Ten Years – The Zhao Wei of today has her own mind
Zhao Wei has grown up, and the difference is startling. Previously, she was happy-go-lucky and a little crazy. Now, she is elegant and intelligent. It is no wonder that director John Woo chose her for the character of Sun Shangxiang in his epic war movie [Red Cliff]. Ten years ago, Qiong Yao could see the ‘Little Swallow’ characteristics in Zhao Wei. Ten years later, John Woo again saw some unique characteristics found only in Zhao Wei – generous, big-hearted and matured.
John mentioned that the character of Xiao Qiao was too weak, and would suit Zhao Wei ten years ago. In the history books, Sun Shangxiang was a legendary lady with strong feelings. She was clever with a slight hint of demureness; a cute lady who was prone to being used by others, had her own ideals and opinions, coupled with a dash of rashness. And the Zhao Wei now suited all these descriptions. With Zhao Wei’s acting skills improving over the years, we can look forward to her acting alive the ancient legendary lady in the movie.
Just as John Woo and Qiong Yao knew which Zhao Wei suited which character, 31 year old Zhao Wei seemed to also know what path she should tread, and her chosen ambition to become a director would not be an easy one. Of course, Zhao Wei had her own reasons: “I’m not a greedy person. I don’t really go and think what I want more. I feel that I’m a very luck person who found a job who suited myself, and I’ve been doing something I like everyday. Not everybody has the luxury I have, and I feel that’s enough.” The Zhao Wei is contented and full of blessing – not an easy state of mind to reach in this complicated and fleeting industry.