Zhao Wei
Encyclopedia
Zhao Wei is a mainland Chinese
film actress and pop
singer. Audiences sometimes refer to her by her English name, Vicki Zhao (sometimes spelled Vicky Zhao). She has been awarded the Hundred Flowers Award, Shanghai Film Critics Award
, Huabiao Award
, Golden Eagle TV Award as well as Shanghai Film Festival Golden Globe
, amongst others.
After being chosen to work as an extra
on a filming set, Zhao developed a love for acting. While studying at Beijing Film Academy
, Zhao participated in various film projects. Zhao's breakout role as a leading actress was in Princess Pearl
, a Chinese
television series. In 1999, after Princess Pearl was broadcast, Zhao also began a singing career with her first album, Swallow. She is considered one of the "Four Young Dan
actresses" in China (四小花旦), along with Xu Jinglei
, Zhang Ziyi
and Zhou Xun
.
Zhao rose to international stardom in films such as Stephen Chow
's Shaolin Soccer
(2001), So Close (2002) and the epic Warriors of Heaven and Earth
(2004). In John Woo
's historical epic Red Cliff (2009), she played warrior princess Sun Shangxiang. She gained positive reviews from the Associated Press
: "But the biggest surprise in the cast is Chinese actress Zhao Wei, who steals the show with her portrayal of Sun's spunky tomboy sister Sun Shangxiang." For her achievements in film, television, and music, Japanese media dubbed her China's No.1 actress, and UK's The Independent
described her as "China's box office darling."
, China, Zhao is the youngest of two children. Her parents are Zhao Jiahai , an appliance
designer
, and Wei Qiying , a schoolteacher, and her brother is Zhao Jian . She graduated from Teachers’ College Elementary School (Shi Fan Fu Xiao) and Teachers’ College High School (17th Secondary School Shi Fan). Zhao studied dancing for 3 years,piano for 6 years. And her performance of Tibetan dancing was shown as part of a local TV spring festival celebration in 1994.
Zhao has claimed that she never planned to become famous, later explaining, "I thought actresses had to be beautiful, and I thought I was ordinary." When she was 17 years old, a filming crew arrived in Wuhu looking for extras
for the film Hua Hun, starring Gong Li
. After participating in the filming as an extra, Zhao decided she wanted to act, and left her hometown. She eventually enrolled in a new film arts school in Shanghai
, founded by the renowned director
Xie Jin
. At the age of 20, Zhao received first class results in her entrance exam to Beijing Film Academy
's Performance Institute, graduating in 2000.
. In 1995, after completing her high school exams, Zhao quit the job, as a teacher of kindergarten. The same year, she was chosen by Xie Jin, founder of Xie Jin's Star Academy, to star in one of his movies, Penitentiary Angel. This was her first substantial acting role. Zhao did not find her own performance fulfilling, but considered it to be a valuable experience. "I was too young to understand the role," she said, "but if you've been cast in a film by a famous director, no matter how well you did, other less-famous directors will also want to cast you." Her score rank 1 in national art of acting examination when she entered the acting institute of Beijing Film Academy
in 1996.As one of the most outstanding student in BFA, Zhao scored 5 you (=A), 9 youliang (=A-) of the 14 courses. Her Graduation thesis scored 90.
period romance novelist Chiung Yao
, who was looking for actors. Chiung Yao noted that Zhao was a little chubby but talented. By 1997, however, Zhao had lost some weight and was offered one of the leading roles in his television series Princess Pearl. Filming the series was an arduous task for Zhao and her co-stars; Zhao herself acknowledged the intensity of filming:
The hard work of the cast yielded unexpected results. After Princess Pearl was broadcast, it enjoyed the highest ratings in China and Zhao quickly rose to prominence. In 1999, she became the youngest actress to win the Golden Eagle Awards
for "Best Actress." Zhao's performance received critical acclaim in Taiwan as well; Zhao was named one of Taiwan's "Top Ten Most Outstanding Individuals in Television Industry." After this, she continued to star in a number of successful television series and movies and released a number of commercially successful albums. Chinese critics and media considered Zhao is the first entertainment culture idol in mainland China history.
In 2000, Zhao starred in a romantic comedy
, the Ming Dynasty
-based drama series Treasure Venture, alongside Taiwanese heartthrob Nicky Wu
. However, Zhao soon felt that she had achieved all she could in television, so she went on to star in a few movies in Hong Kong
. In 2001, she guest-starred in the box office hit Shaolin Soccer
alongside Hong Kong actor
, director
, and producer
Stephen Chow
. Zhao played an unattractive steamed bun
maker, which greatly differed from the glamorous image she had established for herself in previous roles. Zhao disliked her appearance in the movie, saying: "Have you seen it? I looked disgusting in it." However, Zhao felt that role was also a learning experience for her. "I wanted a challenge", Zhao stated in an interview, "and he really gave it to me. In China people think I'm cute; he didn't let me look cute. People say I have big eyes; he taped them down. My old characters were all kind of wild; here I was very subdued. Everything I did before, he reversed."
In 2001, Zhao filmed another series written by Chiung Yao
titled Romance in the Rain. Zhao also participated in a romantic comedy called Chinese Odyssey 2002
as "Princess Phoenix." Zhao was nominated for "Best Supporting Actress" at the 39th Golden Horse Awards. In 2002, Zhao worked with actresses Shu Qi
and Karen Mok
in So Close
. Although Zhao quit Chiung Yao's agency, the Taiwan famous writer still said her favorite actresses are Brigitte Lin
, Leanne Lau and Zhao Wei, who successful performed the classic characters of her novel adaption.
, Green Tea, and Jade Goddess of Mercy
. Each film was critically acclaimed and presented Zhao in a different light.
After much speculation over who would receive the female lead in Ann Hui
's film, Jade Goddess of Mercy, the lead role of An Xin was finally offered to Zhao, and her performance was well received by critics. In 2004, the 10th Movie Academic Society presented her the "Golden Phoenix Award" for her role. In TIME Asia
magazine's review of the film, reviewer Bryan Walsh commented: "Despite plot twists that strain credulity, the film works, thanks mostly to Zhao's soulful performance as a cop torn between love, duty and motherhood. With her elfin stature, Zhao couldn't intimidate a jaywalker, but her convincing portrayal confirms her status as one of China's best actresses." On numerous occasions, Zhao told reporters about the respect she had for Ann Hui, the director of the film. In an article by Time Asia, Zhao recalled: "In the morning, when I'd come to the set, Ann would scrutinize my face and eyes to see if they were bright or dull. And she'd say, 'I can see you slept well last night.' She really understood the actors she was working with, as if we were precision instruments."
In 2004, Zhao was cast to dub the character Princess Fiona
when Shrek 2
was released in China. She won the "Favorite Actress" award (the equivalent of a Best Actress award) at the 11th Beijing Student Film Festival for her performance in Warriors of Heaven and Earth
, and was nominated for the Hundred Flowers Award for Best Actress, even though she only had 25 lines of dialogue in the entire movie.
2005 proved to be a successful year for Zhao after she won the Best Actress award at the Shanghai International Film Festival
and tied with Zhang Ziyi
for the Huabiao Award
, the highest governmental award in the film industry. Both were for her performance in A Time to Love
. Zhao once again won "Best Actress" for her performance in A Time To Love
at The 8th Changchun China Film Festival in 2006. Zhao's performance in the film was also praised by film critics, with Derek Elley of Variety magazine writing "The ability of mainland Chinese actress (Vicki) Zhao Wei to transform even average material into something of interest illumines A Time to Love. Succulently lensed yarn about two childhood friends who finally get together well into adulthood is fairly standard Asian romantic fare -- given luster (and an emotional wallop in the final scene) purely by Zhao's gamine personality."
Finally, after a four year break from television series, Zhao starred as Yao Mulan in a remake of Lin Yutang
's Moment in Peking
. 80% of audiences preferred Zhao's portrayal of Yao Mulan over the previous actress's performance. Asia Times stated in a review that "Zhao Wei is graceful, elegant, and holds down the fort." She was ranked No. 4 on Forbes
2006 China Celebrity 100
list. In June 2006, Zhao was selected by voters as the "Most Popular Mainland Actress" at the 2nd Top Chinese TV Drama Awards. Zhao selected as the "Most Beautiful Woman" in China (national voting by Sina.com & Sohu.com's users).
In 2006, Zhao Wei listed in People Magazine's '100 Most Beautiful People' in 2006. following her performance in Moment in Peking, Zhao starred in two more films. The first of these films, The Postmodern Life of My Aunt
, premiered at film festivals around the world, including the Toronto International Film Festival
. Her guest starring role in the film resulted in Zhao's second Best Supporting Actress nomination at the Golden Horse Awards and her first nomination as Best Supporting Actress at the Hong Kong Film Awards
. Zhao then portrayed a taxicab driver in her 2007 film The Longest Night in Shanghai
, starring alongside Japanese actor Masahiro Motoki and Taiwanese actor Dylan Kuo (郭品超).
In 2006, Zhao took an exam for a Masters' class in directing at her alma mater
, Beijing Film Academy. After passing with flying colors, Zhao returned to Beijing Film Academy in September 2006 as a graduate student in the Directing Department. Currently, she is studying under the instruction of the famed director Tian Zhuangzhuang
.
