Zhang Yimou

Director, Zhang Yimou was born in the Shannxi region of China on November 14, 1950. Through his entire childhood, he struggled against Chinese officials. He abanded school at a young age to work, but eventually found a liking in photography. In 1979, Yimou entered Beijing Central Film Academy. He graduated as one of China's Fifth generations of filmmakers. One of the first films Zhang Yimou directed was Ju Dou; however, it was banned in China for being inappropriate. In 1991, Yimou upset the Chinese government again with his film, Raise the Red Lantern. They again banned his movie from China. The Story of Qiu Ju made in 1992 was the first film that was not banned in China. Two of Zhang Yimou's movies were nominated for the Best Foreign Film; however, he did not win.