1980s Taiwan's feminist mic drop — career woman vs. cheating husband, and she's winning.
Shih-Yen is upset about Ko-Ching prioritizing her career over their marriage and even getting an abortion without his knowledge. To express discontent, Shih-Yen moves in with his mistress. Despite feeling overwhelmed by her messy personal life, Ko-Ching manages to lead her company and delivers a successful fashion show. The film reflects on career women’s struggles between family and work, it also describes the gender role stereotypes in a marriage. Although the film demonstrates clearly women’s difficult role in society, it still chooses to show the possibility of women being independent, capable and charming to refute the status quo of patriarchy.
Acting
Gua Ah-leh's restraint — says everything without screaming.
Direction
Mi-Mi Lee's patient observation, no melodrama needed.
Costume
The fashion show sequence: liberation in fabric and thread.
Director
Mi-Mi Lee
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Released during Taiwan's economic boom, when female factory workers were reshaping society while 'good wives' stayed home. The film captures that fracture in real-time.
Mi-Mi Lee was among the first Taiwanese women directing commercial features; her male peers made martial arts, she made this.
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