Is Jelly Lin China’s most reticent film star? An interview with director Stephen Chow’s latest muse
Award-winning actress puts her success in breakthrough blockbuster The Mermaid down to persistence and, despite her fame, she says she’s not sure what’s next or whether movies are for her long-term
Jelly Lin Yun doesn’t like to speak much in public. In fact, the 20-year-old star of Stephen Chow Sing-chi blockbusters The Mermaid and Journey to the West: The Demons Strike Back couldn’t remember her prepared acceptance speech when she went on stage to accept the Rising Star of Asia Award at the Asian Film Awards in Hong Kong on Tuesday; she said little beyond courtesies.
Media interviews with film stars tend to drag on beyond their scheduled time slots, but Lin was apparently so efficient at dispatching reporters’ questions in the preceding sessions that our slot ended up starting 25 minutes early. Reticent and exceptionally soft-spoken, the actress talked to the Post about acting, Chow, and her ambitions.
You’re the recipient of the Rising Star of Asia Award at this year’s Asian Film Awards. How are you feeling?
Grateful. I’d like to thank [the Awards].
You’re nominated for best newcomer at both the Asian Film Awards and the Hong Kong Film Awards. Do awards matter to you at this stage?
I think they’re approval for an actor. They’re a kind of recognition for me.
