Introduction"Snow Flower and the Secret Fan" is a 2011 historical drama, directed by Wayne Wang. The film is based on a book of the same name by Lisa See. The plot leaps in between 2 period, 19th-century China and contemporary Shanghai, it follows the story of 2 sets of pals binding together regardless of social norms that try to keep them apart.
StoryThe motion picture begins with 2 seven-year-old women in 19th-century China. They are matched as laotong (sworn sisters), a bond which is said to be stronger than marital relationship. The women, Lily and Snow Flower, interact with a secret language referred to as "Nu shu" secured by the folds of a beautifully crafted white silk fan. The fan is exchanged backward and forward and fills with stories of love, loss, and challenge.
Parallel to this story, in present-day Shanghai, the long-lasting friendship of Nina and Sophia imitates that of Lily and Snow Flower. Despite the social and cultural development, Nina and Sophia experience similar problems of love and betrayal as their 19th-century predecessors.
Conflict and ResolutionIn the past, Lily and Snow Flower's relationship begins to weaken after a misunderstanding, where Lily thought Snow Flower betrayed her, which she didn't. Lily's error forms a misunderstanding which hurts Snow Flower immensely, leading her to a life filled with challenge.
In today, the friendship of Nina and Sophia is evaluated when Sophia falls into a coma after a bike accident. The reason for the accident was Sophia's troubled state brought on by an argument she earlier had with Nina. As Sophia depends on the healthcare facility, it is up to Nina to unwind the mysteries of their friendship and the psychological fan stories.
Both stories show circumstances where miscommunications and assumptions result in years of regret and guilt.
ConclusionIn the end, "Snow Flower and the Secret Fan" is a celebration of female friendship. It is a refreshing take on the enthusiasm, love, and loyalty between pals that might surpass marital bonds. The story holds up a mirror to the altering characteristics of society, females's roles in time.
The movie concludes with Lily and Snow Flower fixed up at Snow Flower's deathbed, comparable to how Nina and Sophia reconcile after Sophia's near-death experience. Both stories demonstrate the strength and resilience of their bond, highlighting the importance of listening and understanding over leaping to conclusions. A regretful Lily asks Snow Flower for forgiveness, while a relieved Nina realizes the strength of her bond with Sophia.
ReceptionThe film has been praised for its representation of female relationships, strong performances, and the unusual narrative that moves in between 2 time periods. However, it received a combined vital reaction in general. Some critics found the modern-day part less compelling than the 19th-century story, while others felt that the movie didn't completely capture the depth and intricacy of the initial book.
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