Chen Kun

Chen Kun (born February 4, 1976), sometimes credited as Aloys Chen, is a Chinese actor and singer. He gained recognition from television dramas Love Story in Shanghai and The Story of a Noble Family and rose to international prominence with the films The Knot and Painted Skin. Chen has won the Hundred Flowers Award for Best Actor, Huabiao Award for Outstanding Actor, and received a Golden Horse Award nomination for Best Actor.

Chen Kun
Chen Kun at Mojin: The Lost Legend Beijing Premier on December 18, 2015
Born (1976-02-04) February 4, 1976
Chongqing, China
Alma materBeijing Film Academy
Occupation
Years active1999present
ChildrenChen Youyou
Chinese name
Traditional Chinese
Simplified Chinese
Musical career
Also known asAloys Chen
GenresMandopop
LabelsK Pictures

Chen ranked 68th on Forbes China Celebrity 100 list in 2014, 28th in 2014,[1] 15th in 2017,[2] and 52nd in 2019.[3]

Biography

Chen Kun was born in Chongqing. He was raised by his maternal grandmother. His parents divorced soon after Chen's second younger brother was born, and Chen began working part-time in high school to support his mother. He started as a typist at the municipal office and later as a solo singer at night clubs. He showed early talent in singing and was strongly recommended by his vocal trainer and mentor to join the China Oriental Song and Dance Ensemble (now China National Song and Dance Ensemble) at Beijing in 1995. In 1996, he was admitted to the Beijing Film Academy, where he began taking acting classes.[4][5]

In 2010, Chen established his own agency K Pictures (Dongshen Tonghua). He then set up a series of public charities named "Power to Go", aimed to encourage people to simply go outside and walk, in an effort to improve their health and spirit.[6] The events were held on separate occasions in Qinghai and Tibet.[7][8] In 2012, he published and co-authored the book Heading East, in the Direction of Peace (往西,宁静的方向), the first in a series of five books promoting the charity program. Chen was crowned as the "Weibo King" at the 2013 Sina Weibo Night for his popularity, influence and philanthropy work on the micro-blogging site.[9] He was also the "Philanthropy King" at the 2014 iQiyi Awards Night.

Chen is also a keen writer, having published and co-authored several books. His first book Suddenly Walked to Tibet (突然就走到了西藏) was published in 2011, and contains a collection of autobiographical essays.[10] It was a huge commercial success, and Chen became the first and only actor to make it on to China's Writers Rich List.[11] In 2014, he also published Strange Aquarius (鬼水瓶录), a short-story collection that takes inspiration from his Weibo posts and life story.[12]

Although he is not married, Chen has one son born in 2002 named Youyou. Chen does not intend to reveal the identity of Youyou's mother.

Career

1999–2004: Debut and rising popularity

Chen debuted in the 1999 film The National Anthem.[13] He rose to prominence with the 2001 television drama Love in Shanghai. His role as a poor clock repairer who manages to get through to a girl from a wealthy family suffering from infantile autism, made him an audience favorite.

Chen gained more international recognition in 2002, after starring in Franco-Chinese romance film Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress. The film was nominated at the Golden Globe Awards for Golden Globe Award for Best Foreign Language Film.

He then starred in the Republican series The Story of a Noble Family (2003), adapted from the novel of the same name by Zhang Henshui. The series was a commercial success, and recorded the highest ratings of the year.[14] The role of Jin Yanxi became his most prolific work in his earlier years.

