About
Maggie Cheung becomes silent-film star Ruan Lingyu in a 4K restoration of Center Stage at the Siskel Film Center.
Maggie Cheung’s Ruan Lingyu sits at the center of a film that keeps looking beyond the usual biography. Stanley Kwan mixes period drama with archival and documentary material to consider the actress’s life and legacy. The Siskel’s 4K restoration makes this a strong pick for viewers interested in cinema examining its own history.
What to expect
Watch the 154-minute restored film in Cantonese, Mandarin and English, with English subtitles. Its shifts between drama and documentary are part of the film’s structure.
Good to know
- This is Stanley Kwan’s 1991 film, also titled Ruan Lingyu.
- The presentation does not have open captions.
- The theatre is equipped with a hearing loop.
- Ask the Film Center about accessibility requests.
Also in Downtown, the Loop & West Loop
Common questions
Who plays Ruan Lingyu?
Maggie Cheung.
Is this a restored presentation?
Yes. The Film Center lists a 4K digital restoration.