The cherished story of the emperor who falls in love with a village lass in his travels has been told many times in many media, but with Yam Kim-fai, the title role takes on special charisma. Fung Wong Nui is cast in the unenviable role of the jealous queen but manages to turn in a delicately shaded performance. The film is also marked by its vibrant depiction of a small Chinese town, rare in Cantonese films of the time. It was originally released in colour, shot by the legendary Chiu Shu-sun, but the only available colour print is damaged and we regrettably have to screen a black-and-white version.

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