The World of Suzie Wong (DVD, 2004)

If you like those old early '60's romance movies with a slightly exotic flair this is a movie you will enjoy. I had read the book when I was in high school and watching this movie was a delight. Nancy Kwan made her debut in this movie, and this set the tone for the rest of her movies. She was by far the best performer in the movie. She put William Holden to shame. He is typical William Holden in this movie. His performance was nothing spectactular. It is interesting to see him now. It makes one wonder about the leading men in the early '60's. His portrayal of Robert Lomax is the same as it was in the his character in "Love is a Many Splendored Thing." The movie explores the "racial and ethnic" feelings of the era for a young Chinese bar girl and a middle aged want to be painter.

Anyway, if you would like a "chick flick" girls night of movie watching, this is a good walk down memory lane and a look into the '60's movie mind set. I enjoyed being transported back to being a girl of 16 instead of being a woman of 60, if only for a little under two hours. It definately is an enjoyable watch!

I liked the view from the roof of Old Hong Knog before the skyline changed and became part of China, after the British occupation, in 1999. I also liked the sexy traditional costumes of the attention whores in the busy bar. I initially bought the movie to check-out sexy dialogue noting the response. It served my purposes beautifully.

William Holden is like the forgotten actor. He is Mister Plain. Still, I really enjoy his down to Earth acting and characters (See Sunset Blvd for another great example). Best part if this movie is seeing Hong Kong in the 1960's. The rough part of town is shown numerous times. Were else would there be a seedy hotel/bar/brothel? Nancy Kwan is convincing and conniving. This was a hot book then movie in the 60's, too risque for mainstream.

Bottom line, it's worth a watch. You might even shed a tear or two.

What I love about the movie is that it is a love story that is pure and romantic. William Golden is sexy in this movie and "Suzie" is courageous and headstrong. It is a very touching story about a poor painter who fell in love with a prostitute. If you want a nice, romantic movie without all the explicit sex of today's, then it is a movie for you. I had seen it before in the early 80's and wanted it as part of my collection.

I remember watching this movie when I was a kid. I loved it then and love it now!
Now I am able to share one of moms favorite movies with my daughter. She loves it too..