Decoding Desire and Power

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MOVIE REVIEW
Facets of Love
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Genre: Drama
Year Released: 1973, 88 Films Blu-ray 2024
Runtime: 1h 39m
Director(s): Han Hsiang Li
Writer(s): Han Hsiang Li
Cast: Lily Ho, Elliot Ngok, Hu Chin, Teresa Ha Ping, Jackie Chan, Shen Chan, Cheng Kang-Yeh, Wong Yu, Lydia Shum Tin-Ha, Sai Gwa-Pau
Language: Chinese (Mandarin) with English subtitles
Where To Watch: available November 12, 2024; pre-order your copy here www.88-films.myshopify.com, www.mvdshop.com, or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: Step back into early 1900s Shanghai. Han Hsiang Li's FACETS OF LOVE captivates with its departure from the typical energy of Shaw Brothers Studios' martial arts films, offering a stirring exploration of the emotional and social layers draped across a historical Shanghai brothel instead. This film invites viewers into a visual and emotional spectacle, unfolding the complex aspects of power, subjugation, and survival within the brothel's walls, marked by tales of deceit and lost innocence.

FACETS OF LOVE frames its narratives within an anthology, presenting the brothel simultaneously as a haven and a cell. Each chapter is crafted precisely, revealing the stark disparities between the inhabitants' control and vulnerability. Li’s directorial approach is subtle yet profound. It encourages the audience to absorb and reflect on the characters' circumstances rather than pass judgment, thereby deepening the connection between the viewer and the film's intricate stories.

The visual treatment of FACETS OF LOVE is nothing short of opulent. The camera explores through scenes in stunning costumes and elaborate sets, reconstructing an oppressive yet grandiose era. The cinematography manipulates shadows and light to draw viewers closer to the lives of key figures, enhancing the thematic elements of entrapment and fleeting liberation throughout the film.

While the anthology format enhances the film's narrative, allowing for an exploration of the characters' diverse lives, it occasionally works against the pacing. Specific segments dwell too long on atmospheric elements, which, while visually pleasing, stall the plot's momentum. Streamlining these moments could have sharpened the focus on character development and provided more precise insights into the complex interplay of relationships within the brothel.

Despite these moments of inactivity, FACETS OF LOVE is a robust portrayal of a brothel that transcends its role as a mere setting for transactional relationships, illustrating it instead as a focal point of societal interplay. This visual feast captures life's grim realities and transient beauty within its walls, offering a compelling look at human resilience and frailty.

The film’s meticulous design and thematic depth are brilliantly showcased in the Blu-ray release by 88 Films. This release allows audiences to appreciate every detail of the thoughtful production design in high definition. This release enhances the visual experience and honors the film’s artistic integrity, ensuring Li’s vision is experienced as intended.

FACETS OF LOVE is a stunningly crafted film that delves into the enduring themes of desire, power, and betrayal, reflecting on the social dynamics of early 20th-century Shanghai. Li’s story weaves a rich tale of insights and human emotions. It presents a unique cinematic experience that offers a window into a world where every aspect of love—its power, peril, and pain—is vividly portrayed. This film is essential for those who appreciate profound historical narratives infused with complex human experiences.

Bonus Materials
High Definition (1080p) Presentation in 2.35:1 Aspect Ratio
2.0 LPCM Mandarin Soundtrack with newly translated English Subtitles

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[photo courtesy of 88 FILMS, MVD ENTERTAINMENT]

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