Shadow Magic (2000)

In the heart of Beijing, 1902, emerges Liu Jinglun - an innovative portrait photographer with an insatiable thirst for new technology. His life takes an exciting turn when he crosses paths with a fresh-off-the-boat Englishman, equipped with a projector, camera, and a bounty of Lumière brothers' shorts, ready to inaugurate the enigmatic Shadow Magic theater. The unlikely alliance between Liu and this Englishman, Wallace, sets them on a thrilling journey, one that brings Liu face-to-face with tradition and paternal authority. The stakes are heightened as Liu finds himself ensnared in a delicate romance with Ling, the bewitching daughter of Lord Tan, the reigning star of Beijing's traditional opera. For Liu, the allure of the cinema is not only a pathway to wealth but also a chance to prove his worthiness to Ling. An auspicious opportunity arises when the duo is invited to showcase their cinematic marvels before the Empress Dowager, a prospect that promises success. However, one must wonder, is calamity lurking in the wings? And, in the grandeur of this new age storytelling, can movies act as keepers of tradition while simultaneously being harbingers of change? In the world of Shadow Magic, nothing is as it seems.

Shadow Magic is a drama movie featuring Xia Yu.

Shadow Magic is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Tubi TV and it's also available on Amazon Prime Video.