Hou Hsiao-hsien's Flowers of Shanghai (1998) is a cinematic masterpiece that holds a unique and significant place in both the cinema and the modern history of China. It stands as a profound artistic exploration of a bygone era, offering a window into a complex social world on the brink of monumental change. Its importance can be understood through its innovative cinematic form and its deep engagement with a specific historical moment. The film marked a significant turning point for the acclaimed Taiwanese director Hou Hsiao-hsien. It was his first feature film set entirely outside of Taiwan, moving his focus from the island's history and identity to the heart of mainland China's past. This shift demonstrated his artistic ambition to engage with a broader, pan-Chinese cultural heritage.

Hou Hsiao-hsien is renowned for his distinctive style, and Flowers of Shanghai represents its purest, most radical expression. The film is almost entirely composed of long, static, and meticulously composed takes, often shot by the soft, flickering light of oil lamps, creating an immersive and hypnotic atmosphere. The action is confined entirely to the opulent interiors of four Shanghai brothels, or "flower houses," crafting a claustrophobic, sealed world governed by its own rituals. This approach prioritizes mood, atmosphere, and unspoken emotion over traditional plot-driven narrative.

This Film Club is convened by Peter Valerio.

Film

Flowers of Shanghai​ 海上花 (China)

Directed by

Hou Hsiao-Hsien​ 侯孝贤

Language

Cantonese and Shanghainese with English subtitles

Starring

Leung Chiu-Wai​ 梁朝伟

Michiko Hada​

Michele Reis​

Please note RAS Film Club no longer accommodates payment at door by Alipay and wechat. All tickets need to be purchased online via the registration link in the event announcement.