2006: January/February, March/April (below)

2005: January/February, March/April, May/June, July/August, September/October, November/Dec

2004: All months

More on the Weinstein rumors

Unfortunately several news outlets including CNN are carrying a story from Reuters which incorrectly states that Ziyi has already agreed to several projects produced by the Weinstein Co., including a Seven Samurai remake and Mulan.  The most accurate and detailed summary of the situation so far is this article from the Hollywood Reporter

BEIJING/LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - Actress Zhang Ziyi ("Memoirs of a Geisha") is in negotiations to star in three pictures for the Weinstein Co., including a remake of Akira Kurosawa's "The Seven Samurai," the firm said Monday.

According to Zhang's handlers at the William Morris Agency, the complex deal with the new firm established by former Miramax chiefs Bob and Harvey Weinstein is far from closed.

The three projects are expected to be English-language, sources said. Zhang is interested in playing the role in "Samurai" of a peasant girl who hides from bandits in boy's clothes. Contrary to Internet rumors and published reports in Asia, no writer, director or co-star is yet signed. The Weinsteins acquired the remake rights to "Samurai" in 2002 for Miramax Films, and brought the project with them to their new company. Harvey Weinstein worked with Zhang when Miramax Films released Zhang Yimou's global hit "Hero" in 2004. Zhang also is discussing starring in another Chinese cross-dressing tale for the Weinstein Co. as folk heroine Hua Mulan -- the girl who dresses as a man to do battle in place of her ailing father. The same myth was the basis of Walt Disney Pictures' 1998 animated feature, "Mulan."

Monkeypeaches has tracked down the rumors and gotten the story straight from the source:

However, Zhang Ziyi's manager Ling Lucas has personally informed me that Zhang Ziyi "has not fixed her next project as of yet" and "she's not in a hurry."

It would be very uncharacteristic for Ziyi to sign up for a film with no director or writer attached, let alone of series of such projects, and this is what made the initial reports implausible.  However, it has to be remembered that she faces the same difficulties all other Asian actresses face when looking to Hollywood, a lack of quality roles and the belief that American audiences still do not fully accept Asians on screen. Harvey Weinstein is known for taking risks in bringing underappreciated films and directors to the mainstream, if he is willing to make a bet on Ziyi's Hollywood career by providing a series of high profile roles it could eliminate that barrier for her. On the other hand, by agreeing too early she could very possibly lose some control over important aspects of the projects, such as what directors she works with.

06/06/06

"Zhang Ziyi: Creative Asian Beauty" download

The National Geographic Channel documentary "Zhang Ziyi: Creative Asian Beauty" can be downloaded from the links below.  The program was made in 2004 while Ziyi was in Japan to film Princess Raccoon. The crew afterwards followed Ziyi back to Beijing where she revisited her old school, the Beijing Dance Academy. It also covers her schooling at the Central Academy of Drama, and the Beijing premiere of House of Flying Daggers. It's 48 minutes long, with English narration and subtitles.

If those links stop working, or if you want the complete file all at once, get it via bittorrent: torrent file. Thanks to Jiminthemiddle and Chan for their help.

06/03/06

Cannes update

There's a huge number of pictures and videos from the Cannes Film Festival that will take a while to organize, in the meantime check out these forum threads

Cannes pictures
Cannes videos
The Banquet cast party

05/31/06

Rumor news: Ziyi offered role in Seven Samurai remake with Donnie Yen.

AFP reports that while in Cannes Ziyi was offered a role in a Hollywood remake of The Seven Samurai. This is just one possible future project for Ziyi, despite being offered the role it is unknown if she has chosen to accept..

Hong Kong action star Donnie Yen is set to lead in the Hollywood remake of Japanese classic "The Seven Samurai", alongside George Clooney and Chinese starlet Zhang Ziyi, a film company said.

Yen met with Hollywood heavyweight Harvey Weinstein during Cannes film festival to discuss the remake of the 1954 action film directed by Japanese master Akira Kurosawa. Weinstein has invited Yen to play one of the seven sword heroes in the film, according to Mandarin Films, which represents the actor.

"Donnie has met Harvey Weinstein in Cannes to discuss the project," a spokeswoman for Mandarin Films told AFP. "We don't know more details as it is still at an early stage."

She said Weinstein has also invited Clooney and Zhang to lead the film.

05/31/06

Le Figaro Interview

French newspaper Le Figaro has published a charming and whimsical interview with Ziyi titled "In Private with... Zhang Ziyi". A couple of excerpts are below

At what moment were you most happy? I cherish every day that passes. Each day offers something new, something different. I'm very happy at the moment.

What do you think is perfect happiness? To be loved and to love.

