by Eleanor Mannikka
synopsis
Yuan Shikai (Yuan Shih-k'ai, President of China between 1912-1916) once tried to set himself up as a monarch in a return to the old Chinese imperial system -- abolished by the 1911 revolution. This film has one of his generals, Cai E (Ts'ai E ) plotting to turn the tables on Shikai and overthrow him before he can do any danger to the newly-established democratic republic. General Cai is helped by an imperial courtesan, Fengxian (Feng Hsien) who reverses her loyalty to Yuan Shikai. Both the general and the courtesan carry on a love affair, set against the backdrop of the revolution and Shikai's treachery.
characteristics
- Revolt
- Prostitute/prostitution
- Overthrow
- Revolution
- Streetwalker
- Whore
- Switching-loyalty
- Loyal
- Hooker
- Courtesan
- Call-girl
- Betrayal
- Faithful
- General
- History
