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@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: (Amazon affiliate link, commission based) Subscribe to the Modern Chinese Cultural Studies channel for updates on new translations of classic Chinese films, and check out the many other films - comedies, melodramas, musicals, social dramas, and more. ONE-CLICK CHANNEL SUBSCRIBE LINK: WEBSITE ON EARLY CHINESE CINEMA: ABOUT CHRISTOPHER REA: PLAYLISTS: Chinese Film Classics: Chinese Film Classics – Online Course: Best of Early Chinese Cinema: How-Tos from Early Chinese Cinema: Sounds of Early Chinese Cinema: Early Chinese Animation: 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
