Husband and Wife (1951): cast, story & where to watch
1951 · Film
Released in 1951, Husband and Wife is a notable film directed by Junli Zheng, running about 95 minutes.
What it’s about. An absorbing example of genre filmmaking in the People’s Republic of China, Husband and Wife could at first glance be mistaken for any other romantic melodrama chronicling the rise and decline of a married couple’s love; here, though, that love takes place in (and is entirely defined by) a realm of political upheaval and Maoist ideology. A Shanghai intellectual marries an illiterate peasant woman–turned–collectivist hero, with outcomes both universal (differences emerge) and specific (revolutionary self-critiques). At first a popular hit, the film (and Zheng himself) was soon critically attacked for counterrevolutionary, pro-bourgeois thought. Zheng even penned a confessional autocritique, but the damage to his career was done. (BAMPFA)
Who’s in it. Husband and Wife stars Zhao Dan as Li Ke, Tianliu Jiang as Zhang Ying, Wang Guiling as Xiao Juan's Father and Wen Ming as Zhang Ying's Mother, among others.
Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Husband and Wife page.
Frequently asked
- Where can I watch Husband and Wife (1951)?
- Streaming, rental and purchase options for Husband and Wife change frequently. Check our where-to-watch page for the latest availability in your country.
- Who stars in Husband and Wife?
- Husband and Wife stars Zhao Dan, Tianliu Jiang, Wang Guiling, Wen Ming and Wu Yinyan.
- When was Husband and Wife released?
- Husband and Wife was released in 1951, with a runtime of about 95 minutes.