Restored vintage movies making a comeback

Vintage movies, produced mainly by iconic film companies from southern Chinese provinces around the Pearl River Delta, have recently been restored. Through April 28, a total of 14 films will be exhibited in one stunning collection every day at 8:05pm on the Pearl River Movie Channel. 

The classic films, originally shot in old film footages decades ago, now boast stunning colors and images due to new digital methods. Avant-garde computer restoration technology has been used to restore the movies’ impressive scenes. 

“Through digital technology, scratches, dirt and flickering can be treated first. Then we fix color, lighting and sound changes,” said Zhong Qianhua, an official from the Pearl River Movie Channel.

According to him, digital restoration is a difficult and time-consuming work, which requires great patience from technicians. It takes years and many complicated steps to make films look identical to their original form.

The exhibited movies cover a wide range of genres, including biography, romance, comedy, cop and drama. Most focus on the stories, dreams and emotions of the country’s varied generations of grassroots people. 

Shot in different periods of time, these movies also provide insight into the country’s tremendous social changes and development, as well as their influence on ordinary people’s way of thinking and behavior. 

For instance, the three movies “Yamaha Fish Stall” (1984), “Business Circles” (1989) and “Live in Peace and Contentment” (1998) depict how ordinary people’s lives are improved due to China’s reform and opening-up policy.  

“The House of 72 Tenants” (1973) and “On the Trail” (1963) take a nostalgic and heartwarming look at the distinctive urban features of Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, as well as people’s lifestyles and traditions at the time.

The biopic film “Dr Sun Yat-sen” (1986) won several Golden Rooster awards for its artistry and appealing storyline. Another acclaimed movie in this genre, “Deng Xiaoping” (2003), will also be shown. The film chronicles the life and great contributions of the former Chinese leader.

Other exhibited movies are focused on the different choices and destinies of ordinary people amidst the tides of social changes. 

Among them are the 1979 film “A Loyal Overseas Chinese Family,” “The Spirit of a Policeman” (1994), “Working Girls In Special Economic Zone” (1990), “City of Dream” (2007) and “Qiuxi” (2009).

“A Loyal Overseas Chinese Family” is one of the best restored movies. Starring famous actress Qin Yi and Chen Chong, the film tells a touching story about the emotional bond between an overseas Chinese family and the motherland. The movie’s score, “I Love You, China,” has become a household song. 

“Nowadays many post-90s and post-00s audience generations show great interest in old nostalgic movies,” Zhong said. “The exhibition with a brand new visual experience can offer them a chance to learn more about the development of Chinese cinema.”

Long-term online screening will be available at xuexi.cn.