On August 8, QQ reported that the film Journey to the West (1986) is a classic masterpiece of Chinese cinema, not only due to its captivating content but also because of the remarkable performance of its actors, particularly the late actress Dương Khiết. The selection process for the stars participating in Journey to the West has always garnered the attention of the audience.
According to QQ , alongside actors like Tôn Ngộ Không, Đường Tăng, Trư Bát Giới, Quan Âm Bồ Tát, and Phật Tổ, the character of the western princess played by Chu Lâm has left a lasting impression on viewers. According to the production company Vương Sùng Thu, director Dương Khiết had to consider many candidates for the role of this character. Among them, actress Lâm Phương Bình was the most notable choice for the role.
Lâm Phương Bình possesses a beautiful appearance and charisma. When meeting director Dương Khiết, she confidently stated, “I want to take on the role of the western princess; I must embody this character.” However, it was her self-assured yet somewhat aloof demeanor that made her presence in Journey to the West unforgettable.
Lâm Phương Bình shines just as much as Chu Lâm, though her personality did not fit the role of the western princess.
According to Vương Sùng Thu, director Dương Khiết wanted to portray the image of a determined and devoted western princess, contrasting with Đường Tăng. Therefore, the actress chosen for the role needed to possess both a graceful presence and an aura of determination. Ultimately, Chu Lâm was selected.
Actor Lý Thành Nho shared that upon meeting Chu Lâm at the film set, he was instantly captivated by her radiant beauty. Throughout their collaboration, the two developed a close bond, and it is rumored that Chu Lâm fell in love with Lý Thành Nho. Thus, they created a romantic narrative filled with sweetness in Journey to the West .
After Journey to the West , Chu Lâm continued to participate in other notable productions such as The Wind and the Moon, The Heroine, and The Great General … She has been recognized as one of China’s top actresses, a member of the China Film Association, and the China Performing Arts Association. Currently, at the age of 71, Chu Lâm enjoys a happy life with her second husband in Beijing.
In Journey to the West, Chu Lâm had a classic role on screen, forever living in the hearts of the audience.
Regarding Lâm Phương Bình, although she did not play the role of the western princess, she became famous for her performance as Dương Quý Phi in the film Đường Minh Hoàng (1990), produced by China Central Television (CCTV). Lâm Phương Bình surpassed over 1,700 candidates to win this character and was praised as “the most captivating Dương Quý Phi on screen.”
Besides her role, the actress also participated in films such as Yến Tử Lý Tâm, Bạch phất ma nữ, Hiệp Nữ Sâm Quan Đổng, and Huệ An Nữ … However, later on, Lâm Phương Bình suffered a severe injury while filming Võ lâm kỳ duyên . In 2003, she retired to take care of her family. Her husband is a famous music teacher in China, and her son has also pursued a music career like his father.
