"Red Lovers" Come to Beijing Screens

by Qie Jianwen

The flurry caused by "The Titanic" docking in Beijing, has died down (finally), and film circles seem to be quiet. But they're about to be stirred up all over again, when Beijing Forbidden City Film Co. brings "Red Lovers" to capital city screens in August.

Rumors are already swirling in the media about the movie. Why all the interest? Lots of reasons: Almost three-fourths of the dialog is in English, an American actor plays the crucial part of a doctor, an unusual love story figures prominently in the plot of this war movie, and the movie was directed by one of China's most acclaimed directors.

And, to top it off, "Red Lovers" required one of the largest investments (RMB 30 million) and longest production schedules (three years) in Chinese cinema history.

The film is directed by Ye Daying, whose directing of "Red Cherry" won him a prize as the nation's top director.

"The script has been revised more than 10 times by professional playwrights in Hollywood," Ye said of the film's torturous history. "The love story is very special, and was adapted from the lives of real people.

"In the past, the hero and his actions, especially in battle, were the focal point of war films. But in recent years, human nature and emotions in war have come into focus. Now, many people want to know about the inner world of famed Communist leaders of the past, and in this film that is emphatically described."

The film stars Zhang Guorong, famous in mainland, Hong Kong, Macao, Southeast Asia and Japan. The part of an American doctor is played by Hollywood star Todd Babcock. Sound effects were recorded in Australia, and some framing was done in Japan. In July the movie was invited to be shown at the Venice Film Festival in Italy.

"Red Lovers" (Synopsis)

The love story unfolds in Shanghai 50 years ago. An American doctor, Payne, meets a beautiful Chinese girl, Quiqui. Payne falls in love with Quiqui at first sight.

Jin is a high-ranking Communist leader in the Shanghai underground. To protect Jin, Quiqui becomes his consort. As time goes by, Quiqui falls in love with Jin, attracted by his bravery and wisdom. She is willing to sacrifice everything to win his true love. But Jin is unaware of his own love for her.

At first, Payne doesn't understand Quiqui's love for Jin, but finally realizes that they are following their hearts and their ideals, even if it will cost them their lives. Putting aside his passion for Quiqui, Payne shows the greatest love of all by trying to help Jin and Quiqui in their quest.