Chow Yun-fat’s mainland Chinese films, from Confucius to Let the Bullets Fly
We look at five films that Hong Kong actor Chow Yun-fat made in mainland China, with roles including a sleazy con man and Confucius
Chow Yun-fat’s career has progressed through many phases: television performer, box-office poison, action superhero, Hollywood hopeful.
Here, we evaluate the quality of Chow’s mainland output.
The Postmodern Life of my Aunt (2006)
Opposite her is Chow as a sleazy charmer with whom she has a brief and unexpected affair. Chow, in a supporting role, acts against type and forgoes his typical heroic qualities to play a preening con man, aided by a shifty-looking moustache.
“The director provides the star with a cinematically eye-catching introduction, via a shot of his backside as he sings Chinese opera alfresco in the park,” wrote Post critic Paul Fonoroff. “When Chow’s face is revealed, it’s a joyful jolt – it’s been too long since he has assayed a contemporary Asian part.”
Chow and Siqin Gaowa both play educated provincial people who have not been able to adjust to Chinese capitalism.