Exclusive Interview with BAI LING, starring in CRANK: HIGH VOLTAGE

EXCLUSIVE: Bai Ling shares with AC Team's Suzanne Kai some scary moments doing her own stunts for her fearless, no limits role as Ria in action movie CRANK: HIGH VOLTAGE.

She also talks about lifting her 'dark cloud' when she apologized to her mother country, China, and her next big role in a film directed by Taylor Hackford. Bai Ling is also starring in the indie film
DIM SUM FUNERAL which is an Official Selection at the Newport Beach Film Festival.

AC: Congratulations on your role in CRANK: HIGH VOLTAGE.

In the movie, you are toting guns in both hands!
Can you describe your character in the movie?

BAI LING: My character Ria is totally awesome, fearless and bold. She is fire and spice and delight in the movie. Ria walks on the edge, dances on fire and lives in danger from the moment she's introduced on the screen.

When we first catch a glimpse of Ria her magic starts after she's thrown out of the second story window and hits the pavement.

The film's hero Chev Chelios saves Ria's life and from that point on she's found a man for life. It's funny how she decides that's her road.

Out of all the characters I've played, she is the most fun. It's because Ria has no limits. My character is a pure joy of art.

AC: What were some of the challenges making CRANK: HIGH VOLTAGE? Some of the stunts look downright dangerous!

BAI LING: I did my own stunts because I want to challenge myself. It was a lot of fun but also scary. There was a car crash scene with Ria.

When I look back, I realize I was totally out of (my) mind, however, I wanted the scene to be true to my character.

They had a stunt double for me but I told the directors I wanted to do it myself. Basically I trusted the guy who was controlling the rope that was tightened around my legs. In the stunt, I run and am suddenly hit and thrown in the air by a car that crashes into me.

When I was dropped, my nose was inches from the pavement. There I was hanging upside down from the rope and I'm thinking "What if my blackberry rings? Then I'll hit the pavement."

But life is dangerous sometimes. You need to live on the edge in order to see and feel the beauty and the magic.

AC: Back in 1999, we interviewed you for your role in "Anna and the King." which was two years after your American break-out role playing opposite Richard Gere in "Red Corner."

You shared with us then that you were having a difficult time with the Chinese government because "Red Corner" was critical of the Chinese government.

Since 1999, do you feel that China's politics still affects your life personally and professionally? Have you been back to your homeland?

BAI LING: Yes it affected me a great deal. I was lost, I was confused, I was scared and there was a dark cloud above me for a long time, but I solved my problem a long time ago.

I went back to China and apologized. It was a very difficult time for me back then, but I learned a lot and really appreciate the experience.

I also realized politics are complicated. I am not found of them, but if you reach out with a pure heart and are willing to communicate with whomever it takes; then you'll cross the wild river and receive the same in return -- even if you're dealing with the government.

I am proud to be Chinese because I firmly believe that the future is in China and I want to share with you my experience, pure heart and powerful intentions.

Now I can freely travel back and fourth to China, in addition I can also work there.

So, I'm happy and delighted. I went to the Chinese consulate to obtain my visa. They took me to a little room where there was a picture of the Great Wall and I took photos with everyone.

Afterward I asked when I could pick up my visa and they replied "Here you go Miss Bai Ling." So I received it immediately.

After you travel through darkness, you learn to open your hands, your heart and your faith. Only then will you have magic.

AC: How do you navigate through the ups and downs of living and working in Hollywood, and dealing with the sometimes fickle press?

BAI LING: Well the ups and downs are the nature and rhythm of life. It's the ups and downs that make the journey so more fun and challenging.

It's like the four seasons: without the cold snowy winter, you'll never appreciate the summer's beautiful blue sea.

Even the darkness is there for a beautiful reason: without the pure black how can you see the shiny stars and the romance of the moon?

I love all the ups and downs in my life. They give my life color and sound. They are my gift.

I never worry over the fickle press because when the time comes, they'll learn the truth of the universe and the truth of me.

They will learn only if they have light and love in their heart.

AC: You have acted in many Hollywood and independent films and are busier than ever, which as an Asian actor in Hollywood is quite a feat in itself.

One of your next films is Taylor Hackford's "Love Ranch" opposite Helen Mirren, both Oscar winners, and husband and wife in real life.

How you were selected for the part?

BAI LING: I auditioned for Taylor Hackford. I'm really grateful that he give me this wonderful opportunity to play the role, of the most exquisite Samantha Smoke and to work closely with Helen Mirren and Joe Peschi. What a gift.

Initially the role wasn't written for an Asian, rather a blonde, large-breasted 20-year old sexy Las Vegas vamp.

But through my audition with Tayler I landed the role. When I think back I still remember his sensitive blue eyes and his smile.

Samantha Smoke was the highest earning prostitute in that brothel. She allowed me to dance with the most eccentric, sexy, exquisite power on screen. The film's story is based on true incidents surrounding the first legal brothel during the 70s in Nevada.

I can't wait to see the film. After the production, Helen wrote me a card saying "Bai Ling, you have no idea what a fascinating Samantha you have created."

She is so dear and nice to me. I feel her presence and her warm heart every time I think of her. What a beautiful actress. I'll be lucky if I could find someone like Taylor Hackford to be my life partner.

RELATED:

For your chance to win a CRANK HIGH VOLTAGE prize pack, which will include the original CRANK on DVD, email your full name, daytime telephone number, and age to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

CRANK: HIGH VOLTAGE star Art Hsu Interview.

Official Bai Ling Website

Official CRANK: HIGH VOLTAGE Website

Asian Actors Receive Lead Credits in CRANK2 Opening this Weekend.

Bai Ling is also starring in the indie film
DIM SUM FUNERAL which is an Official Selection at the 2009 Newport Beach Film Festival.