If someone claims she can’t act, I would be the first to disagree—such a statement either comes from malice or prejudice.
This was Zhang Yimou’s assessment of Zhou Dongyu fifteen years ago.
Throughout her 15-year journey in the entertainment industry, Zhou Dongyu has often been seen as a magnet for controversy, attracting criticism and skepticism. Now at 33, her appearance has transformed significantly. From innocent and naive to determined and gentle, Zhang Yimou’s early advice ultimately helped guide her path.
展开剩余92%While Zhang Yimou’s films have sparked mixed opinions, the actresses he’s chosen as his “Mou girls” consistently stand out. From Gong Li to Zhang Ziyi, and now Zhou Dongyu, each has carved a unique and successful path in cinema.
Before meeting Zhang Yimou, Zhou was just an unremarkable arts student. She trained in gymnastics from a young age, spending several years on the Shijiazhuang city team. When it came time for college entrance exams, she planned to pursue a dance academy.
Meanwhile, Zhang Yimou was casting for his new film Under the Hawthorn Tree, searching for the perfect actress to play Jingqiu. Despite reviewing resumes from multiple cities, he hadn’t found the ideal fit. The original character was described as pure-faced with a captivating figure—finding someone who embodied both in reality proved challenging.
So Zhang Yimou set two clear criteria: exceptional acting skills and a vivid screen presence. Out of over 8,000 candidates, Zhou Dongyu was the one who stood out. “There were other options, but her face and eyes were the purest,” he recalled.
Before even taking her college entrance exams, Zhou became the new “Mou girl.” Her debut film catapulted her to fame, and she soon secured admission to the Beijing Film Academy’s acting program.
Her career started at a peak—winning Best Actress at the Golden Horse Awards for Soul Mate and sweeping top honors at the Hong Kong Film Awards, Golden Rooster, and Hundred Flowers Awards for Better Days. Following in the footsteps of Zhou Xun and Zhang Ziyi, she achieved a rare triple crown.
However, as her fame rose, Zhou faced more criticism than praise. At the Golden Rooster Awards ceremony, co-hosting with veteran actor Ge You, she made a sharp remark—“Teacher, you walk so fast”—which many saw as disrespectful. Later, she focused solely on her script during hosting, leaving Ge You seemingly ignored. This sparked backlash online about her boldness and lack of respect.
On set with Sun Honglei, despite his seniority and reputation, she addressed him casually by his first name at their first meeting. During an awards speech shared with Ma Sichun, she was caught rolling her eyes and resting her chin on her hand, drawing further criticism.
Her refusal to take photos with Wang Xun on a variety show and reluctance to change costumes alongside others added to a growing perception of arrogance.
All these incidents chipped away at the goodwill she had earned through her acting. Some even said her once-pure look had vanished, replaced by an untamed, rebellious image on red carpets, drawing unfavorable comparisons to a “little troublemaker.”
Yet after years of enduring harsh judgment, 33-year-old Zhou Dongyu is now undergoing a new transformation.
At the LV Autumn/Winter show in Shanghai on June 26, Zhou appeared in a sleek black ensemble. The leather outfit highlighted her mature elegance, a far cry from previous red carpet appearances where her outfits seemed ill-fitting, often described as a child wearing adult clothes. This time, her look was balanced and dignified.
More notably, her expression had softened—gone was the earlier innocence and the so-called “harshness” that netizens criticized. Instead, a calm confidence and determination shone through.
This change in her demeanor and appearance traces back to the advice Zhang Yimou gave her fifteen years ago.
“Talented actors are common, but true mentors are rare.” For Zhou, who did not have classic star looks, Zhang Yimou was that rare mentor.
When filming Under the Hawthorn Tree, Zhou was a blank slate—no prior training or experience in film sets. Zhang Yimou was simultaneously working on The Flowers of War, so the schedule was tight. He often gave Zhou direct, hands-on guidance on how to act. She absorbed his direction quickly.
The final scene involved a challenging ten-minute continuous take where her character meets Lao San. Zhang initially planned two days to film it. On the first day, Zhou was asked to perform the entire scene in one uninterrupted shot. With cameras rolling, she entered and acted flawlessly, her immersion and emotional intensity surprising everyone present.
What was meant as a trial shoot ended up becoming the final cut. Even years later, Zhang Yimou praised her as “born for the big screen.”
He also gave her a crucial piece of advice: “Don’t take television roles just for the money.”
At the start of her career, Zhou didn’t fully grasp the weight of this counsel. Only after venturing into TV dramas did she understand its true meaning.
While her film acting was widely praised, her performance in the 2021 TV series Ancient Love Poetry drew harsh criticism. Her look, suited for cinematic storytelling, appeared lifeless and out of place in a fantasy costume drama. Her slender frame failed to carry the period wardrobe convincingly, and even supporting actresses overshadowed her. Awkward facial expressions and weak acting led to widespread mockery.
This setback reminded Zhou of Zhang Yimou’s warning. She retreated from television and refocused on film roles.
In recent years, she starred in movies like Wings Over Everest and Parrot Kill, gradually regaining her reputation. Looking back, Zhou must feel grateful for the early guidance that pulled her through difficult times.
Her return to cinema allowed her to reclaim her former glory, with her face now reflecting both strength and softness.
From being labeled “harsh-faced” to shattering stereotypes with her craft, Zhou Dongyu’s 15-year career reads like a story of resilience and redemption.
Zhang Yimou’s advice remains a guiding light, reminding her that true artistry lies in quality over chasing fleeting trends.
Now at 33, Zhou carries the calm assurance of experience, shedding the sharpness of youth. Much like her character Chen Nian in Better Days—weathered by hardship but with eyes still bright and clear.
Though debates around her may continue, this actress who has learned to grow through criticism has proven one thing: a true performer never fears changes in appearance but dreads losing their original passion.
The controversies that once threatened to weigh her down have only made her gaze steadier and her range wider.
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