Former screen goddess Emily Chu Po-yi shares behind-the-scenes photos from A Better Tomorrow — instantly sparking a wave of nostalgia

(Taipei, March 28) Taiwanese actress Emily Chu, who rose to fame for her role as Jackie—the girlfriend of Leslie Cheung—in the iconic film A Better Tomorrow, remains unforgettable to fans despite having stepped away from the spotlight for over 30 years.

As the anniversary of Leslie Cheung’s passing on April 1 approaches, Chu recently shared rare behind-the-scenes moments from the film on social media, rekindling nostalgia for the golden era of Hong Kong cinema.

She posted a vintage photo and wrote, “A Better Tomorrow! Such wonderful memories! Director John Woo even pulled me in to work as a script assistant. Everyone was happy—and so was I.” The post quickly gained attention, with fans calling the image rare and deeply meaningful.

Now 65, Chu began her career as a model in Taiwan during the 1980s before expanding into Hong Kong’s film industry, where she worked alongside stars such as Jackie Chan, Chow Yun-fat, and Leslie Cheung. She also appeared in Heart of Dragon and gained recognition in the Taiwanese drama Xiao Xia Long Xuan Feng, earning comparisons to the later “Fairy Sister” image associated with Liu Yifei.

Her career, however, faced challenges in the 1990s when she attempted to transition into more mature roles, appearing in films such as Heartbeat Moment and Erotic Ghost Story adaptation. With limited success, she gradually withdrew from the industry in 1994.

Her personal life was equally complex. She once had a relationship with a Shanghai businessman and gave birth to a daughter, later discovering he was already married. She chose to raise her daughter on her own, embracing life as a single mother.

Today, Chu lives a low-profile life in Shanghai, focusing on artistic pursuits. She studied floral design in Germany and now runs a floral studio. Recently, she shared photos from a gathering with photographer Lin Bing-cun, earning praise for her elegance.

Her daughter, Enci, has inherited her striking features and now works as both a graphic designer and model, having collaborated with several international brands. Their photos together have drawn admiration online, with many praising their strong resemblance and expressing respect for Chu’s resilience as a single mother.