The 20 Best Movies in Zhao Wei's Career

Zhao Wei, a famous Chinese actress and singer, earned the title of one of the Four Great Dan actresses in the early 2000s. Throughout her acting career, Zhao Wei has participated in many major and minor film projects, including both TV dramas and feature films. Below, Mytour shares the top 20 films in Zhao Wei's career for your reference.

Born on October 18, 1974, Zhao Wei, in addition to being one of the Four Great Dan actresses of China, is also known as the Three Golden Awards Best Actress, after becoming the first Chinese actress in history to win the Best Actress award. She has made an impact not only in Chinese cinema but also in the international film market through her role in the film *Suzhou River*. Below is a list of the top 20 films in Zhao Wei's career, which we invite you to explore.

1. *Suzhou River* (2000)

*Suzhou River* is the finest film in Zhao Wei's career during the 2000s. This film catapulted Zhao Wei to stardom, earning her a place as one of the Four Great Dan actresses of China. The story revolves around the tragic romance of a young girl, Mu Dan, who falls deeply in love with Ma Da, a poor delivery man. When she discovers Ma Da's betrayal, Mu Dan jumps into the Suzhou River. After her disappearance, a girl named Mei Mei appears, resembling Mu Dan, and captivates Ma Da. However, Mei Mei herself is lost and unsure of her identity, wandering among the people, yearning for genuine affection. In this film, Zhao Wei brilliantly portrays both Mu Dan and Mei Mei, winning numerous awards for her exceptional performance.

2. *Love Story In Shanghai* - *Like the Mist, Like the Rain, Like the Wind* (2001)

The next film in the top 20 best movies of Zhao Wei's career is *Like the Mist, Like the Rain, Like the Wind*, adapted from a novel by Quynh Giao. Set in Shanghai during the 1930s, the film tells the complex love story of Zi Kun. He falls for Zi Yi, the daughter of the clock shop owner where he is apprenticing. However, he later meets Tan Wu, the daughter of one of Shanghai’s most powerful men. After many trials, the love story between Zi Kun and Tan Wu ends in sorrow. Zhao Wei plays Tan Wu, delivering a remarkable performance that left a lasting impression on the audience.

3. *Legend Of The Condor Heroes* - *The Heroic Legend of the Archer* (2003)

*The Legend of the Condor Heroes* (2003) is a film based on the martial arts novel by Jin Yong, and it became a massive success not only in China but also across Asia. The plot revolves around the close relationship between the Quach and Yang families, which eventually falls apart, leading to separation and loss. Eighteen years later, Quach Tinh meets Hoang Dung, and the two develop feelings for each other. Together, they return to their homeland, creating a heroic saga about the humble archer hero and a beautiful love story. In this film, Zhao Wei plays Hoang Dung, embodying the character with great accuracy and receiving praise for her acting. This film is also considered one of the top 10 in Zhao Wei's career.

4. *Perhaps Love* - *If Only Love* (2005)

*If Only Love* is the next film on the list of the top 20 best films in Zhao Wei's career. The movie follows the life of a poor girl, Ton Na, who dreams of changing her life. She meets and falls in love with Lam Jian Dong, a poor film student. However, her love cannot keep her tied down, as she continues to pursue her ambition to change her fate by seeking out wealthy men who can help her achieve her goals.

Ten years later, with the help of her lover, Ton Na has achieved the life of her dreams. She becomes a famous movie star, living a life of luxury. During a performance in a musical, Ton Na crosses paths with Jian Dong once again, and as they spend time together, memories of their past love resurface in Ton Na's heart.

5. *The Equation of Love and Death* - *The Guess of Li Mei* (2008)

*The Guess of Li Mei* is a psychological crime drama directed by Cao Bao Bing, and it stands as one of the top 20 films in Zhao Wei's career. The film follows the story of a female taxi driver named Li Mei who embarks on a journey to find her lost love. Zhao Wei plays Li Mei, who once shared a deep love with Phuong Van. However, due to family opposition, Phuong Van moves to the city to make a living. Li Mei also moves to the city and starts driving a taxi to search for him. She unwittingly gets involved in a drug trafficking ring but manages to escape. When she reunites with Phuong Van, he hides his true identity from her, prompting Li Mei to uncover the truth. As she digs deeper, the mysteries begin to unfold.

6. *Ruyi's Royal Love in the Palace* - *The Story of Ruyi* (2018)

*The Story of Ruyi* is a lavish and meticulously produced television series based on the novel *The Story of Ruyi in the Imperial Palace*. The narrative begins with the love story between the Fourth Prince, Hong Li, and a young woman named Olan Nap Laba Qing Ying. After enduring numerous trials and tribulations, Hong Li ascends the throne as Emperor Qianlong, while Qing Ying is granted a new name, Ruyi, by the Empress Dowager, marking the beginning of her new life.

