A historical palatial epic co-produced by Shaw Brothers and the company of renowned Korean director Shin Sang-ok, and one of Yueh’s masterpieces. In terms of drama and the production, it demonstrates a brilliant conception and outstanding execution. The film offers a different view of Tan Chi, seen as a femme fatale for thousands of years. King Zhou of the Shang Dynasty is a tyrant and has waged war for years. Even though he has killed Tan Chi’s father, she has no choice but to offer herself to him. Tan Chi makes King Zhou indulge in wine and women, and he becomes increasingly despotic. As a result, JiFa, the later King of Zhou, manages to amass an army of the Dukes to fight King Zhou. Yueh highlights the human dimension and logical development of the story, creating the character of the maid Zhi Yan, who persuades Tan Chi to seek vengeance, thus lessening her share of the blame. The pact between the two women to topple the regime   also adds further dramatic interest to the historical events. City walls were built on a plain in Korea, and thousands of extras were used to film the battle scenes. The grand production was one rarely seen in Hong Kong and Taiwanese films. The sets of the main halls and living quarters of the palace, including a wine pool and a forest of meat, were built in the studio, and shot to reveal their great breadth and depth. Screened after the death of Linda Lin Dai, the film showcased her acting the fullest among her last works.

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14/9

(Sun)

2:00pm

Cinema, Hong Kong Film Archive

Post-screening talk with May Ng