| The Jade Pendant | |
| Director: | Leong Po-Chih |
| Story: | L.P. Leung |
| Music: | Anne-Kathrin Dern |
| Studio: | Lotus Entertainment |
| Distributor: | Crimson Forest Entertainment |
| Runtime: | 106 minutes |
| Country: | United States Hong Kong |
| Language: | English, Mandarin, Chinese |
The Jade Pendant is a 2017 American Western film directed by Leong Po-Chih and starring Godfrey Gao as Tom Wong, Clara Lee as Peony, following a tragic love story leading to the largest mass lynching in American history, of 19 Chinese immigrants in Los Angeles' Chinatown, in 1871.[1]
A tragic love story Follows the journey of a young girl and lead character in the film Peony (Clara Lee), who, fleeing an arranged marriage in China, is tricked into signing a contract to work as a "flower girl" in America, with her friend Lily (Nina Lu). Her determination and martial arts skills, aid her refusal to succumb to the world of prostitution, then she meets Tom (Godfrey Gao), an American Born Chinese cook whose father Mr. Wong, (Russell Wong) works on the Transcontinental Railroad. Despite the gender role reversal of Peony and Tom, the relationship thrives to marriage and a child.[2] Throughout the film, Peony is wearing a circular disk green jade pendant, which was a gift from her grandmother to bring her luck and protection.[3] Not all is blissful though, as Hong Kong Triad boss Yu Hing (Tzi Ma) seeks to extend his power into America, is fixated on obtaining Peony for his own needs. This film tells the tale of the first great Chinese migration to the United States, was released on the anniversary of the largest mass lynching in American history, of 19 Chinese immigrants in Los Angeles' Chinatown, in 1871 and was Filmed in Utah.
The bigger Hollywood studios initially rejected the idea of a western with a cast of predominantly Asian descent, which would only be acceptable in a kung-fu movie. however, independent producer Thomas Leong liked the story and in 2015 agreed to the project. The Jade Pendant took the honour of receiving the "Golden Angel" Award for "the best film by an Independent Producer" at the 2017 Chinese American Film Festival in Los Angeles, California.[2]