Snow Flower and the Secret Fan

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Daniel G Languid movie that highlights Chinese culture and traditional sisterly friendship in different periods of time in a moving manner. Many characters only superficially depicted, but sufficiently described. Surprised that did so badly among critics and even the audience. Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 02/24/23 Full Review Audience Member Snow Flower parallels two friendships, but not very well. The older story of two girls that both had bound feet and by lautong is rich - but the film has trouble translating it into the modern day story. Rated 2.5/5 Stars •  Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars 01/12/23 Full Review Audience Member It made me think my best friend. We've been friends for many years and no matter the distance or time apart, each time we connect it's like no time has passed. I really enjoyed this movie. Smiles, laughter, wtf and tears! Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/20/23 Full Review matthew d A sentimental melodrama on sisterhood. Wayne Wang's arthouse drama Snow Flower and the Secret Fan (2011) is a lovely melodrama about sisterhood empowering two women to survive great pain. Wang makes an interesting choice to depart from Lisa See's novel structure by including a modern day setting in Shanghai that I really loved. Wang's direction is fascinating as he seamlessly flashes from a framed narrative in contemporary times to a period setting in ancient China for a parallel story told about like sisters. I don't know if everyone will love these choices, but I found them far more engaging than either story individually. Deirdre Slevin's editing is pretty impeccable for conveying the time jumps. I think Snow Flower and the Secret Fan is a nice little forgotten drama many women will love. I found it quite moving myself. I really enjoyed how natural the dialogue felt between all the women. There's a lot of homoerotic subtext here too as these ladies could easily have just been lesbian characters. I'd say no matter how you view Snow Flower, Wang directed his heart out with Richard Wong's stunning cinematography. All the cool greys and blues look striking, especially the outside shots of the city are particularly beautiful. The idea about sisterhood and love enduring despite hardship is very sweet and is played seriously enough that you feel their pain realistically. Rachel Portman's score is gentle, serene, and touching as she invokes deep sorrow and sweeping majesty with her ethereal music. Man Lim-Chung and Molly Page's production is sleek and gorgeous to draw you into this Chinese world of culture and heartache. You feel the pain of the feet wrapping all the more thanks to Joseph DiValerio's effects. Li Bingbing is phenomenal as Nina and Lily in her sympathetic and subtle dual roles. She is a lovely Chinese actress of quiet grace and expressive facial acting. She really convinces you her character is suffering from loneliness and heartbreak of sorts. Likewise, Gianna Jun is a stunning Korean actress, who kills it as the playful and devastated Sophia and Snow Flower. Her dual roles are just as impressive as Bingbing's nuanced performance as a skillful actress. Both actresses captivate you with their hypnotizing charisma and natural heartfelt presence. They are the reason to watch Snow Flower for sure. Hugh Jackman is completely wasted as Arthur, but his acting isn't terrible. He's just over-acting compared especially to the amazing lead actresses performances. Vivian Wu is kind as Sophia's aunt. I liked her strange verbal choices that make her character feel more warm, friendly, and playful. Jiang Wu is good as the brutal butcher, but simplistic overall. Russell Wong has a neat cameo as a smug CEO, then promptly disappears for the rest of the film. Coco Chiang Yi is lovely and interesting as Anna. Lastly Hu Qing-Yun and Lu Zhong are excellent as the mean older ladies Mrs. Liao and Lady Lu. In short, Snow Flower's cast carries and elevates the film into a real drama compared to the more melodramatic story. I really liked this movie and would happily watch it again. Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 03/31/23 Full Review lariste l Worthless - 21st century royal/overlord Rupert Murdoch paid Fox Searchlight to release this historical Chinese picture to make back it's earnings, presumably, because the producer is his wife, or one of his series of wives. Tastefully done though, like visiting a nicely decorated living room in the best part of town, but production values aren't what rewards audiences; dramatic power, emotion and cultural impact are, or at least entertainment value. Rated 1.5/5 Stars •  Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars 03/31/23 Full Review Audience Member The novel by Lisa See was beautiful, deep. It really transports the reader to 19th century China. The film was choppy, vague, and confusing. Attempting to weave another, modern, story-line in with the original story took away time that could have been used for character and story development. You don't get to know the two main characters or the close nature of their relationship, which is the entire theme of the film. You don't get an idea of what life in 19th century China might have looked like. It left me disappointed and had I not read the book, I don't think I would have understood what the film was about at all. Rated 1.5/5 Stars •  Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars 02/23/23 Full Review Read all reviews

Snow Flower and the Secret Fan

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