The Reincarnation of Golden Lotus

Hong Kong filmmaker Clara Law's The Reincarnation of Golden Lotus is a highly stylized B-movie based on an erotic 12th century Chinese novel about Golden Lotus, the "number one" courtesan during the Sung Dynasty. Set in contemporary times, the film stars Joi Wong as the reincarnated Golden Lotus, who is raped by the prefect of her ballet school, sent to a Communist work camp, and later escapes to Shanghai, circa 1968. Marrying a very well-off baker (Eric Tsang), she is now called "Wife." The baker's fawning, buffoonish character, like that of Lotus's over-victimized character are both caricatures, as are the relationships that Lotus has with both the chauffeur and a sadomasochistic designer. Often the dialogue seems to be dubbed in (groans and sounds of surprise don't seem connected to the mouths of the actors at all), and as the film progresses the story relies more and more on sex and horror, and less on psychological substance. Law's style is occasionally remarkable, her use of color and aesthetic framing of shots suggesting that her talent goes far beyond the material at hand. A name to be reckoned with in the future perhaps, Clara Law's The Reincarnation of Golden Lotus does not warrant purchase today. Not recommended. (R. Pitman)