- Genre
- Drama
- Year
- 2011
- Runtime
- 1h44
0
Snow Flower and the Secret Fan
A timeless bond forged in secrets and sisterhood.
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Synopsis
Snow Flower and the Secret Fan is a visually sumptuous drama set in 19th-century China, directed by Wayne Wang. The film explores the enduring friendship between two women, Lily and Snow Flower, who are bound by a secret written language and an intimate cultural tradition known as laotong. Spanning across generations, the story not only delves into the challenges they face due to societal expectations and forced marriages but also highlights the timeless themes of friendship, love, and resilience. Li Bingbing stars as the adult Snow Flower, whose journey intertwines with that of her descendant in the modern era, creating a parallel narrative that bridges the past and present. The movie beautifully captures traditional Chinese customs, the nuances of female bonding, and the emotional depths of keeping secrets in a restrictive society.
Cast
Reviews
Snow Flower and the Secret Fan received mixed to negative reviews from critics and audiences alike. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a low approval rating of 22%, reflecting generally unfavorable opinions, and it has a Metacritic score of 42 out of 100, indicating mixed or average reviews. IMDb users give it a 6.1 out of 10, showing a moderate appreciation from general viewers. Critics praised the movie's visually striking cinematography and its meticulous recreation of 19th-century Chinese settings, applauding the costume design and the evocative atmosphere. However, many reviewers felt that the narrative pacing was uneven and the emotional core lacked depth, leading to a disconnect with the audience. Some critiques mentioned that while the film aimed to portray a profound cultural story, it sometimes came off as melodramatic and overly sentimental. For instance, The New York Times noted that the movie was "beautifully filmed but ultimately weighed down by its own solemnity," while Variety highlighted that "the intricate friendship at the heart of the story is gradually eclipsed by the film's slow-moving plot." Overall, Snow Flower and the Secret Fan can be appreciated for its artistic ambition and cultural themes even if it doesn't fully engage in storytelling.
