Shadow Magic
西洋镜
Synopsis
Beijing, 1902: an enterprising young portrait photographer named Liu Jinglun, keen on new technology, befriends a newly-arrived Englishman who's brought projector, camera, and Lumière-brothers' shorts to open the Shadow Magic theater. Liu's work with Wallace brings him conflict with tradition and his father's authority, complicated by his falling in love with Ling, daughter of Lord Tan, star of Beijing's traditional opera. Liu sees movies as his chance to become wealthy and worthy of Ling. When the Shadow Magic pair are invited to show the films to the Empress Dowager, things look good. But, is disaster in the script? And, can movies preserve tradition even as they bring change?
Top Cast
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Jared Harris
Raymond
Xia Yu
Liu Jing Lun
Liu Peiqi
Master Ren
Lü Liping
Madame Ren
Yufei Xing
Tan Xiaoling
Jingming Wang
Lao Liu
Li Yusheng
Lord Tan
Yukui Zhang
Lao Chang
Chen Chuang
Mi Hu
Qi Mu
Jewelry Tower
Fang Qingzhuo
Widow Jiang
Li Bin
Empress Ci Xi
Zhang Kang
Hai Kuan
Song Wen-Hua
San Boro
Chen Xueyin
Chief Eunich
Wang Lida
Head Employee
Zhang Xun
Showcase Lee
Yang Fu Sen
String Master
Release History & Theatrical Window
April 6, 2001
Wide Cinema Exhibition
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Ann Hu
- Screenplay & Story
- Ann Hu, Bob McAndrew, Louyi Tang, Dan Huang, Huaizhuo Liu, Shiqiang Zuo, Yixiong Chen, Kate Raisz
- Original Score
- Lida Zhang
- Original Title
- 西洋镜
- Country of Origin
- China, Germany, Taiwan, United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- Mandarin, English
- Runtime
- 1h 56m
- Production Studios
- C&A Productions, Beijing Film Studio, China Film Co-Production, Central Motion Picture Corporation, Post Production Playground, Schulberg Productions, Road Movies Vierte Produktionen
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Ann Hu
Ann Hu, Bob McAndrew, Louyi Tang, Dan Huang, Huaizhuo Liu, Shiqiang Zuo, Yixiong Chen, Kate Raisz
Lida Zhang
Nancy Schreiber
Department Leadership Roster
Ann Hu
Writer
Ann Hu
Director
Bob McAndrew
Writer
Louyi Tang
Writer
Dan Huang
Writer
Lida Zhang
Original Music Composer
Huaizhuo Liu
Writer
Shiqiang Zuo
Writer
Yixiong Chen
Writer
Kate Raisz
Writer
Nancy Schreiber
Director of Photography
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
PG: Parental Guidance Suggested — May contain mild violence or suggestive material.
International Certification Matrix
Parental Guidance Suggested — May contain mild violence or suggestive material.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Shadow Magic.
Featured In Curated Collections
Editorial lists, community rankings, and cinematic collections featuring Shadow Magic.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Shadow Magic
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Shadow Magic about?
Beijing, 1902: an enterprising young portrait photographer named Liu Jinglun, keen on new technology, befriends a newly-arrived Englishman who's brought projector, camera, and Lumière-brothers' shorts to open the Shadow Magic theater. Liu's work with Wallace brings him conflict with tradition and his father's authority, complicated by his falling in love with Ling, daughter of Lord Tan, star of Beijing's traditional opera. Liu sees movies as his chance to become wealthy and worthy of Ling. When the Shadow Magic pair are invited to show the films to the Empress Dowager, things look good. But, is disaster in the script? And, can movies preserve tradition even as they bring change?
Who directed Shadow Magic?
Shadow Magic was directed by Ann Hu.
Who stars in Shadow Magic?
The principal cast of Shadow Magic includes Jared Harris, Xia Yu, Liu Peiqi, Lü Liping, Yufei Xing.
When was Shadow Magic released and how long is it?
Shadow Magic was released in 2000 with a total runtime of 1h 56m.
Who composed the musical score for Shadow Magic?
The original motion picture soundtrack for Shadow Magic was composed by Lida Zhang.
What is the age rating and content advisory for Shadow Magic?
Shadow Magic holds official age classifications: US: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested — May contain mild violence or suggestive material.).