A new element of drama was injected into the annual Kinma (Golden Horse) Award Ceremony, the Republic of China's version of the Hollywood "Oscar" presentations in the U.S. The names of winners were announced on the spot this year, instead of in advance as in the past. As a result, when it was disclosed that the best direction award had been won by Li Hsing for his "He Never Gives Up," he ran up on the stage and raised his award high in the air to the accompaniment of thunderous applause from the audience. More than 1,000 leading personalities in the entertainment world in Taiwan and Hong Kong, along with Chinese Government officials and guests attended the ceremony at the Taipei City Hall. On winning the award for the third time (previous triumphs were in 1965 for his "Beautiful Duckling" and in 1972 for "Execution in Autumn,") Li seemed a little surprised, but deeply self-confident. "I didn't expect to win the award again. I thought it would be Chang Yao-chi's turn this year. But my victory does indicate that the Kinma award system is fair, and that anyone can win if his work is of a high standard. We movie workers need this kind of encouragement." With the applause ringing in his ears, Li Hsing became more certain of his direction in the future--depicting the struggles of the people against adversity. In addition to the best direction, "He Never Gives Up" also won five other awards, for best actor, best picture, best screenplay, best cinematography, and another special award. Success has not come easily to Li Hsing. His triumph represents the culmination of 20 years devotion to Chinese movies, during which time he made some 30 films. The screenplay of "He Never Gives Up" is based on a best-selling autobiography, "A Boat Wandering on a Lonely Sea," written by Cheng Fong-shi. Li Hsing was so moved by Cheng's story that he devoted a whole year to committing it to film for no payment, to provide a memorial for one man's struggle and set an example to the nation's youth. Born a cripple and unable to walk, Cheng spent the first few years of his life from the age of four as an attraction in a traveling sideshow with only monkeys and other animals as his friends. When the senior part of the act died, he became destitute, but fortunately was rescued and taken back home to his family. Since his father was a poor farmer with 12 children to support, Cheng decided at once he would not become a burden. Despite his affliction, he started his own duck farm to eke out the family finances. When a typhoon destroyed the farm, Cheng was close to desperation. Fortunately, a relative came to the rescue again and set him off in a new direction in life. Entering primary school for the first time at the age of 12, Cheng had to crawl on all fours to attend classes whatever the weather, but he was not discouraged. He went on to win the first prize at the school six years later. By the time he had finished junior and senior high school, he had won the deep respect of his fellow villagers, and was ready to go on to one of his greatest triumphs --a degree course at Chung Shin University in Taichung. Cheng had now become a celebrity, as his touching story of struggle against hardship became familiar to many people through the press. The Commissioner of the Tsai Sheng Hospital sent him a support to enable him to walk. During his time in college Cheng fell in love with a fellow student, Wu Chi-chao. After they were married, they both returned to Cheng's hometown, where he became a teacher at the Kouho Junior Middle School. In 1974, Cheng received the ultimate accolade when he was selected as one of the Republic of China's 10 outstanding young men. Believing that knowledge is the greatest power to improve the lives of the people, Cheng decided to carry out his long cherished plan to build a library in Kouhu. Just when it seemed he had overcome impossible odds, another enemy was lurking which was to prove too strong for Cheng's physical powers to resist. Doctors confirmed the dreaded diagnosis that the he was suffering from cancer of the liver. Even though a prayer meeting attended by 10,000 people failed to save Cheng's life, in death he won the respect of everyone who heard his story. His spirit of struggle lives on forever in the people's hearts. Recalling Hemingway's words "A man can be destroyed, but not defeated," Li decided to start the first in what he hopes will be a long tradition of movies with "He Never Gives Up." Wherever the movie was shown, long lines formed outside ticket windows. Eventually it was to set a record for attendance at a Chinese movie in the past 15 years, since the showing of "Love Eternity." Through Li Hsing's efforts, the life story of Cheng Fong-shi became even more widely known and deeply rooted in the people's hearts. After the success of "He Never Gives Up," Li is now making another movie entitled "The Story of a Small Town," set in the ancient town of Lukang in central Taiwan. Working in the fields with the simple and honest villagers, Li said he feels inspired. He has finally turned his back on the contrived love stories which characterized his early movies, to base his work on the real-life dramas of the people.

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Li Hsing holds up his Kinma Award for best director. Tien Niu receiving the best actress award.

Page 24, 25, 26, 27: Scenes from "He Never Gives Up," directed by Li Hsing, which won many Kinma Awards.