Lung Sihung, born in 1930, was a renowned Taiwanese actor who left an indelible mark on the cinema of Taiwan. Throughout his illustrious career, he appeared in over 100 films, earning him widespread recognition for his versatility and range.
One of his most notable characteristics was his ability to effortlessly slip into paternal roles, captivating audiences in films such as The Wedding Banquet and Eat Drink Man Woman. This talent was further showcased in his collaborations with the acclaimed director Ang Lee, who frequently cast him in films like Pushing Hands and Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.
Lung's journey to becoming a successful actor began when he enlisted in Chiang Kai-shek's army as a teenager to fight against the Chinese Communist Party. After the Communist Party seized control of mainland China, he escaped to Taiwan, where he was selected to join an army-sponsored acting troupe. This experience laid the foundation for his future career, as he honed his craft by playing an array of roles for the troupe.
Lung's remarkable talent for playing criminals and tough guys in Chinese-language films and Taiwanese soap operas ultimately led to his being cast in over 100 films. His remarkable range and ability to convey complex emotions made him a sought-after actor, and he became a household name.
In a remarkable turn of events, Ang Lee approached Lung to play a father in his first full-length film, Pushing Hands, in 1992. Lung's poignant portrayal of an elderly man grappling with change catapulted him to international stardom, and he became synonymous with playing fathers struggling with modernity and adult children in the movies often referred to as the Father Knows Best trilogy.
By the time he appeared as "Sir Te," the guardian of a mystical sword in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, Lung's health had begun to deteriorate due to diabetes. He ultimately passed away in 2002 at the age of 72 due to liver failure.
This biography is a testament to the remarkable life and career of Lung Sihung, a true legend of Taiwanese cinema.
