Lian ai yu yi wu

A life rich in melodramatic incident across decades in Shanghai and suburbs high and low; a perfect vehicle for Ruan Lingyu to display her full range (in more than one role, even). Like said suburbs, it sprawls a bit, and I will confess the days of youth do come off strongest (ah, the things this picture can make of walking down a street). And as much as it does question tradition, it enthusiastically embraces maternal self-sacrifice (that most sacrosanct of melodramatic virtues) when time comes

One of eight Lingyu Ruan films known to exist. One of the big stars of Chinese cinema in the 30s until she killed herself in 1935. And she's quite the personality. Might come across a bit too much, but this is a interesting and long melodrama of husbands and lovers and how a life like that goes on a downward spiral. The simple sets and chapter style format gives it a unique perspective which enhanced a soapy drama. Not my favorite type of story, but it makes a few good points along its journey.

The first two-thirds are really, really good, the last third is a little too melodramatic for my taste.