Watch Romance of the Western Chamber

Romance of the Western Chamber is a Chinese historical film directed by Hou Yao and released in 1927. It is based on a classical Chinese play of the same name, written by the Yuan dynasty playwright Wang Shifu. The film is considered to be one of the earliest examples of Chinese historical cinema, and is praised for its faithful adaptation of the original play and its innovative storytelling.

The plot of Romance of the Western Chamber revolves around the romantic relationship between Zhang Sheng, a young scholar, and Cui Yingying, the daughter of a powerful government official. The two meet when Zhang Sheng becomes stranded in a temple during a storm, and is aided by Yingying's maid Hongniang. Zhang Sheng and Yingying soon fall in love, but their relationship is threatened by Yingying's strict father and the jealous actions of her suitor, the villainous Wu Song.

The film is notable for its use of traditional Chinese opera techniques, including stylized acting and singing, intricate costumes, and dynamic camera movements. The characters are also given a depth and complexity not often seen in early cinema, with Zhang Sheng and Yingying's relationship being portrayed as a nuanced and realistic love story.

The performances in Romance of the Western Chamber are also notable, with the lead actors Cijiang Ge and Chichang Hu giving powerful and nuanced performances as Zhang Sheng and Yingying, respectively. Ge's portrayal of Zhang Sheng is particularly praised for his emotional range and physicality, while Hu's performance as Yingying is noted for her grace and vulnerability.

Overall, Romance of the Western Chamber is a landmark film in Chinese cinema history, and a must-see for fans of historical and romantic dramas. Its innovative storytelling and use of traditional Chinese techniques set a standard for Chinese cinema that would be followed for decades to come.

Romance of the Western Chamber is a 2014 art house & international movie with a runtime of 43 minutes.