Watch The World of Suzie Wong

The World of Suzie Wong, released in 1960, is a romantic drama film directed by Richard Quine and based on the novel of the same name by Richard Mason. The movie takes place in Hong Kong, where American artist Robert Lomax (played by William Holden) arrives in search of a new inspiration. After failing to find a suitable model, he stumbles upon Suzie Wong (played by Nancy Kwan), a beautiful but penniless young woman who works as a prostitute. Despite their different social backgrounds and lifestyles, the two fall in love and embark on a tumultuous relationship.

The movie opens with Robert arriving in Hong Kong and taking up residence in a low-budget hotel where he meets Suzie for the first time. The two strike up an unlikely friendship, and Robert is struck by Suzie's free spirit and infectious personality. Robert soon begins to paint Suzie, and they spend more and more time together, much to the chagrin of the hotel's proprietor, Ah Tong (played by Michael Wilding), who disapproves of their relationship.

As Robert and Suzie's romance deepens, they face numerous challenges. Suzie's profession makes it difficult for her to be accepted in society, and Robert's American girlfriend, Kay O'Neill (played by Sylvia Syms), comes to Hong Kong in an attempt to win him back. Additionally, Robert's own artistic ambitions take a hit when he is commissioned to paint a mural for a wealthy businessman and is forced to compromise his artistic integrity to satisfy his paymaster.

Throughout the movie, there is a stark contrast between the poverty-stricken life of Suzie and the opulence of the wealthy businessmen that Robert interacts with. The movie explores themes of social class and racial prejudice, as Suzie's Chinese heritage makes her an outcast in both western and eastern societies.

The chemistry between Holden and Kwan is sizzling, and their on-screen romance is both convincing and heartwarming. Kwan, who had no previous acting experience before taking the role, delivers a remarkable performance as Suzie, embodying both her vulnerability and strength with ease. Holden, for his part, portrays Robert Lomax with nuance and sensitivity.

The film's lush cinematography, which was shot on location in Hong Kong, adds to the film's charm, and the movie's score is emotive and evocative, capturing both the highs and lows of the Robert-Suzie relationship.

Ultimately, The World of Suzie Wong is a love story that transcends social, cultural, and economic boundaries. The movie depicts a world that has changed dramatically since its release in 1960, but its themes of love and acceptance remain as relevant today as they were over fifty years ago. The World of Suzie Wong is a must-watch for anyone who enjoys a touching, romantic story that probes the complexities of the human experience.

The World of Suzie Wong is a 1960 drama with a runtime of 2 hours and 6 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.9.