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Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
A prim young Chinese woman on the Kowloon ferry accuses a middle-aged American of stealing her purse--thus begins a culture-clash romance. Seeking to escape his stifled life, Robert (William Holden, Stalag 17, Sunset Boulevard) has come to Hong Kong to become an artist. He rediscovers the girl from the ferry and learns she is not what she seemed; she's a prostitute named Suzie Wong (Nancy Kwan, Flower Drum Song). Though Robert resists her charms, she becomes his model, and their relationship grows surprisingly complex. While The World of Suzie Wong can be patronizing and has some dubious interpretations of Chinese manners and mores, it's also sophisticated (in a censored sort of way) about love, sex, and social pressure. A viewer may scoff at the child-like hookers, yet find the movie accumulates an unexpected emotional force, particularly through its exploration of how the characters maintain their illusions. --Bret Fetzer
Product Description
Heartfelt romantic drama set against the backdrop of exotic Hong Kong stars William Holden as a struggling American painter who embarks on an unlikely and tumultuous relationship with the Chinese prostitute he's hired to pose for him. Nancy Kwan, Michael Wilding, Sylvia Syms also star. 126 min. Widescreen (Enhanced); Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital mono; Subtitles: English. NOTE: This Title Is Out Of Print; Limit One Per Customer.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
68 of 73 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD|Amazon Verified Purchase
'The World Of Suzie Wong' the romanticized story of a Hong Kong prostitute and an American artist is for some, a simplistic racist view of Chinese, for others, a guilty pleasure. Yes, it is both of those things but it is even more. It is a fine and tender love story of two people from very different worlds who overcome pride and prejudice and embark upon a true human experience. Forty four years after its release this film along with 'Flower Drum Song' are being re-evaluated and embraced by the Chinese American community. Why? Because beneath the surface of each film they share the common job of telling the story of their time and place with honesty and true humanity and in the case of Suzie Wong, the story is not such a happy one.
At first we are presented in `Suzie Wong' a stereotypical view of happy little hookers in the Wan Chai district of Hong Kong. But as the story unfolds the veneer of this portrait cracks open to reveal through Suzie just how desperate the lives of these women are. In a city of over three million crammed onto the island city it is a case of do what you must to survive. In Suzie's case she must compartmentalize her feeling into body, love, and soul and thus protect herself by pretending that she is the daughter of a rich merchant rather than a Wan Chai bargirl. Though her relationship with Robert they both learn the meaning and cost of love in a world of narrow view and prejudice.
The film is very adult and honest in dealing with the subject of the flesh trade and racism in 1960 must have been a bit shocking on several levels. This film must be credited with opening the door to telling more honest stories of Asian's with Asian actors in the major roles. After all, not too many years before we had Jennifer Jones playing a Eurasian in 'Love Is A Many Splendored Thing'. She did a fine job, but still she was miscast. Here we have Nancy Kwan creating a memorable character, as it should be, by someone of Asian descent.
Nancy Kwan is luminous in the role of Suzie. This was a star making turn for her and led to other good roles over the years. She is sexy, with a street-smart veneer that covers her open and trusting heart. She rises to the many emotional challenges of Suzie and succeeds in carrying the viewer through the film as only an accomplished actress can. The camera falls in love with her, as does the reluctant Robert.
William Holden is perfectly cast as the "pushing forty" American who has come to Hong Kong to pursue his dream of being an artist. He is a pro who give the role just the feeling of wonder and discovery it needs blended with a certain worldliness that it requires. Together, Kwan and Holden are an intoxicatingly romantic couple that share a chemistry on screen most films of this genre aspire to but few achieve.
The supporting cast is filled out by standouts such as Jacqui Chan as Gwennie Lee, Andy Ho as Ah Tong, Michael Wilding as Ben Marlow and Sylvia Simms as Suzie's rival, Kay O'Neill.
