Zhang Yongshou

Zhang Yongshou

Actor

Active: 1965

About Zhang Yongshou

Zhang Yongshou was a Chinese actor who appeared in the 1965 war film 'Tunnel Warfare' (地道战), one of the most influential revolutionary films of the Cultural Revolution era. His performance came during a pivotal period in Chinese cinema when the film industry was being restructured to serve political and educational purposes. The film itself became a cultural phenomenon in China, shown repeatedly to audiences for decades. Unfortunately, detailed biographical information about Zhang Yongshou's life and career is scarce in both English and Chinese sources, suggesting he may have been a character actor with limited filmography. His contribution to this historically significant film, however, places him within the context of China's cinematic heritage during the mid-1960s.

The Craft

Milestones

  • Appeared in the landmark Chinese war film 'Tunnel Warfare' (1965)

Best Known For

Must-See Films

  • Tunnel Warfare (1965)

Why They Matter

Impact on Culture

Through his participation in 'Tunnel Warfare,' Zhang Yongshou contributed to one of the most significant films in Chinese revolutionary cinema. The film became an educational tool and cultural touchstone in China, shown to generations of viewers and helping shape popular understanding of the Chinese resistance against Japanese occupation during World War II. The film's innovative use of tunnel warfare tactics as a narrative device influenced subsequent Chinese war films and became part of the national cultural memory.

Lasting Legacy

While Zhang Yongshou's individual legacy as an actor remains largely undocumented, his contribution to 'Tunnel Warfare' ensures his place in Chinese film history. The film itself continues to be studied as an example of propaganda cinema that achieved both artistic merit and mass appeal. Actors who participated in such landmark productions, even in smaller roles, became part of China's cultural heritage during a transformative period in the nation's history.

Off Screen

Limited biographical information is available about Zhang Yongshou's personal life, which is common for many Chinese character actors from this period who did not achieve widespread fame.

Did You Know?

  • 'Tunnel Warfare' was one of the most popular films in China during the Cultural Revolution period
  • The film was based on real tactics used by Chinese villagers during the anti-Japanese resistance
  • The movie was shown repeatedly in Chinese schools and factories for educational purposes
  • The film's success led to a sequel 'Tunnel Warfare 2' in 1966
  • The original film has been preserved as part of China's cultural heritage
  • The film was directed by Wang Jiayi, a prominent director of revolutionary cinema
  • The movie exemplifies the 'model opera' style that was promoted during the Cultural Revolution

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Zhang Yongshou?

Zhang Yongshou was a Chinese actor who appeared in the 1965 war film 'Tunnel Warfare,' one of China's most significant revolutionary films. Limited biographical information is available, suggesting he was likely a character actor with a brief film career.

What films is Zhang Yongshou best known for?

Zhang Yongshou is known for his role in 'Tunnel Warfare' (1965), a landmark Chinese war film about villagers using tunnel systems to resist Japanese occupation during World War II.

When was Zhang Yongshou born and when did he die?

Specific birth and death dates for Zhang Yongshou are not documented in available sources, which is common for many Chinese character actors from the 1960s.

What awards did Zhang Yongshou win?

No specific awards or nominations for Zhang Yongshou have been documented in available sources. The film 'Tunnel Warfare' itself, however, became a cultural phenomenon in China.

What was the significance of 'Tunnel Warfare'?

'Tunnel Warfare' was a highly influential Chinese revolutionary war film that became both an educational tool and entertainment during the Cultural Revolution era, shown repeatedly to Chinese audiences for decades.

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Films

1 film