Pavilion OF WOMEN (2001) – A WONDERFUL JOURNEY TO ANOTHER CULTURE I was pleasantly amazed by this film. When I read the title and saw the poster for the first time, I thought it would be about some kind of sordid story between a western man (Dafoe) and an eastern –chinese- woman, above all because I associated "pavilion" with a jail. Of course, when one watches the film, it becomes clear that it indeed refers to a jail, although in metaphoric terms….So, first of all I think the landscapes shown are really beautiful. On the second place, one can realize without doubts the role women played in Chinese society and family, the absolute lack of consideration for love in marriage, and the fulfillment of the married woman duties towards her husband.The discovery of real love by this woman, who, after 25 years of serving her husband, decides to call for a young girl in order to better satisfy him and to relieve herself from her conjugal duties… One could say that she was lucky that her society allowed her to give another wife to her husband…although it wasn't all she needed to be happy, of course. On the other hand, the fact of love growing between her and the western Priest, it was so subtle, she wasn't "searching" for anyone –at least in a conscious way, in my opinion-. The hint of a search for freedom in a society where women were under men's rule is shown in the fact of the two women attending the Priest's classes…. I think they discovered that the world was more than sewing and serving a husband....I must admit that I bought the movie just because Wilem Dafoe was there….his particular features and ways have always attracted me. After watching the movie I can say that this is an excellent performance from him. One has to consider that he and the Chinese woman are the most important characters around who the story develops, and they both catch the audience's attention, her performance is excellent too.Well, as I don't want to be a spoiler, I won't write about the end, but I only want to say that it provoked in me a sort of impotence and sadness, for a while I thought about the relevance of a feeling, a caress, a glance, I mean, as a still photograph and without looking forward for much more… and about the vulnerability of human life.There are several superior values expressed : boldness, courage, respect for tradition, but in the same way the conflict between a too closed ancient tradition and freedom of choice, or free will, arises, as in the young son's decision of leaving home in order to pursue his political ideas and the woman he did love; the Chinese woman's choice of not going with her husband and the rest of the family when the war exploded, among others.There's only one detail : I think there wasn't any conflict shown between the fact of Andre being a Priest –and consequently, a celibate- and his love for the Chinese woman – perhaps only when he prays "God, forgive me, because I have sinned", but it was all. I wonder if he would have left his religious position, married or at least lived together with her…. Well, but these are only speculations of mine, which don't add to my review, I guess.

Mix a traditional Chinese society, a Christian priest/doctor, and World War 2, and what do you get? A beautifully done movie with elaborate sets, superb acting, and a heartfelt message about the nature of love. Starring Willem Dafoe as an endearing priest who runs an orphanage, and Yan Luo, who plays the first wife of a weak and dominating husband, the Pavilon of Women is like a reverse 'Anna and the King'.For 3 years, Father Andre (Dafoe), an American, has helped orphaned children in China. Lady Wu (Luo) is getting older, as well as her husband; in accordance to a trend in their society, the husband reluctantly agrees to marry a younger woman who could 'serve him better'. This 'younger woman' is a poor country girl who's mother wanted her married off early because of World War 2, and is barely the age of one of Wu's sons, Fangmo.When Andre saves the life of the oldest and most prominent woman of the Wu family, it is her daughter, Lady Wu, who shows her gratitude. It is decided that the next Wu son to be married, Fangmo, should have some additional education before he is wed. Lady Wu asks Andre to be his teacher.What ensues is both a harsh and wonderful tale of life in a society in which women are often pawns, and love is a concept that is not entertained when they are married. But through the actions and wisdom of Father Andre, the Wu family discovers that love can overcome anything.The Pavilon of Women will make you laugh, cry, cringe, and smile as you watch the characters confront what they have been taught, and find a place for themselves in a changing world.I give it a 10 out of 10.

Director Ho Yim's movie is based on a novel of Pearl Buck. 60-70 years ago, this writer's books were cross-cultural best sellers, bringing to the US and Western audiences the image of the Far East which soon will have become part of the daily lives, when WWII broke. The film story line has all the elements of the time - melodrama, clash between the Western and Chinese traditions, and a missionary message which is probably the most problematic part of the movie.However, this is a good movie. Certainly, we have seen much better and original ones, coming directly from China without the intervention of the Hollywood producers. Having the film spoken in English may have won some US audiences, but certainly lowers the credibility. However, the filming is exquisite, the historical background is very well re-created, and the acting is fabulous. Is this really Luo Yam's first or second role? This is what IMDB's information says, I simply cannot believe it. She is giving an Oscar level performance, and I am certainly flattering some of the ladies who won feminine role Oscars lately.Worth seeing. 8/10 on my personal scale.

Anyone who liked Zhang Yimou's "Raise The Red Lantern" is a prospect for "Pavilion Of Women". Whereas "Raise The Red Lantern" explores the breaking of merely Chinese cultural taboos, "Pavilion Of Women" centres on a romance between leading characters who flout both Chinese and Western mores. This is a cross-cultural romantic story by the prolific American writer on China, Pearl S. Buck, set in the late 1930s. It has first class cross-cultural direction and acting, and was filmed on location in elegant settings of old Suzhou. It is a fine example of what the Chinese film industry can achieve in co-production.