Geoffrey Unsworth also known for his work on 'Becket', '2001 A Space Odyssey' and 'Cabaret' stunningly photographed Hong Kong for the film. His use of light and color is unsurpassed in capturing the long gone look of the city in 1960. The art direction of John Box is superb. He is best known for his work with David Lean on 'Doctor Zhivago' and 'Lawrence of Arabia'.
It is all expertly helmed by director Richard Quine who is also responsible for 'Bell, Book, and Candle', 'Strangers When We Meet' and the delightful 'How To Murder Your Wife'.
Of special note are the stunningly beautiful paintings of Miss Kwan by artist Liz Moore. They are indeed wonderful and one wishes there had been an addition to the DVD of slides of this artist's painting for the film.
'The World of Suzie Wong' is a film that holds both an important place in film history and the hearts film buffs and romantics around the globe. So on that rainy Saturday afternoon when you need a little romance, drama and travel to a far off land pop in this new DVD of 'Suzie Wong' and be carried away.
At first we are presented in `Suzie Wong' a stereotypical view of happy little hookers in the Wan Chai district of Hong Kong. But as the story unfolds the veneer of this portrait cracks open to reveal through Suzie just how desperate the lives of these women are. In a city of over three million crammed onto the island city it is a case of do what you must to survive. In Suzie's case she must compartmentalize her feeling into body, love, and soul and thus protect herself by pretending that she is the daughter of a rich merchant rather than a Wan Chai bargirl. Though her relationship with Robert they both learn the meaning and cost of love in a world of narrow view and prejudice.
The film is very adult and honest in dealing with the subject of the flesh trade and racism in 1960 must have been a bit shocking on several levels. This film must be credited with opening the door to telling more honest stories of Asian's with Asian actors in the major roles. After all, not too many years before we had Jennifer Jones playing a Eurasian in 'Love Is A Many Splendored Thing'. She did a fine job, but still she was miscast. Here we have Nancy Kwan creating a memorable character, as it should be, by someone of Asian descent.
Nancy Kwan is luminous in the role of Suzie. This was a star making turn for her and led to other good roles over the years. She is sexy, with a street-smart veneer that covers her open and trusting heart. She rises to the many emotional challenges of Suzie and succeeds in carrying the viewer through the film as only an accomplished actress can. The camera falls in love with her, as does the reluctant Robert.
William Holden is perfectly cast as the "pushing forty" American who has come to Hong Kong to pursue his dream of being an artist. He is a pro who give the role just the feeling of wonder and discovery it needs blended with a certain worldliness that it requires. Together, Kwan and Holden are an intoxicatingly romantic couple that share a chemistry on screen most films of this genre aspire to but few achieve.
The supporting cast is filled out by standouts such as Jacqui Chan as Gwennie Lee, Andy Ho as Ah Tong, Michael Wilding as Ben Marlow and Sylvia Simms as Suzie's rival, Kay O'Neill.
Geoffrey Unsworth also known for his work on 'Becket', '2001 A Space Odyssey' and 'Cabaret' stunningly photographed Hong Kong for the film. His use of light and color is unsurpassed in capturing the long gone look of the city in 1960. The art direction of John Box is superb. He is best known for his work with David Lean on 'Doctor Zhivago' and 'Lawrence of Arabia'.
It is all expertly helmed by director Richard Quine who is also responsible for 'Bell, Book, and Candle', 'Strangers When We Meet' and the delightful 'How To Murder Your Wife'.
Of special note are the stunningly beautiful paintings of Miss Kwan by artist Liz Moore. They are indeed wonderful and one wishes there had been an addition to the DVD of slides of this artist's painting for the film.
'The World of Suzie Wong' is a film that holds both an important place in film history and the hearts film buffs and romantics around the globe. So on that rainy Saturday afternoon when you need a little romance, drama and travel to a far off land pop in this new DVD of 'Suzie Wong' and be carried away.
