Summary of Key Points
This article focuses on the acting career and professional attitude of actor Ning Li: He started with a high profile but went through a nearly 20-year hiatus due to studying abroad. At the age of 48, he became famous for his role as "Li Fengtian" in the movie *Illegal Evidence*. Ning Li is known for bringing his characters to life through subtle details and believes that acting inspiration should come from observing real life. He has witnessed the industry's shift from emphasizing quality to pursuing popularity and then back to focusing on the merit of the work itself, always maintaining humility. He views the audience as co-creators and strives to live an ordinary life to stay true to reality.
1. A 20-Year Wait for Fame: A High Start with a Detour
Ning Li is not an actor who "came out of nowhere." After graduating from the Shanghai Theatre Academy, he immediately joined the Shanghai People's Art Theatre, where he starred in films alongside renowned directors like Wu Yigong and Chen Yifei. However, in 1996, he impulsively went to the United States to study film production. During that time, he worked as a waiter, an intermediary, and a landlord, putting his acting career on hold. When he returned to China, he was only able to take small roles with very few lines. This period of struggle lasted for nearly 20 years until he played the character "Li Fengtian" in *Illegal Evidence* in 2017. His intense performance, including the memorable scene of smoking and then extinguishing the cigarette with his bare hands, made him a household name at the age of 48. In his own words: "I didn't appreciate the opportunities I had when I was young; now I realize that those small roles were all part of my growth."
2. How to Make a Supporting Role Stand Out? Using Detail Magic
Although Ning Li mostly plays supporting roles, he always manages to leave a lasting impression. His secret lies in using subtle details to enhance the limited screen time his characters have. For example, in *The Myth of Love*, where his character has almost no development storyline, he added elements like making coffee by hand and speaking English—these are not fabrications but based on real observations of everyday interactions between locals and foreigners in Shanghai. He also applies principles learned from acting classes, such as using props (like Li Fengtian's shovel), accents, and costumes (an old police uniform) to create a well-rounded character for the audience to imagine. He believes that the type of role is not important; what matters is making it come alive, avoiding stereotypical portrayals of villains or good guys.
3. The Industry Has Changed: From Pursuing Popularity to Focusing on Quality
Ning Li has witnessed the ups and downs of China's film industry. Initially, everyone focused on quality, but later, popularity became the main criterion for success. Now, there is a gradual return to valuing the content itself. He sees this as a positive trend, with more diverse genres (such as suspense and science fiction) offering actors opportunities to play unconventional roles. However, he also urges directors: "Don't always cast me in villain roles; I want to try different things too!"
4. Inspiration for Acting: Being an Observer of Life, Not a Star Detached from Reality
Ning Li does not see himself as a star. He lives in a down-to-earth neighborhood, uses shared bicycles and the subway, and enjoys visiting bookstores and watching live theater performances. He believes that actors must first be observers. For instance, conversations with a Beijing car repairman about Hegel inspired his understanding of the city's love for profound discussions, while observing a street vendor in Shanghai helped him capture the local accent. These experiences have become crucial in shaping his characters. He feels that bringing characters to life is more important than winning awards; experiencing different lives is a form of fortune.
5. The Attitude After Winning Awards: Trophies as Encouragement and a Reminder, Audiences as Partners
Ning Li has won the Baiyulan Award twice (both for supporting roles). He views awards as recognition of his past efforts and a source of responsibility towards the audience. He considers them partners in creating the films. When readers write to him analyzing his characters, he is surprised by how insightful they are. His humility sets him apart from the tough characters he plays on screen.
This article may not discuss finance or business news, but through Ning Li's story, we see an actor who remains true to his principles amidst industry changes: refining his roles with attention to detail and drawing inspiration from real life, while maintaining a sense of respect for the audience. This attitude is valuable in any profession—remaining calm, focusing on practical work, and respecting users.