
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