Chinese actress Fan Bingbing has emerged from a five-year hiatus to receive acclaim for her performance in the film Mother Bhumi, which she presented at the Tokyo International Film Festival. Winning the festival’s Best Actress award in 2010 for her role in Buddha Mountain, Fan’s latest film showcases her in a starkly different light, portraying a single mother, farmer, and spiritual healer in a rural Malaysian village.
Directed by Chong Keat Aun, Mother Bhumi delves into themes of colonial legacy, ethnic tensions, land rights, and spirituality. The film’s intricate narrative is complemented by stunning cinematography from Leung Ming-kai, who captures the natural beauty of the Bujang Valley setting. Fan’s transformation into her character has drawn significant attention, marking a pivotal point in her career following a tumultuous period.
In the late 2010s, Fan’s career faced serious challenges due to allegations of tax evasion that resulted in fines and retroactive tax bills reportedly amounting to $100 million. Following this, she withdrew from the public eye, leading to a near five-year absence from the screen. Her performance in Mother Bhumi suggests a profound personal and professional renaissance.
During an interview with The Hollywood Reporter at the festival, Fan reflected on her rigorous preparation for the role. “I approached the director about this film because I was deeply moved by the story,” she shared. The character, who balances farming with spiritual practices, required Fan to step far outside her comfort zone.
Fan acknowledged that the language barrier posed a significant challenge during preparation. “I had to speak five or six different dialects in the film,” she explained, noting the importance of mastering these languages to embody her character authentically. She dedicated months to language practice, often working closely with the director to ensure she could deliver her lines naturally.
To immerse herself in the role, Fan spent time living with local farmers in Kedah, Malaysia. She learned traditional farming techniques, which included rice transplanting and herding buffaloes. “Working in the flooded rice paddies was particularly challenging,” she recalled, describing encounters with snakes and insects. “But I told myself this was part of the process, because that’s the reality of how local people live.”
The spiritual aspects of her character drew inspiration from the director’s father, a renowned healer in the region. Fan studied his rituals closely, capturing the nuances of his performance and emotional expressions. This dedication to authenticity allowed her to portray a character with both strength and vulnerability.
Reflecting on her journey and the lessons learned, Fan remarked, “This role made me think deeply about what power is and the essence of being human.” The film tackles themes of land rights and personal struggles, which resonated with her own experiences during her hiatus. “Even when life is difficult, we need confidence to face tomorrow,” she stated.
With her diverse experiences across various film industries, Fan noted the differences in working styles. She found Hollywood productions to be strictly scheduled, while filming in Malaysia felt more organic and relaxed. “It felt like living together, communicating naturally, without the pressure of rigid timetables,” she said.
Recently, Fan completed a film in Japan based on a novel by Jun’ichirō Tanizaki, working alongside acclaimed actor Lily Franky. She described the project as “strange and beautiful,” highlighting the unique film language employed by director Wang Ying. “Acting with him doesn’t feel like acting at all; it feels like simply living inside the story,” she noted.
Looking ahead, Fan expressed a desire to continue exploring meaningful roles and arthouse films. She acknowledged the challenges facing Chinese cinema, particularly the diminishing audience for art films in favor of shorter online content. “If I make another Chinese film, I want it to be one where I truly feel something for the character,” she stated.
Fan’s reflections on her time away from the industry reveal a newfound depth in her acting. “Those five years became a time to pause and absorb,” she shared. “Hitting the lowest point gave me resistance, courage, and new emotional depth.” As she moves forward, her commitment to storytelling and authentic representation remains evident.
As her presence returns to the screen, Fan Bingbing is poised to redefine her legacy in the film industry, promising to captivate audiences with her evolving artistry in projects both in China and internationally.
