Film description

In her latest film, like in her 2014 "The Golden Era," the director returns to the times of the Japanese occupation of Hong Kong during World War II. Once again, she speaks about complex relations and cruel history using a multi-perspective narration. Hui focuses the story around Fang (Zhou Xun) – a teacher who, due to a series of coincidences, becomes increasingly involved in the resistance.

Thanks to the refined sound and visual side, as well as Ann Hui's typical, restrained use of generic conventions, each gun shot and whizzing sword resounds twice as powerfully. The Hong Kong of the 1940s is portrayed as an ominously empty space, hidden in the shadow of uncertainty. Joe Hisaishi's minimalist soundtrack reaches its full strength illustrating Fang's transformation from a book-loving teacher to an emissary, fully aware of her identity and agency.

Emilia Skiba