It's worth to note what happened years later.

The literal translation of the title of this movie is: The Case of Qiu-Ying Xu.

This movie, like most Chinese crime movie, is based on the true story, which really happened in 1950's.  The case was actually a spy case involving the failed nationalist attempt to draft Miss Qiu-Ying Xu as a spy by threatening to expose her past history of being in some anti-communist organizations prior to the revolution.  This part, however, was not mentioned in the movie, which only showed the facts that she was murdered after she refused to do so, and the consequent effort to solve her murder and final arrests of nationalists agents.

However, the forgotten historical part in the movie was not forgotten during the political movements that came later in China, namely, the Cultural Revolution.  This part of the history was dug up and was used as an excuse to persecute everyone related to this case.

Mandarin-language cinema across Mainland China, Taiwan, and Singapore explores historical reflection, cultural identity, and personal sacrifice, often expressed through poetic visuals and sweeping narratives. In Mainland China, this takes the form of allegory and large-scale epics that reflect on national history. Taiwan emphasizes intimate modernist realism, generational change, and the search for identity. Singapore contributes stories of migration, multiculturalism, and the negotiation of tradition in a globalized city.

The crime genre features criminal activities, investigations, law enforcement, crimes, and the pursuit of justice. Crime stories often revolve around the planning, execution, and consequences of criminal acts, as well as the efforts to solve and prevent such acts. They explore various aspects of criminal behavior, motives, and the moral dilemmas faced by both perpetrators and those seeking to uphold the law.

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The mystery genre features the investigation and solving of a puzzle, typically a crime or an enigmatic event. Mysteries are known for their suspenseful narratives, intricate plots, and the challenge they present to readers or viewers to piece together clues and solve the central mystery alongside the characters.

Jack Nicholson, Faye Dunaway, and Kelvin Harrison Jr. in Chinatown (1974)

Set in 1950s, northeast China. A clerk was murdered before wedding. Detectives find out the truth and catch the criminals.

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Xu Qiuying Case

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