Shadow Magic
– Beijing, 1902: an enterprising young portrait photographer named Liu Jinglun, keen on new technology..
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?
22 Nov 2001
English, Mandarin
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.
Ann Hu
Zhang-Lun Chen, Ann Hu, Dan Huang, Huaizhuo Liu, Bob McAndrew, Kate Raisz, Louyi Tang, Shiqiang Zuo
Jared Harris, Yu Xia, Yufei Xing, Peiqi Liu
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?
3 wins & 7 nominations.
Sony Pictures Classics