Most Chinese filmgoers will be familiar with the name of Zhang Yimou, one of the country's most successful and internationally praised film directors. Films such as Raise the Red Lantern and Hero brought his films to the attention of the West, and succeeded in creating a new audience for Chinese cinema.
Born in 1951 , Zhang Yimou spent his youth working on farms and in factories, during which time he developed a love of photography. When the Beijing Film Academy reopened, Zhang Yimou became one of the first students. After graduation, his career as director of photography began.
In 1987 Zhang directed his first film, Red Sorghum, which was a great success. In 1992, Zhang's Raise the Red Lantern was nominated （提名）for an Oscar for Best Foreign Film. Filmgoers were fascinated by the extraordinary visual （视觉的） beauty of Zhang's films, and by the importance in his stories of his heroines.
In 2002, Zhang made Hero, a martial （武打）arts film set in ancient times but told in a completely different, modern style. Hero achieved great success in the West.
In 2004, Zhang made Houses of the Flying Dragons, another martial arts film, which Zhang described as being “ much more like a modern romantic story." in which the characters devote every other thing for love.
Perhaps one of the keys to Zhang's success as a filmmaker is the fact that his preparations for a film are so detailed. He has said before he starts a project he discusses everything in detail with every single person involved in the film. The result is that when filming starts, everyone understands what is wanted. One thing is certain - Zhang has many more years of successful filmmaking before him.
【小题1】Which was Zhang Yimou's second martial films?| A．Red Sorghum. | B．Hero. |
| C．Houses of the Flying Dragons. | D．Raise the Red Lantern. |
| A．In his forties. | B．While at college. |
| C．After 1987. | D．In his thirties. |
| A．His strictness with the actors. | B．His carefulness in filmmaking. |
| C．The good personal friendship. | D．The details he adds to his film. |
| A．He'll direct Beijing Winter Olympic Games. |
| B．Many film directors do as well as him. |
| C．He'll continue to make good films. |
| D．His future films will be more impressive. |
