Ten Thousand Li Ahead
Dir/Scr: Cai Chusheng
Prod Co: Xinsheng
Cast: Lee Ching, Yung Siu-yi, Li Jingbo, Rong Rong, Zhao Yishan
1938 | B&W | D Beta | Mandarin & Cantonese | 103min
Driver Ko Wah (Lee Ching) refuses to transport ammunitions for the enemy, and is sent to jail after a scuffle with his traitorous boss. Although down and out, Ko takes in Siu-fung (Yung Siu-yi), an unwilling erotic dancer who has fled the war to Hong Kong. They may lead destitute lives, but their conscience remains intact. Director Cai Chusheng co-founded the National Salvation Association of Cinema. When Ko makes a uproar at the dance parlour and rips apart his friend's zombie costume, it represents Cai's criticism on the muddling-along attitude of Hong Kong society at the time. The characters' decision to return to the mainland to join the resistance effort also foretells Cai's decision to do the same in real-life.