Dir: Evan Yang
Scr: Qin Yifu (aka Nellie Chin Yu)
Orig Story: Xu Su's novel of the same title
Prod Co: MP & GI
Cast: Chang Yang, Lucilla You Min, Grace Chang, Julie Yeh Feng, Tian Qing
1961 | Colour | D Beta | Mandarin | 99min

Love and war are ideal themes for an epic film, and director Evan Yang's two-part opus has both in spades. Putting on full display MP & GI's creative verve and abundant resources, the big-budget film depicts a tumultuous wartime story that follows the life of Xu Jianbai, played by popular marquee star Chang Yang. Thrown into the sweeps of turbulent historical times, he finds himself caught between affections for the village girl Lan (Lucilla You Min), aloof and proud as the stars in the sky, and his cousin Qiuming (Grace Chang), solemn but tender as the moon. Then appears the student Yanan (Julie Yeh Feng), radiating passion like the sun, and he becomes compelled to join the war effort. Thus unfolds a complex web of romantic fervour and patriotic sentiments, set against the backdrop of war. Going from a lovey-dovey first half to the emotionally devastating second half, this epic romance truly offers something for everyone.

Courtesy of Cathay-Keris Films Pte. Ltd.

Sun, Moon and Star (Concluding Episode)

Dir: Evan Yang
Scr: Qin Yifu (aka Nellie Chin Yu)
Orig Story: Xu Su's novel of the same title
Prod Co: MP & GI
Cast: Chang Yang, Lucilla You Min, Grace Chang, Julie Yeh Feng, Tian Qing
1961 | Colour | D Beta | Mandarin | 113min

Following the events of Part 1, an injured Jianbai (Chang Yang) reunites with Lan (Lucilla You Min), now a battlefield nurse, and Qiuming (Grace Chang), who has joined a troupe performing for soldiers. Simmering with passion for both, Jianbai also harbours feelings for Yanan (Julie Yeh Feng), who is still fighting on the front lines. War ends. As the nation rejoices in victory, the Sun, the Moon and the Star find themselves immersed in sadness and sorrow. The extensively-mounted battle scenes may lack visceral thrills, but the film's tender moments are delicately realised with loving and graceful touches by director Evan Yang. The heartfelt portrayals by scriptwriter Qin Yifu (aka Nellie Chin Yu) bring to vivid life the three women characters' natural charm and subtle, their interactions making up the most moving scenes of the film. The song-and-dance scene in the film also gives Grace Chang a chance to show off her glorious musical talents.

Courtesy of Cathay-Keris Films Pte. Ltd.

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