In 1978, Beijing Film Academy reopened its doors to new students, thanks to the reform and opening-up policy. Among the freshmen were Zhang Yimou, Chen Kaige and Tian Zhuangzhuang. They later became known as "The Fifth Generation" of directors whose works represent a particularly creative moment in the history of Chinese cinema. Take a look at the veteran director Zhang Yimou's prolific career and his past 40 years.
Zhang finished filming his new movie "One Second" in Dunhuang, an iconic northwestern city in Gansu Province that stands at the crossroads of two trading routes on the ancient Silk Road.
He shot the films "Hero" and "The Great Wall" at the same location, and this time has called back many old colleagues experienced in a certain era of motion pictures.
Zhang Yimou, Chinese director, attending a promotional event for his new film "Shadow" in Beijing. /VCG Photo
The film focuses on people craving for motion pictures during the 1970s, when Zhang embarked on his own journey in the film industry, enrolling at the Beijing Film Academy at the age of 28.
In 1983, the then 33-year-old Zhang graduated from the academy and started working for Guangxi Film Studio.
Two years later, he won Best Photography at that year's Golden Rooster Awards, working with director Chen Kaige's film "Yellow Earth." The film is today widely considered the inaugural film of "The Fifth Generation" directors.
"We wanted to do something different. So instead of making things clean and pretty, we just presented it as real as possible, so the audience could feel the historic touch," said Zhang.
1987 saw the release of Zhang's directorial debut, "Red Sorghum."
Director Zhang Yimou and the cast of film "Coming Home," Chen Daoming (L1), Gong Li (L2) and Zhang Huiwen (R) at Cannes Film Festival in 2014. /VCG Photo
"Red Sorghum" was met with critical acclaim, bringing Zhang to the forefront of the world's art directors, and winning him a Golden Bear for Best Picture at the 38th Berlin International Film Festival in 1988.
It marked a first for a Chinese filmmaker to win a major prize at one of Europe's three prestigious film events.
"'The Fifth Generation' is deeply rooted in its time. It started at the beginning of reform and opening-up, when China's literary scene was also changing. We have what we called Scar Literature, people reflecting on their lives. We filmmakers were influenced by that as well," said Zhang.
Throughout his career, Zhang has also challenged new genres.
In 1994 the Chinese government first started allowing U.S. films to be shown in the country. The first Hollywood film to hit Chinese cinemas was "The Fugitive," which made over 25 million yuan (3.6 million U.S. dollars), topping the box-office chart that year.
A still from film "Hero" directed by Zhang Yimou. /Photo via Douban.com
Since then, imported films have been steadily making a splash. And Zhang decided to catch up with that trend, by producing China's first blockbuster "Hero" in 2002.
Zhang's exploration with new genres is never without risks.
His fantasy epic "Great Wall" in 2016 was a Waterloo moment for the veteran director.
The American-Chinese co-production had an estimated budget of about 140 million U.S. dollars, but received only 4.9 points out of 10 at Douban, China's leading film review site.
Zhang's focus over the years may shift from one genre to another, but his passion for cinema only grows stronger.
"In the past 40 years, myself, the film industry and our country have seen great changes. Time has offered my these precious opportunities, to pursue something I'm passionate about. I'm grateful for that. Looking forward to what the next 40 years has to offer," said the director.