Born in Shanghai but emigrated to Hong Kong at age 5 leaving a brother and sister behind. Did not see them for a decade.

Did not speak the local dialect of Hong Kong, Cantonese, until aged 13.

Dropped out of an art school and joined a screenwriter's program in 1980.

Does not use detailed scripts for his films.

Never went to film school.

He claims that his non-linear style of story-telling is inspired by the late Argentinian writer Manuel Puig's novel titled "The Buenos Aires Affair".

Wife Esther and son Cheng, now 9 years old (2004), spend lots of time in New York with Esther's relatives.

The director with the most films (6, all directed between 1989 to 2000)selected among the Best 100 Chinese Motion Pictures selected by Hong Kong Film Awards in celebration of 100 years of movies.

1st Chinese to win the Best Director Award at Cannes film Festival (1997)

[January 5, 2006] It was announced that he has been selected President of the Jury for the 2006 Cannes Film Festival.