This summer, film lovers witnessed the re-release of the 1947 classic epic Spring River Flows East, restored in stunning 4K by the Shanghai Film Dubbing Studio. The timing is poignant: it coincides with the 80th anniversary of the Chinese people's victory in the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the 120th anniversary of Chinese cinema.
In an interview with CGTN's Melody Zhang, actors Qiao Zhen and Zhang Zhihua reflected on the film's enduring impact. Qiao Zhen said the restoration breathed new life into the characters, allowing modern audiences to connect with their stories on a deeper level. Zhang Zhihua highlighted how the enhanced visuals illuminate the epic's emotional highs and lows, making every scene more vivid.
Director Liu Feng emphasized the restoration's role in preserving cultural heritage. "Bringing this film to a new generation is about more than pixels and color," Liu said.
For young global audiences, the restored Spring River Flows East offers a powerful example of how digital innovation can revive historical narratives, fostering a deeper appreciation of shared history and resilience across cultures.
Reference(s):
Chinese restoration revives war memories for a new generation
cgtn.com
