A role model for the ages

For the actor, to delve into roles for period costume dramas or historical movies, taking a trip to museums to admire the specific dynasty's paintings helps, as he believes those artistic works accurately showcase the charm and temperament of the ancient figures.

One of his latest ancient Chinese roles is in ethnic Mongolian director Wuershan's epic Fengshen Trilogy, in which Li plays Ji Chang, a subsidiary region's ruler who becomes the victim of Shang Dynasty (c.16th century-11th century BC) tyrant King Zhou. Additionally, Li reveals that another new historical TV series casts him as Emperor Gaozu of the Tang Dynasty (618-907).

"China's film and TV industries have developed quickly, in tandem with the country's economic development brought about by the country's reform and opening-up. At one time, foreign blockbusters were more popular than Chinese films, but now the situation is being reversed," says Li.

"I hope Chinese filmmakers and TV producers think more about how to attract a foreign audience," he says, adding that he believes tales featuring Chinese culture and history can expand to overseas markets.

Li himself enjoyed international attention earlier this year, with Day is Done, a 24-minute film in which he plays a grandfather, taking home the Silver Bear jury prize for Short Film at the 71st Berlin International Film Festival.

The jury statement from the Berlin festival says: "The intricately woven family dynamics and superb acting immerse us in a genuine moment in their lives ... (director)Zhang Dalei's rich cinematic language builds a sensitive family portrait that transcends the duration of the short film."