Two young female friends swear allegiance in this sentimental adaptation of the book by Lisa See. While See’s novel focused on the 19th century concept of the “laotong” — a formalised female life friendship — this adds a parallel modern story about businesswoman Nina (Li Bingbing) and her sworn friend, Sophia (Gianna Jun). The idea of a friendship that falls somewhere between Platonism and eroticism is an interesting one and the period scenes are fascinating. But by flitting between the two stories, this fails to be more than superficially moving. Not even a cameo from Hugh Jackman as a singing Lothario can save the day: fun as he is, he just feels tacked-on.
Snow Flower And The Secret Fan Review
19th century China. Two women, Nina (Li Bingbing) and Sophia (Gianna Jun), embark on a formal friendship - or 'laotong' - that gives them a secret freedom from the binds of a fiercely male-dominated society. Greater strife, though, is just around the corner...
Release Date:
04 Nov 2011
Running Time:
104 minutes
Certificate:
12A
Original Title:
Snow Flower And The Secret Fan
Taking a much-loved novel as its starting point, Wang's film doesn't do much more than splash colour on a story of deep-felt friendship. Not even the second best Hugh Jackman cameo of the year can save it from being little more than a period curio.
Just so you know, whilst we may receive a commission or other compensation from the links on this website, we never allow this to influence product selections - read why you should trust us