The Unforgettable Character


The Unforgettable Character is a 1975 Taiwanese romantic drama film directed by Chang Mei-chun and written by Chiung Yao.

Plot

After the death of her parents, Hsiao-shuang begins to live with the Chu family in Taipei, who treat her like their own child. The Chu's oldest child Shih-yao deeply loves her, but being crippled he's hesitant to confess his love. Hsiao-shuang quickly falls in love with the eloquent and charismatic wannabe writer Yu-wen, but their marriage is far from blissful. Yu-wen, an irresponsible dreamer and impractical perfectionist, fails to write anything and frequently vents his frustration on Hsiao-shuang. Hsiao-shuang tries her hardest to support him and the family even during her pregnancy. Shih-yao helps Hsiao-shuang sell her songs, but that further angers Yu-wen, now addicted to gambling. After Yu-wen forcefully grabs a cherished jade from her to gamble away, Hsiao-shuang has a miscarriage and files for divorce. Hoping to encourage him, she still promises him that she will get back with him if he comes back with a finished work. Years later, when news of Yu-wen's terminal illness reaches Hsiao-shuang, she immediately arrives at his place in southern Taiwan only to find him dying with his book already completed. After his death, Shih-yao presents Hsiao-shuang a gift, which turns out to be the jade Yu-wen lost 4 years ago. Hsiao-shuang realizes Shih-yao still loves her after all these years.

Cast

Zai shui yifang is a 1975 Mandarin album, released by Kolin Records. The songs on A-side are sung by Chiang Lei and those on B-side by Frankie Kao.
"Zai shui yifang", sometimes translated "On the Other Side of the Water", and "Ni zenme shuo" were later covered by other singers, including Teresa Teng in her 1980 album of a similar name. "Ni zenme shuo" was first sung in 1973 by Zi Yin.
Lyrics were written by Chiung Yao, and music was composed by Lin Chia-ching, unless otherwise. Only songs that are listed as theme songs and instrumental are heard in the film.