Reportedly, the Mei Ah dvd version is roundabout 30 minutes shorter (!) than the cinema release (and the film still clocks in at almost 2 hours!) and it shows in the way everyone else seems caught up in certain character relationships and events while we're not.

Secondly, a little bit of research beforehand won't hurt as the film deals with strictly Chinese customs, main one being the notion of a Ji Sau woman. Ji Sau is basically a woman who's refused arranged marriage and the consequences of that action makes her unfit for marriage or sex for the rest of her life. There enters the theme of strong, independent women but in this story it sometimes comes with the price of refused love towards them as well. This is all told in the flashbacks to the war years where Wan (Carina Lau) and Foon (Charlie Yeung) are the center of attention. Paralleling that is the present story where architect Wai (Teresa Lee) is escorting her maid, Auntie Foon (here played by Gua Ah-Leh) to Guangzhou to see an old friend.

Third reason why the film seem lacking partially...am I just too thick to get all this? Regardless, there are many positives in this shortened Jacob Cheung vision and the terrific acting by leads Carina Lau & Charlie Yeung carries us well through the ups and downs of the film. Their subtle interplay is of high caliber and the ever so reliable Yeong does not disappoint even when her spunkier side to her acting is not required. Carina Lau is pure class and one actress, like Maggie Cheung, that can magically immerse herself in period films in particular. Good but not as finely textured support comes from Teresa Lee and Gua Ah-Leh provides a touching connection between the two ages. Also with Stephen Tung and Chin Kar Lok.