Ang Lee was born in Taiwan in 1954. His father, a strict educator, was the principal of a local high school. In 1973, Ang Lee was admitted to the Drama and Film Department of the National Taiwan Academy of Arts. During his time there, he developed a growing passion for acting and filmmaking, even winning the Best Actor award in the university division of a Taiwanese drama competition. After graduating in 1975, he went to the United States to further his studies, earning a bachelor’s degree in drama from the University of Illinois.
A chance meeting that led to a lifelong partnership
In 1978, during a student gathering, Ang Lee met fellow Taiwanese student Jane Lin. Ang was immediately drawn to Jane’s cheerful personality, and they soon began dating. Jane, who had always been very intelligent, graduated from National Taiwan University and went on to pursue a Ph.D. in biology at the University of Illinois. Ang felt he had found a soulmate in Jane, someone who could listen to him endlessly. He described her as a calming presence, saying that hearing her voice could instantly dispel his worries.
After five years of dating, Ang and Jane married in 1983 in New York in a ceremony that blended both Western and Chinese traditions. Their families fully supported their union, and many scenes from Ang Lee’s film “The Wedding Banquet” were inspired by their real-life wedding.
Balancing careers and family life
After their marriage, Ang Lee and Jane often lived apart due to their studies; Ang was enrolled in a film program at New York University while Jane continued her Ph.D. in Illinois. Despite the distance, their relationship remained strong. Ang Lee always prepared a week’s worth of meals before leaving Jane and carried a photo of her wherever he went. Their different personalities — Ang Lee’s gentle and emotional nature and Jane’s capable and rational demeanor — created a perfect balance for their family. During this time, they welcomed two sons, Haan and Mason.
Jane’s independence was evident when she handled situations on her own. When her water broke late at night before their first son’s birth, she drove herself to the hospital in a car that was almost out of gas. When asked by the medical staff if she wanted to inform her husband or any family members, she declined. Ang Lee didn’t find out he was a father until he returned to Illinois the next day. For the birth of their second son, she sent Ang away, saying: “You can’t help me give birth, so just go do your work!”
Enduring challenges with unwavering support
After graduation, Ang Lee stayed in the U.S. to pursue a career in film, but it was a long, difficult road for a Chinese filmmaker without connections in Hollywood. He spent six years waiting for his breakthrough, relying on Jane, who worked as a pharmaceutical researcher, to support the family. Ang Lee devoted his time to reading, watching films, writing scripts, and taking care of all the household chores, from cooking and cleaning to looking after their children. Jane’s mother once suggested over the phone that Jane should consider leaving Ang Lee, but Jane never gave up on him. She believed in his talent and was determined to support him through tough times.
Seeing how much Jane shouldered, Ang Lee considered learning computer skills to find a job, but Jane stopped him, insisting: “There are many people who can work with computers; we don’t need you to be one of them!” She knew his true calling was in filmmaking. Her unwavering faith in his talent gave him the time and space to develop his skills.
The breakthrough and rise to global acclaim
In 1990, Ang Lee submitted his screenplay Pushing Hands to a competition held by the Taiwan Government Information Office and won the Best Screenplay award. This led to the film’s production, marking Ang’s directorial debut. The film was critically acclaimed, and Ang was nominated for Best Director at the Golden Horse Awards, a significant turning point in his career.
Encouraged by this success, Ang went on to direct The Wedding Banquet, which was even more successful, solidifying his reputation as a director. His subsequent films, including Eat Drink Man Woman and the Father Knows Best trilogy, received international acclaim, culminating in the 1994 David di Donatello Award for Best Foreign Language Film.
In the following years, Ang directed several successful American films and won numerous prestigious awards, including the Berlin International Film Festival’s Golden Bear and multiple Oscar nominations. His work on Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon won over both Eastern and Western audiences, breaking box office records in the U.S. and earning several Oscars, including Best Director.
A partnership that endures
Ang Lee’s success story would not be complete without Jane Lin’s support and encouragement. Even after becoming a world-renowned director, Ang acknowledges Jane’s role in his achievements, often saying that her independence allowed him the freedom to pursue his passion. To this day, when he returns to New York after filming, no matter the hour, Jane makes an effort to pick him up herself. Their car rides are filled with conversations about his latest projects, bringing a sense of balance to their lives.
Jane Lin has since become a respected figure in her own right, often invited to speak about family communication and maintaining a balanced life. Her humility and steadfastness continue to inspire many, showing that behind every great filmmaker, there may be an even greater partner.
Translated by Katy Liu
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