Fatal Beauty

The Kingdom and the Beauty

Dir: Li Han-hsiang
Scr: Wang Yueting
Prod Co: Shaw Brothers
Co-starring: Chao Lei, Jin Quan (aka King Hu), Tang Ruoqing
1959 | Mandarin | DCP | Mandarin | Chi & Eng Subtitles | 96min

Director Li Han-hsiang retold the ancient folklore of an emperor falling for a beautiful commoner in this classic Huangmei opera film. In addition to the exquisite art direction and costume, Li also captured the grandeur of the palace and the lively vibe of crowded temple fairs. The film’s songs have since then become golden melodies sung by many. As one of the most distinguished titles in Lin Dai’s filmography, her performance as Li Feng in this film can be considered a continuation of her village maiden persona in her early films such as The Fisherman’s Daughter (1956), but it is clear she has become more mature and graceful in her physical appeal. The charm of Li Feng falling in love with Emperor Zhengde (Chao Lei) at first sight; her pain upon separation from her love; her endurance of shameful humiliation she receives for having a child out of wedlock; and her plucking up courage when she is finally summoned to the palace are played with such intense emotions by Lin that they make the tragic ending all the more unforgettable. Winner of Best Picture at the 6th Asian Film Festival.

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