Ranking Gong Li’s Top 15 Movies for Film Lovers

Gong Li, the revered Chinese-Singaporean actress, has captivated audiences worldwide with her extraordinary performances throughout her career. Considered one of the most iconic Chinese actors of her generation, Gong Li’s journey in cinema began in college with her groundbreaking lead role in the 1987 film Red Sorghum, directed by the legendary Zhang Yimou, marking the start of a fruitful collaboration that would continue across multiple films.

Despite her immense popularity in China, Gong Li initially approached Hollywood with caution, ultimately making her English-language debut with Memoirs of a Geisha in 2005. The following year, she appeared in Michael Mann’s Miami Vice alongside Colin Farrell and Jamie Foxx. Gong Li later added a notable role in Disney’s live-action Mulan (2020) to her repertoire. Nevertheless, she remains predominantly associated with Chinese-language cinema, with her most recent performance in Leap (2020).

15 The Emperor And The Assassin (1998)

Gong Li and Lady Zhao

In the 1998 historical romance The Emperor and the Assassin, Gong Li shines in her portrayal of Lady Zhao. The film, set against the backdrop of an assassination plot against the King of Qin (Ying Zheng) in 227 BC, intricately weaves together significant events in the life of Ying Zheng. Celebrated for its artistry, the film received the Technical Grand Prize at the 1999 Cannes Film Festival.

Gong Li delivers a riveting performance as Lady Zhao, embodying both strength and vulnerability. Tasked with a perilous mission as the emperor’s concubine, she masterfully navigates the treacherous political environment, creating a multidimensional character that is a testament to her acting prowess.

14 Temptress Moon (1996)

Gong Li as Pang Ruyi

Gong Li and Leslie Cheung looking shocked in Temptress Moon

Gong Li’s collaboration with Leslie Cheung continued in Temptress Moon (1996), a poignant romantic drama that follows Ruyi, who must take the reins of her family’s legacy after her father’s death. The narrative unfolds as Ruyi’s relationship with her brother-in-law blurs the lines of familial loyalty and romantic love. This film was notably featured in the official selection at the Cannes Film Festival in 1996.

In her role as Pang Ruyi, Gong Li exhibits remarkable depth. Her on-screen chemistry with Leslie Cheung is electric, effectively capturing the tumultuous emotions of their unconventional romance.

13 Curse Of The Golden Flower (2006)

Gong Li as Empress Phoenix

This 2006 Wuxia epic, also directed by Zhang Yimou, marks a significant point in Gong Li’s career. Curse of the Golden Flower was notable for being the most expensive Chinese film at the time of its release. Set against a tale of intrigue within the Tang Dynasty, the film explores themes of betrayal and familial conflict.

Once again, Gong Li impresses as Empress Phoenix. Her portrayal demonstrates her exceptional ability to capture the intricacies of high-stakes drama within a historical context and earned her the Best Actress award at the 26th Hong Kong Film Awards.

12. Shanghai Triad (1995)

Gong Li as Xiao Jinbao

Gong Li with bright red lipstick on in Shanghai Triad

In Shanghai Triad (1995), Gong Li delivers a striking performance in a story set in the criminal underbelly of 1930s Shanghai. As Xiao Jinbao, the nightclub singer and mistress of a Triad leader, her character harbors emotional complexity that captivates the audience.

Gong Li’s chemistry with her co-stars adds a layer of intensity to the film’s narrative. Despite the tumultuous challenges her character faces, Gong Li imbues Xiao Jinbao with a compelling depth that enriches the storyline.

11 Memoirs Of A Geisha (2005)

Gong Li as Hatsumomo

Memoirs of a Geisha, released in 2005, marked Gong Li’s Hollywood debut, adapted from Arthur Golden’s best-selling novel. The film chronicles the life of Sayuri, a young girl destined to become a prominent geisha in Kyoto. Garnering six Academy Award nominations, it won three awards for its visual artistry.

In her role as Hatsumomo, the film’s antagonist, Gong Li brings a fierce complexity to her character. Despite the casting controversies surrounding non-Japanese actresses, her commanding presence solidified her role as a formidable villain.

10 The Hand (2004)

Gong Li as Miss Hua

The Hand, directed by Wong Kar-wai, diverges from typical narratives, initially part of the anthology film Eros. Released as a standalone film in 2020, it elaborates on the romantic entanglements between a tailor’s assistant and a high-class escort.

Gong Li’s embodiment of Miss Hua captures both allure and melancholy, showcasing her ability to evoke profound emotion in a story rich with subtext and character exploration.

