Story

This isn’t simply a film about declaring one’s love.
Talented actress Saiun, from a regional theater company, comes to Shanghai in hopes of appearing in a film. She lives with childhood friend Awei.
The house is an old structure within an alley of Shikumen. Saiun sees Awei’s collection of old films. Though she doesn’t know anything about old Chinese films, she is attracted to the stories and the lively characters on screen, particularly Huang Zongying’s characters. She hopes she can become an actress similar to Huang someday. Her newly born affections unravel into a very real situation.
What arises in Saiun and Awei’s story is similar to the affection between Huang Zongying and Zhao Dan. Huang Zongying came to Shanghai at 16, playing supporting roles in a theater company. She met Zhao Dan while filming “Rhapsody of Happiness.” However, after marriage it was discovered that Zhao Dan had an affair, for which Huang Zongying apologized to the company on his behalf. She was devastated. But during the political movements of the time, Huang Zongying protected Zhao Dan. Time passes and now Huang Zongying is 92 years old. She recalls that she’s glad she married him, despite the pain they shared.
The film consists of two comparable love stories, illustrating the hardwork of two generations of filmmakers, their affection, and their value for life.

Notes

This movie mixes film and digital, showing a love for filmmakers from a different era. It elegantly expresses a love for serious cinema. All of the scenes of Shikumen were actually filmed, recording the transition of Shanghai from the age when it was the originator of Chinese cinema to its state as a modern city today. The background set team for this film are winners of the Golden Rooster Award, and they were able to perfectly create the feel of the classic Shikumen area in the studio. As one of director Peng Xiaolian’s Shanghai series of films, the work overflows with a passion for Shanghai culture, and a feel for the daily life of the city’s residents.

Cast

Huang Zongying
Jia Yiping
Feng Wenjuan

Director・Work Data