Sea Flowers

Author: Lin Ruoxin
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-07-01
Features: In 1905, China's first film was born in the capital. At that time, Shanghai theaters were still screening short segments of films shot by foreigners. However, just eight years later, Shanghai not only became the first film company in China to produce short films with actual storylines but also gradually evolved into the center of early Chinese cinema. Back then, Shanghai was a dreamlike and ever-changing hub, resembling China's own "Hollywood." Grand and luxurious cinemas sprang up, attracting tens of thousands of audiences. Amidst this dreamlike glow, people couldn’t help but notice them. They entered the silver screen in the 1920s and 1930s of the early 20th century, some shy and pure, others alluring and charming, but all undeniably breathtakingly beautiful. In reality, not all of them possessed conventional beauty, and some were even considered plain. Their personalities also varied greatly—not all were equally charming. Yet, they all became the envy of others and the stars of the time. So, what was it that made them so famous? In fact, it was all because they were in Shanghai at that time. Because of the circumstances and fashion of the era, because of Shanghai's openness and inclusiveness. The elegance of Butterfly (Hu Die), the vulnerability of Ruan Lingyu, the innocence of Zhou Xuan, the boldness of Wang Renmei, the versatility of Shangguan Yunzhu, the dignity of Wang Hanlun, the flamboyance of Yang Naimei, and the kindness of Xuan Jinglin. With the passage of time, today, they have become symbols of that special era. Just like the vivid joys and sorrows of old Shanghai, they are deeply embedded in every film and song they left behind.