THE ARCH
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THE ARCH

WOMEN MAKE FILM SERIES
Sat
9
Sat Jul 9 2:30 PM

Arc Cinema
Allocated Seating
94 Mins
1968 | DCP | Hong Kong | D: Tang Shu Shuen   

The Arch (Dong Fu Ren) is often considered the first art film in the Chinese language. Set in 17th century China, it follows wealthy widow Madame Tung (Lisa Lu) on the eve of her crowning achievement – the erection of a triumphal arch in honour of her virtue and service to the village.  
 
When Captain Yang (Roy Chiao) arrives, she agrees to billet him and his soldiers. She eventually develops feelings for him, only to realise her daughter (Hilda Chow Hsuan) is also in love with the young captain.  
 
Though her film career was brief, Tang Shu Shuen (Cecile Tang) was a trailblazer for socially critical art cinema in Hong Kong’s populist film industry, as well as its first noted female director. The Arch is unique and complex in form and style and is a rare must-see! 
 
Daring techniques rub against subtle character study in what has become one of the most acclaimed Hong Kong films ever’ - Easternkicks.com   

Arc Cinema

1 McCoy Circuit Acton, Australian Capital Territory, 2601