1902 mainland China, a British entrepreneur
strikes up his 5 chen picture show, "Ladies and
Gentlemen, step right up..." But no Chinaman gives
this white devil the time of day, save for charming
still photographer Liu. Lui's curiosity and love for
invention break the great wall of culture, tradition
and loyalty in search of truth, self, and
friendship.
Liu and the Brit team up despite Liu's father's
commands to the contrary. Though they delight in
shunning the foreigner, the townsfolk must admit they
enjoy watching the moving pictures even more. They're
a captive audience, swaying and smiling, dodging the
silent black and white locomotive, laughing at the
Europeans engaging in snowball fights, and the dancer
in fur, fluttering like a butterfly. "I always looked
upon foreigners as soldiers, I never thought they had
families. They even appear to have feelings." A local
quips to her friend.
Into this bond of pioneers toss a tempting romance
for Liu and "Shadow Magic" becomes a charming picture
show of its own.
Liu's beaming joy in invention is contagious,
while Jared Harris smashingly plays the determined
fish out of water and concerned partner. As Liu
himself had hoped to do with this new medium, this
film captures in splendid color the traditional
Chinese art form of Opera. The brief snowy shots of
the grand palace are subtly breathtaking. Also
momentary, but magical, the butterfly contraption Liu
created. Though the costuming is satisfactory, the
actual clothing needs to be a bit dirtier and
worn.
Will this wicked invention from the West destroy
ancient eastern culture - or will it capture it on
film forever? Ultimately, the film is as charming as
Liu's smile. While Lui and other characters are based
on historical people; Raymond (the Brit) is a
fictionalization of one of the few anonymous
foreigners who brought moving pictures to the East at
the turn of the century.
(In Mandarin with English subtitles.) Also of
note: This is the first official co-production
between Beijing Film Studio and Taiwan's Central
Motion (among other international companies).
Director Ann Hu was born in China, endured hard times
during the cultural revolution and moved to the
United States where she carved a career for herself
as a successful business woman. This is her first
film.
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