Sun Zhou was born 1954 in Shandong. First he worked in TV and as a cameraman, before he could study at the Beijing Film Academy, 1984-87 in the directors class. 1987 he debuted with the successful comedy “Put Some More Sugar In The Coffee”. The Thriller “Blood At Dusk” (1990) scored at the box office.
Sun Zhou is a fifth generation Chinese film director. In the 1980s, when most directors were devoted to filming deserts and plateaus, Sun Zhou focused his camera on the ordinary people of Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, an area at the very forefront of China’s implementation of reform and opening-up. At this time, he established a film production style that was widely practiced in Guangdong Province and the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. In the 1999, after a decade of silence, Zhou once again took his place among China’s first-class film directors with his film Pretty Mother.
Sun Zhou was born into an intellectual family in Shandong Province in the 1950s. Heavily influenced by his family, Sun fell in love with the arts, especially photography. After graduating from high school, he joined the army, where he became a professional photographer; thus laying a solid foundation for his future career. In 1983, Sun Zhou, then a director at the Shandong TV Station, finished his first TV drama, There Will Be Thunderous Snow Tonight, which made him famous overnight.
In 1992, it was by chance that a friend told Sun about an ad campaign for toothpaste. Curious, Sun gave the job a go and found it amazing. “I was doing something that could make me some money,” he said. Over time, he felt more comfortable with his new job and became creative in his work, joining the first group of ad directors in the country since China’s implementation of reform and opening-up. Although Sun worked in ad production for eight years, he never ignored his passion for filmmaking. He also never complained about his work situation, because he was fully aware that his career was at a turning point.
“I was lost when I was away from film production,” recalled Sun. “It was Chen Kaige (a famous Chinese director) and Gong Li who woke me up and gave me a push. They, as well as my career, mean a lot to me.”
In 1998, Sun Zhou played Dan, a crown prince of the State of Yan, in The Emperor and the Assassin directed by Chen Kaige. It was at this time that Chen and Gong encouraged Sun to go back to making films. After thorough planning and preparation, Sun began to film Pretty Mother in Beijing, with Gong Li in the leading role. The film was a success thanks to Gong’s participation and support. Later, the two teamed up again in Zhou Yu’s Train, which was especially tailored for Gong Li.
In recent years, more and more of Sun’s work tends to praise women. “I’m inclined to look at the world from a woman’s angle.” Remarked Sun. “I adore women and admire them for their tolerance, benevolence, and motherhood, which I have experienced, firsthand, through my mother and sisters, as well as those that have greatly influenced my life. My system of belief comes from my experiences, which also inspire my work.” Zhou Yu’s Train made Sun Zhou examine his inner self once again: “Since I’m back, I must be serious about my beloved film.”
filmography
Director:
周渔的火车 (2002)
… aka Zhou Yu’s Train (Hong Kong: English title) (USA: literal English title)
漂亮妈妈 (2000)
… aka Breaking the Silence (International: English title)
心想 (1992)
… aka Heartstrings
… aka The True-Hearted (International: English title)
滴血黄昏 (1989)
Actor:
San wa (2005)
… aka Shen hua (Hong Kong: Mandarin title)
… aka The Myth (International: English title)
周渔的火车 (2002) (uncredited) …. The guy in the dining car
… aka Zhou Yu’s Train (Hong Kong: English title) (USA: literal English title)
荆轲刺秦王 (1998) …. Dan, Prince of Yan
… aka Empereur et l’assassin, L’ (France)
… aka The Assassin
… aka The Emperor and the Assassin (Europe: English title)
… aka The First Emperor (Singapore: English title)
Writer:
周渔的火车 (2002)
… aka Zhou Yu’s Train (Hong Kong: English title) (USA: literal English title)
漂亮妈妈 (2000)
… aka Breaking the Silence (International: English title)