Maggie Cheung is well known the world over as a superior actress. Her many appearances in award winning films at international film festivals everywhere have established her as the premier Chinese actress. Maggie has often been the muse of Hong Kong director Wong Kar Wai and has participated in many of his projects. North American film lovers will remember her role in the 2002 Academy nominated period film, Hero, starring other superstars such as Jet Li, Tony Leung and Zhang Ziyi.
In Hong Kong and the Asian countries, Maggie is adored, respected and sought after. The western world have generally regarded her as an idol worthy of cult following and fanaticism. Many of her supporters label her as "the most beautiful woman in the world", and no one can really dismiss that claim easily.
Born in Hong Kong, Maggie received her education in England; which later allowed her to cross over to international films easily as she is often approached by foreign directors for their projects. Returning to Hong Kong, Maggie felt alienated by a strange culture that she did not grow up in, but such obstacles are nothing for a person with her character and fortitude. Like so many Hong Kong idols, she got her start participanting in the 1983 Miss Hong Kong pagent. Early in her career, she was typecasted as the simple, innocent girl type, and joined many forgettable comedies. She caught a break acting in the same capacity as Jackie Chan's girlfriend in 'Police Story' - a role that she would re-enact twice more in future films.
Comedy movies become an after thought shortly. Maggie was receiving serious roles in dramatic films. She was not afraid to experiment with daring projects. She gained international recognition with the 1996 film, Irma Vep. Maggie fell in love with France during her shooting there. France would resemble a second home to Maggie's Hong Kong.
Maggie has more acting talent packed in her little finger than many so called stars out there. Watching her stoic expresses, portraying hurt and pain beyond the depths of the characters heart. That vulnerable look while she is magnificiently displayed in a Chinese robe (she looks absolutely gorgeous in those robes), and you will see that one tiny movement in her facial expressions showcases more to the audience with that amazing imagery. She credits her skill to having graduated from "the school of hard knocks"; learning acting by acting and acting in many, many movies.
If you have not yet discover the wonderful world of Maggie Cheung, I'd recommend the following movies to dip right in like a warm bath. Besides the already mentioned films, I'd recommend Wong Kar-Wai's 'In The Mood For Love', '2046', 'Days Of Being Wild', and 'Ashes Of Time' for starters.
I also want to highlight her incredible on-screen chemistry with my favourite Chinese actor, Tony Leung. The duo have collaborated on many films and turned out spectacular performances each time! One of my all time favourites duo performance can be enjoyed with 'In The Mood For Love'.
Overall, Maggie Cheung is the embodiement of the total babe package. I hope that more people will discover and appreciate her contributions. This is what Babe Theory is all about!
Babe Factor: 9.5/10
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