Kwan-Ti, God of War (2K Digitised Version)

During the end of the Han Dynasty, Cao Cao (Lau Hark-suen) usurps the power of the emperor and tries to establish his authority over the warlords. Following a futile attack in protest, Liu Bei’s (Cheung Sing-fei) fate is left uncertain. Guan Yu keeps guard over Xiapi while taking care of Liu’s family. Cao and his army besiege the city, and Zhang Liao (Chan Kam-tong) is ordered to persuade Guan to surrender. Guan agrees for the sake of Liu’s family, on the condition that when he gets any news from Liu, he would deliver his family to him. Cao commands Diao Chan (Tang Bik-wan) to seduce Guan at night, but Guan admonishes her so severely that Diao Chan kills herself in shame.

The film is, among many things, a valuable record of traditional Cantonese opera stage blocking, movements and techniques. In one scene, Kwan Tak-hing enters amidst luogu (gong and drum) music, accompanied by two supporting actors, one holding a lantern and the other wielding the legendary Green Dragon Crescent Blade. The intricate traditional choreography of their movements, formation, and in particular, Kwan’s facial expressions and body gesture, all serve to heighten the emotion and dramatic effect of the scene.

Date	Time	Venue
7/9/2025 (Sun)	2:30pm	Cinema, Hong Kong Film Archive

The contents of the programme do not represent the views of the presenter. The presenter reserves the right to change the programme should unavoidable circumstances make it necessary.

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