The last time you laughed out loud? Last autumn, I took my puppy Teddy shopping. I found him a magnificent warm coat and the salesman put some thick socks on him. As soon as they were on his paws he shrank back and then lifted up each paw, one at a time. I burst out laughing and couldn't stop. Teddy looked at me with the air of defeat. I nearly died laughing!

...Your heroes? Ordinary people who do extraordinary things.

What scares you? Rats. That's all.

What talent would you like to have? To play the piano. With virtuosity.

Your favorite word? 'All right' and 'ludicrous'.

A sentence which disturbs you? When people say to me: 'We'll be ready when you are'. That frightens me.

Thanks to Violim ZiYi.

05/31/06

Maybelline Ad

A pretty little flash animation from Maybelline's Chinese website, click to play.

05/31/06

"Ziyi 'boldly' offers opinions as Cannes juror"

An article from the AP quotes Cannes Jury President Wong Kar Wai talking about Ziyi as jury member.

Chinese actress Zhang Ziyi hasn't held back her opinions while on the jury of this year's Cannes Film Festival despite being a relative newcomer on the entertainment scene, said Hong Kong director Wong Kar-wai.

"She's very bold," said Wong, who heads this year's jury, in an interview with Hong Kong's Cable TV that aired Sunday. "Even though she's very young, she's made quite a few movies. She's bold in expressing herself, so there isn't an issue of being timid because she's less experienced," Wong said of the 27-year-old Zhang...

Zhang and Wong collaborated on "2046," Wong's follow-up to the critically acclaimed love story "In the Mood for Love."

05/31/06

Banquet Trailer and Gallery

A new English trailer has been released for The Banquet, as part of Media Asia's marketing blitz for the film during the Cannes Film Festival. The Quicktime version is below, click to play

Over the past two weeks a large number of promotional photos were also released, you can see them here

Gallery: The Banquet - 109 pics

05/19/06

National Geographic special airing next week

As a reminder, the National Geographic channel documentary "Zhang Ziyi: Creative Asian Beauty" will begin airing on Monday, May 22 throughout Asian territories, including Singapore, Hong Kong, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines.  Dates and times can be found here, and channel availability is listed here.

Those of us outside Asia will have to make due for now with these flash trailers for the program

Zhang Ziyi: Creative Asian Beauty
May promo - mouse over to get sound

If you live in one of the countries where it will be broadcast and can record the program, it would be greatly appreciated. If you need technical advice email me.

05/19/06

Zhang Ziyi in Cannes

(update: 19 more pictures added)

The 59th Cannes Film Festival began today and will run till May 27.  Ziyi is a member of the Feature Films Jury and will help to decide the winners of the Festival's prestigious awards. The President of the Jury is director Wong Kar Wai (2046), and this therefore marks the first time two Chinese have served on the Cannes Jury. However, only one Chinese film will be in competition at Cannes, "Summer Palace" by director Lou Ye (Purple Butterfly) and that only after some controversy with the Chinese censors.

Below are pics of Ziyi at the Festival's Opening Night Gala, attending the world premiere of "The Da Vinci Code."

Gallery: Cannes 2006 Opening Night- 36 pics

05/17/06

The Banquet official English website opens

Media Asia has unveiled a beautifully designed official English website for The Banquet.  Besides the flash animations, the most interesting parts are the production notes from "The Creators", director Feng Xiaogang, choreographer Yuen Wo-Ping, composer Tan Dun, and designer Tim Yip. Below are notes from director Feng

This is a film about desire. Desire doesn't mean a character is predetermined to do something. It rather means he is expanding and changing constantly, goaded on by desire, until he walks closer and closer into an abyss.

The most attractive thing about it is that "crime" is not premeditated but is often the result of self-preservation. Take the Empress for instance. Her first move is to protect herself. Her second move is to protect the Crown Prince. When she discovers that the Prince can no longer be protected, she needs to take things in her own hands... This kind of set-up is more human: as the characters get lost in their desire, the situation becomes uncontrollable, and everything starts changing and developing rapidly.

From the site are two new pictures of Zhang Ziyi as Empress Wan

Pictures of the cast: Ziyi and Ge You in the top row, Zhou Xun and Daniel Wu in the bottom two rows.

	..www.helloziyi.us/Galleries/new/ye-yan-site-ge-you-1-thumb.jpg" width=200 border=1>

and designer Tim Yip's sets

Ziyi gave an interview to CCTV on May 10 (video here, in Mandarin) where she discussed her character, Empress Wan

"She is a very vicious woman. Though kind by nature, she is forced by the surroundings to do everything she can reach her goals with iron-clad determination. This requires the actor to portray her as vicious inside. This is the first time I've done a role of such depth, which is a very satisfying experience."

