Actor's screen transformation

Watch Video

Play Video

Make-over is often the name of the game in show business. Few entertainers want to always stay in only one tried-and-true field. Instead, they often experience several conversions in their careers. In today's spotlight, we take a look at four such movie stars who have recently ventured away from type in their on-screen roles.

From Hong Kong entertainment icon Aaron Kwok, to the tough-guy of the mainland's big screen Hu Jun and from the internationally acclaimed actress Zhang Ziyi, to the veteran actor Zhang Guoli actors incessantly challenge themselves and veer away from their screen image.

Aaron Kwok in "Empire of Silver"

"Empire of Silver" is a period drama centered around a powerful banking family during the turbulent period at the end of the 19th century when China transitioned from an Imperial to an early Republican state.

Hong Kong actor Aaron Kwok plays the lead role, an idealistic and hedonistic young man who is the heir to a banking empire. As the icon of Hong Kong entertainment, Kwok often plays the modern-day handsome guy. It's the first time for Kwok to play the merchant of a bygone era.

Actor Aaron Kwok said, "I've never played such roles, and I never starred in historical dramas. There's a sort of spirit in this movie that moved me most. Such a spirit was handed down from generations to generations till today. My character best symbolizes such a spirit."