Zhao's 2007 television series is titled Thank You for Having Loved Me. For her role in the series, Zhao received a salary of 100,000 RMB
per episode. After three months of filming during the summer in Shanghai
, the series was completed in September 2006. It was scheduled to be broadcast possibly by the end of 2006. In 2007, it was also announced that Zhao had been cast as Sun Shangxiang in John Woo's latest blockbuster, Battle of Red Cliff. She received critics praise for her performance. Alliance of Women Film Journalists reviewed "John Woo’s history epic features a great performances by actresses Wei Zhao as a heroic princess who refuses to let men do all the fighting in the battle to save the dynasty."
In 2008, Zhao played the role of Pei Rong in Gordon Chan
's film Painted Skin
, for which she received nominations at the Hong Kong Film Awards, Golden Rooster Awards and Asian Film Awards. On 6 August 2009, Zhao Wei was elected the vice-president of China Film Performance Art Academy
and executive member of the council of China Environmental Socitey.
In early 2009, she was cast to play the main role of Hua Mulan
in Jingle Ma
's film Mulan
. Zhao Wei gained her fourth Hong Kong Film Awards
nomination for her performance in Mulan. Asia Weekly(aka Yazhou Zhoukan
) said "Zhao's strong performance made the role full of vitality. ." Singapore's MovieXclusive.com said, "Thankfully, Ma doesn’t make a wrong casting choice for his lead actress. Mulan is anchored by a strong performance by Vicki Zhao Wei, the wide-eyed expressive star vividly portraying her character’s sorrow, anguish, fear and terror." She also starred in 14 Blades
along with Donnie Yen, which was released in 2010. Zhao Wei won her third Favorite Actress award at the Beijing Student Film Festival.
On 27 May 2010, the Shanghai International Film Festival
announced that Zhao Wei will be making her comeback as a judge on the panel, alongside John Woo
, Leos Carax
and other acclaimed actors. On 12 June 2010, Zhao Wei attracted immense media attention and cheers from her fans throughout the day at the Shanghai International Film Festival, and she stated that she was pleased to see such a good turnout from the press.
She was crowned Best Actress at the Shanghai Film Critics Awards
, Hundred Flowers Awards
and Changchun Film Festival
for Mulan.
On July 19, 2011, the 20th Golden Rooster and Hundred Flowers Film Festival, which is China's most prestige national film event, announced the Retrospective honoured actress Zhao Wei. The Retorspective will present Zhao Wei's films for screen. On August 6, Zhao recruited as vice-president of China Television Actors Guild.
. Public outcry following the incident caused Zhao's relations with mainland audiences to became strained. On 9 December, the newspaper Beijing Evening News and network Sina.com published Zhao's apology letter to the nation, and on 17 December, Zhao again apologized on the TV show Entertainment Live, which was broadcast on 200 TV stations and 100 radio stations in China.
However, on 28 December 2001, at a concert, she was tackled by Fu Shenghua, a construction worker
who said his grandparents had been killed during the war with Japan. Reflecting upon his actions, Fu told a Chinese magazine: "I know what I did wasn't right. But I believe my cause was just... As a famous Chinese person, she should have been aware of such an important event in Chinese history." Later, a Chinese newspaper, Beijing Youth Daily
, published a special report after a two-month investigation and alleged that Fu had lied to the media, claiming that no one in his family had died during the war and that he was not a construction worker but instead had been unemployed for several years. The reporting journalist noted that it was difficult to have conversations with Fu due to his alleged extremist views. After this report was published, the hype surrounding the incident died down and the Chinese media seldom mentioned it again.
In 2004, Zhao was embroiled in further controversy when the same Zou Xue accused Zhao Wei of beating her while Zou was pregnant. Zhao and Zou had been business partners, together establishing the bar
Z1 in Beijing
. Zou claimed that Zhao had instructed her chauffeur
to hit Zou after a business dispute between the two in July. At the time, Zou was eight months pregnant. In response, Zou filed a lawsuit demanding compensation in the amount of 2,246.6 yuan
(US$272), as well as a public apology. Zhao denied hitting Zou.
After filing the lawsuit against Zhao, Zou welcomed attention from journalists, while Zhao ignored them. Zou further claimed that Zhao often used drugs
with her friends at their bar, Z1. She told the press that Zhao was often vulgar and abusive toward her staff. In response, Zhao's brother, Zhao Jian, argued that Zou published the picture of Zhao Wei in the "Military Flag" dress as a direct attack against her.
During 2003-2004, a few of Zhao's movies, such as Green Tea, Jade Goddess of Mercy
, and A Time to Love
, failed to receive high box office earnings. Because of this, the media dubbed Zhao as the "bane of the box office", or "box office poison." When reporters confronted Zhao about this, she expressed discomfort and frustration. She commented:
On several occasions, Zhao has also been praised by the media for her sense of style. At the Lycra Channel Young Awards (now known as the China Fashion Awards), Zhao was chosen as the "Most Stylish Actress" in Mainland China. The same year, MTV China also selected Zhao as the "Most Stylish Asian Actress." Zhao also garnered another fashion award at the 2004 Pierre Cardin
Awards. Zhao was awarded the "Most Stylish Female Artist" and "Most Stylish Actor" at the China Fashion Award (CFA) in 2005. In 2007, Zhao won her the third "Most Stylish Actor" in China Fashion Awards. The same year, she won Most Stylish Female Artist at the MTV China Style Gala.
Until 18 April 2011, Zhao Wei is climbing up the ranks of the most followed microbloggers worldwide. Her fan count has exceeded 6 million, bringing her ever closer to American celebrities Ellen DeGeneres, Ashton Kutcher and Katy Perry, all of whom also recently surpassed the 6 million fan mark.
in 2005, it became a popular subject in the media, because Huang was selected to replace Zhao in her famed role as "Xiao Yanzi" in Princess Pearl
3 after Zhao turned the part down. The media often depicted a feud between the two actresses. Zhao herself has not expressed any regret regarding her relationship with Wang Yu. "After becoming an actor, I've gained a lot, but I also lost many things. I got a job that I like; I had many opportunities, and I also received many kinds of love."
On occasion, Zhao has discussed her love life with reporters. "I'm not anxious. I have several friends who are over thirty years old, and they are also unmarried. So there's really no hurry. Right now, my career comes first..." Zhao Wei stressed that she will not give up her acting career even after she gets married, as acting is her passion. "If I stop acting, I will not have anything to focus on. Life will be so empty, and I definitely can't endure such emptiness. So, my would-be husband must understand me on this issue."
Pop divas Faye Wong
and Na Ying
are some of Zhao Wei's best friends and Chinese media dubbed them together as the "Queen Club (天后团)." After a party at the 2008 Cannes Film Festival, Song Hye-kyo and Zhao also became friends.
Zhao married Singaporean businessman Huang You Long in 2008. The couple's daughter was born on 11 April 2010.
In 2002, Zhao Wei donated 100,000 yuan to China Youth Foundation's "Hope Project."
In 2004, Zhao set up a scholarship fund in Wuhu, her hometown.
In 2005 she was appointed as a spokesperson and ambassador for the United Nations Children's Fund
and China Youth Concern Committee's "Awareness for Children Affected by AIDS" campaign; she also wrote the song "来得及的明天" (Pinyin
: lai de ji de mingtian, Still Time for Tomorrow) as the theme song for the campaign. In 2006, Zhao, along with her former classmate Chen Kun, was chosen to represent YALU, a fashion company. YALU had set up a fund of 5 million RMB to help the construction of new villages in China
. Zhao attended a charity banquet in December 2006. The banquet, held in Beijing, raised money for the Smile Angel Foundation
, an organization established by Zhao's friend Faye Wong
.
The morning following the 2008 Sichuan earthquake
, Zhao donating 100,000 yuan to China Red Cross. Soon afterward, she donated 500,000 yuan to China Children and Teenagers' Fund to construct a Spring Bude building School.
On 29 March 2010, Zhao donated 200,000 yuan to the Yunnan government, as Yunnan was suffering from the worst drought in half a century. On 17 April, the third day after Qinghai Yushu Earthquake, Zhao donated 200,000 yuan to China Foundation for Poverty Alleviation
.
For Zhao's contribution to charity work, China Charity Billboard Award awarded her.
for her breakthrough role "Little Swallow (aka Xiao Yan Zi)" of Princess Pearl
(1999), who is the youngest Actress won this category.
Zhao won a Shanghai International Film Festival Golden Globet Award for Best Actress
, a Huabiao Film Award
for Outstanding Actress. a Changchun Film Festival Golden Deer Award
for Best Actress for her critical acclaimed performance of A Time to Love
(2005). Chinese critics considered the portrayal of Mulan
is one of her best performance, Zhao won a Hundred Flowers Award for Best Actress
, a Changchun Film Festival Golden Deer Award
for Best Actress, a Shanghai Film Critics Award for Best Actress
(Also for 14 Blades
).
