Chen was a striking Chinese-born leading lady who rose to fame in her home country at just 14 years old—a remarkable turn of events that pulled her straight from an athletic rifle team into the spotlight of a film backed by Mao Tse-tung’s wife. It was quite the leap, and Chen handled it with grace, quickly becoming a beloved figure in Chinese cinema. Over time, her popularity grew with each new role, earning her the affectionate nickname “the Chinese Elizabeth Taylor,” a testament to her charm and screen presence.
One of Chen’s most memorable performances came in Little Flower (1978), where she portrayed a deaf-mute girl miraculously cured by acupuncture—her first words in the film being the iconic, “Long live Chairman Mao!” That role solidified her status as a national treasure, and she went on to win numerous awards across China, further cementing her legacy.
As her fame expanded beyond borders, Chen made her US debut with a modest but meaningful part in Wayne Wang’s Dim Sum: A Little Bit of Heart (1985). Given her star power back home, it only made sense that she’d be tapped for a leading role in the English-language film Tai-Pan (1986), opposite Bryan Brown. The project was historic—not just for Chen, but for international cinema—as it marked one of the first major collaborations between an American filmmaker and the Chinese government. And once again, Chen proved she wasn’t just a star in name; she carried herself with the poise and talent expected of someone of her stature.
When it comes to Joan Chen’s filmography, one standout performance that truly shines is in Sheep Without a Shepherd (2019), which has emerged as Joan Chen’s highest-rated movie to date. Critics and audiences alike have praised her role in this gripping thriller, highlighting it as a career highlight for Joan Chen. On the other end of the spectrum, Golden Gate (1994) tends to receive less favorable reviews, making it Joan Chen’s lowest-rated film so far. While Joan Chen has delivered powerful performances throughout her career, these two titles represent the peaks and valleys in terms of critical reception. Still, Joan Chen continues to be recognized for her versatility and depth as an actress across both acclaimed and underappreciated projects.