The Unforgettable Villainess

Sweet Dreams

Dir/Orig Story/Scr: Tong Tik-sang
Prod Co: International Films Distributing Agency
Co-starring: Yam Kim-fai, Pat Suet-sin, Leung Sing-por, Lam Mui-mui, Wong Cho-shan
1955 | B&W | Digital File | Cantonese | Chinese Lyrics | 115min

An adaptation of Tong Tik-sang’s well-known opera of the same name, this film features the original cast actors from its stage production. Artist Lee (Yam Kim-fai) is loved by both songstress Rose (Pak Suet-sin) and dancer Lulu (Fung Wong Nui). Lee falls in love with Rose and refuses Lulu’s advances. Later, the three characters find themselves entangled with businessman Ma (Leung Sing-por), who wreaks havoc on their lives. Their dreams of love are shattered, replaced by a permanent nightmare…

Many of the Cantonese tunes in the film are arranged with Western elements, with beautiful results. Fung Wong Nui gives a brilliantly sensuous performance, especially when she attempts to seduce Yam Kim-fai. The song she sings in the scene has an alternative version with a different set of lyrics, which she performs in an earlier scene at the nightclub. Fung Wong Nui perfectly captures her character’s ruthless and sensual qualities in a tour-de-force performance.

Courtesy of Cathay-Keris Films Pte Ltd

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