Film Forum

China/Japan, 1990
Directed by Zhang Yimou
Starring Gong Li, Li Wei, Li Baotian
Cinematography by Gu Changwei, Lun Yang
In Mandarin with English subtitles. 
Approx. 95 min. DCP. 

In rural China, the young bride of a tyrannical owner of a silk-dyeing business finds temporary solace in the arms of her husband's nephew. But problems arise when she becomes pregnant. Shot by Oscar®-nominated cinematographer Gu Changwei (FAREWELL MY CONCUBINE), JU DOU was banned in China, but made history as the country’s first Oscar®-nominated movie. Their third collaboration of many, the film launched the careers of star Gong Li and director Zhang Yimou.

Presented with the support of ARTE, France. Restored at Hiventy Laboratory (Paris) by IMPEX Films. 

Presented with support from The Reginald S. Reinhardt, Ling-Makekau Fund for Asia-Pacific Films

A FILM MOVEMENT RELEASE

Reviews

CRITIC’S PICK. “Intellectually and artistically brave... Visually stunning.”
– Caryn James, The New York Times

“The ending is as lurid and melodramatic as anything conceived by Poe or filmed by Buñuel, and it exhibits justice completely untempered by mercy.”
– Roger Ebert

“A MAGNIFICENT MELODRAMA…VISUALLY SUMPTUOUS...”
– Geoff Andrew, Time Out