Barbie Hsu’s most iconic movies and TV series
Photo from barbiehsu.fp/Instagram
Taiwanese actress Barbie Hsu, best known as Shan Cai in the popular TV drama “Meteor Garden,” was gone too soon at 48. She had left a mark on her audiences across Asia with her notable roles in many movies and TV drama series.
Taiwan news outlet TVBS confirmed news of her death on Feb.3, which was due to complications from pneumonia.
Barbie Hsu was the face of the “Asianovela” in the Philippines in the early 2000s.
Here’s a look at some of Barbie Hsu’s best movies and TV shows that captured the hearts of audiences in the Philippines and across Asia.
Barbie Hsu’s best movies and TV series
Meteor Garden (2001-2002)
This drama series started it all. Before K-dramas dominated streaming platforms, there was “Meteor Garden,” an Asian drama based on the Japanese manga “Hana Yori Dango.”
A phenomenon in the Philippines and across Asia, the popular drama revolves around a strong-willed character, Shan Cai, played by Hsu. She found herself entangled with F4, a group of four wealthy, handsome, but arrogant boys who often bullied other students.
The love story of Shan Cai and Dao Ming Si, played by Jerry Yan, became iconic, spawning a sequel in 2002 with several adaptations.
You may also like: Top 10 Most Romantic Gestures in Rom-Com History
Mars (2004)
Following Meteor Garden, Hsu reunited with F4’s Vic Chou in a more mature and darker romance. This psychological drama highlighted Hsu’s versatility as an actress.
Based on another Japanese manga, Mars tells the story of Qi Leo (Hsu), an artistic quiet woman with a traumatic past and Chen Ling (Chou), a rebellious street racer battling his own demons.
Unlike her previous light roles, Hsu’s emotional performance in the TV series proved she was more than just a rom-com actress.
The Ghost Inside (2005)
Barbie Hsu’s horror film breakthrough, this psychological thriller followed a young mother fleeing an abusive marriage — only to discover that her new home is haunted by a ghost with a similar story.
The movie, back then, was China’s most expensive horror production with a budget of $600,000. In 2006, Hsu ventured into another horror flick, “Silk,” playing a minor role.
Corner with Love (2007)
This feel-good romance paired Hsu with Taiwanese actor, singer and TV host Show Lo. She portrayed Xin Lei, a privileged girl whose life took a turn when she met Qin Lang (Lo), a struggling artist.
Despite their opposite worlds, an unexpected romance unfolds over oyster pancakes, mainly shot in the streets of Shanghai.
Summer Desire (2010)
For fans who love romance with a love triangle, Summer Desire is a must-watch. Hsu, who stars as Xia Mo, is an orphan caught between two men — a wealthy CEO (Peter Ho) and her childhood sweetheart (Huang Xiao Ming).
With themes of revenge, redemption and love, this adaptation of Ning Xiao Xi’s novel is one of Hsu’s best TV series.
