The Heartless
The Heartless

Movie spotlight

The Heartless

1939
Movie
0
Cantonese

Kwong Shan-siu as a playboy who sweet-talks Leong Suet-fei into a romance with him. She becomes pregnant but discovers that Kwong is nothing more than a cad who has already put her at the back of his mind.

Insights

IMDb6.2/10
Director: Richard ThorpeGenres: Drama, Romance, Mystery

Plot Summary

A young woman from a privileged background falls for a charismatic but manipulative artist. As their relationship deepens, she becomes entangled in his dark secrets and questionable dealings, leading her to question her own moral compass and the true nature of love. The film explores themes of obsession, deceit, and the destructive power of unchecked ambition.

Critical Reception

Upon its release, 'The Heartless' received mixed reviews, with critics often divided on its melodramatic plot and the performances of its lead actors. While some praised its ambition and visual style, others found its narrative convoluted and its characters unsympathetic. Audience reception was also varied, with some drawn to its romantic entanglements and others put off by its darker undertones.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its atmospheric visuals and Lana Turner's star-making performance.

  • Criticized for a convoluted plot and predictable twists.

  • Some found the romantic leads' chemistry compelling, while others deemed it unconvincing.

Google audience: Audience reviews are largely unavailable or difficult to ascertain for this older film, with no significant consensus on specific likes or dislikes being consistently reported.

Fun Fact

This film marked one of Lana Turner's earliest significant roles, helping to solidify her status as a major Hollywood starlet.

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