Chinese Actress Fan Bingbing Stars as a Farmer in New Film “Earth Mother” Directed by Malaysian Director Zhang Jian.
In the video shared on Instagram on the 21st, Fan Bingbing showcased her experience of farming life in Kedah, Malaysia in June, where she personally went into the fields to plant seedlings. The image of her falling into the mud puddle received high praise from netizens for being down-to-earth and dedicated to her craft.
In the video caption, Fan Bingbing wrote, “In June, the days of experiencing life in Kedah.” She was dressed in a loose gray t-shirt, rolled up her pants to her thighs, presenting a very simple and down-to-earth appearance.
Diligently practicing planting seedlings in the rice field, Fan Bingbing accidentally fell into the mud puddle at one point. However, she showed no signs of being a pampered star, stating that “everything is worth it for the role.” As her planting technique became more proficient, the Malaysian auntie beside her praised, “You did quite well on the first day.” Netizens also praised Fan Bingbing, saying “Awesome, such a professional actress.”
After finishing planting, Fan Bingbing went ashore and looked at her legs covered in mud and water. She jokingly said that mud has a beautifying effect and cheerfully remarked, “I hope all my friends can come to Malaysia, to Kedah, and plant seedlings properly, so your skin will become smoother and more beautiful.”
Fan Bingbing, who hasn’t worked in mainland China for 6 years due to a tax evasion scandal, revealed in a recent interview with the Malaysian media “China Press” that she had watched Director Zhang Jian’s films “Nanwu” and “May Snow” in her early years. She admired Zhang’s film style. Therefore, when she served as a tourism ambassador in Malaysia last year, she actively asked for Zhang Jian’s contact information, leading to their collaboration in this project.
Fan Bingbing, embroiled in the controversy of signing a dual contract in 2018 which led to the tax evasion scandal, saw her career plummet. Despite paying over 880 million yuan in taxes, fines, and penalties within the stipulated time, she disappeared from the Chinese film and television industry since then. Struggling on the edge of making a comeback in recent years, she lamented at the Berlin Film Festival last year, saying, “Not acting for 5 years, it’s quite cruel for an actress.”
Fan Bingbing expressed that the role of the farmer “Feng Yin” in “Earth Mother” is a character she has always wanted to try, as it’s difficult to find similar scripts in China. Through international cooperation this time, she was exposed to more diverse and expansive themes and characters.
Many fans eagerly anticipate Fan Bingbing winning awards for her performance in “Earth Mother.” In response, she mentioned in an interview that the most important part of filming a movie is enjoying the beauty of the process. As for the results, she leaves it to the audience, critics, and film festival judges.