Zhao also has been nominated for numerous awards, including a Hong Kong Film Award for Best Actress
for Mulan
(2009), and three Hong Kong Film Awards for Best Supporting Actress for The Postmodern Life of My Aunt
(2006), Red Cliff part I (2008) & part II (2009), two Golden Horse Award for Best Supporting Actress for Chinese Odyssey 2002
(2002), The Postmodern Life of My Aunt
(2006). Additionally, Zhao was nominated for an Asian Film Award
for Best Actress and Golden Rooster Award for Best Actress for Painted Skin
(2008).
As a pop singer, she won MTV Asia Award for Favorite Artist - Mainland China, and dozens of Chinese music awards for Favorite Female Artist. Angel's Suitcase
(2007) highlighted Zhao's music career, won Top Chinese Music Chart Award
for Best Female Vocal Performance and Music Radio Top Chart Award for Best Album.
People's Republic of China
China , officially the People's Republic of China , is the most populous country in the world, with over 1.3 billion citizens. Located in East Asia, the country covers approximately 9.6 million square kilometres...
film actress and pop
Pop music
Pop music is usually understood to be commercially recorded music, often oriented toward a youth market, usually consisting of relatively short, simple songs utilizing technological innovations to produce new variations on existing themes.- Definitions :David Hatch and Stephen Millward define pop...
singer. Audiences sometimes refer to her by her English name, Vicki Zhao (sometimes spelled Vicky Zhao). She has been awarded the Hundred Flowers Award, Shanghai Film Critics Award
Shanghai Film Critics Awards
Shanghai Film Critics Awards are given annually to honor excellence in national cinema by an organization of film reviewers from Shanghai Film Critics Association and Shang Film Museum. This event is the only critics' awards in mainland China. The first annual held in 1991. From 1991 to 1993, they...
, Huabiao Award
Huabiao Awards
China Huabiao Film Awards ,also known as Huabiao Awards, is an annual awards ceremony for Chinese cinema. Named after the decorative Chinese winged columns , The Huabiao Awards were first instituted in 1957 as the Ministry of Culture Excellence Film awards. Between 1958 and 1979, no awards were given...
, Golden Eagle TV Award as well as Shanghai Film Festival Golden Globe
Shanghai International Film Festival
The Shanghai International Film Festival , abbreviated SIFF, is one of the largest film festivals in East Asia.Along with Tokyo International Film Festival, the SIFF is one of the biggest film festivals in Asia. The first festival was held from October 7 to 14, 1993, and was held biennially until...
, amongst others.
After being chosen to work as an extra
Extra (actor)
A background actor or extra is a performer in a film, television show, stage, musical, opera or ballet production, who appears in a nonspeaking, nonsinging or nondancing capacity, usually in the background...
on a filming set, Zhao developed a love for acting. While studying at Beijing Film Academy
Beijing Film Academy
Beijing Film Academy is a coeducational state-run higher education institution in Beijing, China. The film school is the largest institution specialised in the tertiary education for film and television production in Asia...
, Zhao participated in various film projects. Zhao's breakout role as a leading actress was in Princess Pearl
Princess Pearl
Princess Pearl, also known in Singapore and the Philippines as My Fair Princess, is a television series adapted from Chiung Yao's novel series of the same title. Produced by Hunan TV, the series centres around the legend of Princess Huanzhu during the reign of the Qianlong Emperor of the Qing Dynasty...
, a Chinese
China
Chinese civilization may refer to:* China for more general discussion of the country.* Chinese culture* Greater China, the transnational community of ethnic Chinese.* History of China* Sinosphere, the area historically affected by Chinese culture...
television series. In 1999, after Princess Pearl was broadcast, Zhao also began a singing career with her first album, Swallow. She is considered one of the "Four Young Dan
Dan (Chinese opera)
Dan is the general name for female roles in Chinese opera, often referring to leading roles. There are a few different kinds of dan in Chinese opera. The commonly seen ones are 'Guimen Dan', 'Hua Dan', 'Daoma Dan', 'Wu Dan', 'Lao Dan' and 'Cai Dan'...
actresses" in China (四小花旦), along with Xu Jinglei
Xu Jinglei
Xu Jinglei is an actress, director and editor most famous in her native mainland China. Xu graduated from the prestigious Beijing Film Academy in 1997. Along with Zhao Wei, Zhou Xun and Zhang Ziyi, the mainland Chinese media considers her a member of the Four Young Dan actresses...
, Zhang Ziyi
Zhang Ziyi
Zhang Ziyi is a Chinese film actress. Zhang is coined by the media as one of the Four Young Dan actresses in the Film Industry in China, along with Zhao Wei, Xu Jinglei, and Zhou Xun...
and Zhou Xun
Zhou Xun
Zhou Xun is a Chinese actress and singer. She is regarded as one of the "Four Young Dan actresses" in China in the early 2000s, along with Zhang Ziyi, Xu Jinglei and Zhao Wei.-Early life:...
.
Zhao rose to international stardom in films such as Stephen Chow
Stephen Chow
Stephen Chow Sing-Chi is a Hong Kong actor, comedian, screenwriter, film director and producer.- Professional career :Stephen Chow began as a temporary actor for TVB. He entered TVB in early 1980s, and was trained there, although he had few opportunities to appear in films. Chow graduated from...
's Shaolin Soccer
Shaolin Soccer
Shaolin Soccer is a 2001 Hong Kong comedy film co-written, directed by and starring Stephen Chow. A former Shaolin monk reunites his five brothers, years after their master's death, to apply their superhuman martial arts skills to play soccer and bring Shaolin kung fu to the masses.In 2008 a...
(2001), So Close (2002) and the epic Warriors of Heaven and Earth
Warriors of Heaven and Earth
Warriors of Heaven and Earth is a 2003 Chinese action adventure film directed by He Ping. The film's notable cinematography captures a wide range of landscapes across China's Xinjiang province...
(2004). In John Woo
John Woo
John Woo Yu-Sen SBS is a Hong Kong-based film director and producer. Recognized for his stylised films of highly choreographed action sequences, Mexican standoffs, and use of slow-motion, Woo has directed several notable Hong Kong action films, among them, A Better Tomorrow, The Killer, Hard...
's historical epic Red Cliff (2009), she played warrior princess Sun Shangxiang. She gained positive reviews from the Associated Press
Associated Press
The Associated Press is an American news agency. The AP is a cooperative owned by its contributing newspapers, radio and television stations in the United States, which both contribute stories to the AP and use material written by its staff journalists...
: "But the biggest surprise in the cast is Chinese actress Zhao Wei, who steals the show with her portrayal of Sun's spunky tomboy sister Sun Shangxiang." For her achievements in film, television, and music, Japanese media dubbed her China's No.1 actress, and UK's The Independent
The Independent
The Independent is a British national morning newspaper published in London by Independent Print Limited, owned by Alexander Lebedev since 2010. It is nicknamed the Indy, while the Sunday edition, The Independent on Sunday, is the Sindy. Launched in 1986, it is one of the youngest UK national daily...
described her as "China's box office darling."
Early life
Born and raised in Wuhu, AnhuiAnhui
Anhui is a province in the People's Republic of China. Located in eastern China across the basins of the Yangtze River and the Huai River, it borders Jiangsu to the east, Zhejiang to the southeast, Jiangxi to the south, Hubei to the southwest, Henan to the northwest, and Shandong for a tiny...
, China, Zhao is the youngest of two children. Her parents are Zhao Jiahai , an appliance
Appliance
Appliance may refer to:* Home appliance, household machines, using electricity or some other energy input** Small appliances** Major appliances...
designer
Designer
A designer is a person who designs. More formally, a designer is an agent that "specifies the structural properties of a design object". In practice, anyone who creates tangible or intangible objects, such as consumer products, processes, laws, games and graphics, is referred to as a...
, and Wei Qiying , a schoolteacher, and her brother is Zhao Jian . She graduated from Teachers’ College Elementary School (Shi Fan Fu Xiao) and Teachers’ College High School (17th Secondary School Shi Fan). Zhao studied dancing for 3 years,piano for 6 years. And her performance of Tibetan dancing was shown as part of a local TV spring festival celebration in 1994.
Zhao has claimed that she never planned to become famous, later explaining, "I thought actresses had to be beautiful, and I thought I was ordinary." When she was 17 years old, a filming crew arrived in Wuhu looking for extras
Extra (actor)
A background actor or extra is a performer in a film, television show, stage, musical, opera or ballet production, who appears in a nonspeaking, nonsinging or nondancing capacity, usually in the background...
for the film Hua Hun, starring Gong Li
Gong Li
Gong Li is a Chinese film actress. Gong first came into international prominence through close collaboration with Chinese director Zhang Yimou and is credited with helping to bring Chinese cinema to Europe and the United States....
. After participating in the filming as an extra, Zhao decided she wanted to act, and left her hometown. She eventually enrolled in a new film arts school in Shanghai
Shanghai
Shanghai is the largest city by population in China and the largest city proper in the world. It is one of the four province-level municipalities in the People's Republic of China, with a total population of over 23 million as of 2010...
, founded by the renowned director
Film director
A film director is a person who directs the actors and film crew in filmmaking. They control a film's artistic and dramatic nathan roach, while guiding the technical crew and actors.-Responsibilities:...
