A Flower Reborn

Dir/Scr: Lee Sun-fung
Prod Co: Sun Luen
Cast: Lo Duen, Wong Man-lei, Yung Siu-yi, Lee Ching, Tsi Lo Lin, Ng Cho-fan, Lee Yuet-ching
1953 | B&W | DCP | Cantonese | 96min

At the core of A Flower Reborn is a love that overcomes unlikely odds. Orphaned at a young age and widowed on her first day of marriage, Ah Chen (Tsi Lo Lin) comes to rely on no one but herself. As she begins living with her good friend (Yung Siu-yi), she falls in love with her friend’s moody brother, Chan Chi-chiu (Ng Cho-fan) after a rocky start to their relationship. Initially supportive of the match, Chan’s overprotective and superstitious mother (Wong Man-lei) forces the couple to separate when she is led to believe that Ah Chen is a jinx to anyone she marries. Chi-chiu, likewise, distances himself from Ah Chen. Yet when he eventually falls ill, both he and his mother discover that Ah Chen’s love and care are better for his healing than any lucky charm or holy water.

The film features an excellent, sensitive performance by Ng, who alternates between impolite grouchiness to loving tenderness in a highly naturalistic way. He shares great chemistry with Tsi Lo Lin, who gives an equally subtle and compelling performance. Together, they bring this moving romance to life.

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