Eileen Chang Movies
- 1984
The time is the late 1930s and a pending war with the Japanese forms a part of the epic setting for a fashionable and old-fashioned love affair between a once-wealthy widow and divorcée (Cora Miao) newly arrived in Hong Kong and a rich Chinese playboy educated at Cambridge. The epic treatment of their romance is provided by background music in the form of Chinese opera or contemporary love songs and dazzling, opulent settings along the seashore or in tourist spots. The gloss and glitter dominate but cannot hide the flaws in the plot or eliminate the moments of wooden acting. ~ Eleanor Mannikka, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Cora Miao, Chow Yun-Fat, (more)
- 1988
In this drama, the harsh treatment of women in Chinese society is examined and subtly commented upon as it tells the tale of an impoverished woman living in Shanghai, circa 1910 who tries to support her brother and sister-in-law. A marriage to a wealthy man is arranged for her, and reluctantly she endures it, even though she does not love the man who is as cruel as he is wealthy. His mother is also brutally unkind to her. She then has a son, but her struggles are not over when her husband dies and only leaves her a modest inheritance. Her wretched life has made her bitter, and so she begins making her son suffer as she die; she also becomes addicted to opium. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Hsia Wen-shi, Hsu Ming, (more)
- 1994
In this sensitive Asian melodrama chronicles the two major loves in the life of a man who cannot change. The story is divided into two parts; each part focused upon one woman. The story begins in Shanghai during the early 1930's and follows the loves of Chen-pao. His early love life abroad is chronicled in the opening scenes. The real story begins as Chen-pao returns to Shanghai and stay at their friend Wang's apartment. Chen-pao meets Wang's moody, selfish wife Chiao-jui. The two begin a passionate affair. Chen-pao nicknames her "Red Rose." Chen-pao, who always likes to be in control, is tormented by his love affair. Red Rose rejoices in it. Soon she asks Wang for a divorce. This sends Chen-pao over the edge. He vows to start anew. Time passes. In the second half, Chen-pao is a businessman who woos and marries Yen-li, his "White Rose." She is from a peasant background and very young. She endeavors to be the perfect wife. More time passes. It is 1943 and Chen-pao is back to his old ways. This drives Yen-li to a breakdown. After she recovers, she too has an affair. Chen-pao encounters Red Rose on the street as the movie ends. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- 1997
In Shanghai of the '30s, Shuhui (Wang Lei) brings together Manzhen (Wu Chien-lien) and Shijun (Leon Lai), and the two fall in love. However, Shijun's parents in Nanjing have planned for him to marry wealthy Cuizhi (Annie Wu), who instead becomes romantically attracted to Shuhui. Manzhen is concerned about the reputation of Shijun's older sister, prostitute Manlu (Anita Mui). After Manlu marries businessman Hongcai (Ge You), he suggests Manzhen become a concubine and the mother of his children. Manlu goes along with this plan in order to save her marriage. This drama is adapted from Eileen Chang's novel, Half a Lifetime's Romance. Shown at the 1997 Vancouver Film Festival and South Korea's 1997 Pusan Film Festival. ~ Bhob Stewart, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Leon Lai, Wu Chien-lien, (more)
Academy Award-winning director Ang Lee adapts this Eileen Chang story set in World War II-era Shanghai that details the political intrigue surrounding a powerful political figure named Mr. Yee (Tony Leung) in Japanese-occupied Shanghai. Spanning the late '30s and early '40s, the movie introduces us to Hong Kong teen Wong Chia Chi (Tang Wei), a shy college freshman who finds her calling in a drama society devoted to patriotic plays. But the troupe's leader, Kuang Yu Min (Wang Leehom), isn't just a theater maven -- he's a revolutionary as well, and he's devoted to carrying out a bold plan to assassinate top Japanese collaborator Mr. Yee. Each student has an important role to play, and Wong puts herself in a dangerous position as Mrs. Mak; she befriends Mr. Yee's wife (Joan Chen), and slowly gains trust before tempting him into an affair. While at first the plan goes exactly as scripted, things suddenly take a deadly turn and Wong is emigrated from Hong Kong. Later, in 1941, the occupation shows no signs of ceasing and Wong is simply drifting through her days in Shanghai. Much to her surprise, the former actress finds Kuang requesting that she resume the role of Mrs. Mak. Now, as Wong again gains intimate access to her dangerous prey, she must struggle with her own identity in order to pull off the performance of a lifetime. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Tony Leung Chiu-Wai, Tang Wei, (more)
