Film Name:潘金莲之前世今生 / The Reincarnation of Golden Lotus
《The Reincarnation of Golden Lotus》 is a fantasy drama film directed by Luo Zhuoyao, written by Li Bihua, and starring Wong Cho Yin, Lam Chun Yin and Eric Tsang. The film tells the story of Pan Jinlian, who was reincarnated as Shan Yulian after her death, and her love-hate relationship with three men as she goes through the trials and tribulations of the turbulent Cultural Revolution period.
The film is set during the Cultural Revolution. Shan Yulian is a leading dancer in a ballet troupe, but she is raped by the troupe’s director and sent down to a shoe factory in the countryside. There she meets Wu Long, a quiet but kind-hearted man. The two gradually develop feelings for each other, but Wu Long leaves Shan Yulian because of his identity.
Later, Shan Yulian meets Wu Rudai, a rich but vulgar businessman. Wu Rudai falls in love with Shan Yulian at first sight and marries her. However, Shan Yulian did not love Wu Rudai and she could never forget Wu Long. By chance, Shan Yulian meets Simon, a suave man. Simon pursues Shan Yulian fiercely, but Shan Yulian knows that he is just playing around.
After a series of trials and tribulations, Shan Yulian finally realises that she is actually the reincarnation of Pan Jinlian. She recalls all the pains and misfortunes of her previous life and decides to change her fate. She begins to rebel against Wu Rudai’s control and pursues the life she really wants.
However, fate always seems to disfavour her. Shan Yulian discovers that Wu Long is actually the reincarnation of Pan Jinlian’s enemy Wu Song, while Simon is the reincarnation of Simon Qing. Faced with the grudges and feuds of her past lives, Shan Yulian is plunged into deep pain.
In the end, Shan Yulian chose to leave this world and end her miserable life. Her death also symbolises that she is finally free from the bondage of her past life and has achieved true liberation.
《The Reincarnation of Golden Lotus》 is a film full of tragedy which profoundly explores the themes of human nature, fate and love. Wong portrayed a woman who was both beautiful and pitiful in the film, and her performance won wide acclaim from the audience. In addition, the film’s music, costumes and cinematography are also excellent, adding to the film’s artistic impact.
《The Reincarnation of Golden Lotus》 is a film worth watching. It not only shows the characteristics and charms of Hong Kong cinema, but also makes the audience feel the complexity of human nature and the vagaries of fate.
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