frustrated with the art by

the time she was 15, and opted to become an actress instead. Zhang Ziyi enrolled in the Central Drama Academy in Beijing, where she received her dramatic training. Zhang's calling was answered when she auditioned for a shampoo commercial, directed by Zhang Yimou (one of China's most renowned directors). The director of many successful films, including Raise the Red Lantern, Zhang Yimou used the commercial as a way to audition actresses for his upcoming film. Zhang Yimou knew that Zhang Ziyi was the perfect choice for the part of a young, rural schoolgirl in love with a schoolteacher, and he cast her in the lead role of 1999's The Road Home (also known as Wo de fu qim mu qin). The Road Home won the "Jury Grand Prix" Silver Bear at the 2000 Berlin Film Festival, and was later rereleased by Sony Picture Classics, thanks to Zhang's flourishing success.

When The Road Home was released in China, Zhang Ziyi was given the nickname "Little Gong Li," in reference to the mega-popular Asian actress, Gong Li. While this may sound flattering, the nickname is not intended to refer to Zhang's potential as the next Gong Li; rather, it refers to the alleged affair that Zhang Ziyi had with director Zhang Yimou. Gong Li was once considered the director's muse and mistress, but they broke up in 1994. Both Ziyi Zhang and Zhang Yimou have denied the affair.

When Ang Lee was casting actors for his martial arts marvel, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (a.k.a. Wo hu cang long), he had famous Taiwanese actress Shu Qi in mind for the role of butt-kicking aristocrat Jen Yu. But after seeing Zhang Ziyi's performance in The Road Home, he knew she was the one for the role. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon became one of the biggest hits of 2000 (and the most popular foreign film in U.S. history at the time), and went on to earn a roaring $130 million at the box office and four Academy Awards. The film's success ensured that Zhang would become a familiar face to filmgoers, as the high-flying, graceful martial artist who shares fight scenes with Michelle Yeoh and Chow Yun Fat. Her role also garnered her the Toronto Film Critics Association Award for Best Supporting Actress in 2000, as well as the MTV Movie Award for Best Fight Scene in 2001.

Zhang Ziyi was cast to play the villain in the summer 2001 sequel to the successful comedy Rush Hour, appearing opposite the comedy duo Chris Tucker and martial arts master Jackie Chan. She was cast in the film without knowing a word of English, and despite having taken English lessons, she speaks strictly Chinese in the film (with subtitles).

Roles have been pouring in for Zhang Ziyi, most notably in hits like Hero (2002) and House of Flying Daggers (2004). After 2004's Jasmine Women (a.k.a. Mo li hua kai), Zhang starred in the 2005 musical feature, Operetta tanuki goten. She is keeping busy in 2005 with roles in Memoirs of a Geisha and Good Cook, Likes Music.

Zhang Ziyi Wallpapers