1977 | Colour | 107′ | Digital File Directors: Bow Fong, Hsu Hsin Screenwriter: Bow Fong Cinematographer: Jiang Shi Cast: Bow Fong, Chu Hung, Nina Paw Hee-ching In Putonghua with Chinese and English subtitles Post-screening talk in Cantonese Speaker: Cheng Ching-hang, Matthew (Writer and film critic) A patriotic poet and statesman – this is how the title character of Chu Yuan is described at the film’s very beginning. Qu Yuan (Chu Yuan in the film’s onscreen title) is a renowned figure in Chinese history, known just as well for his artistry in literature as for his suicide, a patriotic act that gave rise to the Dragon Boat Festival practiced up to this date. The film chronicles Qu’s futile effort for much-needed reform in the state of Chu, exposing the corrupted governmental system and the crafty interstate politics of the Warring States era. Qu is a personification of Chinese meritocracy, a scholar and artist who becomes a government official, driven by loyalty to the state and an urgent desire to foster better livelihood for fellow compatriots, setting an example for future generations of literati who entered government service through the exam system, serving the people with patriotic dedication. Such an idealistic tradition was however littered with violations, often ending up in tragedies of different dimensions. Qu’s persistence with the ideal, the failure of his efforts and the tragic but noble end of his life went on to become legend. And a celebration of the literati spirit. The quality of the image and sound of the screened version is short of ideal, and only a portion of the lyrics lacks English subtitles. We appreciate your understanding.

28/09/2025(Sun) 11:00

$75