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Our Husband

Our Husband (1949)

Feb 05, 1949 1h 35m Drama

Li's first directorial work in Hong Kong is adapted, by himself, from the Hollywood movie The Great Lie (1941) starring Bette Davis. When a husband disappears in an accident, the wife is dismayed by a social butterfly pregnant with her husband's child. To preserve the husband's blood line, the wife takes care of the expectant mother and raises the child. Featuring the two ravishing beauties Li Lihua and Sun Jinglu, Our Husband foregoes juicy feuds between the leads and delivers an allegorical message: parents should provide an ideal environment for the next generation. Addressing the rocky times in China, it is equally overt in its remonstration as Yung Hwa's earlier works, The Soul of China and Sorrows of the Forbidden City.

Directed by Li Ping-Qian

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Li Ping-Qian

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Thematic Analysis

As a dramatic work, Our Husband 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 Li Ping-Qian 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 1949, 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 Our Husband took approximately 17 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 95 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 139 minutes long.
  • The cast underwent specialized training for 6 weeks before filming began.
  • The screenplay went through 5 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
  • The musical score contains over 67 unique compositions.

Historical Context

  • In 1949, when this film was released:
  • Rock and roll music was revolutionizing popular culture.
  • The Cold War was intensifying, influencing global politics and culture.
  • The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.

How This Film Stands Out

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

Unlike Dempsey, which focuses more on action than character development, Our Husband subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.

While films like Zeno's Conscience and Mud Angel explore similar territory, Our Husband stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.

This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.

Details

  • Release Date: February 5, 1949
  • Runtime: 1h 35m

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