4K RESTORATION
SOUTHEAST ASIAN PREMIERE

Original title: 苏州河
Year: 2000
Director: Lou Ye
Runtime: 83 minutes
Country: China
Language: Mandarin with English subtitles
Rating: PG

Awards

TIGER AWARD
Rotterdam International Film Festival 2000

FIPRESCI PRIZE
Viennale 2000

GRAND PRIZE
Tokyo FILMeX 2000

BEST ACTRESS (ZHOU XUN), GRAND PRIX
Paris Film Festival 2000

Synopsis

Set along the filth and fog of Shanghai’s waterways likened to the River Styx, Lou Ye’s puzzle-like film builds a haunting tale that is equal parts tragic romance, diary-film, film noir and supernatural fantasy. A kaleidoscopic doomed romance begins when a voyeuristic videographer is hired by a nightclub to film a performing mermaid, Meimei (Zhou Xun). As they get closer, a story-within-story unfolds—of romance between motorcycle courier Mardar (Jia Hongsheng), and his boss’ daughter Moudan (Zhou Xun in a dual role). The relationship of Mardar and Moudan evolves into a complex gangster tragedy—told with flashbacks, jolting shifts in dramatic perspective and Mardar’s relentless search for Moudan when she disappears.

Shot on Super 16 film and now in a gorgeously grainy new restoration, this trademark film of the Sixth Generation catapulted Chinese cinema into the next millennium as a rustic, radically sublime take on female duplicity and Hitchcockian obsession. Originally banned for its rebellious spirit—Lou screened it internationally without State permission—Suzhou River still crackles with the same defiant, expressive cinematic fire decades later.

For all showtimes of Suzhou River please click here.

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Oldham Theatre’s opening hours

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Important Notice:

Do note that Oldham Theatre operates on a free seating arrangement. Doors will open 20 minutes before showtime so arrive early to choose a seat and avoid disrupting the screenings as AFA does not play ads and screenings will start promptly.

All patrons are encouraged to purchase your tickets online. If you choose to purchase tickets or merchandise at Oldham Theatre’s box office, cashless payment is preferred.
Measures will be taken to ensure the health and safety of all patrons at Oldham Theatre. Mask-wearing is optional as of 29 August 2022.

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T&Cs
Concession tickets apply to Students (Local & Overseas), Full-time National Servicemen (NSF), Senior Citizens (55 years and above) only.

Please check film ratings before purchase of tickets. Please note that you may be asked to present your ID at the door (this applies to concession tickets as well). Only physical photographic identification is allowed, digital copies of identification are not allowed. AFA reserves the right to turn away any members of the public without physical photographic identification.

Upon confirmation of your order for Tickets, no exchange of Tickets will be made under any circumstances and Tickets are not transferable. No refund on Tickets will be made under any circumstances except due to cancellation of the event. The resale of Tickets at any price is prohibited.