A local television station shows a Chinese movie every week which is how I saw it. This screening was in Cantonese with english subtitles. Keep in mind that movies in Hong Kong and China are often available in several dialects so the comments that this movie is in Mandarin is not strictly correct.
As someone else described this is an intimate gentle drama. It is not a "great" movie but it is certainly well above average. The acting is competent as is the direction. Some may find the pacing slow but I prefer to think of it as patient. I certainly felt drawn to the characters although that may be because of my Chinese heritage. I think that my have helped me accept some of what was going on in the movie.
I would watch the movie again and recommend it to anyone who appreciates patient quiet dramas.
Keywords: woman director
Plot summary
Factory worker Shijun encounters an office girl, Manjing, as they work in the same company together. Manjing's sister, Manlu, is a dance hostess who works to support her family, and who marries a rich client. Shijun belongs to a well-to-do family of merchants in Nanjing. They fall in love, but a tragic turn of events shatters their happiness.
Uploaded by: FREEMAN
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Very good though not great drama
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Good story spoiled by bad production
Joint production by Hong Kong and China, which spelled the doom of the film. Famous actors such as You Ge from mainland China, where the film was shot, and produced, for the sake of cost reduction. However, as other mentioned, the Chinese standard of production is not up to the standard and thus ruined a good script and cast.