From dance to acclaimed onscreen performances, every challenge is approached by actress Liu Haocun with indomitable discipline.

Liu Haocun moves like someone who has spent years counting beats in front of a mirror. Not in an obvious manner&nbsp; (no dance postures or theatrical moves),&nbsp; but in the way she shifts her weight between questions or punctuates each answer with a gentle gesture. It could be because she was trained in traditional dance at Beijing Dance Academy. Years of rigorous training have given her a poised, controlled rhythm that flows from within, long before Zhang Yimou ever pointed a camera at her.&nbsp;
She builds characters from the inside out. You see it in her recent work: the coiled, tense energy of Vanishing Point and the looser, even reckless physicality she brought to playing a Qin Opera performer in The Lead.
When she’s not working, Liu is studying or simply doing what any woman her age would do. In today's entertainment industry, she doesn’t seem interested in deliberately creating intrigue around herself. That may be the smartest choice of all.

Do you remember what it felt like when life began to change around you after your first major screen moment with Zhang Yimou’s One Second?
One Second&nbsp;was the first film I starred in, and I feel incredibly honoured to have had the opportunity to be part of director Zhang Yimou’s film and work alongside such respected actors as Zhang Yi and Fan Wei. Before its release, the film was selected for the main competition of the Berlin International Film Festival, and after its release, it also received a lot of love from audiences both in China and overseas. For me, it was a joyful and meaningful experience. I’m deeply grateful that the story we created together resonated with so many people and received their support.
People often describe your performances as delicate and controlled. Do you see that quality in yourself, or does it only appear once the camera is on?
I usually start by reading the script and the original novel, as well as learning about the real-life person or inspiration behind the character. Through that process, I can understand the character’s personality, traits, and values. When I bring the character to life, the character itself naturally guides part of my performance.
I also spend time immersing myself in the character’s world and learning the skills related to the role before filming begins. For example, for the TV series&nbsp;The Lead, I joined the production team over two months before filming to train in Qin Opera, a traditional Chinese art form, and continued practicing throughout the six-month shoot. Through these preparations, I’m able to bring genuine emotions into my performance, combining my own experiences and cultural understanding to tell Chinese stories from the perspective of a young actor.

In The Lead, you played a woman whose life was shaped by ambition and sacrifice. What part of her stayed with you after filming ended?
What stayed with me the most is Yi Qin’e’s pure and tenacious of character. Regardless of the challenges she encounters, she remains true to herself and devoted to what she loves, employing simplicity to navigate the complexities of the world.&nbsp;
She holds an unwavering belief in preserving and passing on the art of Qin Opera. From being shaped by fate to taking control of her own destiny, she breaks through the darkness with determination. Qin Opera is not only the path she chooses in life, but also her defiant response to the fate she has endured. Her persistence often moved me, and her courage in the face of adversity inspired me.
The film is rooted in Qin Opera and traditional performance. Was there anything about that world that really inspired you?
Through the process of performing, I gradually began to truly understand the emotions of the protagonists in the opera. When I performed the opera scenes within the drama, the emotions in my singing and physical movements seemed to flow naturally from within me. It was a moment when I felt completely at one with the character.

Vanishing Point introduces you to suspense film. Did working in that genre change the way you used your face, your voice or your silence?
Yutong is a character who expresses herself more through actions rather than words. Much of her inner world is conveyed through her eyes, expressions, and body language. Therefore, I paid close attention to the small details in my performance to reveal the shifts in her inner world. I wanted to truly feel and understand the character and bring her to life from the heart.
What made you say yes to being part of the Vanishing Point?
I’ve always admired director Cheng Wei-hao’s work, so I feel very honoured to have the opportunity to collaborate with him. What drew me to the project was the depth of its story and themes, especially the strength and resilience that Lin Yutong embodies as a young woman. Through this vivid and relatable character, I hope to encourage more people to protect themselves, pay closer attention to those around them, and cherish the warmth and kindness in life.
You seem to be taking on more emotionally grown-up roles. Are you choosing parts that challenge not just yourself, but also how the audiences see you?
I think one of the greatest blessings of being an actor is the opportunity to encounter different characters and discover different sides of myself through them. So I don’t intentionally limit myself when it comes to the types of films or roles I take on. If given the opportunity, I hope to explore more diverse genres, continue expanding my range as an actor, and allow audiences to see more sides of me.

When you read a script, what tells you that it is worth your time?
I usually start by reading the script once, and the feeling I get after that first read is very important. It’s like watching a film — when a story attracts us and It can touch our hearts. The same goes for reading a script. If from an audience's perspective, I find myself drawn to the story, interested in the characters, I'll want to step into that world and experience it for myself.
You have worked with major directors and actors early in your career. What is one lesson from them that still guides you?&nbsp;
There is a Chinese proverb that goes, 行百里者半九十, which translates to “a journey of a hundred miles is only halfway complete when you have travelled 90 miles.” This saying has always reminded me that the closer I get to the end, the more important it is to stay committed and fully implement. It reminds me to give my all to every character I portray, right through to the very end.

Your work now reaches audiences beyond China. Does that change the way you think about performance, or do you try to forget about the audience once filming begins?
I believe that the art of cinema transcends borders. No matter where a story is rooted, authentic emotions are always central to connecting with audiences worldwide. Authentic characters and heartfelt performances are the foundation of films that resonate across cultures.
Every country has its own unique cinematic language and creative style. I often watch outstanding films from around the world, study different approaches to performance, and understand the emotional and thematic core of different stories. This process helps me broaden my perspective, enrich my inner world, and prepare myself to take on more diverse roles.
Participating in international film festivals and witnessing Chinese stories being embraced by audiences overseas has given me a deeper sense of responsibility and pride as a young Chinese actor. It also motivates me to continue creating meaningful characters and bringing stories about China and the demeanour of Chinese youth to a wider audience. For me, taking the time to refine my craft and touching audiences through universal emotions is one of the most meaningful ways for a young actor to express myself.
I believe there is no need to deliberately cater to others — sincerity is always the best approach. Through delicate and authentic performances, I hope to convey the spirit and values at the heart of Chinese culture. At the same time, I will continue to learn, engage in international exchanges, and draw inspiration from different creative perspectives around the world. By combining these influences with my own cultural roots. Meanwhile, I will also tell heartfelt and powerful Chinese stories from the perspective of a young actress.
Is there something that you hope to try in the future?&nbsp;
I’d like to try some new sports that I haven't had the chance to experience before.

Photography CHEE WEI Styling COLIN SIM Hair LI WEN / NAN BEAUTY Makeup CHUN NAN/ NAN BEAUTY Production GREY CHIN Fashion Coordination SHAHIRA BAHARIN Photography Assistants THANAKIT MEECHAROEN and THANAKORN KANTAPONTHANAT

Cover Story: Liu Haocun Blooms Under Pressure

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