When asked to describe her character Queen Wan, Ziyi said: "I think my character goes through a lot of emotional struggle and sacrifice. You think she didn't love her husband, the late king? Or even the new Emperor, played by Ge You? She has feelings, too. Ge You's character gives her many things she has never enjoyed or experienced before. What Wu Luan [the Crown prince, played by Daniel Wu] brings out of her is childhood innocence, her deep-buried self. I think Queen Wan very often has to maintain a certain presence just for others."

Later, when answering the question if she liked this conflicted and ultimately tragic character, Ziyi replied: "I found the visual appearance (of Empress Wan) a bit hard to accept in the beginning, because it is mostly red, which gives the impression she is very over-bearing, but I've gradually allowed myself to become her and grown to like that image better and better. I understand why he [Tim Yip, Oscar-winning artistic of Crouching Tiger fame] gave my character such an image. She must have something deep inside her that motivates her to assume such a presence so as to keep the situation under control, though she is not this kind of a person by nature. She must control all those around her and let people know she's the boss. That's why I now like the appearance a lot and I feel it helped us. When you are immersed in such a character, you give the role some more thoughts and details knowingly or otherwise."

Finally, here are scans demonstrating the Empress' dominantly red theme from the May issue Movie View magazine

Thanks to Jim for the translations and Kakamier for the scans.

05/15/06

Summary news for May 3rd

Ziyi Attending "Over the Hedge Premiere"
Ziyi interview on CCTV "Face to Face"
Ziyi writes special Ang Lee column for TIME

05/03/06

Summary News - Week of Friday, Apr 28

There's been a great deal of news this week. Since I am the process of redesigning the site I will just post these summary links.

The Banquet:

The Banquet Official Site
Pics of Ziyi in The Banquet <- nice, thanks to Kakamier
Pics of Zhou Xun in The Banquet

Jasmine Women now playing in China:

Preview clip/ Trailer <- nice
Jasmine Women poster
Review by Monkeypeaches

Awards and magazine covers

Ziyi nominated for Sexiest Performance at MTV Movie Awards - Vote!
Ziyi in People Magazine's World's Most Beautiful People list
Ziyi Nominated in China's 28th Hundred Flowers Awards
Ziyi on cover of Good Housekeeping (China)
Ziyi and Zhou Xun on cover of Cosmopolitan Star (China)

Articles and pictures

More pics from Los Angeles
Beautiful Maybelline scan by Kakamier
Washington Post article "This 'Crouching Tiger' Tames Her Audience"
People's Daily article "'Really proud of being a Chinese': Zhang Ziyi"
Associated Press article "Director says actress Zhang Ziyi's fee has jumped tenfold "
CCTV program - 20 min. streaming video

04/28/06

Ziyi in Los Angeles

Ziyi has been flying around the world this past week, from Beijing to Washington D.C. to Los Angeles. On Friday she  was in LA, where she gave the opening remarks at a screening of House of Flying Daggers, sponsored by the Asia Society. Two of our forum members attended, Zphenom made this video of Ziyi's remarks.

Opening remarks - 19 MB avi

And Quawk also shared his impressions

So I only made it to the stage of being in the same room -- but what a treat! Asia Society did a very nice job of hosting this event (free popcorn and drinks!). The producer of Joy Luck Club was there and spoke briefly, then ZZ was introduced, came out from the side of the stage with a mike, and addressed the crowd for about 5 minutes -- while we of course all madly snapped pictures. No podium, just standing in front of the stage.

She spoke about the making of the picture, living with the blind girl, working on the dance, etc. She ended hoping that we all would enjoy the movie. I was so busy trying to get pictures that I probably missed some of what she said --- BUT I can say her English has really improved! Quite a jump from Oscars and SAG.

As you might expect, she was completely open and natural, very relaxed, very accessible. We are dealing here with a big being, which is why people love her so much.

04/22/06

Virgule meets Ziyi

Virgule of course is the founder of the ZiyiFilms forums and also pays the bills for HelloZiyi.us.  He lives in Washington D.C. and so had the special opportunity to meet Ziyi on her recent visit there. After waiting outside of a press conference only open to reporters, Ziyi emerged and Virgule was there to greet her.

Virgule's description from the forum thread

12:10, the auditorium doors swing open and I see her. The Z-ness in 3 dimensions. I remember picking my jaw up off of the floor. She was surrounded by entourage, as thick as killer bees around the queen. I start snapping pictures, indiscriminately, like a mad man. I see [Ziyi's manager] Ling Lucas, and I follow them outside.

