Director : Hou Hsiao Hsien
Cinematographer : Pin Bing Lee
Genre : Drama
Country : Taiwan
Duration : 113 Minutes
🔸 The film never rushes. It sits in silence, in dimly lit rooms filled with smoke and soft voices. Flowers of Shanghai takes place almost entirely inside elegant 19th century 'flower houses' where courtesans and wealthy men spend long evenings talking, drinking, and negotiating relationships. There is no fast plot. Instead, the story slowly reveals the emotional lives of these women and the power games between love, money, and pride. The film moves from room to room, conversation to conversation, letting the world feel closed and controlled.
🔸 The cinematography is one of the most striking parts of the film. Long takes and warm candlelight create a dream like atmosphere. The camera rarely moves quickly, which makes every gesture and pause feel important. Performances are subtle and restrained. Emotions are not shouted. Jealousy, longing, and disappointment are shown through silence and small changes in expression. The film carefully shows how these women live within a system that limits them, even when they appear powerful.
🔸 However, the slow pacing can feel distant at times. The film demands patience, and some viewers may struggle to connect emotionally because of its controlled style. Certain character arcs feel slightly underdeveloped, and the emotional payoff is quiet rather than strong. Still, Flowers of Shanghai remains a visually beautiful and thoughtful film. It is less about dramatic events and more about mood, control, and the quiet sadness inside closed rooms.
Verdict : Good
DC Rating : 3.75/5
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