Reviewed by: Inner Strength Date: 07/24/2002 Summary: Good Chinese Opera Although perhaps almost a waste of time writing a review on this, because I can guarantee nobody else ever has or ever will see this, I do think it’s one of the better Chinese opera films I’ve seen (and this is coming from someone who grew up on them, with maybe 50 of these films on video!!). Anyone who knows anything about the earlier stages in HK cinema would indeed have seen at least a few Chinese operas, and although many people would not find them interesting (or appreciate the music), I simply love them. Only problem is they don’t have subtitles, and although my understanding of Cantonese is barely passable, most of this still left me in the dark a little, even though there is a lot less singing that most of these films. It’s because of this, that I can’t really write up exactly what the story is, and like I said, probably pointless and nobody is likely to ever see this (I’m actually very surprised it’s even on the database), however, IF, just IF anyone ever came across it who is interested in Chinese opera, I would say that this is one of the more enjoyable. Considering this was done in the ‘50s, it’s actually pretty well filmed and the quality isn’t nearly as bad as most of films that came out even later than this. The story is basically as the English title has been translated as. It’s about San Chun, the daughter of a respectable man, who finds out his daughter has been seeing a man he doesn’t approve of. He treats her badly, and wants to disown her. She feels very lonely as she feels she has to choose between her family and the man she loves. The film then goes on to show what is symbolised as if San Chun was questioning her father in a court case, and trying to bring over her point that she should be allowed to be happy and love both her man and her family. A very simple story, but most of these older films were like that. Acting wise, most of the cast is actually a lot better than some of today’s stars. Law Kim Long is especially good in this, the main actress who plays San Chun. The male star, Leung Sing Bo is also very good. Both stars were very big in the 60’s, and it’s clear why. This rating is not based on the story or anything like that, but simply for the filming, the acting and the fact that it is enjoyable. [3/5]