Things are moving so fast, because its raining, and she wants to get out of the rain and into the limo. Ling walks right in front of me. I blurt out something - my name - VIRGULE!!!!!! I'm VIRGULE!

Ling stops and looks at me. Oh, yes, from Ziyifilms. She knows who the hell I am!!!!!

My ears implode when Ling asks me if I want her to take a picture of me with the Z-ness. My knees are about to buckle. I am a worm. A lowly fan. All I wanted was a picture of her. The last thing I expected was someone taking a picture of me WITH HER.

I stutter an appropriate YES, PLEASE!!!!!!

Zhang Ziyi, the greatest film star of all time stands next to me. She puts her arm around my waist - in the rain. Ling snaps away. I figure Al Qaida just nuked DC, and I'm in heaven now. She, the Z-ness, says to me in perfect English - "Thank you for your support". I'm struck deaf and blind, simultaneously. I stammer out - you're the BEST! The greatest of all time! And in the limo she goes, to a destiny that only for 2 minutes, included me.

04/22/06

Ziyi at the White House

On Thursday, Ziyi was invited to the White House to attend the welcoming ceremony for Chinese President Hu Jintao.

"President Hu's visit to the U.S. is a very meaningful visit. I never thought I would have the chance to participate in such an activity at the White House. It's a great honor.''

Zhang was also quoted as saying that if she meets U.S. President George W. Bush, she will ask him how many Chinese movies he has watched.

These pictures are from the South Lawn of the White House. In the last picture you can see her waving at Hu and Bush.

Here's a bit more related material from the Shanghaiist blog

Last but definitely not least, Zhang Ziyi is the new face of US-China relations. The actress is supposed to show up at a White House ceremony. The Chinese-language media in the US has been featuring some of her recent activities, asking her daring questions such as "Are you nervous?" about all the political personages she would have to meet in the coming days, and she said "No," replying that there were so many Chinese people there anyway that it felt just like a gathering of Chinese people. One American official interviewed said "She's the most beautiful thing that I've ever seen," and was about to leave when he turned back to the camera and added, "except my wife."

04/22/06

National Geographic Channel documentary air dates

National Geographic has announced air dates for the documentary "Zhang Ziyi: Creative Asian Beauty." It will be shown on May 22 at 8:PM, and May 23, 5:AM, but only on the National Geographic Asia region channel.

04/22/06

Newsweek article on the Banquet production company

An article from Newsweek about the Huayi Brothers Film Investment Co., the company producing The Banquet.

When Beijing film producer James Wang Zhonglei ran into his old friend Zhang Ziyi at Cannes last May, he told the Chinese actress that he had a big "headache" because he didn't have a leading lady for his new film, "The Banquet." His first choice was Gong Li, Zhang's costar from "Memoirs of a Geisha," but she had scheduling conflicts. Zhang looked at him, and he looked back. Five minutes later, Wang was on his mobile phone with Feng Xiaogang, director of "The Banquet" and China's leading commercial filmmaker. Would he consider the 27-year-old Zhang, who hadn't made a movie on the mainland in two years, for the role of the fortysomething queen? "Why not?" Feng replied. To make the part more age-appropriate for Zhang, Wang got his team to rewrite her role in the story, a retelling of "Hamlet" set in an ancient Chinese court, for a younger sovereign. Now the $20 million epic, due out in the fall, has become one of Asia's most anticipated films of the year....

04/22/06

Jasmine Women press conference pictures

High quality pictures from the Jasmine Women press conference, thanks to Moses.

I'd like to draw attention to one other revealing quote from the press conference

Q: You have already signed up with an American agency. How do you work it out with them before joining a movie project there?

A: They won't force me to take it if I don't want to. When I decided to pass off a role in the South Korean romantic action comedy My Wife Is A Gangster 3, they tried to change my mind with a lot of money, but I refused, because I didn't want the role. Every movie takes away six months worth of hard work. It makes a world of difference between pouring your heart into a character unconditionally and being obliged to play one. The results would be totally different. It is not every year an actor can land a worthy role. The audience always can tell if you became the character when making that movie.

04/22/06

"Jasmine Women finally blossoms"

China Daily has a long and informative article on the travails Jasmine Women has faced on its way to release.

According to the Beijing-based Asian Union Film & Media, the movie's production company, the postponement was mainly caused by disputes among investors. "The funding of the movie came from a variety of sources Some of the investors were really green hands at movies. So there were many quarrels and fights on issues such as copyright and distribution rights," the company's boss, Dong Ping, said at the press conference. The company finally paid a big sum of money to purchase the parts of copyright owned by other investors....

