Xu Jinglei - the Beijing Film Academy graduate selected by Time Magazine as "the most revolutionary representative of Chinese cinema" - has long been called showbiz's "talented bella".

Renowned for her work in the art house, the actress-turned-director stepped out into commercial filmmaking territory with her 2010 romantic comedy, Go Lala Go!.

It was a box-office triumph that simultaneously subverted her signature avant-garde style and demonstrated her directorial dexterity. Xu will bring the second act of her commercial endeavors this year with Dear Enemy.

Despite centering on workplace romance like Go Lala Go!, Xu says Dear Enemy is her first entertainment-oriented directorial work tinged with suspense and aiming to excite audiences at every twist and turn.

Her directorial debut, My Father and I (2003), is a family melodrama. A Letter from an Unknown Woman (2004) adapts Stefan Zweig's eponymous novella. And Dreams May Come (2006) is an experimental film shot entirely in one setting.

"But every time I want to make a breakthrough and try something new, it requires more energy and time," Xu says.

"Under those circumstances, it was so difficult and exhausting to serve as the director and the female lead. In the future, I may play a minor role or make a cameo appearance in films I helm. It's impossible to see my (future) films featuring myself."

Xu prefers directing to acting. She explains she has been a thespian for more than a decade and is tired of following others' orders. "But as a director, I can make decisions and be creative," she says.

Find out more about Xu's new film and her background.