Ang Lee's remarkable (albeit long and somewhat challenging) film takes place in WW II Shanghai. GORGEOUS first time actress, Wei Tang, pulls off one of the most complex, deep acting roles I can remember. And that, in a way, is the subject of this complex film; Acting. Especially, the actress. The role of woman in society, and as a lover.
I can't recommend this film for everyone. It evokes Anais Nin, D.H. Lawrence, even Shakespeare, and a european sensibility that we haven't seen in a couple decades since Fellini. On the surface, it's a disappointing story, meaning it's not a "happy ending." But it is so satisfying on the character level, the story within the story.
A few remarkable scenes (both visually and dramatically), wonderful sets and costumes, and some rather graphic sex scenes, this isn't a movie for everyone. But something that will last as a masterpiece for decades and slowly build an audience like La Dolce Vita or La Strada or Bicycle Thief or Woman in the Dunes or Sons and Lovers.
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