Remembering Cheng Pei-Pei: The Legendary Queen of Kung Fu Films

Written by Fête Chinoise Editorial Team
IMAGES: IMDB, MUBI, Reposted from Marsha Yuen @mashasha

Esteemed actress Pei-Pei Cheng 鄭佩佩 has passed away in San Francisco at the age of 78. Best known to North American audiences for her iconic role in the Oscar-winning film Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon《臥虎藏龍》, Cheng leaves behind a rich legacy that has deeply influenced the world of martial arts cinema. In recent years, she also played poignant roles in films such as Meditation Park and Mulan.

Image Reposted from Marsha Yuen @mashasha

Born in Shanghai in 1946, Cheng moved to Hong Kong during her early years and began her acting career with the famed Shaw Brothers Studio. Her breakthrough came with the 1966 film Come Drink with Me《大醉俠》, directed by King Hu 胡金銓. This film showcased Cheng’s formidable talent and marked a turning point in martial arts cinema by highlighting a powerful female lead. Come Drink with Me was selected as Hong Kong’s official entry for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 39th Academy Awards.

Cheng’s influence was further solidified by her role as Jade Fox in Ang Lee’s Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon《臥虎藏龍》 (2000), a film that brought martial arts far and wide to a global audience. Her performance earned her the Best Supporting Actress award at the Hong Kong Film Awards and established her international acclaim. Featuring a stellar cast, including Michelle Yeoh 楊紫瓊, Zhang Ziyi 章子怡, and Chow Yun-fat 周潤發, the film has become iconic in martial arts cinema, showcasing the elegance of kung fu and martial arts.

Cheng Pei-pei was a trailblazer in depicting strong, independent female characters in martial arts films. Her roles set a new standard for the genre, inspiring future generations of actresses and filmmakers and expanding the genre’s representation beyond its traditional boundaries.

In addition to her celebrated film career, Cheng’s role as Madame Wah in the 1993 comedy film Flirting Scholar《唐伯虎點秋香》, alongside Stephen Chow 周星馳, Gong Li 鞏俐, and Chan Pak-cheung 陳百祥, remains a beloved classic in Chinese cinema, frequently enjoyed during cultural festivals and family gatherings.

Cheng’s commitment to her craft extended beyond the screen. After her marriage in 1970, she pursued further studies in dance in the United States, demonstrating her dedication to personal and professional growth. Her contributions were honoured with the 24th Huading Awards Lifetime Achievement Award, celebrating her lasting impact on the industry.

Michelle Yeoh, Cheng’s co-star from Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, paid tribute to her on social media: “Heartfelt condolences to Pei Pei Jie’s family, friends, and fans… we will miss your kindness and shining talent. RIP.”

Cheng’s final screen appearance was in the 2020 live-action adaptation of Disney’s Mulan. Her legacy as a pioneer in martial arts cinema will be cherished and celebrated, as her work has not only entertained but also redefined cultural perceptions, and paved the way for future female heroes in film.

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