There are few actresses of the silent era that could match the emotional impact of Lingyu Ruan, and only a handful in the modern era, such as Frances McDormand, Meryl Streep and a few others. What a tragedy she committed suicide at 24. She turns an average soap plot into an emotional powerhouse with a sensational performance as a prostitute trying to provide for her son. This is probably the best silent film in Chinese cinematic history, and easily one of the top ten films of all time in China. It matches up with any Hollywood silent film as well. It is in the same category as The Passion of Joan of Arc, the only other silent film that matches the passion of this one. Try not to miss it.
Review of Shen nu
