Buzz
1. Reign of Assassins - The Assassins' Blade
Reign of Assassins - The Assassins' Blade draws inspiration from two iconic wuxia films, *Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon* and *The Assassins' Mission*. Directed by John Woo, this action-packed martial arts film features a star-studded cast and a budget of over $14 million. The movie is filled with breathtaking fight sequences, unique combat techniques, and eccentric characters, including a group of rogue assassins. It also tells the story of a female warrior, Cheng Tin (Michelle Yeoh), who seeks to leave her violent past behind and find peace in a quiet life with her romantic interest, scholar Ah Sing (Jung Woo Sung).
The film was a major box office hit in China in 2010 and received high praise from critics. Michelle Yeoh and Jung Woo Sung's compelling performances were even compared to Hollywood's golden couple, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie in *Mr. & Mrs. Smith*. The film was also well-received at the Venice Film Festival that year.
In an interesting turn of events during the filming of *Reign of Assassins*, Michelle Yeoh was delighted to learn that she had been named one of the '35 Most Beautiful Women of All Time' in the 35th anniversary issue of *People* magazine. To this day, she remains the only Asian actress to have received this honor.
IMDb Rating: 6.8
Tomatometer Rating: 70%
2. Far North - The Arctic Wilderness
In Far North - The Arctic Wilderness, Michelle Yeoh portrays a reclusive woman named Saiva, who has isolated herself after being cursed at birth by a mysterious sorcerer. Unlike her usual roles filled with martial arts and action, Yeoh's character here is a widow of Chinese descent, living in the harsh Arctic environment, struggling with deep inner turmoil. In a tragic turn, her character ends up killing her adopted daughter in a moment of emotional crisis.
Michelle Yeoh's performance in *Far North* was praised by critics for its powerful emotional depth, despite minimal dialogue. Many reviewers expressed regret that the film only had a limited release and did not compete for awards. Had it been in the running, the Malaysian-born star might have won the Best Actress award at the Venice Film Festival that year.
IMDb Rating: 6.1
Tomatometer Rating: 86%
3. Memoirs of a Geisha - The Story of a Geisha
Memoirs of a Geisha is based on the novel by Arthur Golden, telling the story of the life of a Japanese geisha. The film follows Sayuri Nitta (born Chiyo Sakamoto), a renowned geisha who has been trained from a young age. Chiyo grows up in a fishing village called Yoroido, and due to financial hardships, her father and Mr. Tanaka sell her and her sister Satsu to different Okiyas in Kyoto. Chiyo is sold to an Okiya in the Gion district, where she meets the stern Hatsumomo (Gong Li) and a fellow geisha named Biwa (Youki Kudoh). Chiyo is forced to serve in the Okiya, suffering constant abuse from Hatsumomo.
Michelle Yeoh plays Mameha, one of the most talented and respected geishas who becomes a mentor to the young apprentice Sayuri. Mameha brings the wisdom and grace of an experienced teacher to Sayuri's training.
To immerse in their roles, the cast underwent rigorous training in tea ceremonies, dance, and music. In an interview with the Hollywood Foreign Press, Yeoh described Mameha as a character with a delicate exterior and a strong will. 'When Mameha enters a room, she doesn't shout or throw things, but her inner strength is felt by everyone. She is a work of art,' Yeoh said.
IMDb Rating: 7.3
Metacritic Score: 54
Tomatometer Rating: 35%
4. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon is set in 19th-century China and belongs to the wuxia genre. The film features a star-studded cast, including Michelle Yeoh, Chow Yun-fat, Zhang Ziyi, Cheng Pei-pei, and Chang Chen, and is directed by the legendary Ang Lee. It received global acclaim for its breathtaking martial arts sequences and storytelling.
Michelle Yeoh portrays Shu Lien, a highly skilled warrior, and earned nominations for Best Actress at the BAFTA Awards and Saturn Awards. *Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon* became a global cinematic phenomenon, winning 4 Academy Awards (including Best Foreign Language Film, Best Cinematography, Best Original Score, and Best Art Direction) from 10 nominations. At the time, it became the highest-grossing film in Mandarin ever, grossing $21 million worldwide. It also marked a turning point for Chinese cinema and solidified Michelle Yeoh's place in international cinema.
IMDb Rating: 7.9
Metacritic Score: 94
Tomatometer Rating: 98%
5. Everything Everywhere All at Once
Everything Everywhere All at Once features Michelle Yeoh as Evelyn, the only person capable of stopping a villain from destroying the peace of the multiverse. The film takes a creative approach to the concept of the multiverse, with events unfolding across multiple worlds where rules are constantly broken. Evelyn must engage in bizarre actions to travel from one world to another, temporarily taking control of the mind of different versions of herself. This includes versions where she is a world-famous actress and a martial arts hero, all within an infinite multiverse. Yeoh commented, 'I guess my 40 years of experience were like a long rehearsal for this film.' The movie gives her the chance to showcase her versatility and play multiple characters with distinct personalities.
The film became a massive box office hit, grossing $103.9 million, and garnered significant attention during awards season. It triumphed at major events such as the Golden Globes, Gotham Awards, and Golden Tomato Awards. At the Oscars, it took home the biggest honors, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actress, and Best Supporting Actor and Actress. Additionally, it won two more awards for Best Original Screenplay and Best Editing.
IMDb Rating: 7.9
Metacritic Score: 81
Tomatometer Rating: 95%
6. Crazy Rich Asians
Crazy Rich Asians features Michelle Yeoh as Eleanor Young, a wealthy and domineering matriarch in a cast filled with newcomers. As the mother of Nick Young (played by Henry Golding), Eleanor is tough and full of tricks, bringing high stakes to her interactions with Nick's girlfriend, Rachel Chu (Constance Wu), who comes from a modest background. Yeoh's portrayal of Eleanor steals the show, with a powerful, silent authority that leaves a lasting impact every time she steps on screen. 'I wanted to create a character that everyone could feel the moment she entered the room,' Yeoh shared.
The film marks a historic milestone as the first major Hollywood studio film in 25 years to feature a predominantly Asian cast. In a time when Hollywood was dominated by the likes of Emma Stone and Scarlett Johansson, the success of Crazy Rich Asians at the box office proves that diverse representation still draws audiences.
IMDb Rating: 6.9
Metacritic Score: 74
Tomatometer Rating: 91%
The Lady, released in 2011, stars Michelle Yeoh as Aung San Suu Kyi, the Nobel Peace Prize laureate who fought tirelessly for her country's future. The film chronicles her political journey and the support she received from her husband, a man who stood by her side as she navigated the dangerous path of political resistance.
The story begins with the assassination of Suu Kyi's father, General Aung San, in 1947—just months before Myanmar gained independence. Though he lived only 32 years, General Aung San is revered as the 'father' of modern Myanmar, an enduring symbol in the hearts of its people. Suu Kyi, only two years old at the time of his death, later returns to Burma in 1988 after learning that her mother suffered a stroke. There, she witnesses the brutal suppression of ordinary citizens by the military under General Ne Win's leadership. This event catalyzes her decision to found the National League for Democracy (NLD), backed by the people.
As a result, Suu Kyi became the figurehead the Myanmar regime sought to eliminate. She was placed under house arrest, but the woman remained steadfast, fighting for Myanmar's democracy even as she lost her freedom...
The film strikes a careful balance between historical events and emotional depth, offering a well-rounded cinematic experience. Michelle Yeoh delivers a powerful and moving performance, capturing the strength and resilience of Aung San Suu Kyi.
IMDb Rating: 7.0
Metacritic Score: 74
