Cast
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Li Bingbing
as Lily / Nina
Gianna Jun
as Snow Flower / Sophia
Hugh Jackman
as Arthur
Vivian Wu
as Sophia's Aunt
Jiang Wu
as Butcher
Russell Wong
as China Everbright Bank CEO
Coco Chiang Yi
as Anna
Fang Zhoubo
as Mr. Liao
Cao Shiping
as Mr. Wei
Zhang Ruijia
as Mrs Wei
Sun Feihu
as Master Lu
Lü Zhong
as Lady Lu
Lu Yi-ching
as Yonggang
Archie Kao
as Sebastian
Ding Xiao-Hui
as TV News Anchor
Crew
Director
- Wayne Wang
Producer
- Florence Sloan
- Wendi Murdoch
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Snow Flower and the Secret Fan examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Wayne Wang brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2011, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Snow Flower and the Secret Fan took approximately 17 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $0.1 million, the film proved to be a financial success, earning back its investment and more.
- The final cut of the film runs for 104 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 129 minutes long.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 2 weeks before filming began.
- The film contains approximately 887 individual shots.
Historical Context
- In 2011, when this film is released:
- Smartphones and social media had transformed daily life and communication.
- Climate change awareness was becoming a central global concern.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Snow Flower and the Secret Fan shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Death to Smoochy, which focuses more on action than character development, Snow Flower and the Secret Fan subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Twilight and 10 Things I Hate About You explore similar territory, Snow Flower and the Secret Fan stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: July 15, 2011
- Runtime: 1h 44m
- Budget: $134,005
- Revenue: $1,332,231
