The Christ of Nanjing (Chinese: 南京的基督) is a 1995 erotic romantic drama film directed by Tony Au
Based on the works of renowned Japanese author Ryunosuke Akutagawa. The film stars Tony Leung Ka-fai as Ryuichiro Kagawa, a Japanese writer visiting China, and Yasuko Tomita as Jin Hua, a young woman whose life becomes intertwined with his. The screenplay was written by Joyce Chan, who adapted the story from Akutagawa's writings, infusing it with lyrical soliloquies that reflect the characters' emotional depths.
The narrative follows Kagawa, who, during his stay in China, falls in love with Jin Hua, a devoutly religious girl. Jin Hua is sold into prostitution by her parents to support their farmland, believing she is being married to Kagawa. As their relationship develops, Kagawa's sophisticated persona contrasts sharply with Jin Hua's innocence and optimism. However, their romance takes a tragic turn as Kagawa's past and the harsh realities of their circumstances come to light, leading to profound emotional consequences for both characters.
The Christ of Nanjing runs for 100 minutes and features a mix of Cantonese and Japanese dialogue. The film was produced by Golden Harvest and received critical acclaim, particularly for Tomita's performance, which earned her the Best Actress award at the 1995 Tokyo International Film Festival. Critics have praised the film for its artistic contributions and emotional storytelling, although it also explores complex themes of love, sacrifice, and the impact of societal expectations on personal relationships.
The film's cinematography, handled by Bill Wong, captures the scenic beauty of the Qinhuai River region, enhancing the film's romantic and dramatic elements. With a box office gross of approximately HK$746,913, The Christ of Nanjing remains a notable entry in the genre of romantic drama, reflecting the cultural and emotional intricacies of its characters against the backdrop of historical tensions