Zhang Yu Movies, TV Shows, and Filmography
Zhang Yu
Acting
Biography
Zhang Yu (born September 25, 1982, in Guizhou, China) is a prominent actor from Mainland China, known for his transformative roles and deep commitment to independent cinema. Formerly credited under the name Zhang Xin, he is celebrated for embracing complex characters and unconventional projects, earning the reputation of being a "drama addict" within industry circles. With over a decade dedicated to supporting and promoting independent films, Zhang has become an influential figure among contemporary Chinese actors. He rose to international attention with his powerful performance as Yu Cheng in An Elephant Sitting Still (2018), followed by widely praised roles in Dying to Survive, A Cool Fish, and Back to the Wharf. His work often explores themes of morality, societal pressure, and emotional nuance, setting him apart as a master of subtle intensity. Zhang Yu has continued to expand his creative reach, appearing in more than 29 productions including film and television. He also serves as a part-time visual artist and script consultant, further reflecting his multifaceted approach to storytelling.
Filmography Movies
Acting
Three Words
The film tells the story in Brother Daguang's memories - The unspoken love that lacks courage and the vitality of friends intertwined with fate. This inspires us to cherish the present, embrace the belief in the beauty of life, never forget the way back no matter how far we go, be a down-to-earth person, and face life bravely.
Tainted Love
Following a woman’s search for truth after being cheated in a romance scam.
Heroes of Dunhuang
During a time of unrest in Shazhou, a once-prosperous Tang Dynasty outpost now under Tibetan control, a rebellion led by Zhang Yichao sparks hope for liberation. As the conflict intensifies, a group of unlikely heroes—including a thief, a deserter, and a general’s daughter—unite to fight for their people’s freedom.
The Year of the Everlasting Storm
Featuring seven stories from seven auteurs from around the world, the film chronicles this unprecedented moment in time, and is a true love letter to the power of cinema and its storytellers.
Nice View
Desperate to pay for his little sister's surgery, a young man takes part in a risky business venture - only to encounter some serious setbacks.
Cry of the Birds
Inspired by the novel “King of the Trees” by Ah Cheng.
11度青春之李雷和韩梅梅
Record Without Words
In the early 1990s, "Public Order Defence Squads" in China — usually made up of discharged military personnel, unemployed young adults and local hooligans — were supposed to maintain public order in villages and towns. Most of the time, however, they ended up dealing with all sorts of mundane matters in their towns. The story begins with a mysterious case of serial dog killings. LI Lizhong, leader of the local defence squad, starts an investigation into the case, following a set of strange clues and studying them using piecemeal knowledge of primitive criminology and ichnology. After a string of hijinks, the squad catches the dog killer. However, the evidence also shows that the case is closely related to the accidental death of Lizhong’s father.
The Break Away
Over the course of 45 days, a relationship begins to break apart as confinement tests its bonds.
Gallery
