Zhang Yimou is one of the most important and influential Chinese directors and a leading figure of the Fifth Generation of filmmakers. Initially a cinematographer, he made his directorial debut with *Red Sorghum* (1987), winning the Golden Bear at the Berlin Film Festival and achieving immediate international fame. His career was solidified in the 1990s with acclaimed works such as *Raise the Red Lantern* (1991), which earned an Oscar nomination; *The Story of Qiu Ju* (1992), winner of the Golden Lion in Venice; and *To Live* (1994), which won the Grand Prix at Cannes. Starting in the 2000s, he turned to directing hugely successful wuxia blockbusters, including *Hero* (2002) and *House of Flying Daggers* (2004), celebrated for their spectacular visual aesthetics. In addition to his film work, he directed the memorable opening and closing ceremonies of the 2008 Beijing Olympics, strengthening his stature as a global cultural icon. His style is recognized for its striking use of color and his ability to range from intimate drama to historical epic.