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Ziyi Zhang didn't speak any English when she made her American movie debut five years ago in "Rush Hour 2." Now dubbed "China's gift to Hollywood" by Time magazine, the Bejing-born beauty, 26, is crossing cultural lines.
Some handicappers say she may earn a Best Actress nod for her role as a legendary geisha, Sayuri, in "Memoirs of a Geisha," the big-screen adaptation of Arthur Golden's best-selling novel about the life of a traditional Japanese entertainer.
Q. Why do you think Americans are so fascinated with Asian culture?
A. Especially with geisha culture. I think not only Western (people). I'm Chinese, and no one (in China) knows what the geisha's world is - it's very mysterious. Sometimes it's like that if you don't know somebody - you really want to get to know her or him. Or some food you've never tried. People say, `Oh, it's very special, you really have to taste it.' Maybe that's why.
Q. Was it strange playing this role and not being Japanese?
A. You know, the first time I heard the news (that I got the part), I just thought, `Oh, I have to do as much as I can.' I also thought ... this role is so great. Any actress from any background who gets this tremendous role will give their very best effort. So ... that's what I did and I really tried my best. I hope my performance reflects all my effort.
Q. What was it like the first time you were in the geisha outfit?
A. We were doing rehearsal. We all have a kimono on. There's a big mirror in the rehearsal room, and all the actors stand together. We stood on one line and we watched ourselves. We put a book between our knees, and walked, and we put a cup a tea cup on the top of our heads, and we walked like that. That's how we learned. Very weird. And you see Gong Li, my idol, she does the same thing too, you know!
Q. What is beautiful to you?
A. You have to have your self. You have to be independent. And confident. No matter the looks and the body, I don't think that's important. Important is if you have a nice heart, and you're kind. And think you're beautiful.
Q. Have you ever had a forbidden love?
A. That's the only thing I don't like (about) Sayuri. If I loved somebody, I would tell him. I wouldn't wait for 10 years - that's too long.
Q. Do people sometimes have trouble with your name?
A. In China, my name is Zhang Ziyi. In America, my name is Ziyi Zhang. They just switch the first name and the last name so it's easier for you guys!
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(c) 2005, New York Daily News. Distributed by Knight Ridder/Tribune News Service.
