Although she may be a bit short in stature (1.55 meters / 5 feet 1), Chinese movie star Zhou Xun has earned praise from directors and fellow actors and has become one of the most respected individuals in Chinese show business.
With her large, expressive eyes and otherworldly screen presence, Zhou, 50, has built a career and a body of work that transcends genres and generations.
She is one of the very few to hold the title of Triple Best Actress, as she was also awarded the Golden Horse Awards, Golden Rooster Awards, and Hong Kong Film Awards.
Despite her diminutive stature, many of China's most prominent filmmakers say Zhou Xun's talent surpasses that of the rest.
"Zhou Xun is truly beautiful. Her only flaw is her height. If she were 10 centimeters taller, the entire entertainment industry would be hers," said acclaimed director Chen Kaige, as reported by KBiZoom.
Other filmmakers have called her "the bride-faced beauty" and "a muse among muses," citing her ability to captivate audiences even when appearing alongside fellow screen icons such as Zhang Ziyi, Li Bingbing, and Zhang Yuqi — the latter 13 years her junior.
Zhou's breakthrough performances in films such as Suzhou River and The Equation of Love and Death showcased her dramatic acting abilities early on.
She defied those expectations again and again, turning in star-making performances in the films Red Sorghum and the fantasy hit Painted Skin, in which she played the seductive fox-enchantress Xiao Wei.
This role critics said left audiences "mesmerized."
Hong Kong director Wong Jing acknowledged her unconventional appeal, rating her "70 out of 100 for looks" but giving her a full "100 for acting."
"She may be just over 1.5 meters tall with no bombshell figure, but she can portray a fox demon more alluring than any so-called goddess," Wong said. "She's the best actress I've met in 40 years."
Zhou's career is remarkable not just for its longevity, but for how it began: without formal acting training.
Still, she climbed the ranks to become one of the most sought-after actresses of her generation. In 2010, she was named one of CNN's "Asia's 25 Greatest Actors of All Time," alongside Gong Li and silent-era icon Ruan Lingyu.
"She was born to act," said TV personality Jin Xing. Director Feng Xiaogang went even further, calling her "the indisputable best actress of her generation," adding that she is "miles ahead of the second place."
Director Peter Chan echoed that sentiment, describing Zhou as "a limitless actress capable of inspiring every director's imagination."
Today, Zhou continues to take on diverse roles, embracing age and artistic evolution with characteristic poise. "I can't go back to the days of playing Princess Taiping," she said, referencing her performance in Palace of Desire. "I can only move forward."
With her legacy firmly established and admiration from her peers only growing, Zhou Xun remains a singular figure in Chinese cinema — proof that artistry knows no bounds, least of all height.
