My most recent guest post at the Asian Art Museum blog is up now: check it out here. The museum is screening two movies this coming Sunday in tribute to Ruan Lingyu: A Spray of Plum Blossoms (1931) and Stanley Kwan's biopic Center Stage (1992), starring Maggie Cheung (seen above) as the legendary Shanghai film star.
It was the 75th anniversary of Ruan's suicide this past March 8 (which is also International Women's Day). I was meaning to post something in memory of her but was just too burned out after my Hong Kong trip.
Earlier this week, as I was watching the sad — yet beautiful — Center Stage and trying to articulate my thoughts and feelings, I heard the news that Jadin Wong, former Forbidden City dancer, and Tina Ti, Hong Kong movie bombshell, both passed away.
Jadin Wong (1913-2010)
Tina Ti (1945-2010)
I don't have the time right now to write a proper memorial, but they were both smart and savvy ladies who relied on their brains as well as their beauty. After she retired as an entertainer, Jadin Wong started a talent agency for Asian American actors. As for Tina Ti, she also became a businesswoman, establishing aerospace and satellite navigation companies in Mainland China.
The last two months also saw the passing of Shaw star Paul Chang Chung and director Inoue Umetsugu, who rebooted the Mandarin musical for Shaw Brothers in the late 60s.
Paul Chang Chung (1931-2010)
Inoue Umetsugu (1923-2010)
If you've followed the DVD releases of the Shaw film library these past years, then you probably know Paul Chang as one of Shaw's "James Bond"s. He appeared in the The Golden Buddha (1966) and Black Falcon (1967) but actually got his start at Shaw back in the late 50s. One of his early films, The Golden Trumpet (1961) by Tao Qin, was selected for the San Francisco International Film Festival.
Inoue Umetsugu's death didn't seem to get any coverage in the Hong Kong press, but it's undeniable that HK cinema would have been a little less bright without his madcap musicals. My buddy Glenn wrote a nice tribute to him.
Finally, I can't finish this post without paying my respect to the great Leslie Cheung, who took his life seven years ago today. Every time I see one of his films now, I can't help shedding a few tears for him. Rest in peace, Leslie.
Leslie Cheung (1956-2003)
Sorry for so much death in one post! Remember: be thankful and cherish each day.
* Photo of Jadin Wong courtesy of the eBay Archive; photo of Tina Ti courtesy of Oldflames; photo of Inoue Umetsugu courtesy of Frédéric Ambroisine.
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