Stanley Kwan’s Center Stage uncovers the story of Ruan Lingyu (Maggie Cheung), one of China’s most revered silent film stars and the burden of fame in the entertainment industry.
The film transports the audience to 1930s Shanghai, where the spotlight can be just as dangerous as it is glamorous.
Cheung’s portrayal of Lingyu is both fascinating and heartbreaking. She captures the complexity of a woman divided between her public and private identities exceptionally well. Through her eyes, we witness the successes of a recognized career as well as the costs associated with the constant examination and judgement of a society that is quick to criticise female ambition.
The film’s attention to historical detail and delicate cinematography present a vivid image of the Shanghai film industry from almost a century ago.
Kwain’s direction creates a multidimensional exploration of Ruan’s life and legacy. The film doesn’t hold back in exposing the darkest aspects of fame. It reveals the dangerous power public opinion has to create or break a celebrity. Ruan’s tragic death at the age of 24 serves as a reminder of the price of being well-known and the challenges that women face in living up to unachievable standards.
The film also explores how society will attack successful women, using the excuse of virginity.
Center Stage is more than a typical biopic. It paints a moving picture of a talented individual who, despite her fame, was never really free from the social expectations for females that ultimately dragged her down.
The film is a harsh reminder of modern discussions about gender equality and the treatment of women in entertainment or any profession. While the workplace environment has improved, the dynamics of power and society’s low tolerance for women’s success continue to be challenging.
