Street Angel
- -Praised by contemporary reviewers for its vivid portrayal of the urban underclass in 1930s China. Loosely based on Frank Borzage's silent classic, SEVENTH HEAVEN.
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Street Angel (馬路天使), released in 1937, is a seminal left-wing Chinese film directed by Yuan Muzhi (袁牧之) and produced by Mingxing Film Company. Starring renowned Chinese actor Zhao Dan (赵丹) and iconic singer Zhou Xuan (周璇), the film is set in the slums of Shanghai and portrays the lives of the urban underclass. Combining elements of romance, comedy, and melodrama, it delves into the challenges faced by the city’s downtrodden during the 1930s. Notably, “Street Angel” is recognized as a masterpiece of the Chinese left-wing movement and is a vivid portrayal of Shanghai in the pre-Second Sino-Japanese War era.
Plot Synopsis
Set in 1935 Shanghai, the film opens with a wedding procession featuring trumpet player Chen Shaoping (Zhao Dan) who falls in love with his neighbor, singer Xiao Hong (Zhou Xuan). Xiao Hong, along with her sister Xiao Yun, had fled from the Japanese invasion of Manchuria. The sisters find themselves working in a tea house, with Xiao Yun being forced into prostitution and Xiao Hong as a singer. The film explores their struggles, relationships, and the harsh realities of life in the slums, ultimately leading to a tragic climax.
Reception and Analysis
Cultural and Historical Significance
“Street Angel” is considered a significant representation of the ‘new citizens’ genre, depicting the struggles of the urban underclass during a period of national turmoil in China. Its realist portrayal of the common people’s voicelessness in Shanghai laid a foundation for post-war Chinese cinema. The film captures the essence of Shanghai street life in the 1930s and is hailed for its portrayal of the city’s culture prior to the war.
Music and Songs
The film popularized two significant ballads, “Song of the Seasons” (四季歌) and “The Wandering Songstress” (天涯歌女), composed by He Lüting with lyrics by Tian Han. These songs, performed by Zhou Xuan, are celebrated as classics of Chinese modern song evolution and are symbolic of the turbulent life in 1930s China.
Production and Style
Filmmaking Techniques
Director Yuan Muzhi utilized Shanghai’s urban landscape, contrasting colonial architecture with impoverished neighborhoods. The film’s unique combination of Hollywood and Soviet film techniques with traditional Chinese narrative arts is noteworthy. Its innovative use of music, melodrama, and comedy, particularly in sequences like the barbershop scene, is a highlight of the film.
Theatrical Elements
The film employs a theatrical-style mise-en-scène, using Shanghai’s distinctive lilongs (alleys) to enhance the narrative. This approach creates a theater-like experience, where viewers feel like spectators watching a play unfold in the urban streets and alleys of Shanghai.
Left Wing Movement and Impact
“Street Angel” emerged during the rise of the left-wing movement in Chinese cinema, emphasizing themes of anti-imperialism and class struggle. The film’s portrayal of class conflict and its appeal to the masses made it a critical piece of left-wing filmmaking.
Legacy
“Street Angel” holds a significant place in the history of Chinese cinema, both as a cultural artifact of 1930s Shanghai and as a pioneering work in the left-wing film movement. Its enduring legacy is evident in its selection as one of the Best 100 Chinese Motion Pictures at the 24th Hong Kong Film Awards. The film remains a poignant reminder of the societal and cultural dynamics of its time, continuing to influence modern Chinese cinema and its audiences.