In 2012 Keanu Reeves would often be spotted in Beijing, for instance walking down Nanluoguxiang or appearing at some restaurant. It was covered with some humor by the English language press, who more or less have seemed to move on from The Matrix star. He was busy filming his directorial debut in the studios outside the city, Man of Taichi a martial arts movie showcasing Tiger Chen one of the stunt doubles for The Matrix. The film was a joint production between Hollywood and China and represents one of the many new films that is being developed for both markets. 

Where my story fits into this is that I have a Chinese friend who is obsessed with Keanu and who spent much of the year finding ways to meet him, utilizing all her social capital in the process. She would often drag me along as company. The below image is from when we got seats for a filmed interview with Yu Lu, China's Oprah, on her program a A Date with Yu Lu. My friend, as Keanu's biggest fan, was showcased on the program. . . getting to give him a gift and read a letter to him.

A strange way to see a movie star in a foreign country!