Ai le zhongnian (Sorrows and Joys of a Middle-Aged Man)
Sang Hu, CN 1949; Screenplay: Eileen Chang, Sang Hu; Cinematography: Huang Shaofen; Editing: Xu Qim: Huang Yijun; Cast: Shi Hui, Zhu Jiachen, Han Fei, Li Huanqing. DCP (from 35mm), bw, 103 min. Mandarin with English subtitlesWriter Eileen Chang's third collaboration with director Sang Hu was Sorrows and Joys of a Middle-Aged Man, released into the tumultuous environment of 1947 Shanghai. Rather gentler than Chang's typical scripts, the film does contain a harsh satire of the corruption of patriarchal-Confucian family values. But Chang and Sang wrap this in a comedy of family manners, centered on a warm, life-affirming portrayal of crusty middle-aged schoolmaster Chen and his bright and compassionate young female colleague Liu. Chen is pushed to retire by his aggressive son Jianzhong, whose social standing is rapidly rising amidst the frenzied inflation and political corruption of Civil War era Shanghai. When Chen nevertheless returns to school to help Teacher Liu, the couple grow close despite their substantial age difference, to the consternation of his family. The great popular actor/director Shi Hui plays Chen with warmth, tenderness, and luminous moral intelligence. (S.K.)