Zhang Yimou is one of the leading directors of China's "Fifth Generation" filmmakers. He made the directorial debut with Red Sorghum (1987), which won the Golden Bear at the 1988 Berlin Festival. Set in the remote Shandong province in the 1930s and rich with mythical overtones, Red Sorghum uses minimal dialogue, haunting music and stunning visuals to tell the story of a meek young bride (Gong Li) who develops into the forceful head of her husband's winery after his death.
Zhang Yimou met Gong Li in Beijing's drama school. The couple received considerable international acclaim since their debut, Red Sorghum. Some of the films they cooperated in are:
- Red Sorghum (Hong2 Gao1 liang2) - 1987
- Ju Dou -1990,
- The Terra-Cotta Warrior (Gu3 Jin1 Da4 Zhan4 Qin2 Yong3 Qing2) - 1991
- Raise the Red Lantern (Da4 Hong2 Deng1 Long2 Gao1 Gao1 Gua4) - 1992
- The Story of Qiu Ju (Qiu1 Ju2 De Gu4 Shi1) - 1993
- To Live (Huo2 zhe) - 1995
- Shanghai Triad - 1996
Zhang Yimou once acted. His performance in the film The Old Well (Lao3 Jing3) has won him best actor award from Tokyo Film Festival.