It would be a difficult task for any actor or actress to play three different roles in one movie. Zhang Ziyi admitted that it was very challenging for her too. Many reporters who have watched the movie are deeply impressed by her gorgeous performance: in many ways her best yet.

04/22/06

Jasmine Women Press conference

A press conference for Ziyi's film Jasmine Women was held on Friday, in anticipation of its release in China on April 26. Ziyi, her costar Liu Ye (who also worked with her on Purple Butterfly) and production company Poly Huayi CEO Dong Ping were in attendance. More pictures can be found here, and a video here.

A translation of the press conference is in this forum thread, thanks to Jim. A few quotes are below

About her own experience in the project, Ziyi said she had done the best she could, just like always. "For me, acting is a very important part of my life. Ever since I chose this career, I have always treated the roles I chose seriously. I saw Jasmine Women three years ago when it was done, but I'll have to see it again before I can tell you how I feel about it now, because it's been so long since then." Calling it the product she has worked the hardest for in her career so far, Ziyi said she believed Jasmine Women is worth watching for many things: "From acting, story-telling to casting, it is the whole package."

Another reporter asked Ziyi if she, as an international star, finds it hard to take on acting roles in Chinese movies from now on, especially pay-wise. She answered: "Actually, my agency asked me to stay in the US to consider some of the Hollywood projects after Memoirs of a Geisha wrapped. At that time I was already offered a role in The Banquet, which I thought was a very good script. Besides, I wanted to work on movie projects back in China, to work with Chinese actors and directors. And I hope to use my influence for the Chinese movie industry. I have received a lot of scripts since I came back to Beijing not long ago. Many of them are helmed by young directors. I'm really looking forward to opportunities to work with them, and I'm very likely to shoot another Chinese movie later this year."

It was also reported that the DVD will be released one week after the film is in theatres. Thanks to Jiminthemiddle and CrystalGaia for the news.

04/15/06

Ziyi to join Cannes jury

On Friday Ziyi confirmed that she has accepted the invitation to be a judge at this years Cannes Film Festival. From an article at Xinhua

"I'm anticipating taking up the post and it would be an honor,"said Zhang, who most recently starred in "Memoirs of a Geisha," adding she was unaware of the competing films and whether they included any Chinese productions. Zhang said she wanted to use her international influence in creating more Chinese films.

Hong Kong director Wong Kar Wai will preside over the jury of the 59th film festival, which opens on May 17. It will be the first Cannes jury to include two Chinese.

04/15/06

Ziyi documentary to air on National Geographic Channel in May

The National Geographic Channel has been airing commercials about an upcoming documentary titled "Zhang Ziyi: Creative Asian Beauty."  No date for the program has been set but it should be sometimes in May.  It appears to be an hour long program made by NHK that was aired in Japan in December 2004. More details are on this page

Chinese actress Zhang Ziyi has recently starred in a series of hit action movies, including the blockbuster hits Hero and Lovers [House of Flying Daggers]. Seeking to expand her experience in film genres, she is set to star in an operetta titled Tanuki Goten ("Princess Raccoon"), based on the movie of the same name that took the world by storm with its song and dance scenes. Director and 81-year-old film master Seijun Suzuki chose his heroine with the objective of developing a new type of actress not embroiled in Hollywood. This program captures the 60 days of Zhang Ziyi during her stay in Japan, revealing the unknown charm of this 25-year-old Asian beauty with an upbeat determination to extend her repertoire.

Here is a page of screencaps from the documentary, thanks to Ziyifan.com

Thanks to Samuelcyc for the news.

04/15/06

Ziyi advises on Time 100

Last year, Ziyi was named to the Time 100, Time magazine's list of the world's most influential people. In making the list each year, they ask previous honorees who they think should be included. Ziyi's answer is below.

Ziyi Zhang, the star of Memoirs of a Geisha has broken down barriers for Chinese actors. "I hope Ang Lee is on the list. Because of him, Chinese filmmaking will be better recognized by the U.S. film industry. He has made his fellow Chinese extremely proud. I would also include Wang Yung-ching, a Taiwanese businessman who is donating hearing implants to the children of China this year, and Professor Han Demin, the head of Beijing's Tongren Hospital, because of his charity fund-raising efforts."

04/15/06

Daily Dose of Cuteness

04/13/06

Ziyi to judge Cannes Film Festival?

An article from CRI says that Ziyi has been invited to be a judge at this year's Cannes Film Festival.

Chinese actress Zhang Ziyi was invited to be a judge at the 59th Cannes film festival that will take place from May 17 to 28. The list of all the jury members will be formally announced on April 20th.