2005–2016: Films and acclaim

Chen then starred in A West Lake Moment (2005), playing a love-seeking and idealistic young man who is not easily satisfied. He was nominated as Best Actor for his performance at the Golden Horse Awards.[15] He next starred in The Music Box (2006),[16] which earned him the Best Actor accolade at the Shanghai Film Critics Awards for capturing his screen character's years of arduous life and as well as his struggles and joys.[17]

Chen rose to international prominence with The Knot (2007). He described the role as a "big challenge" to him, as he had to portray the maturing process of his character over 20 years.[15] The film was a huge success and garnered 8 nominations at the 16th Golden Rooster Awards, including Best Actor for Chen.[18] He also won Best Actor at the 2007 Huabiao Film Awards.[19] He next starred in Gordon Chan's horror-adventure film Painted Skin (2008),[20] which won him the Best Actor award at the Hundred Flowers Awards.[21]

To commemorate the 60th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, Chen participated in the patriotic tribute The Founding of a Republic (2009). He played Chiang Ching-kuo, and was praised by the media and critics alike for his excellent portrayal of a passionate nationalist who was unable to prevent the fall of his party.[22] He then played his first antagonist role in Jiang Wen's gangster film Let the Bullets Fly (2010).[23]

Chen starred in wuxia film Flying Swords of Dragon Gate directed by Tsui Hark in 2011. His dynamic portrayal of two distinct characters; the cold and cruel Yu Huatian and the witty and humorous Feng Lidao, won him Best Actor nominations at the Asian Film Awards and Hundred Flowers Awards.[24] The dual roles marked a turning point in Chen's popularity and acting career, and has become one of his most representative works to date.[25][26]

Chen played the role of Qian Xuesen in the biopic of the author released in 2012.[27] He received critical acclaim for his capturing his character's growth from young to old, and was awarded the Best Actor award at the Shanghai Film Critics Awards for the second time.[28] The same year, he starred in Painted Skin: The Resurrection, the sequel to Painted Skin.[29] The film grossed over 700 million yuan ($109.8 million), becoming the highest-grossing Chinese-language movie of all time then.[30]

Chen then starred in Bends,[31] which was screened in the Un Certain Regard section at the 2013 Cannes Film Festival.[32] Chen won the Best Actor award at the 2013 International du Film de Femmes de Sale held in Morocco.[33]

Chen starred in fantasy epics in 2015; Zhong Kui: Snow Girl and the Dark Crystal as well as Mojin: The Lost Legend where he played Hu Bayi, the main character of the popular tomb-raiding novel series.[34] Mojin was a huge commercial success, breaking the box office record for a local language IMAX film in China.[35]

In 2016, Chen starred alongside Bai Baihe in crime caper film Chongqing Hot Pot.[36] The film received acclaim and positive word-of-mouth, grossing 152 million yuan in four days.[37] He also made a special appearance in the romantic comedy Beautiful Accident opposite his Rest on Your Shoulder co-star Gwei Lun-mei.[38] The same year, Chen co-produced and starred in his first television variety Twenty Four Hours. The first episode was broadcast on January 21 on Zhejiang Television and ranked first in ratings.[39]

2017–present: Return to television

In 2018, Chen starred in republican spy drama Lost in 1949 as twin brothers, and historical drama The Rise of Phoenixes as a calculating and ambitious royal prince. These two dramas are co-produced by Chen himself, and also mark his return to the small screen after a decade.[40][41]

Chen is set to star in the wuxia film The Weary Poet,[42] and fantasy film The Yin Yang Master, adapted from Ohmyoji game.[43]


Music

Apart from acting, Chen is also an established singer. He frequently performs theme songs for his television series and has released three full-length studio albums. Chen made his debut as a singer in 2004 with the album Osmosis.[44] He then released his second album Make It Come True Again,[45] won him Most Popular Male Vocalist at the MTV Asia Awards. To support his third album Mystery&Me, he held his first solo concert in Beijing in February 2010.[46] He wrote the lyrics to the single "Power to Go", which he released for a philanthropy program to advocate environmental awareness and protection.[47]

