Ironically, this snoozy drama was born of Chinese actress Luo Yan's passion for Pearl S. Buck's novel of spiritual and sexual awakening. The movie follows the fortunes of the Wu clan, a well-regarded and wealthy family shaken by the intrusions of the modern world. Of course, she would rather die. The doctor's good deed is more shocking to the insular community than the Japanese invasion to the north or the struggle between the Communist and Nationalist Chinese. Drawn to both the teacher and the lessons, she soon joins in the classes, with Chiuming in tow.
Sparks are in the air.