Backdrop preview The Best Secret Agent backdrop
The Best Secret Agent

The Best Secret Agent (1964)

Jan 01, 1964 1h 42m Thriller Drama History

During the Sino-Japanese War, Tsui-Ying flees with her father from the Japanese occupation. She meets a young man, Ling-Yun, and falls in love. Yet Tsui-Ying chooses to leave Ling-Yun and marries his uncle, a traitor who serves the Japanese. Out of heartbreak, Ling-Yun leaves the country to study abroad. In the meantime, Special Agent 001 leads the resistance against the Japanese. After Ling-Yun returns to Shanghai from the UK, he is surprised to find out his ex-lover has become the wife of his uncle Chao-Chun. Special Agent 001 continues their sabotage and the identify of the agent finally is revealed. The first Taiwanese-language spy film produced in Taiwan, The Best Secret Agent is a remake of the 1945 movie of the same name that caused a sensation in Shanghai.

Watch Trailer
Directed by Chang Ying

Cast

View All

Crew

Director
  • Chang Ying

Reviews

No reviews yet. Be the first to review this movie!
Sign in to leave a review.

Thematic Analysis

As a dramatic work, The Best Secret Agent examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.

Director Chang Ying brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.

Released in 1964, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of The Best Secret Agent took approximately 20 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 102 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 135 minutes long.
  • The screenplay went through 5 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
  • The film contains approximately 1146 individual shots.
  • The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.

Historical Context

  • In 1964, when this film was released:
  • The space race between the USSR and USA was at its height.
  • Counterculture movements were challenging traditional values.
  • The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.

How This Film Stands Out

While The Best Secret Agent shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike The Fourth Protocol, which focuses more on action than character development, The Best Secret Agent subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.

While films like The Tormented Beauty and Velvet explore similar territory, The Best Secret Agent stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.

This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.

Details

  • Release Date: January 1, 1964
  • Runtime: 1h 42m

Similar Movies