Xie Jin
Xie Jin
Xie Jin was an important Chinese film director. He rose to prominence in 1957, directing the film Woman Basketball Player No. 5. Most recently he was known for the direction of The Opium War....
. At the age of 20, Zhao received first class results in her entrance exam to Beijing Film Academy
Beijing Film Academy
Beijing Film Academy is a coeducational state-run higher education institution in Beijing, China. The film school is the largest institution specialised in the tertiary education for film and television production in Asia...
's Performance Institute, graduating in 2000.
1993-1997
Zhao received her first experience in front of the camera in 1900 when she was chosen to act as an extra in Hua Hun, a film starring Gong LiGong Li
Gong Li is a Chinese film actress. Gong first came into international prominence through close collaboration with Chinese director Zhang Yimou and is credited with helping to bring Chinese cinema to Europe and the United States....
. In 1995, after completing her high school exams, Zhao quit the job, as a teacher of kindergarten. The same year, she was chosen by Xie Jin, founder of Xie Jin's Star Academy, to star in one of his movies, Penitentiary Angel. This was her first substantial acting role. Zhao did not find her own performance fulfilling, but considered it to be a valuable experience. "I was too young to understand the role," she said, "but if you've been cast in a film by a famous director, no matter how well you did, other less-famous directors will also want to cast you." Her score rank 1 in national art of acting examination when she entered the acting institute of Beijing Film Academy
Beijing Film Academy
Beijing Film Academy is a coeducational state-run higher education institution in Beijing, China. The film school is the largest institution specialised in the tertiary education for film and television production in Asia...
in 1996.As one of the most outstanding student in BFA, Zhao scored 5 you (=A), 9 youliang (=A-) of the 14 courses. Her Graduation thesis scored 90.
1998-2002
After playing minor roles in various series and films, Zhao received her first leading role in a series called Sisters in Beijing. She was spotted by famous TaiwaneseTaiwanese people
Taiwanese people may refer to individuals who either claim or are imputed cultural identity focused on the island of Taiwan and/or Taiwan Area which have been governed by the Republic of China since 1945...
period romance novelist Chiung Yao
Chiung Yao
Chiung Yao is the penname of a popular Taiwan romance novelist. Many of her works have been made and remade into movies and TV series. Films based on her books have been made in the Republic of China since the 1970s, and were very popular during their time...
, who was looking for actors. Chiung Yao noted that Zhao was a little chubby but talented. By 1997, however, Zhao had lost some weight and was offered one of the leading roles in his television series Princess Pearl. Filming the series was an arduous task for Zhao and her co-stars; Zhao herself acknowledged the intensity of filming:
The hard work of the cast yielded unexpected results. After Princess Pearl was broadcast, it enjoyed the highest ratings in China and Zhao quickly rose to prominence. In 1999, she became the youngest actress to win the Golden Eagle Awards
Golden Eagle Awards (China)
China Golden Eagle TV Art Festival also known as the Golden Eagle Awards is the main national television award of the Chinese television industry. For the event's influence, it's also known as the Chinese Emmy Awards. Presented by China Television Artists Association...
for "Best Actress." Zhao's performance received critical acclaim in Taiwan as well; Zhao was named one of Taiwan's "Top Ten Most Outstanding Individuals in Television Industry." After this, she continued to star in a number of successful television series and movies and released a number of commercially successful albums. Chinese critics and media considered Zhao is the first entertainment culture idol in mainland China history.
In 2000, Zhao starred in a romantic comedy
Romantic comedy film
Romantic comedy films are films with light-hearted, humorous plotlines, centered on romantic ideals such as that true love is able to surmount most obstacles. One dictionary definition is "a funny movie, play, or television program about a love story that ends happily"...
, the Ming Dynasty
Ming Dynasty
The Ming Dynasty, also Empire of the Great Ming, was the ruling dynasty of China from 1368 to 1644, following the collapse of the Mongol-led Yuan Dynasty. The Ming, "one of the greatest eras of orderly government and social stability in human history", was the last dynasty in China ruled by ethnic...
-based drama series Treasure Venture, alongside Taiwanese heartthrob Nicky Wu
Nicky Wu
Nicky Wu is a Taiwanese singer and actor. Wu found fame in 1988, by joining the Taiwanese boy band, Little Tigers Team, performing alongside Alec Su and Julian Chen. Since then, his career has also expanded into film and television in Taiwan, Hong Kong and mainland China.-Childhood:Nicky Wu is the...
. However, Zhao soon felt that she had achieved all she could in television, so she went on to star in a few movies in Hong Kong
Hong Kong
Hong Kong is one of two Special Administrative Regions of the People's Republic of China , the other being Macau. A city-state situated on China's south coast and enclosed by the Pearl River Delta and South China Sea, it is renowned for its expansive skyline and deep natural harbour...
. In 2001, she guest-starred in the box office hit Shaolin Soccer
Shaolin Soccer
Shaolin Soccer is a 2001 Hong Kong comedy film co-written, directed by and starring Stephen Chow. A former Shaolin monk reunites his five brothers, years after their master's death, to apply their superhuman martial arts skills to play soccer and bring Shaolin kung fu to the masses.In 2008 a...
alongside Hong Kong actor
Actor
An actor is a person who acts in a dramatic production and who works in film, television, theatre, or radio in that capacity...
, director
Film director
A film director is a person who directs the actors and film crew in filmmaking. They control a film's artistic and dramatic nathan roach, while guiding the technical crew and actors.-Responsibilities:...
, and producer
Film producer
A film producer oversees and delivers a film project to all relevant parties while preserving the integrity, voice and vision of the film. They will also often take on some financial risk by using their own money, especially during the pre-production period, before a film is fully financed.The...
Stephen Chow
Stephen Chow
Stephen Chow Sing-Chi is a Hong Kong actor, comedian, screenwriter, film director and producer.- Professional career :Stephen Chow began as a temporary actor for TVB. He entered TVB in early 1980s, and was trained there, although he had few opportunities to appear in films. Chow graduated from...
. Zhao played an unattractive steamed bun
Mantou
Mantou, often referred to as Chinese steamed bun/bread, is a kind of steamed bun originating in China. They are typically eaten as a staple in northern parts of China where wheat, rather than rice, is grown. They are made with milled wheat flour, water and leavening agents...
maker, which greatly differed from the glamorous image she had established for herself in previous roles. Zhao disliked her appearance in the movie, saying: "Have you seen it? I looked disgusting in it." However, Zhao felt that role was also a learning experience for her. "I wanted a challenge", Zhao stated in an interview, "and he really gave it to me. In China people think I'm cute; he didn't let me look cute. People say I have big eyes; he taped them down. My old characters were all kind of wild; here I was very subdued. Everything I did before, he reversed."
In 2001, Zhao filmed another series written by Chiung Yao
Chiung Yao
Chiung Yao is the penname of a popular Taiwan romance novelist. Many of her works have been made and remade into movies and TV series. Films based on her books have been made in the Republic of China since the 1970s, and were very popular during their time...
titled Romance in the Rain. Zhao also participated in a romantic comedy called Chinese Odyssey 2002
Chinese Odyssey 2002
Chinese Odyssey 2002 is a 2002 Hong Kong film written and directed by Jeffrey Lau and produced by Wong Kar-wai. It stars Tony Leung Chiu-Wai, Faye Wong, Zhao Wei and Chang Chen....
as "Princess Phoenix." Zhao was nominated for "Best Supporting Actress" at the 39th Golden Horse Awards. In 2002, Zhao worked with actresses Shu Qi
Shu Qi
Shu Qi is the stage name of a Taiwanese actress born Lin Li-Hui . Her stage name is occasionally romanized as Hsu Chi or Shu Kei . Her name is sometimes seen in the Western order as Qi Shu.-Early life:...
and Karen Mok
Karen Mok
Karen Joy Morris, known more commonly in the Sinosphere as Karen Mok or Mok Man-Wai, is a three-time Golden Melody Award-winning Hong Kong-based actress and singer-songwriter.- Biography :...
in So Close
So Close
*So Close* is a 2002 action film directed by Corey Yuen and starring Shu Qi, Karen Mok and Zhao Wei. The English title is derived from The Carpenters' song Close to You, which has a prominent role in the film.-Plot:...
. Although Zhao quit Chiung Yao's agency, the Taiwan famous writer still said her favorite actresses are Brigitte Lin
Brigitte Lin
Brigitte Lin or Brigitte Lin Ching Hsia is a Taiwanese actress. She was a popular actress, regarded as an icon of Chinese cinema, who acted in both Taiwanese and Hong Kong movies...
, Leanne Lau and Zhao Wei, who successful performed the classic characters of her novel adaption.
2003-2009
After filming Romance in the Rain, Zhao began to focus on filming movies. In 2003, Zhao starred in four films: My Dream Girl, Warriors of Heaven and EarthWarriors of Heaven and Earth
Warriors of Heaven and Earth is a 2003 Chinese action adventure film directed by He Ping. The film's notable cinematography captures a wide range of landscapes across China's Xinjiang province...
