L2 reading A
The author argues that cinema in the 1930s Shanghai was a fusion of Western and Chinese storytelling, reflecting the city’s modernity and traditional values. The 1950s films like “Space is Gold,” “A Hymn to Mother,” and “Mid-setting the Love Trap” showcased genres of social realism, family melodrama, and romantic comedy, respectively, highlighting societal issues, familial bonds, and lighter, romantic narratives. In the 1960s, “Teddy Girls” and “A Purple Stormy Night” communicated themes of youth rebellion and the complexities of love, showcasing a shift towards more personal and societal challenges. “The Secret” by Ann Hui in the 1970s delved into themes