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Director's Spotlight
Senior Film Conservator
Director's Spotlight: Hong Kong (Special Administrative Region of China)
A Deep Dive into the 1913 Vision of Beihai Li
The artistic breakthrough represented by Zhuangzi shi qi in 1913 highlights the uncompromising vision of Beihai Li that defines this cult masterpiece. In the context of Hong Kong (Special Administrative Region of China)'s rich cinematic history, it captures a specific kind of cinematic magic that is rarely replicated.
In Zhuangzi shi qi, Beihai Li pushes the boundaries of conventional narrative. The film's unique approach to its subject matter has sparked endless debates and interpretations among cinephiles and critics alike.
| Cinematography | Handheld |
| Soundtrack | Diegetic |
| Editing | Elliptical |
| Art Direction | Expressionist |
Visualizing the convergence of Beihai Li's style and the core cult narrative.
Philosopher-eccentric Chuang Tzu comes across a woman fanning the newly built grave of her dead husband because she desires to marry again. On returning home, Chuang Tze decides to put his wife to the test - he fakes his own death; the wife is grief-stricken and goes into mourning. While funeral arrangement are in progress, a handsome young man come to call on Chuang Tze. Later, there is talk of marriage between Chuang Tze's wife and the man. However, the young man falls ill; his servant says that taking the human brain is the only medicine to cure him ...
Decades after its release, Zhuangzi shi qi remains a vital piece of the cinematic puzzle. Its influence can be seen in countless modern works, solidifying Beihai Li's status as a master of the craft in Hong Kong (Special Administrative Region of China) and beyond.