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Now on DVD – “Shanghai Red,” Interview with Lead Actress Vivian Wu

June 5, 2010 | Archives, Asia Edition, Entertainment

Interview by Nancy Moran

Q: Tell us about the history behind this film. And what did you enjoy the most about playing the character “Meili”?

This film came from my director husband Oscar; he wrote it in China while I was on location shooting a Chinese film. He started to travel to China in the early ’90s and was very inspired by the changes. I loved the script and loved the idea that we could make a movie in my hometown. Meili is a such a vulnerable character who was willing to
face her responsiblity and fate under a particluar new and ever changing China, I just felt like I had a strong connection to her.

Q: What made you decide to go into acting? What would you be doing if you weren’t?

My mother was a famous actress in China. I grew up on movie sets and I loved the atmosphere, so I thought Iwas going to be an actress too - just like my mom. But of course, my mom didn’t really want me to follow her steps.

If I didn’t become an actress I think I’d want to be a lawyer, or run a kindergarten.