The cover of Impressions of China: Life of Zhang Yimou

"We have enough evidence to show that the book, Life of Zhang Yimou is a serious infringement of rights. Zhang Yimou has instructed a lawyer to prepare a case against the book's author and publisher," said Ping Xue, a public relations manager at Mr. Zhang's employer, Beijing New Picture Film Company, on November 24. It is the first lawsuit the director has initiated in his 20 year career.

Mr Zhang's lawyer, Tong Jie, confirmed the information. She said Mr. Zhang was deeply irritated after reading the book. The book contains groundless gossip about Mr. Zhang's family and about a love affair, and seriously violates Mr. Zhang's privacy. The lawyer said that her month-long investigation demonstrated that the book's sources were the public media and the Internet, not any figures that the book relates to. Even Mr. Zhang's autograph on the book's cover is counterfeit, she points out. The lawyer said that after collecting evidence on Mr. Zhang's behalf, she would probably initiate the lawsuit in middle or late December.

Zhang Yimou is seen with actress Gong Li to promote the Curse of the Golden Flower. [File photo]

The biography, Impressions of China: Life of Zhang Yimou was penned by Huang Xiaoyang and published by Huaxia Publishing Co., Ltd. Launched on August 9, immediately after the Olympic Opening ceremony directed by Zhang, the book was an instant hit. The book recounts a love affair between the director and actress Gong Li, who has appeared in eight of Mr. Zhang's movies, including Red Sorghum, Raise the Red Lantern and Curse of the Golden Flower. It also describes how the affair led to the breakup of Mr. Zhang's marriage.

Reportedly, the publisher has got wind of the lawsuit it is likely to face. A manager admitted that the book was not authorized by the director and said the company would like to talk with Mr. Zhang to seek a peaceful settlement of the case. It could edit the book to deleted details about Mr. Zhang's private life if the director agrees, the manager said.

(China.org.cn by Pang Li, November 26, 2008)