Fan Bingbing will make her much-anticipated return to film with the online release of “Green Night” this Friday, marking her first venture into acting after a six-year hiatus caused by a significant tax scandal. In 2018, Fan was a leading star in Chinese cinema, recognized for her roles in various blockbusters and high-profile endorsements. However, her fall from grace began when authorities fined her nearly $70 million for unpaid taxes after allegations surfaced that she had been underreporting her earnings through two separate contracts, a common practice in many Chinese industries.
Following months of public absence, Fan surfaced in October 2018 with an apology, acknowledging her wrongdoing and the shame it brought her. Despite escaping criminal charges, her film career came to an unexpected halt as the Chinese government imposed stricter regulations on the entertainment industry, pressuring celebrities to comply with tax laws and government mandates.
Now at 43, Fan steps into the lead role of “Green Night,” directed by Han Shuai and set against the backdrop of South Korea. The film, which premiered at an international festival in Berlin last year, observes the story of a Chinese woman teaming up with a South Korean counterpart to escape oppressive situations. Fan describes the film as a narrative of “women helping women,” and admits that elements of her own life experiences fueled her portrayal of the character.
Although “Green Night” has not been screened in mainland China, it appears to be gaining traction among viewers via unofficial channels, evidencing the ongoing interest in her work. As many as 38,000 users have watched the film on Douban, a Chinese platform for media reviews, showcasing that despite her tarnished reputation, there remains a curious audience eager to see what the innovative actress will do next. During her recent public appearances, including the Busan International Film Festival, Fan expressed that her break allowed for a period of self-reflection and grounding.
Through this new chapter of her career, Fan Bingbing aims to redefine herself—a journey marked by personal introspection and a hopeful return to the film industry.