, Green Tea, and Jade Goddess of Mercy
Jade Goddess of Mercy
Jade Goddess of Mercy or Goddess of Mercy is a 2003 film directed by Ann Hui, starring Zhao Wei and Nicholas Tse.It was adapted from a novel from Chinese writer Hai Yan...
. Each film was critically acclaimed and presented Zhao in a different light.
After much speculation over who would receive the female lead in Ann Hui
Ann Hui
Ann Hui On-Wah is a Hong Kong film director, film producer and occasional screenwriter, one of the most critically acclaimed amongst the Hong Kong New Wave.-Early life:...
's film, Jade Goddess of Mercy, the lead role of An Xin was finally offered to Zhao, and her performance was well received by critics. In 2004, the 10th Movie Academic Society presented her the "Golden Phoenix Award" for her role. In TIME Asia
Time (magazine)
Time is an American news magazine. A European edition is published from London. Time Europe covers the Middle East, Africa and, since 2003, Latin America. An Asian edition is based in Hong Kong...
magazine's review of the film, reviewer Bryan Walsh commented: "Despite plot twists that strain credulity, the film works, thanks mostly to Zhao's soulful performance as a cop torn between love, duty and motherhood. With her elfin stature, Zhao couldn't intimidate a jaywalker, but her convincing portrayal confirms her status as one of China's best actresses." On numerous occasions, Zhao told reporters about the respect she had for Ann Hui, the director of the film. In an article by Time Asia, Zhao recalled: "In the morning, when I'd come to the set, Ann would scrutinize my face and eyes to see if they were bright or dull. And she'd say, 'I can see you slept well last night.' She really understood the actors she was working with, as if we were precision instruments."
In 2004, Zhao was cast to dub the character Princess Fiona
Princess Fiona
Princess Fiona is the princess and the tritagonist in the films Shrek, Shrek 2, Shrek the Third and Shrek Forever After. Actress Cameron Diaz provides her voice to the character, and Fiona's singing is provided by Renee Sands of Kids Incorporated and Wild Orchid.-Shrek:In Shrek, Lord Farquaad sends...
when Shrek 2
Shrek 2
Shrek 2 is a 2004 American computer-animated fantasy comedy film, produced by DreamWorks Animation and directed by Andrew Adamson, Kelly Asbury and Conrad Vernon. It is the second installment in the Shrek film series and the sequel to 2001's Shrek...
was released in China. She won the "Favorite Actress" award (the equivalent of a Best Actress award) at the 11th Beijing Student Film Festival for her performance in Warriors of Heaven and Earth
Warriors of Heaven and Earth
Warriors of Heaven and Earth is a 2003 Chinese action adventure film directed by He Ping. The film's notable cinematography captures a wide range of landscapes across China's Xinjiang province...
, and was nominated for the Hundred Flowers Award for Best Actress, even though she only had 25 lines of dialogue in the entire movie.
2005 proved to be a successful year for Zhao after she won the Best Actress award at the Shanghai International Film Festival
Shanghai International Film Festival
The Shanghai International Film Festival , abbreviated SIFF, is one of the largest film festivals in East Asia.Along with Tokyo International Film Festival, the SIFF is one of the biggest film festivals in Asia. The first festival was held from October 7 to 14, 1993, and was held biennially until...
and tied with Zhang Ziyi
Zhang Ziyi
Zhang Ziyi is a Chinese film actress. Zhang is coined by the media as one of the Four Young Dan actresses in the Film Industry in China, along with Zhao Wei, Xu Jinglei, and Zhou Xun...
for the Huabiao Award
Huabiao Awards
China Huabiao Film Awards ,also known as Huabiao Awards, is an annual awards ceremony for Chinese cinema. Named after the decorative Chinese winged columns , The Huabiao Awards were first instituted in 1957 as the Ministry of Culture Excellence Film awards. Between 1958 and 1979, no awards were given...
, the highest governmental award in the film industry. Both were for her performance in A Time to Love
A Time to Love (film)
A Time to Love is a 2005 film directed by Huo Jianqi. It stars Mainland actress Zhao Wei and actor Lu Yi.Based on a true story.-Cast:*Zhao Wei ... Qu Ran*Lu Yi ... Hou Jia*Song Xiaoying ... Hou Jia's mother*Zhang Qian.....
. Zhao once again won "Best Actress" for her performance in A Time To Love
A Time to Love (film)
A Time to Love is a 2005 film directed by Huo Jianqi. It stars Mainland actress Zhao Wei and actor Lu Yi.Based on a true story.-Cast:*Zhao Wei ... Qu Ran*Lu Yi ... Hou Jia*Song Xiaoying ... Hou Jia's mother*Zhang Qian.....
at The 8th Changchun China Film Festival in 2006. Zhao's performance in the film was also praised by film critics, with Derek Elley of Variety magazine writing "The ability of mainland Chinese actress (Vicki) Zhao Wei to transform even average material into something of interest illumines A Time to Love. Succulently lensed yarn about two childhood friends who finally get together well into adulthood is fairly standard Asian romantic fare -- given luster (and an emotional wallop in the final scene) purely by Zhao's gamine personality."
Finally, after a four year break from television series, Zhao starred as Yao Mulan in a remake of Lin Yutang
Lin Yutang
Lin Yutang was a Chinese writer and inventor. His informal but polished style in both Chinese and English made him one of the most influential writers of his generation, and his compilations and translations of classic Chinese texts into English were bestsellers in the West.-Youth:Lin was born in...
's Moment in Peking
Moment in Peking (2005 Television Series)
This series produced by China's CCTV,adapted from Lin Yutang's Nobel Prize nominee novel Moment in Peking.-Cast:* Yao Mulan, played by Zhao Wei* Zeng Sunya, played by Pan Yueming* Yao Sian, played by Chen Baoguo* Mrs...
. 80% of audiences preferred Zhao's portrayal of Yao Mulan over the previous actress's performance. Asia Times stated in a review that "Zhao Wei is graceful, elegant, and holds down the fort." She was ranked No. 4 on Forbes
Forbes
Forbes is an American publishing and media company. Its flagship publication, the Forbes magazine, is published biweekly. Its primary competitors in the national business magazine category are Fortune, which is also published biweekly, and Business Week...
2006 China Celebrity 100
China Celebrity 100
China Celebrity 100 is a list published annually by Forbes, and is similar to Celebrity 100 also published by Forbes. Factors that are taken into account include income, search engine hits, as well as exposure on newspapers, magazines and television....
list. In June 2006, Zhao was selected by voters as the "Most Popular Mainland Actress" at the 2nd Top Chinese TV Drama Awards. Zhao selected as the "Most Beautiful Woman" in China (national voting by Sina.com & Sohu.com's users).
In 2006, Zhao Wei listed in People Magazine's '100 Most Beautiful People' in 2006. following her performance in Moment in Peking, Zhao starred in two more films. The first of these films, The Postmodern Life of My Aunt
The Postmodern Life of My Aunt
The Postmodern Life of My Aunt is a 2006 Hong Kong serio-comedy film, directed by Ann Hui, starring Siqin Gaowa and Chow Yun-fat. The film also guest-stars Chinese actresses Zhao Wei and Lisa Lu....
, premiered at film festivals around the world, including the Toronto International Film Festival
Toronto International Film Festival
The Toronto International Film Festival is a publicly-attended film festival held each September in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. In 2010, 339 films from 59 countries were screened at 32 screens in downtown Toronto venues...
. Her guest starring role in the film resulted in Zhao's second Best Supporting Actress nomination at the Golden Horse Awards and her first nomination as Best Supporting Actress at the Hong Kong Film Awards
Hong Kong Film Awards
The Hong Kong Film Awards , founded in 1982, are the most prestigious film awards in Hong Kong and among the most respected in mainland China and Taiwan. Award ceremonies are held annually, typically in April. The Awards recognize achievement in all aspects of filmmaking, such as directing,...
. Zhao then portrayed a taxicab driver in her 2007 film The Longest Night in Shanghai
The Longest Night in Shanghai
The Longest Night in Shanghai is a 2007 Chinese/Japanese film produced by Japan's Movie Eye Entertainment and directed by Chinese director Zhang Yibai. It is a rare collaboration between China and Japan....
, starring alongside Japanese actor Masahiro Motoki and Taiwanese actor Dylan Kuo (郭品超).
In 2006, Zhao took an exam for a Masters' class in directing at her alma mater
Alma mater
Alma mater , pronounced ), was used in ancient Rome as a title for various mother goddesses, especially Ceres or Cybele, and in Christianity for the Virgin Mary.-General term:...
, Beijing Film Academy. After passing with flying colors, Zhao returned to Beijing Film Academy in September 2006 as a graduate student in the Directing Department. Currently, she is studying under the instruction of the famed director Tian Zhuangzhuang
Tian Zhuangzhuang
Tian Zhuangzhuang is a Chinese film director and producer.Tian was born to an influential actor and actress in China. Following a short stint in the military, Tian began his artistic career first as an amateur photographer and then as an assistant cinematographer at the Beijing Agricultural Film...
.