Filmography

Film

Year English title Chinese title Role Notes
1999The National Anthem国歌Nie Er
2002Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress巴尔扎克和小裁缝Luo Ming
2003Kung Fu Girls中国功夫少女组Tang ZhengSpecial appearance[48]
2004Baober in Love恋爱中的宝贝Mao MaoGuest appearance[49]
2005A West Lake Moment鸳鸯蝴蝶Ah Qin
2006The Music Box理发师Lu Ping
The Knot云水谣Chen Qiushui
2007The DoorJiang Zhongtian[50]
2008Playboy Cops花花型警Lincoln Lin[51]
Painted Skin画皮Wang Sheng
2009Mulan花木兰Wentai
The Founding of a Republic建国大业Chiang Ching-kuo
2010My Ex-wife's Wedding跟我的前妻谈恋爱Ma Yong[52]
Let the Bullets Fly让子弹飞Hu Wan
2011The Founding of a Party建党伟业Zhou Enlai[53]
Rest on Your Shoulder肩上蝶Yan Guo[54]
Love on Credit幸福额度Zhang Quanco-producer[55]
Flying Swords of Dragon Gate龙门飞甲Yu Huatian / Wind Blade (Feng Li Dao)
2012Qian Xuesen钱学森Qian Xuesen
Painted Skin: The Resurrection画皮IIGeneral Huo Xin
2013Young Detective Dee: Rise of the Sea Dragon狄仁杰之神都龙王Wang BoGuest appearance[56]
2014Bends过界男女Huang Zihui
2015Zhong Kui: Snow Girl and the Dark Crystal钟馗伏魔:雪妖魔灵2Zhong Kui
Mojin: The Lost Legend寻龙诀Hu Bayi
2016Chongqing Hot Pot火锅英雄Liu Bo
2017Beautiful Accident美好的意外Zhang Tao / Zi JunSpecial appearance, Executive Producer
2021The Yinyang Master侍神令Qing Ming
TBAThe Weary Poet诗眼倦天涯Ye Motian
Fengshen Trilogy封神三部曲Yuanshi Reverend[57]

Television series

Year English title Chinese title Role Notes
2001Love Story in Shanghai像雾像雨又像风Chen Zikun
Pink Ladies粉红女郎RomeoGuest appearance[58]
Traveller Story旅人的故事Fang
Love in Sunshine爱在阳光灿烂时Ouyang Jun
2002Only You非你不可Ke Lei[59]
The Noble Family买办之家Yu ZikunGuest appearance[60]
2003The Story of a Noble Family金粉世家Jin Yanxi
Farewell Vancouver别了,温哥华Luo Yi[61][62]
Red Carpet, Black Dream红色地毯黑色梦Lan Hao
Shuang Xiang Pao 双响炮Xu HengGuest appearance[63]
2004Ming Yang Hua Gu 名扬花鼓Mingyang[64]
Chinese Story中国故事Xiaodongsegment: Brother's Story (哥们的故事)
Yearning of the Sword长剑相思Yan Zhuiyun[65]
2005True Love on Earth天地真情Lin ShijieGuest appearance[66]
Eager for True Love渴望真爱Hu Ansegment: Absolute Privacy (绝对隐私)[67]
Wind and Rain in Xiguan 风雨西关Liang Jinkun[68][69]
Hero of the Year好想好想谈恋爱Lu KunGuest appearance
2006The Conquest争霸传奇Fan Li[70]
2007Zhu's Family Garden 朱家花园Li Bowen[71]
2008Love will be our Witness 情证今生Zhou Hao[72]
C'est La Vie, Mon Chéri新不了情Cheung Siu-kit[73]
Remembrance of Dreams Past故梦Lu Tian'en[74]
2018Lost in 1949脱身Qiao Zhicai / Qiao Lijieco-producer
The Rise of Phoenixes天盛长歌Ning Yico-producer
2021Dream of a Salesman输赢Zhou Yue[75]

Discography

Albums
Year English title Chinese title Notes
2004Osmosis渗透EP
2006Make It Come True Again再一次实现
2009Mystery & Me谜ME
Singles
Year English title Chinese title Album Notes
2005"Forgetting"忘却Feng Yu Xi Guan OST
2006"Conquest"争霸The Conquest OST
"It's Really Forever"真永远
2007"Always Together, Never Leaving"相随相依永不分离Zhu Jia Hua Yuan OST
2008"Beijing Welcomes You"北京欢迎你N/A2008 Summer Olympics theme song
2011"Power to Go"N/AN/APower to Go theme song
"Promise of Love"幸福宣言Love on Credit OST
2016"Looking for the Dragon Spell"寻龙诀Mojin: The Lost Legend OST

Accolades

Endorsements and Ambassadorship

Chen Kun at Baume et Mercier event in Beijing (October 12, 2016).

