The Misty Moon
In the book, there is a scene where Peng-fei (played by Charlie in the movie) tries to take Ling-shan (played by Brigitte in the movie) to his working place and the two nearly share their first kiss on the highway but are interrupted and get embarrassed. It is a crucial moment in their relationship where the two realize how they are attached to each other but are all stuck by their own problems. To me, this scene is a highlight in the relationship of the two leads. What a great pity that it is so understated and partly deleted in the movie! I can't understand how the playwright can ever miss this scene!
Another very important and impressive conversation between Peng-fei and Ling-shan's father is also missed out in the movie. The second half of the movie is totally focused on Brigitte's discovery over Charlie's ex-wife's miserable relationship with the drummer (played by Ma Yonglin), which I find quite frustrating. I know the story would be going that way, but can't they focus a bit more on Brigitte&Charlie's storyline or their relationship development?
Anyway, I was disappointed by the movie since I was too familiar with the original novel and maybe had a bit higher expectation before I watched it. It is kind of a waste of the two shining stars Brigitte&Charlie. It could have been much better.
On a positive note, Brigitte's character is more realistic and mature than many of her other QY's movies. She had a relatively shorter hair, but still looked adorable. Charlie is pretty much like the character the original novel described, melancholy, depressed while sharp and proud. To see the two arguing with each other is always fun.
The movie was directed by Chen Yaoqi , whose style is very different from Liu Lili, who directed all the later QY's movies in Superstar (totally 9 QY's movies). Liu Lili was only an associate director while making "The Misty Moon".
Actually this movie is not that bad, it is still an average QY's movie. Although I have got problems with the screenplay and directing, to watch B&C together is still enjoyable.
Synopsis
Brigitte is the kindergarten teacher Liu Ling-shan, who falls for her mysterious and melancholy neighbor Wei Peng-fei (played by Charlie). Charlie has a failure marriage and his ex-wife leaves him for a drummer (played by Ma Yonglin) and leaves him their daughter. When Brigitte accidentally gets to know Charlie's ex-wife (played by Xie Lingling), she is entangled with Xie's miserable relationship with the drummer and her motherly love to her child. When Xie Lingling commits suicide, Brigitte saves her and figures she should sacrifice her own love with Charlie to make Charlie and Xie reunite. Brigitte leaves and Charlie chases her back to tell her that he loves nobody but her now. A final happy ending with Brigitte, Charlie and Charlie's daughter all cuddling around.
Trivia-- Some other versions of "The Misty Moon"
There were a TV series version and a broadcasting radio version of "The Misty Moon" in mainland China in the late 80s. Both versions were fairly well done.
In the radio version, the voices of the two leads were played by two of the most famous voice players in China, Qiao Zhen and Ding Jianhua, which was so unforgettable that I can still hear their voice in my head. In this radio version, they kept all those crucial moments that I described earlier and made it passionate. Although you could only hear the voices, it was very touching. There was even a different version of the title song "the Misty Moon", which was such a beautiful and remarkable song.
The TV version was directed by the famous Chinese female director Shi Shujun, who later also directed a QY's movie "Ting Yuan Shen Shen" which was definitely a classic. In the TV version, Chen Jianfei played Wei Peng-fei and Song Jia played his ex-wife. The actress who played the leading role Ling-shan was a fresh face that I forgot her name.
Novel: Qiong Yao
Director: Chen Yaoqi
Starring: Brigitte Lin, Charlie Chin
Singer: Feng Feifei
Made: Superstar
Year: 1978