Special Focus

The 60th Anniversary of Two "Butterfly Lovers" Films: Sam-phik-Ing-tâi vs. The Love Eterne

In 1963, Taiwanese Opera troupe Bí-too invested fortunes to remake its own 1959 film production of the classic Chinese legend Butterfly Lovers. Shot in 35mm color film and printed at UK's Rank Organization, Sam-phik-Ing-tâi is a rare gem incorporating special effect shots and state-of-the-art technologies first seen in Taiwanese-language cinema.

However, the release of Shaw Brothers' Mandarin version of the same tale, The Love Eterne, was deliberately moved up to April 24, the same date where Sam-phik-Ing-tâi was set to come out. The Love Eterne became a phenomenal success with its lavish production scale and aggressive campaign, leading to a record-breaking 62-day consecutive theatrical run. Sam-phik-Ing-tâi, in stark contrast, was in theaters for only a week. Nevertheless, the gumption of Taiwanese-language filmmakers and investors who attempted to break into the color film market was still commendable.

On occasion of the 60th anniversary of this "twin film" spectacle, TFAI presents Sam-phik-Ing-tâi, a new restoration based on rare video materials, along with the digitized The Love Eterne, contrasting the distinct styles and parallel success of both Taiwanese Opera and Huangmei Opera cinemas.

 

▍Screening Info ▍

Date:2023/04/22(SAT)—2023/05/13(SAT)

 

▍Ticketing ▍

Free tickets available at the counter from one hour prior to each screening. Pre-screening Introduction at 14:00, April 22.