Lucy Liu as Lindsey – Lucky Number Slevin (2006)

As one of the more well-known and prominent Asian actresses of the last 25 years, it's a little disappointing to realize that 2006's Lucky Number Slevin is not only one of Lucy Liu's better performances of her career, but one of the last in which she was the lead female in a major Hollywood production. In this film she plays Lindsey, an apartment neighbor who walks into a situation of mistaken identity and a looming gang war. The fun nature of the script for this mystery crime drama allows Lindsey to play her role freely and give it the kind of life that only Liu can provide. The energy she brings is the perfect counterbalance to Josh Harnett's more aloof Slevin, making for an entertaining and satisfying dynamic.