Flowers of Shanghai (The Criterion Collection) [DVD]

Flowers of Shanghai is a stunning period film that offers an immersive, mesmerizing journey into the world of 19th-century Shanghai courtesans. The film, directed by Hou Hsiao-hsien, is a captivating exploration of romantic intrigue, jealousy, and tension within the confines of the city's "flower houses," where courtesans live in opulent splendor, yet are forced to work in order to buy back their freedom.

The story revolves around Master Wang, a regular client at the flower houses, whose relationship with his longtime mistress is thrown into turmoil by a perceived act of betrayal. The film unfolds in a series of entrancing long takes, capturing the decadence and cruelty of this vanished world with breathtaking beauty. Much of the dramatic action takes place offscreen, leaving the emotional impact to be felt with quiet devastation.

The DVD special edition features a new 4K digital restoration, as well as a documentary on the making of the film, including behind-the-scenes footage and interviews with the director, producer, production designer, and sound recordist. Additionally, the special edition includes excerpts from a 2015 interview with Hou, a trailer, and English subtitle translations. The release also comes with an essay by film scholar Jean Ma and a 2009 interview with Hou conducted by scholar Michael Berry.

With its evocative storytelling and sumptuous visuals, Flowers of Shanghai offers a poignant and unforgettable glimpse into a world of forbidden desires and untold sacrifices. Hou Hsiao-hsien's masterpiece is a timeless exploration of love, loss, and the enduring human spirit.

product information: