Dir/Scr: Lung To
Librettists: Lee Yuen-man, Pong Chow-wah
Prod Co: Tao Yuen
Cast: Yam Kim-fai, Law Yim-hing, Fung Bo-bo, Poon Yat On, Yam Bing-yee
1960 B&W D Beta Cantonese Chinese Lyrics 111 min

 

In this harmonious blend of Cantonese opera and film by Lung To, a rich merchant (Yam Kim-fai) becomes amnesiac due to an attack at the countryside, fortunately a woman (Law Yim-hing) takes care of him and weds him. After yet another accident, he recovers his memory but forgets the woman. A rendition of Hollywood movie Random Harvest (1942), this film focuses more on the intricate plot than the crafts of opera singing and postures by adding to the suspense, well-timed coincidences lead to the couple eluding each other. Montages of Yam and Law establishing their family are filled with a vibrant flurry of images, music and sound effects. The couple's playful chemistry and Yam's naivety bear the hallmarks of a romantic comedy. With plenty of scenes and transitions effects, Lung pulls out all the stops in filmmaking techniques to transcend the possibilities of Cantonese opera films.