Sun Daolin as Prince Myshkin.

     I have long admired Sun Daolin, who as 蕭澗秋 in 早春二月 performs a character I esteem no less than "my captain", the insuperable Picard.  Hsiao Chian-ch'iu manages to be both high-minded and not a hypocrite (quite a rare accomplishment); the cost, as so often in such cases, is that he is an inveterate shilly-shallyer, who, by the very fact that he intends the best, causes the utmost harm and pain---far more even than the vile.  The widow Wen Sao, whom he would marry from heartfelt pity, kills herself in shame;  T'ao Lan, who admires, perhaps even loves, him, is crushed that he is more moved by pity for Wen Sao than by affection for her. 

      Hardly otherwise does the sweet Prince Myshkin ruin those around them.