Dir: Xu Tao
Prod Co: Shanghai Film Production Studio
Cast: Leung Mo-sheung, Yu Lai-zhen, Lam Mui-mui, Poon Yat On
1952 Colour D Beta Cantonese Chinese Lyrics 125 min

 

The Lost Kite features the indelible performances of two giants of Chinese opera in their artistic prime. It was Hung Sin Nui's first Cantonese opera film in colour after she returned to the Mainland in 1955, she portrays a clever and courageous maid-servant and showcases her melodic voice and special vocal style ‘Hung style' while performing ‘Love in the First Encounter' and ‘Lament to Self in the Woodshed' in the film. Ma Si-tsang rose to fame with his witty, comedic ‘beggar' singing style, but after returning to the Mainland in the 1950s, most of his roles were well-mannered, strait-laced elderly gentlemen. The scene ‘Reflections under the Moonlight' is a remarkable performance in Ma's late-career, a consummate display of poise, attention to detail, and righteousness that informs his character.