Storyline

China in the 1920's. After her father's death, nineteen year old Songlian is forced to marry Chen Zuoqian, the lord of a powerful family. Fifty year old Chen has already three wives, each of them living in separate houses within the great castle. The competition between the wives is tough, as their master's attention carries power, status and privilege. Each night Chen must decide with which wife to spend the night and a red lantern is lit in front of the house of his choice. And each wife schemes and plots to make sure it's hers. However, things get out of hand...

Plot Keywords

1920s, power struggle, tradition, intrigue, injection, infidelity, illness, hypocrisy, husband wife relationship, housekeeper, hotel, hangover, hair, jealousy, liar, mother son relationship, mother daughter relationship, mistress, menstruation, master servant relationship

Short Review

Visually ravishing and emotionally cold, Zhang's third feature is one long series of pushes and pulls.

Trailer

Streaming Service

1. Amazon Video : $1.99 to rent, Or $0.00 with a Prime membership