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Shadow Magic (2000)

Shadow Magic (2000)

Drama History
Release Date: 2000, September 8
Directors: Ann Hu
Countries: China, Germany, Taiwan, United States of America
Production: C.A. Productions, Beijing Film Studio, China Film Co-Production, Central Motion Picture Corporation, Post Production Playground, Schulberg Productions, Road Movies Vierte Produktionen
Cast: Jared Harris, Xia Yu, Li Bin, Liu Peiqi, Zhang Kang, Fang Qingzhuo, Li Yusheng, Lü Liping, Chen Chuang, Tang Liang, Zhang Xun, Yufei Xing

Overview:

Beijing, 1902: an enterprising young portrait photographer named Liu Jinglun, keen on new technology, befriends a newly-arrived Englishman who's brought projector, camera, and Lumière-brothers' shorts to open the Shadow Magic theater. Liu's work with Wallace brings him conflict with tradition and his father's authority, complicated by his falling in love with Ling, daughter of Lord Tan, star of Beijing's traditional opera. Liu sees movies as his chance to become wealthy and worthy of Ling. When the Shadow Magic pair are invited to show the films to the Empress Dowager, things look good. But, is disaster in the script? And, can movies preserve tradition even as they bring change?