The Soong Sisters (1997)

The fascinating life of the Soong Family (ChinaÆs equivent of the Kennedys) is chronicled in this lavish epic melodrama, with an all-star cast headed by Michelle Yeoh, Vivian Wu and Maggie Cheung. To see that China remains a dominant world force after the founding of the Republic by Dr. Sun Yai-sen, the patriotic Charlie Soong sends his three daughters to America for their education. The sistersÆ return to China marks the beginning of their tumultuous lives, as the country endures the Japanese invasion and the subsequent clash between the communists and the nationalists.

Good Movie For Chinese History Buffs

This is a good movie considering the span of time and the events that occurred from 1900's to post world war 2. Worth the 2.5 hours.
Money, power, Country! The 3 sisters and their destinies!
Recommended for viewing. June 30, 2008

The Soong Sisters

There was a previous black and white documentary on the Soong Sisters and their brother, David, on television. I was particularly interested as I had met Soong Mei-ling (Mrs Chiang Kai-shek) when I was about ten, when she was in Britain in about 1942, trying to raise money for her husband's cause. I later met Soong Ch'ing-ling in a Buddhist Monastery on Lan Tau Island in 1958, and travelled with David Sung on a flight from Malaysia to Hong Kong in 1964.
Soong Mei-ling was a very attractive-looking youngish Chinese woman (from my recollection)and the film does justice to her. Soong Ch'ing-ling was early middle-aged when I met her, and the actor who played David Sung was also a good likeness, although Sung Tzu-wen was somewhat slimmer when I met him.
The film reviewed put the story of the family into a cohesive and interesting history of a remarkable family. May 1, 2008

Slow moving, but lovely looking movie

Don't watch this movie for a history lesson. It is, however, a beautifully photographed, lyrical story of three of 20th century China's most fascinating women. Approach it on those terms and it's a pleasant way to spend a couple of hours. March 19, 2007

The Soong Sisters

The audio and visual qualities are outstanding. The DVD casing is pristine. The production values of the film itself are superb. As to quality of content, that is for you to decide. I happen to love Maggie Cheung, but that is my problem. Michelle Yeoh and Vivian Wu turn in fine performances. You can trust my objectivity about those two more so than in the case of Maggie. January 30, 2007

A History Lesson Nicely Packaged - Is it Simulacra?

Provocative and moving are few of the words that come to mind after having viewed this movie. As a short synopsis, The Soong sisters are a troika of daughters of Charlie Soong. Soong created and nurtured a political dynasty in China. The Dynasty, at least as far as the movie is concerned is nothing short of having reached the highest levels of power. As mentioned previously, this movie follows the lives of the three Soong sisters. Educated in America they returned to China to sit and live alongside arguably three of the most influential personalities of transitional China. First, Ai-ling marries a powerful businessman. Second, Ching-ling marries Sun Yat-sen, the revolutionary founder of modern China. Third, May-ling marries the Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek, China's leader during World War II and modern Taiwan's founder. Undoubtedly, all three women exert a profound influence on China. In this gripping historical "docudrama" we move away from the vogue practice of looking at "little people" and focus, big-time, on the big people - and it does not get any bigger than these folks.

I have to admit to having approached this film with some doubts. I hate to admit this too but what really drew me to the movie (and Yes, I did change my mind about it after having watched it - it is deep) was the eye-candy: Michelle Yeoh, Maggie Cheung, and Vivian Wu are not difficult to stare at - even for 2 and half hours. However, as I got into the story - not to mention Maggie Cheung's stunning performance as Madam Sun - I was instantly converted.

As a novice in Asian Studies - I will need to dig deeper as I am not familiar with the factual accounts and influence of the Soong Sisters. I can neither verify nor argue the veracity of the movie - but I would certainly urge all those interested in the topic to watch it. Inevitably, the movie will be compared to Bertolucci's "The Last Emperor" where there is an attempt to bring to life the narrative of Qing Emperor Pu Yi. The link is Vivian Wu. As far as the movie is concerned - Sun is the great conciliator while Chang Kai Shek is the great destroyer. Maggie Cheung is amazing as Ching-Ling wife of Sun Yat Sen. She had the hot hand and run with it. The perfunctory close-ups of Cheung show she is only getting better with age. She is still the Cheung of such classics as "Days of Being Wild" and "As Tears Go By." Vivian Wu - well the jury is still out on that one. I will need to see some actual shots of Madame Chiang to see how well she did. Nonetheless, it was not difficult to stay riveted to the screen with her and Michelle Yeoh around.

The one main criticism is that the story had a weak ending. Moving to the standard documentary rehash - well, in my humble opinion, it could have closed better. It deserved a better ending. As a tool for pedagogy, "The Soon Sisters" ranks along side such classics as "The Last Emperor" and "To Live." Bravo!

Miguel Llora November 15, 2005

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