In many people's eyes, she is a star, but her demeanor does not represent the mainstream of the entertainment circle. Plain, low-key, stubborn - these traits that resonate with the colorful and glamorous world of fame and fortune have instead become Sun Li's labels. She says this is because she has always maintained a sense of clarity.
"Today is my first day back to work after the New Year, I feel overwhelmed, very uncomfortable, and unhappy: it's time to work again, and I don't know what to expect." During our first encounter, Sun Li spoke directly and straightforwardly, with no pretense. Formalities seemed completely unnecessary for her. Thus, without any verbal foreplay or ceremonial small talk, and without any warm-up, we sat down and the interview began straight to the point.
People who have worked with Sun Li have described her as someone who gives off a sense of warmth but should not be crossed. After a brief exchange, I somewhat agreed with this assessment. She communicates well, without shyness or pretense, saying whatever comes to mind; at the same time, she clearly expresses her likes and dislikes: "I don't like being flattered by others," "I don't like people who gossip behind others' backs"... Whenever these topics come up, her speech speeds up, and her gaze becomes sharp, leaving the person she is looking at startled: "Do I really do that?"
Sun Li's straightforwardness is not due to a lack of tact. Even if she has said some "extreme words" in interviews before, she will still dwell on them for a long time afterward. Her attentiveness shows up in the little details of life, which stems from her upbringing: "I used to really admire our class monitor, thinking she was perfect in every way, even her handwriting was so great, so I imitated her writing. Now, my handwriting is especially similar to hers."
She naturally brings this attentiveness into her acting and personal conduct as an adult - collaborating with directors who can manage her, befriending mentors, and connecting with Buddhism... She is spontaneous, has some small emotions and small stubbornness, but she is very clear about what to adhere to and what to change.
"I am someone who changes with the role."
■ You've been in the industry for 9 years, and many people think you've consistently maintained a very simple approach to acting. Do you personally feel there have been any changes or breakthroughs?
Previously, acting was all passive. When I acted in my first drama, others thought I was suitable, but I didn't know if I was truly fit for the role. Everything was pushed along by others. At that time, my understanding of characters was simply black and white, like whether I liked or disliked them. Now, I prefer characters with intermediate emotions, those with psychological gray areas, and I gradually started learning how to control the emotions in acting and balance the rhythm of life. In the past, when I performed a crying scene, I felt I had to cry until I was satisfied, that’s what made it good. Looking back at some dramas I've acted in, I cried so much that it seemed like I could show my molars. Now, I wouldn’t portray it in such a manner anymore. I hope to reserve some emotions within myself, creating images that aren't just two-dimensional, but can have harmonious colors, leaving more inner monologues for myself and the audience.
■ Is this change brought about by reflections on life?
It can be said so. Analyzing myself, some things are not as simple as wanting or not wanting; there are many emotions that I couldn't explore at the moment, and only realize afterward...
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