Peony Pavilion was premiered in the Opening Gala of the 25th Hong Kong Film Festival. The title was borrowed from a Kunju(a form of Chinese Opera)title which was a symbol of love. The film indeed was about love, a complex relationship about two women, very much like a parallel to the acclaimed 'Farewell My Concubine'.

Being an aesthetic, all films by Director Yonfan were beautifully shot. The Jade Pavilion was no exception. It was a visual treat. The art direction and cinematography of the film were nothing less than perfect.

 However, compared with Farewell My Concubine, The Jade Pavilion was naive and shallow in portraying the relationship between the three leading characters. The story led to nowhere. Throughout the entire movie I have failed to have any feelings or to identify myself with any of the characters in the film.

Yonfan is far superior a cinematographer than he is a screen writer.

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In 1930s Suzhou, the fifth wife of an opium-addicted aristocrat, her husband's female cousin, and a handsome instructor develop an intense relationship.

Rie Miyazawa and Joey Wang in Peony Pavilion (2001)

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Yonfan at an event for Peony Pavilion (2001)

Rie Miyazawa, Joey Wang, and Yonfan at an event for Peony Pavilion (2001)

Peony Pavilion

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