The Republic of China (ROC)

1912-1949

The emergence of more narrative forms: film

Movie Synopsis:

Emperor Qin Shi Huang forced laborers to build the Great Wall. One day, a section of the wall collapsed and the emperor called upon diviners to perform a prophecy. The diviner was originally a traitor from the state of Chu and had once been stabbed by a patriot named Qi Liang. Seeking revenge, the diviner urged Qin Shi Huang to capture Qi Liang and sacrifice him to the collapsed wall. Qi Liang fled and sought refuge in Meng’s family Garden, where he met a woman named Meng Jiang. Impressed by his bravery, Meng Jiang married him. However, their secret was betrayed by a servant and Qi Liang was captured by Qin’s soldiers. The diviner buried him alive at the foot of the Great Wall and left a mark for others to see. Meng Jiang went through many hardships to find Qi Liang’s burial place at the foot of the wall. She wept uncontrollably, and suddenly, a strong wind and rainstorm erupted, causing the wall to collapse again. When Meng Jiang regained consciousness, she found herself in the diviner’s house. Seizing the opportunity, she killed the diviner and then committed suicide by self-immolation.

The plot of The story of Meng Jiang during the Republican era did not undergo major adaptations; it only transitioned from traditional forms such as poetry, drama, and scrolls to a more popular form at the time - film. This was closely related to the development of the Chinese film industry during the Republican era.

The history of Chinese cinema dates back to the early 20th century when the first Chinese-made film, Dingjun Mountain was released in 1905. However, it was not until the 1920s and 1930s that the Chinese film industry began to flourish with the establishment of Shanghai as a major film production center.

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