Gong Li was once a beloved actress of Zhang Yimou. She appeared in every one of his films and was also the leading lady in his real life. However, in 1995, after they finished shooting "Shake, Shake, Shook to Grandmother's Bridge", their relationship came to an end. A year later, she became the wife of Huang Hexiang.
During the recent press conference of "Curse of the Golden Flower", the media's attention focused on the reunion of Zhang Yimou and Gong Li. Although they both said in unison: "There is not a bit of unfamiliarity," when the reporter asked the leading lady if she felt any changes in Director Zhang upon their reunion? Gong Li said: "He is now especially courteous and polite to us."