Nobody could deny that Zhang Ziyi has become the most popular Chinese actress in Hollywood. For most of westerners, Zhang represents their dream of oriental beauty. Some even called her "Yaoming of Hollywood". Yet back in China, there are always disputes, carping at her for lack of performing skills, or even her poor English.
Zhang rarely accepted interviews from Chinese media, which might have caused dissatisfaction from Chinese audience. Yet recently, in an interview with People Weekly, Zhang revealed her thoughts to the pubic.
About Hollywood:
It is still a heaven, still so extravagant. It could create endless miracles. Yet they are not ours. For me, it's not remote again. But it is theirs, even if I could mix myself among them.
Once I told American media, that Chinese actors and actresses could play complicated characters, not only as supporting roles. Yet the question is maybe they don't need an oriental face at all.
About red carpet:
Actually once is enough. You cannot live in that world, it is not real. The costumes, ear rings, jewels, all are provided by sponsors. Everyone there is shining. But when the curtain fell, everything's gone. The city is dead, with the rubbish scattered around. For me, an out-comer, I prefer the real world.
About talent:
I'm not sure whether I've got the talent, but I could say I'm a diligent person. Why there's only one Zhang Ziyi in the world who got so many chances? My belief is that, as an actress, I should never let down the director. I don't think I'm ambitious, but I become much more confident now, professionally. I never thought I would make an English movie one day, nor be accepted at Hollywood, it just happened.
(chinaculture June 15, 2006)
