The series
In 2014, Time Out polled an auspicious 88 film experts from across the world to determine the 100 best Mainland Chinese films of all time, from 1930s silent classics, blockbuster wuxia epics and independent documentaries. Now we’re teaming up with M on the Bund to give you the chance to see these films for free, with a screening every second Sunday of the month at Glam.
The film
This gut-wrenching silent film classic depicts a mother forced into prostitution in order to support her young son. The ‘goddess’ (a euphemism for prostitute) of the film’s title is played by the luminous Ruan Lingyu in a superlative performance, flitting between smouldering reluctant temptress and devoted mother. Filling the screen with puckered-nosed scowls of contempt and fidgety ticks of self-loathing, some critics have made the case that her performance alone embodies the manifold hypocrisies of a Confucian China on the brink of modernity.
In a case, perhaps, of life imitating art, Ruan’s name was later dragged through the mud amid rumours of an adulterous affair – an event that led her to take her own life. The Goddess – which in its questioning of traditional ideals of womanhood anticipates revered Japanese director Kenji Mizoguchi’s The Life of Oharu – remains the apogee of her radiant career.
The venue
We’ll be screening the film on Sunday 8 May in the casual, comfortable and top class surrounds of Glam, a venue we gave five stars to when it opened last year. There’ll be special drinks deals on offer, plus a tailored post-screening food menu for those who want to linger a little longer, featuring four Glam dishes plus a glass of wine for 228RMB per person (plus 10 percent service charge).
Entry is free, but you’ll need to RSVP. Send the message ‘Film’ to our official WeChat account (QR code below) to reserve a spot.
For more info from Glam, follow them on WeChat at MGlam魅蓝.