The film is a visually stunning adaptation of Eileen Chang's novel, with a strong emphasis on the tragic romance between Manjing and Shujun. The period setting of 1930s Shanghai is beautifully captured, with meticulous attention paid to costume and production design. The performances of Wu Chien-lien and Leon Lai are exceptional, conveying the emotional complexity of their characters with nuance and subtlety.
The film explores themes of class and societal norms, as Manjing's family's struggles with poverty and her sister's profession create obstacles to her relationship with Shujun. Shujun's own family's wealth and conservative values clash with Manjing's more liberal outlook, leading to tension and resentment.
The film's narrative is carefully structured, with flashbacks and dream sequences interspersed throughout, deepening our understanding of the characters' inner lives. The ending is poignant and bittersweet, emphasizing the power of memory and the impossibility of recapturing past happiness.
Overall, Eighteen Springs is a remarkable film, showcasing the talents of its director Ann Hui and its cast, and offering a moving portrait of love and loss in a complex world.