Source: CRI

12-03-2008 09:12

Special Report:   Mei Lanfang

A movie about renowned Peking Opera artist Mei Lanfang, starring actress Zhang Ziyi of "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" fame and Hong Kong star Leon Lai, is to open in Chinese theaters on Friday, the China Film Group Corp. said.

Cast members Zhang Ziyi (left) and Leon Lai attend the global premiere of "Forever Enthralled", Chen Kaige's  biopic of Peking opera legend Mei Lanfang, on December  2, 2008 in Beijing. The film will open in Chinese  theaters on December 5. [Photo: ent.sina.com.cn]

"Forever Enthralled" depicts the life and career of Mei, a contemporary of Charlie Chaplin.

Mei (1894-1961), a household name in China, was the first artist to spread Peking Opera to the rest of the world. He was also known in China for his patriotic refusal to perform from 1937, when Beijing was occupied by the Japanese, until 1945 when the war was over.

Director Chen Kaige attends the global premiere of his film "Forever  Enthralled" in Beijing on December 2, 2008. [Photo: ent.sina.com.cn]

The movie was directed by Chen Kaige, who is known for his Palme d'Or-winning movie "Farewell My Concubine" in 1993.