The Circle
The Circle

Movie spotlight

The Circle

1925
Movie
66 min
English

Elizabeth Cheney has a wealthy husband, social prominence and everything she could want in life . . . except Ted Lutton, the man she loves. She must decide whether to give everything up to follow her heart and run off with Ted.

Insights

IMDb7.2/10
Director: Frank BorzageGenres: Drama, Romance

Plot Summary

A young man named Chad, from a prominent New York family, falls for a beautiful Chinese woman named Su-Mei while studying abroad. His family disapproves of their relationship, and Chad's mother, who had a past romance with Su-Mei's father, tries to intervene. The film explores themes of cultural differences, societal expectations, and forbidden love across continents.

Critical Reception

Upon its release, "The Circle" was generally well-received by critics for its sensitive portrayal of cross-cultural romance and its visual artistry. It was particularly noted for its sympathetic handling of its Chinese characters, which was uncommon for the era. The performances, especially Anna May Wong's, were praised for their subtlety and emotional depth.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its sensitive handling of a controversial subject matter.

  • Commended for the performances of its lead actors, particularly Anna May Wong.

  • Noted for its visual appeal and direction by Frank Borzage.

Google audience: Information regarding specific Google user reviews for "The Circle" (1925) is not readily available due to the film's age and the shift in review platforms over time.

Fun Fact

The film was notable for its relatively progressive portrayal of its Chinese characters and their relationships, especially given the racial attitudes prevalent in Hollywood at the time.

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