Zhao's 2007 television series is titled Thank You for Having Loved Me. For her role in the series, Zhao received a salary of 100,000 RMB
Renminbi
The Renminbi is the official currency of the People's Republic of China . Renminbi is legal tender in mainland China, but not in Hong Kong or Macau. It is issued by the People's Bank of China, the monetary authority of the PRC...
per episode. After three months of filming during the summer in Shanghai
Shanghai
Shanghai is the largest city by population in China and the largest city proper in the world. It is one of the four province-level municipalities in the People's Republic of China, with a total population of over 23 million as of 2010...
, the series was completed in September 2006. It was scheduled to be broadcast possibly by the end of 2006. In 2007, it was also announced that Zhao had been cast as Sun Shangxiang in John Woo's latest blockbuster, Battle of Red Cliff. She received critics praise for her performance. Alliance of Women Film Journalists reviewed "John Woo’s history epic features a great performances by actresses Wei Zhao as a heroic princess who refuses to let men do all the fighting in the battle to save the dynasty."
In 2008, Zhao played the role of Pei Rong in Gordon Chan
Gordon Chan
Gordon Chan Kar-Seung , born in 1960, is an a Hong Kong film director, writer and producer. His most notable works include Beast Cops, Fist of Legend, Painted Skin, 2000 AD and Legend of the Fist: The Return of Chen Zhen...
's film Painted Skin
Painted Skin (2008 film)
Painted Skin is a 2008 supernatural fantasy film directed by Gordon Chan, starring Donnie Yen, Chen Kun, Zhou Xun, Zhao Wei, Betty Sun and Qi Yuwu....
, for which she received nominations at the Hong Kong Film Awards, Golden Rooster Awards and Asian Film Awards. On 6 August 2009, Zhao Wei was elected the vice-president of China Film Performance Art Academy
China Film Performance Art Academy
Chinese Film Performance Art Academy , founded in January 1985, is a professional organization of Chinese actors.-Presidents:*2007-now: Tang Guoqiang** Vice-president: Zhao Wei, Zhang Guoli, Wang Fuli*2000-2006: Yu Yang...
and executive member of the council of China Environmental Socitey.
In early 2009, she was cast to play the main role of Hua Mulan
Hua Mulan
Hua Mulan is a legendary figure from ancient China who was originally described in a Chinese poem known as the Ballad of Mulan . In the poem, Hua Mulan takes her aged father's place in the army. She fought for 12 years and gained high merit, but she refused any reward and retired to her hometown...
in Jingle Ma
Jingle Ma
Jingle Ma Cho Shing is the Hong Kong-based writer/director of action films such as Tokyo Raiders and Seoul Raiders. He can speak 5 different languages and currently lives in Hong Kong with his 7 children.-Filmography:-External links:* at * *...
's film Mulan
Mulan (2009 film)
Mulan, known in Chinese as Hua Mulan, is a 2009 Chinese film starring Zhao Wei as the titular protagonist. The director, Jingle Ma, has explained that this film is vastly different from the 1998 Walt Disney animated film and adheres more to his imagination...
. Zhao Wei gained her fourth Hong Kong Film Awards
Hong Kong Film Awards
The Hong Kong Film Awards , founded in 1982, are the most prestigious film awards in Hong Kong and among the most respected in mainland China and Taiwan. Award ceremonies are held annually, typically in April. The Awards recognize achievement in all aspects of filmmaking, such as directing,...
nomination for her performance in Mulan. Asia Weekly(aka Yazhou Zhoukan
Yazhou Zhoukan
Yazhou Zhoukan , literally as "Asia Weekly", is the only Chinese language international affairs newsweekly which has been published for over 20 years...
) said "Zhao's strong performance made the role full of vitality. ." Singapore's MovieXclusive.com said, "Thankfully, Ma doesn’t make a wrong casting choice for his lead actress. Mulan is anchored by a strong performance by Vicki Zhao Wei, the wide-eyed expressive star vividly portraying her character’s sorrow, anguish, fear and terror." She also starred in 14 Blades
14 Blades
14 Blades is a 2010 wuxia film directed by Daniel Lee and starring Donnie Yen, Zhao Wei, Wu Chun, Kate Tsui and Qi Yuwu. The film was released on February 4 in China and February 11 in Hong Kong...
along with Donnie Yen, which was released in 2010. Zhao Wei won her third Favorite Actress award at the Beijing Student Film Festival.
2010 - Present
On 11 April 2010, Zhao gave birth to a baby girl in Singapore. Zhao received the blessings of the media and her fans.On 27 May 2010, the Shanghai International Film Festival
Shanghai International Film Festival
The Shanghai International Film Festival , abbreviated SIFF, is one of the largest film festivals in East Asia.Along with Tokyo International Film Festival, the SIFF is one of the biggest film festivals in Asia. The first festival was held from October 7 to 14, 1993, and was held biennially until...
announced that Zhao Wei will be making her comeback as a judge on the panel, alongside John Woo
John Woo
John Woo Yu-Sen SBS is a Hong Kong-based film director and producer. Recognized for his stylised films of highly choreographed action sequences, Mexican standoffs, and use of slow-motion, Woo has directed several notable Hong Kong action films, among them, A Better Tomorrow, The Killer, Hard...
, Leos Carax
Leos Carax
Leos Carax is a French-born film director, critic, and writer. Carax is noted for his poetic style and his tortured depictions of love. His first major work was Boy Meets Girl , and his notable works include Lovers on the Bridge and the controversial Pola X...
and other acclaimed actors. On 12 June 2010, Zhao Wei attracted immense media attention and cheers from her fans throughout the day at the Shanghai International Film Festival, and she stated that she was pleased to see such a good turnout from the press.
She was crowned Best Actress at the Shanghai Film Critics Awards
Shanghai Film Critics Awards
Shanghai Film Critics Awards are given annually to honor excellence in national cinema by an organization of film reviewers from Shanghai Film Critics Association and Shang Film Museum. This event is the only critics' awards in mainland China. The first annual held in 1991. From 1991 to 1993, they...
, Hundred Flowers Awards
Hundred Flowers Awards
The People's Hundred Flowers Film Festival or Hundred Flowers Awards, equivalent the China's Golden Globes, are considered, together with the Golden Rooster Awards, the most prestigious film awards in China...
and Changchun Film Festival
Changchun Film Festival
The Changchun Film Festival is a biennial international film festival held in the Chinese city of Changchun. Ostensibly international, its award for best film, the Golden Deer has nevertheless primarily been awarded to Chinese and other East Asia-region films...
for Mulan.
On July 19, 2011, the 20th Golden Rooster and Hundred Flowers Film Festival, which is China's most prestige national film event, announced the Retrospective honoured actress Zhao Wei. The Retorspective will present Zhao Wei's films for screen. On August 6, Zhao recruited as vice-president of China Television Actors Guild.
Rumours and controversy
As a result of her fame, Zhao Wei has been a regular subject of tabloids. On 3 December 2001, a woman named Zou Xue published a picture of Zhao wearing a dress with a Japanese military flag on the cover of Fashion Magazine. The public saw it as a sign of disrespect toward government policy and offensive to the Chinese public, who are still sensitive over the Second Sino-Japanese WarSecond Sino-Japanese War
The Second Sino-Japanese War was a military conflict fought primarily between the Republic of China and the Empire of Japan. From 1937 to 1941, China fought Japan with some economic help from Germany , the Soviet Union and the United States...
. Public outcry following the incident caused Zhao's relations with mainland audiences to became strained. On 9 December, the newspaper Beijing Evening News and network Sina.com published Zhao's apology letter to the nation, and on 17 December, Zhao again apologized on the TV show Entertainment Live, which was broadcast on 200 TV stations and 100 radio stations in China.
However, on 28 December 2001, at a concert, she was tackled by Fu Shenghua, a construction worker
Construction worker
A construction worker or builder is a professional, tradesman, or labourer who directly participates in the physical construction of infrastructure.-Construction trades:...
who said his grandparents had been killed during the war with Japan. Reflecting upon his actions, Fu told a Chinese magazine: "I know what I did wasn't right. But I believe my cause was just... As a famous Chinese person, she should have been aware of such an important event in Chinese history." Later, a Chinese newspaper, Beijing Youth Daily
Beijing Youth Daily
The Beijing Youth Daily is the official newspaper of the Communist Youth League committee in Beijing. It was established in 1949, and is now published by the Beijing Youth Daily Publishing Company. It is one of Beijing's most widely-circulated newspapers....
, published a special report after a two-month investigation and alleged that Fu had lied to the media, claiming that no one in his family had died during the war and that he was not a construction worker but instead had been unemployed for several years. The reporting journalist noted that it was difficult to have conversations with Fu due to his alleged extremist views. After this report was published, the hype surrounding the incident died down and the Chinese media seldom mentioned it again.
In 2004, Zhao was embroiled in further controversy when the same Zou Xue accused Zhao Wei of beating her while Zou was pregnant. Zhao and Zou had been business partners, together establishing the bar
Bar (establishment)
A bar is a business establishment that serves alcoholic drinks — beer, wine, liquor, and cocktails — for consumption on the premises.Bars provide stools or chairs that are placed at tables or counters for their patrons. Some bars have entertainment on a stage, such as a live band, comedians, go-go...
