Opening Film

The Goddess (4K Digitally Restored Version)

Hong Kong Premiere

Dir/Scr: Wu Yonggang
Prod Co: United Photoplay Service
Cast: Ruan Lingyu, Li Keng (aka Henry Lai), Zhang Zhizhi, Li Junpan
1934 | B&W | DCP | Silent (with score) | Chinese Intertitles & English Subtitles | 82min

Ruan Lingyu remains one of the most iconic figures of Chinese cinema’s silent era, and The Goddess stands as one of its finest achievements. Ruan delivers a deeply moving performance as a woman leading a double life: a devoted mother by day and a streetwalker by night, struggling to provide for her son. Violently controlled by a thug, her fragile existence begins to unravel when her son is expelled from school because of her job. Determined to start afresh, she plans to leave the city with her beloved son, only to find her savings stolen by the thug. Driven to desperation, she kills the thug and is ultimately sentenced to prison.

Directed by Wu Yonggang, the film is remarkable for its minimalist yet highly expressive visual style. Carefully composed wide shots reflect the protagonist’s inner turmoil as she drifts through the streets, while low-angle framing conveys her resilience in face of hardship. The film pushes the emotional and visual language of silent cinema to its limits. At its heart is Ruan’s extraordinary performance. Her subtle expressions and physical presence bring a rare emotional depth, elevating the film into a work of enduring artistic power. The Goddess offers a critique of social injustice and the plight of women, underscored by a strong sense of human compassion.

This screening features the China Film Archive’s new 4K digital restoration, accompanied by Zou Ye’s original score composed in 2014, newly remixed in 5.1 surround sound for a fully immersive experience.

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.