Ruan Lingyu: A Pictorial Biography

Author: Huang Weijun
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-09-01
Features: "Alas, my death is nothing to be pitied, but I still fear the power of public opinion, the power of public opinion." — The final words of Ruan Lingyu, the love and life of China's female star. A brief 25-year life is enough to make every person who cherishes life sigh in regret, let alone a life that was once so brilliant and graceful. After her passing, the streets were empty as people bid farewell; numerous renowned figures such as Lu Xun, Nie Kangnu, Ke Ling, and others wrote articles in her memory. Ruan Lingyu was born into a poor family in 1910. After her father's death when she was six years old, she lived with her mother, who worked as a maid in a wealthy household. At the age of 16, she entered the film industry and, in the short span of nine years, starred in 29 movies. She was hailed as "China's Greta Garbo" and "China's Ingrid Bergman." With her gentle and fresh nature, she was like a beautiful lily growing in a wild, stormy wilderness amidst the chaos of the world. Such a woman especially needed the protection of men. Yet, throughout her life, she encountered three men, none of whom were reliable. On March 8, 1935, she fell from grace as the uncrowned queen of the silent film era. In 1993, Maggie Cheung won the Hong Kong Film Golden Bear Award for "Best Actress" for the film of the same name.