Z1 in Beijing
Beijing
Beijing , also known as Peking , is the capital of the People's Republic of China and one of the most populous cities in the world, with a population of 19,612,368 as of 2010. The city is the country's political, cultural, and educational center, and home to the headquarters for most of China's...
. Zou claimed that Zhao had instructed her chauffeur
Chauffeur
A chauffeur is a person employed to drive a passenger motor vehicle, especially a luxury vehicle such as a large sedan or limousine.Originally such drivers were always personal servants of the vehicle owner, but now in many cases specialist chauffeur service companies, or individual drivers provide...
to hit Zou after a business dispute between the two in July. At the time, Zou was eight months pregnant. In response, Zou filed a lawsuit demanding compensation in the amount of 2,246.6 yuan
Chinese yuan
The yuan is the base unit of a number of modern Chinese currencies. The yuan is the primary unit of account of the Renminbi.A yuán is also known colloquially as a kuài . One yuán is divided into 10 jiǎo or colloquially máo...
(US$272), as well as a public apology. Zhao denied hitting Zou.
After filing the lawsuit against Zhao, Zou welcomed attention from journalists, while Zhao ignored them. Zou further claimed that Zhao often used drugs
Recreational drug use
Recreational drug use is the use of a drug, usually psychoactive, with the intention of creating or enhancing recreational experience. Such use is controversial, however, often being considered to be also drug abuse, and it is often illegal...
with her friends at their bar, Z1. She told the press that Zhao was often vulgar and abusive toward her staff. In response, Zhao's brother, Zhao Jian, argued that Zou published the picture of Zhao Wei in the "Military Flag" dress as a direct attack against her.
During 2003-2004, a few of Zhao's movies, such as Green Tea, Jade Goddess of Mercy
Jade Goddess of Mercy
Jade Goddess of Mercy or Goddess of Mercy is a 2003 film directed by Ann Hui, starring Zhao Wei and Nicholas Tse.It was adapted from a novel from Chinese writer Hai Yan...
, and A Time to Love
A Time to Love (film)
A Time to Love is a 2005 film directed by Huo Jianqi. It stars Mainland actress Zhao Wei and actor Lu Yi.Based on a true story.-Cast:*Zhao Wei ... Qu Ran*Lu Yi ... Hou Jia*Song Xiaoying ... Hou Jia's mother*Zhang Qian.....
, failed to receive high box office earnings. Because of this, the media dubbed Zhao as the "bane of the box office", or "box office poison." When reporters confronted Zhao about this, she expressed discomfort and frustration. She commented:
Other work
Alongside her acting career, Zhao has become actively involved in commercial work. In 2001, she was selected as one of China's Top Ten Most Popular Commercial Models, the culmination of her work for Red Earth and Amoisonic Mobile Phone. The same year, Zhao was ranked second on "China's Top 10 Artists for Advertisements" list. South Korean television network KBS ranked Zhao number one in China and Japan and number two in South Korea, crowning her "Commercial Queen in 3 countries."On several occasions, Zhao has also been praised by the media for her sense of style. At the Lycra Channel Young Awards (now known as the China Fashion Awards), Zhao was chosen as the "Most Stylish Actress" in Mainland China. The same year, MTV China also selected Zhao as the "Most Stylish Asian Actress." Zhao also garnered another fashion award at the 2004 Pierre Cardin
Pierre Cardin
Pierre Cardin Cardin was known for his avant-garde style and his Space Age designs. He prefers geometric shapes and motifs, often ignoring the female form. He advanced into unisex fashions, sometimes experimental, and not always practical...
Awards. Zhao was awarded the "Most Stylish Female Artist" and "Most Stylish Actor" at the China Fashion Award (CFA) in 2005. In 2007, Zhao won her the third "Most Stylish Actor" in China Fashion Awards. The same year, she won Most Stylish Female Artist at the MTV China Style Gala.
Until 18 April 2011, Zhao Wei is climbing up the ranks of the most followed microbloggers worldwide. Her fan count has exceeded 6 million, bringing her ever closer to American celebrities Ellen DeGeneres, Ashton Kutcher and Katy Perry, all of whom also recently surpassed the 6 million fan mark.
Personal life
Zhao Wei is a practicing Buddhist and vegetarian. China Daily reported that Zhao is one of few celebrities who has great handwriting in Chinese.Relationships
In 2004, Zhao ended her relationship with Wang Yu. When he began dating actress Huang YiHuang Yi (actress)
Huang Yi is a Chinese actress and singer. She graduated from the TV Film Department of the Shanghai Institute of Oriental Culture.- Filmography :Film references:- Discography :...
in 2005, it became a popular subject in the media, because Huang was selected to replace Zhao in her famed role as "Xiao Yanzi" in Princess Pearl
Princess Pearl
Princess Pearl, also known in Singapore and the Philippines as My Fair Princess, is a television series adapted from Chiung Yao's novel series of the same title. Produced by Hunan TV, the series centres around the legend of Princess Huanzhu during the reign of the Qianlong Emperor of the Qing Dynasty...
3 after Zhao turned the part down. The media often depicted a feud between the two actresses. Zhao herself has not expressed any regret regarding her relationship with Wang Yu. "After becoming an actor, I've gained a lot, but I also lost many things. I got a job that I like; I had many opportunities, and I also received many kinds of love."
On occasion, Zhao has discussed her love life with reporters. "I'm not anxious. I have several friends who are over thirty years old, and they are also unmarried. So there's really no hurry. Right now, my career comes first..." Zhao Wei stressed that she will not give up her acting career even after she gets married, as acting is her passion. "If I stop acting, I will not have anything to focus on. Life will be so empty, and I definitely can't endure such emptiness. So, my would-be husband must understand me on this issue."
Pop divas Faye Wong
Faye Wong
Faye Wong is a highly successful and influential Chinese singer-songwriter and actress who is usually referred to as a diva . Early in her career she briefly used the stage name Shirley Wong . Born in Beijing, she moved to Hong Kong in 1987 and rose to stardom in the early 1990s by singing...
and Na Ying
Na Ying
Na Ying is a Chinese vocalist. She is considered as one of the best present-day female singers in Mainland China, having sold more than 10 million albums. She is also noted for her buoyant and forthright personality....
are some of Zhao Wei's best friends and Chinese media dubbed them together as the "Queen Club (天后团)." After a party at the 2008 Cannes Film Festival, Song Hye-kyo and Zhao also became friends.
Zhao married Singaporean businessman Huang You Long in 2008. The couple's daughter was born on 11 April 2010.
Charity work
Zhao has been actively involved in various causes.In 2002, Zhao Wei donated 100,000 yuan to China Youth Foundation's "Hope Project."
In 2004, Zhao set up a scholarship fund in Wuhu, her hometown.
In 2005 she was appointed as a spokesperson and ambassador for the United Nations Children's Fund
United Nations Children's Fund
United Nations Children's Fund was created by the United Nations General Assembly on December 11, 1946, to provide emergency food and healthcare to children in countries that had been devastated by World War II...
and China Youth Concern Committee's "Awareness for Children Affected by AIDS" campaign; she also wrote the song "来得及的明天" (Pinyin
Pinyin
Pinyin is the official system to transcribe Chinese characters into the Roman alphabet in China, Malaysia, Singapore and Taiwan. It is also often used to teach Mandarin Chinese and spell Chinese names in foreign publications and used as an input method to enter Chinese characters into...
: lai de ji de mingtian, Still Time for Tomorrow) as the theme song for the campaign. In 2006, Zhao, along with her former classmate Chen Kun, was chosen to represent YALU, a fashion company. YALU had set up a fund of 5 million RMB to help the construction of new villages in China
People's Republic of China
China , officially the People's Republic of China , is the most populous country in the world, with over 1.3 billion citizens. Located in East Asia, the country covers approximately 9.6 million square kilometres...
. Zhao attended a charity banquet in December 2006. The banquet, held in Beijing, raised money for the Smile Angel Foundation
Smile Angel Foundation
Smile Angel Foundation is a Beijing-based charity founded in 2006 by Faye Wong and Li Yapeng to help Chinese children born with clefts. It is affiliated with the Red Cross Society of China...
, an organization established by Zhao's friend Faye Wong
Faye Wong
Faye Wong is a highly successful and influential Chinese singer-songwriter and actress who is usually referred to as a diva . Early in her career she briefly used the stage name Shirley Wong . Born in Beijing, she moved to Hong Kong in 1987 and rose to stardom in the early 1990s by singing...
.
The morning following the 2008 Sichuan earthquake
2008 Sichuan earthquake
The 2008 Sichuan earthquake or the Great Sichuan Earthquake was a deadly earthquake that measured at 8.0 Msand 7.9 Mw occurred at 14:28:01 CST...
, Zhao donating 100,000 yuan to China Red Cross. Soon afterward, she donated 500,000 yuan to China Children and Teenagers' Fund to construct a Spring Bude building School.
On 29 March 2010, Zhao donated 200,000 yuan to the Yunnan government, as Yunnan was suffering from the worst drought in half a century. On 17 April, the third day after Qinghai Yushu Earthquake, Zhao donated 200,000 yuan to China Foundation for Poverty Alleviation
China Foundation for Poverty Alleviation
The China Foundation of Poverty Alleviation was founded in March 1989. It is a nation-wide Non-Government Organization that aims to alleviate poverty in China...
