Anna May Wong’s acting career spanned both silent and sound films, demonstrating her versatility and ability to adapt to the evolving landscape of cinema. From the very beginning, Wong displayed a natural talent for acting, which enabled her to express complex emotions without saying a word—a crucial skill in the era of silent films. Her performances were marked by a captivating screen presence that drew viewers into her character’s world.
Breaking Ground in a Rigid Industry
In a time when the film industry was heavily restricted by both racial prejudice and limited by technology, Anna May Wong‘s acting skills stood out. She had a unique ability to bring depth to characters that were often written one-dimensionally. Wong’s performances were nuanced, and she could evoke sympathy and intrigue in the viewer even when the roles offered to her were imbued with stereotypes. She had the skill to shine through the thinly veiled caricatures she was often handed, bringing humanity to roles that were otherwise deprived of it by the prevailing narratives of the time.
Cultural Nuance and On-Screen Grace
Wong’s acting was also noteworthy for the cultural nuance she brought to her roles. As a Chinese-American, she balanced her performances to appeal to both Western audiences and her sense of cultural authenticity. She often infused her characters with subtle gestures and expressions that drew from her cultural heritage, which added layers of meaning to her roles. Her grace and poise on-screen were emblematic of the flapper era’s fascination with exoticism, yet she never let this overshadow her commitment to her craft.
Adaptability and Professionalism
Her adaptability to various roles across different genres showcased her breadth as an actress. Whether in romantic tragedies, adventures, or crime dramas, Wong’s commitment to her craft was evident. Her professionalism and dedication were highly regarded, even in an industry that was often unwelcoming and unfair to her. Directors and co-stars alike praised her work ethic and her ability to deliver performances that transcended the limitations imposed on her by the scripts and roles available to her.
#1 The Toll of the Sea (1922)
It is an early Technicolor silent film that tells a tragic story inspired by Madame Butterfly. Anna May Wong stars as Lotus Flower, a young Chinese woman who falls in love with an American named Allen Carver. After he leaves her to return to the U.S., Lotus Flower holds on to the hope that he will come back for her. She even bears his child, hoping this will bridge their worlds together. Tragically, when Carver returns, it's with his American wife, shattering Lotus Flower's dreams.
Anna May Wong's performance as Lotus Flower is both poignant and heart-wrenching. She portrays a range of emotions convincingly, from the innocent joy of first love to the devastating realization of abandonment.
#2 Shanghai Express (1932)
It is a movie set in a tumultuous China during a civil war, where the main story unfolds on a train journey from Beijing to Shanghai. Anna May Wong plays the role of Hui Fei, a captivating and enigmatic courtesan traveling on the train. The film's plot centers around the various passengers, each with their own secrets and motives, and the interactions that ensue as the journey progresses.
Anna May Wong's performance is both subtle and powerful, providing a standout character amid an ensemble cast including Marlene Dietrich. Her portrayal of Hui Fei is layered, imbued with a sense of mystery and resilience. In the film, her character is faced with difficult choices and ultimately reveals a depth of character that stands in contrast to the prejudices of the time regarding race and morality.
#3 Piccadilly (1929)
It is a silent film set in London, primarily focusing on a nightclub of the same name and the complex relationships between its staff and patrons. Anna May Wong plays Shosho, a scullery maid in the club who catches the eye of the club's owner, Valentine Wilmot, after an impromptu dance performance. Seeing her potential to be a star attraction, he promotes her to a headline act, which leads to fame and adoration but also to jealousy and tension among the other performers.
Anna May Wong's performance as Shosho is both dynamic and compelling. She brings a combination of allure and vulnerability to her character, which resonates throughout the film. Wong's portrayal is central to the narrative, showing the rise of a young woman in a complex, vibrant, and sometimes cutthroat environment.
#4 Daughter of the Dragon (1931)
It is a thriller from 1931 where Anna May Wong plays Princess Ling Moy, a character with a complex legacy: she is the daughter of the infamous Dr. Fu Manchu, an archvillain. In the film, Ling Moy's life is marked by this dark heritage, which she both embraces and struggles against. She is torn between avenging her father's death and the love she feels for a man named Ah Kee, played by Sessue Hayakawa, who turns out to be the son of her father's nemesis.
