Snow Flower and the Secret Fan

Authors: Steven
Location: Louisiana

“Snow Flower and the Secret Fan”

Directed by: Zhang Yimou
Written by: Wang Bin
Score by: Shigeru Umebayashi

Principal Cast:

Ziyi Zhang (Lily)
Gong Li (Snow Flower)
Phoebe Kut (young Lily)
Suzuka Ohgo (young Snow Flower)
Michelle Yeoh (Mama)
Chang Chen (Baba)
Kaori Momoi (Madame Wang)
Zoe Weizenbaum (Beautiful Moon)
Vivian Wu (Aunt)
Tony Leung (Uncle)
Ken Watanabe (Dalang)
Chow Yun Fat (the Butcher)
Maggie Cheung (Mother-in-law)

Tagline: "Fate brought them together, and fate tore them apart"

Synopsis: In 19th century China, two girls, Lily and Snow Flower, are paired as laotongs ("old sames"). Laotongs are two girls who share similar characters; they are lifelong friends whose relationship is even more intimate than that between husband and wife. Over the years they send secret messages written in nu shu (a Chinese language known only to women) on a fan, they endure the pains of foot binding, they go through with their arranged marriages which will establish their positions in Chinese society, and they try their best to give birth to sons that will carry on their in-laws name. Even through much tragedy their love for each other never wavers until Snow Flower's secrets begin to surface.

What the press would say:

"Snow Flower and the Secret Fan" is one of the most powerful and moving films of the year! Director Zhang Yimou assembles an all-star cast that deliver flawless performances. Ziyi Zhang should finally land the Oscar nomination she has been on the verge of receiving for years. Michelle Yeoh is electrifying as Lily's mother who shows her more pain than love. Vivian Wu is astounding as the grieving aunt who cannot handle the loss of her daughter. Ken Watanabe delivers a great, subtle performance as Lily's husband. It was interesting to see this bestselling English novel adapted into one of the finest foreign films of the year.

Awards

Best Picture
Best Director (Zhang Yimou)
Best Actress (Ziyi Zhang)
Best Actress (Gong Li)
Best Supporting Actor (Ken Watanabe)
Best Supporting Actress (Michelle Yeoh)
Best Supporting Actress (Vivian Wu)
Best Adapted Screenplay
Best Costume Design
Best Makeup
Best Cinematography
Best Art Direction
Best Score
Best Foreign Language Film