A short reviewed by Edward Tsang 2010.02.20
is a seriously made movie, with attention paid to fine details. The director has done thorough research in the costume, furniture to
jewellery. With his family fleeing Shanghai in the late 1940’s, he certainly knows how a rich family looked like in the old days.
The music was beautifully done. It creates a special atmosphere, quite appropriate to the story. The singing was hypnotising.
The background of the movie was a wealthy family in China in the 30's. The family was in decline. The movie is a valuable record of old China.
The subject of the movie is unusual. It describes some episodes of two sisters-in-law, how they supported each other emotionally, how they handle their sexual urges, challenging the values of old China.
The movie has won a number of prizes from various places, including the Best Picture of 2001 by the Time Magazine, the Best Actresses by IFF and PAFF.
Peony Pavilion is a special movie. It is certainly the best movie that I have seen by Yang Fan.
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