In the film, Wu contrasts the Paoge, which exists only in words, with "female" characters who achieve justice. The Paoge is a secret society that has existed since the mid-Qing Dynasty and remains loosely organized in the 1930s. Dialogues play an important role in introducing the Paoge. Bian Lian Wang often speaks in idioms and jargon to emphasize his connections to the Paoge. He assumes that the Paoge will back him up when dealing with scoundrels or corrupt officers, never realizing that the Paoge is falling as his good old times. In contrast, Liang Sulan, who claims to a "half female," and the little girl Gou Wa are Bian Lian Wang's saviors. Their righteousness made the Paoge brotherhood look ironic.
The film combines traditional Chinese performances, a spark of humanity in a troubled time, and implicit power struggles in Chinese society. Wu criticizes rigid conventional rules in the film but also shows his passion for traditional performances. It is not only a portrait of early-20-century China, but also implies Wu's experience from the 1980s to the 1990s. He was the chairman of Xi'an Film Studio in the 1980s, known as a leading 4th generation director and influenced key 5th generation directors. However, Wu was isolated in the domestic film industry after his controversial comments about the 1989 Tian'anmen Square protests. He experienced "face-changing" from his old friends and mentees. Wu's dilemma and awkwardness in real life apply to Bian Lian Wang's story. How does a traditionalist navigate in the transition era? Wu gives a happy ending to Bian Lian Wang, also leaving a bright note for his future.
The film combines traditional Chinese performances, a spark of humanity in a troubled time, and implicit power struggles in Chinese society. Wu criticizes rigid conventional rules in the film but also shows his passion for traditional performances. It is not only a portrait of early-20-century China, but also implies Wu's experience from the 1980s to the 1990s. He was the chairman of Xi'an Film Studio in the 1980s, known as a leading 4th generation director and influenced key 5th generation directors. However, Wu was isolated in the domestic film industry after his controversial comments about the 1989 Tian'anmen Square protests. He experienced "face-changing" from his old friends and mentees. Wu's dilemma and awkwardness in real life apply to Bian Lian Wang's story. How does a traditionalist navigate in the transition era? Wu gives a happy ending to Bian Lian Wang, also leaving a bright note for his future.
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