Flowers of Shanghai (1998)

Flowers of Shanghai (1998) poster

At the end of the 19th century, Shanghai is divided into several foreign concessions. In the British concession, a number of luxurious “flower houses” are reserved for the male elite of the city. Since Chinese dignitaries are not allowed to frequent brothels, these establishments are the only ones that these men can visit. They form a self-contained world, with its own rites, traditions and even its own language. The men don’t only visit the houses to frequent the courtesans but also to dine, smoke opium, play mahjong and relax. The women working there are known as the “flowers of Shanghai”.

Director: Hou Hsiao-hsien
Genre: Drama
Runtime: 113 min
Release Date:

Cast

Screenplay

Music: Yoshihiro Hanno, Tu Duu-Chih
Cinematography: Mark Lee Ping-Bing
Editing: Liao Ching-Sung
Production: 3-H Films, Shochiku
Country: Taiwan, Japan
Language: 普通话, 广州话 / 廣州話
Original Language: zh

Keywords

shanghai, china, brothel, courtesan, 19th century

Trailer

Flowers of Shanghai Trailer

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Flowers of Shanghai about?
At the end of the 19th century, Shanghai is divided into several foreign concessions. In the British concession, a number of luxurious “flower houses” are reserved for the male elite of the city. Since Chinese dignitaries are not allowed to frequent brothels, these establishments are the only ones that these men can visit. They form a self-contained world, with its own rites, traditions and even its own language. The men don’t only visit the houses to frequent the courtesans but also to dine, smoke opium, play mahjong and relax. The women working there are known as the “flowers of Shanghai”.
Who directed Flowers of Shanghai?
Flowers of Shanghai was directed by Hou Hsiao-hsien.
Who stars in Flowers of Shanghai?
Flowers of Shanghai stars Tony Leung Chiu-wai, Michiko Hada, Carina Lau, Michele Reis, Jack Kao, Rebecca Pan.
How long is Flowers of Shanghai?
Flowers of Shanghai has a runtime of 1h 53m (113 minutes).
What genre is Flowers of Shanghai?
Flowers of Shanghai is a Drama film.
Where was Flowers of Shanghai produced?
Flowers of Shanghai was produced in Taiwan, Japan.