Film screening of "The woman of wrath" 殺夫

As part of the 2025 SOAS Centre of Taiwan Studies Summer School, we are proud to present the restored version of The Woman of Wrath, a landmark in feminist Taiwanese cinema, adapted from Li Ang’s acclaimed novel The Butcher’s Wife.

Directed by Tseng Chuang-hsiang and written by Wu Nien-jen, this 1984 film follows the harrowing journey of Lin Shi, a woman trapped in an abusive marriage to a local butcher. Haunted by childhood trauma and hemmed in by poverty and social stigma, Lin Shi’s life spirals into despair—until one night, she takes matters into her own hands.

This powerful story of violence, gender, and social control stirred public debate upon its release and remains deeply resonant today. The film was an early cinematic confrontation with female rage, bodily autonomy, and class oppression in rural Taiwan.

The project brought together key figures from the Taiwan New Cinema movement, including director Tseng Chuang-hsiang, writer Wu Nien-jen, cinematographer Chang Chao-tang, and producers Hsiao Yeh and Peggy Chiao.

The SOAS Centre of Taiwan Studies would like to thank TaiwanPlus and Taiwan Film and Audiovisual Institute for granting the rights of screening.

(image credit: Tseng Chuang-Hsiang via Taiwan Film and Audiovisual Institute)