Running until October 31, the Hong Kong Film Archive (HKFA) is staging a centenary tribute to Fung Wong-nui, the Cantonese opera legend, to celebrate her impact on Chinese performing arts. Screenings of 16 classic films starring the seminal actor will be shown as part of ‘Phoenix on the Silver Screen – A Centenary Tribute to Fung Wong Nui’ in the HKFA’s Morning Matinee series, making Fung’s influential work accessible to a wider audience.
Fung Wong-nui hailed from the Guangdong province, and got her start in Cantonese opera at the age of 13. Her first major opera role came in 1947 in The Romantic Monk, but it was her role as antagonist in Lust Is the Worst Vice (1963) that made her a household name. In addition to starting her own Cantonese opera troupe and performing live on stage as the female lead of other groups, she also entered the world of black-and-white films in the 1950s, ultimately starring in over 250 movies over the course of her career.
Hong Kong Film Archive has curated a selection of Fung’s films under four categories – ‘Gems of Cantonese Opera,’ ‘The Unforgettable Villainess,’ ‘Martial Heroine,’ and ‘Comedy and Drama’ – to give audiences a comprehensive overview of the actor’s accomplishments and versatile style. From her signature Cantonese opera repertoire, Luring the Girls On (1959) and Red Shoes Solves the Mystery Case (1959) provide an introduction to Fung’s talent, while her masterful grasp of portraying villains is showcased through The Magic-Eyed Queen Spots the Prince, Part One (1959).
Fung’s ability to embody heroines will also be demonstrated through Girl Martyr (1957) and Lady General Fa Muk-lan (1961), among others, while her comedy and drama chops are on full display in Loving Enemies (1957) and The Illegitimate Lover (1959).
Post-screening talks will take place after select screenings, led by notable figures in the performing arts industry such as Cantonese opera veteran Professor Yuen Siu-fai and Ko Lai – a disciple of Fung’s – of the Ko Lai Sum Cantonese Opera Troupe. Screenings will be held in the Cinema at the Hong Kong Film Archive, and tickets are now available for $40 via Urbtix. Click here to see the full list of films on offer.
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