9 Coming Home (2014)

Gong Li as Feng Wanyu

In Coming Home (2014), another collaboration with Zhang Yimou, Gong Li plays Feng Wanyu in this emotional narrative based on the novel The Criminal of Lu Yanshi. Following the Cultural Revolution, Lu Yanshi’s return to a fractured family provides a poignant backdrop for themes of loss and reunion.

Gong Li’s sensitive portrayal of Feng Wanyu explores the depths of trauma, illustrating her character’s struggles with grace and authenticity, solidifying her status as a masterful actress.

8 The Story Of Qiu Ju (1992)

Gong Li as Qiu Ju

In her early career, Gong Li starred in The Story of Qiu Ju (1992), a film that encapsulates her burgeoning talent. As the titular character, she navigates the bureaucracy of the city in pursuit of justice for her husband, who suffered an injustice at the hands of a local official. The film won the prestigious Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival.

Gong Li anchors the film with a performance that brings to life Qiu Ju’s determination, showcasing her range and depth as an actress as she interacts with both the rural and urban landscapes of China.

7 Red Sorghum (1987)

Gong Li as Jiu’er

Gong Li’s career-defining moment came with Red Sorghum, her debut film released in 1987. This poignant narrative, adapted from Mo Yan’s novel, showcases a young woman’s resilience as she works in a distillery. It set the foundation for both her career and Zhang Yimou’s directorial legacy.

As Jiu’er, Gong Li’s fierce spirit and emotional depth resonate profoundly, signaling the start of a remarkable journey in Chinese cinema.

6 Ju Dou (1990)

Gong Li as Ju Dou

Gong Li looking past the camera in Ju Dou

In Ju Dou (1990), Gong Li showcases her extraordinary talent by portraying the titular character in a turbulent love story. Dealing with abuse and seduction, Ju Dou’s complex relationships reveal the societal challenges faced by women in traditional Chinese culture. The film was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.

Gong Li’s ability to convey both strength and vulnerability is evident as she navigates the challenging dynamics of her character’s life, demonstrating a level of intensity that captivates the audience.

5 Miami Vice (2006)

Gong Li as Isabella

Michael Mann’s Miami Vice (2006), despite its initial reception, has since gained recognition for its aesthetic and narrative style. This film, a modern reimagining of the 1980s TV series, features Gong Li as Isabella, entwined in a complex relationship with the undercover detective Sonny Crockett, played by Colin Farrell.

Gong Li and Farrell’s chemistry forms the emotional core of the film, offering a captivating depiction of love amid chaos in the world of crime and drug trafficking.

4 2046 (2004)

Gong Li as Su Li-Zhen

In 2046 (2004), directed by Wong Kar-wai, Gong Li plays Su Li-Zhen in a film that intricately examines love and memory. Serving as a spiritual successor to the earlier films in the “Love Trilogy,”it is visually stunning and narratively ambitious.

Gong Li portrays a professional gambler who becomes intertwined with Chow Mo-wan’s life, played by Tony Leung. Her enigmatic presence adds emotional depth to this exploration of longing and lost connections.

3 To Live (1994)

Gong Li as Xu Jiazhen

To Live (1994) opens a window into the lives of the Xu family over generations, showcasing resilience amid sociopolitical upheaval. Despite facing bans in China for its critical narrative on societal issues, the film garnered critical acclaim, winning the Grand Prix at the Cannes Film Festival.

Gong Li’s portrayal of Xu Jiazhen exudes strength and compassion, highlighting her character’s evolution through personal and societal challenges, solidifying her status as a powerful leading actress in contemporary cinema.

2 Farewell My Concubine (1993)

Gong Li as Juxian

Dubbed one of the greatest films in Chinese cinema, Farewell My Concubine (1993) tells a sweeping story that spans decades and cultural transformations. Gong Li’s role as Juxian immerses the viewer in a complex love triangle set against the turbulent backdrop of 20th-century China.

Her compelling performance showcases the depth of emotion and intricate dynamics between characters, further elevating this iconic film’s status as a masterpiece.

1 Raise The Red Lantern (1991)

Gong Li as Song Lian

In Raise the Red Lantern, released in 1991, Gong Li delivers an unforgettable performance as Songlian, a young woman caught in a web of jealousy and rivalry among the wives of a wealthy man during China’s Warlord Era. This film, marking another collaboration with Zhang Yimou, is acclaimed for its aesthetic and emotional depth.

Gong Li’s portrayal infuses Songlian with complexity and nuance, establishing her as one of cinema’s most captivating female leads. The film remains a pinnacle of Chinese cinema and a testament to Gong Li’s extraordinary talent.

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