Chinese actress Zhang Ziyi and renowned director Ang Lee attended the 25th-anniversary special screening of “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” at the Oscar Film Museum in Los Angeles on May 9th. After the discussion, Ang Lee gave Zhang Ziyi a big hug. Zhang Ziyi expressed that she had been looking forward to Ang Lee’s embrace during the filming of “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon”. This hug not only affirmed her portrayal of “Jen Yu” but also witnessed her transformation from a newcomer to an international film queen.
Directed by Ang Lee and starring Chow Yun-fat, Michelle Yeoh, and Zhang Ziyi, “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” was the first Chinese-language film to receive 10 Oscar nominations in history. The film ultimately won 4 Academy Awards, as well as the Golden Globe Awards for Best Director and Best Foreign Language Film, showcasing its dominance in the international film industry and remaining a classic in the hearts of many fans.
At the screening event, Ang Lee shared that after completing a movie, he doesn’t want to watch it again but only retains impressions and memories because he is always searching for the next film. However, as he is now 70 years old, he is starting to receive retrospective exhibitions and lifetime achievement awards, requiring him to revisit these films.
This year marks the 25th anniversary of “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.” Ang Lee jokingly stated, “The film turned out even better than I imagined; I should be very proud!” eliciting applause from the audience. Zhang Ziyi, who rose to fame for her role as “Jen Yu,” recalled how she was fully dedicated to her work at the time, aiming to make Ang Lee feel okay and happy. Reflecting on the past, Zhang Ziyi expressed gratitude for being part of the film, acknowledging her fortune at being involved.
Zhang Ziyi was not the first choice to portray “Jen Yu,” and Ang Lee was quite strict with her during filming, as he hugged Michelle Yeoh and Chow Yun-fat on set but not Zhang Ziyi. Now, after 25 years, Ang Lee praised Zhang Ziyi as the “most camera-friendly” actress he has encountered in his career, with the camera always finding her aesthetically pleasing no matter how she is shot. Zhang Ziyi jokingly responded, “You really like me, now I know!” causing laughter throughout the venue.
After the interview, Ang Lee gave Zhang Ziyi a long hug lasting nearly 20 seconds, even kissing her cheek. The atmosphere was heartwarming, with the audience applauding and cheering for Zhang Ziyi’s wish fulfillment. Perhaps due to her recent injury from a fall backstage at an awards ceremony in China, Zhang Ziyi appeared slightly hunched during the embrace.
Following this, Zhang Ziyi took to Weibo to reflect on the heartfelt embrace with Ang Lee: “A few years ago at the Cannes Film Festival, he hugged me in the same way, and I quietly shed tears at that time. Today, I seem to hear his heartbeat, truly sensing the sincerity and emotion that are no longer hidden. This gesture is his silent affirmation of me. He is making up for what was missed 25 years ago in his own way and rhythm, expressing indescribable emotions.”
Zhang Ziyi also expressed her gratitude to her old friend Ang Lee, stating, “Regardless of the way he chooses, he has always inspired me to move forward bravely. I will forever cherish this deep friendship in my heart!”