"Beautiful women, you make every mistake. While heroic men make every other one."
> - dialogue from Beauty Remains
In her remarkable cinematic work, Beauty Remains, director Ann Hu deftly intertwines East and West, intimacy and grandeur, as well as psychological insight with sweeping storytelling. Set against the historically rich backdrop of Qingdao, China, in the year 1948, this film unravels a deep narrative, detailing the lives of two sisters, Fei (Zhou Xun) and Ying (Vivian Wu), caught amidst the turbulent rise of Communism.
Though related by blood, the sisters find themselves worlds apart due to societal expectations and the weight of their late father’s legacy. Their father, Master Li, was a legendary entrepreneur whose unyielding ambition often resulted in suffering for the women in his life. Following his death, the adults in their lives rush to enforce constricting customs that force Fei, the illegitimate daughter living in disgrace, back into a household from which she had been excluded. Meanwhile, her half-sister Ying leads a life drenched in luxury but is consumed by jealousy upon Fei's return.
As the story unfolds, the audience is taken on an emotional journey through Ying's begrudging acceptance of her half-sister. She initially assumes that Fei poses no real threat to her inheritance; however, she remains unaware of the complexities that will arise from this rekindled connection. Adding to the drama, Wang Zhi Wen plays Huang, a magnetic casino owner with a tumultuous past romantic entanglement with Ying. Their long-anticipated marriage hangs in the balance as they navigate their emotions amidst the societal constraints placed upon them—revealing characters that are deeply flawed yet beautifully human.
The film's captivating visuals, shot entirely on location in Qingdao, lend authenticity to this intricate tale of sisterhood, betrayal, and self-discovery. As both sisters grapple with their identities shaped by patriarchal expectations, they forge paths toward understanding and reconciliation, forcing Huang to confront the conflict between his enduring love for Ying and the enchantingly strong spirit of Fei that captivates him.
Beauty Remains serves as a co-production by several notable entities across China and the U.S., including Emerging Pictures and China Film Group, showcasing a collaboration that transcends borders. With a screenplay crafted by a talented team of writers, including Beth Schacter and Wang Bin, the film promises a rich narrative filled with powerful performances from its star-studded cast.
This is Ann Hu's second feature film, building on the critical success of her debut, Shadow Magic. Several notable figures contribute to the film's exceptional production, including the dedicated teamwork of cinematographer Scott Kevan and designers from both the U.S. and Beijing.
Through its haunting melodies, poignant storytelling, and deeply resonant themes, Beauty Remains beckons viewers into a world where the legacy of the past continues to shape the future, and love can both bind and break the strongest of ties.