20 of 20 people found the following review helpful
Format:VHS Tape
Nancy Kwan is very beautiful and talented. William Holden shows a side of himself not usually seen, that is, betwixed, off-guard, yet enchanted by Ms. Kwans character. Her character teaches him what Chinese people hold valued although the movie is seen through a Westerner's eyes. The scenery is extremely captivating, as Hong Kong surely would not look this way again, so the moment in time is a treasure in itself. I watched this movie about 10 times over a month period because I loved the romantic story, the boy meets girl, loses girl formula, the snooty characters and of course William Holden for taking on such an unusual story.
17 of 19 people found the following review helpful
Format:VHS Tape
I have lost count of the number of times I have seen this movie - thanks to video. I have spent much time in Hong Kong and among the Chinese. I have read the book, whose author comes from the same part of England as I. Maybe this helps for me to see the incidents, the characters and the venue much as he did. In the book, Robert, is an Englishman. If, for Hollywood, the actor had to be an American, then Holden would have been my choice. Both he and Kwan are well typecast. When judging Holden, remember, in the original story, he is a reserved Englishman. It is a love story centred on a plot, which always appeals in any era or place. But in 1960's Hong Kong it is well suited. See it, and enjoy the charm of an age and a location about to change forever. Although much of the story is set in a hotel of, somewhat, low repute and the heroine is a prostitute, there is not one 'bad' four letter word, nor an explicit bedroom scene - they just weren't needed to support this wonderfully romantic story. Incidentally, I am the Englishman referred to by the American (Eurasian) reviewer (9th April). As to her wishes - 'who knows, for goodness sake'? (As Suzie might say)
Most Recent Customer Reviews
Up There With Romeo & Juliet!
A love story of wonder and beauty coming from both the scenery and what transpires between these two people. I have seen this movie many, many, times. Read more
Published 4 hours ago by Charles H. M. Eads
Quality Drama Worth Discovering!
Although I did not previously know of "The World Of Suzie Wong", it is an exciting, moving, dramatic love story between an American architect turned artist and an esort. Read more
Published 6 months ago by koolrico
Preserving Hong Kong's past ... in a way
I think I was too young to have seen this movie in Hong Kong when it was first released in 1960. But the film title I always remember. Read more
Published 7 months ago by Q Quality
A Magnificent Romance
The DVD came in undamaged thanks to Amazon.com. I enjoyed the movie. William Holden and Nancy Kwan were appropriately picked as the main characters. Read more
Published 13 months ago by Gregory Winchell
A Classic that must be seen!(Especially for you Overseas Military...
I last saw this movie at the Age of 10 and I forgot what a great movie this really is, in spite of the fact that this movie is now 50 years old, It has really held up well. Read more
Published 20 months ago by D. Fancher
Opposites really do attract.
Interesting story about a supposedly impossible relationship, that turns into real love in the end. Brilliantly acted out by Bill Holden and Nancy Kwan. Read more
Published 23 months ago by Gerald M. Craden Sr.
Don't miss it
This movie is a success on many levels. It will show you some beautifully photographed scenes of Hong Kong and it will show you the beautiful actress Nanacy Kwan. Read more
Published on February 20, 2010 by John Wright
What a world
When watching this film you really want to get back to the "great days of Hollywood". They don't make them like that anymore. What great actors they had back then. Read more
Published on February 14, 2010 by Butterblume
comments on THE WORLD OF SUZIE WONG
hONG kONG WHEN wANCHAI WAS FULL OF GIRLIE BARS. aMERICAN ARTISTS FINDS BEAUTIFUL HOSTESS IN BAR NEXT TO HIS HOTEL. Read more
Published on January 31, 2010 by Edmund W. Peaslee Jr.
Love story of an Artist and a Beatiful Asian Girl
A lovely story of an aging artist and a beautiful young girl set in Hong Kong. Its very comical when they meet and as the story unfolds he likes her but the life she leads. Read more
Published on October 20, 2009 by connie
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