Springorchid Files

Judge Shi Cases: A Compilation of Film Adaptations 施公案

Judge Shi cases is a popular detective novel series from the Qing Dynasty. The earliest publication dates to 1798. The author is unknown.

It tells the story of Shi Shi Lun 施仕伦, a Qing dynasty magistrate during the Kangxi period that is good at solving crimes and arresting corrupt officials. Judge Shi is a fictional character. I suspect he is the combination of different magistrates. Interestingly, the full text of the Chinese novels is freely available to read: 施公案全文_古诗文网 (gushiwen.cn).

The film compilation below are all adaptations loosely based on the characters in the novel series. No English subtitles.

施公案之少女迷影

Young girls are being abducted for months. The new and young magistrate has 2 weeks to investigate. I like the process of deduction portrayed in this movie. The actors are not good looking or beautiful, but they did a great job. The ending is weak because the motivation behind the abductions is just silly.

施公案之铜梅奇案

Judge Shi investigates a death by poisoning and a mute thief. The two crimes are in fact related.

施公案之官银劫

Many Chinese period crime dramas like to cover crimes like theft of government monies. This is no exception. The only difference is that the money disappeared mysteriously from the treasury.

施公案之火铳案

Judge Shi investigates the death of a mysterious man floating in the river. He was killed by a rifle which, at that time, was only used by government officers. His investigation led to painful truths involving family.

施公案之烛影迷踪

Judge Shi investigates the death of a pregnant woman by fire. The plot reminds me of Suspect X. The merit of the story lies in the clues devised by the writers. I think they tried their best.