Shadow Magic (2000)
Starring Jared Harris, Xia Yu, Yufei Xing
Directed by Ann Hu
Beijing, 1902: an enterprising young portrait photographer named Liu Jinglun, keen on new technology, befriends a newly-arrived Englishman who's brought projector, camera, and Lumière-brothers' shorts to open the Shadow Magic theater. Liu's work with Wallace brings him conflict with tradition and his father's authority, complicated by his falling in love with Ling, daughter of Lord Tan, star of Beijing's traditional opera. Liu sees movies as his chance to become wealthy and worthy of Ling. When the Shadow Magic pair are invited to show the films to the Empress Dowager, things look good. But, is disaster in the script? And, can movies preserve tradition even as they bring change?
Runtime: 116 min.
Rating: 6.4
DVD
Languages: English,Mandarin
Countries: China,Germany,Taiwan,United States of America
Genres: Drama,History
Cast
Raymond Wallace
Liu Jinglun (Liu Zhonglun)
Ling
Master Ren (Ren JingFeng)
Madame Ren
Old Liu
Lord Tan (Tan Xinpei)
Lao Chang
Mi Hu
Fu Guan
Jewelry Tower
Empress Ci Xi
Widow Jiang