Chan Wan

A Chinese fantasy drama

Hong Kong film directed by Chan Wan.

Hong Kong ghost story.

In 1966, Connie Chan Po-chu and Josephine Siao Fong-fong starred in multiple contemporary films, cementing their onscreen persona as virtuous young women while becoming the hottest youth idols of their time. Colourful Youth remains the only contemporary film to feature both of them. Filmed in Eastmancolor, the song-and-dance spectacle keeps its fingers on the pulse of its era and presents the vigour of the modern times.

In search for her perfect groom, Sit (Tang Bik-wan) goes to a bordello and falls in love with talented Lee (Mak Bing-wing). Burning with jealousy, the Imperial Tutor's son (Siu Chung-kwan) frames Lee for treason, yet accidentally gets killed by Sit when she rescues Lee. To avenge his son's death, the Imperial Tutor tricks the couple into joining force in overthrowing the emperor and plans to accuse them of treason. Sit, who turns out to be the emperor's long-lost daughter, follows Lee to the palace for investigation. In the film, Tang Bik-wan put on various guises in her character, e.g. dressing as an ugly and Zhongshan dialect-speaking woman when she weds, disguising as a man while investigating. She proved herself a well-rounded diva with her marvellous singing, switching between different dialects and operatic styles. The scenes with Mak Bing-wing also show great chemistry, as the duo evolve from quarrelsome lovers to husband and wife.

A Shaw and Sons production

A Shaw and Sons production.

A Hong Kong drama

Ah Hing is made pregnant by her master Fan Chun-kit. Fan soon leaves for his studies overseas while Ah Hing suffers gross prosecution and is reduced to becoming a prostitute. In a momentary slip of a struggle, Ah Hing commits manslaughter. Now a qualified lawyer, Fan acquits Ah Hing of the charge, and intends to marry her to redeem his negligence in the past. Ah Hing, however, is determined to pursue an independent life.

Qing (i.e. Qin) Xianglian was the wife of a man named Chen Shimei, who won the first title of national examination and awarded as husband of the emperor's daughter. Then Qing (i.e. Qin) sues Chen as a murderer who plans to kill his wife and son. In spite of the royal power, gownsman Bao Zhen settles the lawsuit and sentences Chen to serve his head.

Chinese Opera from Hong Kong directed by Lau Fong.

Chinese Opera from Hong Kong directed by Lau Fong.

В город приезжает на гастроли театральная труппа. Им выделяют для выступления старый заброшенный театр, пустующий после гибели солиста театра Сон Данпиня. Актеры, убравшись в театре, начинают репетицию. У Сяо У, ведущего певца, не получается правильно спеть арию. Он остается поупражняться, когда остальные актеры пошли отдыхать. И вдруг он слышит голос, исполняющий эту злосчастную арию, которая никак ему не давалась…