Movie spotlight
The Seventh Sin
In post-WWII Hong Kong, unhappily married Carol has an affair with Paul. Her physician husband Walter discovers it and presents her with a choice: travel with him to China (where he will fight a cholera epidemic) or face the scandal of a public divorce. She persuades him to reconsider and he proposes an alternative. If Paul's wife will agree to a divorce and he marries Carol within one week Walter will obtain a quiet divorce. Carol presents Walter's 'deal' to Paul, who regretfully declines, citing respect for his wife.Carol sees as her only choice to accompany Walter to the village, where she meets booze-soaked Tim. He soon introduces her to nuns at the local hospital-convent and Carol begins to re-evaluate her self-absorbed life and character. Working at the convent, Carol learns she is pregnant. She tells Walter she's unsure who is the father and he regrets her honesty. Shortly after, Walter contracts cholera and dies. Carol returns to Hong Kong and an uncertain future.
Insights
Plot Summary
In a remote Chinese mission during the 1920s, a stern and devout doctor finds her faith tested when she falls in love with a charming adventurer. As war looms and the country descends into chaos, her forbidden passion clashes with her vows and the expectations of her rigid community. The doctor must confront her desires and the consequences of her choices amidst escalating political turmoil.
Critical Reception
Upon its release, 'The Seventh Sin' received mixed to negative reviews, with many critics finding its melodrama unconvincing and its treatment of its subject matter dated. While some acknowledged the performances, the film struggled to find an audience and is generally considered a lesser entry in the careers of its cast and crew.
What Reviewers Say
The film's dramatic elements are often overly theatrical and fail to resonate.
Performances are decent but cannot overcome a weak and predictable script.
The portrayal of the setting and its societal issues feels superficial and stereotypical.
Google audience: Audience reviews are sparse, but those available suggest a general disappointment with the film's melodramatic tone and lack of depth, with some finding it a dull viewing experience.
Fun Fact
The film was shot on location in Hong Kong, which was unusual for Hollywood productions at the time and added a degree of authenticity to its exotic setting.
AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources