In the world of cinema, few directors carry the weight that Zhang Yimou does. His films consistently make waves globally, from the untamed vitality in \"Red Sorghum\" to the resilience of ordinary people in \"The Story of Qiu Ju\". Zhang's work always generates significant buzz both at home and abroad.
Interestingly, despite a successful career and a harmonious family life, Zhang Yimou once revealed a profound regret in an interview: \"There was a woman in my life whom I never waited for.\"
This statement left many wondering who this woman could be, especially given his seemingly content family life. It turns out, that woman was Anita Mui.
Decades ago, Anita Mui was a prominent figure in the Chinese entertainment industry. She wasn't groomed in a sheltered environment; her early life was incredibly tough. Her father passed away early, leaving her mother to support several children by running a struggling small opera troupe named Jin Xia.
At the age of four, Anita Mui began performing on stage with her sister. By 1982, at just 19 years old, Anita Mui took the stage at the Hong Kong New Talent Singing Awards. When she sang \"Season of the Wind\", she captivated the audience and secured the championship, paving the way for a contract with Capital Artists Limited and soon after, her debut album \"Debt of the Heart\".
Mui quickly rose as a star in the entertainment industry. Not only was she a powerful singer, but she also possessed great acting talent. In 1984, she portrayed the protagonist Zhou Qiyun in the television drama \"Spring Moonlight on the River\" with great skill and emotion. As others sang gentle and elegant songs, she dared to break traditions, appearing in suits and sunglasses, embodying a bold and heroic femininity on stage.
In less than a month, Anita Mui held 15 consecutive concerts at the Hong Kong Coliseum, each sold out, setting a record for Hong Kong singers at the time and solidifying her position in the music industry. Beyond her successful career, Anita Mui was beloved in the industry for her generosity. When fellow artists faced difficulties, she was always ready to lend a hand.
However, despite her talent and warmth, fate did not grant her much time. In 2003, what should have been a good year for Anita Mui turned into tragedy. Just as she received approval for a mainland China concert tour and a call from acclaimed director Zhang Yimou for a role in \"House of Flying Daggers\", Anita Mui was diagnosed with late-stage cervical cancer.
Upon hearing the news, Zhang Yimou's first words were, \"Focus on treatment. The role will wait for you until you recover.\" However, Anita Mui felt guilty and knew her health was deteriorating. During this time, she continued to prepare for her last concert.
In late 2003, Anita Mui wore a wedding dress on stage and said to her fans with a smile, \"I've never worn a wedding dress in my life. Today, consider it a marriage to music and to all of you.\" Despite her frailty, she left a lasting impression on her audience.
Shortly after the concert, on December 30, 2003, Anita Mui passed away at the age of 40. When Zhang Yimou heard the news, he was deeply affected. Crew members recall him often sitting alone, lost in thought.
Nevertheless, production continued, and in 2004, \"House of Flying Daggers\" was released with a dedication to Anita Mui in the credits. Despite their minimal interaction before, Anita Mui's role in Zhang Yimou's mind was irreplaceable.
Whenever Anita Mui is mentioned, Zhang Yimou praises her without reservation: \"She possessed a unique blend of heroic spirit and feminine grace, precisely what the role demanded.\"
Even now, Anita Mui's songs are sung, her films are watched, and her story is retold. Though her life was short, Anita Mui's name will continue to be remembered and celebrated.
