Gong-Li and film making partner Zhang Yimou have another fine hit; in a series that is beautiful filmmaking as well as one the government would find disapproving of the reality of triads.
She plays a "moll" , also a singing star triggering more than an ample reward for the conniving under bosses who would try to topple the boss.
Stunningly photographed and acted, maybe near the Hang Zhou coast (or a rare unfilled canal in Shanghai?) ... with his beautiful concubine, and the narrative device of a young male orphan as fellow observer; the Boss hits the mattresses due to an attempted murder from within; and retires to an island to discern the traitor giving orders to kill anyone who arrives or leaves the island without his permission.
Then the Boss waits, and Gong-Li idles no longer singing in the cabaret; and the "smoke out" begins.
Excellent poignant drama sensitively photographed.
As in all her films, and the directors, the people as bystanders and victims of any corruption is a subtle attended theme!
