Actress Gao Yuanyuan smiles for photography in this recent photo at a promotional event for a fashion brand in Beijing. The star said she wanted a more versatile screen image. [Photo: jinghua.cn]

Chinese actress Gao Yuanyuan wants a more versatile screen image instead of always being cast in stereotypical roles as an innocent and well-behaved young woman.

And she seems to be getting her wish with her latest role in the World War Two film "Nanking! Nanking!” in which she plays a middle school teacher.

"The acting emphasizes the inner struggle of the role," a Beijing Times report on Sunday quoted Gao as saying. "I can feel I am growing mature with the role."

Directed by award-winning "Kekexili" director Lu Chuan, "Nanking! Nanking!" is a tribute to the 70th anniversary of the 1937 Nanjing Massacre. It is expected to hit cinemas later this year.

Gao made her remarks while she was attending a promotional event for a fashion brand in Beijing.

(CRI March 3, 2008)