THE ARCH

Hong Kong / 1968 / 95min /
Director：T’ANG Shushuen

The directorial debut and signature work of female director T’ang Shushuen, who studied at the University of Southern California. It was also the first film produced outside the established Hong Kong film industry and released as an independent work. Set in 17th-century China, it tells the story of Madam Tong, who, after her husband’s death, continues to serve his family but is torn between her feelings for a soldier staying at her home and the moral code valuing chastity. The film was screened at the first Directors' Fortnight at the 1969 Cannes Film Festival and won four awards at the 1971 Golden Horse Awards, including Best Actress.

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THE SYSTEM

Hong Kong / 1979 / 88min /
Director：Peter YUNG

This is the feature directorial debut of Peter Yung, who was active as a cinematographer and a pioneer of independent cinema. The film thrillingly depicts a narcotics enforcement officer, played by Ying Bai—a regular in King Hu’s films—who uses various schemes and tactics to pursue the arrest of a drug kingpin. Drawing on his experience in documentary filmmaking, the film realistically portrays the complex relationships and struggles between the police, informants, and drug dealers, making it a groundbreaking crime drama.

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LOVE MASSACRE

Hong Kong / 1981 / 91min /
Director：Patrick Tam

A psychological thriller bursting with the sharp talent of Patrick Tam — a leading director of the early Hong Kong New Wave, also known for his editing work on Wong Kar-wai’s “Days of Being Wild,” among others. Set in San Francisco, it boldly and in striking color design depicts a college student who, while trying to help her heartbroken friend, becomes caught in a harrowing ordeal. The heroine is played by Brigitte Lin. This film also marks William Chang’s debut as art director, an indispensable talent in Wong Kar-wai’s works.

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