Chinese actress Zhang Ziyi and Marco Muller on the red carpet in 2006. [File photo]

Zhang Ziyi: A Chinese actress who Marco Muller "kneeled" for

From a village girl in My Father and Mother, feisty kungfu fighter in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, Hero and House of Flying Daggers, to the subdued and composed empress in The Banquet, Chinese actress Zhang Ziyi danced, performed and acted in a way that not many can. She can dazzle the audience with her acrobatics and move viewers with her glances. There are many controversies surrounding the actress, but whether you like it or not, she can act. In 2006, when "International Zhang" (a nickname given to her for her global achievements) arrived on the red carpet, then-chairman of the festival Marco Muller kneeled down before her, as a traditional Chinese person would to welcome an honorable guest. No further explanations are needed on how Venice views Zhang's popularity and status.

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