Chen was appointed as one of the goodwill ambassadors for China-ROK Exchange Year in 2007.[76] He was also appointed as UNICEF Ambassador for China.[77]

In 2012, Chen became the second Chinese male celebrity to have a wax figure of himself displayed at Madam Tussaud in Shanghai.[78]

In 2014, he became the product ambassador of Huawei's Honor brand in China.[79]

In 2015, Chen became the global ambassador of Giorgio Armani and luxury watch brand Baume et Mercier.[80][81]

References

  1. "2014 Forbes China Celebrity List (Full List)". Forbes. May 6, 2014.
  2. "2017 Forbes China Celebrity List (Full List)". Forbes. September 22, 2017.
  3. "福布斯中国发布100名人榜 吴京黄渤胡歌位列前三" (in Chinese). Sina Corp. August 20, 2019.
  4. "Lonely boy who changed his life". China Daily. February 20, 2009.
  5. Chen Chen (尘尘); Jie Yu (解语); Yuan Yi (袁艺) (2008). "Chen Kun: Harvest Season of the Sour Teenager" 《陈坤:酸涩少年的收获季节》. 《青年文摘》 [Youth Literary Digest] (in Chinese). Beijing: China Youth Press. pp. 48–54. ISBN 978-7-5006-6471-0.
  6. "Chen Kun: Power to Go". Chinese Films. August 24, 2011.
  7. ""Power to go" takes place in Qinghai". CNTV.com. September 7, 2012. Archived from the original on September 11, 2017. Retrieved June 4, 2017.
  8. "Power to Go: Celebrity Leads Pilgrimage in Tibet". China Tibet Online. August 25, 2013.
  9. "新浪微博之夜落幕 "微"力改变世界" (in Chinese). Sina Corp. January 15, 2014. Retrieved June 7, 2017.
  10. ""Suddenly, I Walk to Tibet", by Chen Kun". China Radio International. April 23, 2012.
  11. "媒体发布作家富豪榜:郑渊洁莫言居前两名" (in Chinese). Sina Corp. November 29, 2012. Retrieved June 7, 2017.
  12. "陈坤首部心念小说集《鬼水瓶录》出版" (in Chinese). Sina Corp. January 16, 2015. Retrieved June 7, 2017.
  13. Beijing Review Volume 52 2009 p.42 "Ten years ago, while still a student in the Beijing Film Academy, Chen Kun was selected to play Nie Er, composer of the People's Republic's national anthem, in a tribute film. He said the experience of playing again in a tribute film benefited ..."
  14. "<金粉世家>创收视新高 陈坤董洁成最佳情侣". Sohu (in Chinese). May 10, 2003.
  15. "Chen Kun: 'Enjoy Life, Enjoy Work'". China.org.cn. November 9, 2005.
  16. "《理发师》--陈坤与曾黎演乱世爱情" (in Chinese). Sina Corp. March 16, 2006.
  17. "《天狗》上海影评人奖十佳影片 朱媛媛当选影后" (in Chinese). Sina Corp. June 26, 2005.
  18. "'The Knot' ties up Rooster Awards". Variety. October 31, 2007.
  19. "Hot Knot wins big at Huabiao". China Daily. August 29, 2007.
  20. "陈坤颠覆形象演《画皮》 自曝曾拒当男主角". Mtime (in Chinese). September 1, 2008.
  21. "The 19th China Golden Rooster & 30th Hundred Flowers Film Festival". China Daily. December 13, 2010.
