The Mermaid (1965 film)

The Mermaid

film poster
Traditional 魚美人
Simplified 鱼美人
Mandarin Yú Měirén
Literally Fish Beauty
Directed by Kao Li
Produced by Runme Shaw
Written by Chang Cheh
Starring Ivy Ling Po
Li Ching
Ching Miao
Chiang Kuang-chao
Ouyang Sha-fei
Yang Chih-ching
Tang Ti
Music by Wang Foo-ling
Cinematography Tong Hsiao-yung
Edited by Chiang Hsing-long
Production
company
Release dates
  • January 29, 1965 (1965-01-29)
Running time
 95 minutes
Country Hong Kong
Language Mandarin

The Mermaid is a 1965 Hong Kong Huangmei opera film. It was directed by Kao Li and produced by Shaw Brothers Studio, based on the 16th-century Chinese play A Tale of Goddess of Mercy's Fish Basket (觀音菩薩魚籃記).

Like most Huangmei opera films that she starred in, actress Ivy Ling Po portrayed a male character. Her co-star Li Ching portrayed two different characters, a human girl and a carp who transformed into her image.

Synopsis

Zhang Zhen's family had fallen on hard times but remembering the bethrothal agreement between his father and the prime minister, Master Chin, he set off for his fiance's home. When he arrived, he was distressed to receive a cold reception from his future father-in-law, who looked down on him because he was poor and was willing to fulfill his promise only after Zhang Zhen had successfully become the top scholar. He bade Zhang Zhen to stay at the Green Waves Study and prepare.

After a year, Zhang Zhen still had not achieved the status of top scholar. His pampered and spoilt bethrothed, Peony, after the initial introduction had already forgotten about him. All he had for a companion, were the carp and the denizens of the pond by the study. The carp spirit was touched by his care for the fish and his loneliness. She visited him one winter's night in the guise of Peony and was further impressed with his sensitive and gentlemanly considerations for her wellbeing. She managed to persuade him that she was of like mind with his philosophies, acknowledging their bethrothal and her support in his endeavors. Thus a relationship was formed.

One night in spring, during the lantern festival, Zhang Zhen mistook the real Peony for his beloved and was rebuffed. Her father promptly threw him out. Shocked by his beloved's turn-about, enraged by the betrayal, disgusted with the materialistic and sanctimonious unprincipled attitudes of both father and daughter, he stormed off to return home. The carp spirit went after him and convinced him of her sincerity, telling him too that she was with child. Both decided to return to Zhang Zhen's home, 300 miles away. They attended the lantern festivities along their journey and were seen by Peony's father who thought Zhang Zhen had committed the worst of sins.

When two Peonies appeared, the household was thrown into an uproar. Even the righteous Judge Pao could not come to a settlement. Finally, the father summoned an exorcist to chase away the evil spirit. The carp spirit hastily released Zhang Zhen from the shed where he was imprisoned and convinced him to run away with her. However, they were beset by the Celestial Generals and gods who were summoned to subdue her. In despair, she told Zhang Zhen the truth and was gratified when he vowed to stay by her. Just as she was about to be killed, the Goddess of Mercy intervened. The carp spirit was given two choices, return with the Goddess to continue her training to be an immortal or forsake all her powers and become human.

Cast and Characters

Mortals

Mythical Characters

Original Soundtrack

The singing was performed by Ivy Ling Po, Tsin Ting and Liu Yun.

Awards and Nominations

12th Asian Film Festival (1965)

See also

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