Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
To commemorate the 100th anniversary of the birth of acclaimed Cantonese opera virtuoso Fung Wong Nui, the Hong Kong Film Archive (HKFA) of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department will present “Phoenix on the Silver Screen – A Centenary Tribute to Fung Wong Nui” as part of its screening series “Morning Matinee” at the Cinema of the HKFA from August 1 to October 31, featuring 16 classic films starring her.
Fung Wong Nui was a versatile actress both on stage and on the silver screen. She excelled in portraying both a heroine and a villainess, and was articulate in lyrical and martial arts roles. She began her career as an apprentice at the age of 13, and rose to fame when she became an erbang huadan (second female lead). She later formed her own troupe and took up the position of zhengyin huadan (female lead) while continuing to be well liked by audiences. This screening programme comprises four sections: “Gems of Cantonese Opera”, “The Unforgettable Villainess”, “Martial Heroine” and “Comedy and Drama”, allowing audiences to relish the charm of Fung Wong Nui and her remarkable industry achievements.
The four selected films in the section “Gems of Cantonese Opera” are adapted from Fung Wong Nui’s signature repertoire. The widow that she portrays in “Red Shoes Solves the Mystery Case” (1959) is sensual and alluring, and she becomes a household name with her role of a wilful and mean girl in “Luring the Girls On” (1959). In her signature classic “The Princess in Distress” (1962), Fung Wong Nui portrays Princess Hong-luen with a life full of twists and turns. The theme song “Song of a Barbaric Land”, which Fung Wong Nui sings in a duet with the film’s lead actor Mak Bing-wing is highly popular. In “A Bachelor’s Love Affair” (1953), Fung Wong Nui and famous comic actor Leung Sing-por both portray swindlers posing as rich people to milk one another for money, setting off numerous comedy scenes.
Villainess roles were Fung Wong Nui’s forte, and are best illustrated by the four classics under the section “The Unforgettable Villainess”. Her portrayal of a mean and vicious wife in “Henpecked Husband” (1957) is convincing and frightening. She also vividly depicts the role of a perfidious concubine by exhibiting a wide spectrum of viciousness in “The Magic-eyed Queen Spots the Prince, Part One” (1959). Her performances as an enchanting temptress in “Sweet Dreams” (1955) and a depraved woman in “Lust is the Worst Vice” (1963) are meticulously executed, evoking audiences’ emotions while demonstrating a unique charm of villains.
Fung Wong Nui shines in both lyrical and martial arts roles with equal talent. The “Martial Heroine” section includes “Girl Martyr” (1957), “Lady General Fa Muk-lan” (1961), “A Maid Commander-in-chief and a Rash General” (1962) and “An Agnostic and Sagacious Intercession” (1962), in which Fung Wong Nui plays the roles of a beloved mother, a dutiful daughter taking her father’s place in the army, a maid commander-in-chief and a gentlewoman respectively that all showcase her solid foundation in Cantonese operatic arts and techniques, which is awe inspiring.
Fung Wong Nui’s versatile images are manifested by the four works in the section “Comedy and Drama”. She not only brings to life the role of a devoted wife and mother in “Revenge for Parents” (1961) and the role of a mild-mannered young lady in “The Nine-Fingered Devil” (1955), but also succeeds in sparking guffaws in the comic roles of “Loving Enemies” (1957) and “The Illegitimate Lover” (1959).
Some screenings will be accompanied by post-screening talks, hosted by Professor Yuen Siu-fai, Dr Tsui Siu-ming, and Ko Lai, a disciple of Fung Wong Nui, as well as Ho Wai-ling, Wong Yee-man, Wong Chi-wah, Lum Man-yee, Yuen Tsz-ying, Ng Ngok-ching, Shu Kei and Eric Tsang.
Tickets priced at $40 will be available at URBTIX (www.urbtix.hk) from June 29 (Sunday). For telephone bookings, please call 3166 1288. For programme details, please visit the HKFA website at www.filmarchive.gov.hk/en/web/hkfa/2025/fung-wong-nui/pe-event-2025-fung-wong-nui.html or call 2739 2139.