Beijing, 1902: an enterprising young portrait photographer named Liu Jinglun, keen on new technology, befriends a newly-arrived Englishman who's brought projector, camera, and Lumière-brothers' shorts to open the Shadow Magic theater. Liu's work with Wallace brings him conflict with tradition and his father's authority, complicated by his falling in love with Ling, daughter of Lord Tan, star of Beijing's traditional opera. Liu sees movies as his chance to become wealthy and worthy of Ling. When the Shadow Magic pair are invited to show the films to the Empress Dowager, things look good. But, is disaster in the script? And, can movies preserve tradition even as they bring change?
as Raymond
as Liu Jing Lun
as Master Ren
as Madame Ren
as Tan Xiaoling
as Lao Liu
as Lord Tan
as Lao Chang
as Mi Hu
as Jewelry Tower
as Widow Jiang
as Empress Ci Xi
as Hai Kuan
as San Boro
as Chief Eunich
as Head Employee
as Showcase Lee
as String Master
as Fat Comedian
as Lean Comedian
as Manchurian Lady
as Manchurian Man
