Hai Shang Hua (aka Flowers Of Shanghai) (1998)

Set in 1884 Shanghai, the "flower houses" (they're not brothels) of Shanghai cater to moneyed gentlemen and provide female companionship. It's a world where male/female relationships play out in intrigue, jealousies and tension. Based on the novel THE SING SONG GIRLS OF SHANGHAI by Han Bangqing as translated by Eileen Chang and directed by Hou Hsiao Hsien. This is a visually ravishing film bathed in amber as shot by Mark Lee Ping Bing (IN THE MOOD FOR LOVE) with superb production design (Wen Ying Huang), art direction (Huang again with Chih Wei Tasao) and costume design (no one is credited). The film is episodic in nature, a series of vignettes looking at the courtesans of four elegant flower houses as they use their powers of seduction (it's the only weapon allowed them) to marry, for financial gain or buy their freedom. The strongest of the stories focuses on a quiet gentleman (Tony Leung Chiu Wai) and his relationship with a duplicitous flower girl named Crimson (Michiko Hada). Its leisurely pacing and long takes may not be to everyone's taste but the rewards are worth it. With Vicky Wei, Carina Lau (Mrs. Tony Leung), Shuan Fang and Rebecca Pan.