Taiwan is famous not only for having a population in love with movies. It’s also famous for having one of the most talked about Asian movie personalities to make it big in Hollywood. From the sexy to the hunk, to acting and directing, Taiwan is home to movie magic talents. Let’s get to know some of Taiwan’s most famous movie personalities.
Shu Qi
This Taiwanese actress showed the world that there’s more than meets the eye. First starting out as a softcore pornographic actress before making it big in both local and international movie circuits, Shu Qi showed that her good looks can only match with her immense acting talents. She’s so diverse, that she can do action (So Close), drama (Beijing Rocks), comedy (Gorgeous) and romantic (If You Are The One) films. Just because of her silver screen appeal, Shu Qi was invited to appear (and consequently, star) in several Hollywood films. Some samples of her Hollywood blockbusters are the omnibus selection of New York, I love you, and the action-packed, Jason Statham-starrer, The Transporter.
Takeshi Kaneshiro
A half-Japanese, half-Taiwanese, full-blooded charm of a man, Takeshi Kaneshiro’s good looks and powerful acting skills pale in comparison to his humble and shy personality. His unique and handsome looks made him a favorite of auteur directors, especially the great Wong Kar Wai, that Kaneshiro is often asked to reprise memorable roles. This can be seen in the Chinese films Chungking Express and Fallen Angels, where Kaneshiro plays similar police characters in each. His mixed heritage and hard work on learning new languages also helped him land Hollywood roles. Kaneshiro appeared in the artsy film Too Tired to Die, and on the English videogame, Onimusha.
Ang Lee
Just as the two previous Taiwanese stars look good on the silver screen, Ang Lee makes sure that a film looks great by working behind the screen. The Taiwanese director is known for his success, by winning both local and foreign film awards. From award winning Chinese films such as Eat Drink Man Woman, and the ever-popular Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, Ang Lee transitioned then onto Hollywood blockbusters. Some of his popular Hollywood projects are the comic book fantasy Hulk, and the complex romantic film, Brokeback Mountain.
Taiwanese movie personalities show that even a small spot of an island can hold some of the best talents in the film industry. Shu Qi and Takeshi Kaneshiro showed that their good looks and talented acting skills are worthy for Hollywood releases. Ang Lee showed the world that his films are worth watching. Get hold of these talents’ works and experience great Taiwanese movie talents.