Gong Li has given a fantastic performance in this movie, Zhang Yimou has directed this movie so well and i believe it is the best that both have done. the movie itslef is riveting, you find yourself glued to the movie for the whole two hours. well done to both of them!!

Gong Li has given steller performances in all of the six movies she's made with Zhang Yimou, but it's this movie that serves as a showcase for her talents, as well as those of her female co-stars. Although it all takes place exclusively within the Chen's estate, it's a very beautifully photographed and acted movie about Songlian's relations with the other wives' and the husband. Like Ju Dou, it was originally banned in China by the Commies because of it's frank criticism of the aristocratic sexism in early China, all the more reason to see and recommend it. And to see it again multiple times too. It's that splendid.