The screening on 3 May will be introduced by Tony Rayns.

Feature debut from Eddie Fong with fiercely feminist and erotic New Wave take on the classical Chinese historical drama. Produced by the Shaw Brothers, the film is a provocative exploration of passion and oppression, which won awards for its gorgeous art direction and a slew of nominations for its score and cast.

Yu Xuanji, a freethinking young scholar, becomes a Taoist priestess to avoid the traditional roles designated to her as a woman by the society during the Tang Dynasty. However, while this allows Yu to continue her studies and to achieve fame as a poet, her affairs with a wandering swordsman and her maid gradually lead her to scandal and self-destruction. Turning the usual gender roles on their heads, the film is powerful tale of desire and rebellion that plays out against a backdrop of sensual visual poetry. 

This screening is in partnership with the Chinese Cinema Project and Focus Hong Kong. Supported by the Hong Kong Economic Trade Office London. Courtesy of Celestial Pictures Limited. In Cantonese with Chinese and English subtitles.

Cast:
Pat Ha, Alex Man, Kuo-chu Chang, Monica Lam