Synopsis
At the end of the 19th century, Shanghai is divided into several foreign concessions. In the British concession, a number of luxurious “flower houses” are reserved for the male elite of the city. Since Chinese dignitaries are not allowed to frequent brothels, these establishments are the only ones that these men can visit. They form a self-contained world, with its own rites, traditions and even its own language. The men don’t only visit the houses to frequent the courtesans but also to dine, smoke opium, play mahjong and relax. The women working there are known as the “flowers of Shanghai”.
Facts
Setting
Shanghai
Original language
Cantonese
Trailer
Stills
Festival History
- International Film Festival Rotterdam 1999 generic
- Village Voice Film Poll 1999 generic
- Cannes Film Festival 1998 generic
- Toronto International Film Festival 1998 generic