  22. "建国大业》票房爆棚 陈坤成"黑马"" [Founding of a Republic is a commercial success, Chen Kun comes out as the dark horse]. Sohu (in Chinese). September 20, 2009.
  23. "Chen Kun takes on gangster style". China Daily. December 8, 2009.
  24. "Flying Swords of Dragon Gate receives the most Asian Film Award nominations". Asia Pacific Arts. January 23, 2012. Archived from the original on February 26, 2017. Retrieved March 7, 2017.
  25. "《龙门飞甲》陈坤自我PK 没有战胜不了的江湖" [Chen Kun battles himself in new film] (in Chinese). Sina Corp. December 20, 2011.
  26. "Tsui Hark's 'Dragon Gate' a visual feast". China.org.cn. December 21, 2011.
  27. "Chen Kun takes lead in Qian Xuesen biopic". China Daily. March 9, 2011.
  28. "十佳影片,花落谁家:第21届上海影评人奖揭晓" (in Chinese). Retrieved June 4, 2017.
  29. "Re-imagined fantasy about love". China Daily. August 3, 2012.
  30. "Ludicrous 'Painted Skin'". China Post. July 13, 2012.
  31. "陈坤刘嘉玲"过界男女"首映 助力新导演零片酬出演". Mtime (in Chinese). February 11, 2014.
  32. "Bends". Cannes Film Festival. May 6, 2013.
  33. "陈坤凭《过界》获摩洛哥萨累电影节影帝" [Chen Kun wins Best Actor award at Morocco International Festival for Bends] (in Chinese). Sina Corp. October 11, 2013.
  34. "Chen Kun in Utmost Sincerity to Portray in 'Mojin: The Lost Legend'". CRI English. November 19, 2015.
  35. "'Mojin' Breaks IMAX Box Office Record in China (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. January 8, 2016.
  36. "《火锅英雄》主创详解幕后故事:陈坤不耍大牌拍戏拼". ifeng (in Chinese). April 11, 2016.
  37. "'Chongqing Hot Pot' wins top viewers ratings". China.org.cn. April 5, 2016.
  38. "Chen Kun, Kwai Lun-mei portray a couple in 'Beautiful Accident'". China.org.cn. July 6, 2016.
  39. "《二十四小时》收视飙升 六位船员萌点毕现" [New variety show is a success in the ratings game]. Sohu (in Chinese). February 1, 2016.
  40. "陈坤出演谍战大戏《脱身者》 阔别9年重返荧屏". Tencent (in Chinese). October 11, 2016.
  41. "《凰权》陈坤出手掀波澜 网友:史上最完美男主". Tencent (in Chinese). October 20, 2016.
  42. "周迅×陈坤《诗眼倦天涯》首曝剧照". Mtime (in Chinese). July 24, 2018.
  43. "陈坤&周迅奇幻新片《侍神令》曝预告". Mtime (in Chinese). August 7, 2020.
  44. "Chen Kun and His First Album "Osmosis"". China Radio International. April 11, 2006.
  45. "Chen Kun--"Come True Again"". China Radio International. April 11, 2006.
  46. "陈坤首场个人演唱会闭关备战 全力打造视听盛宴". Tencent (in Chinese). January 20, 2010.
  47. "Chen Kun writes lyrics for philanthropy". China Daily. July 27, 2011.
  48. "陈坤首演功夫片当上功夫教头 训练四位美少女". People's Daily (in Chinese). September 8, 2003.
  49. "'Baober in Love' draws raves, rants and crowds". China Daily. February 24, 2004.
  50. "陈坤携李少红宣传《门》 声称已突破表演瓶颈期". ifeng (in Chinese). December 8, 2006.
  51. "《花花型警》余文乐陈坤上演"警察夺爱"" (in Chinese). Sina Corp. July 12, 2007.
