The Enchanting Shadow

Dir: Li Han-hsiang
Scr: Wang Yueting
Prod Co: Shaws Brothersl
Co-starring: Chao Lei, Yang Zhiqing, Luo Qi, Tang Ruoqing, Feng Yi
1960 / Colour / D Beta / Mandarin / Chi & Eng / subtitles / 82min

Precious few fictional characters, if any, are as enchantingly powerful as Nie Qiaoqian from Pu Songling's novel to seal Betty Loh Ti's image as the ‘Classic Beauty'. Under Li Han-hsiang's lens, Loh delivered an emphatic performance as the ghostess which laid the grounds for her iconic period roles in Dream of the Red Chamber and The Love Eterne. Xiaoqian is coerced into the services of an old demon to kill scholar Ning Cai-chen at the Jin Hua Temple. Falling for his charms, she spares his life. The grateful scholar helps free her from the evil's clutches and returns her ashes to her hometown. The masterful craftsmanship of cinematography and mise-en-scène, enhanced by the aesthetic designs of setting and characters, brought Loh's elegance to the fore. Entered into competition at the 13th Cannes Film Festival in 1960, this masterpiece catapulted the "Classic Beauty" to worldwide fame.

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