Anna May Wong delivers a powerful performance, filled with nuanced emotions and depth, portraying Ling Moy's inner conflict between love and duty. Her role requires a balance of intensity and subtlety, as her character is caught in a web of vengeance and romance.
#5 Daughter of Shanghai (1937)
It is a crime film where Anna May Wong stars as Lan Ying Lin, a determined woman who takes on the dangerous task of avenging her father's murder. The movie centers around human trafficking and the efforts of Lan Ying Lin to infiltrate and bring down the criminal ring responsible for her father's death and for exploiting immigrants.
In this film, Wong's role as Lan Ying Lin is both heroic and groundbreaking. She plays a rare lead character who is neither villainized nor exoticized, a significant departure from the stereotypical roles offered to Asian actors at the time. Her performance is strong and dignified, showcasing her character's intelligence and resilience.
#6 The Thief of Bagdad (1924)
It is an adventure fantasy film set in a mythical Arabian land. Anna May Wong plays the Mongol slave, a pivotal supporting character. The story follows a charismatic thief named Ahmed, played by Douglas Fairbanks, who falls in love with the princess of Bagdad. To win her heart, he embarks on a perilous quest to bring back the rarest treasures from all over the world, which he believes will prove his worth.
Anna May Wong's performance as the treacherous Mongol slave is marked by her ability to exude menace and mystery. Her role is crucial in adding tension to the plot, as she complicates the protagonist's quest with her own cunning and ambition. Wong's portrayal is sophisticated and layered, showing that she can stand out even in a cast dominated by larger-than-life characters and elaborate production designs.
#7 Lady from Chungking (1942)
It is a war drama set in China during the Japanese occupation in World War II. Anna May Wong stars as Kwan Mei, the leader of Chinese guerilla forces, posing as a humble innkeeper to conceal her true identity. The plot revolves around her efforts to resist and outwit the Japanese military leaders while providing aid to downed American pilots.
Anna May Wong delivers a performance full of courage and patriotism in her role as Kwan Mei. Her character is strong-willed, intelligent, and compassionate, reflecting the resistance's determination during the war. The role of Kwan Mei is significant for Wong, as it allowed her to portray a leader and a fighter, a stark contrast to the more passive or stereotypical roles often assigned to Asian actresses at the time.
#8 The Flame of Love (1930)
It is a film that showcases Anna May Wong in the role of Hai-Tang, a fiery and passionate dancer. The story revolves around Hai-Tang's complex relationships with two men—a Russian general and a revolutionary. Set against the backdrop of Russia, the narrative follows Hai-Tang's emotional journey as she navigates love, loyalty, and betrayal.
Anna May Wong's portrayal of Hai-Tang is powerful and emotive, capturing the essence of a woman whose love becomes both her greatest strength and her vulnerability. Her performance is intense, reflecting the dramatic and often tragic turns of the plot. Through her role, Wong exhibits a range of emotions, using her expressive skills to convey the depths of Hai-Tang's feelings and the torment of her circumstances.
#9 The Crimson City (1928)
It is a silent film drama where Anna May Wong plays the character of Su, a Chinese woman in a predominantly white neighborhood. The movie deals with themes of interracial romance and the cultural conflicts that arise from it. Su finds herself in a love triangle with a white man, played by James Murray, and a Chinese man, portrayed by Warner Oland.
Anna May Wong's portrayal of Su in "The Crimson City" is nuanced, as she expresses the emotional turmoil of a woman caught between two worlds and two loves. Her character is faced with the harsh realities of prejudice and societal expectations. Wong's performance is known for its emotional depth and the strength she brings to the role, embodying the challenges faced by her character with a sense of grace and dignity.
#10 A Study in Scarlet (1933)
It is a mystery film based on Arthur Conan Doyle's novel of the same name, introducing the legendary detective Sherlock Holmes. In this adaptation, Anna May Wong plays Mrs. Pyke, a member of a secret society entangled in a series of murders that Holmes investigates. While her screen time is relatively limited, Wong's character plays a crucial role in the unraveling of the complex plot.
As Mrs. Pyke, Anna May Wong delivers a performance that exudes intrigue and mystery, fitting seamlessly into the film's dark and suspenseful atmosphere. Her role is one of elegance and danger, reflecting the film's themes of deception and secrecy. Wong's acting is characterized by her ability to hold the viewer's attention, even without a word, as she embodies the sophisticated and enigmatic presence her character requires.
