Movie spotlight
The Female Prince
The husband-and-wife team of Ivy Ling Po and Chin Han returned to another Huangmei Opera classic after Lady General Hua Mu-Lan. Helmed by Chow Sze-loke and written by Chang Cheh, the story revolved around two intellectual siblings, Ching Feng-sheng (Chin Feng) and Ching Feng-hsiao (Ivy Ling Po), who were constantly abused by their stepmother Hsia (Kao Pao-shu). Feng-hsiao was engaged to Li Ru-lung (Chin Han) since birth, but the greedy Hsia forced him to forfeit the marriage. When Ru-lung refused, Hsia framed him for thievery and put him behind bars. To rescue her lover, Feng-hsiao dressed as a young man and went to the capital. She then used Ru-lung's name to enter the national exam and was ranked first place. Impressed by Feng-hsiao, the Emperor decided to let her wed the Princess (Fang Ying). On the wedding night, Feng-hsiao revealed the truth to the Princess...
Insights
Plot Summary
In ancient China, a young woman disguises herself as a man to assume her deceased brother's position in the imperial court. She navigates the treacherous political landscape, facing constant threats of exposure while striving to protect her family and uphold justice. Her intelligence and resilience allow her to rise through the ranks, but her secret puts her in increasingly perilous situations.
Critical Reception
The Female Prince was a critically acclaimed film, praised for its intricate plot, strong female lead, and stunning historical accuracy. It resonated with audiences for its themes of courage, identity, and the challenges faced by women in patriarchal societies. The film is considered a classic of Taiwanese cinema.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its compelling narrative and historical detail.
Hailed as a landmark film for its portrayal of female strength and agency.
Commended for its visual splendor and strong performances.
Google audience: Audiences overwhelmingly enjoyed 'The Female Prince,' frequently highlighting its engaging storyline and the captivating performance of the lead actress. Many viewers appreciated the film's historical setting and the powerful message of female empowerment it conveyed.
Awards & Accolades
Golden Horse Film Festival - Best Feature Film, Best Actress (Mei Ling), Best Director
Fun Fact
To convincingly portray a male role, the lead actress Mei Ling underwent extensive training in martial arts and horseback riding, and her voice was subtly altered in post-production to sound more masculine.
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