.
For Zhao's contribution to charity work, China Charity Billboard Award awarded her.
Albums
- 1999: SwallowSwallow (album)Swallow is Zhao Wei's first album. The title sourced Zhao's first acclaimed role - Swallow in Princess Pearl. In its first day of release, this album sold out 100,000 copies in Taiwan.-Track listing:#You Yi Ge Gu...
(小燕子-飞跃时空额精灵) - 1999: Magic of Love (爱情大魔咒)
- 2001: The Last Separation (最后一次分手 新歌+精选)
- 2004: AfloatAfloatAfloat is an album by Zhao Wei. The album's English title is Afloat, while Amazon.co.uk released it as Piao, which is the pinyin of the Chinese title.This album sold out 300,000 in first ten days.-Track listing:#Changed...
(飄) - 2005: DoubleDouble (Zhao Wei album)Double 双 is a 2005 album by mainland Chinese pop singer Zhao Wei. Its first single, "Still Time for Tomorrow" was the theme song for UNICEF's "Attention for Children Affected by AIDS" campaign .The first week sold more than 150,000 in mainland China....
(Double 双) - 2007: Angel's SuitcaseAngel's SuitcaseAngel's Suitcase is an album by Zhao Wei. It marks the release of the first album by independent music studio MBOX. Wei directed the music video of the title track.-Track listing:#Old Toy#Angel's Suitcase#Morning Love...
(天使旅行箱) - 2009: We're All Great Directors (我们都是大导演)
Soundtracks
- 1999: Princess Returning Pearl Original SoundtrackPrincess PearlPrincess Pearl, also known in Singapore and the Philippines as My Fair Princess, is a television series adapted from Chiung Yao's novel series of the same title. Produced by Hunan TV, the series centres around the legend of Princess Huanzhu during the reign of the Qianlong Emperor of the Qing Dynasty...
(还珠格格音乐全记录) - 2001: Romance in the Rain Original Soundtrack (情深深雨濛濛音乐全记录)
- 2001: Shaolin Soccer Original Soundtrack
- 2002: Chinese Odyssey 2002
- 2005: Moment in Peking Original Soundtrack
Ambassadorships
- 2001 World University Games
- 2002 China Youth Development Foudation "Hope Project"
- 2002 All-China Eviroment Federation
- 2004 China Farmers Games
- 2005 UN's "Orphan and Vulnerable Children, Children Affected by AIDS Awareness."
- 2007 World Special Olympic Games
- 2007 China Foundation of Disabled Person "Lighting Acitivies"
- 2008 China Red Cross "Heart Project"
- 2009 China Flowers Expo
- 2010 Changchun Film Festival
Awards & nominations
In 1999, Zhao Wei won a Golden Eagle Award for Best ActressGolden Eagle Awards (China) for Best Actress
Golden Eagle Award for Best Actress also known as Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role.This category was absent during 2000-2002.-Records:...
for her breakthrough role "Little Swallow (aka Xiao Yan Zi)" of Princess Pearl
Princess Pearl
Princess Pearl, also known in Singapore and the Philippines as My Fair Princess, is a television series adapted from Chiung Yao's novel series of the same title. Produced by Hunan TV, the series centres around the legend of Princess Huanzhu during the reign of the Qianlong Emperor of the Qing Dynasty...
(1999), who is the youngest Actress won this category.
Zhao won a Shanghai International Film Festival Golden Globet Award for Best Actress
Best Actress Award (Shanghai International Film Festival)
Golden Globet for Best Actress Award is the main category of Competition of Shanghai International Film Festival.- Award Winners :...
, a Huabiao Film Award
Huabiao Awards
China Huabiao Film Awards ,also known as Huabiao Awards, is an annual awards ceremony for Chinese cinema. Named after the decorative Chinese winged columns , The Huabiao Awards were first instituted in 1957 as the Ministry of Culture Excellence Film awards. Between 1958 and 1979, no awards were given...
for Outstanding Actress. a Changchun Film Festival Golden Deer Award
Changchun Film Festival
The Changchun Film Festival is a biennial international film festival held in the Chinese city of Changchun. Ostensibly international, its award for best film, the Golden Deer has nevertheless primarily been awarded to Chinese and other East Asia-region films...
for Best Actress for her critical acclaimed performance of A Time to Love
A Time to Love (film)
A Time to Love is a 2005 film directed by Huo Jianqi. It stars Mainland actress Zhao Wei and actor Lu Yi.Based on a true story.-Cast:*Zhao Wei ... Qu Ran*Lu Yi ... Hou Jia*Song Xiaoying ... Hou Jia's mother*Zhang Qian.....
(2005). Chinese critics considered the portrayal of Mulan
Mulan (2009 film)
Mulan, known in Chinese as Hua Mulan, is a 2009 Chinese film starring Zhao Wei as the titular protagonist. The director, Jingle Ma, has explained that this film is vastly different from the 1998 Walt Disney animated film and adheres more to his imagination...
is one of her best performance, Zhao won a Hundred Flowers Award for Best Actress
Hundred Flowers Award for Best Actress
The Hundred Flowers Award for Best Actress was first awarded by the China Film Association in 1962.-Records:-2010s:-2000s:-1990s:-1980s:-1960s:...
, a Changchun Film Festival Golden Deer Award
Changchun Film Festival
The Changchun Film Festival is a biennial international film festival held in the Chinese city of Changchun. Ostensibly international, its award for best film, the Golden Deer has nevertheless primarily been awarded to Chinese and other East Asia-region films...
for Best Actress, a Shanghai Film Critics Award for Best Actress
Shanghai Film Critics Award for Best Actress
-Winners List:-External links:*****...
(Also for 14 Blades
14 Blades
14 Blades is a 2010 wuxia film directed by Daniel Lee and starring Donnie Yen, Zhao Wei, Wu Chun, Kate Tsui and Qi Yuwu. The film was released on February 4 in China and February 11 in Hong Kong...
).
Zhao also has been nominated for numerous awards, including a Hong Kong Film Award for Best Actress
Hong Kong Film Award for Best Actress
The Hong Kong Film Award for Best actress is an annual Hong Kong industry award presented to an actress for the best performance by an actress in a leading role.-Records:-1980s:*1982 Kara Hui - My Young Auntie as Cheng Tai-Nan...
for Mulan
Mulan (2009 film)
Mulan, known in Chinese as Hua Mulan, is a 2009 Chinese film starring Zhao Wei as the titular protagonist. The director, Jingle Ma, has explained that this film is vastly different from the 1998 Walt Disney animated film and adheres more to his imagination...
(2009), and three Hong Kong Film Awards for Best Supporting Actress for The Postmodern Life of My Aunt
The Postmodern Life of My Aunt
The Postmodern Life of My Aunt is a 2006 Hong Kong serio-comedy film, directed by Ann Hui, starring Siqin Gaowa and Chow Yun-fat. The film also guest-stars Chinese actresses Zhao Wei and Lisa Lu....
(2006), Red Cliff part I (2008) & part II (2009), two Golden Horse Award for Best Supporting Actress for Chinese Odyssey 2002
Chinese Odyssey 2002
Chinese Odyssey 2002 is a 2002 Hong Kong film written and directed by Jeffrey Lau and produced by Wong Kar-wai. It stars Tony Leung Chiu-Wai, Faye Wong, Zhao Wei and Chang Chen....
(2002), The Postmodern Life of My Aunt
The Postmodern Life of My Aunt
The Postmodern Life of My Aunt is a 2006 Hong Kong serio-comedy film, directed by Ann Hui, starring Siqin Gaowa and Chow Yun-fat. The film also guest-stars Chinese actresses Zhao Wei and Lisa Lu....
(2006). Additionally, Zhao was nominated for an Asian Film Award
Asian Film Awards
The Asian Film Awards are presented annually by the Hong Kong International Film Festival Society to recognize excellence of film professionals in the film industries of Asian cinema.-History:...
for Best Actress and Golden Rooster Award for Best Actress for Painted Skin
Painted Skin (2008 film)
Painted Skin is a 2008 supernatural fantasy film directed by Gordon Chan, starring Donnie Yen, Chen Kun, Zhou Xun, Zhao Wei, Betty Sun and Qi Yuwu....
(2008).
As a pop singer, she won MTV Asia Award for Favorite Artist - Mainland China, and dozens of Chinese music awards for Favorite Female Artist. Angel's Suitcase
Angel's Suitcase
Angel's Suitcase is an album by Zhao Wei. It marks the release of the first album by independent music studio MBOX. Wei directed the music video of the title track.-Track listing:#Old Toy#Angel's Suitcase#Morning Love...
(2007) highlighted Zhao's music career, won Top Chinese Music Chart Award
Top Chinese Music Chart Awards
Top Chinese Music Awards established in 2001, the show gives recognition and awards to Mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan artists.This is the main event of the music industry, also known as the Chinese Grammy Awards.-Edition:-Best Album:...
for Best Female Vocal Performance and Music Radio Top Chart Award for Best Album.