China's actors-turned directors

Jay Chou: Not so suitable

Secret (2007) [Photo/Agencies]

Chinese singer-songwriter and director Jay Chou knows how to sell his music. In 2007, he debuted as a director with the film, Secret, which is based on a twisted romance at a music academy. His incorporation of music into films was praised by Chinese director Zhang Yimou at the time.

However, Chou's reputation as a director started going downhill after 2007. Since then, Chou has starred in films (including Michel Gondry's The Green Hornet in 2011) and directed numerous music videos, none of them winning the hearts of reviewers. His latest film, The Rooftop (2013), another musical, only managed to make 100 million yuan ($16.3 million) at the box office.

His talents in music are uncontroversial. Perhaps he should stick to what he's really good at.