Adaptations from Classic Literature

A Reborn Romantic

Dirs: Hung Chung-ho, Ko Lei-hen
Orig Story: Leo Tolstoy’s Resurrection
Scr: Suen Kit
Prod Co: Jianguo
Cast: Pak Wan, Pak Yin, Tsi Po-to, Tsi-hau Tsat, Ho Chung-fong
1948 | B&W | Digital File | Cantonese | 91min

An evocative adaptation of Leo Tolstoy’s final novel Resurrection, the film A Reborn Romantic reimagines the story in Guangzhou and Hong Kong instead of Russia, under the co-direction of Hung Chung-ho (grandfather of martial arts legend Sammo Hung) and Ko Lei-hen. In this deeply moving tale, a wealthy young man, Tak (Pak Wan), falls in love with his aunt’s servant, Ling (Pak Yin). However, their relationship is cut short by the stark difference in their social statuses. Unbeknownst to Tak, Ling becomes pregnant and is cruelly cast out of her employer’s household, facing the stigma of unmarried motherhood. Tragedy soon follows as her child suffers from an acute illness, forcing Ling into prostitution to survive. Her plight worsens when she is falsely accused of murdering a client who has, in fact, committed suicide. When Tak, now a lawyer, learns of her suffering, he returns to seek justice for her.

With its heart-wrenching twists and turns, A Reborn Romantic highlights the struggles faced by women in traditional society. Pak Yin delivers a convincing performance, capturing Ling’s transformation from a naïve girl to a broken woman with remarkable emotional depth. The tense, emotionally charged reunion of the two protagonists in prison is especially striking and memorable due to the use of film noir-inspired techniques.

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