Although a spokesperson for Zhang refused to comment, the president of the Huayi Brothers Company, Wang Zhonglei, says Zhang will probably at least attend the event, as she has promised to join in on promotional activities for the film "The Banquet" at the festival. Chinese film director Wong Kar Wai [2046] will be the president of the jury this year.

This would be the first time Ziyi has been a judge at Cannes. Last year she was invited to be a judge at the Venice Film Festival, but was unable to attend.

04/12/06

Princess Raccoon screening in New York and San Francisco

Princess Raccoon is screening in New York on April 23 as part of The Village Voice's Best of 2005 series at BAM. More details are on this page, and tickets are on sale here.

It will be shown in San Francisco on April 26, 28, and 30 as part of the San Francisco International Film Festival.

Princess Raccoon is also coming to the UK later this year with a limited release in London and a few other cities beginning on June 30.

04/12/06

More details about Ziyi in Los Angeles

Ziyi will be attend and give introductory remarks at a screening of House of Flying Daggers in Los Angeles on April 21.  It will be at 7:30 PM at the Fine Arts Theatre, 8556 Wilshire Blvd. BH. Tickets are still available and can be reserved by calling the Asia Society at (213) 288-6400, ext. 24. Cameras are allowed.

Thanks to Quawk for the update.

04/12/06

Ziyi at the 2006 Hong Kong Film Awards

Ziyi was in Hong Kong on April 8 to attend the 25th Hong Kong Film Awards, where she and her 2046 costar Tony Leung Chiu Wai presented the award for Best Director. Ziyi also attended last year's ceremony, where she was named Best Actress for 2046. This year, the Best Actress award went to her Banquet costar Zhou Xun, for her work in Perhaps Love. For a complete list of winners, see here.

Gallery: Hong Kong Film Awards - 21 pics

Below is a video of Ziyi and Tony Leung presenting Best Director to Johnny To (who was not able to attend) for his film Election.

04/11/06

Ziyi at Armani fashion show

On April 1, Ziyi was in Shanghai to attend a fashion show held by Giorgio Armani at the Shanghai Grand Theatre. Armani has designed many of Ziyi's dresses, including those she wore at this year's Oscars and the Golden Globes.

Gallery: Armani Fashion show - 16 pics

Hellomagazine.com has an article about the event,

"Immediately I liked him," says Memoirs Of A Geisha actress Ziyi Zhang of her first meeting with Giorgio Armani. "Now I love him, and I think he likes me too." With such a warm relationship between the Milanese fashion maestro and his muse of the moment, it's no wonder Ziyi was on hand at the opening of an Armani retrospective in her native China...

The Italian designer was behind stunning appearances by Ziyi at the Golden Globes - where she dazzled in a custom-made lime green organza gown - and the Baftas, where she opted for a shimmering strapless creation. His seamstresses also toiled for three weeks to create her Swarovski crystal-encrusted number for the Oscars. With Armani equally outspoken in his admiration for the petite star their collaboration looks set to continue for some time. "I was attracted to her as a whole," he enthuses, praising her for having a "seemingly fragile body accompanied by such a strong personality".

Thanks to Moses and Margaret for the news.

04/09/06

Details on Ziyi's visit to Washington DC

Here are the details as promised for Ziyi's upcoming visit to Washington DC on April 17. Also see this PDF for more information. Unfortunately none of the events Ziyi is attending seem to be open to the public.

The Motion Picture Association of America, the National Geographic Society and the China State Administration of Radio, Film & Television (SARFT) today announced they will partner to host the Washington DC "China Film Festival-2006 U.S.A." April 17-22. The festival, supported by the Chinese Embassy, pays tribute to the visit of China President Hu Jintao to the United States and will showcase several recent Chinese films.

April 17/DC
10:30am
Press Conference at MPAA, 1600 Eye St, NW Washington DC.

6:00 pm
Cocktails for Chinese Film Exhibition at MPAA

7:45 pm:
Screening of House of Flying Daggers

Ziyi is also attending a screening of House of Flying Daggers in Los Angeles on April 21.

April 21/LA
7:30 pm:
Screening of House of Flying Daggers at Fine Arts Theatre, 8556 Wilshire Blvd. BH.

04/09/06

E! Sexiest Bodies video

Ziyi was recently featured on E! 101 Sexiest Bodies program. The commentary is typically stereotyped but there is some nice footage of Ziyi. Thanks to Rick for making this video

E! Sexiest Bodies - 12 MB avi

04/09/06

New Asience commercial

Asience has released a new "Asian Beauty" commercial for April. It was filmed in Rome back in December, a gallery of pictures from one of the shooting locations was posted back then. This is Ziyi's 13th commercial for Asience, it is in flash format and will take a few seconds to load:

Asience commercial - 2 MB swf

And also a beautiful picture with the yellow dress from the commercial.

