Source: CCTV.com

06-23-2008 15:18

Actor Li Youbin has plied his craft on screen for more than two decades. But it wasn't until he reached middle age that he became established in the minds of movie-goers. He's got a cool demeanor. When people see him they think of Ken Takakura, the Japanese actor, popular with Chinese audiences back in the '80s. Li Youbin established his name in roles in, "Flashing Sword" and "Chuang Guan Dong." He's been a convincing tough guy in his television roles. His current TV drama "Virtue Conquers All", is evolving into a television blockbuster.

"Virtue Conquers All" features the same cast and is produced by the same crew that put together the acclaimed "Flashing Sword." The latest epic is a 32-part production. Joining Li Youbin on the cast is Zhang Guangbei. The drama is another offbeat narrative about the revolutionary years, so it's worlds apart from "Flashing Sword".

In Virtue Conquers All, Li Youbin plays Pi Degui, a landlord who tyrannizes his town. But Pi has more important matters to attend. He’s the leader of an underground unit of the Communist Party - an intellectual with keen mental acuity.

In Flashing Sword, Li Youbin played Li Yunlong, a soldier with very little education.

Li Youbin was born in Changchun in Northeast China in 1958. He joined the Changchun Stage Drama Troupe in 1974. In 2002, he signed on with the Beijing PLA Film Studio. Over more than 20 years as an cinematic actor, he has played many roles: sailor, medical doctor, government official, gang boss, rocket scientist, military commander, policeman, business baron, and intellectual. In any role, he's always left a lasting impression on his audience.

He exudes charisma and seems to mesmerize audiences with performances the are convincing, reserved, compelling, and strongly expressive. Even when he plays the bad guy, audiences can relate to him. Much of his craft developed during long years working on stage.