[Movies] 9 shows that showcase Oscar winner Michelle Yeoh’s incredible range

 

My first memory of seeing Michelle Yeoh on screen was in Tomorrow Never Dies. Yes, my first memory of her was that of Bond girl. In that film, there were two Bond girls — played by Michelle Yeoh and Teri Hatcher. However, Michelle Yeoh’s character stole the show and the spotlight, leaving an indelible memory of her as a Bond girl who was just as capable, if not more so, than Bond himself.

And now that she’s won an Oscar for Everything, Everywhere, All At Once, her talent speaks for itself. She’s been everything from a martial artist to a robot to a literal goddess — and it’s time to remember just how deserving she is of an Oscar.

1. Shang-Chi

The film sees young martial artist Shang-Chi, who must face the past he thought he left behind and confront his father, leader of the dangerous ten Rings organisation.

Michelle Yeoh plays Ying Nan, who is Shang-Chi’s auntie and a powerful force to be reckoned with. Ying Nan even imparts some skills to Shang-Chi, showing just how formidable she is. She’s poised, confident, and truly remarkable — making her not just a good mentor for Shang-Chi, but everyone else as well. Ying Nan also gifts Shang-Chi with the snazzy red outfit he eventually dons, so hey, she’s got an eye for fashion as well — just like the real-life Michelle Yeoh.

But eagle-eyed MCU fans will notice that this is actually Michelle Yeoh’s second appearance in the MCU, because she also appeared in…

 

2. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2

The film continues the titular team’s adventures as they traverse the outer reaches of the cosmos. They must fight to keep their newfound family together as they unravel the mystery of Peter Quill’s true parentage. 

Michelle Yeoh cameos in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 — and you can spot her in the mid-credits scene as Aleta Ogord. Although she has scant dialogue (“hell, yes”), she sports a Goth look here… kind of like Hela from Thor: Ragnarok.

 

3. Babylon A.D.

The movie follows a ruthless mercenary hired to smuggle a mysterious woman from the post-apocalyptic confines of Eastern Europe to the glittering megapolis of New York City. Hunted at every turn, he spirits his charge across a nightmarish wasteland, only to uncover a shocking secret that will bring the entire world to its knees.

Michelle Yeoh plays Sister Rebeka, a nun who is charged with protecting a young woman who has supernatural abilities. She’s decidedly more gentle and reserved in this film, since she’s not playing a kickass warrior in this role. But it also shows how she can portray a weaker, more vulnerable character — and the range of her acting.

 

4. Master Z: Ip Man

After leading a desperate and wasted life after his defeat by Ip Man, Cheung Tin Chi gets back on his feet with the help of his Bar Street friends. However, he gets himself into trouble with a local gangster head and her brother. He also discovers a sinister conspiracy.

First off, there’s no Ip Man in this Ip Man film — it’s a spin-off that follows one of the characters that Ip Man defeated. Michelle Yeoh plays Tso Ngan Kwan, a crime lord who wishes to go on the straight and narrow and have her gang do legitimate business. It’s a different side of Michelle Yeoh that we see here, since she plays a sort of burdened anti-hero (there are others who wish to thwart her plans).

 

5. True Legend

When Su Can’s brother returns with a deadly new martial art, the former finds his life obliterated. Weakened but not destroyed, Su Can learns a never-before-seen form of martial arts. Armed with this new power, he returns home to honour his family through retribution by taking on his brother in a battle to become the ultimate warrior.

Michelle Yeoh plays Sister Yu in this film, a more domestic role than the ones she usually plays. She is both an herb researcher and a wine maker in the movie, and has a small role where she heals the main character after a fight.

Bonus: Jay Chou also stars in the film in a minor role — as a figment of someone’s imagination.

 

6. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: Sword of Destiny

This movie sees renowned warrior Yu Shu-Lien coming out of retirement to keep the legendary Green Destiny sword away from the villainous warlord Hades Dai. It is a sequel to Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.

Michelle Yeoh reprises her role as Yu Shu Lien from the first Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon film in this show. The movie revolves mainly around Shu Lien’s quest to protect a powerful sword, even as she deals with the repercussions of the first film.

 

7. Memoirs of a Geisha

Sold to a geisha house as a child, a fisherman’s daughter becomes the most sought-after geisha in Kyoto, but rivalries threaten the destiny she desires.

Michelle Yeoh plays Mameha in this classic, who is the mentor to the eponymous geisha of the movie. She teaches the young geisha how to excel in her craft, helping her become a skilful and well-known geisha.

 

8. American Born Chinese 

The show tells the story of Jin Wang, an average teenager juggling his high school social life with his home life. When he meets a new student on the first day of the school year, even more worlds collide as Jin is unwittingly entangled in a battle of Chinese mythological gods.

There’s a reason for Michelle Yeoh’s powers in this film, and it’s not because she got them from an alternate universe version of herself. Michelle Yeoh plays the Goddess of Mercy herself in this new series. As Guanyin, we can expect to see Michelle Yeoh being a wise mentor and sporting flashy new powers.

American Born Chinese is out on Disney+ on 24 May.

 

9. Transformers: Rise of the Beasts

Power is primal in this movie, which is a 90s globetrotting adventure. It introduces the Maximals, Predacons, and Terrorcons to the battle between the Autobots and Decepticons.

Michelle Yeoh voices Airazor in this film, a Transformers who can turn into a falcon and back. In the Beast Wars: Transformers television series, Airazor exuded an aura of calm confidence — something that should be no problem for Michelle Yeoh to do.

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You may also want to read:

• • • [Movie Review] ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2’ is fun, fast, and fabulous
    • [Movies] Transformers: Rise Of The Beasts will feature Beastformers and Terrorcons
    • [Movie Review] Finally, Hollywood gets Asian Representation Right with Shang-Chi

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This article was written for and first published on Yahoo.

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