Letter from an Unknown Woman

Set against the sprawling and ever-changing backdrop of the mid-twentieth century China, "Letter from an Unknown Woman" is an emotional journey, unveiled through the eyes of a woman, marked by hope, despair and unrequited love. Directed by Xu Jinglei, this film features Jue Huang as the protagonist, Wen Jiang as the object of her unwavering affection and Huang Jiao in a supporting role.

"Letter from an Unknown Woman" tells the story of a young woman named Xu Jiu (Jue Huang), who falls madly in love with a chivalrous type named Jiang Cheng (Wen Jiang). From their first encounter when Xu witnesses Jiang in the throes of a sword fight, she becomes deeply infatuated with him. As the daughter of a courtesan, her life is set in the underbelly of the city, a stark contrast to the privileged world of Jiang, an aristocrat’s son.

Throughout the movie, a young and innocent Xu is seen dreaming about a future that deviates from her predestined fate, filled with the dignity, love, and safety that comes from being with Jiang. The story truly unravels when, in a twist of fate, the affluent Jiang loses his family and ends up in desperate poverty. This reversal does not deter Xu, it instead endows her with the determination to shoulder the responsibility of caring for him, despite knowing the unlikelihood of her love being reciprocated due to their varying status.

As they grow older, their lives take different turns. Huang Jiao portrays the role of a prosperous businessman who enters Xu's life, offering the stability and comfort she yearned for but at the cost of abandoning her feelings for Jiang. Jue Huang's performance captures the essence of a woman relentless in her pursuit of love, willing to endure countless hardships and adversity.

The script carefully unwraps the narrative, emphasizing the socio-cultural backdrop of China during that transient period bordered by wars and cultural shifts while primarily focusing on the emotional realm of the protagonists. The trials and tribulations of their individual lives are beautifully interwoven with the backgrounds of snowy landscapes, bustling marketplaces, commuting trams, and the rustic beauty of old Shanghai.

Director Xu Jinglei masterfully captures the inherently tragic essence of a classic novel, originally penned by Stefan Zweig, and gives it a Chinese cultural context. The performances of the cast are commendable and they successfully bring their characters to life, with Jue Huang's portrayal as Xu Jiu being especially poignant and moving.

The interplay between love and societal norms setup the narrative that underlines all elements of the plot. Told retrospectively, the tale of "Letter from an Unknown Woman" unfolds through missives from Xu Jiu to Jiang Cheng, making the audience privy to her pent-up emotions, feelings, and experiences, which Jiang knew nothing about. The letters reveal the reality of their lives, the intensity of Xu's emotions, and the mysteries associated with the trials they faced. The film remarkably sheds light on how romantic yearnings can sometimes transcend societal barriers, as well as the essentiality of expressing one's feelings, regardless of their reciprocation or lack thereof.

A deeper level of visual storytelling is achieved through the film's cinematography. The camera work is not only used to capture the physical beauty of the scenes but also to depict the emotional depth of the characters and their relationships. The viewer catches sight of the hustle and bustle of old Shanghai streets, the elegance of traditional Chinese outfits, the beautiful music and dance scenes, and the aesthetic richness of Chinese culture, adding another layer to the overall ambiance of the film.

"Letter from an Unknown Woman" is not just a film about love and heartbreak. It is a potpourri of emotions, social norms, personal beliefs, societal differences, and a woman's struggle to break free from societal expectations for the love of her life. It beautifully combines the concept of unrequited love with the remarkable ability to find hope even in the face of despair.

This movie can be lauded for its mesmerizing performances, the juxtaposition of different worlds within one city, and characters that engage the audience intellectually and emotionally. It is well worth watching for anyone who appreciates solid storytelling, strong performances, and atmospheric cinematography.