Essence of Cantonese Films

Butterfly and Red Pear Blossom (Restored Version)

Dir: Lee Tit
Orig Story: Zhang Shouqing
Scr/Librettist: Tong Tik-sang
Prod Co: Hawks
Cast: Yam Kim-fai, Pak Suet-sin, Lan Chi Pak, Leung Sing-por, Cheung Sing-fei
1959 | B&W | DCP | Cantonese | Chi & Eng Subtitles | 142min

Butterfly and Red Pear Blossom holds a special place in the history of Hong Kong cinema. It was written by Tong Tik-sang, one of the greatest librettists in Cantonese opera history, who elevated the medium by incorporating classic literature into his work; and was directed by Lee Tit, one of the luminaries of that era. Together they brought Butterfly and Red Pear Blossom on silver screen, which reached even higher artistic levels in its superb integration of Cantonese opera and film.

The story is about a courtesan (Pak Suet-sin) and a scholar (Yam Kim-fai) who fall in love while exchanging poems. Their romance is thwarted by an official (Lan Chi Pak). In spite of the assistance by a good friend (Leung Sing-por), under the masterful pen of playwright Tong Tik-sang, the two love-birds don't meet until the final scene. Together, they animate Tong's poetic verses, graceful lyrics and captivating drama, with the marvellous performance consolidated by Lee's brilliant cinematic mise-en-scène and editing. Butterfly and Red Pear Blossom is a masterpiece where the three art forms of opera, film and literature converge.

The film has been digitally restored by the Archive in 2019, reinstating its artistic glory.

Showing with 'Restoration Story' of the Film

Courtesy of Dr. Hoover Yin Ho-fai

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.