The Husband's Secret (Wrong Love)

1960｜102 min｜B&W｜Narrative Feature｜Taiwanese Tshiu-Bi and her husband Siu-Gi have a seemingly perfect marriage but still have no children. When Tsiu-Bi’s friend, Le-Hun, a single mother, is forced to work in a nightclub to raise her son, Tshiu-Bi tries her best to help her. However, unbeknownst to Tshiu-Bi, Le-Hun and Siu-Gi were once lovers. To avoid complications, Le-Hun decides to move away, only to run into Siu-Gi again in a nightclub. After a night together, Le-Hun becomes pregnant. When Tshiu-Bi learns this startling truth, she makes a surprising decision. Adapted from a Japanese novel and film, The Husband’s Secret dissects social relations through its tear-jerking, love-triangle melodrama. Differing from other films of the period, LIN’s work gave greater voice to female characters, addressing feminine consciousness and the mutual support among women. This representation broke away from traditionally ill-fated female characters, allowing audiences to reconsider established family structures and gendered power relations. Additionally, the film uses an occasional third-person female voice-over that both sympathizes with, and judges the characters, adding to the emotional stakes. Director｜LIN Tuan-Chiu Born in 1920 to a wealthy coal-mining family, LIN studied in Japan. He became a playwright, active in Taiwan’s New Drama Movement, and a writer-director for Taiwanese-language films. After working at the Toho Company in Japan, he became one of the first Taiwanese filmmakers with hands-on studio experience. In 1958, LIN established Yufeng Pictures and Hushan Film Studio. His films are well known for their detailed psychological portraits, especially the portrayals of female characters. Using compelling stories, diverse camera movements and carefully-designed composition, LIN shot many classics, notably The Husband’s Secret (1960), May 13th, Night of Sorrow (1965) and Six Suspects (1965).