The Lost Kite

Director: Xu Tao
Cast: Hung Sin Nui, Ma Si-tsang, Li Cuifang, Li Feilong
1957 | Colour | DCP | Cantonese | Lyrics with Chi Subtitles | 125min | Cantonese Opera

Originally a staple play in Qiong opera adapted by the Guangdong Cantonese Opera Troupe. Central to the plot is the star-crossed love affair between a maid-servant (Hung Sin Nui) and a scholar, which is brought to fruition by a sympathetic schoolteacher (Ma Si-tsang) they find shelter with. Director Xu Tao combined celluloid and stage opera to great effect. The well-fleshed-out narrative, coupled with the excellent performance by the entire cast, made this full-colour opera film a complete revelation. During the scene where Hung is locked inside a storeroom, the nocturnal naamyum (Southern Tune) passage, with a varied mix of melodic rhythms and plucking techniques, aptly reveals the inner turmoil of the lovelorn woman. An absolute showpiece of the Hung Sound.

#Post-screening talk with May Ng

The contents of the programme do not represent the views of the presenter. The presenter reserves the right to change the programme should unavoidable circumstances make it necessary.