Zhang Ziyi

"Farewell My Concubine" marked the peak of Chen's career. The film won the Palme d'Or at the Cannes film festival. The story explores the effects of China's political turmoil during the mid-20th century. The story touches on the lives of individuals, families, and groups. It's a tale about two stars of a Peking opera troupe and the woman who comes between them. Chen's deep knowledge of culture and trenchant views on history and humanity helped endow the film with rich dimensions. But Chen's most recent effort, "Promise" was a flop. Critics didn't like Chen's first costume drama. Audiences were not favourably impressed either. The film was criticized as one featuring "extravagant pictures and a weak story".

With "Mei Linfang," Chen returned to the field of Peking Opera where he had won his greatest accolades. He is an adept at the genre. Chen collaborated with well known scriptwriter Yan Geling. Yan wrote the script for "Xiu Xiu: The Girl Sent Down" and Siao Yu. Yan's works are widely acclaimed for giving audiences full-bodied stories.