Action Hero

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Ziyi is a small woman who packs a big punch. The star of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon can also be seen in Hero, out now on DVD. She spoke with TIME's Carolina A. Miranda about a life of martial artistry:

What was the hardest scene in Hero?
It was a fight with Maggie Cheung in the forest. They'd blow leaves around, and it'd stir all the dust. The director would say, "Don't blink." Our eyes got so red.

What's the worst injury you've received?
In House of Flying Daggers [due in theaters next week], I got hit on the head with a bamboo pole. Everything just went black. Luckily, I was O.K.

How does being an action star affect your dating?
It's hard. I have to find someone who has never seen my films, so that when he sees me, he'll say, "What a soft, kind girl." Then I'll show him my movies.

How much butt can you kick?
That depends on how many people let me kick it.

How would you fare against Uma Thurman in Kill Bill?
Let Quentin Tarantino make a third film, and then we'll find out who wins.

What about your hero co-star Jet Li?
I can't beat him, but he'd let me win. Jet Li wouldn't take advantage of a woman.

You're the lead in memoirs of a geisha. Is it strange not to be in a harness all day?
It's more challenging. We trained for a month to learn all the refined elements — the stylized dances, the tea ceremony.

Would you make a good geisha?
No! It's tiring, and there are so many rules.