The Jade Cat Pendant

The Jade Cat Pendant

In battle, Xiao Heng bites into a white jade cat pendant belonging to Xue Fangfei, whom he affectionately calls "Xiao Li Mao" (little leopard cat). Jade represents human virtues in traditional Chinese culture. As the Confucian saying in the Book of Rites goes: "A gentleman never parts with his jade without a reason." Jade pendants were worn on the body as a constant reminder of one's virtues. In The Double, Xiao Heng keeps A'Li's pendant close to him. It is a token of love, respect, and their shared quest for justice. According to Chinese folklore, it is good luck for a stray cat to enter the house, as "cats bring five blessings, cats enter blessed places." Similarly, jade carvings of cats were believed to bring good fortune and health to their owners. Xue Fangfei treasures her jade pendant. It was given to her by her father, who hoped it would bring her protection and a smooth and peaceful life. The cat-shaped pendant also represents Xue Fangfei herself, her ability to survive in harsh environments, and how, like a stray cat, she unexpectedly enters Xiao Heng's life and captures his heart. (x)

The Double 墨雨云间 (2024), directed by Lu Hao Jiji, Bai Yunmo & Ma Shige

Sunset Boulevard (1950)

Director: Billy Wilder

Cinematographer: John F. Seitz

"When the red star bleeds and the darkness gathers, Azor Ahai shall be born again amidst smoke and salt to wake dragons out of stone."

"What fools we were, who thought ourselves so wise! The error crept in from the translation. Dragons are neither male nor female, Barth saw the truth of that, but now one and now the other, as changeable as flame. The language misled us all for a thousand years. Daenerys is the one, born amidst salt and smoke. The dragons prove it."

"Her coming is the fulfillment of an ancient prophecy. From smoke and salt was she born to make the world anew. She is Azor Ahai returned... and her triumph over darkness will bring a summer that will never end... death itself will bend its knee, and all those who die fighting in her cause shall be reborn ..."

— George R. R. Martin, A SONG OF ICE AND FIRE

hot and bloody collection (13/∞)

bru & dee’s friday movie night (8/?) ◆ psycho | 1960

PAULETTE GODDARD & NORMA SHEARER in THE WOMEN (1939) dir. George Cukor