For her first lead role, the beautiful Ching Li was cast as Suzu, a young lady who has been diagnosed as schizophrenic. Her illness stems from her denial that her boyfriend Jishi has died in a plane crash (he was the pilot). A new intern at the local hospital, Dr. Li, is asked to treat her, even though she hates doctors. He treats her under the guise of being an English tutor. They become closer. This is a remarkably self assured step into the limelight for Ching Li. She does a very good job as Susu. You keep wondering if or when she will realize or simply face the fact that her boyfriend is gone. She has very real scenes where she has to show pain, fear and doubt and does very well. The film itself is very dramatic and there are a few disturbing scenes inside the mental institution where Dr. Li works. Susu is not in the institution because her father is best friends with the hospital director, so you don't get a claustrophobic feeling here. Ching Li of course went on to star in many films for the Shaw Brothers, both in period films and romantic comedies. This is an interesting look into what made her a star. I've liked her in everything I've seen so far that she has been in and I think if you like melodrama you'll like this too.
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