The Research on the Role of Qipao on the Female Image Portrayals in the Hong Kong Movie in the Mood for Love
Abstract
Clothing can show the charm of the film and help shape the character’s image. An appropriate garment can even express the character's ideas and feelings and highlight the artistic charm of the film. As one of the significant elements of Oriental dresses, qipao serves as an external expression of Chinese culture. The profound cultural heritage of cheongsam shows the unique aesthetics of Oriental art and has now become an essential cultural symbol in movies. The film In the Mood for Love allows qipao to significantly promote the development of the film plot and highlight the background of history. In the Mood for Love narrates love under a historical background partly through the character Su’s body. Qipao is also used as a symbol of the female body throughout the film, remarks on the heroine's restrained morality and her deepest desire for love. Various qipaos in the movie show exquisite fabric design and profound cultural heritage — the soul of In the Mood for Love. Qipao provides the film with a deep reflection of culture and a significant level of aesthetics.
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