Shadow Magic

– Beijing, 1902: an enterprising young portrait photographer named Liu Jinglun, keen on new technology..

Type:
Movie
Rating:
7.20 / 10
Duration:
One Hour and 56 Minutes
Release Year:
2000
Shadow Magic (2000)

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?

Release Date:

22 Nov 2001

Language:

English, Mandarin

MPAA Content-Rating:
PG – Parental Guidance Suggested

Some material may not be suitable for children. Parents urged to give "parental guidance". May contain some material parents might not like for their young children.

Director:

Ann Hu

Writer:

Zhang-Lun Chen, Ann Hu, Dan Huang, Huaizhuo Liu, Bob McAndrew, Kate Raisz, Louyi Tang, Shiqiang Zuo

Main Actors:

Jared Harris, Yu Xia, Yufei Xing, Peiqi Liu

Plot:

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?

Awards:

3 wins & 7 nominations.

Production:

Sony Pictures Classics

Ratings:
Internet Movie Database:
7.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes:
71%
Metacritic:
66%