The story then delves into the schemes, plotting, and power struggles within the palace. From being unjustly accused and sent to the cold palace, Ruyi gradually rises to the position of Empress. However, she meets a tragic end. The long and tumultuous love between Emperor Qianlong and Ruyi reaches its conclusion when Ruyi finally releases her feelings for Qianlong and peacefully passes away, despite her illness. Zhao Wei's portrayal of Ruyi is exceptional, earning her high praise and winning the affection of many viewers. This film is undoubtedly one of the top 20 best films in Zhao Wei's career that you should not miss.

7. *The Banquet* - *The Night Banquet* (2006)

*The Night Banquet* is a historical romantic action film directed by Feng Xiaogang. This film is another entry in the top 20 best films of Zhao Wei's career. The story centers around the dramatic life of Empress Yuan, a wise, beautiful, and gentle woman whom the Late Emperor deeply trusted from a young age. After the Late Emperor's death, Empress Yuan stirs the capital by declaring her intention to remarry the younger brother of the Late Emperor, Emperor Lei. She believes this is the only way to protect her son, the Crown Prince Wu Luan, whom she has always loved with pure and sincere affection. Wu Luan renounces his royal title and leaves the palace but is spared from an assassination attempt. He returns to the palace seeking revenge on his uncle.

In the film, Zhao Wei plays Qing Nv, the daughter of a high-ranking official. She is deeply in love with the Crown Prince Wu Luan, and her feelings for him are sincere and pure.

8. *Painted Skin* - *Hua Bi* (2008)

*Hua Bi* (2008) is a horror-romance film based on a story from the classic Chinese novel *Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio* (Liao Zhai Zhi Yi). Upon its release, *Hua Bi* broke box office records, and Zhao Wei's name became inseparably linked with the film. This film is undoubtedly one of the top 20 best films in Zhao Wei's career. The story begins when General Wang Sheng unintentionally saves a beautiful woman named Xiao Dui (played by Zhao Wei) without realizing that she is actually a fox spirit who feeds on human hearts. Wang Sheng's wife, Bui Rong, becomes suspicious of Xiao Dui, but Wang Sheng does not believe her. In the end, Bui Rong, in order to protect her husband and the people of the city, sacrifices herself by drinking poison and transforms into a ghostly woman with white hair.

9. *The Eleventh Chapter* - *Hui Shi 11* (2021)

*Hui Shi 11* is a psychological drama directed by Chen Jian Ben, another standout entry in Zhao Wei's list of top 20 best films. The plot follows a theater troupe as they develop a new play based on a real-life case that occurred 30 years ago in a rural area. The case was a manslaughter that led to Ma Fu Lei serving 15 years in prison. Now released, Ma Fu Lei has married Tai Ling and adopted her child. Wanting a peaceful life, Ma Fu Lei opposes the play’s production. Zhao Wei plays Tai Ling in the film, portraying the character as simple and unattractive. Her performance in the role of Tai Ling received significant praise, with many commending her acting skills.

10. *A Little Mood for Love* - *Gia Dinh Tieu Man* (2021)

*Gia Dinh Tieu Man* is a film adapted from the novel of the same name by author Yi Bei. The film revolves around the journey of raising two daughters by Liu Suo Man. Under her guidance, the two daughters eventually find their own happiness. This recent release marks a new chapter in Chao Jun's career. The story focuses on the challenges Liu Suo Man (played by Chao Jun) faces while raising her daughters.

She struggles to raise her two daughters, but both end up facing heartbreaking challenges in their own marriages.

*Gia Dinh Tieu Man* explores themes of family love and the emotional conflicts between parents and children. It touches on the desires for love in middle age and the emotional struggles between generations. The closeness and relatability of these themes immediately captured the audience's attention from the very first episode.

*Gia Dinh Tieu Man* is a family drama film adapted from the novel by Yi Bei. The story follows Wang Suo Man, a mother raising two daughters, Liu Xiao Man and Liu Xiao Jie, who both face divorce in their 30s. With the guidance and encouragement of their mother, the two daughters eventually find happiness in their lives. Chao Jun plays Liu Xiao Man, the central character in the film, brilliantly portraying the psychological and emotional changes she experiences through the different stages of her life. *Gia Dinh Tieu Man* is one of the top 20 films in Chao Jun's career that should not be missed.

11. *The Flying Swords of Dragon Gate* - *Long Mon Phi Giap* (2012)

*Long Mon Phi Giap* is a martial arts action film directed by Tsui Hark, a collaboration between Hong Kong and Chinese cinema. The film tells the ongoing battle between good and evil, focusing on the conflict between Zhao Huai An and Wu Hua Dian. Zhao Huai An, while trying to rescue loyal officials, kills Dong Xiang's chief, a man with a dark history. Wu Hua Dian, the chief of the Western Workshop, orders a nationwide pursuit. A mysterious woman skilled in flute playing and martial arts, Lang Yan Shu, secretly aids Zhao Huai An. Chao Jun plays Lang Yan Shu in this film, which is one of the top 20 films in her career.

