One of the greatest Hong Kong films, in which documentary footage alternates with dramatized scenes, blending biographical sequences with historical reenactments. The film conveys the impression that the past was a more complex and mysterious time compared to the present. The main character is the actress Ruan Lingyu, a star of silent cinema known as the “Greta Garbo of Chinese cinema.” Maggie Cheung delivered a remarkable performance in this role, winning a well-deserved award for “Best Actress” at the Berlin Film Festival.