Zhang Ziyi appeared in director Zhang Yimou's movie "The Road Home", casting a role of young girl who fell in love with a country school teacher. The film went on to win the Silver Bear Award in 2000 Berlin Film Festival and gave Ziyi instant international fame, a status that Ziyi's predecessor, Gong Li, spent 10 years to achieve.
Ziyi's third film, "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon", was a huge hit internationally. Her role as the "Dragon" was quite impressive.