In 19th-century China, Snow Flower and Lily forge a profound and enduring friendship, bound together as "old sames" and communicating through hidden messages within a white silk fan. Years later, their descendants, Nina and Sophia, live in modern Shanghai, facing challenges in their careers and relationships while trying to maintain their childhood connection. As they delve into the history of their ancestors, they confront themes of love, hope, and the importance of preserving cherished bonds across generations.
Does Snow Flower and the Secret Fan have end credit scenes?
No!
Snow Flower and the Secret Fan does not have end credit scenes. You can leave when the credits roll.
Explore the complete cast of Snow Flower and the Secret Fan, including both lead and supporting actors. Learn who plays each character, discover their past roles and achievements, and find out what makes this ensemble cast stand out in the world of film and television.
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42
Metascore
7.5
User Score
22%
TOMATOMETER
47%
User Score
6.1 /10
IMDb Rating
61
%
User Score
3.1
From 3 fan ratings
4.80/5
From 5 fan ratings
Challenge your knowledge of Snow Flower and the Secret Fan with this fun and interactive movie quiz. Test yourself on key plot points, iconic characters, hidden details, and memorable moments to see how well you really know the film.
What is the primary language that the women use to communicate secretly?
Read the complete plot summary of Snow Flower and the Secret Fan, including all major events, twists, and the full ending explained in detail. Explore key characters, themes, hidden meanings, and everything you need to understand the story from beginning to end.
In Snow Flower and the Secret Fan, directed by Wayne Wang, audiences are transported to the 19th century, revealing a narrative that unfolds across multiple time periods. At the heart of this tale are two girls, Snow Flower, who is born into wealth, and Lily, who comes from a humble background. Intriguingly, both girls enter the world on the same day and in the same year, establishing a profound connection between them.
Fast forward to the present day, we meet their descendants, Nina and Sophia, who reflect the same societal divides as their ancestors. Throughout both eras, the two pairs of girls form the bond of laotongs—an enduring connection akin to sisterhood. Through this relationship, they learn nu shu, a secret language crafted solely for women. Unfortunately, Nina and Sophia have yet to discover or embrace this unique means of communication.
As the narrative unfolds, the girls face separation, discover love, and grapple with societal restrictions that keep them apart. Nevertheless, the bond they share remains unbroken through the trials of time. Sophia has inherited ancient fans from their ancestors, while Nina stumbles upon some of these cherished artifacts. Additionally, Nina uncovers a book that Sophia has been writing about their forebears, which breathes life into the saga of Snow Flower and Lily.
The story reveals that Snow Flower has fallen from her privileged status after her father squanders their wealth on opium, leading her to marry a butcher, juxtaposed with Lily, who weds a prosperous man. This twist of fate highlights the fluidity of social classes throughout their experiences. A pivotal moment occurs when Sophia is struck by a car at the outset, leaving her in a state of unconsciousness until the climax. Tragically, Snow Flower meets her demise near the film’s conclusion, intertwining the beginning and the end. Both sequences poignantly reflect on the relentless pace of change in the world around them.
Overall, Snow Flower and the Secret Fan intricately mirrors the bonds of female friendship and the deep-rooted cultural traditions that shape their lives across generations.
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