Next , Zhang directed '' To Live '' , an epic film based on the novel by Yu Hua of the same name . '' To Live '' highlighted the resilience of the ordinary Chinese people , personified by its two main characters , amidst three generations of upheavals throughout Chinese politics of the 20th century . It was banned in China , but released at the 1994 Cannes Film Festival and won the Grand Jury Prize , as well as earning a Best Actor prize for Ge You . '' To Live '' was banned in China by the Chinese State Administration of Radio , Film , and Television , due to its critical portrayal of various policies and campaigns of the Communist government
1994 Cannes Film Festival
1994 Cannes Film Festival
Zhang Yimou