Gong Li

Gong Li (鞏利 pinyin gong3 li4) (born 1965) is a Chinese actress. Gong is her surname.

Born in Shenyang, Liaoning, China, she has appeared in most films directed by Zhang Yimou. She grew up in Jinan, the capital of Shandong Province. In 1985, she enrolled in the Central Academy of Drama to study acting, and graduated in 1989.

She was still a student there when Zhang Yimou chose her in 1987 for the lead role in his first film as a director, Red Sorghum, which was awarded the Golden Bear at the Berlin Film Festival.

Filmography includes:

Breaking the Silence (1999)

The Emperor and the Assassin (1999)

Chinese Box (1997)

Temptress Moon (1996)

Shanghai Triad (1995)

The Great Conqueror's Concubine (1994)

Semi-Gods and Semi-Devils (1994)

To Live (1994)

Soul of a Painter (1993)

Flirting Scholar (1993)

Farewell My Concubine (1993)

Mary from Beijing (1992)

The Story of Qiu Ju (1992)

Back to Shanghai (1991)

Party of a Wealthy Family (1991)

Raise the Red Lantern (1992)

Ju Dou (1990)

The Puma Action (1989)

A Terracotta Warrior (1989)

Mr. Sunshine (1989)

Red Sorghum (1987)

See also: Cinema of China