The film takes place in only a handful of locations, but features some gorgeous cinematography. The vibrant red colors (perhaps an allusion to Communist rule and foreshadowing bloodshed? It's hard to tell whether this film is for or against Communist China) are illustrated vividly by the sorghum win... [more]

In his new film, Zhang is said to have gone against his usual style and exaggerated every element of the film. In addition to the original film’s suspenseful plot, the comedic parts are especially over-the-top, not necessarily in a bad way. [more]

The plot is based on Cao Yu's 1934 play Thunderstorm (雷雨 pinyin: Lei Yu), but is set in the royal court of a certain dynasty in ancient China (please refer to the "historical perspective" section for detailed discussion). [more]

In China, homosexuality isn't illegal, but homosexuals are routinely persecuted by police and arrested for "hooliganism". The film focuses on a young gay writer A-Lan who, being attracted to a young policeman, manages to have himself interrogated for a whole night. [more]

The movie, which was directed by internationally acclaimed director Stanley Kwan, tells a romantic and tragic love story of two men. The story is set in Beijing in the late 1980s and early 1990s, and makes vivid reference to the Tiananmen Square massacre. [more]