Zhang Yu
Zhang Yu (born September 25, 1982, in Guizhou, China) is a prominent actor from Mainland China, known for his transformative roles and deep commitment to independent cinema. Formerly credited under the name Zhang Xin, he is celebrated for embracing complex characters and unconventional projects, earning the reputation of being a "drama addict" within industry circles. With over a decade dedicated to supporting and promoting independent films, Zhang has become an influential figure among contemporary Chinese actors. He rose to international attention with his powerful performance as Yu Cheng in An Elephant Sitting Still (2018), followed by widely praised roles in Dying to Survive, A Cool Fish, and Back to the Wharf. His work often explores themes of morality, societal pressure, and emotional nuance, setting him apart as a master of subtle intensity. Zhang Yu has continued to expand his creative reach, appearing in more than 29 productions including film and television. He also serves as a part-time visual artist and script consultant, further reflecting his multifaceted approach to storytelling.
Filmography
No One is Closer Than We
as Li Weiyang
No One is Closer Than We
as Li Weiyang
Glad I Met You
as Xiao Bai (voice)
Glad I Met You
as Xiao Bai (voice)
A Cool Fish 2
as Chen Sanjin
A Cool Fish 2
as Chen Sanjin
She's Got No Name
as Dr. Liang
She's Got No Name
as Dr. Liang
The One
The One
Her Story
as Xiao Ma
Her Story
as Xiao Ma
Betwixt and Between
as Sanzhe
Betwixt and Between
as Sanzhe
Record Without Words
as 李立忠
Record Without Words
as 李立忠
Tainted Love
as Lin Zhiguang
Tainted Love
as Lin Zhiguang
Love, My Way
Love, My Way
Nice View
as Ma Yue
Nice View
as Ma Yue
Snipers
as Liu Wenwu
Snipers
as Liu Wenwu
Manchurian Tiger
as Xu Dong
Manchurian Tiger
as Xu Dong
The Year of the Everlasting Storm
The Year of the Everlasting Storm
The Break Away
The Break Away
Pistol
Pistol
Are You Lonesome Tonight?
as The Blind Singer
Are You Lonesome Tonight?
as The Blind Singer
Back to the Wharf
as Song Hao
Back to the Wharf
as Song Hao
My People, My Homeland
as Policeman
My People, My Homeland
as Policeman
An Elephant Sitting Still
as Yu Cheng
An Elephant Sitting Still
as Yu Cheng
A Cool Fish
as Hu Guangsheng
A Cool Fish
as Hu Guangsheng
Dying to Survive
as Peng Hao
Dying to Survive
as Peng Hao
Ciao Ciao
as Li Wei
Ciao Ciao
as Li Wei
People Mountain People Sea
as Guizhou Police Officer
People Mountain People Sea
as Guizhou Police Officer
幸福59厘米之爱有多久
as 鑫子
幸福59厘米之爱有多久
as 鑫子
11度青春之李雷和韩梅梅
as 李雷
11度青春之李雷和韩梅梅
as 李雷
Shanghai Dreams
as Li Jun's friend
Shanghai Dreams
as Li Jun's friend
Three Words
Three Words
The Old Dog
The Old Dog
Heroes of Dunhuang
as Lang Yaozi
Heroes of Dunhuang
as Lang Yaozi
Cry of the Birds
Cry of the Birds
She's Got No Name: Part Two
She's Got No Name: Part Two
Small, Sharp & Green
Small, Sharp & Green