  52. "My Ex-wife's Wedding Poster Released". China.org.cn. October 13, 2010.
  53. "The Founding of a Party to film at Kremlin". China.org.cn. December 15, 2010.
  54. "'Rest on Your Shoulder' is about love". China.org.cn. June 16, 2011.
  55. "Chen Kun, Lin Chi-ling stars in riches to love film". China Daily. October 27, 2011.
  56. "陈坤客串《神都龙王》 彩蛋部分带来惊喜". China News (in Chinese). September 24, 2013.
  57. "陈坤演元始天尊,袁泉演姜王后". Mtime (in Chinese). December 9, 2019.
  58. "胡兵陆毅陈坤三小生陪练 粉红女郎演男人婆" (in Chinese). Sina Corp. May 24, 2003.
  59. "林心如牵手陈坤 《非你不可》剧情曝光(附图)" (in Chinese). Sina Corp. September 29, 2001.
  60. ""买办之家"还是唯美加凄惨(组图)" (in Chinese). Sina Corp. November 11, 2003.
  61. "陈坤姜武李小冉 赵宝刚《别了,温哥华》今上演". People's Daily (in Chinese). April 1, 2004.
  62. "《别了,温哥华》宣传造势赵宝刚评点陆毅陈坤" (in Chinese). Sina Corp. August 26, 2003.
  63. "《双响炮》剧组趣事"双响"(组图)" (in Chinese). Sina Corp. October 22, 2013.
  64. "《名扬花鼓》即将敲响 陈坤首次以古装登场(图)" (in Chinese). Sina Corp. March 23, 2004.
  65. "陈坤新剧尝试硬汉形象 《长剑相思》温柔"护花" (in Chinese). Sina Corp. March 5, 2004.
  66. "李少红监制陈坤主演360集《天地真情》元旦开播" (in Chinese). Sina Corp. December 28, 2004.
  67. "陈坤《渴望一份真爱的感觉》 与徐筠体验真爱" (in Chinese). Sina Corp. July 31, 2005.
  68. "陈坤孙俪共谱爱情悲剧 《风雨西关》今北京开播" (in Chinese). Sina Corp. December 26, 2005.
  69. Feng Yu Xi Guan, retrieved June 9, 2020
  70. "《争霸传奇》关机 陈坤:当演员太"贱"(图)" (in Chinese). Sina Corp. September 18, 2005.
  71. "陈坤难获郝蕾芳心 阿不大闹《朱家花园》(图)". Tencent (in Chinese). October 5, 2007.
  72. "陈宝国陈建斌保驾《情证今生》 陈坤戴上假发套" (in Chinese). Sina Corp. June 12, 2006.
  73. "尔冬升再造《新不了情》 陈坤薛凯琪五月催泪" (in Chinese). Sina Corp. August 22, 2008.
  74. "陈坤罗海琼"再续前缘"重温《故梦》(图)" (in Chinese). Sina Corp. October 14, 2008.
  75. "陈坤现身《输赢》开机仪式 将携手辛芷蕾演绎都市商战". ifeng (in Chinese). May 15, 2020. Missing or empty |url= (help)
  76. "Four stars named 'goodwill ambassadors' for China-ROK Exchange Year". China Daily. December 16, 2006.
  77. "Top cinema artist Chen Kun appointed as UNICEF Ambassador for China". UNICEF. May 4, 2012. Archived from the original on August 25, 2018. Retrieved June 4, 2017.
  78. "Chen Kun's wax figure debuts at Madame Tussauds in Shanghai". Xinhua News. April 26, 2012.
  79. "Oppo unveils Chinese actress Mini Yang M as brand ambassador". GSM INSIDER. Archived from the original on April 10, 2017. Retrieved April 17, 2015.
  80. "Giorgio Armani unveils Made to Measure ambassadors". Armani. June 29, 2015. Archived from the original on November 16, 2017. Retrieved November 16, 2017.
  81. "Baume & Mercier reveals new ambassador Chen Kun". Baume et Mercier. December 2015.
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.