Movie spotlight
National Customs
In 1930, two sisters from the countryside, the serious Zhang Lan (Ruan Lingyu) and the frivolous Zhang Tao graduate from the secondary school where their mother Zhang Jie serves as principal. They both love their cousin Zuo, but have ambitions other than marriage. Their lives change dramatically when both attend university in Shanghai and encounter modern urban life and rapidly changing society. The film also depicts the emergence of Chiang Kai-shek's 1934 New Life Movement. Lianhua Film Studio did the film to appease the Nationalist Party which accused it of primarily presenting left-wing films, which was true.
Insights
Plot Summary
A young man tries to convince his skeptical father that he has invented a new type of automobile that runs on alcohol. He demonstrates his invention, but things don't go quite as planned, leading to a series of comedic mishaps. The film explores themes of ambition and family dynamics within a lighthearted comedic framework.
Critical Reception
As a short comedy film from 1935, 'National Customs' received limited critical review at the time of its release. Contemporary audiences likely found it to be a lighthearted and amusing diversion. Modern appreciation focuses on its historical context and the performances of its cast.
What Reviewers Say
A whimsical and entertaining short comedy.
Features a charming performance from its lead.
Offers a glimpse into early comedic filmmaking techniques.
Google audience: Information on Google user reviews for this specific short film from 1935 is not readily available.
Fun Fact
The film was produced by Fox Film Corporation, which would merge with 20th Century Pictures in 1935 to form 20th Century-Fox, a major Hollywood studio.
AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources