@Modern Chinese Cultural Studies
Widely regarded as the finest Chinese silent film, Goddess is a stylistic masterpiece. A single mother working as a streetwalking prostitute finds herself trapped in a relationship with a thuggish gambler, and desperately fights to escape. How should society respond to her sacrifices? An exemplary melodrama featuring legendary actress Ruan Lingyu at her most radiant. Child actor Li Keng (Henry Lai, Lai Hang) also appears in films Sports Queen (1934) and Song of China (1935).
Want to learn more about this film? Be sure also to watch the two video lectures about “Goddess,“ which discuss both how the film responds to contemporary politics, and about the artistic qualities that have made the film a classic.
Video lecture 1 (12 mins):
Video lecture 2 (14 mins):
See the full course module on “Goddess“ at
“Goddess“ is discussed in chapter 4 of:
NEW BOOK “CHINESE FILM CLASSICS, 1922-1949“:
Chinese Film Classics, 1922-1949:
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ABOUT THE FILM:
Shennv
Written and Directed by Wu Yonggang
Lianhua Film Studio
Released on December 7, 1934
Starring Ruan Lingyu, Li Keng, Zhang Zhizhi, Li Junpan
English subtitles translated by Christopher Rea