Cast
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Zhao Dan
as Guan Chen
Cui Wei
as Erpeng Dou
Liu Qiong
as Ship commander
Gao Bo
as Leitou Lao
Chen Shu
as Zhang Gang
Wang Danfeng
as Maid
Niu Ben
as Dou Xiao
Kang Tai
as Court clerk
Deng Nan
as Wang Jiang
Jiang Rui
as Guisan Hao
Lan Wang
as Merchant ship chief engineer
Ji Li
as Laowu Yang
Boxun Zhou
as Enemy naval officer
Shan Liang
as Barkeeper
Crew
Director
- Xu Tao
Writer
- Zongjiang Huang
- Mojun Shen
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Soul of the Sea 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 Xu Tao 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 1958, 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 Soul of the Sea took approximately 28 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 89 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 120 minutes long.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The film contains approximately 1910 individual shots.
Historical Context
- In 1958, when this film was released:
- Rock and roll music was revolutionizing popular culture.
- The civil rights movement was gaining momentum in the United States.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
Details
- Release Date: March 22, 1958
- Runtime: 1h 29m