
Acting
Sep 24, 1982
Guizhou, China
Zhang Yu
Acting
Biography
Zhang Yu (born September 25, 1982, in Guizhou, China) is a prominent actor from Mainland China, known for his transformative roles and deep commitment to independent cinema. Formerly credited under the name Zhang Xin, he is celebrated for embracing complex characters and unconventional projects, earning the reputation of being a "drama addict" within industry circles. With over a decade dedicated to supporting and promoting independent films, Zhang has become an influential figure among contemporary Chinese actors. He rose to international attention with his powerful performance as Yu Cheng in An Elephant Sitting Still (2018), followed by widely praised roles in Dying to Survive, A Cool Fish, and Back to the Wharf. His work often explores themes of morality, societal pressure, and emotional nuance, setting him apart as a master of subtle intensity. Zhang Yu has continued to expand his creative reach, appearing in more than 29 productions including film and television. He also serves as a part-time visual artist and script consultant, further reflecting his multifaceted approach to storytelling.
Feature Films (33)

The film tells the story in Brother Daguang's memories - The unspoken love that lacks courage and the vitality of friends intertwined with fate. This inspires us to cherish the present, embrace the belief in the beauty of life, never forget the way back no matter how far we go, be a down-to-earth person, and face life bravely. The film wrapped up shooting in 2022. However, irreconcilable disputes later broke out between the director and the producer, bringing further progress on the project to a halt. In an interview, director Lou Ye stated that he only hopes Jackson Yee can be happy.
Three Words

During a time of unrest in Shazhou, a once-prosperous Tang Dynasty outpost now under Tibetan control, a rebellion led by Zhang Yichao sparks hope for liberation. As the conflict intensifies, a group of unlikely heroes—including a thief, a deserter, and a general’s daughter—unite to fight for their people’s freedom.
Dunhuang Warriors

Featuring seven stories from seven auteurs from around the world, the film chronicles this unprecedented moment in time, and is a true love letter to the power of cinema and its storytellers.
The Year of the Everlasting Storm

Desperate to pay for his little sister's surgery, a young man takes part in a risky business venture - only to encounter some serious setbacks.
Nice View

In the early 1990s, "Public Order Defence Squads" in China — usually made up of discharged military personnel, unemployed young adults and local hooligans — were supposed to maintain public order in villages and towns. Most of the time, however, they ended up dealing with all sorts of mundane matters in their towns. The story begins with a mysterious case of serial dog killings. LI Lizhong, leader of the local defence squad, starts an investigation into the case, following a set of strange clues and studying them using piecemeal knowledge of primitive criminology and ichnology. After a string of hijinks, the squad catches the dog killer. However, the evidence also shows that the case is closely related to the accidental death of Lizhong’s father.
Record Without Words

Over the course of 45 days, a relationship begins to break apart as confinement tests its bonds.
The Break Away

Wang Tiemei, a single mother, loses her job and moves, befriending neighbor Xiaoye who appears cheerful but is depressed. Their bond grows as Tiemei navigates relationships with her ex-husband causing trouble.
Her Story

A bizarre case caused thousands of waves. There are different opinions on the truth. When the whole story of the case was gradually restored like pieces of a puzzle, people realized that the truth was not that important anymore.
She's Got No Name

Qian was bent on experiencing love and fully committed to every relationship, but all the men she met were unreliable. Qian's best girlfriend, Tingting, also suffered in love, but as time goes by, Qian and Tingting gradually went on to different life trajectories…
Love, My Way
Television & Series (2)

In 1997, before the anti-drug bureau was established, Halan City in Northeast China formed a temporary elite team to tackle a sudden drug crisis. Despite their skills, they are unfamiliar with new drugs and must confront ruthless traffickers and devious smuggling methods while grappling with moral dilemmas and the tests of justice and humanity. United by their courage and determination, they create a stirring legend of fighting crime and corruption.
The First Shot

A haunting look at the horrors of Unit 731’s biological warfare, reflecting on history’s wounds and urging a hope for lasting peace.



