Princess Chang Ping (1975)

Captivating Cantonese opera shot in extremely vivid style and propelled by an intense traditional soundtrack. Set against the Chinese imperial palace, its a tragic tale of loss and love that cannot be. The two protagonists are forced apart at the end of a dynasty, crumbling at the hands of an incompetent Emperor. As the next dynasty forms, the two come together, seeking not only each other, but a full closure of the previous Emperor's reign as well. The plot is elaborate; the costumes and dialogue more so. Being acted in Cantonese Opera makes it all the more appealing. Told with grace and all the colour of traditional Chinese song, the genre allows for fluid delivery punctuated by dramatic breaks of music. Apparently based on a true story, though this version is far removed from the rather gruesome original tale.

Credits:

Dir: Wu Yu-sheng (John Woo)
Actors: The Young Phoenix Opera with Lung Kim-sung and Mui Shet-sze