Ngai Kim Mai: The "female" Prince Nezha of Journey to the West and a happy ending in her late 60s.

In the memories of many generations of Asian audiences, the version of Journey to the West directed by Yang Jie is an irreplaceable icon. One of the names that achieved success after the film is undoubtedly Ai Jinmei, who played "Prince Nezha".

The film's success stems not only from its faithful adaptation of the original story and its groundbreaking special effects, but also from the outstanding performances of its cast in portraying classic characters. Among them, the role of Prince Nezha, though brief, left a profound impression. Notably, two actors played this character, but the one considered superior was the actress Ai Jinmei.

Compared to actor Yang Bin, Ai Jinmei was praised for her demeanor and appearance, which were particularly well-suited to the image of Nezha in Chinese folklore. Although her screen time was short, every glance and movement of hers left a lasting impression on the audience. To this day, when mentioning Nezha in the 1986 Journey to the West, many still immediately remember Ai Jinmei's delicate yet resolute face.

The first "female" prince Nezha in Journey to the West.

Born in 1957 in Jiangsu, China, Ai Jinmei showed early artistic talent. From the age of 13, she studied Peking opera in her hometown. At 20, she was admitted to the Jiangsu Peking Opera Institute – a significant milestone marking her professional advancement. A year later, she continued her studies at the provincial Peking Opera training school, constantly honing her performance, dance, and vocal skills.

It was this solid stage foundation that gave Ai Jinmei a rare opportunity at the age of 27: to play Nezha in Journey to the West. In Chinese legend, Nezha is a celestial general with unparalleled magical powers, a hot-tempered and straightforward personality, and always ready to intervene in injustices. However, what is special is that the character's appearance is described as "beautiful as jade," with lips red like a maiden's and eyes bright like stars – a captivating androgynous beauty.

Embracing that spirit, director Yang Jie decided to cast a female actress in this role to highlight the "youthful beauty" of Nezha. This bold decision proved correct when Ai Jinmei appeared on screen with a look that was both soft and strong. Despite her delicate face and feminine features, every movement of her spear dance and every resolute gaze exuded a heroic spirit.

Audiences at the time were particularly impressed by Ai Jinmei's decisive demeanor and sharp wit. She not only acted with expressive facial expressions but also conveyed the character's personality through perfectly executed Peking opera movements. The combination of traditional theatrical art and television acting created a vibrant, profound, and compelling portrayal of Nezha. Many consider this one of the most classic roles in the 1986 Journey to the West, even though the character wasn't a main character.

The journey to becoming a "pillar of the historical drama genre"

Following the resounding success of Journey to the West, Ai Jinmei continued her career by participating in the drama series The Legend of the White Snake, playing the role of the Green Snake. However, instead of leveraging her screen fame to further her career in television, she chose a different path: leaving film to wholeheartedly dedicate herself to stage drama – her greatest passion in life.

During the peak of her theatrical career, Ai Jinmei toured extensively with a troupe of the best artists from Jiangsu, performing in Italy, Canada, Chicago (USA), Denmark, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Sweden, and other countries. These tours not only promoted Chinese Peking opera to the world but also solidified her position as one of the leading artists of her generation.

In the field of theater, she achieved a series of remarkable accomplishments: the Best Actress Award from the Chinese Peking Opera Association and the Jiangsu Peking Opera Association; and two Provincial-level Literary and Artistic Awards. For many consecutive years, she was included in the list of the top 10 outstanding figures in Jiangsu. Beyond her artistic success, Ai Jinmei also actively participated in social activities, having served as a delegate to the National People's Congress for two terms and as a delegate to the National Women's Congress.

In 2006, she was appointed Vice Principal of the Jiangsu Drama School, continuing to inspire the younger generation. For Ai Jinmei, art is not only a personal passion but also a responsibility to preserve and promote traditional cultural heritage.

Married to a businessman and living a blissful life in her late 60s.

After retiring, the actress almost completely withdrew from the spotlight. She rarely appeared in public, except for a few reunions with the cast of Journey to the West. Each time she reappeared, audiences were surprised by her youthful beauty and calm demeanor at nearly 70 years old. Regarding her private life, Ai Jinmei is extremely private. According to Chinese media, she married a wealthy businessman and has enjoyed a peaceful family life for many years. Without scandals or relying on past fame, she chose to live quietly, cherishing simple values.

Sharing her thoughts on the present, the actress once confided: "Over 30 years have passed, and everyone in the film crew has their own life and career. Success or failure is difficult to judge. I am satisfied with my life. For a woman, family happiness is the most important thing."

It can be said that Ngai Kim Mai is a testament to the image of an artist who doesn't chase fame but remains steadfast in her passion and personal values. Her role as Nezha in the 1986 Journey to the West was just a highlight in her career, but it was her bold and decisive choice to change direction that created the complete portrait of an artist. And for the audience, the image of Nezha, "beautiful as a maiden but brave as a warrior," as portrayed by her, will forever remain an unforgettable memory.

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