Zen and Sense in King Hu's Films

Film Screenings


The Deformed

Dir: Griffin Yueh Feng Orig Story: Chun Yan
Scr: Ge Ruifen (aka Griffin Yueh Feng)
Cast: Betty Loh Ti, Jin Quan (aka King Hu), Jing Miao, Zhao Ming, Hong Mei
1960 / B&W / D Beta / Mandarin / Chi Subtitles / 99min

This was the earliest drama survived from Yueh’s Shaw Brothers years. A nurse (Betty Loh Ti) with financial trouble married to a wellknown doctor’s son Long Yusheng (King Hu), who was deformed and ugly yet wise with a big heart; however, they had no physical relationship. Yusheng’s cousin fell in love with his wife but conscience overcame love and he decided to go away. Trying to set up his cousin and his wife, Yusheng also went away. Through depicting an unrealistic love story, Yueh showed his expectation on an ideal relationship, and the outcome is extraordinary. The physical appearance might be extreme but represented no indication on being good or evil. Both main characters went through many hurdles to become who they were and have their own family. Growing up was the path to ultimately achieve harmony in humanity. Nonetheless, being lonely and regretful  was also part of the process. King Hu and Betty Loh Ti touched audience with sincerity and love instead of pity and foolishness. It won Best Screenplay and Best B&W Photography at the 8th Asian Film Festival in 1961.

9/9 (Tue) 5:00pm Cinema, Hong Kong Film Archive  

20/9 (Sat) 5:15pm Cinema, Hong Kong Film Archive  

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