Jacklyn Wu Chien-Lien
Biography
Jacklyn Wu Chien-Lien, also spelled Jacqueline Wu Chien-Lien and known in Chinese as 吳倩蓮, was born on July 3, 1968 in Taipei, Taiwan. She is a Taiwanese actress and singer whose career began when director Johnnie To cast her opposite Andy Lau in the 1990 film A Moment of Romance. Western audiences most often recognize her as the second of three sisters in Ang Lee’s 1994 film Eat Drink Man Woman. Her most acclaimed performance is in Ann Hui’s 1997 drama Eighteen Springs, which earned her a nomination for the Hong Kong Film Award for Best Actress and a win from the Hong Kong Film Critics Society for Best Actress. Wu has also appeared in television serials produced in Taiwan, China and Singapore, and has accumulated more than sixty credited roles.
Career overview
Jacklyn Wu Chien‑Lien, also known as Jacqueline Wu Chien‑Lien, was born on 3 July 1968 in Taipei, Taiwan. She began her acting career when director Johnnie To cast her opposite Andy Lau in the 1990 film A Moment of Romance. The early exposure led to a series of roles that established her presence in Chinese‑language cinema, and she is credited with more than sixty screen appearances.
Wu is perhaps best remembered by Western audiences for her performance as the middle sister in Ang Lee’s 1994 family drama Eat Drink Man Woman. Her most critically acclaimed work came with Ann Hui’s 1997 adaptation Eighteen Springs, a role that earned her a nomination for the Hong Kong Film Award for Best Actress and secured the Hong Kong Film Critics Society Best Actress Award. In addition to her film work, Wu has acted in television serials produced in Taiwan, China and Singapore, demonstrating a versatility across mediums.
Since the turn of the millennium Wu has continued to appear in television projects, maintaining an active presence in the entertainment industry. Her career reflects a steady contribution to both film and television, marked by notable collaborations with prominent directors and recognition from major Hong Kong film institutions.
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Frequent co-stars
Career timeline
Full filmography
- Romantic Heroes of the Tang Dynasty (2013) as Ye Tianlian/Shu Qing
- 缘海情天 (2012) as 洪威
- 大汉风4：英雄美人 (2010)
- Empress Feng of the Northern Wei Dynasty (2006) as Empress Dowager Feng
- 大汉风18：霸王别姬 (2006)
- The Story of Han Dynasty (2005) as Lü Zhi
- Center Stage: Ruan Ling Yu (2005) as 阮玲玉
- 大汉风9：谋士范增 (2005)
- 大汉风1：群雄并起 (2005)
- 大汉风16：荥阳对峙 (2005)
- 大汉风19：四面楚歌 (2005)
- 大汉风5：破釜沉舟 (2005)
- Banquet at Hongmen (2005)
- No Retreat (2005)
- 大汉风20：大风起兮 (2005)
- 大汉风15：韩信点兵 (2004)
- 大汉风11：运筹帷幄 (2004)
- 大汉风14：楚营为虏 (2004) as 吕雉
- Autumn Water (2004)
- Jiang Hu (2004) as Mrs. Hung
- The Game of Killing (2004) as Jingwen
- The Stories of Han Dynasty (2003)
- Zen Master (2001)
- 情牵日月星 (1999) as 桑若岚
- Sorry Baby (1999) as Liu Xiao Yun
- Four Chefs and a Feast (1999)
- The Return of the Condor Heroes (1998) as Hsiao Lung Nu
- Ninth Happiness (1998) as Chi Wan
- All's Well, End's Well '97 (1997) as Shenny
- Beijing Hong Kong Love Connection (1997) as Fang Ming
- Walk In (1997) as Li Yee Wah
- Intruder (1997) as Yieh Siu-Yan
- Dragon Town Story (1997)
- Eighteen Springs (1997) as Gu Manjing
- A Moment of Romance III (1996) as Ting Siu Wo
- Beyond Hypothermia (1996) as Shu Li Han
- Peace Hotel (1995) as Ping's Wife
- Only Fools Fall in Love (1995) as Mong Dai / Dee
- The Phantom Lover (1995) as Du Yunyan
- The Adventurers (1995) as Crystal Lui
- Dream Lover (1995) as Kitty
- Mean Street Story (1995) as Sue/Elaine/Siu Suen
- God of Gamblers' Return (1994) as Little Guitar
- Eat Drink Man Woman (1994) as Jia-Chien
- Treasure Hunt (1994) as Mei Xiao Qing
- The Returning (1994) as Elaine / Siu Lau
- Beginner's Luck (1994) as May
- To Live and Die in Tsimshatsui (1994) as Bo
- In Between (1994) as Icy
- Love and the City (1994) as JoJo
- How Deep Is Your Love (1994)
- Oh! My Three Guys.... (1994) as Foh Mei / Fok May
- A Moment of Romance II (1993) as Celia
- The Bare-Footed Kid (1993) as Hua Huang Lien
- Top Cool (1993)
- The Modern Love Story (1992)
- Three Summers (1992)
- Casino Raiders II (1991) as Lin
- The Royal Scoundrel (1991) as Yuk
- A Moment of Romance (1990) as Jo Jo