Dir/Scr: Chiang Wai-kwong
Librettist: Tong Tik-sang
Prod Co: Yiguang
Cast: Yam Kim-fai, Pak Suet-sin, Poon Yat On, Lau Yuet-fung, Lau Hark-suen, Yam Bing-yee
1958 / B&W / D Beta / Cantonese / 105min

 

Tat-man (Yam Kim-fai) is in love with his maid, Kuen-hong (Pak Suet-sin). Before Tat-man leaves home to take the imperial exam, the two lovers consummate their love, resulting in Kuen-hong bearing his child out of wedlock. Kuen-hong is kicked out of the house and ends up at an inn where the owners use her as bait to lure men. As if she has not suffered enough, Kuen-hong is later framed for murder. Tat-man, now a magistrate, volunteers to preside over the trial and ultimately succeeds in exonerating his lover from the crime. This tragic tale full of twists and turns is a reworking of Tolstoy's  Resurrection . While the music written by Tong has a universal appeal, Yam and Pak deliver yet another solid and heart rending performance in this film.