713

This drama moves at a slow pace as you hear and see business transactions concerning high class prostitutes and their sponsors. There's gossip, intrigue, and some drama but it's all just a voyeuristic view into their lives with little narrative structure or plot. Hou goes for atmospheric immersion here so despite the non conventional story telling the acting, costumes, and set is exquisite which makes you believe you are right there in the room smoking opium and listening along.

#719

# 583

681

Interesting claustrophobic feel. The whole thing takes place in about 4 or 5 cramped rooms, I don't think there's a single shot outdoors. The pace is exceptionally leisurely, with the camera drifting in a yellow opium haze from character to character. As far as I can recall, there were no cuts at all during any scene. Doesn't blow me away, but Hou rarely does.