Reflections of Time

The Seaman and the Dancing Girl

Dir: Li Pingqian
Orig Story: Yuen Long
Scr: Yan Kai (aka Yuen Long)
Prod Co: Great Wall
Cast: Li Tziang, Ping Fan, Wang Xiyun, Jin Sha, Su Qin
1961 | B&W | Digital File | Mandarin | Chinese Subtitles | 88min

Ling (Li Tziang), a young woman forced to work as a nightclub hostess to support her ailing parents and young siblings, hides the truth about her job from her family. She meets a sailor (Ping Fan) at the club, and the two quickly fall in love. However, just as he is about to propose, a drunken night causes him to miss their appointment, shattering their plans. Heartbroken, Ling faces another tragedy when her mother falls critically ill. Despite her efforts to raise money for treatment, her mother passes away. Her father, now aware of her real occupation, is ashamed yet sorrowful, unable to change Ling’s situation as the family remains burdened by debt and dependent on her income.

Based on a novel by Yuen Long, The Seaman and the Dancing Girl blends social realism with romance, offering a nuanced portrayal of a woman trapped by her circumstances. Directed by Li Pingqian, the film reflects the humanistic themes often seen in Hong Kong’s left-wing cinema, empathetically highlighting the sacrifices women make for their families that are often overshadowed by the apparent prosperity of a bustling metropolis.

Film director Yim Ho, son of Yuen Long, will attend the post-screening talk to share his memories of his father.

Courtesy of Sil-Metropole Organisation Limited

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