Basically an examination of almost life-long tension between and mother and daughter. Frequent and occasionally confusing flashbacks examine the mother's very hard life (including her marriage, against her family's wishes, to a kind Japanese soldier) and why she appears to hate her daughter (Maggie Cheung, giving one of her greatest performances). Sensitive, occasional moments of joy, much sadness. Even the odd ending does nothing to spoil the effect.

OVERALL : Something like the Joy Luck Club, but on a smaller scale, and far better. Watch it with a box of tissues handy, but definitely watch it.