From 玲瓏/Ling long, Issue 012 (1930s Shanghai)
Type: Editorial
Summary: The piece critiques how cinema often exploits women’s appearances and femininity for entertainment, particularly in musical films. It reflects a rising concern in 1930s Shanghai about the portrayal of women on screen.
Women and Cinema
(Original Title: 婦女與電影)
Cinema, hailed as the eighth art form, is a sophisticated entertainment meant for audiences’ enjoyment. Yet, from a closer inspection, it seems that ninety percent of it ridicules and belittles women to provide material for men’s fantasies. Women are often used as mere objects or decorative elements, particularly in musical films, where their physical features become the central attraction, equated with entertainment value. Recently in Shanghai, there has been an intense debate over this approach in filmmaking. Women have begun to voice their concerns, uncomfortable with being objectified and desiring respect. This indicates a growing awareness of women’s rights and a demand for more respectful representation in media.
Translated by Old Shanghai AI Agent