The Story of Heroine Fan Lei-fa

Dir/Scr: Fung Chi-kong
Librettist: Poon Cheuk
Prod Co: Kin Lee
Cast: Connie Chan Po-chu, Yu Kai, Tam Lan-hing, Shum Chi-wah
1968 | Colour | Digital File | Cantonese | Chinese Lyrics | 103min

Connie Chan Po-chu, a teen idol who comes from a long line of Cantonese opera actors, breaks new ground by adopting the art form’s acting methodology of the daomadan (female warrior role) in her portrayal of the legendary female warrior Fan Lei-fa. In scenes opposite Fan’s husband Sit Ting-shan (Yu Kai), Chan sings melodies arranged in the style of Huangmei diao in the female voice, conveying a sense of tenderness and poignancy; but in the face of enemies on the battlefield, she displays adept traditional martial arts skills amidst the clamour of gongs and drums, her every movement exuding a commanding presence, her valour rivalling that of any man. Shum Chi-wah, who, like Chan, was also trained by the renowned dan (female lead) actress Fen Ju Hua, is cross-cast in the role of Sit Ying-lung, a bandit whom Fan defeats and adopts as her son. Not only does she look dashing, but her portrayal of a young swordsman who turns over a new leaf is also noteworthy. Meanwhile, Yu, hailed as a child prodigy of the opera world and well-trained in Northern-style martial arts, puts his impressive skills on full display in the film. To top it off, Tam Lan-hing, cross-cast in the role of the chousheng (male clown), delivers a witty and humorous performance as Ching Au-kam.

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