Film Details

Widely regarded as one of the best movies of the 1990s, this modern classic by Hou Hsiao-hsien focuses on the denizens of an upper-class brothel in 19th-century Shanghai and their romantic intrigues. Bathed in a golden glow from oil lamps, fluidly shot in lush interiors, and wreathed in an opium haze, the film is a serene, haunting work that perfectly captures the isolated, circumscribed existences of five elegant “flower girls” who spend their lives catering to regular customers while trying to buy their freedom. With Tony Leung Chiu-wai. “(A) visually ravishing masterpiece…Flowers of Shanghai is perfect.” –Phillip Lopate. New 4K restoration! Cleveland revival premiere. Subtitles. 113 min.

Flowers of Shanghai, a Cinematheque streaming exclusive, can be viewed online from 11/27 thru at least 12/17 via the link below. (Doing so supports the Cinematheque.) Screening fee is $12, and after opening the film, you have 72 hours to watch it.