A Simple Life

Director Zhang Yimou collaborated with cinematographer Christopher Doyle to create a visually stunning drama where color palettes drive the narrative in equal measure to the acting and action onscreen. This tale of a master swordsman secretly plotting revenge as he tells his king stories of defeating previous assassins features a cast of internationally acclaimed actors and martial artists led by Jet Li and including Tony Leung, Maggie Cheung, and Donnie Yen. On its United States release, the film debuted in the number one spot at the box office two years after it was nominated in the International Feature Film category at the Oscars.

Filmmaker Ang Lee and actor Zhang Ziyi in conversation with Academy President Janet Yang.

While trying to stay focused on her upcoming college entrance exams, Nian (Zhou Dongyu) deals with extreme physical and emotional bullying from her classmates. Small-time criminal Bei (played by Mandopop singer Jackson Yee, in his first leading role) becomes Nian’s protector after she attempts to help him during an encounter with a group of street thugs. As the teens from opposite worlds spend more time together, romantic feelings blossom. Derek Tsang’s intense drama picked up numerous awards and nominations in Hong Kong and became the third film Hong Kong submitted to be nominated in the International Feature Film category at the Oscars.