04/09/06

Jasmine Women gallery

A gallery has been added to the official Japanese website of Jasmine Women. A few pictures are below

04/09/06

Ziyi meets with fans in Beijing

On Wednesday, Ziyi once again met with her fans in Beijing at a press conference sponsored by Maybelline. Last year a similar event was held to celebrate Maybelline's 10th year of doing business in China. This year they say it is to introduce a new product called White Stay Mousse, but the real reason is Ziyi is just cool like that.

Gallery: Ziyi meets with fans - 82 pictures

Fans presented Ziyi with a portrait of what they had voted to be their favorite picture of her from the previous year.

In return, Ziyi handed out presents of makeup to the girls who attended.

A seven-minute video is below, the beginning when she walks on stage is very loud.

Video: 21 MB wmv

Thanks to Billie-Jean, Woyingcangxiong, and many other Chinese fans who attended and shared the pictures they took. Congratulations to everyone who had a great time!

03/31/06

Ziyi honored by the Beijing New Film Association

Ziyi and her "Banquet" co-star Ge You were honored in Beijing by the New Film Association, on its 10th Anniversary, as two of mainland China's most popular stars of the past 10 years. Also honored were directors Feng Xiaogang (also of "The Banquet"), Lu Chuan (Kekexili: Mountain Patrol), Zhang Yang, and actor Feng Gong.

Z looked especially lovely, even more so than usual. Hopefully unmarked pictures will appear soon.

3/29/06

Jasmine Women trailer!!!

After nearly two years of waiting, we now finally have a trailer for Jasmine Women. The trailer is almost entirely Ziyi, and the movie looks amazing. Click below for the 7 MB Quicktime Japanese trailer

The song in the trailer is a traditional folk song titled Mo Li Hua or "Jasmine Flower" (the movie's title in Chinese is "Mo Li Hua Kai".) The lyrics are

The only previous video from the film was a low quality teaser of production footage made back in 2004.

As I reported earlier, Jasmine Women is expected to be released in China during April, in Japan and Korea during June, and will expand to other countries later in the year.  For more information about the movie, visit the Jasmine Women page.

Thanks to Bobby for the song lyrics.

3/25/06

Ziyi visiting Washington DC on April 17

Ziyi will visit Washington DC on April 17, as part of the Chinese Film Delegation on their visit to the US. There will be a showing of House of Flying Daggers to kick off the "Chinese Film Festival" which has been organized. More details to come.

3/25/06

Two versions of The Banquet?

Monkeypeaches reports that some action scenes Ziyi filmed for The Banquet may be left out of the Chinese release

According to a Chinese newspaper, Zhang Ziyi's only two action scenes may be included in the international print, but many not show up in the domestic Chinese print. The first scene is the Empress (Zhang Ziyi) and the Crown Prince (Daniel Wu) practicing swords with movements they learnt from the previous emperor. I suspect a few second of the scene is included in the latest teaser trailer. The second scenes is the Empress playing polo with the current Emperor (Ge You). Ge You suggested to limit the weight of Zhang Ziyi's action in the film because she had already done that so many times and director Feng Xiaogang agreed. He said Zhang Ziyi's performance was so good that no action was needed to strengthen her role. Feng would cut these scenes because he believes they were not closely related to the main storyline. Feng said he would avoid showing lavish fight scenes with a weak story.

He also remarks on how the international distribution is shaping up

The Banquet will be released in China this September, by which it will be qualified for the Best Foreign Language Film Award of next year's Oscar. Reportedly, this film has been selling very well internationally. Media Asia, co-producer of the film, will release it in Hong Kong. Gaga Communications Inc. acquired the Japanese rights with US$5 million. The unidentified Korean distributor is now pushing for a simultaneous in the country. Release in Southeast Asia is also being secured. Rights in seven European countries have already been sold and a deal for UK release will be signed soon. Distribution in France and Germany are currently in negotiation. Several US distributors, including Paramount, WB and Miramax, have shown their interests on the film, after a 15 minute featurette was shown at American Film Market last November.

3/25/06

Banquet teaser trailer

A twenty second teaser trailer for The Banquet that aired on Chinese television earlier this week. 

Banquet teaser - 1 MB wmv

Also, a higher quality picture of the poster

03/22/06

Oscar night gallery

30 pics of Ziyi at the Oscars: Oscar night gallery

03/07/06

Ziyi's Oscar presentation

Here is a one minute video of Ziyi presenting the Oscar for Best Film Editing.

