Your dead dad's journal + a cursed scarf website = worst online shopping decision ever.
After the death of her policeman father, Xiaomai begins to look over his old journals filled with notes about the cases he investigated over the years. The mention of a purple scarf in the notes particularly catches her attention, prompting her to purchase a similar scarf from a mysterious website that claims to sell everything, as long as one can pay the price. Soon after, Xiaomai's close friend is found dead, strangled by a purple scarf. All of this awakens Xiaomai's memories of her childhood sweetheart Qiushou, whose mother was also strangled to death with a purple scarf by an unknown killer. Xiaomai and Qiushou grew up together and fell in love, but he suddenly disappeared from her life 15 years ago without a word. She begins to believe that Qiushou has returned and may be seeking revenge.
Cinematography
Lush, overripe visuals that drown the narrative in mood.
Costume
That purple scarf — character, weapon, metaphor, fashion statement.
Direction
Fruit Chan's signature slow-burn unease, even when plot collapses.
Director
Fruit Chan
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Fruit Chan made his name with gritty Hong Kong social realism; this mainland Chinese co-production represents his commercial pivot, with mixed results.
AngelaBaby was reportedly paid significantly more than her co-stars despite the film's modest budget, causing on-set tension.
CN