12. *Red Sorghum* - *Cao Luong Do* (2014)

*Red Sorghum* is a television drama directed by Zheng Xiu Long, adapted from the novel by Mo Yan. After more than a decade in the film industry, *Red Sorghum* marked Chao Jun's return to the small screen. Set in the rural Cao Mi region of Southern China during the 1920s, Chao Jun plays a young woman named Jiu Ni. The story follows Jiu Ni through the turbulent and historic events of her life. She experiences a romantic yet troubled love story with Yu Qian Gao. The film portrays the depth of the Shandong people's lives, winning the hearts of viewers.

13. *Imperfect Love* - *Co Ai Khong Hoan Hao* (2020)

*Co Ai Khong Hoan Hao* is another entry in the list of Chao Jun's top 20 films. The movie is a remake of the Japanese work *Mother*. The plot centers around a primary school teacher, Lam Tu Chi, who longs to become a mother. Chao Jun plays Lam Tu Chi, a woman who was abandoned by her own mother. When she encounters a young girl, Mu Lian Sheng, who is being abused by her biological mother, she takes the girl in. Together, they run away from Dalian to Beijing, and in their time together, they both find solace and comfort in one another.

14. *Our Time Will Come* - *Bao Gio Trang Sang* (2017)

The next movie in Chao Jun's top 20 films is *Our Time Will Come* (2017). This Hong Kong-China war, romance, and drama film, directed by Xu An Hua, is set in the 1940s. It follows the lives of young people from different social classes, united by the common ideal of being willing to fight to protect their homeland. Chao Jun portrays a timid primary school teacher who gradually grows bolder, setting aside her personal relationships to join the anti-Japanese movement.

15. *Palace Of Desire* - *Dai Minh Cung Tu* (2000)

Another of Chao Jun's top 20 films is *Dai Minh Cung Tu* from 2000, set in the Tang Dynasty during the reign of Emperor Gaozong and Wu Zetian. The film tells the story of their only daughter, Princess Tai Ping. The princess is carefree and clever, but after witnessing the death of her lover, she realizes the intrigue and power struggles within the palace. She attempts to break free from the control of her powerful mother. Chao Jun masterfully portrays the emotional depth of Princess Tai Ping in this role.

16. *Nhân Gian Tứ Nguyệt Thiên* (2000)

*Nhân Gian Tứ Nguyệt Thiên* is a Taiwanese television drama set in early 20th-century China. It tells the story of the romance between poet Tu Chi Ma and the young lady Lin Hui Ren. In her portrayal of Lin Hui Ren, Chao Jun brings to life the image of one of Beijing's most talented and beautiful women. Together with Huynh Loi, they share a simple, romantic love. *Nhân Gian Tứ Nguyệt Thiên* is one of the top 20 films in Chao Jun's career that you should definitely watch.

17. *Mùa Quýt Chín* (2001)

*Mùa Quýt Chín* is the next film in the top 20 of Chao Jun's career. The film depicts the tragic love story between the poor girl Tu Hoa and the young master from the Dung family, Diệu Huy. Tu Hoa was married off by Diệu Huy's first wife to bear him children, but on the wedding day, Diệu Huy replaced his brother to marry her. Despite the situation, Tu Hoa falls in love with Diệu Huy and becomes pregnant with his child, but their love is taboo. On the day Diệu Huy is forced to marry another, Tu Hoa dies in childbirth. Chao Jun's portrayal of Tu Hoa is natural, emotionally charged, and she fully brings her character to life. This role deeply impacted Chao Jun's view on life.

18. *Chào Em, Chi Hoa*

Next in the list of the top 20 films in Chao Jun's career is *Chào Em, Chi Hoa*, a romantic drama directed by Shunji Iwai. The film tells the love story between the middle-aged woman, Viên Chi Hoa, and Doãn Xuyên. Chi Hoa, attending a class reunion in place of her late sister Chi Nam, meets Doãn Xuyên, the man she has secretly loved but never dared to confess. Rather than using phones or emails, they communicate by writing letters to each other. Through these letters, Chi Nam's life is vividly recalled, and the correspondence becomes the bond between the three of them. Chao Jun delivers a stellar performance as Viên Chi Hoa.

19. *The Message* - Phong Thanh (2009)

*Phong Thanh* is a war film directed by Li Yun Liang, based on a novel by Mạch Nha. Set during World War II, the film follows a detective-style narrative, with time-shifting plotlines that delve into espionage during wartime. Chao Jun successfully portrays the role of the spy Gu Xiao Meng, a bold, capable, and resilient woman. She masterfully portrays the emotional depth of Gu Xiao Meng, making this film one of the top 20 films in Chao Jun's career.

20. *Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress*

*Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress* is the final film in the top 20 films of Chao Jun's career. This 2002 French-Chinese romantic drama, directed by Dai Sijie, is based on the 2000 semi-autobiographical novel of the same name. The story revolves around two young Chinese men from the bourgeoisie class who are sent to a remote village for a three-year reeducation. Both fall in love with a beautiful local girl, the “Seamstress,” who is the granddaughter of an elderly tailor. The three find comfort in the forbidden works of the Western author, Balzac. In this film, Chao Jun plays the role of the illiterate but beautiful seamstress, a performance that won the hearts of many viewers.

Above, Mytour has shared with you the top 20 films in Chao Jun's career.