HINESE actress Zhang Ziyi was invited to address an audience in English at last week's Berlin Film Festival. While those present seemed to apprecite her comments, some Chinese took the opportunity to critique her English. "I was here I think almost 10 years ago. From the first time I came here I received an incredible amount of support and encouragement. And today I'm very happy to be here to encourage the new generation of actors," said Zhang, who turned 30 last week.
Her halting, almost childlike manner of speaking surprised those who had assumed that her relationship with Israeli-born boyfriend Vivi Nevo had done more for her fluency. Zhang's poor English has slowed her international career, which began with her role in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. In one of her forthcoming movies, she'll play a Chinese director who must communicate with one of her actors (played by Hugh Grant) through a translator.
The Chongqing Morning News said that while Zhang looks as dazzling as ever, her English appears to be a shambles. But some observers defended her on online forums like Tianya, citing her busy schedule. Zhang was in Berlin to promote her work on the biopic Mei Lanfang.