How do you adapt a 19th century story (1868) set during and after the American Civil War into one that took place in China in the crossroad between the traditional and modernity in the 1930s? Cheng Kang did it with grace and seamless writing technique. Other than using Louis May Alcott’s original novel as his base, he also made reference from George Cukor’s 1933 film version (starring Katharine Hepburn and Joan Bennett). Cheng concentrated his storyline on the love affair between second sister Mang Shang (Ha Ping) and Sheung Guan-mo (Cheung Ying), the rich young man next-door to weave a comprehensive portrayal of the conditions of females in early modern China. The theme is typically Confucian, with the emphasis on the importance of being charitable and sympathetic. The four sisters were played by newcomers with strong support from Wong Man-lei as the mother.

14/6

(Sat)

7:30pm

Cinema, Hong Kong Film Archive

29/6*

(Sun)

2:00pm

Cinema, Hong Kong Film Archive

*Post-screening talk with Chan Wai