Gong is also and important factor n marketing the film in Hong Kong, where star power is paramount. Robinson says that Gong's presence also helped publicize Raise the Red Lantern in China, where China film released 140 prints. Both Ju Dou and Raise the Red Lantern were initially banned by the authorities, but news leaked into China that they had been successful abroad. But they weren't sure what. In fact, international recognition can help fuel interest among Chinese audiences, even though it may not be reported in the official media.
Foreign recognition arouses the curiosity of potential viewers.
Gong appeals to both Western and Chinese audiences, but for substantially different reasons. Western headlines refer to her as the Empress of China, etceteras, and viewers presume she is the epitome of Chineseness, what ever that may be. Conversely, in Mainland China she is seen as a modern, untraditional kind of woman, compared to, say, the robust and traditional Siqin Gaowa. Everyone has an opinion of her, but she is probably most popular with young people in the cities. But Gong's image also reflects the strength of the traditional matriarchal heroine.