Oscar Presentation - 13 MB avi

03/06/06

The Banquet: synopsis and video

The MediaAsia website has added a page devoted to Ziyi's upcoming film, "The Banquet", which will be released in the fall.   The page includes an evocative and detailed synopsis, part of it is below

As beautiful as she is young and as limber as she is smart, Empress Wan (Ziyi Zhang) can launch a thousand ships with her charm and fight a hundred soldiers with her sword. But something is lacking in her life. Unfulfilled in her royal boudoir, she harbors forbidden desires for her stepson Wu Luan (Daniel Wu), an introverted and melancholic young man four months her senior, who shies away from the palace to indulge in the ancient art of music and dance.

When the Emperor dies all of a sudden and his virile younger brother Li (Ge You) succeeds the throne, Wan shocks everyone by agreeing to marry Li, convinced that this is the only way to protect Wu Luan while sealing her own position in the court. But Li is no fool. However infatuated he might be with his sister-in-law, he only pretends to buy into her scheme in order to consummate his lust. Oblivious to Wan, he has dispatched his underlings to off his nephew... (more)

Also, here is a three-minute preview reel that was shown last month at the Berlin Film Festival, unfortunately the audio quality is very poor: Banquet preview - 8 MB wmv. Some screenshots are below

03/06/06

Zhang Ziyi at the Oscars

Ziyi attended the 78th Annual Academy Awards, where she presented the Oscar for Best Film Editing.   She looked lovely as always, a few pictures are below

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Her dress is by Armani, "a black scalloped seashell-shaped lace bustier with jet beading worn with a gray Swarovski crystal encrusted full crinoline skirt." according to the AP.

While Ziyi herself was not nominated for an Oscar, her film Memoirs of a Geisha did win in three categories, for Best Cinematography, Best Art Direction, and Best Costume Design. Congratulations to the Memoirs team for their success!

03/05/06

Zhang Ziyi at the Independent Spirit Awards

Ziyi attended the 21st Annual Independent Spirit Awards on March 4, where she presented the award for Best Foreign Film. Below are a some HQ pictures

And here's a video of her award presentation, which she did with Josh Lucas. Thanks to CrystalGaia for the video.

Presentation - 1 MB wmv

03/04/06

Ziyi at the BAFTA awards

Ziyi attended the BAFTA awards in London on February 19, where she had been nominated for Best Leading Actress for Memoirs of a Geisha.  While she did not win, Memoirs did receive three awards for cinematography, music and costume design.  Ziyi accepted the award for Best Music on behalf of composer John Williams, who did not attend. The gallery is below

Gallery: Ziyi at the BAFTAs - 25 pictures

03/04/06

Ziyi to be a presenter at the Academy Awards

Ziyi will be a presenter at the Academy Awards on Sunday night. From the official press release:

Academy Award-winning actor Jack Nicholson will join Oscar nominee Jake Gyllenhaal, Eric Bana, Samuel L. Jackson, Ben Stiller, John Travolta and Ziyi Zhang as presenters at the 78th Academy Awards ceremony, telecast producer Gil Cates announced today.

Here are some pictures from the rehearsals, in the second she is with Kasie Head.

03/04/06

Maybelline Pictures

A very nice series of pictures from Maybelline's Chinese and Japanese websites. Thanks to fiziyi for these.

03/04/06

Ziyi on cover of Playboy Japan

The Japanese version of Playboy has selected the "100 Sexiest Women in Asia", and naturally the Cuteone landed in first place. As a result, she is on the cover of the April issue in Japan. 

Interestingly, a similar poll led to Jessica Alba being on the cover of Playboy in the US, but Alba has since demanded that Playboy pull the issue as they did not inform her beforehand that they would use her image on the cover.  According to Alba, Playboy tricked Sony into allowing them to use a promotional photo from her film Into The Blue. I don't know if there is a similar situation involving Ziyi, but the picture Playboy is using is not unique to them, it is from Asience's "Modern Spaces" promotional campaign.

03/04/06

Princess Raccoon DVD with English subtitles coming

On March 10, Princess Raccoon will be released on DVD in Hong Kong by Mei Ah, and according to one retailer it will include English subtitles. This is great news as the previous two releases, in Japan and Taiwan, did not.

Update: Two more retailers (DDHouse and Sensasian) have it listed as well. Thanks to Abe and Logboy at Twitchfilm.net.

03/04/06

Official Jasmine Women Japanese website opens

An official website for Jasmine Women has opened in Japan. I believe this is the first official site to appear for the film. It includes a theatre listing and plot synopsis, although without a trailer or image gallery there is not much that would interest the non-Japanese visitor.

03/04/06

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