IMDb 0 2017 HD

Lotus Lantern

Lotus Lantern

2017
Animation
7 min
0 IMDB

A peek into the wax lotus. Lotus Lantern is a tribute to late Chinese singer Zhou Xuan, a missing link between filmmaker’s queer identity and Chinese heritage.

Personnel // Cast & Crew

Director Calvin Xingpei Shen

How Viewers Describe This Film

Common themes and sentiments

introspective symbolic personal heritage queer tribute evocative reflective artistic melancholic nuanced fragile

Reviews

S
Sophia Chen
Apr 15, 2026
3.0 / 5
3.0

'Lotus Lantern' presents a personal odyssey, using the memory of Zhou Xuan as a touchstone for the filmmaker's exploration of queer identity and Chinese heritage. The film's strength lies in its thematic ambition and its commitment to a…

J
Julian Croft
Apr 15, 2026
4.5 / 5
4.5

A quietly profound cinematic offering, 'Lotus Lantern' succeeds admirably in its ambitious dual purpose: honouring the legendary Zhou Xuan and dissecting the filmmaker's own complex identity. The direction crafts an atmosphere of intimate reflection, where the personal narrative…

I
Isabelle Dubois
Apr 15, 2026
3.0 / 5
3.0

In 'Lotus Lantern,' the filmmaker offers a personal mosaic, piecing together queer identity and Chinese heritage with the spectral presence of Zhou Xuan. The film’s tone is undeniably reflective, leaning heavily on symbolic imagery, most notably the wax…

M
Marcus Bellweather
Apr 15, 2026
4.0 / 5
4.0

This is a film that lingers. 'Lotus Lantern' is a brave and beautifully conceived exploration of self, weaving the ghost of singer Zhou Xuan into the fabric of the filmmaker's personal journey. The direction, though uncredited, possesses a…

E
Eleanor Vance
Apr 15, 2026
3.5 / 5
3.5

A tender, if somewhat abstract, tribute, 'Lotus Lantern' attempts to illuminate the filmmaker's own identity through the resonant legacy of singer Zhou Xuan. The film's exploration of queer heritage feels earnest, though its visual metaphors, particularly the recurring…

FAQs

Given that 'Lotus Lantern' directly addresses the filmmaker's queer identity, it is highly likely to resonate with audiences interested in LGBTQ+ cinema. The film's exploration of this aspect of the filmmaker's life, intertwined with their Chinese heritage, suggests a nuanced and personal narrative that offers a distinct perspective within the genre. It promises an intimate portrayal of self-discovery and cultural connection from a queer viewpoint.