In the Mood for Love and 5 other movie roles that helped Maggie Cheung rule Hong Kong cinema
As the legendary Hong Kong actress and regular Wong Kar-wai leading lady celebrates her 55th birthday, we celebrate Cheung's cheongsam – and 6 best movie roles
Maggie Cheung Man-yuk was the queen of Hong Kong’s silver screen from the 1990s to early 2000s, the peak of an acting career that spanned three decades. The elegant actress played a pivotal part in raising the bar for Asian cinema with numerous Best Actress awards around the globe.
Educated in the UK and fluent in French and Mandarin, the origins of her illustrious career can be traced back to the Miss Hong Kong beauty pageant in 1983 when she was first runner-up.
As Cheung celebrates her 55th birthday, on September 20, we celebrate six of her best acting roles.
Cheung can do no wrong whenever she dons a qipao (cheongsam), and partnering with Wong Kar-wai and Tony Leung proved to be a winning combination for Hong Kong cinema
Wing Chi, Police Cadet ’84 – TV Series (1984)
Fresh from her appearance at Miss Hong Kong, Cheung played nerdy Wing Chi opposite an equally fresh-faced Tony Leung Chiu-wai. Adorable in those big round glasses, Cheung fitted right into the ugly duckling role. The on-screen chemistry in the ensuing love triangle between her, Leung and Eddie Kwan, who plays Kiu Chi-ho, led to fans across the city taking sides in the dispute. Cheung and Leung reputedly had a real-life relationship after the series – and though it was never confirmed, rumours persisted well into the 21st century, despite Leung being married to Carina Lau.
Su Li-zhen, Days of Being Wild (1990)
An iconic movie that catapulted many of its cast into household names, this Wong Kar-wai film screamed to the world that Hong Kong cinema was a rising force. Who can forget Cheung and Leslie Cheung’s sexually charged exchange, “From now on, we’re friends for one minute”, and his monologue about being a “bird with no wings”. The cinematography is gorgeous and should be lauded by fans of Hong Kong cinema.
Ruan Lingyu, Center Stage (1991)