China / France,
1995, 103 min
Plots(1)
Nightclub singer Xiao Jingbao lives a pampered life as the mistress of Shanghai godfather Mr. Tang. However, she gets in over her head after she begins an affair with Song, Mr. Tang's number two man, who wants to wrench control of the crime dynasty. Eventually, Xiao Jingbao finds herself caught in the middle of a mob war. Forced to leave behind her life of luxury and go into hiding with Mr. Tang, she gradually realizes just how expendable she is to both men. We see all this through the eyes of Shuisheng, a 14-year-old boy whose uncle has brought him into the Tang Brotherhood. Assigned the task of keeping watch over Xiao Jingbao, he ultimately becomes her sole, trusted confidante. (official distributor synopsis)
(more)Awards
- Winner
- Nominations
Academy Awards
- 1996 - Yue Lü (Best Achievement in Cinematography)
Golden Globes
- 1996 - Best Motion Picture – Foreign Language
Los Angeles Film Critics Association Awards
- 1995 - Yue Lü (Best Cinematography)
New York Film Critics Circle Awards
- 1995 - Yue Lü (Best Cinematographer)
Cannes Film Festival
- 1995 - Yue Lü (Grand Prix of the Superior Technical Commission)
- 1995 - Yimou Zhang (Golden Palm - Official Competition)