Source: CCTV.com
12-08-2008 10:28
Special Report: Mei LanfangMovie fans and the whole of China's film industry are zoomed in on director Chen Kaige these days. Chen's historic epic "Forever Enthralled" goes on general release on December 5th. Standing behind Chen Kaige's illustrious movie career is Chen Hong, his wife, his most steadfast supporter and producer. On today's the List, we turn our focus on Chen Hong, who took time out from her roles of supervisor and producer of "Forever Enthralled" -- to join the cast of the film.
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| Chen Hong |
After more than two years in production, "Forever Enthralled" finally is ready to go before the audience. At the movie's premiere, Chen Kaige thanked his wife for all the work she's done.
"Forever Enthralled" centers on the life of one of the brightest Peking Opera stars of all time, Mei Lanfang. Chen Hong stars as Mei's wife, Fu Zhifang. Fu Zhifang meticulously took care of Mei Lanfang. She sold her jewelry and ornaments to support the family when Mei Lanfang refused to perform for the Japanese army during the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression between 1937 and 1945.
Mei Lanfang died in 1961. Fu Zhifang protected Mei's manuscripts, scenarios and costumes -- from the turmoil of the Cultural Revolution. Fu Zhifang died in 1980.
Like the character she plays in the film, Chen Hong is the steadfast supporter of her husband's career. She has devoted herself to helping Chen Kaige fulfill his cinematic dream.
Chen Hong was born in 1968 in East China's Jiangxi Province. She entered Shanghai Drama College in 1986. After graduation, she joined the Beijing Youth Arts Theatre.
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| Chen Hong (File photo) |
Her first role on the big screen came when she was 17. It was a small part in "Here Is a Fountain". After that, Chen Hong starred in a succession of movies. One was an adaptation of the Chinese literary classic "A Dream of Red Mansion".
