With exuberance, Chinese actor Zhang Yi recounted his experience of being part of a film directed by the renowned Zhang Yimou, the same director who created the movie “Red Sorghum” that left an indelible impression on him when he was just ten years old. “After 30 years, I finally had the opportunity to be a part of a film directed by this outstanding director,” he said with enthusiasm, following his win of the Best Actor Award at the 2021 Golden Rooster Awards.
The Golden Rooster Award is considered the highest accolade in the Chinese film industry, comparable to the United States’ “Oscars.” Zhang Yimou, a prominent director in China, has been recognized internationally for his films and directed the opening ceremony of the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Therefore, participating in a Zhang Yimou-directed movie and winning a Golden Rooster Award is considered the ultimate achievement for an actor in the Chinese film industry.
However, for Zhang Yi, obtaining these laurels was not without considerable struggles.
Zhang Yi’s childhood aspiration was not to become an actor, but a broadcaster. However, after being rejected from the Communication University of China, his dream was shattered. As fate would have it, a theater troupe in Beijing was in need of actors, and Zhang Yi took the opportunity to join them. However, his ten-year stint with the troupe was only the beginning of a frustrating journey.
Initially, Zhang Yi had no experience in acting, and his movements onstage lacked coordination and flexibility. His style of acting resembled broadcasting or recitation, and he struggled with nervousness and a lack of authenticity while portraying characters. Zhang Yi recalled in an interview that while his classmates could easily conjure tears during emotional scenes, it took him several tens of minutes or even an hour to do the same. He and his teachers believed that he lacked the innate “talent” to become a good actor.
Zhang Yi’s journey as an actor was not without its challenges. Without natural acting talent or conventional good looks, he found it difficult to break through in the industry. In the theater troupe, opportunities to perform were few and far between. Zhang Yi was mostly relegated to backstage work and publicity, with only one chance to perform onstage as a police officer with a single line. His persistence in the face of such obstacles was truly remarkable.
Despite feeling frustrated with his limited opportunities, Zhang Yi refused to give up on his dream. He continued to memorize the lines of every actor, rehearsing them onstage after others had finished, and working tirelessly as a backstage hand and supporting actor. This dedication paid off in 2006 when he was cast in the role of Sergeant Shi Jin in the TV series “Soldiers Sortie,” a part that would prove to be a turning point in his career.
Although the character only appeared in the first half of the show, Zhang Yi’s portrayal of Sergeant Shi Jin earned him a lot of praise and attention. From that moment on, he was able to make a living as an actor, starring in two or three film and television projects each year. While his early performances were somewhat raw, Zhang Yi’s dedication and experience have allowed him to develop a more nuanced and diverse range of roles. He has played a soldier, a diplomat, a wealthy landowner and a grieving father, among others. Perhaps his 10 years of struggling to break through taught him to cherish every role he plays and strive to perfect each performance.
One fateful night in 2018, Zhang Yi’s phone rang, and on the other end was Zhang Yimou’s studio, offering him the lead role in the director’s upcoming film, “One Second.” After waiting for this opportunity for so long, Zhang Yi excitedly accepted the offer, feeling a mixture of excitement and nervousness. In preparation for his role, Zhang Yi underwent a grueling diet, consuming only one box of vegetables per day and losing 20 kilograms. His dedication and outstanding performance in the film garnered high praise from both the director and audiences.
Thanks to his exceptional performance in “One Second,” Zhang Yi was offered another leading role in Zhang Yimou’s espionage film, “Cliff Walkers,” the following year. In this film, Zhang Yi played a secret agent, showcasing his character’s meticulousness, restraint and determination to the fullest. “Cliff Walkers” was selected as a contender for the 34th Golden Rooster Awards, where Zhang Yi was honored with the Best Actor award, cementing his status as a leading actor in the Chinese film industry.
As Zhang Yi’s achievements and recognition grew, he became a household name, and his inspiring story touched many hearts. Despite the applause and adulation, Zhang Yi remained modest and cautious. Unlike other celebrities, he refused all advertising and commercial partnerships, focusing exclusively on his work in film and television. When faced with public scrutiny, Zhang Yi explained that he did not want to become too “hot” as he recognized the limits of his energy and abilities. According to him, being too “hot” would eventually lead to burnout. Instead, he aspired to be like a small stream that continuously flowed and produced great work, even when faced with challenges and obstacles.
In an entertainment industry filled with greed, jealousy and rumors, Zhang Yi is like a clear stream, firmly walking the path before him. His total box office revenue has exceeded 10 billion RMB, and he has multiple TV dramas and movies scheduled for release in 2023. Many believe that success requires 99 percent effort and one percent talent. Zhang Yi acknowledges that he may not possess that one percent of natural talent, but his persistence has far surpassed that of an ordinary person, enabling him to break through barriers and reach the pinnacle of success.
Over the years, in an interview, Zhang Yi was asked what he would say to his past self if he could go back in time. He replied that he would tell his younger self who was struggling to get opportunities, “Don’t worry, take it slow, everything will get better.”
