Zhang Ziyi CSC    > News       > China Elle Magazine Interview

The following is an excerpt of a special and insightful interview of Zhang Ziyi presented in Elle China's 100th issue: Elle: We all know that you are studying English -- this is something that few actresses would work hard at, especially in efforts to truly study English.Are you doing this (using your increased English speaking ability) to give yourself a bigger "bargaining chip," or to improve your own qualifications? Ziyi: Being able to speak English does not necessarily mean more opportunities, like making an English movie. The society, including the common people, is progressing. I learn English to improve my own basic quality. Elle: Do you follow fate? Ziyi: I follow it. Jet Li has had a big influence on me. Elle: What do you like about him (Jet Li)? Ziyi: Jet is a generous, open-minded, and gentle person. Kindness is a big part of his character. I feel that I am a very intuitive (sensitive or perceptive) person, and I've especially come to understand that one should be thankful. So it is through my past experiences of pain and weariness that I have come to grow in this regard. I learned from Jet Li to face everything, and to treat others, with a kind heart. In reality, it doesn't mean because you treat others with a kind heart and sincerity, you'll be equally treated. It's only you can't be expecting this.   Zhang Ziyi's Biggest Dream Elle: You already are a big star, but after all, you still are a young girl. What's your biggest dream? Ziyi: Dream? I would like to open a kindergarten. Elle: Why? What's the motive? Ziyi: I like kids! Elle: Then, you want to have kids? Your own? Ziyi: Of course I'd want to have one! I'd like to have one no matter what! Once I find a dream partner to have a kid with, then I'll give it a try. Elle: Girls always have dreams of love. What do you feel towards love? Ziyi: I feel... I would want -- I would really like to have a feeling of home. Elle: You'd like to have a feeling of home? Ziyi: Yes, in the past when I wasn't an actress, I've wanted to find a husband (lao gong) -- to find a type of person that I can love everyday. The two of us could watch movies, go on dates together, and after work we can return home to make dinner -- this kind of living. Elle: You like your everyday life? Ziyi: I like it. Because I don't have any hobbies, I just like staying home and chatting, and I like watching movies. Elle: Some people would comment, the look in Zhang Ziyi's eyes is tough. Ziyi: Do you know who brought this look out of me? It's Jane (the chief art superviser for Elle Asia-Pacific). Elle: Jane? Ziyi: Yes. And for this I want to thank her specially. I was very diffident the first time she put a low collar dress on me. But she was so insistent I dared not tell her about it. Then Jane told me they wanted a very tough, but in a very female kind of way, look in my eyes. So I acted it out. That set of photos looks brilliant, very sexy. I think (what Jane wanted) may be a modern personality, a personality of a modern wowan. In my interpretation, this means Chinese women, in the 21st century, are no longer expected to obey the old virtues or their husbands. What is now desired is an image of independence. I like and admire a woman with such a quality. Elle: So this image is actually in conformity with your personality. Ziyi: Very similar to mine. I think this toughness is, to put it more accurately, an image about independence, about self-confidence, and about going my own way. Reference link: Ziyi Covergirl Of 100th Elle China Issue   Thanks to puubs and mocha for the translation. Click here for the original interview in Chinese.

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